bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative life events and internalizing problems among Romanian youth
Authors: Sârbu Emanuel Adrian , Iovu Mihai-Bogdan , Lazăr Florin
Published: November 2021

During adolescence individuals face multiple stressful events, but it is not clear how these impact adolescents’ adjustment and what factors buffer their negative effects. The present exploratory study investigates the relationship between frequency, proximity, and intensity of negative life events and occurrence of internalizing symptoms in a sample of Romanian adolescents. 2690 youth aged 15–16 from capital city of Romania filled in a series of measures from Youth in Europe Study. Hierarchical regression was employed to test for the explanatory value of individual (gender and family status), relational (parents and peer support), and negative life events on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Frequency and proximity of negative life events explained 35.8% in the displaying of depressive symptoms. After controlling for individual and relational variables, occurrence, proximity, and intensity of negative life events significantly contributed to explaining heightened anxiety symptoms ( R 2 = .246). Adolescents reporting more frequent, earlier in time and more intensive negative events also reported more depressive and anxiety symptoms, thus, supporting the relationship between occurrence of adversities and negative mental health outcomes.
Exploring domains of contemporary Australian agrarianism
Authors: Peel Dominic , Berry Helen L , Botterill Linda Courtenay , Cockfield Geoff
Published: November 2021

The idealisation of rural work, people, and communities is remarkably persistent in Western countries. With the diminishing role of agriculture in national economies and changing values, this agrarian sentiment could be expected to lose currency. Yet, agrarian tropes and narratives remain evident in popular culture, political discourse, and public policy. Flinn and Johnson, in the 1970s, pioneered empirical studies of agrarianism based on a regionally specific and relatively small sample from which they identified five tenets of agrarianism. We sought to develop a survey instrument to explore whether changes in societal values, and in the structures and practices of agriculture, mean these tenets no longer hold. We find that, overall, many of the key elements identified by Flinn and Johnson are still evident. In addition, we have identified three domains of agrarianism: foundationalism, ruralism, and stewardship, that represent some of the historical diversity of agrarian themes and some accommodation with environmentalism.
The influences of different types of social media activities on ethnic minorities’ acculturation
Authors: Lai Chun
Published: November 2021

Adopting the activity-audience framework, this study examined how different social media activities among a group of ethnic minority students associated with acculturation. It took a Qual-Quant sequential design by interviewing 44 secondary school ethnic minority students in Hong Kong first to conceptualize the potential relationships and then surveying 565 students to test the conceptual model. It found that different social media activities associated differently with acculturation; in contrast to the weak association of communication with friends and schoolmate, consuming mainstream culture-related information and interacting with strangers from the mainstream culture were the important determinators of the students’ bicultural competence and bicultural identity. Cognitive appraisal positively mediated the contribution of information consumption, whereas communication with strangers was mediated positively by behavioral appraisal but negatively by affective appraisal. The findings advocate a differentiated approach toward utilizing the affordances of social media activities for acculturation.
Direct and indirect relationships between social media use and body satisfaction: A prospective study among adolescent boys and girls
Authors: Jarman Hannah K , McLean Siân A , Slater Amy , Marques Mathew D , Paxton Susan J
Published: November 2021

Cross-sectional research suggests a small, inverse association between social media use and body satisfaction. However, less is known regarding prospective, bidirectional, or mediating effects. In line with sociocultural theory, this study used a three-wave design to examine direct and indirect effects between social media use and body satisfaction, via thin-ideal and muscular-ideal internalisation and social comparisons. Adolescents ( n = 1911; Mage = 14.27, SD = 1.08) were invited to complete three surveys over 1 year. Cross-lagged panel models indicated acceptable fit for two social media use operationalisations, with better fit statistics for the appearance-focused use rather than photo-based activities model. Despite largely no direct effects, indirect effects were found. Social comparisons mediated the relationships over time, whereby higher social media use predicted higher comparisons, which predicted lower body satisfaction. The reverse direction was also found. Gender invariance indicates that prevention aimed at reducing comparisons may be suitable for boys and girls.
On programming of polyvinylidene fluoride–limestone composite for four-dimensional printing applications in heritage structures
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Singh Rupinder , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: November 2021

Heritage structures are under the effect of chemical, physical and biological weathering, and out of these common effects, chemical weathering has a significant impact (as it results in nifty formation and causes fractures in heritage structures). Chemical weathering may include carbonation, oxidation, hydration, hydrolysis, and acidification. Most heritage structures are made up of limestone, which is more susceptible to carbonation. According to the reported literature, commercial practices for the maintenance and repair of these heritage structures use epoxy-based solutions, which may not be best suited as per the various regulations imposed by different government/public authorities. But so far little has been reported on the use of innovative, programmable thermoplastic composites for the maintenance and repair of such structures. This study highlights the effect of chemical treatment (as a stimulus) using a one-way programming of three-dimensional-printed thermoplastic composite-based (polyvinylidene fluoride–6% limestone) functional prototype as a solution for the maintenance and repair of heritage structures (grade III). For one-way programming, three-dimensional-printed substrate is exposed to dimethylformamide, and the changes in morphological and surface properties are noticed. After this, carbonation cycle (with carbonic acid) is performed and the changes in morphological and surface properties are compared to ascertain the stimulus effect for one-way programming (of polyvinylidene fluoride–6% limestone composite). The results of the study outline that the prepared composite may be programmed by controlling the exposure of dimethylformamide and carbonic acid (as a stimulus). Further best settings for preparing feedstock filament (for three-dimensional printing of functional prototypes in case of a selected heritage structure) are 200 °C screw temperature, 0.35 N m torque and an applied load of 8 kg in terms of better mechanical properties and shore D hardness.
Crashworthiness analysis of cylindrical tubes with coupling effects under quasi-static axial loading: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Mansoori Hassan , Hamzehei Ramin , Dariushi Soheil
Published: November 2021

In most cylindrical tubes, the occurrence of negative stiffness under compression is unavoidable. This downward trend in the force–displacement relationship means a decrease in the energy-absorption capacity. To this end, this paper introduces a new assembly method comprising two concentric cylindrical tubes. The inner cylinder possesses positive Poisson's ratio behavior, whereas the outer cylinder exhibits negative Poisson's ratio behavior. When compressed, the outer and inner cylinders shrink and expand, respectively, creating surface contacts between the two cylinders, called coupling effects. This property not only avoids the occurrence of negative stiffness in outer cylindrical tube, but also increases the energy-absorption capacity in an upward trend in the force–displacement relationship. To confirm this claim, three different types of cylindrical tubes, possessing positive Poisson’s ratio, zero Poisson's ratio, and negative Poisson’s ratio behaviors, are considered. A finite-element analysis is implemented to simulate deformation patterns of cylindrical tubes. Then, to verify the results of finite-element analysis, a laser-cutting method is applied to fabricate cylindrical tubes from stainless steel tubes. The results show that the proposed assembly method increases the energy-absorption capacity by up to 95% compared to the well-known auxetic tube. Next, a parametric study is performed, in which the gap space between the two cylinders is considered as a design variable. The results reveal the smaller the gap space, the higher the energy-absorption capacity. The absorbed energy in the assembled cylinders without gap space is 17.6 J, which is 36% greater than that of cylinders with 13 mm gap space. The effects of relative density and crushing speed are also evaluated. When compared to the crushing speed, the energy-absorption capacity is highly dependent on relative density.
Gas metal arc welding of XPF800 steel for automotive industry: Microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties investigation
Authors: Korkmaz Emre , Meran Cemal
Published: November 2021

In this study, the effect of gas metal arc welding on the mechanical and microstructure properties of hot-rolled XPF800 steel newly produced by TATA Steel has been investigated. This steel finds its role in the automotive industry as chassis and seating applications. The microstructure transformation during gas metal arc welding has been analyzed using scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Tensile, Charpy impact, and microhardness tests have been implemented to determine the mechanical properties of welded samples. Acceptable welded joints have been obtained using heat input in the range of 0.28–0.46 kJ/mm. It has been found that the base metal hardness of the welded sample is 320 HV0.1. On account of the heat-affected zone softening, the intercritical heat-affected zone hardness values have diminished ∼20% compared to base metal.
Microstructure and anti-corrosion performance of laser cladded Nb-modified Ni-based alloy coatings
Authors: Chen Haixiang , Wang Kun
Published: November 2021

In this work, Ni-based alloy coatings incorporated with Nb mass fractions of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% were successfully fabricated by laser cladding. The morphology, chemical composition, and phases of the obtained Nb-modified Ni-based coatings were characterized, and the effects of Nb contents on their electrochemical performance and immersion rates in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were analyzed. The results show that the Ni-based coating with low Nb exhibits the most compact and refined microstructure, the best electrochemical passivation, and the lowest immersion corrosion rate of 3.30 × 10−3 mm/year. However, with increasing Nb content, the Laves phase is accumulated, and dendritic growth is promoted, which significantly decreases the coating passive stability and worsens the anti-corrosion performance.
Corporate entrepreneurs and collaborative innovation in crisis: The case of the Covid-19 ventilator shortage
Authors: Korber Stefan , Siedlok Frank , Elsahn Ziad
Published: November 2021

This teaching case focuses on corporate entrepreneurship and collaborative innovation during an unprecedented crisis – the shortage in mechanical ventilators when the Covid-19 pandemic began. Based on secondary data sources, the case outlines the challenges of designing and manufacturing mechanical ventilators and introduces four initiatives, consisting of organisations with often limited experience in medical device manufacturing that attempted to address the predicted shortage of ventilators. By comparing the approaches used in these initiatives, the case sensitises students to the challenges of pursuing opportunities outside a firm's established domain of expertise and how inter-organisational collaboration affects such attempts. Although the case centres on an unprecedented event, the insights it develops make it suitable for a range of innovation and entrepreneurship-related under- and post-graduates courses.
Investigating inclusive practice in international schooling: a case study of two schools
Authors: Agustian Hendra Y
Published: November 2021

Although the underlying principles and the founding history of international schools supposedly advocate the notions of providing equal opportunities, catering for diversity, and promoting global citizenship, the dimensions of inclusive education might not be self-evident. Findings from this qualitative case study show that the understanding of inclusion in the context of international schools goes beyond disabilities and special education needs. Several approaches to evolving inclusive practice are highlighted. However, there are tensions between different stakeholders of international schools in defining inclusion; between the rhetoric of inclusion found in school documents and the reality, and between the original philosophy of international education and schools’ admission policies.
Scoring Model to Predict Major Amputation in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia at Wound, Ischemia, and Foot Infection Clinical Stage 4 After Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Kobayashi Norihiro , Yamawaki Masahiro , Mori Shinsuke , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Honda Yohsuke , Makino Kenji , Shirai Shigemitsu , Mizusawa Masafumi , Nakano Takahide , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

We investigated the predictors of major amputation (MA) at 1 year and prepared a scoring model to stratify the clinical outcomes of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients at wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) clinical stage 4 after endovascular therapy (EVT).

Materials and Methods:

This study was a retrospective, observational study performed at a single center. A total of 353 CLTI patients (390 limbs) were treated with EVT between April 2007 and December 2016. Among these, limbs at WIfI clinical stages 1, 2, and 3 were excluded, and 194 limbs at WIfI clinical stage 4 (49.7%) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was major amputation (MA) free rate at 1 year. Predictors of MA at 1 year was evaluated by Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results:

At 1 year, the incidence of MA was 18.0% (35 limbs). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that hemodialysis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–5.58; p=0.012), fI3 (HR 2.54; 95% CI, 1.28–5.06; p=0.008), toe wounds (HR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.094–0.88; p=0.029), and visible blood flow to the wound (HR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21–0.89; p=0.023) were associated with MA. We assigned 1 point for positive predictors of MA, hemodialysis, and fI3; 1 point was deducted for negative predictors of MA, toe wounds, and visible blood flow to the wound. A score of −2 or −1, was defined as the low-risk group, 0 was defined as the intermediate-risk group, and +1 or +2 were defined as the high-risk group. At 1 year, MA free rate, wound healing rate, and amputation-free survival rate were stratified according to a scoring model. MA free rate was 96.6% in low-risk, 72.4% in intermediate-risk, and 67.3% in high-risk (p<0.001); wound healing rate was 67.8% in low-risk, 27.6% in intermediate-risk, and 4.1% in high-risk (p<0.001); amputation-free survival rate was 65.3% in low-risk, 44.8% in intermediate-risk, and 18.4% in high-risk (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The scoring model based on the predictors of MA stratified clinical outcomes in CLTI patients at WIfI clinical stage 4.
Gubernatorial Elections Change Demand for Local Newspapers
Authors: Archer Allison M. N. , Darr Joshua P.
Published: November 2021

How do partisans react when their candidate wins or loses a gubernatorial election? Previous work shows that when parties win presidential elections, demand for their affiliated local newspapers decreases relative to the losing party’s newspapers. However, it is unclear if this negative link extends beyond presidential races into state-level elections. To test this relationship, we analyze demand for partisan and non-partisan newspapers in Virginia and New Jersey—two states that hold off-cycle gubernatorial elections with no competition from federal elections—from 1933 to 2005. We find demand for local newspapers associated with the winning party declines after gubernatorial elections compared to demand for other newspapers. The results also shed light on whether (and which) winning partisans are disengaging completely or shifting their consumption to independent newspapers. Taken together, our study suggests that state-level elections significantly influence local newspaper consumption and adds valuable local context to our understanding of the political dynamics of news demand.
The Clinicopathological Features and Overall Survival of Patients With Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Bin , Chu Yuxin , Hu Qinyong , Song Qibin
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNEC) is a class of rare histological subtypes in gastric cancer (GC). This retrospective case-control study aimed to explore the clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) of patients with GNEC.

Methods:

A large population of GNEC and intestinal-type GC (IGC) patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was initiated to adjust the confounders between GNEC and IGC cohorts. Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots with log-rank tests were used to compare the survival differences in GNEC versus IGC. Additionally, Cox proportional hazard regression models were adopted to characterize the prognostic factors relevant to OS of the GNEC patients.

Results:

An entity of 4596 patients were collected, including 3943 (85.8%) IGC patients and 653 (14.2%) GNEC patients. The PSM analysis well-balanced all confounders in GNEC versus IGC (all P > .05). The KM plots showed that GNEC had significantly superior OS to IGC both before and after PSM analysis. Before PSM, the median OS was 52 (33.6-70.4) months in GNEC versus 32 (29.3-34.7) months in IGC ( P  =  .0015). After PSM, the median OS was 26 (18.3-33.7) months in GNEC versus 21 (17.7-24.3) months in IGC ( P  =  .0039). Stratified analysis indicated that GNEC had superior survivals to IGC in early stage patients and those who received surgery. In Cox regression analysis, age ≥ 60, tumor size > 50 mm, stage II-IV, T2, and N3 were independent risk factors for the GNEC patients (hazard ratio [HR]>1, P < .05). By contrast, year 2010 to 2015, female, and surgery were independent protective factors for these patients (HR < 1, P < .05).

Conclusions:

GNEC has unique clinicopathological features quite different from IGC and may have a superior survival to IGC in early stage patients. The prognostic factors identified here may assist the clinicians to more individually treat these patients.
Production of Long-Acting CNGRC–CPG2 Fusion Proteins: New Derivatives to Overcome Drug Immunogenicity of Ligand-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Targeted Cancer Treatment
Authors: Al-mansoori Layla , Al Qahtani Alanod D. , Elsinga Philip , Goda Sayed K.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Aminopeptidase N (APN) is an enzyme highly expressed in metastatic cancers and could be used in targeted cancer therapy. Our previous work showed the successful construction of CNGRC–carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and CNGRC–CPG2–CNGRC fusion proteins. Our conjugates and prodrugs were effective in targeting high APN-expressing cancer cells. In the present study, we aim to produce long-acting fusion proteins to overcome 2 of the main drawbacks of antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Methods: N-terminal and N-, C-terminal fusion CPG2, CNGRC–CPG2, and CNGRC–CPG2–CNGRC, respectively, were PEGylated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) maleimide (40K). We examined the effect of PEGylation on the therapeutic efficacy of the new products. The resulting PEGylated fusion proteins were tested for their stability, ex vivo immunotoxicity, binding capacity to their target on high HT1080, and low A549 APN-expressing cells. The catalytic activity of the resulting PEGylated fusion CPG2 proteins was investigated. Pro-drug “ZD2767P” cytotoxic effect in association with PEG CPG2–CNGRC fusion proteins on cancer cells was studied. Results: Our work demonstrated that the properties of the PEGylated single-fused proteins were significantly improved over that of un-PEGylated fused CPG2, and its kinetic activity and APN-binding affinity were not negatively affected by the PEGylation. Significantly, The PEGylated single-fused CPG2 had lower immunogenicity than the un-PEGylated CPG2. Our results, however, were different in the case of the PEGylated double-fused CPG2. Although its stability in human serum under physiological conditions was not significantly affected, the kinetic activity and its binding affinity to their cellular marker (APN) were substantially reduced. When the study was performed with high and low APN-expressing cancer cell lines, using the prodrug ZD2767p, the PEGylated fusion CPG2 demonstrated cancer cell killing effects. Conclusion: We have successfully produced PEGylated-CNGRC–CPG2, which is bioactive and with lower immunogenicity in ligand-directed enzyme prodrug therapy for cancer treatment.
Fine-needle Aspiration Washout Precipitation Specimens: An Acceptable Supplement to Genetic Mutation Detection of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Cui Yongmei , Huang Xiangqi , Guo Jinrui , Zhang Nana , Liang Jing , Zhang Yiwang , Liao Yueting , He Dan
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Thyroid nodules are common in adults, but only some of them are malignant. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is widely applied as a reliable and minimally invasive technique for evaluating thyroid nodules. However, the scarcity of FNA biopsy specimens poses a challenge to molecular diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of FNA washout precipitation specimens as an effective supplement to the thyroid genetic test. Methods: A total of 115 patients with thyroid nodules were enrolled in our study. The BRAF V600E mutation status was detected in all FNA washout precipitation specimens and biopsy formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens using an amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR). All patients underwent cytological diagnoses; 79 patients also underwent surgery for histopathological analysis. Results: All the 115 samples were successfully analyzed using both FNA washout precipitation and biopsy FFPE specimens. The results showed that the BRAF V600E status detected in 96 FNA washout precipitation specimens were consistent with that in FNA biopsy FFPE specimens, including 41 BRAF V600E positive and 55 BRAF V600E negative, achieving a concordance rate of 84.4% (kappa  =  0.689). Furthermore, the BRAF V600E mutation status using FNA washout precipitation specimens provided a 100.0% positive predictive value for diagnosing papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) V. Besides, the BRAF V600E mutation status was positive in 90.9% (10/11) FNA washout precipitation specimens from patients with capsule invasion, achieving a higher overall sensitivity of 100.0%, compared with 57.1% of FNA washout precipitation specimens from patients without capsule invasion. Conclusion: These results suggested that FNA washout precipitation specimens might be a valuable supplementary sample type for detecting the BRAF V600E mutation in patients with thyroid nodules, especially with thyroid capsule invasion.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgical Rib Fixation for Costochondral Separation Injury
Authors: Geraedts Tessa C. M. , Daemen Jean H. T. , Vissers Yvonne L. J. , de Loos Erik R.
Published: November 2021

Costochondral separation is a rare phenomenon following blunt thoracic trauma that can also be associated with secondary injuries. We present a case with complete costochondral separation of the right second rib with concomitant mediastinal compression. Definitive treatment was provided through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical plate osteosynthesis.
Choline Chloride Mediates Salinity Tolerance in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) by Improving Growth, Oxidative Defense, and Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Riaz Saima , Hussain Iqbal , Ibrahim Muhammad , Rasheed Rizwan , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan
Published: November 2021

Choline chloride (CC) application enhanced the tolerance of cluster bean ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) against salinity stress. The aim of the study was to determine the protective role of CC on plant growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. The seeds of BR-99 (tolerant) and BR-2017 (sensitive) were surface sterilized and sown in plastic pots containing river sandy soil. The design of the experiments was completely randomized with 4 replicates per treatment. Three weeks after germination, salinity (150 mM) was imposed. Then plants were sprayed with different concentrations of CC (3, 5, and 10 mM), while normal plants were sprayed with distilled water. Salinity decreased growth attributes, relative water contents, photosynthetic attributes, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, phenolic, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, proline, and glycine betaine and increased the levels of oxidative stress indicators. However, the application of CC (particularly 5 mM) improved growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and activities of antioxidant compounds by reducing the levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde in salt-stressed plants in both cluster bean varieties. BR-99 variety showed more tolerance to salinity stress than that of BR-2017 in the form of greater oxidative defense and osmotic adjustment and clear from greater plant dry masses. Thus, our results showed that the application of CC (5 mM) is an efficient strategy for field use in the areas, where salt stress soils limit agriculture production.
Rescue embolization with direct coil delivery from dual-lumen balloon microcatheter
Authors: Chen Ching-Chang , Chen Chun-Ting , Hsieh Po-Chuan , Yeap Mun-Chun , Wu Yi-Ming
Published: November 2021

Background

Balloon microcatheters are widely used for endovascular treatment. However, no reports on direct coil embolization from dual-lumen balloon microcatheters are available in the literature. This report is the first description of direct coil embolization using this type of balloon microcatheter for looming bleeding emergencies.

Methods

This retrospective review demonstrates the indications and advantages of coil embolization from an inflated balloon catheter to reduce blood loss and simultaneously occlude bleeding.

Results

Five patients who underwent emergency endovascular treatment using coil embolization directly delivered from a dual-lumen balloon were identified. Etiologies included vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula, ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm, vertebral artery injury during cervical spinal operation, and failed stent retrieval procedures for acute infarction. Complete hemostasis was achieved with all procedures.

Conclusion

Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of direct coil embolization by using a dual-lumen balloon to rapidly halt bleeding in some rare emergency situations, which may save lives.
Cortical mechanisms in migraine
Authors: Dai Wei , Liu Ren-Hao , Qiu Enchao , Liu Yinglu , Chen Zhiye , Chen Xiaoyan , Ao Ran , Zhuo Min , Yu Shengyuan
Published: November 2021

Migraine is the second most prevalent disorder in the world; yet, its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Cumulative studies have revealed pivotal roles of cerebral cortex in the initiation, propagation, and termination of migraine attacks as well as the interictal phase. Investigation of basic mechanisms of the cortex in migraine not only brings insight into the underlying pathophysiology but also provides the basis for designing novel treatments. We aim to summarize the current research literatures and give a brief overview of the cortex and its role in migraine, including the basic structure and function; structural, functional, and biochemical neuroimaging; migraine-related genes; and theories related to cortex in migraine pathophysiology. We propose that long-term plasticity of synaptic transmission in the cortex encodes migraine.
Immigrant Southeast and East Asian mothers’ transnational postpartum cultural practices: A meta-ethnography
Authors: Vo Timothea , Desai Manisha
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Southeast and East Asian mothers experience the postpartum period differently than that of the general population. Despite the documented difference, there is limited representation of postpartum cultural practices in nursing and midwifery research. The purpose of this meta-ethnography is to synthesize qualitative findings from studies that examined postpartum cultural practices of Southeast and East Asian mothers globally to ensure better maternal health outcomes.

Methods:

Noblit and Hare’s seven-step meta-ethnographic approach was used. We analyzed constructs, concepts, themes, and metaphors using Krippendorff’s content analysis. The guidelines for preferred reporting the synthesis of qualitative research were adhered to enhancing transparency (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Results:

The collaborative search process in the following databases, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus, resulted in eight high quality research studies published between January 2017 and February 2020. Five studies discussed postpartum traditions of immigrant mothers ( n = 67) living in North America ( n = 67), while three studies explored that of mothers living in Southeast and East Asian. Mothers ( n = 132) from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Hmong participated.

Findings:

Three themes emerged: (1) importance of maintaining postpartum cultural practices; (2) barriers of “doing-the-month”; and (3) modification: practicality over tradition. Although participants recognized value in postpartum traditions, the lack of social support deterred more immigrant than non-immigrant Southeast and East Asian mothers from “doing-the-month.” Due to the influence of western medicine, clinicians’ postpartum care suggestions, and use of modern technology (e.g., Internet), Southeast and East Asian mothers had informed choices to adapt, modify, or “break with tradition.”

Conclusion:

Similarities and differences existed in how each Southeast and East Asian mother accepted and engaged with postpartum cultural practices, a process which aligned with one’s definition of health. Maternity care providers should further elicit Southeast and East Asian mothers’ needs based on individualized assessments beginning in prenatal care with emphasis on social support for mothers who have recently immigrated and given birth in their adopted countries.
Factors associated with modern contraceptive use: a comparative analysis between younger and older women in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Kalinda Chester , Peltzer Karl , Hlongwana Khumbulani
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Unplanned pregnancy continues to be a global reproductive and public health concern among women. This study aimed to investigate whether factors associated with modern contraceptive use differ by age-group among young and older women of reproductive age.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 433 women of reproductive age, with the median age of 25 years (interquartile range: 21–28), and aged between 18 and 49. Data were collected from 10 public health care clinics in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, using a structured questionnaire. Data were coded, entered into Epi Data Manager and exported to Stata for analysis. A Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression models were employed to assess the level of the association between the predictor and outcome variables, and the p-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Most women in the sample (n = 351, 81%) had obtained a secondary level of education, while 53% (n = 230) were unemployed and 89% (n = 387) were single. We found that women with secondary level of education (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 0.99–5.38) or a tertiary level of education (AOR 3.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.53) were more likely to use contraceptive methods compared to women with lower education. Women who experienced unplanned pregnancy (AOR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22–3.79) were more likely to use contraceptives. Women aged 25–49 years who experienced pregnancy, whether planned (AOR 3.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.89) or unplanned (AOR 3.60, 95% CI: 2.15–4.19), were more likely to use a contraceptive method. Results showed that the level of education (p = 0.942) and whether one experienced unplanned pregnancy (p = 0.913) were not significant predictors of contraceptive use among women aged 18–24 years.

Conclusion:

Concerted educational efforts to addressing existing barriers deterring women from accessing contraception among young women are necessary. Different groups of women should be targeted with family planning interventions specific to their needs.
The letter position coding mechanism of second language words during sentence reading: Evidence from eye movements
Authors: Cong Fengjiao , Chen Baoguo
Published: November 2021

We conducted three eye movement experiments to investigate the mechanism for coding letter positions in a person’s second language during sentence reading; we also examined the role of morphology in this process with a more rigorous manipulation. Given that readers obtain information not only from currently fixated words (i.e., the foveal area) but also from upcoming words (i.e., the parafoveal area) to guide their reading, we examined both when the targets were fixated (Exp. 1) and when the targets were seen parafoveally (Exps. 2 and 3). First, we found the classic transposed letter (TL) effect in Exp. 1, but not in Exp. 2 or 3. This implies that flexible letter position coding exists during sentence reading. However, this was limited to words located in the foveal area, suggesting that L2 readers whose L2 proficiency is not as high as skilled native readers are not able to extract and utilise the parafoveal letter identity and position information of a word, whether the word length is long (Exp. 2) or short (Exp. 3). Second, we found morphological information to influence the magnitude of the TL effect in Exp. 1. These results provide new eye movement evidence for the flexibility of L2 letter position coding during sentence reading, as well as the interactions between the different internal representations of words in this process. Future L2 reading frameworks should integrate word recognition and eye movement control models.
Feelings first? Sex differences in affective and cognitive processes in emotion recognition
Authors: Bek Judith , Donahoe Bronagh , Brady Nuala
Published: November 2021

The recognition of emotional expressions is important for social understanding and interaction, but findings on the relationship between emotion recognition, empathy, and theory of mind, as well as sex differences in these relationships, have been inconsistent. This may reflect the relative involvement of affective and cognitive processes at different stages of emotion recognition and in different experimental paradigms. In this study, images of faces were morphed from neutral to full expression of five basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness), which participants were asked to identify as quickly and accurately as possible. Accuracy and response times from healthy males ( n = 46) and females ( n = 43) were analysed in relation to self-reported empathy (Empathy Quotient; EQ) and mentalising/theory of mind (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test). Females were faster and more accurate than males in recognising dynamic emotions. Linear mixed-effects modelling showed that response times were inversely related to the emotional empathy subscale of the EQ, but this was accounted for by a female advantage on both measures. Accuracy was unrelated to EQ scores but was predicted independently by sex and Eyes Test scores. These findings suggest that rapid processing of dynamic emotional expressions is strongly influenced by sex, which may reflect the greater involvement of affective processes at earlier stages of emotion recognition.
The role of perceptual and cognitive load on inattentional blindness: A systematic review and three meta-analyses
Authors: Matias Jérémy , Belletier Clément , Izaute Marie , Lutz Matthieu , Silvert Laetitia
Published: November 2021

The inattentional blindness phenomenon refers to situations in which a visible but unexpected stimulus remains consciously unnoticed by observers. This phenomenon is classically explained as the consequence of insufficient attention, because attentional resources are already engaged elsewhere or vary between individuals. However, this attentional-resources view is broad and often imprecise regarding the variety of attentional models, the different pools of resources that can be involved in attentional tasks, and the heterogeneity of the experimental paradigms. Our aim was to investigate whether a classic theoretical model of attention, namely the Load Theory, could account for a large range of empirical findings in this field by distinguishing the role of perceptual and cognitive resources in attentional selection and attentional capture by irrelevant stimuli. As this model has been mostly built on implicit measures of distractor interference, it is unclear whether its predictions also hold when explicit and subjective awareness of an unexpected stimulus is concerned. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of inattentional blindness studies investigating the role of perceptual and/or cognitive resources. The results reveal that, in line with the perceptual account of the Load Theory, inattentional blindness significantly increases with the perceptual load of the task. However, the cognitive account of this theory is not clearly supported by the empirical findings analysed here. Furthermore, the interaction between perceptual and cognitive load on inattentional blindness remains understudied. Theoretical implications for the Load Theory are discussed, notably regarding the difference between attentional capture and subjective awareness paradigms, and further research directions are provided.
Circulant preconditioners for mean curvature-based image deblurring problem
Authors: Ahmad Shahbaz , Fairag Faisal
Published: November 2021

The mean curvature-based image deblurring model is widely used to enhance the quality of the deblurred images. However, the discretization of the associated Euler–Lagrange equations produces a nonlinear ill-conditioned system which affects the convergence of the numerical algorithms such as Krylov subspace methods (generalized minimal residual etc.) To overcome this difficulty, in this paper, we present three new circulant preconditioners. An efficient algorithm is presented for the mean curvature-based image deblurring problem, which combines a fixed point iteration with new preconditioned matrices to handle the nonlinearity and ill-conditioned nature of the large system. The eigenvalues analysis is also presented in the paper. Fast convergence has shown in the numerical results by using the proposed new circulant preconditioners.
Chrysosplenol D protects mice against LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Qinqin , Feng Aozi , Zeng Mengnan , Zhang Beibei , Shi Jingya , Lv Yaxin , Cao Bing , Zhao Chenxin , Wang Mengya , Ding Yifan , Zheng Xiaoke
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the effect and mechanism of chrysosplenol D (CD) on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. Histological changes in the lungs were measured by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by ELISA. The levels of oxidative stress were detected by the cuvette assay. Immune cells in peripheral blood, the levels of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis of primary lung cells were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, IL-1β, and NLRP3 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The levels of proteins in apoptosis and the TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways were detected by Western blot. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that CD could improve lung injury; decrease the levels of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and cell apoptosis; and regulate the immune system. Moreover, CD could down-regulate the mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3, and IL-1β in lung, and the protein levels of Keap-1, Cleaved-Caspase-3/Caspase-3, Cleaved-Caspase-9/Caspase-9, TLR4, MyD88, p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, p-p38/p38, p-p65/p65, NLRP3, and IL-1β, and up-regulated the levels of Bcl-2/Bax, p-Nrf2/Nrf2, and HO-1. The results suggested that CD could protect mice against LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the TLR4-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways.
Wound dehiscence prevalence and relationship with prosthetic material extrusion in women underwent anterior colpotomy
Authors: Balzarro Matteo , Rubilotta Emanuele , Mancini Vito , Serati Maurizio , Gubbiotti Marilena , Braga Andrea , Saleh Omar , Torrazzina Marco , Malanowska Ewelina , Serni Sergio , Carrieri Giuseppe , Antonelli Alessandro , Li Marzi Vincenzo
Published: November 2021

Aim:

To assess the prevalence of anterior vaginal wall dehiscence in women who underwent anterior vaginal wall colpotomy for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence and to evaluate the influence of suture materials and techniques on wound dehiscence.

Materials and Methods:

This multicenter, prospective study enrolled naïve women for urogynecological surgery affected by anterior vaginal wall defect or stress urinary incontinence. Performed surgical procedures were anterior vaginal wall repair (AVWR) with native tissue (N-AVWR) or polypropylene mesh (M-AVWR), trans-obturator polypropylene in-out middle urethral sling (MUS). Used suture materials were Vicryl 2-0, Vicryl Rapide 2-0, and Monocryl 3-0. Suture techniques were running interlocking or interrupted. Follow-up was performed daily during hospitalization and in outpatient clinic after 10–14, 30 days, and after 3 months.

Results:

A total of 1139 patients were enrolled. AVWR were 790: 89.1% N-AVWR, and 10.9% M-AVWR. Polypropylene MUS were 349. Women with prosthetic implantation were 38.2%, while 61.8% had native tissue repair. Overall Vicryl was used in 53.9%, Vicryl Rapide in 37.4%, and Monocryl in 8.7%. Overall running interlocking sutures were 66.5%, while interrupted were 33.5%. Overall wound dehiscence prevalence was 0.9% (10/1139). Wound dehiscence rate of 0.6% (5/790) was documented in AVWR: 0.3% (2/704) in N-AVWR, and 3.5% (3/86) in M-AVWR. Among women underwent MUS, 1.4% (5/349) showed wound dehiscence. In patients who underwent prosthetic surgery, the overall dehiscence prevalence was 1.8% (8/435). A statistically significant higher rate of wound dehiscence was found in women with implanted prosthetic materials.

Discussion:

We reported for the first time the prevalence of wound dehiscence in females who underwent colpotomy for AVWR or MUS. Wound dehiscence occurrence was low, but non-negligible. We found that this complication was poorly associated to the suture methods and materials, while prosthetic material represented a risk factor for wound healing.
Affected more than infected: The relationship between national narcissism and Zika conspiracy beliefs is mediated by exclusive victimhood about the Zika outbreak
Authors: Bertin Paul , Delouvée Sylvain
Published: November 2021

Many conspiracy theories appeared along with the Zika outbreak. While the virus is still circulating, motives underlying Zika conspiracy beliefs remain underexplored. National narcissism has been shown to be a robust social motive predicting conspiracy beliefs about other public health crises. This relationship has been interpreted as conspiracy beliefs protecting one's idealistic national image from the crisis by externally attributing any potential threatening factors. We seek to provide an additional account by proposing that such external projection of grievances is rooted in the ethnocentric tendency to frame one's nation's suffering as central to the crisis. We argue that this inflated perception of victimhood, which we operationalized through exclusive victimhood, legitimizes national narcissists’ expression of their (conspiracy) view of the crisis, hence managing their identity. Based on a representative sample of the French population ( N = 1,104), results confirmed that national narcissism was related to Zika conspiracy beliefs, and that this relationship was mediated by the belief that French people suffered uniquely and more than others from the Zika outbreak. These results held even when controlling for potential confounding variables. We discuss the possible functions of exclusive victimhood in times of global threats, and the defensive role played by conspiracy beliefs.
The Need for Data Standards and Implementation Policies to Integrate CGM Data into the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Espinoza Juan , Xu Nicole Y. , Nguyen Kevin T. , Klonoff David C.
Published: November 2021

The current lack of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data integration into the electronic health record (EHR) is holding back the use of this wearable technology for patient-generated health data (PGHD). This failure to integrate with other healthcare data inside the EHR disrupts workflows, removes the data from critical patient context, and overall makes the CGM data less useful than it might otherwise be. Many healthcare organizations (HCOs) are either struggling with or delaying designing and implementing CGM data integrations. In this article, the current status of CGM integration is reviewed, goals for integration are proposed, and a consensus plan to engage key stakeholders to facilitate integration is presented.