bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision-Related Quality of Life and Its Sociodemographic Correlates Among Individuals With Visual Impairments
Authors: Panigrahi Ansuman , Nageswar Rao G. , Kumari Konar Amrita
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Visual impairment is an important public health concern worldwide that negatively affects quality of life (QOL). We aimed to assess the vision-related QOL and determine its sociodemographic correlates among individuals with visual impairments. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study during the years 2016–2017 among 201 individuals with visual impairments aged ≥ 40 years. After obtaining informed consent, we collected relevant information regarding sociodemographic characteristics using a pretested questionnaire and assessed vision-related QOL using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). An ophthalmologist conducted comprehensive ophthalmic examinations of all the eligible study participants. Results: The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 52.91 + 7.61. The subscale score was highest for color vision (72.39 + 21.71) and worst in the dependency subscale (31.43 + 25.2). Multivariable ordinal regression revealed that variables such as gender, place of residence, household overcrowding, dietary habits, practicing exercise or yoga, and type of eye disorder were significantly ( p< .05) associated with the QOL of individuals with visual impairments. Discussion: The QOL among individuals with visual impairments was poor in our study. Further research is needed to establish associations of various factors with the QOL. Implications for practitioners: Incorporating these determinants of vision-related QOL in the existing strategies could be useful for health care providers and social service providers in promoting the well-being of individuals with visual impairments.
Do Relative Status of Women and Marriage Characteristics Matter for the Intimate Partner Violence?
Authors: Kayaoglu Aysegul
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes intimate partner violence (IPV) in a developing country context, namely, Turkey, which faces an enormous increase in femicide cases over the last decade. Analyzing a very rich nationwide representative survey on IPV, we show that it is not only the absolute status of women but also their relative status in terms of income and education that affects different types of domestic violence, ranging from emotional abuse to physical and sexual violence. Besides, factors related to marriage setting are found to have a significant role in the effect of women’s superior status on IPV. Overall, we provide evidence to support the relative resource theory and invalidate the intra-household bargaining model in the Turkish case.
Inequality in the South African labour market: The political economy of the national minimum wage
Authors: Francis David , Valodia Imraan
Published: July 2021

In 2019, South Africa implemented a national minimum wage (NMW) for the first time. This is an important intervention, given that the South African labour market continues to generate some of the highest levels of income and wealth inequality in the world. The minimum wage is intended as a structural intervention to transform the labour market by setting a wage floor, while highlighting larger issues that continue to reproduce inequality in the labour market. The process raises interesting questions about the role of social dialogue in the policy making process, especially at a time when the roles of experts and evidence are contested in political economy. This article reviews the national minimum wage process from two angles: assessing the economic evidence and examining the political economy of minimum wages in South Africa. We take this approach in order to better understand the roles of evidence and politics in the policy making process. While both processes were contested, important differences emerge from the analysis: the economic lens highlights the intersection of evidence and ideology, while a political economy review identifies important lines of contestation in the policy making process itself. The national minimum wage process shows that institutionalised social dialogue continues to be a central part of the policy making process, but that it cannot be taken for granted: the particular configuration of the social dialogue process and the roles assigned to each player matter.
STEM Identities: A Communication Theory of Identity Approach
Authors: Stewart Craig O.
Published: July 2021

Education and psychology research has established STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) identities as an important factor in explaining student persistence in STEM fields. Few studies in social psychology of language or communication have investigated STEM identities, despite the fundamentally communicative nature of identity. Identity talk produced in semi-structured interviews with undergraduate engineering majors ( N = 16) at three U.S. universities was analyzed qualitatively using the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) as a sensitizing framework. The analysis showed that these students’ STEM identities emphasized personal attributes such as work ethic and a desire to make a positive difference in the world as well as relationships with peers in engineering. A number of potential identity gaps which might present barriers to forming a STEM identity were also evident in the data. These results underscore the importance of a communicative (interactive and relational) perspective in understanding students’ development and expression of STEM identities.
Women’s peer to peer support inside a jail support group
Authors: Stearns A. E. , Yang Yang
Published: July 2021

Social support plays an integral role in health and well-being. Behind bars, support from peers on the inside is also beneficial, facilitating prosocial behavior, sobriety, coping mechanisms, and re-entry success. Social support frequently is delivered through supportive communication. However, it is not clear how such communication is enacted, as the majority of studies relies upon participants’ recollections of supportive communication during a past crisis. The current study analyzed conversation among women participating in a jail support group to determine how supportive communication was enacted. Working with an abductive framework, the analysis found six forms of supportive communication: 1) legitimizing problems, behaviors, and perceptions; 2) advising on practical and logistical issues; 3) soothing and reassuring; 4) clarifying the problem; 5) esteem-building; and 6) emotion-expressing. Findings are novel in that they broaden our understanding of how communicative support is delivered while an individual is experiencing distress; while receivers and givers of supportive communication are both experiencing distress; and in the context of a jail. This study suggests efforts to enhance jailed women’s support of one another should be undertaken, largely by implementing peer support groups and training facilitators in effective communication techniques.
Impaired discrimination of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine in a maternal immune activation model of schizophrenia risk
Authors: Meighan Wayne , Elston Thomas W , Bilkey David , Ward Ryan D
Published: July 2021

Background:

Animal models of psychiatric diseases suffer from a lack of reliable methods for accurate assessment of subjective internal states in nonhumans. This gap makes translation of results from animal models to patients particularly challenging.

Aims/methods:

Here, we used the drug-discrimination paradigm to allow rats that model a risk factor for schizophrenia (maternal immune activation, MIA) to report on the subjective internal state produced by a subanesthetic dose of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine.

Results/outcomes:

The MIA rats’ discrimination of ketamine was impaired relative to controls, both in the total number of rats that acquired and the asymptotic level of discrimination accuracy. This deficit was not due to a general inability to learn to discriminate an internal drug cue or internal state generally, as MIA rats were unimpaired in the learning and acquisition of a morphine drug discrimination and were as sensitive to the internal state of satiety as controls. Furthermore, the deficit was not due to a decreased sensitivity to the physiological effects of ketamine, as MIA rats showed increased ketamine-induced locomotor activity. Finally, impaired discrimination of ketamine was only seen at subanesthetic doses which functionally correspond to psychotomimetic doses in humans.

Conclusion:

These data link changes in NMDA responses to the MIA model. Furthermore, they confirm the utility of the drug-discrimination paradigm for future inquiries into the subjective internal state produced in models of schizophrenia and other developmental diseases.
Vocabulary Interventions for Young Emergent Bilingual Children: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Studies
Authors: Kong Na Young , Hurless Nicole
Published: July 2021

Vocabulary plays a critical role in later reading achievement of emergent bilingual children (EBC) who are learning two languages. Given emerging vocabulary intervention research for EBC, we synthesize studies on vocabulary interventions designed for preschool and kindergarten EBC to provide the cumulative knowledge on the following dimensions: (a) EBC’s characteristics, (b) features of selected target words and books, (c) critical components of vocabulary interventions, and (d) the overall effectiveness of the interventions as reflected by the percentage of studies reporting a significant increase on proximal measures of EBC’s target words. Through a systematic search, we identified 19 articles using experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Overall, EBC increased their knowledge of words taught through vocabulary instruction, and the use of bilingual or family heritage instructional language increased EBC’s vocabulary knowledge in both languages.
Endovascular administration of magnetized nanocarriers targeting brain delivery after stroke
Authors: Grayston Alba , Zhang Yajie , Garcia-Gabilondo Miguel , Arrúe Mercedes , Martin Abraham , Kopcansky Peter , Timko Milan , Kovac Jozef , Strbak Oliver , Castellote Laura , Belloli Sara , Moresco Rosa M , Picchio Maria , Roig Anna , Rosell Anna
Published: July 2021

The increasing use of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke management has opened the window to local intraarterial brain delivery of therapeutic agents. In this context, the use of nanomedicine could further improve the delivery of new treatments for specific brain targeting, tracking and guidance. In this study we take advantage of this new endovascular approach to deliver biocompatible poly(D-L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocapsules functionalized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and Cy7.5 for magnetic targeting, magnetic resonance and fluorescent molecular imaging. A complete biodistribution study in naïve (n = 59) and ischemic (n = 51) mice receiving intravenous or intraarterial nanocapsules, with two different magnet devices and imaged from 30 min to 48 h, showed an extraordinary advantage of the intraarterial route for brain delivery with a specific improvement in cortical targeting when using a magnetic device in both control and ischemic conditions. Safety was evaluated in ischemic mice (n = 69) showing no signs of systemic toxicity nor increasing mortality, infarct lesions or hemorrhages. In conclusion, the challenging brain delivery of therapeutic nanomaterials could be efficiently and safely overcome with a controlled endovascular administration and magnetic targeting, which could be considered in the context of endovascular interventions for the delivery of multiple treatments for stroke.
Preoperative planning of total knee arthroplasty: reliability of axial alignment using a three-dimensional planning approach
Authors: Tiefenboeck Stefan , Sesselmann Stefan , Taylor Dominic , Forst Raimund , Seehaus Frank
Published: July 2021

Background

Preoperative templating of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can nowadays be performed three-dimensionally with software solutions using computed tomography (CT) datasets. Currently there is no consensus concerning the axial orientation of TKA components in three-dimensional (3D) planning.

Purpose

To assess intra-/inter-observer reliability of detection of different bony landmarks in planning axial component alignment using axial CT images and 3D reconstructions.

Material and Methods

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of determination of four predefined axial femoral and tibial axes was calculated using data from CT scans. Axes determination was performed on the axial slices and on the 3D reconstruction using preoperative planning software. In summary, 61 datasets were analyzed by one medical student (intra-observer reliability) and 15 datasets were analyzed by four different observers independently (inter-observer reliability).

Results

For the femur, clinical epicondylar axis and posterior condylar axis showed the best reliability with an inter-observer variability of 0.7° and 0.5°, respectively. For the tibia, posterior condylar axis provided best reliability (inter-observer variability: 1.7°). Overall variability was greater for tibial than for femoral axes. Reliability of axis determination was more accurate using axial CT slices rather than 3D reconstructions.

Conclusion

The femoral clinical epicondylar axis is highly reliable. Landmarks for the tibia are not as easily identifiable as for the femur. The tibial posterior condylar axis presents the axis with highest reliability. Based on these results, clinical epicondylar axis for orientation of the femoral TKA component and posterior condylar axis for the tibial implant, both defined on axial slices can be recommended.
Comparison of metal artifact reduction techniques in magnetic resonance imaging of carbon-reinforced PEEK and titanium spinal implants
Authors: Osterhoff Georg , Huber Florian A , Graf Laura C , Erdlen Ferdinand , Pape Hans-Christoph , Sprengel Kai , Guggenberger Roman
Published: July 2021

Background

Carbon-reinforced PEEK (C-FRP) implants are non-magnetic and have increasingly been used for the fixation of spinal instabilities.

Purpose

To compare the effect of different metal artifact reduction (MAR) techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on titanium and C-FRP spinal implants.

Material and Methods

Rod-pedicle screw constructs were mounted on ovine cadaver spine specimens and instrumented with either eight titanium pedicle screws or pedicle screws made of C-FRP and marked with an ultrathin titanium shell. MR scans were performed of each configuration on a 3-T scanner. MR sequences included transaxial conventional T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences, T2-weighted TSE, and short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences and two different MAR-techniques: high-bandwidth (HB) and view-angle-tilting (VAT) with slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC). Metal artifact degree was assessed by qualitative and quantitative measures.

Results

There was a much stronger effect on artifact reduction with using C-FRP implants compared to using specific MRI MAR-techniques (screw shank: P < 0.001; screw tulip: P < 0.001; rod: P < 0.001). VAT-SEMAC sequences were able to reduce screw-related signal loss artifacts in constructs with titanium screws to a certain degree. Constructs with C-FRP screws showed less artifact-related implant diameter amplification when compared to constructs with titanium screws ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Constructs with C-FRP screws are associated with significantly less artifacts compared to constructs with titanium screws including dedicated MAR techniques. Artifact-reducing sequences are able to reduce implant-related artifacts. This effect is stronger in constructs with titanium screws than in constructs with C-FRP screws.
Molecular mechanism of microRNA-26a regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog gene in condyloma acuminatum and penile squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Yayu , Hu Enping , Su Xiangchuan , Chen Xiangen , Tao Xiulin , Ren Xiaoli
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the expression levels and mechanisms of microRNA (miRNA) 26a (miR-26a) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced condyloma acuminatum (CA) and penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).

Methods

Thirty-one patients with HPV-positive CA and 28 with HPV-positive PSCC were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. PTEN mRNA and miR-26a levels in lesion tissues, blood, and urine were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and PTEN protein was detected by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The interaction between miR-26a and PTEN was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay

Results

PTEN mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower and miR-26a levels were significantly higher in all samples from patients with PSCC compared with the CA group. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed PTEN as a target gene of miR-26a. Up-regulation of miR-26a significantly increased the proliferation of Penl1 PSCC cells.

Conclusions

PTEN expression is down-regulated and miR-26a levels are up-regulated in PSCC compared with CA. PTEN is a direct target gene of miR-26a. These results suggest that miR-26a might regulate HPV-positive progression from CA to PSCC through modulating PTEN.
‘What about me?’ Stories of the educational experiences of care-experienced children and young people in a Scottish local authority
Authors: Mercieca Daniela , Mercieca Duncan P , Randall Leisa
Published: July 2021

This qualitative study explores the educational experiences of looked after children and young people in one Scottish local authority. The preoccupations of government are academic achievement and school attendance, but these are not the prime concerns of the children, carers and professionals involved. Moreover, they can be both enhanced and restricted by the background characteristics and care situations of the young people and the responses of schools to their needs and behaviour. Five influential factors emerged from interviews and focus groups with professionals, carers and young people: behaviour; school attendance; carers as educators; friendships; and communication between home and school. Each of them is discussed with extended quotations that convey the voices of participants.
The medical evaluation of the internationally adopted child
Authors: Sperling Randi , Steinberg Danielle , Belnavis Zachary
Published: July 2021

Children who have been internationally adopted often have complex health issues and unique challenges. 1 The paediatric office provides a medical home by offering continuity of care, links to community support, and appropriate evaluation and treatment. During the pre-adoption evaluation, biographical and medical information provided by the child’s country of origin is reviewed. Additionally, soon after the child’s adoption, a complete medical history and physical examination should be completed. Although laboratory work may have been performed previously, studies should be repeated to ensure reliability. Developmental assessment and review of vaccinations should be completed as well. Anticipatory guidance should be provided regarding medical concerns, effects of institutionalisation and the possibility of attachment issues. Follow-up care ensures optimal medical, developmental and behavioural surveillance in this patient population.
Threats to Narcotic Safety—A Narrative Review of Narcotic Incidents, Discrepancies and Near-Misses Within a Large Canadian Health System
Authors: Bailey Chantelle , Jeffs Lianne
Published: July 2021

Background

Canada is currently experiencing an opioid crisis.

Purpose

Nurses are the largest number of frontline healthcare professionals in Canada who administer narcotic pharmacotherapy, hence, they are ideally placed to improve narcotic stewardship in hospitals. Our study aims to understand the characteristics of narcotic incidents and hence recommend interventions for narcotic stewardship.

Methods

Our study was conducted within a 442-bed academic health sciences center in Ontario. We extracted anonymized narcotic incident reports which occurred over a 3-year period from the SAFER System. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze narcotic incidents and their contributory factors.

Results

272 narcotic incident reports were submitted to SAFER within the study period. Most incidents (51%) involved hydromorphone and morphine and were primarily categorized as Level I (n = 154) and Level II (n = 60). Incorrect narcotic dosing (44%), and narcotic count discrepancies (27%) were most commonly reported with active failures being the most commonly reported contributory factors such as failure to review medication orders prior to narcotic administration.

Conclusions

Nurses have an important role in narcotic safety as an intermediary between narcotic administration and incident reporting. Further research is needed to understand the enablers, barriers and opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve narcotic stewardship.
Member engagement in multi-sector health care alliances
Authors: Hearld Larry R , Alexander Jeffrey , Shi Yunfeng , Wolf Laura J
Published: July 2021

Many communities are developing innovative forms of collaborative organizations such as multi-sector health care alliances (MHCAs) to address problems of misaligned incentives among providers, payers, and community stakeholders and improve health and health care. Member engagement is essential to the success of these organizations due to their dependence on volunteer members to develop and implement strategy and provide material and in-kind support for alliance efforts, yet relatively little research has examined how alliances can foster engagement. This study examined behavioral indicators of member engagement (e.g., recruitment and retention of organizational and individual members) and how they are related to two foundational dimensions of alliance functioning – alliance leadership and community centrality. Using three rounds of an internet-based survey of alliance members from 14 alliances, the study found that organizational recruitment and retention increased over time, from 26.6% to 41.5% and 56.0% to 65.2%, respectively. Recruitment of individuals increased over the study period (38.3% to 47.2%, while retention of individual members declined over the study period (61.0% to 53.2%). Alliance leadership was associated with lower levels of recruitment (both organizational and individual members) but higher levels of organizational retention (both organizational and individual members). Collectively, our findings suggest that behavioral aspects of alliances are more effective at retaining members than relatively stable characteristics such as size and positioning in the community. Contrasting relationships between recruitment and retention, however, suggest that different forms of leadership may be required to simultaneously attract new members while retaining existing ones.
Implementation of automatic manual transmission for a two wheeler
Authors: Shetkar Keshav Alias Deepesh Ramesh , Pethker Tejas Sadanand , Savant Saurabh Shrikant , Vishwakarma Nilabh Rajendraprasad
Published: July 2021

The concept of Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) is picking up speed in India after the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. But very few of the two-wheeler manufacturers in the world have tried to implement the AMT concept in a motorcycle. There are gearless motorcycles available which use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a Centrifugal clutch, but this setup is very inefficient compared to a positive gear drivetrain. Thus these gearless motorcycles get low mileage and are also more expensive to manufacture. Geared motorcycles, on the other hand, have better starting torque, greater mileage and a higher span of gear ratios. They are also cheaper, but the average buyer is discouraged by the complexity of the operation. Even those familiar with riding a motorcycle do not shift optimally to obtain the best mileage/performance. The aim of this paper is to present an innovative AMT system developed and implemented on a manual geared motorcycle having a sequential constant-mesh gearbox with a multi-plate clutch. This was carried out by interfacing the manual gear shifting motorcycle with a microcontroller and using an electronic actuation mechanism to make it an automatic gear shifting motorcycle. The significant steps of this project would involve the sensor readouts of the parameters necessary, the actuation of the controls and, most importantly, the algorithm for the optimal shift points for a given motorcycle. These would be obtained experimentally and using the manufacturer data, if available. This AMT setup has been successfully developed and implemented. This setup can then be applied to any geared motorcycle with minimal structural changes without any modification to its existing gearbox. This converts the manual geared motorcycle into the automatic gear shifting motorcycle having better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs as compared to the conventional CVT motorcycles.
Artificial neural network–based fault diagnosis for induction motors under similar, interpolated and extrapolated operating conditions
Authors: Chouhan Abhisar , Gangsar Purushottam , Porwal Rajkumar , Mechefske Christopher K
Published: July 2021

The diagnosis of mechanical and electrical faults of induction motors (IMs) has been performed using artificial neural networks (ANN) for similar, interpolated and extrapolated operating speeds. The current and vibration signals of faulty and healthy IMs measured from a Machinery Fault Simulator are used in this work. In total, ten different IM fault conditions have been considered: four mechanical faults (bearing fault, unbalanced rotor, misaligned rotor, and bowed rotor), five electrical faults (broken rotor bar, phase unbalanced fault with two severity levels, and stator winding fault with two severity levels), and one healthy motor condition. An ANN model is developed in which raw time domain data of faulty IMs are used and the fault diagnosis is then performed for the motor’s various operating conditions. Initially, diagnosis is performed to predict and classify the motor faults, for the same operating conditions for which we trained ANN. The diagnosis is then extended for interpolated and extrapolated speeds in order to accomplish the diagnosis when data are not available at all the required operating speeds. From the results, it is found that the present ANN-based diagnosis is effective in the same speed case for various operating conditions (seven speeds as well as three loads). In addition, the diagnosis is found to be satisfactory for all interpolated and extrapolated speed cases. It is also observed that the present IM fault diagnosis is better in the interpolation speed cases than the extrapolation speed cases.
High-dimensional covariance matrices tests for analyzing multi-tumor gene expression data
Authors: Qayed Abdullah , Han Dong
Published: July 2021

By collecting multiple sets per subject in microarray data, gene sets analysis requires characterize intra-subject variation using gene expression profiling. For each subject, the data can be written as a matrix with the different subsets of gene expressions (e.g. multiple tumor types) indexing the rows and the genes indexing the columns. To test the assumption of intra-subject (tumor) variation, we present and perform tests of multi-set sphericity and multi-set identity of covariance structures across subjects (tumor types). We demonstrate by both theoretical and empirical studies that the tests have good properties. We applied the proposed tests on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and tested covariance structures for the gene expressions across several tumor types.
Public engagement with emerging technologies: Does reflective thinking affect survey responses?
Authors: Carlisle Daniel P. , Feetham Pamela M. , Wright Malcolm J. , Teagle Damon A. H.
Published: July 2021

Researchers disagree on the extent that brief survey methods accurately reflect citizens’ opinions of unfamiliar scientific concepts. We examine whether encouraging participants to engage in more reflective thinking affects their perceptions of emerging climate technologies. Drawing on dual-process theories of reasoning, we apply experimental manipulations to encourage fast, intuitive thinking or slow, reflective thinking when responding to an online survey. Similarities in concept evaluation time between the Control and the Intuitive treatment groups indicates that citizens default to fast intuitive judgements to form opinions. However, despite a successful manipulation check, the reflective treatment group did not show any substantively different results. Therefore, encouraging additional thinking is unlikely to shift public perceptions. Post hoc analysis suggests participants with stronger views may nonetheless take more time to consider their response, without prompting. These findings support the validity of surveys as a method for eliciting stable and meaningful public perceptions of emerging technologies.
Regulation of serum microRNA expression by acupuncture in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Guo Jing , Lu Gao , Chen Lu , Geng Hao , Wu Xiaoliang , Chen Hao , Li Yang , Yuan Mengqian , Sun Jianhua , Pei Lixia
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To screen for differentially expressed serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) compared with healthy participants and explore the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS-D based on miRNAs.

Methods:

IBS-D patients that met the Rome III diagnostic criteria and age- and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled between April 2017 and December 2017. Serum miRNA levels were initially determined using a TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) in pooled samples. Markedly altered miRNAs in IBS-D patients were subsequently validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on individual samples. All IBS-D patients accepted the acupuncture therapy for 6 weeks. The disease severity was assessed using the IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire before and after treatment. After acupuncture, the patients’ serum was re-analyzed for altered expression of the miRNAs by qRT-PCR.

Results:

TLDA and qRT-PCR analysis revealed six upregulated miRNAs (miR-1305, miR-575, miR-149-5p, miR-190a-5p, miR-135a-5p, and miR-148a-3p; P < 0.05) and two downregulated miRNAs (miR-194-5p, miR-127-5p; P < 0.05) in IBS-D patients compared with healthy controls. Post acupuncture treatment, total IBS-SSS scores, severity of abdominal pain, duration of abdominal pain, severity of abdominal distention, dissatisfaction with bowel habits and disruption in quality of life decreased significantly ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, the upregulated miR-148a-3p levels in IBS-D patients also decreased significantly after acupuncture ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The over-expression or reduced expression of several miRNAs may contribute to IBS-D pathogenesis. Acupuncture might downregulate miR-148a-3p through multiple pathways to alleviate or relieve IBS-D symptoms.

Trial registration number:

ChiCTR-IOR-17010860 (Chinese Clinical Trials Registry)
Acupuncture for Sleep Disturbances in Post-Deployment Military Service Members: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abanes Jane J. , Ridner Sheila H. , Dietrich Mary S. , Hiers Cynthia , Rhoten Bethany
Published: July 2021

This RCT and mixed-methods study examined the difference between two groups receiving the following interventions: (1) brief manual standardized stress acupuncture (MSSA) combined with an abbreviated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ACBT) versus (2) ACBT alone. Three study aims: Aim (1): Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were analyzed using descriptive summaries, linear regression, and reliable change index (RCI). Aim (2): Journal entries were analyzed using content analysis. Aim (3): Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES) scores were analyzed using paired t-test and RCI. Aim (1): Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in the ISI scores ( p = .480). Aim (2): The ACBT/MSSA group reported greater benefits in sleep and in other life areas including mental, physical, and social functioning. Aim (3): The AES showed that 21.6% had a clinically meaningful increase in expectations in the effect of acupuncture for stress ( p = .965). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04031365) at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04031365 on July 24, 2019.
Measurement Invariance of Disorder-Specific and Transdiagnostic Measures of Repetitive Negative Thinking
Authors: Shihata Sarah , Johnson Andrew R. , Erceg-Hurn David M. , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Repetitive negative thinking is conceptualized to be a transdiagnostic process linked to the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Prior research distinguishes between disorder-specific exemplars (worry, rumination) and transdiagnostic measures of repetitive negative thinking with differences across disorders reported. However, establishing the measurement invariance of these measures is necessary to support meaningful comparisons across clinical groups.

Method:

Bayesian structural equation modelling was used to assess the approximate invariance of the Ruminative Response Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and the Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire across individuals with a principal diagnosis of either depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

Results:

All scales demonstrated approximate measurement invariance across the three disorder groups. The depressive disorder group reported a higher level of rumination than the generalized anxiety disorder group (Δµ = 0.25, 95% Credibility Interval [0.06, 0.45]), with no difference between the generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder groups. The depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder groups did not differ in their levels of trait repetitive negative thinking, but the social anxiety disorder group was markedly lower than the generalized anxiety disorder group (Δµ = −0.21 [−0.37, −0.05]). Similarly, levels of worry did not differ between the generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder group but were lower in the social anxiety disorder group than the generalized anxiety disorder group (Δµ = −0.23 [−0.41, −0.06]).

Conclusions:

The Ruminative Response Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire are measuring trait repetitive negative thinking in a consistent manner across individuals with a principal diagnosis of depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder. This supports their use in transdiagnostic contexts and indicates that it is appropriate to directly compare the scores on these measures between diagnostic groups.
Frontline Employee Passion: A Multistudy Conceptualization and Scale Development
Authors: Crawford Angela C. , Newmeyer Casey E. , Jung Jin Ho , Arnold Todd J.
Published: July 2021

Passion is a motivational force driving people toward success and satisfaction. Outside of entrepreneurship, though, research on how passion may be activated within a work role has been limited. As frontline employees (FLEs) are a vital link between organizations and their customers, measuring passion in the FLE context is particularly relevant. Anyone who has enjoyed memorable service knows, it is through passionate FLEs that service organizations may stand out from competitors. Through a series of seven studies conducted across multiple countries, this research develops and validates a measure of FLE passion. FLE passion is the intense positive feelings and identity reinforcement resulting from solving problems and/or serving customers. The developed and validated measurement instrument is comprised of both serving and solving dimensions and includes evidence that FLEs negotiate their identities and activate positive affect during service encounters. Theory and results indicate that organizations may control certain antecedents to passion, and that passion is related, yet distinct, from such things as employee engagement and organizational commitment. A potential research agenda is presented based upon applying the FLE passion construct across various service domains.
Optical coherence tomography angiography of choroidal nodules in neurofibromatosis type-1: A case series
Authors: Moreno-Morillo Francisco Javier , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Burgos-Blasco Bárbara , Llorente-La Orden Carlos , Vidal-Villegas Beatriz , Santos-Bueso Enrique
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To describe optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in the retina and choroid of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Methods:

We describe a series of four patients diagnosed with NF1 and choroidal nodules who underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including a retinal multimodal imaging study based on retinography, near-infrared reflectance imaging (NIR), enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCTA.

Results:

Patients were three women and one man aged 36–47 years. In all patients, the choroidal nodules were not visible in retinographies but easily detectable with NIR, appearing as multiple bright patches. On OCTA, we observed reduced vessel density in the choriocapillaris in zones where choroidal nodules appeared in OCT images. In one patient, a corkscrew vessel was visible in the superficial capillary plexus.

Conclusion:

Choriocapillaris vessel density was reduced in zones where choroidal nodules occur in NF1 patients. Further work is needed to clarify the clinical relevance of this finding.
Spillovers from tourism demand to tourism equity indices
Authors: Balli Faruk , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Ozer-Balli Hatice
Published: July 2021

In this article, we analyse the extent of the spillover from international tourism demand on tourism sector equity indices and find that the magnitude of the spillovers are quite dispersed across different markets, which is in line with previous studies. Novel to the literature, we examine the impact of solvency and profitability positions of the firms in the tourism equity indices on evaluating the magnitude of the spillovers from tourism demand to sector equity indices. Firms that have better solvency ratios and operated in deeper financial markets find their stock returns are affected less from the fluctuations in tourism demand. Profitability positions of the firms, however, do not have significant impact on explaining the spillovers.
The impact of COVID-19 on adolescent psychiatric inpatient admissions
Authors: Reece Leah , Sams Deanna P
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of individuals and families across the globe. For many, the impacts of this global pandemic have been insurmountable and have resulted in significant stressors. Although medical advances have allowed individuals to slowly begin to restore their sense of normalcy, COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented mental health impacts for many, especially children and adolescents. The present study examines whether stressors related to COVID-19 and whether subsequent quarantine/isolation were possible contributors to psychiatric crises that led to adolescent psychiatric inpatient admissions. Electronic medical records of those admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit between March 13, 2020 and January 1, 2021 were reviewed. Admission and discharge notes were analyzed to determine the presence and context of keywords related to COVID-19. Approximately, 53% of all adolescent psychiatric crises that led to inpatient admission were related to COVID-19 stressors. Results of this study will be used to help understand the extraordinary mental health impacts of a global pandemic and will assist mental health service leaders to better plan for patient flow should there be another wave of quarantine/isolation. Additionally, these results can help inform and develop pandemic-related strategies and interventions that can reduce overall distress in children and adolescents.
Demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in autistic adults
Authors: Bowri Maya , Hull Laura , Allison Carrie , Smith Paula , Baron-Cohen Simon , Lai Meng-Chuan , Mandy William
Published: July 2021

This study explored demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in a high-functioning, community sample of 237 autistic adults aged 18–75 (mean = 41.92 and standard deviation = 13.3) recruited in the United Kingdom. An online survey measured demographic information, autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, mental well-being, social camouflaging and alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The sample was divided into three groups (non-drinkers, non-hazardous drinkers and hazardous drinkers) and multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between alcohol use and demographic factors, autistic traits, mental health variables and social camouflaging. Our results demonstrated a U-shaped pattern among autistic adults, with non-drinkers and hazardous drinkers scoring significantly higher than non-hazardous drinkers on levels of autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety and social anxiety. In multivariate analysis, autistic non-drinkers were less likely to be male (odds ratio = 0.44; 95% confidence interval = 0.22–0.87) and had more autistic traits (odds ratio = 2.50; 95% confidence interval = 1.19–5.28). Gender and level of autistic traits may be the most significant factors in predicting alcohol use in the autistic community.

Lay abstract

Alcohol use and misuse are associated with a variety of negative physical, psychological and social consequences. The limited existing research on substance use including alcohol use in autistic adults has yielded mixed findings, with some studies concluding that autism reduces the likelihood of substance use and others suggesting that autism may increase an individual’s risk for substance misuse. This study investigated demographic and psychological predictors of alcohol use and misuse in a sample of 237 autistic adults. An online survey was used to obtain data on demographic information, autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, mental well-being, social camouflaging and alcohol use. The sample was divided into three groups (non-drinkers, non-hazardous drinkers and hazardous drinkers) in order to investigate associations between alcohol use and demographic factors, autistic traits, mental health variables and social camouflaging. Our results demonstrated a U-shaped pattern among autistic adults, with non-drinkers and hazardous drinkers scoring higher than non-hazardous drinkers on levels of autistic traits, depression, generalised anxiety and social anxiety. Autistic non-drinkers were less likely to be male and had more autistic traits. Gender and level of autistic traits may be the most significant factors in predicting alcohol use in the autistic community.
Intersectionality in informal care research: a scoping review
Authors: Hengelaar Aldiene H. , Wittenberg Yvette , Kwekkeboom Rick , Van Hartingsveldt Margo , Verdonk Petra
Published: July 2021

Aim: Informal caregivers share common experiences in providing care to someone with health and/or social needs, but at the same time their experiences differ across diverse backgrounds such as gender, age, culture, as these aspects of diversity co-shape these experiences. This scoping review aims to explore how aspects of diversity, across their intersections, are currently incorporated in informal care research and discusses how an intersectional perspective can further develop our understanding of informal care. Methods: A scoping review was performed to map relevant caregiving literature from an intersectionality perspective. Key terms ‘informal care’ and ‘intersectionality’ were used for a search in four databases resulting in the inclusion of 28 articles. All 28 studies were analysed based on a scoping review created intersectionality informed coding scheme. Results: Aspects of diversity are largely understudied in informal care research, in particular across their intersections and from a critical perspective. This intersectional informed analysis revealed that when studying diverse caregiving experiences the use of intersections of dimensions of diversity provides a nuanced understanding of these experiences. Conclusions: Adopting an intersectional perspective ensures that not only different categories or social identities of caregivers are included in future studies, but the mutual relationships between these categories embedded in their specific context are actually studied.
Speculative feminism and the shifting frontiers of bioscience: envisioning reproductive futures with synthetic gametes through the ethnographic method
Authors: Meskus Mianna
Published: July 2021

Scientists are developing a technique called in vitro gametogenesis or IVG to generate synthetic gametes for research and, potentially, for treating infertility. What would it mean for feminist concerns over the future of reproductive practice and biotechnological development if egg and sperm cells could be produced in laboratory conditions? In this article, I take on the question by discussing the emerging technique of IVG through the speculative feminist analysis of ambiguous reproductive futures. Feminist cultural and science studies scholars have explored the transformative effects of biomedicine on reproduction through science fiction novels and other cultural products. I theorise the speculative and visionary in biomedicine in the context of ethnographic methodology by drawing on ‘thought experiments’ conducted with stem cell scientists as shared acts of future-oriented contemplation. I develop the figure of SF proposed by Donna Haraway to investigate how science facts and speculative fabulation together shape futurities of reproduction. I propose including shifting frontiers in feminist thinking of the SFs in bioscience. Biomedical research aims to shift the borders between what is known and not known in reproductive biology, subsequently raising new technical, ethical and political issues in terms of stratified reproduction. The article shows that synthetic gametes are anticipated to intensify selective procreation. Simultaneously, IVG is seen to forge new biogenetic relationships and possibilities for non-normative reproduction and kin-making. Following Haraway, I argue that by ‘staying with the trouble’ of these biotechnological visions, feminist speculative analytics on technoscience offers a valuable tool to envision more hopeful and equal futures together with scientists.