bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loners, Criminals, Mothers: The Gendered Misrecognition of Refugees in the British Tabloid News Media
Authors: Ryan Hannah , Tonkiss Katie
Published: June 2022

Misrecognition has been conceptualised as an act of recognition that is ‘distorted’ or ‘incomplete’, and can be used to capture the differentiated experience of social and/or political phenomena by different individuals. In this article, we apply the concept of misrecognition to the visual representation of refugees in the British tabloid news media. The article presents a novel two-step analysis which combines visual analysis of a representative sample of British tabloid newspaper coverage of refugees with an analysis of a representative sample of this coverage by two focus groups of tabloid newspaper readers. In taking this approach, we capture the role of audiences in constructing the meanings of the images, a perspective largely absent from the literature to date. The findings show that a gendered misrecognition shapes the visual construction of refugees by this media and its audience, with women more likely to be recognised as refugees and (mis)recognised as vulnerable mothers, and men more likely to be misrecognised as loners and criminals and less likely to be recognised as refugees. Reflecting on the findings, we argue that misrecognition is a critical concept in understanding the politics of marginalisation constructed by the tabloid news media.
Labour, left and right: On party positioning and policy reasoning
Authors: Jacobs Michael , Hindmoor Andrew
Published: June 2022

Since the Second World War, the Labour Party has alternated between periods in which it has been positioned further to the left and others when it has been further to the right. The standard explanation for those oscillations is electoral–ideological. Labour moves to the right (towards the political centre) when it prioritises electoral considerations, usually after a period in opposition. It moves to the left when it prioritises ideology, usually after periods in government. Against this we propose a political economy–policy explanation. Labour moves to the right and a redistributive economic strategy when the economy is performing reasonably well. It moves to the left and adopts a structural economic reform programme when the economy is perceived to be in crisis. We argue that the political economy–policy explanation offers a more satisfactory account of when and why Labour has changed its spatial policy positioning in this period. By acknowledging the role of what we term ‘policy reasoning’ in the processes by which political parties (and the public) adopt and change spatial policy positions, our approach provides an alternative to the mechanistic models deriving from Downsian rational choice theory. It suggests that, contrary to general expectation, the Labour Party under Keir Starmer does not need to react to its 2019 election defeat by shifting significantly to the right.
Contribution of smoking change to 45-year trend in prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Finland
Authors: Vartiainen Ville A , jousilahti Pekka , Laatikainen Tiina , Vartiainen Erkki
Published: June 2022

Aims:

Tobacco smoking has been identified as the most important risk factor of chronic bronchitis. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of smoking to the trends in prevalence of chronic bronchitis among men and women in Finland.

Methods:

For this purpose, we analysed questionnaires included in national FINRISK and FinHealth studies conducted between 1972 and 2017 in 5-year intervals. A total of 26,475 men and 28,684 women aged 30–59 years were included in the analysis. In addition to smoking, age and socioeconomic status were used as risk factors in the logistic regression model.

Results:

Smoking in Finland has declined from 51% to 23% in men between 1972 and 2017. In women, it increased from 11% in 1972 to 23% in 2002, with a following decrease to 16% in 2017. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis has generally followed the trend of smoking. The population attributable risk was 60% in men and 49% in women. A decrease in chronic bronchitis was observed in male never-smokers.

Conclusions:

Smoking is currently declining in Finland in both men and women. As result, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis is declining and it is approaching baseline independent of smoking. The decrease in never-smokers has yet to be explained.
Incidence of vaginal birth–related rupture of the pubic symphysis: A nationwide register study in Finland from 1998 to 2018
Authors: Nyrhi Lauri , Ponkilainen Ville , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M. , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose:

To assess the incidence of vaginal birth -related rupture of the pubic symphysis in Finland from 1998 to 2018.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study using nationwide data from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care and the Finnish Medical Birth Register. As participants we included all ≥ 22-week pregnancies of women aged between 15 and 49 years from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2017. Pubic symphysis rupture was classified based on the ICD-10 code S33.4 and operations were gathered with pelvis-specific operation codes of the Nordic NOMESCO-classification. Incidence per 100 000 deliveries with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated for symphysis rupture and surgery using Poisson’s exact test.

Results:

For a total 1 175 326 deliveries, a total of 9 pubic symphysis ruptures occurred during the intrapartum and puerperal periods. All ruptures occurred after vaginal delivery. Of these, 4 ruptures were treated operatively. The incidence of rupture for vaginal delivery was 0.9 per 100 000 deliveries (CI 0.1 to 1.0). No perinatal mortality was observed.

Conclusions:

Birth -related ruptures of the pubic symphysis are rate events and are mostly associated with vaginal delivery with most ruptures being treated conservatively.
Few voices, strong echo: Measuring follower homogeneity of politicians’ Twitter accounts
Authors: Rusche Felix
Published: June 2022

Politicians have discovered Twitter as a tool for political communication. If information provided by politicians is circulated in ideologically segregated user networks, political polarization may be fostered. Using network information on all 1.78 million unique followers of German Members of Parliament by October 2018, follower homogeneity across politicians and parties is measured. While the overall homogeneity is low, politicians of the AfD—a right-wing populist party—stand out with very homogeneous follower networks. These are largely driven by a small group of strongly committed partisans that make up around 7% of the party’s but around 55–75% of the average AfD politician’s followers. The findings add to the literature by showing potentially unequal distributions of network segregation on Twitter. Furthermore, they suggest that small groups of active users can multiply their influence online, which has important implications for future research on echo chambers and other online phenomena.
Representativeness and face-ism: Gender bias in image search
Authors: Ulloa Roberto , Richter Ana Carolina , Makhortykh Mykola , Urman Aleksandra , Kacperski Celina Sylwia
Published: June 2022

Implicit and explicit gender biases in media representations of individuals have long existed. Women are less likely to be represented in gender-neutral media content (representation bias), and their face-to-body ratio in images is often lower (face-ism bias). In this article, we look at representativeness and face-ism in search engine image results. We systematically queried four search engines (Google, Bing, Baidu, Yandex) from three locations, using two browsers and in two waves, with gender-neutral (person, intelligent person) and gendered (woman, intelligent woman, man, intelligent man) terminology, accessing the top 100 image results. We employed automatic identification for the individual’s gender expression (female/male) and the calculation of the face-to-body ratio of individuals depicted. We find that, as in other forms of media, search engine images perpetuate biases to the detriment of women, confirming the existence of the representation and face-ism biases. In-depth algorithmic debiasing with a specific focus on gender bias is overdue.
Learning to (depoliticize) critique: Critical knowledge and the formation of elite habitus in a predominantly White institution
Authors: Wang Chenyu
Published: June 2022

Liberal arts education is highly commodified, yet it also boasts to cultivate critical thinkers and progressive changemakers. What exactly is the kind of “critical mindedness” that liberal arts institutions produce? Drawing from Bourdieuan concepts and recent anthropological work on elite subject formation, I explain how undergraduate students in an elite, predominantly White institution refashion the notion of “critique” as part of their elite habitus. I argue that neoliberal educational institutions enable the new elites to speak about (and advocate for) structural change without ever having to scrutinize their own elite subject position. This depoliticized notion of “doing critique” promises little progressive social transformation and reinforces the hegemonic power of neoliberalism from the inside out. I conclude by highlighting the situatedness of “critique” and its pedagogical potential and limitations.
Humanities at the centre: Insights from building a public humanities program
Authors: Hiro Molly , McDaneld Jen
Published: June 2022

This essay uses the experience of building a new public humanities program to explore approaches for revitalizing the field. While public humanities scholars have recently focused much of their attention on the “public” part of the public humanities, in the day-to-day institutional context the lack of attention on the “humanities” part can lead to problematic consequences for demonstrating their value. By exploring how the humanities are both lost and found in the different pieces of our nascent program, we argue that the best way to build lasting interdisciplinary and campus-community bridges—and assert the humanities’ vitality—is to rebalance so that we’re placing just as much on emphasis on the practice of the humanities as on the engagement of the public.
Short-term effect of PM2.5 on stroke in susceptible populations: A case-crossover study
Authors: Wang Meng , Han Ying , Wang Chun-Juan , Xue Tao , Gu Hong-Qiu , Yang Kai-Xuan , Liu Heng-Yi , Cao Man , Meng Xia , Jiang Yong , Yang Xin , Zhang Jing , Xiong Yun-Yun , Zhao Xing-Quan , Liu Li-Ping , Wang Yi-Long , Guan Tian-Jia , Li Zi-Xiao , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: June 2022

Background:

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for stroke, and patients with pre-existing diseases appear to be particularly susceptible. We conducted a case-crossover study to examine the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and hospital admission for stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were recruited from 2015 to 2017 in Chinese Stroke Center Alliances. We estimated daily PM2.5 average exposures with a spatial resolution of 0.1° using a data assimilation approach combining satellite measurements, air model simulations, and monitoring values. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess PM2.5-related stroke risk in patients with pre-existing medical co-morbidities.

Results:

A total of 155,616 patients diagnosed with AIS were admitted. Patients with a history of AF ( n = 15,430), hypertension ( n = 138,220), diabetes ( n = 43,737), or hyperlipidemia ( n = 16,855) were assessed separately. A 10 µg/m3 increase in daily PM2.5 was associated with a significant increase in AIS for individuals with AF at lag 4 (odds ratio (OR), 1.008; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.002–1.014), and with hypertension (OR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.006–1.010), diabetes (OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.003–1.010), and hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.001–1.012) at lags 0–7. Elderly (⩾ 65 years old) and female patients with AF had significantly higher associations at lag 5 (OR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.002–1.015) and lag 5 (OR, 1.010; 95% CI, 1.002–1.018), respectively.

Conclusion:

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 is significantly associated with hospital admission for stroke in individuals with pre-existing medical histories, especially in older or female patients with AF. Preventive measures to reduce PM2.5 concentrations are particularly important in individuals with other medical co-morbidities.
Performance indicators in women’s volleyball Olympics and World Championships (2014–2021)
Authors: Giatsis George
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the match and technical indicators between winning and losing women's teams in the Olympics and World Championships (2016–2021) depending on the final score of the matches and to compare the winners’ technical indicators in 3-set matches to those of men in the respective competitions. A total of 281 volleyball matches were analyzed from the Women's Olympics (2016 and 2021) and World Championships (2014 and 2018). Discriminant function analysis determined which skill(s) contributed significantly to winning matches in every type of score. This study showed that the teams that won 3-0 and 3-1 matches had better performance in all scoring skills (serve, attack, block, and opponent errors) compared to their opponents, while the opponents’ errors did not affect the result. In 5-set matches, block points were the main predictor of a team's success. In conclusion, the results of the women's teams at the highest level of volleyball matches, show that different performance indicators determine the match outcome. The attack is not the only skill that increases the probability of winning a match, since block and serve to contribute equally significantly. Furthermore, in 5-set matches, blocking is the technical skill that differentiates the winning from the losing teams. Finally, in 3-set matches, it seems that the performance indicators differ between women and men in attack efficiency, block, and opponent error points.
Inference of a competing risks model with partially observed failure causes under improved adaptive type-II progressive censoring
Authors: Dutta Subhankar , Kayal Suchandan
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a competing risks model is analyzed based on improved adaptive type-II progressive censored sample (IAT-II PCS). Two independent competing causes of failures are considered. It is assumed that lifetimes of the competing causes of failure follow exponential distributions with different means. Maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) for the unknown model parameters are obtained. Using asymptotic normality property of MLE, the asymptotic confidence intervals are constructed. Existence and uniqueness properties of the MLEs are studied. Further, bootstrap confidence intervals are computed. The Bayes estimators are obtained under symmetric and asymmetric loss functions with non-informative and informative priors. For informative priors, independent gamma distributions are considered. Highest posterior density (HPD) credible intervals are obtained. A Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to compare performance of the established estimates. Furthermore, three different optimality criteria are proposed to obtain the optimal censoring plan. Finally, a real-life data set is considered for illustrative purposes.
“Would your level of disgust change?” Accounting for variant reactions to fatal violence against women on social media
Authors: Bleakley Paul
Published: June 2022

The murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, occurring in similar contexts in London over the course of 2021, prompted renewed public discourse around violence against women and the nature of stranger-perpetrated murder of women in British society. It also provided the opportunity to analyze our responses to such crimes as a community and, in particular, our expectations and assumptions about who is committing fatal violence against women. In this study, Facebook comments (n = 414) pertaining to the first identification of the alleged murderers in each of the above cases were analyzed for sentiment. This analysis revealed major differences in the levels of shock and/or surprise at Everard’s murderer (a police officer) being identified, compared with Nessa’s alleged killer (a migrant). The article assesses the divergent responses in each case and explores the reasons that allegations of migrant-committed crime appear to attract significantly lower rates of resistance than allegations of police crime.
Exploring the use of #MyAnglophoneCrisisStory on Twitter to understand the impacts of the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis
Authors: Lee Soomin , Cockburn Lynn , Nganji Julius T.
Published: June 2022

Since October 2016, Cameroon has been involved in a violent conflict known as the Anglophone Crisis. This study examines the impact of the hashtag #MyAnglophoneCrisisStory on Twitter in capturing and amplifying the stories of people affected by the crisis. Using R, the authors extracted and analyzed tweets using this hashtag that were posted between 21 October 2020 and 3 November 2020. Only tweets posted in English and French languages were included. To understand the content of the tweets, the authors inductively coded and manually analyzed a total of 1064 tweets, replies, and comments. A categorical analysis revealed the presence of three different types of tweets: ‘Story’, ‘Response to Story’, and ‘Awareness and Advocacy’. The ‘Story’ category had four distinct themes: (1) Senseless Loss of Life: Shot and Killed; (2) The Disappeared: Lost and Kidnapped; (3) On the Move/Elusive Safety: Escape, Displacement; and (4) Prevention and Trauma, Mental Health, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This study supports the concept that even short tweets can have a significant impact and signals the need for more attention and research on this overlooked conflict. Future work can involve the use of more advanced analysis tools to conduct a more thorough examination of tweets.
Hyperacute treatment of childhood stroke in Lyme neuroborreliosis: report of two cases and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Philipps Joerg , Erdlenbruch Bernhard , Kuschnerow Michael , Jagoda Sunil , Salihaj Blerta , Glahn Joerg , Schellinger Peter Dieter
Published: June 2022

The safety and efficacy of hyperacute reperfusion therapies in childhood stroke due to focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) with an infectious and inflammatory component is unknown. Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is reported as a rare cause of childhood stroke. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) have not been reported in LNB-associated stroke in children. We report two children with acute stroke associated with LNB who underwent hyperacute stroke treatment. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify case reports of LNB-associated childhood stroke over the last 20 years. Patient 1 received IVT within 73 min after onset of acute hemiparesis and dysarthria; medulla oblongata infarctions were diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patient 2 received successful EVT 6.5 hr after onset of progressive tetraparesis, coma, and decerebrate posturing caused by basilar artery occlusion with bilateral pontomesencephalic infarctions. Both patients exhibited a lymphocytic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and elevated antibody index (AI) to Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibiotic treatment, steroids, and platelet inhibitors including tirofiban infusion in patient 2 were administered. No side effects were observed. On follow-up, patient 1 showed good recovery and patient 2 was asymptomatic. In the literature, 12 cases of LNB-associated childhood stroke were reported. LNB-associated infectious and inflammatory FCA is not a medical contraindication for reperfusion therapies in acute childhood stroke. Steroids are discussed controversially in inflammatory FCA due to LNB. Intensified antiplatelet regimes may be considered; secondary prophylaxis with acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA) is recommended because of a high risk of early stroke recurrence.
Promoting maternal self efficacy and paternal attitudes towards breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aghababaei Soodabeh , Khodakarami Batoul , Farhadian Maryam , Kamali Marziyeh
Published: June 2022

Background:

Counseling is one of the ways to improve the quantity and quality of breastfeeding. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of couple-centered counseling on fathers’ attitudes and mothers’ self-efficacy towards breastfeeding.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 60 primigravida pregnant women and their spouses who were randomly selected among the pregnant women referred to the two maternity hospitals of Malayer City, a city in the province Hamadan in western Iran. Data collection tools included the demographic characteristics questionnaire, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. The intervention was performed according to the principles of GATHER counseling (Greet, Ask, Tell, Help, Explain, and Return). Mothers’ self-efficacy and fathers’ attitudes toward breastfeeding were assessed before the intervention and 4 weeks after birth in both groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 software and using a significance level of p = 0.05.

Results:

The participants of the control and test groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics. The change in mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy score after intervention in the test group had a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (30.43 ± 2.53; 95%CI: 25.41,35.44), and the change in the score of fathers’ attitude towards breastfeeding had a statistically significant difference after the intervention in the test group compared to the control group (19.3 ± 2.05; 95%CI: −23.36, −15.23). In the test group, the change in fathers’ attitude towards breastfeeding after the intervention was significant compared to before the intervention (30.36 ± 2.38; 95%CI: 25.43, 35.25).

Conclusions:

Appropriate counseling programs can change fathers’ attitudes toward breastfeeding and increase mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy, so couples’ presence in breastfeeding counseling is recommended.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Healthcare: Emergencies Associated With Sport and Physical Activities (Part 4)—The Assessment of Pediatric Shoulder and Hip Injuries Utilizing the “SPASMS” Mnemonic
Authors: Brigham Elizabeth , Olympia Robert P.
Published: June 2022

Sport participation is an important part of the development, both physically and mentally, of children and adolescents in the United States. Illness and injury associated with sport and physical activities may occur in the school setting. Although most sport-related illness and injury in students are considered minor emergencies, life-threatening illnesses or injuries may occur. It is important for the school nurse to recognize potential life-threatening emergencies associated with sport and physical activity, to initiate stabilization of the student with life-threatening symptoms, and to triage these students to an appropriate level of care (back to the classroom, home with their guardian with follow up at their primary healthcare provider’s office, or directly to the closest emergency department [ED] via Emergency Medical Services [EMS]). This article specifically describes the initial assessment and management of shoulder and hip injuries in pediatric athletes.
Montage space: Extra scenes
Authors: Riding James , Dahlman Carl
Published: June 2022

In this author's reply, we outline the four commentaries on our article and consider them as interpretations of the same relational story: part of the montage. By intersplicing the four commentaries with extra scenes from ‘Montage Space’, we explore again the riverine, more-than-dry, and more-than-human that both Koch and Squire choose to take downstream, the human land grab that Miller recenters, and the paradox existing between the material geography of a disputed river island and the proclamation of a virtual state, which Cattaruzza identifies. The four critical engagements with ‘Montage Space’ work to add depth to our own exposition of a squelchy island space and the strange creation of a new state in this contested borderscape, where statehood was violently imposed onto a space deemed to be empty and characterless rather than a vital part of a territorial dispute and a wetland biosphere reserve.
Duration of prior psychotic illness and clozapine response: a retrospective observational study using electronic health records
Authors: Jones Rowena , Upthegrove Rachel , Price Malcolm J. , Pritchard Megan , Chandan Joht Singh , Legge Sophie , MacCabe James H.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Clozapine is the gold-standard medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) yet its initiation is often delayed.

Objective:

To examine whether earlier initiation of clozapine in TRS is associated with lower Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) scores at 2 years.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study from electronic health records of patients with first adequate trial of clozapine at the South London and Maudsley mental health service between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016. Dates of illness onset and clozapine commencement were manually extracted from anonymised case notes. CGI-S scores were rated blind to illness duration. Ordinal logistic regression was used to describe the association between illness duration at baseline and CGI-S outcome score at 2 years, following adjustment for CGI-S start score and other key covariates.

Results:

Among the 401 patients included, there was an association between illness duration and CGI-S outcome score with a 4% increase in the odds of a higher (worse) outcome CGI-S score per year of illness [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.06]. The association between illness duration and clozapine response was most marked at less than 4 years illness duration. There were too few clozapine initiations within the first 2 years of illness to draw any conclusions about early clozapine initiation.

Conclusion:

Initiation of clozapine within 2–4 years of psychotic illness onset offers the best outcome for TRS, but the advantage, if any, of earlier initiation is unclear from these data.
Assessing antibiotic utilization among pediatric patients in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Kitt Eimear , Hayes Molly , Ballester Lance , Sewawa Kgotlaetsile B , Mulale Unami , Mazhani Loeto , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Coffin Susan E , Steenhoff Andrew P
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Over the past decade, concerning trends in antimicrobial resistance have emerged in Southern Africa. Given a paucity of pediatric data, our objectives were to (1) describe antibiotic utilization trends at a national referral center in Southern Africa and (2) assess the proportion of patients receiving antibiotics appropriately. In addition, risk factors for inappropriate use were explored.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study on medical and surgical pediatric patients aged below 13 years admitted to the country’s tertiary care referral hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. We collected demographics, clinical, laboratory, and microbiology details, in addition to information on antibiotic use. We separately categorized antibiotic prescriptions using the World Health Organization AWaRe Classification of Access, Watch, and Restrict.

Results:

Our final cohort of 299 patients was 44% female and 27% HIV-exposed; most (68%) were admitted to the General Pediatrics ward. Infections were a common cause of hospitalization in 29% of the cohort. Almost half of our cohort were prescribed at least one antibiotic during their stay, including 40% on admission; almost half (47%) of these prescriptions were deemed appropriate. At the time of discharge, 52 (21%) patients were prescribed an antibiotic, of which 37% were appropriate. Of all antibiotics prescribed, 42% were from the World Health Organization Access antibiotic list, 58% were from the Watch antibiotic list, and 0% were prescribed antibiotics from the Restrict antibiotic list. Univariate analyses revealed that surgical patients were significantly more likely to have inappropriate antibiotics prescribed on admission. Patients who were treated for diseases for which there was a clinical pathway, or who had blood cultures sent at the time of admission were less likely to have inappropriate antibiotics prescribed. On multivariate analysis, apart from admission to the surgical unit, there were no independent predictors for inappropriate antibiotic use, although there was a trend for critically ill patients to receive inappropriate antibiotics.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals high rates of antibiotic consumption, much of which was inappropriate. Promising areas for antimicrobial stewardship interventions include (1) standardization of management approaches in the pediatric surgical population and (2) the implementation of feasible and generalizable clinical pathways in this tertiary care facility.
White blood cell count profile in patients with physical complaints without known causes
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Ishii Tadashi , Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Kogure Mana , Hatanaka Rieko , Itabashi Fumi , Kanno Ikumi , Aoki Masashi , Hozawa Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to search for routine blood test biomarkers in patients with physical symptoms but without a diagnosis after comprehensive routine screening diagnostic examinations.

Methods:

A total of 228 adults aged < 65 years who presented with physical complaints without known causes after comprehensive screening diagnostic examinations and 228 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without physical complaints were enrolled. The blood cell count data at the first hospital visit were compared between these groups.

Results:

Total white blood cell ( p = 0.2143), red blood cell ( p = 0.8954), and platelet ( p = 0.7716) counts did not differ between the groups. The monocyte count ( p = 0.0014) and resultant monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio ( p < 0.0001) were higher in the symptomatic group, while the other white blood cell subtypes did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the symptomatic group, patients with a monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio > 0.25 were likely to have unexplained nonfocal physical symptoms ( p < 0.0001). The characteristic findings included fatigability ( p < 0.0001), prolonged slight fever ( p = 0.0005), and widespread pain ( p < 0.0001). The monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio level was correlated with the proportion of patients with unexplained nonfocal symptoms.

Conclusion:

The blood cell count profile was largely the same between healthy individuals and patients with unexplained physical symptoms. However, patients with unexplained nonfocal physical complaints were likely to show an elevated monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, typically > 0.25.
Complement Factor I deficiency: A novel homozygous CFI gene mutation
Authors: Bouzroud Wafaa , Tazzite Amal , yousra Ibenbrahim , Gazzaz Bouchaïb , Dehbi Hind
Published: June 2022

Complement Factor I deficiency is a very rare autosomal recessive disease, with only 38 cases reported in the literature. It is caused by a homozygous mutation in the CFI gene (complement Factor I), which encodes for the Factor I protein, an important regulator of the complement system. Clinically, complement Factor I deficiency presents various symptoms in several organs. We report the case of a child with a history of seizures and unexplained recurrent fever. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous missense CFI gene mutation (V270F) of unknown significance. Using multiple bioinformatics tools, we suggest the probable pathogenicity of this mutation. This analysis will help us manage precisely his case, preventing infections and the development of kidney failure, a possible and fatal consequence of complement Factor I deficiency. This study emphasizes the importance of molecular analysis in the diagnosis of rare and atypical diseases and in the establishment of appropriate and effective care.
Using markers for digital engagement and social change: Tracking meaningful narrative exchange in transmedia edutainment with text analytics techniques
Authors: Lutkenhaus Roel O , Wang Hua , Singhal Arvind , Jansz Jeroen , Bouman Martine PA
Published: June 2022

While social media offer an unprecedented opportunity for orchestrating large-scale communication campaigns, it is often difficult to track audience responses on various digital platforms over time and to ascertain if their engagement is aligned with the original intention. In this article, we share a promising solution—the purposive embedding and tracking of unique content elements as “markers” using text analytics techniques. Four markers were introduced in an Indian melodramatic television serial, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon ( I, A Woman, Can Achieve Anything), which was part of a larger transmedia edutainment initiative in India to promote sanitation, family planning, and gender equality. These markers served as anchors for audience engagement with the originally intended messaging embedded in the narratives as well as for program monitoring and evaluation. We applied various web-based tools to systematically track marker-related engagement on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube across eight months. We also conducted semantic network analysis to better understand how marker-related social media comments evolved over time. Our investigation of using markers for digital engagement and narrative exchange in MKBKSH makes an important and timely methodological contribution to the scholarship and praxis of social and behavior change communication.
Decreasing Missed Appointments at a Community Health Center: A Community Collaborative Project
Authors: Biggs Jennifer , Njoku Nnamdi , Kurtz Kaitlyn , Omar Ayan
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Missed appointments are a problem for health care systems, causing lost revenue and concern for poor health outcomes. This is particularly true at Community Health Centers (CHCs), where clients may already face substantial barriers to optimal care and outcomes. Identified solutions to this problem are limited, and often focus on reminder calls and messages to clients. Methods: This project utilized a unique academic/CHC collaboration to investigate and initiate solutions to their high missed appointment rates. Client phone calls to determine clinic specific needs, monthly team meetings to brainstorm and choose initiatives, engaging stake holders, and phased implementation were the tools used to address the high missed appointment rates within the limitations of the clinic resources available. Results: Within one quarter, missed appointment rates at the clinic dropped by 6%-17% for different appointment types. Conclusion: While the project was interrupted due to the pandemic, early outcomes were promising and the model may be helpful to other CHCs with similar concerns.
The Effects of a Forest Therapy on Work-Related Stress for Employees in the Manufacturing Industry: Randomized Control Study
Authors: Choi Han , Jeon Yo-Han , Han Jin-Woo , Moon Joo , Kim Soo-Yeon , Woo Jong-Min
Published: June 2022

Background

The effect of a forest therapy in a natural environment noted that the forest therapy induced a state of relaxation among workers, thereby decreasing cortisol levels and work-related stress.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of the forest therapy for employees in the manufacturing industry on psychological stress responds, stress hormone and heart rate variability (HRV). The secondary objective is to determine the effects of the forest therapy for employees in the manufacturing industry on cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells, health-related quality of life and mood states compare to urban untreated and remained in urban environment.

Methods

Forty-two employees were recruited from a single workplace located in Incheon city, Republic of Korea. Participants were allocated to either an experimental group (n= 21), wherein they participated in the forest therapy and or a control group (n= 21), wherein they were given no treatment. Participants were assigned to these groups on a randomized, open-label basis. Pre and post-test measures of natural killer (NK) cell activity, salivary cortisol, heart rate variability (HRV), health-related quality of life, stress response, and mood states were taken for both groups.

Results

The results showed that participants who took part in the forest therapy showed greater physiological improvement when compared to those in the control group, as indicated by a significant increase in some HRV measures. The forest therapy also contributed to a significantly greater decrease in work-related stress symptoms and a significantly greater improvement in health-related quality of life and mood states compared to participants in the control group.

Conclusions

These results may suggest that the forest therapy could be an effective means of relaxation technique, reducing stress and leads to an increase in positive mood for employees in the manufacturing industry.
Rewarding Numbers: Quantification Premia and Evaluative Convergence
Authors: Mueller-Gastell Katariina
Published: June 2022

The author advances the theory that when evaluation bears high stakes and is subject to high uncertainty of quality, a greater presence of numbers in the evaluated materials positively influences the evaluator’s assessment of the quality of the evaluated object and leads to less variance in the overall assessment of quality by evaluators. The author explores these ideas in a case study of the MacArthur Foundation’s 2016–2017 $100 million winner-take-all grant competition for nonprofit organizations and tests them using judges’ numeric scores and comments together with information from the application materials, tax records, and previous funding histories of the applicant organizations. In this competition, organizations that included more numbers of any kind in their application materials received on average higher scores. Furthermore, the independent judges on the nondeliberative panel were more likely to give the applicants similar scores. Quantification thus both carries a premium—it predicts higher scores—and produces evaluative convergence.
Effect of pregnancy on scleroderma progression
Authors: Deshauer Siobhan , Junek Mats , Baron Murray , Beattie Karen A , Larché Margaret J
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To explore the trajectory of scleroderma disease activity in women who experienced a pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis compared to nulliparous women.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry by identifying nulliparous women and women with ⩾1 pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis. Patient characteristics were compared between groups at registry entry. Controlling for age, smoking, and time since systemic sclerosis diagnosis, generalized estimating equations tested the effect of pregnancy on force vital capacity, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, right ventricular systolic pressure, glomerular filtration rate, antibody status, active digital ulcers, physician global assessment of activity, and severity over 9 years.

Results:

At registry entry, numbers of women in the nulliparous and pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis groups were 153 and 45, respectively. Corresponding numbers at 6 and 9 years were 48 and 21, and 18 and 9, respectively. The prevalence of anti-topoisomerase positivity was 18.3% in nulliparous and 12.5% in pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis. Baseline differences included mean (Standard deviation) age of diagnosis (nulliparous: 38.8 (14.0), pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis: 22.6 (6.8) years, p < 0.001), disease duration (nulliparous: 9.6 (8.9), pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis: 21.9 (9.6) years; p < 0.001), and inflammatory arthritis (nulliparous: 41 (28%), pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis: 22 (49%), p = 0.009). There were no significant differences between groups in the change of any outcomes over time.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrated that having ⩾1 pregnancy after systemic sclerosis diagnosis did not appear to significantly impact long-term renal, respiratory, or global function outcomes. While this offers a hopeful message to systemic sclerosis patients planning a pregnancy, physicians and patients should remain vigilant for potential post-partum complications.
Caste and Premarket Discrimination: Access to Civic Amenities and Healthcare Facilities in Rural Punjab
Authors: Singh Harpreet
Published: June 2022

Access to civic amenities improves the quality of life as well as helps to overcome various health-related problems. The focus of the present study is to examine the caste-based premarket discrimination concerning access to civic amenities and healthcare facilities in rural Punjab. The primary data, collected from 12 villages of Punjab during the year 2015–2016, is analysed applying the univariate analysis technique. The analyses prove that the Scheduled Castes (SC), compared with non-SC households, have low access to the basic civic amenities of safe drinking water, drainage and toilet facility. A similar disadvantageous position of SC vis-à-vis non-SC households exists in rural Punjab so far as the ownership of the durable household assets of entertainment, household utilities, tools of information and communication technology, and means of transportation are concerned. The SC and non-SC were found to have equal access to the available healthcare facilities; nevertheless, both caste groups received different treatment from the medical staff.
Effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) with resistance exercise on musculoskeletal health in older adults: a narrative review
Authors: Lim Zi Xiang , Goh Jorming
Published: June 2022

Background

Aging leads to a number of structural and physiological deficits such as loss of muscle mass and strength. Strength training at ~ 70% of 1 repetition max (RM) is recommended to prevent age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. However, most older adults may not be able to perform 70% of 1RM or higher intensity. An alternative exercise training program combining low intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) can result in similar acute and chronic benefits to skeletal muscles in older adults.

Main body and short conclusion

The potential mechanisms involved are discussed, and include reactive hyperaemia, metabolic stress, and hypoxia. Key issues and safety with the use of BFR in older adults, especially those with chronic conditions are also discussed. Although there has been no reported evidence to suggest that BFR elevates the risk of clinical complications any more than high intensity exercise, it is recommended for individuals to be medically cleared of any cardiovascular risks, prior to engaging in BFR exercise.
Involvement of mechano-sensitive Piezo1 channel in the differentiation of brown adipocytes
Authors: Kenmochi Manato , Kawarasaki Satoko , Takizawa Satsuki , Okamura Kazuhiko , Goto Tsuyoshi , Uchida Kunitoshi
Published: June 2022

Brown adipocytes expend energy via heat production and are a potential target for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Piezo1 is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel activated by mechanical stimuli. Piezo1 is reported to be involved in mechano-sensation in non-sensory tissues. However, the expression and roles of Piezo1 in brown adipocytes have not been well clarified. Here, we generated a brown adipocyte line derived from UCP1-mRFP1 transgenic mice and showed that Piezo1 is expressed in pre-adipocytes. Application of Yoda-1, a Piezo1 agonist, suppressed brown adipocyte differentiation, and this suppression was significantly attenuated by treatment with a Piezo1 antagonist and by Piezo1 knockdown. Furthermore, the suppression of brown adipocyte differentiation by Yoda-1 was abolished by co-treatment with a calcineurin inhibitor. Thus, these results suggest that activation of Piezo1 suppresses brown adipocyte differentiation via the calcineurin pathway.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis reveals spinach brassinosteroid-signaling kinase (BSK) gene family functions in temperature stress response
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Heng , Zhang Yongxue , Liu Yanshuang , Li Yueyue , Tian Haodong , Guo Siyi , Sun Meihong , Qin Zhi , Dai Shaojun
Published: June 2022

Background

Brassinosteroid (BR)- signaling kinase (BSK) is a critical family of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase for BR signal transduction, which plays important roles in plant development, immunity, and abiotic stress responses. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is cold- tolerant but heat- sensitive green leafy vegetable. A study on BSK family members and BSKs- mediated metabolic processes in spinach has not been performed.

Results

We identified and cloned seven SoBSKs in spinach. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses suggested that SoBSKs had close relationship with dicotyledonous sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) rather than monocotyledons. The analyses of gene structure and conserved protein domain/ motif indicated that most SoBSKs were relative conserved, while SoBSK6 could be a truncated member. The prediction of post-translation modification (PTM) sites in SoBSKs implied their possible roles in signal transduction, redox regulation, and protein turnover of SoBSKs, especially the N-terminal myristoylation site was critical for BSK localization to cell periphery. Cis-acting elements for their responses to light, drought, temperature (heat and cold), and hormone distributed widely in the promoters of SoBSKs, implying the pivotal roles of SoBSKs in response to diverse abiotic stresses and phytohormone stimuli. Most SoBSKs were highly expressed in leaves, except for SoBSK7 in roots. Many SoBSKs were differentially regulated in spinach heat- sensitive variety Sp73 and heat- tolerant variety Sp75 under the treatments of heat, cold, as well as exogenous brassinolide (BL) and abscisic acid (ABA). The bsk134678 mutant Arabidopsis seedlings exhibited more heat tolerance than wild- type and SoBSK1- overexpressed seedlings.

Conclusions

A comprehensive genome- wide analysis of the BSK gene family in spinach presented a global identification and functional prediction of SoBSKs. Seven SoBSKs had relatively- conserved gene structure and protein function domains. Except for SoBSK6, all the other SoBSKs had similar motifs and conserved PTM sites. Most SoBSKs participated in the responses to heat, cold, BR, and ABA. These findings paved the way for further functional analysis on BSK- mediated regulatory mechanisms in spinach development and stress response.