bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of process variables on adhesion of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materials printed using additive manufacturing
Authors: K Vigneshwaran , N Venkateshwaran , Kakur Naresh
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing has the capacity to manufacture functional parts with complicated geometries, fused filament fabrication is a viable additive manufacturing method and an alternative to standard processes for the creation of polymer and fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The influence of process parameters such as layer thickness, infill density, and infill pattern on the interlaminar bonding performance of three-dimensional printed composites was examined in this study. Due to the existence of high porosity and inadequate layer to layer bond, interlaminar shear strength values increase as layer height increases from 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm and decrease by 0.3 mm. The specimens were also subjected to a wettability test to determine the printed material’s adhesive behavior. Scanning electron microscope was used to perform fractography analysis, and fractured specimens were seen. The test findings revealed that carbon fiber reinforced ABS specimens have good interlaminar shear strength and layer adhesive. When comparing carbon fiber reinforced ABS specimens to ABS specimens, the test results demonstrated that interlaminar shear strength and good adhesion between the layers are attained in carbon fiber reinforced ABS specimens.
Interpellative Styles: Choreographies of Identity Disruptions and Repairs
Authors: Winfield Taylor Paige
Published: August 2022

Drawing on ethnographic research with two Orthodox Jewish outreach organizations, this article conceptualizes interpellative styles and offers a framework to analyze how styles are variously situated, mediated, performed, and disruptive. I mobilize a micro-interactional approach to parse out how these four dimensions shape ideological recruitment and their roles in the choreographies of identity disruptions and repairs. The two case studies illuminate why and how groups deploy different interpellative styles and what elements shape whether styles are (in)effective. In these ways, the article contributes to scholarship on how people become persuaded to take on new identities and provides insight into the resistance and failures groups encounter when attempting to interpellate others. I conclude with a discussion of how a theory of interpellative styles can be applied more broadly and used to investigate the overlap between cultural, physiological, and psychological processes in identity formation and alteration.
A Multilevel Meta-Analysis of Whole Number Computation Interventions for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Kim Sun A. , Bryant Diane P. , Bryant Brian R. , Shin Mikyung , Ok Min Wook
Published: August 2022

The effects of whole number computation interventions among school students with learning disabilities in Grades K to 5 were examined using a multilevel meta-analysis. Applying a correlated and hierarchical effect model of robust variance estimation, we examined the intervention effects among 15 peer-reviewed articles and dissertations (two group-design and 13 single-case design studies) published between 1989 and 2021. Whole number computation interventions demonstrated a statistically significant and large effect on whole number computation outcomes ([Formula: see text] = 3.74). The type of mathematical operations, type of whole number computation measures, and the number of instructional components did not significantly affect the magnitude of the effect size estimate. However, the results showed slightly larger average effect sizes for the addition problem, the accuracy measure, and the additional number of instructional components by one. The limitations and implications for the practice of the meta-analysis are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.
Mistakes, Misrepresentation, and Misunderstanding on Applications to a Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
Authors: Yang Luhe , Leswick David , Rashidi Farid
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Determine the educational background, research publications/presentations experience, and rates of research publication and presentation inaccuracies in applications to a Canadian diagnostic imaging residency program. Method: The education and publication/presentation sections of the Canadian Resident Matching Service form for all applicants to the University of Saskatchewan diagnostic imaging residency program from 2019–20 and 2020–21 were reviewed. Number of advanced degrees (Master’s/PhDs), publications, and presentations were recorded. Accuracy of publications listed was confirmed via PubMed-MEDLINE, journal’s website, or internet searching. Accuracy of presentations was confirmed via society and residency program websites. Inaccuracies of non-authorship, incorrect authorship order/status (self-promotion or demotion), and nonexistence of article/presentation from a verifiable source were recorded. Result: There were a total of 106 applicants. Thirty (28%) had advanced degrees. There were 230 publications from 61 applicants with inaccuracies in only 5 (2%) of the publications (2 self-promotion, 3 self-demotion). For the 77 publications listed as pending, 25 (31%) were published within 6 months of applications deadlines with 1 non-authorship, 1 self-promotion, and 1 self-demotion. For scientific presentations, there were 467 listed presentations by 91 applicants. Two hundred and twenty-one presentations were from verifiable sources with inaccuracies in 28 (13%) of presentations (9 self-promotion, 9 self-demotion, 1 non-authorship, and 9 non-existence). Conclusion: Despite some uncertainty with scientific articles reported as pending and scientific presentations, radiology residency applicants are accurately representing their published articles with a negligible number of misrepresentations. Canadian radiology residency programs should regard the publication profiles of the applicants with a high level of confidence.
Debating Equity through Integration: School Officials’ Decision-Making and Community Advocacy During a School Rezoning in Williamsburg, Virginia
Authors: Mendez Jennifer Bickham , A. Quark Amy
Published: August 2022

We explore puzzling outcomes in a Virginia school district: in 2018, the Williamsburg-James City County School Board voted to redraw attendance boundaries to achieve greater racial and socio-economic integration among its middle schools, yet abandoned similar efforts for high schools. Drawing on Critical Race perspectives, we conducted a content analysis of archival materials, including school board meeting transcripts, to analyze the conditions under which school decision-makers mobilize to enact equity-oriented policy reforms. We found that school board members abandoned high school rezoning in the face of fierce opposition from white, affluent residents who saw school reassignments as a threat to their entitlements to a highly rated school and to their property values. For the middle schools, board members avoided white families’ entitlements, which neutralized opposition, at the same time as strong community advocacy in favor of equity and integration shifted the political landscape. This activated ‘interest convergence’ among school board members supportive of equity and resulted in the approval of middle-school attendance boundaries that produced greater racial and socioeconomic integration. This case underscores the importance of community advocacy for equity-based reforms; however, the scope of these efforts may be limited to changes that do not substantively threaten white parents’ perceived entitlements.
Multitarget therapy versus monotherapy as induction treatment for lupus nephritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: August 2022

Aim

The safety of multitarget treatments is of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multitarget therapy as an induction treatment for lupus nephritis in comparison with monotherapy.

Methods

This study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of multitarget therapies, such as voclosporin+mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus+MMF, or belimumab+standard of care in comparison with MMF or cyclophosphamide (CYC) monotherapy for induction treatment of lupus nephritis. We performed a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of multitarget therapy as an induction treatment for lupus nephritis in comparison with monotherapy

Results

Six RCTs, including 1,437 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The complete remission rate was significantly higher in the multitarget therapy group than in the monotherapy group (odds ratio, 2.155; 95% CI, 1.695–2.739; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the complete remission rate was significantly higher in both tacrolimus+MMF and voclosporin+MMF groups as well as the belimumab+standard of care (SOC) than in the monotherapy or SOC group. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between the multitarget therapy and monotherapy groups. However, cases of infection and pneumonia were numerically higher in the multitarget therapy group than in the monotherapy group. In addition, the incidence of menstrual disorder was significantly lower in the tacrolimus+MMF group than in the CYC group, whereas that of new-onset hypertension was considerably higher in the tacrolimus+MMF group than in the CYC group.

Conclusions

Multitarget therapy showed a higher complete remission rate than monotherapy; however, cases of infection and pneumonia were numerically more elevated in the multitarget therapy group than in the monotherapy group.
“Where’s the Outrage??”: An Analysis of #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackTransLivesMatter Twitter Counterpublics
Authors: Dunklin Macy , Jennings Paige
Published: August 2022

Twitter activism is a powerful tool for #BlackLivesMatter, but #BlackTransLivesMatter has not seen the same success. This study examined tweets collected during 1 week in May 2020 that encompassed the deaths of George Floyd, a cisgender Black male, and Tony McDade, a transgender Black male. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed semantic networks and conducted a critical discourse analysis to determine how satellite publics function within activism discourse. We found a disconnect between the discussions that a separate network, bridge tweets, filled by constructing a discourse between the two networks that focused on lack of education about trans issues.
Effects of electoral margins on party loyalty in the roll call votes: Evidence from the 20th National Assembly in South Korea
Authors: Jung Hoyong
Published: August 2022

In modern democratic politics, members of parliament (MPs) engage in legislative activities influenced by political parties and voters. This article examines how electoral margins within constituencies affect MPs’ party loyalty in roll call votes. We analyzed all bills of the 20th Korean National Assembly (2016–2020), providing evidence for the marginal hypothesis from the perspective of an emerging democratic country. We found MPs were more likely to deviate from the party’s position in roll call votes during their term where voting margins were greater. This relationship was heterogeneous according to MPs’ and local districts’ conditions. We found feedback effects, whereby political parties and voters reflected the MPs’ party loyalty in the subsequent election. These results suggest that in Korea, where pork-centric regionalized politics have become solidified, voters tend to perceive MPs as representatives of political parties, and MPs constrained by tight voting margins seek to follow party discipline to ensure reelection.
Looking Within: A Call for Greater Reflexivity in Expatriate Research
Authors: Ridgway Alexandra , Lowe Kate
Published: August 2022

Self-examinations of researcher positionality are central to understanding how scholars engage with research populations and vice versa. Discussions of how researchers are positioned are considered particularly important when studying groups whose vulnerability is well-accepted. Less is known, however, about the role of researcher positionality when interviewing participants deemed privileged, such as expatriates. Researchers who study expatriates overwhelmingly omit to discuss their positionality and how this shaped their research processes and outcomes. In response, our article calls for a turn in expatriate scholarship towards greater, and more public, examinations of researchers’ social locations and their effects. Drawing upon our research experiences in Hong Kong, we explore the complexities of conducting reflective practice when investigating expatriate life and highlight an over-reliance on the field to trigger considerations of positionality. In response, we suggest that expatriate researchers should be more proactive in their reflexivity and offer some prompts for these self-assessments. Beyond this, we advocate for more conducive research environments, including systems of peer support, to enable expatriate researchers to deepen understandings of their own positionalities while also holding each other reflexively accountable. These suggestions also hold potential benefit for other sociologists such as those studying elite populations and/or the globally mobile.
Constructing and validating the teaching strategies for alleviating Chinese EFL graduate students’ foreign language anxiety
Authors: Tang Mailing
Published: August 2022

Effective learning strategies have been proven to be advantageous to lower learners’ foreign language anxiety (FLA) and improve their language proficiency. However, many studies have devoted to students’ learning strategies but ignored the important role of teachers in reducing FLA. In addition, the effectiveness of the FLA-reducing strategies proposed by these studies has rarely been verified in natural classroom environment. The present study was conducted to explore the systematic effects of the teaching strategies on FLA after constructing a 34-item observation instrument Teaching Strategies Intervention Scale (TSIS), and investigated the changes of 306 English as a foreign language (EFL) graduate students’ English learning anxiety levels influenced by the anxiety-reducing teaching strategies in China. Results showed that the student participants’ communication anxiety, test anxiety and fear of negative evaluation except for anxiety about English class in the experimental group were alleviated significantly after the teaching intervention. More specifically, findings indicated that test anxiety was the variable most affected by the teaching strategies, while the teaching strategies employed in this study were found effective and feasible. Finally, EFL teachers played a critical role in alleviating students’ FLA. Pedagogical implications of the findings are provided.
Participatory censorship: How online fandom community facilitates authoritarian rule
Authors: Luo Zhifan , Li Muyang
Published: August 2022

Following a burgeoning literature on private actors under digital authoritarianism, this study aims to understand the role played by social media users in sustaining authoritarian rule. It examines a subcultural community—the queer-fantasy community—on Chinese social media to expound how members of this community interpreted China’s censorship policy, interacted based on the interpretation, and participated in censorship. Integrating structural topic modeling and emergent coding, this study finds that a political environment of uncertainty fostered divergent imaginaries about censorship. These imaginaries encouraged participatory censorship within the online community, which strengthened the political control of the Internet in the absence of the state. This study illuminates how participatory censorship works, especially in non-professional and non-politically mobilized online communities. With a focus on social media users, it also offers a lens for future research to compare peer-based surveillance and content moderation in authoritarian and democratic contexts.
On granularity of doing other-initiation: Nǐ yìsi shì X ‘Your Meaning is X’ in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Guo Hui , Yu Guodong
Published: August 2022

This study examines Nǐ yìsi shì X ‘Your Meaning is X’ as a practice of doing other-initiation in Mandarin conversations, focusing on how it addresses different sources of troubles systematically in informing sequences. It is found that while ‘ Nǐ yìsi shì’ signals the speaker’s having trouble with the prior informing turn, ‘X’ is deployed to locate different aspects of the trouble source, being shaped by how an informing emerges in talk-in-interaction. Specifically, when following a volunteered informing, ‘ X’ is usually built to clarify specific words or phrases in preceding informing, thereby treating a certain element as underspecified or ambiguous. However, when following a question-solicited informing, ‘ X’ is typically constructed to work out what the provided information exactly conveys, indicating the whole informing turn/action is in some way problematic, inappropriate, or inapposite. In both cases, ‘ Nǐ yìsi shì X’ serves as an OI, working to target different kinds of the trouble source, and simultaneously proposes a potential solution to it.
What Lies Beneath: Mediators of Public Support for International Economic Cooperation
Authors: Nguyen Quynh , Spilker Gabriele
Published: August 2022

The current public backlash against several trade agreements has triggered a vivid discourse about the impact of top-down communication of such initiatives on public opinion. Findings from previous work on the impact of issue frames provide distinct expectations about the influence of different types of messages on people’s opinion. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of message cues on opinion formation. In this article, we shed light on one potential mechanism that mediates issue framing effects: individuals’ emotional reaction. By means of a survey-embedded experiment conducted in the United States and Germany, we expose respondents to different frames about the benefits and risks of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement. The results show that frames have a significant effect on public opinion, but frames that emphasize losses seem more persuasive than frames promoting the gains from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Complementing our empirical investigation, with a causal mediation analysis we find that framing effects are indeed mediated by people’s emotional responses to the frames.
A Whole Food Plant-Based Approach for Migraine; A Case Series
Authors: Morton Olga , Shehata Mishkat , Gabbitas Nicole , Kassam Shireen
Published: August 2022

Migraine is a common headache disorder that adversely affects quality of life. It is usually considered a chronic lifelong disorder. Although several treatments are available, their benefits need to be considered with knowledge of potential side-effects and it is rare for people with migraine to be free of attacks. There are some well known dietary and lifestyle triggers of migraine and patients are usually keen to explore lifestyle approaches to manage the condition. Given the lack of high quality studies, physicians tend not to emphasize these lifestyle approaches. Therefore, many patients are left to explore these options for themselves. There is a growing body of evidence to support the role of a healthy diet, along with elimination of alcohol and reduction in coffee intake, in the prevention and treatment of migraine. Here, we report 3 cases of the successful treatment of migraine using a whole food plant-based diet, resulting in significant reduction or elimination of medication use.
The diagnostic challenge of atypical tuberculous meningitis in children from rural area
Authors: Dong Jingjing , Peng Xiaoyin
Published: August 2022

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, while its diagnosis is still a challenge in children. Here, six children with atypical TBM were retrospectively reviewed and the main findings were displayed as follows. The enrolled cases exhibited non-specific symptoms on admission, mainly including fever ( n = 5), headache ( n = 3), vomiting ( n = 5), and drowsiness ( n = 3), but no typical symptoms of TB infection. Two of them exhibited progressive symptoms under routine treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations revealed increased white blood cells and proteins, as well as decreased glucose and chloride in all cases. Chest imaging identified the possibly of pulmonary tuberculous in 2 cases. Cranial CT and MRI revealed neuroimaging abnormality in 1 and 3 cases, respectively. In addition, next-generation sequencing directly supported the diagnosis of TBM in case 5. To sum up, TBM should be highly suspected in children with central nervous system infection, when there are no improvements under routine treatment and/or the presence of progressive symptoms. Timely rechecking of CSF combined with cranial imaging is feasible and valuable for the diagnosis of TBM.
Men’s experiences of alopecia areata: A qualitative study
Authors: Zucchelli Fabio , Sharratt Nick , Montgomery Kerry , Chambers Jen
Published: August 2022

Alopecia areata (AA) affects men at similar rates to women, yet comparatively little is known about men’s experience of the condition. We interviewed a demographically diverse group of 18 men with AA to explore this gap. From qualitative thematic analysis, participants’ accounts described a profound yet often-minimised impact of AA on their lives, in the context of poor public awareness and misguided assumptions about AA in men. Conversely, this adversity appeared to facilitate personal growth for many. These findings can help health professionals better understand men’s gendered experience of AA, which we discuss through the lens of masculinities theory.
Critical Discourse Analysis of Online Audiences’ Comments: Insights From The Channels TV’s Facebook Audiences’ Comments On Farmers-Herders Conflicts News Stories in Nigeria
Authors: Onoja Ibe Ben , Bebenimibo Paul , Onoja Nelson Monday
Published: August 2022

This paper interrogated The Channels TV Facebook audiences’ discourse on selected top five farmer-herder violent conflicts related news stories from January 1st to July 31st, 2018 in Nigeria. We specifically examined how the audience enacted, reproduced, and/or resisted social power abuse and dominance in their discourses on the selected news stories and their act of stancetaking. We did this by drawing on Van Dijk’s principles of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Du Bois’s acts of stancetaking. We analyzed 84 (out of the 500) comments and images that directly or indirectly made reference to Fulani Ethnic Group (FEG). Finding revealed that besides lack of access to discourse control by FEG; online audiences’ discourses were crafted to enact or reproduce socio dominance against FEG using the strategies of generalized “positive self-representation” and “negative representation of Others.” Findings also showed that the commenters aligned with and amplified existing stances like Fulanization/Islamization, political conspiracy, leadership failure, and the need to disintegrate the country into smaller governable sizes in their comments. We therefore concluded that such thread of discourse that generalized criminal acts of few individuals on the entire ethnic group could be inimical to the nation’s goal of national integration, security objectives, and continued peaceful and harmonious co-existence among various ethnic groups in Nigeria and therefore called for further investigation into why the online audiences approached the issues as they did in their discourses.
Examine the Mediating Role of the Information Technology Capabilities on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Competitive Advantage During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Awamleh Fawwaz Tawfiq , Bustami Ala Nihad
Published: August 2022

This research aims to delve into the mediating role of IT capabilities in the relationship between artificial intelligence and competitive advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted on a sample of 224 individuals from e-commerce enterprises in Jordan. Smart PLS3 was employed to examine the information gathered to inform the research goal. The result of this study confirmed that the adoption of IT capabilities plays a mediator role between artificial intelligence and competitive advantage. The results of the study have implications for decision-makers as well as the current literature. Companies that adopted IT capabilities and artificial intelligence grasp the benefits of successfully overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic challenges.
A Qualitative Investigation of the Positive and Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Ewing Lexi , Hamza Chloe A. , Walsh Kaylea , Goldstein Abby L. , Heath Nancy L.
Published: August 2022

Evidence suggests that post-secondary students without pre-existing mental health concerns may have experienced worsening mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns. To clarify the psychological impacts of the pandemic, and elucidate why differences may exist among students, 20 interviews were conducted with emerging adults enrolled in university. Using directed content analysis, eight themes were identified: three more common among students with pre-existing mental health concerns, three more common among students without pre-existing mental health concerns, and two shared. Although all students experienced novel stressors during the pandemic, students without pre-existing mental health concerns reported greater increases in social and academic isolation, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns. Students with pre-existing mental health concerns also leveraged existing coping repertoires, which further supported their ability to manage pandemic-related challenges. Findings highlight how postsecondary institutions can bolster student well-being.
Vertical GaN Power MOSFET with Integrated Fin-Shaped Diode for Reverse Conduction
Authors: Sun Tao , Luo Xiaorong , Wei Jie , Yang Kemeng , Deng Siyu , Zhao Zhijia , Jia Yanjiang , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2022

A vertical GaN power MOSFET featuring an integrated fin-shaped non-junction diode (FDMOS) is proposed to improve reverse conduction and switching characteristics. Its static and dynamic characteristics are studied and analyzed by Sentaurus TCAD simulation. Compared with the conventional MOSFET (Con. MOS) with a body diode as a freewheeling diode (FWD), the FDMOS uses the integrated fin-shaped diode to reverse conduction, and thus, a low reverse turn-on voltage VON of 0.66 V is achieved, with a decreasing of 77.9%. Moreover, the Qrr of the FDMOS is reduced to 1.36 μC from 1.64 μC of the Con. MOS, without the minority carrier injection. The gate charge (QGD) of the FDMOS is significantly reduced because the fin structure reduces the gate area and transforms some part of CGD to CGS, and thus, a low switching loss is realized. The QGD, the turn-on loss (Eon) and the turn-off loss (Eoff) of the FDMOS are decreased by 56.8%, 33.8% and 53.8%, respectively, compared with those of the Con. MOS. In addition, the FDMOS is beneficial to reduce the parasitic inductance and the total chip area compared with the conventional method of using an externally connected Schottky diode as an FWD.
Proteomics-based evaluation of the mechanism underlying vascular injury via DNA interstrand crosslinks, glutathione perturbation, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Wnt and ErbB signaling pathways induced by crotonaldehyde
Authors: Xie Ming-Zhang , Liu Jun-Li , Gao Qing-Zu , Bo De-Ying , Wang Lei , Zhou Xiao-Chun , Zhao Meng-Meng , Zhang Yu-Chao , Zhang Yu-Jing , Zhao Guo-An , Jiao Lu-Yang
Published: August 2022

Crotonaldehyde (CRA)—one of the major environmental pollutants from tobacco smoke and industrial pollution—is associated with vascular injury (VI). We used proteomics to systematically characterize the presently unclear molecular mechanism of VI and to identify new related targets or signaling pathways after exposure to CRA. Cell survival assays were used to assess DNA damage, whereas oxidative stress was determined using colorimetric assays and by quantitative fluorescence study; additionally, cyclooxygenase-2, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, Wnt3a, β-catenin, phospho-ErbB2, and phospho-ErbB4 were assessed using ELISA. Proteins were quantitated via tandem mass tag-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analyses, and 34 differentially expressed proteins were confirmed using parallel reaction monitoring, which were defined as new indicators related to the mechanism underlying DNA damage; glutathione perturbation; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and the Wnt and ErbB signaling pathways in VI based on Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein–protein interaction network analyses. Parallel reaction monitoring confirmed significant (p < 0.05) upregulation (> 1.5-fold change) of 23 proteins and downregulation (< 0.667-fold change) of 11. The mechanisms of DNA interstrand crosslinks; glutathione perturbation; mitogen-activated protein kinase; cyclooxygenase-2; and the Wnt and ErbB signaling pathways may contribute to VI through their roles in DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, coagulation cascade, and the newly determined signaling pathways. Moreover, the Wnt and ErbB signaling pathways were identified as new disease pathways involved in VI. Taken together, the elucidated underlying mechanisms may help broaden existing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of VI induced by CRA.
Mechanisms of linezolid resistance in Staphylococcus capitis with the novel mutation C2128T in the 23S rRNA gene in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Zou Guiling , Liu Jiaren , Yang Chun , Du Xuefei , Chen Guoyu , Sun Zhe , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Yu , Zhang Wanying , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and potential resistance mechanisms of linezolid-resistant (LZR) Staphylococcus capitis isolates from a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods

S. capitis isolates were obtained from clinical patient specimens; three of the isolates came from blood cultures and one from the hydrothorax. The agar dilution and E-test methods were used to identify antibiotic resistance. The chloramphenicol-florfenicol resistance (cfr) gene carrier status of the strains was determined by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify point mutations and L3, L4, and L22 mutations and to study the genetic environment of the cfr gene and the relationships between strains.

Results

The 4 isolates obtained in this study were all linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus strains. A similar of susceptibility profile pattern was observed in all four S. capitis strains, each of which exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype. A potentially novel mutation, C2128T, was identified, and the cfr genes of S. capitis strains were all positive. Additionally, the same mutations (C2128T and G2600T) were identified in all 23S rRNA sequences of the isolates, whereas mutations were lacking in the L3, L4, and L22 ribosomal proteins. The genetic environments surrounding cfr were identical in all four isolates. A schematic diagram of the phylogenetic tree showed that they were closely related to AYP1020, CR01, and TW2795, and a total of seven drug resistance genes were identified in these strains.

Conclusions

The study indicated that the resistance of the Staphylococcus capitis strains to linezolid was caused by multiple mechanisms, and a potential novel mutation, C2128T, that may have an impact on bacterial resistance was identified.
Prospective of mycorrhiza and Beauvaria bassiana silica nanoparticles on Gossypium hirsutum L. plants as biocontrol agent against cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Metwally Rabab A. , Azab Hala Sh. , Al-Shannaf Hatem M. , Rabie Gamal H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Plant-herbivorous insects are a severe danger to the world’s agricultural production of various crops. Insecticides used indiscriminately resulted in habitat destruction due to their high toxicity, as well as disease resistance. In this respect, the development of a sustainable approach to supreme crop production with the least damage is a crucially prerequisite. As a result, the current study was carried out to understand the potential effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi along withBeauvaria bassianasilica nanoparticles (Si NPs) as a new approach to increase cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL. Merr.) defense against an insect herbivore,Spodoptera littoralis. AM and non-AM cotton plants were infested withS. littoralisand then sprayed with a biopesticide [B. bassianaSi NPs] or a chemical insecticide (Chlorpyrifos).

Results

The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis ofB. bassianaSi NPs fungal extract showed that the major constituents identified were Oleyl alcohol, trifluoroacetate, 11-Dodecen-1-AL and 13-Octadecenal, (Z)-(CAS). Besides, results revealed a highly significant decrease in growth parameters inS. littoralisinfested plants, however, with AM fungal inoculation a substantial improvement in growth traits and biochemical parameters such as protein and carbohydrates contents was observed. In addition, stimulation in proline and antioxidant enzymes activity and a decrease in malondialdehyde content were observed after AM inoculation.

Conclusion

AM fungi mitigate the harmful effects of herbivorous insects by strengthening the cotton plant’s health via enhancing both morphological and biochemical traits that can partially or completely replace the application of chemical insecticides.
Quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease treated with the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (ABSORB™): 2-year results from the GABI-R-registry
Authors: Pahmeier Kathrin , Neusser Silke , Hamm Christian , Kastner Johannes , Wöhrle Jochen , Zahn Ralf , Achenbach Stephan , Mehilli Julinda , Gori Tommaso , Naber Christoph , Nef Holger , Neumann Till , Richardt Gert , Schmermund Axel , Claas Christoph , Riemer Thomas , Biermann-Stallwitz Janine ,   For the GABI-R Study Group
Published: August 2022

Background

Numerous studies have reported clinical endpoints following coronary revascularization using bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS), while information about the impact on health-related quality of life is sparse. In this analysis of the German-Austrian ABSORB RegIstRy, the 2 year results concerning quality of life development in a large cohort of patients treated with BVS were reported.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline as well as 30 days, 6 and 24 months after coronary revascularization using BVS. The EQ-5D score, EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were determined for each time point. Patients were categorized according to the indication for coronary revascularization [acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stable angina pectoris (SAP), silent myocardial ischemia (SMI), or other]. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors that predict above-average scores two years after implantation.

Results

Data from 1317 patients in 88 centres were included. Reasons for revascularization were: ACS (n = 643), SAP (n = 443), SMI (n = 52), and other (n = 179). Mean EQ-5D was significantly increased after six months, while a value comparable to baseline was found two years after implantation. EQ VAS and four of five dimensions of SAQ were significantly improved over baseline at all follow-up surveys. Particularly strong improvements were seen in SAQ scores angina frequency and quality of life. Binary regressions showed different statistically significant predictors in the respective models.

Conclusions

Following coronary revascularization with BVS strong decrease in self-reported angina frequency and increase of self-reported quality of life were observed with continuous improvements over two years of follow-up.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02066623.
Impact of estimated glucose disposal rate for identifying prevalent ischemic heart disease: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xuan Jin , Juan Du , Yuyu Niu , Anjing Ji
Published: August 2022

Background

Insulin resistance is one of the major mechanisms for cardiovascular events. Estimated glucose disposal rate(eGDR) has been demonstrated as a simple, accurate, and cost-effective estimator of insulin resistance. Our study aims to evaluate the correlation between eGDR and the prevalent IHD and assess the incremental value of eGDR for identifying prevalent IHD in the rural general population.

Methods

Our study enrolled 10,895 participants from a cross-sectional survey of a metabolic management program. The survey was conducted in the rural areas of southeastern China between October 2019 and April 2020. eGDR = 21.158 − (0.09 * waist circumference) − (3.407 * hypertension) − (0.551 * HbA1c).

Results

The prevalence of IHD was 4.20%. After adjusting for demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, and medical history covariates, each SD increase of eGDR brought a 25.9% risk reduction for prevalent IHD. After dividing eGDR into groups, the top group had a 58.9% risk reduction than the bottom group. Furthermore, smooth curve fitting demonstrated that the correlation between eGDR and prevalent IHD was linear in the whole range of eGDR. Additionally, AUC suggested that eGDR could significantly improve the identification of prevalent IHD by adding it to cardiovascular risk factors (0.703 vs. 0.711, P for comparison = 0.041). Finally, the category-free net reclassification index and integrated discrimination index also implicated the improvement from eGDR to identify prevalent IHD.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated a significant, negative, and linear correlation between eGDR and prevalent IHD. Our findings could suggest the potential usefulness of eGDR to improve the identification of prevalent IHD in the rural general population.
Restrictions and their reporting in systematic reviews of effectiveness: an observational study
Authors: Helbach Jasmin , Pieper Dawid , Mathes Tim , Rombey Tanja , Zeeb Hajo , Allers Katharina , Hoffmann Falk
Published: August 2022

Background

Restrictions in systematic reviews (SRs) can lead to bias and may affect conclusions. Therefore, it is important to report whether and which restrictions were used. This study aims to examine the use of restrictions regarding language, publication period, and study type, as well as the transparency of reporting in SRs of effectiveness.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted with a random sample of 535 SRs of effectiveness indexed in PubMed between 2000 and 2019. The use of restrictions and their reporting were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the total 535 SRs included, four out of every ten (41.3%) lacked information on at least one of the three restrictions considered (language, publication period, or study type). Overall, 14.6% of SRs did not provide information on restrictions regarding publication period, 19.1% regarding study type, and 18.3% regarding language. Of all included SRs, language was restricted in 46.4%, and in more than half of the SRs with restricted language (130/248), it was unclear whether the restriction was applied during either the search or the screening process, or both. The restrictions were justified for publication period in 22.2% of the respective SRs (33/149), study type in 6.5% (28/433), and language in 3.2% (8/248). Differences in reporting were found between countries as well as between Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there is a lack of transparency in reporting on restrictions in SRs. Authors as well as editors and reviewers should be encouraged to improve the reporting and justification of restrictions to increase the transparency of SRs.
Comparison the effects and side effects of Covid-19 vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a systematic scoping review
Authors: Tabesh Elham , Soheilipour Maryam , Rezaeisadrabadi Mohammad , Zare-Farashbandi Elahe , Mousavi-Roknabadi Razieh Sadat
Published: August 2022

Covid-19 is a pandemic disease that is more severe and mortal in people with immunodeficiency, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). On the other hand, no definitive treatment has been identified for it and the best way to control it is wide spread vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and side effects of different vaccines in patients with IBD. Three Electronic databases [Medline (accessed from PubMed), Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane] were searched systematically without time limit, using MESH terms and the related keywords in English language. We focused on the research studies on the effect and side effects of Covid-19 vaccination in patients with IBD. Articles were excluded if they were not relevant, or were performed on other patients excerpt patients with IBD. Considering the titles and abstracts, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the remained studies were evaluated by authors, independently. Then, the studies' findings were assessed and reported. Finally, after reading the full text of the remained articles, 15 ones included in data extraction. All included studied were research study, and most of them (12/15) had prospective design. Totally, 8/15 studies were performed in single-center settings. In 8/15 studies, patients with IBD were compared with a control group. The results were summarized the in two categories: (1) the effect of vaccination, and (2) side effects. The effect of vaccination were assessed in 13/15 studies. Side effects of Covid-19 vaccination in patients with IBD were reported in 7/15 studies. Patients with IBD can be advised that vaccination may have limited minor side effects, but it can protect them from the serious complications of Covid-19 and its resulting mortality with a high success rate. They should be also mentioned in booster doses.
Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line
Authors: Weissberger Gali H. , Lim Aaron C. , Mosqueda Laura , Schoen Julie , Axelrod Jenna , Nguyen Annie L. , Wilber Kathleen H. , Esquivel Richard S. , Han S. Duke
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated circumstances that place older adults at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Identifying characteristics of elder abuse during COVID-19 is critically important. This study characterized and compared elder abuse patterns across two time periods, a one-year period during the pandemic, and a corresponding one-year period prior to the start of the pandemic.

Methods

Contacts (including social media contacts, and email; all referred to as “calls” for expediency) made to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line were examined for differences in types of reported elder abuse and characteristics of alleged perpetrators prior to the pandemic (Time 1; March 16, 2018 to March 15, 2019) and during the pandemic (Time 2; March 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021). Calls were examined for whether or not abuse was reported, the types of reported elder abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, and characteristics of callers, victims, and alleged perpetrators. Chi-square tests of independence compared frequencies of elder abuse characteristics between time periods.

Results

In Time 1, 1401 calls were received, of which 795 calls (56.7%) described abuse. In Time 2, 1009 calls were received, of which 550 calls (54.5%) described abuse. The difference between time periods in frequency of abuse to non-abuse calls was not significant ($$p=0.28$$

p
=
0.28

). Time periods also did not significantly differ with regard to caller, victim, and perpetrator characteristics. Greater rates of physical abuse ($${\upchi }^{2}=23.52, p<0.001)$$

χ

2

=
23.52
,
p
<
0.001
)

and emotional abuse ($${\upchi }^{2}=7.12, p=0.008)$$

χ

2

=
7.12
,
p
=
0.008
)

were reported during Time 2 after adjustment for multiple comparisons. An increased frequency of multiple forms of abuse was also found in Time 2 compared to Time 1 ($${\upchi }^{2}=23.52, p<0.001)$$

χ

2

=
23.52
,
p
<
0.001
)

.

Conclusions

Findings suggest differences in specific elder abuse subtypes and frequency of co-occurrence between subtypes between time periods, pointing to a potential increase in the severity of elder abuse during COVID-19.
Associations between sarcopenia with asthmatic prevalence, lung function and comorbidity
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Tian Yufeng , Song Xinyu , Zeng Fanjun , Yang Ailan
Published: August 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is listed as a treatment trait in behavioral/risk factors for severe asthma, but studies on asthma and sarcopenia are lacking. This study aimed to determine the associations between sarcopenia with asthmatic prevalence, symptoms, lung function and comorbidities.

Methods

Fifteen thousand four hundred four individuals from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS) and 10,263 individuals from the Study on global AGEing and adult health(SAGE) in China were included in this study. Four components of this study were used to assess the bidirectional association in the prevalence between sarcopenia with asthma, and estimate the relationships between sarcopenia with asthmatic symptoms, lung function and comorbidities via generalized additive models. The 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale ≥ 12 scores was classified as depression.

Results

In the CHARLS and SAGE, the prevalence of sarcopenia in asthmatics was higher than those without asthma. Asthmatics with sarcopenia had a significantly increased prevalence of severe shortness of breath(sarcopenia yes vs. no, adjusted OR = 3.71, 95%CI: 1.43–9.60) and airway obstruction in the SAGE(sarcopenia yes vs. no, adjusted OR = 6.82, 95%CI: 2.54–18.34) and an obvious reduction of PEF in the CHARLS and SAGE(sarcopenia yes vs. no, adjusted RR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.82–0.91) compared to asthmatics without sarcopenia. The presence of sarcopenia was positively associated with the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR = 5.76, 95%CI:2.01–16.5) and depression(sarcopenia yes vs no, adjusted OR = 1.87, 95%CI:1.11–3.14) in asthmatics.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that sarcopenia partakes in the development of asthma by affecting lung function and comorbidities and maybe considered a treatable trait of asthma management.
Campylobacter jejuni subdural hygroma infection in a 2-year old boy: case report and a brief literature review
Authors: Valenčak-Ignjatić Ivana , Krajcar Nina , Didović Diana , Roglić Srđan , Butić Iva , Jelić Marko , Jednačak Hrvoje , Tešović Goran
Published: August 2022

Background

Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis, but central nervous system infections are rare manifestations of Campylobacter infection. Therefore, C. jejuni trauma-related subdural hygroma infection in children is poorly described in the literature.

Case presentation

We described a 2-year old boy with lobar holoprosencephaly presenting with subdural hygroma following head trauma. C. jejuni infection was confirmed from a subdural hygroma sample by culture as well as by DNA sequencing of a broad range 16S rDNA PCR product. Cerebrospinal fluid from the ventriculoperitoneal shunt remained sterile. Combined neurosurgical and antimicrobial treatment led to complete recovery. Review of the literature showed that the most common manifestation of Campylobacter central nervous system infection is meningitis, mostly in neonates, and subdural hygroma infection was described for only one case.

Conclusions

Subdural hygroma infection caused by C. jejuni is a rare clinical condition in children. Molecular methods represent an important tool for the detection of rare or unexpected pathogens. No standard recommendations for antimicrobial treatment of C. jejuni subdural space infection in children are available, but meropenem treatment combined with surgery seems to be an effective approach.