bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of place in sex work through participant photography
Authors: Sitter Kathleen C , Grittner Alison L , Fritz Taryn , Burke Amy C , Ophus Emily
Published: April 2022

In this article, the authors explore the place-based experiences of sex workers and how these experiences intersect with the juridical realm of sex work. The article begins with an overview of the model informing Canadian legislation, how these laws influence spatial practices, and the impact of these practices on the lives of sex workers. Drawing on findings from a visual research study where 15 sex workers used photography and art to explore their lived experiences, the authors describe how sex work places are shaped by their juridical contexts, influencing experiences of power and privilege, collaboration, identity, stigma, autonomy, safety and support services. These findings highlight that place is a critical factor shaping participants’ overall experiences in the sex industry and contributes to the disparate realities of sex work in the Canadian context. Participant photographs are also described in this article, as these visual representations further communicate the role of place as experienced and understood by sex workers. Recommendations include legislative considerations, inclusive service delivery practices as identified by participants, and a call for further research that examines place-based experiences of sex work on an international scale.
An active control method for vibration reduction of a single-link flexible manipulator
Authors: Ma Pengyu , Xia Ruiqiang , Wang Xuebin , Zhang Xuping , Królczyk Grzegorz , Gardoni Paolo , Li Zhixiong
Published: April 2022

There are three motion stages for an industrial robot manipulator, including the acceleration stage, the constant velocity stage, and the deceleration stage. Aiming at reducing the residual vibration of the manipulator after the movement of the deceleration, a new method is proposed by configuring the movement parameters of the flexible manipulator. Firstly, we conduct experiments to verify a numerical vibration model of the manipulator, and then, we analyze the vibration suppression effect under different conditions based on the numerical model. The results show that in the range of one movement, the residual vibration can be well suppressed when the acceleration and deceleration time are set as a positive integer to the natural period of the manipulator operation; otherwise, the vibration suppression effect is not obvious and proportional to the difference between the acceleration/deceleration time and the manipulator natural period.
Creating memorable experiences of cultural hallmark event in Thailand
Authors: Chiengkul Watchara , Meeprom Supawat , Getnet Hailu
Published: April 2022

This study examined the relationship between distinctiveness, perceived crowding and memorable experience in creating attendees’ subjective well-being in the context of a cultural hallmark event in Thailand. Using an online self-administered survey, usable data from 770 respondents were used to assess the proposed conceptual model. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. The results of this study confirmed that distinctiveness in the event was positively associated with memorable experience, which then played a significant role in enhancing attendees’ subjective well-being. Further, this study found that memorable experience partial mediated the relationship between distinctiveness and subjective well-being. Additionally, perceived crowding positively moderated the relationship between distinctiveness and memorable experience. The implications for the literature on special events and hospitality and for practicing managers are discussed.
Self-care for gender-based violence researchers – Beyond bubble baths and chocolate pralines
Authors: Schulz Philipp , Kreft Anne-Kathrin , Touquet Heleen , Martin Sarah
Published: April 2022

Researching sensitive topics often carries immediate effects on researchers, yet discussions about the emotional and psychological impacts of conducting this type of research remain rare. In recent years, debates begun to emerge about the emotional and psychological toll that qualitative field-based research on violence in general, and on gender-based violence (GBV) in particular, can have on those conducting this research. Most of the existing support and self-care strategies in response to these effects, however, are primarily tailored towards practitioners, but not specifically for researchers, who often face unique challenges and experiences. At the same time, most existing self-care guidelines in the fields of violence research typically centre around neo-liberalized strategies, which fail to take into account the structural dimensions of researchers’ challenges and the long-term nature of vicarious traumatization. In this article, we move beyond such approaches and instead adopt relational and collaborative ways of taking care of ourselves and each other. Drawing on our experiences of researching GBV, we propose that strategies of coping with the emotional and psychological toll of GBV research require relationships and collaborations. This collaborative and communal approach becomes particularly acute within the absence of support and care at the structural and institutional level, within universities and organizations. The collaborative and relational approaches that we propose in this article specifically include forms of peer-support and fostering ‘caring communities’, in the form of groups, collectives or networks.
Beyond soft planning: Towards a Soft turn in planning theory and practice?
Authors: Cavaco Cristina , Mourato João , Costa João Pedro , Ferrão João
Published: April 2022

Over the last decade, soft planning has become an increasingly visible concept in planning literature. Since the term soft spaces was firstly coined, soft planning has been used to describe a growing number of practices that occur at the margins of statutory planning systems. However, as soft planning-related literature proliferates, so does the diversity of approaches and planning practices it encompasses. Such diversity fuels long-standing questions about what can or cannot be considered as soft planning as well as about its usefulness for today’s planning theory and practice. To shed light on this still unclear conceptual outline, this article divides the soft planning debate into five contextual components (ethos; governance; politics; policies; spaces; and scale) while paying particular attention to the relationship between soft planning and strategic spatial planning. The aim is to foreground soft planning as a concept, and add clarity and awareness on the challenges, the risks and opportunities, planning currently faces.
Navigating multiple identities in the American workplace: Microaggression and the caribbean diaspora
Authors: Best Christiana , Holt Catherine , Matthews Lear
Published: April 2022

While the issue of microaggressions has been studied for marginalized groups, research on microaggressions directed at Caribbean and Central American immigrants, a population whose identities are merged in the more visible Latinx, African American or Asian-American identities, is rare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants – fourteen immigrants and six American-born adult children of immigrants. This research explores how ethnic and racial identification of black and brown immigrants and their American born children connect to experiences of daily microaggressions in the workplace. The results revealed that due to their intersecting identities they pay a heavy emotional price to assimilate into the workplace. This research has implications for organizations, human resources and organizational development.
Education for social justice: A critique of national education policies of India
Authors: Saluja Anshul
Published: April 2022

Education possesses the potential to combat the prevailing systemic inequities in societies through policy interventions aimed at creating inclusive societies. Several studies since independence have critically analysed the indifferent nature of the education system towards certain groups and sections. Despite a rights-based approach to educational access, the data still shows that some social, religious, economic groups and girls are striving for basic educational access. The silent arrival (without any political dialogue) and approval of NEP have left all to accept the policy as it is, leaving no room for any discourse (New education policy 2020: what is concealed and what is unveiled. The New Leam 20). The most recent data available at the national level (UDISE, 2018–2019) also confirms that irrespective of decades-old commitment to equitable education, the social, gender and economic gaps in the education system still exists. The major objective of this paper is to analyse the shift in policies relating to the educational statuses of disadvantaged sections of society in the Indian post-independent era with a major focus on NEP 2020. Primarily based on analysis of all the major educational policies, this paper tries to develop an argument around the policies and how far it has led to un-democratization of education by reinforcing the exclusion of certain groups from the education system. This has been substantiated by the secondary data, which categorically highlights the gaps which exist in the educational access by different groups. The findings reveal that the policies have played a detrimental role in intensifying the already existing inequalities. Further, the children who access and complete the school education constitute a homogenous group and not all children from diverse group enrol for and complete the education.
Using Social Marketing to Demystify the Myths Surrounding Covid-19 Vaccination: The Mediating Role of Important Others
Authors: Coffie Isaac Sewornu , Nkukpornu Atsu , Kankam William Adomako , Ocloo Chosniel Elikem
Published: April 2022

Background

The misconceptions and conspiracy theories against the Covid-19 vaccines have been identified as potential factors that could negatively impact herd immunity for the Covid-19 vaccination.

Focus of the article

From the perspectives of the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study sought to determine an effective social marketing intervention to address the misconceptions about the Covid-19 vaccines.

Research Hypotheses

The hypotheses stipulate that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, and perceived barriers of the coronavirus will positively influence Covid-19 vaccination behavior. The study further hypothesized that subjective norms (important others) would significantly mediate the relationships.

Methods

Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 821 individuals from three administrative regions, which constitutes 65% of the population of Ghana. The quota and convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents due to the lack of a sampling frame.

Results

The study’s findings show that only perceived susceptibility and the perceived barrier directly influence the Covid-19 vaccination behavior. The result, however, shows a significant improvement when important others were introduced as a mediating variable. Thus, all four constructs had a positive and significant influence on Covid-19 vaccination behavior through subjective norm (important others) as an intervening variable. The study shows the value of using opinion leaders as a communication channel in addressing the misperceptions and conspiracy theories against the Covid-19 vaccines.

Recommendation for Research/Practice

To effectively address the misconceptions about the Covid-19 vaccines and improve herd immunity, social marketers should identify key influencers in various communities and cities and use them in promoting the vaccination program. The study examined and found subjective norms (perceived social pressure from important others in society on an individual to perform or not to perform a behavior) as a significant mediator for promoting the Covid-19 vaccination behavior.

Limitations

The current study examined the mediating role of subjective norm and the HBMs' constructs. Future studies could also consider integrating subjective norm as a mediator in other behavioral change theories to predict the target audience’s behavior.
The Psychological Impact of Restorative Justice Practices on Victims of Crimes—a Systematic Review
Authors: Nascimento Ana M. , Andrade Joana , de Castro Rodrigues Andreia
Published: April 2022

Background: Restorative justice emerges as a theoretical-practical approach to the criminal legal system, in which the reparation of damage of the victim is a central point. However, the growing empirical production referring to the effects of this approach on victims is sometimes shown to be weakened or dispersed, focusing mainly on their satisfaction. Objective: The present work intended to systematically evaluate the empirical production of the restorative justice field, to aggregate and examine information in the literature regarding the psychological impacts on victims who participated in restorative practices. Methods: A search was made using electronic databases to identify quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies, published between January 2000 and December 2020 that reported psychological impacts on real victims of crimes, who participated in mediations/conferences victim–offender. Results: 35 studies were identified as focusing on the psychological impacts on victims resulting from restorative practices. These studies have shown effects on post-traumatic symptomatology, on the emotions and emotional needs resulted from victimization, as well as on the victims’ perceptions of their offenders. Conclusions: The present research showed that restorative justice practices have a positive psychological impact on victims, who are frequently forgotten in conventional justice, and that some of these impacts persist over time.
Sister-girl Talk: A Community-based Method for Group Interviewing and Analysis
Authors: Mitchell Charlayne F. , Ore Ersula J. , Wutich Amber , SturtzSreetharan Cindi , Brewis Alexandra , Davis Olga I.
Published: April 2022

Leveraging ground-breaking work of Black feminist scholars alongside established techniques of focus group and community-based participatory research, we explain sister-girl talk as a novel method for collecting and analyzing group interview data with Black women. We outline the procedures for consultation, facilitation and preliminary analysis of the sister-girl talk method.
Impact characteristics of needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced composite
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Wei Yuying , Yao Tianlei , Li Chenyang , Li Jiao , Ren Zhipeng , Zheng Hongwei
Published: April 2022

As a widely used thermal protection material for the aerospace vehicle, needled composites cannot avoid the impact load of the external environment during flight or reentry process, but the lack of continuous reinforcing fibers in the thickness direction results in weak impact resistance. In order to improve impact resistance property, this paper proposed a new type of needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced composite structure and carried out impact characteristics research. First, the needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced preforms and composites with different I-fiber stitching parameters were prepared; further, the impact tests of needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced composites were carried out, and the damage area and bulge height after impact were measured. Finally, the compressive strengths after impact were tested and analyzed. The research results showed that I-fiber absorbed the impact energy and effectively inhibited the delamination propagation of the needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced composite during the impact process. The damage area and bulge height of the needled/I-fiber coupling reinforced composite were reduced by up to 46.5 and 46.02% respectively. Moreover, the compression strength after impact increased by up to 17.6%. Our work may provide a simple and effective method for improving the impact resistance of needled composites structure for aerospace vehicle.
Validation of Picture Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test for Illiteracy in Lima, Peru
Authors: Montesinos Rosa , Parodi Jose F. , Diaz Monica M. , Herrera-Perez Eder , Valeriano-Lorenzo Elizabeth , Soto Ambar , Delgado Carolina , Slachevsky Andrea , Custodio Nilton
Published: April 2022

Dementia in Latin America is a crucial public health problem. Identifying brief cognitive screening (BCS) tools for the primary care setting is crucial, particularly for illiterate individuals. We evaluated tool performance characteristics and validated the free and total recall sections of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test-Picture version (FCSRT-Picture) to discriminate between 63 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD), 60 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 64 cognitively healthy Peruvian individuals with illiteracy from an urban area. Clinical, functional, and cognitive assessments were performed. FCSRT-Picture performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The mean ± standard deviation scores were 7.7 ± 1.0 in ADD, 11.8 ± 1.6 in aMCI, and 29.5 ± 1.8 in controls. The FCSRT-Picture had better performance characteristics for distinguishing controls from aMCI compared with several other BCS tools, but similar characteristics between controls and early ADD. The FCSRT-Picture is a reliable BCS tool for illiteracy in Peru.
Asilomar: A Historical Study of the Role of the YWCA in Women’s Leadership Development as an Absent Narrative in the History of HRD
Authors: Bartlett Kenneth R. , Madsen Susan R. , Valesano Michael , Feng Ying
Published: April 2022

The dominant narrative on the history of training and development, especially in the United States, reflects entrenched gender bias with little acknowledgment of human resource development (HRD) designed for and delivered by women. The role of women’s organizations as forces for social change, advocates for gender equality, and providers of leadership development are significant areas of HRD history largely ignored in the literature. This historical study considers archival records on the former YWCA Asilomar Conference Grounds, near Monterey, California which was the first conference training facility owned by a women’s organization in the US. The study is focused on the years 1912–1951 when Asilomar hosted camps, conferences, meetings, and other events incorporating core elements of training, leadership development, and career coaching. The findings of substantial efforts directed to women’s leadership development and training are presented along with discussion on the influence of overlooked narratives related to the history of HRD on research and practice.
Postphenomenology, Kill Cams and Shooters: Exploring the Code of Replay Sequences
Authors: Obreja Dragoş M.
Published: April 2022

The kill cams represent a common feature in many shooters, but little is said about their technological and bodily implications in game studies. By examining postphenomenologically the kill cams code, this article highlights the fact that these gamic cams provoke players to a bodily rethinking of death and failure. The way in which kill cams are embedded is an important topic in understanding their functionality, as it is the very code that determines the power that is attributed to these technologies. Conceiving these kill cams is also a matter of technological mediation, so that one’s own visualization after death produces a sort of objectivity-subjectivity inversion. While the gameplay itself encompasses multiple embodiment relationships, it is noticed that the kill cams’ code of some games completely restricts the player’s agency and rather favors a mere hermeneutic interpretation of its own death.
Slow Motion in Videogames—Gameplay Over Style?
Authors: Vibeto Håvard Andreas
Published: April 2022

This article explores a commonly used feature of many different videogame genres, namely slow motion. It discusses the origins of slow motion, its ontological qualities and why it is important to analyze a game mechanic’s audiovisual elements when doing game studies research. Slow motion in videogames can be divided into two broad categories: cinematic slow motion and bullet time. The focus in this article is on bullet time, which allows the player interactive control and an advantage in overcoming enemies and obstacles found in the gameplay. This retooling of slow motion to suit interactive use has consequences for the aesthetic qualities of the effect. Bullet time takes advantage of slow motion’s intrinsic qualities to highlight player control, feedback, and audiovisual spectacle. Bullet time is a good example of how videogames’ gameplay mechanics have a strong focus on rules while also offering an audiovisual experience that creates aesthetic pleasure.
Peri-procedural variables and outcomes of long-period hemodynamic instability after carotid artery angioplasty and stenting
Authors: Li Bo , Fan Weijian , Yang Yihan , Qu Xiaofeng , Tong Jindong , Liu Yizhi , Tan Jinyun , Jiang Weijian , Yu Bo
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to identify the peri-procedural risk factors and outcomes of hemodynamic instability (HI) after carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Methods

A single-center, retrospective study was performed in 168 patients who underwent CAS procedure between September 2017 and September 2020. The presence of HI, as defined by hypertension (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg), hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg), and/or bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm), was recorded. Long-period HI was defined as persistent HI lasting more than 24 h. Patient demographics, comorbidities, peri-procedural variables, and risk factors were recorded. Clinical outcomes including cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome, hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality within 30 days of the procedure were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of long-period HI following CAS.

Results

Among 168 patients (mean age, 68.2 ± 8.3 years; 81.5% male), the frequency of post-procedural long-period HI was noted in 42 patients (25.0%). Male was prone to experience HI (odds ratio, 9.156, p = 0.021). Aggressive inflation pressure (>7 atm) and 5 mm balloon for pre-dilatation were risk factors of long-period HI (OR, 7.372, p = 0.035; OR, 3.527, p = 0.023). Intraoperative peak blood pressure and larger-sized stents remained independent predictors for the development of HI (OR, 1.043, p = 0.027, and OR, 1.973, p = 0.015). Patients with prolonged HI were more likely to suffer TIA and stroke compared to other patients and significant difference was found in the occurrence of TIA ( p < 0.05). Non-significance was found in mortality rate and other outcomes.

Conclusions

CAS-induced HI occurs in a considerable percentage while several peri-procedural variables are determined as independent predictors to develop long-period HI. Patients with prolonged HI are associated with increased risk of neurologic events and thus standardized intervention as well as management of long-period HI are of critical importance during clinical process.
Cultural pluralism and diversity on public television: An analysis of the use of sign language on the BBC and TVE
Authors: Labio-Bernal Aurora , García-Prieto Victoria
Published: April 2022

The United Kingdom and Spain represent two distinct models of media pluralism, and their two different approaches have traditionally been the subject of comparative studies. This article extends this comparison to the question of cultural pluralism through the study of sign language on public television as a mechanism of representation and accessibility for Deaf viewers. Through a content analysis, this study examines the proportion of signed news programming on the BBC and TVE and describes the main features of each broadcaster’s use of sign language. The findings reveal parallels and deficiencies in the incorporation of sign language and demonstrate that signed programming must increase to ensure universal accessibility.
Transverse Myelitis in a Child with Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Cramer Natan
Published: April 2022

A 16-year-old girl with a history of clavicular chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) presented with fever, vomiting, urinary and bowel retention, thigh paresthesia, and back pain for 2 days. The patient had 2 separate viral illnesses within a month prior to presentation. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed increased T2 hyperintensity of the central grey matter from C3 to the conus medullaris (Figure 1). Findings were consistent with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated protein (51; reference range: <48 mg/dL), IgG index (.74; reference range <.70), and glucose (99; reference range 40-75 mg/dL). There was pleocytosis of 22 white blood cells (88% lymphocytes and 12% monocytes) with negative AQP4 and MOG antibodies. COVID-19 spike protein was positive with a negative PCR and non-immunized status, suggesting prior infection. Four months later, a pelvic MRI revealed new evidence of CRMO.
De-Standardization of Trajectories to Adulthood in China: A Cross-Cohort Comparison
Authors: Wang Dianxi , Feng Lean
Published: April 2022

Studies have revealed a trend of de-standardization of trajectories to adulthood in both Europe and the United States since the late 1960s. However, few empirical studies have examined this trend in the Chinese context. This study constructed trajectory sequences of the transition to adulthood of Chinese youth, and used Shannon entropy to investigate the de-standardization of trajectories to adulthood among these young people. We found that standardization and de-standardization dynamics coexisted, depending on cohorts and life domains. The family life course trajectories (union formation and fertility) generally maintained a standardized tendency, and the occupational trajectories of early cohorts showed remarkable standardization. The cohorts of 1960–1969 and 1970–1979 presented a reversal trend toward de-standardization. There was significant sex and urban–rural heterogeneity in the occupational trajectories across cohorts. The standardization of early occupational trajectories of males was more pronounced than that of females, and that of rural residents was higher than that of urban residents.
Generating megacity-scale building height maps without DGNSS surveyed GCPs: An open-source approach
Authors: Tripathy Pratyush , Balakrishnan Krishnachandran , de Franchis Carlo , Kumar Amit
Published: April 2022

This paper describes an open-source method for generating megacity-scale building height maps without proprietary software or Differential Global Navigation Satellite System surveyed ground control points (GCPs). We use the open-source Satellite Stereo Pipeline (S2P) software along with four scenes of 2.5m resolution Cartosat-1 data for Bengaluru to demonstrate this. Digital Surface Models (DSMs) of 5 m resolution are generated using S2P, and terrain removal is achieved using 30m SRTM data resampled to 5m. The resulting normalized DSM is calibrated and validated using 1270 GCPs. These were generated by counting the number of occupiable floors of buildings and marking zero elevation ground points. The final building height map of Bengaluru covers a total area of about 1420 km2, and across the four scenes, has RMSE values ranging from 2.8m to 3.9m—an error of approximately one floor. Furthermore, we implemented this workflow using stereo imagery for Mumbai, and the RMSE values obtained were comparable to those for Bengaluru. Hence the method we describe is a very cost-effective way of generating megacity-scale building height maps. The height maps generated using this method can be used to better understand numerous urban characteristics including land use intensity and population distribution and can play a crucial role in urban planning and policy making.
What makes summer camp therapeutic for siblings separated by out-of-home care? Associations from counselor ratings of program implementation to youth-reported outcomes
Authors: Waid Jeffrey , Wojciak Armeda
Published: April 2022

Recognition of the developmental importance of sibling relationships has resulted in the proliferation of programs and services for siblings in out-of-home care. Empirical support is limited to a small number of these programs, however; and the mechanisms through which sibling-focused programs work to promote youth outcomes remains largely unexplored. To address this gap in research, the current study examined associations from counselor ratings of program implementation to youth-reported outcomes at Camp To Belong, a manualized camp-based reunification program for siblings separated by out-of-home care. Paper and pencil surveys were administered to 655 youth and 236 counselors at 11 camps operating in the U.S.A. during one camp season. Youth completed pre-test post-test measures of individual resilience, sibling support, sibling conflict, and post-test measures of belonging. Counselors completed post-test measures rating the enabling environment of the camp setting, the activities and events offered at camp, counselor satisfaction with program implementation, and critical events counselors observed at camp. A series of generalized linear models examined associations from the four dimensions of program implementation to each of the four youth-reported outcomes. Significant associations were observed from the program implementation domains to youth belonging and resilience, but not to sibling conflict or sibling support. Associations were observed in both expected and unexpected directions, illuminating the complexity of ways in which sibling-focused programs may affect the well-being of youth in out-of-home care. Insights and recommendations to inform future research and practice with siblings in out-of-home care are provided.
Using ANPR data to create an anonymized linked open dataset on urban bustle
Authors: Van de Vyvere Brecht , Colpaert Pieter
Published: April 2022

ANPR cameras allow the automatic detection of vehicle license plates and are increasingly used for law enforcement. However, also statistical data generated by ANPR cameras are a potential source of urban insights. In order for this data to reach its full potential for policy-making, we research how this data can be shared in digital twins, with researchers, for a diverse set of machine learning models, and even Open Data portals. This article’s key objective is to find a way to anonymize and aggregate ANPR data in a way that it still can provide useful visualizations for local decision making. We introduce an approach to aggregate the data with geotemporal binning and publish it by combining nine existing data specifications. We implemented the approach for the city of Kortrijk (Belgium) with 43 ANPR cameras, developed the ANPR Metrics tool to generate the statistical data and dashboards on top of the data, and tested whether mobility experts from the city could deduct valuable insights. We present a couple of insights that were found as a result, as a proof that anonymized ANPR data complements their currently used traffic analysis tools, providing a valuable source for data-driven policy-making.
SNARER: new molecular descriptors for SNARE proteins classification
Authors: Auriemma Citarella Alessia , Di Biasi Luigi , Risi Michele , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: April 2022

Background

SNARE proteins play an important role in different biological functions. This study aims to investigate the contribution of a new class of molecular descriptors (called SNARER) related to the chemical-physical properties of proteins in order to evaluate the performance of binary classifiers for SNARE proteins.

Results

We constructed a SNARE proteins balanced dataset, D128, and an unbalanced one, DUNI, on which we tested and compared the performance of the new descriptors presented here in combination with the feature sets (GAAC, CTDT, CKSAAP and 188D) already present in the literature. The machine learning algorithms used were Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbors and AdaBoost and oversampling and subsampling techniques were applied to the unbalanced dataset. The addition of the SNARER descriptors increases the precision for all considered ML algorithms. In particular, on the unbalanced DUNI dataset the accuracy increases in parallel with the increase in sensitivity while on the balanced dataset D128 the accuracy increases compared to the counterpart without the addition of SNARER descriptors, with a strong improvement in specificity. Our best result is the combination of our descriptors SNARER with CKSAAP feature on the dataset D128 with 92.3% of accuracy, 90.1% for sensitivity and 95% for specificity with the RF algorithm.

Conclusions

The performed analysis has shown how the introduction of molecular descriptors linked to the chemical-physical and structural characteristics of the proteins can improve the classification performance. Additionally, it was pointed out that performance can change based on using a balanced or unbalanced dataset. The balanced nature of training can significantly improve forecast accuracy.
Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on inflammatory markers, disease severity, depression, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Negm Mohamed , Bahaa Ahmed , Farrag Ahmed , Lithy Rania M. , Badary Hedy A. , Essam Mahmoud , Kamel Shimaa , Sakr Mohamed , Abd El Aaty Waleed , Shamkh Mostafa , Basiony Ahmed , Dawoud Ibrahim , Shehab Hany
Published: April 2022

Background

Intermittent fasting (IF) during the month of Ramadan is part of the religious rituals of Muslims. The effect of intermittent fasting on disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still unknown. This is the first study to assess the effect of IF during Ramadan on inflammatory markers in patients diagnosed with IBD. The effects on clinical disease activity, quality of life, and levels of depression were also assessed.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) who intended to observe Ramadan fasting were recruited. The following were assessed immediately before and at the end of Ramadan: Serum CRP and stool calprotectin, partial Mayo score, Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI), Simple IBD questionnaire (SIBDQ), and Hamilton depression scale questionnaire.

Results

80 patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited (60 UC, 20 CD). Serum CRP and stool calprotectin did not show a significant change before vs after fasting (median CRP 0.53 vs 0.50, P value = 0.27, Calprotectin 163 vs 218 respectively, P value = 0.62). The partial Mayo score showed a significant rise after fasting (median 1 before vs 1 after fasting, mean: 1.79 vs 2.33 respectively, P value = 0.02). Harvey-Bradshaw index did not show a significant change after fasting (median 4 vs 5, P value = 0.4). Multiple linear regression revealed that older age and a higher baseline calprotectin were associated with a higher change in Mayo score after fasting (P value = 0.02 and P value = 0.01, respectively). No significant change was detected in SIBDQ or Hamilton depression scale scores.

Conclusions

In patients diagnosed with UC, IF during Ramadan was associated with worsening of clinical parameters, the effect was more pronounced in older patients and those with higher baseline calprotectin levels. However, IF during Ramadan was not associated with an adverse effect on objective inflammatory markers (CRP and calprotectin).
Association between Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotype and diabetes mellitus/hypertension: a molecular study
Authors: Guo Shengqiong , Lei Shiguang , Palittapongarnpim Prasit , McNeil Edward , Chaiprasert Angkana , Li Jinlan , Chen Huijuan , Ou Weizheng , Surachat Komwit , Qin Wan , Zhang Siyu , Luo Rujuan , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: April 2022

Background

A paucity of studies focused on the genetic association that tuberculosis (TB) patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are more likely to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) with more potent virulence on anti-TB drug resistance than those without NCDs. The study aimed to document the predominant genotype, determine the association between MTB genotypes and NCD status and drug resistance.

Methods

We conducted a molecular study in 105 TB patients based on a cross-sectional study focused on the comorbid relationship between chronic conditions and TB among 1773 subjects from September 1, 2019 to August 30, 2020 in Guizhou, China. The participants were investigated through face-to-face interviews, followed by NCDs screening. The DNA of MTB isolates was extracted prior to genotyping using 24 loci MIRU-VNTR. The subsequent evaluations were performed by phylogenetic trees, combined with tests of statistical power, Chi-square or Fisher and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The Beijing family of Lineage 2 (East Asia) was the predominant genotype accounting for 43.8% (46/105), followed by Lineage 4 (Euro-America) strains, including Uganda I (34.3%, 36/105), and the NEW-1 (9.5%, 10/105). The proportion of Beijing strain in patients with and without NCDS was 28.6% (8/28) and 49.4% (38/77), respectively, with a statistical power test value of 24.3%. No significant association was detected between MTB genotype and NCD status. A low clustering rate (2.9%) was identified, consisting of two clusters. The rates of global, mono-, poly- and multi-drug resistance were 16.2% (17/105), 14.3% (15/105), 1.0% (1/105) and 4.8% (5/105), respectively. The drug-resistant rates of rifampicin, isoniazid, and streptomycin, were 6.7% (7/105), 11.4% (12/105) and 5.7% (6/105), respectively. Isoniazid resistance was significantly associated with the Beijing genotype of Lineage 2 (19.6% versus 5.1%).

Conclusions

The Lineage 2 East Asia/Beijing genotype is the dominant genotype of the local MTB with endogenous infection preponderating. Not enough evidence is detected to support the association between the MTB genotype and diabetes/hypertension. Isoniazid resistance is associated with the Lineage 2 East Asia/Beijing strain.
Everybody nose: molecular and clinical characteristics of nasal colonization during active methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection
Authors: Reategui Schwarz Erika , van de Guchte Adriana , Dupper Amy C. , Caban Ana Berbel , Nadkarni Devika , Fox Lindsey , Mills Alexandra , Obla Ajay , Chacko Kieran I. , Oussenko Irina , Samaroo Flora , Polanco Jose , Silvera Richard , Smith Melissa L. , Patel Gopi , Gitman Melissa , Alburquerque Bremy , Chung Marilyn , Sullivan Mitchell J. , van Bakel Harm , Altman Deena R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Healthcare-associated infections pose a potentially fatal threat to patients worldwide and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections. S. aureus is a common commensal pathogen and a frequent cause of bacteremia, with studies demonstrating that nasal and blood isolates from single patients match more than 80% of the time. Here we report on a contemporary collection of colonizing isolates from those with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections to evaluate the diversity within hosts, and detail the clinical features associated with concomitant nasal colonization.

Methods

Swabs of the bilateral anterior nares were obtained from patients diagnosed with MRSA bacteremia. A single colony culture from the blood and an average of 6 colonies from the nares were evaluated for MRSA growth. For the nares cultures, we typed multiple isolates for staphylococcal protein A (spa) and derived the clonal complexes. Demographic and clinical data were obtained retrospectively from the electronic medical record system and analysed using univariate and multivariable regression models.

Results

Over an 11-month period, 68 patients were diagnosed with MRSA bloodstream infection, 53 were swabbed, and 37 (70%) were colonized with MRSA in the anterior nares. We performed molecular typing on 213 nasal colonies. Spa types and clonal complexes found in the blood were also detected in the nares in 95% of the cases. We also found that 11% of patients carried more than one clone of MRSA in the nares. Male sex and history of prior hospitalization within the past 90 days increased odds for MRSA colonization.

Conclusion

The molecular epidemiological landscape of colonization in the setting of invasive disease is diverse and defining the interplay between colonization and invasive disease is critical to combating invasive MRSA disease.
Evolution of the consumption trend of proton pump inhibitors in the Lleida Health Region between 2002 and 2015
Authors: Torres-Bondia F. , de Batlle J. , Galván L. , Buti M. , Barbé F. , Piñol-Ripoll G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed pharmacological groups. Their high prevalence and duration of use are of important health concern due to the risk they can cause to patients. Despite these risks, their use remains particularly high, especially in the elderly population. We determined the trend in the prevalence of PPI consumption in the population of the Lleida Health Region between 2002 and 2015 to explore patterns of use and associated characteristics.

Methods

An analysis of secular trends between 2002 and 2015 was performed. The database included all individuals who used PPIs in the Lleida Health Region, which had 358.070 inhabitants in 2015. PPI use was evaluated using prescription dispensing data from the public health system. All types of PPIs approved by the pharmaceutical agency were included. Trends were investigated by age and sex.

Results

For the whole study period, a total of 215,417 individuals accounted for 292,122 dispensations. Overall, 48% were women, and the mean age was 62 years. The dispensing prevalence of PPI use in 2015 was 18.0% overall—20.4% for women and 15.7% for men—and was 54.6% for those over 65 years. In terms of the subtypes of PPIs, 16.8% of prescriptions were for omeprazole, 0.66% were for pantoprazole, and 0.48% were for lansoprazole. The evolution of the annual PPIs dispensation prevalence showed a progressive increase from 11.3% in 2002 to 18.0% in 2015, which was attributable to an increase in the use of omeprazole (9.0% vs. 16.8%) and, to a lesser extent, esomeprazole (0.02% vs. 0.4%).

Conclusion

An increase in the prevalence of PPI dispensation was observed over 14 years of follow-up. The prevalence of dispensation was especially high for the population older than 65 years, despite the risk of cognitive decline and falls. Comprehensive actions are required to to increase rational prescribing of PPIs, especially in high-risk populations.
Current status of prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in primary care in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xueqin , Sun Wei , Li Shan , Wang Xinmin , Huang Mao , Ji Ningfei
Published: April 2022

Background

China launched its new round of health care reform to develop primary care in 2009, establishing 954,390 primary care institutions that employed over 10 million staff by 2019. However, some studies have shown that the prevention and management of respiratory diseases is inadequate in these institutions.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of grassroots institutions throughout China between September and December 2020 based on the standardized Prevention and Treatment System and Capacity Building Project of Respiratory Diseases in primary care settings. The operation of the respiratory department in primary health care institutions was evaluated in terms of facilities, drugs, personnel and management of chronic diseases by means of questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed to calculate percentages and frequencies of key parameters.

Results

A total of 144 primary health care institutions were surveyed, including 51 in the east, 82 in the west, 9 in the central and 2 in the northeast. Approximately 60% of institutions had spirometers and pulse oximeters. The majority had short-acting bronchodilators, theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and traditional Chinese medicine. More than half had at least one respiratory physician and operator for spirometry. Half of the institutions carried out screening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within the jurisdiction. The institutions in the east were superior to those in the west regarding the equipment, common drugs, medical staff, and management of respiratory diseases.

Conclusions

The study reveals that the overall operation of the respiratory department in primary care settings needs to be further strengthened. It is crucial to provide adequate essential equipment, medical professionals, and medicines for proper diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, as well as improving the management of diseases.
External validation of the T.O.HO. score as predictor of success after retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Senel Samet , Kasap Yusuf , Kizilkan Yalcin , Tastemur Sedat , Ozden Cuneyt
Published: April 2022

Background

To assess the effectiveness of T.O.HO. (Tallness, Occupied lesion, Houndsfield unit evaluation) score in predicting the retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) success and to validate this scoring system.

Methods

The age, sex, previous stone surgery, hospitalization, surgery duration, postoperative complication, stone length, stone location, stone density, stone number, lateralization, presence of hydronephrosis, and presence of preoperative stent datas of 611 patients who underwent RIRS in our clinic between January 2013 and January 2021 were retrospectively assessed. The patients were divided into two groups as successful and unsuccessful. The T.O.HO scores of all patients were calculated.

Results

The success rate was 72.5%. Compared to the unsuccessful group, stone length and stone density were lower, surgery duration was shorter and there were less lower pole stones in the successful group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the other parameters. The T.O.HO. score was significantly lower in the successful group compared to the unsuccessful group (p < 0.001). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, stone length (OR: 0.905; 95% Cl: 0.866–0.946; p < 0.001), lower pole location (OR: 0.546; 95% Cl: 0.013–0.296; p < 0.001), stone density (OR: 0.999; 95% Cl: 0.998–1; p = 0.044) and the T.O.HO. score (OR: 0.684; 95%Cl: 0.554–0.844; p < 0.001) were found as the independent risk factors for RIRS success. ROC curve analysis showed that the T.O.HO. score could predict the RIRS success with 7.5 cut-off point (AUC: 0.799, CI: 0.76–0.839; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The T.O.HO. score can predict RIRS success with a high rate of accuracy.
Role of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) on TGF-β1, type I collagen, and fibrosis degree in bladder obstruction model of Wistar rats
Authors: Siregar Safendra , Herlambang Mochamad Sri , Reza Muhammad , Mustafa Akhmad , Stefanus Dicky
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was caused by a series of histological and biochemical changes in the bladder wall, through the inflammation process in the bladder wall, hypertrophy and fibrosis. ADSC has an important role in bladder regeneration.

Methods and materials

This study was an experimental randomized study using male Wistar rats which were monitored at 2 and 4 weeks to determine the effect of ADSC therapy on TGF-β1 type I collagen, and degree of fibrosis.

Result

Rats were divided into 5 groups. In the week 2 BOO group, 1 sample included in the category of moderate fibrosis, 1 sample that was given ADSC with mild fibrosis category, 3 samples included in severe fibrosis category, 3 samples that were given ADSC included in the category of moderate fibrosis. The concentration of TGF-β1 in the hADSC therapy group was significantly lower than the control group at the 2nd and 4th week of monitoring (p2 = 0.048, p4 = 0.048), and also with more type I collagen on 2nd and the 4th week (p2 = 0.048, p4 = 0.048).

Conclusion

ADSC therapy can reduce the concentration of TGF-β1, type I collagen, and degree of fibrosis in the male Wistar BOO model.