bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global changes in diffusion tensor imaging during acute ischemic stroke and post-stroke cognitive performance
Authors: Kern Kyle C , Wright Clinton B , Leigh Richard
Published: May 2022

Post-stroke cognitive impairment is related to the effects of the acute stroke and pre-stroke brain health. We tested whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect acute, global effects of stroke and predict post-stroke cognitive performance. Patients with stroke or TIA enrolled in a prospective cohort study were included if they had 1) at least one DTI acquisition at acute presentation, 24 hours, 5 days, or 30 days, and 2) follow-up testing with the telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) at 30 and/or 90 days. A whole brain, white-matter skeleton excluding the infarct was used to derive mean global DTI measures for mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), free water (FW), FW-corrected MD (MDtissue), and FW-corrected FA (FAtissue). In 74 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, there was a transient 4.2% increase in mean global FW between acute presentation and 24 hours (p = 0.024) that returned to initial values by 30 days (p = 0.03). Each acute global DTI measure was associated with 30-day T-MoCA score (n = 61, p = 0.0011–0.0076). Acute global FW, MD, FA and FAtissue were also associated with 90-day T-MoCA (n = 56, p = 0.0034–0.049). Transient global FW elevation likely reflects stroke-related interstitial edema, whereas other global DTI measures are more representative of pre-stroke brain health.
Validation, kinetic modeling, and test-retest reproducibility of [18F]SynVesT-1 for PET imaging of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A in mice
Authors: Bertoglio Daniele , Zajicek Franziska , Lombaerde Stef De , Miranda Alan , Stroobants Sigrid , Wang Yuchuan , Dominguez Celia , Munoz-Sanjuan Ignacio , Bard Jonathan , Liu Longbin , Verhaeghe Jeroen , Staelens Steven
Published: May 2022

Alterations in synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A) have been associated with several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, SV2A positron emission tomography (PET) imaging may provide a unique tool to investigate synaptic density dynamics during disease progression and after therapeutic intervention. This study aims to extensively characterize the novel radioligand [18F]SynVesT-1 for preclinical applications. In C57Bl/6J mice ( n = 39), we assessed the plasma profile of [18F]SynVesT-1, validated the use of a noninvasive image-derived input function (IDIF) compared to an arterial input function (AIF), performed a blocking study with levetiracetam (50 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) to verify the specificity towards SV2A, examined kinetic models for volume of distribution ( VT) quantification, and explored test-retest reproducibility of [18F]SynVesT-1 in the central nervous system (CNS). Plasma availability of [18F]SynVesT-1 decreased rapidly (13.4 ± 1.5% at 30 min post-injection). VT based on AIF and IDIF showed excellent agreement (r2 = 0.95, p < 0.0001) and could be reliably estimated with a 60-min acquisition. The blocking study resulted in a complete blockade with no suitable reference region. Test-retest analysis indicated good reproducibility (mean absolute variability <10%). In conclusion, [18F]SynVesT-1 is selective for SV2A with optimal kinetics representing a candidate tool to quantify CNS synaptic density non-invasively.
The Satisfied Lives of Gifted and Gritty Adolescents: Linking Grit to Career Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Yuen Mantak , Fung Eric , Zhang Jiahong , Chan Serene , Wu Florence
Published: May 2022

Passion and perseverance for long-term goals (often referred to as grit) has been found to be associated with well-being in typically developing students and adults. However, previous studies primarily relied on a two-factor model of grit, underpinned by perseverance of effort and consistency of interests. This model has received considerable theoretical and methodological criticisms. The research examined the association of an alternative model of grit underpinned by perseverance of effort and adaptability to situations as key dimensions, with students’ life satisfaction in Chinese gifted adolescents in Hong Kong. Structural equation modeling via maximum likelihood estimation approach demonstrated that perseverance was linked to higher levels of life satisfaction. Adaptability was indirectly linked to increased life satisfaction via the intermediate variable – career development self-efficacy. Results indicate that perceived confidence in career-related activities might serve as a mechanism through which grit may be linked to higher well-being in gifted students.
Early plasma D-dimer as a predictor of acute intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Qiu Kai , Jia Zhen-Yu , Cao Yue-Zhou , Zhao Lin-Bo , Xu Xiao-Quan , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion (ICAS+LVO) poses an important technical challenge for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Purpose

To evaluate the value of D-dimer in predicting ICAS+LVO alone and in combination with other clinical and imaging predictors.

Material and Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent EVT at our center between January 2018 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified to the ICAS+LVO or ICAS–LVO group according to angiographic findings. Collateral gradings were evaluated based on computed tomography angiography and categorized as follows: score 0–1 unfavorable collaterals and score 2–3 favorable collaterals. Receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of D-dimer and the combination of other predictors for ICAS+LVO.

Results

A total of 374 patients were enrolled, among them, 107 (28.6%) had an ICAS+LVO, while ICAS–LVO was determined in 267 (71.4%) patients. Median D-dimer levels were lower (0.36 vs. 1.18 mg/L; P < 0.001) while the proportion of favorable collaterals was higher (85.0% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.001) in the ICAS+LVO group than the ICAS–LVO group. After multivariable analysis, D-dimer (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.21–0.50; P < 0.001) and collaterals (adjusted OR=16.25, 95% CI=7.58–34.84; P < 0.001) remained independent predictors of ICAS+LVO. The area under the curve of D-dimer, collaterals, and combination for identification of ICAS+LVO was 0.82, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively.

Conclusion

Low early plasma D-dimer levels are a significant and independent predictor of ICAS+LVO, and predictive value strengthens when in a combined model using D-dimer and collateral grading.
The effect of ulnar variance on the pisotriquetral joint
Authors: Cilengir Atilla Hikmet , Sinci Kazim Ayberk , Yildiz Cihan , Erdogan Nezahat Karaca , Elmali Ferhan , Tosun Ozgur
Published: May 2022

Background

Pisotriquetral joint (PTJ) disorders are an important cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain but are often underrecognized. Ulnar variance (UV) has been associated with several wrist pathologies.

Purpose

To determine the effect of UV on PTJ in patients with trauma.

Material and Methods

A total of 143 patients (77 men, 66 women; mean age=41.64 ± 18.07 years) were included. Patients with fractures, severe and high-energy trauma, arthritic conditions, avascular necrosis, congenital deformity, bone and soft-tissue tumors, suboptimal image quality, and incorrect joint position were excluded. UV and the amount of PTJ subluxation were evaluated using coronal and sagittal computed tomography images.

Results

PTJ subluxation was divided into five grades. A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of PTJ subluxation and sex ( P = 0.045). PTJ subluxation was more common in men (46.8%) than in women (30.3%). There was no significant difference between the presence of PTJ subluxation and age ( P = 0.758). The patients were also divided into three groups as positive, neutral, and negative UV. A statistically significant relationship was found between the UV and presence of PTJ subluxation ( P = 0.01). PTJ subluxation was significantly less in the neutral (none=51.1%, present=48.9%; P < 0.05) and negative (none=77.8%, present=22.2%; P < 0.05) groups.

Conclusion

PTJ subluxation was found to be less among the groups with neutral and negative UV in our study population. PTJ subluxation is more common in men while there is no relationship with age. UV and gender may be risk factors for PTJ subluxation by affecting force dynamics at the wrist joint.
MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Guping , Luo Xiaojin , Li Ji , Liao Yuanhang , Gui Guan , Sheng Jianwen
Published: May 2022

Objective

The methionine synthase reductase ( MTRR) gene encodes the MTRR enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. Several studies investigated the effect of the MTRR rs1532268 gene polymorphism on the risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the results have been inconsistent.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive and systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, CNKI, and Web of Science. Five studies were included in this meta-analysis to determine whether MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism contributes to the risk of GC.

Results

Pooled data indicated that the MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism significantly increased GC risk under the allele comparison model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.29) and dominant model (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00–1.30). In the analysis stratified by ethnicity, no relationship was found in Whites or Asians.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests a positive correlation between MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism and GC development.
Effects of sperm preparation techniques on sperm survivability and DNA fragmentation
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Dang Hong Nhan Thi , Nguyen Trung Van , Nguyen Thai Thanh Thi , Nguyen Quoc Huy Vu , Cao Ngoc Thanh
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study was performed to determine the effect of swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) on sperm survival and DNA fragmentation.

Methods

Individual semen samples were analyzed before each was divided into two aliquots (half for SU and half for DGC) for calculation of sperm survival and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion test.

Results

The DFI of the 63 semen samples processed using both procedures was lower than that of the fresh semen samples. The DFI was significantly lower for samples processed using the SU than DGC method. In the sperm survival test, the SU technique was associated with increased sperm motility and vitality following preparation. After 24 hours, however, the concentration and percentage of surviving sperm were significantly lower in the SU than DGC group.

Conclusions

Both semen preparation techniques help to minimize sperm DNA fragmentation; however, when the DFI is <30%, the SU technique is more appropriate than DGC. While DGC may be superior for intrauterine insemination, the SU method may be preferable for in vitro fertilization or maturation.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as an overlooked cause of cardiac arrest in a patient undergoing ureteral stenting: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Yue , Liu Meinv , Li Jianli , Rong Junfang
Published: May 2022

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a rare disease with unclear etiology that is characterized by wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle. We report a 64-year-old woman who presented with cardiac arrest 6 hours after ureteral stenting, with no history of heart disease. Notably, she had a urinary tract infection preoperatively. TC was diagnosed with characteristic apical ballooning on the left ventriculogram. The hemodynamics and cardiac function recovered quickly within 1 day after conservative treatment and controlling the infection. TC should be considered when a patient presents with decreased cardiac function after ureteral stenting, especially in patients with potential concurrent infection. A review of the literature documenting cases of TC related to urological surgery in the past decade was conducted using PubMed. The results were summarized in a table.
George Orwell, objectivity, and the reality behind illusions
Authors: Rose David
Published: May 2022

Illusions are commonly defined as departures of our percepts from the veridical representation of objective, common-sense reality. However, it has been claimed recently that this definition lacks validity, for example, on the grounds that external reality cannot possibly be represented truly by our sensory systems, and indeed may even be a fiction. Here, I first demonstrate how novelist George Orwell warned that such denials of objective reality are dangerous mistakes, in that they can lead to the suppression and even the atrophy of independent thought and critical evaluation. Second, anti-realists assume their opponents hold a fully reductionist metaphysics, in which fundamental physics describes the only ground truth, thereby placing it beyond direct human sensory observation. In contrast, I point to a more recent and commonly used alternative, non-reductive metaphysics. This ascribes real existence to many levels of dynamic systems of information, emerging progressively from the subatomic to the biological, psychological, social, and ecological. Within such a worldview the notion of objective reality is valid, it comes in part within the range of our senses, and thus a definition of illusions as kinds of deviations from veridical perception becomes possible again.
Tingles down the spinal cord: A spinal functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the autonomous sensory meridian response
Authors: Smith Stephen D. , Kolesar Tiffany A. , Fredborg Beverley K. , Kornelsen Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a perceptual and emotional phenomenon in which specific sensory stimuli elicit a feeling of calm as well as tingling sensations on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. In the current study, we use fMRI to examine whether the motoric and sensory regions of the spinal cord segments associated with these body parts show increased activity during ASMR experiences. Nine individuals with ASMR completed six spinal functional magnetic resonance imaging runs while passively viewing videos. Three of the videos were shown (through pre-testing) to elicit ASMR tingles and three videos did not (i.e., control videos). The results demonstrated that ASMR-related stimuli elicited activity in dorsal (sensory) regions of spinal cord segments C1, C5, and C6; activity was observed in ventral (motoric) regions of segments C2–C8. Similar activity was not detected in response to control videos.
Restriction of orientation variability and spatial frequency on the perception of average orientation
Authors: Takebayashi Hikari , Saiki Jun
Published: May 2022

During the observation of a single object, orientation and spatial frequency are jointly coded in an early stage of visual processing, as is evident from studies on the aftereffects of specific combinations of both these features. However, they become independent in the decision-making stage because observers can identify one feature while ignoring the other. Does this separability expand into the perception of ensemble representations? This study investigated the effect of the spatial frequencies of Gabor patches on orientation averaging. In the experiment, the average orientations of all eight patches composed of either homogeneous (i.e., eight 3 cycles/degree or 0.8 cycles/degree patches) or heterogeneous (i.e., four 3 cycles/degree and four 0.8 cycles/degree patches) spatial frequencies were stably estimated if the orientation varied within the range of ±7.7° around the true mean. However, when the range was extended to ±14°, we found that the averaging performance was better in the homogeneous lower spatial frequency than in the homogeneous higher spatial frequency and heterogeneous spatial frequency conditions. These results suggest that an ensemble perception of orientation is modulated by spatial frequency components.
Music and facial emotion recognition and its relationship with alexithymia
Authors: García-Rodríguez María , Alvarado Jesús M , Fernández-Company José-Fernando , Jiménez Virginia , Ivanova-Iotova Anelia
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of alexithymia on the ability to identify emotions through visual and auditory stimuli. We assessed Alexithymia using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). As visual stimuli, we employed the images of faces from the Ekman 60 Faces Test, while the auditory stimuli consisted of fragments of instrumental music. A total of 303 students participated, 139 in secondary education and 164 in the first year of university ( M = 17.58 years; SD = 4.16). The results show higher alexithymia levels in the female participants than in the male participants, mainly in the difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and difficulty describing feelings (DDF) factors, and higher in the secondary students than in the university students, especially in externally oriented thinking (EOT). In terms of the identification of emotions through auditory stimuli, the EOT factor showed a strong predictive effect for the emotions of surprise and anger. For the visual stimuli, the EOT factor showed predictive validity for identifying happiness, while the DDF factor showed predictive validity for identifying sadness. We conclude that there is a relationship between alexithymia levels and emotion recognition, which varies depending on the nature of the stimulus.
Dignity, Social Reintegration of Prisoners, and the New Penal Power: European Human Rights, Experiences of Belgian Prisoners, and Professional Practices
Authors: Snacken Sonja , Devynck Caroline , Uzieblo Kasia
Published: May 2022

Over the last 30 years, prisoners’ dignity and fundamental rights have increasingly been protected by European human rights bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This protection is aimed particularly at the traditional power relations between prisoners and uniformed staff. More recently, social reintegration of prisoners has also been recognized by these European human rights standards as a fundamental element of human dignity and an equally important aim of imprisonment as retribution and deterrence. However, it is also accepted that some offenders may be too dangerous to be returned back to society. Psychiatric/psychological assessments are a major element in this decision-making. This “new penal power” receives much less attention in human rights protection. This article compares three intertwining perspectives on this issue: the European human rights perspective on dignity and social reintegration; the experiences and mental suffering of Belgian prisoners who find themselves being stuck in prison as a result of structural problems in the risk assessment and risk management practices; and the professional perspective on how professional standards and good practices based on scientific insights might alleviate some of these threats to human dignity.
Practice Frameworks in the Correctional Domain: How Values Drive Knowledge Generation and Treatment
Authors: Ward Tony , McDonald Max
Published: May 2022

Practice frameworks are a unique type of theory that bridge the gap between abstract explanatory theories, knowledge categories, normative assumptions, and treatment theories. The values component of practice frameworks is particularly critical as it frames the problem space (niches) within which practitioners engage in practice tasks, for example, moral repair, risk reduction, or community integration. It also picks out the specific kinds of entities and their relationships that researchers are most interested in. In effect, values and their related principles play a major role in abstractly mapping out domains of practice while the knowledge related assumptions (e.g., core categories and causal powers) flesh out core entities and processes indicated by these values. In this paper we provide an overview of practice frameworks and examine the role of their normative assumptions in mapping out correctional research and practice tasks.
Declining honey production and beekeeper adaptation to climate change in Chile
Authors: Gajardo-Rojas Martina , Muñoz Ariel A. , Barichivich Jonathan , Klock-Barría Karin , Gayo Eugenia M , Fontúrbel Francisco E , Olea Matías , Lucas Christine M , Veas Camilo
Published: May 2022

Drought severity has pervasive impacts on honey production via direct impacts on water resources and nectar availability. The current mega-drought in Chile has impacts on water resources and forest vigor, particularly in the Mediterranean and Temperate regions where honey production is concentrated. While honey production plays an important role in the local rural economy and providing pollination services to other agricultural activities, studies of the long-term impacts of the mega-drought on honey production are scarce. Here, we evaluate the impact of climate variability on historical changes in honey production in the Mediterranean (32°S–37°S) and Temperate (37°S–41°S) regions of Chile, using annual honey production records of beekeepers together with national records of honey exports. We also used questionnaires and interviews to evaluate beekeeper perceptions regarding the effects of climate change on honey production and adaptation practices in both regions. Results indicated a declining trend in honey production and exports in the last decade, largely related to changes in precipitation and temperature in both regions. Declines in honey production affected 82% of beekeepers, 80% of whom had employed adaptive measures, and 74% considered that these measures were effective. The drier, warmer Mediterranean region showed more severe declines in precipitation and honey production, which beekeepers reported as a main contributing factor to transhumance from the Mediterranean to the Temperate region. This is the first study to show the effects of drought on honey production in Chile, providing a foundation for future climate change adaptation strategies within apiculture.
Preclinical assessment of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury-related acute and persistent post-traumatic headache
Authors: Navratilova Edita , Oyarzo Janice , Anderson Trent , Broide Ron S , Subramaniam Sudhakar R , Vazquez-Cintron Edwin J , Brin Mitchell F , Schwedt Todd J , Dodick David W , Porreca Frank
Published: May 2022

Objective

Investigation of onabotulinumtoxinA in a murine model of acute and persistent post-traumatic headache.

Methods

Mild traumatic brain injury was induced with a weight drop method. Periorbital and hindpaw cutaneous allodynia were measured for 14 days. Mice were then exposed to bright light stress and allodynia was reassessed. OnabotulinumtoxinA (0.5 U) was injected subcutaneously over the cranial sutures at different post-injury time points.

Results

After milt traumatic brain injury, mice exhibited periorbital and hindpaw allodynia that lasted for approximately 14 days. Allodynia could be reinstated on days 14–67 by exposure to stress only in previously injured mice. OnabotulinumtoxinA administration at 2 h after mild traumatic brain injury fully blocked both transient acute and stress-induced allodynia up to day 67. When administered 72 h post-mild traumatic brain injury, onabotulinumtoxinA reversed acute allodynia, but only partially prevented stress-induced allodynia. OnabotulinumtoxinA administration at day 12, when initial allodynia was largely resolved, produced incomplete and transient prevention of stress-induced allodynia. The degree of acute allodynia correlated positively with subsequent stress-induced allodynia.

Conclusion

Mild traumatic brain injury induced transient headache-like pain followed by long lasting sensitization and persistent vulnerability to a normally innocuous stress stimulus, respectively modeling acute and persistent post-traumatic headache.. Administration of onabotulinumtoxinA following the resolution of acute post-traumatic headache diminished persistent post-traumatic headache but the effects were transient, suggesting that underlying persistent mild traumatic brain injury-induced maladaptations were not reversed. In contrast, early onabotulinumtoxinA administration fully blocked both acute post-traumatic headache as well as the transition to persistent post-traumatic headache suggesting prevention of neural adaptations that promote vulnerability to headache-like pain. Additionally, the degree of acute post-traumatic headache was predictive of risk of persistent post-traumatic headache.
Vertical Clearance Assessment of Overpassing Structures on Sag Vertical Curves
Authors: Mavromatis Stergios , Matragos Vassilios , Pasias Panagiotis , Nakas Konstantinos
Published: May 2022

The paper investigates areas on sag vertical alignments where overpassing structures impose restrictions on truck drivers’ sight distance. The assessment is performed for the least desired case where the driver’s sightline is equivalent to the defined stopping sight distance (SSD). The overall objective is to define the boundaries where such overpassing structures limit the available sight distances for truck drivers below the required SSD and thus to provide valuable guidance to practitioners. Initially, the authors addressed the SSD calculation on variable grades during the braking process through an earlier approach based on the point mass model and the laws of mechanics. As a second step, truck deceleration rates were determined from the literature. The effect of various design speeds was examined, corresponding to specific ranges of grade values and sag vertical curvature rates. The methodology was based on calculating the difference between the truck driver’s line of sight and the road alignment at fixed locations and associating the defined value with the desired vertical clearance rate (VC). The analysis revealed that critical cases arise for design speed values between 90 km/h and 110 km/h. The examined cases for Vdesign = 100 km/h and Vdesign = 110 km/h revealed more critical concerns since the assessment showed that even a VC value of 4.90 m is not adequate to address SSD provision. Such cases require further attention, especially when the entering downgrade to the sag vertical curve is long and steep.
Investigating the Effects of Pedestrian-to-Vehicle Human–Machine Interface Design Using Driving Simulator Experiment
Authors: Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Yue Lishengsa , Wu Yina , Zheng Ou
Published: May 2022

Pedestrian-to-vehicle (P2V) warning technology is expected to reduce pedestrian crashes and improve roadway safety. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of P2V; however, compared with a general P2V human–machine interface (HMI) design adopted in these studies, the necessity of applying different HMI designs specific to driving scenarios remains uncertain. To resolve the issue, this study conducted a driving simulator experiment to test the performance of various P2V HMI designs considering scenario heterogeneity. Two aspects of the HMI design, that is, the warning urgency level and warning content, were tested in five pedestrian pre-crash scenarios. The warning urgency level is categorized into two types, a “gradually changed” warning and an “emergency” warning, and the warning content focuses on either providing scenario-based distance information as a supplement or not. Data from 36 participants were collected in the study. The results show that using a “gradually changed” warning design can help a driver make gradual driving adjustments to the upcoming conflict, which improves the driving performance; in addition, providing scenario-based distance information can increase the safety buffer. Additionally, insights about driver features’ effects on P2V HMI design were also proposed. Drivers who had been in a not-at-fault crash before and their experience related to the advanced driver assistance system would interact with the P2V influence. This study’s findings have practical implications for both automobile manufacturers and researchers.
Clinical and quality of life assessment in patients with latex allergy during COVID-19 pandemic: Possible protective role of continuous latex immunotherapy
Authors: Di Rienzo Alessia , Urbani Sara , Longhino David , Sarnari Caterina , Buonomo Alessandro , Rizzi Angela , Aruanno Arianna , Nucera Eleonora
Published: May 2022

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of Personal Protective Equipment could provoke severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and could negatively affect their quality of life. Methods: Trough a survey the study aimed: (a) to evaluate the incidence of allergic reactions in patients with latex allergy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (b) to evaluate the protective role of continuous latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during this period; and (c) to evaluate quality of life of natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) patients during the pandemic. Results: 67 patients (9 males and 58 females, mean age of 45.9 ± 11.4 years) suffering from latex allergy were included in the present study. We recorded among our patients 13 cases (34.2%) of urticarial/angioedema (U/A), 9 cases (23.6%) of respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, shortness of breath and wheezing) and 7 cases (18.4%) of anaphylaxis. In patients who underwent continuous SLIT, we observed less cases of U/A ( p < 0.001), respiratory symptoms ( p < 0.001), anaphylaxis ( p = 0.003), hospitalizations ( p = 0.014) and a lower therapy administration. We compared the results of SF-36 questionnaire in patients who underwent continuous and not-continuous SLIT with a significance differences score between these two groups. Conclusions: Our study is the first that investigated the clinical and quality of life effects of COVID-19 pandemic in NRLA patients.
Modified phosphogypsum used as reinforcing material in composites
Authors: Sun Min , Sun Qing , Zhang Jian , Sheng Jiawei
Published: May 2022

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)/phosphogypsum (PG) or polypropylene (PP)/PG composites were produced using mass-produced PG powders and a twin screw extruder. The modification effect of calcium stearate was studied by oil absorption value, contact angle, and FTIR. XRD analysis indicated that the PG phase was affected by different calcination temperatures. The mechanical properties of the composite materials were evaluated by tensile and impact tests. The dispersion of PG in the matrix was showed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Within the weight fraction range studied (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt%), the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the PG/HDPE composites increased significantly, but the impact strength and elongation at break decreased remarkably. Young’s modulus and impact strength of PG/PP composites increase prominently, but tensile strength and elongation at break are significantly reduced. Thermodynamic analysis showed that PG can improve the thermal stability of composite materials. The apparent density indicated that the composite material filled with PG has the property of being lighter in weight. In these experiments, the mechanical properties of compounding PG powder with HDPE or PP were significantly improved, but the toughness of composites decreased.
What Matters Most? Intersectional Correlates of Caregiver Burdens
Authors: Hicks Nytasia M. , Sellers Sherrill L. , Zhang Jinghua , Sun Na , Harris Karleah
Published: May 2022

Increasing numbers of older adults require caregiver support from unpaid caregivers. Yet, there is limited research on caregiver burden type and interactions across race, gender, and other sociodemographic characteristics. This quantitative study uses an intersectional framework to examine associations between caregiving burden and sociodemographic factors. Using survey data from the National Survey of Caregiving the sample included unpaid caregivers ( N = 1304) of older adult (65+) Medicare beneficiaries. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that over 40% of the respondents reported emotional difficulties. Correlates to emotional difficulties included race, gender, age, and income with an age by income interaction. For physical difficulties, gender, age, work, and education mattered most, with an age by education interaction. Age and income predicted financial difficulties without interactions. Findings suggest that policymakers target emotional and physical difficulties, attend to age and socioeconomic status, and address the unique challenges faced in midlife by caregivers.
The domestication of “the Arab Spring”: A comparison of news framing in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Ha Jae Sik
Published: May 2022

By employing a content analysis of news stories, this study explored how national history, national interests and journalistic values have affected the coverage of the Arab Spring by South Korea and the United States. Overall, the lens of national interest largely determined the newsworthiness of stories in the two nations. Journalists’ perspectives on journalism (specifically, on the role of journalists) as well as media routines have also influenced journalists’ presentations of the Arab Spring. The U.S. newspaper coverage relied on the views of Arab opposition figures and civilians most prominently, followed by those of U.S. government officials; while the South Korean papers relied heavily on foreign media as their sources (in particular, Western media). While this difference in news sourcing led to correspondingly divergent news frames, ironically, it often also resulted in a congruence between the news frames employed in each country’s major news outlets. This study proposes that national interests and history should be further considered as important dimensions for developing the models of media systems.
Toward a Molecular Approach to Chronotype Assessment
Authors: Biscontin Alberto , Zarantonello Lisa , Russo Antonella , Costa Rodolfo , Montagnese Sara
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present study was to develop a Polygenic Score–based model for molecular chronotype assessment. Questionnaire-based phenotypical chronotype assessment was used as a reference. In total, 54 extremely morning/morning (MM/M; 35 females, 39.7 ± 3.8 years) and 44 extremely evening/evening (EE/E; 20 females, 27.3 ± 7.7 years) individuals donated a buccal DNA sample for genotyping by sequencing of the entire genetic variability of 19 target genes known to be involved in circadian rhythmicity and/or sleep duration. Targeted genotyping was performed using the single primer enrichment technology and a specifically designed panel of 5526 primers. Among 2868 high-quality polymorphisms, a cross-validation approach lead to the identification of 83 chronotype predictive variants, including previously known and also novel chronotype-associated polymorphisms. A large (35 single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) and also a small (13 SNPs) panel were obtained, both with an estimated predictive validity of approximately 80%. Potential mechanistic hypotheses for the role of some of the newly identified variants in modulating chronotype are formulated. Once validated in independent populations encompassing the whole range of chronotypes, the identified panels might become useful within the setting of both circadian public health initiatives and precision medicine.
Fifty years of survey innovation
Authors: Dillman Don A.
Published: May 2022

While completing my PhD in sociology, I did not anticipate spending most of my academic career researching ways to improve methods for doing sample surveys. At that time, I was dedicated to understanding community organization and how people adopt the use of new technologies. This article describes how becoming a new assistant professor just prior to a university crisis turned my academic interests away from organizational behavior toward more than five decades of research to advance survey methodology in step with technological changes transforming the world. This process also turned upside down my thoughts on how to do research. Increasingly I was inspired by the work of survey designers in government and private sector organizations who needed help with improving their survey designs. These experiences led to the creation of a series of innovations: telephone and mail data collection methods, mixed-mode surveying, tailored design for different survey situations, data collection over the internet, unified construction of questionnaires across survey modes, and understanding the differences between answers given to aurally vs. visually delivered survey questions. This sequence of research efforts led to the development and testing of web-push procedures that are now replacing the use of telephone survey methods throughout the world. Yet frequently and at unexpected times, my education in social organization and technology issues provided much needed guidance for thinking beyond the constraints of current survey methods and the possibilities that new methods could provide.
An Update on Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Yu Hang , Kirkpatrick Iain D. C.
Published: May 2022

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is an uncommon yet highly lethal cause of acute abdomen in the emergency setting. Computed tomography (CT) imaging, in particular a biphasic protocol consisting of angiographic and venous phase scans, is widely used to corroborate non-specific clinical findings when suspicions of AMI are high. Techniques such as low kilovoltage peak scanning, dual energy acquisition, or a combined arterial/enteric phase can improve iodine conspicuity and evaluation of bowel enhancement. Biphasic CT with CT angiography is mandatory to directly assess for the 3 primary etiologies of AMI—arterial, venous, and non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), and the CT angiographic findings may be the first visible in the disease. In addition, numerous non-vascular CT findings have also been reported. Bowel wall thickening, mesenteric stranding, and ascites are common but non-specific findings that correlate poorly with disease severity. Pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas, while not pathognomonic for ischemia, are highly specific in cases of high clinical suspicion. Bowel wall hypoenhancement is an early and specific sign but requires a protocol optimizing iodine conspicuity to confidently identify. Finally, intraperitoneal free air and solid organ infarcts are also highly specific ancillary findings in AMI. AMI occurs as a complication in 10% of small bowel obstruction (SBO) patients, and understanding imaging findings of ischemia in the context of SBO is necessary to aid in treatment planning and reduce over- and under-diagnosis of strangulation. Familiarity with the imaging features of ischemia by radiologists is vital to establish an early diagnosis before irreversible necrosis occurs.
Galloylated proanthocyanidins in dentin matrix exhibit biocompatibility and induce differentiation in dental stem cells
Authors: Kulakowski Daniel , Phansalkar Rasika M , Leme-Kraus Ariene A , McAlpine James B , Chen Shao-Nong , Pauli Guido F , Ravindran Sriram , Bedran-Russo Ana K
Published: May 2022

Grape seed extract contains a complex mixture of proanthocyanidins (PACs), a class of plant biopolymers that can be used as a biomaterial to improve reparative and preventive dental therapies. Co-polymerization of PACs with type I collagen mechanically reinforces the dentin extracellular matrix. This study assessed the biocompatibility of PACs from grape seed extract on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a model simulating leaching through dentin to the pulp cavity. The aim was to determine the type of PACs (galloylated vs. non-galloylated) within grape seed extract that are most compatible with dental pulp tissue. Human demineralized dentin was treated with selectively-enriched dimeric PACs prepared from grape seed extract using liquid-liquid chromatography. DPSCs were cultured within a 2D matrix and exposed to PAC-treated dentin extracellular matrix. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTS assay and expression of odontoblastic genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Categorization of PACs leaching from dentin was performed using HPLC-MS. Enriched dimeric fractions containing galloylated PACs increased the expression of certain odontoblastic genes in DPSCs, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COLI). Galloylated dimeric PACs also exhibited minor effects on DPSC proliferation, resulting in a decrease compared to control after 5 days of treatment. The non-galloylated dimer fraction had no effect on these genes or on DPSC proliferation. Galloylated PACs are biocompatible with DPSCs and may even exert a beneficial effect on cells within dental pulp tissue. The observed increase in odontoblastic genes induced by galloylated PACs together with a decrease in DPSC proliferation is suggestive of a shift toward cell differentiation. This data supports the use of dimeric PACs as a safe biomaterial, with galloylated dimeric PACs exhibiting potential benefits to odontoblasts supporting dentin regeneration.
Work Harassment and Resource Loss Among (Ex)partner Stalking Victims
Authors: Logan TK , Showalter Katie
Published: May 2022

Prior research suggests that economic abuse and work sabotage are common tactics for abusers and (ex)partner stalkers. This study examines the context and timing (i.e., during the relationship or during separation) of work harassment among women stalked by abusive (ex)partners among victims who did ( n=271) and who did not ( n=302) experience work losses (significant problems at work or loss of work due to the abuse/stalking) and whether work losses and non-work related resource losses were associated with current mental health symptoms. Results showed that almost half of the women in the study reported they experienced work losses because of their abusive (ex)partner. Women with work losses experienced more work harassment particularly during periods of separation. Women who experienced work losses also experienced more work harassment, separation attempts, economic control, coercive control, physical and sexual abuse, higher fear levels, and a higher number of non-work related resource losses compared to women who did not report experiencing work losses. Women with work losses experienced more symptoms of current depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Further, in the multivariate analysis, non-work related resource losses were significantly and uniquely associated with current mental health symptoms. In conclusion, women being stalked by abusive (ex)partners are at significant risk of resource losses, and those losses have long term impacts on mental health suggesting that safety planning for stalking victims should include plans to protect resources as well as physical safety.
Intimate Partner Violence Training and Readiness to Respond among Students, Staff, and Faculty in Three Institutions in the United States
Authors: Fedina Lisa , Barr Erik , Ting Laura , Shah Roma , Chayhitz Mattison , Goodmark Leigh , Barth Richard P. , Njie-Carr Veronica P. S.
Published: May 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern; however, limited studies have explored perceptions and experiences towards IPV among students, staff, administrators, and faculty across diverse disciplines at institutions of higher education. The purposes of this study were to (1) assess experiences of IPV among a sample of students, staff/administrators, and faculty and (2) examine the relationship among attitudes, actual and perceived knowledge, awareness, training, readiness, and personal experiences with IPV in this sample. Participants were recruited from an urban university and two university-affiliated medical institutions to participate in an online survey. Bivariate and multivariate associations were assessed. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine direct and indirect effects of perceived and actual knowledge and personal experiences with IPV. Of the 216 respondents, 42.6% reported personally experiencing IPV and 34.3% reported having witnessed IPV. Over 34% of participants never received training on IPV. The sub-sample with training received between one and more than 15 hours of training. Standardized total effect of training on attitudes and awareness was β = 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30–0.51), the combined indirect effects was β = 0.18 (95% CI = 0.10–0.27) and the direct effects of β=0.23 (95% CI = 0.12–0.34), indicating that hours of training was highly associated with the participants’ perceived knowledge and actual knowledge, which improved their attitudes and awareness towards IPV survivors. Our findings suggest the need for campus-wide formal training on IPV to better prepare members in higher education to accurately identify, assess, and intervene to protect victims of abuse. Interprofessional approaches are needed that focus on the multiple and intersecting needs of victims of violence and should also enhance professional self-efficacy and increase readiness to respond to IPV survivors.
Understanding, Experience, and Response Strategies to Sexual Harassment Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Gu Xinyu , Ariyo Tolulope , Jiang Quanbao
Published: May 2022

Sexual harassment is a serious problem, and with a growing population of college students in China, the phenomenon is becoming prevalent. Using the 2010 data from the Third Survey on Chinese Women’s Social Status, we examined relationships between understanding of sexual harassment and experience/response among Chinese college students. The results show that college students understand physical sexual harassment better (88%; unwanted sexual requests: 92%) than verbal and visual sexual harassment (54% and 70%, respectively). Understanding is higher among females than males, with a margin between eight to 21%. At a prevalence of 30%, the experience of verbal sexual harassment is the highest compared to other forms of harassment. Males were more likely to experience verbal and visual sexual harassment, while females were more likely to experience physical sexual harassment. In any event of sexual harassment, expressing dissatisfaction and stopping it is the response strategy that most resonates with respondents. It varied between 62% and 70% across forms of sexual harassment. Reporting to teachers or school authorities resonates least, varying between 0.30% and 2.28%. Understanding sexual harassment was strongly associated with a reduced likelihood of harassment. The equivalent odds ratios varied between 0.41 and 0.33 ( p < .001), or 59–67% reduced likelihood across the forms of sexual harassment. Understanding sexual harassment was also strongly associated with an increased likelihood of not reacting passively or staying silent. Odds ratio varied between 1.99 and 3.86 ( p < .001), about a minimum of twofold increased likelihood. Parents should strive to involve in their children’s sex and sexual rights education, particularly during adolescence, to help them inculcate values against sexual harassment. Also, colleges and universities can bolster their curriculum with elective courses on sex education and regularly organize symposiums on sexual harassment to create a better understanding and awareness among students.