bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of social media usage on the cultural identity of rural people: a case study of Bamha village, Egypt
Authors: Radwan Mostafa
Published: July 2022

Cultural identity refers to the identical compound of reminiscences, impressions, ideologies, images, idioms, inventions, and ambitions that maintains a human set’s civilizational identity within the framework of what it knows of developments due to its internal dynamism and its ability to communicate or give and take. Social Media’s deep effect on cultural identity is a matter of constant concern. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to recognize the effect of social media on some components of rural people’s cultural identity. This study was conducted on 360 respondents from rural people in Bamha village, Egypt. Our data were collected using a questionnaire in December 2021 and then analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s simple correlation coefficient, chi-square, and the ascending multiple regression correlation analysis model (Stepwise). The results showed that for two-fifths of the respondents (40%) the level of change in cultural identity was high in relation to their use of social media; there is a significant relationship between some independent variables of respondents and the degree of change in their cultural identity. These results have important implications for policy, practice, and subsequent research, the most important of which are: working on developing thinking skills and self-learning among students in schools and universities, as well as the need to activate the role of the media in providing meaningful content that preserves societal values, in addition to employing social media to support community participation of young people on the ground by organizing awareness, volunteer and charitable activities, and finally the need to increase cooperation and coordination between all parties, whether they are media, schools, religious or civil institutions, youth centers, or other institutions to maximize the positive use of social media and to reduce its negative effects.
Gurney model for non-standard cylinder with increased wall thickness and its application in aluminized explosives
Authors: Shen Fei , Wang Jintao , Li Chao , Yu Wenli , Wang Xuanjun
Published: July 2022

To meet the requirements of an aluminized explosive cylinder test with a longer energy release time, a non-standard cylinder structure with a larger wall thickness was designed, which can not only extend the effective expansion time of detonation products but also avoid a great increase in the test charge mass. The non-standard cylinder was filled with TNT explosives for its relatively stable Gurney energy, and the experimentally generated parameters were compared with those of Φ50 and Φ100 mm standard cylinders. Based on this, a more accurate Gurney Model for Non-Standard Cylinder (GM-NSC) was proposed taking into account the influence of shell deformation and axial movement of detonation products compared with the traditional Gurney model. The analysis results show that the proposed GM-NSC model curve is suitable for both non-standard and standard cylinders. Finally, the method was applied to DNAN-based aluminized explosives, and the experimental results show that the method can characterize more thoroughly the effect of the detonation product expansion enhanced by the rapid reaction of aluminum powders.
Condition Monitoring and Pumps
Authors: Ali Saud Al Tobi Maamar , Bevan Geraint
Published: July 2022

This chapter reviews and discusses previous work on the areas of rotating machinery and centrifugal pump fault diagnosis methods including conventional and automatic ones and those that apply artificial intelligence. Furthermore, critical discussion is provided based on the advantages and disadvantages of the applied feature processing, extraction, and selection methods. Finally, limitations of existing methods are identified.
Wavelet and Feature Extraction
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud
Published: July 2022

This chapter illustrates the implementation of pre-processing and feature extraction for the acquired vibration signals from the centrifugal pump continuation with the previous chapter which carried out the experimental works used to acquire the vibration signals from the centrifugal pump set up. Wavelet Transform (WT) is applied for this stage using three methods, namely, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), and Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT). The number of features and selection of mother wavelet function are considered to investigate the classifiers' performance.
Centrifugal Pump Fault Diagnosis Using MLP and GA
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud , Bevan Geraint , Okedu Kenneth
Published: July 2022

This chapter presents the classification results obtained from a Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-NN) which is trained with Back Propagation (MLP-BP) and also by using hybrid training of Genetic Algorithm (GA) combined with BP (MLP-GABP) using the extracted features from CWT as shown in Chapter 6. GA is also used to optimise the number of hidden layers and neurons of MLP. The results comprise the classification accuracy rates based on the applied Wavelet Transform (WT) method, manual selection of hidden layers and neurons, GA based selection, training algorithm, and number of features.
Fault Diagnosis Using MLP and SVM with DWT Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud , Bevan Geraint , Okedu Kenneth
Published: July 2022

A comparative study of Multi- layer Perceptron (MLP) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), which are two Artificial Intelligent (AI) systems, was carried out in this chapter, in order to classify six fault conditions and non-faulty condition of a centrifugal pump. MLP with hybrid training scheme is proposed for the Back Propagation (BP) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The two schemes were tested and compared.
MLP-GABP and SVM with WPT Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud , Bevan Geraint , Okedu Kenneth
Published: July 2022

In this chapter Artificial Intelligent (AI) training schemes of multilayer perceptron based on back propagation and genetic algorithm, is proposed. The proposed hybrid scheme is compared with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach to evaluate faulty and normal scenarios of a centrifugal pump. Features were extracted using three decomposition levels considering Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT). Two mother wavelets were investigated, to test the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, while optimization of the hidden layers numbers were done using genetic algorithm and extended to the multilayer perceptron neurons. Better responses of the extracted features, and hidden layers variables including the selected neurons, were obtained in the evaluation of the system performance. Also, the training algorithm was able to improve the classifications obtained using the proposed scheme.
Comparative Analysis of the Artificial Intelligence Schemes
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud , Bevan Geraint
Published: July 2022

This chapter presents a discussion on the obtained results of Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network which is trained with Back Propagation (MLP-BP) and also using hybrid training of Genetic Algorithm (GA) combined with BP (MLP-GABP), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers to classify the fault conditions of a centrifugal pump. The discussion includes a comparison on the classification results based on Wavelet Transform (WT) feature extraction methods, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), and Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT), GA based hidden layers and neurons selection, training algorithm, and number of features.
Applications of Neural Network in Rotor Misalignment and Unbalance Detection
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud
Published: July 2022

The detection of vibrations in rotor misalignment is of high importance, since the most common reason for mechanical vibrations is rotor misalignment after unbalance condition. This unbalance would definitely lead to catastrophic faults in bearings, shafts, and coupling shaft misalignments. This chapter uses a centrifugal blower test setup, to investigate the application of neural network in rotor misalignment and unbalanced detection. The knowledge gained in this chapter could be applied to the dynamics of centrifugal pumps fault diagnosis discussed in earlier chapters of this book.
Perspective
Authors: Al Tobi Maamar Ali Saud , Bevan Geraint , Okedu Kenneth
Published: July 2022

The 12 chapters of this book presented the different methods of condition monitoring for the centrifugal pumps starting from the conventional ones, such as the overall vibration measurement (time-domain), the frequency-domain methods through the utilization of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm, and the time-frequency methods using wavelet transform methods. Throughout the findings from the literature review, it has been shown that WT methods with the Continues Wavelet (CW), the Discrete Wavelet (DW), and the Wavelet Packet (WP) are more powerful in detecting the complex and non-stationary signals obtained from the centrifugal pumps by providing better accuracy compared with the frequency-domain method. Moreover, the three different WT methods were experimentally compared to each other in terms of the performance with the signal analysis and fault diagnosis, and it was remarked that WPT is more powerful.
Computational analysis of 140 years of US political speeches reveals more positive but increasingly polarized framing of immigration
Authors: Card Dallas , Chang Serina , Becker Chris , Mendelsohn Julia , Voigt Rob , Boustan Leah , Abramitzky Ran , Jurafsky Dan
Published: July 2022

We classify and analyze 200,000 US congressional speeches and 5,000 presidential communications related to immigration from 1880 to the present. Despite the salience of antiimmigration rhetoric today, we find that political speech about immigration is now much more positive on average than in the past, with the shift largely taking place between World War II and the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965. However, since the late 1970s, political parties have become increasingly polarized in their expressed attitudes toward immigration, such that Republican speeches today are as negative as the average congressional speech was in the 1920s, an era of strict immigration quotas. Using an approach based on contextual embeddings of text, we find that modern Republicans are significantly more likely to use language that is suggestive of metaphors long associated with immigration, such as “animals” and “cargo,” and make greater use of frames like “crime” and “legality.” The tone of speeches also differs strongly based on which nationalities are mentioned, with a striking similarity between how Mexican immigrants are framed today and how Chinese immigrants were framed during the era of Chinese exclusion in the late 19th century. Overall, despite more favorable attitudes toward immigrants and the formal elimination of race-based restrictions, nationality is still a major factor in how immigrants are spoken of in Congress.
Evolution and folding of repeat proteins
Authors: Galpern Ezequiel A. , Marchi Jacopo , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Ferreiro Diego U.
Published: July 2022

Repeat proteins are made with tandem copies of similar amino acid stretches that fold into elongated architectures. These proteins constitute excellent model systems to investigate how evolution relates to structure, folding, and function. Here, we propose a scheme to map evolutionary information at the sequence level to a coarse-grained model for repeat-protein folding and use it to investigate the folding of thousands of repeat proteins. We model the energetics by a combination of an inverse Potts-model scheme with an explicit mechanistic model of duplications and deletions of repeats to calculate the evolutionary parameters of the system at the single-residue level. These parameters are used to inform an Ising-like model that allows for the generation of folding curves, apparent domain emergence, and occupation of intermediate states that are highly compatible with experimental data in specific case studies. We analyzed the folding of thousands of natural Ankyrin repeat proteins and found that a multiplicity of folding mechanisms are possible. Fully cooperative all-or-none transitions are obtained for arrays with enough sequence-similar elements and strong interactions between them, while noncooperative element-by-element intermittent folding arose if the elements are dissimilar and the interactions between them are energetically weak. Additionally, we characterized nucleation-propagation and multidomain folding mechanisms. We show that the global stability and cooperativity of the repeating arrays can be predicted from simple sequence scores.
The evolution of the geothermal potential of a subsurface urban heat island
Authors: Hemmerle Hannes , Ferguson Grant , Blum Philipp , Bayer Peter
Published: July 2022

Meeting the rising energy demands of cities is a global challenge. Exploitation of the additional heat in the subsurface associated with the subsurface urban heat island (SUHI) has been proposed to address the heating demands. For the sustainable use of this heat it is crucial to understand how SUHIs evolve. To date, there have been no comprehensive studies showing how temperature anomalies beneath cities change over time scales of decades. Here, we reveal the long-term increase of temperatures in the groundwater beneath Cologne, Germany from 1973 to 2020. The rise in groundwater temperature trails atmospheric temperature rise in the rural areas and exceeds the rise in atmospheric temperature in the urban center. However, the amount of heat that is currently stored each year in the thin shallow aquifer reaches only 1% of the annual heating demand. The majority of the anthropogenic heat passes by the vertical extent of the aquifer or is discharged by the adjacent river. Overall the geothermal resource of the urban ground remains largely underused and heat extraction as well as combined heating and cooling could substantially raise the geothermal potential to supply the city’s demand.
Efficacy of Doxycycline for Mild-to-Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Choi Sang-Ho , Cesar Antoni , Snow Timothy Arthur Chandos , Saleem Naveed , Arulkumaran Nishkantha , Singer Mervyn
Published: July 2022

Background

Doxycycline has been recommended as a treatment option for non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. We sought to review the evidence for the efficacy of doxycycline in adult patients with mild-to-moderate CAP.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of doxycycline versus comparator to assess the clinical efficacy. The primary outcome was the clinical cure rate. Random effects model meta-analyses were used to generate pooled odds ratio (OR) and evaluate heterogeneity (I2). Risk of bias (RoB) and quality of evidence (QoE) were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE methods, respectively.

Results

We included 6 RCTs with 834 clinically evaluable patients. The trials were performed between 1984 and 2004. Comparators were 3 macrolides (roxithromycin, spiramycin, and erythromycin) and 3 fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, fleroxacin, and levofloxacin). Four trials had an overall high RoB. The clinical cure rate was similar between the doxycycline and comparator groups (87.2% [381/437] vs 82.6% [328/397]; OR 1.29 [95% confidence interval {CI}: .73–2.28]; I2 = 30%; low QoE). Subgroup analysis of two studies with a low RoB showed significantly higher clinical cure rates in the doxycyline group (87.1% [196/225] vs 77.8% [165/212]; OR 1.92 [95% CI: 1.15–3.21]; P = .01; I2 = 0%). Adverse event rates were comparable between the doxycycline and comparator groups.

Conclusions

The efficacy of doxycycline was comparable to macrolides or fluoroquinolones in mild-to-moderate CAP and thus represents a viable treatment option. Considering the lack of recent trials, it warrants large-scale clinical trials.
Elevated cardiac troponin I and short-term mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Liu Shuai , Song Chenxi , Bian Xiaohui , Wang Hao , Fu Rui , Zhang Rui , Yuan Sheng , Dou Kefei
Published: July 2022

Aims

To explore the association between elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on 30-day mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

Methods and results

A total of 1321 consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency department of Fuwai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled. Patients had computed tomography-confirmed ATAAD and were measured serum cTnI on admission. Patients were divided into the troponin-positive (cTnI > 0.02 ng/mL) or the troponin-negative group (cTnI ≤ 0.02 ng/mL). Troponin was detected by PATHFAST instrument produced by Medins Co., Ltd., and the reference range of normal value is 0–0.02 ng/mL. A total of 522 out of 1321 patients (39.5%) in our study had elevated cTnI, who had higher 30–day mortality rate compared with the troponin-negative group (44.4% vs. 19.4% P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that elevated cTnI was an independent risk indicator for 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 2.582; 95% confidence interval: 1.357–4.914; P = 0.0039). The addition of elevated cTnI level to a clinical-based risk prediction model resulted in significant incremental prognostic value (AUC difference: 0.0261).

Conclusion

Elevated cTnI is common in patients with ATAAD, and is associated with increased 30-day mortality risk.
Multi-frequency magnetic resonance elastography of the pancreas: measurement reproducibility and variance among healthy volunteers
Authors: Shi Si-Ya , Wang Liqin , Peng Zhenpeng , Wang Yangdi , Lin Zhi , Hu Xuefang , Yuan Jiaxin , Huang Li , Feng Shi-Ting , Luo Yanji
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients with chronic pancreatitis often have irreversible pancreatic insufficiency before a clinical diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is a fatal malignant tumor in the advanced stages. Patients having high risk of pancreatic diseases must be screened early to obtain better outcomes using new imaging modalities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the reproducibility of tomoelastography measurements for assessing pancreatic stiffness and fluidity and the variance among healthy volunteers.

Methods

Forty-seven healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled and underwent two tomoelastography examinations at a mean interval of 7 days. Two radiologists blindly and independently measured the pancreatic stiffness and fluidity at the first examination to determine the reproducibility between readers. One radiologist measured the adjacent pancreatic slice at the first examination to determine the reproducibility among slices and measured the pancreas at the second examination to determine short-term repeatability. The stiffness and fluidity of the pancreatic head, body, and tail were compared to determine anatomical differences. The pancreatic stiffness and fluidity were compared based on sex, age, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Bland–Altman analyses (all P > 0.05) and intraclass correlation coefficients (all >0.9) indicated near perfect reproducibility among readers, slices, and examinations at short intervals. Neither stiffness (P = 0.477) nor fluidity (P = 0.368) differed among the pancreatic anatomical regions. The mean pancreatic stiffness was 1.45 ± 0.09 m/s; the mean pancreatic fluidity was 0.83 ± 0.06 rad. Stiffness and fluidity did not differ by sex, age, or BMI.

Conclusion

Tomoelastography is a promising and reproducible tool for assessing pancreatic stiffness and fluidity in healthy volunteers.
Integrating CFIR-ERIC and e-Delphi Methods to Increase Telegeriatrics Uptake
Authors: Kernan Laura M , Dryden Eileen M , Nearing Kathryn , Kennedy Meaghan A , Hung Will , Moo Lauren , Pimentel Camilla B
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Participatory implementation methods are needed in geriatric health care to improve care and services for a growing population of older adults. We describe an efficient participatory approach to improve uptake of Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) Connect, a national geriatrics outpatient consultation service using telehealth technology to connect geriatric specialists to rural, older veterans though community-based clinics.

Research Design and Methods

We designed a three-phase participatory method to identify high-priority implementation strategies to support the uptake of GRECC Connect. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (CFIR-ERIC) Strategy Matching Tool to derive expert-recommended implementation strategies informed by qualitative interviews with both GRECC Connect staff and clinicians at community-based clinics. We engaged expert panelists in a participatory two-step modified e-Delphi process using confidential surveys and discussion to prioritize strategies nationally.

Results

Qualitative interviews revealed barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for program uptake. Many strategies recommended by CFIR-ERIC addressed multiple barriers but needed to be tailored to our specific context. In our two-step e-Delphi process, expert panelists shared previous experience with the strategies presented, views on the importance and feasibility of each, and arrived at a consensus about which strategies to prioritize nationally.

Discussion and Implications

We demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of engaging subject matter experts to identify strategies to be tested on a national level. Future considerations include weighting of survey responses, accounting for regional differences, and sensitivity of Likert scales used in the e-Delphi process.
The Determination Method of Total Polyphenol in Tea and Substitute Tea Based on [Ag(HIO6)2]5−–Luminol Chemiluminescence System
Authors: Su Fang , Yang Hui , Ma Tian , Chen Meifang , Liu Shipeng , Ma Li
Published: July 2022

Background

Scientific, accurate, and rapid detection of the composition and content of tea polyphenols is an important basis for their rational use and giving full play to their physiological effect. The spectrophotometric assays for total polyphenols have poor selectivity. Therefore, there is a need to develop a simple and reliable method for the determination of the total polyphenolic level in tea products.

Objective

The aim of this research was to develop a flow injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) method based on the Ag(III)-luminol system for the total polyphenol content analysis of tea and substitute tea.

Method

Through Box–Behnken experimental design, we selected the optimum determination condition. The Ag(III) concentration was 5 × 10–5 mol/L, and the luminol concentration was 3 × 10–7 mol/L (including 0.15 mol/L NaOH). The peristaltic pump is 25 r/min, and the photomultiplier voltage is 600 v. Sample extracts were diluted 100 000 times for the FI-CL assay.

Results

Under optimal conditions, CL intensities were proportional to total polyphenol content (in terms of gallic acid concentrations) in the range of 0.1∼100 μg/L. The LOD and LOQ were 0.03 μg/L and 0.1 μg/L. The recovery values were in the range of 86.3–111.0% with a RSD of 1.04∼2.62%. The polyphenolic content of 12 teas and 6 substitute teas was determined, and the results of the developed method and Folin–Ciocalteu method were highly correlated (r = 0.9493 for tea and r = 0.8533 for substitute tea).

Conclusions

The proposed method is better than the Folin–Ciocalteu method in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy. It is suitable for the determination of polyphenol content not only in tea, but also in substitute tea.

Highlights

We developed a new flow-injection analysis method for polyphenolic content determination based on the Ag(III)-luminol chemiluminescence system. It is simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate. It is suitable for the determination of polyphenols content not only in tea, but also in substitute tea.
Seismic prediction and evaluation techniques for hot dry rock exploration and development
Authors: Fu Guoqiang , Peng Suping , Wang Ruizhen , Zhao Jingtao , Yan Feng , Xie Jingyu , Yang Yi , Xie Xinglong , Ming Yuanyuan , Wang Dan , Geng Jialu , Qi Wangning
Published: July 2022

Hot dry rock is generally buried deep within the subsurface and exhibits high temperatures, hardness and density, with low porosity and a lack of permeable fluids. It is thus difficult to investigate and poses a high exploration risk. This paper emphasizes the role of seismic exploration in evaluating hot dry rock exploration by exploiting technical advantages, including strong penetration, high resolution and precise depth determination. Denoising and weak deep effective signal processing, unique processing methods (e.g. high-precision static correction, pre-stack noise attenuation, wide-angle reflection in weak signal areas and fine velocity analysis) are used for high-quality imaging of formations inside the hot dry rock geothermal reservoirs to address the difficulties of data static correction. The joint inversion/data fusion of seismic and other geophysical methods allow the realization of non-linear quantitative prediction and evaluation of hot dry rock reservoirs. The geothermal reservoir parameters, including lithology, physical properties and temperature, are predicted by integrating various geophysical attributes. Further, the development potential of the geothermal reservoir is accurately evaluated, and promising results achieved.
Emotional Cues and Violent Behavior: Unexpected Basketball Losses Increase Incidents of Family Violence
Authors: Cardazzi Alexander , McCannon Bryan C , Humphreys Brad R , Rodriguez Zachary
Published: July 2022

Domestic violence generates long-term effects on offenders, victims, and other household members. While coercive behavior explains some family violence, aggression can also be reactive, triggered by emotional stimulus. Insight into triggers of family violence can inform policy and mitigate abusive behavior. Card, D. and G. B. Dahl. (2011). “Family Violence and Football: The Effect of Unexpected Emotional Cues on Violent Behavior,” 126 The Quarterly Journal of Economics 103–43 undertook a novel analysis of family violence triggers using unexpected losses by American professional football teams. We extend research on this trigger using data from National Basketball Association (NBA) games. Our results show that unexpected NBA losses lead to increased in-home violence. Heterogeneity analyses show that these effects are larger for weekend games, when referees are fatigued, and closer to the playoff season. (JEL J44, K42, Z22).
Serosurvey for SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Wuhan, China from September to December 2019
Authors: Chang Le , Zhao Lei , Xiao Yan , Xu Tingting , Chen Lan , Cai Yan , Dong Xiaojing , Wang Conghui , Xiao Xia , Ren Lili , Wang Lunan
Published: July 2022

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused COVID-19 pandemic. The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan city, China. To examine specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples before December 2019 would give clues when the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 might start to circulate in populations. We obtained all 88,517 plasmas from 76,844 blood donors in Wuhan between 1st September and 31st December 2019. We first evaluated the pan-immunoglobin (pan-Ig) against SARS-CoV-2 in 43,850 samples from 32,484 blood donors with suitable sample quality and enough volume. 264 samples from 213 donors were pan-Ig reactive, then further tested IgG and IgM, and validated by neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. 213 samples (from 175 donors) were only pan-Ig reactive, 8 (from 4 donors) were pan-Ig and IgG reactive and 43 (from 34 donors) were pan-Ig and IgM reactive. Microneutralization assay showed all negative results. In addition, 213 screened reactive donors were analyzed and didn’t show obviously temporal or regional tendency, but the distribution of age showed a difference compared with all tested donors. Then we reviewed SARS-CoV-2 antibody results from these donors who donated several times from September 2019 to June 2020, partly tested in a previous published study, no one was found a significant increase in S/CO of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Our findings showed no SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies existing among blood donors in Wuhan, China before 2020, indicating no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 before December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
Immunology of a unique biological structure: the Echinococcus laminated layer
Authors: Díaz Álvaro , Barrios Anabella A , Grezzi Leticia , Mouhape Camila , Jenkins Stephen J , Allen Judith E , Casaravilla Cecilia
Published: July 2022

The larval stages of the cestode parasites belonging to the genus Echinococcus grow within internal organs of humans and a range of animal species. The resulting diseases, collectively termed echinococcoses, include major neglected tropical diseases of humans and livestock. Echinococcus larvae are outwardly protected by the laminated layer (LL), an acellular structure that is unique to this genus. The LL is based on a fibrillar meshwork made up of mucins, which are decorated by galactose-rich O-glycans. In addition, in the species cluster termed E. granulosus sensu lato, the LL features nano-deposits of the calcium salt of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). The main purpose of our article is to update the immunobiology of the LL. Major recent advances in this area are (i) the demonstration of LL “debris” at the infection site and draining lymph nodes, (ii) the characterization of the decoy activity of calcium InsP6 with respect to complement, (iii) the evidence that the LL mucin carbohydrates interact specifically with a lectin receptor expressed in Kupffer cells (Clec4F), and (iv) the characterization of what appear to be receptor-independent effects of LL particles on dendritic cells and macrophages. Much information is missing on the immunology of this intriguing structure: we discuss gaps in knowledge and propose possible avenues for research.
Neuronal guidance genes in health and diseases
Authors: Yuasa-Kawada Junichi , Kinoshita-Kawada Mariko , Tsuboi Yoshio , Wu Jane Y
Published: July 2022

Neurons migrate from their birthplaces to the destinations, and extending axons navigate to their synaptic targets by sensing various extracellular cues in spatiotemporally controlled manners. These evolutionally conserved guidance cues and their receptors regulate multiple aspects of neural development to establish the highly complex nervous system by mediating both short- and long-range cell-cell communications. Neuronal guidance genes (encoding cues, receptors or downstream signal transducers) are critical not only for development of the nervous system, but also for synaptic maintenance, remodeling and function in the adult brain. One emerging theme is the combinatorial and complementary functions of relatively limited classes of neuronal guidance genes in multiple processes, including neuronal migration, axonal guidance, synaptogenesis and circuit formation. Importantly, neuronal guidance genes also regulate cell migration and cell-cell communications outside the nervous system. We are just beginning to understand how cells integrate multiple guidance and adhesion signaling inputs to determine overall cellular/subcellular behavior and how aberrant guidance signaling in various cell types contributes to diverse human diseases, ranging from developmental, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders to cancer metastasis. We review classic studies and recent advances in understanding signaling mechanisms of the guidance genes as well as their roles in human diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the remaining challenges and therapeutic potentials of modulating neuronal guidance pathways in neural repair.
Long-term follow-up of Janus-kinase inhibitor and novel active disease biomarker in juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Huang Baozhen , Wang Xinning , Niu Yanlin , Ding Yuchuan , Wang Xiaolei , Tan Qingqing , Li Yucong , Liu Yuan , Chi Ying , Wang Yuan , Zhou Zhixuan , Li Jianguo
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the use of Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) in treating JDM and develop cytokine biomarkers of active disease.

Methods

This study involved a retrospective cohort study that evaluated JAKi in 101 JDM patients as well as a cross-sectional study of cytokines in 128 JDM patients and 30 controls between November 2017 and December 2021 in the Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics (China).

Results

During the median follow-up period of 19 months, 65.5% of the patients had improved rashes, and CAT-BM scores decreased. Overall, 39.6% of JDM patients eliminated glucocorticoids. Muscle strength was improved in all patients who had abnormal muscle strength before JAKi use. Patients and parents provided positive subjective reviews of JAKi, and no serious adverse events were reported. Potential side effects of JAKi included abnormal leukopoenia (14/95) and cough (16/83), which affected over 10% of the JDM patients. In the cytokine analysis, 12/34 cytokines were significantly elevated in active JDM patients. Compared with active JDM patients with multiple phenotypes, active JDM patients with only rashes demonstrated lower cytokine levels. Anti-NXP2-positive active patients had lower cytokine levels compared with those without positive anti-NXP2 antibodies. Among all increased cytokines, IL-1RA changed most dramatically, reaching over 793 times the mean of normal values. We developed a panel composed of six cytokines to differentiate active or stable status in our cohort (area under the curve = 0.8486, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The preliminary evidence suggested that JAKi is a relatively safe and effective alternative for JDM patients. Cytokine profiles could well reflect the inflammatory status of JDM patients.
Mycetoma management and clinical outcomes: the Mycetoma Research Center experience
Authors: Musa Esraa Abdelgadir , Abdoon Iman Hassan , Bakhiet Sahar Mubarak , Osman Bashier , Abdalla Safa A , Fahal Ahmed Hassan
Published: July 2022

Background

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that affects the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, leading to gruesome complications if not treated early. As a neglected disease, it has received scant attention in developing curable drugs. Mycetoma treatment is still based on expert opinions in the absence of guidelines.

Methods

This descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study aimed to determine and assess the disease treatment outcomes observed at Mycetoma Research Center, Sudan.

Results

In this study, 75% of patients had eumycetoma, all of whom were treated with itraconazole and 37.4% underwent surgical excision, while 25% of the patients had actinomycetoma, 99.2% of whom were treated with a combination of cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate. The cure rate was 12.7% and 14.3% for patients with eumycetoma and actinomycetoma, respectively. Only 6.1% of eumycetoma patients underwent amputation. Remarkably, no patient with actinomycetoma underwent an amputation. Small lesions (OR=10.09, p<0.001) and good follow-up (OR=6.81, p=0.002) were positive predictors of complete cure. In terms of amputation, history of surgical recurrence at presentation (OR=3.67, p=0.020) and presence of grains (OR=7.13, p=0.012) were positive predictors, whereas small lesions were negative predictors (OR=0.06, p=0.009).

Conclusions

Treatment of mycetoma was suboptimal, with a low cure rate despite a long treatment duration. Complete cure has a significant association with small lesions and good follow-up.
Occupation and Semen Parameters in a Cohort of Fertile Men
Authors: Meyer John D. , Brazil Charlene , Redmon J. Bruce , Wang Christina , Sparks Amy E. , Swan Shanna H.
Published: July 2022

Objective

We examined associations between occupation and semen parameters in demonstrably fertile men in the Study for Future Families.

Methods

Associations of occupation and workplace exposures with semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were assessed using generalized linear modeling.

Results

Lower sperm concentration and motility were seen in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. Higher exposure to lead, and to other toxicants, was seen in occupations with lower mean sperm concentrations (prevalence ratio for lead: 4.1; pesticides/insecticides: 1.6; solvents: 1.4). Working with lead for more than 3 months was associated with lower sperm concentration, as was lead exposure outside of work.

Conclusions

We found evidence in demonstrably fertile men for reduced sperm quality with lead, pesticide/herbicide, and solvent exposure. These results may identify occupations where protective measures against male reproductive toxicity might be warranted.
Exercise Preferences for a Workplace Wellness Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk and Increase Work Productivity
Authors: SantaBarbara Nicholas J. , Rezai Roxana , Soetenga Samantha , Terry Elisa , Carpenter Catherine L. , Comulada Warren Scott
Published: July 2022

Objective

Workplace wellness programs can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve worker productivity; however, recruitment and adherence remain a challenge. Tailoring programs based on employee exercise preferences may address these concerns.

Methods

A total of 458 UCLA adult employees who responded to UCLA Bruin marketing e-mail completed a battery of questions regarding their exercise preferences (eg, preferred duration, intensity, type). Recruitment took place in June 2021.

Results

Participants prefer workplace wellness programs that (1) focus on improving multiple different aspects of physical health; (2) take place in a variety of locations; (3) were administered by a coach who is physically present; (4) occur 2–3 times per week for roughly 60 minutes each time; (5) include a range of intensities; and (6) consist of aerobic and weight training.

Conclusions

Future studies should use these results to design future workplace wellness programs.
Relationships Among Pay-for-Performance, Work Stressors, and Depression in Sales Workers
Authors: Amagasa Takashi , Nakayama Takeo
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether pay-for-performance (PFP) affects depression via work stressors.

Methods

This study used data from self-administered questionnaires obtained from 1160 sales workers, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (covariance structure analysis). Models included “long hour labor condition (LHLC),” which consisted of the number of working hours, hours worked per month, service overtime, and increase or decrease in working hours; seven work stressors; and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.

Results

According to the final model (CFI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.035), PFP worsened LHLC (standardized total effect [STE] = 0.357) and improved job control (STE = 0.108), and although slightly, exacerbated depression via other work stressors (STE = 0.051).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the need for measures to avoid prolonged overwork to prevent worsening of employee mental health when introducing or implementing PFP.
Working From Home During COVID-19
Authors: Weale Victoria , Lambert Katrina A. , Stuckey Rwth , Graham Melissa , Cooklin Amanda , Oakman Jodi
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate whether work-family conflict and/or family-work conflict mediated the relationship between workplace characteristics and general health and job satisfaction in a sample of workers working from home in a recommended/mandatory context due to COVID-19 measures.

Methods

Data were collected via online questionnaire as part of the Employees Working from Home study. Analyses in this article used data collected at 2 time points 6 months apart, including 965 complete responses from the first questionnaire and 451 complete responses from the second questionnaire.

Results

Relationships between predictor and outcome variables were in the directions expected, and both work-family conflict and family-work conflict mediated these relationships.

Conclusions

Work-life interaction partly explains the relationship between work characteristics and general health and job satisfaction health in a population undertaking involuntary working from home.
Job Demand-Control and Hypertension in African Americans and Non–African Americans
Authors: Raymond Amanda , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Robertson Amy M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if occupational stress is a social determinant of elevated hypertension among African Americans.

Methods

Currently employed, full-time adults from the Midlife in the United States Refresher and Midlife in the United States Milwaukee Refresher studies reported data on demographics, job characteristics, and medical history.

Results

African American workers reported less job control and greater physical job demands than non–African Americans. Both physical and psychological job demands were independently associated with greater odds of high blood pressure. Job strain was associated with high blood pressure and differed by race (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The elements of the job-demand control model differed by race and were most relevant for African Americans when exposed to high job demands and low job control. However, there was no evidence of differential vulnerability for either psychological demands, control, or physical demands for African Americans.
Relationships Among Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Self-Rated Health, and Work Locations in Studies of Computer Work or Coronavirus Diagnosis
Authors: Dannecker Erin , Clements Sandra , Schultz Eric , Derrick Bret , Keleh Shady Adib , Golzy Mojgan
Published: July 2022

Objective

To clarify work location's association with musculoskeletal symptoms.

Methods

Study 1 surveyed 246 working adults who usually felt pain, in general, and increased pain from computer work. Study 2 surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1084 working adults.

Results

In study 1, 32.5% of the participants sought treatment for their increased pain from computer work. Education differed by work location. When education was considered, there were no significant work location differences in pain intensity, pain interference, or self-rated health. In study 2, COVID-19 diagnoses, education, and gender differed by work location. Age and work location explained self-rated health. Self-rated health was associated with musculoskeletal ache. Work location did not significantly predict musculoskeletal ache.

Conclusion

Working at home was associated with fewer COVID-19 diagnoses and higher self-rated health than working at employers' locations.
Customized Occupational-Specific Graded Exercise Test for Structural Firefighters
Authors: Dicks Nathan D. , Brin Halle N. , Perumal Mohan D. , Hutcheson Evan L. , Kopp Samantha R. , Walch Tanis J. , Carper Michael J. , Barry Allison M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to validate a customized V˙O2max Graded Exercise Test (GXT) protocol specifically to accommodate firefighters with different cardiovascular fitness levels.

Methods

Career male firefighters (N = 15) completed 3 customized GXTs on a treadmill: 1 in athletic clothes and 2 in their bunker gear to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max).

Results

The on-duty task protocol was reliable, V˙O2max values of 40.2 ± 4.6 mL·kg·min−1 and 40.3 ± 5.3 mL·kg·min−1 between trials yielded an interclass correlation of 0.911 with a typical error of 1.48 mL·kg·min−1 and a coefficient of variation of 4.0%. The validity analysis indicated consistent maximal V˙O2 values for the GXTs yielding mean interclass correlation of 0.94 with typical error of 1.16 mL·kg·min−1 and a coefficient of variation of 2.9%.

Conclusions

The customized GXT for structural firefighters has shown to be a reliable, valid, and applicable method of testing cardiovascular fitness in firefighters.
Change in the Location of the Optic Strut Relative to the Anterior Clinoid Process Pneumatization
Authors: Adanir Saliha S. , Ceylan Esma S. , İnceoğlu Ayşenur , Beger Orhan , Bahşi İlhan , Orhan Mustafa , Yalçin Eda D. , Kervancioğlu Piraye
Published: July 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to peruse the alteration of the position of the optic strut (OS) according to the anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization.

Methods:

This retrospective study conducted on cone-beam computed tomography images of 400 patients with a mean age of 36.49±15.91 years.

Results:

Anterior clinoid process length, width, and angle were measured as 10.56±2.42 mm, 5.46±1.31 mm, and 42.56±14.68 degrees, respectively. The tip of ACP was measured as 6.60±1.50 mm away from the posterior rim of OS. In the 631 sides (78.87%) did not have ACP pneumatization. In the cases with ACP pneumatization, three different configurations were identified as follows: Type 1 in 71 sides (8.87%), Type 2 in 56 sides (7%), and Type 3 in 42 sides (5.23%). Relative to ACP, the location of OS was determined as follows: Type A in 29 sides (3.64%), Type B in 105 sides (13.12%), Type C in 344 sides (43%), Type D in 289 sides (36.12%), and Type E in 33 sides (4.12%). The spread of data related to the attachment site of OS according to the presence or absence of ACP pneumatization showed that the location of OS was affected by ACP pneumatization (P<0.001). In ACPs with pneumatization, the frequency of OS position relative to ACP was found as follows: Type A in none of sides (0%), Type B in 8 sides (7.6%), Type C in 53 sides (15.4%), Type D in 88 sides (30.4%), and Type E in 20 sides (60.6%).

Conclusions:

The main finding of this study was that the location of OS relative to ACP was affected by ACP pneumatization. In ACPs with pneumatization, OS was located more posteriorly compared with ACPs without pneumatization.
Degree of Sagittal Suture Fusion, Cephalic Index, and Head Shape in Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Villavisanis Dillan F. , Blum Jessica D. , Cho Daniel Y. , Barrero Carlos , Shakir Sameer , Nah Hyun-Duck , Swanson Jordan W. , Taylor Jesse A. , Bartlett Scott P.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Sagittal craniosynostosis may present with complete or partial fusion of the sagittal suture, but relationships between degree of sagittal suture fusion and head shape are currently poorly described. The aim of this study was to characterize sagittal suture fusion patterns and determine associations with head shape in a cohort of patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.

Methods:

Patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis at a tertiary care center with available computed tomography imaging were included in this study. The anterior and posterior distances of sagittal suture patency were measured along 3-dimensional parietal bones. Degree of sagittal suture fusion was compared to head shape characteristics, including cephalic index (CI), frontal bossing, and occipital bulleting.

Results:

Ninety patients (69 male) were included in this retrospective study. The sagittal suture was on average 85.6±20.1% fused, and 45 (50.0%) patients demonstrated complete fusion of the sagittal suture. CI was associated with increased degree of fusion for the anterior one-half (ρ=0.26,P=0.033) and anterior one-third (ρ=0.30,P=0.012) of the sagittal suture. Complete fusion of the anterior one-third of the sagittal suture predicted higher CI (β=13.86, SE=6.99,z=−0.25,P=0.047). Total degree of sagittal suture fusion was not predictive of CI or head shape in any analysis.

Conclusions:

Decreased fusion of the anterior one-third of the sagittal suture, but not total suture, may paradoxically predict increased severity of scaphocephaly as quantified by CI in nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.