bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistemic in/justice: Towards ‘Other’ ways of knowing
Authors: Hutton Martina , Cappellini Benedetta
Published: March 2022

This paper brings a critical awareness to the interrelations between epistemic injustice and knowledge hierarchies, through an insufficient attention to the Other as epistemically harmed. Because of the dominant empirical and theoretical authority Others are subjected to in research practices and dissemination, our paper explores how marginalised voices possess less epistemic agency due to their disciplining, neglect and subjugation as knowers through testimonial and hermeneutical injustice. We contribute two new categories of epistemic injustice in marketing; Silencing and Ignorance; areas, which reproduce and reify knowledge hierarchies but equally provide scholars with an opportunity to contest epistemic dominance. Through an explicit acknowledgement of the relationship between difference, power and knowledge in meaning-making, we argue for Other consciousness which entails (i) privileging Othered knowledge, (ii) highlighting structural epistemic in/justice within Marketing academe and (iii) advocating for artistic-inclusive processes, to alter how we theorise knowing Others, and Other knowers, in marketing scholarship.
Perceived Effectiveness of Flirtation Tactics: The Effects of sex, Mating Context and Individual Differences in US and Norwegian Samples
Authors: Kennair Leif Edward Ottesen , Wade T. Joel , Tallaksen Miriam Tekeste , Grøntvedt Trond Viggo , Kessler Andrea M. , Burch Rebecca L. , Bendixen Mons
Published: March 2022

Flirting involves various signals communicated between individuals. To attract potential mates, men and women exhibit flirtatious behavior to get the attention of, and potentially elicit sexual or romantic interest from, a desired partner. In this first large, preregistered study of judgement of the effectiveness of flirtation tactics based on Sexual Strategies Theory, we considered the effects of flirter’s (actor) sex and mating contexts in addition to rater's (participant) sex across two cultures, Norway and the U.S. Culturally relevant covariates such as sociosexuality, extraversion, mate value, age, and religiosity were examined. Participants from Norway (N = 415, 56% women) and the US (N = 577, 69% women) responded to one of four different randomized questionnaires representing a factorial design considering either short-term versus long-term mating context and either female or male sex of actor. We found that sexual availability cues were judged more effective when employed by women in short-term mating contexts. Friendly contact, such as hugs or kissing on the cheek, was not. Cues to generosity and commitment were judged more effective when employed by men in long-term mating contexts. Humor was rated as more effective when used by men and in long-term contexts, and least effective when used by women in short term contexts. However, laughing or giggling at someone's jokes was an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes. Overall, predictions for culturally relevant covariates were not supported, but cultural differences were found in bodily displays, initial contact, and generosity. These findings dovetail neatly with findings from the self-promotion literature, and further support that flirtation is a universal mate signaling strategy.
Are You…? Asking Questions on Sex with a Third Category in Germany
Authors: Hadler Patricia , Neuert Cornelia E. , Ortmanns Verena , Stiegler Angelika
Published: March 2022

A question asking for respondents’ sex is one of the standard sociodemographic characteristics collected in a survey. Until now, it typically consisted of a simple question (e.g., “Are you…?”) with two answer categories (“male” and “female”). In 2019, Germany implemented the additional sex designation divers for intersex people. In survey methodology, this has led to an ongoing discussion how to include a third category in questionnaires. We investigate respondents’ understanding of the third category, and whether introducing it affects data quality. Moreover, we investigate the understanding of the German term Geschlecht for sex and gender. To answer our research questions, we implemented different question wordings asking for sex/gender in a non-probability-based online panel in Germany and combined them with open-ended questions. Findings and implications for surveys are discussed.
Without Your Therapist: Contemplative Prayer During Treatment as a Religious Exposure Intervention to Reduce Religious Struggle and Anxious God Representation
Authors: Seesink Henk-Jan , Klokkenburg Pieter , Schaap-Jonker Hanneke , Ostafin Brian D. , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: March 2022

This case study focuses on the treatment of a 44-year-old Dutch man presenting with an anxious God representation and religious struggles according to DSM-5 criteria. Having received prior treatment for a panic disorder and alcohol use disorder, the patient was given a 60-day treatment in which the Jesus Prayer intervention was used to address his religious and spiritual problems. To our knowledge, this is the first case study involving the Jesus Prayer in the treatment of a patient. The intervention had positive effects on the patient’s religious and spiritual problems concerning an anxious God representation, religious struggles, stress levels and surrender to God. The intervention may also play a supporting role in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety and in promoting global mental health, as reliable change index analyses revealed symptom reduction between baseline levels and at post-assessment levels for all measured symptoms, with a semi-gradual decrease over the course of treatment. These improvements were continued in a 3-month follow-up assessment, suggesting promise for the Jesus Prayer as an effective treatment method for religious and spiritual problems. Recommendations regarding the importance of assessing the religious life of patients and implementing spiritual interventions are discussed, as well as the relevance of the therapist’s own assumptions when treating a religious or spiritual problem.
GUIDANCE as “God, You, and I Dance” and COUNSELING as “Communicate yourself in God”: A Personal Reflection as an Educator and a Counselor in the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Situmorang Dominikus David Biondi
Published: March 2022

In this article, the author describes two ways that can be done during this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, namely through GUIDANCE and COUNSELING. The author freely translates that GUIDANCE as “God, You, and I Dance” and COUNSELING as “Communicate yourself in God”. In the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, this article offers new insights into the search for meaning and a long-term purpose in life.
Minimally Invasive Resection of the Uncinate Process of the Pancreas: Anatomical Considerations and Surgical Technique
Authors: Machado Marcel A. , Ardengh José C. , Makdissi Fábio F. , Machado Marcel C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Low-grade lesions may benefit from pancreatic-sparing techniques. Resection of the uncinate process is rarely performed and reported due to its complexity that requires careful patient selection and accurate knowledge of the pancreatic anatomy. This study describes relevant anatomical elements to safely perform this complex operation in the minimally invasive setting.

Methods

In this study, consecutive patients undergoing resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas were studied. Patients undergoing open approach were used for comparison. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were recorded, and the diagnosis and tumor size were determined from the pathology reports. Immediate postoperative results and hospital stay were analyzed. Follow-up was used to assess long-term complications and endocrine and exocrine functions.

Results

Twenty-nine patients underwent resection of the uncinate process. The median age was 57 years. There were 21 males and eight females. Twenty patients underwent minimally invasive resection (14 laparoscopic and six by robotic approach) and nine were operated by open approach. A clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was observed in one patient (3.4%). Biochemical leakage was present in 44.8% of our patients. Mean follow-up was 62 months (3–147). Two patients needed reoperation during follow-up. No patient presented exocrine or endocrine insufficiency during late follow-up.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas is a complex but a feasible procedure that preserves the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine functions. This pancreas-sparing procedure is an interesting alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy in selected patients.
Development, Implementation, and Scale Up of the National Furaha Yangu Campaign to Promote HIV Test and Treat Services Uptake Among Men in Tanzania
Authors: Conserve Donaldson F. , Msofe Joseph , Issango Jumanne , Tureski Kara , McCarthy Pamela , Rwezahura Prisca , Maboko Leonard , Lwakatare Mark , Ndugulile Faustine , Kamwela Jerome , Sims Wynton , Ahonkhai Aima A. , Whembolua Guy-Lucien
Published: March 2022

Evidence has demonstrated that immediate HIV treatment initiation upon a positive HIV test, referred to as Test and Treat, can help people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives and prevent HIV transmission. Although Tanzania adopted the evidence-based Test and Treat strategy since 2016, men were not being adequately reached for HIV services. A national campaign was launched to promote the new HIV services with a focus on men. To inform the development and implementation of the campaign, we conducted formative audience insights-gathering (AIG) sessions to assess facilitators and barriers to accessing HIV Test and Treat services and inform the concepts and materials for the campaign. Qualitative AIG interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 54 people who were unaware or aware of their HIV status and currently or not currently on treatment, as well as health workers. Facilitators and barriers included a fear of testing positive, the desire to belong, control their narratives, and reinvent themselves to achieve their dreams and live a happy life. The campaign played off a My Happiness! creative concept to position antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a solution to fears around what life would be like after a positive HIV diagnosis. The development and implementation of the campaign were informed by the AIG sessions and national stakeholders, leading to strong partners’ buy-in that supported the scale-up of the ongoing campaign from 12 to 26 regions via the collaborative efforts of government, donors, and implementing partners.
Confronting the Discomfort: A Critical Analysis of Privilege and Positionality in Development
Authors: Le Bourdon Madeleine
Published: March 2022

This autoethnographic piece seeks to demonstrate the continuous reflexive journey of researchers in acknowledging and addressing their privileges. Through reflections on fieldnotes and a subsequent paper written during my own doctoral research, I will explore how my immersion within postcolonial scholarship forced me to address how my own positionality in the field has re-enacted colonial dynamics in the field of global education. Thus, the paper will argue that in the same vein that we call on learners and educators to reflect on their privileges and positionality through pedagogical practices, we too as researchers must consider how the privileges we hold impacts our epistemological and methodological approach to study.
Synthesis and characterization of a series of complexes with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Huang Yanju , Wang Jiayin , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2022

The complexes [Ni(HNOR)2]n·5nH2O (1), [Cd(HNOR)2]n (2), [Zn(HNOR)2·2H2O] (3), and [Co(H2NOR)2·2H2O]n·2nNO3 (4) (H2NOR = norfloxacin) are synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The structures of the complexes are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes are also characterized by infrared and elemental analysis. At the same time, the promoter catalytic properties of the complexes are studied under visible light, with complex 1 enhancing the catalytic performance of gCN from 407.4 to 914.1 μmol h−1 g−1 and complex 4 enhancing the catalytic performance of gCN from 407.4 to 943.9 μmol h−1 g−1. Complexes 1 and 4 significantly enhance visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Mood Disorders Are Associated with Increased Perioperative Opioid Usage and Health Care Costs in Patients Undergoing Knee Cartilage Restoration Procedure
Authors: Stone Austin V. , Murphy Meredith L. , Jacobs Cale A. , Lattermann Christian , Hawk Gregory S. , Thompson Katherine L. , Conley Caitlin E. W.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To identify the prevalence of mood disorder diagnoses in patients undergoing cartilage transplantation procedures and determine the relationship between mood disorders, opioid usage, and postoperative health care costs.

Design

Patients with current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) were identified in the Truven Health Marketscan database (January 2009-September 2014). Patients were grouped based on having a preoperative mood disorder diagnosis (preMDD). Preoperative opioids, postoperative opioids ≥90 days, and health care costs within the year postoperative were compared for those with and without mood disorders. Costs were analyzed, adjusting for preoperative cost, sex, age, and opioid usage, for those with and without mood disorders.

Results

A total of 3,682 patients were analyzed (ACI: 690, OAT: 1,294, OCA: 1,698). A quarter of patients had preMDD (ACI: 25.4%, OAT: 20.6%, OCA: 22.7%). Postoperative opioid use was more prevalent in preMDD patients (OAT: 37.1% vs. 24.1%, P < 0.001; OCA: 30.4% vs. 24.8%, P = 0.032; ACI: 33.7% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.070) (odds ratio [OR] ranged from 1.29 to 1.86). First-year postoperative log-transformed costs were significantly greater for preMDD patients (ACI: $7,733 vs. $5,689*, P = 0.012; OAT: $5,221 vs. $3,823*, P < 0.001; OCA: $6,973 vs. $3,992*, P < 0.001; *medians reported). The estimated adjusted first postoperative year cost increase for preMDD OCA patients was 41.7% ( P < 0.001) and 28.0% for OAT patients ( P = 0.034). There was no statistical difference for ACI patients ( P = 0.654).

Conclusion

Cartilage transplantation patients have a high prevalence of preoperative mood disorders. Opioid use and health care costs were significantly greater for patients with preoperative mood disorder diagnoses.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective therapeutic study.
Examining the role of social media, employee voice, and the National Football League’s organizational response to NFL athlete racial justice protests
Authors: Brown-Devlin Natalie
Published: March 2022

During Summer 2020, the murder of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests for racial justice, as collective voices insisted that organizations express a commitment to racial equity. Following a disappointing response from the National Football League (NFL), NFL social media employees and prominent athletes released a video on their own demanding organizational action and a statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Utilizing stakeholder theory and literature on employee voicing, this manuscript analyzes this collective voicing from NFL internal stakeholders, arguing that social media has prompted an initial, small movement toward increased democratization in sport, as athletes have realized the power afforded to them by their vast, social networks to activate the external stakeholders who follow them (i.e., fans) and sway organizational decision-making. Implications for public relations practitioners and crisis communication scholarship are proffered.
Associations among eHealth literacy, social support, individual resilience, and emotional status in primary care providers during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
Authors: Xu Richard Huan , Shi Lu-shao-bo , Xia Yi , Wang Dong
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate eHealth literacy among primary care providers (PCPs) and explore its association with social support, individual resilience, anxiety, and depression during an outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in 18 community healthcare centers in Guangzhou, China. The responses of 600 PCPs were tagged as valid responses. Information pertaining to their background, eHealth literacy, anxiety, depression levels, social support, and individual resilience was also collected. Multilevel analysis was used to determine the association among the measures to account for the nested random effect of community health centers in different districts.

Results

Participants showed a moderate self-perceived level of eHealth literacy ( M = 30, SD = 5.8). Participants who reported higher levels of eHealth literacy were more likely to exhibit lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher social support, and greater resilience. After adjusting for background characteristics, the results of the multilevel logistic analysis showed that eHealth literacy was significantly associated with anxiety and depression, social support, and individual resilience. Younger participants and those who were highly educated reported enhanced eHealth literacy.

Conclusions

This study presents a baseline reference for eHealth literacy among Chinese PCPs. Improving their ability to search for and use reliable web-based information was beneficial for facilitating perceived social support and raising resilience during the pandemic. Strategies to provide high-quality web-based information to PCPs to self-assess and identify psychological distress at an early stage should be encouraged.
Mask-Wearing as a Partisan Issue: Social Identity and Communication of Party Norms on Social Media Among Political Elites
Authors: Shin Jieun , Yang Aimei , Liu Wenlin , Min Kim Hye , Zhou Alvin , Sun Jingyi
Published: March 2022

This study draws on the social identity approach (SIA), to examine how political elites (i.e., members of the 116th United States Congress) communicated norms about mask-wearing on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Twitter data collected in 2020, we found that Republican members of Congress were significantly less likely to promote mask-wearing than Democratic members. We also observed some variations in norm-conforming behaviors among the members of each party. For Republicans, increased loyalty to the Trump leadership was significantly associated with a lower level of mask promotion. For Democrats, we found some evidence that loyalty to the party predicted higher levels of mask promotion. On the other hand, interactions with out-group members decreased adherence to party norms for both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. These findings allow us to better understand the social–psychological effects of party membership among political elites as well as the importance of leader–follower relationships and intergroup interactions.
The conservative management of self-inflicted chemical burns: Case report and literature review
Authors: Galo Amenah , Farid Mohammed , Almasharqah Riyadh
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Chemical burns, particularly injuries related to psychiatric illnesses, are underreported in the literature. We present two cases of self-inflicted alkali chemical burns managed conservatively. Frequent clinical review of the burn was aimed to ensure appropriate healing and compliance with the treatment plan based on regular dressing changes.

Case 1

A 24-year-old woman presented during the first day of the initial injury with a minor self-inflicted chemical burn to the right forearm. The causative agent was an oven cleaner containing sodium hydroxide triggering an alkali-based burn. The surface area of the injury was 0.5% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn. The patient had a complex psychiatric history diagnosed with personality disorder, anxiety and depression.

Case 2

A 55-year-old woman presented with a self-inflicted left forearm full-thickness burn (0.5% TBSA). This was five days after the initial injury from an oven cleaner containing sodium hydroxide. The patient had a psychiatric history of anxiety and depressive disorder. The mainstay of burn management was conservative with regular dressing changes and a topical agent. Telemedicine via a designated email address was given to the patient for virtual clinical burn review and any urgent issues. Photograph of the initial burn was taken, and clinic visits were scheduled to determine healing progress.

Conclusion

Self-inflicted chemical burns are to be managed within a multidisciplinary setting including early psychiatric involvement. We advocate a holistic approach to determine conservative or operative management, taking into account patient factors, burn complexity and clinician's judgement to streamline the treatment plan.

Lay Summary

Chemical burns due to self-harm are rare to see in clinical practice. A review of two cases secondary to intentional burns sustained using an oven cleaning material. Patients had psychiatric issues and were on medications to control symptoms. Close observation with regular dressings and topical cream would allow burns to heal without the need for an operation. Our recommendation would be to treat these burns with dressings and regular follow up in the clinic or virtually till healed.
An Impact Evaluation of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Environmental Degradation
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Hussain Muhammad Noshab , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: March 2022

This study presents an attempt to scrutinize whether the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promotes environmental degradation in BRI countries using panel data of 130 countries during the period 1990 to 2018. For this, we used carbon emission as a proxy variable to estimate environmental degradation. Taking BRI as a quasi-natural experiment this paper used a difference-in-difference approach to estimate the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on environmental degradation. The finding consistently shows that BRI has a significant impact on environmental degradation. Furthermore, economic growth shows a negative correlation with carbon emission and square term of GDP per capita presents that there is no evidence for the existence of the environment Kuznet curve hypothesis, however, this study established a U-shaped association between economic growth and [Formula: see text] emission, whereas, energy consumption and population shows a positive impact on carbon emission and financial development and trade openness reduce the carbon emission and these findings are robust to estimation approaches. The findings imply that BRI demands special attention from the Chinese Government and BRI participating countries to establish a new policy mechanism to enforce the standards globally to protect the carbon emission. The findings also suggest that governments should promote environment-friendly energy consumption and supportive energy infrastructure to tackle the issue of environmental degradation.
Evaluating Family Medicine Resident Narrative Comments Using the RIME Scheme
Authors: Folk Destiny , Ryckeley Christian , Nguyen Michelle , Essig Jeremiah J. , Beck Dallaghan Gary L. , Coe Catherine
Published: March 2022

Background

In 2013, the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) launched the Next Accreditation System, which required explicit documentation of trainee competence in six domains. To document narrative comments, the University of North Carolina Family Medicine Residency Program developed a mobile application to document real time observations.

Objective

The objective of this work was to assess if the Reporter, Interpreter, Manager, Expert (RIME) framework could be applied to the narrative comments in order to convey a degree of competency.

Methods

From August to December 2020, 7 individuals analyzed narrative comments of four family medicine residents. The narrative comments were collected from July to December 2019. Each individual applied the RIME framework to the comments and the team met to discuss. Comments where 5/7 individuals agreed were not further discussed. All other comments were discussed until consensus was achieved.

Results

102 unique comments were assessed. Of those comments, 25 (25.5%) met threshold for assessor agreement after independent review. Group discussion about discrepancies led to consensus about the appropriate classification for 92 (90.2%). General comments on performance were difficult to fit into the RIME framework.

Conclusions

Application of the RIME framework to narrative comments may add insight into trainee progress. Further faculty development is needed to ensure comments have discrete elements needed to apply the RIME framework and contribute to overall evaluation of competence.
The Changing World of Bullying: Student Strategies for Cyberbullying Intervention
Authors: Andrysiak Courtney J. L. , Mani Priya S. , Pomrenke Marlene , Ukasoanya Grace U. , Mizock Lauren
Published: March 2022

A gap in research on cyberbullying intervention strategies exists. The purpose of this study was to identify effective coping strategies for cyberbullying by interviewing cyberbullying survivors. The study used grounded theory qualitative methodology to allow data to fully emerge from participants’ perspectives. When analyzing the data, the researchers found that youth engaged in three types of coping: online coping, offline coping, and intrinsic coping. Online coping involved online interventions to stop active cyberbullying and prevent future cyberbullying; for example, youth limited who had access to their online accounts or blocked and reported cyberbullies. Offline coping included strategies that participants engaged in offline to minimize, tolerate, or cope with the effects of cyberbullying, such as talking about their experiences or reframing the way that they think about things. Finally, intrinsic coping described survivors’ personality traits or ways of being that aided them in developing such resilient coping strategies; for instance, possessing self-awareness and self-love contributed to survival. Accordingly, the findings contribute to the literature on effective coping strategies by confirming previously identified strategies, like online coping, and highlighting new ones, like intrinsic coping. The findings also help inform future counseling practices within schools.
Assessing trace-element mobility during alteration of rhyolite tephra from the Dinaride Lake System using glass-phase and clay-separate laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Badurina Luka , Šegvić Branimir
Published: March 2022

This paper reports a novel approach in the study of trace-element mobility during the argillization of volcanic glass that is based onin situlaser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry glass analyses and that of spatially related illite-smectite collected in the form of fraction separates. The material studied originates from lacustrine sediments of the Dinaride Lake System that bear evidence of intensive weathering of distal tephra during the Miocene climatic optimum. Yttrium andHREEwere probably mobilized from decomposing glass in the form of carbonate complexes and were consequently depleted significantly in the clays studied. On the other hand, the Mg-rich illite-smectite demonstrates an elevated adsorption potential of solvatedLREEcomplexes. This may be explained through clay surface geochemistry controlled largely by Mg for Al octahedral substitution. This paper highlights the role of eogenetic 2:1 clay aluminosilicates that, under favourable geological conditions, may be conducive to secondaryREEenrichment and the formation of potential ion adsorption-type deposits.
High diversity in the regulatory region of Shiga toxin encoding bacteriophages
Authors: Fagerlund Annette , Aspholm Marina , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Lindbäck Toril
Published: March 2022

Background

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an emerging health challenge worldwide and outbreaks caused by this pathogen poses a serious public health concern. Shiga toxin (Stx) is the major virulence factor of EHEC, and the stx genes are carried by temperate bacteriophages (Stx phages). The switch between lysogenic and lytic life cycle of the phage, which is crucial for Stx production and for severity of the disease, is regulated by the CI repressor which maintain latency by preventing transcription of the replication proteins. Three EHEC phage replication units (Eru1-3) in addition to the classical lambdoid replication region have been described previously, and Stx phages carrying the Eru1 replication region were associated with highly virulent EHEC strains.

Results

In this study, we have classified the Eru replication region of 419 Stx phages. In addition to the lambdoid replication region and three already described Erus, ten novel Erus (Eru4 to Eru13) were detected. The lambdoid type, Eru1, Eru4 and Eru7 are widely distributed in Western Europe. Notably, EHEC strains involved in severe outbreaks in England and Norway carry Stx phages with Eru1, Eru2, Eru5 and Eru7 replication regions. Phylogenetic analysis of CI repressors from Stx phages revealed eight major clades that largely separate according to Eru type.

Conclusion

The classification of replication regions and CI proteins of Stx phages provides an important platform for further studies aimed to assess how characteristics of the replication region influence the regulation of phage life cycle and, consequently, the virulence potential of the host EHEC strain.
Effects of different cultivation conditions on the production of β-cyclocitral and β-ionone in Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Moretto Jéssica Aparecida Silva , de Freitas Paloma Nathane Nunes , de Almeida Éryka Costa , Altarugio Lucas Miguel , da Silva Simone Vieira , de Fátima Fiore Marli , Pinto Ernani
Published: March 2022

Background

Cyanobacteria blooms have become a major environmental problem and concern because of secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria released into the water. Cyanobacteria produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as the compounds β-cyclocitral and β-ionone, which comprise odors, off-flavors, defense compounds, as well as growth regulators. Therefore, the general objective of this work was to evaluate the VOCs produced by two strains of Microcystis aeruginosa, differing in their ability to produce microcystins (LTPNA 01—non-producing and LTPNA 08—toxin-producing). The analysis of VOC production was carried out in (1) normal culture conditions, (2) under different light intensities (LI), and (3) after the external application of β-ionone in both cultures.

Results

The results showed that β-cyclocitral and β-ionone are produced in all growth phases of LTPNA 01 and LTPNA 08. Both strains were producers of β-cyclocitral and β-ionone in normal culture conditions. It was observed that the β-cyclocitral concentration was higher than β-ionone in all light intensities investigated in this study. Additionally, the strain LTPNA 01 produced more β-cyclocitral than LTPNA 08 at almost all times and LIs analyzed. However, the strain LTPNA 08 produced more β-ionone, mainly at the initial times. In addition, the experiment results with the external addition of β-ionone in the cultures showed that the strain LTPNA 01 produced more β-cyclocitral in control conditions than in treatment. Nonetheless, β-ionone production was higher in treatment conditions in LTPNA 08, indicating that the addition of β-ionone may favor the production of these compounds and inhibit the production of β-cyclocitral.

Conclusion

Our results showed that some abiotic factors, such as different light intensities and external application of β-ionone, can be triggers that lead to the production of VOCs.
Performance of the new SmartCardia wireless, wearable oximeter: a comparison with arterial SaO2 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Rincon Francisco , Pidoux Julien , Murali Srini , Goy Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2022

Background

Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a new wearable arm located pulse oximeter.

Methods

Twelve volunteers were monitored with three pulse oximeters and underwent desaturation to 70% SaO2.

We compared the accuracy of SpO2 reading from the SmartCardia system with SpO2 using two well established devices (Masimo and Nellcor) as reference.

Oximetry was performed at different level of oxygen saturation varying from 70 to 100%. Bias, ARMS and precision were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots.

Results

The mean (SD) differences between SaO2 compared to SpO2 and the devices were as follows: SaO2 versus Masimo 2,12 ± 1,01% (95% CI 1,45 to 2,79), SaO2 versus Nellcor 0,78 ± 0,58% (95% CI − 0,29 to 1,65) and SaO2 versus SmartCardia 0,42 ± 0,24% (95% CI − 0,64 to 1,46). The bias between SmartCardia, Masimo, Nellcor devices and SaO2 was 0.16 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.33) and LoA (level of agreements) 2.96 (95% CI − 2,68 to 2,89) for SmartCardia, 2,02 (95% CI 1,49 to 2,54) and LoA − 6 to 11 for Masimo, and 0,76 (95% CI 0,5 to − 1) and LoA − 3,5 to 5,0 for Nellcor. ARMS for the 70–100% SaO2 range was 1,4 for SmartCardia, 5,0 for Masimo and 2,31 for Nellcor.

Conclusions

The new wireless SmartCardia SpO2 measurement system demonstrated in-line results, bias, ARMS and precision in healthy volunteers, when compared with the gold standard SaO2 and with two well established systems, Masimo and Nellcor.

Trial registration

The present trial was prospectively registered at UCSF record (registration number:10–00437), on March 8, 2021.
Barriers and enablers for older adults participating in a home-based pragmatic exercise program delivered and monitored by Amazon Alexa: a qualitative study
Authors: Jansons Paul , Fyfe Jackson , Via Jack Dalla , Daly Robin M. , Gvozdenko Eugene , Scott David
Published: March 2022

Background

The remote delivery and monitoring of individually-tailored exercise programs using voice-controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPAs) that support conversation-based interactions may be an acceptable alternative model of digital health delivery for older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enablers and barriers for older adults participating in a home-based exercise program delivered and monitored by VIPAs.

Method

This qualitative study used videoconferencing to conduct semi-structured interviews following a 12-week, prospective single-arm pilot study in 15 adults aged 60 to 89 years living alone in the community. All participants were prescribed an individualized, brief (10 min, 2–4 times per day), home-based muscle strengthening and balance exercise program delivered and monitored using an Amazon Echo Show 5 device (Alexa). Qualitative interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

All 15 participants (aged 70.3 ± 4.3 years, mean ± SD) attended the semi-structured interview. Themes including enjoyability and ease of use, social engagement and motivation were enablers for participation in the exercise program. Errors in voice recognition, lack of feedback, and preference for other existing digital health modes of exercise delivery were barriers associated with the Alexa technology.

Conclusions

This qualitative study identified enablers and barriers associated with using an Alexa device to deliver and monitor an individualized, home-based exercise program in older adults living alone. Future interventions using VIPAs should focus on reducing technical errors, providing regular exercise feedback, and comparing participants’ experiences of exercise programs delivered by VIPAs to programs delivered via other digital health tools.
Analysis of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among obstetrics and gynecological outpatients in southwest China: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Ting , Lai Shu-yu , Zhou Wei , Liu Yan-ling , Chen Sha-sha , Jiang Yong-mei
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the present situation of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among obstetrics and gynecological outpatients in southwest China.

Methods

A total of 3225 urogenital swabs were included in this study. All swabs were tested by RNA-based simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT) methods. Routine analysis of leucorrhea smear and drug susceptibility were performed in UU positive patients.

Results

Of these 3225 outpatients, the positive rate was 27.07% for UU, 4.99% for CT, 3.10% for MG, and 0.09% for NG. UU, CT, and MG infections were more common in women of reproductive age (aged 25–34 years), while NG infection was more prominent in women aged 30–34 years and over 40 years. Overall, the infection rate of UU was significantly higher than that of the other three infections, and UU also played a major role even in the mixed infections. 65.07% of the UU positive patients had negative results on routine leucorrhea smear analysis, and the remaining patients may have bacterial vaginitis (15.79%), fungal vaginitis (11.48%), trichomonas vaginitis (0.96%) or other vaginal inflammation (6.70%). We have observed that maternal UU infection can lead to low birth weight, neonatal pneumonia, and premature delivery. The results of the drug susceptibility test of UU showed a higher sensitivity to pristinamycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, clarithromycin, and josamycin (100%, 97.0%, 96.4%, 95.9%, and 95.3%, respectively), and lower sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (2.4% and 4.7% respectively).

Conclusions

This study could contribute to a better understanding of the current epidemiological features of UU, CT, MG, and NG among obstetrics and gynecological outpatients in southwest China, and thus facilitate to development of the more effective intervention, prevention, and treatment of reproductive tract infection.
Malaria positivity following a single oral dose of azithromycin among children in Burkina Faso: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brogdon Jessica , Dah Clarisse , Sié Ali , Bountogo Mamadou , Coulibaly Boubacar , Kouanda Idrissa , Ouattara Mamadou , Compaoré Guillaume , Nebie Eric , Seynou Mariam , Lebas Elodie , Nyatigo Fanice , Hu Huiyu , Arnold Benjamin F. , Lietman Thomas M. , Oldenburg Catherine E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has moderate antimalarial activity and has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality when biannually administered to children under five in high mortality settings in sub-Saharan Africa. One potential mechanism for this observed reduction in mortality is via a reduction in malaria transmission.

Methods

We evaluated whether a single oral dose of azithromycin reduces malaria positivity by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). We conducted an individually randomized placebo-controlled trial in Burkina Faso during the high malaria transmission season in August 2020. Children aged 8 days to 59 months old were randomized to a single oral dose of azithromycin (20 mg/kg) or matching placebo. At baseline and 14 days following treatment, we administered a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to detect Plasmodium falciparum and measured tympanic temperature for all children. Caregiver-reported adverse events and clinic visits were recorded at the day 14 visit.

Results

We enrolled 449 children with 221 randomized to azithromycin and 228 to placebo. The median age was 32 months and 48% were female. A total of 8% of children had a positive RDT for malaria at baseline and 11% had a fever (tympanic temperature ≥ 37.5 °C). In the azithromycin arm, 8% of children had a positive RDT for malaria at 14 days compared to 7% in the placebo arm (P = 0.65). Fifteen percent of children in the azithromycin arm had a fever ≥ 37.5 °C compared to 21% in the placebo arm (P = 0.12). Caregivers of children in the azithromycin group had lower odds of reporting fever as an adverse event compared to children in the placebo group (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.96, P = 0.04). Caregiver-reported clinic visits were uncommon, and there were no observed differences between arms (P = 0.32).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence that a single oral dose of azithromycin reduced malaria positivity during the high transmission season. Caregiver-reported fever occurred less often in children receiving azithromycin compared to placebo, indicating that azithromycin may have some effect on non-malarial infections.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04315272, registered 19/03/2020
Multimodality MRI-based radiomics for aggressiveness prediction in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Dai Zedong , Wei Ran , Wang Hao , Hu Wenjuan , Sun Xilin , Zhu Jie , Li Hong , Ge Yaqiong , Song Bin
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the ability of a multimodality MRI-based radiomics model in predicting the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

This study included consecutive patients who underwent neck magnetic resonance (MR) scans and subsequent thyroidectomy during the study period. The pathological diagnosis of thyroidectomy specimens was the gold standard to determine the aggressiveness. Thyroid nodules were manually segmented on three modal MR images, and then radiomics features were extracted. A machine learning model was established to evaluate the prediction of PTC aggressiveness.

Results

The study cohort included 107 patients with PTC confirmed by pathology (cross-validation cohort: n = 71; test cohort: n = 36). A total of 1584 features were extracted from contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1 WI), T2-weighted (T2 WI) and diffusion weighted (DWI) images of each patient. Sparse representation method is used for radiation feature selection and classification model establishment. The accuracy of the independent test set that using only one modality, like CE-T1WI, T2WI or DWI was not particularly satisfactory. In contrast, the result of these three modalities combined achieved 0.917.

Conclusion

Our study shows that multimodality MR image based on radiomics model can accurately distinguish aggressiveness in PTC from non-aggressiveness PTC before operation. This method may be helpful to inform the treatment strategy and prognosis of patients with aggressiveness PTC.
Proteomic signature of tubulointerstitial tissue predicts prognosis in IgAN
Authors: Paunas Flavia Teodora Ioana , Finne Kenneth , Leh Sabine , Marti Hans-Peter , Berven Frode , Vikse Bjørn Egil
Published: March 2022

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is associated with a significant risk of progression to kidney failure. Tubular atrophy is an established important risk factor for progressive disease, but few studies have investigated tubulointerstitial molecular markers and mechanisms of progression in IgAN.

Methods

Based on data from the Norwegian Renal Registry, two groups were included: IgAN patients with (n = 9) or without (n = 18) progression to kidney failure during 10 years of follow-up. Tubulointerstitial tissue without discernible interstitial expansion or pronounced tubular alterations was microdissected, proteome was analysed using tandem mass spectrometry and relative protein abundances were compared between groups.

Results

Proteome analyses quantified 2562 proteins with at least 2 unique peptides. Of these, 150 proteins had significantly different abundance between progressive and non-progressive IgAN patients, 67 were more abundant and 83 less abundant. Periostin was the protein with the highest fold change between progressive and non-progressive IgAN (fold change 8.75, p < 0.05) and periostin staining was also stronger in patients with progressive vs non-progressive IgAN. Reactome pathway analyses showed that proteins related to inflammation were more abundant and proteins involved in mitochondrial translation were significantly less abundant in progressive vs non-progressive patients.

Conclusions

Microdissection of tubulointerstitial tissue with only mild damage allowed for identification of proteome markers of early progressive IgAN. Periostin abundance showed promise as a novel and important risk marker of progression.
Causes of perinatal mortality and associated maternal factors in a tertiary referral hospital of Gandaki province of Nepal: a cross-sectional study from a hospital-based surveillance
Authors: Subedi Nuwadatta , Kandel Dipendra , Ghale Tumaya , Gurung Bandana , Shrestha Bandana , Paudel Sabita
Published: March 2022

Background

Perinatal and neonatal death rates have decreased recently but it still poses a major challenge to the health system of Nepal. The study was conducted to explore the pattern and causes of perinatal deaths.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from September 2020 to June 2021 using the data of perinatal mortality of three years from June 15, 2017, to June 14, 2020. The demographic parameters of the mother consisted of maternal age, place of residence, ethnicity, antenatal care, the number of antenatal visits, gravida, gestational weeks, and the mode of delivery. The causes of death were categorized into fetal and early neonatal deaths. Fetal deaths were further classified as macerated stillbirth and fresh stillbirth. The attribution of the causes of deaths to fetal/neonatal and maternal conditions was done as per the guidelines of the WHO application of ICD-10 to deaths during the perinatal period.

Results

There were a total of 145 perinatal deaths from 144 mothers among which 92 (63.5%) were males. Ten mothers (6.9%) had not sought even single antenatal care, whereas 32 (22.9%) had visited for antenatal care one to three times. At least one cause of death was identified in 114 (78.6%) and remained unknown in 31(21.4%) cases. Among the 28 cases of macerated stillbirths, the cause of death was not identified in 14 (50%), whereas preterm labor was attributed to the cause of death in four (14.3%). In 53 of the fresh stillbirths, intrapartum hypoxia was identified as the cause of death in 20 (37.7%) cases, preterm labor in nine (17%), and was left unknown in 15 (28.3%) cases. Among the 64 early neonatal deaths, prematurity was attributed as the cause of death in 32 (50%) cases, birth asphyxia, and infections each in 11 (17.2%).

Conclusions

The perinatal mortality surveillance system identified the causes of death in most of the cases in our observation. Prematurity was identified as the commonest cause of early neonatal deaths and preterm labor was the commonest cause responsible for perinatal deaths overall. The perinatal deaths should be investigated to establish exact causes of deaths which can be useful to develop prevention strategies.
Retraction Note: Identification of novel signaling components in N,N’-Dinitrosopiperazine-mediated metastasis of nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by quantitative phosphoproteomics
Authors: Huang Damao , Li Yuejin , Liu Na , Zhang Zhenlin , Peng Zhengke , Duan Chaojun , Tang Xiaowei , Tan Gongjun , Yan Guangrong , Tang Faqing
Published: March 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-243.