bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“What a beautiful world. But is it the world we live in?”
Authors: Khazraie Marzieh , Talebzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2022

The present two-phased study set out to identify simplified and non-simplified sources of input popular among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and to compare and contrast the manifestations of impoliteness strategies and responses to them in such resources. First, a rather comprehensive survey conducted among 250 adult EFL learners revealed that English TV series and movies of comedy and crime genres were the most popular non-simplified sources of input, while the popular simplified sources were American English File and Interchange ELT textbooks. Then, the results of our in-depth qualitative-quantitative, comparative, macro- and micro-analysis (adopting a variety of stringent incivility frameworks) indicated there were noticeable quantitative and/or qualitative differences in (re-)presenting face-threatening acts between the two sources. Generally, while EFL learners are not judiciously familiarized with various impoliteness strategies and their responses in the textbooks, they are almost bombarded with them through their favourite media. Underlining the inherent instructional and motivational impact of both language input sources and the possible detrimental bearing of underrepresentation and/or overrepresentation of impoliteness for the learners’ pragmatic competence, the study concludes with a discussion of our findings’ implications for stake-holders including language learners and education specialists.
Pinanga leonardcoi (Arecaceae), a new species from Mt. Cagua in northeast Luzon, Philippines
Authors: ADORADOR JIRO T. , FERNANDO EDWINO S.
Published: February 2022

A new species of Pinanga, P. leonardcoi, from Mt. Cagua in northeastern Luzon, Philippines is described and illustrated. This novel palm belongs to the Urosperma group but is unique in having the combination of the following characters: clustered stems with stoloniferous off-shoots, few rachillae (2–3), spirally arranged fruits throughout the rachillae, and fruiting perianth with imbricate calyx lobes. Relevant morphological and ecological notes, and an updated key for the Urosperma group are also included. P. leonardcoi is a narrow-endemic species and is hereby assessed as Critically Endangered.
Survey of cuckoo wasps of Lebanon (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) with description of four new species
Authors: BOUSTANI MIRA , ROSA PAOLO
Published: February 2022

In the present article 74 Lebanese cuckoo wasps are listed, 34 of which are recorded for the first time. Two species from Lebanon are described as new for science: Philoctetes acuminatus Rosa & Boustani, sp. nov., and Chrysis mirae Rosa, sp. nov. in the C. elegans group. In addition, two new species are described to replace two species that were misidentified by Linsenmaier (1959): Chrysis villosa Rosa sp. nov. (pro Chrysis ashabadensis sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Radoszkowski, 1891) in the C. elegans group, and Chrysis rasmonti Rosa sp. nov. (pro Chrysis handlirschi sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Mocsáry, 1889) in the C. comparata group. Holopyga buyssoni Mercet, 1902 stat. nov. is raised to species level and Chrysis klio Balthasar, 1953 stat. resurr. is resurrected from previous synonymy with Chrysis varidens Abeille de Perrin, 1878. Chrysis samia Bischoff, 1910 syn. nov. is synonymised with Chrysis verna Dahlbom, 1854 and Chrysis handlirschi ab. astarte Balthasar, 1953 is considered an unavailable name. A full list of collecting dates and localities of the Lebanese records published by Linsenmaier (1959) is also provided.
William Sharp and “Fiona Macleod”
Authors: Halloran William F.
Published: February 2022

William Sharp (1855-1905) conducted one of the most audacious literary deceptions of his or any time. A Scottish poet, novelist, biographer, and editor, he began in 1893 to write critically and commercially successful books under the name Fiona Macleod who became far more than a pseudonym. Enlisting his sister to provide the Macleod handwriting, he used the voluminous Fiona correspondence to fashion a distinctive personality for a talented, but remote and publicity-shy woman. Sometimes she was his cousin and other times his lover, and whenever suspicions arose, he vehemently denied he was Fiona. For more than a decade he duped not only the general public but such literary luminaries as George Meredith, Thomas Hardy, Henry James, William Butler Yeats, and E. C. Stedman.

Drawing extensively on his letters, his wife Elizabeth Sharp’s Memoir, and accounts by friends and associates, this biography provides a lucid and intimate account of William Sharp’s life, from his rejection of the dour religion of his Scottish boyhood, his turn to spiritualism, to his role in the Scottish Celtic Revival in the mid-nineties. The biography illuminates his wide network of close male and female friendships, through which he developed advanced ideas about the place of women in society, the constraints of marriage, the fluidity of gender identity, and the complexity of the human psyche. Uniquely this biography reveals the autobiographical content of the writings of Fiona Macleod, the remarkable extent to which Sharp used the feminine pseudonym to disguise his telling and retelling the complex story of his extramarital love affair with a beautiful and brilliant woman.

The biography illuminates not only the talented and conflicted William Sharp, but also the cultural landscape of Great Britain in the late-nineteenth century. From late Pre-Raphaelitism through the "yellow nineties” and on to the excesses of the early twentieth century, Sharp dabbled in all the movements that comprised what some have called the Age of Decadence.
Hurricane Hazards, Evacuations, and Sheltering: Evacuation Decision-Making in the Prevaccine Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the PRVI Region
Authors: Collins Jennifer , Polen Amy , Dunn Elizabeth , Maas Leslie , Ackerson Erik , Valmond Janis , Morales Ernesto , Colón-Burgos Delián
Published: February 2022

Although research relating to hurricane evacuation behavior and perceptions of risk has grown throughout the years, there is very little understanding of how these risks compound during a pandemic. Utilizing the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (PRVI) as a study region, this work examines risk perceptions and evacuation planning during the first hurricane season following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic before vaccines were widely available. Analyses of how people view public shelters and whether evacuation choices will change in light of COVID-19 concerns were conducted, and results reflect major changes in anticipated evacuation behavior during the 2020 hurricane season. Key findings include that over one-half of the sample considered themselves vulnerable to COVID-19. When asked about their intended actions for the 2020 hurricane season, a significant number of individuals who would have previously evacuated to a shelter said that they would choose not to during the pandemic, reflecting that public shelter usage has the potential to decrease when the decision is coupled with COVID-19 threats. In addition, individuals were shown to have a negative perception of public shelter options. Approximately one-half of the respondents had little faith in shelters’ ability to protect them, and three-quarters of respondents found the risks of enduring a hurricane to be less than those posed by public shelters. These results will inform future hazard mitigation planning during a disease outbreak or pandemic.
At the Intersection of Gender and Class: How Were Newly Enfranchised Women Mobilized in Sweden?
Authors: Morgan-Collins Mona , Natusch Grace
Published: February 2022

How were the most underprivileged women mobilized after suffrage? Newly enfranchised women faced a multitude of barriers to voting, and this was especially the case for working-class women. We theorize that working-class women were more likely to acquire civic attitudes and information through ties with neighbors of the same class than working-class men or privileged classes. Working-class women’s typical employment and domestic responsibilities provided the most opportunities, motivation, and need for local networks, while limiting the opportunities to acquire political resources via outside employment or voluntary associations typically available to other social groups. Utilizing an original dataset of individual voting records in a mid-sized industrial city during interwar period in Sweden, we employ a difference-in-differences design that isolates neighbor effects from confounders at the individual level. Consistent with our argument, we find that class homogeneity of neighbors enhanced working-class women’s turnout, but not that of privileged classes and working-class men.
Taking Microbiota into Consideration in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research
Authors: Tu H. , Xiao E. , Liu O.
Published: February 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy in regenerative medicine, but the clinical efficacy has yet to be identified, because the functions of MSCs are modulated by many factors, including the age and health condition of donors, origin of the tissue, and several other unknown factors. Recently, it has been revealed that, besides host factors, the microbiota that inhabits the human body is a modulator of MSCs as well. Here, we highlight the role of microbiota in the alteration of MSCs functions, with a specific focus on the self-renewal ability, multiple differentiation potential, and the immunomodulation capacity of MSCs. We also review the clinical trials and model research on the synergic and antagonistic effects of microbiota in stem cell therapy. In addition, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of the interplay between microbiota and MSCs, which are elucidated using omics approaches followed by verification experiments. As oral and maxillofacial tissues are important sources of MSCs, as well as a major access to diverse microbes, further studies are needed to elucidate these interactions in the oral field to make greater advancements in regenerative medicine.
The Importance of Nitrate Reduction for Oral Health
Authors: Rosier B.T. , Takahashi N. , Zaura E. , Krom B.P. , MartÍnez-Espinosa R.M. , van Breda S.G.J. , Marsh P.D. , Mira A.
Published: February 2022

Salivary glands concentrate plasma nitrate into saliva, leading to high nitrate concentrations that can reach the millimolar range after a nitrate-rich vegetable meal. Whereas human cells cannot reduce nitrate to nitrite effectively, certain oral bacteria can. This leads to an increase in systemic nitrite that can improve conditions such as hypertension and diabetes through nitric oxide availability. Apart from systemic benefits, it has been proposed that microbial nitrate reduction can also promote oral health. In this review, we discuss evidence associating dietary nitrate with oral health. Oral bacteria can reduce nitrite to nitric oxide, a free radical with antimicrobial properties capable of inhibiting sensitive species such as anaerobes involved in periodontal diseases. Nitrate has also been shown to increase resilience against salivary acidification in vivo and in vitro, thus preventing caries development. One potential mechanism is proton consumption during denitrification and/or bacterial reduction of nitrite to ammonium. Additionally, lactic acid (organic acid involved in oral acidification) and hydrogen sulfide (volatile compound involved in halitosis) can act as electron donors for these processes. The nitrate-reducing bacteria Rothia and Neisseria are consistently found at higher levels in individuals free of oral disease (vs. individuals with caries, periodontitis, and/or halitosis) and increase when nitrate is consumed in clinical studies. Preliminary in vitro and clinical evidence show that bacteria normally associated with disease, such as Veillonella (caries) and Prevotella (periodontal diseases and halitosis), decrease in the presence of nitrate. We propose nitrate as an ecologic factor stimulating eubiosis (i.e., an increase in health-associated species and functions). Finally, we discuss the preventive and therapeutic potential, as well as safety issues, related to the use of nitrate. In vivo evidence is limited; therefore, robust clinical studies are required to confirm the potential benefits of nitrate reduction on oral health.
Examining College Students’ Multicultural Education Perspectives
Authors: Bista Krishna
Published: February 2022

This survey study examines the multicultural educational perspectives of 729 college students. Results indicated that the differences on multicultural attitude/beliefs and knowledge between female and male students, younger and older students, ethnic groups (White and Black students), and religions and non-religious. Students who had previously taken a course that addressed multicultural issues had higher mean scores on the multicultural knowledge scale than those who did not take a class. Results also indicated that White and Black students were statistically different on multicultural attitude and belief as well as on multicultural background and awareness.
Nursing Management of Adult Ostomy Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wenbin He , Yan Yin , Bilong Feng , Jing Duan , Sisi Li , Min Yang , Hong Zhu , Xiaoyu Xie , Xiaona Hu , Shu Fang
Published: February 2022

The continuation of the COVID-19 epidemic poses novel challenges for adult ostomy patients care. It is essential to explore nursing management for ostomy patients to ensure patients receive standardized care while minimizing exposure to COVID-19. This article reviews the perioperative nursing of Chinese adult ostomy patients in the post-epidemic era, as well as outpatient review after discharge and home care, to provide reference and basis for medical staff and patients in the post-pandemic era.
Changing Trends in the Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Strategies for Odontogenic Sinusitis Over the Past 10 Years
Authors: Shin Jae-Min , Kim Su-Jong , Lee Heung-Man , Park Il-Ho
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The incidence of odontogenic sinusitis has been gradually increasing due to the recent increases in invasive dental procedures. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of present patients with odontogenic sinusitis compared to the past, confirm the importance of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and analyze the predictive factors for ESS.

Methods

This retrospective review included all patients diagnosed with odontogenic sinusitis between January 2010 and December 2011 and between January 2019 and December 2020. The patients were classified into 2 groups (past and present) depending on the time of the first visit. The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities were compared between the two groups. In addition, among patients in the present group, we analyzed variables to identify factors contributing to the risk of undergoing ESS.

Results

This study included 56 patients (23 in the past group and 33 in the present group). Compared to the past group, the present group had an older mean age ( P = .001) and significantly increased iatrogenic etiologies (52.1% vs 90.9%; P = .002). The proportion of patients treated with ESS also increased in the present group compared to that in the past group (39.1% vs 66.7%; P = .041). In the present group, 11 patients (33.3%) were cured with conservative treatment, while 22 patients (66.7%) underwent additional ESS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the Lund–Mackay score was the only significant predictor of ESS (odds ratio [OR]: 14.901, P = .035).

Conclusion

The incidence of odontogenic sinusitis with iatrogenic etiologies has increased compared to the past. In addition, two-thirds of the patients in the present study underwent ESS, a significantly higher proportion than in the past. Therefore, ESS is one of the most important treatment modalities for odontogenic sinusitis, especially iatrogenic, in recent years. A severe Lund–Mackay score was associated with a significantly increased risk of ESS.
Lipid profile changes in patients with COVID-19 referred to medical centers in Kermanshah, Iran; a case–control study
Authors: Changaripour Shahab , Sarvazad Hosna , Barghi Maryam , Sajadi Elham , Sadeghian Mahdi Hashempour , Roozbahani Narges Eskandari
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate blood lipid profiles in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to explore the association with disease severity.

Methods

This case–control study included patients with COVID-19, referred to two medical centers in Kermanshah, Iran (between July 2020 and December 2020), and healthy controls. Lipid profiles were evaluated in patients who were grouped according to severe (intensive care unit [ICU]), or less severe (outpatient), forms of COVID-19, and in healthy controls, and were compared among the three groups.

Results

A total of 132 participants were included, comprising ICU ( n = 49), outpatient ( n = 48) and control ( n = 35) groups. Mean cholesterol levels were lower in the patient groups than in controls; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were higher in the ICU group versus outpatients, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were lower in the ICU group versus outpatients. The frequency of diabetes and hypertension was higher in the ICU group than in the outpatient group. Furthermore, LDL-C level was associated with disease severity (odds ratio 0.966, 95% confidence interval 0.944, 0.989).

Conclusion

Lipid profiles differ between severe and less severe forms of COVID-19. LDL-C level may be a useful indicator of COVID-19 severity.
Municipal solid waste landfill: Evidence of the effect of applied landfill management on vegetation composition
Authors: Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Paleologos Evan K , Adamcová Dana , Podlasek Anna , Pasternak Grzegorz , Červenková Jana , Skutnik Zdzisław , Koda Eugeniusz , Winkler Jan
Published: February 2022

Proper management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial to avoid pollution, environmental impacts and threat to public health. The problem of MSW is mainly arising from inadequate landfill site management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of management practices and environmental risks at two landfill sites. The landfills were subject to long-term (10 years) vegetation monitoring. The vegetation was assessed using a floristic survey of identified plant species. The vegetation analysis showed that significant differences existed between the two landfill locations, with neophytes, invasive and expansive species dominating on one of the landfill sites, which may be attributed to climatic and geomorphological differences between the two sites, but also to variations in landfill management. These environmentally problematic species can potentially spread from the landfill into adjacent ecosystems, displace native plants and degrade adjacent farmland areas. The study of vegetation monitoring data suggests that, in addition to other types of monitoring, landfills should be subjected to regular vegetation biomonitoring, too. Landfill management practices should target the regulation of unwanted species, create conditions that are favourable to native plant species and provide as early as possible the restoration of filled cells.
We can do better: Addressing ageism against older adults in healthcare
Authors: Nemiroff Leah
Published: February 2022

Ageism in healthcare is a pervasive reality that leads to negative health outcomes for older adults. While it is often implicit, the COVID-19 pandemic threw explicit age discrimination in healthcare into sharp relief globally. In medicine, ageism translates into myriad forms of age discrimination that impact the provision of ethical care and range from ‘micro’ individual issues like paternalistic medicine or therapeutic nihilism to ‘macro’ system issues including barriers to timely and effective healthcare or exclusion from research trials. The culture of ageism in medicine can be unintentionally transmitted through role-modelling and the hidden curriculum. Strategies to combat ageism and provide ethical healthcare include intergenerational learning, educational programs, and strong leadership from organizations to enact policy and practice changes.
3D printed biocompatible graphene oxide, attapulgite, and collagen composite scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Qin Wen , Li Chenkai , Liu Chun , Wu Siyu , Liu Jun , Ma Jiayi , Chen Wenyang , Zhao Hongbin , Zhao Xiubo
Published: February 2022

Tissue-engineered bone material is one of the effective methods to repair bone defects, but the application is restricted in clinical because of the lack of excellent scaffolds that can induce bone regeneration as well as the difficulty in making scaffolds with personalized structures. 3D printing is an emerging technology that can fabricate bespoke 3D scaffolds with precise structure. However, it is challenging to develop the scaffold materials with excellent printability, osteogenesis ability, and mechanical strength. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), attapulgite (ATP), type I collagen (Col I) and polyvinyl alcohol were used as raw materials to prepare composite scaffolds via 3D bioprinting. The composite materials showed excellent printability. The microcosmic architecture and properties was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and thermal gravimetric analyzer, respectively. To verify the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, the viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) on the scaffolds were assessed by CCK-8, Live/Dead staining and Real-time PCR in vitro. The composited scaffolds were then implanted into the skull defects on rat for bone regeneration. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry staining were carried out in vivo to evaluate the regeneration of bone tissue.

The results showed that GO/ATP/COL scaffolds have been demonstrated to possess controlled porosity, water absorption, biodegradability and good apatite-mineralization ability. The scaffold consisting of 0.5% GO/ATP/COL have excellent biocompatibility and was able to promote the growth, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mouse BMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, the 0.5% GO/ATP/COL scaffolds were also able to promote bone regeneration of in rat skull defects. Our results illustrated that the 3D printed GO/ATP/COL composite scaffolds have good mechanical properties, excellent cytocompatibility for enhanced mouse BMSCs adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. All these advantages made it potential as a promising biomaterial for osteogenic reconstruction.
Automatic parking paths planning research based on scattering points six-degree polynomial and easement curve
Authors: Huang Jiang , Yang Yifan , Ding Dailin , Li Yuhan , He Yu
Published: February 2022

Existing automatic parking path planning methods usually use circular curves and lines. At the junction of parking paths, the curves are not smooth. Based on a low-speed kinematic model of a vehicle, this study redesigned parking paths. Sixth-degree polynomial based on scattering points and easement curve are used in parking path planning. At the junction of two curved segments, the paths are continuous in the original, first-order and second-order equations. Script programming was used in MATLAB to draw the parking paths and the area swept by the vehicle. Parking simulations were conducted using Carsim to demonstrate the parking process. The parallel and vertical parking path simulation results obtained using MATLAB and Carsim showed that the designed parking paths were smooth.
Role of the AMPK signalling pathway in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular diseases
Authors: Shukal Dhaval K , Malaviya Pooja B , Sharma Tusha
Published: February 2022

Background

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a precise role as a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated in response to the signalling cues that exhaust cellular ATP levels such as hypoxia, ischaemia, glucose depletion and heat shock. As a central regulator of both lipid and glucose metabolism, AMPK is considered to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases, including eye disorders.

Objective

To review all the shreds of evidence concerning the role of the AMPK signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases.

Method

Scientific data search and review of available information evaluating the influence of AMPK signalling on ocular diseases.

Results

Review highlights the significance of AMPK signalling in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal diseases, etc. The review also provides the information on the AMPK-associated pathways with reference to ocular disease, which includes mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and regulation of inflammatory response.

Conclusion

The study concludes the role of AMPK in ocular diseases. There is growing interest in the therapeutic utilization of the AMPK pathway for ocular disease treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of AMPK signalling might represent more pertinent strategy than AMPK activation for ocular disease treatment. Such information will guide the development of more effective AMPK modulators for ocular diseases. [Formula: see text]
Non-destructive detection of chilling injury in kiwifruit using a dual-laser scanning system with a principal component analysis - back propagation neural network
Authors: Wang Zhen , Künnemeyer Rainer , McGlone Andrew , Sun Jason , Burdon Jeremy , Cree Michael J.
Published: February 2022

As a physiological disorder, chilling injury in kiwifruit may develop when the fruit are stored for long periods at a low storage temperature of 0–1°C. Presence of the disorder, inconsistent with marketing requirements for high-quality fruit, may lead to substantial financial and reputational losses. Thus, early detection or removal of chill-damaged fruit is desirable. This study demonstrates a novel dual-laser scanning system which has potential to be developed into a fast online system for the detection of chilling injury in Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’ kiwifruit. The system consists of two laser modules at 730 and 880 nm wavelengths, a scanning mechanism and two detectors at partial (90°) and full (180°) light transmission. A sample of 231 kiwifruit was used to prove the concept, including 80 sound and 151 chill-damaged fruit of three different severity categories (slight, moderate and severe). A principal component analysis – back propagation neural network was used to classify fruit with 5-fold cross-validation. A comparison was made with standard visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) interactance spectroscopy used to classify the same fruit using the same modelling algorithm. The dual-laser scanning system showed a slightly higher binary classification accuracy than the Vis-NIR spectroscopy, with an average accuracy of 95% for distinguishing sound and chill-damaged fruit. The classification error rate was 0% for severe damaged fruit. These experimental results demonstrate the potential of this dual-laser scanning system for the detection of chill-damaged fruit. The setup using only two wavelengths, its unique scanning operation and flexible system layout make it practical and attractive for future development for application on high-speed fruit graders.
Synergistic effect of organic clay fillers based on cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in the synthesis of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanocomposites
Authors: Mrah Lahouari
Published: February 2022

A detailed study was conducted on the synthesis, characterizations, and properties of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Mag-CTA nanocomposites. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanocomposites were developed from a natural clay called Maghnite by improving the dispersion of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) matrices in organic clay sheets. However, the PEDOT/Mag-CTA nanocomposites have been characterized by different physico-chemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and give the name of atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The results of the (XRD), (TEM) and (SEM) analysis confirm that the PEDOT has been inserted into the Mag-CTA interlayer, and the presence of clay in the polymer matrix results in a desired increase in thermal stability. Electrical conductivity measurements show a decrease in conductivity with increasing load ratio
Professionals' narratives of interactions with patients' families in intensive care
Authors: Nygaard Anne M , Haugdahl Hege S , Laholt Hilde , Brinchmann Berit S , Lind Ranveig
Published: February 2022

Background: ICU patients’ family members are in a new, uncertain, and vulnerable situation due to the patient’s critical illness and complete dependence on the ICU nurses and physicians. Family members’ feeling of being cared for is closely linked to clinicians’ attitudes and behavior.

Aim: To explore ICU nurses’ and physicians’ bedside interaction with critically ill ICU patients´ families and discuss this in light of the ethics of care.

Research design: A qualitative study using participant observation, focus groups, and thematic narrative analysis.

Participants and research context: Data were gathered from July 2017 to August 2019, in four ICUs in Norway through 270 h of fieldwork and seven focus groups with ICU nurses and physicians.

Ethical considerations: The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics and the Norwegian Centre for Research Data approved the study. Findings: Quality of ICU family care depends on nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes, behavior, and personality traits. Three main themes were identified: being attentive, an active approach, and degree of tolerance.

Discussion: The findings are discussed in light of the ethics of care and empirical research from the intensive care environment.

Conclusions: This study shows that attentive, active, and tolerant clinicians represent a culture of ethical care that gives families greater freedom of action and active participation in patient care. Clinicians must not bear sole responsibility for this culture; it must have a firm basis in the hospital and ICU and be established through training, interprofessional reflection, and support of clinicians.
Aboriginal and Queer Identity/ies in Western Australia: When There is a Need to Know in Therapeutic Settings
Authors: Hill Braden , Dodd Jennifer , Uink Bep , Bonson Dameyon , Bennett Sian , Eades Anne-Marie
Published: February 2022

A central question for the exploratory Aboriginal and LGBTQ+ researcher led project ‘Breaking the Silence: Being Indigenous and identifying LGBTQ+’ (Breaking the Silence) is how provision of genuinely inclusive service responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people identifying as LGBTQ+ can be developed. This article presents the qualitative findings of this mixed-methods research project to show how organizational staff working in health, education and social support services in Western Australia consider the Aboriginal LGBTQ+ identity/experience. Analysis of the written, interview and focus group responses to a question about the relevance of LGBTQ+ identity show that these questions need to be considered and evaluated within diverse service cultures and philosophies of services. Staff views are diverse and organizational consensus on the relevance (or not) of LGBTQ+ identity needs to be the precursor before the development or consideration of changes to service delivery and models.
A Focus on Methodology: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Conduct a Comprehensive Evaluation of the Need for One Health Education for Medical and Veterinary Students in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Roopnarine Rohini R , Boeren Ellen
Published: February 2022

Background:

The collaboration of health professionals across the interface of human, animal and environmental health, as embodied by the One Health concept (OH), is increasingly recognised as crucial for tackling diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. This study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in light of the current pandemic, the outcomes of this study highlight the need for educating Medical (MD) and Veterinary (DVM) students on the principles of OH. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for Interprofessional Education (IPE) initiatives that would familiarise MD and DVM students with the principles of OH, crucial to dissolving the siloes that have historically deterred collaboration.

Method:

We used a sequential explanatory Methods Research (MMR) approach design to evaluate the readiness of 428 students consisting of MD, DVM and dual degree Master of Public Health (MPH) students (MD/MPH, DVM/MPH) for IPE, as well as to obtain faculty perspectives across these disciplines, on the need for curricula inclusion of IPE and OH. Two methods of data collection were employed: A survey and 2 focus groups interviews.

Results:

The use of an MMR approach allowed us to comprehensively evaluate the need for OH education through the lenses of the students and faculty using a joint display that facilitated data integration and evaluation. Overall, the dual degree students had the greatest readiness for IPE, and MD students the lowest level of readiness for shared learning. The dual degree students had the most accurate understanding of OH competencies that consider the impacts of climate change, food security, antimicrobial resistance, health policy formation and zoonoses occurrence on human health. Themes derived from the focus group interviews revealed that faculty perceived OH education as crucial for preparing MD and DVM students for practice.

Conclusion:

The comprehensive assessment of the student and faculty perspectives, obtained using an MMR approach, illustrated that the incorporation of OH competencies within the MD and DVM curricula are crucial for preparing students for practice in the global environment. The dual degree pathway provides insight into how OH can be successfully incorporated within the curricula of these programmes.
Heterogenous and Low Expression of HER2 in Breast Cancer Overcome by DS-8201a in a Heavily Treated Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Cheukfai , Ren Chongyang , Wen Lingzhu , Chen Xiaoqing , Chen Bo , Zhang Guochun , Wang Yulei , Li Kai , Cao Li , Jia Minghan , Mok Hsiaopei , Lai Jianguo , Xiao Weikai , Li Xuerui , Liao Ning
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer is highly heterogenous with temporal and spatial heterogeneity making it necessary for rebiopsy. DS-8201a, a new potential therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) low expression breast cancer, had been proved that it could overcome heterogenous HER2 expression in a preclinical setting. In January 2014, a 23-year-old woman was presented with a lump in the right breast with bone metastasis, diagnosed as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, estrogen receptor (ER)+, progesterone receptor (PR)+, HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 2+, and fluorescence in situ hybridization negative. The patient received a series of therapies including surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, target therapy, and chemotherapy. The longest progression-free survival was 17 months after surgery. Biopsy of liver metastasis in February 2020 showed triple negative (HER2−, ER−, PR−), which was quite different from the initial diagnosis in 2014, so retesting was performed and the results showed ER−, PR+ by 10%, HER2 IHC score of 1+, indicating heterogeneity of HER2 expression. In May 2020, DS-8201a treatment was initiated and continued for 10 cycles until November 2020. Remarkable relief in symptoms was observed after the first dose. A reduction in the metastatic lesion size (liver and brain) and improved liver function was observed during the therapy. This case indicated the heterogeneity of breast cancer, and impressive efficacy of DS-8201a in a heavily treated patient with HER2-low and HER2 heterogeneity.
Radiomics in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Duan Wenyue , Xiong Bingdi , Tian Ting , Zou Xinyun , He Zhennan , Zhang Ling
Published: February 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck malignancies, and the primary treatment methods are radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy alone, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and induction chemotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy can be used according to different grades. Treatment options and prognoses vary greatly depending on the grade of disease in the patients. Accurate grading and risk assessment are required. Recently, radiomics has combined a large amount of invisible high-dimensional information extracted from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography with powerful computing capabilities of machine-learning algorithms, providing the possibility to achieve an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment for cancer patients. As an effective tumor biomarker of NPC, the radiomic signature has been widely used in grading, differential diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, evaluation of treatment response, and early identification of therapeutic complications. The process of radiomic research includes image segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection, model establishment, and evaluation. Many open-source or commercial tools can be used to achieve these procedures. The development of machine-learning algorithms provides more possibilities for radiomics research. This review aimed to summarize the application of radiomics in NPC and introduce the basic process of radiomics research.
Governing against the tide: Populism, power and the party conference
Authors: Guiney Thomas , Farrall Stephen
Published: February 2022

In this article we argue that a tendency to treat populism as a ubiquitous, mechanistic characteristic of contemporary penality has impeded systematic theoretical discussion of how populist ideologies find contingent expression within national penal systems. Drawing upon an agonistic perspective we seek to show that the intersection between populism and punishment must be understood as a structured process that is shaped by struggle between actors with different types, and amounts, of political power. We illustrate these claims with reference to a historical case study of the 1981 British Conservative Party Conference; a political calendar ritual that facilitated symbolic conflict and provided an institutional point of entry for populist movements seeking to disrupt the prevailing liberal consensus on crime and secure substantive policy concessions from government.
Pre-service teachers’ insights on data agency
Authors: Vartiainen Henriikka , Pellas Lotta , Kahila Juho , Valtonen Teemu , Tedre Matti
Published: February 2022

With growing concerns over children’s data agencies, researchers have begun to draw attention to children’s and young people’s privacy practices in social media environments. However, little is known about the experiences of pre-service teachers who play a key role in educating future generations. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring Finnish pre-service teachers’ conceptions and experiences of data agency in social media environments. Drawing from in-depth interviews of pre-service teachers ( N = 14), the analysis revealed that pre-service teachers construct their data agency in terms of social frames and shared social norms, and they also recognize the lack of understanding regarding wider socio-technical systems within which data agencies are situated. This research argues that without a sophisticated understanding of algorithmic governance and commercial use of data, it is unlikely that these future teachers would be prepared to facilitate children’s and youth’s agentive actions in a data-driven society.
Psychological Effects of Professional Exposure to Trauma and Human Suffering: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Velasco Judith , Sanmartín Francisco J. , Gálvez-Lara Mario , Cuadrado Fátima , Moriana Juan A.
Published: February 2022

Over the past decades, a growing interest has emerged toward understanding the impact that the exposure to human suffering produces in mental health professionals, leading to the identification of three constructs: vicarious traumatization (VT), compassion fatigue (CF), and secondary trauma (ST). However, little is known about how these conditions affect psychologists. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to examine the evidence about the effects of occupational exposure to trauma and suffering in studies that included psychologists among their samples. Fifty-two studies were included comprising 10,233 participants. Overall, the results showed that most professionals did not experience relevant distress due to their work, yet some of them developed clinically significant symptoms (i.e., PTSD). However, solid conclusions could not be drawn due to the numerous methodological difficulties found in this research field (i.e., group heterogeneity, lack of comparison groups, and conceptual overlap). Thus, it is necessary to further investigate this topic with scientific rigor to understand these stressors and develop evidence-based interventions.
Reconstructing History and Culture in Game Discourse: A Linguistic Analysis of Heroic Stories in Honor of Kings
Authors: Yao Siyu , Chen Yumin
Published: February 2022

Honor of Kings (HOK) is currently the most popular yet controversial mobile game in China. It is deeply inspired by Chinese history and culture, while its heroic backstories have been criticized for potential distortion of historical views. Drawing upon Systemic Functional Linguistics, this study explores the reconstruction in ideational and interpersonal meanings through comparing heroic stories with historical accounts. It reveals that HOK game stories have (1) significantly reconstructed activity processes while largely preserved spatial circumstances; (2) partly fabricated social relationships among characters, which result in the distortion of historical timeline; (3) retained core judgements on characters. It further explains how the reconstruction of heroic stories is embedded in the social context of game discourse, as far as entertainment, sociality, and cultural identity are concerned. The findings may shed light on discourse semantic interpretation in game studies and provide pertinent suggestions for future in-game story writing.
The Potential Protective Effect of Curcumin and α-Lipoic Acid on N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) Acetamide-induced Hepatotoxicity Through Downregulation of α-SMA and Collagen III Expression
Authors: Alhusain Ahlam , Fadda Laila , Sarawi Wedad , Alomar Hatun , Ali Hanaa , Mahamad Raeesa , Hasan Iman , Badr Amira
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide (NHPA) is the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent worldwide; however, it remains the leading cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. This study explored the potential impact of curcumin (Curc) and/or α-lipoic acid (Lip acid) on liver damage induced by NHPA overdose.

Materials and Methods

Male Wistar rats were intoxicated with a single oral dose of NHPA (1000 mg/kg) and treated with Curc (200 mg/kg p. o.) and/or Lip acid (100 mg/kg i. p.). These treatments were given in 2 doses at 2 hours and 10 hours post-NHPA-administration. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours post-NHPA-administration.

Results

Treatment with Curc and/or Lip acid showed effective reduction of NHPA-induced liver injury, demonstrated by reducing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, as well as hepatic nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Curc and/or Lip acid treatments counteracted these changes. They also ameliorated NHPA-induced centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis, evidenced by histopathological examination. Moreover, Curc and Lip acid reduced the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen III, upregulated by NHPA intoxication in response to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Discussion and Conclusion

Curc and Lip acid can be considered as promising natural therapies against liver injury, induced by NHPA, through their antioxidant and antifibrotic actions.
Effect of data preprocessing methods and hyperparameters on accuracy of ball bearing fault detection based on deep learning
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Lee Eun Sung , Jang Woong Ki , Kim Byeong Hee , Seo Young Ho
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the effect of data preprocessing methods and hyperparameters in deep learning on the accuracy of ball bearing fault detection. In this study, artificial defects in the ball bearing were created to obtain the machine learning data for ball bearing fault detection. Vibration data were acquired by an accelerometer mounted in the bearing housing at three different rotation speeds. The obtained one-dimensional acceleration-based vibration data were changed into five different data forms: one-dimensional fast Fourier transform data, two-dimensional spectrogram image data, etc. One-dimensional numerical data were used as training data in the multi-layer perceptron and two-dimensional image data in the convolutional neural network classifier. After training, the accuracy and effectiveness of the validation test and the training data formats and deep learning models are discussed in this paper. 1D time- and frequency-domain numerical data showed 100% accuracy within the same rotation speed, but the accuracy was down to less than 50% in the mixed rotation speeds. On the other hand, 2D frequency-domain image data presented more than 99% accuracy for the mixed rotation speeds. Among 2D image data, FFT-image data is less sensitive to hyperparameters such as kernel and convolution layer and shows high test accuracy of 99% at least. Consequently, 2D image data format with the convolutional neural network more accurately worked in a complicated situation.
Clinically reversible ustekinumab-induced encephalopathy: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sarto Jordi , Caballol Berta , Berenguer Joan , Aldecoa Iban , Carbayo Álvaro , Santana Daniel , Archilla Ivan , Gaig Carles , Graus Francesc , Panés Julián , Saiz Albert
Published: February 2022

Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, has shown to be an effective therapy with a favourable safety profile. Clinical trials and real-world studies have reported very few neurological adverse events, including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, idiopathic intracranial hypertension and headache. We describe the case of a 48-year-old man with Crohn’s disease who initiated treatment with ustekinumab on top of ongoing treatment with methotrexate 25 mg/week who presented with an acute-onset encephalopathy that rapidly evolved to severe tetraparesis and akinetic mutism, associated with extensive leukoencephalopathy and restricted diffusion on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1 month after the second dose of ustekinumab. Comprehensive in-patient diagnostic testing ruled out vascular, demyelinating, metabolic, tumoral and infectious etiologies. Brain biopsy showed patchy infiltrates of foamy histiocytes with perivascular distribution, associated with edema, diffuse astrocytic gliosis and focal perivascular axonal destruction without demyelination, and ustekinumab-induced neurotoxicity was suspected. After drug discontinuation, the patient presented a complete clinical recovery despite the persistence of leukoencephalopathy. In conclusion, in an era in which biological therapies are continually evolving and expanding, knowledge about the potential neurotoxicity of these new therapies and their management becomes crucial. Although ustekinumab-induced encephalopathy is uncommon, the recognition of this potentially serious side effect is important because prompt withdrawal is associated with a favourable outcome. Whether methotrexate played an additional contributing role is currently unknown, but it is a factor that should be considered.