bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-occurring ADHD symptoms in autistic adults are associated with less independence in daily living activities and lower subjective quality of life
Authors: Yerys Benjamin E , McQuaid Goldie A , Lee Nancy Raitano , Wallace Gregory L
Published: August 2022

Outcomes for autistic adults are generally poor across multiple foundational metrics, including activities of daily living and quality of life. Co-occurring psychiatric conditions contribute to these poor outcomes. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common co-occurring conditions among autistic individuals; however, we know little about the association of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms with autistic adult outcomes. A total of 724 autistic adults (18–83 years; 58% female) recruited via Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK) Research Match completed questionnaires on demographics, co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, activities of daily living, and subjective quality of life. After controlling for age, birth-sex, socioeconomic status, and autistic traits, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms explained an additional 2%−10% of variance across activities of daily living and all domains of subjective quality of life. This is the first study to demonstrate that autistic adults who rated themselves as having more attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms also rated themselves as less independent in activities of daily living and experiencing a lower subjective quality of life. These findings highlight that additional research and better supports for co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms may be critical to enhancing independence and quality of life for autistic adults.

Lay abstract

Outcomes for autistic adults are generally poor, including activities of daily living and self-ratings of quality of life. Co-occurring psychiatric conditions contribute to these poor outcomes. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals. However, we know little about the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and outcomes in autistic adults. A total of 724 autistic adults (18–83 years; 58% female) recruited from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research participant registry completed questionnaires on demographics, co-occurring psychiatric conditions, activities of daily living, and subjective quality of life. Autistic adults who rated themselves as having more attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms also rated themselves as having less independence in activities of daily living and a lower quality of life. This is the first study to show these relationships in autistic adults. These findings highlight that additional research and better supports for co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms may be critical to improving independence and quality of life for autistic adults.
The border as “other space”
Authors: Winkler Dominik
Published: August 2022

Refugees played a central role in public discourse in the past decade, however, self-representations were marginal. In this article, I analyze the documentary My Escape / Meine Flucht, which portrays the flight of 15 people based on footage from their mobile phones on their journey and interviews. Starting from Foucault's concept of the heterotopia, I approach the Mediterranean Sea as a place in which different power regimes intersect, engage and compete. The self-representation of border-crossing makes the enacted power on refugees visible and challenges common framings of refugees and border-crossing. I pick up the argument that the rise in migration in 2015 offers a healing potential which could mirror the reality in the “Global South” to a European Union (EU) public. I argue that self-representations in media reveal the contradictions in the self-imagination of the EU and its reality. Yet their impact remains limited.
The irony of development: Critique, complicity, cynicism
Authors: Korf Benedikt
Published: August 2022

Has development critique run out of steam? While a certain impasse can be noted between post-development theorists and development ethnographers, this article suggests to re-start the steam engine of development critique by attending to the “irony of development”, i.e. ironic predicaments that explain the sustenance of the development industry despite its persistent failures to live up to its aspirations. How one reads this “irony of successful failure” amounts to a question of how to practise critique, what position the critic takes and what ironic stances the critic intones. While post-development operates an external critique, development ethnographers practise an internal one. I propose to transform the latter into an immanent critique, which identifies “moral excess” as the constitutive function of the ironic predicaments inside the global development apparatus.
Attitudes toward end-of-life decisions other than assisted death amongst doctors in Northern Portugal
Authors: Ferraz-Gonçalves José António
Published: August 2022

Background

Doctors often deal with end-of-life issues other than assisted death, such as incompetent patients and treatment withdrawal, including food and fluids.

Methods

A link to a questionnaire was sent by email three times, at one-week intervals, to the doctors registered in the Northern Section of the Portuguese Medical Association.

Results

The questionnaire was returned by 1148 (9%) physicians. This study shows that only a minority of Portuguese doctors were willing to administer drugs in lethal doses to cognitively incompetent patients at the request of a family member or other close person, and even less would do it on their initiative. Most doctors favored the withdrawal of life support measures in advanced and progressive diseases at the patient’s request. Still, much fewer doctors agreed with the suspension of supportive life measures at the request of a family member, another close person, or by their own unilateral decision. However, fewer agreed with that action concerning the rest of the food and fluids. Portuguese doctors favor the administration of drugs for suffering control, even foreseeing they could shorten life.

Conclusion

Most doctors in this study respect patients’ autonomy but disagree with measures decided by others that have an impact on patients’ survival. They also agree with the administration of drugs for suffering control, even considering the possibility of shortening life.
Unenviable decisions: Is it ethically justifiable to withhold parenteral nutrition from infants with ultra-short bowel syndrome?
Authors: JLH Peterson
Published: August 2022

Infant A was born at term with an antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. His parents were well informed about the condition and understood that he would require surgery. However, at delivery, his bowel was found to be severely compromised. Infant A returned from theatre with only four centimeters of small bowel. This is physiologically devastating and easily qualifies as ultrashort bowel syndrome (USBS). Whilst the prognosis from ultrashort bowel syndrome is greatly improving, the condition continues to carry a significant risk of mortality and morbidity, in part attributable to treatment itself. The cornerstone of management of USBS is provision of intravenous parenteral nutrition (PN). This is not a physiologically normal route of nutrition; it is a medical treatment. Infant A’s parents questioned whether continuation of active treatment was appropriate. If a treatment is not in the patient’s best interests, then it can be argued it is not justified to administer it. Decisions about quality of life are intensely personal. Where there is a significant burden of treatment, even when there is a potential for increased survival, whether the course of treatment is in the child’s best interests must be taken with huge emphasis on the parental perspective and their family values. For well-informed, realistic parents who are welcoming of the full picture of information and implications of their decision, I argue that parents are best placed to make the decision for their child. Long-term PN for USBS may well be a medically encouraged treatment. However, it should not be medically mandated.
Exploring the Relationship Between Ethics and Trust in Human–Artificial Intelligence Teaming: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Textor Claire , Zhang Rui , Lopez Jeremy , Schelble Beau G. , McNeese Nathan J. , Freeman Guo , Pak Richard , Tossell Chad , de Visser Ewart J.
Published: August 2022

Advancements and implementations of autonomous systems coincide with an increased concern for the ethical implications resulting from their use. This is increasingly relevant as autonomy fulfills teammate roles in contexts that demand ethical considerations. As AI teammates (ATs) enter these roles, research is needed to explore how an AT’s ethics influences human trust. This current research presents two studies which explore how an AT’s ethical or unethical behavior impacts trust in that teammate. In Study 1, participants responded to scenarios of an AT recommending actions which violated or abided by a set of ethical principles. The results suggest that ethicality perceptions and trust are influenced by ethical violations, but only ethicality depends on the type of ethical violation. Participants in Study 2 completed a focus group interview after performing a team task with a simulated AT that committed ethical violations and attempted to repair trust (apology or denial). The focus group responses suggest that ethical violations worsened perceptions of the AT and decreased trust, but it could still be trusted to perform tasks. The AT’s apologies and denials did not repair damaged trust. The studies’ findings suggest a nuanced relationship between trust and ethics and a need for further investigation into trust repair strategies following ethical violations.
Enjoying My Time in the Animus: A Quantitative Survey on Perceived Realism and Enjoyment of Historical Video Games
Authors: Vandewalle Alexander , Daneels Rowan , Simons Emma , Malliet Steven
Published: August 2022

This study investigates players’ perceived realism of historical video games. Perceived realism is understood as a multidimensional concept, going beyond the more traditional use of ‘realism’ in historical game studies, where it often refers to the plausibility or accuracy of historical reconstructions. The study further examines how perceived realism relates to players’ enjoyment of historical games. Specifically, this study analyses Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Creed Unity and Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Through an online survey among 1,317 respondents, this study found that the five-dimensional structure of perceived realism holds for historical games. The three games differed in their perceptions of social realism, perceptual pervasiveness, freedom of choice and enjoyment. Finally, perceptual pervasiveness and character involvement were identified as strong predictors of enjoyment in historical games. This study contributes towards further validation of the perceived realism scale across game genres and pleads for a systematic use of the multidimensional term ‘realism’ in historical game research.
The cutting vibration and surface information in whirlwind milling a large screw
Authors: Guo Qin , Guo Tiezheng , Wang Yulin
Published: August 2022

The whirlwind milling (WM) technology is a competitive machining method, especially for large screws. A rotating large screw subjected to a rotating and moving WM cutting force has complex dynamics and formation. In the study, the WM cutting forces in radial, tangential, and axial directions were firstly acquired using a self-developed testing system. Then, the cutting vibration was modeled in consideration of the WM unique constraint, and the deflections in different directions were analyzed in detail. Lastly, the surface topography and roughness under cutting were geometrically modeled by superimposing the radial deflection on the static forming surface. Compared to single-factor experiments, the results demonstrated the consistency between surface roughness and experimental data. Therefore, the established vibration and surface roughness models are reasonable and effective for predicting, and thus favorable and beneficial for the optimization in whirlwind milling a large screw.
Challenges to female college principals and vice principals: Patriarchal gender beliefs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Authors: Jahan Sarwar
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight view about the challenges to female government college principals and vice principals in Chitral, Pakistan. The study uses in-depth interviews for data collection and on the basis of predetermined criteria, the study participants were selected. The findings of the study explain that in district Chitral female government college principals and vice principals face socio-cultural, religious, and political challenges in their work place and remain under tremendous pressure that leads to limit their efficiency and restrict their professional growth. However, very few principals and vice principals are satisfied with their jobs because of supportive families. Therefore, the study recommends that these aspects be placed before forums for consideration to rightly empower the female principalship/education leadership for assurance of quality female education in Chitral and Pakistan, through real delegation of power with a conducive environment to female government college principals and vice principals.
Ethics review and conversation analysis
Authors: Aguinaldo Jeffrey P
Published: August 2022

In this case study, I address the procedural ethics of conversation analysis (CA) and the collection of naturally occurring mundane interactions. I draw from the challenges that emerged from the institutional ethics review of the HIV, health and interaction study (the H2I Study), a CA project that sought to identify the practices through which normative assumptions of HIV and other health conditions are produced in conversations. Consistent with CA’s preference for naturally occurring interactions, the H2I Study collected and analysed everyday telephone calls involving people living with HIV. This article offers practical strategies CA researchers might use to navigate two ethical concerns raised about the collection of naturally occurring mundane interactions. The first questions the merits of collecting naturally occurring mundane interactions. For those unfamiliar with CA, the specific advantages of analysing naturally occurring mundane interactions may not be self-evident. This places an evidentiary burden on CA researchers to warrant the collection of this type of data. To address this concern, I suggest demonstrating in ethics applications the analytic value of CA using publicly available interactions. The second concern questions the use of verbal consent necessary for the collection of naturally occurring mundane interactions. Like most CA research, the H2I Study required flexible informed consent protocols appropriate for spontaneous and unpredictable interactions. Drawing from within and outside the CA literature, I offer three rationales for the use of verbal consent. This article is written as a practical resource for conversation analysts seeking approval from their research ethics board (REB) and for REBs who might be unfamiliar with CA research. This article contributes to a small but growing body of literature that documents not only the kinds of challenges CA researchers encounter from institutional ethics review, but the specific procedural ethics they may employ to secure ethics approval.
‘Nothing is lost’: Mourning and memory at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice
Authors: Woodley Jenny
Published: August 2022

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is the first national memorial to Black victims of lynching. Its purpose is to provoke a confrontation with the United States’ racial past, in the hope that truth will lead to racial justice. This article argues that in remembering the dead, the Lynching Memorial also allows and encourages visitors to mourn. During the peak of racial lynchings in the early twentieth century, it could be difficult or even dangerous for the bereaved to publicly mourn Black victims. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, therefore, provides a delayed opportunity for the Black community to mourn those losses. But it also encourages visitors of other races to mourn too. The memorial facilitates mourning through the visitors’ relationship to the monuments, and the echoing of Black mourning traditions. In publicly mourning for these victims, visitors acknowledge and insist on the grievability of Black lives, something which white supremacy has long sought to deny. This article, therefore, argues for the radical potential for mourning at sites of commemoration as a step towards justice.
Determinantes de la inseguridad alimentaria y su asociación con prácticas de alimentación y lactancia materna en el primer año de vida
Authors: Reséndiz Oscar , Torres Christian , Arredondo Armando , García Yair , Orozco Emanuel
Published: August 2022

Resumen

Objetivo:

analizar los determinantes de la Inseguridad Alimentaria (IA) y su relación con las Prácticas de Alimentación (PA) y las Prácticas de Lactancia Materna (PLM) en el primer año de vida.

Métodos:

análisis de tipo cuantitativo sobre el binomio madre-hijo de una cohorte en México. Los datos de interés fueron el estado de seguridad alimentaria (SA), las PA y las PLM. Se desarrolló un modelo de regresión para evaluar determinantes asociados a la IA y un análisis de medias para determinar el impacto de la IA en las PA y las PLM.

Resultados:

el 54.1% de hogares presentó algún grado de IA. Las madres con pareja (OR = 0.25; p = 0.05) y con escolaridad superior (OR = 0.50; p = 0.04) tuvieron menor riesgo de padecer IA. En contraste, los hogares con mujeres mayores de 25 años estuvieron más expuestos a la IA (OR = 3.0; p = 0.00). Los hogares con IA introducen alimentos no recomendados como dulces, galletas o pastelitos ( p = 0.00) y bebidas no lácteas azucaradas ( p = 0.05) de forma prematura. Conclusiones: la IA requiere mayor atención por sus efectos en las PA y las PLM, las cuales son consideradas como factores asociados al desarrollo de mala nutrición.
Leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity in patients treated with elastic intramedullary nails after femoral shaft fractures in childhood
Authors: Flinck Marianne , von Heideken Johan , Aurell Ylva , Riad Jacques
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose was to study radiographic and perceived leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity in patients treated for femoral shaft fractures with elastic stable intramedullary nails in childhood.

Methods:

Thirty-five adults underwent standing radiographs and answered a questionnaire regarding perception of leg length discrepancy. Demographic data, fracture characteristics, angulation, stability of fixation, and callus formation, at time of fracture, were assessed.

Results:

Mean age at fracture was 10.2 (4.9–16.7) years, and mean follow-up time was 11.1 (3.8–16.8) years. In 8 of 35 participants, the fractured limb was 11–15 mm longer than the non-fractured, and in 16, 1–10 mm longer. In eight participants, the fractured limb was 1–10 mm shorter than the non-fractured, and in three participants, 12–23 mm shorter. The younger the child, the greater the lengthening (Rs = −0.49, p = 0.003). The greater the femoral angulation at time of fracture, the greater the shortening (Rs = 0.42, p = 0.013). There was no significant correlation between stability of fixation or callus formation 1 month postoperatively and radiographic leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity. Fourteen (40%) had perception of leg length discrepancy at follow-up, of whom eight had a radiographic leg length discrepancy of 10–24 mm.

Conclusion:

Treatment with elastic stable intramedullary nail of femoral shaft fracture in childhood may result in radiographic leg length discrepancy. Younger children were more prone to lengthening and should possibly be assessed before skeletal maturity. The degree of fracture stability or callus formation at the time of fracture did not significantly affect leg length discrepancy. Perception of leg length discrepancy was not necessarily associated with a radiographic leg length discrepancy (≥10 mm).

Level of evidence:

level IV, case series.
Microsurgery in pediatric upper limb reconstructions: An overview
Authors: Catena Nunzio , Baldrighi Carla , Jester Andrea , Soldado Francisco , Farr Sebastian
Published: August 2022

The use of microsurgery has spread during the last decades, making resolvable many complex defects considered hitherto inapproachable. Although the small vessel diameter in children was initially considered a technical limitation, the increase in microsurgical expertise over the past three decades allowed us to manage many pediatric conditions by means of free tissue transfers. Pediatric microsurgery has been shown to be feasible, gaining a prominent place in the treatment of children affected by limb malformations, tumors, nerve injuries, and post-traumatic defects. The aim of this current concepts review is to describe the more frequent pediatric upper limb conditions in which the use of microsurgical reconstructions should be considered in the range of treatment options.
Ultrasound imaging in diagnostics of Monteggia lesion in children
Authors: Čepelík Martin , Hendrych Jan , Melínová Hana , Havránek Petr , Pešl Tomáš
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of ultrasound imaging in diagnostics of Monteggia lesion in children where conventional radiographs and the use of the radiocapitellar line fail to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Methods:

Prospective diagnostic study of 70 patients treated between May 2018 and July 2021 in a pediatric level 1 trauma center. In 20 patients with the confirmed radiographic diagnosis of Monteggia lesion, an ultrasound of the humeroradial joint was performed to determine signs of both normal and dislocated elbow joint. In 36 patients with suspected humeroradial dislocation on plain radiographs, ultrasound imaging was performed to determine the definitive diagnosis. Overall, 14 patients with elbow joint injury other than humeroradial dislocation were excluded from the study.

Results:

The “double-hump sign” and the “congruency sign” were determined as normal findings on ultrasound of the humeroradial joint. These signs were applied to patients with unclear findings on radiographs. In three patients, the dislocation of the humeroradial joint was confirmed by ultrasound. In two patients, “defect in congruency sign” was seen during reduction despite normal radiographs, which required re-reduction. In 31 patients, dislocation of the humeroradial joint was refuted. In 34 out of the 36 patients, the diagnosis determined by ultrasound was confirmed in follow-up. Two patients did not attend the follow-up examination.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound imaging is an accessible, non-invasive, and dynamic point-of-care method that can be applied in children suffering from suspected humeroradial dislocation and/or subluxation.

Level of evidence:

Level III—diagnostic study.
Retrograde intramedullary nailing of the radius in children: A pilot magnetic resonance imaging study of soft-tissue findings
Authors: Perhomaa Marja , Kyrö Antti , Niinimäki Jaakko , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

Unstable forearm shaft fractures in children are preferably treated surgically using elastic stable intramedullary nails. The radius is nailed retrograde from the distal metaphysis. There is a risk of surgery-related soft-tissue complications during the operation. Close evaluation of occult surgery-related soft-tissue lesions has not been possible previously, due to the titanium alloy hardware used in the process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential findings in the surrounding soft tissues after intramedullary nailing of the radius, by using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods:

The study population comprised 15 pediatric patients with forearm shaft fractures treated by polylactide-co-glycolide biodegradable intramedullary nails and postoperatively evaluated via magnetic resonance imaging. The main outcome was signal abnormality in any tendon at the entry point postoperatively. Secondarily, other changes in the soft tissues related to nailing were determined. Furthermore, the precise location of the entry point and the anatomic characteristics of the soft-tissue tunnel were described.

Results:

In total, 5 of 15 patients (33.3%) had transient signal pathology in a tendon postoperatively. Edema around the superficial radial nerve was detected in 13 of 15 patients (86.7%). The most common surgical approach was between the extensor pollicis brevis and the extensor carpi radialis longus tendons, which was applied in 10 of 15 patients (66.7%).

Conclusions:

One in three patients exhibited transient and occult surgery-related intraparenchymal signal pathology in a tendon, after forearm intramedullary nailing. Caution with surgical prepare of the soft-tissue cleavage is recommended.

Level of evidence:

IV
Chemical Constituents From the Roots of Rubia oncotricha
Authors: Jiang Li , He Zhilong , Nie Yushan , Wang Yang , Ma Xue , Liu Ting , Lu Yuan , Wang Yonglin , Li Yongjun
Published: August 2022

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% ethanolic extract of the roots of Rubia oncotricha Hand.-Mazz. led to the isolation of 2 new anthraquinone glucosides named 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9,10-anthraquinone-11- O- β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 1,3,6–trihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9,10-anthraquinone-3- O- β-D-glucopyranoside (2), together with 5 known compounds (3-7). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis (1-dimensional, 2-dimensional-nuclear magnetic resonance, and high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry).
Coronavirus-Related Searches on the Internet Predict COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in the Real World: A Behavioral Immune System Perspective
Authors: Ma Mac Zewei , Ye Shengquan
Published: August 2022

According to the smoke detector and functional flexibility principles of human behavioral immune system (BIS), the exposure to COVID-19 cues could motivate vaccine uptake. Using the tool of Google Trends, we tested that coronavirus-related searches—which assessed natural exposure to COVID-19 cues—would positively predict actual vaccination rates. As expected, coronavirus-related searches positively and significantly predicted vaccination rates in the United States (Study 1a) and across the globe (Study 2a) after accounting for a range of covariates. The stationary time series analyses with covariates and autocorrelation structure of the dependent variable confirmed that more coronavirus-related searches compared with last week indicated increases in vaccination rates compared with last week in the United States (Study 1b) and across the globe (Study 2b). With real-time web search data, psychological scientists could test their research questions in real-life settings and at a large scale to expand the ecological validity and generalizability of the findings.
Provider-to-provider synchronous telemedical consultations in ophthalmology: Advice for implementation
Authors: Stewart Carly , Coffey-Sandoval Josephine , Souverein Erik A. , Lee Thomas C. , Nallasamy Sudha
Published: August 2022

We previously demonstrated the non-inferiority of a synchronous (real-time) telemedicine model (compared to gold standard in-person examination) for pediatric ophthalmology consultations using a Polycom conferencing system, smart glasses, digital slit lamp, and digital indirect ophthalmoscope. Although we acknowledge there is a learning curve associated with becoming proficient with this system, we believe implementation of a synchronous telemedicine model is advantageous to both patient and provider in the right care setting. In conducting 348 such examinations over the course of our study and dozens of subsequent examinations after the implementation of our model in the community, we have gleaned many insights into optimizing the experience and efficiency. We wish to share these insights to help guide those interested in adopting such a model to expand access to specialists for underserved patients or improve efficiencies in their practice.
Acute Bulbar Palsy-Plus Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a 3-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Dukkipati Saihari S. , Zhou Daniel J. , Powers Andria M. , Piccione Ezequiel A. , Koh Sookyong
Published: August 2022

We present a case of a 3-year-old girl who rapidly developed bilateral facial palsy, dysphagia, dysphonia, areflexia, and ataxia soon after receiving an influenza vaccine. Brain and spine Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with and without contrast showed enhancement of cranial nerves III, V, VII, and X, as well as the anterior and posterior cervical spinal and cauda equina roots. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed white blood cell count of 19 cells/cm2, glucose 81 mg/dL, and protein 116 mg/dL, with negative infectious and autoimmune labs. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies against GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GM2, GT1A, GQ1b were negative. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, which led to a full recovery. Upon three-month follow-up, her neurologic examination demonstrated normal cranial nerves, reflexes, and gait. Her presentation was most consistent with the acute bulbar palsy plus (ABPp) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and challenging diagnosis especially in her age group.
Older Adults’ Resilience Against Impact of Lifestyle Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kasuga Ayaka , Yasumoto Saori , Nakagawa Takeshi , Ishioka Yoshiko , Kikuchi Akari , Inagaki Hiroki , Ogawa Madoka , Hori Noriko , Masui Yukie , Choe Hwang , Muto Hiroyuki , Kabayama Mai , Godai Kayo , Ikebe Kazunori , Kamide Kei , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: August 2022

Background:

Older adults were expected to experience a decline in physical activities and an increase in social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We investigated the changes in living conditions of 508 older adults (79.70 years ± 0.88) before (from July to December 2019) and during (in August 2020) the pandemic. We compared the mean score for the same individual instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), frequency of going out, exercise, and social interaction at two-time points. We also examined the influence of living arrangement (living alone or not) on the frequency of exercise and social interaction.

Results:

The frequency of going out decreased during the pandemic (in 2020); however, there was no significant change in IADL. The frequency of exercise and social interaction increased irrespective of the living arrangement. The frequency of exercise increased more in those living alone.

Conclusions:

Although older adults refrained from going out, they compensated for the risks of inactivity in daily life by increasing or maintaining their frequency of exercise and social interactions. The view that “older adults have a poor ability to accommodate the lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic” may be a stereotypical assumption.
Social Isolation of Older Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Murata Kazuya
Published: August 2022

We aimed to conduct a scoping review of social isolation in elderly patients with diabetes and to clarify current knowledge and gaps and future challenges. A literature search was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, CiNii, and Ichushi, and included studies with an eligibility criterion of a survey of social isolation in elderly patients with diabetes and aged ≥60 years. Social isolation was defined as limited or non-face-to-face contact with family and community. A data extraction form describing characteristics of studies incorporated in the present review was prepared. A total of six studies met eligibility criterion (sample size, 451–3,500). Subjects’ age averaged 67 years, and 42% were female. Social isolation ranged from 9% to 49%. Factors related to social isolation included vascular complications,decreased activities of daily living, death, dementia, glycemic fluctuation, disturbance of lifestyle habits, and poor self-management and -rated health. However, research on the cause and mechanism of the relationship and impact of sex-based differences was lacking. In conclusion, additional research is needed on the definition of social isolation in elderly patients with diabetes, the causal relationship with related factors and their mechanisms, and the relationship with other outcomes.
How Family Members Experienced a Family-Focused Atrial Fibrillation Intervention in an Outpatient Setting—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rosenstrøm Stine , Chou Wan Xui , Brødsgaard Anne
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Family-focused nursing has gained ground worldwide, and a range of healthcare systems are now practicing family-focused nursing, which has been shown to increase the quality of care. Even so, a lack of research remains into family-focused nursing for various groups of patients in clinical practice.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore how family members (FMs) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) experienced a family-focused nursing intervention in a clinical outpatient setting.

Methods

This was a qualitative phenomenological interview study employing Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR) to explore humans’ lived experiences. The data reported herein were derived from semi-structured interviews with seven FMs of patients with AF who participated in a clinical trial which tested a family-focused intervention in a Cardiology outpatient clinic treating patients with AF. The transcribed interviews were analyzed in four phases which is an iterative process as proposed by Dahlberg and Dahlberg.

Findings

The essence of the phenomenon was experiencing less panic and finding peace, which emerged from the following four patterns. (1) The FMs’ post-AF experience, (2) Enhanced understanding and knowledge of AF, (3) Personal interaction with a nurse specialist and (4) AF becomes manageable. A space facilitating reflection upon the disease and daily life with the disease was established through group sessions and family conversations.

Conclusion

A family-focused nursing intervention facilitated by specialized nurses with extensive communication skills filled a knowledge gap related to AF thereby reducing panic and increasing peace among FMs. Furthermore, the intervention facilitated family awareness of their resources to bring about change, regain balance, and enhance well-being in their everyday lives and initiated a healing process in the families. Future interventions for patients with AF should consider FMs as well as patients as an entity of care.
Raising Critical Readers in the 21st Century: A Case of Assessing Fourth-Grade Reading Abilities and Practices
Authors: Arya Diana J. , Sultana Sabiha , Levine Somer , Katz Daniel , Galisky John , Karimi Honeiah
Published: August 2022

Grounded in the sociocultural nature of literacies and informed of the inherent biases in widely used, English-dominant reading assessments in U.S. schools, this case study traces the planning, development, and pilot administration ( n = 52) of a culturally inclusive (i.e., participant informed), online reading assessment. The Critical Reading Assessment (CRA) is designed to gauge elementary students’ comprehension and critical reasoning (i.e., identifying potential biases or instances of diversity, equity and inclusion) of digital, multimodal texts. Findings from our analysis of recorded pilot sessions with student participants, who are predominantly Spanish/English multilingual learners, suggest (a) the importance of transparency and feedback from multiple stakeholders in the assessment development process; (b) the potential affordance of multiple textual modalities for clarifying comprehension skills and abilities; (c) the potential negative consequences of using established, dominant-English reading tests for determining comprehension abilities; and (d) the need for greater opportunities to practice critical discussions (i.e., questions about perspectives, representation, and other potential biases) about texts. Implications from this study highlight the need for supporting elementary students and their teachers in dialogic, critical reading practices of multimodal textual information.
Diabetes Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Care in Asian American and Pacific Islanders of Texas: Data From the 2015–2019 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System
Authors: Nguyen Angelina P. , Angosta Alona D. , Ke Weiming , Khong Thy M. , Tran Connie C. , Kim Miyong T.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the health status and needs of the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) population with diabetes in Texas.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data collected from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System in Texas from 2015 to 2019 for non-Hispanic White (NHW) and AAPI adults.

Results:

Although the overall crude diabetes prevalence was lower in AAPI adults, age-adjusted diabetes prevalence was higher than in NHWs. Significant risk factors associated with diabetes in the AAPI group included being male, marital status, lower education levels, lower income, being overweight/obese, and having a sedentary lifestyle. Engagement in self-management activities (checking blood glucose, checking feet, attending a diabetes management course) was lower in AAPIs than in NHWs.

Conclusions:

Given stiff barriers to adequate screening and self-management support in diabetes care among ethnic populations such as AAPIs, targeted efforts to improve diabetes screening and effective care are warranted. Because today’s AAPI populations are predominantly first-generation immigrant groups who suffer from language barriers, efforts should be made to develop health surveys in multiple languages for wider inclusion of understudied groups like AAPIs in diabetes-related research.
Dual antigen–targeted off-the-shelf NK cells show durable response and prevent antigen escape in lymphoma and leukemia
Authors: Cichocki Frank , Goodridge Jodie P. , Bjordahl Ryan , Mahmood Sajid , Davis Zachary B. , Gaidarova Svetlana , Abujarour Ramzey , Groff Brian , Witty Alec , Wang Hongbo , Tuininga Katie , Kodal Behiye , Felices Martin , Bonello Greg , Huffman Janel , Dailey Thomas , Lee Tom T. , Walcheck Bruce , Valamehr Bahram , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2022

Substantial numbers of B cell leukemia and lymphoma patients relapse due to antigen loss or heterogeneity after anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. To overcome antigen escape and address antigen heterogeneity, we engineered induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells to express both an NK cell-optimized anti-CD19 CAR for direct targeting and a high affinity, non-cleavable CD16 to augment antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In addition, we introduced a membrane-bound IL-15/IL-15R fusion protein to promote in vivo persistence. These engineered cells, termed iDuo NK cells, displayed robust CAR-mediated cytotoxic activity that could be further enhanced with therapeutic antibodies targeting B cell malignancies. In multiple in vitro and xenogeneic adoptive transfer models, iDuo NK cells exhibited robust anti-lymphoma activity. Furthermore, iDuo NK cells effectively eliminated both CD19+ and CD19− lymphoma cells and displayed a unique propensity for targeting malignant cells over healthy cells that expressed CD19, features not achievable with anti-CAR19 T cells. iDuo NK cells combined with therapeutic antibodies represent a promising approach to prevent relapse due to antigen loss and tumor heterogeneity in patients with B cell malignancies.
Vacuum Evaporation of High-Quality CsPbBr3 Thin Films for Efficient Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bai Tianxinyu , Wang Shenwei , Bai Liyuan , Zhang Kexin , Chu Chunyang , Yi Lixin
Published: August 2022

The all-inorganic lead halide perovskite has become a very promising optoelectronic material due to its excellent optical and electrical properties. Device performances are currently hindered by crystallinity of the films and environmental stability. Here, we adopted dual-source co-evaporation method to prepare CsPbBr3 films. By adjusting and controlling the co-evaporation ratio and substrate temperature, we obtained CsPbBr3 films with large grain sizes and uniform morphology. Films with smooth surfaces and large grains exhibit properties such as efficient photon capture, fast carrier transport, and suppressed ion migration. Therefore, in this paper, by refining the annealing conditions, the effects of annealing temperature and time on the films were studied in detail. The CsPbBr3 films were annealed under suitable annealing temperature and time in ambient air, and films with high quality and crystallinity and average grain size up to ~ 2.5 μm could maintain stability in ambient air for 130 days. The corresponding LEDs show the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the green EL spectrum is as narrow as 18 nm, and the devices have a low turn-on voltage VT ~ 3 V and can work continuously for 12 h in ambient air.
Assessing the risk factors for myocardial infarction in diet-induced prediabetes: myocardial tissue changes
Authors: Gumede Nompumelelo , Ngubane Phikelelani , Khathi Andile
Published: August 2022

Background

Hyperglycaemia is known to result in oxidative stress tissue injury and dysfunction. Interestingly, studies have reported hepatic and renal oxidative stress injury during prediabetes; however, any injury to the myocardium during prediabetes has not been investigated. Hence this study aims to assess changes in the myocardial tissue in an HFHC diet-induced model of prediabetes.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly grouped into non-prediabetes and prediabetes (n = 6 in each group) and consumed a standard rat chow or fed a high-fat-high-carbohydrate diet respectively for a 20-week prediabetes induction period. Post induction, prediabetes was confirmed using the ADA criteria. Aldose reductase, NADH oxidase 1, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxide, cardiac troponins were analysed in cardiac tissue homogenate using specific ELISA kits. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by determining the concentration of malondialdehyde in the heart tissue homogenate according to the previously described protocol. Myocardial tissue sections were stained with H&E stain and analysed using Leica microsystem. All data were expressed as means ± SEM. Statistical comparisons were performed with Graph Pad instat Software using the Student's two-sided t-test. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the association. Value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prediabetes group showed a markedly high oxidative stress as indicated by significantly increased NADH oxidase 1 and malondialdehyde while superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide were decreased compared to non-prediabetes group. There was no statistical difference between cardiac troponin I and T in the non-prediabetes and prediabetes groups. Cardiac troponins had a weak positive association with glycated haemoglobin.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that prediabetes is associated with myocardial injury through oxidative stress. Future studies are to investigate cardiac contractile function and include more cardiac biomarkers.
Sleep duration, genetic susceptibility, and Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal UK Biobank-based study
Authors: Yuan Shiqi , Ma Wen , Yang Rui , Xu Fengshuo , Han Didi , Huang Tao , Peng MIn , Xu Anding , Lyu Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequently occurring type of dementia. Concurrently, inadequate sleep has been recognized as a public health epidemic. Notably, genetic and environmental factors are now considered contributors to AD progression.

Objective

To assess the association between sleep duration, genetic susceptibility, and AD.

Methods and results

Based on 483,507 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB) with an average follow-up of 11.3 years, there was a non-linear relationship between AD incidence and sleep duration (P for non-linear < 0.001) by restricted cubic splines (RCS). Sleep duration was categorized into short sleep duration (< 6 h/night), normal sleep duration (6–9 h/night), and long sleep duration (> 9 h/night). No statistically significant interaction was identified between sleep duration and the AD-GRS (Alzheimer's disease genetic risk score, P for interaction = 0.45) using Cox proportional risk model. Compared with the participants who had a low AD-GRS and normal sleep duration, there was associated with a higher risk of AD in participants with a low AD-GRS and long sleep duration (HR = 3.4806; 95% CI 2.0011–6.054, p < 0.001), participants with an intermediate AD-GRS and long sleep duration (HR = 2.0485; 95% CI 1.3491–3.1105, p < 0.001), participants with a high AD-GRS and normal sleep duration (HR = 1.9272; 95% CI 1.5361–2.4176, p < 0.001), and participants with a high AD-GRS and long sleep duration (HR = 5.4548; 95% CI 3.1367–9.4863, p < 0.001).In addition, there was no causal association between AD and sleep duration using Two Sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Conclusion

In the UKB population, though there was no causal association between AD and sleep duration analyzed using Two Sample MR, long sleep duration (> 9 h/night) was significantly associated with a higher risk of AD, regardless of high, intermediate or low AD-GRS. Prolonged sleep duration may be one of the clinical predictors of a higher risk of AD.
Hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study based on the health belief model
Authors: Firouzbakht Mojgan , Sharif Nia Hamid , Kazeminavaei Fatemeh , Rashidian Pegah
Published: August 2022

Background

Pregnant women are at high risk for affliction by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccination is a main strategy to prevent and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. However, hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination (HACV) is a major public health threat and a major barrier to herd immunity. The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnant women’s HACV based on the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021–2022. Participants were 352 pregnant women selected from several healthcare centers in the north of Iran. Instruments for data collection were a demographic questionnaire, a COVID-19 Knowledge Questionnaire, a COVID-19 Health Belief Questionnaire, and a question about HACV. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of the study variables on HACV.

Results

The rate of HACV was 42.61%. In the regression model, the three factors of perceived benefits (aOR: 0.700; 95% CI: 0.594 to 0.825), cues to action (aOR: 0.621; 95% CI: 0.516 to 0.574), and history of reproductive problems (aOR: 2.327; 95% CI: 0.1.262 to 4.292) had significant effects on HACV (P <  0.001).

Conclusion

HACV is highly prevalent among pregnant women. The perceived benefits and cues to action components of HBM have significant effects on pregnant women’s HACV, while the perceived threat component has no significant effect on it. HBM is a good model to explain HACV among pregnant women. Educational interventions are necessary to improve pregnant women’s awareness of the risks of COVID-19 for them and their fetus.