bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translating a theory-based positive deviance approach into an applied tool: Mitigating barriers among health professionals (HPs) regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines
Authors: Cohen Ricky , Gesser-Edelsburg Anat , Singhal Arvind , Benenson Shmuel , Moses Allon E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Although a wide range of intervention programs and methods have been implemented to increase health professionals’ (HPs) adherence with infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines and decrease the incidence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), a significant discrepancy remains between the guidelines and their implementation in practice.

Objectives

This study proposes an applied tool based on the integrated theoretical framework of the positive deviance (PD) approach for developing more effective interventions to mitigate this discrepancy.

Methods

A qualitative study guided by the PD approach based on data from two sources: (1) in-depth archival analysis of systematic review articles, and (2) integration and synthesis of findings based on an extensive empirical study we conducted, involving 250 HPs (nurses, physicians, support staff and cleaning staff) from three governmental hospitals in Israel, over 35 months (January 2017 to November 2020).

Results

The barriers faced by HPs were classified into four main categories: (1) individual-motivational, (2) social-cultural, (3) organizational, and (4) work environment and resource-centered. For each barrier, we constructed a set of questions based on the PD approach. For each question, we adapted and applied methodological tools (e.g., in-depth interviews, focus groups, social network maps, video clips and simulations) to help solve the problem.

Conclusion

Translating a theory-based approach into an applied tool that offers step-by-step actions can help researchers and practitioners adopt and implement the approach within intervention programs to mitigate barriers.
CI-SpliceAI—Improving machine learning predictions of disease causing splicing variants using curated alternative splice sites
Authors: Strauch Yaron , Lord Jenny , Niranjan Mahesan , Baralle Diana
Published: June 2022

Background

It is estimated that up to 50% of all disease causing variants disrupt splicing. Due to its complexity, our ability to predict which variants disrupt splicing is limited, meaning missed diagnoses for patients. The emergence of machine learning for targeted medicine holds great potential to improve prediction of splice disrupting variants. The recently published SpliceAI algorithm utilises deep neural networks and has been reported to have a greater accuracy than other commonly used methods.

Methods and findings

The original SpliceAI was trained on splice sites included in primary isoforms combined with novel junctions observed in GTEx data, which might introduce noise and de-correlate the machine learning input with its output. Limiting the data to only validated and manual annotated primary and alternatively spliced GENCODE sites in training may improve predictive abilities. All of these gene isoforms were collapsed (aggregated into one pseudo-isoform) and the SpliceAI architecture was retrained (CI-SpliceAI). Predictive performance on a newly curated dataset of 1,316 functionally validated variants from the literature was compared with the original SpliceAI, alongside MMSplice, MaxEntScan, and SQUIRLS. Both SpliceAI algorithms outperformed the other methods, with the original SpliceAI achieving an accuracy of ∼91%, and CI-SpliceAI showing an improvement at ∼92% overall. Predictive accuracy increased in the majority of curated variants.

Conclusions

We show that including only manually annotated alternatively spliced sites in training data improves prediction of clinically relevant variants, and highlight avenues for further performance improvements.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic and traumatological care in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic
Authors: Fulin Petr , Daniel Matej , Walder Jiri , Grzelecki Dariusz , Pokorny David
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has significantly affected society, especially healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma healthcare at the largest university hospital in the Czech Republic. The evaluated periods were in accordance with three waves of the disease and three respective lockdowns. To correlate the results, we evaluated the number of patients (inpatients and outpatients) treated in the same period in the last 3 years before the pandemic. The number of orthopaedic outpatients during the lockdown period decreased by 54.12% (p = 0.002), 42.88% (p <0.001), and 34.53% (p = 0.03) in the first, second, and third lockdowns, respectively. The number of elective surgeries decreased by 69.01% (p <0.001), 87.57% (p <0.001), and 74.89% (p = 0.007) and the number of acute surgeries decreased by 33.15% (p = 0.002), 37.46% (p <0.001), and 27.24% (p = 0.034) in the first, second, and third lockdowns, respectively. This study showed a significant reduction in the healthcare of orthopaedic and trauma patients owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasised the shortcomings of the healthcare system. In our study, there was a reduction in both outpatient (reduction of care by 24–54%) and inpatient care. The elective surgeries were reduced by 69–87% during different lockdown periods compared with the reference period. Based on the results of this study, we can formulate organisational measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on orthopaedic healthcare. Organisational procedures created based on acquired data and experience should maximise the bed capacity of the workplace and work efficiency with regard to the safety of medical staff.
Structural and biophysical characterization of the multidomain xylanase Xyl
Authors: Anye Valentine , Kruger Robert F. , Schubert Wolf-Dieter
Published: June 2022

The depletion of fossil fuels, associated pollution, and resulting health hazards are of concern worldwide. Woody biomass constitutes an alternative source of cleaner and renewable energy. The efficient use of woody biomass depends on xylan depolymerisation as the endo-β-1,4-xylopyranosyl homopolymer is the main component of hemicellulose, the second most abundant component of wood. Xylan depolymerisation is achieved by hemicellulolytic xylanases of glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 5, 8, 10, 11, 30 and 43 of the CAZY database. We analysed a multidomain xylanase (Xyl) from the hindgut metagenome of the snouted harvester termite Trinervitermes trinervoides that releases xylobiose and xylotriose from beech and birch xylan and wheat arabinoxylan. The four domains of Xyl include an N-terminal GH11 xylanase domain, two family 36-like carbohydrate-binding domains CBM36-1 and 2, and a C-terminal CE4 esterase domain. Previous analyses indicated that CBM36-1 deletion slightly increased GH11 catalysis at low pH whereas removal of both CBMs decreased xylanase activity at 60°C from 90 to 56%. Possible cooperativity between the domains suggested by these observations was explored. A crystal structure of the two-domain construct, GH11-CBM36-1, confirmed the structure of the GH11 domain whereas the CBM36-1 domain lacked electron density, possibly indicating a random orientation of the CBM36-1 domain around the GH11 domain. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments similarly did not indicate specific interactions between the individual domains of Xyl supporting a “beads-on-a-string” model for Xyl domains.
Metal consumption of a middle-range society in the late 3rd millennium BC Anatolia: A new socioeconomic approach
Authors: Dardeniz Gonca , Yıldırım Tayfun
Published: June 2022

This article discusses the socioeconomic dynamics of metal consumption patterns in the 3rdmillennium BC north-central Anatolian site of Resuloğlu (Çorum, Turkey). The socio-political structure of the site confirms a nonstate, socially complex community with a range of hierarchical and heterarchical expressions. This study presents the results of archaeological, compositional (n = 307), and isotopic (n = 45) analyses of the complete metal collection of Resuloğlu uncovered through two decades of systematic excavations with a well-established chronology. The elemental compositions of metal objects obtained with pXRF combined with lead isotope analysis denote a high diversity in alloy types and sources. The compositional analysis highlights the consumption of various binary and ternary alloys for different object types. The lead isotope ratios confirm the use of both in proximity to metallic sources and access to macro-regional trade extending from the Black Sea coast towards the Taurus Mountain range. The site appears as a part of linkages whereby goods and valuables were exchanged within decentralized networks of middle-range societies. The diversity in metal consumption suggests group-driven choices and networks rather than top-down control of social elites. This allows us to confront the conventional approach to the role of metals as the primary motivator for social complexity and inequality in all parts of the 3rdmillennium BC Anatolia.
Multicow pose estimation based on keypoint extraction
Authors: Gong Caili , Zhang Yong , Wei Yongfeng , Du Xinyu , Su Lide , Weng Zhi
Published: June 2022

Automatic estimation of the poses of dairy cows over a long period can provide relevant information regarding their status and well-being in precision farming. Due to appearance similarity, cow pose estimation is challenging. To monitor the health of dairy cows in actual farm environments, a multicow pose estimation algorithm was proposed in this study. First, a monitoring system was established at a dairy cow breeding site, and 175 surveillance videos of 10 different cows were used as raw data to construct object detection and pose estimation data sets. To achieve the detection of multiple cows, the You Only Look Once (YOLO)v4 model based on CSPDarkNet53 was built and fine-tuned to output the bounding box for further pose estimation. On the test set of 400 images including single and multiple cows throughout the whole day, the average precision (AP) reached 94.58%. Second, the keypoint heatmaps and part affinity field (PAF) were extracted to match the keypoints of the same cow based on the real-time multiperson 2D pose detection model. To verify the performance of the algorithm, 200 single-object images and 200 dual-object images with occlusions were tested under different light conditions. The test results showed that the AP of leg keypoints was the highest, reaching 91.6%, regardless of day or night and single cows or double cows. This was followed by the AP values of the back, neck and head, sequentially. The AP of single cow pose estimation was 85% during the day and 78.1% at night, compared to double cows with occlusion, for which the values were 74.3% and 71.6%, respectively. The keypoint detection rate decreased when the occlusion was severe. However, in actual cow breeding sites, cows are seldom strongly occluded. Finally, a pose classification network was built to estimate the three typical poses (standing, walking and lying) of cows based on the extracted cow skeleton in the bounding box, achieving precision of 91.67%, 92.97% and 99.23%, respectively. The results showed that the algorithm proposed in this study exhibited a relatively high detection rate. Therefore, the proposed method can provide a theoretical reference for animal pose estimation in large-scale precision livestock farming.
A bacterial dual positive and negative selection system for dCas9 activity
Authors: Spisak Shaun , O’Brien Brett , Ostermeier Marc
Published: June 2022

The engineering of switchable or activatable dCas9 proteins would benefit from a single system for both positive and negative selection of dCas9 activity. Most systems that are used to interrogate dCas9 libraries use a fluorescent protein screen or an antibiotic selection for active dCas9 variants. To avoid some of the limitations of these systems, we have developed a single system capable of selecting for either active or inactive dCas9 variants. E. coli expressing active dCas9 variants are isolated in the positive selection system through growth in the presence of ampicillin. The negative selection can isolate cells lacking dCas9 activity through two separate mechanisms: growth in M9 minimal media or growth in media containing streptomycin. This system is capable of enriching for rare dCas9 variants up to 9,000-fold and possesses potential utility in directed evolution experiments to create switchable dCas9 proteins.
Discrimination of pollen of New Zealand mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium agg.) and kānuka (Kunzea spp.) (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Li X. , Prebble J. G. , de Lange P. J. , Raine J. I. , Newstrom-Lloyd L.
Published: June 2022

The very similar appearance of pollen of the New Zealand Myrtaceous taxa Leptospermum scoparium s.l. (mānuka) and Kunzea spp. (kānuka) has led palynologists to combine them in paleoecological and melissopalynological studies. This is unfortunate, as differentiation of these taxa would improve understanding of past ecological change and has potential to add value to the New Zealand honey industry, where mānuka honey attracts a premium price. Here, we examine in detail the pollen morphology of the 10 Kunzea species and a number of Leptospermum scoparium morphotypes collected from around New Zealand, using light microscopy, SEM, and Classifynder (an automated palynology system). Our results suggest that at a generic level the New Zealand Leptospermum and Kunzea pollen can be readily differentiated, but the differences between pollen from the morphotypes of Leptospermum or between the species of Kunzea are less discernible. While size is a determinant factor–equatorial diameter of Leptospermum scoparium pollen is 19.08 ± 1.28 μm, compared to 16.30 ± 0.95 μm for Kunzea spp.–other criteria such as surface texture and shape characteristics are also diagnostic. A support vector machine set up to differentiate Leptospermum from Kunzea pollen using images captured by the Classifynder system had a prediction accuracy of ~95%. This study is a step towards future melissopalynological differentiation of mānuka honey using automated pollen image capture and classification approaches.
Additive genetic effect of GCKR, G6PC2, and SLC30A8 variants on fasting glucose levels and risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Guanjie , Shriner Daniel , Zhang Jianhua , Zhou Jie , Adikaram Poorni , Doumatey Ayo P. , Bentley Amy R. , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: June 2022

Impaired glucose tolerance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and several cardiometabolic disorders. To identify genetic loci underlying fasting glucose levels, we conducted an analysis of 9,232 individuals of European ancestry who at enrollment were either nondiabetic or had untreated type 2 diabetes. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to test for associations between fasting glucose and 7.9 million SNPs, with adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, significant principal components of the genotypes, and cryptic relatedness. Three previously discovered loci were genome-wide significant, with the lead SNPs being rs1260326, a missense variant in GCKR (p = 1.06×10−8); rs560887, an intronic variant in G6PC2 (p = 3.39×10−11); and rs13266634, a missense variant in SLC30A8 (p = 4.28×10−10). Fine mapping, genome-wide conditional analysis, and functional annotation indicated that the three loci were independently associated with fasting glucose. Each copy of an alternate allele at any of these three SNPs was associated with a reduction of 0.012 mmol/L in fasting glucose levels (p = 8.0×10−28), and this association was replicated in trans-ethnic analysis of 14,303 individuals (p = 2.2×10−16). The three SNPs were jointly associated with significantly reduced T2D risk, with an odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.93 (0.88, 0.98) per protective allele. Our findings implicate additive effects across pathophysiological pathways involved in type 2 diabetes, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and insulin secretion. Since none of the individuals homozygous for the alternate alleles at all three loci has T2D, it might be possible to use a genetic predictor of fasting glucose levels to identify individuals at low vs. high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Aerobic exercise training combined or not with okra consumption as a strategy to prevent kidney changes caused by metabolic syndrome in Zucker rats
Authors: da Silva Monique Marques , Gomes Moisés Felipe Pereira , de Moura Elizabeth de Orleans Carvalho , Veras Mariana Matera , Kubota Melina Chiemi , Takano Ana Paula , dos Santos Ana Carolina Cardoso , José Carolina Gonçalves dos Reis , Souza Graziele Aparecida da Silva , Cardoso Naiara Magalhães , Estadella Debora , Lambertucci Rafael Herling , Medeiros Alessandra
Published: June 2022

The complications of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) include kidney disease, and most dialysis patients are diagnosed with MetS. The benefit of exercise training (ET) for MetS treatment is already well defined in the literature, but the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic benefits of okra (O) have been discovered only recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of O and/or ET supplementation on renal function and histology; serum urea and creatinine value; inflammation (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) and oxidative stress in renal tissue. For this, 32 Zucker rats (fa/fa) were randomly separated into four groups of 8 animals each: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), MetS + Okra (MetS + O), MetS + Exercise Training (MetS + ET), and MetS + Exercise Training and Okra (MetS + ET + O), and 8 Zucker lean (fa/+) rats comprised the Control group (CTL). Okra was administered by orogastric gavage 2x/day (morning and night, 100 mg/kg) and ET performed on the treadmill, at moderate intensity, 1h/day, 5x/week for 6 weeks. Although the renal function was not altered, the animals with MetS showed greater fibrotic deposition accompanied by a worse stage of renal injury, in addition to increased kidney weight. Although all interventions were beneficial in reducing fibrosis, only ET combined with O was able to improve the degree of renal tissue impairment. ET improved the anti-inflammatory status and reduced nitrite levels, but the combination of ET and O was more beneficial as regards catalase activity. Okra consumption alone did not promote changes in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the kidney. In conclusion, ET combined or not with O seems to be beneficial in preventing the progression of renal disease when renal function is not yet altered.
Association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors to assess cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patient at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa
Authors: Dessie Gashaw
Published: June 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic chronic inflammatory disorder, which is characterized by joint stiffness, damage, and destruction of bone. In RA patients, the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased by 2–3 folds as compared to the general population. The major burden of RA is the development of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

Objectives

Assessment of the association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein to evaluate CVD risk was one of the purposes of this study. In addition, the association of atherogenic indices with elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors (LDL-C and TG) was another aim of this study.

Methods

The preferred study design for this study was a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study method. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Data version 4.6 software, and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis of atherogenic indices, C-reactive protein, and risk factors. The comparison of atherogenic indices and other variables among the case and control groups was estimated by the independent t-test statistical analysis method. All variables with a p-value less than 0.2 during binary linear regression analysis were selected for multinomial logistic regression analysis. The association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors was computed using multiple logistic regressions. The data were presented using tables and figures for clarification of the study.

Results

The levels of atherogenic indices were computed for both RA patients and the control group. The values of atherogenic indices were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factor (CRP ≥ 2mg/L). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and TC/HDL-C ratio had a statistically significant association with an elevated levels of triglycerides (P<0.01). The TC/HDL-Cratio value of the patient had 2.38 folds more likely to have an elevated low density lipoprotein level. In addition, AIP of RA patients had 57.51 and 23.65 folds more to have elevated low density lipoprotein and triglycerides respectively.

Conclusions

The result of this study showed that TC/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C ratio values, and atherogenic index of plasma had a statistically significant association with elevated level of low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. In addition to this, they have a statistically significant association with the level of C-reactive protein. There was a highly significant statistical association between atherogenic indices, elevated low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides values. Therefore, the result of this finding confirmed that atherogenic indices have a potential role in the prediction and management of CVD risk in RA patients.
Exponentiated Odd Lomax Exponential distribution with application to COVID-19 death cases of Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Govinda Prasad , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2022

This study suggested a new four-parameter Exponentiated Odd Lomax Exponential (EOLE) distribution by compounding an exponentiated odd function with Lomax distribution as a generator. The proposed model is unimodal and positively skewed whereas the hazard rate function is monotonically increasing and inverted bathtubs. Some important properties of the new distribution are derived such as quintile function and median; asymptotic properties and mode; moments; mean residual life, mean path time; mean deviation; order statistics; and Bonferroni & Lorenz curve. The value of the parameters is obtained from the maximum likelihood estimation, least-square estimation, and Cramér-Von-Mises methods. Here, a simulation study and two real data sets, “the number of deaths per day due to COVID-19 of the first wave in Nepal" and ‘‘failure stresses (In Gpa) of single carbon fibers of lengths 50 mm", have been applied to validate the different theoretical findings. The finding of an order of COVID-19 deaths in 153 days in Nepal obey the proposed distribution, it has a significantly positive relationship between the predictive test positive rate and the predictive number of deaths per day. Therefore, the intended model is an alternative model for survival data and lifetime data analysis.
Impact of transgenic insect-resistant maize HGK60 with Cry1Ah gene on community components and biodiversity of arthropods in the fields
Authors: Chen Yanjun , Ren Mengyun , Pan Libo , Liu Bo , Guan Xiao , Tao Jun
Published: June 2022

In recent years, transgenic technology has developed rapidly, but the risk of the environmental release of transgenic organisms is still a key issue. Research on the impact on biodiversity is an effective way to objectively evaluate the risk. By taking transgenic maize HGK60 with insect-resistant gene Cry1Ah and common maize Zheng 58 as control, a 2-year experiment of arthropod community biodiversity in fields of them were studied using three methods.in 2019 and 2020. The results showed that a total of 124 species and 38537 individuals were observed from the experiment, belonging to 11 orders and 40 families. There was no significant difference in the individual number and species number of herbivorous, predatory and parasitic groups in the two kinds of maize in two years. Only the individual number of HGK60 was significantly higher than that of common maize Zheng 58 at heading stage in 2019. And the percentages of individual number and species number in different groups were basically the same in the two kinds of maize at each stage in two years. Analyses of Richness index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Dominance index and Evenness index showed no significant difference between the two kinds of maize in two years. The similarity coefficient of the arthropod community suggested that the arthropod community composition of HGK60 was similar to that of common maize Zheng 58. Furthermore, HGK60 had no significant effect on the relative stability of the arthropod community. These results indicated that despite the presence of a relatively minor difference in arthropod community between the two kinds of maize, the planting of HGK60 had little effect on arthropod community biodiversity. The results provided some data and support for the further studies of environmental risk of transgenic crops.
Prediction of various blood group systems using Korean whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Hyun Jungwon , Oh Sujin , Hong Yun Ji , Park Kyoung Un
Published: June 2022

Aims

This study established blood group analysis methods using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and conducted blood group analyses to determine the domestic allele frequency using public data from the Korean whole sequence analysis of the Korean Reference Genome Project conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Materials and methods

We analyzed the differences between the human reference sequences (hg19) and the conventional reference cDNA sequences of blood group genes using the Clustal Omega website, and established blood group analysis methods using WGS data for 41 genes, including 39 blood group genes involved in 36 blood group antigens, as well as theGATA1andKLF1genes, which are erythrocyte-specific transcription factor genes. Using CLC genomics Workbench 11.0 (Qiagen, Aarhus, Denmark), variant analysis was performed on these 41 genes in 250 Korean WGS data sets, and each blood group’s genotype was predicted. The frequencies for major alleles were also investigated and compared with data from the Korean rare blood program (KRBP) and the Erythrogene database (East Asian and all races).

Results

Among the 41 blood group-related genes, hg19 showed variants in the following genes compared to the conventional reference cDNA:GYPA,RHD,RHCE,FUT3,ACKR1,SLC14A1,ART4,CR1, andGCNT2. Among 250 WGS data sets from the Korean Reference Genome Project, 70.6 variants were analyzed in 205 samples; 45 data samples were excluded due to having no variants. In particular, theFUT3,GNCT2,B3GALNT1,CR1, andACHEgenes contained numerous variants, with averages of 21.1, 13.9, 13.4, 9.6, and 7.0, respectively. Except for some blood groups, such as ABO and Lewis, for which it was difficult to predict the alleles using only WGS data, most alleles were successfully predicted in most blood groups. A comparison of allele frequencies showed no significant differences compared to the KRBP data, but there were differences compared to the Erythrogene data for the Lutheran, Kell, Duffy, Yt, Scianna, Landsteiner-Wiener, and Cromer blood group systems. Numerous minor blood group systems that were not available in the KRBP data were also included in this study.

Conclusions

We successfully established and performed blood group analysis using Korean public WGS data. It is expected that blood group analysis using WGS data will be performed more frequently in the future and will contribute to domestic data on blood group allele frequency and eventually the supply of safe blood products.
Cingulate transcranial direct current stimulation in adults with HIV
Authors: Jiang Xiong , Dahmani Sophia , Bronshteyn Margarita , Yang Fan Nils , Ryan John Paul , Gallagher R. Craig , Damera Srikanth R. , Kumar Princy N. , Moore David J. , Ellis Ronald J. , Turkeltaub Peter E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Neuronal dysfunction plays an important role in the high prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in people with HIV (PWH). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—with its capability to improve neuronal function—may have the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic approach for HAND. Brain imaging and neurobehavioral studies provide converging evidence that injury to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is highly prevalent and contributes to HAND in PWH, suggesting that ACC may serve as a potential neuromodulation target for HAND. Here we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial crossover pilot study to test the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of anodal tDCS over cingulate cortex in adults with HIV, with a focus on the dorsal ACC (dACC).

Methods

Eleven PWH (47–69 years old, 2 females, 100% African Americans, disease duration 16–36 years) participated in the study, which had two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. During Phase 1, participants were randomized to receive ten sessions of sham (n = 4) or cingulate tDCS (n = 7) over the course of 2–3 weeks. Treatment assignments were unknown to the participants and the technicians. Neuropsychology and MRI data were collected from four additional study visits to assess treatment effects, including one baseline visit (BL, prior to treatment) and three follow-up visits (FU1, FU2, and FU3, approximately 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months after treatment, respectively). Treatment assignment was unblinded after FU3. Participants in the sham group repeated the study with open-label cingulate tDCS during Phase 2. Statistical analysis was limited to data from Phase 1.

Results

Compared to sham tDCS, cingulate tDCS led to a decrease in Perseverative Errors in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), but not Non-Perseverative Errors, as well as a decrease in the ratio score of Trail Making Test—Part B (TMT-B) to TMT—Part A (TMT-A). Seed-to-voxel analysis with resting state functional MRI data revealed an increase in functional connectivity between the bilateral dACC and a cluster in the right dorsal striatum after cingulate tDCS. There were no differences in self-reported discomfort ratings between sham and cingulate tDCS.

Conclusions

Cingulate tDCS is safe and well-tolerated in PWH, and may have the potential to improve cognitive performance and brain function. A future study with a larger sample is warranted.
Dynamic epigenetic age mosaicism in the human atherosclerotic artery
Authors: Zaina Silvio , Esteller Manel , Gonçalves Isabel , Lund Gertrud
Published: June 2022

Accelerated epigenetic ageing, a promising marker of disease risk, has been detected in peripheral blood cells of atherosclerotic patients, but evidence in the vascular wall is lacking. Understanding the trends of epigenetic ageing in the atheroma may provide insights into mechanisms of atherogenesis or identify targets for molecular therapy. We surveyed DNA methylation age in two human artery samples: a set of donor-matched, paired atherosclerotic and healthy aortic portions, and a set of carotid artery atheromas. The well-characterized pan-tissue Horvath epigenetic clock was used, together with the Weidner whole-blood-specific clock as validation. For the first time, we document dynamic DNA methylation age mosaicism of the vascular wall that is atherosclerosis-related, switches from acceleration to deceleration with chronological ageing, and is consistent in human aorta and carotid atheroma. At CpG level, the Horvath epigenetic clock showed modest differential methylation between atherosclerotic and healthy aortic portions, weak association with atheroma histological grade and no clear evidence for participation in atherosclerosis-related cellular pathways. Our data suggest caution when assigning a unidirectional DNA methylation age change to the atherosclerotic arterial wall. Also, the results support previous conclusions that epigenetic ageing reflects non-disease-specific cellular alterations.
Physical fitness and stroke performance in healthy tennis players with different competition levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lambrich Johanna , Muehlbauer Thomas
Published: June 2022

Differences in variables of physical fitness and stroke performance by competition level (i.e., elite vs. sub-elite players) have not been systematically investigated yet. Thus, the objective of the systematic review with meta-analysis was to characterize and quantify competition-level dependent differences in physical fitness and stroke performance in healthy tennis players. A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus from their inception date till May 2022. Studies were included if they investigated healthy tennis players and reported at least one measure of physical fitness (e.g., lower extremity muscle power, endurance, agility, speed) or stroke performance (e.g., stroke velocity). Weighted standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated and reported according to their magnitude. The search identified a total of N = 12,714 records, 16 of which met the inclusion criteria. Competition-level dependent differences in physical fitness and stroke performance were investigated by 11 and 10 studies, respectively. For physical fitness, moderate (lower extremity muscle power: SMD = 0.53; endurance: SMD = 0.59; agility: SMD = 0.54) and small (speed: SMD = 0.35) effects were detected; all in favour of elite tennis players. However, sub-group analyses revealed an influence of players’ age showing higher SMD-values for adult than for young players. Further, a large effect (SMD = 1.00) was observed for stroke performance again in favour of elite tennis players. Lastly, a larger but not significantly different association between physical fitness and stroke performance was observed for elite (r = 0.562) compared to sub-elite (r = 0.372) tennis players. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed better physical fitness and stroke performances in healthy elite compared to sub-elite tennis players. The greatest differences by competition level were shown in measures of lower extremity muscle power, endurance, and agility. Thus, training programs for sub-elite tennis players should place a special focus on these physical components.
Healthcare resource utilization and medical costs in patients with terminal cancer during best supportive care
Authors: Kang Dong-Won , Shim Yoon-Bo , Lee Eui-Kyung , Park Mi-Hai
Published: June 2022

Patients with terminal cancer have different physical symptoms, prognoses, emotional distress, and end-of-life care plans from those receiving aggressive chemotherapy; few studies have assessed healthcare resource use in these patients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess healthcare resource utilization and medical costs incurred during best supportive care after the last anticancer drug treatment in patients with terminal cancer. This retrospective observational study was conducted using national sample cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. Only patients with cancer who were treated with the last anticancer drugs from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2015, were included in the study. The period of best supportive care was defined as the time from the date of use of the last anticancer drug to death. Healthcare resource utilization and medical costs were estimated during the best supportive care. A generalized linear model with a log-link function and gamma distribution was used to evaluate the impact of demographic and healthcare utilization factors on total medical costs. Among the 2,480 patients in the study, 93.9% were hospitalized, and hospitalization days (30.8 days) accounted for 39.7% of the surviving period (77.5 days). The proportions of intensive care unit admissions and emergency department visits were 15.8% and 18.9%, respectively. The average total medical cost per patient was $6,310, with the inpatient cost ($5,705) being approximately 9.4 times higher than the outpatient cost ($605). The length of hospitalization had the greatest impact on the total medical costs. Pancreatic cancer had the highest proportion of patients who were hospitalized (97.4%) and the highest medical cost ($7,702). Hospital-based resources were utilized by most patients with terminal cancer, and hospitalization was a major driver of the total medical cost. An alternative system for hospitalization should be developed to support patients with terminal cancer, both clinically and financially.
Longitudinal kinetics of RBD+ antibodies in COVID-19 recovered patients over 14 months
Authors: Eyran Tsuf , Vaisman-Mentesh Anna , Taussig David , Dror Yael , Aizik Ligal , Kigel Aya , Rosenstein Shai , Bahar Yael , Ini Dor , Tur-Kaspa Ran , Kournos Tatyana , Marcoviciu Dana , Dicker Dror , Wine Yariv
Published: June 2022

We describe the longitudinal kinetics of the serological response in COVID-19 recovered patients over a period of 14 months. The antibody kinetics in a cohort of 192 recovered patients, including 66 patients for whom follow-up serum samples were obtained at two to four clinic visits, revealed that RBD-specific antibodies decayed over the 14 months following the onset of symptoms. The decay rate was associated with the robustness of the response in that antibody levels that were initially highly elevated after the onset of symptoms subsequently decayed more rapidly. An exploration of the differences in the longitudinal kinetics between recovered patients and naïve vaccinees who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine showed a significantly faster decay in the naïve vaccinees, indicating that serological memory following natural infection is more robust than that following to vaccination. Our data highlighting the differences between serological memory induced by natural infection vs. vaccination contributed to the decision-making process in Israel regarding the necessity for a third vaccination dose.
Understanding the B-Metro’s production of child abuse reportage: A hierarchy of influences perspective
Authors: Ndlovu Khulekani
Published: June 2022

Drawing on the hierarchy of influences perspective as analytical lens, this article examines the macro-, meso- and micro-level dynamics that attend the B-Metro’s mediation of child abuse in Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews with B-Metro staff revealed that journalists’ identities, professional ideologies, political meddling, resourcing challenges and a gendered newsroom culture shape the news discourse. Additionally, strategic considerations about the credibility of the news report and the economics of news gathering have led to an overreliance on court sources. Consequently, the reportage is dominated by a legal narrative that eschews meaningful interrogation of the structural conditions that engender child abuse. Findings also reveal that journalists denounce patriarchal violence but espouse its normative ideologies. Ambivalence characterizes journalists’ convictions and actions as they are torn between commercial and public interest imperatives, compassion fatigue and the ethic of care.
Gamification and social comparison processes in electronic brainstorming
Authors: Guegan Jérôme , Buisine Stéphanie , Nelson Julien , Vernier Frédéric
Published: June 2022

Gamification can be seen as the intentional use of game design elements in non-game tasks, in order to produce psychological outcomes likely to influence behaviour and/or performance. In this respect, we hypothesize that gamification would produce measurable effects on user performance, that this positive impact would be mediated by specific motivational and attentional processes such as flow and that gamification would moderate the social comparison process. In three experimental studies, we examine the effects of gamified electronic brainstorming interfaces on fluency, uniqueness and flow. The first study mainly focuses on time pressure, the second on performance standard and the third one introduces social comparison. The results highlight some effects of the gamified conditions on brainstorming performance, but no or negative effects on flow. All three studies are congruent in that gamification did not occur as a psychological process, which questions popular design trends observed in a number of sectors.
‘What the heck: Eskorbuto for PM!’: Eskorbuto’s punk music and anarchist ideology
Authors: Fernández Gómez Jorge David , Pineda Antonio
Published: June 2022

Eskorbuto was one of the most important Spanish-speaking punk bands and the most extreme among those belonging to the ‘Basque Radical Rock’ movement in the 1980s. This article aims to analyse the ideological components of Eskorbuto’s discourse in relation to the political philosophy of anarchism. More specifically, the objective is to ascertain whether Eskorbuto’s music represents key anarchist values, and whether their discourse may be characterized as anarcho-punk. The study focuses on a context-sensitive discourse analysis of Eskorbuto’s lyrics. Results indicate that, through punk music, Eskorbuto’s discourse was linked to anarchism, to the extent that the Basque band was energized by punk’s anti-establishment attitude. However, results also reveal that the socially constructive values of anarchism – such as the belief in a natural order, or the vision of a self-managed collectivist economy – were not clearly conveyed in the band’s nihilistic lyrics. The scope and limits of Eskorbuto’s anarcho-punk characteristics are considered, before discussing the relationship of the band’s raw and confrontational message with the concept of punk-anarchism.
The problem with empathy: Justification and appeasement in Hey, Kiddo and Real Friends
Authors: Sutton Danielle
Published: June 2022

In this article, Danielle Sutton examines the way in which the propensity towards narrative empathy in texts for children ultimately serves to rationalize abuse in two autobiographical comics for young people: Jarrett Krosoczka’s Hey, Kiddo and Shannon Hale’s Real Friends.
Mapping the bipolar mind through comics: An interview with Ellen Forney
Authors: Saji Sweetha , Venkatesan Sathyaraj
Published: June 2022

This is an interview with comics artist Ellen Forney, author of Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir and Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life. In the interview, Forney reflects on her personal experience with bipolar disorder and its representation in the comics medium. The interview also presents recent trends in graphic medicine (intersection of comics and health) and the role and use of visual metaphors in delineating mental illness experiences, through examples drawn from Forney’s own work.
Los talleres de costura para el Ejército sublevado en Galicia (1936-1939)
Authors: Prada Rodríguez Julio
Published: June 2022

En este artículo se examina el nacimiento y la evolución de los talleres de costura para el Ejército sublevado en Galicia desde su nacimiento hasta su desaparición tras el final de la guerra civil y se realiza un análisis sociológico del origen de sus afiliadas y de las motivaciones que las impulsan. Para ello se utiliza un amplio repertorio de fuentes documentales procedente de archivos públicos y privados, prensa y fuentes orales que permite cuestionar la imagen de los mismos transmitida por la propaganda y los apologistas del régimen franquista. Se concluye cuestionando la «espontaneidad» y la «voluntariedad» de la iniciativa y poniendo de relieve los límites reales de la procedencia interclasista de sus afiliadas, su extracción marcadamente católica y conservadora y la diversidad de los móviles e intereses que las inspiraban.
Universidad y sostenibilidad social desde la ética del cuidado
Authors: Vázquez Verdera Victoria , Escámez Sánchez Juan
Published: June 2022

La misión de la universidad incluye el dar respuesta a los retos de cada momento histórico; y, en lo que concierne a la docencia, ofrecer una formación rigurosa y actualizada en cada perfil profesional específico. Para identificar cuáles son los retos actuales, en este artículo utilizamos el método de la hermenéutica-crítica. Lo que nos permite desentrañar que la desigualdad, la exclusión, la injustica climática, el imperialismo neoliberal, la corrupción, la destrucción de la biosfera y otros tantos problemas son consecuencia de modelos insostenibles que perpetúan la desigualdad y la dominación. Encontramos que en todos ellos persisten viejas promesas, historias y falsos mitos que impiden que podamos dar el viraje que necesitamos. Cuando analizamos las dimensiones o los cinco momentos éticos que se proponen desde la ética del cuidado, aparecen las preguntas sobre si la ética del cuidado y la ética de la justicia son incompatibles, obedecen a lógicas diferentes, han de desarrollarse en espacios diferenciados o tienen implicaciones educativas distintas.
Concluimos afirmando que la universidad puede encontrar en la ética del cuidado elementos catalizadores para nutrir la transición hacia la sostenibilidad y la justicia social. Se trata de una ética relacional capaz de crear conexiones para superar las imposiciones dominantes, el aislamiento social y los miedos que silencian ciertas voces. Necesitamos una formación universitaria que reconstruya estos silencios y que active formas de participación profesional competente (en términos éticos y técnicos). Así, estaremos en mejores condiciones para construir una democracia que tenga en cuenta las necesidades reales de todas las personas y reoriente los modelos educativos, sociales, científicos, empresariales, laborales, fiscales y económicos para conseguir el viraje hacia la sostenibilidad que necesitamos.
La Universidad como propósito. Una misión para nuestra institución
Authors: Garrocho Salcedo Diego S.
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo intenta actualizar una definición finalista de la universidad en virtud de su misión social. En su diagnóstico inicial, esta investigación se interrogará por las cualidades, funciones y objetivos que son específicos de la universidad y que, por este motivo, no pueden ser sustituidos por otras instituciones o prácticas alternativas en nuestra sociedad. Proponemos, por ello, brindar una definición funcional y de propósito para las instituciones universitarias, preferentemente aquellas que no tienen ánimo de lucro. Nuestra investigación atenderá, fundamentalmente, a los datos relativos al Sistema Universitario Español y se servirá de marcos preferentemente clásicos del pensamiento contemporáneo en el establecimiento del propósito institucional de las universidades.
Metodológicamente referiremos algunos datos cuantitativos y sus fuentes, aunque este trabajo aspira a proponerse como una reflexión crítica aunque con eminente vocación práctica. Se trata, por lo tanto, de una reflexión operada desde la filosofía (o, más genéricamente, desde las humanidades) y no desde las ciencias sociales en un sentido estricto. Los presupuestos teóricos de los que partiremos adquieren una deuda singular con Max Weber, Jacques Derrida y más específicamente Ortega y Gasset, aunque dialogarán también con referencias más contemporáneas como Anne Applebaum o Jonathan D. Haidt. Asimismo, a lo largo de este texto se incorporarán referencias de la filosofía clásica y medieval que consideramos pueden seguir reivindicando una vigencia objetiva. A partir de estas premisas teóricas intentaremos actualizar la misión de la universidad contemporánea, subrayando sus implicaciones sociales y culturales y su responsabilidad política específica en la promoción y custodia de ciertas jerarquías epistémicas en el marco de una sociedad plural y democrática.