bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Sustained Remission Due to PD-1-Inhibition in a Metastatic Melanoma Patient With Depleted B Cells
Authors: Wulfken Lena Margarethe , Becker Jürgen Christian , Hayajneh Rami , Wagner Annette Doris , Schaper-Gerhardt Katrin , Flatt Nina , Grimmelmann Imke , Gutzmer Ralf
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Checkpoint-Inhibition (CPI) with PD-1- and PD-L1-inhibitors is a well-established therapy for advanced stage melanoma patients. CPI mainly acts via T-lymphocytes. However, recent literature suggests also a role for B cells modulating its efficacy and tolerability of CPI.

Case Report

We report a 48-year-old female patient with metastatic melanoma affecting brain, lung, skin and lymph nodes. A preexisting granulomatosis with polyangiitis was treated with rituximab over five years prior to the diagnosis of melanoma, resulting in a complete depletion of B cells both in peripheral blood as well as the tumor tissue. In the absence of the mutation of the proto-oncogene b-raf, treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab was initiated. This therapy was well tolerated and resulted in a deep partial response, which is ongoing for 14+ months. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed 15% IL-10 producing and 14% CD24 and CD38 double positive regulatory B cells.

Conclusion

The exceptional clinical response to nivolumab monotherapy in our patient with depleted B cells sheds a new light on the relevance of B cells in the modulation of immune responses to melanoma. Obviously, B cells were not required for the efficacy of CPI in our patient. Moreover, the depletion of regulatory B cells may have improved efficacy of CPI.
Integration of Transcriptomics and Proteomics Improves the Characterization of the Role of Mussel Gills in a Bacterial Waterborne Infection
Authors: Saco Amaro , Panebianco Antonella , Blanco Sofía , Novoa Beatriz , Diz Angel P. , Figueras Antonio
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the immune response of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) has been studied at the transcriptomic level against several bacterial infections. As a result, different immune mechanisms have been revealed, including both conserved essential innate pathways and particularities of the mussel immune response according to its nature and environment. However, there is often a lack of functional verification because mussels are a non-model species and because transcriptomic and proteomic information is not always well correlated. In the current study, a high-throughput quantitative proteomics study coupled to LC-MS/MS analysis using isobaric tandem mass tags (TMTs) for protein labeling was employed to study the mussel gill immune response to a Vibrio splendidus bath (waterborne) infection at a functional protein level. A total of 4,242 proteins were identified and quantified, of which 226 were differentially expressed (DEPs) after infection, giving to the study a depth that was lacking in previous proteomic studies of the bivalve immune response. Modulated proteins evidenced an important cytoskeletal disruption caused by bacterial infection. A conserved network of associated proteins was modulated, regulating oxidative stress and NF-kB inflammatory responses and leading to innate immunity effectors. Proteomic results were submitted to an integrated analysis with those obtained in a previous transcriptomic approach with the same infection. Half of all the quantified proteins had a concordant transcriptomic expression trend, but this concordance increased when focusing on the DEPs. The correlation was higher within the immune-related DEPs, and the activation of the conserved NF-kB pro-inflammatory pathway was the main response in both approaches. The results of both techniques could be integrated to obtain a more complete vision of the response.
Clinical Characteristics of Cancer Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Multicentric Study in 19 Hospitals Within Hubei, China
Authors: Guo Deliang , Wang Haitao , Zhu Qian , Yuan Yufeng
Published: October 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between prognosis of COVID-19 patients with and without cancer. Moreover, we compared the prognosis of cancer patients subjected to anti-tumor therapy with those who have not undergone anti-tumor therapy in the past 6 months.

Methods and Results: A total of 7,926 adult patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively enrolled in Hubei Province,China between December 31, 2019 and February 20, 2020. Two hundred and seventy seven cancer patients (cancer group, median age 64 [IQR 56–70] years; 50.90% male) and 7,649 non-cancer patients were identified (non-cancer group, median age 55 [IQR 42–64] years; 48.19% male). The mortality rate was lower in the non-cancer group compared to the cancer group (4.50 vs. 9.03%; P < 0.001). The duration between onset and admission shorter in the cancer group (Days, 9 [IQR 5–18]) compared to the non-cancer group (Days, 10; [IQR 6–19]; P = 0.036). ICU occupancy was higher in the cancer group (n[%], 30[10.83%]) than in the non-cancer group (n[%], 314[4.11%]). In reviewing the anti-tumor therapy, data from 277 selected cancer patients were obtained out of which 74 patients had undergone anti-tumor therapy (mean age 65 [IQR 51–67] years; 45.95% male), 203 had not undergone anti-tumor therapy (non-anti-tumor therapy group, mean age 63 [IQR 53–75] years; 49.75% male) in the past 6 months. The mortality rate for the anti-tumor therapy group and the non-anti-tumor therapy group was similar (9.46 vs. 8.87%; P = 0.879).

Conclusion: The mortality rate was higher in COVID-19 patients with cancer compared to those without cancer. Moreover, anti-tumor therapy in the past 6 months did not worsen the prognosis of cancer patients with COVID-19.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cardiovascular Risk: Retrospective Matched-Cohort Analysis Based on the RECORD Study of the Italian Society for Rheumatology
Authors: Argnani Lisa , Zanetti Anna , Carrara Greta , Silvagni Ettore , Guerrini Giulio , Zambon Antonella , Scirè Carlo Alberto
Published: October 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular (CV) risk. This issue maybe not only explained by a genetic component, as well as by the traditional CV risk factors, but also by an underestimation and undertreatment of concomitant CV comorbidities.

Method: This was a retrospective matched-cohort analysis in the Italian RA real-world population based on the healthcare-administrative databases to assess the CV risk factors and incidence of CV events in comparison with the general population. Persistence and adherence to the CV therapy were also evaluated in both groups.

Results: In a RA cohort (N = 21,201), there was a greater prevalence of hypertension and diabetes with respect to the non-RA subjects (N = 249,156) (36.9 vs. 33.4% and 10.2 vs. 9.6%, respectively), while dyslipidemia was more frequent in the non-RA group (15.4 vs. 16.5%). Compared with a non-RA cohort, the patients with RA had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (incidence rate ratio, IRR 1.28), heart failure (IRR 1.53), stroke (IRR 1.19), and myocardial infarction (IRR 1.48). The patients with RA presented a significantly lower persistence rate to glucose-lowering and lipid-lowering therapies than the controls (odds ratio, OR 0.73 [95% CI 0.6–0.8] and OR 0.82 [0.8–0.9], respectively). The difference in the adherence to glucose-lowering therapy was significant (OR 0.7 [0.6–0.8]), conversely no statistically significant differences emerged regarding the adherence to lipid-lowering therapy (OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.8–1.0]) and anti-hypertensive therapy (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.9–1.0]).

Conclusion: The patients with RA have a higher risk of developing CV events compared with the general population, partially explained by the excess and undertreatment of CV risk factors.
FliW and CsrA Govern Flagellin (FliC) Synthesis and Play Pleiotropic Roles in Virulence and Physiology of Clostridioides difficile R20291
Authors: Zhu Duolong , Wang Shaohui , Sun Xingmin
Published: October 2021

Clostridioides difficile flagellin FliC is associated with toxin gene expression, bacterial colonization, and virulence, and is also involved in pleiotropic gene regulation during in vivo infection. However, how fliC expression is regulated in C. difficile remains unclear. In Bacillus subtilis, flagellin homeostasis and motility are coregulated by flagellar assembly factor (FliW), flagellin Hag (FliC homolog), and Carbon storage regulator A (CsrA), which is referred to as partner-switching mechanism “FliW-CsrA-Hag.” In this study, we characterized FliW and CsrA functions by deleting or overexpressing fliW, csrA, and fliW-csrA in C. difficile R20291. We showed that fliW deletion, csrA overexpression in R20291, and csrA complementation in R20291ΔWA (fliW-csrA codeletion mutant) dramatically decreased FliC production, but not fliC gene transcription. Suppression of fliC translation by csrA overexpression can be relieved mostly when fliW was coexpressed, and no significant difference in FliC production was detected when only fliW was complemented in R20291ΔWA. Further, loss of fliW led to increased biofilm formation, cell adhesion, toxin production, and pathogenicity in a mouse model of C. difficile infection (CDI), while fliW-csrA codeletion decreased toxin production and mortality in vivo. Our data suggest that CsrA negatively modulates fliC expression and FliW indirectly affects fliC expression through inhibition of CsrA post-transcriptional regulation. In light of “FliW-CsrA-Hag” switch coregulation mechanism reported in B. subtilis, our data also suggest that “FliW-CsrA-fliC/FliC” can regulate many facets of C. difficile R20291 pathogenicity. These findings further aid us in understanding the virulence regulation in C. difficile.
Ovarian Tumor Domain-Containing Proteases-Deubiquitylation Enzyme Gene SsCI33130 Involved in the Regulation of Mating/Filamentation and Pathogenicity in Sporisorium scitamineum
Authors: Li Huizhong , Cai Yichang , Deng Quanqing , Bao Han , Chen Jianwen , Shen Wankuan
Published: October 2021

Sugarcane is an important sugar crop. Sugarcane smut, caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, is a worldwide sugarcane disease with serious economic losses and lack of effective control measures. Revealing the molecular pathogenesis of S. scitamineum is very helpful to the development of effective prevention and control technology. Deubiquitinase removes ubiquitin molecules from their binding substrates and participates in a variety of physiological activities in eukaryotes. Based on the transcriptome sequencing data of two isolates (Ss16 and Ss47) of S. scitamineum with different pathogenicities, SsCI33130, a gene encoding an OTU1-deubiquitin enzyme, was identified. The positive knockout mutants and complementary mutants of the SsCI33130 gene were successfully obtained through polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation technology. In order to study the possible function of this gene in pathogenicity, phenotypic comparison of the growth, morphology, abiotic stress, sexual mating, pathogenicity, and gene expression levels of the knockout mutants, complementary mutants, and their wild type strains were conducted. The results demonstrated that the gene had almost no effect on abiotic stress, cell wall integrity, growth, and morphology, but was related to the sexual mating and pathogenicity of S. scitamineum. The sexual mating ability and pathogenicity between the knockout mutants or between the knockout mutant and wild type were more significantly reduced than between the wild types, the complementary mutants, or the wild types and complementary mutants. The sexual mating between the knockout mutants or between the knockout mutant and wild type could be restored by the exogenous addition of small-molecule signaling substances such as 5 mM cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or 0.02 mM tryptophol. In addition, during sexual mating, the expression levels of tryptophol and cAMP synthesis-related genes in the knockout mutant combinations were significantly lower than those in the wild type combinations, while the expression levels in the complementary mutant combinations were restored to the level of the wild type. It is speculated that the SsCI33130 gene may be involved in the development of sexual mating and pathogenicity in S. scitamineum by regulating the synthesis of the small-molecule signaling substances (cAMP or tryptophol) required during the sexual mating of S. scitamineum, thereby providing a molecular basis for the study of the pathogenic mechanisms of S. scitamineum.
Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Were Five Times More Likely to Suffer From Total Sleep Deprivation Compared to Non-COVID-19 Patients; an Observational Comparative Study
Authors: van den Ende Eva S. , van Veldhuizen Kim D. I. , Toussaint Belle , Merten Hanneke , van de Ven Peter M. , Kok Natasja A. , Nanayakkara Prabath W. B.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Sleeping disorders are a common complaint in patients who suffer from an acute COVID-19 infection. Nonetheless, little is known about the severity of sleep disturbances in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and whether these are caused by disease related symptoms, hospitalization, or the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the quality and quantity of sleep in hospitalized patients with and without COVID-19, and to determine the main reasons for sleep disruption.

Methods: This was an observational comparative study conducted between October 1, 2020 and February 1, 2021 at the pulmonary ward of an academic hospital in the Netherlands. This ward contained both COVID-19-positive and -negative tested patients. The sleep quality was assessed using the PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance Short Form and sleep quantity using the Consensus Sleep Diary. Patient-reported sleep disturbing factors were summarized.

Results: A total of 79 COVID-19 patients (mean age 63.0, male 59.5%) and 50 non-COVID-19 patients (mean age 59.5, male 54.0%) participated in this study. A significantly larger proportion of patients with COVID-19 reported not to have slept at all (19% vs. 4% of non-COVID-19 patients, p = 0.011). The Sleep quality (PROMIS total score) and quantity (Total Sleep Time) did not significantly differ between both groups ((median PROMIS total score COVID-19; 26 [IQR 17-35], non-COVID-19; 23 [IQR 18-29], p = 0.104), (Mean Total Sleep Time COVID-19; 5 h 5 min, non-COVID-19 mean; 5 h 32 min, p = 0.405)). The most frequently reported disturbing factors by COVID-19 patients were; ‘dyspnea’, ‘concerns about the disease’, ‘anxiety’ and ‘noises of other patients, medical staff and medical devices’.

Conclusion: This study showed that both patients with and without an acute COVID-19 infection experienced poor quality and quantity of sleep at the hospital. Although the mean scores did not significantly differ between groups, total sleep deprivation was reported five times more often by COVID-19 patients. With one in five COVID-19 patients reporting a complete absence of night sleep, poor sleep seems to be a serious problem. Sleep improving interventions should focus on physical and psychological comfort and noise reduction in the hospital environment.
Combined Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation and Physiotherapy on Reducing Pain Among Adult Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Quasi-Experimental Clinical Trial
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Uddin Zakir , Hossain Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Background: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and vitamin D insufficiency is high. Past research indicating vitamin D supplementation and physiotherapy are useful for the treatment of MSDs. However, to the best of our knowledge, the combined benefits of vitamin D and physiotherapy are not yet evaluated in MSD. We hypothesized that combined intervention of vitamin D supplementation and physiotherapy would be more effective in relieving the pain of MSD compared to only physiotherapy intervention.

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether combined effect of vitamin D supplementation and physiotherapy was better than physiotherapy alone in reducing pain-related outcomes (e.g., pain severity, affective interference, and physical interference) in patients with MSD.

Methods: A quasi-clinical experiment was conducted between May 2020 and April 2021. Vitamin D level in the blood was measured at the start of the study. Patients with vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL were assigned to the combined physiotherapy and vitamin D group. The physiotherapy group consisted of the patients with vitamin D levels more than 20 ng/mL. The Brief Pain Inventory scale was utilized to measure pain at baseline and after 12 weeks of interventions. We used the paired t-tests for unadjusted analysis. Further, a linear regression model was used to identify the combined effect of physiotherapy and vitamin D on reducing pain scores after adjusting potential confounders.

Results: Combined intervention of vitamin D and physiotherapy showed significantly better results than only physiotherapy intervention in the reduction of three pain-related outcomes (p < 0.001). The multivariable analysis indicated that the combination of physiotherapy and vitamin D treatment reduced pain score by 1.126 (slope = −1.126, p = 0.035) compared to physiotherapy alone.

Conclusion: Combined intervention (vitamin D with physiotherapy) had a better pain-relieving effect than physiotherapy alone. To confirm these findings, more research is needed with randomized control trials.

Clinical Trial Registration: [http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/advancesearchmain.php], identifier [CTRI/2020/04/024845].
Metformin Use and Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Following a Mediterranean Diet Intervention
Authors: Soldevila-Domenech Natalia , Cuenca-Royo Aida , Babio Nancy , Forcano Laura , Nishi Stephanie , Vintró-Alcaraz Cristina , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Fernández-Carrión Rebeca , Gomis-González Maria , Alvarez-Sala Andrea , Carlos Silvia , Pintó Xavier , Corella Dolores , Díez-Espino Javier , Castañer Olga , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , de la Torre Rafael
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose: Both adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the use of metformin could benefit the cognitive performance of individuals with type 2 diabetes, but evidence is still controversial. We examined the association between metformin use and cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes following a MedDiet intervention.

Methods: Prospective cohort study framed in the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition sub-study. The PREDIMED-Plus clinical trial aims to compare the cardiovascular effect of two MedDiet interventions, with and without energy restriction, in individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. The present sub-study included 487 cognitively normal subjects (50.5% women, mean ± SD age of 65.2 ± 4.7 years), 30.4% of them (N = 148) with type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests was administered at baseline and after 1 and 3 years. Individuals with type 2 diabetes that exhibited a good glycemic control trajectory, either using or not using metformin, were compared to one another and to individuals without diabetes using mixed-effects models with inverse probability of treatment weights.

Results: Most subjects with type 2 diabetes (83.1%) presented a good and stable glycemic control trajectory. Before engaging in the MedDiet intervention, subjects using metformin scored higher in executive functions (Cohen's d = 0.51), memory (Cohen's d = 0.38) and global cognition (Cohen's d = 0.48) than those not using metformin. However, these differences were not sustained during the 3 years of follow-up, as individuals not using metformin experienced greater improvements in memory (β = 0.38 vs. β = 0.10, P = 0.036), executive functions (β = 0.36 vs. β = 0.02, P = 0.005) and global cognition (β = 0.29 vs. β = −0.02, P = 0.001) that combined with a higher MedDiet adherence (12.6 vs. 11.5 points, P = 0.031). Finally, subjects without diabetes presented greater improvements in memory than subjects with diabetes irrespective of their exposure to metformin (β = 0.55 vs. β = 0.10, P < 0.001). However, subjects with diabetes not using metformin, compared to subjects without diabetes, presented greater improvements in executive functions (β = 0.33 vs. β = 0.08, P = 0.032) and displayed a higher MedDiet adherence (12.6 points vs. 11.6 points, P = 0.046).

Conclusions: Although both metformin and MedDiet interventions are good candidates for future cognitive decline preventive studies, a higher adherence to the MedDiet could even outweigh the potential neuroprotective effects of metformin in subjects with diabetes.
The Association of Body Image Self-Discrepancy With Female Gender, Calorie-Restricted Diet, and Psychological Symptoms Among Healthy Junior High School Students in Japan
Authors: Nomura Kyoko , Itakura Yuki , Minamizono Sachiko , Okayama Kazuyo , Suzuki Yumiko , Takemi Yukari , Nakanishi Akemi , Eto Kumi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kawata Yuki , Asakura Hitomi , Matsuda Yorika , Kaibara Naoko , Hamanaka Sakiko , Kodama Hiroko
Published: October 2021

Background: Body image self-discrepancy reflects a preference for weight loss regardless of normal body size and is a distorted cognition that may be a precursor to eating disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with body image self-discrepancy among healthy junior high school students in Japan.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at one junior high school in Saitama, Japan, in December 2016. After excluding obese participants (defined as 20% above their ideal weight), 304 students (mean age, 13.9years; n=181 girls, 59.5%) who fell into underweight (n=22, 7.2%) and normal weight categories were selected. Body image self-discrepancy was measured using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale which includes eight separate figures representing body sizes. We then calculated the difference by subtracting ideal from current body sizes and defined body image self-discrepancy if the difference >1.

Results: Girls constituted 92% (n=49) of the 53 students with body image self-discrepancy. In all students, multivariable stepwise models demonstrated that female gender (OR, 6.92, 95% CI: 2.33–20.51), a calorie-restricted diet (OR, 5.18, 95% CI: 2.22–12.05), and psychological symptoms (OR, 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15–1.87) were significantly associated with an increased risk of body image self-discrepancy. Specifically for girls, an increased risk of body image self-discrepancy was associated with calorie-restricted suppers and psychological symptoms.

Conclusion: Body image self-discrepancy among healthy adolescents in Japan was found to be closely linked to being a girl, having a calorie-restricted diet, and having psychological symptoms.
Snitches Get Stitches and End Up in Ditches: A Systematic Review of the Factors Associated With Whistleblowing Intentions
Authors: Nicholls Adam R. , Fairs Lucas R. W. , Toner John , Jones Luke , Mantis Constantine , Barkoukis Vassilis , Perry John L. , Micle Andrei V. , Theodorou Nikolaos C. , Shakhverdieva Sabina , Stoicescu Marius , Vesic Milica V. , Dikic Nenad , Andjelkovic Marija , Grimau Elena García , Amigo Javier A. , Schomöller Anne
Published: October 2021

Blowing the whistle on corruption or wrongdoing can facilitate the detection, investigation, and then prosecution of a violation that may have otherwise gone undetected. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the factors that are associated with intentions to blow the whistle on wrongdoing. We searched Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, Education Research Complete, ERIC, Medline, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Regional Business News, and SPORTDiscus in January 2020. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Of the 9,136 records identified, 217 studies were included in this systematic review. We identified 8 dimensions, 26 higher-order themes, and 119 lower-order themes. The whistleblowing dimensions were personal factors, organizational factors, cost and benefits, outcome expectancies, the offense, reporting, the wrongdoer, and social factors. Based on the findings, it is apparent that organizations should empower, educate, protect, support, and reward those who blow the whistle, in order to increase the likelihood on individuals blowing the whistle on corruption and wrongdoing. A combined approach may increase whistleblowing intentions, although research is required to test this assertion. From a policy perspective, more consistent protection is required across different countries.
Brain Injury and Mental Health Among the Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Case-Series Exploratory Study
Authors: Karakurt Gunnur , Whiting Kathleen , Jones Stephen E. , Lowe Mark J. , Rao Stephen M.
Published: October 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors frequently report face, head, and neck as their injury site. Many mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are undiagnosed or underreported among IPV survivors while these injuries may be linked to changes in brain function or pathology. TBI sustained due to IPV often occurs over time and ranges in severity. The aim of this case-series study was to explore risk factors, symptoms, and brain changes unique to survivors of intimate partner violence with suspicion of TBI. This case-series exploratory study examines the potential relationships among IPV, mental health issues, and TBI. Participants of this study included six women: 3 women with a history of IPV without any experience of concussive blunt force to the head, and 3 women with a history of IPV with concussive head trauma. Participants completed 7T MRI of the brain, self-report psychological questionnaires regarding their mental health, relationships, and IPV, and the Structured Clinical Interview. MRI scans were analyzed for cerebral hemorrhage, white matter disturbance, and cortical thinning. Results indicated significant differences in resting-state connectivity among survivors of partner violence as well as differences in relationship dynamics and mental health symptoms. White matter hyperintensities are also observed among the survivors. Developing guidelines and recommendations for TBI-risk screening, referrals, and appropriate service provision is crucial for the effective treatment of TBI-associated IPV. Early and accurate characterization of TBI in survivors of IPV may relieve certain neuropsychological consequences.
Comparing the Psychometric Properties of Two Japanese-Translated Scales of the Free Will and Determinism-Plus Scale
Authors: Goto Takayuki
Published: October 2021

The free will and determinism-plus scale (FAD-Plus) is one of the most widely used scales to assess the lay belief of people in the existence of free will and deterministic world views. Past research has translated FAD-Plus into various languages for non-English speaking populations, and there exist two Japanese translations of FAD-Plus: the FAD+ and the FAD-J. This study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of FAD+ and FAD-J. Results revealed that while both FAD+ and FAD-J consist of the same four subscales as the original FAD-Plus, some differences exist in the item-level psychometric characteristics. In general, as for the construct validity, although results supported that both scales can assess almost the same construct in terms of the functionalities, FAD-J tends to be slightly more likely to replicate the correlations obtained in the previous research.
Access to Nature via Virtual Reality: A Mini-Review
Authors: Li Hansen , Zhang Xing , Wang Hongying , Yang Zongqian , Liu Haowei , Cao Yang , Zhang Guodong
Published: October 2021

Nature exposure is known to promote physical and mental health. However, actual nature exposure may be difficult to achieve for the population of people with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Therefore, many attempts have been made to duplicate nature exposure via media devices, and virtual reality (VR) is deemed as a promising technology due to its advantage in creating a sense of immersion. Generally, current studies suggest that being exposed to virtual nature may contribute to psychological and physiological relaxation. Besides, some pieces of evidence indicate that virtual nature may improve attentional resources, cognitive performance, and pain experience. Although VR is deemed as an advanced media, insufficient evidence was found concerning the advantages of VR over traditional two-dimensional media when it comes to simulated nature exposure. On the other hand, computer-generated (CG) scenarios were found to be more beneficial than 360° videos, and mini-games may be useful in creating an interactive VR format for simulated nature exposure. Further research is needed because of the limited relevant studies.
Support Methodologies for African American Women With Lupus – Comparing Three Methods’ Effects on Patient Activation and Coping
Authors: White Ashley , Faith Trevor D. , Ba Aissatou , Loftley Aundrea , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Johnson Hetlena , Rose Jillian , Dismuke-Greer Clara L. , Oates Jim C. , Egede Leonard E. , Williams Edith M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. While pharmaceutical therapies are an important part of disease management, behavioral interventions have been implemented to increase patients’ disease self-management skills, provide social support, and encourage patients to take a more active role in their care.

Methods: Three interventions are considered in this study; peer-to-peer methodology, patient support group, and a patient navigator program that were implemented among largely African American women with SLE at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Outcomes of interest were patient activation and lupus self-efficacy. We used a Least Squares Means model to analyze change in total patient activation and lupus self-efficacy independently in each cohort. We adjusted for demographic variables of age, education, income, employment, and insurance.

Results: In both unadjusted and adjusted models for patient activation, there were no statistically significant differences among the three intervention methodologies when comparing changes from baseline to post intervention. Differences in total coping score from baseline to post intervention in the patient navigator group (−101.23, p-value 0.04) and differences in scores comparing the patient navigator with the support group were statistically significant (116.96, p-value 0.038). However, only the difference in total coping from baseline to post intervention for the patient navigator program remained statistically significant (−98.78, p-value 0.04) in the adjusted model.

Conclusion: Tailored interventions are a critical pathway toward improving disease self-management among SLE patients. Interventions should consider including patient navigation because this method was shown to be superior in improving self-efficacy (coping scores).
Canadian Resources for Siblings of Youth With Chronic Health Conditions to Inform and Support With Healthcare Management: A Qualitative Document Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Davis Hanae , Bellefeuille Samantha , Havens Jessica , Jack Susan M. , Di Rezze Briano , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Gorter Jan Willem
Published: October 2021

Background: As children and adolescents with a chronic health condition (CHC) age and transition to adulthood, many will increasingly assume responsibilities for the management of their healthcare. For individuals with CHCs, family members including siblings often provide significant and varied supports. There are a range of resources in Canada to support siblings of individuals with a CHC, but these resources are not synthesized and the extent to which they relate to healthcare management remains unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this document review was to identify, describe, and synthesize the types of resources currently available to provide general information and healthcare management information about how siblings can provide support to individuals with CHCs in Canada.

Methods: Print and electronic resources were systematically identified and retrieved from the websites of organizations, treatment centers, and children's hospitals that are part of Children's Healthcare Canada. Each unique resource was treated as a text document. Documents that met the following inclusion criteria were included: addressed the topic of siblings of individuals with a CHC and written in English. Data were extracted from included documents and qualitative conventional content analysis was conducted. Throughout the process of this review, we partnered with a Sibling Youth Advisory Council.

Results: The systematic search yielded 1,628 non-duplicate documents, of which 163 documents met the inclusion criteria. Of the total of 163 documents, they were delivered in the following formats: 17 (10%) general informational products (e.g., booklets, videos) about a CHC and sibling relationships, 39 about support programs and workshops (24%), 34 news articles (21%) that described the roles of siblings, and 6 (3%) healthcare management informational products (e.g., toolkit, tipsheets), 31 blogs (19%) and 39 interviews (24%) with parents and siblings. In the blogs and interviews, siblings and parents described how siblings developed knowledge and skills for healthcare management, as well as their role and identity over time.

Significance: This study identified that there are limited resources available about healthcare management for siblings of CHC in Canada. Resources are needed to facilitate conversations in the family about the role of siblings with healthcare management of their sibling with a CHC.
Measurements From Ears With Endolymphatic Hydrops and 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Provide Evidence That Loudness Recruitment Can Have a Cochlear Origin
Authors: Lefler Shannon M. , Duncan Robert K. , Goodman Shawn S. , Guinan John J. , Lichtenhan Jeffery T.
Published: October 2021

Background: Loudness recruitment is commonly experienced by patients with putative endolymphatic hydrops. Loudness recruitment is abnormal loudness growth with high-level sounds being perceived as having normal loudness even though hearing thresholds are elevated. The traditional interpretation of recruitment is that cochlear amplification has been reduced. Since the cochlear amplifier acts primarily at low sound levels, an ear with elevated thresholds from reduced cochlear amplification can have normal processing at high sound levels. In humans, recruitment can be studied using perceptual loudness but in animals physiological measurements are used. Recruitment in animal auditory-nerve responses has never been unequivocally demonstrated because the animals used had damage to sensory and neural cells, not solely a reduction of cochlear amplification. Investigators have thus looked for, and found, evidence of recruitment in the auditory central nervous system (CNS). While studies on CNS recruitment are informative, they cannot rule out the traditional interpretation of recruitment originating in the cochlea.

Design: We used techniques that could assess hearing function throughout entire frequency- and dynamic-range of hearing. Measurements were made from two animal models: guinea-pig ears with endolymphatic-sac-ablation surgery to produce endolymphatic hydrops, and naïve guinea-pig ears with cochlear perfusions of 13 mM 2-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin (HPBCD) in artificial perilymph. Endolymphatic sac ablation caused low-frequency loss. Animals treated with HPBCD had hearing loss at all frequencies. None of these animals had loss of hair cells or synapses on auditory nerve fibers.

Results: In ears with endolymphatic hydrops and those perfused with HPBCD, auditory-nerve based measurements at low frequencies showed recruitment compared to controls. Recruitment was not found at high frequencies (> 4 kHz) where hearing thresholds were normal in ears with endolymphatic hydrops and elevated in ears treated with HPBCD.

Conclusions: We found compelling evidence of recruitment in auditory-nerve data. Such clear evidence has never been shown before. Our findings suggest that, in patients suspected of having endolymphatic hydrops, loudness recruitment may be a good indication that the associated low-frequency hearing loss originates from a reduction of cochlear amplification, and that measurements of recruitment could be used in differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Ménière's disease.
Operative Complications and Outcomes Comparing Small and Large Uterine Weight in Case of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for a Benign Indication
Authors: Lambat Emery Shahzia , Boulvain Michel , Petignat Patrick , Dubuisson Jean
Published: October 2021

Study Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the association between uterine weight and operative outcomes in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for a benign indication.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial with data collected prospectively and retrospectively. The data of 159 women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for a benign indication were analyzed. Women were divided in two groups according to the postoperative uterine weight: small uterus group (<250 grams) and large uterus group (≥250 grams). Operative complications were compared between the two groups. Operative outcomes (need for uterine morcellation, operative duration, estimated blood loss), postoperative pain, and hospital length of stay were also analyzed.

Main Results: Operative complications were not significantly different between the two groups (37% in the large uterus group versus 41% in the small uterus group). Operative outcomes showed a significantly increased use of uterine morcellation in the large uterus group (61% in the large uterus group versus 10% in the small uterus group). The operative duration was 150 min in the small uterus group and 176 min in the large uterus group, which corresponds to an increase of 17% in the large uterus group. The mean pain score on the day of surgery was identical in both groups (VAS pain score 5), but significantly in favor of the large uterus group on day 1 postoperatively (VAS pain score 4 in the small uterus group and 3 in the large uterus group). There was no statistical difference between groups in the mean hospital stay (62 ± 37 hours in the small uterus group versus 54 ± 21 hours in the large uterus group). In terms of surgical indication, the small uterus group comprised more patients with endometriosis/adenomyosis (36%) and the large uterus group more patients with leiomyoma (93%).

Conclusion: The results from this study show that, even if a large uterine weight is associated with increased uterine morcellation requirement and operative duration, a laparoscopic approach is safe and does not increase operative complications nor pain and/or length of hospital stay in women undergoing hysterectomy for a benign indication.
Creation of hybrid machines for the production of agricultural parts
Authors: Yakovleva A. P.
Published: October 2021

The equipment of agricultural machinery has its own special features due to the following reasons: high requirements for wear resistance and fatigue strength of the working surfaces of parts that experience heavy loads; relatively large dimensions and weight of manufactured machines; mainly small-scale and serial production, etc. In the conditions of aging and wear of the machine and tractor fleet, multiple increases in the cost of machines and spare parts, and the lack of financial resources, the issue of technical equipment of agricultural production should be solved by developing new and improving the existing technological processes of production and repair. In the production of agricultural machinery and mechanisms, it is necessary to use modern technologies, equipment, and materials. An urgent task is the development and application of hybrid technologies and hybrid equipment for the production of machines and mechanisms, as well as spare parts for the machine and tractor fleet. The paper presents the options for applying the principle of combination. This will allow creating machine tool systems where different types of processing can be combined on a single platform, which reduces the time for intermediate and auxiliary operations, the range of available equipment, maintenance and repair costs, etc., which is especially important for small enterprises, repair shops, and small businesses that produce machines and mechanisms for agricultural purposes.

English version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/creation-of-hybrid-machines-for-the-production-of-agricultural-parts/69769.html
Study of the effect of modification with small additives of phenylenediamines
Authors: Filonovich A.V. , Gubanov O.M. , Alymov D.S. , Gadalov V.N.
Published: October 2021

The studies of the mechanical electrophysical properties of polymers and their modifications under the simultaneous influence of electrical discharges and mechanical force are presented. The paper presents the results of the experimental studies of the electrophysical and mechanical strength, the temperature dependence of the tangent of the dielectric loss angle, the specific volume electrical resistance and the relative deformation at break of new film polymer materials obtained on the basis of high-pressure polyethylene (LDPE) with a mixture of phenylenediamine additives OPD and PhI. The content of additives varied in the range of (0.03-0.5) wt%. The established increase in the electrophysical characteristics (increase in resistance to high electric field) of the LDPE film with the introduction of 0.1 wt% of chemical additives of PhI and with subsequent three-fold orientation extraction can be associated with a decrease in the concentration of charge carriers and their mobility, as well as an increase in the degree of crystallinity and packing density of polymer chains, which makes it difficult for ionization processes to occur at a given high electric field strength. It is shown that a decrease in the electrophysical characteristics of the studied polymer materials in the presence of tensile mechanical forces leads to the accumulation of bulk charges in them and the formation of submicrocracks.
Transportation, turning and installation of the pedestal and column on the Palace Square in St. Petersburg
Authors: Sidorov V.A. , Dyatlov . A.Yu. , Oshovskaya E.V.
Published: October 2021

The materials are devoted to the consideration of the issues of transportation, edging and installation of the pedestal and the column on the Palace Square in St. Petersburg. In addition to the album of illustrations by A. Montferrand, the drawings of Adamini Antonio, Montferrand's assistant, are considered, clarifying some aspects of the ascent. The questions about lifting the Alexander Column sometimes include doubts about the possibility of processing a large granite massif without the use of mechanical equipment. However, familiarity with the methods of manual stone processing presented in various works should convince the reader of the infinite possibilities of a person with a chisel and a hammer, especially if you add to them the perseverance, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Russian person. In addition, we should remember a somewhat forgotten, but highly respected word -master. The most responsible and spectacular work was the lifting of the Alexander Column, which was the result of a lot of preparatory works. The construction of the platform and the inclined overpass was only part of them. A stone mass was built around the pedestal, which served as the basis for placing the capstans in two concentric circles. After the installation of the column, the finishing of the monument to the final dimensions, grinding and installation of the angel on the top were carried out for two years. Very little is known about these operations, but the presence of scaffolds made it possible to perform work at any height in any weather, and the possibility of processing granite and diabase, and their grinding has already been recalled. The installation of the angel sculpture without the use of hydraulic cranes and helicopters is hopefully no longer in doubt. The next day after the installation, they began to disassemble all the wooden structures. Stairs were built around the main vertical risers. After installation, the stonemasons continued to work with the column. For several months, more than 200 people worked simultaneously. They cut the belts left on the monolith for rolling and lifting, carried out the final finishing according to precise patterns and polished the stone. This article is devoted to the attempt to mathematically justify the possibility of what was achieved at the level of knowledge, skills, mechanisms and technologies of the beginning of the 19th century.
Study, improvement and evaluation of electro-corrosion resistance of highly effective inhibitory compositions
Authors: Illarionov I. E. , Sadetdinov Sh. V. , Gadalov V. N. , Gubanov O. M. , Skripkina Yu. V.
Published: October 2021

The studies on the improvement of boron nitrogen-containing compounds, as well as information on phase transformations in the system H3BO3-C3H4N2-H2O, based on the solubility isotherms consisting of three branches, are presented. Based on the analysis of the second branch, a new boratimidazole compound was found. A full description of its properties is given. Furthermore, the paper presents the studies on the effect of boratimidazole and emidazole on the corrosive electrolytic behavior and the main characteristics of the cyclic strength of pre-eutectoid carbon steel in neutral media. It is found that the introduction of emidazole and boratimidazole into corrosive media reduces the ionization rate of steel, reduces the density of the anode current in the passive state region and increases the main characteristics of the cyclic strength of the metal. It has been shown that emidazole has a lower inhibitory ability than boratimidazole. The obtained experimental results of gravimetric studies, electrochemical changes and corrosion-fatigue tests are in good agreement with each other and with the previously obtained data. Boratimidazole is a quite effective corrosion inhibitor and can be used to protect ferrous metals and their alloys. The development of new effective, environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors based on boron-containing compounds is an important scientific and technical task. To develop new compositions of anticorrosive reagents, the method of physical and chemical analysis, which is the scientific basis of modern materials science, is used in this work.