bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmonic sensors based on tilted Bragg gratings in multicore optical fibers
Authors: Ortega-Gomez Angel , Loyez Médéric , Lobry Maxime , Chah Karima , Zubia Joseba , Villatoro Joel , Caucheteur Christophe
Published: May 2021

Bare and gold-coated tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs) can nowadays be considered as a mature technology for volume and surface refractometric sensing, respectively. As for other technologies, a continuous effort is made towards the production of even more sensitive sensors, thereby enabling a high-resolution screening of the surroundings and the possible detection of rare events. To this aim, we study in this work the development of TFBG refractometers in 4-core fibers. In particular, we show that the refractometric sensitivity of the cut-off mode can reach 100 nm/RIU for a bare grating. Using another demodulation method, a tenfold sensitivity increase is obtained when tracking the extremum of the SPR (surface plasmon resonance) envelope for a gold-coated TFBG configuration. Immobilization of DNA probes was performed as a proof-of-concept to assess the high surface sensitivity of the device.
Acousto-optic ptychography
Authors: Rosenfeld Moriya , Weinberg Gil , Doktofsky Daniel , Li Yunzhe , Tian Lei , Katz Ori
Published: May 2021

Acousto-optic imaging (AOI) enables optical-contrast imaging deep inside scattering samples via localized ultrasound-modulation of scattered light. While AOI allows optical investigations at depths, its imaging resolution is inherently limited by the ultrasound wavelength, prohibiting microscopic investigations. Here, we propose a computational imaging approach that allows optical diffraction-limited imaging using a conventional AOI system. We achieve this by extracting diffraction-limited imaging information from speckle correlations in the conventionally detected ultrasound-modulated scattered-light fields. Specifically, we identify that since “memory-effect” speckle correlations allow estimation of the Fourier magnitude of the field inside the ultrasound focus, scanning the ultrasound focus enables robust diffraction-limited reconstruction of extended objects using ptychography (i.e., we exploit the ultrasound focus as the scanned spatial-gate probe required for ptychographic phase retrieval). Moreover, we exploit the short speckle decorrelation-time in dynamic media, which is usually considered a hurdle for wavefront-shaping- based approaches, for improved ptychographic reconstruction. We experimentally demonstrate noninvasive imaging of targets that extend well beyond the memory-effect range, with a 40-times resolution improvement over conventional AOI.
A chemical screen for modulators of mRNA translation identifies a distinct mechanism of toxicity for sphingosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Corman Alba , Kanellis Dimitris C. , Michalska Patrycja , Häggblad Maria , Lafarga Vanesa , Bartek Jiri , Carreras-Puigvert Jordi , Fernandez-Capetillo Oscar
Published: May 2021

We here conducted an image-based chemical screen to evaluate how medically approved drugs, as well as drugs that are currently under development, influence overall translation levels. None of the compounds up-regulated translation, which could be due to the screen being performed in cancer cells grown in full media where translation is already present at very high levels. Regarding translation down-regulators, and consistent with current knowledge, inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were the most represented class. In addition, we identified that inhibitors of sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) also reduce mRNA translation levels independently of mTOR. Mechanistically, this is explained by an effect of the compounds on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which activates the integrated stress response (ISR) and contributes to the toxicity of SPHK inhibitors. Surprisingly, the toxicity and activation of the ISR triggered by 2 independent SPHK inhibitors, SKI-II and ABC294640, the latter in clinical trials, are also observed in cells lacking SPHK1 and SPHK2. In summary, our study provides a useful resource on the effects of medically used drugs on translation, identified compounds capable of reducing translation independently of mTOR and has revealed that the cytotoxic properties of SPHK inhibitors being developed as anticancer agents are independent of SPHKs.
Global disruption in excitation-inhibition balance can cause localized network dysfunction and Schizophrenia-like context-integration deficits
Authors: Calvin Olivia L. , Redish A. David
Published: May 2021

Poor context integration, the process of incorporating both previous and current information in decision making, is a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia. The maintenance of the contextual information has been shown to be sensitive to changes in excitation-inhibition (EI) balance. Many regions of the brain are sensitive to EI imbalances, however, so it is unknown how systemic manipulations affect the specific regions that are important to context integration. We constructed a multi-structure, biophysically-realistic agent that could perform context-integration as is assessed by the dot pattern expectancy task. The agent included a perceptual network, a memory network, and a decision making system and was capable of successfully performing the dot pattern expectancy task. Systemic manipulation of the agent’s EI balance produced localized dysfunction of the memory structure, which resulted in schizophrenia-like deficits at context integration. When the agent’s pyramidal cells were less excitatory, the agent fixated upon the cue and initiated responding later than the default agent, which were like the deficits one would predict that individuals on the autistic spectrum would make. This modelling suggests that it may be possible to parse between different types of context integration deficits by adding distractors to context integration tasks and by closely examining a participant’s reaction times.
Variation in phenotypes from a Bmp-Gata3 genetic pathway is modulated by Shh signaling
Authors: Swartz Mary E. , Lovely C. Ben , Eberhart Johann K.
Published: May 2021

We sought to understand how perturbation of signaling pathways and their targets generates variable phenotypes. In humans,GATA3associates with highly variable defects, such as HDR syndrome, microsomia and choanal atresia. We previously characterized a zebrafish point mutation ingata3with highly variable craniofacial defects to the posterior palate. This variability could be due to residual Gata3 function, however, we observe the same phenotypic variability ingata3null mutants. Usinghsp:GATA3-GFPtransgenics, we demonstrate that Gata3 function is required between 24 and 30 hpf. At this time maxillary neural crest cells fated to generate the palate expressgata3. Transplantation experiments show that neural crest cells require Gata3 function for palatal development. Via a candidate approach, we determined if Bmp signaling was upstream ofgata3and if this pathway explained the mutant’s phenotypic variation. UsingBRE:d2EGFPtransgenics, we demonstrate that maxillary neural crest cells are Bmp responsive by 24 hpf. We find thatgata3expression in maxillary neural crest requires Bmp signaling and that blocking Bmp signaling, inhsp:DN-Bmpr1a-GFPembryos, can phenocopygata3mutants. Palatal defects are rescued inhsp:DN-Bmpr1a-GFP;hsp:GATA3-GFPdouble transgenic embryos, collectively demonstrating thatgata3is downstream of Bmp signaling. However, Bmp attenuation does not alter phenotypic variability ingata3loss-of-function embryos, implicating a different pathway. Due to phenotypes observed in hypomorphicshhamutants, the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway was a promising candidate for this pathway. Small molecule activators and inhibitors of the Shh pathway lessen and exacerbate, respectively, the phenotypic severity ofgata3mutants. Importantly, inhibition of Shh can causegata3haploinsufficiency, as observed in humans. We find thatgata3mutants in a less expressive genetic background have a compensatory upregulation of Shh signaling. These results demonstrate that the level of Shh signaling can modulate the phenotypes observed ingata3mutants.
The pluripotent stem cell-specific transcript ESRG is dispensable for human pluripotency
Authors: Takahashi Kazutoshi , Nakamura Michiko , Okubo Chikako , Kliesmete Zane , Ohnuki Mari , Narita Megumi , Watanabe Akira , Ueda Mai , Takashima Yasuhiro , Hellmann Ines , Yamanaka Shinya
Published: May 2021

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) express human endogenous retrovirus type-H (HERV-H), which exists as more than a thousand copies on the human genome and frequently produces chimeric transcripts as long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) fused with downstream neighbor genes. Previous studies showed that HERV-H expression is required for the maintenance of PSC identity, and aberrant HERV-H expression attenuates neural differentiation potentials, however, little is known about the actual of function of HERV-H. In this study, we focused on ESRG, which is known as a PSC-related HERV-H-driven lncRNA. The global transcriptome data of various tissues and cell lines and quantitative expression analysis of PSCs showed that ESRG expression is much higher than other HERV-Hs and tightly silenced after differentiation. However, the loss of function by the complete excision of the entire ESRG gene body using a CRISPR/Cas9 platform revealed that ESRG is dispensable for the maintenance of the primed and naïve pluripotent states. The loss of ESRG hardly affected the global gene expression of PSCs or the differentiation potential toward trilineage. Differentiated cells derived from ESRG-deficient PSCs retained the potential to be reprogrammed into induced PSCs (iPSCs) by the forced expression of OCT3/4, SOX2, and KLF4. In conclusion, ESRG is dispensable for the maintenance and recapturing of human pluripotency.
Identification of hit compounds with anti-schistosomal activity on in vitro generated juvenile worms in cell-free medium
Authors: Vejzagić Nermina , Prodjinotho Ulrich Fabien , El-Khafif Nagwa , Huang Ruili , Simeonov Anton , Spangenberg Thomas , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa
Published: May 2021

Background

Anthelminthic treatment options against schistosomiasis are limited. The current treatment relies almost exclusively on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). As a consequence, the development of resistance to PZQ and limited activity of PZQ against earlier development stages are respectively a risk and a limitation to achieving the goals of the new WHO roadmap towards elimination. For the discovery of new chemical starting points, thein vitrodrug screening onSchistosoma mansoni(S.mansoni) against newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) is still the most predominant approach. The use of only NTS in the initial screening limits sensitivity to potential new compounds which are predominantly active in later developmental stages. Using our recently described highly standardized, straightforward and reliable culture method that generates high rates of juvenile worms, we aimed to repurpose a subset of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Pharmaceutical Collection (340 compounds) to identify new hits with anin vitroworm culture assay.

Methodology/Principal findings

Cercariae were mechanically transformed into skin-stage (SkS) schistosomula and continuously cultured for 3–6 weeks to the liver stage (LiS). A commercial source of serum was identified, and decrease of NTS/well along with optimal drug testing conditions was established to test compounds on early and late LiS worms. The library was screened in 96-well format assays using praziquantel (PZQ) as a positive control. Primary screening allowed a 5.9% hit rate and generated two confirmed hits on adult worms; a prophylactic antianginal agent and an antihistaminic drug.

Conclusion

With this standardized and reliablein vitroassay, importantS.mansonidevelopmental stages up to LiS worms can be generated and cultured over an extended period. When exposed to a subset of the NCATS Pharmaceutical Collection, 3 compounds yielded a defined anti-schistosomal phenotype on juvenile worms. Translation of activity on perfused adultS.mansoniworms was achieved only for perhexiline (a prophylactic antianginal agent) and astemizole (an antihistaminic drug).
Associations between infection intensity categories and morbidity prevalence in school-age children are much stronger for Schistosoma haematobium than for S. mansoni
Authors: Wiegand Ryan E. , Secor W. Evan , Fleming Fiona M. , French Michael D. , King Charles H. , Deol Arminder K. , Montgomery Susan P. , Evans Darin , Utzinger Jürg , Vounatsou Penelope , de Vlas Sake J.
Published: May 2021

Background

World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for measuring global progress in schistosomiasis control classify individuals withSchistosomaspp. infections based on the concentration of excreted eggs. We assessed the associations between WHO infection intensity categories and morbidity prevalence for selectedS.haematobiumandS.mansonimorbidities in school-age children.

Methodology

A total of 22,488 children aged 6–15 years from monitoring and evaluation cohorts in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia from 2003–2008 were analyzed using Bayesian logistic regression. Models were utilized to evaluate associations between intensity categories and the prevalence of any urinary bladder lesion, any upper urinary tract lesion, microhematuria, and pain while urinating (forS.haematobium) and irregular hepatic ultrasound image pattern (C-F), enlarged portal vein, laboratory-confirmed diarrhea, and self-reported diarrhea (forS.mansoni) across participants with infection and morbidity data.

Principal findings

S.haematobiuminfection intensity categories possessed consistent morbidity prevalence across surveys for multiple morbidities and participants with light infections had elevated morbidity levels, compared to negative participants. Conversely,S.mansoniinfection intensity categories lacked association with prevalence of the morbidity measures assessed.

Conclusions/significance

Current status infection intensity categories forS.haematobiumwere associated with morbidity levels in school-age children, suggesting urogenital schistosomiasis morbidity can be predicted by an individual’s intensity category. Conversely,S.mansoniinfection intensity categories were not consistently indicative of childhood morbidity at baseline or during the first two years of a preventive chemotherapy control program.
Threshold effect of government subsidy, corporate social responsibility and brand value using the data of China’s top 500 most valuable brands
Authors: Qi Yongzhi , Chai Yuchen , Jiang Yifan
Published: May 2021

An increasing number of firms have begun to attach importance to corporate social responsibility (CSR) to obtain sustainable strategic advantages in the competitive market. On the basis of nonlinear perspective, panel data of A-share listed companies in the ranking list of China’s Top 500 Most Valuable Brands in 2012–2018 and Hansen panel threshold regression technology were adopted. With government subsidy and CSR being threshold variables, the internal mechanism about the influence of government subsidy and CSR on brand value was explored. Results show that the following. (1) CSR has a significantly inverted U-type threshold effect on brand value. (2) Government subsidy facilitates CSR with diminishing marginal utility. (3) When a difference exists in the strength of government subsidy, the influence of CSR on brand value presents a significant N-type law. Furthermore, threshold regression method was used to innovatively explore the complex nonlinear relationship among government subsidy, CSR, and brand value. This relationship has a significantly practical significance for listed firms for weighing the business decisions regarding the input of CSR and brand value, as well as subsidy policies for enterprises by the government.
Predicting factors that determine patients’ satisfaction with post-operative pain management following abdominal surgeries at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Tano Priscilla Felicia , Apiribu Felix , Tano Emile Kouakou , Boamah Mensah Adwoa Bemah , Dzomeku Veronica Millicent , Boateng Isaac
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Poorly controlled postoperative pain has been known to be characterized by longer post-operative care, longer hospital stays with increased readmission rates, and decreased patient satisfaction. Post-operative pain has been continuously addressed in the past three (3) to four (4) decades and has been shown that 20 to 80% of post-operative patients suffer ineffective pain management.

Objective

The study was aimed at assessing the factors that may predict the satisfaction of patients with early postoperative pain management following abdominal surgeries at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who had undergone abdominal surgeries between October 2019 and December 2019 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Structured questionnaires based on the IPO-Q were used to obtain responses from the patients. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis were employed in analyzing the data obtained from the respondents of the study.

Results

138 patients were involved in this study. The mean age of patients in the study was 45.81 (±16.81) years. A higher percentage, 58.7% of the patients were males. 39.1% had completed their tertiary level of education. The majority (50.7%) of the patients had had persistent pain for more than three (3) months. The satisfaction of the patients with the post-operative pain management received was generally high among a significant majority of the patients. Meanwhile, among the factors that influence the satisfaction of the patients with the post-operative pain management received, type of analgesia and pain relief methods (Pearson Coefficient = 0.523, p-value <0.05), patient’s ability to request more pain relief, (Pearson Coefficient = 0.29, p-value <0.05), patient’s access to information about their pain treatment options from the Nurses (Pearson coefficient = -0.22, p<0.05), were the only predictors of satisfaction in patients.

Conclusion

This study found out that patients were generally satisfied with the post-operative pain management offered by their healthcare providers although the degree of satisfaction depended largely on the type of analgesia and pain relief methods, the ability to request for more pain relief, and access to information on pain treatment.
Survival of sentinel node biopsy versus observation in intermediate-thickness melanoma: A Dutch population-based study
Authors: Roumen R. M. H. , Schuurman M. S. , Aarts M. J. , Maaskant-Braat A. J. G. , Vreugdenhil G. , Louwman W. J.
Published: May 2021

Background

The Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-1) comparing survival after a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus nodal observation in melanoma patients did not show a significant benefit favoring SLNB. However, in subgroup analyses melanoma-specific survival among patients with nodal metastases seemed better.

Aim

To evaluate the association of performing a SLNB with overall survival in intermediate thickness melanoma patients in a Dutch population-based daily clinical setting.

Methods

Survival, excess mortality adjusted for age, gender, Breslow-thickness, ulceration, histological subtype, location, co-morbidity and socioeconomic status were calculated in a population of 1,989 patients diagnosed with malignant cutaneous melanoma (1.2–3.5 mm) on the trunk or limb between 2000–2016 in ten hospitals in the South East area, The Netherlands.

Results

A SLNB was performed in 51% of the patients (n = 1008). Ten-year overall survival after SLNB was 75% (95%CI, 71%-78%) compared to 61% (95%CI 57%-64%) following observation. After adjustment for risk factors, a lower risk on death (HR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.66–0.96) was found after SLNB compared to observation only.

Conclusions

SLNB in patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma on trunk or limb resulted in a 14% absolute and significant 10-year survival difference compared to those without SLNB.
Re-evaluating randomized clinical trials of psychological interventions: Impact of response shift on the interpretation of trial results
Authors: Verdam M. G. E. , van Ballegooijen W. , Holtmaat C. J. M. , Knoop H. , Lancee J. , Oort F. J. , Riper H. , van Straten A. , Verdonck-de Leeuw I. M. , de Wit M. , van der Zweerde T. , Sprangers M. A. G.
Published: May 2021

Background

Effectiveness of psychological treatment is often assessed using patient-reported health evaluations. However, comparison of such scores over time can be hampered due to a change in the meaning of self-evaluations, called ‘response shift’. Insight into the occurrence of response shift seems especially relevant in the context of psychological interventions, as they often purposefully intend to change patients’ frames of reference.

Aims

The overall aim is to gain insight into the general relevance of response shift for psychological health intervention research. Specifically, the aim is to re-analyse data of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting different health aspects, to assess (1) the occurrence of response shift, (2) the impact of response shift on interpretation of treatment effectiveness, and (3) the predictive role of clinical and background variables for detected response shift.

Method

We re-analysed data from RCTs on guided internet delivered cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for insomnia in the general population with and without elevated depressive symptoms, an RCT on meaning-centred group psychotherapy targeting personal meaning for cancer survivors, and an RCT on internet-based CBT treatment for persons with diabetes with elevated depressive symptoms. Structural equation modelling was used to test the three objectives.

Results

We found indications of response shift in the intervention groups of all analysed datasets. However, results were mixed, as response shift was also indicated in some of the control groups, albeit to a lesser extent or in opposite direction. Overall, the detected response shifts only marginally impacted trial results. Relations with selected clinical and background variables helped the interpretation of detected effects and their possible mechanisms.

Conclusion

This study showed that response shift effects can occur as a result of psychological health interventions. Response shift did not influence the overall interpretation of trial results, but provide insight into differential treatment effectiveness for specific symptoms and/or domains that can be clinically meaningful.
Temporal, spatial and gender-based dietary differences in middle period San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: A model-based approach
Authors: Pestle William J. , Hubbe Mark , Torres-Rouff Christina , Pimentel Gonzalo
Published: May 2021

To explore the possible emergence and lived consequences of social inequality in the Atacama, we analyzed a large set (n = 288) of incredibly well preserved and contextualized human skeletons from the broad Middle Period (AD 500–1000) of the San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) oases. In this work, we explore model-based paleodietary reconstruction of the results of stable isotope analysis of human bone collagen and hydroxyapatite. The results of this modeling are used to explore local phenomena, the nature of the Middle Period, and the interaction between local situations and the larger world in which the oases were enmeshed by identifying the temporal, spatial, and biocultural correlates and dimensions of dietary difference. Our analyses revealed that: 1) over the 600-year period represented by our sample, there were significant changes in consumption patterns that may evince broad diachronic changes in the structure of Atacameño society, and 2) at/near 600 calAD, there was a possible episode of social discontinuity that manifested in significant changes in consumption practices. Additionally, while there were some differences in the level of internal dietary variability among theayllus, once time was fully considered, none of theayllusstood out for having a more (or less) clearly internally differentiated cuisine. Finally, sex does not appear to have been a particularly salient driver of observed dietary differences here. While we do not see anyde factoevidence for complete dietary differentiation (as there is always overlap in consumption among individuals,ayllus, and time periods, and as isotopic analysis is not capable of pinpointing different foods items or preparations), there are broad aspects of dietary composition changing over time that are potentially linked to status, and foreignness. Ultimately, these stand as the clearest example of what has been termed “gastro-politics,” potentially tied to the emergence of social inequality in the San Pedro oases.
Passive acoustic monitoring for detecting the Yellow-bellied Glider, a highly vocal arboreal marsupial
Authors: Whisson Desley A. , McKinnon Freya , Lefoe Matthew , Rendall Anthony R.
Published: May 2021

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is increasingly being used for the survey of vocalising wildlife species that are otherwise cryptic and difficult to survey. Our study aimed to develop PAM guidelines for detecting the Yellow-bellied Glider, a highly vocal arboreal marsupial that occurs in nativeEucalyptusforests in eastern and south-eastern Australia. To achieve this, we considered the influence of background noise, weather conditions, lunar illumination, time since sunset and season on the probability of detecting vocalisations. We deployed Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) at 43 sites in the Central Highlands of Victoria during two periods: spring/summer (October 2018 to January 2019), and autumn/winter (May to August 2019). ARUs were programmed to record for 11 hours from sunset for 14 consecutive days during each period. Background noise resulted from inclement weather (wind and rain) and masked vocalisations in spectrograms of the recordings, thus having the greatest influence on detection probability. Vocalisations were most common in the four hours after sunset. Rainfall negatively influenced detection probability, especially during the autumn/winter sampling period. Detection of Yellow-bellied Gliders with PAM requires deploying ARUs programmed to record for four hours after sunset, for a minimum of six nights with minimal inclement weather (light or no wind or rain). The survey period should be extended to 12 nights when rain or wind are forecast. Because PAM is less labour intensive than active surveys (i.e., spotlighting and call playbacks with multiple observers and several nights’ survey per site), its use will facilitate broad-scale surveys for Yellow-bellied Gliders.
Development and testing of a composite index to monitor the continuum of maternal health service delivery at provincial and district level in South Africa
Authors: Mothupi Mamothena Carol , De Man Jeroen , Tabana Hanani , Knight Lucia
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The continuum of care is a recommended framework for comprehensive health service delivery for maternal health, and it integrates health system and social determinants of health. There is a current lack of knowledge on a measurement approach to monitor performance on the framework. In this study we aim to develop and test a composite index for assessing the maternal health continuum in a province in South Africa with the possibility of nationwide use.

Materials and methods

The composite index was computed as a geometric mean of four dimensions of adequacy of the continuum of care. Data was sourced from the district health information system, household surveys and the census. The index formula was tested for robustness when alternative inputs for indicators and standardization methods were used. The index was used to assess performance in service delivery in the North West province of South Africa, as well as its four districts over a five-year period (2013–2017). The index was validated by assessing associations with maternal health and other outcomes. And factor analysis was used to assess the statistical dimensions of the index.

Results

The provincial level index score increased from 62.3 in 2013 to 74 in 2017, showing general improvement in service delivery over time. The district level scores also improved over time, and our analysis identified areas for performance improvement. These include social determinants of health in some districts, and access and linkages to care in others. The provincial index was correlated with institutional maternal mortality rates (rs = -0.90, 90% CI = (-1.00, -0.25)) and the Human Development Index (r = 0.97, 95% CI = (0.63, 0.99). It was robust to alternative approaches including z-score standardization of indicators. Factor analysis showed three groupings of indicators for the health system and social determinants of health.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the development and testing of a composite index to monitor and assess service delivery on the continuum of care for maternal health. The index was shown to be robust and valid, and identified potential areas for service improvement. A contextualised version can be tested in other settings within and outside of South Africa.
Psychosocial job exposure and risk of coronary artery calcification
Authors: Eriksson Helena , Torén Kjell , Rosengren Annika , Andersson Eva , Söderberg Mia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim was to examine potential associations between psychosocial job exposures, evaluated with the Job Demand-Control-model, and presence of coronary artery calcium.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study using the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study,(SCAPIS)pilot study. Coronary artery calcium was assessed through computed tomography of the coronary arteries and with coronary artery scoring, CACS. Main outcome was CACS ≥100 compared to CACS 0. Job demand and control was analysed according to the standard categorization of the two variables into: high strain, active, passive and low strain (reference). Associations between these variables and CACS were calculated with prevalence ratios (PR) using Cox regression with robust variance, 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted for age, smoking, education, socioeconomic area and metabolic syndrome.

Results

In total 777 participants were used in our analyses, for which 20% of the men and 5% of the women had CACS ≥100, respectively. The PR of having CACS ≥100 was non-significantly elevated for men in high strain jobs 1.54 (95% CI 0.88–2.69) and in active jobs 1.67 (95% CI 0.92–3.06), adjusted for covariates. For women there was no association between exposure to high strain and having CACS ≥100 PR 1.02 (95% CI 0.24–4.31). Among women reporting passive job, the PR was non-significantly elevated, 2.40 (95% CI 0.83–6.92), adjusted for covariates.

Conclusion

The statistical power of the study was limited, but our results suggests the possibility that exposure to a high strain or an active job situation may increase the risk of CACS in men, while in women, it may rather be exposure to passive job.
Changes in measures of cognitive function in patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis and the effect of dialysis vintage: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Murali Karumathil M. , Mullan Judy , Roodenrys Steven , Cheikh Hassan Hicham I. , Lonergan Maureen
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Prevalence of cognitive impairment increases with worsening severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and majority of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis have cognitive impairment. Trends of cognitive function (CF) in this population are less well known with published studies reporting conflicting results.

Methods

We assessed CF in a cohort of non-dialysis CKD and ESKD patients undergoing dialysis using modified mini-mental state examination (3MS), trail-making test (TMT-A & B) scores and Stroop task, and evaluated demographics, comorbidities and depression using Beck depression inventory at baseline. We repeated tests of CF and depression ≥ 1-year after baseline in both groups and compared change scores in CF and depression between ESKD/ CKD sub-groups. Among ESKD patients we compared change scores between patients with dialysis vintage of <1-year and >1-year. Analysis of covariance was used to adjust for the effect of age on these change scores.

Results

At baseline (N = 211), compared to CKD (N = 108), ESKD (N = 103) patients had significantly worse CF based on 3MS and TMT-A & B scores, and depression scores. On follow-up (N = 160) 3MS scores, especially the memory subscale significantly improved in ESKD, but worsened in CKD, with no significant changes in TMT A /TMT-B, or depression scores after adjusting for age. Among ESKD patients, 3MS, especially memory subscale improved in patients with dialysis vintage <1-year compared to >1-year. The 51 patients who discontinued after baseline assessment had worse baseline CF scores suggesting differential attrition.

Conclusion

Though baseline cognitive scores were worse in ESKD patients on dialysis, compared to CKD, their 3MS, especially memory subscale improved on follow-up. Among ESKD patients, the improvement was significant only in patients who have been on dialysis for less than one-year which may indicate a beneficial effect of clearance of uraemic toxins. Differential attrition of study subjects may have impacted the observed results.
Re-reading Merleau-Ponty through the language of drawing
Authors: Farrell Helen
Published: May 2021

In order to present visual art as a paradigm for philosophy, Maurice Merleau-Ponty investigated the creative processes of artists whose work corresponded closely with his philosophical ideas. His essays on art are widely valued for emphasizing process over product, and for challenging the primacy of the written word in all spheres of human expression. While it is clear that he initially favoured painting, in his late work Merleau-Ponty began to develop a much deeper understanding of the complexities of how art is made in parallel with his advancement of a new ontology. In this article I focus on the materiality of Merleau-Ponty’s work in progress through an examination of his unfinished manuscript and working notes in the Bibliothèque national de France (BnF) in Paris. Through a reflection on the potential of these archive documents to reveal new insights into his working processes, I establish a connection to Merleau-Ponty’s own embodied thought mechanisms to uncover comparative methods of enquiry to those used in drawing practice.
To know as you draw: Exploring the city through drawing
Authors: Cardoso Tânia A.
Published: May 2021

Standing apart from traditional illustration city illustrations are interpretations by illustrators that take urban space as their primary source. The practice of drawing in the city, what I call drawing in situ, is part of a methodology to construct city illustrations that aims to know as you go carrying out a performance that is not premeditated before departure but discovered along the way. These illustrated cities work as mediators between the physical city and the illustrator’s imagination striving to present alternative perspectives about urban space. In this paper, I reflect on how subjective approach and embodied experience in the city emphasize the illustrator’s skills to contemplate, understand, and synthesize the city in one or a series of drawings.

The results from drawing in situ become an extension of the illustrator’s body: intimately connected to movement and the direct experience of urban space. Far from simplifying the depiction of the city, the artistic practice as research explores the dynamics between different urban dimensions (architecture, moods, people, and stories) employing the artistic techniques better suited to expressively represent the illustrator’s encounter with the surrounding environment. My artistic practice as research, here presented, regards the different ways in which the dynamics of the city enhance, complement, or contradict urban perception and the understanding of urban space by the illustrator. It shows that the practice of drawing in situ is simultaneously engaging with and describing the city, experiencing, and learning through movement and creation. The drawing ability of the illustrator appears as a skilful way to disturb the usual perceptions of the cities focusing on the entanglements of lived experience in which the illustrator also takes part.
Figure drawing and alternate narratives of artistic mastery
Authors: Graham Mark , Buehler Fidalis
Published: May 2021

Figure drawing is a rich and problematic context for exploring drawing conventions with many connections to contemporary art and visual culture. The human figure can inspire students to more fully develop their own artistic practice and to critically engage with contemporary art and visual culture. Representations of the human body in art and visual culture are also relevant to important issues in the lives of students. Figure drawing has a long history associated with technical skills, ideas about mastery and the artist’s training. Skill, knowledge and drawing techniques, when combined with critical conversations about representing the human body, provide rich topics for discussion and reflection. How the human form is dressed, undressed and depicted in art and popular visual culture reflects vital issues about gender, race, identity, beauty, compliance and agency. This paper describes a range of different methods to give the skills associated with drawing the human form context within contemporary issues and to disrupt conventional and uncritical approaches.
Communication lapses to combating COVID-19 pandemic: Evaluating Ghana’s COVID-19 campaign
Authors: Nyarko Jacob , Serwornoo Michael Yao Wodui , Azanu Benedine
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is described as ‘novel’ largely because the virus has rarely been studied. Without any vaccine, the key to containing the virus was the timely delivery of educative public health information to people. With a population of 29 million composed of small urban segments, Ghana has enormous rural enclaves where most of her citizens live. This study seeks to explore the nature of Ghana’s COVID-19 campaign, focusing on the communication strategies and the extent to which indigenous communication tools (ICTs) have been employed. Relying on document analysis, Ghana’s COVID-19 campaign rarely deployed ICTs but rather paid lip service to the country’s indigenous resources in public addresses to the nation. It also found that the fight against the virus metamorphosed into political campaigns making WHO’s vital information subservient to images of political figures and political iconography in general. We argue that the nature of the campaign created generalized awareness of the pandemic, but did less to educate the masses on the WHO preventive protocols.
Influence of conspiracy theories, misinformation and knowledge on public adoption of Nigerian government’s COVID-19 containment policies
Authors: Amobi Ifeoma Theresa , Mustapha Lambe Kayode , Udodi Lilian Adaora , Akinuliola-Aweda Oluwakemi , Adesulure Mogbonjubade Esther , Okoye Innocent
Published: May 2021

This study examined the individual and collective influence of conspiracy theories, misinformation and knowledge revolving around COVID-19, on public adoption of the Nigerian government’s containment policies. The study adopted the Survey, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods. For the survey, a sample of 466 respondents were drawn from Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp, while 24 participants were selected for the FGD. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic approach were used to analyse data generated from the study. Results revealed a COVID-19 conspiratorial thinking among survey respondents and FGD participants, who were also familiar with the orgy of unbridled dissemination of misinformation and conspiracy theories in the social media space. Majority of respondents were knowledgeable about government’s COVID-19 containment policies and were practicing the recommended safety measures. Their decision was influenced by trust in opinion leaders, especially family members and medical experts.
Bases, processes, results and contexts of interorganizational learning in cooperation networks: A multiple case study
Authors: Borelli Verena , Larentis Fabiano , Wegner Douglas
Published: May 2021

Objective: To analyze the constitution of bases, processes, outcomes and contexts of interorganizational learning in cooperation networks. Method: Multiple case study through interviews and document analysis was performed in three cooperation networks, with a predominance of micro and small companies in the industry, commerce and services segments. Main results: Interorganizational learning can be identified on an interorganizational basis, by strengthening the network companies’ competitiveness, providing opportunities for joint participation in activities. Learning processes – formal and informal – have occurred through the exchange of experiences and knowledge sharing. As outcomes, aspects learned in the network have been used internally by companies, which involves their paths and expectations. Theoretical / methodological contributions: We have highlighted the constitution of interorganizational learning, that is, bases, processes and outcomes, as well as their interactions with the context. Relevance / originality: The study contributes to the knowledge in interorganizational learning, especially in its processes, by taking in consideration the importance of multilevel analysis. It expands the scarce number of studies that investigate learning in cooperation networks. Social / managerial contributions: The importance of learning and knowledge generated from interorganizational relationships, with an emphasis on the role of the boundary spanners and on contextual aspects in order to promote qualification of internal processes and to expand the comprehension of costs and risks involved.
The colors of entrepreneurship in Brazil: Effects of ethnicity on income, from a behavioral perspective
Authors: Rosa Carolina , Vasconcellos Silvio , Falaster Christian
Published: May 2021

Objective: To analyze whether the behavioral logic of decision-making could mitigate the effects of ethnic prejudice on the entrepreneur’s income. Method: Based on the theme of entrepreneurship by necessity and the effectuation theory, we prepared a survey with 107 entrepreneurs in Brazil, considering different socioeconomic aspects capable of mitigating or accentuating such effects. We used correlation analysis and linear regression to examine the data collected, with socioeconomic variables considered control variables. Originality/Relevance: The study contemplates the predominant logic of entrepreneurial behavior and the necessity entrepreneurship in discussing the effects of ethnic prejudice on the income of those who undertake it. Results: The results corroborate the research developed by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, indicating that the ethnic condition has harmful effects on the entrepreneur’s gain due to prejudice but indicates partial mitigation of such effects on the behavioral logic adopted by the entrepreneur. Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study points out how the interaction between ethnicity and entrepreneurial behavior can also cause positive results in the earnings of the entrepreneur, although the effects of prejudice are not fully mitigated, even if there is an effort in planning or using the knowledge, skills, and networking of the entrepreneur. Social/managerial contributions: Behavioral characteristics in decision-making (causation or effectuation) can mitigate the effects of ethnic prejudice on the entrepreneur’s income. Although not statistically significant, these characteristics have the potential to provide information for the construction of affirmative public policies for insertion and entrepreneurial education.
Metodologia prac awansowych a tożsamość polskiej geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej – wybrane kwestie problemowe
Authors: Runge Jerzy
Published: May 2021

Celem artykułu jest próba oceny poziomu metodologicznego polskich prac awansowych młodego pokolenia geografów społeczno-ekonomicznych w kontekście utrzymania tożsamości dyscypliny, w sytuacji starzenia się oraz odchodzenia seniorów – liderów dotychczasowych przemian geografii. Na pokoleniu doktoryzujących się i habilitujących się osób ciąży wymóg nie tylko utrzymania dotychczasowego poziomu teoretyczno-metodologicznego dyscypliny, ale również jej rozwoju.Poczucie własnej tożsamości środowiska geografów jest nie tylko istotnym elementem identyfikacyjnym dyscypliny, ale stanowi jedną z ważnych składowych poziomu rozwoju metodologicznego. Metodologia determinuje nie tylko poprawność formalną prowadzonych badań naukowych, ale poprzez stały rozwój kadrowy pozwala rozwijać warsztat metodyczny i konceptualizację dotychczasowego stanu wiedzy. Dlatego tak ważna jest odpowiednia jakość metodologiczna prac awansowych. Przegląd reprezentacyjnego zbioru prac habilitacyjnych z geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej ostatniego dziesięciolecia pozwala zauważyć szereg mankamentów, niedoskonałości powstałych zarówno z winy autorów, jak i zmieniających się zewnętrznych uwarunkowań funkcjonowania nauki. Wyraźny spadek zainteresowania metodologią wśród geografów wynika nie tylko z odchodzenia najstarszej grupy badaczy mających szersze spojrzenie na kwestię integralności wiedzy geograficznej, zdających sobie także sprawę z konsekwencji nadmiernej specjalizacji. Widoczny jest niedostatek odwoływania się do pojęć kluczowych warunkujących powiązania między geografią fizyczną a społeczno-ekonomiczną. Wielu badaczy wskazuje tutaj na częsty brak integrującego pojęcia regionu geograficznego i środowiska geograficznego. Niepokój budzi też coraz szersze mówienie o produkcji badań naukowych, podkreślanie liczby opublikowanych prac i uzyskanych z nich punktów, w mniejszym stopniu skupianie się na jakości badań.
The Four Square Step Test for Assessing Cognitively Demanding Dynamic Balance in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Kim Ilsoo , Kim Ye Eun , Koh Seong-Beom
Published: May 2021

Objective The Four Square Step Test (FSST) is a tool that assesses dynamic balance during obstacle step-over. To date, few studies have used the FSST to measure balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to verify that patients with PD, even at the de novo early stage, take more time to perform the FSST and identify which factors, cognitive status or cardinal motor symptoms, are related most to FSST scores.Methods Thirty-five newly diagnosed drug-naïve patients with PD and 17 controls completed the FSST. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and neuropsychological test battery were also assessed in the PD group.Results Mean FSST performance time was 8.20 ± 1.61 seconds in patients with PD, which was significantly more than the control group (7.13 ± 1.10 seconds, p = 0.018). UPDRS part III total score and H&Y stage were not significantly associated with FSST, but among the UPDRS subscores, only the postural instability/gait disturbance subscore showed a significant association. Regarding the association between FSST and cognition, the Trail Making Test-B and the Color Word Stroop Test showed strongly inverse correlations with FSST (rho = -0.598 and -0.590, respectively). With respect to gait parameters, double support time was significantly associated with FSST score (rho = 0.342, p = 0.044); however, other parameters, including velocity and step length, were not associated with the FSST.Conclusion The FSST can be used in the clinic to assess dynamic balance with cognitive demands even in the early stages of PD.