bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Civic Engagement and Its Disparate Goals in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Authors: Pickering Paula M.
Published: June 2022

Qualitative studies featuring in-depth research have recently pushed back against characterizations of citizens in post-conflict Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) as passive. After mobilizations in 2014, how do citizens in BiH engage in public action, and what factors explain their public participation? This article uses data from an original, nationally representative survey to depict civic engagement and investigate the proposition that citizens engage in civic action when these efforts address their primary concerns—everyday social problems, rather than abstract political ideals. In addition, this article draws on interviews to probe whether civic activists incorporate citizens’ priority concerns in developing strategies for increasing public participation in their work. It finds that most citizens cite their motivation for civic action as tackling concrete everyday problems and helping those in need. Statistical analysis indicates that while the segment of the population that supports civic engagement on conservative values is small, this portion is more likely than the larger portion supporting civic engagement on intractable socio-economic problems to take action. Interviews with civic activists point not only to their efforts to engage citizens by acknowledging their concerns but also to challenges in connecting with citizens. This systematic investigation depicts the nuances of and contradictions in citizen participation in BiH. Citizens engage at modest levels and are often motivated by the norm of helping those vulnerable and addressing everyday problems. However, the small segment of the population concerned about conservative values is more effectively mobilized than a large segment prioritizing socio-economic concerns.
Shrinking, Shifting, and Strengthening: The Dynamics and Diversity of Civic Activism in Poland
Authors: McMahon Patrice C. , Niparko Lukasz W.
Published: June 2022

Thirty years after communism’s demise, Polish civil society is, decidedly, self-sustaining, and wide-ranging, with activism focused on various issues, from the natural environment to education reform to reproductive rights. This paper uses data from interviews and a nationally representative survey to explore the evolution of activism in Poland and specifically the claim that Polish citizens are more likely to engage in civic action when these efforts concern everyday social problems, rather than abstract political ideals. We argue that since 2015, the Polish government is, indeed, attempting to direct civil society’s growth and development, thereby shrinking the space for activism, especially for liberal, progressive organizations. Yet, this is only a part of a more complex and interesting picture of activism that is also shifting, with individuals focusing on new issues and mobilization tactics, and strengthening through the creation of networks, and groups that work on different sectors but join forces. Thus, although some citizens are mobilizing around local, social concerns, intangible, political issues remain important, with Poles participating in activities online and in person to defend the rule of law and judicial freedom. Polish citizens are also regularly protesting limitations on reproductive rights and in support of gay rights. Thirty years of change and democracy in Poland have produced a dynamic and diverse civil society that is, simultaneously, shrinking, shifting, and strengthening.
Determination of Sexual Attitude, Sexual Self-Consciousness, and Sociocultural Status in Women With and Without Lifelong Vaginismus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Çankaya Seyhan , Aslantaş Beyza Nur
Published: June 2022

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction occurring in females presented as a contraction of the muscles around the vagina as a reflex, causing the failure of vaginal penetration. Although many psychological, social, and cultural factors that may cause vaginismus have been suggested, its underlying mechanisms are not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the sexual attitude, sexual self-awareness, and sociocultural status of women with and without lifelong vaginismus. This is a case-control study. A total of 148 women were included in the study: 74 women with a lifelong vaginismus diagnosis and 74 women without a history of vaginismus/painful sexual activity controls. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale, and the Hendrick Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale. Sexual shyness (OR = 0.854), sexual self-focus (OR = 0.888) and birth control (OR = 1.279), communion (OR = 1.198), and instrumentality (OR = 1.330; the sub-dimensions of the Sexual Attitude Scale) were associated with (χ2 = 96.130, p < .001) vaginismus at the rate of 63%. Those who did not receive sexual information; those who obtained information about sexuality from the social media; those who had negative thoughts about sexuality due to religious reasons; those who found the genitals and sexuality as disgusting; and those having more feelings of fear and pain are more likely to have vaginismus. Some socio-cultural factors may negatively affect women and cause vaginismus. Women with vaginismus had low sexual self-consciousness and negative attitudes toward sexuality. It may be incomplete to consider vaginismus only as a vaginal entry problem. Therefore, in the treatment of vaginismus, women’s sexual attitude, sexual self-awareness, and sociocultural factors should be evaluated in a holistic manner.
On Spencer’s displacement function approach for problems in second-order elasticity theory
Authors: Selvadurai APS
Published: June 2022

The paper describes the displacement function approach first proposed by AJM Spencer for the formulation and solution of problems in second-order elasticity theory. The displacement function approach for the second-order problem results in a single inhomogeneous partial differential equation of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is Stokes’ operator and [Formula: see text] depends only on the first-order or the classical elasticity solution. The second-order isotropic stress [Formula: see text] is governed by an inhomogeneous partial differential equation of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is Laplace’s operator and [Formula: see text] depends only on the first-order or classical elasticity solution. The introduction of the displacement function enables the evaluation of the second-order displacement field purely through its derivatives and avoids the introduction of arbitrary rigid body terms normally associated with formulations where the strains need to be integrated. In principle, the displacement function approach can be systematically applied to examine higher-order effects, but such formulations entail considerable algebraic manipulations, which can be facilitated through the use of computer-aided symbolic mathematical operations. The paper describes the advances that have been made in the application of Spencer’s fundamental contribution and applies it to the solution of Kelvin’s concentrated force, Love’s doublet, and Boussinesq’s problems in second-order elasticity theory.
Chinese Square-Dancing: A Description of Group Cultural Life
Authors: Yang Jun , Qin Tianli
Published: June 2022

In recent years, square-dancing has produced a widespread social influence in China and has led to the emergence of a new type of ‘cultural life’. This article focuses on the emergence and significance of Chinese square-dancing as group cultural life. Square-dancing is a kind of public fitness activity with both fitness and spirit-enriching functions. It is an important carrier of social communication. Individuals enter the square space through ‘guanxi (relationship and connections with others)-seeking’ and spontaneous interest. Through role stratification and interactions among small groups, ‘dance teachers’ – ‘backbone members’ – ‘ordinary members’ interactive circle community life is formed inside the square-dancing group. This group activity, on one hand, awakens the memory of the individual’s collective life and realizes the inheritance of the collective culture; on the other hand, it realizes the reconstruction of collective ritual through the form of group performance.
Return on Investment of Complaint Management: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Carlson Jamie , Sourdin Tania , Armstrong Christine , Watts Martin , Carlyle Tanya
Published: June 2022

This article presents a systematic literature review which synthesises current knowledge to advance a more sophisticated conceptual framework to measure the return on investment (ROI) in complaints management. Literature is examined from searches of ProQuest, EBSCO, Emerald Plus and Google Scholar to create a road map of extant knowledge published from 1987 to 2021 in marketing and consumer related fields. Five themes associated with ROI measurement research are identified across four time periods: Cost reduction, Organisational learning, Reputational effect, Current customer focus and Social benefits. Few studies develop a comprehensive conceptual framework for the calculation of the ROI. The current literature is then extended, with the development of a framework to assist complaint management researchers and practitioners to evaluate Customer Complaint Management practices. The framework also informs the necessary data collection. Finally, new research directions are outlined to guide scholarly enquiry.
Wrecked by Success? Not to Worry
Authors: Kell Harrison J. , McCabe Kira O. , Lubinski David , Benbow Camilla P.
Published: June 2022

We examined the wrecked-by-success hypothesis. Initially formalized by Sigmund Freud, this hypothesis has become pervasive throughout the humanities, popular press, and modern scientific literature. The hypothesis implies that truly outstanding occupational success often exacts a heavy toll on psychological, interpersonal, and physical well-being. Study 1 tested this hypothesis in three cohorts of 1,826 high-potential, intellectually gifted individuals. Participants with exceptionally successful careers were compared with those of their gender-equivalent intellectual peers with more typical careers on well-known measures of psychological well-being, flourishing, core self-evaluations, and medical maladies. Family relationships, comfort with aging, and life satisfaction were also assessed. Across all three cohorts, those deemed occupationally outstanding individuals were similar to or healthier than their intellectual peers across these metrics. Study 2 served as a constructive replication of Study 1 but used a different high-potential sample: 496 elite science/technology/engineering/mathematics (STEM) doctoral students identified in 1992 and longitudinally tracked for 25 years. Study 2 replicated the findings from Study 1 in all important respects. Both studies found that exceptionally successful careers were not associated with medical frailty, psychological maladjustment, and compromised interpersonal and family relationships; if anything, overall, people with exceptionally successful careers were medically and psychologically better off.
Improving Graduate-School Admissions by Expanding Rather Than Eliminating Predictors
Authors: Nye Christopher D. , Ryan Ann Marie
Published: June 2022

The article by Woo et al. (this issue) reviews the existing research on graduate-school admissions measures. The goal of this commentary is to expand on their review and suggest several ways of supplementing the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to both increase the predictive validity of admissions decisions and improve the diversity of a graduate program. We rely on several decades of research to suggest assessing both conscientiousness and vocational interests and combining the scores from these predictors with the GRE to inform admissions decisions. In addition, we also propose several ways of expanding recruitment efforts to attract qualified underrepresented minority applicants to improve the diversity of the applicant pool.
Effects of Landscape Types and Complexity Along Path on Mental Restoration
Authors: Zhao Jingwei , Wang, Master Xinxin
Published: June 2022

Aim:

This study checked the effects of landscape types and complexity along path in urban green spaces on perceived restorativeness, so as to provide guidance for path landscape design.

Background:

Paths in urban green spaces are not only the connections between places but also places for visitors reducing mental stress and seeking psychological well-being. However, there is a lack of evidence-based research on the effects of landscape composition along the path on restorative quality, failing to provide a cohesive guideline for practice.

Methods:

Fourteen videos representing the popular path landscapes in urban green spaces were produced using computer software by adding or/and deleting elements and controlling environmental components. The restorative quality of these videos was measured by Short-version Revised Restoration Scale (SRRS). Statistical analysis was employed to treat the data and checked the effects of different landscape types and complexity on restorative quality.

Results:

(1) A significant difference in restorative quality between 14 path landscapes was found, comparatively, the path containing lawn or(and) forest was much better than that containing bamboo and waterscape, and bamboo was a negative predictor of restorative quality; (2) waterscape generally reduced the restorative quality of vegetated path landscape, especially when the landscape possessed higher restorative quality; (3) path landscape complexity had a weak influence on restorative quality.

Conclusions:

This study explains how path landscapes affect mental restoration of users, and these findings contribute to enhancing the restorative quality of urban green spaces and have applications for path landscape design.
P(l)aying Attention: Wilding Correspondence as Methodological Possibility
Authors: Hofsess Brooke Anne , Rhoades Mindi
Published: June 2022

There is an overwhelming focus on scholarly agendas in the field of qualitative inquiry, yet what about scholarly attention? In responding to this question, the authors draw upon Ingold’s (2018) conceptualization of research as becoming “a practice of correspondence,” locating their methodological curiosity and wondering “in the world that affect proposed” (Stewart, 2017). Thinking with these questions and with theorists invited stories, stories invited photographs, photographs invited packages. Letters, poetic ruminations, artworks, time, and conversations unfurled—seeds opening and dissipating across currents of air. Sparked by various understandings of correspondence, the authors created degrees, conditions, and propositions for attending to how correspondence becomes with attention. The authors evoke the concept of p(l)aying—playing and paying attention as minor gestures that open potential for inquiry. Each variation sparked circuits of matter and mattering, as the authors attuned to the question, What might be learned from arts-based approaches to p(l)aying attention to scholarly attention?
Designing illustrative social media stories to promote adolescent peer support and healthy sexual behaviors
Authors: Chernick Lauren S , Konja Alexis , Gonzalez Ariana , Stockwell Melissa S , Ehrhardt Anke , Bakken Susanne , Westhoff Carolyn L , Dayan Peter S , Santelli John
Published: June 2022

Objective

Adolescent females in the United States continue to have unmet sexual and reproductive healthcare needs. Research shows that interventions incorporating peer support can augment perceived self-efficacy and reinforce healthy behaviors. Yet, few user-centered digital sexual health interventions incorporate peer support, and aim to change perceptions of peer norms and model social skills. The objective of this study was to design and demonstrate the receptivity of adolescent females to illustrated digital social media stories that promote healthy sexual behaviors and peer social support.

Methods

We conducted a three-phase study approved by our Institutional Review Board. In Phase 1, we presented sexually active adolescent female emergency department patients aged 14–19 with eight sexual health scenarios via a survey study. Participants wrote three text messages addressed to the protagonist of each scenario which motivated and encouraged her to consider the use of contraceptives. Messages were scored based on the construct of peer support (emotional, tangible, informational, and belonging). In Phase 2, we worked with a professional artist and screenwriter to design digital sexual health comics using the gathered messages. In Phase 3, we gathered feedback on the comics from adolescent female emergency department patients.

Results

Females ( n  =  22) provided 352 messages. Using top rated messages, we designed five digital visualizations in a running story called Mari tells it like it is. Each story incorporated 5–12 peer-authored quotes. We inserted the final images into Instagram®. Additional females ( n  =  39) found the images “relatable,” “super-realistic,” and “educational.”

Conclusion

Collecting peer-authored texts from our local adolescent community led to the creation of well-received sexual health visualizations. This novel method of design incorporated adolescent voices to promote peer support and healthy behaviors.
Varied Institutional Responses to COVID-19: An Investigation of U.S. Colleges’ and Universities’ Reopening Plans for Fall 2020
Authors: Blanco Tyler D. , Floyd Brian , Mitchell II Bruce E. , Hughes Rodney P.
Published: June 2022

The authors investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk factors, suitability of online instruction, politics, and institutions’ finances as rationales guiding instructional delivery decisions for fall 2020, after COVID-19’s emergence. Contributions include estimating multinomial logit regressions with mode of delivery as a categorical variable, integrating resource dependence and crisis response as theoretical frames, and introducing new predictor variables, including a measure of local residential access to broadband Internet. Findings suggest that county populations, local political preferences, and the percentage of revenue derived from auxiliary enterprises were consistent predictors of delivery mode. Political parties of an institution’s governor and congressional representative were predictive of delivery mode for institutions in the lowest tercile of endowment per student but not for institutions in the highest tercile. Bottom-tercile institutions substituted from online to in-person reopening as reliance on revenue from auxiliary enterprises increased, but top-tercile institutions appeared only to substitute from hybrid to in-person or from online to hybrid delivery as revenue from auxiliary enterprises or tuition and fees increased.
Management of Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma Using Acrylic Cap Splint Followed by Circummandibular Wiring: A Single Centric Study
Authors: Tandon Parul , Aurora Jitender Kumar , Kumar Vasundhara , Tiwari Shamita , Chauhan Himanshu , Saxena Mohit , Srivastava Amartya Prakash , Dubey Krishna Nand
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Facial fractures in children account for 15% of all facial fractures in the general population. Children are more likely to have mandibular fractures than midface fractures, with condylar fractures being the most prevalent, followed by parasymphysis, angle, and body fractures. The low prevalence of mandibular fractures in children can be linked to the safe environment they are provided with as well as their unique growing patterns. Pediatric patients present a unique challenge to maxillofacial surgeons in terms of their treatment planning and in their functional needs.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective analysis of pediatric patients with mandibular symphysis/parasymphysis/body fractures operated from January 2016 to October 2021 was performed. Clinical photographs and orthopantomogram assessment at the time of presentation, after treatment, and at 6 months postoperatively were evaluated.

Result:

All 17 patients were followed up until the period of 6 months, and none of them had any major complications. Postoperatively, there was satisfactory healing and union of fracture fragments in all the patients. Only 1 patient developed an infection in the submental region. In each case, the surgical splint was removed during 15 to 21 postoperative days. The 6-month follow-up showed good occlusion, without interference in teeth eruption, and no signs of temporomandibular joint problems.

Conclusions:

In our study, because of the sheer ease of fabrication, maintenance of periodontal tissue integrity, patient compliance, and convenience of measuring the occlusion following reduction, we chose an acrylic cap splint followed by circummandibular wiring.
Enhanced systemic antilymphoma immune response by photothermal therapy with CpG deoxynucleotide–coated nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Adam Yuh , Choi Bongseo , Sim Taehoon , Yang Eva , Choi Hyunjun , Behdad Amir , Kim Dong-Hyun , Gordon Leo I.
Published: June 2022

In preclinical studies, we investigated a novel mechanism of in situ vaccination in lymphoma. Radiation therapy (RT) can induce abscopal responses in lymphoma models, but this has not translated into clinical efficacy. We hypothesized that immune stimulation with cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG) deoxynucleotides could enhance abscopal effects induced by RT or photothermal therapy (PTT), which has been shown to have an immune stimulatory effect in solid tumors but has not been studied in lymphoma. We designed a branched gold nanoparticle (NP) platform to carry CpG deoxynucleotides while maintaining PTT function and compared the immunologic profile of the tumor microenvironment after PTT or RT in a dual-flank lymphoma model. One flank was treated with CpG deoxynucleotides with RT or PTT, and the other tumor was left untreated. We found that the CpG deoxynucleotide/PTT group had significant reduction in growth in both treated (primary) and untreated (secondary) tumors, suggesting an improved abscopal response, with a concomitant increase in CD8/CD4 and cytotoxic T-cell/regulatory T-cell ratios in both primary and secondary tumors compared with CpG deoxynucleotides/RT. Dendritic cells in primary and secondary draining lymph nodes had increased maturation markers in the CpG deoxynucleotide/PTT group, and the effector memory T cells (both CD4 and CD8) in the secondary tumor and spleen were increased, suggesting a systemic vaccination effect. These data suggest that in a lymphoma model, PTT using a CpG deoxynucleotide NP platform resulted in enhanced in situ vaccination and abscopal response compared with RT.
Synaptic Plasticity and Quantized Conductance States in TiN-Nanoparticles-Based Memristor for Neuromorphic System
Authors: Mahata Chandreswar , Ismail Muhammad , Kang Myounggon , Kim Sungjun
Published: June 2022

Controlled conductive filament formation in the resistive random access memory device is an essential requirement for analog resistive switching to develop artificial synapses. In this work, we have studied Au/Ti/HfAlOx/TiN-NP/HfAlOx/ITO RRAM device to demonstrate conductance quantization behavior to achieve the high-density memory application. Stepwise change in conductance under DC and pulse voltage confirms the quantized conductance states with integer and half-integer multiples of G0. Reactive TiN-NPs inside the switching layer helps to form and rupture the atomic scale conductive filaments due to enhancing the local electric field inside. Bipolar resistive switching characteristics at low SET/RESET voltage were obtained with memory window > 10 and stable endurance of 103 cycles. Short-term and long-term plasticities are successfully demonstrated by modulating the pre-spike number, magnitude, and frequency. The quantized conductance behavior with promising synaptic properties obtained in the experiments suggests HfAlOx/TiN-NP/HfAlOx switching layer is suitable for multilevel high-density storage RRAM devices.
UMGAP: the Unipept MetaGenomics Analysis Pipeline
Authors: Van der Jeugt Felix , Maertens Rien , Steyaert Aranka , Verschaffelt Pieter , De Tender Caroline , Dawyndt Peter , Mesuere Bart
Published: June 2022

Background

Shotgun metagenomics yields ever richer and larger data volumes on the complex communities living in diverse environments. Extracting deep insights from the raw reads heavily depends on the availability of fast, accurate and user-friendly biodiversity analysis tools.

Results

Because environmental samples may contain strains and species that are not covered in reference databases and because protein sequences are more conserved than the genes encoding them, we explore the alternative route of taxonomic profiling based on protein coding regions translated from the shotgun metagenomics reads, instead of directly processing the DNA reads. We therefore developed the Unipept MetaGenomics Analysis Pipeline (UMGAP), a highly versatile suite of open source tools that are implemented in Rust and support parallelization to achieve optimal performance. Six preconfigured pipelines with different performance trade-offs were carefully selected, and benchmarked against a selection of state-of-the-art shotgun metagenomics taxonomic profiling tools.

Conclusions

UMGAP’s protein space detour for taxonomic profiling makes it competitive with state-of-the-art shotgun metagenomics tools. Despite our design choices of an extra protein translation step, a broad spectrum index that can identify both archaea, bacteria, eukaryotes and viruses, and a highly configurable non-monolithic design, UMGAP achieves low runtime, manageable memory footprint and high accuracy. Its interactive visualizations allow for easy exploration and comparison of complex communities.
Optimizing use of U.S. Ex-PVP inbred lines for enhancing agronomic performance of tropical Striga resistant maize inbred lines
Authors: Maazou Abdoul-Raouf Sayadi , Gedil Melaku , Adetimirin Victor O. , Mengesha Wende , Meseka Silvestro , Ilesanmi Oluyinka , Agre Paterne A. , Menkir Abebe
Published: June 2022

Background

Temperate maize inbred lines with expired Plant Variety Protection Act certificates (Ex-PVP) are potential sources of desirable alleles for tropical germplasm improvement. Up to now, the usefulness of the Ex-PVP inbred lines as a potential source of novel beneficial alleles for Striga hermonthica resistance breeding to enhance genetic gain in tropical maize has not been reported.

Results

This study was thus conducted to characterize the combining ability of 24 Ex-PVP inbred lines in crosses with two tropical Striga resistant inbred testers under Striga-infested and non-infested conditions and across three locations for 2 years. Many testcrosses between Ex-PVP inbred lines and the first tester (T1) produced competitive or significantly higher grain yields compared to the hybrid between the two resistant testers under Striga infested and non-infested conditions and across multiple test locations. Also, most of the testcrosses with positive heterosis for grain yield and negative heterosis for Striga damage and emerged Striga count involved T1 as a tester. Our study identified six Ex-PVP inbred lines with positive GCA effects for grain yield under Striga infested and non-infested conditions and across multiple test locations. Amongst these, inbred lines HB8229-1 and WIL900-1 also displayed negative GCA effects for emerged Striga count and Striga damage rating. The inbred line HB8229-1 showed positive SCA effects for grain yield with T2, whereas WIL900-1 had positive SCA effects for grain yield with T1. Over 70% of the Ex-PVP inbred lines were consistently assigned to specific heterotic groups using yield-based classifying methods (mean grain yield and SCA effects).

Conclusions

These results could facilitate systematic introgression of the Ex-PVP inbred lines into the existing Striga resistant heterotic groups in IITA. The Ex-PVP inbred lines with positive GCA effects and producing high grain yields in hybrid combinations could be useful parents for enhancing Striga resistance and agronomic performance of tropical maize hybrids.
The molecular basis of brain injury in preterm infants with sepsis - associated encephalopathy
Authors: Gong Xiaohui , Weng Bowen , Zhang Xiaoyue , Yan Chongbing , Cai Cheng
Published: June 2022

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is characterized by brain dysfunction during sepsis, without central nervous system infection. Here, we explored the molecular basis of brain injury in preterm infants with SAE. From Jan 2016 to Dec 2019, a total of 20 preterm infants were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of our hospital, including 10 preterm infants with SAE (SAE group) and 10 preterm infants without encephalopathy after sepsis (no SAE group). Among the 20 premature infants, there were 12 males and 8 females, with mean gestational age 31.0 ± 2.46 weeks, 7 cases with birth weight ≤ 1500 g and 13 cases with birth weight 1500–2500 g. Blood cultures were negative in 6 cases and positive in 14 cases, including 10 cases of Gram-negative and 4 cases of Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Expression levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and MicroRNA (miRNA) were analyzed in peripheral blood samples from both groups during sepsis. There were 1858 upregulated and 2226 downregulated mRNAs [fold-change (FC) > |2|, p < 0.05], and 322 upregulated and 160 downregulated miRNAs (FC > |2|, p < 0.05), respectively, in the SAE group compared with the no SAE group. Expression levels of miRNA-1197 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.042 to 0.166] were 6.03-fold higher in the SAE group than the no SAE group, while those of miRNA-485-5p (95% CI, 0.064 to 0.024) were lower (0.31-fold). Both high expression of miRNA-1197 and low expression of miRNA-485-5p may be associated with pathogenic alteration of the oxidative respiratory chain and energy metabolism in preterm infants with SAE.
The use of mobile phone applications to enhance personal safety from interpersonal violence – an overview of available smartphone applications in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ford Kat , Bellis Mark A. , Judd Natasha , Griffith Nel , Hughes Karen
Published: June 2022

Background

Interpersonal violence has devastating implications for individuals, families, and communities across the globe, placing a significant burden on health, justice, and social welfare systems. Smartphone technology may provide a platform for violence prevention interventions. However, evidence on the availability and user experience of smartphone applications aimed to prevent violence is underexplored.

Methods

Systematic searches of available smartphone applications marketed for personal safety and violence prevention on the Apple Store (IOS) and Google Play (Android) in the United Kingdom were run in May 2021. Relevant applications were downloaded, with data on user reviews and ratings extracted. Included applications were categorised according to their features and functions. Online user reviews were rated according to their sentiment (positive, negative, neutral) and thematically analysed.

Results

Of 503 applications, 86 apps met review criteria. Only 52 (61%) apps offered full functionality free of charge. Over half (52%) of apps were targeted towards the general population, with 16% targeting women and 13% targeting families. App functionality varied with 22% providing an alarm, 71% sending alerts to pre-designated contacts, 34% providing evidence capture and 26% offering educational information. Overall, 71% of applications had a user rating of four or above. For 61 apps a total of 3,820 user reviews were extracted. Over half (52.4%) of reviews were rated as having a positive sentiment, with 8.8% neutral and 38.8% negative. Key themes across user reviews included positive consequences of app use, technical and usage issues including app reliability, dissatisfaction with the financial cost of some app features and personal data and ethical issues.

Conclusions

Reviews suggest that users find apps for personal safety and violence prevention useful. However, individuals also report them being unreliable, not working as described and having features that others may exploit. Findings have implications for the development of policy on apps to improve personal safety, especially given recent national policy (e.g. UK) discussions about their utility. Without the regulation or accreditation of such technology for quality assurance and reliability, emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring user safety; otherwise vulnerable individuals may continue to place reliance on untested technology in potentially dangerous circumstances.
Burden and pattern of acute diarrhea in Thai children under 5 years of age: a 5-year descriptive analysis based on Thailand National Health Coverage (NHC) data
Authors: Charoenwat Busara , Suwannaying Kunanya , Paibool Watuhatai , Laoaroon Napat , Sutra Sumitr , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai
Published: June 2022

Background

The incidence of acute diarrhea in Thai children under five years of age has increased over the last three decades. Even though mortality has significantly declined, the burden and cost of medical treatment are still high. Our objectives are to describe the burden and pattern of acute diarrhea cases that required admissions by Thai children under five years of age from 2015 to 2019.

Methods

Data regarding the admission of acute diarrhea cases of Thai children with Thailand National Health Coverage (NHC) under five years of age from 2015 to 2019, recorded as International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth Revision, Thai Modification (ICD-10-TM), were analyzed.

Results

The incidence trend of yearly acute diarrhea in children 0–5 years of age slightly increased from 33.36 cases per 1,000 population in 2010 to an average of 33.79 cases per 1,000 population/ year from 2015 to 2019 or approximately 0.43 cases per 1,000 population over the last decade while diarrhea-related mortality had a low, constant rate of 0.71 to 1.16 per 100,000 population per year. Two thirds of the mortality rate was observed in children under 1 year of age or 4.1 cases per 100,000 person-years in 5-year period (P < 0.01). The high cost of performing the medical treatment of approximately four hundred million baht per year. Seasonal variations demonstrated consistency with similar patterns during the cold and rainy seasons throughout the 5-year period. Regional distribution of the causative agent was also observed in Cholera, Typhoid, and Amoebiasis cases. A08: viral and other specified intestinal infections and A09: other gastroenteritis and colitis of infectious and unspecified origin were the two most common causes of diarrheal diseases.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of acute diarrhea in Thai children under five years of age was higher while the mortality rate of acute diarrhea was lower than those in the past decade. A similar seasonal outbreak of acute diarrhea was seen during each examined year. The causative agent was not significant and was mainly unspecific.

Trial registration

Number TCTR20220117002, date of registration: 17/01/2022, site: Thai Clinical Trials Registry, URL http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220117002
Immediate and six-week effects of wearing a knee sleeve following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on knee kinematics and kinetics: a cross-over laboratory and randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sole Gisela , Lamb Peter , Pataky Todd , Pathak Anupa , Klima Stefan , Navarre Pierre , Hammer Niels
Published: June 2022

Background

Elastic knee sleeves are often worn following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) but their effects on movement patterns are unclear.

Aim

To determine the immediate and six-week effects of wearing a knee sleeve on biomechanics of the knee during a step-down hop task.

Methods

Using a cross-over design, we estimated sagittal plane knee kinematics and kinetics and stance duration during a step-down hop for 31 participants (age 26.0 [SD 6.6] years, 15 women) after ACLR (median 16 months post-surgery) with and without wearing a knee sleeve. In a subsequent randomised clinical trial, participants in the ‘Sleeve Group’ (n = 9) then wore the sleeve for 6 weeks at least 1 h daily, while a ‘Control Group’ (n = 9) did not wear the sleeve. We used statistical parametric mapping to compare (1) knee flexion/extension angle and external flexion/extension moment trajectories between three conditions at baseline (uninjured side, unsleeved injured side and sleeved injured side); (2) within-participant changes for knee flexion angles and external flexion/extension moment trajectories from baseline to follow-up between groups. We compared discrete flexion angles and moments, and stance duration between conditions and between groups.

Results

Without sleeves, knee flexion was lower for the injured than the uninjured sides during mid-stance phase. When wearing the sleeve on the injured side, knee flexion increased during the loading phase of the stance phase. Discrete initial and peak knee flexion angles increased by (mean difference, 95% CIs) 2.7° (1.3, 4.1) and 3.0° (1.2, 4.9), respectively, when wearing the knee sleeve. Knee external flexion moments for the unsleeved injured sides were lower than the uninjured sides for 80% of stance phase, with no change when sleeved. The groups differenced for within-group changes in knee flexion trajectories at follow-up. Knee flexion angles increased for the Control group only. Stance duration decreased by 22% for the Sleeve group from baseline to follow-up (-89 ms; -153, -24) but not for the Controls.

Conclusions

Application of knee sleeves following ACLR is associated with improved knee flexion angles during hop landing training. Longer term (daily) knee sleeve application may help improve hop stance duration, potentially indicating improved hop performance.

Trial registration

The trial was prospectively registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12618001083280, 28/06/2018. ANZCTR
The role of routine laboratory tests after unilateral total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Li An-an , Zhang Yu , Zhang Hao , Yan Mei-ying , Xiao Shi-ning , Zhong Nan-shan , Long Xin-hua , Wang Shi-jiang , Zhou Yang
Published: June 2022

Background

Recent studies suggest that routine laboratory tests are not required within 1 day after partial knee arthroplasty. In this study, we evaluated the utility of routine postoperative laboratory tests after initial unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in an Asian population. In addition, we explored risk factors associated with abnormal test results.

Methods

Clinical data of patients who underwent original unilateral TKA between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and laboratory test results were recorded. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with 3 abnormal laboratory results.

Results

A total of 713 patients, who underwent relevant laboratory tests within 3 days of TKA surgery, were enrolled. Among them, 8.1%, 9.9%, and 3.4% patients with anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and abnormal serum potassium levels required clinical intervention after surgery. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin levels, estimated blood loss, and age were independent risk factors of postoperative blood transfusion in TKA patients. On the other hand, preoperative albumin levels, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time were risk factors associated with postoperative albumin supplementation. In addition, lower body mass index (BMI) and preoperative hypokalemia were potential risk factors of postoperative potassium supplementation.

Conclusion

Considering that more than 90% of abnormal postoperative laboratory tests do not require clinical intervention, we believe that routine laboratory tests after surgery have little significance in patients with primary unilateral TKA. However, postoperative laboratory testing is necessary for patients with established risk factors.
Patients’ and relatives’ perspectives on best possible care in the context of developing a multidisciplinary center for endometriosis and adenomyosis: findings from a national survey
Authors: Omtvedt Marianne , Bean Elisabeth , Hald Kirsten , Larby Elisabeth Raasholm , Majak Guri B. , Tellum Tina
Published: June 2022

Background

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are common benign conditions compromising both physical and psychological health, with a negative impact on quality of life. This survey aimed to establish what the users’ perspectives are on best possible care in the context of developing a multidisciplinary center for endometriosis and adenomyosis in Norway.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was developed in collaboration between the Norwegian Patient’s Endometriosis Society (NPES) and gynecologists with special interest in endometriosis and adenomyosis. The questionnaire was distributed digitally to the members of NPES in May 2021.

Results

938 participants answered the questionnaire. Better patient information, long term therapeutic plans and integration of their partners into their care were the main concerns. Multidisciplinary care was a key issue for the majority, with (n = 775) 89% stating a need for a consultation with a psychologist, (n = 744) 86% at least one consultation with a nutritionist, (n = 733) 85% a physiotherapist, and (n = 676) 78% needing a sex therapist and (n = 935) 99,7% consider research and (n = 934) 99,8% consider quality assurance initiated by the endometriosis center to be important. The qualitative analysis of free text answers revealed a great need for updated and easily accessible information, meeting competent health care professionals and being taken seriously/listened to.

Conclusions

This survey shows similar perceptions and a high level of agreement regarding their needs amongst people with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis. This survey supports recommendations by the experts that endometriosis/adenomyosis care should be centralized in specialized, multidisciplinary centers. The results of the present work will be valuable for the future planning and development of a multidisciplinary endometriosis center.
Biomimetic nanobubbles for triple-negative breast cancer targeted ultrasound molecular imaging
Authors: Jugniot Natacha , Massoud Tarik F. , Dahl Jeremy J. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy
Published: June 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous breast cancer subtype with poor prognosis. Although anatomical imaging figures prominently for breast lesion screening, TNBC is often misdiagnosed, thus hindering early medical care. Ultrasound (US) molecular imaging using nanobubbles (NBs) capable of targeting tumor cells holds great promise for improved diagnosis and therapy. However, the lack of conventional biomarkers in TNBC impairs the development of current targeted agents. Here, we exploited the homotypic recognition of cancer cells to synthesize the first NBs based on TNBC cancer cell membrane (i.e., NBCCM) as a targeted diagnostic agent. We developed a microfluidic technology to synthesize NBCCM based on the self-assembly property of cell membranes in aqueous solutions. In vitro, optimal NBCCM had a hydrodynamic diameter of 683 ± 162 nm, showed long-lasting US contrast enhancements and homotypic affinity. In vivo, we demonstrated that NBCCM showed increased extravasation and retention in a TNBC mouse model compared to non-targeted NBs by US molecular imaging. Peak intensities and areas under the curves from time-intensity plots showed a significantly enhanced signal from NBCCM compared to non-targeted NBs (2.1-fold, P = 0.004, and, 3.6-fold, P = 0.0009, respectively). Immunofluorescence analysis further validated the presence of NBCCM in the tumor microenvironment. Circumventing the challenge for universal cancer biomarker identification, our approach could enable TNBC targeting regardless of tumor tissue heterogeneity, thus improving diagnosis and potentially gene/drug targeted delivery. Ultimately, our approach could be used to image many cancer types using biomimetic NBs prepared from their respective cancer cell membranes.
Efficient synthesis of 1,3-naphtoxazine derivatives using reusable magnetic catalyst (GO-Fe3O4–Ti(IV)): anticonvulsant evaluation and computational studies
Authors: Khabnadideh Soghra , solhjoo Aida , Heidari Reza , Amiri Zirtol Leila , Sakhteman Amirhossein , Rezaei Zahra , Babaei Elaheh , Rahimi Samaneh , Emami Leila
Published: June 2022

A series of 2-aryl/alkyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines (S1–S11) were synthesized with an eco-friendly and recoverable nanocatalyst (GO-Fe3O4–Ti(IV)) as an efficient magnetic composite. The new nanocatalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD and, EDS analysis. A conformable procedure, easy to work up and having a short reaction time with high yields are some advantages of this method. The new catalyst is also thermal-stable, reusable and, environment-friendly. The chemical structures of the synthesized 1,3-oxazine compounds were confirmed by comparing their melting points with those reported in literature. Then, the anticonvulsant activity of these compounds was assessed by the intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazole test (ipPTZ). Compounds S10 and S11 displayed considerable activity against chemically-induced seizure tests. The molecular simulation was also done to achieve their binding affinities as γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABA‐A) receptor agonists as an assumptive mechanism of their anticonvulsant action. The result of molecular studies represented strongly matched with biological activity. Molecular docking simulation of the potent compound (S10) and diazepam as the positive control was performed and some critical residues like Thr262, Asn265, Met286, Phe289, and Val290 were identified. Based on the anticonvulsant results and also in silico ADME predictions, S11 can be to become a potential drug candidate as an anticonvulsant agent.
Looking into the world’s largest elephant population in search of ligninolytic microorganisms for biorefineries: a mini-review
Authors: Rammala Bame , Zhou Nerve
Published: June 2022

Gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of herbivores are lignin-rich environments with the potential to find ligninolytic microorganisms. The occurrence of the microorganisms in herbivore GIT is a well-documented mutualistic relationship where the former benefits from the provision of nutrients and the latter benefits from the microorganism-assisted digestion of their recalcitrant lignin diets. Elephants are one of the largest herbivores that rely on the microbial anaerobic fermentation of their bulky recalcitrant low-quality forage lignocellulosic diet given their inability to break down major components of plant cells. Tapping the potential of these mutualistic associations in the biggest population of elephants in the whole world found in Botswana is attractive in the valorisation of the bulky recalcitrant lignin waste stream generated from the pulp and paper, biofuel, and agro-industries. Despite the massive potential as a feedstock for industrial fermentations, few microorganisms have been commercialised. This review focuses on the potential of microbiota from the gastrointestinal tract and excreta of the worlds’ largest population of elephants of Botswana as a potential source of extremophilic ligninolytic microorganisms. The review further discusses the recalcitrance of lignin, achievements, limitations, and challenges with its biological depolymerisation. Methods of isolation of microorganisms from elephant dung and their improvement as industrial strains are further highlighted.