bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guanylate-Binding Protein 1 Regulates Infection-Induced Autophagy through TBK1 Phosphorylation
Authors: Hikichi Miyako , Toh Hirotaka , Minowa-Nozawa Atsuko , Nozawa Takashi , Nakagawa Ichiro
Published: May 2022

Invading bacteria can be degraded by selective autophagy, known as xenophagy. Recent studies have shown that the recruitment of autophagy adaptor proteins such as p62 to bacteria and its regulation by activated TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) are required to overcome bacterial infection. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms behind this are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that the human guanylate-binding protein (GBP) family, especially GBP1, directs xenophagy against invading Group A Streptococcus (GAS) by promoting TBK1 phosphorylation. GBP1 exhibits a GAS-surrounding localization response to bacterially caused membrane damage mediated by the membrane damage sensor galectin-3. We found that GBP1 knockout attenuated TBK1 activation, followed by reduced p62 recruitment and lower bactericidal activity by xenophagy. Furthermore, GBP1-TBK1 interaction was detected by immunoprecipitation. Our findings collectively indicate that GBP1 contributes to GAS-targeted autophagy initiated by membrane damage detection by galectin-3 via TBK1 phosphorylation.
On Graph‐Transversal Designs and Graph‐Authentication Codes Based on Mutually Orthogonal Graph Squares
Authors: El-Mesady A. , Bazighifan Omar , Shabana H. M.
Published: May 2022

Combinatorial designs have many interesting and genuine wide applications in areas including analysis and design of algorithms, cryptography, analysis and design of experiments, storage system design, tournament scheduling, optical communications, and computer networks to mention just a few areas. In this paper, we are concerned with the transversal designs and authentication codes as direct applications of combinatorial designs. The novelty of the current paper is demonstrated by the fact that it is the first to introduce the transversal designs and authentication codes by the mutually orthogonal graph squares (MOGS); we call them graph‐transversal designs and graph‐authentication codes, respectively. Here, the major contributions are the constructions of graph‐transversal designs and graph‐authentication codes based on several classes of graphs. Also, we present several results such as path‐transversal designs, cycle‐transversal designs, and disjoint unions of stars‐transversal designs.
Development of a Prognostic Model Based on Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Kaifeng , Peng Yang , Yu Haochen
Published: May 2022

Background. The importance of pyroptosis in tumorigenesis and cancer progression is becoming increasingly apparent. However, the efficacy of using pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) patients is unknown. Methods. This investigation used two databases to obtain expression data for PAAD patients. Differentially expressed PRGs (DEPRGs) were identified between PAAD and control samples. Several bioinformatic approaches were used to analyze the biological functions of DEPRGs and to identify prognostic DERPGs. A miRNA-prognostic DEPRG-transcription factor (TF) regulatory network was created via the miRNet online tool. A risk score model was created after each patient’s risk score was calculated. The microenvironments of the low- and high-risk groups were assessed using xCell, the expression of immune checkpoints was determined, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed. Finally, the efficacy of certain potential drugs was predicted using the pRRophetic algorithm, and the results in the high- and low-risk groups were compared. Results. A total of 13 DEPRGs were identified between PAAD and control samples. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEPRGs had a close relationship with inflammation. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, GSDMC, IRF1, and PLCG1 were identified as prognostic biomarkers in PAAD. The results of the miRNA-prognostic DEPRG-TF regulatory network showed that GSDMC, IRF1, and PLCG1 were regulated by both specific and common miRNAs and TFs. Based on the risk score and other independent prognostic indicators, a nomogram with a good ability to predict the survival of PAAD patients was developed. By evaluating the tumor microenvironment, we observed that the immune and metabolic microenvironments of the two groups were substantially different. In addition, individuals in the low-risk group were more susceptible to axitinib and camptothecin, whereas lapatinib might be preferred for patients in the high-risk group. Conclusion. Our study revealed the prognostic value of PRGs in PAAD and created a reliable model for predicting the prognosis of PAAD patients. Our findings will benefit the prognostication and treatment of PAAD patients.
Integration Level and Influencing Factors’ Analysis of Forest Product Market Based on the Mathematical Model
Authors: Song Linshu , Wang Hao , Song Weiming , Yang Chao
Published: May 2022

This paper uses Python programming to improve the existing price index method and calculate the integration level of the forest products market in China. Based on the model, the influencing factors of domestic forest product market integration were examined empirically. The results show that the integration degree of the forest product market in recent years lags behind the average level in China. In this paper, the improvement of the existing price index method can calculate the level of market integration more quickly and accurately, and this improvement has obvious advantages in the case of a large amount of data. In terms of development, the overall pattern shows an increasing trend, and the eastern, central, and western provinces are gradually converging, although the differences between provinces continue to expand. In terms of influencing factors, the coefficient of the local government’s emphasis on forestry, the prosperity of international trade in forest products, and highway density were significantly positive factors, while the number of foreign investors and the railway density had no significant effects. In this paper, the optimization of the measurement method of market integration makes it easier for scholars to obtain the data on the level of market integration and promote in-depth research in the field of market integration.
Comprehensive Monitoring Research on the Effect of Roof Cutting and Pressure Release: A Case Study of the Jiulishan Coal Mine in China
Authors: Huang Lei , Yang Shengli , Xu Yanchun , Luo Yaqi , Yuan Hongzhi
Published: May 2022

The longwall panel of the Jiulishan coal mine is affected by floor-confined water, while the roof rock weighting makes the production management of some longwall panels difficult. This has caused engineering methods of roof cutting and pressure release to be considered. To explore the dynamic effects of roof cutting and pressure release method, the 14141 longwall panel was taken as the test point, and a variety of monitoring methods were used to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of roof rock weighting, front abutment pressure, and floor mining failure. The main results are as follows: first, the weighting interval, the weighting intensity distribution, and the gateway deformation are asymmetrical. Second, the peak point of the front abutment pressure is approximately 6 m away from the coal wall, the peak stress is 7.02 MPa, the concentration coefficient is 1.54, the range of the pressure increasing area is approximately 16.4 m, and the farthest end of the front abutment pressure effect area is 22.4 m away from the coal wall. Furthermore, the maximum depth of the floor failure is at the No.17 measuring point (A117) position under the condition of one electrode distance. The maximum damage depth is 9.8 m, and the horizontal distance between the location of the maximum failure depth and the working face is 4.1~10.3 m. Finally, compared with the formula calculation value without considering the effect of roof cutting and pressure release or the adjacent 14121 longwall panel, the weighting interval and the weighting intensity, the gateway deformation, the degree of coal wall spalling, the influence range of the front abutment pressure, and the degree of floor mining failure are significantly reduced. The research results provide scientific and technological support for roof cutting and pressure release as a technical method to prevent floor water inrush and reduce the roof rock weighting intensity on the longwall panel.
Machine Learning in the Diagnosis and Prognostic Prediction of Dental Caries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reyes Lilian Toledo , Knorst Jessica Klöckner , Ortiz Fernanda Ruffo , Ardenghi Thiago Machado
Published: May 2022

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the success of machine learning algorithms in the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of dental caries. The review protocol was a priori registered in the PROSPERO, CRD42020183447. The search involved electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and grey literature until December 2020. We excluded review articles, case series, case reports, editorials, letters, comments, educational methodologies, assessments of robotic devices, and articles with less than 10 participants or specimens. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and performed the assessment of the methodological quality based on standardized scales. We summarize data on the machine learning algorithms used; software; performance outcomes such as accuracy/precision, sensitivity/recall, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and positive/negative predictive values related to dental caries. Meta-analyses were not performed due to methodological differences. Our review included 15 studies (10 diagnostic studies and 5 prognostic prediction studies). Cross-sectional design studies were predominant (12). The most frequently used statistical measure of performance reported in diagnostic studies was AUC value, which ranged from 0.745 to 0.987. For most diagnostic studies, data from contingency tables were not available. Reported sensitivities were higher in low risk of bias prognostic prediction studies (median [IQR] of 0.996 [0.971–1.000] vs. unclear/high risk of bias studies 0.189 [0–0.340]; p value 0.025). While there were no significant differences in the specificity between these subgroups, we concluded that the use of these technologies for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of dental caries, although promising, is at an early stage. The general applicability of the evidence was limited given that most models were developed outside the real clinical setting with a prevalence of unclear/high risk of bias. Researchers must increase the overall quality of their research protocols by providing a comprehensive report on the methods implemented.
The Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on the Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Impact on Improving Cognitive Functions
Authors: Grochowska Klaudia , Przeliorz Anna
Published: May 2022

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet with controlled amounts of protein. The use of drastic caloric restriction or ultralow-carbohydrate diets increases the production of ketone bodies, which are an alternative energy substrate in situations of insufficient glucose supply. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease are the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. It is believed that carbohydrate metabolism disorders may affect the progression of these diseases, as confirmed by both animal and human studies. Among patients with AD, the presence of ketone bodies in the body can improve cerebral circulation. Among Parkinson’s patients, the presence of ketone bodies can reduce muscle tremor and stiffness, as well as improve cognitive function. The results of the research indicate that using a low-carbohydrate diet, including a KD, may have a beneficial effect on brain function in diseases that cause neuronal damage.
The Use of Genetics for Reaching a Diagnosis in XY DSD
Authors: Ahmed S. Faisal , Alimusina Malika , Batista Rafael L. , Domenice Sorahia , Lisboa Gomes Nathalia , McGowan Ruth , Patjamontri Supitcha , Mendonca Berenice B.
Published: May 2022

Reaching a firm diagnosis is vital for the long-term management of a patient with a difference or disorder of sex development (DSD). This is especially the case in XY DSD where the diagnostic yield is particularly low. Molecular genetic technology is playing an increasingly important role in the diagnostic process, and it is highly likely that it will be used more often at an earlier stage in the diagnostic process. In many cases of DSD, the clinical utility of molecular genetics is unequivocally clear, but in many other cases there is a need for careful exploration of the benefit of genetic diagnosis through long-term monitoring of these cases. Furthermore, the incorporation of molecular genetics into the diagnostic process requires a careful appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of the evolving technology, and the interpretation of the results requires a clear understanding of the wide range of conditions that are associated with DSD.
Preoperative Physical Activity Level Measurement by Accelerometer for Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Complications: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Iida Hiroya , Maehira Hiromitsu , Mori Haruki , Takebayashi Katsushi , Kojima Masatsugu , Kaida Sachiko , Ueki Tomoyuki , Miyake Toru , Tani Masaji
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Recently, accelerometers have received much attention around the world. This study examined whether the preoperative physical activity level measured by an accelerometer could be a useful predictor of post-hepatectomy complications. Methods: Between December 2016 and December 2020, the physical activity levels of 185 patients were measured using an accelerometer 3 days before hepatectomy and from postoperative day 1 to 7. The patients without postoperative complications (n = 153) and those with postoperative complications (n = 32) were compared using either the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test for nominal variables; continuous variables were analyzed using either Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered statistically significant when the p value was <0.05. Risk factors for postoperative complications following hepatectomy were also investigated. Results: The number of patients with an anatomical resection was significantly higher in patients with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Furthermore, laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed in 65.4% of patients without postoperative complications and in 25.0% of those with postoperative complications; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The average preoperative physical activity level was 150.6 kcal/day in patients without postoperative complications and 84.5 kcal/day in those with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified blood loss, operative time, and preoperative physical activity level as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Discussion/Conclusion: Patients with lower preoperative physical activity levels are at a high risk of developing postoperative complications after hepatectomy. Hence, preoperative physical activity level measurement may be useful in predicting post-hepatectomy complications.
Isolated cutaneous manifestation of COVID-19 managed by telemedicine
Authors: Santana Mariana Ramos de , Accorsi Tarso Augusto Duenhas , Lima Karine de Amicis , Pedrotti Carlos H. S. , Cordioli Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This paper is a case report of a COVID-19 patient with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who had a medical evaluation by Telemedicine (TM). She presented with an isolated cutaneous manifestation and was examined by a remote general practitioner, having diagnosis and treatment guided. The correct evaluation of COVID-19 cutaneous manifestation is a challenge, and the feasibility of TM diagnosis is still uncertain. We aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of teleconsultation in a dermatological manifestation during a pandemic. Material and Methods: Retrospective data compilation from patient’s medical record and the patient signed the consent form. Results: The initial clinical presentation was a diffuse pruritic macules in the abdomen, which motivated the patient to seek face-to-face care in the emergency department on the first day of symptoms. The initial hypothesis was an unspecified allergic reaction. Due to the context of the pandemic, blood tests and RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal swab) were performed for COVID-19. The patient was discharged medicated with an anti allergy and instructed to check the results of the test within 24 hours and have a medical reassessment if necessary. She was re-evaluated by TM the following day, the diagnosis of acute infection by COVID-19 was confirmed (swab positive), there was no manifestation of other symptoms and it was possible to accurately re-evaluate the skin lesions remotely. The patient had a diffuse morbilliform rash with local angioedema. The patient received specific orientations according to institutional guidelines and maintenance of dermatological symptomatic treatment. After 3 weeks, in a new reassessment by TM, there was confirmation of the resolution of the skin condition and absence of other symptoms during this period. Conclusion: The medical evaluation by TM allowed the interpretation of the elementary skin lesion, decision making and adequate guidance. The isolated cutaneous manifestation can be a manifestation of COVID-19 and it is feasible to be diagnosed by teleconsultation, reinforcing the need to expand the MT program for the initial evaluation of acute patients.
Angioedema com haloperidol: um relato de caso
Authors: Costa Ana Lúcia Rodrigues , Jesus Sabrina , Almeida Mónica , Alcafache João
Published: May 2022

O haloperidol é um antipsicótico de primeira geração e um dos medicamentos mais usados dentro dessa categoria. É um potente antagonista de ação central dos recetores de dopamina tipo 2, com baixa atividade anti alfa 1 adrenérgica e sem atividade anti-histamínica ou anticolinérgica, regularmente utilizado em casos de agitação. O angioedema é um efeito colateral especialmente grave, caracterizado por edema acentuado do tecido subcutâneo ou submucoso, e pode afetar várias partes do corpo, podendo até culminar, nos casos mais graves, em morte. Já foi descrito com administração de vários antipsicóticos, como clozapina, risperidona, ziprazidona e clorpromazina, no entanto é raro como resultado da administração de haloperidol, ocorrendo em <1% dos casos. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever o desenvolvimento de angioedema em um paciente com síndrome confusional agudo após a segunda administração de haloperidol IM para controle sintomático da agitação em contexto de serviço de urgência.
Adopting a Companion Dog Helps Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Stern Stephen L. , Finley Erin P. , Mintz Jim , Jeffreys Matthew D. , Beaver Bonnie V. , Copeland Laurel A. , Seawell Mistie D. , Bridgeman Courtney H. , Hamilton Alison B. , Mata-Galan Emma L. , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Hatch John P. , Allegretti Ana Luiza C. , Hale Willie J. , Peterson Alan L.
Published: May 2022

Despite significant treatment advances, many military veterans continue to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated symptoms, suggesting a need for new interventions. This pilot trial examined the change in psychological symptoms of 19 veterans in treatment for PTSD who were randomized either to adopt a dog immediately from a Humane Society shelter (n = 9) or to a three-month waitlist followed by dog adoption (n = 10). The dogs were companion dogs, not service animals. The investigators analyzed quantitative assessments using mixed regression models with repeated measures. All veterans also participated in periodic semi-structured interviews. The study results showed companion dog adoption to be a feasible adjunctive intervention that helped improve PTSD and depressive symptoms for most participants. These findings suggest that this is a promising approach that is worthy of further study.
English Teaching for Intercultural Communication in China: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Zheng Jun , Lin Dajin
Published: May 2022

There have been papers published in the Chinese mainland or Taiwan or outside of China exploring the relationship between intercultural communication studies and English teaching in China. The present study, applying historicism, points out that these papers, though informative, are far from adequate for lack of equal importance attached to journal papers and books, and to some events of historic significance. The objective of the present study is, therefore, to make up for some missing links in these papers. A rhetorical approach out of various perspectives on ICS is called for so that teachers and students of ICS in China would be better informed to realize effective intercultural communication in English. To this end, this paper first points out that to trace the origin of the relationship between language and culture is a bit far-fetched, for no one could possibly pin down exactly when the relationship was perceived between culture and FLE in general and English teaching in particular. Then a more comprehensive account is made of the development of ICS in China for English Teaching. Third, some barriers in furthering ICS for English teaching in China are clarified as well as their causes. Fourth and finally, a rhetorical approach is suggested to ICS both for descriptions of cultural differences and evaluations of cultural elements that comprise a given culture.
The Rise of the ‘Immersive Virtual Online Avatar Society’: Does an Online Community Established in the Virtual Space Constitute a ‘Real’ Society?
Authors: Novak Rene
Published: May 2022

This video article series investigates the emergence of a ‘digital haven’, that hosts a new type of society. These people are converging in digitally constructed realities for multiple reasons: some seek refuge from the harsh realities of the contemporary social order, others investigate new ways to socialise, or seek somewhere where the limitations of the real world don’t apply. Both science-fiction media and academics predicted that once virtual reality technologies (vr) reach the general consumer, society would change (Caddy, 2019; Gibson, 1984; Heim, 1993; Virtual Reality Society, 2017). In recent years the number of households with vr devices has increased (Bol, 2018; Petrock, 2021). This article suggests that vr technology has given birth to an ‘Immersive Virtual Online Avatar Society’. This society harbours many occasional visitors, but also some permanent virtual residents. Important questions arise; starting with: “Does an online community established in the virtual space constitute a ‘real’ society?” This will be investigated with sources from virtual worlds developed with the social multi-user vr software VRChat, drawn from academic research, from video recordings of interactions in VRChat and from philosophical inquiry into the author’s personal experiences and the experiences of other users.
Shimmering Practices in a Kaleidoscope World: Affective, Embodied and Sensorial Modes of Filmmaking
Authors: LeBlanc Natalie
Published: May 2022

This article explores a series of non-linear films produced in an undergraduate digital arts course. Drawing on Deleuze’s (1989) concept of the time-image, the researcher theorizes how filmmaking produces events of duration (Deleuze, 1991) for which bodies, living and nonliving, are actively engaged in processes of becoming. She makes connections with what Deborah Bird Rose (2017) calls shimmer with practices of immediation (Manning, 2019) a brilliance that brings us into “the experience of being part of a vibrant and vibrating world” (Rose, 2017, p. 53). The researcher argues that filmmaking is a shimmering practice in a kaleidoscope world – capable of generating affective, embodied, and sensorial events – practices-in-the-making. Thus the article aligns with the goal of this special topic: to analyze affective and somatic modes of filmmaking and their potential to create virtual openings in the ubiquitous quality of sensation in the city (Thain, 2019).
The Effect of Lane Direction Pavement Markings on Driving Performance and Safety: A Driving Simulator Study
Authors: Marciano Hadas
Published: May 2022

Objective

A driving simulator study was conducted to test the effect of directions pavement markings (DPMs) on drivers’ performance.

Background

The perception of traditional direction signs may be less efficient than that of DPMs because drivers allocate more attentional resources to the road than to any other location.

Method

Two experimental conditions of DPMs were tested: (a) the name of the lane’s destination town, inscribed in white letters; (b) red and white shields enclosing the name of the lane’s destination town. In both conditions, the name or shield was preceded by a white arrow and traditional road signs were presented as well. The experimental conditions were compared to a baseline condition, which consisted of traditional road signs only. Various scenarios of three-lane highways were simulated and the number of vehicles on the road was manipulated, forming a 2 × 3 design (two load conditions × three experimental conditions). Twenty-two participants took part in the experiment.

Results

Pavement markings in both configurations were highly beneficial. Compared with the baseline condition, in both experimental conditions, the drivers noticed the correct lane sooner and moved to the correct lane earlier. Results also suggested that white markings are more beneficial than shield markings; however, this finding should be further confirmed.

Conclusion

Lane DPMS are desirable as they are likely to improve traffic safety at relatively low cost.

Application

Regulations demanding the presence of DPMs, at the very least in low visibility decision sites, would increase traffic safety.
Moral injury, depression, and anxiety symptoms among health and social care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating role of belongingness
Authors: Benatov Joy , Zerach Gadi , Levi-Belz Yossi
Published: May 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic can affect health and social care workers’ (HSCWs’) mental health in their role as frontline workers in this crisis. The pandemic poses unique challenges to HSCWs as they face morally daunting decisions while working with limited knowledge and resources. This study primary objective was to examine the moderating role of thwarted belongingness in the relationships between HSCWs’ exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and moral injury symptoms, depression, and anxiety.

Method:

A sample of 296 Israeli HSCWs completed validated self-report questionnaires that include measures of depression, anxiety, PMIE exposure, moral injury symptoms, and a sense of thwarted belongingness.

Results:

About one-third (33.6%) of the sample met the criteria for major depression and 21.5% for generalized anxiety. Beyond demographic and work-related characteristics, PMIEs contributed to depression and anxiety levels. The indirect effect of PMIE exposure on anxiety/depression symptoms through MI symptoms was significant only at high levels of thwarted belongingness among HSCWs. Thus, greater PMIE exposure contributes to more MI symptoms, which, in turn, is linked to higher levels of anxiety/depression symptoms among HSCWs with high levels of thwarted belongingness.

Limitations:

Cross-sectional design, self-report questionnaires, sample limited to Israeli HSCWs.

Conclusions:

The study’s findings highlight the mental burden of HSCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical contribution of PMIE exposure and thwarted belongingness to this burden. Clinicians treating HSCWs coping with depression and anxiety following the COVID-19 should also attend to moral injury symptoms as well to the belongingness experience.
Dead women: What they can teach us about murder in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Manifold Bernadette M
Published: May 2022

Female homicide or femicide is an increasingly worrying and complex problem for many western European countries and continues to be a major issue globally. The Republic of Ireland has seen a substantial increase in cases of female homicide in recent years prompting an outcry from both women’s groups and the wider public, which has led to discussions within government as to the best way forward in dealing with the ever-increasing situation of unlawful killing of women in the country. Despite the outrage little research exists on the subject beyond the newspaper headlines and media reporting. In a review of 240 cases of female homicide over a 30-year period from 1991–2021 using newspapers and court reports, many patterns emerge regarding the causes of death and motives behind the killings.
Correlation between anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in a population of Palestinian adults
Authors: Ejheisheh Moath Abu , Batran Ahmad , Ayed Ahmad , Correa-Rodríguez María , Fernández-Aparicio Ángel , Gómez-Urquiza José Luis , Schmidt-RioValle Jacqueline
Published: May 2022

Obesity can be a major problem due to its potential to cause a number of health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Many reports have come out of Palestine on overweight and obesity and their direct link to non-communicable diseases, although there is only limited evidence available on the connection between obesity and hypertension in Palestinian adults. We aimed to look at the associations between anthropometric and body composition variables and blood pressure in a large population of Palestinian adults (1337 subjects) and determine which anthropometric indices most strongly correlate with high blood pressure. Anthropometric measurements including height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), and total body fat (TBF) were assessed. A body composition analyzer was used to measure body weight, fat mass and fat-free mass. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured using a Dinamap vital signs monitor. In both males and females, all the anthropometric measurements showed significant strong positive correlations with mean SBP and mean DBP (p < 0.01). SBP correlated the most strongly with waist circumference in all subjects (r = 0.444 in females, r = 0.422 in males), while DBP correlated the most strongly with WC in males (r = 0.386), but with TBF in females (r = 0.256). By controlling fat percentage, WC, HC, and BMI, which are affected by extra weight and lack of exercise, blood pressure levels can be regulated.
COVID-19 Information Sources and Misinformation by Faith Community
Authors: Lee Rogers Richard , Powe Nicolette
Published: May 2022

Faith communities support a variety of public health initiatives as conduits of information and service distribution points. However, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), there is concern that religious communities may be echo chambers for misinformation and conspiracy theories that are undercutting the adoption of precautions to prevent transmission and the use of COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of this study is to identify the receptivity to and spread of misinformation about COVID-19 by faith communities and whether embracing these inaccuracies constitutes a uniquely religious effect. This study conducted three small analyses approach. First, we engaged in the automated text mining of approximately 2.3 million discussion posts from discussion forums noted for their conspiracism and extremism. Next,  secondary quantitative analysis of two recent surveys from the American Trends Panels by Pew Research conducted in April 2020 (N = 9482) and February 2021 (N = 9429) were conducted to determine whether sources of information and preventive behaviors related to the pandemic were associated with uniquely religious effects or possibly mediated by other factors such as sociodemographic characteristics or political views. The association of White evangelicals with politicized misinformation was consistent across all three small studies. Prior to the availability of vaccines, religious themes consistently appeared in 15–19% of COVID-19 social media posts and were higher in subsets of the discourse tied to misinformation. The framing of COVID-19 using religious language was associated with the Christian right in about half of the religiously-themed posts. Religious themes fell below the 15% threshold once the vaccine was available. In the survey research, small, uniquely religious effects were found with White evangelical receptivity of COVID-19 information from Donald Trump and less reliance on information from public health experts, and small, uniquely religious associations were found with preventive measures. Among White nonevangelical Protestants and non-Hispanic Roman Catholics, there was found the same combination of a higher likelihood of reliance on messages from the Donald Trump Presidency and a lower likelihood for news-media use. Black Protestants showed a higher level of use and trust in state and local government officials. The study confirmed higher use of social media among non-Hispanic Roman Catholics but did not find this relationship among Hispanic Protestants. Faith communities are not always receptive to public health messages that promote the public good. This study indicates that the religion effects can appear early, giving time for health education specialists to address them, and that these effects can diminish once preventive measures are available.
Decommunization by Design: Analyzing the Post-Independence Transformation of Soviet-Era Architectural Urbanism in Kyiv, Ukraine
Authors: Vlasenko Yegor , Ryan Brent D.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the spatial effects of the ongoing “decommunization” campaign in Ukraine, a state-led attack on Soviet symbols and ideology in the urban space of the capital, Kyiv. We examine decommunization through the lens of an extensive legacy of architectural, urban design, and monumental art projects erected for the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of the city of Kyiv held in 1982. We focus on four ideological narratives and examine the outcomes of decommunization on four monuments. We find that decommunization’s effect is limited; Communist symbolism has been annotated with Ukrainian identity symbols or neglected, not demolished. We conclude that decommunization has focused on the comparatively superficial qualities of toponomy and Lenin symbols, that the legacy of Soviet identity in Kyiv’s cityscape is much deeper and has proved surprisingly persistent, and that the historiography of the newly independent nation of Ukraine is still in a process of reformation and revision.
Reframing Psychological Research Methods Courses as Tools for Social Justice Education
Authors: Etengoff Chana
Published: May 2022

Introduction

APA’s 2017 Multicultural Guidelines ask teachers to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the psychology curriculum.

Statement of the Problem

However, there are few resources outlining best practices for DEI instruction outside of diversity/multicultural courses. Moreover, instructors for skill-based courses such as Psychological Research Methods may view DEI as beyond their scope.

Literature Review

Building on the agentive pedagogical theories of Freire, Kegan and Stetsenko, I aim to outline the importance of integrating DEI into research methods courses and identify seven accessible ways in which to do so.

Teaching Implications

Teachers will find a comprehensive review of the theory and research related to seven DEI teaching practices: (1) Diverse Representation/Visibility, (2) Modeling Inclusive Language/Practices, (3) Addressing Social Issues and Inequities, (4) Broadening the Applied Topical Scope, (5) Meaning-Making, (6) Teaching from a Strengths-Based Perspective, and (7) Promoting Students’ Agency.

Conclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion research methods courses can provide students with a clear model of inclusive practices, opportunities to develop sociorelational skills, and the tools to agentively contribute to social justice research.
The race Against Time to Save Human Lives During the COVID-19 With Vaccines: Global Evidence
Authors: Van Nguyen Phuc , Huynh Toan L. D. , Ngo Vu Minh , Nguyen Huan Huu
Published: May 2022

Voluminous vaccine campaigns have been used globally, since the COVID-19 pandemic has brought devastating mortality and destructively unprecedented consequences to different aspects of economies. This study aimed to identify how the numbers of new deaths and new cases per million changed after half of the population had been vaccinated. This paper used actual pandemic consequence variables (death and infected rates) together with vaccination uptake rates from 127 countries to shed new light on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. The 50% uptake rate was chosen as the threshold to estimate the real benefits of vaccination campaigns for reducing COVID-19 infection and death cases using the difference-in-differences (DiD) imputation estimator. In addition, a number of control variables, such as government interventions and people’s mobility patterns during the pandemic, were also included in the study. The number of new deaths per million significantly decreased after half of the population was vaccinated, but the number of new cases did not change significantly. We found that the effects were more pronounced in Europe and North America than in other continents. Our results remain robust after using other proxies and testing the sensitivity of the vaccinated proportion. We show the causal evidence of significantly lower death rates in countries where half of the population is vaccinated globally. This paper expresses the importance of vaccine campaigns in saving human lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its results can be used to communicate the benefits of vaccines and to fight vaccine hesitancy.
Media reporting of climate change crisis in Pakistan: Identifying corrective strategies
Authors: Hussain Shabir , Khan Asadullah , Zubair Iqbal Muhammad
Published: May 2022

This article analyzes the perspective of journalists on the media coverage of climate change crisis in Pakistan. For this purpose, 26 journalists who were responsible for climate related events were interviewed. Overall, the study found that professional and economic factors were responsible for the lack of media interest in this important topic. Professionally, journalists said they were required to report on newsworthy events. Since apart from the occasional climate related destructive events, most of the climate news lacked drama, sensationalism and political consequences—thus not fulfilling the news selection criteria and hence were ignored. Likewise, media in Pakistan is facing financial crunch. Climate news needed dedicated reporters and lot of resources. Comparatively, political news was easy to get and attract larger audiences. As a solution, the journalists called for changes in the existing political discourse on the issue and emphasized that media should play a more socially responsible role to highlight the enormity of situation in Pakistan.
Global scientific outputs of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in COVID-19: A bibliometric overview
Authors: Kosovali Behiye D , Mutlu Nevzat M
Published: May 2022

Aim

Although the number of global studies on ECMO, which is an important support system in the treatment of COVID-19 related respiratory failure, has increased in recent months, there is still no bibliometric study on the use of ECMO in COVID-19 in the literature. The aim of this study is to analyze the scientific articles on the use of ECMO in COVID-19 by statistical and bibliometric methods.

Method

Articles published between 2019–2022 about the use of ECMO in COVID-19 were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database and analyzed using statistical and bibliometric methods. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation studies. Network visualization maps were used to identify effe analysis and trending topics.

Results

A total of 1197 publications were found. 758 (63.3%) of these publications were articles. The top 3 contributing countries to the literature were USA (257, 33.9%), Germany (102, 13.4%) and Japan (87, 11.5%). The top 3 most active institutions were League of European Research Universities (90), Harvard University (50), and Udice French Research Universities (39). The top 3 journals with the highest count of publications were ASAIO Journal ( n = 36), Frontiers in Medicine (22), and Perfusion-UK ( n = 20). According to the average count of citations per article, the most influential journals were JAMA (1319), Intensive Care Medicine (327), and Lancet (95.7), respectively. We have shared a summary of 758 articles in this comprehensive bibliometric study on the use of ECMO in COVID-19.

Conclusion

It can be said that the use of ECMO in COVID-19 has been the trending topic recently and most of the studies are from countries in the ELSO Awards of Excellence list which indicates that the follow-up of ECMO in certain centers and teams can also be influencing the publications. This article can be a useful resource for clinicians, scientists, and students concerning global output for ECMO use in COVID-19.
Comical moments and comical characterisations in Tobit: The undermining of self-righteous piety, simplistic retribution, and limited Yahwism
Authors: Southwood Katherine
Published: May 2022

This article argues that comic moments and comic characterisation are used in Tobit as a means of satirically exposing a type of Yahwism characterised by inward-looking piety, religious and ethnic endogamy, and simplistic notions of retribution. Comic moments and comic characterisation, are therefore important ethical devices in Tobit used to expose the problematic nature of an obsessive emphasis on religious boundary maintenance as demonstrated by the extreme version of endogamy that Tobit endorses. The article argues that the theme of “insults” in Tobit, and the distinction between public and private behaviour serves to destabilise the main character’s hyper-religiosity. The article suggests that Tobit’s restrictive form of Yahwism and his overzealous Yahwistic piety are exposed and undermined in Tobit to illustrate for audiences that the deity Yhwh does not operate within a mechanistic moral calculus. The article pays close attention to the significance of the language and translations of Tobit when making this case.
Population-based prevalence of cranial autonomic symptoms in migraine and proposed diagnostic appendix criteria
Authors: Christensen Charlotte Grønvold , Techlo Tanya Ramdal , Kogelman Lisette JA , Wegner Thørner Lise , Nissen Janna , Sørensen Erik , Olesen Jes , Hansen Thomas Folkmann , Chalmer Mona Ameri ,   the DBDS Genomic Consortium
Published: May 2022

Background

Migraine with cranial autonomic symptoms is well described in the literature, but its prevalence in previous studies varies enormously. A precise estimate of the prevalence in a population-based material is important because migraine with cranial autonomic symptoms might represent an endophenotype, in which genetic and pathophysiological features differ from those without cranial autonomic features. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to estimate the prevalence in a big population-based sample using both questionnaire-based diagnosis (N = 12,620) and interview-based diagnosis (N = 302). We validate questionnaire-based diagnosis of migraine with cranial autonomic symptoms and develop the first diagnostic criteria for future research of this possible endophenotype.

Methods

The Danish Blood Donor Study included 127,802 persons who all received a migraine diagnostic questionnaire. Participants who had answered the diagnostic questionnaire constituted the Danish Migraine Population Cohort (N = 62,677) of whom 12,620 had migraine. The diagnostic migraine questionnaire included questions about the following cranial autonomic symptoms: Facial/forehead sweating, lacrimation, ptosis, conjunctival injection, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and miosis. Validation was performed by a follow-up semi-structured, purpose-built interview of 302 participants with migraine, where detailed questions were asked to ascertain the validity of the symptoms.

Results

The questionnaire-based prevalences of one, respectively two cranial autonomic symptoms were 57% and 31%. The semi-structured interview-based prevalences of one, respectively two symptoms were 44% and 22%. The most common symptoms were facial/forehead sweating (39%) and lacrimation (24%). The specificity of the questionnaire was 80% and the sensitivity was 68%. Correlation analysis showed a weak correlation between symptoms ranging from 0.07 – 0.41, and no clear clustering of symptoms was detected. We suggest the first diagnostic appendix criteria for genetic and epidemiological studies and tighter criteria for clinical and pathophysiological studies. We encourage further studies of severity and consistency of symptoms.

Conclusion

Migraine with cranial autonomic symptoms is prevalent in the general population. Suggested diagnostic appendix criteria are important for future studies of this possible migraine endophenotype.
Catalase C262T genetic variation and cancer susceptibility: A comprehensive meta-analysis with meta-regression and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Barek Md Abdul , Jafrin Sarah , Aziz Md. Abdul , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: May 2022

Several genetic association studies have analyzed the link between the catalase ( CAT) C262T variant and different cancers, but the findings remain controversial. Our research centered on establishing a comprehensive correlation between the C262T variant and different cancers. This study was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. For this meta-analysis, 53 case-control studies (18,258 cases and 47,476 controls) were chosen. The analysis revealed that three genetic models were statistically linked ( P < 0.05) to overall cancer susceptibility in codominant model 2 (COD2): odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, COD3: OR = 1.21, recessive model (RM): OR = 1.20). After stratification by ethnicity, a significant link ( P < 0.05) was found in Caucasians (COD2: OR = 1.18, COD3: OR = 1.17, over-dominant model (ODM): OR = 1.19) and Asians (COD3: OR = 1.49). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant correlation ( P < 0.05) with blood-and-bone-marrow-related cancer, skin cancer, gastrointestinal-tract-related cancer, prostate cancer, and gynecologic cancer. Three genetic models in population-based controls (COD2: OR = 1.19, COD3: OR = 1.17, RM: OR = 1.19) and two genetic models in hospital-based controls (COD3: OR = 1.40, RM: OR = 1.24) were found to be significantly correlated ( P < 0.05) with cancer. Also, three genetic models for polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (COD3: OR = 1.46; RM: OR = 1.34, ODM: OR = 0.80) and three models for MALDI-TOF + MassARRAY (COD2: OR = 1.32, RM: OR = 1.26, allele model: OR = 1.14) genotyping methods showed significant association ( P < 0.05) with cancer. The meta-regression showed that the quality scores might be a source of significant heterogeneity under the COD2 model (coefficient = 0.176, P = 0.029). Trial sequential analysis also validated the adequacy of the sample size on overall findings. Our results indicate that CAT C262T variant is associated with overall cancer susceptibility, especially in Caucasians and Asians. This variant may also be associated with blood-and-bone-marrow-related, GIT-related, prostate, skin, and gynecological cancers.