bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are culturally vibrant communities healthier? Relationships between performing arts activity and health outcomes in the 500 largest US cities
Authors: McCrary J M , Großbach M , Altenmüller E
Published: March 2022

Aims:

Recent reviews have demonstrated broad links between performing arts participation (e.g. music-making; dancing; acting) and receptive engagement (e.g. listening to music; attending a dance/theatre performance) and improved health, including reduced disease and mortality risk. However, no investigations to date have interrogated the links between community-level performing arts activity (i.e. participation  +  receptive engagement) and health outcomes – that is, do the performing arts help create healthy communities? This study aims to address this question by examining links between performing arts activity and health outcomes across 500 cities in the US.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of demographic, health outcome, performing arts activity (estimated by annual performing arts revenue), and preventive/unhealthy behaviour data for 500 large cities in the US – data extracted from the US Centers for Disease Control 500 Cities Project, Dun & Bradstreet Hoovers Database, and US Census. Links between performing arts activity and 12 health/disease outcomes were evaluated using a series of hierarchical beta regression models which progressively controlled for demographic variables and preventive/unhealthy behaviour prevalence.

Results:

The 500 analysed US cities comprise 33.4% of the total US population and 84,010 performing arts businesses (total annual revenue $27.84 billion). No significant associations were found between performing arts activity and 9 of 12 health outcomes in fully adjusted models ( p ⩾ .17). Statistically significant relationships ( p < .01) between increased performing arts activity and increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke were determined to be clinically equivocal.

Conclusions:

This study contributes to a growing body of conflicting epidemiologic evidence regarding the impact of the performing arts on health/disease and mortality outcomes, evaluated using a range of disparate methodologies. A consensus, psychometrically rigorous approach is required to address this prevailing uncertainty in future epidemiologic studies examining the effects of performing arts activities both within and across countries and communities.
Do Home and Community Environments Explain Self-Rated Health Among Older Canadians? Evidence From the 2018 Canadian Housing Survey
Authors: Cheung Ethan Siu Leung , Mui Ada C.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

This study examined the associations between home and community environmental factors and self-rated health (SRH) among older Canadians and how these associations vary by gender and living arrangements. Background: In social gerontology research, the psychosocial determinants of SRH have been widely investigated. Based on the environmental gerontology framework, this study examined the home and community environmental correlates of SRH.

Method:

The sample (aged 60 or older) was drawn from the 2018 Canadian Housing Survey (4,086 men living alone; 6,471 men living with others; 9,170 women living alone; 4,876 women living with others). Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between SRH and potential environmental correlates in a hierarchical model.

Results:

Findings show that older men and women living alone reported lower levels of SRH than those living with others. Regression findings show common and unique home and community environmental predictors of SRH by group. Common predictors of higher SRH were private housing residence, larger living space, satisfaction with dwelling, volunteering, no perceived need for community services, and community safety. Home maintenance needs predicted lower SRH among older men and women living with others; uninhabitable conditions predicted poor SRH among older men living with others and older women living alone.

Conclusion:

Results support the important effects of place in terms of home and community environments for older adults’ SRH, and associations differed by gender and living arrangements.
The Ava bracelet for collection of fertility and pregnancy data in free-living conditions: An exploratory validity and acceptability study
Authors: Nulty Alison K. , Chen Elizabeth , Thompson Amanda L.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the validity and acceptability of the Ava bracelet for collecting heart rate, sleep, mood, and physical activity data among reproductive-aged women (pregnant and nonpregnant) under free-living conditions.

Methods

Thirty-three participants wore the Ava bracelet on their non-dominant wrist and reported mood and physical activity in the Ava mobile application for seven nights. Criterion validity was determined by comparing the Ava bracelet heart rate and sleep duration measures to criterion measures from the Polar chest strap and ActiGraph GTX3 + accelerometer. Construct validity was determined by comparing self-report measures and the heart rate variability ratio collected in the Ava mobile application to previously validated measures. Acceptability was evaluated using the modified Acceptability of Health Apps among Adolescents Scale.

Results

Mean absolute percentage error was 11.4% for heart rate and 8.5% for sleep duration. There was no meaningful difference between the Ava bracelet, ActiGraph, and construct a measure of sleep quality. Compared to construct measures, Ava bracelet heart rate variability had a significant low negative correlation ( r:−0.28), mood had a significant low positive correlation ( r : 0.39), and physical activity level had a significant low ( rlevel of physical activity: 0.56) to moderate positive correlation ( rMET−minutes/week: 0.71). The acceptability of the Ava bracelet was high for fertility and low for pregnancy tracking.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests the Ava bracelet and mobile application estimates of sleep and heart rate are not equivalent to criterion measures in free-living conditions. Further research is needed to establish its utility for collecting prospective, subjective data throughout periods of preconception and pregnancy.
Make Movement Your Mission: Evaluation of an online digital health initiative to increase physical activity in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bosco Alessandro , McGarrigle Lisa , Skelton Dawn A. , Laventure R.M.E , Townley Bex , Todd Chris
Published: March 2022

Objective

To formatively evaluate the Make Movement Your Mission (MMYM) digital health initiative to promote physical activity (PA) levels and help avert the negative consequences of sedentary behaviours in older adults during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic.

Methods

Mixed-method study to explore activity levels, changes in physical function and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), quality-of-life, social engagement, technology use, and accessibility. Survey data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative interviews were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Forty-one respondents completed the survey (Mean age 68.4 (8.9) years; 34 Female), 68% aged ≥ 65 years. Average attendance was 14.3 sessions per week (3.5 h). 73% had been with MMYM for >1 year, 90% reported they were engaging in more movement on a typical day, and 75% reported improvement in ability to perform moderate PA. Since starting MMYM, participation in activities targeting strength, balance and flexibility increased (by 48%, 73% and 75%, respectively). 83% met strength and 90% balance PA guidelines for health (≥ 2x per week). Between 18% and 53% of respondents reported improvements in ADLs, 53% reported better quality-of-life, and 28% increased use of the internet. Eight participants were interviewed (Mean age 70.7 (6.7) years; 7 Female). Activity levels were promoted by having direct support from the instructor through Facebook messages pre and post live sessions, having group expectation about quality and level of engagement, having a sense of control and encouragement from others, MMYMs regularity, choice around level of engagement and accessibility. Noticing short-term outcomes in balance and posture helped boost confidence and continued participation.

Conclusion

Clinical trials need to robustly assess its effectiveness and acceptability.
Registered nurses’ experiences of barriers in providing care for older patients with low mood in Swedish municipal settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Vikström Nina , Hägglund Paulina , Ericson-Lidman Eva , Juthberg Christina
Published: March 2022

Low mood and depression are common mental states among older people, and are difficult to diagnose and treat, causing suffering and declining functions. The aim of the study was to describe registered nurses’ experiences of barriers in providing care for older persons with low mood in Swedish municipal settings. Ten registered nurses working in municipal settings were interviewed using a qualitative approach. The analysis resulted in two main categories, ‘Professional barriers in the care of older persons with low mood’ and ‘Organisational barriers in the care of older persons with low mood’, and four subcategories. Improvements regarding increased knowledge about the use of assessments tools are suggested. Registered nurses should strive to listen to the older person's desires and needs. Furthermore, suggestions about improved collaboration within the organisation as well as with other caregivers in order to provide quality care to older persons with low mood, are made. COREQ was used as criteria to report qualitative data.
Review of Organizational Ambidexterity Research
Authors: Kassotaki Olga
Published: March 2022

The main objective of this research is to investigate how organizational ambidexterity can be achieved at a modern organization. A concise review of key studies conducted until today consolidates the state of academic research on the subject of organizational ambidexterity, as the ambidexterity concept has been gaining increased attention from scholars. The systematic search of the literature published since 1991, composed of 122 articles, has revealed various research perspectives with respect to organizational ambidexterity. The research tools that have been employed were the systematic data collection processes, qualitative data analysis techniques, and data synthesis of the selected research output. The results of this review have shown that researchers have been studying ambidexterity from various angles and in various literature streams. They have been focusing on multiple external and internal organizational factors that affect ambidexterity and have been analyzing these moderators in terms of performance metrics and degree of their influence on ambidexterity. This study concludes with future research directions and propositions on the subject of organizational ambidexterity.
Friendship Conflict, Drinking to Cope, and Alcohol-Related Problems: A Longitudinal Actor-Partner Interdependence Model
Authors: Mackinnon Sean P. , Tougas Michelle E. , Kehayes Ivy-Lee L. , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: March 2022

Drinking to cope with negative affect is a strong predictor of alcohol-related problems. We hypothesized that the association between friendship conflict and alcohol-related problems would be mediated by coping-with-depression motives in emerging adults’ close friendships. We used a 4-wave, 4-month longitudinal self-report survey design measuring friendship conflict, coping motives, and alcohol-related problems from 174 same-sex friendship dyads. Participants were recruited from Nova Scotia, Canada between September 2016 and February 2019. Participants had a mean age of 18.66 ( SD = 1.17) and were 66.1% female. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling. Coping-with-depression motives mediated the link between conflict and alcohol-related problems at the between- and within-subject levels. Unexpectedly, coping-with-anxiety motives was an additional mediator at the within-subjects level. Interventions for emerging adults’ problem drinking should consider the influence of friendship conflict and its impact on emerging adults’ tendencies to drink to cope with both depression and anxiety. Materials/Syntax: https://osf.io/krs3v/
Sustainable Circular Economy in the Wood Construction Industry: A Business Opportunity Perspective
Authors: Piispanen Ville-Veikko , Suokas Sini-Tuulia , Henttonen Kaisa , Lehtimäki Hanna
Published: March 2022

This study aims to explore the main drivers of recognizing a circular economy business opportunity. In this multiple case study with six entrepreneurs from the wood construction industry is a relevant part of the circular economy because its essential component is a sustainable and renewable material (trees/wood) that reduces carbon emissions. This study contributes to previous research by showing that six traditional drivers influence the entrepreneur’s recognition of business opportunities: environmental conditions, social capital, prior knowledge, systematic search, cognition and entrepreneurial alertness. Moreover, they are intertwined in the complex and processual phenomenon known as business opportunity. Furthermore, for the drivers of sustainable opportunity recognition, prior knowledge on environment and altruism are critical. The recognition of opportunity is not solely based on any of the individual drivers; rather, it relies mostly on continuous interaction with the network when the entrepreneur is creating a business opportunity.
Creating Exercise Spaces in Parks for Older Adults With Fitness, Rehabilitation, and Play Elements: A Review and Perspective
Authors: Lee Janet Lok Chun , Ho Rainbow Tin Hung
Published: March 2022

Parks usually create a protective playground space for children to perform physical activity like jumping, running, and climbing. Specific spaces have rarely been created for older adults to perform physical activity in public parks. Now that park designs increasingly include outdoor exercise spaces for older adults, yet the important elements or considerations when designing this space remain unclear. Here, we present the emerging importance of and evidence for creating well-designed activity spaces for senior citizens in public parks in the era of population aging.
Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Dual Docking, 4-Ply Reconstructive Technique
Authors: Connor Patrick M. , Bitzer Alexander
Published: March 2022

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament injuries are common in the overhead-throwing athlete as the anterior band of this ligament is the primary soft tissue static stabilizer to valgus stress during a throwing motion. Various surgical techniques have been described over the past 30 years to address these injuries including Jobe, modified Jobe, docking, 3-stranded docking, Graftlink, and anatomic repairs with good to excellent results. Nevertheless, modifications to these techniques may increase the strength and survival of the reconstruction, which may expedite and optimize postoperative rehabilitation and return to play.

Indications:

This is a reproducible technique that provides excellent outcomes. We believe a 4-ply construct, with the addition of a high tensile strength suture tape, may provide superior biomechanical properties compared to other reconstructive techniques. Biomechanical testing for this technique is currently underway.

Technique Description:

Medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using a gracilis autograft passed from proximal to distal, secured at the ulna with a cortical button tension loop construct, and then repassed from distal to proximal with the addition of a high strength suture in parallel to function as an internal brace. Together, this creates a reinforced, 4-ply, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with excellent tensile strength. Other advantages of this technique are that it avoids bony bridge fracture between ulnar tunnels, it preserves ulnar bone stock, creates a more anatomic insertion at the sublime tubercle and provides a simple method to tension the entire graft construct.

Results:

The expected outcomes from this procedure are consistently positive with recent literature reporting greater than 90% of patients having an excellent outcome and over 80% of overhead athletes returning to sport at or above previous level.

Conclusion:

This specific technique provides a rigid, high-tensile strength reconstruction with excellent outcomes and a high percentage of return to play. Additionally, this technique avoids various technical pitfalls by utilizing cortical button suspensory fixation at the ulna which minimizes complications such as ulnar tunnel conversion and iatrogenic injury to the ulnar nerve when drilling posterior to the sublime tubercle as is necessary with other techniques.
Electroencephalography in delirium assessment: a scoping review
Authors: Wiegand Tim L. T. , Rémi Jan , Dimitriadis Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

Background

Delirium is a common disorder affecting around 31% of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Delirium assessment scores such as the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) are time-consuming, they cannot differentiate between different types of delirium and their etiologies, and they may have low sensitivities in the clinical setting. While today, electroencephalography (EEG) is increasingly being applied to delirious patients in the ICU, a lack of clear cut EEG signs, leads to inconsistent assessments.

Methods

We therefore conducted a scoping review on EEG findings in delirium. One thousand two hundred thirty-six articles identified through database search on PubMed and Embase were reviewed. Finally, 33 original articles were included in the synthesis.

Results

EEG seems to offer manifold possibilities in diagnosing delirium. All 33 studies showed a certain degree of qualitative or quantitative EEG alterations in delirium. Thus, normal routine (rEEG) and continuous EEG (cEEG) make presence of delirium very unlikely. All 33 studies used different research protocols to at least some extent. These include differences in time points, duration, conditions, and recording methods of EEG, as well as different patient populations, and diagnostic methods for delirium. Thus, a quantitative synthesis and common recommendations are so far elusive.

Conclusion

Future studies should compare the different methods of EEG recording and evaluation to identify robust parameters for everyday use. Evidence for quantitative bi-electrode delirium detection based on increased relative delta power and decreased beta power is growing and should be further pursued. Additionally, EEG studies on the evolution of a delirium including patient outcomes are needed.
The Fujian eye cross sectional study: objectives, design, and general characteristics
Authors: Li Yang , Hu Qinrui , Li Xiaoxin , Hu Yonghua , Wang Bin , Qin Xueying , Ren Tao
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To describe the objective and design of the Fujian Eye Study and to introduce the general characteristics and vision condition of this study.

Methods

The Fujian Eye Study (FJES) is a population-based cross-sectional survey on the public eye health status of residents over 50 years old in the entire Fujian Province of Southern China, which contains both urban and rural areas and coastal and inland regions. 10,044 participants were enrolled using a two-stage cluster sampling design and underwent a questionnaire and a series of standard examinations both physical and ocular. The main subgroups of data collection included age, sex, region, refractive error, education background, income, eating habits, smartphone usage in the dark, complaints of eye discomfort, history of chronic diseases, consumption of tobacco, alcohol, or tea.

Results

8211 (81.8%) participants were finally included and were divided into urban populations (4678 subjects) and rural populations (3533 subjects) and coastal residents (6434 subjects) and inland residents (1777 subjects); 4836 participants were female. The mean age was 64.39 (SD 8.87) years (median 64 years; range 50–98 years). 227 (3.33%) had vision impairment (VI), 195 (2.87%) had low vision and 14 (0.21%) were blind. The mean presenting near visual acuity (PNVA) was 0.28 (0.17), the mean presenting distance visual acuity (PDVA) was 0.61 (0.30), and the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.82 (0.28).

Conclusions

The FJES collected detailed questionnaire information and overall ocular and physical examinations, which provide the opportunity to identify risk factors and images of VI and eye diseases and to evaluate their associations with chronic diseases and basic personal information.
Supraspinatus tendon thickness and subacromial impingement characteristics in younger and older adults
Authors: Ishigaki Tomonobu , Yoshino Koichiro , Hirokawa Motoki , Sugawara Makoto , Yamanaka Masanori
Published: March 2022

Background

Subacromial impingement (SAI) may be a cause of age-related rotator cuff abnormalities; therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare SAI characteristics between younger and older adults. In addition to the fact that thickened supraspinatus tendon (SST) indicates tendon abnormalities, SAI characteristics have been recognized as follows: greater SST thickness, reduced acromiohumeral distance (AHD), greater reduction of AHD (∆AHD) with arm elevation, and a higher percentage of SST within AHD (i.e., occupation ratio: OcAHD). Furthermore, we investigated the relationships between SST thickness and AHD, as well as SST thickness and ∆AHD to clarify the effect of SAI on rotator cuff abnormalities.

Methods

Healthy younger (n = 18, 21–24-year-old) and older (n = 27, 45–80-year-old) adults without any shoulder symptoms participated in this study. We measured their SST thickness and AHD at rest and at arm elevation (30° and 60°) in the scapular plane using ultrasound, and calculated ∆AHD as the relative change expressed as a percentage of the baseline. OcAHD was expressed as the ratio of SST thickness at rest to AHD at rest and in elevated positions.

Results

The older subjects had approximately one mm thicker SST (P = 0.003, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 0.410 to 1.895) and approximately 1.0 to 1.3 mm greater AHD than the younger subjects (P = 0.011, 95%CI = 0.284 to 2.068 at rest; P = 0.037, 95%CI = 0.082 to 2.609 for 30° of arm elevation; P = 0.032, 95%CI = 0.120 to 2.458 for 60° of arm elevation). However, there were no differences in ΔAHD and OcAHD between the groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that, compared with the younger subjects, the older subjects showed thicker supraspinatus tendon but no other SAI characteristics including decreases in AHD and increases in OcAHD. Thus, this study suggests that older subjects showed age-related SST abnormalities without SAI, although the magnitude of the differences in SST thickness is notably small and the clinical significance of this difference is unclear.
Elevated serum extracellular vesicle arginase 1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study in middle-aged and elderly population
Authors: Li Xinwei , Zhao Wen , Peng Lu , Li Yu , Nie Shaoping , Yu Huahui , Qin Yanwen , Zhang Huina
Published: March 2022

Background

Serum extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived arginase 1 (ARG 1) plays a critical role in diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction. This study was performed to determine the levels of serum EV-derived ARG 1 in T2DM and non-T2DM participants and to examine the association of serum EV-derived ARG 1 with T2DM incidence.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in 103 Chinese, including 73 T2DM patients and 30 non-T2DM. Serum EVs were prepared via ultracentrifugation. Serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations between serum EV-derived ARG 1 and clinical variables were analyzed. The association of serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels with T2DM was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Interaction subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the interaction of the relevant baselines on the association between serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels and T2DM.

Results

Serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared with non-T2DM patients (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r = 0.316, p = 0.001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r = 0.322, p = 0.001). Serum EV-derived ARG 1 levels were significantly associated with T2DM, especially in the subgroup of T2DM for more than 10 years (OR 1.651, 95% CI = 1.066–2.557; P value, 0.025), after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

Elevated concentration of serum EV-derived ARG 1 is closely associated with T2DM.
Artemisia argyi extract alleviates inflammation in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model and enhances immunomodulatory effects in lymphoid tissues
Authors: Shin Ji Min , Son Yang-Ju , Ha In Jin , Erdenebileg Saruul , Jung Da Seul , Song Dae-geun , Kim Young Sik , Kim Sang Min , Nho Chu Won
Published: March 2022

Background

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal system has increased. IBD, characterized by aberrant immune responses against antigens, is thought to be caused by the invasion of enterobacteria. The pathogenesis of IBD is complicated, hence novel effective therapeutic agents are warranted. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of Artemisia argyi, a medicinal herb, in alleviating IBD.

Methods

The effectiveness of the A. argyi ethanol extract was verified both in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation was induced in RAW 264.7 cells by 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and by 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. During the ten-day colitis induction, 200 mg/kg of A. argyi ethanol extract was orally administered to the treatment group. Levels of inflammation-related proteins and genes were analyzed in the colon, serum, and lymphoid tissues, i.e., Peyer’s patches (PPs) and spleen. The chemical constituent of the A. argyi ethanol extract was identified using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis.

Results

A. argyi ethanol extract treatment ameliorated IBD symptoms and reduced the expression of inflammation-related proteins and genes in the colon and serum samples. Furthermore, A. argyi treatment induced the activation of anti-oxidative associated proteins, such as nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); and the treatment have also inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a central mediator of inflammatory responses. A. argyi enhanced the immunomodulatory effects in the PPs and spleen, which may stem from interleukin-10 (IL-10) upregulation. Chemical analysis identified a total of 28 chemical compounds, several of which have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of the A. argyi ethanol extract in alleviating IBD was demonstrated; application of the extract successfully mitigated IBD symptoms, and enhanced immunomodulatory responses in lymphoid tissues. These findings suggest A. argyi as a promising herbal medicine for IBD treatment.
Effects of mulching film on soil microbial diversity and community of cotton
Authors: Tang Qiuxiang , Lin Tao , Sun Zhanbin , Yan An , Zhang Jusong , Jiang Pingan , Wu Fengquan , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2022

Different types of mulching film could variously influence soil properties and plant growth. Yet, surprisingly few studies have investigated the effects of mulching film upon soil microbial diversity and community structure. In this research, two kinds of mulching film, a traditional PE (polyethylene) mulching film and a degradable PBAT ((Poly [butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate])) mulching film, were applied to cotton (Gossypium spp.) plants grown in Xinjiang Province, China. The respective influence of the two mulching films on the cotton’s soil microbial (bacteria and fungi) diversity and community were investigated. The results showed that applying the PBAT mulching film could significantly alter the diversity of non-rhizosphere soil fungi when compared to using the PE mulching film. However, neither the PE nor PBAT mulching film had any significant influence on the diversity of soil bacteria and rhizosphere soil fungi. Nevertheless, soil microbial community composition differed under the PBAT mulching film treatment vis-à-vis the PE mulching film treatment. The abundance of Gibellulopsis was higher under the PBAT than PE mulching film treatment. Our study’s findings provided an empirical basis for the further application of degradable PBAT mulching film for the sustainable development of cotton crops.
A severe microsporidian disease in cultured Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Authors: López-Verdejo Alejandro , Montero Francisco E. , de la Gándara Fernando , Gallego Miguel A. , Ortega Aurelio , Raga Juan Antonio , Palacios-Abella José F.
Published: March 2022

One of the most promising aquaculture species is the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) with high market value; disease control is crucial to prevent and reduce mortality and monetary losses.Microsporidia(Fungi) are a potential source of damage to bluefin tuna aquaculture. A new microsporidian species is described from farmed bluefin tunas from the Spanish Mediterranean. This new pathogen is described in a juvenile associated with a highly severe pathology of the visceral cavity. Whitish xenomas from this microsporidian species were mostly located at the caecal mass and ranged from 0.2 to 7.5 mm. Light and transmission electron microscopy of the spores revealed mature spores with an average size of 2.2 × 3.9 μm in size and a polar filament with 13–14 coils arranged in one single layer. Phylogenetic analysis clustered this species with theGlugeaspp. clade. The morphological characteristics and molecular comparison confirm that this is a novel microsporidian species,Glugea thunni. The direct life-cycle and the severe pathologies observed makes this parasite a hard risk for bluefin tuna cultures.
B2M gene knockout in HEK293T cells by non-viral delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 system for the generation of universal cells
Authors: Ranjbar Maryam , Amiri Farshid , Nourigorji Marjan , Torabizadeh Farid , Dara Mahintaj , Dianatpour Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Background

Allogeneic stem cells are the most potent sources for replacing cell, tissue, and organ malfunctions. The clinical use of these stem cells has been limited due to the risk of immune system rejection due to the incompatibility of human leukocyte (HLA) antigens between donors and recipients. To overcome this limitation, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to eliminate the β2 microglobulin (B2M) gene, which plays a vital role in the expression of HLA class I.

Results

Non-viral transfer of two gRNAs targeting the first exon and intron in the B2M gene results in large deletions in the target region. In addition, the results of this study showed that 11.11% and 22.22% of cells received genomic changes as homozygous and heterozygous, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have shown that the dual guide RNA strategy is a simple and efficient method for modifying genes. As a result, these cells can be proposed as universal cells that are not detectable in the cell therapy system and transplantation by the receptor immune system.
Barriers and Opportunities of Oncofertility Practice in Nine Developing Countries and the Emerging Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network
Authors: Salama Mahmoud , Ataman-Millhouse Lauren , Sobral Fabio , Terrado Guillermo , Scarella Anibal , Bourlon Maria T. , Adiga Satish Kumar , Udupa Karthik S. , Mahajan Nalini , Patil Madhuri , Venter Chris , Demetriou Georgia , Quintana Ramiro , Rodriguez Gabriela , Quintana Tomas , Viale Luz , Bonilla Yuly Andrea Remolina , Noguera July Andrea Russi , Velásquez Juan Carlos Velásquez , Pineda Jennifer Ivonne Dominguez , Aldecoa Mario Daniel Castro , Javed Murid , Al Sufyan Hamad , Daniels Nonso , Ogunmokun Adegbite A. , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Oncofertility practice continues to grow in developing countries despite the lack of health care services, especially those related to cancer care. The purpose of this study is to further explore oncofertility practice in these countries and identify opportunities for field-wide coalescence.

METHODS

We generated a survey to learn more about oncofertility practice in nine developing countries within our Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network—Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India. Their responses were collected, reviewed, and discussed.

RESULTS

Surveyed centers from the nine developing countries continue to experience a similar set of common challenges, including a lack of awareness among providers and patients, cultural and religious constraints, lack of insurance coverage and funding to help to support oncofertility programs, and high out-of-pocket costs for patients. Despite these barriers, many opportunities exist and there is great potential for the future.

CONCLUSION

The current need is to unify the new technologies and best practices that emerge from rural communities and developing countries with those in large metropolitan cities, both domestically (US based) and abroad, into a functional unit: the Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network. The Oncofertility Professional Engagement Network will bridge the gap between domestic and international programs to establish a strong global network in which members share resources, methodologies and experiences and further build cultural competency.
The Female Imperial Agent and the Intricacies of Power
Authors: Krik Hagit
Published: March 2022

British women have hitherto been almost absent from the history of British colonialism in the Middle East, and particularly in Mandate Palestine (1918–48). By using an individual tale of a British nurse as a vantage point, the article explores the personal and professional experiences of British nurses in Mandate Palestine and scrutinizes their contested status. As women, as British, as medical practitioners, and specifically as nurses, British nurses present a singular type of local-level imperial agent who confronted multiple challenges to their identities. Empowered as imperial agents of health, biomedicine, and hygiene, they had exercised professional, cultural, and racial authority over indigenous people. At the same time, their gender, vocation, and marital status have limited their scope of influence within a male-dominated medical hierarchy, as well as locate them at the lower strata of British colonial society. Nurses’ tales thus offer a unique perspective for investigating colonial power relations and the intersections of medicine, gender, race, and class.
Nursing (Inter)nationalism in Iran, 1916–1947
Authors: Wytenbroek Lydia
Published: March 2022

In the first half of the twentieth century, American missionary nurses, working under the auspices of the Presbyterian Mission to Iran, established areas of educational innovation within mission medicine and Iranian health care. Drawing on Presbyterian mission records, this article considers missionary nurses’ efforts to cultivate international nursing standards in Iran between 1916, when they opened their first nursing school, and 1947, when they launched an institute of higher education for nurses. From the outset their mission was to develop the nursing profession and “produce fine nurses for Iran.” In effect, they proselytized for the nursing profession. For twenty years they operated the only nursing schools in the country. This article argues that missionary nurses’ commitment to nursing professionalism facilitated Iranian nursing nationalism. It also reveals that some Iranian women took advantage of mission nursing schools to advance their education and cultivate prominent nursing careers.
The schizophrenia risk gene Map2k7 regulates responding in a novel contingency-shifting rodent touchscreen gambling task
Authors: Openshaw Rebecca L. , Pratt Judith A. , Morris Brian J.
Published: March 2022

In schizophrenia, subjects show reduced ability to evaluate and update risk/reward contingencies, showing correspondingly suboptimal performance in the Iowa gambling task. JNK signalling gene variants are associated with schizophrenia risk, and JNK modulates aspects of cognition. We therefore studied the performance of mice hemizygous for genetic deletion of the JNK activator MKK7 (Map2k7+/− mice) in a touchscreen version of the Iowa gambling task, additionally incorporating a novel contingency-switching stage. Map2k7+/− mice performed slightly better than wild-type (WT) littermates in acquisition and performance of the task. Although Map2k7+/− mice adapted well to subtle changes in risk/reward contingencies, they were profoundly impaired when the positions of ‘best’ and ‘worst’ choice selections were switched, and still avoided the previous ‘worst’ choice location weeks after the switch. This demonstrates a precise role for MKK7–JNK signalling in flexibility of risk/reward assessment and suggests that genetic variants affecting this molecular pathway may underlie impairment in this cognitive domain in schizophrenia. Importantly, this new contingency shift adaptation of the rodent touchscreen gambling task has translational utility for characterising these cognitive subprocesses in models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences
Authors: Wahbeh Helané , Fry Nina , Speirn Paolo , Hrnjic Lutvija , Ancel Emma , Niebauer Erica
Published: March 2022

The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboos exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey that collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacting decision-making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.
A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention
Authors: Escañuela Sánchez Tamara , Byrne Molly , Meaney Sarah , O'Donoghue Keelin , Matvienko-Sikar Karen
Published: March 2022

Background: Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome that affects approximately 3.5 per 1000 births in high-income countries. Previous research has highlighted the importance of focusing prevention efforts on targeting risk factors and vulnerable groups. A wide range of risk factors has been associated with stillbirth before, including maternal behaviours such as back sleep position, smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and inadequate attendance at antenatal care. Given the modifiable nature of these risk factors, there has been an increase in the design of behaviour change interventions targeting such behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify all behavioural interventions with a behavioural component designed and trialled for the prevention of stillbirth in high-income countries, and to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in such interventions using the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1).

Inclusion criteria: Interventions will be included in this review if they (1) have the objective of reducing stillbirth rates with a focus on behavioural risk factors; (2) are implemented in high-income countries; (3) target pregnant women or women of childbearing age; and (4) are published in research articles.

Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted. The results of the search will be screened against our inclusion criteria by two authors. The following data items will be extracted from the selected papers: general information, study characteristics, participant and intervention/approach details. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) risk of bias criteria will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Intervention content will be coded for BCTs as present (+) or absent (-) by two authors using the BCTTv1, discrepancies will be discussed with a third author. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to present the results of this systematic review.
Associations of Vitamin D, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute exacerbations of COPD with anxiety and depression: a nested case control study
Authors: Lokesh Komarla Sundararaja , Rao Ananya Ananth , Chaya Sindaghatta Krishnarao , Jayaraj Biligere Siddaiah , Praveena Attahalli Shivanarayanprasad , Krishna Murali , Madhivanan Purnima , Padukudru Anand Mahesh
Published: March 2022

Background: Lower vitamin D levels have not only been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exacerbations and lower lung functions, but also with anxiety and depression. We examined the associations of severity of anxiety and depression using HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) and HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) scores with COPD and vitamin D levels.

Methods: Observational nested case control study was conducted in MUDHRA cohort. One hundred COPD subjects and 100 age- gender- matched non-COPD subjects (controls) underwent evaluation of socioeconomic status, respiratory symptoms, spirometry, severity of anxiety and depression, six minute walk test and estimation of serum vitamin D levels. Independent association of low vitamin D levels with severity of anxiety and depression was assessed by logistic regression.

Results: COPD group had higher mean±SD anxiety and depression scores (HAM-A 8.0±3.5, HAM-D 8.72±4) compared to control group (HAM-A 4.51±2.2, HAM-D 4.3±2). The COPD group had 53 subjects with mild/moderate anxiety/depression whereas control group had 16 subjects with mild/moderate anxiety/depression. In COPD group, subjects with mild/moderate anxiety/depression had lower vitamin D levels compared to subjects with no/minimal anxiety/depression, while the difference in control group was not significant. In logistic regression, anxiety and depression levels had independent association with vitamin D levels, lung function variables, six-minute walk distance and presence of COPD. In COPD subgroup, anxiety and depression levels had independent association with breathlessness, GOLD FEV1 staging, CAT score, SGRQ-C Symptom score and exacerbation of COPD.

Conclusions: Greater proportion of COPD subjects suffer from anxiety and depression as compared to subjects without COPD. Severity of anxiety and depression was greater in COPD subjects. Poorer lung functions, higher respiratory symptoms and lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in COPD subjects.  There is an urgent need to recognise anxiety and depression in COPD patients.
TEMPERATURE-INDUCED STRAIN PREDICTION FOR THE LONG-SPAN STEEL TRUSS ARCH RAILWAY BRIDGE USING THE GRU
Authors: ZHU QINGXIN , WANG HAO , MAO JIANXIAO , HU SUOTING , GONG ZHAOHUA , ZHAO XINXIN
Published: March 2022

The mapping for temperature-induced strains is a reliable approach to characterize bridge structures. However, the temperature field of bridge structures is intrinsically time-varying due to the time-dependent nature of the solar radiation and surrounding environments. In addition, long-span steel truss arch railway bridges consist of thousands of structural members. Capturing the accurate relationships between bridge temperature and temperature-induced strains is challenging. To explore an accurate mapping for temperature-induced strains in bridges, this study systematically investigates the temperature distributions and temperature effects on a long-span steel truss arch railway bridge based on field monitoring data. Accordingly, the relationships between temperature-induced strains and spatial temperature distributions are investigated using the principal component analysis (PCA) and gated recurrent unit (GRU), which are applied to calculate structural strains under ambient excitation using field temperature measurements. Particularly, the GRUs with different combinations of inputs, including temperature increments, principal components of temperature increments, and the recorded time of the temperature, are trained. The predictions from different GRUs are compared with the field monitoring data. Results show that temperature-induced strains are profoundly affected by the temperature field of the bridge. The temperature-induced strains can be predicted accurately using GRU in cooperation with field temperature measurements from multi-measurement points. Note that the recorded time of the bridge temperature can be employed to represent the characteristics of the temperature field during the prediction. The results of this study can improve the performance assessment methods for bridge structures, which can be utilized for the abnormal detection of bridge structures.
RESEARCH ON ULTRASONIC GUIDED WAVE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IDENTIFICATION METHOD BASED ON TIME-DELAY CUMULATIVE IMAGING ALGORITHM
Authors: GUANGJUN WANG , SHAOQING LIU , CHANG PENG , CHANG FU-KUO , LI FRANKLIN , KUMAR AMRITA
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the finite element analysis method is used to simulate the dynamic propagation process of Lamb waves in the aluminum alloy plate, and the modulation effect of damage on the received signal is analyzed. By analyzing the dispersion curve of Lamb waves propagating in the aluminum alloy plate, a narrow-band Hanning window modulated sine wave with the center frequency of 150 KHz and the period of 5 is selected as exciting signal, based on the delay-and-sum imaging algorithm, using a honeycomb sensor array composed of six piezoelectric sensors, the simulated damage of additional heavy weight in aluminum alloy plate with size of 600mm   600mm   2mm was identified. The positioning errors of the three experiments were 8.06 mm, 13.34 mm and 14 mm. The experimental results show that the delay-and-sum imaging algorithm can accurately locate the damage in the aluminum alloy plate.
RESEARCH ON VIBRATION MONITORING DEVICE AND ALARM THRESHOLD OF CARDAN SHAFT DRIVE SYSTEM OF EMU
Authors: CHEN LIANG , LIANG YUN , YANG JIYOU , WANG XIANLIANG , HAN XUAN , TANG KAIQIANG
Published: March 2022

In order to solve the problems of excessive dynamic balance caused by improper bearing lubrication and abnormal vibration of transmission system affecting driving safety during the operation of the cardan shaft of EMU, the vibration monitoring device of the cardan shaft is specially developed. By installing vibration sensors on the gearbox and motor, the vibration signals in the frequency section of the cardan shaft of the gearbox and motor measurement point are taken as the characteristic quantity to monitor the cardan shaft health status in real time. According to the simulation analysis of the acceleration response of the measuring point of the cardan shaft of different dynamic balance magnitude at different rotational speeds, the test verification of the platform, and the statistical analysis of the vibration data of the present vehicle of the cardan shaft of the EMU running on different lines, the vehicle-mounted alarm threshold was established and optimized. It is of great significance to provide early warning and alarm information according to fault classification for improving the reliability of the cardan shaft transmission system of EMU.