bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tigecycline-Associated Coagulopathy: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Lin Chuwen , Gu Chunping , Wu Yongming , Wang Shengnan
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess clinical characteristics and risk factors for tigecycline-associated prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) prolongation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on coagulation parameters before and during tigecycline treatment in 55 patients in our hospital with severe infections, mainly pneumonia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. Patients were divided into different groups according to prolongation of PT and aPTT, and clinical features involved were explored. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for tigecycline-associated PT and aPTT increase. Results: We found that PT values increased from 12.73 ± 1.87 to 13.86 ± 2.06 during the treatment compared with premedication (p < 0.001), and the aPTT level prolonged significantly from 33.63 ± 11.24 to 38.15 ± 11.81 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analyses identified 2 variables that were associated with tigecycline-induced PT prolongation: albumin level (p = 0.018) and weight-adjusted tigecycline dosage (p = 0.005). In addition, treatment duration was the only risk factor for tigecycline-induced aPTT prolongation (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Albumin level, weight-adjusted tigecycline dosage, treatment duration may serve as risk indicators for tigecycline-associated coagulation dysfunction. Physicians should be careful with coagulation disorder when prescribing tigecycline in clinical practice, especially in patients with risk factors.
Normative Data of Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Wei Yi-Chia , Chen Chih-Ken , Lin Chemin , Chen Pin-Yuan , Hsu Pei-Chun , Lin Ching-Po , Shyu Yu-Chiau , Huang Wen-Yi
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Appropriate tools and references are essential for evaluating individuals’ cognitive levels. This study validated the Taiwan version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and provided normative data for the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and ADAS-cog in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog were administered to 150 nondemented healthy adults aged 55–85 years during 2018–2020 as part of the Northeastern Taiwan Community Medicine Research Cohort. ADAS-cog was translated from the original English version to traditional Chinese with cultural and language considerations in Taiwan. Cronbach’s alpha (α) tested the reliability of ADAS-cog, and Pearson correlations examined its external validity using MMSE and MoCA as comparisons. Normative data were generated and stratified by age and education, and the one-way analysis of variance compared scores between age and education groups. Another 20 hospital-acquired participants with cognitive impairment joined the 150 healthy participants. Comparisons in the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) tiers tested the discriminability of the tests for different cognitive levels. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyzed the power of ADAS-cog in predicting CDR 0.5 from CDR 0. Results: The Taiwan version of ADAS-cog had fair reliability between items (α = 0.727) and good correlations to MMSE (r = −0.673, p < 0.001) and MoCA (r = −0.746, p < 0.001). The normative data of MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog showed ladder changes with age (p = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.437) and education (p < 0.001, <0.001, and <0.001) in the 150 nondemented older adults. Next, in the 170 mixed participants from the communities and the hospital, MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog scores were well differentiable between CDR 0, 0.5, and 1. In addition, ADAS-cog discriminated CDR 0.5 from 0 by an AUROC of 0.827 (p < 0.001). Discussion/Conclusion: The three structured cognitive tests consistently reflect cognitive levels of healthy older adults. The Taiwan version of ADAS-cog is compatible with MMSE and MoCA to distinguish people with mildly impaired from normal cognition. In addition, this study derived MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog norms tailored to demographic factors. The findings highlight the need for stratification of age and education rather than applying a fixed cutoff for defining normal and abnormal cognition.
Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire Associated with Cognitive Function, Age, and Duration of Education in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Honjo Yasuyuki , Kawasaki Ippei , Nagai Kuniaki , Harada Shun , Ogawa Noriyuki
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cognitive disease, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can place a heavy burden on families. The presence of these symptoms related to AD is commonly assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). This study sought to clarify the relationship between scores on the 12-domain NPI-Q and individual factors in patients with AD. Methods: Participants were 218 new outpatients with AD at five memory clinics. Cognitive function was assessed using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We examined which individual factors were associated with the total NPI-Q score and the number of domains. We also examined which domains were associated with the factors identified. Results: A higher total NPI score was significantly associated with lower scores on both cognitive assessments and a longer duration of education. Exhibiting symptoms on a greater number of domains was significantly associated with lower scores on both cognitive assessments, longer duration of education, and advanced age. The nighttime disturbances domain was significantly associated with lower scores on both cognitive assessments and advanced age. The delusions domain was significantly associated with lower education. Conclusions: BPSD may appear more easily with reduced quality of life and ongoing dissatisfaction. Effective individualized services are important for patients with AD, and therefore, we should account for age, cognitive function, and duration of education in the services provided.
Acacetin, a Potent Transient Outward Current Blocker, May Be a Novel Therapeutic for
KCND3
-Encoded Kv4.3 Gain-of-Function-Associated J-Wave Syndromes
Authors: Ye Dan , Zhou Wei , Hamrick Samantha K. , Tester David J. , Kim C.S. John , Barajas-Martinez Hector , Hu Dan , Giudicessi John R. , Antzelevitch Charles , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Background:

The transient outward current (Ito) that mediates early (phase 1) repolarization is conducted by the
KCND3
-encoded Kv4.3 pore-forming α-subunit.
KCND3
gain-of-function mutations have been reported previously as a pathogenic substrate for J wave syndromes (JWS), including the Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndrome, as well as autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death (SUD). Acacetin, a natural flavone, is a potent Ito current blocker. Acacetin may be a novel therapeutic for
KCND3
-mediated J wave syndrome.

Methods:

KCND3-V392I was identified in an 18-year-old male with J wave syndrome/early repolarization syndrome, and a history of cardiac arrest including ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Pathogenic
KCND3
mutation was engineered by site-directed mutagenesis and co-expressed with wild-type KChIP2 in TSA201 cells. Gene-edited/variant-corrected isogenic control and patient-specific pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from the p. Val392Ile-KCND3-positive patient were generated. I
to
currents and action potentials were recorded before and after treatment with Acacetin using the whole cell patch-clamp and multielectrode array technique. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were performed to investigate KCND3 expression.

Results:

KCND3-V392I demonstrated a marked gain-of-function phenotype, increasing peak I
to
current density by 92.2% (
P
<0.05 versus KCND3-WT). KCND3 expression was significantly increased in KCND3-V392I-derived iPSC-CMs (
P
<0.05 versus isogenic control). While KCND3-WT revealed an IC50 of 7.2±1.0 µmol/L for acacetin effect, 30 µmol/L acacetin dramatically inhibited KCND3-V392I peak Ito current density by 96.2% (
P
<0.05 versus before Acacetin). Ito was also increased by 60.9% in Kv4.3-V392I iPSC-CM (
P
<0.05 versus isogenic control iPSC-CM). Ten micromoles per liter acacetin, a concentration approaching its IC50 value, inhibited Ito by ≈50% in patient-derived iPSC-CMs and reduced the accentuated action potential notch displayed in KCND3-V392I-derived iPSC-CMs.

Conclusions:

This preclinical study provides pharmacological and functional evidence to suggest that Acacetin may be a novel therapeutic for patients with KCND3 gain-of-function-associated J wave syndrome by inhibiting I
to
and abolishing the accentuated action potential notch in patient-derived iPSC-CMs.
Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocyte Model for
TNNT2
Δ160E-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kondo Takumi , Higo Shuichiro , Shiba Mikio , Kohama Yasuaki , Kameda Satoshi , Tabata Tomoka , Inoue Hiroyuki , Okuno Shota , Ogawa Shou , Nakamura Satoki , Takeda Maki , Ito Emiko , Li Junjun , Liu Li , Kuramoto Yuki , Lee Jong-Kook , Takashima Seiji , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Hikoso Shungo , Sakata Yasushi
Published: July 2022

Background:

The Δ160E mutation in
TNNT2
, which encodes troponin T, is a rare pathogenic variant identified in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, a convenient human model recapitulating the pathological phenotype caused by
TNNT2
Δ160E is required for therapeutic development.

Methods:

We identified a heterozygous in-frame deletion mutation (c.478_480del, p.Δ160E) in
TNNT2
in a patient with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy showing progressive left ventricular systolic dysfunction, leading to advanced heart failure. To investigate the pathological phenotype caused by Δ160E, we generated a set of isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells carrying the heterozygous Δ160E, homozygously corrected or homozygously introduced Δ160E using genome editing and differentiated them into cardiomyocytes (Hetero-Δ160E-, wild type-, and Homo-Δ160E-induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSC]-derived cardiomyocytes [iPSC-CMs]).

Results:

Hetero-Δ160E-iPSC-CMs exhibited prolonged calcium decay, relaxation impairment, and hypertrophy compared to wild type-iPSC-CMs. Notably, these phenotypes were further exacerbated in Homo-Δ160E-iPSC-CMs. Overexpression of R-GECO-fused Δ160E mutant troponin T prolonged decay time and time to peak of the myofilament-localized calcium transient in iPSC-CMs, indicating that sarcomeric calcium retention with Δ160E may affect intracellular calcium concentration. High-content imaging analysis detected remarkable nuclear translocation of NFATc1, especially in Homo-Δ160E-iPSC-CMs, indicating that the Δ160E mutation promotes hypertrophic signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Increased phosphorylation of CaMKIIδ (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ) and phospholamban at Thr17 was observed in Homo- and Hetero-Δ160E-iPSC-CMs. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a calcium desensitizing compound, shortened prolonged calcium decay and relaxation duration in Δ160E-iPSC-CMs.

Conclusions:

Isogenic iPSC-CMs recapitulate the prolonged calcium decay, relaxation impairment, and subsequent calcium-regulated signaling pathways caused by the
TNNT2
Δ160E mutation and can serve as a human model for therapeutic development to prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathology.
DC ENaC-Dependent Inflammasome Activation Contributes to Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Pitzer Ashley , Elijovich Fernando , Laffer Cheryl L. , Ertuglu Lale A. , Sahinoz Melis , Saleem Mohammad , Krishnan Jaya , Dola Thanvi , Aden Luul A. , Sheng Quanhu , Raddatz Michael A. , Wanjalla Celestine , Pakala Suman , Davies Sean S. , Patrick David M. , Kon Valentina , Ikizler T. Alp , Kleyman Thomas , Kirabo Annet
Published: July 2022

Background:

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The exact mechanism by which salt intake increases blood pressure and cardiovascular risk is unknown. We previously found that sodium entry into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) via the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel EnaC (epithelial sodium channel) leads to the formation of IsoLGs (isolevuglandins) and release of proinflammatory cytokines to activate T cells and modulate salt-sensitive hypertension. In the current study, we hypothesized that ENaC-dependent entry of sodium into APCs activates the NLRP3 (NOD [nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain]-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome via IsoLG formation leading to salt-sensitive hypertension.

Methods:

We performed RNA sequencing on human monocytes treated with elevated sodium in vitro and Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from participants rigorously phenotyped for salt sensitivity of blood pressure using an established inpatient protocol. To determine mechanisms, we analyzed inflammasome activation in mouse models of deoxycorticosterone acetate salt–induced hypertension as well as salt-sensitive mice with ENaC inhibition or expression, IsoLG scavenging, and adoptive transfer of wild-type dendritic cells into NLRP3 deficient mice.

Results:

We found that high levels of salt exposure upregulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, pyroptotic and apoptotic caspases, and IL (interleukin)-1β transcription in human monocytes. Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing revealed that components of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation marker IL-1β dynamically vary with changes in salt loading/depletion. Mechanistically, we found that sodium-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is ENaC and IsoLG dependent. NLRP3 deficient mice develop a blunted hypertensive response to elevated sodium, and this is restored by the adoptive transfer of NLRP3 replete APCs.

Conclusions:

These findings reveal a mechanistic link between ENaC, inflammation, and salt-sensitive hypertension involving NLRP3 inflammasome activation in APCs. APC activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome can serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for salt sensitivity of blood pressure.
Stability and dynamics of a spectral graph model of brain oscillations
Authors: Verma Parul , Nagarajan Srikantan , Raj Ashish
Published: July 2022

We explore the stability and dynamic properties of a hierarchical, linearized, and analytic spectral graph model for neural oscillations that integrates the structural wiring of the brain. Previously, we have shown that this model can accurately capture the frequency spectra and the spatial patterns of the alpha and beta frequency bands obtained from magnetoencephalography recordings without regionally varying parameters. Here, we show that this macroscopic model based on long-range excitatory connections exhibits dynamic oscillations with a frequency in the alpha band even without any oscillations implemented at the mesoscopic level. We show that depending on the parameters, the model can exhibit combinations of damped oscillations, limit cycles, or unstable oscillations. We determined bounds on model parameters that ensure stability of the oscillations simulated by the model. Finally, we estimated time-varying model parameters to capture the temporal fluctuations in magnetoencephalography activity. We show that a dynamic spectral graph modeling framework with a parsimonious set of biophysically interpretable model parameters can thereby be employed to capture oscillatory fluctuations observed in electrophysiological data in various brain states and diseases.
Functional coordinates: Modeling interactions between brain regions as points in a function space
Authors: Poskanzer Craig , Anzellotti Stefano
Published: July 2022

Here, we propose a novel technique to investigate nonlinear interactions between brain regions that captures both the strength and type of the functional relationship. Inspired by the field of functional analysis, we propose that the relationship between activity in separate brain areas can be viewed as a point in function space, identified by coordinates along an infinite set of basis functions. Using Hermite polynomials as bases, we estimate a subset of these values that serve as “functional coordinates,” characterizing the interaction between BOLD activity across brain areas. We provide a proof of the convergence of the estimates in the limit, and we validate the method with simulations in which the ground truth is known, additionally showing that functional coordinates detect statistical dependence even when correlations (“functional connectivity”) approach zero. We then use functional coordinates to examine neural interactions with a chosen seed region: the fusiform face area (FFA). Using k-means clustering across each voxel’s functional coordinates, we illustrate that adding nonlinear basis functions allows for the discrimination of interregional interactions that are otherwise grouped together when using only linear dependence. Finally, we show that regions in V5 and medial occipital and temporal lobes exhibit significant nonlinear interactions with the FFA.
Preference Analysis for Flower Jewelry Using Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Kim Yeon Hee , Kim Mi Jin , Yun Suk Young , Chang Taeg Won , Choi Byung Jin
Published: July 2022

Background and objective This study was conducted to determine the preferences in flower jewelry by conducting a survey using conjoint analysis on the perception of flower jewelry and provide basic data for development of flower jewelry products. Methods For the conjoint analysis, four attributes of flower jewelry were selected. Attribute 1 was related to the main material of flower jewelry, presented in three levels: cut flowers, potted flowers, and processed flowers. Attribute 2 was related to wearing area presented in five levels of wearing area: hair, neck, ear, arm (wrist) and chest (shoulder). Attribute 3 was related to price provided for selling products in flower shops, presented in three levels: less than 30,000 won, 50,000–70,000 won, and more than 100,000 won. Attribute 4 was related to flower jewelry wearing time, presented in three levels: less than 6 hours, 12–24 hours, and more than 24 hours. After extracting 25 profiles through orthogonal design, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 402 general participants, from which the responses of 343 participants were analyzed. Results By attribute of flower jewelry, the respondents attached most importance to price (34.14%), followed by wearing area (29.18%), wearing time (18.51%), and material (18.17%), proving that the general public attached most importance to price (Pearson’s R = .987, p = .000). The preference in levels by attribute was highest for processed flowers in material, less than 30,000 won in price, hair in wearing area, and 12–24 hours in wearing time. Conclusion By making flower jewelry based on the results of the analysis, it would be possible to help increase items sold in flower shops as well as their income.
The Effect of Making Pressed Flower Fans on the Prefrontal Electroencephalogram Activity of University Students
Authors: Choi Hye Jung , Kim Mi Jin , Yun Suk Young
Published: July 2022

Background and objective This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a horticultural activity program using pressed flowers on the prefrontal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity of university students. Methods This study was conducted from August 5 to October 12, 2021 on 31 students of D University. The program required the subjects to wear an EEG device and make fans decorated with pressed flowers. The program was divided into three stages: ① preparation stage: looking at a wall coated in white paint (2 minutes), ② working stage: designing pressed flowers on a fan (5 minutes), and ③ appreciation stage: looking at and appreciating the fans they made, decorated in pressed flowers (3 minutes). Total relative values were analyzed by dividing the sections of prefrontal θ, α, β, and ϒ waves into preparation, work, and appreciation, excluding delta waves that increase during sleep. Results Theta waves, which reflect the state of meditation, significantly increased on both left (p = .007) and right (p = .002) in the appreciation stage. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in alpha waves in the work stage (left: p < .001, right: p < .001). In addition, it was confirmed that beta waves reflecting attention, arousal, and active mental state increased in the work stage and decreased in the appreciation stage (left: p = .048, right: p = .010). In the case of gamma wave, there was no significant change. By gender, there was a significant decrease in theta waves (left: p = .034) and a significant increase in alpha waves on the left among male students (left: p = .026). For female students, theta waves significantly decreased in the work stage on the right (right: p = .038), and alpha waves significantly increased in the work stage (left: p = .002, right: p = .007). Conclusion As described above, it was possible to investigate the effect of horticultural activities using pressed flowers in each of the activity stages such as preparation, work, and appreciation on changes in the prefrontal EEG of university students.
Analysis on Cognitive Changes of Gardens between 2014 and 2018 by Big Data of Naver Channel
Authors: Sim Jiyeon , Kim Hyun-Ji , Song Yujin , Jin Hyeyoung
Published: July 2022

Background and objective This study analyzed the keywords related to ‘garden’ based on data in 2014 and 2018, which is before and after the enforcement of the ‘Act on the Creation and Furtherance of Arboretums and Gardens’ enacted in 2015, in order to identify the behavioral patterns and perception changes of Korean citizens about gardens. Methods The research scope was limited to Naver Blog, Café, and News created in 2014 and 2018, and a total of 289,214 cases (23,389 from Naver News, 41,721 from Naver Café, 224,104 from Naver Blog) were analyzed using text mining, which is a method of big data analytics. As a result of keyword analysis, the diversity of data and the amount of buzz increased by approximately 9.4% from 138,127 cases in 2014 to 151,087 cases in 2018, proving the change in public perception due to the expanded perception and policy about the scope of gardens. Results The result of sentiment analysis revealed that, unlike the past in which gardens were merely for tending and decorating, gardens today are undergoing changes in the patterns of use, performing more complicated roles such as taking photographs, dining, having fun, and hanging out. Gardens now coexist with commercial facilities such as restaurants or cafes where people can relax and enjoy sights or food regardless of their sizes or ownerships, which indicates that garden culture is becoming more popular in everyday places. This change is brought by government policies, implying that the nation’s legislation and policy support in expanding the garden culture has a significant impact on the patterns of garden use among people today. Conclusion The analysis results of this study have significance in that they more objectively show the change in citizen perception of gardens in line with the garden culture in Korea that is rapidly spreading. The results can also be effectively used in organizing various garden projects that meet the needs of garden visitors, making plans and developing programs, or managing gardens.
Seniors’ Participation in Gardening Improves Nature Relatedness, Psychological Well-being, and Pro-environmental Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Jo Jang-Hwan , Shin Seunguk , Son Young-Gyun , An Byung-Chul
Published: July 2022

Background and objective Mounting evidence suggests that nature-based recreation such as gardening can generate various mental and behavioral benefits. However, the benefits of gardening for older populations are largely unknown. This study aimed to assess how a seniors’ gardening program affects older people’s nature relatedness, psychological well-being, and intent to engage in pro-environmental behavior. Methods We designed a one-group pretest-posttest study. Twelve seniors in their 60s and 70s participated in a gardening program occurring in a university botanical garden for 5 months. We used a 5-point Likert scale to measure the participants’ nature relatedness, psychological well-being, and pro-environmental behavioral intentions at the beginning as well as the end of the program. We compared the pretest and posttest scores on each measure using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test for nature relatedness and paired t-tests for psychological well-being and behavioral intentions. Results Our results indicated statistically significant increases in all three outcome variables after participation in the gardening program. The median score for nature relatedness was 4.167 after program participation compared to 3.500 before participation (p < .05). Also, participants’ psychological well-being mean score increased from 3.505 to 4.009 (p < .01) while their intent to engage in pro-environmental behavior mean score increased from 4.115 to 4.427 (p < .05). Conclusion A seniors’ gardening program can be an effective way for older people to connect with nature and improve their mental health. Also, gardening can foster the capacity of the elderly to help reduce human impacts on the environment.
Islam Compliance, beyond Sharīʿah Compliance: Toward a Broader Socio-Economic Transformation
Authors: Farooq Mohammad Omar
Published: July 2022

With the emergence and growth of the Islamic finance industry, Muslims now have at their disposal comprehensive Sharīʿah-compliant financial services. However, the notion of Sharīʿah compliance has rarely been deconstructed; essentially, it constitutes a prohibition-driven enterprise. While avoidance of the forbidden (ḥarām) is fundamentally important, Islam encompasses a great deal more than the impermissible. Approaching relevant issues from the perspective of Sharīʿah compliance, where legal aspects are overemphasized, leads to legalism where the principles, norms and values based on the Qurʾān and Sunnah are largely ignored or compromised. Limiting itself to merely avoiding the ḥarām has significantly handicapped the industry from identifying and endeavouring to address synergistically the broader socio-economic challenges. In this article, a modified conceptualization based on a more nuanced framework of ‘Islam-compliance’ is proposed and explored, especially from the perspective of value-orientation in Islam. The notion and framework of Islam compliance has broader implications beyond Islamic finance.
Institutionalized Riot Networks in India and Mobile Instant Messaging Platforms
Authors: Nizaruddin Fathima
Published: July 2022

The article uses the context of the Northeast Delhi riots in 2020 to examine how mobile instant messaging platforms have changed the nature of riot networks in India. What role does the state’s partisan approach play in aiding the use of these platforms by the constituents of such networks? Does the lack of adequate mechanisms to hold technology companies accountable contribute to how their platforms are used to aid the circulation of extreme speech, misinformation, and violence? The article explores these questions and argues for a framework to govern mobile instant messaging platforms that goes beyond attempts at self-regulation as well as efforts by national governments to regulate them. The complications that arise when such platforms are used by networks that favour majoritarian rulers are analyzed to examine the need for placing issues related to the governance of platform ecosystems within the framework of the protection of human rights.
Life Domains, Constraints, Motivations, and Intimate Partner Violence: Assessing the Generality of Agnew’s General Theory of Crime and Delinquency
Authors: Ngo Fawn T. , Fisher Taylor , Ruiz Rebecca A.
Published: July 2022

Given the victim-offender overlap, it has been suggested that every theory about offenders implies a corresponding theory of victimization. We assess the above assertion concerning Agnew’s general theory of crime and delinquency within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). Drawing data from the International Dating Violence Study, we examine the direct and indirect effects of the self, family, school/work, and peer domains on IPV perpetration and victimization. We found the four life domains significantly predicted both IPV perpetration and victimization and their effects on both outcome variables were mediated by the constraint and motivation factors. Our results indicate that the mechanisms that account for offending posited in Agnew’s perspective appear to be equally relevant and applicable for understanding victimization.
Influence of active ageing and health literacy on quality of life among elderly persons in northeast Thailand
Authors: Sirisuwan Petcherut , Phimha Surachai , Banchonhattakit Pannee
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Ageing populations are a global phenomenon resulting from increasing life expectancy and decreasing fertility rates. Thus, investigation into the factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly has become important. This study aimed to assess the association between active ageing and health literacy, and QOL in a sample of elderly people in Northeast Thailand.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,226 persons aged 60 years and above from Northeast Thailand. A general linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to determine the association between active ageing, health literacy and sociodemographic factors and the outcome variable, good QOL, as determined using the WHOQOL-BREF.

Results:

Overall, 42.09% of participants had a good QOL. After adjusting for the effects of the other covariates, a multivariable analysis indicated that a high level of active ageing (adj. odds ratio [OR] = 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.27–6.23), adequate health literacy (adj. OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.79–3.59), age < 70 years (adj. OR = 4.09; 95% CI: 3.03–5.50), having completed secondary school or higher education (adj. OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.57–3.76), and having a monthly household income ⩾ 15,000 baht (adj. OR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.73–5.22) were significantly associated with good QOL in the sample.

Conclusion:

The QOL of the elderly must be prioritised. Active ageing and health literacy should be promoted as part of socioeconomic and health policies. Negative attitudes and ‘ageism’ towards the elderly should be reduced among populations of all ages. Health communication for members of a demographic with limited health literacy should be enhanced, and employment of the elderly encouraged.
Heat and moisture transfer in fabric consisting of fibers with low hygroscopicity
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Xungai , Liu Zheng , Zheng Chenhua , Lou Lin , Liu Xin , Zhang Peihua
Published: July 2022

The heat and moisture transfer through dry and wet fabric made up of hydrophobic fibers was modeled and experimentally verified. In the modeling, the governing equations are obtained with consideration of the energy balance and the mass balance of the liquid water, where the specific initial and boundary conditions were set according to measurement of the cooling property of fabric. By comparing temperature changes at the fabric inner surface, the model validity was confirmed by the agreements between the experimental results and numerical solutions. Thus, this simulation was able to predict the cooling performance of fabrics. The effects of internal and external factors on heating/cooling performances of fabrics were analyzed by this model. With an increasing evaporation rate, thermal conductivity and water content of fabric, the cooling capability of fabric was improved. Surrounding conditions with lower temperature, lower relative humidity and higher air velocity demonstrated a positive effect on fabric thermal and moisture transfer performances, which benefits the thermal comfort of the human body after excessive sweating.
Mesoamerican urbanism: Indigenous institutions, infrastructure, and resilience
Authors: Carballo David M , Feinman Gary M , López Corral Aurelio
Published: July 2022

Mesoamerica was the most urbanised landscape of the precolonial Western Hemisphere, and urban dwellers there shared many cultural commonalities. They also varied significantly regarding what social institutions they emphasised, what forms of urban infrastructure they created, their fiscal financing and systems of governance, as well as how they managed ecological resources and risk. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of Mesoamerican cities using a database of archaeological indices of Indigenous urban characteristics. We report positive correlations between the longevity of cities in our sample and more collective institutions of governance, higher population densities, and more shared and equitably distributed forms of urban infrastructure. The study draws on Indigenous knowledge and practices to assist the target-based approach of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda and provides insights into how certain urban institutions and infrastructure can foster greater resilience and equity in the face of ecological and cultural-historical perturbations.
Excess aspirations: Migration and urban futures in post-earthquake Christchurch
Authors: Collins Francis L , Friesen Wardlow
Published: July 2022

Migration and urbanisation are characterised by multiple temporalities: arrival, durations of migration, daily rhythms, migration regulation, aspirations for urban futures and the impacts of changing social, economic or environmental fortunes. In this paper, we address the temporalities of migration and urbanisation by focusing on the post-disaster context of Christchurch, New Zealand, which suffered destructive earthquakes in 2011 and 2012. While the immediate post-quake context was characterised by outward migration, rebuilding has occurred through the migration of thousands of workers and their families, particularly from Asia, Europe and the Pacific. The presence of new migrants has led to unexpected migrant-driven diversification that has potential to reconfigure Christchurch’s image as a city that privileges whiteness over Indigenous and non-white settler identities. The migration of rebuild workers, however, also occurs in a national context of increasingly stratified migration management with few opportunities for migrants to settle long-term. Drawing on interviews with stakeholders in central government, local organisations and migrants themselves we examine countervailing aspirations and responses that emerged within the earthquake rebuild: attempts by local organisations to reconfigure Christchurch as a diverse future-oriented city, migrant aspirations and tactics for long-term settlement and family stability and national government efforts to contain aspirations for a diverse future-oriented city that exceed the intent of migration management. Through this analysis our paper examines the discrepant temporalities of migration and urban futures involved in the rebuilding of post-quake Christchurch, as well as the multiple forces that impinge on the very possibility of migrant-led diversification of cities.
A Case of Traumatic Nasal Valve Stenosis Successfully Treated with Open Rhinoplasty and Z-Plasty
Authors: Akama Toshiyuki , Tsuda Takeshi , Terada Risa , Tanaka Shohei , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Yoshitatsu Sumiko , Nishimura Hiroshi , Inohara Hidenori
Published: July 2022

External nasal deformity is common and can be treated surgically. It often occurs in conjunction with the development of the nasal septal cartilage, vomer, and vertical plate of the ethmoid bone but may be caused by trauma. Here, we present a case of external nasal deformity caused by trauma. A woman presented with nasal obstruction due to dysfunction of the nasal valve area and was referred to our department for treatment. No chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal septal deviation that causes nasal obstruction was noted at the initial examination. However, trauma-related scarring was observed in the nasal valve area, and a Cottle test yielded positive results. The patient underwent combined rhino- and Z-plasty surgery and is currently undergoing follow-up at an outpatient clinic.

Although otolaryngologists generally use an endonasal approach to treat nasal obstruction, it is important to perform an appropriate evaluation of the external nose and to collaborate with a plastic surgeon, as necessary.
The Measurement of Racial Colorblindness
Authors: Whitley Bernard E. , Luttrell Andrew , Schultz Tollie
Published: July 2022

Although there is consensus that the intergroup ideology of multiculturalism is negatively related to prejudice and that assimilation is positively related to prejudice, research regarding the relationship of racial colorblindness to prejudice has produced mixed results. We investigated whether these mixed results might stem from colorblindness being a multifaceted construct despite typically being treated as unidimensional. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of items from existing measures revealed three factors—equality orientation, color evasion, and rejection of racial categorization—from which we created the Multidimensional Assessment of Racial Colorblindness (MARC). Four studies provided evidence for the reliability and construct validity of the MARC and found that its subscales were often differentially related to other variables, including prejudice. We also compared the MARC to another measure of colorblindness, the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS). We discuss the implications of racial colorblindness as a multifaceted construct.
Professional benefits and challenges of health information documentation on Instagram for Iranian physicians
Authors: Ghalavand Hossein , Panahi Sirous , Sedghi Shahram , Shirshahi Saeid
Published: July 2022

Social media are new tools that can be used for facilitating health information management. However, social media’s benefits and challenges for information documentation have not been identified well. This study sought to identify the benefits and challenges of Instagram to information documentation based on Iranian physicians’ viewpoints. In this qualitative study, a semi-structure interview was administered to 28 Iranian physicians, and data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling method. The data analysis was done using the thematic analysis method by MAXQDA 10. Based on the findings of this study, six benefits for information documentation over Instagram were identified include sharing lessons learned, developing incidental learning, empowering communications, supporting decision-making, managing personal brand and translating knowledge. Also, based on Iranian physicians’ viewpoints, three challenges were found for information documentation in Instagram include ethical and privacy challenges, poor information quality and damaging professional image. Iranian physicians have different attitudes towards using Instagram for information documentation. For control challenges, regulatory and security issues must be addressed to protect physicians’ privacy and more education is required for the health professionals to make them more aware of the nature of using social media.
The prevalence of headache disorders in children and adolescents in Iran: a schools-based study
Authors: Togha Mansoureh , Rafiee Pegah , Ghorbani Zeinab , Khosravi Alireza , Şaşmaz Tayyar , Akıcı Kale Derya , Uluduz Derya , Steiner Timothy J
Published: July 2022

Background

While the Global Burden of Disease study reports headache disorders as the third-highest cause of disability worldwide, the headache data in this study largely come from adults. This national study in Iran, the first of its type in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, was part of a global schools-based programme within the Global Campaign against Headache contributing data from children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years).

Methods

We followed the generic protocol for the global study. In a cross-sectional survey, self-completed structured questionnaires were administered to pupils within their classes in 121 schools selected from across the country to be representative of its diversities. Headache diagnostic questions were based on ICHD-3 criteria but for the inclusion of undifferentiated headache.

Results

Of 3,357 potential participants, 3,244 (children 1,308 [40.3%], adolescents 1,936 [59.7%]; males 1,531 [47.2%], females 1,713 [52.8%]) satisfactorily completed the questionnaire. Children and males were therefore somewhat under-represented, with a participating proportion of 96.6%. Gender- and age-adjusted 1-year prevalence of any headache was 65.4%, of migraine 25.2%, of tension-type headache 12.7%, of undifferentiated headache 22.1%, of all headache on ≥15 days/month 4.1%, and of probable medication-overuse headache 1.1%. All headache types except undifferentiated headache were more prevalent among adolescents than children; probable medication-overuse headache increased five-fold between childhood and adolescence.

Conclusions

Headache disorders are common in children and adolescents in Iran, with undifferentiated headache accounting for over one third of cases. The increasing prevalence of probable medication-overuse headache with age is concerning. These findings are of importance to health and educational policies in Iran.
Aortic valve opening in mock-loop with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zhao Luxiang , Xu Jian , Li Donghai , Li Heping , Li Yongjian , Chen Haosheng , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2022

The appropriate opening of aortic valves is crucial for heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Nevertheless, up to the present time, aortic valve monitoring has not been performed in discharged patients. In this study, a mock-loop platform was developed to investigate the aortic valve performance in LVAD patients. An additional sluice valve was placed next to the aortic valve that when the sluice valve is manually closed, the aortic valve will remain closed; when the sluice valve is open, the aortic valve is opened or closed upon the pressures. The results showed that when the LVAD speed was below 2600 rpm, the aortic valve can be intermittently opened, while when the LVAD speed was over 2600 rpm, the aortic valve was persistently closed. The left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) was found to be an indicator of aortic valve closure that, upon the aortic valve closure LVESP suddenly decreased. The LVESP is suggested for future monitoring the status of the aortic valve for patients with implanted LVADs. The effects of heart failure (HF) degrees, circulation resistance, and aortic compliance on aortic valve closure were further studied. The results revealed that LVAD implantation in patients with early HF degrees will help to avoid persistent aortic valve closure.
Hypoxic Tumor-Derived Exosomes Induce M2 Macrophage Polarization via PKM2/AMPK to Promote Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Lan Yu , Li Yuqun , Li Zhenxing , Pu Jinding , Wei Liping
Published: July 2022

Hypoxia is a major regulator of tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in cancer progression. Exosomes (exos) play an important role in the communication between lung cancer and hypoxic microenvironment. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely undefined. Exos were isolated from A549 cells under hypoxia conditions. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis were carried out to characterize exos. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of A549 cells, respectively. The M2 polarization of macrophages was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. In vivo nude mice model was established to determine the regulatory effect of hypoxia/exos on the progression of lung cancer. Hypoxic A549 cell-derived exos (hypoxia/exos) promoted the proliferation and migration, and inhibited the apoptosis in A549 cells. The expression of PKM2 was significantly upregulated in hypoxia/exos. Hypoxic exosomal PKM2 induced M2 polarization of macrophages by activating AMPK pathway. Co-culture with hypoxia/exos-treated macrophages enhanced the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 cells. Moreover, treatment with hypoxia/exos facilitated the tumor growth and lung metastasis of A549 cells. Our findings reveal that hypoxic exosomal PKM2 induces M2 macrophage polarization via AMPK pathway, and thus exerts a simulative effect on the growth and metastasis of lung carcinoma.
Coping Distress through Harvesting Resilience Among Indian Physicians: Role of Mediating–Moderating Variables
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Misra Richa , Tripathi Prasoon Mani
Published: July 2022

The study proposes to understand the dynamics of work stress and turnover relationship of physicians in Indian context. It also intends to understand the mediating and moderating roles of burnout and resilience on the relationship between work stress and turnover intentions. The article has taken the support of conservation of resources (COR) theory to develop the conceptual framework. The study uses the survey method for data collection which was analysed using quantitative statistical methods like confirmatory factor analysis and mediated and moderated regression. The result showed a significant moderating effect of resilience on burnout and turnover intentions relationship and a strong mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between stress and turnover intentions. Physicians who are regarded as ‘saviours’ should be treated with respect. Certain activities dealing with work–life balance, engaging in leisure activities, getting support from family and friends may help the physician in coping with the demands of stress and thereby reducing the burnout. Future research can take into account other states of India as well as other countries for generalisation of results. The demographic differences among the physicians can also be a new area of research. Although there is lot of available research on the study variables, but none of the studies have taken into context resilience as a moderator between burnout and turnover intention specially in reference to Indian context. The results can add value to the prevailing studies on stress, burnout, resilience and turnover intention.
An elastoplastic damage constitutive model for hybrid steel-polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Xu Lihua , Wang Shunan , Li Biao , Huang Le , Chi Yin
Published: July 2022

An appropriate constitutive model to characterize the mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) plays a critical role in accurate prediction of structural performance. In this study, an elastoplastic damage constitutive model is developed for hybrid steel-polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC), which can predict the versatile mechanical responses of HFRC as a result of various hybrid fiber inclusions. For plasticity growth, the Willam-Warnke five-parameter failure envelope is modified in the effective stress space to govern the yield condition of HFRC, while a nonlinear Drucker-Prager type plastic potential function is proposed to control the non-associated plastic flow. Regarding the damage evolution, the damage criterion and evolution laws are established in the Cauchy stress space, in which the plastic hardening and unilateral behaviors are taken into consideration. Upon two parallel integration algorithms to describe the development of plasticity and damage, as well as the identification of fiber-dependent parameters, the proposed model is numerically implemented and then validated by the experimental results from available research. The comparisons between the numerical predictions and the test results at both material scale and structural scale solidly demonstrate the capacity of the model in capturing the main features of HFRC when subjected to different loading paths.