bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albeit Satisfied: Unveiling Female Paid Domestic Workers in India
Authors: Mukherjee Tista , Mukhopadhyay Ishita
Published: September 2022

Recent research on labour economics put increasing attention to the industry of paid domestic services, recognising it as highly essential, mostly feminised and largely undervalued. This article draws on the two recent contrasting evidences in a few developed economies: a large proportion of female paid domestic workers report job satisfaction despite the precarious working conditions they witness. We aspire to investigate the presence of such contrasting attribute of paid domestic industry in India, emerging as ‘care economy’ through rapid transformation of social reproduction. Using data from a primary survey based on Kolkata (2016), the study first explores deplorable working conditions associated with the occupation. Consistent with the emerging global literature, we find that a large proportion of female paid domestics in the city perceive the job as satisfying. Using logistic regression, we further identify the correlates of perceived job satisfaction. Revisiting existing theoretical frameworks, we conclude that both intrinsic reward shaped by gendered social norms and extrinsic factors including satisfaction of economic need and decent working conditions motivate poor and less educated women to pursue paid domestic work with high perceived satisfaction. To check robustness of our findings, we also perform the similar exercise using nationally representative data from NSS (2011–2012) and get consistent estimates.
Book review: Shahla Hussain, Kashmir in the Aftermath of Partition
Authors: Mehdi Syed Eesar
Published: September 2022

Shahla Hussain, Kashmir in the Aftermath of Partition. Cambridge University Press, 2021, pp. x + 220, ₹854 (hardcover). ISBN: 9781108490467.
Book review: Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharjee (Eds), Gandhi and the World
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev
Published: September 2022

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharjee (Eds), Gandhi and the World. Macmillan Education, 2022, pp. 342, ₹1,650, ISBN: 978-9354552748.
Book review: Colin R. Alexander, ed., The Frontiers of Public Diplomacy: Hegemony, Morality and Power in the International Sphere
Authors: Jones William J.
Published: September 2022

Colin R. Alexander, ed., The Frontiers of Public Diplomacy: Hegemony, Morality and Power in the International Sphere. Routledge, 2021, pp. 238, £120, ISBN 9780367343460.
Reflections of international authorsIntroduction
Authors: McMahon Mary
Published: September 2022

In this special issue, we feature reflections from two international researchers, Professor Charles Chen from The University of Toronto, Canada, and Professor Emeritus Mark Watson from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, who have published their work several times in the journal since the early 2000s.
Australian Journal of Career Development: Introduction to 30-year special issue
Authors: McMahon Mary , Patton Wendy
Published: September 2022

This special issue of the Australian Journal of Career Development marks the milestone of its 30th year of publication. Under the leadership of its editors, the Journal has made a major contribution to Australian career development practitioners, theorists, and researchers as well as international readers. This special issue documents its history, overviews its theoretical contributions, and evidences the firm foundation on which its future will be built.
Chaos, complexity and COVID-19: The Chaos Theory of Careers in 2022
Authors: Pryor Robert GL , Bright Jim EH
Published: September 2022

In acknowledging the contribution of the Australian Journal of Career Development (AJCD's) continuing work to the career development field, this paper briefly outlines the Chaos Theory of Careers (CTC) and its empirical support. Issues relating to closed and open system validation are canvassed. Two types of COVID-19 case study are analysed: a diary study and the pandemic event itself. COVID-19 confirms the CTC's claim that we all live on the edge of chaos.
Evaluation of Bereavement Assessment Within Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation
Authors: LaTourette Lauren , Williams Kaitlyn , Wong Michael , Thomas Jillian , Pennarola Adam , Liantonio John
Published: September 2022

It is crucial for palliative care teams to evaluate practices in assessing the risk of developing complicated grief among family members and caregivers of patients. A retrospective chart review of 99 patients seen by an inpatient palliative care team at an academic medical center was conducted to assess for documentation and prevalence of complicated grief risk factors. Factors included patients whose family are their primary caregiver, involvement of young children, mental health or substance use diagnoses in patients or their family members, a history of multiple losses, traumatic or sudden death. 64% of charts did not formally document bereavement assessment while 45% of families exhibited at least one risk factor for prolonged grief. This work suggests the need for increased education for PC providers on grief risk factors as well as the implementation of a formal screening assessment in order to best utilize limited psychosocial support resources to address needs.
Value of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship After Surgical Training: Bridging the Gap for Improved Patient Care
Authors: Bassette Emma , Salyer Chelsea , McCammon Susan , Veazey Brooks Joanna , Spoozak Lori
Published: September 2022

Objective: Surgeons comprise 2% of HPM-trained physicians. Little is known about the perceived value of HPM training to the surgeon or medical community. We aim to demonstrate the value of HPM fellowship training to surgeons and surgical practice from the point of view of HPM fellowship trained surgeons. Design: A qualitative analysis was performed using semi-structured zoom interviews that elicited the lived experiences of HPM trained surgeons. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Setting: Researchers were from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants were trained and worked across the United States in a variety of settings. Participants: Eligibility included training in general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, or affiliated subspecialties and completion of a 1-year HPM fellowship. Results: 17 interviews were performed. Several themes emerged regarding the transformative value of HPM training to their medical and surgical practice: (1) Learning to apply shared decision making and goal-concordant care to surgical decision making, and (2) Decreasing personal bias in medical decision making, and (3) Enabling wellness in surgeons. Two themes emerged regarding the perceived value to both the surgical community and the HPM community: (1) Value of the HPM Fellowship Trained Surgeon to the Surgical Community, and (2) Value of the HPM Fellowship Trained Surgeon to the HPM Community. All study participants valued their HPM training and felt highly valued by the healthcare team. Conclusion: HPM trained surgeons are highly valued on the healthcare team and improve patient-centered surgical care.
Temporal contexts and actors vis-a-vis I-deals' timing and creation: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Ayeni Dotun , Chaudhry Sara , Aldossari Maryam
Published: September 2022

I-deals (that is, personalised, non-standard employment arrangements negotiated between employees and their employers) arise at different stages of the employment lifecycle. I-deals can vary by timing, such as those created before hire (ex-ante) versus after hire (ex-post). However, scholars have not fully considered the impact of the temporal context (environmental, social, economic, individual) on I-deals or how a range of organisational actors may respond to enabling/constraining conditions when creating I-deals. Our paper focuses on the under-explored issue of I-deals’ timing by applying the theoretical lens of institutional entrepreneurship (IE). Key IE concepts enable a more critical understanding of broader temporal context impacts and the role of various actors (I-dealers, organisational agents) in creating I-deals. Drawing on a multicase study of 3 Nigerian organisations (62 semi-structured interviews, including fieldnotes and organisation-specific documents), our data revealed that field-level conditions and actors’ social positions interact to highlight (i) several distinctive temporal contexts, (ii) with differential impacts on I-deals’ timing and subsequently (iii) organisational actors adopting a range of tactics in response to enabling/constraining conditions. Based on these findings, we offer a theoretical model that reconceptualises I-deals’ timing by specifically focusing on the invisible concept of time. Finally, we discuss our study’s implications for I-deal research and offer future research directions and recommendations for practice.
Tax Evasion, Behavioral Microsimulation Models and Flat-Rate Tax Reforms: Analysis for Italy
Authors: Albarea Andrea , Bernasconi Michele , Marenzi Anna , Rizzi Dino
Published: September 2022

It is sometimes argued that a flat-rate tax reform can reduce tax noncompliance. The argument is, however, inconsistent with the so-called Yitzhaki’s puzzle of the classical expected utility (EU) model. The latter predicts an increase, rather than a reduction, in tax evasion following a cut in the tax rates resulting from a flat-rate reform. We study the impact of a flat-rate tax in a microsimulation tax-benefit model of Italy, which allows us to analyze various hypotheses of tax evasion behavior. In addition to the EU model, we analyze expected utility with rank dependent probabilities (EURDP) and the model of reference dependent (RD) preference, the most favorable to overturn Yitzhaki’s puzzle. Our simulations show that a flat-rate tax would barely reduce overall evasion in Italy in all models considered. Redistributive effects are in all cases, large.
Molecular Docking, Validation, Dynamics Simulations, and Pharmacokinetic Prediction of Phytochemicals Isolated From Croton dichogamus Against the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Terefe Ermias Mergia , Ghosh Arabinda
Published: September 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain global challenges even after decades of successful treatment, with eastern and southern Africa still bearing the highest burden of disease. Following a thorough computational study, we report top 10 phytochemicals isolated from Croton dichogamus as potent reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The pentacyclic triterpenoid, aleuritolic acid (L12) has displayed best docking pose with binding energy of -8.48 kcal/mol and Ki of 0.61 μM making it superior in binding efficiency when compared to all docked compounds including the FDA-approved drugs. Other phytochemicals such as crotoxide A, crothalimene A, crotodichogamoin B and crotonolide E have also displayed strong binding energies. These compounds could further be investigated as potential antiretroviral medication.
Survey on Mite Infestations in Small Ruminants in Kindo Didaye District, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fesseha Haben , Gamo Getero , Mathewos Mesfin , Mekonnen Endale
Published: September 2022

Background:

Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites that feed on the skin of small ruminants and affect animal productivity.

Methods:

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for mite infestation in small ruminants in Kindo Didaye district, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Skin scraping samples were collected from 384 small ruminants (196 goats and 188 sheep) for the identification of mite species following the standard parasitological protocol.

Results:

Of the 384 examined animals, 6.25% of sheep and goats were infested with different mite species, namely, Sarcoptes (3.67%), Demodex (1.54%), and mixed infestation of Sarcoptes and Demodex (1.04%). A relatively higher prevalence of mite infestation occurred in goats (7.14%) than in sheep (5.3%), and the highest prevalence of lesions of mange mites was recorded in the neck region (3.13%). The multivariate analysis of factors revealed that only BCS and herd size have a significant role in mite infestation of small ruminants. In addition, the correlation analysis of mite infestation with factors revealed that herd size ( r = .106), sex (.0434), and body condition score ( r = .104) had a positive correlation with mite infestation.

Conclusion:

Mites are among the most important health constraints of sheep and goats in the study area, requiring immediate attention and control interventions. Moreover, further epidemiological investigations that consider agroecology and other nonhost-related risk factors should be carried out for the appropriate control of mange mites.
Research on fault diagnosis of rolling bearings in roller-to-roller printing units based on siamese network
Authors: Xu Zhuofei , Zhang Chanchan , Liu Shanhui , Zhang Wu , Zhang Yafeng
Published: September 2022

To realize a fault diagnosis of rolling bearings in a real R2R printing unit, a method based on Siamese Network is proposed in this work. First, vibration signals in rolling bearing were changed into a series of time–frequency spectra with Continuous Wavelet Transform, and thus the frequency components with time in various scales can be reflected as images. Siamese Networks with sub-nets composed of both Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Depth-wise Separable Convolution Network (DSCN) were proposed and established for fault diagnosis; meanwhile, fault samples were divided into sample twins to solve the problem of small samples. As to a database of rolling bearings, different kinds of faults with various degree, rotary speed and added noise were distinguished with both SN-CNN and SN-DSCN models successfully. Then an experiment for a R2R unit in printing press is also taken, there are all 7 classes of samples to be identified, and each group contains few numbers of samples. From this work, it can be seen that SN-CNN and SN-DSCN both can realize a fault diagnosis of rolling bearings in printing units based on 20 samples, which can be seen as a limited sample learning mission. Besides, SN-DSCN is proved to have a less time in training process compare to SN-CNN.
Mapping public support for the varieties of differentiated integration
Authors: Schuessler Julian , Heermann Max , Leuffen Dirk , De Blok Lisanne , De Vries Catherine E
Published: September 2022

This article maps and investigates public support for different types of differentiated integration (DI) in the European Union. We examine citizens’ preferences for DI using novel survey data from eight EU member states. The data reveals substantive differences in support for different types of DI. Factor analyses reveal two dimensions that seem to structure citizens’ evaluations of DI. The first dimension relates to the effect of DI on the European integration project, the second concerns the safeguarding of national autonomy. Citizens’ attitudes on this second dimension vary substantively across countries. General EU support is the most important correlate of DI support, correlating positively with the first and negatively with the second dimension. Our results underline that while citizens generally care about the fairness of DI, balancing out their different concerns can be a challenging political task.
“A new way of asking why”: The transformative promise of integrative global learning
Authors: Ouellette Cathy Marie
Published: September 2022

The question of how to engage undergraduate students in global learning is even more imperative given recent shifts in the global landscape and in higher education. Utilizing the value rubrics established by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, this analysis considers the importance of the humanities in realizing integrative, global learning in a domestic classroom. Intentionally underscoring global and integrative perspectives on race and ethnicity beyond the domestic sphere produces graduates with proficiencies in intercultural knowledge and competence who are capable of creating and applying solutions to complex global issues. Assessment data reveals growth in student worldviews, perspectives, empathy, and noteworthy internal changes in the learner. The humanistic focus on the human condition results in students meaningfully engaging on individual and community levels, and with heightened insight into the roles they play in the world. As such, they emerge transformed and prepared to thoughtfully engage with the global community.
Intentions to Steal and the Commitment Problem. The Role of Moral Emotions and Self-Serving Justifications
Authors: De Buck Ann , Pauwels Lieven J. R.
Published: September 2022

This study focuses on determinants underlying young persons” self-reported intentions to steal a small amount of money. From an evolutionary standpoint, theft is a frequency-dependent strategy that may have been favored because it gave individuals a reproductively-relevant advantage in the competition for scarce resources. Although human groups do not tolerate the act of stealing, theft is still very common. Our study is rooted in Robert Frank's theory of the moral commitment problem. Moral emotions such as anticipated guilt are devices designed by evolutionary forces to motivate cooperative behavior in situations entailing a commitment problem. However, the anticipation of guilt feelings can be circumvented by self-serving justifications, therefore increasing the likelihood to steal. A large region-wide sample of adolescents (N = 3694) is used to analyze whether anticipated moral guilt and self-serving justifications mediate the effects of empathy, fear sensitivity, and perceived peer disapproval in their relationship to intentions to steal. Several propositions are tested in a latent variable model within the framework of SEM. Visual scenarios depicting an opportunity to take a small amount of money from a stranger are used to elicit participants” self-reported intentions to steal. Results suggest that empathic concern and empathic perspective-taking, perceived peer disapproval, and fear sensitivity affect the likelihood of theft by influencing anticipated guilt and self-serving justifications that, in turn, respectively reduce and promote the likelihood of theft.
Defining the role of facilitated mediation in medical treatment decision-making for critically ill children in the Australian clinical context
Authors: Preisz Anne , Bhatia Neera , Michalson Patsi
Published: September 2022

In this article, we explore alternative conflict resolution strategies to assist families and clinicians in cases of intractable dissent in paediatric health care decision-making. We focus on the ethical and legal landscape using cases from the Australian jurisdiction in New South Wales, while referencing some global sentinel cases. We highlight a range of alternative means of addressing conflict, including clinical ethics support, and contrast and contextualise facilitative or interest-based mediation, concluding that legal intervention via the courts can be protracted and distressing and should be a ‘last resort’. We acknowledge many might view this as the current status quo, but we go further to recommend strategies optimal for all parties to recognise early signs of conflict and prevent its harmful escalation. While more empirical research is needed, we contend that interest-based mediation may be a valuable adjunctive method of conflict resolution. If judiciously distinguished from and utilised with clinical ethical support, it can be an effective tool to address dissent and its negative sequelae in paediatric healthcare decision-making.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypokalemia, and Appendicular Mucocele in a 66-Year-Old Man
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , Chaabouni Yosr , Ben Hmida Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Appendicular mucocele (AM) is a rare and potentially malignant entity linked to obstructive dilatation of the appendix with an intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material. Most AM is asymptomatic or simulates acute appendicitis. We report an exceptional case of AM discovered in the face of hypokalemia and aggravation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) without diarrhea in an old man. Investigations led to the diagnosis of AM in its malignant form complicated by gelatinous ascites. We retained mucinous hypersecretion as the cause of hypokalemia and acute renal failure. Aggressive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy corrected hydroelectrolyte imbalance.
Fault-tolerant motion planning for a hexapod robot with single-leg failure using a foot force control method
Authors: You Bo , Fan Yaojin , Liu Daquan
Published: September 2022

Hexapod robots are widely used for resource exploration, post-disaster rescue, and military equipment. They typically travel on rugged and complex roads. The robot itself has a high probability of failure owing to mechanical failure, driving motor failure, or external environmental interference. To improve the adaptability of the robot to a complex environment, a motion control method for fault-tolerant gait was designed. The trajectory generator based on zero-moment point information can generate a smooth desired trajectory for the body’s center of mass, thereby improving the robot’s zero-moment point trajectory tracking effect and motion stability. The force-distribution algorithm based on torque optimization selects the minimum square sum of the driving force as the objective function and reduces the number of constraint equations through QR decomposition to increase the speed at which the expected contact force at the foot is calculated. A CoppeliaSim and MATLAB/Gurobi joint simulation platform were built to simulate and verify the fault-tolerant motion planning of the hexapod robot and foot contact force control algorithm. The feasibility and effectiveness of the fault-tolerant motion planning and foot force control algorithm applied to a hexapod robot with a single-foot failure are verified.
Effects of Moderate-Intensity Training Under Cyclic Hypoxia on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hematological Parameters in People Recovered From COVID-19: The AEROBICOVID Study
Authors: Dellavechia de Carvalho Carlos , Bertucci Danilo Rodrigues , Ribeiro Felipe Alves , Costa Gabriel Peinado , Toro Diana Mota , Camacho-Cardenosa Marta , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Sorgi Carlos Arterio , Papoti Marcelo , Trapé Átila Alexandre
Published: September 2022

Background:

Recent studies have indicated that people who live at altitude have a lower incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and lesser severity in infection cases.

Hypothesis:

Hypoxia exposure could lead to health benefits, and it could be used in the recovery process as an additional stimulus to physical training to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Study Design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

The 43 participants, aged 30 to 69 years, were divided into control group (CG, n = 18) and 2 training groups: normoxia (NG, n = 9) and hypoxia (HG, n = 16). Before and after the intervention were evaluated the lactate threshold 2 (L2), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and a blood sample was collected at rest to evaluate hematological adaptation. Both groups performed an 8-week moderate-intensity physical training on a bike. The HG were trained under normobaric hypoxic conditions (fractional inspired oxygen [FiO2] = 13.5%).

Results:

The 8-week intervention promoted a similar improvement in CRF of people recovered from COVID-19 in the HG (L2 = 34.6%; VO2peak = 16.3%; VO2peak intensity = 24.6%) and NG (L2 = 42.6%; VO2peak = 16.7%; VO2peak intensity = 36.9%). Only the HG presented differences in hematological variables (erythropoietin = 191.7%; reticulocytes = -32.4%; off-score = 28.2%) in comparison with the baseline.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study provide evidence that moderate-intensity training in normoxia or hypoxia promoted similar benefits in CRF of people recovered from COVID-19. Furthermore, the hypoxia offered an additional stimulus to training promoting erythropoietin increase and hematological stimulation.

Clinical Relevance:

The present exercise protocol can be used for the rehabilitation of people recovered from COVID-19, with persistent low CRF. In addition, this is the first study demonstrating that physical training combined with hypoxia, as well as improving CRF, promotes greater hematological stimulation in people recovered from COVID-19.
Sexual violence and adverse reproductive health outcomes among youth females in North Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mekonnen Mathewos , Jemal Kemal , Tilahun Ayele , Getaye Asfaw , Bekele Kumera , Hailu Dejene , Edosa Dejene , Legesse Elsabeth , Nigusie Tadesse , Beya Moges , Mulatu Teshale
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of sexual violence, its adverse reproductive health outcomes, and associated factors among female youth in the Northern Shoa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 590 female youth from 1 December to 30 January 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique and a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire were used. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then transferred to SPSS 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done, and an association between an outcome variable and independent variables was examined in logistic regression models.

Results:

According to the study, the respective rates of sexual violence and harmful sexual reproductive consequences were 20.7% and 11.9%. Sexual violence was significantly associated with alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 2.549, 95% confidence interval = (1.548, 4.195)) and childhood exposure to inter-parental violence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval = (1.002, 2.888)). Rural childhood residence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.037, 95% confidence interval = (0.007, 0.192)), fathers with college degrees (adjusted odds ratio = 0.037, 95% confidence interval = (0.013, 0.106)), and readiness for first sex (adjusted odds ratio = 0.073, 95% confidence interval = (0.028, 0.189)) were all independent predictors of adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Conclusion:

In this study, young females frequently experience sexual violence and poor reproductive health outcomes. Alcohol consumption and having experienced parental conflict as a child were found to be risk factors for sexual violence, while residing contracts during childhood, the father’s level of education, and willingness to engage in the first sexual encounter were linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes.
Three Gorges Project Resettles Employment Willingness and Behavior Mechanism: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Huang Jin , Tian Ye , Song Mengfei , Khanal Ribesh , An Min
Published: September 2022

The construction of hydropower projects has resulted in a significant number of reservoir displacements. Resettlement is unavoidably going to be a difficult problem to solve. Employment can provide endogenous economic sources for resettles as a key measure to address the issues of resettlement and development. While most researchers focused solely on its exogenous impact, they overlooked the employment psychology and internal drive intention of resettles, which are critical factors for resettlement programs to be successful. It is critical to study the resettles willingness and action mechanism for employment in order to obtain stable living resources through employment. Based on this, we use the China Three Gorges Project reservoir resettlement as an example and employ grounded theory to survey resettled employees’ employment willingness and the mechanisms underlying their employment behaviors. Our research concludes that: (1) Asset expulsion affects resettles’ employment, and the primary reason for their employment is an urge to reclaim their livelihood. (2) Government incentives and market opportunities foster favorable conditions for employment after resettlement. Family pressures and social ties are important motivators for resettled workers. (3) Individual characteristics are the most important factors influencing whether someone chooses to work. Hence, our findings could pave the way for a specific path to guide resettlement employment and serve as a reference for promoting the stable development for resettles.
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Infection in Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis With Progressive Massive Fibrosis
Authors: Vangara Avinash , Gudipati Mythili , Chan Regina , Do Tuong Vi , Bawa Omrao , Shyam Ganti Subramanya
Published: September 2022

Pneumoconiosis is associated with coal dust particles depositing within the lung causing nodules coalesce to form progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Cavitary lesions can develop in these PMF areas for concerns of tuberculosis and aspergillosis. We present a 59-year-old patient who had coal workers pneumoconiosis and PMF presenting with chronic dyspnea and hemoptysis with an upper cavitary lesion noted on chest imaging. He notes dyspnea with walking very short distances with associated productive cough. He admits to occasional wheezing, paroxysmal dyspnea, hemoptysis, and orthopnea but denies chest pain. He is an everyday smoker. His physical examination was only remarkable for bronchial breath sounds. On review of his prior imaging, he had a right upper lobe infiltrate as far back as 2012. As the years progressed, a new cavitary lesion developed in the PMF area which progressively got larger with a thick wall and no eccentric region noted inside the cavity. Tuberculosis test was negative. He underwent a transbronchial biopsy with methenamine silver stain which showed acute angle branching and septation suggestive of Aspergillus species. He was diagnosed with pulmonary aspergillosis and treated with voriconazole for 1 year. With pneumoconiosis and evidence confirming aspergillosis, the presence of a new lung infiltration with progression into a cavitary lesion leads to a diagnosis of chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA). With follow-up imaging showing extensive lung fibrosis, he had chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA), a late-stage manifestation of CCPA.
Patient Experience of Managing Adherence to Repeat Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Gillespie Chris , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Clark Jack A
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer screening (LCS) is a process involving multiple low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans over multiple years. While adherence to recommended follow-up is critical in reducing lung cancer mortality, little is known about factors influencing adherence following the initial LDCT scan. The purpose of this study was to examine patients’ and providers’ depictions of continued screening and their understandings of patients’ decisions to return for follow-up. Qualitative methodology involves interviews with patients about their understanding of the screening process and perceptions of lung cancer risk, including motivations to adhere to follow-up screening and surveillance. Analysis of interview transcripts followed the general procedures of grounded theory methodology. Patient adherence to LCS was influenced by their understanding of the process of screening, and their expectations for the next steps. Perceptions of lung cancer risk and associated motivation were not static and changed throughout the screening process. Recognizing that patients’ motivations may be dynamic over the course of screening and surveillance will assist providers in helping patients make decisions regarding continued engagement with LCS.
Geographies of grocery shopping in major Canadian cities: Evidence from large-scale mobile app data
Authors: Smith Lindsey G , Ma Maggie Yifei , Widener Michael J , Farber Steven
Published: September 2022

Socioeconomic and place-based factors contribute to grocery shopping patterns which may be important for diet and health. Big data provide the opportunity to explore behaviours at the population level. We used data collected from Flipp, a free all-in-one savings and deals content app, to identify visitation to grocery stores and estimate home-to-store distances, monthly frequencies and number of unique stores visited in eight Canadian cities during 2020. Grocery shopping outcomes and associations with income, population density and percentage of car commuters were explored using data aggregated at the Aggregate Dissemination Area level in which app users lived. Changes in patterns of grocery shopping following restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were also investigated. The median of average home-to-store distances ranged from 4 to 5 km across all cities throughout 2020. Shorter distances for grocery shopping were shown consistently for shoppers living in lower income, densely populated and low car-commuting ADAs. A maximum of three unique supermarkets were visited on average each month. Decreases in the frequency and variability of grocery store visits were shown across all cities in April 2020 following the implementation of restrictions in response to COVID-19, and pre-pandemic levels of shopping were rarely achieved by the end of the year. Ultimately, these results provide much needed information regarding the characteristics of grocery shopping trips in a high-income country, as well as how food shopping was impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This information will be useful for a range of future studies seeking to characterise access to food retail.
Displacement of the Metatarsal Sesamoids in Relation to First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Extension
Authors: French Mackenzie , Thorhauer Eric D. , Kimura Tadashi , Sangeorzan Bruce J. , Ledoux William R.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Quantifying normal sesamoid movement in relation to first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) motion is essential to identifying aberrant kinematics and understanding how they may contribute to forefoot pain and dysfunction. The present study aims to report sesamoid displacement in relation to MTPJ1 extension and to compare sesamoid displacement with MTPJ1 range of motion (ROM) from several imaging modalities.

Methods:

Using 10 fresh frozen cadaveric feet, sesamoid displacement was evaluated during simulated MTPJ1 extension. The ability of 3 MTPJ1 measurement techniques (goniometry, fluoroscopy, and unloaded cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) in predicting sesamoid displacement were compared. Kinematics were expressed in a coordinate frame based on the specimen-specific first metatarsal anatomy, and descriptive statistics are reported.

Results:

In the sagittal plane in both neutral and maximally extended positions, the tibial sesamoid was located on average more anteriorly than the fibular sesamoid. The angular displacement of the tibial and fibular sesamoids in the sagittal plane were 30.2 ± 14.3 degrees and 35.8 ± 10.6 degrees, respectively. In the transverse plane, both sesamoids trended toward the body midline from neutral to maximum extension. The intersesamoidal distance remained constant throughout ROM. Of the 3 measurement techniques, MTPJ1 ROM from CBCT correlated best ( R2 = 0.62 and 0.81 [ P < .05] for the tibial and fibular sesamoid, respectively) with sagittal plane sesamoid ROM.

Conclusion:

The sesamoids were displaced anteriorly and medially in relation to increasing MTPJ1 extension. CBCT was the most correlated clinical imaging technique in relating MTPJ1 extension with sesamoid displacement.

Clinical Significance:

This study advances our understanding of the biomechanical function of the sesamoids, which is required for both MTPJ1 pathology interventions and implant design. These findings support the use of low-dose CBCT as the information gathered provides more accurate detail about bone position compared with other imaging methods.
Chlamydia pneumoniae is Prevalent in Symptomatic Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Samples Obtained From Directional Coronary Atherectomy, but its Quantity is Not Associated With Plaque Instability: An Immunohistochemical and Molecular Study
Authors: Otani Tomoyuki , Nishihira Kensaku , Azuma Yoshinao , Yamashita Atsushi , Shibata Yoshisato , Asada Yujiro , Hatakeyama Kinta
Published: September 2022

Aim:

To clarify whether there is any association between the extent of Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection and plaque instability or post–directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) restenosis, we determined the frequency of C. pneumoniae infection and its localization in symptomatic coronary atherosclerotic plaques using specimens obtained from DCA.

Methods and results:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed the existence of C. pneumoniae in all 50 specimens of coronary atherosclerotic plaques obtained by DCA. C. pneumoniae–positive cell ratio determined with IHC or copy numbers of C. pneumoniae DNA detected by RT-PCR did not differ significantly between patients with stable angina pectoris and those with acute coronary syndrome (IHC: 16.4 ± 7.6% vs 18.0 ± 7.1%, P = .42; RT-PCR: no. of cases with high copy numbers 12/25 vs 10/25, P = .78), or between patients with subsequent post-DCA restenosis and those without (IHC: 17.1 ± 8.0% vs 18.0 ± 7.4%, P = .74; RT-PCR: 5/12 vs 10/21, P = 1.00).

Conclusions:

C. pneumoniae was highly prevalent in coronary atherosclerotic plaques of patients who underwent DCA. However, the extent of C. pneumoniae infection in coronary atherosclerotic plaques was not associated with plaque instability or post-DCA restenosis.
Divergent Effects of Laser Irradiation on Ensembles of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Bulk and Nanodiamonds: Implications for Biosensing
Authors: Olivares-Postigo Domingo , Gorrini Federico , Bitonto Valeria , Ackermann Johannes , Giri Rakshyakar , Krueger Anke , Bifone Angelo
Published: September 2022

Ensembles of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV−) in diamond have been proposed for sensing of magnetic fields and paramagnetic agents, and as a source of spin-order for the hyperpolarization of nuclei in magnetic resonance applications. To this end, strongly fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) represent promising materials, with large surface areas and dense ensembles of NV−. However, surface effects tend to favor the less useful neutral form, the NV0 centers, and strategies to increase the density of shallow NV− centers have been proposed, including irradiation with strong laser power (Gorrini in ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 13:43221–43232, 2021). Here, we study the fluorescence properties and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of NV− centers as a function of laser power in strongly fluorescent bulk diamond and in nanodiamonds obtained by nanomilling of the native material. In bulk diamond, we find that increasing laser power increases ODMR contrast, consistent with a power-dependent increase in spin-polarization. Conversely, in nanodiamonds we observe a non-monotonic behavior, with a decrease in ODMR contrast at higher laser power. We hypothesize that this phenomenon may be ascribed to more efficient NV−→NV0 photoconversion in nanodiamonds compared to bulk diamond, resulting in depletion of the NV− pool. A similar behavior is shown for NDs internalized in macrophage cells under the typical experimental conditions of imaging bioassays. Our results suggest strong laser irradiation is not an effective strategy in NDs, where the interplay between surface effects and local microenvironment determine the optimal experimental conditions.
The mechanism of abscisic acid regulation of wild Fragaria species in response to cold stress
Authors: Shen Jincheng , Liu Jie , Yuan Yongge , Chen Luxi , Ma Junxia , Li Xin , Li Junmin
Published: September 2022

Background

Abiotic stresses have increasingly serious effects on the growth and yield of crops. Cold stress, in particular, is an increasing problem. In this study, Fragaria daltoniana and F. vesca were determined to be cold-resistant and cold-sensitive species, respectively. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics methods were used to analyze the regulatory mechanism of abscisic acid (ABA) in F. daltoniana and F. vesca in their response to low temperature stress.

Results

F. daltoniana and F. vesca increased their ABA content under low temperature stress by upregulating the expression of the ABA biosynthetic pathway gene NCED and downregulating the expression of the ABA degradative gene CYP707A. Both types of regulation increased the accumulation of glucose and fructose, resulting in a reduction of damage under low temperature stress. Twelve transcription factors were found to be involved in the ABA regulatory pathway. The strong cold tolerance of F. daltoniana could be owing to its higher levels of ABA that accumulated compared with those in F. vesca under low temperature stress. In addition, the gene ABF2, which is related to the transduction of glucose signaling, was significantly upregulated in the leaves of F. daltoniana, while it was downregulated in the leaves of F. vesca under low temperature stress. This could contribute to the higher levels of glucose signal transduction in F. daltoniana. Thus, this could explain the higher peroxidase activity and lower damage to cell membranes in the leaves of F. daltoniana compared with F. vesca under low temperature stress, which endows the former with stronger cold tolerance.

Conclusions

Under low temperature stress, the differences in the accumulation of ABA and the expression trends of ABF2 and ABF4 in different species of wild strawberries may be the primary reason for their differences in cold tolerance. Our results provide an important empirical reference and technical support for breeding resistant cultivated strawberry plants.
Comparative study of the morphological characteristics of Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah-Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alaida Meaad F. , Aldhebiani Amal Y.
Published: September 2022

Background

Phoenix dactylifera L. belongs to the subfamily Coryphoideae. Saudi Arabia is the third producing country of dates in the world with over a million tons of dates every year. P. dactylifera is one of the most important species that grows in Al-Madinah and has cultivars that are distinguished by their appearance and taste.

Results

This study aimed to investigate the importance of morphology among P. dactylifera cultivars by using statistical analysis and the ability to identify the cultivars just by looking at them in the obvious characters of palms. Plant specimens were collected from different areas in the Al-Madinah region. All the data obtained from morphology were transferred to numerical characters and used in the multivariate statistical package (MVSP) to study the similarity between the cultivars and give phenetic clusters. One-way ANOVA test and the least significant difference test (LSD) were used to find the significant differences among cultivars in p = 0.05. The numerical data that was recorded indicated significant differences among cultivars. Principal coordinates analysis and cluster analysis (UPGMA) were utilized to study the distance of similarities and differences between cultivars.

Conclusion

The most distinguishing characteristics were fruit and seed, and the least characteristic was the trunk. However, the features of spine, frond and leaflet were also important in distinguishing between cultivars.
MediQuit – an electronic deprescribing tool: a pilot study in German primary care; GPs’ and patients’ perspectives
Authors: Michiels-Corsten Matthias , Gerlach Navina , Junius-Walker Ulrike , Schleef Tanja , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert , Viniol Annika
Published: September 2022

Background

General practitioners (GPs) are the central coordinators for patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in most health care systems. They are entrusted with the challenging task of deprescribing when inappropriate polypharmacy is present.

MediQuit (MQu) is a newly developed electronic tool that guides through a deprescribing consultation. It facilitates the identification of a medicine to be discontinued (stage 1), a shared decision-making process weighing the pros and cons (stage 2), and equips patients with take-home instructions on how to discontinue the drug and monitor its impact (stage 3). We here aim to evaluate utility and acceptance of MQu from GPs’ and patients’ perspectives.

Methods

Uncontrolled feasibility study, in which 16 GPs from two regions in Germany were invited to use MQu in consultations with their multimorbid patients. We collected quantitative data on demography, utility and acceptance of MQu and performed descriptive statistical analyses.

Results

Ten GPs performed 41 consultations using MQu. Identification (step 1) and implementation elements (Step 3) were perceived most helpful by GPs. Whereas, shared-decision making elements (step 2) revealed room for improvement. Patients appreciated the use of MQu. They were broadly satisfied with the deprescribing consultation (85%) and with their decision made regarding their medication (90%).

Conclusions

Implementation of MQu in general practice generally seems possible. Patients welcome consultations targeting medication optimization. GPs were satisfied with the support of MQu and likewise gave important hints for future development.
Potential association between frailty and pTau in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Zhou Lixing , Shi Hui , Cheng Rui , Ge Meiling , Hu Fengjuan , Hou Lisha , Xia Xin , Liu Xiaolei , Liu Yixin , Zhao Yunli , Deng Linghui , Zhao Wanyu , Zuo Zhiliang , Sun Xuelian , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong
Published: September 2022

Background

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a decline in physiological reserves, and multiple factors contribute to the occurrence and development of frailty. Growing evidence supports a strong link and overlap between frailty and cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms involved have not yet been fully elucidated.

Aim

To identify associations between 12 plasma cognition-related biomarkers and frailty in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 375 participants (age 70.9 ± 5.8, 165 men and 210 women) were included in this study. Frailty was assessed using the modified Fried frailty phenotype. Participants were divided into not-frail group (n = 313) and frail group (n = 62). Twelve plasma cognitive biomarkers were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between different biomarkers and frailty status.

Results

Among the 12 biomarkers, only pTau was higher in frail individuals than in their not-frail peers (471.3 ± 58.1 pg/mL vs. 451.9 ± 61.1 pg/mL, p = 0.022). No other biomarkers had any significant association with frailty, including total-Tau (tTau), neurofilament light (NFL), amyloid-β 40 (Aβ40), amyloid-β 40 (Aβ42), S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), visinin-like protein 1 (VLP-1), Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7cNTP), β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), soluble complement receptor 1 (sCR1) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (hFABP). Furthermore, pTau was compared between negative and positive subject groups for each individual criterion of frailty. Significantly higher levels of pTau were observed in those who were positive for the criteria of low grip strength (451.2 ± 61.4 pg/mL vs. 469.1 ± 57.6 pg/mL, p = 0.019), exhaustion (451.2 ± 61.6 pg/mL vs. 466.4 ± 58.4 pg/mL, p = 0.035) and low physical activity (451.1 ± 60.7 pg/mL vs. 465.7 ± 60.7 pg/mL, p = 0.034) when compared to those who were negative for each corresponding criterion. Finally, in the multivariable-adjusted analysis, the association between pTau and frailty was statistically significantly associated (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04–1.89), even after adjusting.

Conclusions

The present study found a potential association between pTau and frailty. Future works should monitor the longitudinal trajectory of changes of pTau concentrations in frailty older adults. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind will contribute to biomarker research in frailty.