bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estresores docentes durante la pandemia COVID-19 en profesores peruanos: adaptación de una escala.
Authors: Mamani-Benito Oscar Javier
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue adaptar y validar la escala de estresores docentes durante la pandemia COVID19 para profesores peruanos. Corresponde a un estudio de diseño instrumental y corte transversal, donde participaron voluntariamente 364 profesores de la Dirección Regional de Educación Puno (DRE), Perú; de ambos sexos (mujeres=224; 62%), de entre 28 a 60 años de edad (M = 44, DS = 9.66). El instrumento objeto de adaptación fue la escala de estresores docentes durante la pandemia creado para profesores argentinos, el mismo, fue sometido a un proceso de adaptación cultural, juicio de expertos y prueba piloto . Para explorar la estructura interna se aplicó el análisis factorial confirmatorio. Como resultados, todos los ítems recibieron una evaluación favorable por parte de los jueces (V de Aiken >. 70); el AFC evidenció que el modelo original reporta índices de ajuste adecuado (χ2 = 613.911; df = 199, p = .000; CFI = .964; TLI = .958; RMSEA = .076 y SRMR < .05), y la fiabilidad fue aceptable para todos los factores (ω > .75). En conclusión, la EDCov19 reporta evidencias de validez basada en el contenido, estruc tura interna y fiabilidad, por tanto, puede ser aplicado en investigaciones para evaluar los estresores docentes en profesores de educación básica peruanos
Percepciones del profesorado de Educación Infantil sobre su formación musical: estudio de caso en la provincia de Valencia.
Authors: Vega Perona Herminia , Martínez Bello Vladimir , Bernabé Villodre María del Mar
Published: May 2022

Este estudio pretende mostrar las percepciones del profesorado acerca de su formación y competencias musicales para utilizar esta herramienta en Educación Infantil. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, la metodología empleada se basa en un estudio documental exhaustivo y entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas al profesorado participante. A partir de la información recabada, se obtienen resultados similares de ambas fuentes, como carencias en la formación adquirida y falta de confianza, por parte del profesorado, para la práctica musical. Como conclusión, se infiere que el factor percibido por el profesorado como principal obstáculo para la práctica musical es una formación insuficiente e/o inadecuada inicial y continua, así como incertidumbre y falta de seguridad a la hora de llevar a la práctica las actividades musicales.
Study on Soil Enzyme Activities in Reference to Deforestation in the Shiwalik Hills of Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Arora Rohit Kumar , Upadhyay Lalit , Joshi Kuldeep , Kumar Arvinder
Published: May 2022

A study was conducted in the forest area of Bani, Batote, Basholi, Bhaderwah, Poonch and Samba (Shivalik region) of Jammu division
of Jammu and Kashmir. 10 samples of soil at four depths from each area were taken. A portion of the sample was stored at 4°C for biological analysis. Sulphatase was estimated by Tabatabai and Bremner method (1972). The p-nitrophenol released by soil arylsulfataseenzymes was calculated by a standard calibration curve developed using 10-50 micro gram p-nitrophenol. The mean value of sulphatase (μg of p-nitrophenol released/g of soil) inforest areas recorded at 0-15 cm soil depth was 76.95 in Bhaderwah; 76.45 in Basholi; 75.85 in Batote; 74.95 in Poonch; 76.45 in Bani; 62.01 in Samba. Whereas in deforested areas mean value of sulphatase recorded at 0-15cm soil depth was 42.26 in Bhaderwah; 41.98 in Basholi; 41.65 in Batote; 41.16 inPoonch; 41.98 in Bani; 34.05 in Samba. Results showed that the sulphatase in soil decreased due to deforestation.
Plasma assisted micro poling of glassy surfaces: a new tool to achieve liquid crystal multi-domain alignments [Invited]
Authors: Goillot Alice , Maillard Alexis , Galstian Tigran , Messaddeq Younès , Adamietz Frederic , Rodriguez Vincent , Dussauze Marc
Published: May 2022

We propose an innovative approach to program the alignment of liquid crystal (LC) assemblies allowing for the formation of multi-domain alignments whose orientation axis and sizes are controlled at the micrometer scale by an electrically patterned glass surface. The glass surface preparation is based on a thermo-electrical imprinting process to induce localized space charge implantations in the glass matrix just below its anode surface. To demonstrate this new approach, a commercial soda-lime glass slide has been polarized using as anode a simple micrometric nickel grid. Characterizing the polarized glass surface by second harmonic generation polarized microscopy; we show an accurate control of both location and spatial components of frozen static fields embedded in the glass as a function of the electrode patterns. The polarized glassy surface is then used in the conception of a LC cell in which homeotropic or planar alignments can be controlled following the electrical pattern induced on the glass surface. This study also points out the importance of plasma discharges spatially controlled along the electrode pattern during the process in order to promote the in-plane electrical polarization effects, which are essential for the programming of the in-plane LC alignment on the polarized glass surface.
Air pollution, service development and innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: You Yong
Published: May 2022

The environment is crucial in economic development. However, the impact of the environment on cities, especially, on urban innovation still needs more attention. Based on city-level and PM2.5 data from 280 prefecture-level cities and municipalities in China from 2003 to 2016, we empirically studied the influence of haze on urban innovation and its mechanism. The results show that (1) haze has a significant negative impact on urban innovation, which varies with regions, resource-dependent cities, provincial capital cities, and sub-provincial cities. (2) This result appears to be driven by industrial structure. By influencing the development of the service industry, haze affects the level of urban innovation. (3) In particular, advanced producer services and basic producer services are heterogeneous. Advanced producer services have a stronger impact on innovation, while basic producer services are more sensitive to haze. We used the Instrumental Variable (IV) regression to address endogeneity, the conclusion remains robust.
Yield optimization, microbial load analysis, and sensory evaluation of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), lentil (Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris), and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) microgreens grown under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Priti  , Sangwan Seema , Kukreja Bharti , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Dikshit Harsh Kumar , Singh Ajeet , Aski Muraleedhar , Kumar Atul , Taak Yashpal , Stobdan Tsering , Das Shouvik , Kumar Ranjeet R. , Yadava Devendra Kumar , Praveen Shelly , Kumar Shiv , Nair Ramakrishnan M.
Published: May 2022

Microgreens have been used for raw consumption and are generally viewed as healthy food. This study aimed to optimize the yield parameters, shelf life, sensory evaluation and characterization of total aerobic bacteria (TAB), yeast and mold (Y&M), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria spp. incidence in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris), and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.) microgreens. In mungbean and lentil, seeding-density of three seed/cm2, while in Indian mustard, eight seed/cm2 were recorded as optimum. The optimal time to harvest mungbean, Indian mustard, and lentil microgreens were found as 7th, 8th, and 9th day after sowing, respectively. Interestingly, seed size was found highly correlated with the overall yield in both mungbeans (r2 = .73) and lentils (r2 = .78), whereas no such relationship has been recorded for Indian mustard microgreens. The target pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. were not detected; while TAB, Y&M, Shigella spp., and E. coli were recorded well within the limit to cause any human illness in the studied microgreens. Washing with double distilled water for two minutes has shown some reduction in the overall microbial load of these microgreens. The results provided evidence that microgreens if grown and stored properly, are generally safe for human consumption. This is the first study from India on the safety of mungbean, lentils, and Indian mustard microgreens.
Feeding cats with chronic kidney disease food supplemented with betaine and prebiotics increases total body mass and reduces uremic toxins
Authors: Hall Jean A. , Jewell Dennis E. , Ephraim Eden
Published: May 2022

Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a decreased ability to maintain body weight. As CKD advances, loss of body weight contributes to morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of feeding betaine and prebiotics on body weight of both CKD and healthy cats. The pre-trial food (control food) was a complete and balanced dry food designed to aid in the management of CKD. Test food was the control food supplemented with betaine (0.500%) and prebiotics: long-chain oat beta-glucan (0.586%) and 0.407% short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS). The CKD cats (n = 7) were fed pre-trial food for 28 days and then randomly assigned to control food or test food. Each food was fed for 8 weeks in a cross-over study design. In a second study, healthy cats received control food or test food for 8 weeks (n = 8 each group). Blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected to evaluate concentrations of relevant kidney function biomarkers and metabolites at the end of each feeding period for CKD cats, and blood samples were collected monthly to evaluate concentrations of plasma metabolites for healthy cats. Body weight and composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at baseline and after each feeding period. Total body mass was significantly higher in CKD cats after consuming test food compared with control food (P= 0.004), with no significant difference in food intake while consuming test or control food (P= 0.34). Test food did not affect total body mass or composition of healthy cats. Indole compounds produced by bacterial metabolism were decreased in urine and increased in feces of CKD cats fed test food, and plasma concentrations were negatively correlated with the level of kidney function, indicating a potential benefit of consuming test food. In healthy cats, consuming test food resulted in significantly decreased concentrations of plasma P-cresol sulfate (P= 0.004) and increased concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; bothP< 0.05), despite the fact that both control and test foods had similar concentrations of these long-chain fatty acids, 0.03% and 0.02%, respectively. These results suggest that the addition of betaine and prebiotics to the control food formula may have increased total body mass in CKD cats by enhancing one-carbon metabolism and by modulating the gut microbiome.
Brain natriuretic peptide measurements using standard biochemical equipment: Comparisons with conventional immunoassays
Authors: Higa Yukie , Nabeshima Yosuke , Kitano Tetsuji , Kataoka Masaharu , Nakazono Akemi , Takeuchi Masaaki
Published: May 2022

Background

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an essential cardiac biomarker for diagnosing heart failure and for prognoses in patients with various cardiac diseases. However, measurement requires immunological assays that are not available in every hospital. Recently, a novel BNP kit (Nanopia BNP-A, Sekisui Inc.; BNPn) that uses general-purpose, automated, biochemical analyzers has become commercially available. We assessed how its accuracy and utility compare with those of conventional immunological tests.

Methods and results

We retrospectively collected 1491 conventional BNP measurements (BNPc), which had been clinically indicated for BNP testing and for which residual samples were still stored in the laboratory. We measured BNP using the novel kit and determined the correlation of BNP levels between the two methods. We also assessed the predictive value of both BNP measurements for major cardiac events (MACEs). The analytical performance of both measuring methods was similar. Log-transformed BNP measured by both methods showed strong correlation (r = 0.92); however, log-transformed BNPn was significantly higher than log-transformed BNPc (p<0.001). BNPc of 200 ng/L was used to stratify patients into two groups. According to the regression formula between the two methods, we determined a cut-off value of BNPn as 250 ng/L. During a median of 15 months of follow-up, 43 MACEs developed. Both BNPc and BNPn were associated with MACEs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that both BNPc and BNPn cut-off values stratified the high-risk group for prognostication. The diagnostic and prognostic utilities were proven even if the lower cut-off values (BNPc = 100 ng/L, BNPn = 130 ng/L) were employed.

Conclusions

A new BNP measurement using biochemical equipment provides prognostic value similar to that of conventional BNP analysis; thus, it should prove useful in hospitals in which conventional immunological examinations are not available.
A lakásotthonokban élő fiatalok digitális médiahasználati profiljai
Authors: Jakab György , Németh Szilvia , Patai Rita , Timár Borbála
Published: May 2022

Ebben a tanulmányban a kutatás során elkészült digitális médiahasználati profilokat mutatjuk be. Először a profilalkotás alapvető módszertanát és legfontosabb pszichológiai, médiatudományi és drámapedagógiai elemeit ismertetjük, ezután következik a 12 darab profil szöveges és képi megjelenítése. Végül pedig a kutatás további folytatására vonatkozó javaslatokat közöljük.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation- Predictors of ablation outcome and therapeutic opportunities beyond empiric isolation of the pulmonary veins
Authors: Szilágyi Judit
Published: May 2022

A pitvarfibrilláció (PF) egy jelentős morbiditással és mortalitással járó ritmuszavar, mely el nem hanyagolható egészségügyi erőforrásfelhasználással is jár. Az 1990-es évektől kezdve nem valvuláris pitvarfibrillációban a pulmonális véna izoláció (PVI) a farmakológiai antiaritmiás kezelés kézenfekvő alternatívájává vált, bár hatékonysága elmarad az egyéb ritmuszavarok katéteres ablációjának sikerességétől. Továbbá a beavatkozásnak nem elhanyagolható rizikóprofilja van. Jelen törekvések fókuszpontjai ezen témakörben a hatékonyabb betegszelekció, illetve olyan ablációs technikák kifejlesztése, melyek hozzájárulhatnak a tartós ritmuszavarmentességhez a pulmonális vénák izolációján túl. A PF mechanizmusával kapcsolatos kutatások elengedhetetlenek ennek a megvalósításában. A katéteres abláció megtervezésében számos tényezőt érdemes figyelembe venni, úgy mint a PF típusa és fennállásának ideje, a pitvari remodeling előrehaladottsága (pl. szív MRI-vel, feszültségtérképekkel vagy elektrofiziológiai mérésekkel pl. domináns frekvencia vizsgálva), továbbá szem előtt érdemes tartani, hogy vannak módosítható rizikófaktorok, melyek hatással vannak a pitvarfibrilláció katéteres ablációjának sikerességére, úgy mint az obezitás vagy az alvási apnoe. Vannak olyan betegcsoportok, akiknél a PVI vélhetően sikertelen lesz vagy akik számára egy kiterjedtebb abláció vagy hibrid thorakoszkópos sebészi/transzkatéteres beavatkozás előnyére válna. Ugynakkor sikeres ablációs kísérletek történtek olyan betegek esetében, akik számára eddig a katéters abláció nem volt elérhető, úgymint a kongenitális szívbetegek vagy a hipertrófiás cardiomyopathias betegek.
Poder oligárquico, questão agrária e função legislativa no território sul-mato-grossense
Authors: Silva Luciene Maria da , Araujo Santos Thiago
Published: May 2022

Neste artigo analisa-se a atividade política no Senado Federal, buscando identificar a relação entre atividade legislativa, apropriação privada da terra e conflitos territoriais no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Promove uma reflexão sobre a sucessão familiar nos espaços de decisão nas mais diversas instâncias da Administração Pública e as ações engendradas por oligarquias no sentido de garantir o acesso à terra e o controle sobre o território. Os dados e informações que embasam a análise foram obtidos por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental sobre a atividade legislativa e, de modo complementar, em bases como Banco de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES, Banco de Dados da Luta Pela Terra - Dataluta, Comissão Pastoral da Terra, Centro de Trabalho Indigenista, Arquivos do Museu do Índio, Instituto Socioambiental, dentre outros. Conclui-se que a atuação parlamentar de grupos oligárquicos do estado no Senado Federal combina garantia da sucessão parlamentar de familiares por longos períodos, engajamento político e interesse em matérias vinculadas à terra, e envolvimento, direto ou indireto, em conflitos fundiários envolvendo camponeses e indígenas.
Changing Seasons, Changing Names
Authors: COLUMBIA DUSTY
Published: May 2022

editorial
A Pilot Study of Adult Disability Services and Legislative Advocacy Among Parents of Youth with Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Burke Meghan , Rios Kristina , Aleman-Tovar Janeth , Rossetti Zach
Published: May 2022

Although parents of individuals with multiple disabilities have spearheaded legislation for students with disabilities, little is known about their legislative advocacy experiences with respect to adult disability policy and, relatedly, adult disability services. In this pilot study, we examined the perspectives and experiences of nine parents of youth with multiple disabilities with respect to legislative advocacy. Most participants had negative perceptions of: their legislators, adult disability policies, and, relatedly, adult disability services. Many participants suggested changes to increase the flexibility of Medicaid Home and Community Based Services. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.
High School General Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Students with Significant Disabilities in Inclusive Settings
Authors: Kroesch Allison M. , Peeples Katherine N
Published: May 2022

Thanks to legislation that supports inclusion of students with significant disabilities in general education, general education teachers need to have appropriate knowledge, training, and self-efficacy in order to work successfully with these students in their classrooms. In this study, a survey of high school general education teachers investigated their perceived knowledge and capabilities specifically related to teaching students with significant disabilities. A range of subject areas, years of experience, and educational/training attained were surveyed. The findings support existing, recent research in highlighting the challenges of securing a high-quality inclusive learning experience for students with significant disabilities. Implications include the need for training and experience in special education topics for general education teachers to support their ability to teach students with significant disabilities in inclusive settings.
De la formación a la profesionalización en la acción cultural: Realidades y perspectivas de futuro en las políticas públicas (Proyecto Xerf@ en Galicia)
Authors: Pose-Porto Héctor , Caride José Antonio
Published: May 2022

Situamos nuestra contribución en el análisis de distintas circunstancias que concurren en la formación y profesionalización de la acción cultural pública en Galicia. Sin obviar los importantes avances que se han registrado en las últimas décadas en un plano normativo y estratégico, de sus realidades emergen necesidades y demandas que le conceden un especial protagonismo a las decisiones que se adopten en las políticas culturales locales venideras. En el diseño y ejecución de sus programas e iniciativas tienen un papel clave los responsables políticos y técnicos que se vinculan a los distintos servicios, equipamientos, etc. de la gestión cultural municipal, como garantes de los derechos de la ciudadanía a la participación en la creación y disfrute de los bienes culturales de la comunidad. Con este propósito, se exponen algunos de los logros asociados a los planteamientos teórico-conceptuales, metodológicos y empíricos del Proxecto Xerf@ con una visión diagnóstica y prospectiva. Haciendo uso de distintos procedimientos de obtención y tratamiento de la información, los resultados permiten concluir que deben mejorarse la formación inicial y continuada de los profesionales de la acción cultural, así como los distintos procesos orientados a su inserción, desempeño y promoción socio-profesional y laboral.
Un díptico ovidiano: Numa, Augusto y el poeta en los Fastos a la luz de las Metamorfosis
Authors: Astorino Pablo Martínez
Published: May 2022

The article proposes to analyze the Fasti’s Numa in relation to that of the Metamorphoses, considering: (1) the Ovidian representation of the monarchy; (2) the link between Numa and Augustus as a peacemaker; (3) the link between Numa and the poet. The conclusion to be reached is that, although Ovid, through Numa, represents in the Fasti a sort of contrafactual Augustus post Actium, in the light of the Metamorphoses, where the Numa’s association with Augustus through the motif of pax leads to the poet, the image of the contrafactual Augustus cannot be understood as the end of the representation, but it is resolved in the image of an Augustus-Numa that, added to that of the Metamorphoses, constitutes a diptych, a double and complementary contemporary representation, which also in Fasti, though in a different way, leads to the poet, showing the primacy of poetry over politics in Ovidian writing.
Stefan Rebenich, Hans-Ulrich Wiemer (eds.), A Companion to Julian the Apostate
Authors: Türel Tunç
Published: May 2022

Book review on Stefan Rebenich, Hans-Ulrich Wiemer (eds.), A Companion to Julian the Apostate [= Brill’s Companions to the Byzantine World 5]. Leiden / Boston: Brill, 2020, xvi + 481 pages, maps, ISBN 978-90-04-41456-3 (hardback), 978-90-04-41631-4 (e-book).
The Nexus Between Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing and Risk: A Case of Ghana Stock Exchange
Authors: Antwi Baafi Joseph
Published: May 2022

Even though option pricing and its market activities are not new, in Ghana the idea of trading options is yet to be realized.  One popular method in pricing options is known as Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Even though option pricing activities are not currently happening on the Ghana Stock Exchange, authors looked at the possibilities and preparedness of the GES to start trading such financial instrument. The main objective of this study therefore was to know how Black-Scholes-Merton model could be used to help in appropriate option value and undertake a risk assessment of stocks on the exchange. This study basically used the black-Scholes formula in calculating the call and put option prices for 28 companies listed GES. The results showed that the price of call option for 18 out of 28 listed stocks showed a value of zero. Again, only seven (7) companies had a value for both call and put options. This means stocks of 21 companies cannot be an underlying asset for trading financial derivatives. Reason for this performance of stock is due to low volatility. The study recommends that policies to increase volatility on the stock market should be put in place in other to make option pricing possible.
The Linguistic Difference Between English and Russian
Authors: Tall Ousseynou
Published: May 2022

This article is a comparative analysis of two international languages, Russian and French.
It focuses on the differences and similarities between the two languages. Since Russian and French are originally very different languages, it’s extremely important to sort out the identical aspects and differentiate them from the non-identical aspects. Apart from the difference in origins, the two languages are as well very different in terms of phonetics, grammar, lexicology or word building.
Marine macroalgal flora on the Aegean and the Levantine coasts of Turkey
Authors: Taşkın Ergün , Çakır Murat
Published: May 2022

This study contains an updated checklist and new collections of marine algae from the coasts of the Aegean Sea and the Levantine Sea of Turkey. A total of 573 marine algal taxa at specific and infraspecific levels (137 brown algae, 318 red algae, and 118 green algae) are reported, 32 of which are regarded as endangered or threatened macroalgae (four green algae, nine red algae, and 19 brown algae). Of these, 36 taxa (10 brown algae, 17 red algae, nine green algae) are recorded as alien on the Aegean and Levantine coasts. In the present study, the red alga Palisada maris-rubri is reported for the first time from the eastern Mediterranean Sea for Turkey. In Iskenderun Bay, species were sampled from 1 m depth on a volcanic rock in May 2016.
Der Schatten der Liebe
Authors: Pippin Robert
Published: May 2022

There is an unusual link between the two most prominent themes in Proust’s In Search of Time Past: the psychological dimensions of love and the experience of lived temporality. Each experience is shadowed by, and intensified by, even seems to require, absence. The absence of the beloved is the source of jealousy, and that experience is treated as inseparable, and sometimes as indistinguishable, from love itself. And the absence of reliable access to the past, or the vanishing of the past into a realm of fantasy and projection, undermines any confidence in our mutual interpretability. At the extreme, jealousy is depicted as sustaining a love all by itself, something captured in Swann’s famous, puzzling closing statement at the end of the “Swann in Love” section of the first novel: “To think that I have wasted years of my life, that I’ve longed to die, that I have experienced my greatest love, for a woman who didn’t appeal to me, who wasn’t even my type.” The aim of this paper is to understand the dynamic of presence and absence, its role in the link between these two themes, and thereby to understand such a claim as much more than a singular character’s expression of a neurotic obsession.
Maternal serum midkine level in fetal growth restriction: a case-control study
Authors: Oluklu Deniz , Beser Dilek Menekse , Hendem Derya Uyan , Kara Ozgur , Yazihan Nuray , Sahin Dilek
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To compare maternal serum midkine (MK) level in pregnant women with idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and healthy. In addition, we assessed the value of maternal serum MK level in predicting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Methods

A total of 144 pregnant women were included, 72 with idiopathic FGR and 72 healthy in this study. The control group was matched for the mother’s age, parity, gestational age, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) with the idiopathic FGR group at the time of recruitment into the study and sample collection.

Results

Serum MK level is higher in the idiopathic FGR than the control group (0.24 ng/mL (0.19–0.32) vs. 0.18 ng/mL (0.14–0.23), p<0.001). In addition, we compared the maternal serum MK level of those with and without NICU admission in the FGR group (0.25 ng/mL (0.19–0.37) vs. 0.21 ng/mL (0.18–0.28), p=0.014). We performed ROC curve analysis to serum MK level predicting NICU admission in the FGR group (AUC: 0.668, %95 CI [0.550, 0.785], p=0.014). A sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 62% for the serum MK level were achieved with a cut-off value of 0.22 for NICU admission.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to compare maternal serum MK level in pregnant women with idiopathic FGR and healthy. We showed that maternal serum MK level was significantly elevated in pregnant women with FGR than healthy.
Point-of-care haematological monitoring during treatment with clozapine
Authors: Atkins Matthew , McGuire Philip , Balgobin Bhirundra , Williams Sophie , Ceesay Fatou , Desouza Neville , Patel Pravinkumar , Taylor David
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Patients treated with clozapine are required to have regular venous blood samples taken to measure white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts to reduce the risk of agranulocytosis. The need for regular venous blood sampling can deter patients and clinicians from treatment with clozapine. Finger prick sampling offers patients a simpler and less invasive technique that is likely to be more acceptable. We undertook to evaluate a novel point of care testing (POCT) device which measures WBC and neutrophil counts using a small volume of capillary blood from a finger prick sample.

Methods

A total of 215 patients who were being treated with clozapine and were having a venous blood sample taken for haematological monitoring also provided a fingerprick capillary blood sample. The capillary and venous samples were tested using the Sight OLO® POCT analyser, and the venous sample also tested using a standard laboratory method.

Results

For both the WBC and the neutrophil counts, there was a strong correlation between the results from the standard laboratory venous method and the POCT assay (R=0.94 and 0.95, respectively for capillary blood samples, and R=0.98 for both WBC and neutrophil counts for venous blood samples). Compared with the standard laboratory venous blood method, mean biases were −1.0×109/L for WBC and −0.5×109/L for neutrophils for the capillary blood POCT method, and −0.4×109/L for WBC and −0.4×109/L for neutrophils for the venous blood POCT method. Overall, 6 of 215 (2.8%) of patients had levels below clozapine monitoring thresholds (WBC <3.5×109/L and Neutrophils <1.5×109/L) by capillary blood, and 5 (2.3%) by venous blood by POCT. Of these, 2 had sub-threshold counts on the standard laboratory method.

Conclusions

The POCT analyser provided results for both WBC and neutrophil counts that were comparable with those from a standard venous blood laboratory method. Using POCT devices may make haematological monitoring easier in patients being treated with clozapine, and thereby increase the use of clozapine in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Intensity-dependent stimulation of leukocyte telomerase activity by endurance exercise – a pilot study
Authors: Niedrist Tobias , Pailer Sabine , Jahrbacher Renate , Gruber Hans-Jürgen , Herrmann Markus , Renner Wilfried
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Exercise induces telomerase activity and regulates shelterin expression. These effects are believed to preserve telomeres. However, the impact of exercise intensity on telomerase and shelterins has not been studied systematically. This pilot study investigated the kinetics of leukocyte telomerase activity (LTA) and the expression of telomere-related genes in response to exercise at different intensities.

Methods

Seven healthy women completed three exercise sessions at low, moderate and high intensity on a stationary bicycle ergometer. Blood was collected before, 24 and 48 h after each session. LTA, leukocyte telomere length (LTL), expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF-1), 2 (TERF-2) and the serum concentration of telomeric repeat binding factor-1 protein (TRF-1) were determined.

Results

LTA increased 24 h after moderate and high intensity exercise and returned to baseline levels after 48 h. TERF-2 expression showed a tendency to decrease 24 h after high-intensity exercise. Other markers (TERT, TERF-1, LTL, TRF-1) were not affected by any intensity.

Conclusions

From the present results it can be concluded that the telomeric effects of exercise are short-lived and depend on the intensity level. Future studies should confirm these results in a larger cohort focusing on the first 24 h post-exercise.
Shelter in an extreme environment: the Pleistocene occupation of Tsagaan Agui Cave in the Gobi Desert
Authors: Khatsenovich Arina M. , Tserendagva Yadmaa , Bazargur Dashzeveg , Marchenko Daria V. , Rybin Evgeny P. , Klementiev Alexey M. , Shelepaev Roman A. , Gunchinsuren Byambaa , Olsen John W. , Derevianko Anatoly P.
Published: May 2022

Beginning in the Middle Palaeolithic, human populations penetrated areas of Central Asia that are today characterised by extremely arid conditions. Mongolia's Gobi Desert comprises one such region. Tsagaan Agui Cave presents an example of the later Pleistocene occupation of this area, containing stratified evidence of diachronic, intense human and animal occupation.
Dengue virus NS1 protein conveys pro‐inflammatory signals by docking onto high‐density lipoproteins
Authors: Benfrid Souheyla , Park Kyu‐Ho , Dellarole Mariano , Voss James E , Tamietti Carole , Pehau‐Arnaudet Gérard , Raynal Bertrand , Brûlé Sébastien , England Patrick , Zhang Xiaokang , Mikhailova Anastassia , Hasan Milena , Ungeheuer Marie‐Noëlle , Petres Stéphane , Biering Scott B , Harris Eva , Sakuntabhai Anavaj , Buchy Philippe , Duong Veasna , Dussart Philippe , Coulibaly Fasséli , Bontems François , Rey Félix A , Flamand Marie
Published: May 2022

The dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a secreted virulence factor that modulates complement, activates immune cells and alters endothelial barriers. The molecular basis of these events remains incompletely understood. Here we describe a functional high affinity complex formed between NS1 and human high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). Collapse of the soluble NS1 hexamer upon binding to the lipoprotein particle leads to the anchoring of amphipathic NS1 dimeric subunits into the HDL outer layer. The stable complex can be visualized by electron microscopy as a spherical HDL with rod‐shaped NS1 dimers protruding from the surface. We further show that the assembly of NS1‐HDL complexes triggers the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human primary macrophages while NS1 or HDL alone do not. Finally, we detect NS1 in complex with HDL and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the plasma of hospitalized dengue patients and observe NS1‐apolipoprotein E‐positive complexes accumulating overtime. The functional reprogramming of endogenous lipoprotein particles by NS1 as a means to exacerbate systemic inflammation during viral infection provides a new paradigm in dengue pathogenesis.
EXPERIENCES OF SERVICE-USER VIOLENCE AND COPING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED DURING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE DELIVERY: SUGGESTIONS FOR ENSURING SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSONAL SAFETY
Authors: Zimunya Shingirayi , Alpaslan Assim Hashim
Published: May 2022

Workplace violence or incidents where social workers are abused, threatened or assaulted by service users in executing the duties related to their work is acknowledged as a serious concern and an occupational hazard in many countries. This type of violence directly and indirectly challenges social workers’ safety, health and wellbeing. In this article, emanating from a qualitative research project, 14 South African social workers’ experiences of service-user violence and their coping strategies employed during social work service delivery are reported, and suggestions for ensuring social workers’ personal safety are put forward.
The prevalence of perfectionism and positive mental health in undergraduate students
Authors: Alanna Kaser , Keddy Sophie , Hill Taylor
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the relationship between mental health and perfectionist personality styles within Dalhousie University’s undergraduate psychology program (N = 191). Positive mental health is characterized by high social, emotional, and psychological functioning in everyday life. Perfectionism has traditionally been studied as a correlate of poor mental health, although relatively recent research has offered a reconceptualization wherein the adaptiveness of perfectionism can support positive mental health. In particular, the perfectionist personality style may be categorized as three types: non-perfectionist, maladaptive perfectionist, and adaptive perfectionist. We classified participants based on their perfectionist personality style and assessed the distribution of mental health level and variation of mental health scores across the different perfectionist personality styles. Overall, we found a pattern of high mental health scores in adaptive perfectionists, moderate mental health scores in non-perfectionists, and low mental health scores in maladaptive perfectionists, suggesting that mental health varies systematically with type of perfectionism. Our findings demonstrate that perfectionism can be an adaptive personality style and positively relate to mental health. Our study supports the reconceptualized definition of perfectionism as a potentially adaptive personality style.
Who is advocating for the health of ageing populations around the globe?
Authors: Mah Jasmine Cassy
Published: May 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of the existing structures in place for the most vulnerable populations; this is especially true for the capacity of healthcare and social systems to care for older adults. There have been global outcries over long-term care systems; yet, who is coordinating the efforts to ensure we are investing in infrastructure to support the health and wellbeing needs of ageing populations? This commentary first situates the health of global ageing populations as an international responsibility, before examining why conventional global health actors have only partially filled this gap. The commentary concludes by calling for a dedicated institution to champion this cause, as global population ageing is unlikely to emerge as a global health priority without an international advocate.
Characterizing non-curative cancer patient’s preferences, barriers, and facilitators to engaging in exercise programs: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Langley Jodi Eleanor , Warner Grace , Cassidy Christine , Culos-Reed Nicole , Urquhart Robin , Grandy Scott A , Keats Melanie R
Published: May 2022

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to understand the existing knowledge on, non-curative cancer patients’ preferences, barriers, and facilitators to engaging in an exercise program, strategies for practitioners to increase the uptake of exercise program for non-curative cancer patients. Introduction: Early palliative interventions for patients with non-curative cancers have shown to have positive effects on an individual’s quality of life. A common objective of early palliative interventions is to enhance quality of life, enable symptom management and improve mental health. Although not a specific component of early palliative care, tailored exercise program have the similar goal of enhancing quality of life in non-curative cancer patients.Inclusion criteria: This review will consider sources that include non-curative cancer patients and their needs and experiences regarding participating in exercise programs. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and grey literature will be searched.Methods: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. Databases to be searched from their respective inception to Sept 9, 2021 include CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and PsychINFO. A comprehensive search strategy was developed in accordance with JBI methodology to retrieve relevant sources. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts as well as full texts of relevant sources. The results of the search and the study inclusion process will be reported in full in a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers and then mapped onto the Behaviour Change Wheel. The results will be presented narratively, using appropriate tables and figures.Conclusion: This review will map key barriers, facilitators, and preferences to partaking in exercise programs for individuals with non-curative cancer. This will aid in informing priorities for subsequent implementation studies.
An Evaluation of Cancer’s Margins Training Videos and their Impact on Medical Students’ Self-Rated Confidence in Working with Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (LBT) Patients with Breast and Gynecological Cancers
Authors: Coulas Joanna , Gahagan Jacqueline
Published: May 2022

Lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) patients with breast and gynecological cancers face unique challenges and barriers to accessing LBT affirming healthcare. Physician attitudes and knowledge for working with LBT patients contribute to these challenges and barriers. Despite this, there is very limited LBT specific education in the medical curriculum. Cancer’s Margins (cancersmargins.ca) is a national project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) that has developed a series of first voice videos which can serve as additional training content for medical students for working with LBT patients within what has been traditionally termed “women’s cancers”. This project serves to evaluate the impact of the Cancer’s Margins videos on the self-reported confidence of Dalhousie University medical students in working with these populations. Medical students were invited to participate in a two-part online survey using a 29-item survey that explored self-rated confidence before and after watching the Cancer’s Margins videos. There were 4 open-ended questions for feedback on the videos to help assess overall self-rated impact. 23 surveys were either fully or partially completed. Overall attitudes towards LBT patients were positive, but overall confidence was variable. There was an average increase of 8% in overall group self-rated confidence after watching the Cancer’s Margins videos. Incorporating training for working with LBT patients into the medical school curriculum could increase quality of care and break down barriers in access to care for LBT populations. The Cancer’s Margins training videos can be an effective resource for medical students for increasing self-reported confidence.
Clarifying the concept of mental health literacy: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Coughlan Emma , Heyland Lindsay K , Hill Taylor G
Published: May 2022

This scoping review will map the peer-reviewed and grey literature, to clarify the concept of mental health literacy (MHL). MHL is an emerging area of study within mental health promotion, as programming and policy efforts devoted to promoting mental health emerge. Enhancing MHL in the general population is a strategy for promoting mental health by reducing stigma and empowering individuals to recognize, interpret, and understand their mental health, and know when to seek help for themselves and others. Despite the positive outcomes associated with MHL, conceptualization varies in scope, purpose, process, and outcome; there is little consensus of what “counts” as MHL. A clearly defined conceptualization of MHL is needed to support research, programing, and policy in mental health promotion. Papers on the theoretical and conceptual principles underlying MHL and primary studies documenting MHL initiatives, and methods, will be included. A scoping literature search will be performed following the search protocol for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) to identify all relevant literature on MHL. Searches will be conducted in three scientific databases; there will be no time limit imposed, although all sources must be written in English. Identifying the conceptualizations of MHL in the literature that is guiding mental health interventions will provide conceptual clarity ultimately advancing knowledge of mental health literacy.
The Impact of Exercise Training Interventions on Flow-Mediated Dilation: An Umbrella Review Protocol
Authors: O'Brien Myles W. , Liu Haoxuan , Shivgulam Madeline E , Langley Jodi E. , Bray Nick W. , Kimmerly Derek S.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. (Cardio)vascular diseases are among the top causes of death in western societies. The impact of exercise training interventions to improve endothelial-dependent, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses has been reviewed extensively. These reviews may differ in their inclusion criteria, exercise type, exercise mode, exercise intensity, specific research questions, and conclusions. Comparing and contrasting these reviews will assist with the determination of optimal exercise programs across healthy and clinical populations.Objectives. We will conduct an umbrella review (or review of reviews) on systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the impact of exercise training interventions on peripheral artery FMD. The impact of exercise training design, population or artery studied, FMD methodology, and quality of reviews will be explored.Methods. A database search will be conducted in Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on exercise training and FMD. All reviews must be conducted in adults (≥18 years). No limitation will be placed on the population (disease status, sex, etc.) or type of exercise training. Study quality will be determined using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews. Two independent screeners will examine titles, abstracts, full texts of relevant sources, and conduct the quality assessments. The results will be presented narratively and in a tabular format to align with the review objectives.Conclusion. This umbrella review may provide insight into the optimal training program to improve arterial health and act as an agent of change for modifying existing community exercise programs or clinical rehabilitation programs.
Barriers and potential solutions to mental healthcare access for youth refugees and asylum seekers
Authors: Barbo Geneveave
Published: May 2022

Globally, over 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced in 2020, about 42% (35 million) of which are children and youth. Youth, aged 15 to 24, are highly susceptible to mental health difficulties, particularly those who are refugees and asylum seekers. Serious post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety symptoms have been seen in youth refugees and asylum seekers months after they have resettled in their host countries. Yet, they encounter numerous barriers to accessing mental health support. This infographic illustrates the preliminary findings of an integrative review conducted to determine the barriers to mental health access of youth refugees and asylum seekers as well as the potential solutions to these barriers. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and other relevant organizations’ websites were searched for published and unpublished articles. Data from eligible articles were extracted and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings from this review have the potential to inform future research, policy, and practice.
Hepatic RACK1 deletion disturbs lipid and glucose homeostasis independently of insulin resistance
Authors: Qin Wanying , Zhang Ting , Ge Mingxia , Zhou Huimin , Xu Yuhui , Mu Rongfang , Huang Chaoguang , Liu Daowei , Huang Bangrui , Wang Qian , Kong Qinghua , Kong Qingpeng , Li Fei , Xiong Wenyong
Published: May 2022

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is a versatile protein involved in multiple biological processes. In a previous study by Zhao et al., hepatic RACK1 deletion in mice led to an inhibition of autophagy, blocked autophagy-dependent lipolysis, and caused steatosis. Using the same mouse model (RACK1hep−/−), we revealed new roles of RACK1 in maintaining bile acid homeostasis and hepatic glucose uptake, which further affected circulatory lipid and glucose levels. To be specific, even under hepatic steatosis, the plasma lipids were generally reduced in RACK1hep−/− mouse, which was due to the suppression of intestinal lipid absorption. Accordingly, a decrease in total bile acid level was found in RACK1hep−/− livers, gallbladders, and small intestine tissues, and specific decrease of 12-hydroxylated bile acids was detected by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Consistently, reduced expression of CYP8B1 was found. A decrease in hepatic glycogen storage was also observed, which might be due to the inhibited glucose uptake by GLUT2 insufficiency. Interestingly, RACK1-KO-inducing hepatic steatosis did not raise insulin resistance (IR) nor IR-inducing factors like endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation. In summary, this study uncovers that hepatic RACK1 might be required in maintaining bile acid homeostasis and glucose uptake in hepatocytes. This study also provides an additional case of hepatic steatosis disassociation with insulin resistance.