bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knitting parameters effect of coffee carbon polyamide and graphene polyamide far-infrared knits on human skin microcirculation
Authors: Jin Zimin , Chen Jiaxue , Jin Jing , Zhu Liping , Zhao Mingtao , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the effect of coffee carbon and graphene far-infrared polyamide knitted fabrics on blood perfusion were studied based on the test method of human skin microcirculation (HSM), starting from the plating yarn feeding ratio and stitch of seamless knitted fabrics. Set the face yarn feeding ratios of coffee carbon polyamide (CCP) and graphene polyamide (GP) as 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75. The stitches were 1 + 3 rib, 1 + 1 false rib, and plain plating. Both the plating yarn feeding ratio and stitch were designed as two experimental factors. According to the comprehensive experimental design method, 12 seamless knitted fabrics were prepared. The HSM was tested by BVI Projection Vein Finder. According to the orthogonal analysis method: Factor A, the plating yarn feeding ratio has the greatest effect on HSM, the second was factor B. When the plating yarn feeding ratio was 75:25, the stitch was 1 + 3 rib, the fabric has an excellent promoting effect on HSM. The purpose of this study was to explore the process parameters of far-infrared seamless knitted fabrics that have a better promotion effect on HSM, to apply the process to develop functional health care clothing to meet people’s market needs.
Female sagging breast dynamic 3D displacement study based on multiple 3-axes accelerometers measuring system
Authors: Xu Shuo , Wang Jianping , Gong Hugh , Yao Xiaofeng , Wang Zhujun
Published: May 2021

The stability of breast plays an important role in the comfort of women’s movement. Women with sagging breasts are faced with more displacement due to the weakened breast internal support. The purpose of this study is to measure the dynamic 3D displacement of sagging breasts. Because of the sagging breast particularity, it is difficult to obtain all the data accurately by the traditional photoelectric capturing system. In this paper, multiple 3-Axes accelerometer sensors are used to measure the acceleration value of the specific points. Besides, the sensors integrated with 3-axes gyroscope which can collect the gyro data at the same time. The obtained accelerometer and gyroscope data will be transferred to the body coordinate from the sensor measuring coordinate. MATLAB will be used to analyze the collected data, and 2D and 3D point Cloud will be carried out. The maximum amplitude and whole picture of trajectory will be calculated, and the dynamic moving results of breast will have a general comparison of different points. The whole picture of sagging breast moving status can help bra designers improve wearing comfortable sensation, and the study can offer a new method for reference.
Moving images, Moving Methods: Advancing Documentary Film for Qualitative Research
Authors: Borish David , Cunsolo Ashlee , Mauro Ian , Dewey Cate , Harper Sherilee L.
Published: May 2021

With the widespread use of digital media as a tool for documentation, creation, preservation, and sharing of audio-visual content, new strategies are required to deal with this type of “data” for research and analysis purposes. This article describes and advances the methodological process of using documentary film as a strategy for qualitative inquiry. Insights are drawn from a multimedia study that explored Inuit-caribou relationships in Labrador, Canada, through the co-production of community-based, research-oriented, participatory documentary film work. Specifically, we outline: 1) the influence of documentary film on supporting the project conceptualization and collaboration with diverse groups of people; 2) the strength of conducting filmed interviews for in-depth data collection, while recognizing how place and activities are intimately connected to participant perspectives; and 3) a new and innovative analytical approach that uses video software to examine qualitative data, keep participants connected to their knowledge, and simultaneously work toward creating high impact storytelling outputs. The flexibility and capacity of documentary film to mobilize knowledge and intentionally create research outputs for specific target audiences is also discussed. Continued and future integration of documentary film into qualitative research is recommended for creatively enhancing our abilities to not only produce strong, rich, and dynamic research outputs, but also simultaneously to explore and communicate diverse knowledges, experiences, and stories.
The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of miRNAs 100 and 146a as prognostic factors for prostate cancer
Authors: Camargo Juliana Alves de , Lopes Renan Eboli , Ferreira Gabriel Fernandes Dias , Viana Nayara Izabel , Guimaraes Vanessa , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Nahas William C. , Srougi Miguel , Antunes Alberto A , Reis Sabrina T.
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Prostate cancer has a high incidence in men and is the second cause of cancer death among americans male. microRNA (miR) is becoming a potential new prognostic factor for prostate cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are common polymorphisms, characterized by a single exchange of nitrogen based in the DNA. This polymorphism is present in the miRs, altering their function.

Objective:

To evaluate the role of SNP rs1834306 of miR100 and rs2910164 of miR146a in the development and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Methods:

One hundred patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 68 controls were selected. The identification of SNP was rated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from blood samples, and the analysis was performed within the presence of SNP and the prognostic variables.

Results:

In the SNP rs1834306 (miR100), a smaller presence of the polymorphic homozygous genotype was identified in patients with PSA >10 ng/mL, ( P=0.03); when evaluating only the presence of the polymorphic allele G ( P=0.09) it was compared to the presence of the wild type allele A. Among the patients with prostate cancer, SNP rs2910164 (miR146A), the polymorphic allele was more frequent in patients with a Gleason score ⩾7 than in patients with a Gleason score <7, ( P=0.043). In patients with prostate cancer, miR100 was overexpressed in those with pT3 staging compared to pT2 and among those who had biochemical recurrence ( P = 0.004 and P = 0.011, respectively).

Conclusions:

SNP of miR146a acts as a poor prognostic factor (Gleason ⩾7), and the SNP of miR100 is linked to better prognostic data (PSA <10). MiR100 was overexpressed in prostate cancer with worse prognostic factors.
Nonenzymatic glucose detection using Au nanodots decorated Cu2O nanooctahedrons
Authors: Chen Dexiang , Xue Kaifeng , Liu Huaiqiang , Yao Binbin , Sun Aixin , Liu Chenchen , Zhang Pinhua , Cui Guangliang
Published: May 2021

Au nanodots decorated Cu2O nanooctahedrons were fabricated by a facile liquid-phase process combined with a galvanic replacement reaction for nonenzyme glucose detection. A simple rapid test strip based on the nanooctahedrons was proposed to evaluate the possibility of commercial application in nonenzymatic glucose detection. This test strip shows excellent response toward glucose. Linear response was obtained over a concentration ranging from 0.05 mM to 15 mM, and the detection accuracy is 0.05 mM. The good detection performance in selectivity, stability, and feasibility proving the great potential application in human blood glucose monitoring. This study demonstrated the possibility of a high-performance nonenzyme glucose test strip based on metal-oxide nanostructures decorated by catalysts.
Economic Inequality and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Authors: Hannay Jason W. , Payne B. Keith , Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin
Published: May 2021

The present research proposes and tests the “hedonic risk hypothesis” that affective experiences of pleasure provide a common currency that people use to equate economic and hedonic inequality. As a result, economic inequality can increase risk-taking in pursuit of pleasure even in noneconomic domains. Study 1 showed that higher economic inequality at the state level was associated with people in those states spending more time pursuing pleasure. Studies 2–4 were experiments, which demonstrated that when people perceive inequality in other people’s hedonic experience, they become riskier in their pursuit of pleasure for themselves. The relationship between inequality and risk-taking in pursuit of pleasurable experiences was moderated by upward social comparisons. Both monetary and hedonic inequality caused participants to become riskier in their pursuit of pleasure. The findings suggest a psychological pathway by which systemic effects of income inequality may affect individual health and social outcomes.
Looking for Safety in All the Right Places: When Threatening Political Reality Strengthens Family Relationship Bonds
Authors: Murray Sandra L. , Seery Mark D. , Lamarche Veronica M. , Jung Han Young , Saltsman Thomas L. , Griffin Dale W. , Dubois David , Xia Ji , Ward Deborah E. , McNulty James
Published: May 2021

Elections and pandemics highlight how much one’s safety depends on fellow community members, a realization that is especially threatening when this collective perceives political realities inconsistent with one’s own. Two longitudinal studies examined how people restored safety to social bonds when everyday experience suggested that fellow community members inhabited inconsistent realities. We operationalized consensus political realities through the negativity of daily nationwide social media posts mentioning President Trump (Studies 1 and 2), and the risks of depending on fellow community members through the pending transition to a divided Congress during the 2018 election season (Study 1), and escalating daily U.S. COVID-19 infections (Study 2). On days that revealed people could not count on fellow community members to perceive the same reality of President Trump’s stewardship they perceived, being at greater risk from the judgment and behavior of the collective community motivated people to find greater happiness in their family relationships.
Determinants of pre-lacteal feeding practices among mothers having children aged less than 36 months in Ethiopia: Evidence from 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey
Authors: Merga Bedasa Taye , Balis Bikila , Fekadu Gelana , Birhanu Abdi , Alemu Addisu , Turi Ebisa
Published: May 2021

Background:

Pre-lacteal feeding is associated with infant morbidity and mortality especially during the neonatal period. About 96% infant deaths in developing countries are attributable to inappropriate feeding practice during the first 6 months of life. This study assessed determinants of pre-lacteal feeding practices in Ethiopia using the data from nationally representative survey.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey to assess determinants of pre-lacteal feeding practices in Ethiopia. The analysis included a weighted sample of 5303 mothers having children aged 0–36 months. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted and the results were presented with adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval, declaring statistical significance at a p-value < 0.05 in all analyses.

Results:

From a total of 5303 mothers having children aged 0–36 months, 423 (8%, 95% confidence interval, 7.06%, 8.99%) had given pre-lacteal foods to their newborn baby. Being from agrarian region (adjusted odds ratio = 0.15, 95% confidence interval, 0.11, 0.20), poorest wealth status (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval, 1.02, 2.22), home delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval, 1.01, 1.79), late initiation of breast feeding (adjusted odds ratio = 4.52, 95% confidence interval, 3.62, 5.64), having no counseling on breast feeding (adjusted odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.01, 1.75), and cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47, 95% confidence interval, 1.45, 4.20) were factors significantly associated with pre-lacteal feeding practice.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of Ethiopian mothers had given pre-lacteal foods to their newborn babies. Poorest wealth index, region, late initiation of breast feeding, not counseled on breast feeding, home delivery, and cesarean delivery were identified as determinants of pre-lacteal feeding. Thus, emphasis should be given to improve mothers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding practice through counseling and utilization of institutional delivery. Moreover, special attention should be given to mothers from pastoralist regions and poor socio-economic status to reduce pre-lacteal feeding practice.
A unique case of splenic tumor exhibiting a serous carcinoma phenotype
Authors: Kawashima Keisuke , Kito Yusuke , Tochii Koya , Kimura Masaki , Takeda Taro , Sekino Takafumi , Ikeda Tsuneko , Takeuchi Tamotsu
Published: May 2021

The spleen has no epithelial element; thus, primary carcinoma of the spleen is quite rare. We present the case of a patient with serous carcinoma of the spleen. A 76-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with a huge lesion in the spleen. Except this lesion, clinical examination, including imaging examination, revealed no remarkable findings. She underwent excision of the spleen for treatment and diagnosis. Postoperative pathological examination revealed neoplastic cells with pleomorphic and hyperchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and frequent mitotic activity. The neoplastic cells exhibited a papillary pattern with psammoma bodies. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for cytokeratin 7, PAX-8, WT-1, p16, p53, and Ber-EP4 and negativity for cytokeratin 20, thyroid transcription factor-1, carcinoembryonic antigen, CD10, estrogen receptor, calretinin, D2-40, intelectin-1, and sialylated HEG1. We inferred that this tumor was a primary splenic serous carcinoma. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma is the plausible origin of most pelvic serous carcinomas. However, the origin of serous carcinoma of the spleen remains unknown. We speculated that endosalpingiosis might be the origin of the tumor.
Influence of Social and Cultural Factors on the Decision to Consent for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment among High-Risk Patients with Mild-Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Bierle Dennis M. , Ganesh Ravindra , Wilker Caroline G. , Hanson Sara N. , Moehnke Darcie E. , Jackson Tammy A. , Ramar Priya , Rosedahl Jordan K. , Philpot Lindsey M. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: May 2021

Background

The clinical outcomes of patients who decline anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapies for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is not known. Factors associated with the decision to accept or decline the offer for anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapies are not established. This study aimed to identify factors impacting the decision to consent for monoclonal antibody therapies and assess the differences in clinical outcomes of patients who accepted compared to those who declined these therapies.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 2820 adult patients who were offered monoclonal antibody therapies, bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab, for COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic in the Midwest between 11/19/2020 and 12/31/2020. The primary endpoint is the decision to accept or decline monoclonal antibody treatment. Secondary endpoints were patient-level factors that could have impacted the decision to accept treatment (age, gender, race, ethnicity, primary language spoken, and medical comorbidities). The main clinical endpoint was hospitalization within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results

59.1% (n = 1669) chose to accept monoclonal antibody therapy, and 40.9% (n = 1151) chose to decline the offer for treatment. Patients were more likely to accept treatment if they were non-Hispanic White, English speaking, identified a spouse or life partner, had a religious affiliation, and possessed more medical comorbidities. Overall, 28-day hospitalization rate was 2.6% (n = 72/2820) and was higher among those who declined (3.3%) than those who accepted monoclonal antibody therapy (2.0%; Rate Ratio = 0.62, 95% Confidence Interval, 0.39-0.98).

Conclusions

Despite having more comorbidities, patients who accepted monoclonal antibody treatments had a lower rate of hospitalization compared to patients who declined treatment. Several social and cultural factors were associated with the decision to decline therapy, including race, language, ethnicity, and lack of social support. These findings can inform public health efforts to reduce social disparities in the treatment of COVID-19 and increase utilization of monoclonal antibody therapies in high risk populations.
The Sustainable Development and Expenditure: Revenues Nexus of the WII Fund in China
Authors: Liu Chengda , Zhou Huiwen , Liu Hui
Published: May 2021

Work-related injury insurance (WII) has undergone a long period of rapid growth in China. Therefore, its sustainability, funding, and system of payments deserve serious attention. By analyzing the changes of the numbers of insured, the number of compensated, and the cumulative balance of WII Fund, this article systematically reviews and summarizes the various stages of the development of WII in China. The relationship between the WII Fund’s revenue and expenditure between 1997 and 2018 is analyzed using statistical methods, including the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) unit root test, the cointegration test, the Granger causality test and an error correction model. Since 1996, China’s WII has been repeatedly adjusted and constantly growing. Our empirical evidence shows that there is a long-term equilibrium and cointegration relationship between the WII Fund’s revenue and expenditure. Revenue is the Granger cause of expenditure, but it does not conform to the fund-raising principle. WII Fund has a large accumulated balance over the years, which violates the principles of fund management and has caused considerable controversy. China’s WII has undergone several regulatory upgrades and management mode adjustments to better ensure its sustainable development. The fund has maintained a basic balance of revenue and expenditure. Nevertheless, at present, China’s WII Fund is facing the pressure of declining fund balance and, as such, medium- and long-term development risks deserve careful attention. As there is no sufficient literature on WII Fund management, this study is a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge.
Is There a Digital Divide Between Urban Students and Migrant Students in China?
Authors: Zhong Baichang , Zhu Fenghui , Xia Liying
Published: May 2021

The digital divide is an important issue that has been addressed in the world for several decades. However, little attention has been paid to the special population that emerged in cities of developing countries: rural migrant workers. Previous studies have shown that family background is a potential determinant of digital inequality among schoolchildren. The study aims to explore whether the disadvantaged conditions of rural migrant workers have an impact on their children (i.e., migrant students). A questionnaire survey and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were conducted to examine the digital divide in information and communication technology (ICT) access, ICT usage, and ICT skill between urban and migrant students. We draw upon 1,230 fifth and eighth grade students from six urban public schools in China. Results indicate that all the indicators of the digital divide are statistically non-significant between the two groups, and the predictor of parental education level is invalid to an extent. Additional analyses suggest that providing equal opportunities like Chinese government for disadvantaged migrant students to enroll in urban public schools would reduce the digital divide between migrant students and urban students.
Digital Reading and the Concept of Ebook: Metaphorical Analysis of Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding the Concept of Ebook
Authors: Karakoç Öztürk Başak
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the metaphorical perceptions of preservice Turkish teachers (PTTs) regarding the concept of ebook. In accordance with this aim, answers to the questions of “What are the metaphors used by PTTs for the concept of e-book?” and “Under which categories could the metaphors used by PTTs for the concept of e-book be collected?” were sought. A total of 150 preservice teachers studying in the Faculty of Education, Turkish Education Department at Çukurova University, constituted the participants of the research designed according to the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods. A semi-structured interview form was used as data collection tool. Data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. As a result of the study, it was determined that eight categories emerged from the metaphors produced by PTTs for ebook and that they mostly had positive meanings. These categories are, namely, facilitating, information source, accessible, portable, requirement, inadequate, attractive, and harmful. PTTs mostly produced metaphors for ebook in the facilitating category. It was followed by the information source and accessible categories. It was determined that some PTTs produced negative metaphors for ebooks, and these negative metaphors were collected under the inadequate and harmful categories.
Filthiness of Immorality: Manipulating Disgust and Moral Rigidity Through Noninvasive Brain Stimulation as a Promising Therapeutic Tool for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Salvo Giuseppe , Provenzano Samantha , Di Bello Maria , D’Olimpio Francesca , Ottaviani Cristina , Mancini Francesco
Published: May 2021

The study was designed to test the hypothesis that indirect inhibition of the insula via cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) would decrease disgust and moral rigidity in 36 healthy individuals undergoing 15 min of tDCS over the temporal lobe. To obtain a comprehensive assessment of disgust, we used subjective (affect rating), physiological (heart rate variability [HRV]), and implicit measures (word-fragment completion), and moral judgment was assessed by asking participants to rate the deontological and altruistic moral wrongness of a revised version of the moral foundations vignettes. We found anodal and cathodal stimulations to, respectively, enhance and decrease self-reported disgust, deontological morality, and HRV. Note that these effects were stronger in individuals with higher levels of obsessive compulsive (OC) traits. Because disgust and sensitivity to deontological guilt are among the most impairing features in OC disorder, it is auspicious that cathodal tDCS could be implemented to reduce such symptoms.
Inferences Training Affects Memory, Rumination, and Mood
Authors: Perlman Baruch , Mor Nilly , Wisney Jacobinski Yael , Doron Zakon Adi , Avirbach Noa , Hertel Paula
Published: May 2021

Making negative inferences for negative events, ruminating about them, and retrieving negative aspects of memories have all been associated with depression. However, the causal mechanisms that link negative inferences to negative mood and the interplay between inferences, rumination, and memory have not been explored. In the current study, we used a cognitive-bias modification (CBM) procedure to train causal inferences and assessed training effects on ruminative thinking, memory, and negative mood among people with varying levels of depression. Training had immediate effects on negative mood and rumination but not after recall of a negative autobiographical memory. Note that training affected memory: Participants falsely recalled inferences presented during the training in a training-congruent manner. Moreover, among participants with high levels of depression, training also affected causal inferences they made for an autobiographical memory retrieved after training. Our findings shed light on negative cognitive cycles that may contribute to depression.
Maternal Primary Carnitine Deficiency and a Novel Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5 (SLC22A5) Mutation
Authors: Jakoby Michael , Jaju Amruta , Marsh Aundrea , Wilber Andrew
Published: May 2021

Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the solute carrier family 22 member 5 ( SLC22A5) gene that encodes a high-affinity sodium-ion–dependent organic cation transporter protein (OCTN2). Reduced carnitine transport results in diminished fatty acid oxidation in heart and skeletal muscle and carnitine wasting in urine. We present a case of PCD diagnosed in an adult female after a positive newborn screen (NBS) for PCD that was not confirmed on follow-up testing. The mother was referred for evaluation of persistent fatigue and possible hypothyroidism even though all measurements of thyroid-stimulating hormone were well within the range of 0.4 to 2.5 mIU/L expected for reproductive-age women. She was found to have unequivocally low levels of both total carnitine and carnitine esters, and genetic testing revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 SLC22A5 mutations. One mutation (c.34G>A [p.Gly12Ser]) is a known missense mutation with partial OCTN2 activity, but the other mutation (c.41G>A [p.Trp14Ter]) is previously unreported and results in a premature stop codon and truncated OCTN2. This case illustrates that some maternal inborn errors of metabolism can be identified by NBS and that maternal carnitine levels should be checked after a positive NBS test for PCD.
Differences in Outcomes Between Anterior and Posterior Shoulder Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Vopat Matthew L. , Coda Reed G. , Giusti Nick E. , Baker Jordan , Tarakemeh Armin , Schroeppel John P. , Mullen Scott , Randall Jeffrey , Provencher Matthew T. , Vopat Bryan G.
Published: May 2021

Background:

The glenohumeral joint is one of the most frequently dislocated joints in the body, particularly in young, active adults.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare outcomes between anterior versus posterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases (from inception to September 2019) according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included if they were published in the English language, contained outcomes after anterior or posterior shoulder instability, had at least 1 year of follow-up, and included arthroscopic soft tissue labral repair of either anterior or posterior instability. Outcomes including return-to-sport (RTS) rate, postoperative instability rate, and pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Overall, 39 studies were included (2077 patients; 1716 male patients and 361 female patients). Patients with anterior instability had a mean age of 23.45 ± 5.40 years (range, 11-72 years), while patients with posterior instability had a mean age of 23.08 ± 8.41 years (range, 13-61 years). The percentage of male patients with anterior instability was significantly higher than that of female patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.77; P = .021). Compared with patients with posterior instability, those with anterior instability were significantly more likely to RTS (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.76-3.04; P < .001), and they were significantly more likely to have postoperative instability (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07-2.23; P = .018). Patients with anterior instability also had significantly higher ASES scores than those with posterior instability (difference in means, 6.74; 95% CI, 4.71-8.77; P < .001). There were no significant differences found in postoperative complications between the anterior group (11 complications; 1.8%) and the posterior group (3 complications; 1.6%) (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.29-6.30; P = .999).

Conclusion:

Patients with anterior shoulder instability had higher RTS rates but were more likely to have postoperative instability compared with posterior instability patients. Overall, male patients were significantly more likely to have anterior shoulder instability, while female patients were significantly more likely to have posterior shoulder instability.
Associations Between Mobile Health Technology use and Self-rated Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Christiansen Line , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Anderberg Peter , Cellek Selim , Zhang Jufen , Lemmens Evi , Garolera Maite , Mayoral-Cleries Fermin , Skär Lisa
Published: May 2021

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is affected even at early stages in older adults with cognitive impairment. The use of mobile health (mHealth) technology can offer support in daily life and improve the physical and mental health of older adults. However, a clarification of how mHealth technology can be used to support the QoL of older adults with cognitive impairment is needed. Objective: To investigate factors affecting mHealth technology use in relation to self-rated QoL among older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to analyse mHealth technology use and QoL in 1,082 older participants. Baseline data were used from a multi-centered randomized controlled trial including QoL, measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) Scale, as the outcome variable. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: Having moderately or high technical skills in using mHealth technology and using the internet via mHealth technology on a daily or weekly basis was associated with good to excellent QoL in older adults with cognitive impairment. Conclusions: The variation in technical skills and internet use among the participants can be interpreted as an obstacle for mHealth technology to support QoL.
Community Based Essential Newborn Care Practices and Associated Factors among Women Who Gave Birth at Home in Last 12 Months in Amaro Woreda, Southern Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Agonafir Mamush , Shimbre Mulugeta Shegaze , Hussen Sultan , Temesgen Gebremaryam , Boday Belay , Tunje Abayneh , Fikadu Teshale , Andarge Eshetu , Fufa Yaregal , Gebrewold Yeabsira
Published: May 2021

Community based newborn care is a means of bringing life-saving care to mothers and newborns at the community level. However, the practice is challenging within the Ethiopian health system. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of community based newborn care practices and associated factors among women who gave birth at home in Amaro Woreda, southern Ethiopia, 2019. Across-sectional study design and simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected through face-to-face interview; EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 software were used for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to analyze the associated factors. In this study 29% practiced community based essential newborn care. Educational status of father (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.07-4.84), last delivery assisted by relative (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.66-7.73), having awareness about community based newborn care (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: 2.11-5.77), awareness about newborn danger sign (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.29-3.68) were some of identified factors associated with community based newborn care practice. In conclusion, community based newborn care practice was low. Therefore, promotion of information at community level, women empowerment, and strengthening health extension program were recommending.
Oral language comprehension interventions in school-age children and adolescents with developmental language disorder: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Tarvainen Sirpa , Launonen Kaisa , Stolt Suvi
Published: May 2021

Background & aims

Difficulties understanding spoken language are associated with several social and academic risks in school-age children and adolescents with developmental language disorder (DLD). Still, interventions for this group have received little attention, and there are no reviews focusing on oral language comprehension interventions in school-age children and adolescents. The objective of this systematic scoping review was to identify interventions targeting oral language comprehension in school-age children and adolescents with DLD. Further, the aim was to examine the focus of intervention, efficacy, and level of evidence of the identified interventions. The present review is the second part of a larger search on oral language comprehension interventions. The first review examined the same factors in children 8 years and younger.

Methods

A systematic scoping review of eight databases was conducted. Of the 2399 sourced articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Another 8 articles were identified through reference lists of sourced articles. In these 20 articles, containing 21 studies, 1661 children aged 5–16 years participated. The data were extracted and analysed, and the intervention focus, efficacy, and level of evidence were examined. Main contribution: In the interventions intended for school-age children and adolescents with DLD, three intervention foci were identified that targeted aspects of language and language processing, as well as modifying the communicative environment. Of the included studies, 57% reported positive results, 14% reported mixed results, and 29% reported no effects on oral language comprehension. The level of evidence varied. One can have high confidence in the results of 19%, moderate in 38%, and indicative confidence in 43% of the included studies.

Conclusions

Results of the present review suggest that there are a few interventions providing high confidence on the efficacy of improving oral language comprehension difficulties in school-age children and adolescents with DLD. Most interventions indicating efficacy provide moderate or indicative confidence in the results. More research with a high level of evidence is urgently needed. Most of the interventions indicating efficacy focused directly on language skills or modified the communicative environment. The results suggest that the therapy techniques focusing on improving language processing skills indicate efficacy only when they aim at compensating current language processing skills, not trying to improve them. Implications: The findings on different therapy techniques, their focus of intervention, efficacy, and level of evidence provide information for clinical practice and direct future investigations in this sparsely researched topic.
The protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Scottish healthcare workers
Authors: Abo-Leyah Hani , Gallant Stephanie , Cassidy Diane , Giam Yan Hui , Killick Justin , Marshall Beth , Hay Gordon , Snowdon Caroline , Hothersall Eleanor J. , Pembridge Thomas , Strachan Rachel , Gallant Natalie , Parcell Benjamin J. , George Jacob , Furrie Elizabeth , Chalmers James D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are believed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It is not known to what extent the natural production of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is protective against re-infection.

Methods

A prospective observational study of HCWs in Scotland (UK) from May to September 2020 was performed. The Siemens SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay was used to establish seroprevalence in this cohort. Controls, matched for age and sex to the general local population, were studied for comparison. New infections (up to 2 December 2020) post antibody testing were recorded to determine whether the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies protects against re-infection.

Results

A total of 2063 health and social care workers were recruited for this study. At enrolment, 300 HCWs had a positive antibody test (14.5%). 11 out of 231 control sera tested positive (4.8%). HCWs therefore had an increased likelihood of a positive test (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.85–6.16; p<0.0001). Dentists were most likely to test positive. 97.3% of patients who had previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR had positive antibodies. 18.7% had an asymptomatic infection. There were 38 new infections with SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs who were previously antibody negative, and one symptomatic RT-PCR-positive re-infection. The presence of antibodies was therefore associated with an 85% reduced risk of re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 (hazard ratio 0.15, 95% CI 0.06–0.35; p=0.026).

Conclusion

HCWs were three times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. Almost all infected individuals developed an antibody response, which was 85% effective in protecting against re-infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and central sleep apnoea
Authors: Fisser Christoph , Bureck Jannis , Gall Lara , Vaas Victoria , Priefert Jörg , Fredersdorf Sabine , Zeman Florian , Linz Dominik , Wöhrle Holger , Tamisier Renaud , Teschler Helmut , Cowie Martin R. , Arzt Michael
Published: May 2021

Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) may trigger ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). This study determined the prevalence and predictors of a high nocturnal ventricular arrhythmia burden in patients with HFrEF and CSA (with and without CSR) and to evaluate the temporal association between CSR and the ventricular arrhythmia burden.

 This cross-sectional ancillary analysis included 239 participants from the SERVE-HF major sub-study who had HFrEF and CSA, and nocturnal ECG from polysomnography. CSR was stratified in ≥20% and <20% of total recording time (TRT). High burden of ventricular arrhythmia was defined as >30 premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) per hour of TRT. A sub-analysis was performed to evaluate the temporal association between CSR and ventricular arrhythmias in sleep stage N2.

 High ventricular arrhythmia burden was observed in 44% of patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex, lower systolic blood pressure, non-use of antiarrhythmic medication and CSR ≥20% were significantly associated with PVCs >30·h−1(OR 5.49, 95% CI 1.51–19.91, p=0.010; OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, p=0.017; OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.51–19.91, p=0.001; and OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.22–4.05, p=0.009; respectively). PVCs occurred more frequently during sleep phases withversuswithout CSR (median (interquartile range): 64.6 (24.8–145.7)versus34.6 (4.8–75.2)·h−1N2 sleep; p=0.006).

 Further mechanistic studies and arrhythmia analysis of major randomised trials evaluating the effect of treating CSR on ventricular arrhythmia burden and arrhythmia-related outcomes are warranted to understand how these data match with the results of the parent SERVE-HF study.
The role of noninvasive ventilation in the management of type II respiratory failure in patients with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Rautemaa Vilma , Roberts Mark E. , Bentley Andrew , Felton Timothy W.
Published: May 2021

Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) causes sleep disordered breathing and respiratory failure due to a combination of obstructive sleep apnoea, reduced central drive and respiratory muscle weakness. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is commonly used for treating respiratory failure in neuromuscular disease; however, there have been few studies assessing the role of NIV in DM1. The aim of this retrospective service evaluation was to investigate the impact of NIV adherence on hypercapnia and symptoms of hypoventilation in patients with DM1. Data on capillary carbon dioxide tension (PCO2), lung function, adherence to NIV and symptoms of hypoventilation were obtained from the records of 40 patients with DM1. Mean capillaryPCO2significantly reduced from 6.81±1.17 kPa during supervised inpatient set-up to 5.93±0.82 kPa after NIV set-up (p<0.001). NIV adherence reduced from 7.8 (range: 1.0–11.0) h per 24 h during supervised inpatient set-up to 2.9 (0–10.4) h per 24 h in the community. Overall 72% of patients used NIV <5 h per 24 h during follow-up, including 11% who discontinued NIV completely. There was no correlation between adherence to NIV and changes in capillaryPCO2. Patients who reported symptomatic benefit (50%) had higher adherence than those who did not feel benefit (p<0.05). In conclusion, in patients with myotonic dystrophy with Type II respiratory failure maintaining adherence is challenging.
Experimental study on partial compression parallel to grain of solid timber
Authors: Totsuka Marina , Jockwer Robert , Aoki Kenji , Inayama Masahiro
Published: May 2021

This paper describes results and analysis of experimental testing of entire and partial compression strength and stiffness parallel to the grain of solid timber (Japanese cedar). To investigate the spreading effects, the size effect of strength and stiffness, and the mechanism of the damage zone located close to the loading plates, tests on 90 specimens were performed. As a result, it was observed that damage zones existed near the loading plates. The observed spreading effects in the compression parallel to the grain were very small which justifies neglecting them regarding strength and stiffness. Although a presence of a size effect of the compression strength parallel to the grain of glulam specimens with knots was reported, the compression strength parallel to the grain of solid wood specimens without knots does not have a size effect. The height and width of the cross-section of the specimens have an influence on the damage zones and, hence, on the effective modulus of elasticity of the full height of the specimens. The compression strength has a correlation with the density of the timber and the width of the annual rings.
Liposomal Nanomedicine: Applications for Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rommasi Foad , Esfandiari Neda
Published: May 2021

The increasing prevalence of cancer, a disease in which rapid and uncontrollable cell growth causes complication and tissue dysfunction, is one of the serious and tense concerns of scientists and physicians. Nowadays, cancer diagnosis and especially its effective treatment have been considered as one of the biggest challenges in health and medicine in the last century. Despite significant advances in drug discovery and delivery, their many adverse effects and inadequate specificity and sensitivity, which usually cause damage to healthy tissues and organs, have been great barriers in using them. Limitation in the duration and amount of these therapeutic agents’ administration is also challenging. On the other hand, the incidence of tumor cells that are resistant to typical methods of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, highlights the intense need for innovation, improvement, and development in antitumor drug properties. Liposomes have been suggested as a suitable candidate for drug delivery and cancer treatment in nanomedicine due to their ability to store drugs with different physical and chemical characteristics. Moreover, the high flexibility and potential of liposome structure for chemical modification by conjugating various polymers, ligands, and molecules is a significant pro for liposomes not only to enhance their pharmacological merits but also to improve the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. Liposomes can increase the sensitivity, specificity, and durability of these anti-malignant cell agents in the body and provide remarkable benefits to be applied in nanomedicines. We reviewed the discovery and development of liposomes focusing on their clinical applications to treat diverse sorts of cancers and diseases. How the properties of liposomal drugs can be improved and their opportunity and challenges for cancer therapy were also considered and discussed.

Graphic abstract
Super.FELT: supervised feature extraction learning using triplet loss for drug response prediction with multi-omics data
Authors: Park Sejin , Soh Jihee , Lee Hyunju
Published: May 2021

Background

Predicting the drug response of a patient is important for precision oncology. In recent studies, multi-omics data have been used to improve the prediction accuracy of drug response. Although multi-omics data are good resources for drug response prediction, the large dimension of data tends to hinder performance improvement. In this study, we aimed to develop a new method, which can effectively reduce the large dimension of data, based on the supervised deep learning model for predicting drug response.

Results

We proposed a novel method called Supervised Feature Extraction Learning using Triplet loss (Super.FELT) for drug response prediction. Super.FELT consists of three stages, namely, feature selection, feature encoding using a supervised method, and binary classification of drug response (sensitive or resistant). We used multi-omics data including mutation, copy number aberration, and gene expression, and these were obtained from cell lines [Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP)], patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). GDSC was used for training and cross-validation tests, and CCLE, CTRP, PDX, and TCGA were used for external validation. We performed ablation studies for the three stages and verified that the use of multi-omics data guarantees better performance of drug response prediction. Our results verified that Super.FELT outperformed the other methods at external validation on PDX and TCGA and was good at cross-validation on GDSC and external validation on CCLE and CTRP. In addition, through our experiments, we confirmed that using multi-omics data is useful for external non-cell line data.

Conclusion

By separating the three stages, Super.FELT achieved better performance than the other methods. Through our results, we found that it is important to train encoders and a classifier independently, especially for external test on PDX and TCGA. Moreover, although gene expression is the most powerful data on cell line data, multi-omics promises better performance for external validation on non-cell line data than gene expression data. Source codes of Super.FELT are available at https://github.com/DMCB-GIST/Super.FELT.