bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PKCβ Inhibition Promotes TXNIP Degradation to Ameliorate Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction
Authors: He Shijun , Wan Yuanda , Li Liren , Tang Xiaodong , Wu Wenyu , Liu Shuwen , Yao Xingang
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction is largely regulated by TXNIP accumulation, we have previously disclosed the role of PKA in TXNIP degradation during β-cell dysfunction. However, whether other kinases (PKCs) still regulate TXNIP is unclear, which is beneficial to alleviate β-cell dysfunction. Methods: Thapsigargin (ER stress inducer) was used to induce β-cell dysfunction. PKC’s inhibitors were screened by Western blotting indicated by TXNIP. Also RT-qPCR and Co-immunoprecipitation were applied for evaluating the β-cell improvement ability of PKC’s inhibitors, and the insulin secretion ability was evaluated by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay. Results: PKC’s pan-inhibitor, Ro31-8220, decreased β-cell apoptosis and improved insulin secretion under ER stress or high glucose (HG) conditions. Further studies showed that Ro31-8220 reduced ER stress or HG-induced TXNIP levels. On the other side, PKCβ activation or overexpression could reverse the effect of Ro31-8220 on TXNIP. Also, PKCβ selective inhibitor, ruboxistaurin, induced TXNIP degradation as significantly as Ro31-8220 did. Conclusion: This study reveals the regulating mechanism of PKCβ inhibitor on TXNIP degradation to improve β-cell dysfunction. These data indicated PKCβ inhibitor is a promising agent for ameliorating β-cell dysfunction through TXNIP.
Fostering New Scientific Networks in the COVID Era and Beyond
Authors: Alfaidi Mabruka , Zhang Hanrui , Oliveira Suellen D.
Published: July 2022

Over the last 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated the scientific community by starting a race to develop new vaccines and therapeutic approaches to fight this life-threatening illness. At the same time, the pandemic also evoked an urge for innovative communication strategies to maintain scientific networking and data sharing among investigators. Communication through audiovisual platforms has quickly become a unique tool to sustain scientific interaction, whereas social media has turned into an unmistakable pivotal environment for sharing scientific data and combating misinformation around SARS-CoV-2 infection, prevention, and therapy. Amid this challenging scenario, the scientific community organically established new roles, such as a social media ambassador, a conference-associated role to virtually promote breakthrough science while reconnecting investigators and forging new scientific networks via social media. Moreover, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it also became clear the critical need for the scientific community to support efforts to empower flexibility, creativity, and the inclusion of new forms of communication to advance science. Thus, the goal of this brief article is to provide a structured follow-up on the importance for researchers to occupy the internet to promote scientific findings and events, to combat science mistrust by stimulating communication among nonscientists to scientists, and to provide essential strategies for young and senior investigators on how to virtually expand their professional networks within and across research and clinical areas of the cardiovascular field.
Graptopetalum kristenii (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous species from Michoacán, Mexico
Authors: ETTER JULIA , VÁZQUEZ-GARCÍA J. ANTONIO , ROSALES-MARTÍNEZ C. SANTIAGO
Published: July 2022

A new haplostemonous species of Graptopetalum (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae) from the Sierra de Coalcomán, Michoacán, is described and illustrated. It differs from its morphologically closest species, G. pentandrum, by having a smaller rosette diameter, broadly oblong leaves, its basal inflorescence branch with fewer flowers than in the rest of branches, a smaller flower diameter, wider petals, and its petal color pattern. It was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria. A key to the haplostemonous species of Graptopetalum (subg. Glassia) is provided.
Morphology and phylogeny of Microdochium chuxiongense sp. nov., a fungus from Southwest China
Authors: TANG DE-XIANG , ZOU WEI-QIU , WANG YAO-MING , HUANG OU , YU HONG
Published: July 2022

Microdochium includes important plant pathogens, parasitic in economically important wheat, barley, rice and corn, causing economic losses. A new species, Microdochium chuxiongense, was isolated from the host Bondarzewia sp. and reported from China. It was characterized by mycelium immersed and superficial and branched. Conidiophores were cylindrical, borne from the hyphae. Conidiogenous cells were sparse, hyaline, solitary, occasionally curved or swollen. Conidia were single or multiple, long oval, shuttle or sickle, straight or curved, and 0(–3)-septate. Chlamydospores were produced directly from mycelium, single, round or palmate. It was well-supported based on morphological characters and molecular evidence (LSU, ITS, tub2 and rpb2), and was a distinct species within the genus Microdochium. This work increases our understanding of the distribution and host diversity in this group, and provides important taxonomic data to further explore evolutionary relationships in the species of Microdochium.
Scleroderma furfuraceum (Boletales, Agaricomycetes)—a new species from the Russian Far East
Authors: REBRIEV YURY A. , ZVYAGINA ELENA A.
Published: July 2022

An investigation of the genus Scleroderma from the Russian Far East was conducted using molecular genetics and morphological methods. A new species, Scleroderma furfuraceum, close to S. citrinum in morphology and ITS nrDNA, is described. The new taxon is also found in Japan, according to a sequence from ectomycorrhizal root tips in GenBank. Another species, S. venenatum, is a new record for Russia. We present the new species with illustrated description and molecular work. A table is provided showing the evolutionary distances between sequences within the ‘citrinum’ clade.
Heliophila verna (Brassicaceae), a new species from the Northern Cape of South Africa
Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A. , MANDÁKOVÁ TEREZIE , MUMMENHOFF KLAUS , LYSAK MARTIN
Published: July 2022

The new species Heliophila verna is described, illustrated, and its distinguishing characters from the related glabrous annuals, especially H. namaquana is discussed. Its chromosome number (2n = 18) is reported here.
Contribution to the genus Anomala Samouelle, 1819 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) of China and adjacent regions. Part II: six new species from Taiwan and Hainan
Authors: ZHAO MING-ZHI , ZORN CARSTEN
Published: July 2022

Six new insular species of the genus Anomala Samouelle, 1819 are described: A. hualienensis Zhao, new species, A. linwenhsini Zhao & Zorn, new species, A. wutaiensis Zhao & Zorn, new species, A. kanshireiensis Zorn & Zhao, new species and A. inclinata Zhao & Zorn, new species from Taiwan Island as well as A. longilobata Zhao & Zorn, new species from Hainan Island.
The Use of Race and Socioeconomic Status Variables in Published Otolaryngologic Research
Authors: Prakash Yash , Ward Libby M. , Jaleel Zaroug , Ilavarasan Vinith , Liang Jennifer J. , Prakash Mihir , Levi Jessica R.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To characterize the use of race and socioeconomic status (SES) variables in clinical otolarynogologic research.

Methods:

Databases were queried for all articles published in 2016 issues of 5 major otolaryngologic journals. One thousand, one hundred and forty of 1593 articles abstracted met inclusion criteria for analysis.

Results:

In total, 244 (21.4%) studies specified race as a variable. The subspecialty of Head and Neck cancer specified race at statistically higher rates compared to other subspecialties ( P = .002). Two hundred nine (34.0%) domestic studies specified race compared to 35 (6.7%) international studies. Of the 244 studies that specified race, 79 (32.4%) defined race using racial and ethnic categories interchangeably. Two hundred twenty-four (91.8%) studies reported data by race, 145 (59.4%) analyzed the data, and 112 (45.9%) discussed race-based results. In total, 94 (8.2%) studies specified SES. All subspecialties specified SES at statistically similar rates. Seventy (11.4%) domestic studies specified SES compared to 24 (4.6%) international studies. Of the 94 studies that specified SES, 42 (44.7%) defined SES using insurance status, 35 (37.2%) used education, and 32 (34.0%) used income. Seventy-eight (83.0%) studies reported data by SES, 71 (75.5%) analyzed the data, and 68 (72.3%) discussed SES-based results.

Conclusion:

In clinical otolaryngologic research, the study of race and SES is limited. To improve quality of research and patient care for all patients, investigators should clearly justify their use of race and SES variables, carefully select their measures of race and SES (if the use of these variables is justified), and study race/SES-based data beyond just a superficial level.
Parental Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Tonsillectomy in Children
Authors: DiNardo Lauren A. , Reese Alyssa D. , Raghavan Maya , Seeley Jeffrey , Pandit Supriya , Behar Philomena , Hassinger Amanda B. , Carr Michele M.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present in approximately 2% to 5% of children; however, only 15% of parents are reported to be knowledgeable about OSA in children. Sleep apnea in children can lead to cardiopulmonary disease, abnormal weight gain, failure to thrive, or learning difficulties. The purpose of our study is to assess parental knowledge of pediatric OSA to identify any knowledge gaps.

Study Design:

Survey.

Setting:

Three pediatric otolaryngology clinics associated with a tertiary care children’s hospital in Buffalo, NY.

Methods:

In June of 2021, parents of pediatric (0-18 years) otolaryngology patients completed a survey on their knowledge of OSA. Parents were asked to rank their concern about OSA and identify symptoms of OSA. Parental demographic data collected included gender, age, race, and educational level. Respondents were asked if their child had undergone a sleep study or tonsillectomy.

Results:

Of the 246 parents included, 77 (31.4%) parents had a child who had a tonsillectomy, 40 (16.3%) had a child who had a sleep study done, and 25 (10.2%) had a child with both done. For recognizing the symptoms of pediatric OSA the mean was 6.3 (95% CI 5.8-6.8) out of 13 total. Symptoms least likely recognized were nocturnal enuresis and hyperactivity, 65 (27%) and 91 (37%) of parents correctly identifying these symptoms, respectively. Greater concern about OSA correlated with greater cumulative knowledge score ( P < .001). Parents whose child had undergone a tonsillectomy were more likely to be concerned about OSA in children compared to non-tonsillectomy parents ( P = .003), and sleep study parents were also more likely to be concerned about OSA than non-sleep study parents ( P = .045).

Conclusion:

Parents who attended a pediatric otolaryngology clinic have knowledge gaps about pediatric sleep.
Citizen–Administration Relationship: A Case Study of Public Service Delivery in Chandigarh—The City Beautiful, India
Authors: Mishra Purva
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the nature of citizen–administration relationship has undergone considerable transformation within the current global context. This article presents the citizen–administration relationship through a case study of the Department of Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA), Chandigarh—the city beautiful. The article is an empirical study based on primary data, with an objective to gauge the general awareness among citizens of Chandigarh regarding the introduction of the online system of getting a driving license, the extent of satisfaction with the system and the procedural difficulties faced by them. For the purpose of collecting the primary data, a structured questionnaire was prepared for the citizens and an interview schedule for the officials of RLA, Chandigarh. A sample of 100 citizens who were issued driving license during the year 2019–2020 was taken using purposive sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that citizens were well aware about the online system and there was high level of satisfaction among them for this system. However, they were not satisfied with the procedure, as they had to face a number of difficulties due to the introduction of a new system. Therefore, the article suggests measures to revamp the system and make it more citizen-friendly.
Rural Sanitation in India: Policies, Programmes and Achievements
Authors: Kulkarni Arunkumar R.
Published: July 2022

Recognising the importance of sanitation in human development, several policies and programmes have been formulated and implemented to provide sanitation in India since independence. Despite many efforts, the provision of sanitation, especially in rural areas, has been a challenging task. In this context, the article tries to analyse the evolution of policies and performance of programmes based on the available literature implemented after Independence. It also examines whether the policymakers have taken into account the past lessons while formulating the policy or programme. The analysis reveals that there has been a progressive move in the policies and programmes towards the participatory, decentralised and sustainable management of sanitation. Implementation has been the main problem, but in recent years, more attention has been given in this direction. Even after having much success in achieving sanitation, that is, 100% access to toilets, still, many more challenges persist, especially in terms of sustainability and waste management.
The Moderating Role of Per Capita Income in Energy Consumption-Poverty Nexus: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Saddique Tahira , Saleem Ramsha , Ullah Assad , Amjad Maida
Published: July 2022

The moderating role of per capita income pertaining to poverty and energy consumption is a missing link in the literature. To this end, this study aims to explore the energy-poverty nexus in Pakistan, incorporating per capita income as a moderator. Based on the time series nature of the data, we utilize the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique for the period 1984–2018. We design two separate models, that is, poverty model-A (the primary effect model) and poverty model-B (the interaction effect model). Our findings validate the significant prevalence of the influence of per capita income, as a moderator, on the relationship between energy consumption and poverty in Pakistan. Interestingly, the nature of moderation was observed to be enhancing both in the short and in the long-run. This study provides important policy implications for mitigating poverty in Pakistan. Our empirical findings educate policy makers and academicians to consider moderating behavior of per capita income for robust energy-poverty policy making in Pakistan.
Clinician Communication in Hospice: Constructions of Reality Throughout the End-of-Life Process
Authors: Tenzek Kelly E. , Grant Pei C. , Depner Rachel M. , Levy Kathryn , Byrwa David J.
Published: July 2022

The current study examined qualitative data from hospice clinicians’ perspectives on language, surrounding end-of-life (EOL), to understand challenges and opportunities for constructing a trajectory of communication leading towards a good death experience. Findings from two focus groups with nine clinicians’ and 12 individual interviews, four of which were follow up interviews after the focus groups, were guided by framework analysis and revealed three themes, constructing language choices, roles and responsibilities, and socio-cultural considerations. We used the Opportunity Model for Presence during the End-of-Life Process (OMP-EOLP) to make sense of the findings and discuss implications for language use throughout the EOL process. We argue additional efforts should be made in recognizing the value of presence checks, re-constructing advance care planning, and utilizing different forms of media as an educational tool and connection mechanism for clinicians with patients and families to achieve a timely engagement of EOL conversations for all healthcare participants.
Emergent political remittances during the pandemic: Evidence from a survey of overseas Filipino workers
Authors: Deinla Imelda B. , Mendoza Gabrielle Ann S. , Mendoza Ronald U. , Yap Jurel K.
Published: July 2022

This article examines the experiences and assessments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on the Philippine government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is part of the growing migration literature exploring the formation of political remittances, defined as political principles, norms and practices migrants acquire during the migration process and what these imply for democratization, particularly in migrants’ home countries. Data for the study came from an online survey of OFWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the ordered logistic regression suggest that overseas Filipinos’ experiences of successful pandemic management and aid distribution in host countries may influence OFWs to expect and demand similar measures in the Philippines.
Self-Reported Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in Hospitalized Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant
Authors: Du Weijia , Dang Yan , Xu Zhuo , Chen Fuquan
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to examine the olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) among hospitalized patients with a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), lineage B.1.617.2, also known as the delta variant, in Xi’an, China through verbal interviews.

Methods

Clinical information of 370 hospitalized patients infected with the delta variant in the Aerospace City Branch of Xi'an People's Hospital in Xi’an, China from December 27, 2021 to January 10, 2022 were collected. The prevalence and characteristics of OGDs were collected using a simple questionnaire submitted to all infected patients, including questions about the presence and absence of OGDs.

Results

Among the 370 patients infected with the delta variant, 28 (7.6%) reported OGDs. A significant proportion of patients with self-reported OGDs were younger than those without (28.9 ± 10.5 vs. 35.3 ± 13.9, P = 0.005) and had significantly higher rates of sore throat and rhinitis (28.6% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.033; 42.9% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.000). Women were significantly more affected by OGDs than men (67.9% vs. 32.1%, P = 0.012). Vaccinated and unvaccinated delta variant-infected patients showed statistically significant differences in terms of disease severity ( P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The prevalence of OGDs in the delta variant infection was lower than that in wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection. Meanwhile, young age, female sex, and upper respiratory tract symptoms could be closely related to the occurrence of OGDs in the delta variant infection. In addition, a satisfactory level of efficacy was obtained with coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines against moderate and severe delta variant infections.
Improved PageRank and New Indices for Academic Impact Evaluation Using AI Papers as Case Studies
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Shijie , Yin Qing , Zhang Ji , Yao Rujing , Wu Ou
Published: July 2022

Evaluating academic papers and groups is important in scholar evaluation and literature retrieval. However, current evaluation indices, which pay excessive attention to the citation number rather than the citation importance and unidirectionality, are relatively simple. This study proposes new evaluation indices for papers and groups. First, an improved PageRank (PR) algorithm introducing citation importance is proposed to obtain a new citation-based paper index (CPI) via a pre-ranking and fine-tuning strategy. Second, to evaluate the paper’s influence inside and outside its research field, the focus citation-based paper index (FCPI) and diversity citation-based paper index (DCPI) are proposed based on topic similarity and diversity, respectively. Third, aside from the statistical indices for academic papers, we propose a foreign academic degree of dependence (FAD) to characterise the dependence between two academic groups. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) papers from 2005 to 2019 are utilised for a case study.
Teaching songs from diverse cultures to pre-service teachers using a “Four Step Flipped” method
Authors: Nethsinghe Rohan , Joseph Dawn , Mellizo Jennifer , Cabedo-Mas Alberto
Published: July 2022

As music educators around the globe continue to work in blended environments, it is important to explore how pedagogical approaches can be adapted and reimagined in ways that enhance teaching and learning in this changing educational landscape. In this study, the authors drew on elements of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to teach three culturally diverse songs to pre-service teachers at a Spanish university. Acting as culture bearers and tertiary music educators, they selected and taught songs from three different geographic locations (South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United States). Utilizing a descriptive case study design, the authors discuss their pedagogical approach and argue a Four Step Flip method (Asynchronous, Synchronous, Face-to-Face, and Hybrid Feedback) can be effectively applied and adopted in online music teaching and learning settings. This model prioritizes the culture bearers’ involvement in the learning process from start to finish while allowing students ample space to merge unfamiliar cultural perspectives with their own. The authors also contend building collaborative networks that extend beyond national borders can enhance understanding and appreciation of different genres, cultures, and languages in music classrooms.
Biobank Personnel — The Key to its Success
Authors: Chróścicka Anna , Paluch Angelika , Kalaszczyńska Ilona , Szabłowska-Gadomska Ilona
Published: July 2022

Resources from biobanks and biorepositories, such as human samples, are of increasing interest to specialists in various fields. However, whilst biobanks provide a crucial service, their efficient and effective management can prove challenging. When establishing a biobank many factors should be considered, such as the need for appropriate infrastructure, equipment, financial support, and highly specialised and suitably qualified personnel. The number and qualifications of the necessary personnel depend both on the biobank’s size and type — i.e. a biobank that is large and diversified in terms of the stored material should be organised differently to a small biorepository. The core of the biobank should be composed of highly trained personnel that closely co-operate with the general and quality control manager. Due to the large amount of data related to the samples, an IT specialist might be needed. In the case of large population biobanks, personnel responsible for patient recruitment, documentation handling, sample collection and distribution to the biobank would be necessary. Furthermore, staff responsible for the infrastructure are also highly important, as they are the first responders to failures that may be critical for the biobank functioning. Depending on the type and size of the biobank/biorepository, some responsibilities and tasks could potentially be combined. Nevertheless, highly trained personnel with clear and precisely defined duties are the key to the proper functioning of a biobank.
R-Pouch: An Auxiliary in Thermoplastic Appliance for Easy Removal
Authors: Ram R.S.V.M. Raghu , Sunil Ghanta , Ranganayakulu Inuganti , Susanthi Bokka , Rohini Neelapala
Published: July 2022

Sturdy adaptation of the thermoplastic appliances makes it difficult for the patient to remove the appliance from the teeth, often compromising their propensity toward treatment. Multiple aligner removal tools are available in the market to remove these appliances, necessitating the patients’ compliance to carry them. During the appliance removal, the hook of the aligner removal tool may impinge on the soft tissue. Hence, the present article describes a simple modification to the thermoplastic appliances by adding an auxiliary pouch that can out-turn into tool-free quick removal, enhancing patient compliance.
Variability in Pitch Count Limits and Rest Day Requirements by State: Implications of Season-Long Pitch Counts in High School Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Manzi Joseph E. , Kunze Kyle N. , Estrada Jennifer A. , Dowling Brittany , McElheny Kathryn D. , Dines Joshua S. , Carr James B.
Published: July 2022

Background:

It is unknown how different pitch count limits and rest day requirements affect cumulative pitch counts during a baseball season.

Purpose:

To determine (1) the variability of pitch count rules in high school baseball and (2) the theoretical effect of different pitch count limits and rest day combinations on game, weekly, and seasonal pitch totals in high school baseball pitchers.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Pitch count rules for the 2019-2020 academic year for 48 sanctioned states were recorded from each state’s athletic association website. Maximum pitch count limits were recorded along with the number of pitches allowed before requiring 0 to 5 rest days before the next pitching outing. Rules were also analyzed for several distinctions, including the athlete’s level of competition, age, and grade. To determine the effect of pitch count rules and rest days, a theoretical 3-month season was calculated in the following scenarios: (1) variable maximum pitch count limits with a universal 3-day rest requirement, (2) universal 110 pitch count limit with variable rest day requirements (3, 4, or 5 days), and (3) actual pitch count limits and required rest days for every state assuming pitchers throw as many pitches as allowed. Analysis of variance and Student t tests were used to compare between-group and intragroup seasonal pitch totals based on variations in required rest days.

Results:

The most common maximum pitch count limit for a varsity high school athlete was 110 pitches (range, 100-125 pitches) with 4 rest days (range, 0-5 days). We found that 23 states (48%) did not make distinctions for pitch count rules based on the athlete’s level of competition, age, or grade. We noted a 25% increase in total seasonal pitch counts between the smallest and largest pitch count limit when assuming constant 3-day rest. We found a 53% difference in total seasonal pitch count when rest days varied between 3 and 5 days with a constant 110-pitch limit. Allowing 140 pitches in a 4-day span without a specific rest day requirement resulted in the highest seasonal pitch count (Nevada). There was a 49% difference in maximum seasonal pitch counts between the most and least restrictive states ( P < .001). Submaximum pitch limits resulted in higher seasonal pitch counts than maximum pitch limits in 56% of states.

Conclusion:

Pitch count rules vary widely by state. Required rest days influenced total seasonal pitch counts more than maximum or submaximum pitch count limits.
Malignant Catatonia: A Review for the Intensivist
Authors: Connell Jennifer , Oldham Mark , Pandharipande Pratik , Dittus Robert S , Wilson Amanda , Mart Matthew , Heckers Stephan , Ely E. Wes , Wilson Jo Ellen
Published: July 2022

Catatonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by psychomotor, neurological and behavioral changes. The clinical picture of catatonia ranges from akinetic stupor to severe motoric excitement. Catatonia can occur in the setting of a primary psychiatric condition such as bipolar disorder or secondary to a general medical illness like autoimmune encephalitis. Importantly, it can co-occur with delirium or coma. Malignant catatonia describes catatonia that presents with clinically significant autonomic abnormalities including change in temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. It is a life-threatening form of acute brain dysfunction that has several motoric manifestations and occurs secondary to a primary psychiatric condition or a medical cause. Many of the established predisposing and precipitating factors for catatonia such as exposure to neuroleptic medications or withdrawal states are common in the setting of critical illness. Catatonia typically improves with benzodiazepines and treatment of its underlying psychiatric or medical conditions, with electroconvulsive therapy reserved for catatonia refractory to benzodiazepines or for malignant catatonia. However, some forms of catatonia, such as catatonia secondary to a general medical condition or catatonia comorbid with delirium, may be less responsive to traditional treatments. Prompt recognition and treatment of catatonia are crucial because malignant catatonia may be fatal without treatment. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with malignant catatonia, intensivists should familiarize themselves with this important and under-recognized condition.
Peer Victimization and Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Mediating Role of Alienation and Moderating Role of Mindfulness
Authors: Gu Honglei , Fang Lanlan , Yang Cong
Published: July 2022

Peer victimization and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are two major public health problems, with the former being associated with outward attack and the latter characterizing inward attack. Peer victimization has been shown to be associated with adolescents’ NSSI. However, less is known about the mechanism underlying the association. Based on the experiential avoidance model of NSSI, this study tested whether the sense of alienation mediated the association between peer victimization and NSSI, and whether this process was weakened by mindfulness. A total of 1,574 Chinese adolescents (51.1% girls; ages 12–16 years) completed questionnaires concerning NSSI, peer victimization, alienation, and mindfulness. Regression-based analyses indicated that peer victimization predicted adolescents’ NSSI through the indirect effect of alienation, and mindfulness weakened this indirect effect. These findings suggest that victimized adolescents may injure themselves as an emotion regulation strategy. The results highlight the importance to implement programs aimed to improve the school climate to reduce the risk of adolescent NSSI. Furthermore, we underscore the need to include emotion-regulation training (e.g., mindful practice) into bully intervention programs to prevent NSSI.
A Contemporary Review of Hate Crime Legislation in the United States
Authors: Bills Matthew A. , Vaughn Michael S.
Published: July 2022

Hate-motivated crime remains problematic in the United States. California passed the first hate crime law in 1978; Congress followed in 1990. States continue to amend their hate crime legislation, producing an amalgam of statutory provisions. This article creates a conceptual framework from which to classify hate crime legislation across the 50 states and Washington, DC. Laws were identified through Westlaw. Analyses compared the types of crimes covered, discrete and insular minorities protected, prosecutorial alternatives, mandates for law enforcement agencies, and additional rights provided to victims among states’ legislation. Considerable variation in scope and content of hate crime legislation exists among states, leaving several vulnerable groups unprotected, law enforcement underprepared, and victim rights and resources sparse. Future directions for hate crime policy and legislation are discussed.
Use of Concentrated Insulin in the Management of Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose: A Case Report
Authors: Rafeq Rachel , Salzman Matthew
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia therapy [HIE] is a first line therapy recommended in symptomatic calcium channel blocker overdose patients. HIE, particularly if administered in concentrations typically used for glycemic control, would result in a substantial amount of hypotonic fluid administration, which places patients at risk of volume overload. Therefore, it may be beneficial to utilize a concentrated insulin as a strategy to mitigate fluid overload risks. We report the case of a 73 years old, 69.9 kg female, who presented to the emergency department after an accidental ingestion of 70 mg amlodipine and was treated with HIE utilizing a uniquely concentrated insulin infusion.

Case Presentation

HIE at 10 units/kg/hr. was used for approximately 17 hours. Insulin was changed from a 1 unit/mL concentration to 16 unit/mL. Dextrose 10% infusion was initiated up to a max of 650 mL/hr. and norepinephrine infusion up to a max of 10 mcg/min.

Discussion

Approximate fluid requirements from the 16 unit/mL concentration of insulin totaled 1 L as compared to a 1 unit/mL concentration which would have required 17 L, a total savings of 16 L. This savings potentially decreased the risk of cerebral or pulmonary edema associated with fluid overload.

Conclusion

Use of a concentrated insulin in the setting of a calcium channel blocker or beta blocker overdose provides a unique strategy to mitigate the effects associated with fluid overload.
Results of Multicenter Phase II Study With Imatinib Mesylate in Allogeneic Recipients With Steroid-Refractory Chronic GVHD
Authors: Baek Dong Won , Cho Hee Jeong , Kim Ju-Hyung , Ahn Jae Sook , Kim Hyeoung-Joon , Lim Sung Nam , Cheong Jun Won , Kim Sung-Yong , Lee Ho Sup , Won Jong Ho , Yhim Ho-Young , Sohn Sang Kyun , Moon Joon Ho
Published: July 2022

In this multicenter phase II study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of imatinib in patients with steroid-resistant chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of the enrolled patients using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. Thirty-six patients who were diagnosed with steroid-refractory cGVHD and treated with imatinib between March 2013 and February 2019 received 100 mg/day of imatinib for 2 weeks. Depending on the patient’s condition and investigator’s decision, the imatinib dose was allowed to be increased by 100 mg every 2 weeks up to 400 mg/day. Patients who achieved stable disease (SD), partial remission (PR), and complete remission (CR) at 3-month response evaluations continued imatinib for up to 6 months. The majority of the patients had multi-organ cGVHD, with skin (63.9%), lungs (44.4%), mouth (38.9%), and eyes (38.9%) as the most common sites. The overall response rate was 58.3%, including 3 and 18 patients with CR and PR, respectively, and an overall decline in National Institutes of Health (NIH) severity scores was observed at study completion in the absence of significant adverse effects. The overall response rates were 70.5%, 66.7%, 34.8%, and 25% in patients with gastrointestinal, liver, skin, and lung cGVHD, respectively. Factors representing emotional well-being were significantly improved based on the patient-reported QOL evaluation using SF-36. The effect of imatinib on steroid tapering, which was notable in responders, was also present in 50% of those who achieved SD without worsening cGVHD. Imatinib exhibited therapeutic efficacy in steroid-refractory and steroid-dependent cGVHD with tolerable toxicity.

Clinical Trial Registration: KCT0006785.
Is Hospital Service Quality Relevant During COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Coutinho Shawnn , Prasad Ch. V. V. S. N. V.
Published: July 2022

The study captures hospital service quality expectations during the COVID-19 crisis and compares the same before the onset of COVID-19. The study also highlights which dimensions of service quality attenuate during a medical crisis. The authors used a service quality measurement instrument based on SERVQUAL to capture service quality expectation from patients between June 2019 and May 2020. A sample of 700 was obtained (pre COVID-19 sample size 350 and during COVID-19 sample size 350). The data was analysed using partial least squares, structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and ANOVA. Service quality and its dimensions of assurance, empathy, reliability, responsiveness and tangibility remain relevant during COVID-19 pandemic, however, there is a drop in service quality expectation in India in all the five dimensions of service quality. Service quality expectations in tangibility dropped by 11.59%, reliability dropped by 8.82%, responsiveness dropped by 11.56%, assurance dropped by 9.82% and empathy dropped by 12.29%. From a practical standpoint, the study also identifies service quality dimensions that hospitals need to focus on during a crisis. In India, hospitals handling COVID-19 patients need to pay special heed to reliability and responsiveness to improve their service quality and better manage care during the pandemic situation.
Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Sustained-Release Vitamin C Oral Tablet: A Single Dose, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Rajat Shah , Thanawala Shefali , Abiraamasundari Ramapalaniappan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a novel sustained-release oral tablet (C-Fence, Inventia Healthcare Limited, Mumbai, India).

Methods

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design, 500 mg single-dose pharmacokinetic study of this new preparation in 18 healthy adult human subjects (nine in each group) under fasting conditions. The concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of L-ascorbic acid, including Cmax (maximum plasma concentration), Tmax (time to reach Cmax), and AUC0-24h (area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time 0 h to 24 h) were calculated using baseline-corrected values.

Results

The sustained-release tablets resulted in mean Cmax and AUC0-24h, respectively, of 1.39 ± 1.21 µg/mL and 11.72 ± 10.73 µg.h/mL against 0.18 ± 0.10 µg/mL and 0.89 ± 0.27 µg.h/mL, respectively, in the placebo group. The mean Tmax with the sustained-release tablets was 4.3 ± 2.5 h. At 12, 16, and 24 h from dosing, the concentrations were 0.6, 0.4, and 0.3 µg/mL, respectively, above baseline values.

Conclusion

Novel sustained-release formulations of vitamin C are expected to help achieve plasma vitamin C values above the homeostatic saturation level and result in higher steady-state plasma concentration, which might result in better cellular uptake.
Research on energy-regenerative suspension based on WOA-PID algorithm
Authors: Hu Wenbin , Xiao Ping , Zhai Rongjie , Pan Jiabao , Sun Yongjiu
Published: July 2022

To enhance the effect of reducing suspension vibration and harvesting the vertical vibration energy of cars, a research was conducted on an energy-regenerative suspension with magnetorheological dampers (MRDs). First, an innovative structure of energy-regenerative dampers was developed, as well as mathematical and simulation models of the damping force and energy harvest. Subsequently, simulation experiments and bench tests were conducted. Based on these, mathematical models of a two-degree-of-freedom semi-active suspension were built, and a whale optimization algorithm- proportional integral derivative (WOA-PID) control algorithm was designed. Simulation experiments were conducted on the working conditions of white-noise and impact road surfaces. The obtained results indicate that the energy-regenerative dampers considered in this study have a certain energy-regenerative capability, and the WOA-PID algorithm exerts an optimal controlling effect on the suspension.
Does YouTubeTM Offer High-Quality Information About Nasoalveolar Molding?
Authors: Arslan Can , Aksahin Elif Ceren , Nur Yılmaz Rahime Burcu , Germec Cakan Derya
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess the content and quality of YouTubeTM videos concerning nasoalveolar molding (NAM).

Design

YouTubeTM was searched for videos containing information relevant to NAM with the 2 keywords “nasoalveolar molding,” and “presurgical infant orthopedics.” A total of 24 out of 51 videos were found to be applicable to this study and rated for quality using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). To determine whether the contents of the selected 24 videos were useful or not, a content usefulness index consisting of 8 parameters was created. The videos were classified according to the usefulness index as low or high content videos. Spearman rank correlation analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean GQS score of the 24 YouTubeTM videos on NAM was 2.3 ± 0.8, indicating overall poor quality. In terms of information, videos with high content (29.2%) were less in number than low content videos (70.8%). GQS values were found to be significantly higher in the high content group ( P < .01). Regarding the source, video, and audio quality values were significantly higher in the expert group compared to the caregiver group ( P < .01), whereas the usefulness index did not differ between groups ( P > .05). A significant relationship was found between GQS and usefulness index, audio quality, and video quality ( P < .001).

Conclusions

YouTube™ videos on NAM were generally inadequate in their content information and poor in quality. Expert videos, showing better audiovisual quality and flow compared to non-expert videos, did not offer higher quality information about NAM considering the usefulness index.
The Second Sex in the Second District: The Policy Effects of Electing Women to County Government
Authors: McBrayer Markie , Williams Robert Lucas
Published: July 2022

Research about women’s representation in county governments and whether women’s representation at the local level translates into different policy outcomes has been relatively unexplored (Holman 2017). Thus, we ask whether electing a woman to the county legislative body leads to different policy outputs, specifically in areas like education, health, hospitals, housing, and welfare. Our dataset builds on de Benedictis-Kessner and Warshaw’s (2020) work on county legislative elections by gender coding candidates, leading to a full dataset of nearly 16,500 gender-coded races for county legislative positions, thus creating the most comprehensive, gender-coded dataset of elections in county governments. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that electing a woman to the county’s governing body does not lead to greater spending generally or on social and redistributive policy. Yet there are specific conditions in which they can more easily advocate for their preferred fiscal preferences. For instance, under commission forms of government, electing a woman leads to increased expenditures on welfare. Moreover, electing women has a positive effect on spending when the county is receiving a greater proportion of revenue from higher levels of government.
Interval sensitivity analysis of joint dynamics in complex built-up structures
Authors: Meggitt Joshua WR
Published: July 2022

The dynamic properties of joints, or inter-component connections, are a principal source of uncertainty when modelling complex built-up structures. In the present paper, we propose an interval-based sensitivity analysis (SA) to establish the contribution, or influence, of a structure’s uncertain joint dynamics towards the uncertainty of its coupled admittance. We choose an interval SA as it overcomes the limitations of conventional local and global methods; accuracy and computation efficiency, respectively. Furthermore, it avoids the need for detailed probabilistic data to describe each joint, which is often unavailable. The proposed interval SA is based on the dual formulation of the sub-structuring problem and utilises the Sherman–Morrison formula to factor out the contribution of an individual joint. A complex interval is used to represent the uncertain joint stiffness and damping, and precise bounds on the assembly’s complex admittance (also operational response) are determined following an application specific algorithm. The relative change between input (joint stiffness and damping) and output (complex admittance) interval area is chosen as a sensitivity metric and used to rank order the uncertain influence of each joint. The method is illustrated by numerical example.
Deploying the Line to Study Young Adults’ Material-Discursive Identity Work and Its Slippery-Sticky Attachments to Developmentalism: A Diffractive Analysis
Authors: Clark/Keefe Kelly , Becker Kelly Mancini , White Erika R.
Published: July 2022

This article shares what surfaced during diffractive analysis of data from a participatory arts-engaged research project called Life Lines. Drawing on material feminism, studio-inquiry practices were designed to assist young adults in creatively speculating alongside researchers over varied conceptualizations of identity, including dominant explanations centering on cognitive development and alternative framings emphasizing materiality’s role in subjective formation. Lines as both culturally inscriptive “engines of theory” and as materially sensitive artistic inquiry practices were enlisted to open new insights about how it is for young adult bodies to sustain developmentalism’s “cruel optimism” about coherence, stability, and progression.
Mechanical response of sisal/glass fabrics reinforced polyester – polyethylene terephthalate foam core sandwich panels
Authors: Fischer Kerche Eduardo , Silveira Caldas Bruno G , Carvalho Ricardo F , Amico Sandro C
Published: July 2022

The object of this study is to investigate the influence of different fabrics’ configurations, of faced polyester-sisal fiber composites, on the mechanical behavior of a vacuum infused polyethylene terephthalate-foam core sandwich panel. Sisal-unidirectional (yarn and combed yarn fabrics) and plain weave fabrics were fabricated and the sandwiches’ performances were compared to faced polyester-unidirectional glass fabric. Comparisons about the morphological aspects and relations with mechanical behavior (flatwise and edgewise compression and 3-point bending) were performed. Different face sheets’ thickness was used for this purpose, aiming to correlate the results found for those sisal and glass sandwich panels. The main results showed that faced sisal fabrics/polyester present competitive performance and sometimes higher than those glass/polyester, due to differences on failure mechanisms of the panels.
GRHL2 Expression Functions in Breast Cancer Aggressiveness and Could Serve as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarker for Breast Cancer
Authors: Bai Xiaoyu , Li Yue , Li Yanlei , Li Fan , Che Na , Ni Chunsheng , Zhao Nan , Zhao Xiulan , Liu Tieju
Published: July 2022

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy in women worldwide and the leading cause of female cancer–associated death in the world. Grainyhead-like 2 ( GRHL2) is an important gene involved in human cancer progression. However, the role of GRHL2 in BC is unknown.

Methods:

In this study, we used in vitro experiments to verify the role of GRHL2 expression in BC progression. We used 14 databases to analyse the expression level of GRHL2 in BC and its prognostic and diagnostic value. In addition, the correlation between GRHL2 expression and immune cell infiltration and DNA methylation was also analysed.

Results:

At the cellular level, overexpression of GRHL2 induced E-cadherin expression in BC cells with a mesenchymal phenotype and resulted in a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype, which is more strongly correlated with tumour aggressiveness than a pure mesenchymal phenotype. Through analysis of various databases, we found that tumour tissue had a higher expression level of GRHL2. High expression of GRHL2 was associated with worse prognosis of BC patients and indicated that GRHL2 had significant diagnostic value. Grainyhead-like 2 is also related to immune infiltration and regulated by DNA methylation. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed that GRHL2-related signalling pathways in BC were related to tumour cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

In summary, evidence indicates that GRHL2 can be used as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for BC.