bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anger, Hostility, and the Barron Ego Strength Scale
Authors: Schill Thomas , Thomsen Daniel
Published: June 2021

69 men in introductory psychology took Barron's ego strength scale, Spielberger's trait anger scale, and the Buss-Durkee hostility inventory. Low ego strength was associated with getting angry easily ( r = -.32), responding to others in a hostile manner (Buss-Durkee motor factor r = -.30), and harboring hostile attitudes (Buss-Durkee attitude factor r = -.55). These data support the idea that the scale measures a broad capacity for personality integration, including the control of anger and hostility.
Use of the Harris and Lingoes Depression MMPI Subscales in Assessing Later Life
Authors: Harkey Lee Hyer, Blaze , Harrison William R.
Published: June 2021

A profile of later life depression was developed. One hundred later life psychiatric inpatients were administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. These subjects were divided into depressed and nondepressed groups based on two criteria, an MMPI–-D T score ≥ 70 and a Beck score of 17. These two groups were compared on the MMPI Harris and Lingoes and Serkownek subscales and the Wiggins subscales. On 26 subscales depressed group were significantly higher than the nondepressed group. All but three of these 26 subscales were considered conceptually related to one of the five Harris and Lingoes-Depression subscales. This provided a profile of later life depression. There were also six subscales on which the nondepressed group was higher than the depressed group. These were distinctly nondepressive symptoms.
ProReal®: The ‘good enough’ online alternative to face-to-face Dramatherapy
Authors: Quigley Claire Anne
Published: June 2021

The Covid-19 restrictions have limited the access of face-to face therapies for many people and continues to effect how Dramatherapists operate. The following article offers reflections around adapting to an on-line medium, focusing more specifically around the software of ProReal. Limitations and considerations are acknowledged, including technological difficulties, computer efficacy, ambiguity tolerance and the need for careful contracting and reassurance of autonomy and control when using on-line platforms. The article ends with a short selection of vignettes from ProReal sessions.
Patterns of stress and support in social support networks of in-home hospice cancer family caregivers
Authors: Guo Jia-Wen , Reblin Maija , Tay Djin L. , Ellington Lee , Beck Anna C. , Cloyes Kristin G.
Published: June 2021

Family caregivers of home hospice cancer patients often experience burden and distress, which can be mitigated by perceived social support. However, less attention has been paid to the non-family sources of support within social networks, or to how sources of support may also be sources of stress. We describe support and stress in social networks of hospice family caregivers and identify caregiving characteristics associated with classes identified in our data. We collected demographic and psychosocial self-report data from family caregivers providing in-home hospice care for advanced cancer patients (N = 90). Caregivers also reported perceived support and stress from specific family and non-family relationships. We identified three classes with unique patterns of stress and support within caregivers’ support networks using a latent class analysis. Classes include: (1) high support, low stress across family and non-family network members (“supportive”; 53% of caregivers); (2) high support, high stress across family and non-family network (“ambivalent maximizers”; 26%); and (3) high support, high stress across family network only (“family-focused ambivalent”; 21%). Caregivers in the ambivalent maximizer class reported more burden than caregivers in the supportive class ( p = .024). This is one of the first studies to systematically explore the role of non-family support, as well as how stress and support co-occur within relationships and across networks. As informal support networks of hospice family caregivers are complex and multifaceted, understanding the patterns of support and stress across various network members is essential to offer services to more effectively manage caregiver burden.
The effectiveness of a combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training in people with schizophrenia: A rater-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ercan Doğu Selma , Kayıhan Hülya , Kokurcan Ahmet , Örsel Sibel
Published: June 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the impact of a holistic combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training on occupational performance, social participation, and clinical symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

Method

60 people with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received standardized Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 10 sessions, while the other group received a combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 16 sessions.

Results

A greater increase was determined in the scores of COPM total performance/satisfaction and the Community Integration Questionnaire in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group. Furthermore, these achievements were sustained in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group compared to the Social Skills Training group at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

The clients received the combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training showed a better improvement compared to the Social Skills Training group in terms of occupational performance, social participation, and severity of clinical symptoms. The use of Occupational Therapy in a holistic approach in psychosocial rehabilitation of people with schizophrenia can increase their functionality and social participation. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects of Occupational Therapy in schizophrenia.
Low emission vehicle integration: Will National Grid electricity generation mix meet UK net zero?
Authors: Logan Kathryn G. , Nelson John D. , Hastings Astley
Published: June 2021

Assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced from electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles (HVs) requires understanding of the carbon intensity of electricity generation. Without the decarbonisation of electricity generation, environmental benefits of low emission vehicles (LEVs) will be diminished. The UK aims to produce net zero emissions by phasing out and banning the sale of new conventionally fuelled vehicles (CFVs) by 2035 in favour of LEVs. A comparison of the UK’s planned and future electricity production systems between 2020 and 2050 was conducted to analyse different vehicle-type mix scenarios: (1) 100% CFVs, (2 A/B) 100% EVs/HVs, (3 A/B) EVs/HVs integrated from 2035 and (4 A/B) EVs/HVs integrated from 2025 onward. This was conducted using four energy scenarios from the UK National Grid: two degrees, steady progression, consumer evolution and community renewables. This study does not consider the embedded carbon costs of the construction and decommissioning of vehicles. Results demonstrated that while the four electricity generation scenarios reduce the projected emissions they fail to achieve low emission targets. The two degree scenario produced the lowest level of emissions under each vehicle-type mix scenario. Technological improvements of CFVs are not enough to meet targets. Therefore, phasing out and banning the sale of new CFVs from 2025 (rather than 2035) would provide a stronger impetus to reduce transport emissions. Although these targets are possible, encouraging a change in transport modes from individual travel to public transport whilst simultaneously replacing buses and trains with electric or hydrogen alternatives would see a greater emission decrease.
“Why Don’t You Reach Out to Dad?”: Involving Fathers in Therapy
Authors: Thomas Alvin , Lee Jocelyn R. Smith , Muhammed Michael , Caldwell Cleopatra H.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

The literature indicates that engaging fathers in family therapy improves children’s mental health outcomes; however, clinicians are generally ill prepared for this challenge.

Method:

This qualitative study applies multiple case-study design to focus group data addressing social worker’s training experiences and attitudes toward involving fathers in therapy.

Results:

From an analysis of qualitative data from 14 social workers in training, three themes are discussed: (1) clinician exposure to nonresident fathers and their perceptions of the role of fathers in families, (2) barriers experienced in engaging fathers in the therapeutic process, and (3) training to work with nonresident fathers.

Discussion:

The themes are discussed with sample responses from representative participants and training areas. The findings suggest areas of focus for clinician training and practice such as modeling in session strategies, providing supervision and consultation, adjusting institutional policy, and offering additional course work and seminars that encourage and scaffold father engagement.
A Men’s Survey: Exploring Well-Being, Healthy Relationships and Violence Prevention
Authors: Lorenzetti Liza , Lantion Vic , Este David C. , Murwisi Percy , Halvorsen Jeff , Oshchepkova Tatiana , Sadhwani Hemlata , Oliphant Fanny , Wolfleg Adrian , Hoyt Michael
Published: June 2021

The participation of men is critical to preventing domestic violence, however, there is still little understanding of the capacities and supports that men need for well-being and healthy relationships. A men’s survey was designed to explore and identify the capacities and resources required by a diverse population of Canadian men. Data was collected on-line and through trained community-based research assistants. Over 2,000 men from 20 ethno-cultural groups responded, and multiple challenges and enablers were identified. Responses from Indigenous and African Canadian men highlight the need for an intersectional lens in understanding men’s well-being and violence prevention.
Development and Test of a Text-Messaging Follow-Up Program After Sexual Assault
Authors: Downing Nancy R. , Bogue Richard J. , Terrill Pamela , Tucker Sharon
Published: June 2021

Patients receiving medical forensic examinations following sexual assault often do not receive important follow-up care. To address this gap, we developed and tested a bidirectional text-messaging protocol, Text-SAFE (sexual assault forensic exams). Text-SAFE included automated text messages over 37 days, covering mental health, sexually transmitted infections, medications, and pregnancy. Patients could also send and receive messages. We evaluated feasibility for broader application by examining enrollment rates, patient responses and evaluations, protocol completion and reliability, and nurse compliance with the protocol. A total of 25 patients participated: 24/25 sent at least one text; 21/25 received all messages. Participants found Text-SAFE comfortable and helpful. We identified areas for improvement.
Resisting by re-existing in the workplace: A decolonial perspective through the Brazilian adage “For the English to See”
Authors: Irigaray Helio Arthur Reis , Celano Ana , Fontoura Yuna , Maher Rajiv
Published: June 2021

For almost 200 years, the expression “For the English to See” has been applied in Brazilian society as part of its colloquial language. We choose to examine the adage from a perspective of decolonial resistance. We seek to interrogate how an understanding of “For the English to See” can help us to better comprehend the ways resistance is shaped and manifest in contemporary Brazilian society. To do so, we conducted in-depth interviews with 76 Brazilian executives, drawing from a decolonial framework. We contribute to knowledge on resistance in Management and Organization Studies through introducing the concept of resistance by re-existing, which is located “in between spaces” of the colonized and colonizers worlds. We reveal several subjectivation strategies of re-existing as resistance, through the lens of the “For the English to See” expression, which range on a spectrum of embodiment and concealing of coloniality. Our study advances decolonial studies through its use of hybridity and borderization concepts that aid our understanding of organizing resistance in postcolonial settings such as Brazil.
Accountable to whom? How strong parties subvert local democratic institutions
Authors: Auerbach Kiran Rose
Published: June 2021

How do politicians in emerging democracies subvert institutional reforms that are designed to improve accountability? Looking at patron-client relations within political parties, I present a strategy, partisan accountability, by which strong parties undermine accountability to citizens. At the national level, parties build patronage networks. Central party organizations use their power and resources to build political machines that extend to the local level. Leveraging these patronage networks, national politicians co-opt local politicians into being accountable to central party interests over their own constituents. I employ original subnational data from Bosnia and Herzegovina on party organization and mayoral recalls from 2005 to 2015. The analysis shows that strong parties initiate recalls to install loyal, co-partisan mayors rather than to sanction mayors for poor policy performance. This pattern demonstrates a strategy by which central party organizations in competitive democracies stifle subnational democratization to consolidate power.
“An automatic Bible in the brain”: Trauma and prayer among Acholi Pentecostals in northern Uganda
Authors: Williams Lars H.
Published: June 2021

This article examines the role of prayers for traumatized survivors of war within a Pentecostal-charismatic community in post-conflict northern Uganda. It argues that becoming part of a church group and learning certain regimes of prayer can work toward symptom relief and recovery for people suffering from traumatic experiences. The study builds on 13 months of ethnographic fieldwork in rural northern Uganda, with extensive participant observation of religious practices and interviews with rural church congregants. The article attempts to show, through a single case narrative, how individual prayer practices are trained and learned and to identify features of prayer that may alter the individual experience of distress. Analytically, the article builds on Tanya Luhrmann’s scholarship on prayer and applies this conceptual framework to a post-conflict context. The study expands on Luhrmann’s concepts of prayer as an emotional technology in order to understand how psychiatric symptoms are managed within a Pentecostal-charismatic community. The article further argues that a conceptual focus on training of skills can contribute to debates on the universal versus particular characteristics of psychiatric expression and concepts of mind. This argument contributes to current debates on non-clinical ways of managing traumatic experiences and to debates about models of mind in different cultural settings.
Impact resistance of short carbon fibre-carbon nanotube-polymer matrix hybrid composites: A stochastic multiscale approach
Authors: Ansari Reza , Ahmadi Masoud , Rouhi Saeed
Published: June 2021

A multiscale approach is used here to investigate the impact properties of carbon fibre/carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer. For this purpose, the mechanical properties of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are obtained by molecular dynamics simulations. Then, they are included in the polyethene matrix, and the mechanical properties of CNT-reinforced polyethene are computed using a stochastic approach. Considering the CNT-reinforced polyethene as the matrix, the effect of adding the carbon fibres on its mechanical properties is investigated in the next step. Finally, utilizing a stochastic method, the macro-scale mechanical properties of carbon fibre/carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer are computed. Thereafter, the impact test is applied on the models. The finite element method is used to investigate the mechanical and impact properties of representative volume elements. The effects of waviness, volume percentage and aspect ratio of the carbon fibre and CNT on the mechanical properties of the multiscale composite are evaluated. It is shown that reinforcing the polyethene matrix by carbon fibres and CNTs significantly increases its impact resistance. Adding 3% and 5% volume percentages of CNT into 3%-carbon fibre/polyethene and 5%-carbon fibre/polyethene respectively, resulted in 26% and 47% improvement in the impact resistance of the composite.
An equitable approach to enhancing the privacy of consumer information on My Health Record in Australia
Authors: Hollo Zachary , Martin Dominique E
Published: June 2021

Australia’s national electronic health record (EHR), My Health Record (MHR), raises concerns about information privacy and the presumption of consent to participation. In contrast to the “opt-out” framework for participation, consumers must “opt-in” to obtain additional privacy features to protect their health information on MHR. We review ethical considerations relating to opt-in and opt-out frameworks in the context of EHRs, discussing potential reasons why consent for additional safeguards is not currently presumed. Exploring the implications of recent amendments to strengthen consumer privacy, we present recommendations to promote equity in health information security for all Australians using MHR.
The first life skills intervention to enhance well-being amongst university students in the Arab world: ‘Khotwa’ pilot study
Authors: Maddah Diana , Saab Youssra , Safadi Hani , Abi Farraj Nermine , Hassan Zeinab , Turner Sophia , Echeverri Lina , Alami Nael H , Kababian-Khasholian Tamar , Salameh Pascale
Published: June 2021

Although Life Skills programs showed to improve the psychological and physical wellbeing of individuals, little attention has been paid, worldwide and in the Arab countries in specific to implementing life skills intervention for university students. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of a life skills based health promotion intervention KHOTWA (STEP) in enhancing the wellbeing of university students in Lebanon, a country that faces economic and political instability. This is a quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-test, intervention-control design. Each group was formed of 78 participants studying in a private university in Lebanon. Mixed design was used to address the process and outcomes objectives of the intervention. The program was carried online due to COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed between the intervention and the control groups for life skills, dietary habits and mental health scores at the 3-month follow-up. For the intervention group, a significant increase was observed in the mean score of each of the following Life Skills subscales: self-care ( p = 0.001), work and study ( p = 0.013), career and education planning ( p = 0.011) and looking forward/goal settings ( p < 0.001). Students also achieved a healthier eating habit compared to those in the control group by decreasing their consumption of processed food. There was no significant effect in terms of body mass index ( p = 0.827). Also, there was a significant change in the mental health status ( p = 0.012) only in the intervention group as its mean score decreased after 3 months of the intervention implementation. This intervention enhances the mental health and promotes healthy habits leading consequently to a better quality of life and more productivity amongst university students. Therefore, such interventions should be replicated in other similar context to improve university students’ well-being.
Perceived Loneliness and Severe Sleep Disorders in Adult Women during the Covid-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia
Authors: Monterrosa-Castro Álvaro , Monterrosa-Blanco Angélica , González-Sequeda Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background:

Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances.

Objectives:

To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed.

Results:

1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness.

Conclusions:

SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.
Public Finance in Pandemic Times
Authors: Rao M. Govind
Published: June 2021

Never before in living memory has economic destruction been so severe as it has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has struck at a time when the economy has already been slowing due to structural problems. Therefore, hastening the recovery process and accelerating the pace of economic growth requires the government not only to provide substantial stimulus but also to implement structural reforms. The stimulus provided so far has been mainly by the RBI on the supply side in terms of reducing interest rate, augmenting augment liquidity, restructuring loans to stressed sectors, moratorium on repayment of loans to severely impacted businesses and regulatory forbearance. The fiscal stimulus on the demand side has not been significant and amounted to just about 1.5 percent to 2 percent of GDP. The sharp contraction of the economy by 15.7 percent in the first half has substantially eroded revenue collections requiring both central and state governments to sharply reduce both government consumption and investment expenditures. Faster recovery in the second half of the year will crucially depend upon heavy lifting by the governments which requires them to increase consumption expenditures, transfers as well as capital expenditure by scaling up borrowing as well as monetizing the assets. The aggregate fiscal deficit as well as outstanding debt are likely to show a sharp increase which will raise questions of sustainability. The government has initiated a number of reforms, particularly to infuse flexibility to land and labour markets, reform regulatory systems in education and healthcare, and has made additional borrowing to the states conditional on undertaking power sector reforms, property tax reforms and improving the ease of doing business. However, implementation of these reforms holds the key. There is a need to urgently address problems of the financial sector. Reforms in sectors such as police and judiciary too are overdue to protect the life and property of people and enforce contracts.
Transcriptomic landscape of circulating mononuclear phagocytes in Langerhans cell histiocytosis at the single-cell level
Authors: Shi Hui , He Han , Cui Lei , Kvedaraite Egle , Bian Zhilei , Huang Tao , Lee Christopher Z. W. , Li Zhigang , He Jian , Gong Yandong , Li Zongcheng , Zhou Jie , Zeng Yang , Li Xianlong , Ni Yanli , Bai Zhijie , Liu Chen , Li Na , Ma Honghao , Wang Dong , Lan Yu , Ginhoux Florent , Zhang Rui , Liu Bing
Published: June 2021

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory myeloid neoplasm caused by aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Circulating myeloid cells from patients often carry disease-associated mutations and can be differentiated into langerinhigh LCH-like cells in vitro, but their detailed immune-phenotypic and molecular profiles are lacking and could shed key insights into disease biology. Here we recruited 217 pediatric LCH patients and took blood and tissue samples for BRAFV600E analysis. Immune-phenotyping of the circulating Lin−HLA-DR+ immune population in 49 of these patients revealed that decreased frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells was significantly linked to disease severity. By single-cell RNA sequencing of samples from 14 patients, we identified key changes in expression of RAS-MAPK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling-related genes and transcription factors in distinct members of the mononuclear phagocyte system in the presence of BRAFV600E. Moreover, treatment of patients with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib resulted in MAPK cascade inhibition, inflammation prevention, and regulation of cellular metabolism within mononuclear phagocytes. Finally, we also observed elevated expression of RAS-MAPK-ERK signaling-related genes in a CD207+CD1a+ cell subcluster in skin. Taken together, our data extend the molecular understanding of LCH biology at single-cell resolution, which might contribute to improvement of clinical diagnostics and therapeutics, and aid in the development of personalized medicine approaches.
Transforming acidic coiled-coil protein-3: a novel marker for differential diagnosis and prognosis prediction in endocervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wen Yan-Lin , Yan Shu-Mei , Wei Wei , Yang Xia , Zhang Shi-Wen , Yun Jing-Ping , Liu Li-Li , Luo Rong-Zhen
Published: June 2021

Background

Endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) is further classified as human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated (HPVA) or non-HPVA (NHPVA), per the International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification (IECC). HPVA is a glandular tumor with stromal invasion and/or exophytic expansile-type invasion, associated with the typical molecular characteristics of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection. Transforming acidic coiled-coil protein-3 (TACC3),an oncogene that is frequently abnormally expressed,represents a vital biomarker for multiple human malignancies. This study aimed to examine the role of TACC3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of ECA.

Methods

We analyzed 264 patients with ECA who underwent surgical resection, classifying their tumors into HPVA and NHPVA subtypes. The expression levels of TACC3, P16, MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6 and Ki-67 in tumors were evaluated by tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry (IHC). HPV subtypes were identified in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ECA tissues by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

ECA samples showed increased TACC3 expression relative to adjacent non-carcinoma samples. TACC3 expression was higher in HPVA than in NHPA. In the HPVA subtype, high TACC3 expression was significantly correlated with P16-positive, Ki-67-high expression. Furthermore, TACC3 levels were significantly related to tumor histological type (P = 0.006), nerve invasion (P = 0.003), differentiation (P = 0.004), surgical margin (P = 0.012), parametrium invasion (P = 0.040), P16 expression (P < 0.001), and Ki-67 (P = 0.004). Additionally, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that TACC3 upregulation was associated with poor overall survival (OS, P = 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS, P < 0.001), and recurrence survival (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that elevated TACC3 expression served as a marker to independently predict ECA prognosis. ROC curve analyses indicated that TACC3, P16, and HPV subtypes showed similar utility for distinguishing HPVA from NHPVA, with areas under the ROC curves of 0.640, 0.649, and 0.675, respectively. The combination of TACC3 and HPV subtypes improved the diagnostic performance of ECA compared with TACC3, P16, and HPV subtypes alone.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings identify that TACC3 is a promising complementary biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis for patients with ECA.
Acceleration-Dependent Analysis of Vertical Ball Screw Feed System without Counterweight
Authors: Zou Cunfan , Zhang Huijie , Zhang Jun , Song Dongdong , Liu Hui , Zhao Wanhua
Published: June 2021

The distinguishing feature of a vertical ball screw feed system without counterweight is that the spindle system weight directly acts on the kinematic joints. Research into the dynamic characteristics under acceleration and deceleration is an important step in improving the structural performance of vertical milling machines. The magnitude and direction of the inertial force change significantly when the spindle system accelerates and decelerates. Therefore, the kinematic joint contact stiffness changes under the action of the inertial force and the spindle system weight. Thus, the system transmission stiffness also varies and affects the dynamics. In this study, a variable-coefficient lumped parameter dynamic model that considers the changes in the spindle system weight and the magnitude and direction of the inertial force is established for a ball screw feed system without counterweight. In addition, a calculation method for the system stiffness is provided. Experiments on a vertical ball screw feed system under acceleration and deceleration with different accelerations are also performed to verify the proposed dynamic model. Finally, the influence of the spindle system position, the rated dynamic load of the screw-nut joint, and the screw tension force on the natural frequency of the vertical ball screw feed system under acceleration and deceleration are studied. The results show that the vertical ball screw feed system has obviously different variable dynamics under acceleration and deceleration. The influence of the rated dynamic load and the spindle system position on the natural frequency under acceleration and deceleration is much greater than that of the screw tension force.
Chemogenetic activation of endogenous arginine vasopressin exerts anorexigenic effects via central nesfatin-1/NucB2 pathway
Authors: Sanada Kenya , Yoshimura Mitsuhiro , Ikeda Naofumi , Baba Kazuhiko , Nishimura Haruki , Nishimura Kazuaki , Nonaka Yuki , Maruyama Takashi , Miyamoto Tetsu , Mori Masatomo , Conway-Campbell Becky , Lightman Stafford , Kataoka Masaharu , Ueta Yoichi
Published: June 2021

We examined whether the chemogenetic activation of endogenous arginine vasopressin (AVP) affects central nesfatin-1/NucB2 neurons, using a transgenic rat line that was previously generated. Saline (1 mL/kg) or clozapine-N-oxide (CNO, 1 mg/mL/kg), an agonist for hM3Dq, was subcutaneously administered in adult male AVP-hM3Dq-mCherry transgenic rats (300–370 g). Food and water intake were significantly suppressed after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of CNO, with aberrant circadian rhythmicity. The percentages of Fos expression in nesfatin-1/NucB2-immunoreactive neurons were significantly increased in the hypothalamus and brainstem at 120 min after s.c. injection of CNO. Suppressed food intake that was induced by chemogenetic activation of endogenous AVP was ablated after intracerebroventricularly administered nesfatin-1/NucB2-neutralizing antibody in comparison with vehicle, without any alteration of water intake nor circadian rhythmicity. These results suggest that chemogenetic activation of endogenous AVP affects, at least in part, central nesfatin-1/NucB2 neurons and may exert anorexigenic effects in the transgenic rats.
Machine learning-based prediction of survival prognosis in cervical cancer
Authors: Ding Dongyan , Lang Tingyuan , Zou Dongling , Tan Jiawei , Chen Jia , Zhou Lei , Wang Dong , Li Rong , Li Yunzhe , Liu Jingshu , Ma Cui , Zhou Qi
Published: June 2021

Background

Accurately forecasting the prognosis could improve cervical cancer management, however, the currently used clinical features are difficult to provide enough information. The aim of this study is to improve forecasting capability by developing a miRNAs-based machine learning survival prediction model.

Results

The expression characteristics of miRNAs were chosen as features for model development. The cervical cancer miRNA expression data was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Preprocessing, including unquantified data removal, missing value imputation, samples normalization, log transformation, and feature scaling, was performed. In total, 42 survival-related miRNAs were identified by Cox Proportional-Hazards analysis. The patients were optimally clustered into four groups with three different 5-years survival outcome (≥ 90%, ≈ 65%, ≤ 40%) by K-means clustering algorithm base on top 10 survival-related miRNAs. According to the K-means clustering result, a prediction model with high performance was established. The pathways analysis indicated that the miRNAs used play roles involved in the regulation of cancer stem cells.

Conclusion

A miRNAs-based machine learning cervical cancer survival prediction model was developed that robustly stratifies cervical cancer patients into high survival rate (5-years survival rate ≥ 90%), moderate survival rate (5-years survival rate ≈ 65%), and low survival rate (5-years survival rate ≤ 40%).
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in Chinese Chenghua and Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Wang Kai , Wu Pingxian , Wang Shujie , Ji Xiang , Chen Dong , Jiang Anan , Xiao Weihang , Gu Yiren , Jiang Yanzhi , Zeng Yangshuang , Xu Xu , Li Xuewei , Tang Guoqing
Published: June 2021

Background

The Chinese Chenghua pig (CHP) is a typical Chinese domestic fatty pig breed with superior meat quality characteristics, while the Yorkshire pig (YP) has the characteristics of fast growth and a high rate of lean meat. Long term natural selection and artificial selection resulted in great phenotypic differences between the two breeds, including growth, development, production performance, meat quality, and coat color. However, genome-wide DNA methylation differences between CHP and YP remain unclear.

Results

DNA methylation data were generated for muscle tissues of CHP and YP using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). In this study, a total of 2,416,211 CpG sites were identified. Besides, the genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed 722 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 466 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in pairwise CHP vs. YP comparison. Six key genomic regions (Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC)1:253.47–274.23 Mb, SSC6:148.71–169.49 Mb, SSC7:0.25–9.86 Mb, SSC12:43.06–61.49 Mb, SSC14:126.43–140.95 Mb, and SSC18:49.17–54.54 Mb) containing multiple DMRs were identified, and differences of methylation patterns in these regions may be related to phenotypic differences between CHP and YP. Based on the functional analysis of DMGs, 8 DMGs (ADCY1, AGBL4, EXOC2, FUBP3, PAPPA2, PIK3R1, MGMT and MYH8) were considered as important candidate genes associated with muscle development and meat quality traits in pigs.

Conclusions

This study explored the difference in meat quality between CHP and YP from the epigenetic point of view, which has important reference significance for the local pork industry and pork food processing.
Transcriptomics of type 2 diabetic and healthy human neutrophils
Authors: Kleinstein Sarah E. , McCorrison Jamison , Ahmed Alaa , Hasturk Hatice , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Freire Marcelo
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Chronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are heterogeneous and often co-morbid, with increasing global prevalence. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) can result in severe inflammatory complications. As neutrophils are essential to normal and aberrant inflammation, we conducted RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses to investigate the association between neutrophil gene expression and T2D phenotype. As specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) act to resolve inflammation, we further surveyed the impact of neutrophil receptor binding SPM resolvin E1 (RvE1) on isolated diabetic and healthy neutrophils.

Methods

Cell isolation and RNA-seq analysis of neutrophils from N = 11 T2D and N = 7 healthy individuals with available clinical data was conducted. Additionally, cultured neutrophils (N = 3 T2D, N = 3 healthy) were perturbed with increasing RvE1 doses (0 nM, 1 nM, 10 nM, or 100 nM) prior to RNA-seq. Data was evaluated through a bioinformatics pipeline including pathway analysis and post hoc false discovery rate (FDR)-correction.

Results

We observed significant differential expression of 50 genes between T2D and healthy neutrophils (p < 0.05), including decreased T2D gene expression in inflammatory- and lipid-related genes SLC9A4, NECTIN2, and PLPP3 (p < 0.003). RvE1 treatment induced dose-dependent differential gene expression (uncorrected p < 0.05) across groups, including 59 healthy and 216 T2D neutrophil genes. Comparing T2D to healthy neutrophils, 1097 genes were differentially expressed across RvE1 doses, including two significant genes, LILRB5 and AKR1C1, involved in inflammation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The neutrophil transcriptomic database revealed novel chronic inflammatory- and lipid-related genes that were differentially expressed between T2D cells when compared to controls, and cells responded to RvE1 dose-dependently by gene expression changes. Unraveling the mechanisms regulating abnormalities in diabetic neutrophil responses could lead to better diagnostics and therapeutics targeting inflammation and inflammation resolution.
NtbHLH1, a JAF13-like bHLH, interacts with NtMYB6 to enhance proanthocyanidin accumulation in Chinese Narcissus
Authors: Fan Yuxin , Peng Jiayu , Wu Jiacheng , Zhou Ping , He Ruijie , Allan Andrew C. , Zeng Lihui
Published: June 2021

Background

Flavonoid biosynthesis in plants is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level by transcription factors modulating the expression of genes encoding enzymes in the flavonoid pathway. One of the most studied transcription factor complexes involved in this regulation consists of a MYB, bHLH and WD40. However, in Chinese Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L. var. chinensis), a popular monocot bulb flower, the regulatory mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis remains unclear.

Results

In this work, genes related to the regulatory complex, NtbHLH1 and a R2R3-MYB NtMYB6, were cloned from Chinese Narcissus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that NtbHLH1 belongs to the JAF13 clade of bHLH IIIf subgroup, while NtMYB6 was highly homologous to positive regulators of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Both NtbHLH1 and NtMYB6 have highest expression levels in basal plates of Narcissus, where there is an accumulation of proanthocyanidin. Ectopic over expression of NtbHLH1 in tobacco resulted in an increase in anthocyanin accumulation in flowers, and an up-regulation of expression of the endogenous tobacco bHLH AN1 and flavonoid biosynthesis genes. In contrast, the expression level of LAR gene was significantly increased in NtMYB6-transgenic tobacco. Dual luciferase assays showed that co-infiltration of NtbHLH1 and NtMYB6 significantly activated the promoter of Chinese Narcissus DFR gene. Furthermore, a yeast two-hybrid assay confirmed that NtbHLH1 interacts with NtMYB6.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that NtbHLH1 may function as a regulatory partner by interacting directly with NtMYB6 to enhance proanthocyanidin accumulation in Chinese Narcissus.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the pericardium: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Jing , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Xiaobo , Xiao Yueyong
Published: June 2021

Background

The primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are a family of highly malignant tumors with a multidirectional differential potential. The tumors are characterized by aggressive small round tumor cells that originate from the spinal cord of the central and sympathetic nervous systems. Cases involving the pericardium are extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) that originated in the pericardium.

Case presentation

A 23-year-old woman presented with cough and progressive dyspnea for 1 month, followed by eyelid and facial edema for 10 days, without any apparent cause. Significantly elevated tumor markers were detected in her blood. A cardiac ultrasound revealed a 74 mm × 61 mm spherical mass that was attached to the left pericardium, as well as massive pericardial effusion. Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) showed focal hypermetabolism in the left pericardium. Via histopathology and immunohistochemistry, the spherical mass was identified as PNETS. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgical resection via thoracotomy and postoperative chemotherapy, and she was disease-free for 7 years at follow-up. Unfortunately, at 7 years after the treatment, the patient’s pPNET recurred. Positron emission tomography-MRI (PET-MRI) and 64-slice coronary CTA revealed that the aorta and multiple coronary arteries were involved. Subsequently, the patient refused a heart transplant and voluntarily left the hospital.

Conclusions

This paper reports on a rare and recurrent case of PNET in the parietal pericardium. With respect to the different biologic characteristics and prognoses of pPNETs (compared to other known pericardium tumors), it is essential to consider this entity as a differential diagnosis in pericardium tumors.
Sleep duration and incident frailty: The Rural Frailty Study
Authors: Moreno-Tamayo Karla , Manrique-Espinoza Betty , Morales-Carmona Evangelina , Salinas-Rodríguez Aarón
Published: June 2021

Background

The association between sleep duration and frailty remains unconclusive since most of the studies have been cross-sectional. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between sleep duration, sleep complaints, and incident frailty.

Methods

A community-based cohort study from rural areas in Mexico with 309 older adults aged 70 and over. Data from waves two and three of the Rural Frailty Study were used. We operationalized the Fried frailty phenotype to describe prevalent and incident frailty at two consecutive waves. Sleep duration was classified as: ≤ 5 h, 6 h, 7–8 h, and ≥ 9 h; and the self-reported sleep complaints as a dichotomous variable. Analyses were performed using Poison regression models.

Results

The average age was 76.2 years and 55.3% were women; the incidence of frailty was 30.4%; 13.3% slept ≤5 h, and 38.5% ≥ 9 h. Compared with the group that slept 7–8 h, the risk of frailty at 4.4 years of follow-up was significantly higher among those who slept ≤5 h (adjusted RR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04–3.11) and among those who slept ≥9 h (adjusted RR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10–2.58). Sleep complaints were not associated with incident frailty (adjusted RR 1.41, 95% CI: 0.94–2.12).

Conclusions

Our results show that short and long sleep duration are associated with the incidence of frailty. Studies that objectively evaluate sleep duration are needed to clarify whether meeting the recommended hours of sleep decreases frailty incidence.
The association between preoperative modified frailty index and postoperative complications in Chinese elderly patients with hip fractures
Authors: Shen Yanjiao , Hao Qiukui , Wang Yuting , Chen Xiaoyan , Jiang Jiaojiao , Dong Birong , Guyatt Gordon
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To investigate the role of a preoperative modified frailty index (mFI) based on data from medical records in predicting postoperative complications among older Chinese patients with hip fractures.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive older patients with hip fracture admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from December 2010 to June 2017 who underwent surgical repair. We selected 33 variables, including characteristics of hip fracture, to construct a mFI. Each variable was coded with a value of 0 when a deficit was absent or 1 when it was present. We calculated the mFI as the proportion of positive items and defined frailty as mFI value greater than or equal to 0.21 according to threshold proposed by Hoover et al. We examined the relationship between mFI and severity of postoperative complications and the occurrence of in-hospital pneumonia including statistical adjustment for several demographics (e.g. age, gender, and marital status) and habits (smoking and alcohol intake), time from fracture to surgery in the multivariable model.

Results

We included 965 patients (34% male; mean age: 76.77 years; range: 60 to 100 years) with a prevalence of frailty of 13.06%. The presence of frailty was associated with a higher severity of complications (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.05). Frail patients were more likely to develop in-hospital pneumonia than non-frail patients (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.28 to 3.39).

Conclusion

The preoperative modified frailty index based on data from medical records proved significantly associated with postoperative complications among older patients with hip fractures undergoing hip surgery.
Time trends in hospital discharges in patients aged 85 years and older in Spain: data from the Spanish National Discharge Database (2000–2015)
Authors: Palacios-Fernandez Sergio , Salcedo Mario , Gonzalez-Alcaide Gregorio , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: June 2021

Background

The aging population is an increasing concern in Western hospital systems. The aim of this study was to describe the main characteristics and hospitalization patterns in inpatients aged 85 years or more in Spain from 2000 to 2015.

Methods

Retrospective observational study analyzing data from the minimum basic data set, an administrative registry recording each hospital discharge in Spain since 1997. We collected administrative, economic and clinical data for all discharges between 2000 and 2015 in patients aged 85 years and older, reporting results in three age groups and four time periods to assess differences and compare trends.

Results

There were 4,387,326 discharges in very elderly patients in Spain from 2000 to 2015, representing 5.32% of total discharges in 2000–2003 and 10.42% in 2012–2015. The pace of growth was faster in older age groups, with an annual percentage increase of 6% in patients aged 85–89 years, 7.79% in those aged 90–94 years, and 8.06% in those aged 95 and older. The proportion of men also rose (37.30 to 39.70%, p < 0.001).

The proportion of patients that died during hospital admission decreased from 14.64% in 2000–2003 to 13.83% in 2012–2015 (p < 0.001), and mean length of stay from 9.98 days in 2000–2003 to 8.34 days in 2012–2015.

Some of the most frequent primary diagnoses became even more frequent relative to the total number of primary diagnoses, such as heart failure (7.84 to 10.62%), pneumonia (6.36 to 7.36%), other respiratory diseases (3.87 to 8.49%) or other alterations of urinary tract (3.08 to 5.20%). However, there was a relative decrease in the proportion of femoral neck fractures (8.07 to 6.77%), neoplasms (7.65 to 7.34%), ischemic encephalopathy (6.97 to 5.85%), COPD (4.23 to 3.15%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (4.20 to 8.49%) and cholelithiasis (3.07 to 3.28%).

Conclusions

Discharges in the very elderly population are increasing in both relative and absolute terms in Spanish hospitals. Within this group, discharged patients are getting older and more frequently male. The mean length of stay and the proportion of patients that died during hospital admission are decreasing. Acute-on-chronic organ diseases, neoplasms, acute cardiovascular diseases, and infections are the most common causes of discharge.