bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One model, one construct, different psychographic measures: A comparison of three scales of allocentrism-psychocentrism
Authors: Cruz-Milán Oliver
Published: August 2022

The venturesomeness concept developed by Stanley Plog almost five decades ago has been influential, amply cited and used in tourism investigations. However, a close review of the published literature indicates that Plog originally developed more than one scale to measure his psychographic construct, with different items, operationalizations, but no clarity about their validity and efficacy. Thus, this research evaluates three versions of Plog’s scales based on their capacity to predict behavioral intentions and other postulates derived from Plog’s framework: relationships with vacation frequency, Cohen’s tourist roles, epistemic values, and the moderation of familiarity and perceived distance. Data sets of three separate samples are employed in four destination settings, estimating PLS-SEM path analyses in the hypothesized model. Findings revealed problems with the construct and nomological validity of two scales, and only one scale displayed predictive characteristics consistent with various tenets of Plog’s model. Theoretical implications and recommendations for research are provided.
Can destination image be ascertained from social media? An examination of Twitter hashtags
Authors: Nautiyal Rajesh , Albrecht Julia N , Carr Anna
Published: August 2022

The role of Twitter hashtags in creating destination images is under-researched, and there is limited understanding of their usefulness in destination promotion. This paper examines the destination image of Rishikesh, India, based on an analysis of relevant tweets during the decade 2009–2019. The hashtags of resident, domestic and international Twitter users (about Rishikesh, India) were compared with the images of Rishikesh promoted by the relevant Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO: Uttarakhand Tourism) to identify and analyse any similarities or differences in the destination image promotion. The findings suggest that ‘yoga’ and ‘Ganges’ were the most prominent images associated with Rishikesh. However, the efforts of the RTO regarding promoting Rishikesh also focus on hashtags featuring adventure. This adventure image is also used by Indian Twitter users, whereas the residents and international Twitter users were less likely to use adventure-related hashtags that much. However, though residents, Indian and international Twitter users used almost similar natural landscape-related hashtags, RTO uses them unsubstantially. The results emphasise the importance of, and potential for, selected experiential and interpersonal hashtags when promoting destination images via Twitter, thus maximising the potential for destination marketing through this platform. At last, a hashtag strategy for destination promotion is also proposed based on the findings of this paper for focused exposure and increased searchability.
The influence of Alzheimer’s disease stigma on pain assessment in older persons
Authors: Vitou Valérie , Gély-Nargeot Marie-Christine , Jeandel Claude , Bayard Sophie
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pain of nursing homes residents with Alzheimer’s disease remains under detected compared to their cognitively intact counterparts. Communication difficulties may partly explain this poor quality of care but the influence of stigmatization on pain assessment has never been explored.

Research question

The objective of this research was to analyze whether a diagnosis label of Alzheimer’s disease or the stage of the disease may bias pain assessment scores and empathic reactions of health care staff in nursing homes.

Methods

Two studies were conducted based on a similar experimental between-subjects design with a video showing an older adult woman experiencing undefined pain. Different labels and vignettes were manipulated to characterize the subject of the video. In the first study, 84 certified nursing assistants were asked to watch the video and then to assess the pain intensity and their empathic reaction. Participants were randomized in two conditions that varied the disease label (Alzheimer’s disease vs no diagnosis). In the second study, 67 certified nursing assistants were enrolled who did not participate in the first study. They watched the same video as in the first study and assessed the pain intensity and their empathic reaction. They were randomized in two conditions that varied the stage of the Alzheimer’s disease (mild stage vs severe stage).

Results

Alzheimer’s disease label had no influence on assessment scores. In contrast, the stage of the disease had a significant effect on the health care staff assessments with severe stage associated with lower pain intensity scores and empathic reactions.

Conclusion

These results confirm that the Alzheimer’s disease stigma is a real phenomenon that tends to be mainly elicited by the symptoms of the acute phase of the disease. These findings are crucial to better understand the stigma related to Alzheimer’s disease and to enhance the pain management of this frail population.
Towards smart monitoring of systems: an integrated non-parametric Bayesian KDE and LSTM approach for anomaly detection of rotating machinery under uncertainties
Authors: Zhao Haixin , Jiang Xiaomo , Wang Bo , Cheng Xueyu , Xu Shengli
Published: August 2022

The Bayesian inference metric is derived from the normality assumption of data, and is widely used in engineering applications. Owing to data scarcity and uncertainty, the assumption is usually violated, leading to inaccurate results in anomaly detection of large rotating machinery. This paper proposes a novel non-parametric Bayesian evaluation metric based on kernel density estimation of data to avoid the normality assumption. Based on kernel density estimation, a non-parametric Bayesian evaluation metric is mathematically derived from both null and alternative hypothesis tests to improve its accuracy and generality without any distribution assumption. It provides a quantitative indicator for assessing the status of a rotating machines under data uncertainties. A comparison with the traditional method is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methodology in terms of normal and non-normal distributions of data. A general Bayesian evaluation procedure is proposed for the anomaly detection of rotating machinery. Sensor data collected from a real-world steam turbine were used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Computation for Architecture, hybrid visual and textual language: Research developments and considerations about the implementation of structural imperative and object-oriented paradigms
Authors: Henriques Goncalo Castro , Xavier Pedro Maciel , Silva Victor de Luca , Bispo Luca Rédua , Fraga João Victor
Published: August 2022

In the fourth industrial revolution, programming promises to be a fundamental subject like mathematics, science, languages ​​or the arts. Architects design more than buildings developing innovative methods and they are among the pioneers in visual programming development. However, after more than 10 years of visual programming in architecture, despite the fast-learning curve, visual programming presents considerable limitations to solve complex problems. To overcome limitations, the authors propose to associate the advantages of visual and textual languages in Python. The article addresses an ongoing research study to implement Computational Methods in Architectural Education. The authors began by describing the general goal of this project, and of this article in particular. This article focuses on the implementation of two disciplines ‘Computation for Architecture in Python’ I and II. The first discipline uses programming based on the construction of functions in the imperative language, implemented in the text editor, in visual programming, using Grasshopper methods. The second discipline, which is under development, intends to teach object-oriented programming. The results of the first discipline are encouraging; despite reported difficulties in programming fundamentals, such as lists, loops and recursion. The development of the second discipline, in object-oriented programming, deals with the concepts of classes and objects, and more abstract principles such abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism or encapsulation. This paradigm allows building robust programs, but requires a more in-depth syntax. The article reports this ongoing research on this new paradigm of object-oriented language, expanding the application of a hybrid visual-textual language in Architecture.
Financial literacy for well-being: Scientific mapping and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Suri Ankit , Jindal Lokesh
Published: August 2022

The financial system is a highly competitive field whose applications range from as big as the strategic vision and missions of the multinational companies to as small as day-to-day household expenditure decisions or management of pocket money by students. Financial literacy is a life skill that, in theory, is highly related to the well-being of individuals and companies. In the subject of financial literacy, there is a large body of literature, but very little to no knowledge on the trend and patterns of the literature and research advances in the body of knowledge. With the help of Scientific mapping analysis (SMA) and Bibliometric analyses, this study aims to declutter the literature in the field and find the future research direction in financial literacy. The study is carried out on 1000 documents from a 20-year time horizon (2001–2021), indexed on Web of Science. The study shows the publication trends, most relevant authors, journals, countries. The most significant, developing, and trending themes in the subject and the intellectual structure were investigated using keyword analysis. To better understand the social structure in financial literacy and well-being, co-authorship analysis was used.
Hyperinsulinemia alters insulin receptor presentation and internalization in brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Watson Luke S , Wilken-Resman Brynna , Williams Alexus , DiLucia Stephanie , Sanchez Guadalupe , McLeod Taylor L , Sims-Robinson Catrina
Published: August 2022

Insulin receptors are internalized by endothelial cells to facilitate their physiological processes; however, the impact of hyperinsulinemia in brain endothelial cells is not known. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the impact hyperinsulinemia plays on insulin receptor internalization through changes in phosphorylation, as well as the potential impact of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Hippocampal microvessels were isolated from high-fat diet fed mice and assessed for insulin signaling activation, a process known to be involved with receptor internalization. Surface insulin receptors in brain microvascular endothelial cells were labelled to assess the role hyperinsulinemia plays on receptor internalization in response to stimulation, with and without the PTP1B antagonist, Claramine. Our results indicated that insulin receptor levels increased in tandem with decreased receptor signaling in the high-fat diet mouse microvessels. Insulin receptors of cells subjected to hyperinsulinemic treatment demonstrate splice variation towards decreased IR-A mRNA expression and demonstrate a higher membrane-localized proportion. This corresponded with decreased autophosphorylation at sites critical for receptor internalization and signaling. Claramine restored signaling and receptor internalization in cells treated with hyperinsulinemia. In conclusion, hyperinsulinemia impacts brain microvascular endothelial cell insulin receptor signaling and internalization, likely via alternative splicing and increased negative feedback from PTP1B.
Feasibility of ERAS in Patients With Gastric Cancer Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Ying , Han He , Abdulrahman Salim Mzee Said , Wang Deqian , Chen Jixiang , Fan Xin
Published: August 2022

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is the integration of multiple perioperative evidence-based medical practices into a single pathway aimed at eliminating surgical liabilities and improving treatment accuracy to enhance patients' postoperative outcomes. The ERAS Society has been developing guidelines that are widely applicable in the surgical field. ERAS pathways in selective and noncomplicated cases are extensively practiced. However, the ERAS literature excludes patients with comorbidities, such as gastric cancer complicated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Current ERAS guidelines exclude patients with DM in enhanced recovery programs because of insufficient evidence-based medicine on the molecular physiology of the patients in response to surgical insult. Therefore, it is important to implement accelerated rehabilitation surgery for patients with gastric cancer and DM. This review discusses the feasibility and necessity of applying ERAS guidelines to patients with gastric cancer complicated by DM. In addition, we documented the need to lay a logical foundation for enhanced recovery after surgery in patients with gastric cancer complicated by DM.
Human stem cell–derived neurons and neural circuitry therapeutics: Next frontier in spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Paredes-Espinosa Maria Belen , Paluh Janet L
Published: August 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a life-altering event that devastates those injured and the families that support them. Numerous laboratories are engaged in preclinical and clinical trials to repair the injured spinal cord with stem cell–derived therapeutics. A new developmental paradigm reveals early bifurcation of brain or trunk neurons in mammals via neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) relevant to therapies requiring homotypic spinal cord neural populations. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) NMP-derived spinal motor neurons generated ex vivo following this natural developmental route demonstrate robust survival in vivo when delivered as suspension grafts or as in vitro preformed encapsulated neuronal circuitry when transplanted into a rat C4-C5 hemicontusion injury site. Use of in vitro matured neurons avoids in vivo differentiation challenges of using pluripotent hiPSC or multipotent neural stem cell (NSC) or mesenchymal stem cell therapeutics. In this review, we provide an injury to therapeutics overview focusing on how stem cell and developmental fields are merging to generate exquisitely matched spinal motor neurons for SCI therapeutic studies. The complexity of the SCI microenvironment generated by trauma to neurons and vasculature, along with infiltrating inflammatory cells and scarring, underlies the challenging cytokine microenvironment that therapeutic cells encounter. An overview of evolving but limited stem cell–based SCI therapies that have progressed from preclinical to clinical trials illustrates the challenges and need for additional stem cell–based therapeutic approaches. The focus here on neurons describes how NMP-based neurotechnologies are advancing parallel strategies such as transplantation of preformed neuronal circuitry as well as human in vitro gastruloid multicellular models of trunk central and peripheral nervous system integration with organs. NMP-derived neurons are expected to be powerful drivers of the next generation of SCI therapeutics and integrate well with combination therapies that may utilize alternate biomimetic scaffolds for bridging injuries or flexible biodegradable electronics for electrostimulation.
Phytochemical Constituents and In vitro Pharmacological Response of Cnidium monnieri; A Natural Ancient Medicinal Herb
Authors: Munir Naveed , Mehmood Zahed , Shahid Muhammad , Aslam Samina , Abbas Mazhar , Mehboob Huma , Al-Mijallia Samiah H. , Jahangeer Muhammad , Badar Qurrat ul Ain
Published: August 2022

Background

Natural medicines are being used for the treatment of various disorders due to pharmacological, therapeutical, and nutraceuticals characteristics.

Objectives

Current research was planned to explore In vitro pharmacological response of phytochemical constituents extracted from C. monnieri’ seeds using aqueous ethanol (70%).

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative measurements for phytochemical constituents were performed following reference protocols. Then In vitro antioxidant potential, cytotoxic studies, antimicrobial, and spermicidal pharmacological response of C. monnieri extract were investigated.

Results

The results of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) explored the presence of wide range of bioactive compounds with significant (p<.05) antioxidant activities. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant (p<.05) protective behavior of C. monnieri evaluated using CtDNA damage protection, against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100, RBCs membrane stabilizing and clot lysis assay. It was also found that selected herb has antibacterial and antifungal activities. The results of spermicidal study on human (n = 30) spermatozoa revealed significant (p<.05) contraceptive per vaginal behavior of this natural medicinal plant.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that C. monnieri showed significant pharmacological activities with non-toxic behavior, however In vivo study in animals and clinical trials are required to declare this natural herb as therapeutic agent.
Understanding Primary Care Providers’ Experience with Lifestyle Behavior Change Recommendations and Programs to Prevent Chronic Disease
Authors: Miller Megan , Locke Amy , Fuller Arwen , King Jensen Jessica
Published: August 2022

Prescribing lifestyle behavior change is a recommended strategy for both primary and secondary prevention of disease. Programs that support and encourage lifestyle behavior change are available to patients but are underutilized. The purpose of this study was to understand primary care providers (PCPs) experiences and barriers they experience with referring patients to lifestyle behavior change programs at one academic health care system. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 academic PCPs between November 2020 and January 2021. Qualitative analysis identified major themes. Four themes emerged: (1) guideline awareness and adherence, (2) barriers to lifestyle behavior change recommendations, (3) provider role with respect to lifestyle behavior change recommendations, and (4) suggestions to improve utilization of behavior change support. Specific strategies for improvement include revising referral process, educating providers about programs already offered, integrating a team-based approach, and systemizing healthy lifestyle behaviors interventions. The lessons identified through this study highlight the need for systematic prioritization of lifestyle behavior change to decrease certain barriers that providers face when attempting to integrate lifestyle change consistently into their practice.
Current state and confusion of twig-like middle cerebral artery
Authors: Yu Jinlu
Published: August 2022

A twig-like middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an uncommon lesion in which a plexiform network of small vessels replaces the M1 segment of the MCA. Currently, we have insufficient information for twig-like MCAs. Therefore, a review of the literature using PubMed was conducted. In this review of twig-like MCAs, the following were discussed: the definition, pathogenesis, hemodynamics, associated aneurysm, clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, therapeutic strategies, therapeutic complications and prognosis. In addition, we proposed a reasonable grading system for twig-like MCAs, which is significant. For a twig-like MCA, the pathogenesis is unclear, and congenital and acquired factors can be involved. A twig-like MCA disturbed cerebral hemodynamics. An associated aneurysm can occur in patients with twig-like MCAs. Twig-like MCAs can present subclinically and without clinical symptoms, hemorrhage, or ischemic strokes. Of all the available imaging examinations, digital subtracted angiography is the gold standard. When treating a twig-like MCA, it is feasible to target the associated aneurysm, and extracranial-intracranial bypass can be effective in reducing the risk of strokes, but more evidence is needed. Now, the decision to perform surgery for twig-like MCAs should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Model development synchronized with data mining for rolling stock maintenance strategy
Authors: Prabhakaran Priyanka , Anandakumar Subbaiyan , Priyanka Bhaskaran E , Velusamy Prabu
Published: August 2022

Indian metro system is comprised of many functional units for enabling smooth run of trains namely tracks, rolling stock, signaling and communication, operations and control center, projects, and design. Among those functional units, Rolling Stock (RS) is an integral part of any rapid transit system and also the most critical space if proper maintenance measures are neglected. The rolling stock department comprises interdisciplinary teams working together to ensure efficient delivery of trains on a service run. The trainsets of Metro Rail Networks are often subjected to both periodic and corrective maintenance based on service requirements. The maintenance schedule of the trainsets is monitored through a wireless communication mode. The train operator is responsible for alerting the nodal person regarding subsequent correspondence in the event of any emergency maintenance necessity. Therefore, this paper concentrates on the development of an IoT-based automatized maintenance prioritizing platform based on the incorrect operational sequence number that pops up in the operator’s cabin. A mathematical model is synchronized with the alert triggering signal from the field to categorize hierarchical decision-making on preventative and corrective maintenance. Simultaneously, a Genetic Algorithm is implemented to analyze the adopted combinations of maintenance say M1, M2, and M3 to identify the model that produced precise results. The test results reveal that the M3 model, which includes both corrective and preventative maintenance exhibits higher efficiency with a probability of 0.92%–0.98%. In addition, the combined maintenance prioritization system M3 offers the quickest analyzing time in the cloud computing platform (0.18 s) and the highest transaction performance on real-time datasets.
Persistent inflammatory pain is linked with anxiety-like behaviors, increased blood corticosterone, and reduced global DNA methylation in the rat amygdala
Authors: Spinieli Richard L , Cazuza Rafael Alves , Sales Amanda Juliana , Carolino Ruither Oliveira Gomes , Martinez Diana , Anselmo-Franci Janete , Tajerian Maral , Leite-Panissi Christie RA
Published: August 2022

Chronic pain increases the risk of developing anxiety, with limbic areas being likely neurological substrates. Despite high clinical relevance, little is known about the precise behavioral, hormonal, and brain neuroplastic correlates of anxiety in the context of persistent pain. Previous studies have shown that decreased nociceptive thresholds in chronic pain models are paralleled by anxiety-like behavior in rats, but there are conflicting ideas regarding its effects on the stress response and circulating corticosterone levels. Even less is known about the molecular mechanisms through which the brain encodes pain-related anxiety. This study examines how persistent inflammatory pain in a rat model would impact anxiety-like behaviors and corticosterone release, and whether these changes would be reflected in levels of global DNA methylation in brain areas involved in stress regulation. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) or saline was administered in the right hindpaw of adult male Wistar rats. Behavioral testing included the measurement of nociceptive thresholds (digital anesthesiometer), motor function (open field test), and anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze and the dark-light box test). Corticosterone was measured via radioimmunoassay. Global DNA methylation (enzyme immunoassay) as well as DNMT3a levels (western blotting) were quantified in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus. CFA administration resulted in persistent reduction in nociceptive threshold in the absence of locomotor abnormalities. Increased anxiety-like behaviors were observed in the elevated plus maze and were accompanied by increased blood corticosterone levels 10 days after pain induction. Global DNA methylation was decreased in the amygdala, with no changes in DNMT3a abundance in any of the regions examined. Persistent inflammatory pain promotes anxiety -like behaviors, HPA axis activation, and epigenetic regulation through DNA methylation in the amygdala. These findings describe a molecular mechanism that links pain and stress in a well-characterized rodent model.
Thinking Structurally: A Cognitive Framework for Understanding How People Attribute Inequality to Structural Causes
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Mortenson Elizabeth , Heyman Gail D. , Walker Caren M.
Published: August 2022

To make accurate causal inferences about social-group inequalities, people must consider structural causes. Structural causes are a distinct type of extrinsic cause—they are stable, interconnected societal forces that systematically advantage some social groups and disadvantage others. We propose a new cognitive framework to specify how people attribute inequality to structural causes. This framework is rooted in counterfactual theories of causal judgment and suggests that people will recognize structural factors as causal when they are perceived as “difference-making” for inequality above and beyond any intrinsic causes. Building on this foundation, our framework makes the following contributions. First, we propose specific types of evidence that support difference-making inferences about structural factors: within-group change (i.e., observing that disadvantaged groups’ outcomes improve under better societal conditions) and well-matched between-group comparisons (i.e., observing that advantaged group members, who have similar baseline traits to the disadvantaged group, experience more favorable societal conditions and life outcomes). Second, we consider contextual, cognitive, and motivational barriers that may complicate the availability and acceptance of this evidence. We conclude by exploring how the framework might be applied in future research examining people’s causal inferences about inequality.
Subset simulation for optimal sensors positioning based on value of information
Authors: Hoseyni Seyed Mojtaba , Di Maio Francesco , Zio Enrico
Published: August 2022

Greedy and non-greedy optimization methods have been proposed for maximizing the Value of Information (VoI) for equipment health monitoring by optimal sensors positioning. These methods provide good solutions, but still with limitations and challenges: greedy optimization does not guarantee to find the optimal solution, due to the non-submodularity of the VoI; non-greedy optimization does not suffer from the non-submodularity of the VoI but requires computationally expensive and tedious simulations to find the optimal solution. In this work, the Subset Simulation (SS) method is originally proposed to address these limitations and challenges. A real case study is considered concerning the condition monitoring of a Steam Generator (SG) of a Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). Results show that SS, even if initialized with a small number of Monte Carlo samples, is capable of finding the optimal set of sensors positions in a very short computational time and is insensitive to the non-submodularity of VoI.
Pharmacologic treatment of GERD in adolescents: Is esophageal mucosal protection an option?
Authors: Romano Claudio , Scarpignato Carmelo
Published: August 2022

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still a challenging and difficult to treat condition in children. Although acid suppression represents the mainstay of treatment in adolescents, it is not devoid of adverse events, especially in the long-term.

Objectives:

In this investigation we explored a new therapeutic avenue in GERD, that is esophageal mucosal protection.

Design:

To this end, we performed an investigator-initiated, retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a short-term treatment with Esoxx™ medical device in 25 adolescents with GERD-related symptoms. This mucoadhesive formulation contains two natural mucopolysaccharides (sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulphate) and adheres to the esophageal mucosa, exerting a protective effect against refluxed gastric contents and allowing mucosal healing.

Methods:

Heartburn, epigastric burning and post-prandial regurgitation were scored with a pain VAS scale and re-evaluated after 3-week treatment with Esoxx (one stick post-prandially, three times daily).

Results:

All patients completed the treatment without adverse effects and with good tolerability and compliance. All the three major symptoms significantly (p<0.001) improved after treatment. No patient required additional investigation (i.e. upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy) or medication (i.e. antisecretory drugs).

Conclusion:

The results of this pilot study suggest that esophageal mucosal protection is a promising therapeutic avenue for GERD also in children. Provided, these data be confirmed by a large, randomized clinical trial, this medical device can enter our therapeutic armamentarium against this challenging disease.
Principals’ power for achieving quality education in secondary schools of Ethiopia
Authors: Mesfin Demissie Molla
Published: August 2022

This study comprehends the power of Ethiopian secondary school principals and learns valuable theories and models towards the quality of education. The study was delimited distinctly in government secondary schools of Ethiopia especially in South Nations, Nationalities Peoples Regional State. Qualitative research method was utilized. Six secondary schools from the three zones (Gedeo, Sidama, and Hadiya) were chosen for the study. The participants were six principals, 3 heads of province/Zone Education Department, 6 heads of Kebele Education and Training Board, and 3 retired principals. The primary sources to gather information were interview, focus group discussion, and document analysis. The study revealed that a portion of the principals realizes their power yet neglect to appropriately exercise because of negative obstructions from local authorities. This could affect academic achievement of the students.
Angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis for leg length discrepancy
Authors: Weinmayer Hannah , Breen Anne B , Steen Harald , Horn Joachim
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the presence of secondary angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis based on long-standing radiographs, and to see if the occurrence and magnitude of angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis correlated with the amount of remaining growth at the time of surgery.

Methods:

From a local Health Register consisting of patients investigated using the Moseley Straight-Line Graph, we identified 269 patients who had undergone percutaneous epiphysiodesis from 2002 until 2020. Radiographic analysis included the measurement of mechanical axis and joint orientation angles on long-standing anterior–posterior radiographs. Remaining growth was analyzed based on the Menelaus method.

Results:

One hundred and forty epiphysiodeses (71 femurs and 69 tibiae) in 88 patients (39 girls and 49 boys) could be included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 13.2 (10–16.8) years, and mean skeletal age at surgery was 13.0 (9.8–15.7) years. A change of the MA (Mechanical axis) ≥10 mm was found in eight patients (9%). Secondary frontal plane deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis correlated significantly with the remaining growth at the time of surgery (p = 0.003).

Conclusion:

We found a high rate of secondary angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis, and the magnitude of the deformities correlated with the amount of remaining growth at the time of surgery. A modification of the original surgical method for percutaneous epiphysiodesis to also include ablation of central parts of the growth plate might be considered. Patients should be enrolled in a systematic follow-up scheme which allows for the early detection of possible angular deformities.

Level of evidence:

level III study.
Communicating Friedrich Engels's return to Manchester: Arts and cultural event, history lesson, or call to action?
Authors: Medvedyuk Stella , Govender Piara , Raphael Dennis
Published: August 2022

There is increasing interest by academics and mainstream media in the relevance of Friedrich Engels's writings for understanding contemporary economic and political issues. Still, Engels's writing about the adverse effects of the capitalist economic system on the health and well-being of workers, the environment, and society in general remains marginalized. Two recent art projects which saw the installation of statues of Engels in Manchester, the city in which he lived and wrote The Condition of the Working Class in England, have created avenues by which Engels and his writings can be communicated to a larger audience. In this paper, we explore how filmmaker Phil Collins's finding and placement of a Soviet-era statue of Engels in Manchester has been communicated as an arts and cultural event, a history lesson, and a call to action to right the injustices generated by the capitalist economic system. The greatest number of communications were reviews and notices of the installation or documentary as arts and cultural events. The arts and cultural and historical aspects of Engels's return to Manchester were dominant across all communications while calls for action were common in the mainstream news reports and blogs. References to capitalism and its effects were seen in mainstream news reports and reviews and arts notices. We conclude that the involvement of the arts and cultural community in political work may be an important means of promoting responses to increasingly intolerable economic, political, and social environments.
Decomposing Variance in Co-Rumination Using Dyadic Daily Diary Data
Authors: DiGiovanni Ana M. , Cornelius Talea , Bolger Niall
Published: August 2022

It is unknown how co-rumination, or perseverating on problems or feelings with another person, unfolds in the daily lives of romantic couples. Using a variance decomposition procedure on data from a 14-day dyadic diary, we assessed how much variance in co-rumination was attributable to temporally stable and varying factors as well as whether co-rumination is better measured as a couple-level or individual-level process. Within-person, within-couple fluctuations in co-rumination contributed most (~33%) to the total variance, and summary scores based on these fluctuations were reliable. Stable between-couple differences accounted for ~14% of the total variance and could also be reliably assessed. However, within-couple agreement in co-rumination was low such that the reliability at the level of within-couple change was inadequate. Research is needed to understand these divergent perceptions of co-rumination and potential downstream consequences. We conclude by considering how these results inform theory and can be applied to similar dyadic constructs.
Diagnostic value of reflux episodes in gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough: a novel predictive indicator
Authors: Wang Shengyuan , Wen Siwan , Bai Xiao , Zhang Mengru , Zhu Yiqing , Wu Mingyan , Lu Lihua , Shi Cuiqin , Yu Li , Xu Xianghuai
Published: August 2022

Background:

Multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH-monitoring (MII-pH) is an essential testing modality for gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC), while the existing diagnostic criteria still have some inherent defects. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of a direct and objective index, reflux episodes, and related parameters in MII-pH in different types of GERC.

Methods:

Patients with chronic cough suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease who successfully received MII-pH were enrolled. The differences in MII-pH parameters were analyzed among patients with different etiologies and the predictive diagnostic value of reflux episodes and related parameters were analyzed in patients with GERC, acid GERC, and non-acid GERC, and compared with existing diagnostic criteria.

Results:

A total of 190 patients with suspected GERC who underwent MII-pH were enrolled; 131 of these patients were finally diagnosed with GERC. When the reflux episodes were used to diagnose GERC, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.684; when the acid reflux episodes and the ratio of acid reflux episodes were used to diagnose acid GERC, the AUCs were 0.769 and 0.854; when the non-acid reflux episodes and the ratio of non-acid reflux episodes were used to diagnose non-acid GERC, the AUCs were 0.735 and 0.705, respectively. When the non-acid reflux episodes > 58 and the proportion of non-acid reflux episodes > 68.18% were used alone or in combination to diagnose non-acid GERC, their diagnostic value was significantly better than SAP or SI (all ps < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The number of reflux episodes has a good diagnostic value for GERC, especially in the diagnosis of non-acid GERC.
Full-length dystrophin deficiency leads to contractile and calcium transient defects in human engineered heart tissues
Authors: Bremner Samantha B , Mandrycky Christian J , Leonard Andrea , Padgett Ruby M , Levinson Alan R , Rehn Ethan S , Pioner J Manuel , Sniadecki Nathan J , Mack David L
Published: August 2022

Cardiomyopathy is currently the leading cause of death for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe neuromuscular disorder affecting young boys. Animal models have provided insight into the mechanisms by which dystrophin protein deficiency causes cardiomyopathy, but there remains a need to develop human models of DMD to validate pathogenic mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Here, we have developed human engineered heart tissues (EHTs) from CRISPR-edited, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) expressing a truncated dystrophin protein lacking part of the actin-binding domain. The 3D EHT platform enables direct measurement of contractile force, simultaneous monitoring of Ca2+ transients, and assessment of myofibril structure. Dystrophin-mutant EHTs produced less contractile force as well as delayed kinetics of force generation and relaxation, as compared to isogenic controls. Contractile dysfunction was accompanied by reduced sarcomere length, increased resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels, delayed Ca2+ release and reuptake, and increased beat rate irregularity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed clear differences between dystrophin-deficient and control EHTs, including downregulation of genes related to Ca2+ homeostasis and extracellular matrix organization, and upregulation of genes related to regulation of membrane potential, cardiac muscle development, and heart contraction. These findings indicate that the EHT platform provides the cues necessary to expose the clinically-relevant, functional phenotype of force production as well as mechanistic insights into the role of Ca2+ handling and transcriptomic dysregulation in dystrophic cardiac function, ultimately providing a powerful platform for further studies in disease modeling and drug discovery.
social Communication Predictors in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Theoretical Review
Authors: Costescu Cristina , Pitariu Delia , David Carmen , Rosan Adrian
Published: August 2022

social communication represents one of the main areas of impairment in the case of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (APA, 2013). Several studies have investigated predictors in this domain; however, the results are mostly inconsistent or lack clarity. The purpose of this theoretical review is to analyze studies that address vocabulary, prosody, and cognitive flexibility in relation to deficits in pragmatic language, in the case of individuals with ASD. This synthesis was conducted on 18 studies, based on a systematic search of ScienceDirect and NCBI (PubMed and PubMed Central) databases. A number of 1523 participants were included in the analyzed studies. Results indicate that prosody has a major impact on social communication. However, difficulties in processing prosody do not account as the only predictors in the general abilities of language and communication. Regarding the executive functioning, future research is needed to fully understand the relationship between social communication and cognitive flexibility.
Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption – repeat etanercept after intravenous immunoglobulin: A case report
Authors: Tonkin Rochelle , Ladha Malika , Johnson Nicole , Astle William F , Britton Ami , Shear Neil H , Murguía-Favela Luis , Ramien Michele
Published: August 2022

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption is a recently distinguished mucosal-predominant blistering eruption triggered by respiratory infections. We describe a previously healthy 11-year-old Black female with rapidly progressive mucocutaneous blistering after prodromal respiratory infection symptoms. Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption was suspected and treated with systemic corticosteroids followed by etanercept. Twenty-four hours after etanercept, the diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children was raised and intravenous immunoglobulin was given. Rapidly worsening mucocutaneous disease ensued but was controlled by a second dose of etanercept. Our case highlights the following: (1) the novel observation of possible interaction/neutralization of etanercept by intravenous immunoglobulin, (2) the challenging differential diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children for reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption patients in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and (3) the role of early treatment to prevent dyspigmentation.
Multiple oral squamous cell carcinoma 6 years after allogeneic stem cell transplantation complicated with chronic graft-versus-host disease: A case report
Authors: Katz Joseph , Saleh Wafaa , Alharbi Hamad , Farhadfar Nosha
Published: August 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a potential long-term complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This may be related to mechanisms including radiation and chemotherapy regimens, chronic graft-versus-host disease, inflammation, and prolonged immunosuppression. The current case describes the development of multiple oral white thick keratotic lesions in the floor of the mouth and the tongue 6 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation complicated with chronic graft-versus-host disease. A biopsy performed with histopathological analysis revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was treated by subtotal glossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and flap reconstruction. This report highlights the significance of the routine oral examination of long-term surveillance post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to ensure early detection of these tumors at potentially treatable stage.
The role of sensors in the production of smart city spaces
Authors: Enlund Desirée , Harrison Katherine , Ringdahl Rasmus , Börütecene Ahmet , Löwgren Jonas , Angelakis Vangelis
Published: August 2022

Smart cities build on the idea of collecting data about the city in order for city administration to be operated more efficiently. Within a research project gathering an interdisciplinary team of researchers – engineers, designers, gender scholars and human geographers – we have been working together using participatory design approaches to explore how paying attention to the diversity of human needs may contribute to making urban spaces comfortable and safe for more people. The project team has deployed sensors collecting data on air quality, sound and mobility in a smart city testbed in Norrköping, Sweden. While these sensors are meant to capture an accurate ‘map’ of the street and what is going on along it, our interdisciplinary conversations around the sensors have revealed the heterogeneity both of smart city planning and spatial formulations of the city. The discussions have given rise to questions regarding the work that goes into constructing the sensor box itself, as well as the work of deploying it, and how these influence the ‘map’ that the sensors produce. In this paper, we draw on Lefebvre to explore how the sensors themselves produce smart spaces. We analyze how the box depends on perceived space to function (e.g. requiring electricity), and simultaneously it produces conceptualizations of space that are influenced by the materiality of the box itself (e.g. sensors being affected by heat and noise). Further, we explore how the (in)visibility of sensor technology influences lived space.
Characteristics of Facebook’s third-party medical fact checkers
Authors: Haslam Alyson , Prasad Vinay
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Social media websites, such as Facebook, have made an effort to monitor and label news stories and op-eds that could be false or misleading. As such, we sought to evaluate fact checkers for news stories and op-eds that circulate on Facebook.

Methods

We searched all articles on HealthFeedback.org for names of reviewers and other quoted individuals cited in the article and their professional titles. We searched Twitter on March 10, 2021, to see whether the reviewers and quoted individuals had an account and noted the number of Twitter followers.

Results

The median number of followers on Twitter for reviewers was 10,000 (since January 2020) versus 1012 (prior to January 2020; p = 0.007). The median number of followers on Twitter for quoted individuals was 153,050 (since January 2020) versus 314 (prior to January 2020; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Current fact-checking processes appear to be strongly associated with large Twitter followings. Greater transparency in the process of determining misinformation is needed.
Employee Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Adaptability, Work-Family Conflict, and Organizational Response
Authors: Al-Jubari Ibrahim , Mosbah Aissa , Salem Suha Fouad
Published: August 2022

Well-being has always been a topic of interest for individuals, organizations, and policy-makers. COVID-19 pandemic made it tremendously relevant as employees were forced to work from home due to the successive lockdowns that governments have implemented to curb the spread of the virus. This crisis has raised concerns about employees’ well-being due to the implementation of these tight measures. In the present study, we examined the direct and indirect effects of employees’ adaptability, work-family conflict, and organizational response on employees’ well-being through the mediating role of perceived stress. Data have been collected from 184 employees working in various organizations in Malaysia and analyzed using Smart-PLS Structural Equation Modeling with the bootstrapping procedure. The results indicated that organizational response, work-family conflict, and adaptability directly affect perceived stress and well-being, except for organizational response, which has no direct effect on well-being. Furthermore, it was found that perceived stress mediates the relationship of organizational response and work-family conflict with well-being but not adaptability.