bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting compulsive behaviour: Computerized text analysis of compulsion narratives
Authors: Ferreira Caitlin , Lam Joey , Pitt Leyland , Caruana Albert , Brown Terrence
Published: July 2022

Those who gamble compulsively, and those who shop or buy in a compulsive manner share a number of common characteristics, stemming from similar impulse-control issues. As such, it is predicted that a lexical analysis of personal narratives of compulsion would share similarities. Using secondary data from an online mental health forum, Psychforums, the research analyzed narratives of compulsive gambling ( n = 199) and compulsive buying ( n = 196) using the automated text analysis tool, LIWC. The results indicated that compulsive buying narratives rated significantly higher in clout and emotional tone and significantly lower in authenticity, with no significant differences noted in analytical thinking between the two compulsion narratives. Recommendations for future research include that demographic variables be incorporated and that narratives sourced from different online platforms should be contrasted.
Young children’s voices in an unlocked Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jenholt Nolbris M. , Ragnarsson S. , Brorsson A.-L. , Garcia de Avila M. , Forsner M. , Kull I. , Olinder A. L. , Mattson J. , Nilsson S. , Rullander A.-C. , Rydström L.-L. , Olaya-Contreras P. , Berghammer M.
Published: July 2022

Aims:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden was one of the few countries that rejected lockdowns in favour of recommendations for restrictions, including careful hand hygiene and social distancing. Preschools and primary schools remained open. Several studies have shown negative impacts of the pandemic on children, particularly high levels of anxiety. The study aim was to explore how Swedish school-aged children aged 6–14 years, experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and their perceived anxiety.

Methods:

In total, 774 children aged 6–14 years and their guardians answered an online questionnaire containing 24 questions, along with two instruments measuring anxiety: the Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire and the Numerical Rating Scale. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used for analysing the quantitative and qualitative data. Each data source was first analysed separately, followed by a merged interpretative analysis.

Results:

The results showed generally low levels of anxiety, with no significant sex differences. Children who refrained from normal social activities or group activities ( n=377) had significantly higher levels of anxiety. Most of the children were able to appreciate the bright side of life, despite the social distancing and refraining from activities, which prevented them from meeting and hugging their loved ones.

Conclusions:

These Swedish children generally experienced low levels of anxiety, except those who refrained from social activities. Life was nonetheless mostly experienced as normal, largely because schools remained open. Keeping life as normal as possible could be one important factor in preventing higher anxiety and depression levels in children during a pandemic.
How “cultural reshaping” affects rural tourism development in China - a case from zhejiang beautiful countryside demonstration area
Authors: Xu Lidi , Yu Yunjian
Published: July 2022

A number of studies have been carried out on the importance and connotation of tourism culture. However, from the literature study of tourism culture, it is found that there is still a gap between the remolding of tourism culture and the development of tourism enterprises in the digital era. This study aims to identify the enterprise clustering effect and employment benefit of rural tourism culture reshaping. By empirical research, this study establishes a new conceptual research framework for rural tourism sustainability to cover the gap between the cultural reshaping and enterprise development for rural tourism in Zhejiang. We began with investigation to villagers on their acceptance of reshaped tourism culture. Through interviews with entrepreneurs, this study investigates the relationship between tourism cultural reshaping and tourism enterprise image. An enterprise network of regional tourism cultural IP image has been established to describe the density among the whole tourism cultural industry. The location entropy index is adopted to show the employment in tourism enterprises. This index reflects residents’ acceptance of the reshaped cultural image as a key influencing factor of enterprises’ sustainable development. Furthermore, it is found that tourism cultural reshaping is a significant base for rural tourism industry clustering. The research results suggest that tourism corporation can contribute to the local tourism economy by reshaping culture.
Engaging older people through visual participatory research: Insights and reflections
Authors: Quinton Sarah , Treveri Gennari Daniela , Dibeltulo Silvia
Published: July 2022

Although there is an ageing population in Europe which acts as an increasingly influential social and economic force, there remains limited scholarship concerning the involvement of older people in research. This paper responds to the question of how visual participatory research engages older people through three illustrative case studies, set in England and Italy, all of which incorporated different visual elements within their participatory design. These cases highlight; the value of the visual as a trigger for memories as an entry point for research discussions, that the sharing of experiences is facilitated by both the participatory and visual elements of the approach and that greater engagement is forthcoming once trust is established through the socialisation of older research participants. Reflections and good practice suggestions are offered to other qualitative researchers on the practicalities of adopting this approach.
Non-stationary harmonic summation: A novel method for rolling bearing fault diagnosis under variable speed conditions
Authors: Chen Shiqian , Xie Bo , Wang Yi , Wang Kaiyun , Zhai Wanming
Published: July 2022

Fault diagnosis of rolling bearings under variable speed conditions is a challenging task since the vibration signal exhibits time-varying non-stationary characteristics and is usually contaminated by strong noise. Most of the current researches employ the adaptive filtering or signal decomposition methods to obtain the impulse signals caused by the bearing fault before feature extraction, which, however, are not capable of removing the in-band noise. To address this issue, a novel method called non-stationary harmonic summation (NHS) is proposed based on the fact that the repetitive impulses caused by the bearing fault consist of a series of equally-spaced harmonics in the frequency domain. Firstly, the harmonic characteristics are theoretically analyzed and the results show that the impulses contain non-stationary harmonics with a time-varying spacing frequency (i.e., the fault characteristic frequency) under variable speed conditions. Next, according to the harmonic characteristics, an efficient algorithm combining the parameterized demodulation with the adaptive chirp mode decomposition is developed to extract the non-stationary harmonics and then summate these harmonics to reconstruct the repetitive impulses for the fault feature extraction. Since the NHS elaborately exploits the intrinsic harmonic structure of the impulse signals, the noise can be fully removed and the reconstructed signal is free of side-band interference caused by complex amplitude modulation. Both simulated and experimental signals are considered to demonstrate the advantages of the NHS for bearing fault diagnosis under variable speed conditions.
An information fusion approach for increased reliability of condition monitoring With homogeneous and heterogeneous sensor systems
Authors: Kannan Vigneshwar , Dao Dzung Viet , Li Huaizhong
Published: July 2022

In machinery condition monitoring, it is often vital to consider information from multiple sources due to possible sensor failure or signal distortion, which may result in misclassification of the health status. An issue with multiple sensor data fusion, however, is that the classification can be affected by conflicting results between sensor signals. The proposed method uses a novel three-module approach to information fusion in order to address the problem. Features corresponding to signal integrity are extracted and employed for training a one-class support vector machine to detect unwanted distortions or sensor failures. Different classifiers are trained for the different sensor types available and each signal recorded is used to determine machine health. Decision-level fusion is conducted through a majority voting system using the integrity scores derived from the OCSVMs and the separate classification results. From this, a dynamically weighted fault diagnosis based on sensor signal quality is obtained. Experimental verification using vibration and acoustic emission signals show that the framework is viable and allows for an increased reliability in machinery health diagnosis.
K-12 teachers conducting remote teaching in Thailand during the pandemic: The strategies, challenges and future directions
Authors: Wetcho Suthanit , Na-Songkhla Jaitip , Wang Charles X
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on a case study that examined the challenges faced and strategies adopted by Thai teachers when remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. It further provides a comprehensive strategy for addressing the ongoing global pandemic in terms of education. We used a mixed methods design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from K-12 Thai teachers ( N = 235) and performed 42 semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that most Thai teachers have the necessary knowledge to design suitable content for remote teaching. However, they must further develop their administration and leadership skills. The main challenges and strategies for Thai teachers remain in the areas of student motivation, assessment, and classroom management. Furthermore, ranking from high to low, Thai teachers preferred face-to-face instruction, blended/hybrid instruction and hyflex among different instructional delivery modalities. We conclude the paper by discussing possible alternative instructional delivery modalities and their implications for K-12 remote learning and instruction.
Developing Leaders for Disruptive Change: An Inclusive Leadership Approach
Authors: Simmons Sara V. , Yawson Robert M.
Published: July 2022

Problem

Across all sectors, leadership decision-makers question how to professionally develop leaders who foster cohesive, collaborative, and high performing workforce environments in diverse organizations. They doubt the efficacy of traditional leadership development modalities when confronted by unpredictable emerging workforce and workplace challenges.

Solution

The article’s conceptual framework is centered on the premise that the best interaction between leader and led in diverse organizations is inclusive leadership. Leaders who deliberately role model inclusive leadership behaviors create a culture where everyone works to their full potential, stimulate learning organizations, and catalyze workforce relationships towards achieving strategic goals.

Stakeholders

This article is ideal for Human Resources, Human Resource Development, Organizational Development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility professionals, trainers, facilitators, consultants, practitioners, change agents and leaders. It may be helpful in generating ideas and practices for developing interventions catalyzing inclusive practices among leaders and workforce members.
Effect of microbubbles on transcranial doppler ultrasound-assisted intracranial recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator thrombolysis
Authors: Liu Wei-Song , Zhu Shao-Fen , Guo Yuan-Ling , Huang Rong , Yang Xue
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microbubbles on the efficacy of transcranial doppler (TCD) ultrasound-assisted thrombolytic therapy of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA).

Methods

Male New Zealand white rabbits ( n = 36) were randomly divided into an rt-PA group ( n = 18) and an rt-PA plus microbubble group ( n = 18). After the cerebral infarction model was constructed with autologous blood clots, rt-PA and rt-PA plus microbubble intervention were performed, respectively. The hemodynamic changes and infarct size of the two groups were recorded. In addition, the ELISA method was used to detect the level of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissue of the two-group graph model and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the serum.

Results

In the rt-PA group, the recanalization rate was 38.9% and the average infarct size was 11.8%. In the rt-PA plus microbubble group, the recanalization rate was 66.7% and the average infarct size was 8.2%. In addition, the average values for NO, SOD, MDA, and hs-CRP were 16.48 ± 5.39 μmol/L, 730.2 ± 9.86 U/mg, 0.92 ± 0.43 nmol/mg, and 8.56 ± 1.64 mg/L in the rt-PA group, respectively, and the average values were 9.18 ± 3.37 μmol/L, 426.2 ± 6.39 U/mg, 0.73 ± 0.44 nmol/mg, and 5.23 ± 0.94 mg/L in the rt-PA plus microbubble group, respectively.

Conclusions

The addition of microbubbles enhanced the effects of TCD-assisted rrt-PA thrombolysis.
“This is what a 13-year old girl looks like”: A feminist analysis of To Catch a Predator
Authors: Tabor Courtney D
Published: July 2022

Through archival research and an intersectional thematic analysis, this paper examines three key episodes of early-2000s sensation To Catch a Predator and situates them within crime media and journalism literature. The paper analyzes themes of journalistic integrity and the subjugation of women and girls by a television program that claimed to use the former to stop the latter. Based on the analysis, To Catch a Predator engages in forensic journalism as demonstrated by the treatment of women and girls as bait, claims of ownership over women and girls’ bodies, lack of nuance in reporting, and the liberties taken in their journalistic practices. Ultimately, this paper shows how To Catch a Predator acts as a spectacle of vigilantism, by creating the child pornography it claims to fight and by glorifying punishment, contributing to the ongoing moral panic around child exploitation.
Women with larger breasts are less satisfied with their breasts: Implications for quality of life and physical activity participation
Authors: Oon Isobel H , Mara Jocelyn K , Steele Julie R , McGhee Deirdre E , Lewis Vivienne , Coltman Celeste E
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Although low breast satisfaction has been associated with a range of potential negative health implications, little is known about key factors that influence breast satisfaction across the lifespan. This study aimed to determine the impacts of age, body mass and breast size on breast satisfaction and how breast satisfaction impacts psychosocial and sexual well-being-related quality of life outcomes and physical activity behaviours.

Methods:

Three hundred and forty-five women (age range: 18.1–83.7 years) had their body mass (kg), standing height (cm) and breast volume (ml) measured. A 13-item questionnaire comprising the Breast-Q and Active Australia Survey was used to assess breast satisfaction, quality of life outcomes and participation in physical activity.

Results:

Breast satisfaction was influenced by breast size, such that women with larger breasts were less satisfied with their breasts compared to their counterparts with smaller breasts. Greater breast satisfaction was associated with improved psychosocial and sexual well-being-related measures of quality of life, and time spent participating in physical activity.

Conclusion:

Interventions to improve breast satisfaction among women across the breast size spectrum should be encouraged in public health initiatives to better engage and encourage positive health behaviours and reduce potential adverse health implications.
Resisting anti-democratic values with misogynistic abuse against a Chilean right-wing politician on Twitter: The #CamilaPeluche incident
Authors: Silva-Paredes Daniela , Ibarra Herrera Daniela
Published: July 2022

This paper explores abuse received by a Chilean right-wing female politician in tweets produced with the #CamilaPeluche hashtag, which aimed to shame her sexually. The data considers the period of 22 days since the creation and spread of the hashtag, which took place 5 days into the 2019 uprising in Chile. This paper follows a corpus-based critical discourse analysis that examines the most frequently used adjectives, that is, predication strategies, that characterise the politician, as well as their (de)legitimating function through the identification of van Leeuwen’s legitimation strategies. Results showed that what started as gendered aggression evolved towards a focus on social class and political stance due to the politician’s characteristics and those of the sociohistorical context where the aggressions originated. Furthermore, it was found that the politician’s anti-democratic values were used to justify abuse against her, presenting it as reasonable.
System resilience and neighbourhood action on social determinants of health inequalities: an English Case Study
Authors: Popay J , Kaloudis H , Heaton L , Barr B , Halliday E , Holt V , Khan K , Porroche-Escudero A , Ring A , Sadler G , Simpson G , Ward F , Wheeler P
Published: July 2022

Aims:

This article seeks to make the case for a new approach to understanding and nurturing resilience as a foundation for effective place-based co-produced local action on social and health inequalities.

Methods:

A narrative review of literature on community resilience from a public health perspective was conducted and a new concept of neighbourhood system resilience was developed. This then shaped the development of a practical programme of action research implemented in nine socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in North West England between 2014 and 2019. This Neighbourhood Resilience Programme (NRP) was evaluated using a mixed-method design comprising: (1) a longitudinal household survey, conducted in each of the Neighbourhoods For Learning (NFLs) and in nine comparator areas in two waves (2015/2016 and 2018/2019) and completed in each phase by approximately 3000 households; (2) reflexive journals kept by the academic team; and (3) semi-structured interviews on perceptions about the impacts of the programme with 41 participants in 2019.

Results:

A difference-in-difference analysis of household survey data showed a statistically significant increase of 7.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6 to 13.5) in the percentage of residents reporting that they felt able to influence local decision-making in the NFLs relative to the residents in comparator areas, but no effect attributable to the NRP in other evaluative measures. The analysis of participant interviews identified beneficial impacts of the NRP in five resilience domains: social connectivity, cultural coherence, local decision-making, economic activity, and the local environment.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the need for a shift away from interventions that seek solely to enhance the resilience of lay communities to interventions that recognise resilience as a whole systems phenomenon. Systemic approaches to resilience can provide the underpinning foundation for effective co-produced local action on social and health inequalities, but they require intensive relational work by all participating system players.
Quantitative assessment of the course of distal radioulnar joint instability
Authors: Yuine Hiroshi , Yoshii Yuichi , Miyata Kazuhiro , Shiraishi Hideki
Published: July 2022

Introduction

There is a lack of methods to objectively evaluate improvement in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability through treatment. We used ultrasonography to assess DRUJ instability and calculated the minimal detectable change (MDC) in healthy individuals. MDC was used to evaluate post-treatment changes in a patient with triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury.

Methods

DRUJ instability was evaluated using force-monitor ultrasonography in eight healthy male participants to determine MDC and in a man in his 60s who underwent surgery and rehabilitation for TFCC injury (Palmer classification: type 2C). In the patient, DRUJ instability was measured pre-operatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 1 year post-operatively. Self-reported hand and upper limb functional ability were also recorded. The transducer of the force-monitor ultrasonographic system was used to apply cyclic compressions to the wrists automatically and measure DRUJ displacements. The amount of displacement was calculated using the distance between the radius and ulna before and during cyclic compression to the wrists. The applied pressure was measured as the force to the wrist, and the displacement-to-force ratio was calculated.

Results

The 95% confidence MDC95 for radioulnar displacement, displacement force, and displacement-to-force ratio were 0.27–0.31 mm, 0.30–0.59 N, and 0.12–0.15 mm/N, respectively. The patient’s post-operative decrease in displacement exceeded the MDC95. DRUJ stability, pain, and use of the affected hand in daily life improved.

Discussion

Force-monitor ultrasonography can quantitatively evaluate post-treatment improvement in DRUJ stability over time. MDC for DRUJ instability can assess recovery after treatment or rehabilitation and determine changes resulting from interventions.
Complementary and alternative medicine for glycemic control of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: Setiyorini Erni , Qomaruddin Mochammad Bagus , Wibisono Sony , Juwariah Titik , Setyowati Anggi , Wulandari Ning Arti , Sari Yeni Kartika , Sari Levi Tina
Published: July 2022

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to conduct systematic review of any types of complementary and alternative medicine for glycemic control of diabetes mellitus. Four databases was used in this study, the CINAHL, PUBMED, SCOPUS, and ProQUEST. The systematic review were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. The keywords were used according to medical subject headings (MeSH) in this study were diabetes mellitus AND complementary and alternative medicine AND blood glucose levels or blood sugar or blood glucose. Articles were limited to 2015–2021 and only in English language. We obtained 231 articles from these databases: CINAHL six articles, PUBMED 85 articles, SCOPUS 66 articles, PROQUEST 74 articles. Then, the final results recorded 17 articles. The results of a systematic review showed the effectiveness of natural products as CAM for glycemic control of DM, namely Berberis aristata/ Silybum marianum, fenugreek seed, bitter melon, cinnamon or whortleberry supplements, a combination of herbal plants ( C. spinosa, R. canina, and S. securigera), Nigella sativa, Mulberry juice, chicory, chamomile tea, and bell pepper juice combined with an integrated approach of yoga therapy. Mind body practices such as auditory guided imagery (AGI), qigong and tai chi exercises, and relaxation. Whole system approach, such as acupressure. Health care providers consider CAM for DM management.
Ultrasound Assessment of Anterior Humeral Head Translation in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability: Correlation With Demographic, Radiographic, and Clinical Data
Authors: Inoue Jumpei , Takenaga Tetsuya , Tsuchiya Atsushi , Okubo Norio , Takeuchi Satoshi , Takaba Keishi , Nozaki Masahiro , Kobayashi Makoto , Fukushima Hiroaki , Kato Jiro , Murakami Hideki , Yoshida Masahito
Published: July 2022

Background:

Ultrasonography can be used to quantitatively assess anterior humeral head translation (AHHT) at different degrees of shoulder abduction. Risk factors for recurrent shoulder instability have been identified.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that the number of dislocations or glenoid or humeral bone loss would be associated with more AHHT as measured using ultrasound.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 39 patients who underwent surgery for anterior shoulder instability were prospectively studied. Ultrasound assessment of AHHT was performed immediately after general anesthesia was induced. The upper arm was placed at 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction, and a 40-N anterior force was applied to the proximal third of the arm. The distance from the posterior edge of the glenoid to that of the humeral head was measured at each abduction angle using ultrasound with and without a 40-N anterior force, and the AHHT was calculated. The differences in translation at each shoulder angle were compared. Additionally, the authors investigated the association between AHHT and demographic, radiographic, and clinical data.

Results:

Compared with the AHHT at 0° of abduction (5.29 mm), translation was significantly larger at 45° of abduction (8.90 mm; P < .01) and 90° of abduction (9.46 mm; P < .01). The mean translation was significantly larger in female patients than in male patients at all degrees of abduction ( P ≤ .036 for all). There was no correlation between AHHT at any abduction angle and number of dislocations, clinical data, or radiographic data (including bone loss).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound assessment of AHHT showed larger amounts of laxity at 45° and 90° than at 0° of abduction. Anterior glenohumeral laxity was greater in female than male patients. Glenoid or humeral bone loss did not correlate with AHHT, thereby clarifying that bone loss has no direct effect on measurements of capsular laxity in neutral rotation.
The 100 Most-Cited and Influential Articles in Collegiate Athletics
Authors: Jenkins Anna S. , Pollock Jordan R. , Moore M. Lane , Makovicka Justin L. , Brinkman Joseph C. , Chhabra Anikar
Published: July 2022

Background:

Bibliometric citation analyses have been widely used in medicine to help researchers gain foundational knowledge about a topic and identify subtopics of popular interest for further investigations. There is a lack of similar research in collegiate athletics.

Purpose:

To identify the 100 most-cited research publications related to collegiate athletics.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The Clarivate Analytics Web of Knowledge database was used to generate a list of articles relating to collegiate athletics on January 24, 2022. Articles were filtered by the total number of citations, and the 100 most-cited articles were selected. For each article, we identified and analyzed the following: author name, publication year, country of origin, journal name, article type, main research topic area, competitive level, sex of study population, and level of evidence.

Results:

Of the top 100 most-cited articles, 63 were related to medicine. In total, 96% of articles were published in the United States, and 80% were published in the year 2000 or later. Of the top 100 articles, 85 were observational; only 5 were experimental. The sport most represented was soccer, followed by football, baseball, and basketball. Of the top 100 articles, 21 were published in a single journal, the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Ten authors published ≥5 of the top 100 most-cited studies.

Conclusion:

The majority of top 100 articles were published in the United States after 1999 and primarily focused on medicine-related topics. Soccer was studied by more articles than football, baseball, and basketball. An author’s prestige may have influenced the likelihood of citation. The top 100 most-cited studies provide researchers, medical students, residents, and fellows with a foundational list of the most important and influential academic contributions to the literature on collegiate athletics.
Reducing Anxiety Through Workplace Communication During COVID-19: Who, What, When, and How
Authors: Kay Avi , Levine Livia , Shapiro Ephraim
Published: July 2022

Organizational communication is particularly important during times of uncertainty and turmoil, such as the first few weeks of COVID-19 in the United States. This paper explores the who, what, when, and how of organizational communication during this time, looking at how these factors affected satisfaction with communication and anxiety among a sample of working adults. Through path analysis the paper suggests that having the direct manager communicate, communicating personal messages of support, communicating daily, and communicating via text media are related to higher levels of satisfaction with communication, and in turn with lower levels of anxiety. Individual traits of the employee are also discussed, including the need for affiliation as a moderator on the relationship between communication satisfaction and anxiety. Finally, suggestions are presented regarding how organizations can best leverage communication in novel and uncertain situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Narrative Review With Relation to COVID-19
Authors: Kalra Ravi , Wasir Amanpreet Singh , Bhavsar Aadya Sachin , Singh Virendra Prasad , Padwal Meghana K
Published: July 2022

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a unique heart disease which mimics the clinical symptoms and features of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is seen more commonly in postmenopausal females. In this condition, abnormal electrocardiographic findings like ST-segment elevation/depression, T wave inversion, and an abnormal/absence of Q wave, along with echocardiographic disturbances like regional wall motion abnormalities and a sudden decrease in the ejection fraction are observed. However, coronary angiography shows no coronary artery obstruction. Interestingly, the left ventricle in TC develops a characteristic appearance similar to that of a “Tako-tsubo” (Japanese pot). Such peculiar observations become important when diagnosing TC in a clinical setting. TC is often caused by a catecholamine surge due to mass sympathetic activation usually preceded by an emotional/physical trigger, however the exact etiology and mechanism of pathophysiology still remain unclear. With growing awareness and prevalence of TC, it becomes crucial for clinicians to differentially diagnose TC from other heart conditions with the help of well-known diagnostic tools. Moreover, amidst the ongoing pandemic, the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19 may be accompanied with a catecholamine surge in the body, which in turn might increase the risk and incidence of TC in patients.
Improvising with digital touch
Authors: Rees Katherine
Published: July 2022

This research is concerned with the use of wearable technology in the process of improvising and how the partnership of the body and technology influences the kinaesthetic awareness of the dancer/choreographer. The project sought to produce a prototype that made touch contact with the skin via patterns of vibration effects. This was achieved by creating a circuit with a haptic motor controller, microprocessor, vibration motor and battery. Contained in two bracelets, the technology was used in a series of workshops enabling participants to explore passive digital touch as stimuli for creative movement. By implementing embodied methods to gather qualitative data, I was able to combine my own embodied participation with movement analysis (Laban Movement Analysis) and the participants’ perceptions of the experience. Codes identified from the transcribed interviews and fieldnotes were collated into a matrix with the movement analysis and then thematically analysed, revealing that the experience of repeated touch stimuli marked the continuum of consciousness and facilitated a reference point, creating a heightened awareness or foci for the moving body. I propose that this process disrupts the boundary of the body and plays a significant role in recalibrating the dancers’ kinaesthesia.
Low incidence of invasive fungal disease following CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Little Jessica S. , Aleissa Muneerah M. , Beluch Katherine , Gonzalez-Bocco Isabel H. , Marty Francisco M. , Manne-Goehler Jennifer , Koo Sophia , Hammond Sarah P. , Jacobson Caron A.
Published: July 2022

CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, although its use may be complicated by toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and infections. Invasive fungal disease (IFD) has been reported after CAR T-cell therapy, but the incidence in the absence of antifungal prophylaxis is unknown. Optimal prophylaxis strategies are widely debated. We performed a single-center retrospective study of 280 adults receiving CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from December 2017 through September 2021. Patients did not receive routine antiyeast or antimold prophylaxis. IFD was identified between day of cell infusion and last follow-up. Cumulative incidence functions were calculated at 100 days and 18 months based on time to IFD, using dates of IFD-free death, initiation of salvage treatment, and hematopoietic cell transplantation as competing risks. Eight patients (2.9%) developed IFD, including 3 Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 3 invasive mold infections (IMIs), and 2 invasive yeast infections (IYIs). The 100-day cumulative incidence of IFD accounting for competing risks was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8% to 4.4%). Among the 280 patients, early toxicities including CRS (85%) and ICANS (55%) and late toxicities after day 30 including grades 3 and 4 neutropenia (41%) and low CD4 T-cell count (20%) were common. IFD was rare among patients who received CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for NHL in the absence of routine antifungal prophylaxis, despite frequent toxicities. These results suggest that, in settings with low institutional rates of IFD, routine antifungal prophylaxis may not be indicated.
Extended-duration letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus infection after cord blood transplantation in adults
Authors: Politikos Ioannis , Lau Carmen , Devlin Sean M. , Quach Sean , Lin Andrew , Perales Miguel-Angel , Shah Gunjan L. , Seo Susan K. , Papanicolaou Genovefa A. , Barker Juliet N.
Published: July 2022

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) can be complicated by a high incidence of clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection (csCMVi). We have investigated the efficacy of extended letermovir prophylaxis in seropositive adult CBT recipients. The aim was to continue prophylaxis for ≥6 months (insurance permitting). By day 100, the incidence of csCMVi was 0% in 28 patients who received letermovir prophylaxis. Moreover, of 24 patients alive at day 100, none had csCMVi by day 180, having continued prophylaxis for all (n = 20) or part (n = 4) of that period. Overall, 20 patients stopped letermovir at a median of 354 days (range, 119-455 days) posttransplant, with only 5 requiring 1 (n = 4) or 2 (n = 1) courses of valganciclovir (median total duration, 58 days; range, 12-67 days) for postprophylaxis viremia, with no subsequent csCMVi. There were no toxicities attributable to letermovir. Of the 62 historic control subjects who received acyclovir only, 51 developed csCMVi (median onset, 34 days; range, 5-74 days), for a day 100 incidence of 82% (95% confidence interval, 73-92). Seven patients developed proven/probable CMV disease, and 6 died before day 100 (3 with proven/probable CMV pneumonia). Forty-five patients required extended therapy during the first 6 months for 1 (n = 10), 2 (n = 14), or 3/persistent (n = 21) csCMVi, with 43 (84%) of 51 developing significant treatment toxicities. Letermovir is a highly effective, well-tolerated prophylaxis that mitigates CMV infection, CMV-related mortality, and antiviral therapy toxicities in CBT recipients. Our data support prophylaxis duration of at least 6 months after CBT.
Analysis of Meridian Flow Direction by Electrical Stimulation Method
Authors: Liu Yan-Wen , Kuo Chuan-Wei , Chang Ting-Chang , Hung Yu-Chiang , Tan Yung-Fang , Wu Chia-Chuan , Lin Chien-Hung , Chen Wen-Chung , Hu Wen-Long , Tsai Tsung-Ming
Published: July 2022

Meridians constitute the theoretical foundation of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and they have been described for 2000 years. Classical TCM advocates for the directionality of meridians. Finding an accurate method to verify this directionality is an important goal of TCM doctors and researchers. In this study, we objectively explored the physical properties of meridians, such as response current from electrical stimulation, to explore their directionality. The Agilent B1500A semiconductor measurement analyzer was utilized to input the alternating current waveforms and detect the response current on the meridians. The results showed that the direction of the meridians influences the intensity of the response current. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the directions of ion transportation and the meridians were investigated using the response time and the intensity of the response current. Thereafter, we propose a model to explain this mechanism. Afterward, a comparison between the direction of the meridian in this experiment and ancient Chinese medicine classics was performed.
MetHoS: a platform for large-scale processing, storage and analysis of metabolomics data
Authors: Tzanakis Konstantinos , Nattkemper Tim W. , Niehaus Karsten , Albaum Stefan P.
Published: July 2022

Background

Modern mass spectrometry has revolutionized the detection and analysis of metabolites but likewise, let the data skyrocket with repositories for metabolomics data filling up with thousands of datasets. While there are many software tools for the analysis of individual experiments with a few to dozens of chromatograms, we see a demand for a contemporary software solution capable of processing and analyzing hundreds or even thousands of experiments in an integrative manner with standardized workflows.

Results

Here, we introduce MetHoS as an automated web-based software platform for the processing, storage and analysis of great amounts of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics data sets originating from different metabolomics studies. MetHoS is based on Big Data frameworks to enable parallel processing, distributed storage and distributed analysis of even larger data sets across clusters of computers in a highly scalable manner. It has been designed to allow the processing and analysis of any amount of experiments and samples in an integrative manner. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of MetHoS, thousands of experiments were downloaded from the MetaboLights database and used to perform a large-scale processing, storage and statistical analysis in a proof-of-concept study.

Conclusions

MetHoS is suitable for large-scale processing, storage and analysis of metabolomics data aiming at untargeted metabolomic analyses. It is freely available at: https://methos.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/. Users interested in analyzing their own data are encouraged to apply for an account.
Differences between the global transcriptomes of Salmonella enterica serovars Dublin and Cerro infecting bovine epithelial cells
Authors: Salaheen Serajus , Kim Seon Woo , Haley Bradd J. , Van Kessel Jo Ann S.
Published: July 2022

Background

The impact of S. enterica colonization in cattle is highly variable and often serovar-dependent. The aim of this study was to compare the global transcriptomes of highly pathogenic bovine-adapted S. enterica serovar Dublin and the less pathogenic, bovine-adapted, serovar Cerro during interactions with bovine epithelial cells, to identify genes that impact serovar-related outcomes of S. enterica infections in dairy animals.

Result

Bovine epithelial cells were infected with S. enterica strains from serovars Dublin and Cerro, and the bacterial RNA was extracted and sequenced. The total number of paired-end reads uniquely mapped to non-rRNA and non-tRNA genes in the reference genomes ranged between 12.1 M (Million) and 23.4 M (median: 15.7 M). In total, 360 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with at least two-fold differences in the transcript abundances between S. Dublin and S. Cerro (false discovery rate ≤ 5%). The highest number of DEGs (17.5%, 63 of 360 genes) between the two serovars were located on the genomic regions potentially associated with Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands (SPIs). DEGs potentially located in the SPI-regions that were upregulated (≥ 2-fold) in the S. Dublin compared with S. Cerro included: 37 SPI-1 genes encoding mostly Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) apparatus and effectors; all of the six SPI-4 genes encoding type I secretion apparatus (siiABCDEF); T3SS effectors and chaperone (sopB, pipB, and sigE) located in SPI-5; type VI secretion system associated protein coding genes (sciJKNOR) located in SPI-6; and T3SS effector sopF in SPI-11. Additional major functional categories of DEGs included transcription regulators (n = 25), amino acid transport and metabolism (n = 20), carbohydrate transport and metabolism (n = 20), energy production and metabolism (n = 19), cell membrane biogenesis (n = 18), and coenzyme transport and metabolism (n = 15). DEGs were further mapped to the metabolic pathways listed in the KEGG database; most genes of the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway were upregulated/uniquely present in the S. Dublin strains compared with the S. Cerro strains.

Conclusions

This study identified S. enterica genes that may be responsible for symptomatic or asymptomatic infection and colonization of two bovine-adapted serovars in cattle.
Heme is involved in the exogenous ALA-promoted growth and antioxidant defense system of cucumber seedlings under salt stress
Authors: Wu Yue , Li Jing , Wang Junwen , Dawuda Mohammed Mujitaba , Liao Weibiao , Meng Xin , Yuan Hong , Xie Jianming , Tang Zhongqi , Lyu Jian , Yu Jihua
Published: July 2022

A biosynthetic precursor of tetrapyrrol, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), is widely used in agricultural production, as an exogenous regulatory substance that effectively regulates plant growth. Previous studies have shown that heme and chlorophyll accumulate in plants under salt stress, when treated with exogenous ALA. In this study, we explored the regulatory role of heme in plants, by spraying 25 mg L–1 ALA onto the leaves of cucumber seedlings treated with heme synthesis inhibitor (2,2'-dipyridyl, DPD) and heme scavenger (hemopexin, Hx), under 50 mmol L–1 NaCl stress. The results showed that NaCl alone and DPD + Hx treatments to cucumber seedlings subjected to salt stress adversely affected their growth, by decreasing biomass accumulation, root activity, and root morphology. In addition, these treatments induced an increase in membrane lipid oxidation, as well as enhancement of anti-oxidase activities, proline content, and glutamate betaine. However, exogenous ALA application increased the plant growth and root architecture indices under NaCl stress, owing to a lack of heme in the seedlings. In addition, cucumber seedlings treated with DPD and Hx showed inhibition of growth under salt stress, but exogenous ALA effectively improved cucumber seedling growth as well as the physiological characteristics; moreover, the regulation of ALA in plants was weakened when heme synthesis was inhibited. Heme biosynthesis and metabolism genes, HEMH and HO1, which are involved in the ALA metabolic pathway, were upregulated under salinity conditions, when ferrochelatase activity was inhibited. Application of exogenous ALA increased the heme content in the leaves. Thus, exogenous ALA may supplement the substrates for heme synthesis. These results indicated that heme plays a vital role in the response of plants to salinity stress. In conclusion, heme is involved in ALA-mediated alleviation of damage caused to cucumber seedlings and acts as a positive regulator of plant adaption.
Maternal mortality in the Middle East and North Africa region – how could countries move towards obstetric transition stage 5?
Authors: Doraiswamy Sathyanarayanan , Cheema Sohaila , Maisonneuve Patrick , Jithesh Anupama , Mamtani Ravinder
Published: July 2022

Background

Maternal mortality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region decreased significantly between 1990 and 2017. This was uneven, however, with some countries faring much better than others.

Methods

We undertook a trend analysis of Maternal Mortality Ratios (MMRs) of countries in the region in order to understand differences in reduction across countries. Data were extracted from several databases for 23 countries and territories in the region on measures of women’s empowerment, availability of vehicles and human resources for health (as a proxy to the three delays model). We identified factors associated with MMR by grouping countries into five different Stages (I-V) of obstetric transition from high to low MMRs.

Results

Among the four Stage II countries, MMR is associated with “antenatal care coverage (% with at least one visit)” and “medical doctors per 10,000 population”. Among the eight Stage III countries, MMR is associated with “Gender Parity Index in primary and secondary level school enrolment” and with “nursing and midwifery personnel per 10,000 population”. Among the 10 countries and one territory in Stages IV and V, MMR is associated with “GDP per capita”, “nursing and midwifery personnel”, and “motor vehicle ownership/motorization rate”. Two factors were associated with changes in MMR from the period 2006–2010 to 2011–2015: 1) change in adolescent birth rate (r = 0.90,p = 0.005) and 2) Gender Parity Index in primary level school enrolment (r = − 0.51,p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Though impressive reductions in MMR have been achieved across countries in the MENA region since 1990, governments should realize that there exists an opportunity to learn from each other to bring MMRs as close to zero as possible. Immediate steps in the right direction would include investment in human resources for health, particularly nurses and midwives; measures to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health; and greater investments in achieving gender equity in education.