bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anorectal Malignancies Presenting as a Perianal Abscess or Fistula
Authors: Boaz Elad , Freund Michael R. , Harbi Asaf , Dagan Amir , Gilshtein Hayim , Reissman Petachia , Yellinek Shlomo
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute anorectal abscess and fistula are common conditions that usually presents as a painful lump close to the anal margin. Tumors in the distal rectum and in the perianal region may mimic the symptoms and signs of anorectal sepsis, thereby leading to a delay in diagnosis and management. The purpose of this study was to describe patients presenting with acute perianal abscess or fistula who were subsequently diagnosed with anorectal cancer.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, review of all cases presenting with acute perianal abscess or fistula who were subsequently found to have anorectal carcinoma on biopsy in two tertiary centers. We analyzed the data focusing on the clinical features, laboratory values, clinical staging of the tumors, the subsequent management, the pathological staging, and the outcome of each patient.

Results

Overall, 3219 patients presenting with anorectal abscess or fistula were reviewed. Cancer was diagnosed in 16 (.5%) patients, 12 with adenocarcinoma of the rectum and 4 with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. In 5 patients (31.2%), cancer was diagnosed in the setting of chronic perianal fistula, 4 of them had Crohn’s disease. In 10 patients (62.5%), cancer was not diagnosed during the initial evaluation of the acute symptoms.

Conclusions

A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis of perianal tumors when assessing patients presenting with perianal sepsis, particularly those with Crohn’s disease, a long history of persistent perianal disease, and an advanced age. In most cases, proper drainage followed by proximal diversion are the surgical treatment of choice in the acute setting.
Objective Personality Determination: A Useful Addition to the Traditional Process of Pediatric Surgical Fellow Selection
Authors: Sacks Marla A. , Khan Faraz A. , Hazboun Rajaie , Radulescu Andrei , Tagge Edward P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Selection of pediatric surgical trainees is a multifaceted process heavily influenced by in-person interviews to determine personality makeup and institutional compatibility. We present our experience in utilizing a validated personality inventory in the selection of our candidates.

Methods

All applicants selected for an in-person interview for the 2020 Pediatric Surgery Match were offered the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaire. An initial rank order list (ROL) was formulated employing application information and in-person interview score. A reformulated ROL was created after incorporating BFI data. Correlation of specific personality characteristics vs position on the ROL was assessed for both the initial ROL and the reformulated ROL.

Results

Thirty-four applicants were interviewed and 24 (70.6%) were ranked. Linear regression analysis identified a lower neuroticism score directly related to a higher position on the initial ROL {R = .4626, P = .023}. The reformulated ROL identified a higher conscientiousness score {R = .5331; P = .007} and a lower neuroticism score {R = −.4383; P = .032} correlated with ascending the final ROL.

Conclusions

The self-administered BFI adds objectivity to personality determination gleamed from the standard face-to-face interview. Conscientiousness and neuroticism had a significant impact on the final ROL position. Adding objective personality data appears to provide additional aid in this difficult process.
Silver Microparticle-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Marvin Jeremy C. , Blanchette Emma J. , Sleiman Sydney C. , Arain Haiqa , Tracey Emily A. , Rehse Steven J.
Published: May 2022

Enhanced emission was observed in the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) atomic emission spectra of bacterial cells deposited upon a nitrocellulose filtration medium in the presence of one-micron silver microparticles. A deposition chamber was constructed that allowed a uniform coating of the filter with trace amounts of silver microparticles. Masses from 10 to 100 μg were deposited in a circular area of 52.18 mm2. A 30 s deposition time was used for all experiments resulting in a mass deposition of 39 μg ± 17 μg. This mass coverage on the filter provided for a single laser shot silver mass ablation of 3.3 ng per laser shot. LIBS spectra were acquired with single-shot 1064 nm laser pulses from specimens of E. coli, M. smegmatis, and E. cloacae deposited on both microparticle-coated filters and blank filters. An increase in emission intensity for all elements detected in the bacterial LIBS spectrum as well as the carbon emission which derives in part from the nitrocellulose filter medium was observed due to the ablation with silver microparticles relative to the intensity measured from the ablation of bacterial cells deposited on a blank filter. The ratio of emission intensity with microparticles to emission intensity without microparticles was measured to be 3.6 for phosphorus, 4.5 for magnesium, 5.3 for calcium, 4.0 for sodium, and 1.2 for carbon. An enhancement in LIBS emission intensity in the range of 1–10 was observed for all the spectra, with an average enhancement ratio of 4.3.
Cyberstalking Victims’ Experiences With Fear Versus Other Emotional Responses to Repeated Online Pursuit: Revisiting the Fear Standard Among a National Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Fissel Erica R. , Reyns Bradford W. , Nobles Matt R. , Fisher Bonnie S. , Fox Kathleen A.
Published: May 2022

This study empirically examines situational and personal characteristics associated with victims’ responses to cyberstalking. In the context of these responses, there has been much debate regarding the “fear standard,” which requires victims or reasonable persons to feel fearful as a result of stalking. To examine victim responses to cyberstalking, survey data were collected from 880 young adults in the U.S. who were repeatedly pursued online (cyberstalked) within the previous year. Findings revealed that the majority (67.84%) of respondents did not feel fear in response to the repeated online pursuit. However, approximately half (50.23%) did experience a substantial (non-fear) emotional response. Multivariate findings identified situational and victim characteristics that impacted the reactions experienced, and these effects varied by type of reaction. The results indicate that definitions requiring fear underestimate the prevalence of cyberstalking.
Dissecting B/Plasma Cells in Periodontitis at Single-Cell/Bulk Resolution
Authors: Liu L. , Chen Y. , Wang L. , Yang F. , Li X. , Luo S. , Yang L. , Wang T. , Song D. , Huang D.
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, our understanding of periodontitis has evolved from that based on a gross/histologic level to one on a cellular/molecular level. Previous landscape studies have explored molecular subtyping, diagnosis, and gingival tissue cell decomposition in periodontitis, and meaningful results have been obtained at a transcriptomic level. However, current periodontitis transcriptomic studies lack a finer dissection of the intercommunication between immune cells and the biological processes of specific immune cell subtypes. In this study, we classified 15 immune cell types in periodontitis at a single-cell level and conducted a cell communication analysis based on a multicenter integrated single-cell transcriptome profile, in which plasma cell–generated macrophage migration inhibitory factor can communicate with most other immune cells in periodontitis. A pseudotime analysis focusing on B/plasma cell infiltration in periodontitis revealed 2 distinct cell fates (CFs) for B/plasma cells. In addition, at a bulk tissue level, a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis showed a similar immune cell infiltration trend, and a weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified an immune-related gene module. Combined with the above findings, we used machine learning methods to further narrow down potential gene candidates for developing and validating molecular diagnostic models of periodontitis. Multivariable logistic regression of a large public cohort (68 healthy vs. 235 periodontitis) and an independent validation cohort (12 healthy vs. 7 periodontitis) showed the CF1 signature provides a good discrimination and calibration performance with clinical benefits at a proper threshold probability. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation of the gene candidates was performed in both snap-frozen gingival tissues and gingival crevicular fluids. Our transcriptomic landscape analysis at both single-cell and bulk tissue resolutions thereby illustrates the B/plasma cell infiltration process in periodontitis and reveals a gene signature that may assist in molecular diagnosis of the disease.
Noma: A Neglected Area for Research
Authors: Ogbureke K.U.E.
Published: May 2022

Noma, a debilitating and destructive orofacial gangrene, remains endemic in the poor countries of sub-Saharan Africa and other noma hotbeds across the globe, mainly in countries characterized as underdeveloped economies with significant impoverished populations. Noma mostly affects children and infants. This is in spite of the universally held notion that noma is a preventable disease. Indeed, the current noma status quo has been cast as a human rights shortfall, since this devasting disease overwhelmingly affects children from poor countries. At the recently held Noma Research Day, a renewed call for the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize and include noma as one of the neglected tropical diseases was accompanied by a recognition that research into all aspects of noma has waned or remained completely lacking—particularly that which addresses the basic science questions of the etiology, pathophysiology/pathobiology, and underlying mechanisms of the disease. Yet, a lack of incremental knowledge on the various aspects of noma continues to hamper our composite understanding of its biology. Without a fundamental understanding of the biology of noma, current preventive measures and treatment modalities will continue to fall short of the goals of prevention and eradication. This opinion piece draws renewed attention to the urgency of listing noma as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO. It also calls for major international research funding agencies, including the WHO and the National Institutes of Health, to renew their resolve to robustly fund structured, collaborative, and coordinated proposals that address questions on the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology/pathobiology, and molecular mechanisms of the disease. This is with a view to achieving more effective public health approaches toward prevention and to designing potential therapeutic regimens for early lesions. These steps are key to the ultimate eradication of noma.
Khan v Meadows [2021] UKSC 21 and its potential impact on clinical negligence cases
Authors: Farrukh A , Mayberry JF
Published: May 2022

Khan v Meadows, which was decided recently by the Supreme Court, will have a profound effect on day-to-day clinical practice and future clinical negligence cases. It has clarified the scope of duty of care and to a significant extent links it to the questions being asked by patients of their doctors and by doctors of their colleagues. Will courts now consider that when a patient consults a doctor, he or she is seeking an answer to a specific question or a more general question hidden within that specific question? Clearly the onus will be on clinicians to define exactly what is wanted by the patient or by a colleague.
Rumex nervosus could alleviate streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by activating Nrf2 signaling
Authors: AlMousa Lujain A , AlFaris Nora A , Alshammari Ghedeir M , Alsayadi Muneer M , ALTamimi Jozaa Z , Alagal Reham I , Yahya Mohammed Abdo
Published: May 2022

This study tested the protective effect of Rumex nervous (R. nervosus) methanol extract against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-induced nephropathy in rats and examined if this protection involves activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2). Rats were divided into control, R. nervous (300 mg), STZ (T1DM), STZ +  R. nervosus (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg), and STZ +  R. nervosus (300 mg/kg) + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor). With no effect on fasting glucose and insulin levels, R. nervosus methanol extract preserved kidney histological structure and alterations kidney function markers (e.g. albumin, creatinine, and urine volume) in the STZ-diabetic rats. R. nervosus also reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-6 (IL-6), nuclear levels of the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and mRNA of caspase-3 and Bax in the kidneys of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, it stimulated renal mRNA levels of Bcl2 and Nrf2, cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of Nrf2, and levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). All these effects were dose-dependent, with the maximum effect seen with the 300 mg/kg dose, all prevented by brusatol. Also, these effects occurred without any alteration in the transcription of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap-1). Similar effects on levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, and NF-κB, as well as expression of Nrf2, were also observed in the kidney of control +  R. nervous-treated rats. In conclusion, R. nervosus prevents diabetic nephropathy in rats by upregulating and activating Nrf2.
Justification of an approach to cellulase application in enzymatic softening of linen fabrics and clothing
Authors: Koksharov Sergey A , Bikbulatova Albina A , Kornilova Nadezhda L , Aleeva Svetlana V , Lepilova Olga V , Nikiforova Elena N
Published: May 2022

We propose the final softening finishing of textile products based on a complex of modifying effects on a highly ordered cellulose backbone of the secondary cell wall G-layer or on a mesh corset of microfibrillar cellulose in the primary cell wall. We suggest using polypeptide molecule sizes and the strength of polypeptide molecule adsorption binding on a model solid-phase substrate as parameters of the structurally regulated action of cellulase preparations. The article presents an analysis of 11 cellulase preparations as groups of weakly, tightly and medium adsorption enzymes, and also groups of volumetric, peripheral or combined activity manifested in the fiber structure. We show the regularities of enzyme property influence on the fiber pore structure development, changes in the parameters of the fabric bending stiffness and breaking load and technological shrinkage for two modification modes: liquid treatment with flax fiber swelling or low-modulus application solution. For the liquid method of treatment (with a bath module of at least 10) it is recommended to apply highly adsorbable cellulases ( A > 50%), in which the content of molecules with a globule size less than 30 nm does not exceed 15%. For the low-modulus method of treatment it is recommended to use enzymes with the adsorption capacity of at least 40% and a low content of small-sized fractions (no more than 25%). The recommended treatment variants ensure a three to four-fold bending stiffness decrease at the mechanical strength loss of not more than 15% and shrinkage of linen fabrics not more than 0.5%.
Investigation of flexible warp-knitted metal meshes for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Li Jianna , Zheng Shuo , Shao Huiqi , Shao Guangwei , Su Chuanli , Hong Xinghua , Chen Nanliang , Jiang Jinhua
Published: May 2022

This paper develops four novel warp-knitted structures with two bars of the one-in one-out threading mode and describes the investigation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding metal meshes composed of contiguous ultra-fine metal wires fabricated using warp-knitting technology. The mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and microwave shielding effectiveness (SE) of the flexible meshes are assessed in terms of the mesh structure, mesh material, and warp run-in parameter. The results reveal that the metal mesh has a flexible and stable mechanical property, good electrical conductivity, and optimal EMI performance when the mesh structure is open lap atlas. The gold-coated molybdenum mesh exhibits the lowest electrical resistivity (5.18 × 10−5 ohm/sq) and optimal average EMI SE (–21.04 dB), making it a candidate for EMI shields for intelligent wearable electronic devices. The warp run-in can adjust the EMI SE, and the optimum average EMI SE (–25.52 dB) can be obtained when the warp run-in is set at the 2580 rack. Moreover, the warp-knitted metal meshes show desirable EMI shielding efficiency persisting at >70% even at large strain deformations and under cyclic bending and twisting deformations. Conductive warp-knitted meshes with a millimeter period and micron-scale wire diameter exhibit an adequately large scale, satisfactory mechanical stability, excellent flexibility, permanent conductivity, and strong microwave reflection, simultaneously. Moreover, the EMI SE of warp-knitted metal mesh reaches the protection level (–20 dB) prescribed by standard electronic devices. Therefore, the warp-knitted metal meshes show great potential in flexible and wearable EMI shielding devices.
Antrochoanal Polyp and Migrated Dental Implant in the Ipsilateral Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Park Keon Woo , Lee Dong Hoon , Lim Sang Chul
Published: May 2022

Antrochoanal polyp is usually a benign solitary mass lesion originated from maxillary sinus mucosa and emerging through maxillary ostium. We report a rare case of antrochoanal polyp and migrated dental implant in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus. Clinicians should be aware that ACP may have other concomitant conditions such as migrated dental implants.
COVID-19 attributed Changes of Home and Family Responsibilities among Single Mothers
Authors: Pino Gavidia Lisbeth A. , Seens Hoda , Fraser James , Sivagurunathan Marudan , MacDermid Joy C. , Brunton Laura , Doralp Samantha
Published: May 2022

Lockdown measures during COVID-19 have presented increased challenges in the home and family responsibilities. Single mothers may face unique challenges as they may be isolated from external family supports. Changes on a 19-item home and family work role survey pre- and post-COVID were tested with a paired t-test and sign test; the impact of age and people in the home was assessed using linear regression. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in 6/19 post-COVID-19 family responsibilities. In comparison to pre-COVID-19, post-COVID-19 single mothers reported a statistically significant median increase in family responsibilities (Mdn = .0000), p < .041. Each additional person living in the home was associated with a decrease in family responsibilities (B = -13.1, 95% CI [-21.943, -4.247]). Changes in the home and family responsibilities confirm that COVID-19 led to increased unpaid work to fulfill home and family responsibilities among single mothers.
Book review: Naman P. Ahuja, ed., Phanigiri: Interpreting an Ancient Buddhist Site in Telangana
Authors: Roy Anamika
Published: May 2022

Naman P. Ahuja, ed., Phanigiri: Interpreting an Ancient Buddhist Site in Telangana, Marg Publications and Department of Heritage Telangana, Telangana, 2021, ₹1800.00/$25.00.
Book review: Jangkhomang Guite, Against State, Against History: Freedom, Resistance, and Statelessness in Upland Northeast India
Authors: Nag Sajal
Published: May 2022

Jangkhomang Guite, Against State, Against History: Freedom, Resistance, and Statelessness in Upland Northeast India, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 2019, 302 pp., ₹1095.
The national and moral borders of the 2016 French law on sex work: An analysis of the ‘prostitution exit programme’
Authors: GIAMETTA CALOGERO , BAIL HÉLÈNE LE
Published: May 2022

The 2016 law on prostitution in France introduced the so-called Swedish model approach to sex work, which, at the national level, criminalises those who purchase sex rather than the sex workers themselves. Alongside the repressive character of the law, lawmakers introduced a number of social policy measures through the implementation of a ‘prostitution exit programme’. Whilst some pioneering research has sought to evaluate the impact of penalising the clients of sex workers, no survey has yet focused on the outcomes of prostitution exit programmes. Based on qualitative data, including interviews with sex workers and grassroots organisations, this article aims to analyse how the programme was implemented and its overall outcomes. The interviews we conducted shed particular light on the fact that the implementation of the programme is impacted on by the application of restrictive migration policies.
Point/counterpoint: We should take the direction of blood pressure change into consideration for dynamic cerebral autoregulation quantification
Authors: Labrecque Lawrence , Smirl Jonathan D , Tzeng Yu-Chieh , Brassard Patrice
Published: May 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests asymmetrical responses of cerebral blood flow during large transient changes in mean arterial pressure. Specifically, the augmentation in cerebral blood flow is attenuated when mean arterial pressure acutely increases, compared with declines in cerebral blood flow when mean arterial pressure acutely decreases. However, common analytical tools to quantify dynamic cerebral autoregulation assume autoregulatory responses to be symmetric, which does not seem to be the case. Herein, we provide the rationale supporting the notion we need to consider the directional sensitivity of large and transient mean arterial pressure changes when characterizing dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
Dream Recall Frequency, Lucid Dream Frequency, and Personality During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Schredl Michael , Remedios Anellka , Marin-Dragu Silvia , Sheikh Sana , Forbes Alyssa , Iyer Ravishankar Subramani , Orr Matt , Meier Sandra
Published: May 2022

Dream recall frequency and lucid dream frequency showed large inter-individual differences that are partly related to personality dimensions. However, as dream research is a small field, independent studies are necessary to build a solid empirical foundation. The present online survey included 1,537 participants (1150 women, 387 men) with a mean age of 35.1 ± 15.8 years. Whereas the relationship between openness to experience and dream recall frequency was in line with previous research – supporting the life-style hypothesis of dream recall, the associations between the Big Five personality factors and lucid dream frequency are less homogenous; for example, the negative relationship between neuroticism and lucid dream frequency. Even though the effect sizes of these associations are small, the findings can help in identifying links between waking and dreaming. Moreover, it was found that lucid dream frequency was related to Covid-19-related worries, whereas dream recall frequency was not.
Backpropagation through signal temporal logic specifications: Infusing logical structure into gradient-based methods
Authors: Leung Karen , Aréchiga Nikos , Pavone Marco
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a technique, named STLCG, to compute the quantitative semantics of Signal Temporal Logic (STL) formulas using computation graphs. STLCG provides a platform which enables the incorporation of logical specifications into robotics problems that benefit from gradient-based solutions. Specifically, STL is a powerful and expressive formal language that can specify spatial and temporal properties of signals generated by both continuous and hybrid systems. The quantitative semantics of STL provide a robustness metric, that is, how much a signal satisfies or violates an STL specification. In this work, we devise a systematic methodology for translating STL robustness formulas into computation graphs. With this representation, and by leveraging off-the-shelf automatic differentiation tools, we are able to efficiently backpropagate through STL robustness formulas and hence enable a natural and easy-to-use integration of STL specifications with many gradient-based approaches used in robotics. Through a number of examples stemming from various robotics applications, we demonstrate that STLCG is versatile, computationally efficient, and capable of incorporating human-domain knowledge into the problem formulation.
Long-term open-label safety study of galcanezumab in patients with episodic or chronic cluster headache
Authors: Riesenberg Robert , Gaul Charly , Stroud Chad E , Dong Yan , Bangs Mark E , Wenzel Richard , Martinez James M , Oakes Tina Myers
Published: May 2022

Background

CGAR, a Phase 3b open-label study, evaluated the long-term safety of galcanezumab in patients with cluster headache who completed one of two Phase 3 double-blind studies in chronic or episodic cluster headache.

Methods

Patients (N = 164) received galcanezumab 300 mg subcutaneously up to once a month. Primary endpoint was safety, as assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, and suicidality. Other endpoints included discontinuation rates, immunogenicity, efficacy as assessed by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and health values.

Results

At baseline, mean (standard deviation) age was 48.3 (9.8) years, 75.0% were men, and 85.4% were white. Treatment-emergent adverse events (n = 119 [72.6%]) were mostly mild-to-moderate, with nasopharyngitis the most commonly reported (22.0%). One of 18 serious adverse events was judged as treatment related (constipation). Two patients (1.2%) reported suicidal ideation. Five patients (3.1%) discontinued due to an adverse event. Eight patients were treatment-emergent anti-drug antibody positive, two of whom were not treatment-emergent anti-drug antibody positive in the parent studies. On the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, ≥81% reported their cluster headache status as very much, much, or a little better at Months 1, 6, and 12. Health value scores generally improved from baseline.

Conclusions

In this open-label study, galcanezumab was generally well tolerated and improved patient-reported cluster headache status. Trial registration number: NCT02797951; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02797951
Laboratory biomarker predictors for disease progression and outcome among Egyptian COVID-19 patients
Authors: Fathalla Lamiaa A , Kamal Lamyaa M , Salaheldin Omina , Khalil Mahmoud A , Kamel Mahmoud M , Fahim Hagar H , Abdel-Moneim Youssef AS , Abdulhakim Jawaher A , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed S , El-Meligui Yomna M
Published: May 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in more than five hundred million infected cases worldwide. The current study aimed to screen the correlation of different laboratory findings with disease severity and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Egyptian patients to obtain prognostic indicators of disease severity and outcome.

A total of 112 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were examined. According to the severity of the disease, these patients were divided into three main groups: mild, moderate and severe cases. In addition, clinical characteristics and laboratory findings, including Hb, platelet count, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine, were measured.

The presence of hypertension and/or diabetes was found to be a significant risk factor for disease severity and poor outcome. Increased respiratory rate, levels of SpO2, HS-CRP, D-dimer, NLR, ALT, LDH, lymphopenia and neutrophilia, as well as changes in chest computed tomography (CT), were associated with increased disease severity and fatal consequences. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein, D-dimer, NLR and LDH constituted excellent predictors for both disease severity and death.

Laboratory biomarkers, such as HS-CRP, D-dimer, NLR and LDH, are excellent predictors for both disease severity and death. They can predict mortality in patients at the time of admission secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can help physicians identify high-risk patients before clinical deterioration.
Cognitive Stimulation in Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gonzalez-Moreno Jesús , Satorres Encarnacion , Soria-Urios Gema , Meléndez Juan C.
Published: May 2022

Cognitive stimulation is one of the non-pharmacological therapies recommended for dementia intervention. The present study evaluated the efficacy of an intervention based on cognitive stimulation in people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Fifty-nine subjects with moderate dementia were randomly assigned to the stimulation group ( N = 36) and the control group ( N = 35). The treatment group received 16 intervention sessions cognitive tasks. All participants were evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests at three time points (pre, post, and follow-up). The treatment group showed significant increases in the three domains studied (memory, attention, and executive functions), although some of these effects were not maintained at follow-up. The control group progressively worsened. Cognitive stimulation was found to be an effective intervention for people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease because it helped to maintain memory function, executive functions, and attention. However, the effects were minimized at the 3-month follow-up.
Using the Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis Framework to Evaluate a Policy Supporting Sexual Health and Intimacy in Long-Term Care, Assisted Living, Group Homes & Supported Housing
Authors: McBride Kate , Carlson Marie , Everett Bethan
Published: May 2022

Sexuality is an integral part of being human throughout life. This does not change when moving into long-term care (LTC). However, the sexual health of persons living in LTC is often overlooked. This paper presents an analysis of the recently released health organizational policy: Supporting Sexual Health and Intimacy in Long-Term Care, Assisted Living, Group Homes & Supported Housing. The Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis Framework is used to outline the policy problem, examine how this policy was developed, and evaluate its potential to address the problem. Key findings are that both the development process and the policy constructs align with principles of intersectionality, such as equity, reflexivity, and diverse knowledges. In conclusion, this analysis suggests this policy is feasible, equitable and could effectively address sexual health for persons living in LTC, while leading to an improved workplace for staff. We recommend that this policy be more widely adopted across Canada.
The effects of coal dust exposure on DNA damage and repair of human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Li Amin , Zhang Yinci , Ma Yongfang , Xu Ruyue , Song Li , Cao Weiya , Tang Xiaolong
Published: May 2022

To explore the effects of coal dust exposure on DNA damage and repair, human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to coal dust and the cellular response was investigated. It was found that γ-H2AX foci of DNA damage appeared, γ-H2AX protein level increased, and the rate of cell apoptosis was significantly elevated when BEAS-2B cells were exposed to coal dust for a short time. Phagocytized coal dust particles, swollen mitochondria, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were simultaneously identified. Moreover, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and DFF45 proteins of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were activated. After the cells were exposed to coal dust chronically, phosphorylation levels of DNA repair kinases (ATM/ATR, DNA-PKcs) and downstream regulatory protein AKT were significantly upregulated. γ-H2AX foci and tail DNA of the cells following treatment with cisplatin were also reduced, and the colony formation rate was improved. It was concluded that coal dust could induce DNA damage, cause mitochondrial depolarization, and activate mitochondrial apoptosis pathways in BEAS-2B cells. Additionally, activated DNA repair kinases (ATM/ATR and DNA-PKcs) and their regulatory protein AKT increased DNA repair and proliferation of BEAS-2B cells chronically exposed to coal dust.
Multifocal and Multiphasic Demyelinating Lesions After Radiation for Ependymoma in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Smith Jacklyn D. , Mandel Gabriel , Niazi Toba , Bradley Julie A. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Khatib Ziad
Published: May 2022

Radiation treatment is widely used to address unresectable intracranial tumors. Owing to the nature of therapy, healthy tissue and diseased regions will be affected. New insights have shown that not only does this impact brain parenchyma but it causes changes in fluid status, myelination, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. This alters how peripheral and central immune systems interact, perpetuating neuroinflammation. Rare case reports in the adult literature have described multifocal, multiphasic demyelinating lesions after radiation. Here we describe 2 pediatric cases of relapsing demyelination after and in conjunction with radiation therapy for ependymoma, consistent with a multiple sclerosis phenotype. Insights into the underpinnings of multiple sclerosis show peripheral inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and antigenic mimicry stimulating neuroinflammation. Here we investigate the role that radiation, tumor burden, and systemic inflammation may play in creating demyelinating disorders. We strive to elucidate common pathophysiology between radiation-induced brain injury and multiple sclerosis.
Physical Activity and Multimorbidity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Delpino Felipe Mendes , de Lima Ana Paula Maciel , da Silva Bruna Gonçalves Cordeiro , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Caputo Eduardo Lucia , Bielemann Renata Moraes
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study evaluated the relationship between physical activity (PA) and multimorbidity in community-dwelling older adults.

Data Source

A systematic review and meta-analysis in the following databases: Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus, and AgeLine.

Study inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

It included observational studies investigating the association between physical activity and multimorbidity, with older adults, published until May 2021. Studies with institutionalized individuals or that assessed specific diseases were excluded.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently extracted the studies based on previous inclusion and exclusion criteria, started by selecting titles, followed by abstracts and full-text reading.

Data Synthesis

Meta-analysis results were reported as Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval using R language. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, from which 12 reported an inverse association between physical activity and multimorbidity. In the meta-analysis, from over 77 000 older adults, there was an inverse association between physical activity and multimorbidity [OR: .81; 95% CI: .73-.89]. We found significant results only for men in the analysis by sex.

Conclusions

Low levels of physical activity were associated with a higher risk of multimorbidity in older adults. It is expected that public policies will be conducted aimed at the practice of physical activity among older adults.
The Use of Music to Manage Burnout in Nurses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Finnerty Rachael , Zhang Katherine , Tabuchi Rina A. , Zhang Kevin
Published: May 2022

Objective

There is a high prevalence of burnout in nurses. This systematic review investigates the use of music to manage burnout in nurses.

Data Source

MEDLINE (Ovid), MEDLINE InProcess/ePubs, Embase, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Full-text articles were selected if the study assessed the use of music to manage burnout in nurses. Burnout was defined according to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted using an Excel sheet. The second and third authors independently extracted study characteristics, frequency and type of music engagement, measures of burnout, and burnout outcomes (occupational stress, coping with stress, and related symptoms such as anxiety).

Data Synthesis

Study and outcome data were summarized.

Results

The literature search resulted in 2210 articles and 16 articles were included (n = 1205 nurses). All seven cross-sectional studies reported upon nurses’ self-facilitated use of music including music listening, playing instruments, and music entertainment for coping or preventing stress, supporting wellbeing, or enhancing work engagement. Externally-facilitated music engagement, including music listening, chanting, percussive improvisation, and song writing, was reported in the four randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies with reductions in burnout outcomes.

Conclusions

Self-facilitated and externally-facilitated music engagement can help to reduce burnout in nurses.
Manufacturing Managerial Compliance: How Firms Align Managers with Corporate Interest
Authors: Narayan Devika
Published: May 2022

Although the domain of labour process research is vast, few studies analyse compliance among managers. This article advances a neglected strand of analysis, focusing on how firms shape managerial actions. Organizational goals, such as downsizing, intensification, and reskilling, demand that professional managers cooperate and act in accordance with firm objectives, at times even at personal cost to themselves. To theorize this, I use the case of information technology (IT) firms in India that recently shed a large number of managerial jobs, fostering an environment of insecurity. Those who lost their jobs were positioned between lower-level employees and top management. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork, I contribute a two-part framing that theorizes the dualities of the managerial subject position and how it is instrumentalized. The article foregrounds the intersection of managerial insecurity and managerial hierarchy, emphasizing how firms utilize these to meet organizational goals.
Toward the feasible solution of a long-lasting dynamic similitude problem
Authors: Hajipourzadeh Pedram , Banazadeh Afshin
Published: May 2022

Dynamic similar models are designed to study the flight behavior of the full-scale aircraft in early design stages. Due to physical and operational constraints, full dynamic similarity between the scaled-down model and full-scale aircraft is not feasible. Thus, the scale model would be flying at different Reynolds number and Mach number. A given aircraft configuration with specific aerodynamic characteristics will have different performance if Mach number and Reynolds number are changed considerably, which results in different dynamic behavior of the scale model. To compensate for these dissimilarities, it is proposed to modify the airfoil geometry of the scale model to preserve aerodynamic similarity. In this study, based on the flight regime and design requirements, maximum thickness of the airfoil, maximum camber, and their respective location are modified to preserve aerodynamic characteristics at different Mach and Reynolds numbers. Geometry optimization was performed using Particle Swarm Optimization and the geometry optimization results show that it is possible to mitigate the change in Reynolds and Mach number in various flight conditions. It has been shown that optimized geometries of all test cases had airfoils with lower maximum thickness and slightly higher maximum camber.
Unsteady aerodynamic analysis and effectiveness of bio-inspired flapping wings in V-formation flight
Authors: Billingsley Ethan , Ghommem Mehdi , Vasconcellos Rui , Abdelkefi Abdessattar
Published: May 2022

Several bird species have been observed to fly in V-formation, an arrangement which exploits aerodynamic features to allow the group to conserve energy when migrating over long distances without stopping and feeding. The use of such grouping arrangement and organized pattern has demonstrated longer endurance and less power consumption in comparison with single flights. In this work, a computationally efficient potential flow solver based on the unsteady vortex lattice method (UVLM) is employed to assess the aerodynamic performance of flapping wings in forward flight in terms of lift and thrust generation along with the propulsive efficiency. The UVLM has the capability to simulate incompressible and inviscid flows over moving thin wings where the separation lines are known a priori. A bio-inspired, albatross wing shape is considered and its aerodynamic performance in formation flights is compared against conventional elliptical and rectangular wing shapes. The aerodynamic analysis is carried out for different wing arrangements of 3-body and 5-body V-formations to determine the optimal spacing parameters leading to maximum propulsive efficiency. The simulation results reveal that, at the optimal formation angle and separation distance, the albatross-inspired wing shape produces the most lift over the flapping cycle, while the rectangular wing shape generates the most thrust over the flapping cycle. Furthermore, the optimal configuration in terms of propulsive efficiency is found to be a 5-body V-formation utilizing the albatross wing shape with a separation distance set to one-third of the span and a formation angle set to 139°. The present study provides guidance for the design of multi-flapping wing air vehicles based on the expected flight mission. The albatross wing shape is found to have superior capability in producing lift, while the elliptical wing shape is observed to consume less power. The rectangular wing shape is found to produce higher thrust and then can achieve faster forward motion.
Attitudes towards welfare and environmental policies and concerns: A matter of self-interest, personal capability, or beyond?
Authors: Emilsson Kajsa
Published: May 2022

In times of emergent emphases on how climate change will affect welfare societies, welfare policies and individuals’ welfare and vice versa, this study investigates public support for welfare and environmental policies and concerns. Since previous research and literature have pointed towards a socioeconomic divide between the welfare agenda and the environmental agenda in terms of public support, this article makes a thorough socioeconomic analysis of public welfare and environmental attitudes. The article analyses data from an original study in the context of Sweden ( n = 1529). Through multinomial logistic regression analysis this study investigates if and which socioeconomic factors increase the likelihood of expressing mutual support for welfare and environmental policies and concerns compared to expressing support for welfare or environmental policies and concerns in isolation, as well as no support at all. The results indicate that both low and high socioeconomic status factors increase the likelihood of expressing mutual welfare and environmental support. These factors are low - to middle-range income levels, high educational attainment and low - to high-status occupations. Accordingly, this study finds that individuals expressing mutual welfare and environmental support are less easily placed in the low to high socioeconomic continuum. This suggests that we need to go beyond the two established theoretical perspectives of self-interest and personal capabilities when explaining mutual welfare and environmental support and, for example, direct the attention to factors and theoretical points of departure that take post-materialism and non-economic dimensions into account.
Engagement patterns with female and male scientists on Facebook
Authors: Dalyot Keren , Rozenblum Yael , Baram-Tsabari Ayelet
Published: May 2022

Social networks are becoming powerful agents mediating between science and the public. Considering the public tendency to associate science with men makes investigating representations of female scientists in social media important. Here we set out to find whether the commenting patterns to text-based science communication are similar. To examine these, we collected and analyzed posts (165) and their comments (10,006) published between 2016 and 2018 on an Israeli popular science Facebook page. We examined post characteristics as well as the relevance and sentiment of comments. Several gendered differences in commenting patterns emerged. Posts published by female scientists received more irrelevant and fewer relevant comments. Female scientists received more hostile and positive comments. These findings are consistent with results of previous research, but also demonstrate a more nuanced understanding that when female scientists write using scientific jargon (usually an unwanted feature of popular science writing), they received less hostile comments and were given less advice.
Duty of care trumps utilitarianism in multi-professional obesity management decisions
Authors: McAloon Toni , Coates Vivien , Fitzsimons Donna
Published: May 2022

Background

Escalating levels of obesity place enormous and growing demands on Health care provision in the (U.K.) United Kingdom. Resources are limited with increasing and competing demands upon them. Ethical considerations underpin clinical decision making generally, but there is limited evidence regarding the relationship between these variables particularly in terms of treating individuals with obesity.

Research aim

To investigate the views of National Health Service (NHS) clinicians on navigating the ethical challenges and decision making associated with obesity management in adults with chronic illness.

Research design

A cross-sectional, multi-site survey distributed electronically.

Participants

A consensus sample of nurses, doctors, dietitians and final year students in two NHS Trusts and two Universities.

Ethical considerations

Ethical and governance approvals obtained from a National Ethics Committee (11NIR035), two universities and two teaching hospitals.

Results

Of the total ( n = 395) participants, the majority were nurses (48%), female (79%) and qualified clinicians (59%). Participants strongly considered the individual to have primary responsibility for a healthy weight and an obligation to attempt to maintain that healthy weight if they wish to access NHS care. Yet two thirds would not withhold treatment for patients with obesity.

Discussion

While clinicians were clear about patient responsibility and obligations, the majority prioritised their duty of care and would not invoke a utilitarian approach to decision making. This may reflect awareness of obesity as a multi-faceted entity, with responsibility for support and management shared amongst society in general.

Conclusions

The attitudes of this sample of clinicians complemented the concept of the health service as being built on a principle of community, with each treated according to their need. However limited resources challenge the concept of needs-based decisions consequently societal engagement is necessary to agree a pragmatic way forward.
COVID-19 and the opportunity to change the neoliberal agenda: evidence from socio-employment policy responses across Europe
Authors: Natali David
Published: May 2022

Much of the recent literature on the COVID-19 pandemic agrees on the uniqueness of this crisis. Assessments of the subsequent policy response in Europe diverge, however: while some see signs of policy change, others consider the empirical evidence to be inconclusive or, worse, consistent with a reinforcement of neoliberalism. The present article aims to contribute to that debate by providing a preliminary assessment of policy measures in the areas of health care, employment protection and pensions. Recent measures are viewed in terms of the neoliberal paradigm, which is used as a benchmark to identify any sign of innovation. While it is too early to talk about a true paradigmatic transformation, the evidence collected from international datasets and official documents confirms that ideas and policy measures show signs of change. The article also suggests that the study of ideas is a promising field of enquiry with which to improve our understanding of the pandemic and its effects.