bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-updating Prophecies: An Inquiry into Imagining and Building Decentralized Sensor Networks
Authors: Domínguez Hernández Andrés
Published: March 2023

Recent years have seen remarkable efforts to decentralize the deployment of infrastructure for sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) applications using emerging low-power protocols. These arrangements are predicated as bottom-up, decentralized, democratic, and participatory while still driven by the corporate logics of lock-in and scaling-up. Reporting on a multisite ethnographic study of a global decentralized IoT initiative, this article explores how a diversity of geographically dispersed contributors reckoned with and negotiated conflicting future visions of globality, locality, and growth. From a socio-material perspective, it argues that the imaginaries and actualizations of decentralization were strategically altered over time to balance unevenness of pace, expectations, and material commitments between different actors. The article offers a new critical perspective to think about infrastructure decentralization as more than the flip side of centralization but as a contingent and mobilizing concept and locates this case in discussions about the future of the Internet.
Papers of the Paperless: Governmentality, Technologies of Freedom, and the Production of Asylum-Seeker Identities
Authors: Salmenkari Taru , Aldawoodi Saif
Published: March 2023

Refugees become asylum-seekers not only because the receiving country gives them the bureaucratic-legal status but also because they start to identify with the status. This article examines how refugees learn to be asylum-seekers even when they question asylum decisions. It uses Foucault's idea of governmentality to assess how governmental policies become translated into asylum-seekers’ collective and personal conducts as asylum-seekers, sometimes in ways that undermine the official policy. This article introduces the idea of papered governmentality, in which the production of papers is a governmental technology to manage not only populations but also personal identities and conducts. It investigates how asylum-seekers’ own role in papered governmentality as receivers, producers, and users of various papers in the asylum process transforms their conducts and identities in ways that reshape how they are governed. The empirical research site was an asylum-seekers’ protest in Finland where the first author conducted participant observation about how papers included in the asylum process were collected, read, discussed, circulated, and co-produced. The article finds that when migration control utilizes laws, bureaucratic documents, and other liberal governmental technologies designed to modify autonomous individuals’ own decisions to migrate, it produces not only control but also identification with the host country and some freedom to choose how to act with governmental decisions.
Models of collaborative information behaviour (CIB): A meta-synthesis
Authors: Ndumbaro Faraja
Published: March 2023

Models of information behaviour are one of the prominent features of Library and Information Science research. The purpose of this study was to synthesise models of collaborative information behaviour (CIB). More specifically, the study compares the complementarity and congruent aspects of the models with regard to conceptual relationships that describe CIB processes and activities. The synthesis also ascertains the contributions of the models in exploring new aspects of information behaviour. Six CIB models were purposively selected and studied. The review includes a meta-ethnographic approach. The approach comprises three stages: reciprocal synthesis, reputational synthesis, and line-of-argument-synthesis. The results suggest that despite being analogous, and complementary, the models are dissimilar and relatively lack analogical conceptualization of some of the concepts. The models have explored new contexts and dimensions of information behaviour that go beyond existing approaches and perspectives within LIS. From the synthesis, the potential for developing a taxonomy of CIB and collaboration is proposed.
Therapeutic effect of α7 nicotinic receptor activation after ischemic stroke in rats
Authors: Aguado Laura , Joya Ana , Garbizu Maider , Plaza-García Sandra , Iglesias Leyre , Hernández María Isabel , Ardaya María , Mocha Naroa , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Cossio Unai , Higuchi Makoto , Rodríguez-Antigüedad Alfredo , Freijo Mari Mar , Domercq María , Matute Carlos , Ramos-Cabrer Pedro , Llop Jordi , Martín Abraham
Published: March 2023

Nicotinic acetylcholine α7 receptors (α7 nAChRs) have a well-known modulator effect in neuroinflammation. Yet, the therapeutical effect of α7 nAChRs activation after stroke has been scarcely evaluated to date. The role of α7 nAChRs activation with PHA 568487 on inflammation after brain ischemia was assessed with positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]BR-351 radiotracers after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. The assessment of brain oedema, blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neurofunctional progression after treatment was evaluated with T2 weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (T2 W and DCE-MRI) and neurological evaluation. The activation of α7 nAChRs resulted in a decrease of ischemic lesion, midline displacement and cell neurodegeneration from days 3 to 7 after ischemia. Besides, the treatment with PHA 568487 improved the neurofunctional outcome. Treated ischemic rats showed a significant [18F]DPA-714-PET uptake reduction at day 7 together with a decrease of activated microglia/infiltrated macrophages. Likewise, the activation of α7 receptors displayed an increase of [18F]BR-351-PET signal in ischemic cortical regions, which resulted from the overactivation of MMP-2. Finally, the treatment with PHA 568487 showed a protective effect on BBB disruption and blood brain vessel integrity after cerebral ischemia.
Imaging characteristics of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors
Authors: Gupta Amit , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Sharma Raju , Damle Nishikant , Goyal Ankur , Goyal Alpesh , Agarwal Shipra , Dharmashaktu Yamini
Published: March 2023

Background

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). Localization of the causative tumor in these cases is an arduous task since the culprit lesions are usually small, slow-growing, and can be located almost anywhere from head to toe.

Purpose

To describe the morphological characteristics of histologically proven PMTs on various radiological modalities.

Material and Methods

After institutional ethical approval, this retrospective study analyzed 20 cases with a histopathological evidence of PMT. Various imaging characteristics of the tumors on available computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

The tumors were located in diverse locations: lower extremities (n = 10); head and neck (n = 5); vertebral column (n = 3); pelvis (n = 1); and upper extremities (n = 1). Bone lesions seen on CT had variable morphology: sclerotic (n = 3/8, 37.5%); lytic (n = 3/8, 37.5%), and both lytic and sclerotic (n = 2/8, 25%) with presence of narrow zone of transition in all cases (n = 8/8) and amorphous internal matrix calcifications in 25% of cases (n = 2/8). Of the tumors, 68.4% (n = 13/19) were hypointense on T1 and all of them showed hyperintense signal on T2-weighted and STIR images (n = 19/19) and contrast enhancement (n = 16/16). Of the tumors, 66.7% (n = 6/9) showed restricted diffusion. DOTANOC PET/CT showed tumor uptake in all cases (n = 8/8).

Conclusion

PMTs may have variable and non-specific tumor appearances on various imaging modalities. However, in an appropriate clinical scenario and a background of suggestive biochemical work-up, the radiologist should keep a high index of suspicion.
Assessment of Crushing Potential of Coarse Aggregates for Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Garcia Victor M. , Nazarian Soheil
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical test that can assess the quality of mineral aggregates commonly used to produce asphalt concrete, in relation to crushing potential, in a more consistent and repeatable manner. Several aggregate types including limestone, dolomite, sandstone, granite, and gravel were sampled from different locations around Texas. The aggregate samples were subjected to various mechanical aggregate tests, primarily the aggregate crushing value (ACV) (BS 812-110:1990) test. A new index, the aggregate crushing potential (ACP), is proposed for the ACV test to improve its characterization potential. The main output parameters from aggregate tests such as the Los Angeles abrasion, magnesium sulfate soundness, acid-insoluble residue, and micro-deval abrasion, which are routinely performed to discriminate the properties of coarse aggregates, were collected. In addition, the dynamic friction test was conducted to measure the friction properties of several of the aggregate sources. Analyses were carried out between the ACV test results and the measured aggregate parameters. The proposed ACP index was identified as a suitable indicator of the durability of coarse aggregates. From this study, the ACV test partnered with the ACP index showed potential to delineate the quality of aggregates, in relation to crushing resistance, more practically and consistently, and eventually may supplant more tedious aggregate test methods.
Monitoring Framework for Riding Safety of Delivery Scooters using 100 Naturalistic Riding Study (NRS) Data
Authors: Cho Eunsol , Gu Yeseo , Oh Cheol , Lee Gunwoo
Published: March 2023

A traffic safety issue of two-wheeled delivery scooters is emerging because of the rapid increase in demand for food delivery services. In particular, the strict restriction of delivery time leads to aggressive and dangerous riding behavior that causes a high risk of crash occurrence. Systematic traffic safety management is required to effectively prevent crashes of delivery scooters. The objective of this study is to develop a monitoring framework for riding safety that informs when, where, and how serious safety problems occur. High-resolution riding behavior data obtained by an inertial measurement unit sensor installed on delivery scooters, as part of the Korean 100 naturalistic riding study (K-100NRS), were used for developing the methodology. The proposed monitoring framework consists of two components: an unsafe riding event detection algorithm and a method to identify the spatial and temporal identification of riding risks. The ratio of frequency of unsafe events to total riding time for each rider is defined as a monitoring index, which is referred to as the riding risk index in this study. Approximately 95% detection accuracy was achievable by the developed detection algorithm. In addition, the level of riding safety for each rider was evaluated based on the proposed methodology. As an application, a visualization of detected unsafe events was presented for the purpose of riding safety monitoring.
Trajectories of Successful Aging Among Older Adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Fasoro Ayodeji , Maddocks Wendy , Barnett Pauline , Basu Arindam
Published: March 2023

Successful aging was defined as having no multimorbidity, high functional capacity, active life engagement, and good health-related quality of life. This study analyzed data from 1433 older adults who were followed up for 12 years across seven waves from the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement study by examining the trajectories of successful aging. Latent growth curve modeling was used to assess the growth factors of successful aging trajectories of older adults. The mean successful aging score was 3.53 (range: 0–6) in 2006 and linearly declined by 0.064 units every year. Those with higher successful aging scores at baseline had a slower decline. Successful aging scores were lower among females, Māori, and those aged 65 years and above at baseline. The findings from this study suggest that gender and ethnic inequalities play significant roles in successful aging among older adults in New Zealand.
Liquid crystalline matrix-induced viscoelastic mechanical stimulation modulates activation and phenotypes of macrophage
Authors: Liu Lichu , Huang Tao , Xie Zheng , Ye Zhangyao , Zhang Jiaqing , Liao Honghong , Yang Shenyu , Yang Kuangyang , Tu Mei
Published: March 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that the mechanical microenvironment exerts profound influences on inflammation and immune modulation, which are likely to be key factors in successful tissue regeneration. The elastic modulus (Em) of the matrix may be a useful adjustable property to control macrophage activation and the overall inflammatory response. This study constituted a series of Em-tunable liquid crystalline cell model (HpCEs) resembling the viscoelastic characteristic of ECM and explored how mechanical microenvironment induced by liquid crystalline soft matter matrix affected macrophage activation and phenotypes. We have shown that HpCEs prepared in this work exhibited typical cholesteric liquid crystal phase and distinct viscoelastic rheological characteristics. All liquid crystalline HpCE matrices facilitated macrophages growth and maintained cell activity. Macrophages in lower-Em HpCE matrices were more likely to polarize toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Conversely, the higher-Em HpCEs induced macrophages into an elongated shape and upregulated M2-related markers. Furthermore, the higher-Em HpCEs (HpCE-O1, HpCE-H2, HpCE-H1) could coax sequential polarization states of RAW264.7 from a classically activated “M1” state toward alternatively activated “M2” state in middle and later stage of cell culture (within 3–7 days in this work), suggesting that the HpCE-based strategies could manipulate the local immune microenvironment and promote the dominance of the pro-inflammatory signals in early stages, while M2 macrophages in later stages. The liquid crystalline soft mode fabricated in this work maybe offer a new design guideline for in vitro cell models and applications.
Women Receive More Positive Reactions to Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosure and Negative Reactions are Associated With Mental Health Symptoms in Adulthood for Men and Women
Authors: Hall Kayla , Stafford Jane , Cho Bridget
Published: March 2023

Although disclosure of sexual abuse has become more socially acceptable for both men and women in recent years, there is much yet to be understood about differences in the disclosure process and associated pathology between men and women. The current study aimed to (a) investigate differences in aspects of the childhood sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure process between adult men and women and (b) explore how timing of disclosure, perceived parental style, and negative social reactions to disclosure relate to various mental health symptoms. Using a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental design, adult men and women in the United States recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk ( N = 299) completed self-report surveys. Women reported disclosing to a significantly greater number of people than men, and were more likely to disclose to parents, while men were more likely to tell friends. Results revealed that women reported receiving significantly more positive responses and emotionally supportive responses to their CSA disclosures than men. Negative reactions to disclosure were positively associated with internalizing symptoms and externalizing symptoms, while both negative reactions to disclosure and perceived parental dysfunction were positively associated with substance use symptoms. Results signify a need for resources to aid individuals in supporting survivors of CSA, as reactions have the potential to impact recovery trajectory and for clinicians to consider how disclosure experiences impact survivor cognitions and symptom exacerbation.
Pharmacological and Behavioral Interventions for Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jiang Chenke , Luo Yijun , Qu Yiqian , Wang Che , Li Zhan , Zhou Jia , Xu Zhenghao
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate pharmacological and behavioral interventions for the treatment of fatigue in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, Wan fang, and VIP up to July 31, 2022. We used Revman 5.3 software for the meta-analysis. The outcomes included Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Parkinson's Fatigue Scale (PFS). The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were collected or calculated.

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1758 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that current clinical treatments reduced FSS (MD: −1.60, 95% CI: −3.14 to −0.05) and PFS (MD: −0.61, 95% CI: −1.17 to −0.05) in patients with PD. Subgroup meta-analysis showed that: (1) neither pharmacological interventions nor behavioral interventions reduced FSS in PD patients; (2) dopaminergic drugs dose-dependently significantly reduced the PFS in patients with PD; (3) behavioral interventions have an almost significant effect (MD: −6.69, 95% CI: −13.71 to 0.33, P = 0.06, I2 = 74%) on alleviating PFS in PD patients; (4) vestibular rehabilitation training significantly reduced the PFS in patients with PD.

Conclusions

Current clinical treatments alleviate fatigue in PD patients. Dopaminergic drugs may act a stronger effect than amphetamines. Behavioral interventions, especially vestibular rehabilitation training, may be a promising way for the treatment of fatigue in patients with PD though further evidence is still needed.
Phthalide cardo chain extended imine skeletal linked maleimido end capped nanotitania reinforced novel polybenzoxazine (nTiO2/PBZ) hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Arivalagan V , Meera M , Devaraj Stephen L , Soundarrajan M , Gunasekaran S G
Published: March 2023

A new class of nanotitania reinforced polybenzoxazine (nTiO2/PBZ) hybrid nanocomposites was synthesized using newly designed phthalide cardo chain extended imine skeletal linked maleimido end capped polybenzoxazine (PHM-PBZ) and nTiO2 through in-situ sol-gel method. The formation of hybrid nanocomposites was confirmed by NMR and FT-IR spectra. The structurally stable nTiO2 present in the nTiO2/PBZ hybrids accounted their exceptional thermal stability and good char yield. The restricted motion of flexible polymeric chain resulted from the inclusion of nTiO2 in the PBZ system increased the glass transition temperature ( T g) to a higher percentage than that of neat PBZ system. With the successive enhancement in the incorporation of nTiO2, the synthesized nanocomposites exhibited better thermal stability, higher flame retardancy and lesser water absorption behaviour than the of neat PBZ. The sequential increments in the loading level of nTiO2 onto the PBZ matrices caused the lower value of dielectric constant than that of neat PBZ. The homogeneity and successful dispersion of the nTiO2 fillers in the PBZ matrix were ascertained from the strong fluorescent emissions observed in the wavelength range of 300–550 nm through optical studies. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopic micrographs evidenced the successful incorporation of nTiO2 as can be seen from the different morphology at the nanoscale level in the PBZ matrix. This kind of structurally designed nTiO2/PBZ nanocomposites may find multifaceted applications in the form of adhesives, encapsulants, matrices and sealants and in the fields of automobile and microelectronics applications for better performance and longevity.
Effect of different axial deflected angles of reversed blade-angle slots on the axial flow compressor performance and stability
Authors: Zhang Haoguang , Zhong Xinyi , Wang Enhao , Zhang Chiyuan , Chu Wuli
Published: March 2023

The aim of the paper is to explore the influence of the reversed blade-angle slot casing treatment (RBSCT) and its axial deflected angle (ADA) on the compressor performance and stability, and to reveal the mechanism that the change in ADA of the RBSCT influences the effect to broaden the compressor stable working range. The NASA Rotor 35 is used as the object of the investigation, and four RBSCTs with ADA of −15°, −30°, −45° and −60° are designed and investigated by unsteady numerical simulation. The results show that as the absolute value of the axial deflected angle increases, the capacity to improve the compressor stability of the RBSCT increases and then decreases. The unsteadiness of the injection and suction flows formed by the reversed blade angle slot plays an important role in the removal of the low-velocity zone. When ADA is −30°, the unsteadiness amplitude of the injection and suction flows is significantly higher than those of the other three. Consequently, the RBSCT with −30° ADA obtains the maximum stall margin improvement of 17.41% and the maximum design point efficiency improvement of 1.06% among the four RBSCTs.
Disrupted resting-state brain functional network properties in non-neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Tan Xiangliang , Liu Xiaojin , Han Kai , Zhao Ling , Niu Meiqi , Yao Qiaoli , Huang Qin , Zhong Miao , Mei Yingjie , Huang Ruiwang , Xu Yikai
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Previous fMRI studies revealed that the abnormal functional connectivity (FC) was related to cognitive impairment in patients with SLE. However, it remains unclear how the disease severity affects the functional topological organization of the whole-brain network in SLE patients without neuropsychiatric symptoms (non-NPSLE).

Objective

We aim to examine the impairment of the whole-brain functional network in SLE patients without neuropsychiatric symptoms (non-NPSLE), which may improve the understanding of neural mechanism in SLE.

Methods

We acquired resting-state fMRI data from 32 non-NPSLE patients and 32 healthy controls (HC), constructed their whole-brain functional network, and then estimated the topological properties including global and nodal parameters by using graph theory. Meanwhile, we also investigated the differences in intra- and inter-network FC between the non-NPSLE patients and the HC.

Results

The non-NPSLE patients showed significantly lower clustering coefficient, global and local efficiency, but higher characteristic path length than the HC. The non-NPSLE patients had significantly lower nodal strength in two regions, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and anterior PFC (aPFC) than the HC. We found the non-NPSLE patients had significantly lower intra-network FC within frontal-parietal network (FPN) and within default mode network (DMN), and significantly lower inter-network FC between DMN and FPN than the HC. The intra-network FC within DMN was negatively correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI).

Conclusion

Abnormal whole-brain functional network properties and abnormal intra- and inter-network FC may be related to cognitive impairment and disease degree in the non-NPSLE patients. Our findings provide a network perspective to understand the neural mechanisms of SLE.
The EU legal framework on clinical trials directed to therapeutic germline gene alteration: A critical and systematic analysis
Authors: Faltus Timo , de Miguel Beriain Iñigo
Published: March 2023

Interventions in the human germline, whether for purposes of therapy for a hereditary disease or for purposes of enhancement, are controversial. While enhancement is almost unanimously rejected, therapy-oriented intervention is not a priori regarded as unacceptable. The legal discussion so far has focused primarily on the questions of whether manipulation of the embryo’s germline is permissible or whether the genetic manipulation of germ cells and the use of these germ cells for embryo generation is permissible. Up to now, the upstream questions regarding the systematic germline therapy development in clinical trials have been ignored, including questions as to whether the development of germline therapy would be legally permissible within the European Union framework of clinical studies. This article highlights the legal issues connected with the clinical development of germline intervention, provides an overview of the various answers to these legal questions, and indicates where further research and discussion are needed.
Implementation of Concussion Management Policies in High Schools: The Critical Role of School Nurses
Authors: Hess Courtney W. , Howland Jonathan , Hackman Holly , Campbell Julia K. , Vannoy Steven , Hayden Laura
Published: March 2023

Evidence-based practices in concussion management (CM) have been codified into legislation. However, legislation is varied, and implementation is narrowly evaluated. School nurses hold a unique position to assess the implementation of health policies. The implementation of concussion management policies across Massachusetts high schools was evaluated by the school nurse. A cross-sectional survey was sent to school nurses ( N = 304), and responses ( n = 201; 68.1% response rate) were tallied whereby higher scores indicated more practices being implemented. One open-text question was included to encourage nurses to provide context regarding implementation in their school. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to assess current implementation and nursing perspectives. Findings indicate that the degree of implementation varies, and some nurses reported difficulty with mobilizing clinical uptake of concussion management practices in their schools. Further implementation research is needed, and school nurses are an important stakeholder to include when assessing the clinical uptake of concussion management policies in schools.
Review of Studies on Incremental Validity of Assessment Measures Used in Psychological Assessment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sawaya Helen , Miller Joseph C. , Raines Jeremy M.
Published: March 2023

Few studies have summarized the literature relevant to the incremental validity of tools and procedures for the assessment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current project reviewed such studies published in the prior 18 years. Results from studies on the incremental validity of measures used in the assessment of ADHD were reviewed. Measures included symptom reports, clinical interviews, behavioral observation, continuous performance and other psychomotor tasks, intelligence tests, and measures of executive function. Twenty-nine published studies and two reviews were identified from 2004 to 2022. Incremental validity was determined using various statistics including R2, classification metrics, odds ratios, and post-test probabilities. Findings suggest that symptom reports from a collateral source and continuous performance test measures have incremental validity over self-reports and clinical interviews. Measures of intellectual and executive functioning did not show incremental validity in the diagnosis of ADHD. Findings are relevant to the practitioner, as they bear on the optimization of both the cost-effectiveness and the diagnostic accuracy of combined procedures in the assessment of ADHD.
Considerations and Determinants of Discharge Decisions among Prenatal Substance Exposed Infants
Authors: Gissandaner Tre D. , Wen Alainna , Gette Jordan A. , Perry Kristin J. , Mutignani Lauren M. , Regan Timothy , Malloch Lacy , Tucker Lauren C. , White Clint B. , Fry Taylor B. , Lim Crystal S. , Annett Robert D.
Published: March 2023

Limited research has examined a comprehensive set of predictors when evaluating discharge placement decisions for infants exposed to substances prenatally. Using a previously validated medical record data extraction tool, the current study examined prenatal substance exposure, infant intervention (i.e., pharmacologic, or non-pharmacologic), and demographic factors (e.g., race and ethnicity and rurality) as predictors of associations with discharge placement in a sample from a resource-poor state ( N = 136; 69.9% Non-Hispanic White). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to examine whether different classes emerged and how classes were differentially related to discharge placement decisions. Logistic regressions were used to determine whether each predictor was uniquely associated with placement decisions. Results of the LCA yielded a two-class solution comprised of (1) a Low Withdrawal Risk class, characterized by prenatal exposure to substances with low risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and non-pharmacologic intervention, and (2) a High Withdrawal Risk class, characterized by a high risk of NAS and pharmacologic intervention. Classes were not related to discharge placement decisions. Logistic regressions demonstrated that meth/amphetamine use during pregnancy was associated with greater odds of out of home placement above other substance types. Future research should replicate and continue examining the clinical utility of these classes.
Domestic Violence on the Italian Screen: Representation and Resistance
Authors: Luciano Bernadette
Published: March 2023

This article looks at how contemporary Italian films address issues of the tragedy and horror of domestic abuse and attempt to create a space for reflection and change. Ferzan Ozpetek's (2008 ) Un giorno perfetto (A Perfect Day), Andrès Arce Maldonado's (2017 ) Dentro (Inside), and Ivano De Matteo’s (2016) La vita possibile ( A Possible Life) ultimately challenge the perception of domestic violence as a fixed and unchangeable condition for women. The films explore how female solidarity, empathy, and care can serve as pathways to combatting the isolation, guilt, and associated emotions that prevent women from seeking or finding la vita possibile.
Implementation of Community Consultation for Waiver of Informed Consent in Emergency Research: One Institutional Review Board's Experience
Authors: Dix Emily S. , Esposito Domenic , Spinosa Frances , Olson Nancy , Chapman Stanley
Published: March 2023

Background

This article describes how one Institutional Review Board (IRB) chose to implement the issue of waiver of consent for a research study involving brain trauma victims brought to an emergency department.

Methods

Presentations were conducted in the state of Mississippi among cultural and ethnic groups representative of Mississippi's demographic composition. Individuals from the neurotrauma research team, including neurosurgeons and nurse study coordinators, conducted all of the presentations. One IRB member served as an objective “community liaison” and attended all presentations. This individual administered evaluation forms to attendees that measured their levels of comprehension and acceptance for the use of waiver of consent in the brain trauma study.

Results

All of the 137 attendees in 7 community consultation meetings gave their approval for the use of “waiver of consent.” Continued community consultations are planned for the duration of the brain trauma study.

Conclusion

Based on our experience, we conclude that in collaborating with local IRBs, research teams can successfully develop strategies for obtaining “acceptable community consultations” as required by regulatory mandates. We suggest that standardized community consultation guidelines be developed for obtaining waivers of informed consent in emergency research. Such criteria should form the basis for local IRBs to obtain their respective community consultations.
Renal, Endocrine, and Cardiovascular Responses to Bed Rest in Male Subjects on a Constant Diet
Authors: Grenon S. Marlene , Sheynberg Natalie , Hurwitz Shelley , Xiao Grace , Ramsdell Craig D. , Ehrman Michael D. , Mai C. Lan , Kristjansson Siri Rostoft , Sundby Grete H. , Cohen Richard J. , Williams Gordon H.
Published: March 2023

Background

Exposure to actual and simulated microgravity induces cardiovascular deconditioning through a variety of factors. Although the mechanisms involved remain uncertain, one involves alterations in volume-regulating systems—the hypothesis being tested in this study. To maximize our ability to detect subtle changes in the volume-regulating systems, subjects were studied on a high-average salt intake to maximally suppress these systems basally.

Methods

Fourteen healthy male subjects underwent 14-day head-down tilt bed rest (HDTB) during which a constant 200 mEq sodium, 100 mEq potassium diet was maintained. Daily 24-hour urine collection was performed; plasma renin activity, serum aldosterone, plethysmography, and cardiovascular system identification were performed during a control period (pre-HDTB) and at the end of HDTB (end HDTB).

Results

Sodium excretion increased initially (pre-HDTB = 182.8 ± 10.4 mEq/total volume; early HDTB = 236.4 ± 13.0; p = .002) and then returned to baseline values. Potassium excretion increased 4 days after the initiation of HDTB and remained elevated thereafter (pre-HDTB = 82.2 ± 2.4/total volume; mid- to late HDTB = 89.4 ± 2.1; p = .02). Plasma renin activity increased significantly with HDTB (pre-HDTB = 1.28 ± 0.21 ng/mL/h; end HDTB = 1.69 ± 0.18; p = .01), but serum aldosterone did not change. A significant decrease in autonomic responsiveness and an increase in leg compliance were observed.

Conclusions

We conclude that even in the presence of a high-average salt intake diet, simulated microgravity leads to renal, cardioendocrine, and cardiovascular system alterations that likely contribute to cardiovascular deconditioning.
Fatty Acids Differentially Modulate Insulin-Stimulated Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production by an Akt-lndependent Pathway
Authors: Lynn Matthew A. , Rupnow Heidi L. , Kleinhenz Dean J. , Kanner William A. , Dudley Samuel C. , Hart C. Michael
Published: March 2023

Background

Insulin increases endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production by activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) through protein kinase B (Akt)-mediated phosphorylation of serine residue 1179 (p-eNOS serine 1179). Because fatty acids modulate insulin-stimulated Akt signaling cascades in smooth muscle cells, we hypothesized that fatty acids would differentially regulate endothelial Akt signaling, eNOS phosphorylation, and NO production.

Methods

Porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) were treated for 3 hours with 100 μM oleic (18:1) or eicosapentaenoic (20:5) acids or with an equivalent volume of ethanol vehicle (0.1%). PAECs were then treated with graded concentrations (109–10-5 M) of insulin or incubated overnight (24 hours) in culture medium without fatty acids before insulin treatment. Activation and phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS were determined by immunoblotting. NO production was measured with a chemiluminescence NO analyzer or with a NO-selective carbon fiber microelectrode.

Results

Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, eNOS phosphorylation, and NO production. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin attenuated insulin-stimulated Akt activation and NO production. Treatment with the co-3 fatty acid 20:5, but not 18:1, enhanced insulin-stimulated NO production but failed to alter insulin-stimulated Akt activation or eNOS serine 1179 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Individual fatty acyl species have distinct effects on insulin-stimulated endothelial NO production. Although fatty acids alter Akt signaling in muscle cells, the current results indicate that fatty acids do not modulate endothelial NO production through alterations in insulin-stimulated, Akt-mediated eNOS phosphorylation.
Gluconeogenesis and Glycogenolysis in Health and Diabetes
Authors: Boden Guenther
Published: March 2023

Reviewed are data on gluconeogenesis (GNG) and glycogenolysis (GL) obtained in healthy volunteers and diabetic patients with newer, quantitative methods. Specifically addressed are effects of overnight and prolonged fasting, of acute changes in serum insulin and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels, as well as acute changes of combined FFA and insulin levels on GNG and GL in nondiabetic subjects and of abnormalities in GNG and GL in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Increased Glucose Production: Identifying Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Proietto Joseph , Andrikopoulos Sofianos
Published: March 2023

Many patients with type 2 diabetes go on to require insulin therapy to achieve adequate control. A need remains to develop new classes of oral hypoglycemic agents to complement those already in use. A useful target is the inappropriately elevated endogenous glucose production present in patients with type 2 diabetes. This review discusses mechanisms of increased glucose production and possible strategies and targets for its suppression. Several approaches are being investigated, including inhibitors of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, inhibitors of stimulatory hormones or their receptors, metabolic modulators, and agents that alter gene expression. There is a high probability that one of these approaches will soon result in a safe and effective inhibitor of glucose production.
Parasympathetic Effects on Heart Rate Recovery after Exercise
Authors: Kannankeril Prince J. , Le Francis K. , Kadish Alan H. , Goldberger Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Exercise and its recovery period are associated with increased risk of death relative to sedentary periods. They are also accompanied by dynamic changes in autonomic tone. Little information is available regarding parasympathetic effects during high-intensity exercise and recovery.

Methods

Ten normal subjects (five women; age 33 ± 2 years) underwent exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer. On day 1, subjects exercised to maximum tolerated workload using a graded protocol with 5 minutes at maximal workload (peak heart rate achieved 174.7 ± 5.4 bpm). On day 2, subjects performed the identical exercise protocol as on day 1; 1 minute into the maximum exercise stage, atropine (0.04 mg/kg) was administered. Heart rate was recorded every minute during exercise, and an electrocardiogram was recorded every minute in recovery for 10 minutes. The parasympathetic effect on heart rate was defined by the difference in heart rate with and without atropine.

Results

The parasympathetic effect during maximal exercise was 3.4 to 6 bpm ( p < .05). During recovery, a large parasympathetic effect on heart rate was noted by 1 minute (22.8 bpm; p < .0002), increased until 4 minutes, and then remained stable until 10 minutes. Despite faster heart rates with parasympathetic blockade, the P–R interval was shorter ( p < .002), consistent with a significant parasympathetic effect on the atrioventricular node in recovery. Evaluation of the Q–T–R–R relationship on the 2 days demonstrated significant changes in both the slope ( p < .0001) and the intercept ( p < .0001), consistent with a modification of ventricular repolarization by parasympathetic tone in recovery.

Conclusion

These data indicate that in normal subjects, parasympathetic effects persist during high-intensity exercise and are prominent in the early phases of recovery. These parasympathetic effects may play an important role in prevention of sudden cardiac death during these periods of increased risk.
Aloe Vera and Nopal mucilage on the reduction of agglomeration during spray drying and storage of blackberry and raspberry extracts
Authors: Andrade González Isaac , Chávez Rodríguez Arturo Moisés , Chávez Rodríguez Alejandra , Montero Cortes Mayra I , Farías Cervantes Vania S
Published: March 2023

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of two carrier agents, Nopal and Aloe Vera mucilage on the physicochemical properties and stability of blackberry and raspberry powders obtained by spray drying. A pilot scale spray dryer with a feed flow of 20 L/h and an atomization speed of 28,000 rpm was used. The inlet and outlet air temperatures were from 180 to 80 °C, respectively. Yield, moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity index, solubility time, volumetric density, stability diagrams, micrographs, and particle temperature were evaluated. The highest yields for blackberry extract were 75% with a concentration of 2.5% (w/v) Nopal mucilage, while raspberry extract yielded 65% with a concentration of 5% (w/v) Nopal mucilage. The increase in the concentration of the carrier agent presented an increase in the values of humidity, water activity, volumetric density, and solubility when Nopal mucilage was used as a carrier agent in both blackberry and raspberry extracts. Furthermore, when Aloe Vera mucilage was used as a carrier agent, these same values decreased with increasing concentration. The storage conditions of the powders obtained should be stored at temperatures below 20°C and water activities below 0.4. In addition, the stability diagrams show the particle conditions that should not be exceeded during spray drying.
Mental Health in Adults With ADHD: Examining the Relationship With Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: Ogrodnik Michelle , Karsan Sameena , Heisz Jennifer J.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The mental health of adults with ADHD was compared to neurotypical controls, and associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mental health were examined.

Method:

Seventy-two participants ( n = 36 with ADHD) completed demographic questions assessing ADHD and mental health symptoms. CRF was estimated using the 6-Minute Walk Test and a self-perception question.

Results:

Those with ADHD had significantly poorer mental health outcomes than controls ( p < .001), with 50% of adults with ADHD reporting severe to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. Critically, lower CRF was associated with worse depression, anxiety, and stress (all p ≤ .03) across both groups. Within the ADHD group, those with higher estimated CRF had significantly lower stress. Among participants with less severe ADHD symptoms, those with higher perceived CRF had significantly lower depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

In our cross-sectional study, participants with ADHD had poorer mental health than neurotypical controls, and higher fitness was associated with better mental health.
Relationship Between Inhibitory Control and Arithmetic in Elementary School Children With ADHD: The Mediating Role of Working Memory
Authors: Lee Clara. S. C.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To test if inhibitory control was a significant predictor for arithmetic in children with ADHD and if the relationship between inhibitory control and arithmetic was mediated by working memory.

Methods:

Eighty-four children (ADHD, n = 54; Non-ADHD, n = 30) were tested on their interference control, behavioral inhibition, working memory, and arithmetic. Regression analysis was used to test the predictive role of inhibitory control in arithmetic. Moreover, mediation analysis was done to test whether working memory mediated the relationship between inhibitory control and arithmetic memory.

Results:

Interference control but not behavioral inhibition was a significant predictor for arithmetic. In addition, interference control had direct and indirect effects via working memory on arithmetic.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrated that inhibitory control contributed to arithmetic in children with ADHD. Furthermore, interference control had direct and indirect effects via working memory on arithmetic, suggesting interventions for arithmetic difficulties should involve training on both inhibition and working memory.
Community-Oriented Policing and Violent Crime: Evidence From the Los Angeles Community Safety Partnership
Authors: Muchow Ashley N.
Published: March 2023

Over the past decade, the Los Angeles Police Department has experimented with a unique model of community-oriented policing called the Community Safety Partnership (CSP). The program places a dedicated set of CSP officers in select housing developments and neighborhoods to engage with residents to better understand and ultimately address the root causes of crime. This study examined the first four waves of the program to assess whether, and the extent to which, the program reduced violent crime. Results reveal significant variation in program effects, with the first wave yielding crime reductions while subsequent waves experienced little to no change in violent crime. Supplemental analyses suggest that the null results for the final three waves of the program were not confounded by increases in crime reporting and reveal that crime reductions following the program’s first wave were not achieved through increases in traditional enforcement (e.g., arrests).
Microphthalmia and anterior segment dysgenesis due to a double gene variant in GJA8 and CRYGC
Authors: Zhou Lin , Wang Ganghua , Hu Bin , Jiang Hui , Jiang Fanwen , Xu Zhuping
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To report a family with severe ocular disorder caused by double gene variants in causative genes of autosomal dominant cataracts, GJA8 and CRYGC.

Case presentation

A 5-month-old boy with poor vision and enophthalmos was referred to our hospital. Further ocular examination showed horizontal nystagmus, iris abnormalities with pinpoint pupils, and extreme microphthalmia with axial right and left eye lengths of 13.48 mm and 13.75 mm, respectively. Digenic heterozygous variants (c.269T > G, p.Leu90Arg in CRYGC and c.151G > A, p.Asp51Asn in GJA8) have been detected based on the whole exome sequencing. His mother, who carried variant in CRYGC (c.269T > G, p.Leu90Arg), had nuclear cataract, microcornea and nystagmus, while his father, who carried variant in GJA8 (c.151G > A, p.Asp51Asn), showed bilateral membranous cataract, microphthalmia, sclerocornea, glaucoma, and nystagmus.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with variants in two cataract-related genes. Importantly, patient with double heterozygous variants in two dominantly inherited genes may suffer more serious phenotypes than those with heterozygous variant in a single dominantly inherited gene. Whole exome or genome sequencing is necessary for a genetic diagnosis in case of multiple gene variants.
Social media: connecting and sharing in a bushfire crisis
Authors: Atkinson Susan , Lee Jee Young
Published: March 2023

Social media has become an integral channel for official agencies to communicate with citizens in a natural disaster crisis and increasingly time, effort and money are being spent on improving social media strategies and practices. However, there is much less research focused on understanding how people engage with official social media content, a significant piece of the crisis communication puzzle. As the use of social media for crisis communication in natural disasters is increasing and the amount of information threatens to overwhelm people, understanding how people engage with official social media content is vital. Using quantitative content analysis, this study examined the use of Facebook by two Australian emergency response agencies during a specific bushfire event and explored how the attributes of social media content are related to user engagement with the information. The findings show that the two agencies had markedly different approaches which resulted in differences in user engagement.