bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criterios pedagógicos empleados por directores en coros aficionados de adultos
Authors: Guerra Valenzuela Daniela Nicole
Published: December 2021

El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar los criterios pedagógicos que emplean los directores y directoras en el marco de los coros aficionados de adultos, puesto que las figuras directivas de los coros aficionados actúan como docentes en este tipo de agrupaciones. El diseño de la investigación es cualitativo, no experimental y transeccional, utilizando el método comparativo constante de orden inductivo. La muestra de tipo deliberada está compuesta por dos directoras corales de vasta trayectoria laboral en coros aficionados de adultos de la región anonimizada de Chile. Los resultados revelan un tránsito desde el tradicionalismo hacia el constructivismo en, al menos, tres criterios pedagógicos implementados en el trabajo con coros aficionados de adultos: selección de integrantes, trabajo didáctico en ensayos y proyección de las agrupaciones. En conclusión, las prácticas tradicionalistas se orientan hacia aspectos musicales y el control de recursos, mientras que las prácticas constructivistas también consideran las cuestiones actitudinales. Algunas implicaciones se comparten.
Estudio exploratorio de las interacciones musicales entre hermanos/as en el entorno cotidiano
Authors: Dosaiguas Canal Marta , Pérez-Moreno Jèssica
Published: December 2021

Es evidente que en el seno familiar se producen interacciones musicales entre hermanos/as y que estas tienen una transcendencia importante en el desarrollo musical de ambos participantes. Este artículo presenta datos de un estudio sobre estas interacciones de las que aún se sabe muy poco. Los/as participantes son hermanos/as de entre dos y seis años de tres familias catalanas de características similares. Los datos se recogen mediante el DLP (Digital Language Processor) de LENA®, una grabadora de audio que puede grabar hasta 16 horas con una alta calidad y de forma no intrusiva, que lleva puesta el hermano menor. Las grabaciones se recogen de forma periódica y durante un día entero, y se completan con notas de voz narradas por las familias para facilitar información del contexto de ese día. Los datos se analizan con una tabla validada que permite extraer información de cuatro dimensiones: 1) orden de participación; 2) lugar; 3) tipo de intervención, y 4) fuente. Los resultados revelan, entre otra información, que: a) en la mayor parte de las interacciones el hermano mayor empieza y el menor termina la interacción; b) que las interacciones se producen mayoritariamente en el hogar; c) que la imitación y la sincronía son las tipologías de interacción más utilizadas, y d) que las interacciones se basan por igual en canciones o en improvisaciones.
Interpretación grupal en la clase de Música: factores determinantes y estrategias pedagógicas
Authors: Solís Briones Alexandra Teresa
Published: December 2021

Este estudio propone describir las estrategias pedagógicas que se aplican en la interpretación grupal, en el marco de la asignatura de música en un colegio vulnerable de la zona sur de Santiago de Chile. Para ello se realizó un Estudio de Caso con enfoque cualitativo, donde se entrevistó a una profesora y se observaron cuatro clases de música. Los resultados reportan que los factores determinantes para la interpretación grupal son: gestión directiva, gestión curricular y convivencia escolar, siendo esta última la bisagra que posibilita o limita dicha práctica en clase, contexto donde la docente despliega estrategias pedagógicas en cinco áreas: instancias problemáticas de aula, planificación, enseñanza instrumental, interpretación colectiva y evaluación. De esta manera, se evidencia un modo organizado de trabajar la interpretación grupal en el aula.
Maximus of Tyre on the Zeus of Homer and Plato
Authors: Domaradzki Mikolaj , Bednarek Tomasz
Published: December 2021

The present article discusses the ingenious account of Zeus that was put forward by Maximus of Tyre in his Orations IV and XXVI. When reading into Homer various Platonic and Stoic concepts, Maximus originally amalgamates the notion of Demiurge with that of Providence. As he thus unearths Homer’s latent theology, Maximus not only praises the heritage of Greek culture but also demonstrates the close affinity between poetry and philosophy.
The sleep-wake distribution contributes to the peripheral rhythms in PERIOD-2
Authors: Hoekstra Marieke MB , Jan Maxime , Katsioudi Georgia , Emmenegger Yann , Franken Paul
Published: December 2021

In the mouse, Period-2 (Per2) expression in tissues peripheral to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) increases during sleep deprivation and at times of the day when animals are predominantly awake spontaneously, suggesting that the circadian sleep-wake distribution directly contributes to the daily rhythms in Per2. We found support for this hypothesis by recording sleep-wake state alongside PER2 bioluminescence in freely behaving mice, demonstrating that PER2 bioluminescence increases during spontaneous waking and decreases during sleep. The temporary reinstatement of PER2-bioluminescence rhythmicity in behaviorally arrhythmic SCN-lesioned mice submitted to daily recurring sleep deprivations substantiates our hypothesis. Mathematical modeling revealed that PER2 dynamics can be described by a damped harmonic oscillator driven by two forces: a sleep-wake-dependent force and an SCN-independent circadian force. Our work underscores the notion that in peripheral tissues the clock gene circuitry integrates sleep-wake information and could thereby contribute to behavioral adaptability to respond to homeostatic requirements.
Regulation of positive and negative selection and TCR signaling during thymic T cell development by capicua
Authors: Kim Soeun , Park Guk-Yeol , Park Jong Seok , Park Jiho , Hong Hyebeen , Lee Yoontae
Published: December 2021

Central tolerance is achieved through positive and negative selection of thymocytes mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) signaling strength. Thus, dysregulation of the thymic selection process often leads to autoimmunity. Here, we show that Capicua (CIC), a transcriptional repressor that suppresses autoimmunity, controls the thymic selection process. Loss of CIC prior to T-cell lineage commitment impairs both positive and negative selection of thymocytes. CIC deficiency attenuated TCR signaling in CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) cells, as evidenced by a decrease in CD5 and phospho-ERK levels and calcium flux. We identified Spry4, Dusp4, Dusp6, and Spred1 as CIC target genes that could inhibit TCR signaling in DP cells. Furthermore, impaired positive selection and TCR signaling were partially rescued in Cic and Spry4 double mutant mice. Our findings indicate that CIC is a transcription factor required for thymic T cell development and suggests that CIC acts at multiple stages of T cell development and differentiation to prevent autoimmunity.
The Multifaceted Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dentists in Tamil Nadu, India: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Aurlene Nesa , Sindhu R , Haripriya A
Published: December 2021

Introduction: India has become the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epicentre with the highest number of COVID-19 cases being reported each day. This has caused a major impact on healthcare workers including dentists across the country. Most dental clinics in Tamil Nadu were closed during the initial two months of draconian lockdown enforced by the Government of India (GOI). As partial lockdown measures were introduced over the subsequent months, dental clinics have started functioning and receiving patients for emergency dental treatment. Aim: This study was done among dentists practicing in Tamil Nadu amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to understand how the pandemic has impacted their professional and personal lives. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study using online focus group discussion was conducted among 32 dentists practicing in Tamil Nadu, India using a structured interview guide in the month of July 2020. After data collection, the focus group discussions were transcribed manually and an inductive thematic analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke’s six phases for thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes were identified after the thematic analysis namely limitations of off-campus distance learning, challenges faced in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and social life impacts of COVID-19 among dentists. Conclusion: Dentists in this study felt that the COVID-19 pandemic was negatively impacting their dental practices owing to lack of clarity in COVID-19 protocols, lack of patient awareness, high cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), increasing overhead expenses, ergonomic difficulties in treating patients while wearing PPE, patients’ unwillingness to pay higher charges for treatment under COVID-19 protocols and fear of contracting COVID-19. Majority of participants in this study did not report any negative impacts of social isolation as many of them had stayed with their families during the lockdown.
A RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE MATEMÁTICA: APONTAMENTOS DAS PRINCIPAIS PESQUISAS
Authors: Mendes Luiz Otavio Rodrigues , Pereira Ana Lúcia
Published: December 2021

A resolução de problemas cada vez mais é abordada na Matemática. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é desvelar os dez artigos científicos mais relevantes que a relacionam com a Formação Inicial de Professores com base no Methodi Ordinatio. Como procedimento metodológico desenvolvemos uma revisão sistemática. Os resultados, após serem analisados qualitativamente, revelam que as pesquisas na temática estudada estão sendo abordadas acerca das habilidades dos professores e alunos, com utilização da tecnologia, sobre os estilos de aprendizagem, sobre o pensamento crítico do professor, sobre como o aluno resolve problemas, o tipo de argumento em relação ao tipo de problema e as conexões em relação aos conceitos matemáticos e os conteúdos do cotidiano do aluno. Por fim, o conteúdo mais abordado é proporção, bem como as áreas de álgebra e geometria.
Ascertain of Antihypertensive Bioactive Compounds from Rosemary and Hawthorn; A Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Draou Mohamed Ismail , Bouchentouf Salim , Kambouche Nadia , Bellahouel Salima
Published: December 2021

Blood pressure disorder causes serious diseases in the cardiovascular system such as arterial hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension, and most of them (two-thirds) live in low- and middle-income countries. It is poorly controlled and constitutes one of the leading causes of premature death. In Africa, nearly 40% of adults in many countries have high blood pressure, but most wouldn't even know it. In 2019, Algeria announced that 24% of the population suffers from the arterial hypertension and around 72% of those who were tested positive had not received treatment. Among the processes related to hypertension, the angiotensin converting enzyme I (ACE) plays an important role in the regulation of the blood pressure. The talk about the high potential of the hawthorn and rosemary plants to treat hypertension was so spread in the Algerian culture, which prompted to study the molecules of these plants and descript they behavior with the angiotensin-converting enzyme by calculating energy affinity. Using molecular docking approach, identification and evaluation of the inhibitory potential of ACE by selected herbs was attempted. In addition, and in order  to identify the most suitable molecules which can be developed to oral drugs considering their adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), Lipinski’s rules were applied using free  SwissADME tool. Our study provides clearer insight interaction properties of known putative inhibitors of ACE such as Caffeic acid, Quercetin, Luteolin, Eugenol, Rosmaquinone, and Rosmaquinone β, which may be developed into drugs after in-vitro and in-vivo tests and also encourage use of medicinal herbs for treatment of arterial hypertension.
Secondary Infertility in Port Harcourt: Pattern and Socio-Dermographic Relationship
Authors: Oranu Emmanuel Okwudil , Oyiana Gregory Ifechukwude
Published: December 2021

Background: Secondary Infertility is viewed as a social stigma, especially in Nigeria, due to the high premium placed on procreation. Observation suggests that this condition is on the increase in our environment. Hence, the need to determine the pattern and the relationship between the socio-demographic factors with infective causes of this condition; which will subsequently allow the tailoring of the individual investigation and subsequent treatment.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern as well as the relationship between the socio-demographic factors with infective causes of secondary infertility among women who attended the gynaecological clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) between January 2012 and December 2016

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study design, based on findings from the folders, admission and outpatient registers, of infertile couples presenting at the gynaecology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, over a five-year period (January 2012 – December 2016). Data were collected from all documented and laboratory findings. The data extracted from the case records were the socio-demographic characteristics of the patient, the duration of infertility as well as the causes. They were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: The mean age of women was 33.14±4.93 years. The prevalence of secondary infertility was 12% of all outpatient gynaecological consultation. The mean duration of secondary infertility was 3 years.

The infective causes of secondary infertility [recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), sexually transmitted infections(STI), post abortal sepsis, puerperal sepsis, HIV/AIDS, mumps orchitis were commoner among the 31-40 years’ category, (45.8%), the infective causes were also commoner among women with primary level of education, (62.5%, p-value=0.001) as well as women who were self-employed (49%, p-value=0.041). Recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease was identified in majority of cases (37.1%). Abnormal semen analysis, hyper-prolactinaemia and uterine fibroid, also contributed significantly to infertility; 18.5%, 19.7% and 24.3% respectively.

Conclusion:  Infective causes are at the root cause of secondary infertility; the more educated the couple, the higher their socioeconomic status, the lesser the impact of infection on secondary infertility.
Statistical Optimization of Media Components for Xylanase Production by Aspergillus spp. Using Solid State Fermentation and its Application in Fruit Juice Clarification
Authors: Patil Laxmikant R. , Shet Anil R. , Achappa Sharanappa , Desai Shivalingsarj V. , Hombalimath Veeranna S. , Kallur Misba M.
Published: December 2021

Xylanases are enzymes that convert xylan into xylose, xylobiose, and xylotriose. The present study deals with the production and optimization of xylanase through Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using different agricultural wastes by   Aspergillus spp. The Plackett Burman (PB) design was used to screen significant media components affecting the xylanase production. The carbon sources screened were wheat bran, rice bran, sugarcane bagasse, corn cob, and orange peel. The nitrogen sources screened were yeast extract, peptone, (NH4)2SO4, Na2NO3, and urea. Also, nine different salts such as KCl, MgSO4, Na2HPO4, CaCl2, FeSO4, ZnSO4, Na2CO3, KH2PO4, and NaH2PO4 which act as trace elements were screened. The results showed that wheat bran, yeast extract, Na2NO3 and KCl are the significant factors that affect xylanase production. A 33 Full Factorial Design (FFD) was performed to optimize the significant media components (wheat bran, KCl, yeast extract) obtained from PB design using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Statistical analysis of results showed that wheat bran, KCl, yeast extract, and interaction between wheat bran and yeast extract were found to be significant. The optimum concentration of wheat bran, KCl, yeast extract was 8 g/L, 0.1 g/L and 3 g/L. The Partial purification of xylanase was carried out using ammonium salt precipitation and dialysis. Gel filtration chromatography was performed to optimize the elution time, which was found to be 6 minutes. Application of xylanase in orange juice clarification was studied at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C. The optimum temperature obtained was 60 ºC.
Kokum Butter: Potential Source of in Confectionary Industry
Authors: Kalse S. B. , Sawant A. A. , Swami S. B.
Published: December 2021

Cocoa butter is an important ingredient in the confectionery industry because of its unique physicochemical properties which are given by its peculiar fatty acid composition. Increasing demand and shortage of supply for cocoa butter, poor quality of individual harvests, economic advantages, and some technological benefits have induced for the development of its alternative or replacer. Kokum kernel is a byproduct of the agro-processing industry in India containing about 40–50 % fat which has the potential as a worthy cocoa butter alternative (CBA). However, inefficient extraction techniques that are practiced at the cottage level restrict its industrial applications.
Anniversary Meeting
Authors: - -
Published: December 2021

Dr. Daniel Wilson, then Secretary of the Society, gave an address during which he congratulated the Society and its Fellows on entering into an agreement with the Crown to turn over their collections to the nation and to become curators of this collection in hopes of opening a National Archaeological Museum of Scotland. He reminded the Fellows of the task ahead of them in building a museum worthy of Scotland's antique riches, especially in view of the large head-start that other European nations had on them. He concluded the address by remembering the Fellows who had passed away in that year.  

 

There then follows an account of the first conversazione of the year, also held on Nov. 28, 1851.
Notice of the Devastations effected by Scottish Raids into Northumberland, in the 14th Century
Authors: Fenwick John
Published: December 2021

A translated letter was presented on behalf of corresponding member Mr John Fenwick. The letter was from the Bishop of Durham to the monastery at Hexham on behalf of Lord Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. The letter concerns a petition the monastery sent asking for help with the dangers presented by the Scots' frequent invasions of the area. The Earl of Northumberland agrees to provide for the petitioners.
Discovery of an iron instrument lately found imbedded in a natural seam of coal in the neighbourhood of Glasgow
Authors: Buchanan John
Published: December 2021

An unusual item found in a coal seam near Glasgow was exhibited and correspondence from John Buchanan regarding the find was read out. He found it odd that the item, clearly made by humans, was found encased in coal. Ultimately, it was decided by those present that the item was modern, perhaps part of a borer broken from an earlier search for coal. 

 

The article is followed by the notes from the first conversazione of the session, held on Dec. 15, 1852. The main event from this conversazione was a lecture given by Alexander Christie on the Bayeux tapestry, including illustrations by Reverend J. Collingwood Bruce. The lecture touches on the narrative of the tapestry, before moving on to the proof of its medieval origins.
Notices of various Stone Circles in the Parishes of Cairney, Monymusk, and Tough, Aberdeenshire; And of Inverkeithny, Banffshire
Authors: Stuart John
Published: December 2021

Short descriptions of four stone circle sites in Aberdeenshire.
Notice of the discovery of an ancient boat, of singular construction, on the banks of the Clyde
Authors: Buchanan John
Published: December 2021

Corresponding member John Buchanan sent a notice that a canoe had been uncovered on the banks of the Clyde. This is the sixteenth canoe to be discovered in this area. Buchanan describes how the construction of this canoe differed from the previous examples and notes that the positioning that the boat was uncovered in suggests it was overturned in a storm. The canoe did not survive the removal from the position it was found in. Buchanan observed a set of irregular perforations on the side of the canoe and asks the Fellows of the Society for their input on what these might be.
Anniversary Meeting
Authors: - -
Published: December 2021

Meeting minutes for the beginning of the 74th Session (1853-54), followed by the first Conversazione of the new session.
Notice of an incised Sepulchral slab found some years ago near Newstead, Roxburghshire
Authors: Smith John Alexander
Published: December 2021

John Alexander Smith exhibited a rubbing of a sandstone slab found near Newstead and now displayed in Dryburgh Abbey. Dr Smith argues that the trade tools on one side of the slab may indicate that the person the monument was dedicated to may have been a freemason. He also added to the list of Roman coins discovered near Newstead, as detailed in his earlier articles on the subject.

 

Meeting notes for January 23, 1854 are appended.
Report on the Donations of Coins now added to the Society's Collection
Authors: Scott W H
Published: December 2021

Details of various coins that were either donated to the Society or exhibited at Society events including Roman, Stuart and Indian examples.

 

Meeting notes for February 27, 1854 are appended.
On the Scythian Bows, and Bows of the Ancients, compared with those of India
Authors: Buist George
Published: December 2021

Dr Buist compares written documentation of bows and arrows from Scythian and Parthian antiquity to the same weapons used in 19th century Afghanistan and India. He pays particular attention to the materials used and the design of the weapons. He contrasts these descriptions to the typical medieval English and ancient Egyptian bows, which utilise different materials and designs.
On the Ancient and Modern Ethnography of Scotland
Authors: Beddoe John
Published: December 2021

This article covers the migration of populations into and out of Scotland after the end of the British Roman period and into the medieval. The author covers Pictish, Scots, Saxon, Scandinavian and British mass migrations. He then moves on to a discussion of generalised physical characteristics that he associates with different areas of Scotland. He bases these generalisations on his own observations of people in these areas, as well as written evidence from Roman and early medieval sources.
On the Earlier Antiquities of the District of Cromar, in Aberdeenshire
Authors: Stuart John
Published: December 2021

John Stuart uses this article to inform the Society of several underground chambers discovered in Aberdeenshire. He begins by briefly describing the geographical features and legends associated with the area. He then moves on to discuss the underground tomb that was uncovered at Culsh, along with the standing stones located nearby. He also describes several similar tombs found in other parts of Aberdeenshire, including an account from Colonel Fraser of the tomb he excavated at Castle Fraser.

 

Meetings minutes for April 17, 1854 are appended.
An Account of an extensive collection of archaeological relics, and osteological remains, from a 'Pict's House,' at Kettleburn, Caithness
Authors: Rhind Alexander Henry
Published: December 2021

Details of an excavation and findings of the "Pict's House" at Kettleburn. Alexander Henry Rhind notes where artefacts similar to those found during this excavation were found and also speculates on their uses.
A contemporary account of the Earl of Hertford's second expedition to Scotland, and of the Ravages committed by the English Forces in September 1545. From a Manuscrip in Trinity College Library, Dublin
Authors: Laing David
Published: December 2021

David Laing presents an eye-witness account from the York Herald of the 1544 invasion of Scotland by the Earl of Hertford on behalf of King Henry VIII. The article also includes a separate list, attributed to the same time period, of all the places destroyed in this invasion.
Notice of remains found in an ancient tomb recently opened in the Cathedral Church of Fortrose
Authors: Stuart John
Published: December 2021

The author gives an account of the Cathedral church at Rosemarkie and its connection to the Italian saint St. Boniface. The discussion covers the history of the church building and in particularly the decorations on the church. The article concludes with a description of the contents of a tomb assumed to belong to a bishop. Members were able to view some lithographs of the church's decoration and examples of the silks that were removed from the tomb.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: December 2021

Fellow election and donations presented on the day.
Utilização de índice espectral na distribuição espacial da Caatinga densa do município de Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte-Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Jerônimo Lucena , Silva Filho Carlos Roberto , Costa Diógenes Félix Silva
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o padrão atual de distribuição de Caatinga densa, identificando onde estão seus maiores fragmentos, através de procedimentos cartográficos e estatísticos no município de Caicó-RN. A partir de NDVI, gerou-se o mapeamento da cobertura vegetal e, em seguida, delimitou-se três intervalos de cotas altimétricas possibilitando-se traçar um perfil gradual. Os fragmentos de Caatinga densa foram submetidos a ANOVA e teste Tukey, estabelecendo uma significância de p<0,05, identificando se há diferença significativa entre os tamanhos desses fragmentos. Foi realizado um levantamento florístico visando a caracterizar as diferentes cotas amostradas. Como resultado, na cota de menor altimetria obteve-se 5.169,54ha, com a cota média, 2.850,20ha, e 1.753,08ha, para a maior altimetria. Em termos proporcionais com relação à área total de cada cota, foi justamente esta última que apresentou maior área ocupada por vegetação densa. Foi identificada diferença significativa entre esta cota e a primeira, mediante os tamanhos dos fragmentos. No tocante à flora, as espécies mais seletivas estão nas cotas superiores, com exceção das áreas de mata ciliar na menor altimetria onde predominam espécies generalistas. Neste trabalho foi comprovado estatisticamente que a Caatinga densa encontra-se bastante restrita às margens de corpos hídricos e em maciços, apresentando aumento gradual em termos altimétricos.
A Robust Hierarchical MXene/Ni/Aluminosilicate Glass Composite for High‐Performance Microwave Absorption
Authors: Luo Wei , Wang Mengya , Wang Kangjing , Yan Peng , Huang Jilong , Gao Jie , Zhao Tao , Ding Qi , Qiu Pengpeng , Wang Haifeng , Lu Ping , Fan Yuchi , Jiang Wan
Published: December 2021

The 2D titanium carbide MXene with both extraordinary electromagnetic attenuation and elastic properties has shown great potential as the building block for constructing mechanically robust microwave absorbing composites (MACs). However, the weak thermal stability has inhibited the successful incorporation of MXene into the inorganic MACs matrix so far. Herein, an ultralow temperature sintering strategy to fabricate a hierarchical aluminosilicate glass composite is demonstrated by using EMT zeolite as starting powder, which can not only endow the composites with high sinterability, but also facilitate the alignment of MXene in the glass matrix. Accordingly, the highly oriented MXene and mesoporous structure can effectively reduce the conduction loss in the out‐of‐plane direction while maintaining its large polarization loss. Meanwhile, the in situ formed Ni nanoparticles via ion exchange serve as a synergistic modulator to further improve the attenuation capability and impedance matching of composite, resulting in a low reflection loss of −59.5 dB in X band and general values below −20 dB with a low fitting thickness from 4 to 18 GHz. More attractively, such a delicate structure also gives the composite a remarkable fracture strength and contact‐damage‐resistance, which qualifies the mesoporous glass composite as a structural MACs with a superior comprehensive performance.
Food insecurity among older adults in the U.S.: The role of mortgage borrowing
Authors: Loibl Cäzilia , Rhodes Alec P. , Moulton Stephanie , Haurin Donald , Edmunds Chrisse
Published: December 2021

Housing wealth is the main source of wealth for many older adults. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we assess the impact of new mortgage borrowing on food insecurity among homeowners aged 65 and older. We find a substantial short‐term effect, with each additional $10,000 borrowed, lowering food insecurity by 2.2 percentage points. In a simulation of the impact of relaxing the debt‐to‐income borrowing constraint, food insecurity is reduced by 2.1 percentage points for previous nonborrowers and by 1.6 percentage points for borrowers. Results support the importance of access to mortgage borrowing to reduce material hardship in older age.
Work‐related injury burden, workers' compensation claim filing, and barriers: Results from a statewide survey of janitors
Authors: Anderson Naomi J. , Smith Caroline K. , Foley Michael P.
Published: December 2021

Background

Janitors are a low‐wage, ethnically and linguistically diverse, hard‐to‐reach population of workers with a high burden of occupational injury and illness.

Methods

Data from an extensive multimodal (mail, phone, web) survey of janitors in Washington State were analyzed to characterize their working conditions and occupational health experiences. The survey included questions on demographics, work organization and tasks, health and safety topics, and discrimination and harassment. The survey was administered in eight languages.

Results

There were 620 complete interviews. The majority completed the survey by mail (62.6%), and in English (85.8%). More than half of responding janitors were female (56.9%), and the mean age was 45 years. Twenty percent reported having a (health‐care‐provider diagnosed) work‐related injury or illness (WRII) in the past twelve months. Women and janitors who were Latino had significantly higher relative risk of WRII. Increased risk was also associated with several work organization factors that may indicate poor working conditions, insufficient sleep, and possible depression. Half of injured janitors did not file workers' compensation (WC) claims.

Conclusions

Janitors reported a high percentage of WRII, which exceeded previously published estimates from Washington State. Women and Latino janitors had significantly increased risk of WRII, and janitors' working conditions may influence the unequal distribution of risk. WRII surveillance via WC or medical care usage in janitors and other low‐wage occupations may reflect substantial underreporting. Characterizing the nature of janitors' work experience can help identify avenues for prevention, intervention, and policy changes to protect the health and safety of janitors.
A novel variant in the dystonin gene causing hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type VI in a male infant: Case report and literature review
Authors: Sakaria Rishika P. , Fonville Megan P. , Peravali Silpa , Zaveri Parul G. , Mroczkowski Henry J. , Caron Elena , Weems Mark F.
Published: December 2021

The DST gene is located on chromosome 6p and encodes for a large protein. Alternative splicing of this protein produces the neuronal (a1–a3), muscular (b1–b3), and epithelial (e) isoforms. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type VI is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations affecting the a2 isoform. We present a case of HSAN‐VI in a male neonate born to consanguineous parents. Genome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous variant (DST_c.1118C > T; p.Pro373Leu) inherited from both parents. This case further expands the phenotype and genotype of this rare syndrome.
Site‐Specific Conjugation of a Selenopolypeptide to Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin Enhances Oxidation Resistance and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Dong Chao , Wu Guangqi , Chen Chen , Li Xia , Yuan Rui , Xu Liang , Guo Hui , Zhang Jay , Lu Hua , Wang Feng
Published: December 2021

Human alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT), a native serine‐protease inhibitor that protects tissue damage from excessive protease activities, is used as an augmentation therapy to treat A1AT‐deficienct patients. However, A1AT is sensitive to oxidation‐mediated deactivation and has a short circulating half‐life. Currently, there is no method that can effectively protect therapeutic proteins from oxidative damage in vivo. Here we developed a novel biocompatible selenopolypeptide and site‐specifically conjugated it with A1AT. The conjugated A1AT fully retained its inhibitory activity on neutrophil elastase, enhanced oxidation resistance, extended the serum half‐life, and afforded long‐lasting protective efficacy in a mouse model of acute lung injury. These results demonstrated that conjugating A1AT with the designed selenopolymer is a viable strategy to improve its pharmacological properties, which could potentially further be applied to a variety of oxidation sensitive biotherapeutics.
Fabricating self‐stratifying coating for superhydrophobic cotton textile
Authors: Wu Jiming , Hu Zhenwen , Lu Wenguang , Yu Lei , Wei Hanyu , Yang Xiansong , Zhou Haijun , Wang Dongpeng , Li Weili , Yan Hui
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a type of superhydrophobic cotton textile was designed and prepared. Particularly, it was obtained by coating a type of acrylic‐silicone hybrid resin onto the cotton fabric. With self‐stratifying character, the cured coating can be formed into two layers, in which the acrylic component in the bottom layer enables polar bond or hydrogen bond linkage with cellulose molecules on the fiber surface, while the amino silicone oil resin on the surface layer acts as a functional part and adds new surface features to the cotton fabric. As a result, the coated cotton fabric displayed superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle above 150° and a rolling angle less than 8°. The experimental findings indicated that the fabricated textile had adequate mechanical strength to withstand sandpaper abrasion for 20‐cycles abrasion by pressing a constant load of 500 g. Additionally, the modified textiles exhibited stable oil–water separation abilities, therefore showing multifunctional properties that have potential applications in many cotton textile surface treatments.
Conducting practice‐based research with a counsellor in private practice
Authors: Manthei Robert J. , Tuck Bryan F.
Published: December 2021

Background

In New Zealand and elsewhere, the workloads and counselling impact of counsellors in private practice have been seldom researched despite them comprising a substantial proportion of practitioners.

Aim

This study sought to establish a profile of one self‐employed counsellor's caseload over several years, assess the impact of counselling using the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and provide an example of collaborative, practice‐based research (PBR).

Method

A retrospective client review of client records included demographic information and ORS scores. Analyses identified the nature of any clinical change and its association with client demographics.

Results

The average age of 720 clients was 41.5 years; 44% were male; and 71% were Pākehā versus 23% Māori. The average number of sessions was 2.4. For the 274 clients with first‐ and last‐session ORS scores, repeated ANOVAs revealed significant changes in ORS scores over time, irrespective of client characteristics and no significant interactions between any of the variables and gains over time. The effect size (0.9) was ‘large’, and Reliable Change Index indicators were comparable to overseas studies using adult subjects in public health settings.

Discussion

The counsellor's caseload profile was similar to an earlier one and the gain in clients’ ORS scores was comparable to those in several other countries and not associated with clients’ demographic data. There are several reasons for counsellors to collaborate with others in analyses of their practice. This research provides a useful example of such collaboration.
Therapist and counsellors’ experiences of working with asylum seekers in the context of asylum‐seeking processes in the UK
Authors: Partavian Avin , Kyriakopoulos Alex
Published: December 2021

Although there is a plethora of research exploring the impact of working with trauma on therapists, limited attention has been paid to the impact of working with traumatised asylum seekers specifically. Furthermore, recent evidence shows that socio‐political factors and asylum‐seeking processes are acknowledged as major inhibitors of positive well‐being and therapeutic effectiveness in mental health practitioners working with this population. Despite this, there is very limited research focusing on the impacts and consequences of asylum legislative framework upon the therapeutic process. This study aimed to explore the impact of the UK asylum legislative framework upon the psychotherapeutic process and relationship. Nine psychotherapists and counsellors who worked with traumatised asylum seekers, with an average of eight years of experience, were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s (2020) reflexive thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified related to the impact on therapeutic work: (a) Moving away from the traditional therapeutic frame, (b) adjustments to the therapeutic process, and (c) impact on the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. The findings revealed that the UK asylum legislative framework penetrates all aspects of the psychotherapeutic process, including the therapeutic relationship because it may affect the power imbalance in the therapeutic dyad. Practice and policy implications are discussed.
Mental health symptoms, well‐being and experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed‐methods practice‐based study
Authors: Crabtree Sarah A. , Captari Laura E. , Hall Eugene L. , Sandage Steven J. , Jankowski Peter J.
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated abrupt and substantial changes in daily life, and public health strategies intended to protect physical health can negatively affect mental health and well‐being, especially for individuals with pre‐existing mental health challenges. For this study, we surveyed a sample of clients (N = 94) in the summer of 2020 from a community mental health clinic in the northeast United States. A mixed‐methods, concurrent triangulation design was used to (a) identify client subgroups on indicators of mental health (i.e. anxious and depressive symptoms) and emotional, psychological, and social well‐being using latent profile analysis (LPA), and (b) within these subgroups, examine qualitative, thematic patterns in self‐described challenges, benefits and learning related to the pandemic. The LPA revealed five distinct subgroups with various levels of symptoms and well‐being, including Stagnant (moderate symptoms/moderate well‐being), Languishing (high symptoms/low well‐being), Flourishing (low symptoms, high well‐being), Fortitudinous (high symptoms, moderate well‐being) and Mobilized (moderate symptoms, high well‐being). These divergent subgroups support the need to conceptualise mental health symptoms apart from well‐being and assess for heterogeneous constellations of such constructs among psychotherapy clients. Thematic analysis offered additional insight into pandemic experiences within each subgroup, including attention to psychological, emotional, behavioural/lifestyle, relational, physical and ecological/contextual dimensions of self‐experience, as well as the ways clients had adjusted to the pandemic's circumstances. Findings support nuanced conceptualisations of positive mental health and offer insight into coping and adaptation during this public health crisis.
Effect of Amino Acid Substitutions on 70S Ribosomal Binding, Cellular Uptake, and Antimicrobial Activity of Oncocin Onc112
Authors: Kolano Lisa , Knappe Daniel , Berg Angela , Berg Thorsten , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: December 2021

Proline‐rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) are promising candidates for the treatment of infections caused by high‐priority human pathogens. Their mode of action consists of (I) passive diffusion across the outer membrane, (II) active transport through the inner membrane, and (III) inhibition of protein biosynthesis by blocking the exit tunnel of the 70S ribosome. We tested whether in vitro data on ribosomal binding and bacterial uptake could predict the antibacterial activity of PrAMPs against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. Ribosomal binding and bacterial uptake rates were measured for 47 derivatives of PrAMP Onc112 and compared to the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of each peptide. Ribosomal binding was evaluated for ribosome extracts from four Gram‐negative bacteria. Bacterial uptake was assessed by quantifying each peptide in the supernatants of bacterial cultures. Oncocin analogues with a higher net positive charge appeared to be more active, although their ribosome binding and uptake rates were not necessarily better than for Onc112. The data suggest a complex mode of action influenced by further factors improving or reducing the antibacterial activity, including diffusion through membranes, transport mechanism, secondary targets, off‐target binding, intracellular distribution, and membrane effects. Relying only on in vitro binding and uptake data may not be sufficient for the rational development of more active analogues.
Three‐dimensional critical care transesophageal echocardiography: A bedside tool in the diagnosis and management of shock
Authors: Higny Julien , Forêt Frédéric , Laterre Pierre‐François
Published: December 2021

Critical care echocardiography has become fundamental in diagnosis, management, and monitoring of patients in shock. Transesophageal echocardiography has gained importance, particularly in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation. We describe echocardiographic findings concerning a patient admitted with confusion, pulmonary edema, hypotension, and systolic murmur at apex.
The High‐Temperature Acidity Paradox of Oxidized Carbon: An in situ DRIFTS Study
Authors: Herold Felix , Oefner Niklas , Zakgeym Dina , Drochner Alfons , Qi Wei , Etzold Bastian J. M.
Published: December 2021

Until now, oxygen functionalized carbon materials were not considered to exhibit significant acidity at high temperatures, since carboxylic acids, the most prominent acidic functionality, are prone to decarboxylation at temperatures exceeding 250 °C. Paradoxically, we could show that oxidized carbon materials can act as highly active high‐temperature solid acid catalysts in the dehydration of methanol at 300 °C, showing an attractive selectivity to dimethyl ether (DME) of up to 92 % at a conversion of 47 %. Building on a tailor‐made carbon model material, we developed a strategy to utilize in situ DRIFT spectroscopy for the analysis of carbon surface species under process conditions, which until now proofed to be highly challenging due to the high intrinsic absorbance of carbon. By correlating the catalytic behavior with a comprehensive in situ DRIFTS study and extensive post mortem analysis we could attribute the high‐temperature acidity of oxidized carbons to the interaction of thermally stable carboxylic anhydrides and lactones with nucleophilic constituents of the reaction atmosphere e. g. methanol and H2O. Dynamic equilibria of surface oxides depending on reaction atmosphere and temperature were observed, and a methyl ester, formed by methanolysis of anhydrides and lactones, was identified as key intermediate for DME generation on oxidized carbon catalysts.
(Noble Gas)n‐NC+ Molecular Ions in Noble Gas Matrices: Matrix Infrared Spectra and Electronic Structure Calculations
Authors: Tsegaw Yetsedaw A. , Li Hongmin , Andrews Lester , Cho Han‐Gook , Voßnacker Patrick , Beckers Helmut , Riedel Sebastian
Published: December 2021

An investigation of pulsed‐laser‐ablated Zn, Cd and Hg metal atom reactions with HCN under excess argon during co‐deposition with laser‐ablated Hg atoms from a dental amalgam target also provided Hg emissions capable of photoionization of the CN photo‐dissociation product. A new band at 1933.4 cm−1 in the region of the CN and CN+ gas‐phase fundamental absorptions that appeared upon annealing the matrix to 20 K after sample deposition, and disappeared upon UV photolysis is assigned to (Ar)nCN+, our key finding. It is not possible to determine the n coefficient exactly, but structure calculations suggest that one, two, three or four argon atoms can solvate the CN+ cation in an argon matrix with C−N absorptions calculated (B3LYP) to be between 2317.2 and 2319.8 cm−1. Similar bands were observed in solid krypton at 1920.5, in solid xenon at 1935.4 and in solid neon at 1947.8 cm−1. H13CN reagent gave an 1892.3 absorption with shift instead, and a 12/13 isotopic frequency ratio–nearly the same as found for 13CN+ itself in the gas phase and in the argon matrix. The CN+ molecular ion serves as a useful infrared probe to examine Ng clusters. The following ion reactions are believed to occur here: the first step upon sample deposition is assisted by a focused pulsed YAG laser, and the second step occurs on sample annealing: (Ar)2++CN→Ar+CN+→(Ar)nCN+.
Selective Para‐C−H Alkynylation of Aniline Derivatives by Pd/S,O‐Ligand Catalysis
Authors: Deng Ke‐Zuan , Jia Wen‐Liang , Ángeles Fernández‐Ibáñez M.
Published: December 2021

Herein, we report a nondirected para‐selective C−H alkynylation of aniline derivatives by a Pd/S,O‐ligand‐based catalyst. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and is compatible with a variety of substituted anilines. The scalability and further derivatizations of the alkynylated products have been also demonstrated.
ProPhenol Derived Ligands to Simultaneously Coordinate a Main‐Group Metal and a Transition Metal: Application to a Zn−Cu Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Zhang Guoting , Xu Minghao , Qi Xiaotian
Published: December 2021

A new bifunctional ligand bearing chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and prolinol moieties is presented. Utilizing the designed ligand, an in situ formed Cu/Zn hetero‐bimetallic complex unlocks the asymmetric allylic alkylation reactions of allyl phosphates with zinc keto‐homoenolates, leading to the formation of various γ‐vinyl ketones with good regio‐ and enantio‐selectivity. DF sT calculation supports that the chelation of allyl phosphates with catalyst promotes the SN2’ addition and the ligand‐substrate steric interactions account for the stereoselective outcome.
Omalizumab for successful chemotherapy desensitisation: What we know so far
Authors: Bumbacea Roxana Silvia , Ali Selda , Corcea Sabina Loredana , Spiru Luiza , Nitipir Cornelia , Strambu Victor , Bumbacea Dragos
Published: December 2021

Background

Hypersensitivity reactions induced by chemotherapeutic drugs may influence the course of the oncologic disease by preventing doctors from prescribing first‐line therapy. In order to prevent another hypersensitivity reaction to the culprit chemotherapeutic agent, the physician can decide between two possibilities: premedication or desensitisation protocols. Rapid drug desensitisation showed successful results for most patients, but some of them may develop symptoms. Although omalizumab is not licensed as premedication or adjuvant therapy in chemotherapy desensitisation protocols, there have been published some case reports and small sample size studies that indicated promising results.

Methods

We reviewed all the published literature regarding the use of omalizumab during chemotherapy desensitisation protocols.

Results and conclusions

We found a great heterogeneity between the doses and the interval between omalizumab injections and chemotherapy ‐ rapid drug desensitisation, but most of the studies showed promising results. As a corollary, we propose a dose regimen of omalizumab administered before the first desensitisation protocol. Then, omalizumab should be administered one day before every chemotherapy regimen. Omalizumab might be used as an adjuvant therapy and might be a solution for a hopeless situation.