bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lectotypification of the name Agrostis peninsularis Hook.f. (Poaceae)
Authors: GEETHAKUMARY M. P. , DEEPU S.
Published: March 2022

N/A
A new Four-clawed Gecko from limestone hills in Lopburi Province, central Thailand (Squamata, Gekkonidae: Gehyra)
Authors: PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , MEESOOK WORAWITOO , KUNYA KIRATI , DONBUNDIT NATTASUDA , SUMONTHA MONTRI
Published: March 2022

We describe Gehyra wongchan sp. nov. from Tham Khao Chan (Khao Chan Cave), Tha Luang District, and Wat Khao Wong, Kok Samrong District, in Lopburi Province, central Thailand. The new species differs from all currently recognized Gehyra by the following combination of morphological characters and dorsal color pattern: maximal known snout–vent length of 52.4 mm, 8–10 supralabials, 76–80 dorsal and 48–50 ventral scale rows around midbody, absence of skin folds on limbs, 17 or 18 preanofemoral pores in males in a continuous series extending to mid-length of femur (pores absent in females), tail not- to moderately widened behind vent in adults, a single row of widened subcaudals, digits and toes unwebbed, 7 or 8 divided subdigital lamellae on 4th toe, and a dorsal pattern with white spots as large or larger than adjacent crescentic black markings on a beige to light-brown background.
A revision of the genus Pontocrates Boeck, 1871 (Amphipoda, Oedicerotidae) with the description of P. moorei sp. nov. and the re-establishment of P. norvegicus (Boeck, 1860)
Authors: MYERS ALAN A. , ASHELBY CHRISTOPHER W.
Published: March 2022

The genus Pontocrates Boeck, 1871 is revised. Pontocrates norvegicus Boeck (1860), is re-established and a new species, P. moorei sp. nov., is described. An illustrated key to the species of the genus is provided.
Dynamical Analysis of the Winter Middle East Jet Stream and Comparison with the East Asian and North American Jet Streams
Authors: Ren Qiaoling , Wei Wei , Lu Mengmeng , Yang Song
Published: March 2022

The wintertime Middle East jet stream (MEJS) is an important upstream signal for the East Asian winter monsoon and the subsequent Asian summer monsoon. Thus, the maintenance and interannual variations of the MEJS as well as its similarities and differences with the East Asian jet stream (EAJS) and the North American jet stream (NAJS) are studied dynamically using the geopotential tendency equation and empirical orthogonal function analysis. Analysis reveals that the MEJS is mainly maintained by tropical diabatic heating and the low-frequency transient eddy (TE) vorticity forcing. It is different from the EAJS, which is maintained by both tropical diabatic heating and high-frequency TE vorticity forcing, and the NAJS, which is mainly sustained by high-frequency TE vorticity forcing. Furthermore, while temperature advection plays a considerable role in the maintenance of EAJS and NAJS, it is less important for the MEJS. On interannual time scales, the meridional shift of the MEJS is related to low-frequency TE heating, while the variation of the jet’s intensity is associated with temperature advection. For both EAJS and NAJS, the interannual variations are mainly contributed by high-frequency TE vorticity forcing, although temperature advection also promotes their meridional shifts. These results suggest that whether or not the maintenance of the jet streams is related to tropical diabatic heating, their interannual variations are not directly induced by this forcing.

Significance Statement

The wintertime Middle East jet stream (MEJS) is a narrow and strong westerly wind belt over the Middle East whose variations in intensity and location can affect the Asian monsoon significantly. However, little effort has been devoted to investigating the MEJS. Thus, dynamical diagnosis and statistical analysis are applied in this study to understand the MEJS and its variability comprehensively. Analysis reveals that low-frequency transient eddies, which are the mobile atmospheric systems with a lifespan longer than 10 days, are important for both the maintenance and the interannual variability of the MEJS. This phenomenon is apparently different from the East Asian and North American jet streams, in which synoptic transient eddies (lifetime shorter than 10 days) play an essential role.
Response of the South Asian High in May to the Early Spring North Pacific Victoria Mode
Authors: Yang Yu , Su Qin , Wang Lin , Yang Ruowen , Cao Jie
Published: March 2022

The interannual variability of the South Asian high (SAH) in May plays an important role in the evolution of the Asian summer monsoon. In this study, reanalysis data and an atmospheric general circulation model are employed to investigate the response of the SAH in May to the early spring North Pacific Victoria mode (VM) on an interannual time scale. Observational results indicate a robust linkage between the early spring VM and the SAH position in May, even if the El Niño and Indian Ocean basin model (IOBM) signals are removed. When the early spring VM is in its positive phase, a zonally divergent circulation anomaly in the upper troposphere forms with tropospheric divergence over the tropical eastern Pacific and anomalous convergence over the South China Sea–Maritime Continent region. As a result, westerly anomalies associated with the zonally divergent circulation anomaly appear in the upper troposphere over the Indian Ocean–Indochina Peninsula that impede the northwestward movement of the SAH in May. When the early spring VM is in its negative phase, the opposite conditions occur. Three sets of numerical experiments were performed to verify the key physical process revealed in the observational results. The early spring VM is a reliable indicator of the interannual variability of the SAH position in May.
Mental Health and Handgrip Strength Among Older Adults: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Kwak Yeunhee , Kim Yoonjung
Published: March 2022

Handgrip strength is used as an important indicator of health in older adults. We aimed to explore the association between stress, depression, and suicidal ideation and handgrip strength among older adults. We conducted this cross-sectional study involving 1254 individuals (aged ≥65 years), using data from the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI. We used logistic regression analysis to examine associations between handgrip strength and mental health. Among mental health factors, a significant difference was noted between stress and handgrip strength among the older adults. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odd ratio (OR) of stress among older adults with low handgrip strength was statistically significant in Models 1 (1.61 (95% CI: 1.01–2.57)) and 2 (1.59 (95% CI: 1.01–2.52)) but not in Model 3 (1.52 (95% CI: .96–2.43)). No significant association was found between depression or suicidal ideation and handgrip strength. The risk of stress was 1.59-1.61 times higher in older adults with low handgrip strength, compared to that in older adults with normal handgrip strength. It is necessary to develop strategies aimed at managing stress among older adults with low handgrip strength and educating them about the importance of handgrip strength and exercises that increase handgrip strength.
A data-driven workflow to improve energy efficient operation of commercial buildings: A review with real-world examples
Authors: Abuimara Tareq , Hobson Brodie W , Gunay Burak , O’Brien William
Published: March 2022

Data-driven building operation and maintenance research such as metadata inference, fault detection and diagnosis, occupant-centric controls (OCCs), and non-invasive load monitoring have emerged (NILM) as independent domains of study. However, there are strong dependencies between these domains; for example, quality of metadata affects the usability of fault detection and diagnostics techniques. Further, faults in controls hardware and programs limit the performance of OCCs. To this end, a literature review was conducted to identify the dependencies between these domains of research. Additionally, real-world examples using operational data from three institutional buildings in Ottawa, Canada, were provided and discussed to demonstrate these dependencies. Finally, a holistic tool-agnostic workflow was introduced which suggested the implementation of operational energy efficiency measures in the following order to ensure their full potential: (1) improve metadata, (2) address faults, (3) implement OCCs, and (4) monitor enhanced key performance indicators (KPIs). The proposed workflow is intended to be comprehensive, reproducible, nonintrusive, and inexpensive to implement.

Practical applications: Optimization of building operations has been emerging among energy management professionals as a relatively low-cost means to achieve energy efficiency and minimize occupants’ discomfort. To this end, this study introduces a tool-agnostic data-driven workflow to building energy management practitioners that can assist them in achieving increased energy efficiency. The proposed workflow recognizes the interdependency of the various domains of research which have historically been treated independently.
Source identification of mine water inrush based on the exponential whitenization function and the grey situation decision model
Authors: Wang Daokun , Ju Qiding , Wang Yuquan , Hu Youbiao , Liu Qimeng , Chai Huichan , Liu Yu
Published: March 2022

Coal mining at deep levels can cause mine water inrush and groundwater contamination, making it important to accurately and rapidly identify the water inrush source. In this study, 52 water samples were extracted from three types of aquifers in the Linhuan mining area, China. The water sample components Na+ + K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42−, measured in the experiment, were used as evaluation variables, and the piecewise function equation was established by using the exponential whitening function. Finally, combined with water sample data and the CRITIC weighted grey situation decision-making method, the comprehensive membership degree was obtained, and the water inrush source was identified according to the principle of the maximum membership degree. The comprehensive accuracy of the model was 92.3%. The traditional grey situation decision-making method uses the linear whitening function to determine the membership value, ignoring that the value of the whitening function outside the adjacent level is 0, which improves the weight of the adjacent level, causes the loss of effective information, and reduces the discrimination rate. The exponential whitenization function in this paper will solve this problem and further improves the grey situation decision-making method to discriminate the water inrush source, which would also be beneficial regarding the prevention and control of mine water inrush and groundwater contamination.
Effect of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Otolaryngology Trainee Surgical Case Numbers: A Multi‐institutional Review
Authors: Mann Scott , Duffy James , Muffly Tyler , Tilva Keval , Gray Stacey , Hetzler Laura , Kraft Shannon , Malekzadeh Sonya , Pletcher Steven , Cabrera-Muffly Cristina
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the effect of the initiation of COVID‐19–related restrictions on the volume of surgical cases performed by otolaryngology trainees.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of resident surgical case logs.

Setting

Accredited residency training programs in otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

Methods

Resident surgical case logs were combined from 6 residency training programs from different regions of the United States. Case volumes were compared between the calendar year before March 1, 2020, and the year afterward. Subgroup analyses were performed for the type of hospital (university, pediatric, veteran, county) and the key index cases by subspecialty.

Results

All 6 participating residency programs had a decrease in resident operative case volume. Surgical volume decreased from a mean of 6014 to 4161 (P < .05). There were decreases observed in key index cases in every subspecialty (P < .01), without statistical differences seen among subspecialties. There were decreases observed in every hospital type (university, pediatric, veteran, county) without statistical differences among types. Postgraduate year 5 residents were the most affected by volume reductions (51.6%), and postgraduate year 3 residents were the least affected (1.4%).

Conclusion

In the year following initiation of COVID‐19–related restrictions, there was a significant decrease in trainee surgical case volumes within residencies for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. There were no statistical differences in the volume decreases seen at different institutions, among hospital types, or within various subspecialties.
Recalls of Moderate‐ and High‐Risk Otolaryngologic Devices Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, 2003‐2019
Authors: Talati Ish A. , Parsa Keon M. , Gao William Z.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the marketing of medical devices based on the premarket approval (PMA) or 510(k) pathway. We investigated the relationship among the regulatory pathway of otolaryngologic devices, the number of recalls, and the recall characteristics.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Publicly available FDA databases.

Methods

The FDA Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Panel database was queried for 510(k) clearances and PMA approvals from 1976 to 2019. Device recalls from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed. Devices were then categorized by subspecialty, type, supporting evidence, and PMA supplement type. Logistic regression characterized the odds of recall for each device type and subspeciality.

Results

A total of 1061 (57.8%) 510(k) and 778 (42.3%) PMA device applications and modifications were approved. There were 120 (11.3%) recall events associated with 42 unique otolaryngologic devices cleared via the 510(k) pathway, as compared with 25 (3.2%) recall events for 5 unique PMA devices. 510(k) device approvals were more likely to be recalled than PMA device approvals (odds ratio, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.38‐5.88; P <. 0001). 510(k) surgical devices (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1‐4.4; P =. 03) were more likely to be recalled than diagnostic devices. Devices designated for laryngology (70.0%) and general otolaryngology (25.0%) composed the majority of recalls.

Conclusion

Otolaryngologic devices approved by the FDA via the 510(k) pathway exhibit a higher number of recalls than the PMA pathway. Given the balance between regulation and facilitating innovation, postmarket surveillance and ongoing regulatory improvements are critical to ensure optimal safety of medical devices.
Patriarchy, political enmity, and domestic violence: Exploring abusive mixed intimate partnerships in a conflict zone
Authors: Erez Edna , Sela-Shayovitz Revital , Ibarra Peter R
Published: March 2022

Mixed couples face more marital conflict than endogamous couples. Drawing on intersectional theory and narrative victimology, this study examines women’s accounts of abuse in mixed heterosexual Arab/Palestinian–Israeli Jewish intimate partnerships amid the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The narratives of 25 women formerly in an abusive relationship are the primary data, which are supplemented by a comprehensive list of calls seeking advice or intervention from a non-governmental organization (NGO) that assists women in mixed relationships, and the NGO’s recorded in-service training sessions during which social workers discuss clients’ plights and abuse exposure. Consistent with research on mixed couples, the women’s narratives connect their abuse to differences, dynamics, and tensions rooted in cultural, religious, and social beliefs and practices. Importantly, the narratives also highlight how the Israeli–Palestinian conflict amplifies and escalates the women’s abuse. Intersections of gender, religion, and nationality as well as life in a conflict zone critically affect the abuse dynamic the women experience. The article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of narrative victimology and political enmity for intersectional approaches to domestic violence.
Laboratory Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Exposed to Sodium Chloride
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Chen Hao , Barbieri Diego Maria , Hoff Inge
Published: March 2022

Spreading sodium chloride salt is one of the most effective operations to tackle ice formation on the surface of a road pavement during cold seasons, thus ensuring safer driving conditions. However, in addition to negative environmental impact, sodium chloride solution could influence the properties and durability of asphalt mixtures. Based on these premises, this laboratory study aims to characterize the mechanical properties of different asphalt mixtures exposed to sodium chloride solution. Four types of asphalt mixtures were immersed in 10 wt% sodium chloride solution for four cycles. The macroscopic surface, moisture absorption, Marshall stability, Marshall quotient, dynamic modulus, and resilient modulus were evaluated. The behavior of the asphalt mixtures was severely deteriorated by the exposure to sodium chloride solution and immersion cycles, resulting in damaged surface, loose structure, degraded stability, and stiffness. The mixture with polymer modified asphalt binder showed the best overall performance. Traditional asphalt mixtures with neat bitumen showed a better performance to resist sodium chloride solution compared with stone mastic asphalt mixtures with neat bitumen because of their dense structure, whereas traditional asphalt mixtures with polymer modified bitumen had a sensitivity to sodium chloride solution similar to that of stone mastic asphalt mixtures with polymer modified bitumen. Based on the findings of this study, using asphalt mixtures with polymer modified bitumen is recommended when road maintenance operations entailing the use of sodium chloride are envisaged.
Network Inefficiency: Empirical Findings for Six European Cities
Authors: Hamm Lisa S. , Loder Allister , Tilg Gabriel , Menendez Monica , Bogenberger Klaus
Published: March 2022

When planning road networks, inhomogeneous traffic conditions and the effects of multimodal interactions are often neglected. This can lead to a substantial overestimation of network capacities. Empirical macroscopic fundamental diagrams (MFDs) or volume delay relationships show considerable scatter, reflecting a reduction in network performance and an inefficient use of infrastructure. The implication is that the external costs of vehicular (car) traffic get underestimated, when planning traffic capacities and speeds based on optimal rather than on real estimates. In this paper, we contribute with an explorative and empirical approach to analyze network inefficiency and quantify its drivers. We propose to measure network efficiency by introducing the idea of excess delays for the MFD. We define excess delays as the difference between the observed speed and the optimal network speed at a given density. We apply the concept to traffic data sets of six European cities that differ in the data collection method and we use quantile regression methods for analysis. We find that excess delays are present in every data set and increase with the road network’s traffic load. We further confirm the intuition that traffic signal control, network loading, and multimodality influence the level of network inefficiency. The excess delay formula allows quantifying this information in a simple way and provides additional insights apart from the standard MFD model. The approach supports planners to obtain better real-world and less optimistic speed predictions for traffic analyses and suggests shifting urban transport to more spatially and temporally efficient modes.
Finite element analysis and experimental investigation of moving heat source model for GMAW deposited mild steel weld bead
Authors: Aslam Mohd , Sahoo Chinmaya Kumar
Published: March 2022

An investigation has been done to identify the heat source model suitable for numerical modeling of the Gas Metal arc Welding (GMAW) welding process. In the present investigation, a numerical model was constructed to simulate the GMAW welding process through transient thermal analysis for different thermal heat source models for weld deposition of Mild steel considering semi-cylindrical weld bead geometry. The Gaussian heat source with radial coordinate system and double ellipsoidal thermal heat source have been considered to develop a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model. Validation of numerical analysis results has been confirmed through experimental investigation. Numerical modeling confirms the utilization of both heat sources, i.e. Gaussian and Double ellipsoidal for the prediction of the weld bead deposition profile. However, the numerical modeling developed using a double ellipsoidal heat source has more resembles experimental investigation due to the utilization of bead profile data. However, the Gaussian heat source is found to be suitable in the case of the unavailability of experimental data. The experimental studies show a variation in the weld bead geometry, along its welding direction due to multiple environmental factors. The microstructural investigation also shows the development of a fine columnar grain structure at the welding bead & weld penetration zone, and the grain structure became coarser at the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).
The Effects of Optogenetic Activation of Astrocytes on Spike-and-Wave Discharges in Genetic Absence Epileptic Rats
Authors: Ozgur Merve , Özyurt Mustafa Görkem , Arkan Sertan , Cavdar Safiye
Published: March 2022

Background:

Absence seizures (petit mal seizures) are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness without loss of postural tone. The disease is diagnosed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) showing spike–wave discharges (SWD) caused by hypersynchronous thalamocortical (TC) oscillations. There has been an explosion of research highlighting the role of astrocytes in supporting and modulating neuronal activity. Despite established in vitro evidence, astrocytes’ influence on the TC network remains to be elucidated in vivo in the absence epilepsy (AE).

Purpose:

In this study, we investigated the role of astrocytes in the generation and modulation of SWDs. We hypothesize that disturbances in astrocytes’ function may affect the pathomechanism of AE.

Methods:

To direct the expression of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) rAAV8-GFAP-ChR2(H134R)-EYFP or to control the effect of surgical intervention, AAV-CaMKIIa-EYFP was injected into the ventrobasal nucleus (VB) of the thalamus of 18 animals. After four weeks following the injection, rats were stimulated using blue light (~473 nm) and, simultaneously, the electrophysiological activity of the frontal cortical neurons was recorded for three consecutive days. The animals were then perfused, and the brain tissue was analyzed by confocal microscopy.

Results:

A significant increase in the duration of SWD without affecting the number of SWD in genetic absence epileptic rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) compared to control injections was observed. The duration of the SWD was increased from 12.50 ± 4.41 s to 17.44 ± 6.07 following optogenetic stimulation in GAERS. The excitation of the astrocytes in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk (WAG-Rij) did not change the duration of SWD; however, stimulation resulted in a significant increase in the number of SWD from 18.52 ± 11.46 bursts/30 min to 30.17 ± 18.43 bursts/30 min. Whereas in control injection, the duration and the number of SWDs were similar at pre- and poststimulus. Both the background and poststimulus average firing rates of the SWD in WAG-Rij were significantly higher than the firing recorded in GAERS.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that VB astrocytes play a role in modulating the SWD generation in both rat models with distinct mechanisms and can present an essential target for the possible therapeutic approach for AE.
Faculty Motivation in Service-Learning Based on Expectancy x Value Theory
Authors: Darby Alexa , Willingham Lauren
Published: March 2022

Background: Research has established that service-learning is a high-impact practice with significant consequences for student learning. Research in this area can provide greater understanding and recognition of the value faculty bring to the service-learning experience. Purpose: Examining faculty members’ memorable experiences in service-learning pedagogy through the Expectancy x Value theory of motivation will help colleges and universities more effectively support and retain faculty who teach service-learning courses. Methodology/Approach: Twenty-two faculty from a medium-sized liberal arts institution each participated in a 24-min interview and described memorable service-learning experiences with students. Inductive analysis and the Expectancy x Value theory of motivation were used to analyze the data. Findings/Conclusions: The study found that faculty members highlighted themes of faculty fostering student and community connections, valuing the service-learning work, and assisting students in learning from their discomfort during service-learning experiences. Faculty's expectations of success centered on their own self-efficacy and view of ability. Faculty valued the relationships that were established, benefits that were gained, and risks that were taken. Implications: Through the Expectancy x Value theory, this research provides a foundation for understanding what motivates faculty to continue teaching service-learning courses, which can help institutions more effectively support faculty members.
Effect of cryo-rolling on mechanical properties and microstructure of pure copper
Authors: Sundar Singh Sivam S.P. , Rajendran R. , Harshavardhana N.
Published: March 2022

It is a challenging task to achieve high strength without any loss in its electrical conductivity in pure copper because commonly used strengthening mechanisms such as alloying, grain boundary strengthening, and dislocation, result in an increase in strength but simultaneously reduce its electrical conductivity. However, if strengthening is achieved by introducing twin boundaries, then the reduction in electrical conductivity is minimal. These twin boundaries can be introduced in pure copper by low-temperature plastic deformation. Thus, the main objectives of the present research work are to understand the evolution of the microstructure and the resulting mechanical property correlation during liquid nitrogen temperature (LNT) deformation and to compare it with room temperature (RT) deformation. For profile rolling analysis, copper is subjected to profile rolling at both RT and LNT rolling processes to a true strain of 1.77 with a step size of 0.11% strain. High-resolution electron backscatter diffraction coupled with orientation image mapping technique and transmission electron microscopy are used for microstructural characterization of the profile-rolled copper samples. The microstructural characterization reveals mechanical twins of 10–100 nm thickness in samples subjected to LNT, whereas there are no traces of mechanical twins in RT samples. The mechanical characterization by tensile test and hardness test shows that the samples deformed at LNT conditions have superior properties compared to RT.
Parental perceived stress and its consequences on early social-emotional child development during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dillmann Julia , Sensoy Özlem , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: March 2022

In 2020, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and the resulting highly infectious disease COVID-19 led to restrictions based on the principal of social distancing to curb the spread of the virus among the population and to prevent an overload of health system capacities. These restrictions changed the daily lives of young children and parents dramatically. In a German questionnaire study, we aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the magnitude of stress in parent-child systems and on social-emotional child development. Our sample consisted of 90 (39 male, 51 female) children ( M = 17.2 months, SD = 9.7 months) aged 7–12 months ( n = 38), 13–24 months ( n = 31) and 25–38 months ( n = 21). Parental stress was measured using the German version of the Parenting Stress Index, namely Eltern-Belastungs-Inventar. Additionally, social-emotional child development was measured using the Social-Emotional Questionnaire of the Bayley-III. Our findings show that parents experienced more stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany compared to norms. Parental perceived stress was higher in parents of older children than younger ones. Interestingly, social-emotional child behavior scores significantly decreased with children’s increasing age. Moreover, higher parental stress was associated with lower values of social-emotional child behavior. Our findings provide important novel data on parental perceived stress and social-emotional child development during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research investigating the long-term consequences of the pandemic is needed.
Comparing Disease-Specific and Generic Quality of Life in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors Using the FACT-B and QLI: The Importance of Instrument Selection
Authors: Jang Min Kyeong , Kim Sung Hae , Ko Yun Hee , Han Jeehee , Kim Soo Yeon , Kim Sue
Published: March 2022

Background:

Quality of life (QOL) has become an important indicator for evaluating patients’ symptoms and their overall satisfaction with life. Thus, examining QOL is essential for fully understanding the life satisfaction of breast cancer survivors (BCS). However, selecting the appropriate instrument for QOL measurement is challenging, and few studies have compared disease-specific and generic QOL measures and how they reflect the impact of cancer-related symptoms on QOL in BCS. We examined QOL in BCS using both disease-specific and generic instruments and compared their representation of the QOL impacts of anxiety, depression, sleep, fatigability, and posttraumatic growth.

Methods:

This study involved analysis of follow-up data for an exercise intervention called the BLESS (Better Life after cancer, Energy, Strength, and Support) program, which included 40 BCS treated at 1 medical center in South Korea. Their QOL was assessed using both the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) and Quality of Life Index (QLI).

Results:

Both FACT-B and QLI total scores revealed that Korean BCS had low levels of QOL. Furthermore, both FACT-B and QLI total scores were significantly related to anxiety, depression, sleep, fatigability, and posttraumatic growth in the participants. Notably, multivariate regression analysis of FACT-B and QLI total scores showed different predictors for QOL: with the FACT-B, depression was the only significant predictor, while with the QLI, posttraumatic growth was the only significant predictor.

Conclusion:

The selection of a given QOL instrument may affect the overall findings and interpretation of the impacts of related symptoms. The FACT-B should be considered for studies of symptoms such as depression, while the QLI is more appropriate for examining overall QOL and posttraumatic growth.
The effect of time of day on adolescent fast bowling performance: A pilot study
Authors: Campbell Belinda C , Davy Jonathan P , Pote Lee , Christie Candice J
Published: March 2022

The game of cricket is played at various times of the day and no studies have investigated the time of day effects on perceptual, physical and performance measures of cricketers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to focus on adolescent fast bowlers and their responses when bowling at different times of the day. First team, adolescent male fast bowlers (N = 5, Mean age 17.00 ± 0.55 years; stature 185.2 ± 6.5 cm and mass 86.06 ± 17.56 kg) were required to complete a fast-bowling simulation protocol whereby perceptual, physical and bowling-specific performance measures were tested at three different times of day (10:30, 14:30, 18:30). Over all the spells over one was significantly slower than all the other overs. There were no significant changes in bowling speed between the time intervals. However, there was a large increase in bowling speed at 14:30 compared to 10:30 (ES – 1.25) and a moderate increase in bowling speed (ES = 0.67) between 10:30 and 18:30. There was no significant change in accuracy at the different time intervals although it was best at 10:30 followed by 18:30 although the latter had a greater variance. In conclusion, this investigation found time of day did not significantly impact the responses, but the effects sizes show that bowling accuracy was worst at 14:30 despite the other parameters, such as speed of delivery, being best at this time, which may suggest a speed-accuracy trade-off. Additionally, both 10:30 and 18:30 were found to be times conducive to bowling performance with regards to accuracy.
Devils or angels when in love? An exploratory study investigating romantic love among high-risk athletes
Authors: Cannas Aghedu Fabio , Ghedina Mariapia , Adam-Troian Jais , Lux-Sterrit Laurence , Graziani Pierluigi , Bisiacchi Patrizia S.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, research on high-risk athletes has focused mainly on personality traits, highlighting a complex and often ambivalent personality structure. Although scholars pointed out emotional difficulties amongst high-risk athletes, there exists to this day no in-depth investigation of the affective aspect. In an effort to address this so-far neglected question, this study offers the first thorough exploration of patterns of romantic relationships among high-risk athletes. Two groups were selected: people who practice extreme sports (N = 189; Extreme) and those who practice other types of sports (N = 207; Non-extreme). A series of tests were administered to evaluate romantic love, personality traits and self-esteem. Results showed that Extreme tend to display less intense feelings than their Non-extreme counterparts; conversely, their sentimental relationships are characterized by positive emotions and stable feelings, avoiding negative emotions. Hence, despite stereotypes which characterize Extreme as thrill-seekers prone to impulsivity, it seems that this group do not in fact seek as many thrills in their love life, but rather seek stability and contentment. Although still in it explorative phase, this study produced preliminary data which should be considered in devising further assessment and therapeutic strategies for this population of athletes.
A case of successive development of possible acute necrotizing encephalopathy after COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Hemachudha Pasin , Pongpitakmetha Thanakit , Rattanawong Wanakorn , Thanapornsungsuth Poosanu , Joyjinda Yutthana , Bunprakob Saowalak , Ruchisrisarod Chanida , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 infection often results in an excessive inflammatory response with a spectrum of neurological manifestations. Here, we describe an 81-year-old female with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequent alteration of consciousness after high-dose intravenous dexamethasone and remdesivir. A non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) demonstrated bilateral hypodensities involving bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, thalami, cerebral peduncles and medial parieto-occipital areas. There was no improvement and repeat CT showed progression with findings suggestive of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Interleukin-6 levels were initially normal; however, subsequent levels were found to be markedly elevated. Acute necrotizing encephalopathy associated with COVID-19 may occur in the setting of severe pneumonia and may represent an immune-mediated process involving inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6.
Giant Right Atrial Aneurysm in an Infant
Authors: Garekar Swati , Sheth Ronak , Chaubal Nitin , Chaubal Jyoti , Mali Shivaji , Dhake Shyam , Soni Bharat , Malankar Dhananjay P.
Published: March 2022

Right atrial aneurysm (RAA) is a rare congenital anomaly with a diverse clinical spectrum. We present a case of antenatal detection of a giant RAA. The infant had 3 episodes of staring spells presumed to be thrombo-embolic phenomena originating from the RAA. The infant underwent successful RAA resection with preservation of the right coronary artery that was displaced from its usual position due to invagination of the RAA in the subepicardial space of the right atrio-ventricular groove.
Land Reclamation Tourism Resources in China: Connotation, Classification, and Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Chunxiang , Dai You-Yu , Jin Xiaowei , Yang Yiwan
Published: March 2022

Distinctive characteristics of land reclamation have formed strong attractions, which inspired people’s curiosity and tourist motives. As a unique and essential resource of tourism activities, land reclamation with its highly patriotic spirit and eclectic heritages presents tremendous value in the Chinese tourism industry. However, there is no comprehensive evaluation system of land reclamation tourism (LRT). To solve this research problem, in this study, we delimit the connotation of land reclamation and propose the classification and resources evaluation system of LRT based on the combination of resource characteristics and tourism mode. The classification, balancing the concerns of unit tourist resources, and comprehensively integrated resources while highlighting the principles of universality and practicality, can be classified into two main types, 10 sub-types, and 46 base types. On this basis, the tourism resource evaluation indicator system of land reclamation resources has been built from the aspects of the value of land reclamation culture and tourism resources, natural and social environment, regional development conditions by the methods of Delphi, and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The empirical research results of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) provide us with a specific weight distribution prospect of the classification and evaluation system. The conclusions proposed a new way and method to evaluate LRT resources and provided a necessary reference basis for LRT development.
Covariate Selection for Estimating Individual Treatment Effects in Psychotherapy Research: A Simulation Study and Empirical Example
Authors: Wester Robin Anno , Rubel Julian , Mayer Axel
Published: March 2022

Estimating individual treatment effects (ITEs) is crucial to personalized psychotherapy. It depends on identifying all covariates that interact with treatment, a challenging task considering the many patient characteristics hypothesized to influence treatment outcome. The goal of this study was to compare different covariate-selection strategies and their consequences on estimating ITEs. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to compare stepwise regression with and without cross-validation and shrinkage methods. The study was designed to mimic the setting of psychotherapy studies. No single covariate-selection strategy dominated all others across all factor-level combinations and on all performance measures. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator showed the most accurate out-of-sample predictions, identified the highest number of true treatment-covariate interactions, and estimated ITEs with the highest precision across the most conditions. Domain backward stepwise regression and backward stepwise regression using Bayesian information criterion were least biased in estimating variance of ITEs across the most conditions.
Rethinking Cholera in Jagannath Puri in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Das Pallavi
Published: March 2022

This article examines the social history of cholera in Jagannath Puri throughout the nineteenth century, focusing on the various factors that affected the colonial health and sanitary interventions in the region. It rethinks Puri’s ‘sacred’ space as a nexus of converging mobilities rather than a static centre, problematising the relationship between cholera and pilgrimage. It marks a departure from the dominant trend in historiography that stresses the significance of the Jagannath temple in complicating the processes of colonial cholera management in Puri, by focusing on the ‘external’ challenges and motivations that shaped the history of cholera in the region. The article argues that understanding Puri’s history requires de-centring the city as it was the linchpin of a dynamic circulatory regime that constituted not only pilgrims but also disease and ideas. It provides a backdrop for building on larger ideas that connect the ‘micro’ to the ‘macro’ narrative of cholera by recognising the region in terms of its ‘trans-local’ connections rather than local factors alone.
Talking about the end of life: communication patterns in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – a scoping review
Authors: Erdmann Anke , Spoden Celia , Hirschberg Irene , Neitzke Gerald
Published: March 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to death on average 2–4 years after the onset of symptoms. Although many people with the disease decide in favour of life-sustaining measures, some consider hastening death. The objectives of this review are to provide an insight into the following questions: (1) How do people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS), their families and health care professionals (HCPs) communicate about life-sustaining and life-shortening options? (2) What are the challenges for all involved in decision making and communication about this topic? To answer these questions, we searched eight databases for publications in English and German on end-of-life issues of PALS. We included texts published between 2008 and 2018, and updated our search to May 2020. Sources were analysed in MAXQDA using deductively and inductively generated codes. After the final analysis, 123 full texts were included in this review. We identified a wide range of communicative challenges and six different and, in part, opposite communication patterns: avoiding or delaying communication on end-of-life issues, openly considering dying and actively seeking assistance, ignoring or disregarding patients’ wishes, discussing and respecting the patients’ wishes, engaging in advance care planning and avoiding or delaying advance care planning. The literature reveals a very heterogeneous response to end-of-life issues in ALS, despite several good-practice suggestions, examples and guidelines. We derive a strong need for harmonization and quality assurance concerning communication with PALS. Avoiding or delaying communication, decision making and planning, as well as ignoring or disregarding the patient’s will by HCP can be judged as a violation of the ethical principles of autonomy and non-maleficence.
SERPINB1 overexpression protects myocardial damage induced by acute myocardial infarction through AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Hua Jun , Chen Shiyuan , Chen Ying
Published: March 2022

Background

SERPINB1 is involved in the development of a variety of diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of SERPINB1 on acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Serum SERPINB1 level of AMI patients was measured for receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The AMI rat model was constructed to observe myocardial damage, and the H9C2 cell oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model was constructed to detect cell viability. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess the cardiac function. TTC staining and HE staining were used to detect pathologic changes of myocardial tissues. The apoptosis of myocardial tissues and cells were measured by TUNLE staining and flow cytometry assay. CCK-8 assay to measure cell viability. SERPINB1 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Protein expression was measured by western blot.

Results

The serum SERPINB1 level was down-regulated in AMI patients. AMI modeling reduced the SERPINB1 expression level, induced inflammatory cells infiltrated, and myocardial apoptosis. OGD treatment inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis. The AMPK/mTOR pathway was inhibited in AMI rats and OGD-treated H9C2 cells. Overexpression of SERPINB1 reduced infarct size and myocardial apoptosis of AMI rats, inhibited apoptosis of H9C2 cells, and activated AMPK/mTOR pathway. However, AMPK inhibitor Dorsomorphin reversed the protective effect of SERPINB1 on myocardial cells.

Conclusion

SERPINB1 overexpression relieved myocardial damage induced by AMI via AMPK/mTOR pathway.
A case report of Sanfilippo syndrome – the long way to diagnosis
Authors: Lorenz Delia , Musacchio Thomas , Kunstmann Erdmute , Grauer Eva , Pluta Natalie , Stock Annika , Speer Christian P. , Hebestreit Helge
Published: March 2022

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (Sanfilippo syndrome) is a lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a deficiency in the heparan-N-sulfatase enzyme involved in the catabolism of the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate. It is characterized by early nonspecific neuropsychiatric symptoms, followed by progressive neurocognitive impairment in combination with only mild somatic features. In this patient group with a broad clinical spectrum a significant genotype-phenotype correlation with some mutations leading to a slower progressive, attenuated course has been demonstrated.

Case presentation

Our patient had complications in the neonatal period and was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIa only at the age of 28 years. He was compound heterozygous for the variants p.R245H and p.S298P, the latter having been shown to lead to a significantly milder phenotype.

Conclusions

The diagnostic delay is even more prolonged in this patient population with comorbidities and a slowly progressive course of the disease.
Group antenatal care for improving retention of adolescent and young pregnant women living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A. , Odondi Judith , Kidiga Catherine , Choy Michelle , Fayorsey Ruby , Ngeno Bernadette , Ochanda Boniface , Langat Agnes , Ngugi Catherine , Callahan Tegan , Modi Surbhi , Hawken Mark , Odera Doris , Abrams Elaine J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents and young women living with HIV (AYWLH) have lower retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services compared to older women.

Methods

We evaluated a differentiated service model for pregnant and postnatal AYWLH at seven health facilities in western Kenya aimed at improving retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) services. All pregnant AYWLH < 25 years presenting for antenatal care (ANC) were invited to participate in group ANC visits including self-care and peer-led support sessions conducted by health facility nurses per national guidelines. ART register data were used to assess loss to follow-up (LTFU) among newly-enrolled pregnant adolescent (< 20 years) and young women (20–24 years) living with HIV starting ART in the pre-period (January-December 2016) and post-period (during implementation; December 2017-January 2019). Poisson regression models compared LTFU incidence rate ratios (IRR) in the first six months after PMTCT enrollment and risk ratios compared uptake of six week testing for HIV-exposed infants (HEI) between the pre- and post-periods.

Results

In the pre-period, 223 (63.2%) of 353 pregnant AYWLH newly enrolled in ANC had ART data, while 320 (71.1%) of 450 in the post-period had ART data (p = 0.02). A higher proportion of women in the post-period (62.8%) had known HIV-positive status at first ANC visit compared to 49.3% in the pre-period (p < 0.001). Among pregnant AYWLH < 20 years, the incidence rate of LTFU in the first six months after enrollment in ANC services declined from 2.36 per 100 person months (95%CI 1.06–5.25) in the pre-period to 1.41 per 100 person months (95%CI 0.53–3.77) in the post-period. In both univariable and multivariable analysis, AYWLH < 20 years in the post-period were almost 40% less likely to be LTFU compared to the pre-period, although this finding did not meet the threshold for statistical significance (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.62, 95%CI 0.38–1.01, p = 0.057). Testing for HEI was 10% higher overall in the post-period (adjusted risk ratio 1.10, 95%CI 1.01–1.21, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Interventions are urgently needed to improve outcomes among pregnant and postnatal AYWLH. We observed a trend towards increased retention among pregnant adolescents during our intervention and a statistically significant increase in uptake of six week HEI testing.