bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A gendered UBI proposal for the new Chilean constitution (or why being a surfer is not the same as being a caregiver)
Authors: Zúñiga-Fajuri Alejandra , Hatibovic Fuad , Gaete José Manuel
Published: April 2022

Chile has become the first country in the world where an equal number of men and women will draft the new Constitution due a parity law that was passed in March 2020. In addition, this historic opportunity will take place during one of the worst health pandemics in recorded history, COVID-19, which has revealed deep gender inequalities. The new Chilean Constitution, drafted with gender parity, will have a unique opportunity to grant a right to a universal basic income (UBI), which has been targeted to address some of the worst consequences of the pandemic: the increase in poverty, unemployment, and vulnerability of women. This article reviews the theories developed to justify a UBI and the feminist critics who argue that not all UBI is equally advantageous to women. The misconception that a ‘morally neutral’ model is sufficient and women-friendly disregards the way in which it encourages stereotypes that feminists have fought for centuries. We argue for the development of public policies with a gender focus, especially the right to a ‘gendered UBI’. This means a UBI that meets two basic requirements: first, that every citizen or resident be guaranteed the same amount of income from birth; second, that caregivers be provided with management rights to turn the UBI into a compensatory income that can also promote changes in gender roles, encouraging men to become caregivers.
A new mixed-ligand Mn(II) coordination polymer: Protective and nursing values on renal calculus via reducing the Ca2+ concentration in urine
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhang Sheng-Mei , Zhang Yi-Qian , Chen Liang , Xiong Tao
Published: April 2022

In the present study, via using the mixed-ligand synthesis approach, a new Mn(II)-containing coordination polymer (CP) with the chemical formula of {[Mn3(timb)2(SO3–IPA)2(H2O)2]·8H2O} n (1) has been successfully prepared via reaction of MnCl2·4H2O with the tripodal linker 1,3,5-tris(2-methylimidazole-1-yl)benzene (timb) and aromatic dicarboxylic acid ligand –SO3 group functionalized isophthalic acid (H2IPA) ligand. Furthermore, the biological activity of the new compound on renal calculus was assessed, and the related mechanism was explored as well. The Calcium Colorimetric Assay was conducted and the concentration of Ca2+ in urine was determined. The western blotting assay was conducted and the expression levels of the osteopontin (OPN) in the distal tubule were measured. Molecular docking simulation revealed that the carboxyl, iminazole, and sulfonate groups were all involving into the binding interactions with the target protein, and therefore exhibited strong biological activity.
Development and Pilot Test of the Competency Assessment for Sexual Assault Prevention Practitioners
Authors: O’Neill AnnaMarie S. , Acosta Joie D. , Chinman Matthew , Tharp Andra L. , Fortson Beverly L.
Published: April 2022

Sexual assault is a preventable problem that is widespread and particularly prevalent for certain populations (e.g., female college students, Native American women). Despite the gravity of this public health priority, most individuals tasked with the primary prevention of sexual assault are not adequately trained for the job (e.g., professionals often trained solely in sexual assault response). To achieve optimal outcomes, professionals responsible for implementing sexual assault prevention must possess certain core competencies, or knowledge and skills essential for job performance, which include those needed for any primary prevention effort in addition to those specific to sexual assault prevention. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the construct validity of a competency assessment tool for sexual assault prevention practitioners. An existing assessment tool, which was designed for injury and violence prevention practitioners, was tailored to reflect competencies needed by sexual assault prevention practitioners as informed by the literature. The newly tailored measure was pilot tested with 33 individuals with varying levels of expertise with sexual assault prevention. These individuals were categorized into three groups based on self-rated sexual assault prevention expertise (low, medium, or high) to assess group differences. As expected, the high expertise group rated higher knowledge in all the competencies than the medium and low expertise groups (except for the competency pertaining to developing and maintaining competency). Data collection and analyses were conducted in 2020. Implications for how the assessment tool can be used to identify gaps among individual practitioners and teams of practitioners are discussed.
A Changing in Social Lifestyle for Men During the COVID-19 Lockdown and Its Relationship to Mental Health: Kuwaiti Diwaniyyah as an Example
Authors: Al-Sejari Maha Meshari , Al-Kandari Yagoub Yousif
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is to detect negative impact of lifestyle disruption on individuals mental and emotional health during an enforced lockdown. The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and complete lockdown on Kuwaiti men’s lifestyle behavior. It investigated the major mental health as a result of not attending Diwaniyyah during this time. Diwaniyyah is defined as a place of men social and entertainment gathering. A non-random sample of 1,461 Kuwaiti men aged from 17 to 68 years was selected. An electronic questionnaire was the major investigative tool used in this study. Demographic variables and five scales were used, including the Mental Health Scale (MHS), Missing Diwaniyyah Scale (MDS), Importance of Diwaniyyah Scale (IDS), Losing Political Information Scale (LPIS), and Social Media Information Knowledge Scale (SMIKS). IBM SPSS software (Version 24) was used for data analysis. Significant differences between the respondents mental health and the types of Diwaniyyah ( p < .001), age categories ( p <  .001), and Diwaniyyah ownership or lack of ownership ( p < .001) were reported. There were significant relationships between the respondents mental health symptoms and all examined social and Diwaniyyah visiting behavior variables ( p < .01). It can be concluded that the inability to attend Diwaniyyahs has a major effect on the mental health of Kuwaiti men. A change in lifestyle affects mental health in general, and the COVID-19 lockdown is a major event affecting mental health among men.
An Alternative Method of Interviewing: Critical Reflections on Videoconference Interviews for Qualitative Data Collection
Authors: Khan Tauhid Hossain , MacEachen Ellen
Published: April 2022

Qualitative research is an increasingly popular research approach for tackling the evolving complexity of social issues. With this rise in use, methods of qualitative data collection are becoming highly diverse, moving away from conventional approaches and welcoming more innovative and creative methods of data collection in a quest to produce critically and theoretically engaged new knowledge. Although traditional face-to-face interviews remain a compelling and popular means, modern innovative technology-based interviewing, such as videoconference interviews, can play a pivotal role in qualitative research. This article argues that this approach is pragmatic because video conferencing interviews are relatively affordable for research teams and, for many research participants, they are more accessible than face-to-face interviews. On the other hand, it provides a unique opportunity for researchers and participants by compressing the time-space divide, facilitating safety, reducing travel-related expenses, accessing transnational participants, maintaining social distance, and protecting personal space and privacy. Yet, this article also argues that videoconferencing can be dogged by practical challenges that might conflict with the holistic quality of qualitative research, such as dropped calls and loss of intimacy compared to traditional in-person interviews. This article presents the experiences of a young researcher, who reflects on how and why he conducted Skype interviews in his research. The article concludes that, despite the relative merits and demerits, videoconference interviews can be a useful supplement or replacement for traditional face-to-face interviews. However, more research is needed to gain a robust understanding of how this type of interview meets basic assumptions about the quality of interviews and affects the overall rigor of qualitative research.
Artful Engagement with the Concept of Identity: Using Poetic Transcription to Reimagine Participant Voices
Authors: Sanders Catherine E. , Lamm Alexa J.
Published: April 2022

In this article, the primary author explores the use of poetic transcriptions as a method to enhance evaluation and social impact assessment data analysis and dissemination. The construction of the poetic transcriptions and the artful method of analysis allows for a more explicit acknowledgment of the researchers’ entanglements with both the data and the program being evaluated. Using a specific lens of identity, the authors posit that a culturally responsive approach to evaluation using arts-based analyses may reveal methodological and empirical insights overlooked in previous engagements with qualitative evaluation data.
Bucket structure optimization of backhoe hydraulic excavator based on compound digging trajectory and limit digging force
Authors: Sun Haoran , Ren Zhigui , Li Jiahao , Li Gaowei , Liu Wenshuai
Published: April 2022

A bucket structure optimization method based on compound digging trajectory and limit digging force was proposed for the problem that the real digging resistance of excavators is difficult to measure and difficult to use as bucket load for structure optimization. The uncertainty of the digging resistance in the actual digging process of the excavator was analyzed, and a digging trajectory was obtained by active digging using the compound digging action. Based on the limit digging force model, the digging force and its variation law were calculated, and analyzed for different hydraulic cylinder’s active digging in the trajectory. Based on the bucket shape line equation, a parametric model of the bucket was established using APDL language, and the bucket stress variation under different digging actions was analyzed. The bucket stress and mass were reduced by 4.59% and 5.84% respectively after optimization.
A systematic review on physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors
Authors: de Oliveira Almeida Katna , Nogueira Alves Iura Gonzalez , de Queiroz Rodrigo Santos , de Castro Marcela Rodrigues , Gomes Vinicius Afonso , Santos Fontoura Fabiane Costa , Brites Carlos , Neto Mansueto Gomes
Published: April 2022

Objective

To analyze the published studies that investigated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane Library for studies that evaluated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life after COVID-19 from the earliest date available to July 2021. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate methodological quality.

Results

We included 35 studies in this systematic review. Of the 35 studies included, 28 were cohort, and 7 cross-sectional studies The studies demonstrated that COVID-19 survivors had reduced levels of physical function, activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, incomplete recovery of physical function, and performance in activities of daily living were observed 1 to 6 months post-infection.

Discussion

Physical disability and reduction in health-related quality of life is a common condition in post-COVID-19 and impairments may persist up to 1 to 6 months. Researchers and clinicians can use these findings to understand the potential disabilities and rehabilitation needs of people recovering from the COVID-19.
The Sweet Spot: When Children’s Developing Abilities, Brains, and Knowledge Make Them Better Learners Than Adults
Authors: Gualtieri Samantha , Finn Amy S.
Published: April 2022

Cognitive development is marked by age-related improvements across a number of domains, as young children perform worse than their older counterparts on most tasks. However, there are cases in which young children, and even infants, outperform older children and adults. So when, and why, does being young sometimes confer an advantage? This article provides a comprehensive examination of the peculiar cases in which younger children perform better. First, we outline the specific instances in which younger is better across domains, including mastering language, using probabilistic information, detecting causal relations, remembering certain information, and even solving problems. We then examine how children’s reduced cognitive abilities, ongoing brain development, more limited prior knowledge, and heightened tendency to explore benefits their learning, reasoning, perception, and memory from a mechanistic perspective. We hold that considering all of these factors together is essential for understanding the ways in which children’s learning is unique and that science has much to learn from a careful consideration of childhood.
Association of statin pre-treatment with baseline stroke severity and outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke and received reperfusion treatment: An observational study
Authors: Escudero-Martínez Irene , Matusevicius Marius , Pavia-Nunes Ana , Sevcik Petr , Nevsimalova Miroslava , Rand Viiu-Marika , Kõrv Janika , Cappellari Manuel , Mikulik Robert , Toni Danilo , Ahmed Niaz
Published: April 2022

Background:

Statins have an important role in stroke prevention, especially in high-risk populations and may also affect the initial stroke severity and outcomes in patients taking them before an ischemic stroke.

Aims:

Our aim was to evaluate the association of statin pre-treatment with the severity in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods:

We analyzed AIS patients received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and recorded in the SITS International Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy Registry from 2011 to 2017. We identified patients with statin information at baseline. The primary outcome was baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Secondary outcomes were NIHSS score at 24 h, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) and functional outcome at 90 days after acute intervention. Multivariable linear and logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to quantify the effect of statin pre-treatment.

Results:

Of 93,849 patients, 23,651 (25.2%) were treated with statins prior the AIS. Statin pre-treatment group was older and had higher comorbidity. Median NIHSS at baseline was similar between groups. In the adjusted and PSM analysis, statin pre-treatment was inversely associated with baseline NIHSS (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–0.99 and OR for PSM 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.99, p = 0.004) and independently associated with mild stroke defined as NIHSS ⩽8 in adjusted and PSM analysis (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.1–1.34, p < 0.001 and OR for PSM 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05–1.31, p = 0.007). Regarding secondary outcomes, there were no differences in functional outcomes, death nor SICH rates between groups.

Conclusion:

Prior treatment with statins was associated with lower NIHSS at baseline. However, this association did not translate into any difference regarding functional outcome at 90 days. No association was found regarding SICH. These findings indicate the need of further studies to assess the effect on statin pre-treatment on initial stroke severity.
Anti-obesity medication prescriptions by race/ethnicity and use of an interpreter in a pediatric weight management clinic
Authors: Bomberg Eric M. , Palzer Elise F. , Rudser Kyle D. , Kelly Aaron S. , Bramante Carolyn T. , Seligman Hilary K. , Noni Favour , Fox Claudia K.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Race/ethnicity and low English proficiency healthcare disparities are well established in the United States. We sought to determine if there are race/ethnicity differences in anti-obesity medication (AOM) prescription rates among youth with severe obesity treated in a pediatric weight management clinic and if, among youth from non-primary English speaking families, there are differences in prescriptions between those using interpreters during visits versus not.

Methods:

We reviewed electronic health records of 2- to 18-year-olds with severe obesity seen from 2012 to 2021. Race/ethnicity was self-report, and AOMs included topiramate, stimulants (e.g. phentermine, lisdexamfetamine), naltrexone (±bupropion), glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, and orlistat. We used general linear regression models with log-link to compare incidence rate ratios (IRRs) within the first 1 and 3 years of being followed, controlling for age, percent of the 95th BMI percentile (%BMIp95), number of obesity-related comorbidities (e.g. insulin resistance, hypertension), median household income, and interpreter use. We repeated similar analyses among youth from non-primary English speaking families, comparing those using interpreters versus not.

Results:

1,725 youth (mean age 11.5 years; %BMIp95 142%; 53% non-Hispanic White, 20% Hispanic/Latino, 16% non-Hispanic black; 6% used interpreters) were seen, of which 15% were prescribed AOMs within 1 year. The IRR for prescriptions was lower among Hispanic/Latino compared to non-Hispanic White youth at one (IRR 0.70; CI: 0.49–1.00; p = 0.047) but not 3 years. No other statistically significant differences by race/ethnicity were found. Among non-primary English speaking families, the IRR for prescriptions was higher at 1 year (IRR 2.49; CI: 1.32–4.70; p = 0.005) in those using interpreters versus not.

Conclusions:

Among youth seen in a pediatric weight management clinic, AOM prescription incidence rates were lower in Hispanics/Latinos compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Interpreter use was associated with higher prescription incidence rates among non-primary English speakers. Interventions to achieve equity in AOM prescriptions may help mitigate disparities in pediatric obesity.
A computer-aided diagnostic framework for coronavirus diagnosis using texture-based radiomics images
Authors: Attallah Omneya
Published: April 2022

The accurate and rapid detection of the novel coronavirus infection, coronavirus is very important to prevent the fast spread of such disease. Thus, reducing negative effects that influenced many industrial sectors, especially healthcare. Artificial intelligence techniques in particular deep learning could help in the fast and precise diagnosis of coronavirus from computed tomography images. Most artificial intelligence-based studies used the original computed tomography images to build their models; however, the integration of texture-based radiomics images and deep learning techniques could improve the diagnostic accuracy of the novel coronavirus diseases. This study proposes a computer-assisted diagnostic framework based on multiple deep learning and texture-based radiomics approaches. It first trains three Residual Networks (ResNets) deep learning techniques with two texture-based radiomics images including discrete wavelet transform and gray-level covariance matrix instead of the original computed tomography images. Then, it fuses the texture-based radiomics deep features sets extracted from each using discrete cosine transform. Thereafter, it further combines the fused texture-based radiomics deep features obtained from the three convolutional neural networks. Finally, three support vector machine classifiers are utilized for the classification procedure. The proposed method is validated experimentally on the benchmark severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 computed tomography image dataset. The accuracies attained indicate that using texture-based radiomics (gray-level covariance matrix, discrete wavelet transform) images for training the ResNet-18 (83.22%, 74.9%), ResNet-50 (80.94%, 78.39%), and ResNet-101 (80.54%, 77.99%) is better than using the original computed tomography images (70.34%, 76.51%, and 73.42%) for ResNet-18, ResNet-50, and ResNet-101, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and F1-score achieved using the proposed computer-assisted diagnostic after the two fusion steps are 99.47%, 99.72%, 99.60%, 99.72%, and 99.60% which proves that combining texture-based radiomics deep features obtained from the three ResNets has boosted its performance. Thus, fusing multiple texture-based radiomics deep features mined from several convolutional neural networks is better than using only one type of radiomics approach and a single convolutional neural network. The performance of the proposed computer-assisted diagnostic framework allows it to be used by radiologists in attaining fast and accurate diagnosis.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Risk of Early Aseptic Loosening in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tamimi Iskandar , Carnero Pablo , Bautista David , Gonzalez David , Rodrigo Pablo , Bravo María Jose. , Gómez Abel , Tamimi Faleh , Garcia de Quevedo David
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been associated with a higher risk of osteoporotic fractures and non-unions rates. However, the relation between the use of PPIs and the development of aseptic loosening in arthroplasty procedures has not been studied. The objective of this study is to analyze the relation between the use of PPIs, and the risk of early aseptic loosening in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Materials and methods

A nested case-control study was conducted on patients who were subjected THA or TKA in our center between 2010 and 2014. Cases were patients subjected to revision surgery due to early aseptic loosening during the study period. Cases were matched with controls who did not require any type of revision surgery by type of joint replacement (THA/TKA), gender, age (+/− 2 years), and follow-up time (±6 months). Odds Ratios were adjusted to potential confounders.

Results

The crude and adjusted ORs (95% CI) of undergoing revision surgery for aseptic loosening following primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty, were 6.25 (2.04–19.23) and 6.10 (1.71–21.73), respectively, for any use PPIs compared with non-users. Crude and adjusted ORs, were 11.6 (2.93–45.88) and 17.1 (2.41–121.66), respectively, for patients with a Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) for PPIs <.5 (Table 2). In addition, the crude and adjusted ORs of undergoing revision surgery, were 5.05 (1.59–16.02) and 5.01 (1.36–18.44), respectively, for patients with a PDC for PPIs ≥.5.

Discussion

These results suggest that PPIs should be used with caution in patients with TKA and THA, and that the use of these drugs should not be prolonged unless there was a justifiable indication.

Conclusions

The use of PPIs and was associated with a higher risk of early aseptic loosening in patients subjected to THA and TKA.
Impact of COVID-19 Induced Teleworking Arrangements on Employees in NGOs: Implications for Policy and Practice for Leadership
Authors: Sanhokwe Hamfrey , Takawira Simon , Kunene Zanele , Maunganidze Farai
Published: April 2022

The article sought to address real or perceived “teleworking hesitancy” by generating empirical evidence on employee exposure to teleworking in a global south context. The results of the empirical investigation were integrated with the growing body of research on the future of the post-pandemic workplace. The results depicted the opposite and significant effects of perceived workload and organizational teleworking support on employee teleworking experience and the (growing) desire to utilize flexible working options. Furthermore, the results showed the significant effects of nonwork demands (negative) and resources (positive) on work engagement and the moderating role of external support contacts. The results further affirmed the mediating role of work engagement on perceived productivity. Based on these results, incremental “A-E” policy and practice considerations that place talent at the heart of organizational efforts to remain sustainably future-fit are proposed. The proposed policies and practices carry a futuristic bias, a conscious recognition that the future workplace will be “hybrid.” Areas for future research are presented.
Small Businesses’ Social Responsibility and Political Activity Survey Studies: A Review, Synthesis, and Research Agenda
Authors: Lindeque Johan , Samuel Olga , Kraft Corin
Published: April 2022

This systematic review assesses the development of survey-based small business social responsibility (SBSR) and political activity (SBPA) research over the last 30 years. Survey research designs are a widely adopted approach to studying SBSR and SBPA, making a significant contribution to the small business nonmarket strategy (SBNS) research agenda. Survey research has been used in a quarter of the 203 SBNS research publications identified, 60% of all quantitative SBSR studies and 100% of all quantitative SBPA publications. This review identified a total of 53 survey-based studies of SBSR and SBPA in a multidisciplinary selection of 40 top journals. The SBSR articles reviewed primarily focused on environmental themes, CSR strategies, and CSR performance at the macro level and micro concerns around entrepreneurial commitment/attitudes to CSR. The SBPA articles had no clear focal phenomena. The theoretical positioning of the articles used primarily organizational and organizational field level theoretical foundations, in SBSR studies the main theory used was stakeholder approaches/theory, resource-based approaches and (meso/micro) institutional theory, while the SBPA research was clearly oriented toward resource-based approaches. The SBSR studies in contrast to the SBPA research had a far clearer set of established predictor, outcome, moderating/mediating, and control variables. In terms of survey research design the results show a consistent and ongoing improvement of the research designs, but many norms of good survey design are not yet consistently adopted in SBSR and SBPA research. Critically the literature lacks replication of results. Future studies should pursue replication studies and adopt methodological best practice.
Health Benefits of Education: Comparative Evidence from Vietnam and Thailand
Authors: Tran Dai Binh
Published: April 2022

Understanding the health benefits of education is vital in setting policy priorities, especially in lower-income countries. Using the instrumental variable with panel data estimation approach, this study utilizes data from the Thailand Vietnam Socio Economic Panel to provide comparative evidence of the health benefits of education in two countries. The findings indicate that highly educated people are likely to report better current health status, reduced probability of having serious diseases in both countries, increased body mass index (BMI) in Vietnam and decreased BMI in Thailand. Additionally, the benefits of education on health are significant among Vietnamese men, Thai women, and Vietnamese ethnic minorities. The results also suggest that the positive effect of education on health can be explained by higher household income. Thus, promoting education among vulnerable groups, including women and ethnic minorities, should be particularly prioritized to mitigate the gaps in health inequities.
Longitudinal observational study on health literacy and clinical outcomes in older adults with total knee arthroplasty in the context of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Rohringer Matthias , Fink Christian , Kellerer Jan Daniel , Schulc Eva
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess health literacy (HL) of patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluate its impact on patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) as well as investigating outcome differences in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

In this study, HL and PROMs of older patients were assessed preoperatively (T0) and after 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 (T3) months. HL was assessed with the short form of the European HL Questionnaire; pain scores, functional restrictions, and activity levels with standardized PROMs.

Results

Limited HL was observed in 70.6% of patients at T0. HL improved from baseline to follow-ups (p < 0.001). There was no impact of HL on PROMs. Pain scores were higher in patients undergoing outpatient rehabilitation (p = 0.022). No differences were found between the rehabilitation settings for the other outcomes.

Conclusion

The study shows that limited HL is prevalent in patients with scheduled TKA. Rehabilitation seems to have a positive effect on increasing HL.
Toe flexion movement with tendon excursion based on anatomical variation: A cadaver study
Authors: Hirota Kento , Watanabe Kota , Saito Yuki , Miyamoto Hiroki , Negishi Keisuke , Teramoto Atsushi , Katayose Masaki
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

To investigate the relationship between anatomical variation of the toe flexor muscles and the resulting variation of toe flexion angle from tendon excursion.

Methods

Six cadaveric lower extremities preserved by Thiel’s embalming method were evaluated. The toe flexor muscles were distracted individually and toe flexion angles measured. The anatomic variation were observed by gross anatomical dissection.

Results

The toes with tendinous slips of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) showed similar flexion angles between the FHL and flexor digitorum longus. However, there were differences observed regarding toe flexion and tendon excursion of the flexor digitorum muscle and quadratus plantae due to the anatomic variations.

Conclusion

The anatomical variation of the toe flexor muscles should be taken into account when evaluating toe function and applying exercise therapy for foot disorders.
The Experiential Learning Pathway of Cancer Survivors as They Recover Their Lives Post-Treatment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bilodeau Karine , Henriksen Cynthia , Lee Virginia , Vachon Marie-France , Charpentier Danielle , Folch Nathalie , Pepin Jacinthe , Pomey Marie-Pascale , Piché Lynda , Fernandez Nicolas
Published: April 2022

For many cancer survivors, post-treatment challenges are predominantly related to their personal and social lives. These challenges are part of an experiential learning process linked to a survivor’s identity, their desire to preserve independence, their social roles, and responsibilities along with a return to their normal lives. We used interpretive description to describe the experiential learning process of cancer survivors as they recover post-treatment. Data from five group discussions with 27 participants were combined with data from 9 in-depth individual interviews that examined post-treatment challenges. Through an iterative qualitative analysis, we uncovered 3 experiential learning pathways. Narrative vignettes are used to portray and highlight learning involved in accepting loss, asking for help, and rebuilding authentic social networks. Experiential learning shares recognizable features among individuals identified as milestones. These lead to a greater understanding of how cancer survivors acquire a new sense of self and recover their lives post-treatment.
Lived Experiences of Older Adults in the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Aboh Irene K. , Arthur Andrew L. , Woolley Philomina
Published: April 2022

Aim

The study sought to assess the impact or lived experiences of COVID-19 pandemic on older adults in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

Methods

The study employed an explorative qualitative research design where older adults were purposively identified and recruited to partake in in-depth interviews from April to June 2021. They were located in the hospital environment where they came for review or physician attention. 10 out of 20 of these population were successfully used as saturation was reached and data was analyzed thematically.

Result

The results of the study showed that a considerable number of older adults who receive care from the Hospital were knowledgeable of COVID-19 and demonstrated a positive attitude towards it by being sensitive to the appropriate preventive measures. Almost all the participants had heard of COVID-19, knew what it was, its mode of transmission and knew of the fact that asymptomatic persons could spread or transmit the disease and its prevention. They also believed that following proper handwashing with soap under running water, maintaining social distance, wearing of nose masks, using of hand sanitizers, avoiding crowded places, and consuming balanced diets as well as Vitamin C to boost the immune system are helpful. And, most of them received help from their partners, family, children, friends, healthcare professionals, and the media.

Conclusion

COVID 19 has brought a new dimension to how people relate and interact with each other. Literature documents that older adults were at risk of the disease and fatality rate of the disease was high. This created anxiety and it was evident that this anxiety was handled differently.
Missing Persons Alert: Finding the Lost “Person” in Patient-Oriented Research
Authors: Rao Sandy
Published: April 2022

After a decade of attempts at patient-oriented research, this article seeks to advance the approach, making individuals and communities active partners in health research. Patient-oriented research remains inconsistently implemented, tokenistic, and met with resistance—largely due to the system in which it was conceived and practiced. Patients remain bound by object-oriented medical cosmologies, thus reaffirming the hierarchical system underpinned by professional dominance. Until health research and researchers develop an awareness of the subtle injustices legitimized by the current approach, patient-oriented research will not actualize its mandate. This article does not challenge the healthcare system as that is beyond its scope; instead, it aims to develop further the “what” and “how” of public involvement in health research through the supplement of participatory research methodologies. In effect, setting the early foundations for transformation and encouraging a transition to a more just and equitable healthcare and research ecosystem.
Critical Care Nurses’ Attitudes, Roles, and Barriers Regarding Breaking Bad News
Authors: Rayan Ahmad , Hussni Al-Ghabeesh Suhair , Qarallah Islam
Published: April 2022

This study examines critical care nurses’ attitudes, roles, experience, education, and barriers regarding breaking the bad news. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in this study. A convenience sample of 210 critical care nurses completed the study. Most of the critical care nurses contributed to breaking bad news and they were involved in different roles in this process and they had a positive attitude regarding breaking bad news. In this study, (75.2%) of the participants reported that they did not receive any specific training regarding breaking bad news. In addition, nurses face various barriers when breaking bad news. Critical care nurses’ involvement in breaking bad news should be encouraged. Most barriers to BBN were negatively associated with nurses’ roles, attitudes, and experiences during BBN. Administrators should promote the involvement of critical care nurses in breaking bad news and strengthen them through addressing the challenges they face in the process of BBN.
The Gathering of Scattered Israel: The Missional Enterprise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Authors: Bartholomew Ronald E.
Published: April 2022

This article focuses on LDS missionary theology; changing missionary practices, training, and demographics of the missionary force in historical perspective; the relationship between the size of the missionary force and church growth; and the LDS Church’s geographic expansion as an international church.
An Analysis of the Philippine Catholic Church’s Approach to President Duterte’s Drug War
Authors: Ryan Maboloc Christopher
Published: April 2022

Institutional clashes are catalysts for sociopolitical change, as illustrated by the five-hundred-year history of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. The church remains instrumental in the conscientization process after the EDSA People Power Revolution (1986). However, the challenge now facing the church—in particular, President Duterte’s “war on drugs”—requires a more resolute approach. This article examines the role of the Catholic Church beyond its institutional obligations. I argue that ecclesiastical movements in small communities, more than the pronouncements of institutional leaders, provide the moral voice for the church as it responds to the cries of ordinary citizens for social justice.
The implementation & sustainment facilitation (ISF) strategy: Cost and cost-effectiveness results from a 39-site cluster randomized trial integrating substance use services in community-based HIV service organizations
Authors: Hinde Jesse M. , Garner Bryan R. , Watson Colleen J. , Ramanan Rasika , Ball Elizabeth L. , Tueller Stephen J.
Published: April 2022

Background: As part of the Substance Abuse Treatment to HIV Care Project, the Implementation & Sustainment Facilitation (ISF) strategy was found to be an effective adjunct to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) strategy for integrating a motivational interviewing-based brief intervention (MIBI) for substance use disorders. This study presents the cost and cost-effectiveness results. Methods: Thirty-nine HIV service organizations were randomized to receive the ATTC-only condition or the ATTC + ISF condition. Two staff from each organization received the ATTC-training. In ATTC + ISF organizations, the same two staff and additional support staff participated in facilitation sessions to support MIBI implementation. We estimated costs using primary data on the time spent in each strategy and the time spent delivering 409 MIBIs to clients. We estimated staff-level cost-effectiveness for the number of MIBIs delivered, average MIBI quality scores, and total client days abstinent per staff. We used sensitivity analyses to test how changes to key variables affect the results. Results: Adjusted per-staff costs were $2,915 for the ATTC strategy and $5,371 for ATTC + ISF, resulting in an incremental cost of $2,457. ATTC + ISF significantly increased the number of MIBIs delivered (3.73) and the average MIBI quality score (61.45), yielding incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of $659 and $40. Client days abstinent increased by 59 days per staff with a quality-adjusted life-year ICER of $40,578 (95% confidence interval $29,795–$61,031). Conclusions: From the perspective of federal policymakers, ISF as an adjunct to the ATTC strategy may be cost-effective for improving the integration of MIBIs within HIV service organizations, especially if scaled up to reach more clients. Travel accounted for nearly half of costs, and virtual implementation may further increase value. We also highlight two considerations for cost-effectiveness analysis with hybrid trials: study protocols kept recruitment low and modeling choices affect how we interpret the effects on client-level outcomes.
A gain-of-function variant in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene is associated with a MYH9-related disease-like syndrome
Authors: Marx David , Dupuis Arnaud , Eckly Anita , Molitor Anne , Olagne Jérôme , Touchard Guy , Kaaki Sihem , Ory Cécile , Faller Anne-Laure , Gérard Bénédicte , Cotter Melanie , Westerberg Lisa , Keszei Marton , Moulin Bruno , Gachet Christian , Caillard Sophie , Bahram Seiamak , Carapito Raphaël
Published: April 2022

While loss-of-function variants in the WAS gene are associated with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and lead to microthrombocytopenia, gain-of-function variants of WAS are associated with X-linked neutropenia (XLN) and the absence of microthrombocytopenia. Only a few XLN families have been reported so far, and their platelet phenotype was not described in detail. To date, no renal involvement was described in XLN. In the present study, we report exome sequencing of individuals from 3 generations of a family with a dominant disease combining neutropenia, macrothrombocytopenia, and renal failure. We identified a heterozygous missense gain-of-function variant in the WAS gene (c.881T>C, p.I294T) that segregates with the disease and is already known to cause XLN. There was no pathogenic variant in MYH9, TUBB1, or ACTN1. This is the first report of a WAS gain-of-function variant associated with both the hematological phenotype of XLN (neutropenia, macrothrombocytopenia) and renal disease (proteinuria, renal failure) with glomerular tip lesion hyalinosis and actin condensations in effaced podocytes foot processes.
Heat Transfer Performance and Structural Optimization of a Novel Micro-channel Heat Sink
Authors: Xiang Jianhua , Deng Liangming , Zhou Chao , Zhao Hongliang , Huang Jiale , Tao Sulian
Published: April 2022

With the advent of the 5G era, the design of electronic equipment is developing towards thinness, intelligence and multi-function, which requires higher cooling performance of the equipment. Micro-channel heat sink is promising for the heat dissipation of super-thin electronic equipment. In this study, thermal resistance theoretical model of the micro-channel heat sink was first established. Then, fabrication process of the micro-channel heat sink was introduced. Subsequently, heat transfer performance of the fabricated micro-channel heat sink was tested through the developed testing platform. Results show that the developed micro-channel heat sink has more superior heat dissipation performance over conventional metal solid heat sink and it is well suited for high power LEDs application. Moreover, the micro-channel structures in the heat sink were optimized by orthogonal test. Based on the orthogonal optimization, heat dissipation performance of the micro-channel radiator was further improved.
High-quality chromosome-scale de novo assembly of the Paspalum notatum ‘Flugge’ genome
Authors: Yan Zhenfei , Liu Huancheng , Chen Yu , Sun Juan , Ma Lichao , Wang Aihua , Miao Fuhong , Cong Lili , Song Hui , Yin Xue , Wang Qi , Gong Yayun , Yang Guofeng , Wang Zengyu
Published: April 2022

Background

Paspalum notatum ‘Flugge’ is a diploid with 20 chromosomes (2n = 20) multi-purpose subtropical herb native to South America and has a high ecological significance. It is currently widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite the gene pool of P. notatum ‘Flugge’ being unearthed to a large extent in the past decade, no details about the genomic information of relevant species in Paspalum have been reported. In this study, the complete genome information of P. notatum was established and annotated through sequencing and de novo assembly of its genome.

Results

The latest PacBio third-generation HiFi assembly and sequencing revealed that the genome size of P. notatum ‘Flugge’ is 541 M. The assembly result is the higher index among the genomes of the gramineous family published so far, with a contig N50 = 52Mbp, scaffold N50 = 49Mbp, and BUSCOs = 98.1%, accounting for 98.5% of the estimated genome. Genome annotation revealed 36,511 high-confidence gene models, thus providing an important resource for future molecular breeding and evolutionary research. A comparison of the genome annotation results of P. notatum ‘Flugge’ with other closely related species revealed that it had a close relationship with Zea mays but not close compared to Brachypodium distachyon, Setaria viridis, Oryza sativa, Puccinellia tenuiflora, Echinochloa crusgalli. An analysis of the expansion and contraction of gene families suggested that P. notatum ‘Flugge’ contains gene families associated with environmental resistance, increased reproductive ability, and molecular evolution, which explained its excellent agronomic traits.

Conclusion

This study is the first to report the high-quality chromosome-scale-based genome of P. notatum ‘Flugge’ assembled using the latest PacBio third-generation HiFi sequencing reads. The study provides an excellent genetic resource bank for gramineous crops and invaluable perspectives regarding the evolution of gramineous plants.
Genome-wide analysis of the VQ motif-containing gene family and expression profiles during phytohormones and abiotic stresses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wang Keke , Han Yuxuan , Yan Luyu , Zheng Yan , Bi Zhenzhen , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xiaohong , Min Donghong
Published: April 2022

Background

VQ motif-containing (VQ) proteins are cofactors of transcriptional regulation that are widely involved in plant growth and development and respond to various stresses. The VQ gene family has been identified and characterized for many plants, but there is little research on VQ gene family proteins in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Results

In this study, 113 TaVQ genes (40 homoeologous groups) were identified in the wheat genome. TaVQ proteins all contain the conserved motif FxxhVQxhTG, and most of the TaVQ genes do not contain introns. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that TaVQ proteins can be divided into 8 subgroups (I-VIII). The chromosomal location mapping analysis indicated that TaVQ genes are disproportionally distributed on 21 wheat chromosomes. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication significantly contributes to the expansion of the TaVQ gene family. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the expression pattern of TaVQ genes varies in different tissues. The results of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) found that TaVQ genes displayed different expression levels under different phytohormones and abiotic stresses. The cis-elements analysis of the promoter region demonstrated that stress responses, hormone responses, growth and development, and WRKY binding elements are all widely distributed. Additionally, a potential regulatory network between TaVQ proteins and WRKY transcription factors was visualized.

Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed the wheat TaVQ gene family, providing a reference for further functional characterization of TaVQ genes in wheat.