bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid fibrous (PVDF-BaTiO3)/ PA-11 piezoelectric patch as an energy harvester for pacemakers
Authors: Kabir Hannaneh , Kamali Dehghan Hadiseh , Mashayekhan Shohreh , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Sorayani Bafqi Mohammad Sajad
Published: January 2022

Lithium batteries have been widely used to power up implantable medical devices such as pacemakers that are often designed to treat, diagnose, and prevent different diseases. However, due to their limited capacity and lifetime, patients have to undergo a surgical procedure to replace the discharged battery. Recently, nanogenerators have been emerged and are broadly accepted since they can convert tiny biomechanical forces, such as heartbeats, into electrical energy. This study aims to manufacture a biocompatible and high-performance piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) that is capable to be charged by the energy received from the heartbeat and store the generated voltage. In this research, a hybrid structure of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) coupling with polyamide-11 (PA-11) was fabricated using dual electrospinning to enhance the piezoelectric properties of the intended PEH. The piezoelectric test results show an acceptable increase in nanofibers’ piezoelectric sensitivity from 62.87 mV/N to 75.75 mV/N by adding 25% (v/v) of PA-11 to PVDF, indicating the synergistic effect of PVDF and PA-11. The specimen PVDF (75% v/v)-PA-11 (25% v/v) also showed the highest mechanical strength and consequently is suggested as the optimum sample. To further enhance the efficacy and sensitivity of PEH to convert the small mechanical forces into an acceptable voltage, 15% (w/w) of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles were added to the hybrid structure. The crystallinity and mechanical strength were noticeably increased by incorporating BaTiO3 nanoparticles into the fibrous structure, leading to a piezoelectric sensitivity of 107.52 mV/N. This result lays the groundwork for producing an effective piezoelectric patch that could be used as pacemaker batteries.
Multilayer nonwoven lining materials made of wool and cotton for clothing and footwear
Authors: Rafikov Adham , Mirzayev Nodir , Alimkhanova Sevara
Published: January 2022

Five types of multilayer nonwovens for clothing and footwear parts were obtained by the adhesive bonding method. The thickest middle layer of the material consists of evenly laid coarse camel or sheep fibers or of reconstituted cotton fibers from flaps, the upper and lower layers consist of knitwear, and polymer adhesive is located between the layers. The layers are bonded by thermal pressing at a temperature of 150 ± 5°C for 2.0 ± 0.2 min. The microstructure and morphology of fibers, polymer adhesive, and multilayer nonwoven fabric were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, and X-ray phase analysis. The chemical interaction between wool fibers and polymer adhesive, the geometric dimensions and shape of the fibers, the structure and morphology of the cross section of the layers of the material, and the change in the degree of crystallinity of the material have been established. The investigated coarse and thick fibers of camel and sheep wool are more suitable for the production of nonwoven textile material. In the process of thermal exposure, the molten polymer diffuses into the structure of the nonwoven layer and knitted fabric. The diffusion and excellent adhesion of the molten polymer to the fibers ensures the solidity and strength of the composite. The developed design provides high strength of the material as a whole and adhesive strength between layers, high heat-retaining properties, and the use of a mesh adhesive film provides sufficient air and vapor permeability.
Perceived Stress in Older Dementia Caregivers: Mediation by Loneliness and Depression
Authors: Peavy Guerry , Mayo Ann M. , Avalos Cynthia , Rodriguez Amanda , Shifflett Benjamin , Edland Steven D.
Published: January 2022

Coupled with aging, chronic stress experienced by dementia caregivers often leads to deteriorating health. Comparing caregivers and non-caregivers, we tested whether depression and loneliness mediate the relationship between caregiver status and a measure of chronic stress, the Perceived Stress Scale. Seventy-six cognitively normal older adults (mean age 72.7) were identified as caregivers or non-caregivers based on the functional independence of a paired family member. Caregivers reported more perceived stress, depression, and loneliness than non-caregivers. Using multiple mediation analyses, we found that loneliness and depression mediated the relationship of caregiver status with perceived stress. The loneliness effect on perceived stress was both direct and via its relationship with depressive symptoms. The findings suggest loneliness as a likely point of intervention to reduce caregiver stress. Initiatives to enable caregivers to maintain or develop social relationships apart from caregiver responsibilities may mitigate stress and its negative impact on mental and physical health.
Properly calculating estat phtest in the presence of stratified hazards
Authors: Metzger Shawna K. , Jones Benjamin T.
Published: January 2022

The Schoenfeld residual-based test for proportional-hazards violations in the Cox duration model is predicated on a key assumption pertaining to homoskedasticity in the residuals. This assumption is likely to be violated in the presence of stratified hazards, which is noted in estat phtest’s help file. We provide a wrapper command, stratph, that implements a straightforward modification to the residual-based diagnostic that corrects for the potential assumption violation. We use the stratified hazards example from the stcox help file to demonstrate the stratph command’s workings.
Speaking Stata: Loops in parallel
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: January 2022

This column is a tutorial discussing looping in parallel using foreach and forvalues. Such looping may use not only local macros defined for the purpose but also other devices, including the gettoken command and ways to increment and decrement other macros and to evaluate other expressions.

The main idea is that a set of loops in parallel is essentially one loop with two or more sets of parallel actions. Examples cover looping over integers with a required specific display format, generating new variables and defining variable labels at the same time, binning variables as desired, and putting skewness results in new variables. The last example includes some historical comments on the tangled literature on skewness measures using medians and quantiles.
Curcumin improves atherosclerosis by inhibiting the epigenetic repression of lncRNA MIAT to miR-124
Authors: Ouyang Shang , Zhang Ou , Xiang Hua , Yao Yuan-Hui , Fang Zhi-Yong
Published: January 2022

Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a dominant cardiovascular disease. Curcumin has protective effect on atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms remain to be explored.

Methods: Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding mice with high-fat diet (HFD) and ox-low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were structured. Oil Red O staining was used to evaluate the plaques in the artery. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the level of myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT), miR-124, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). We performed western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to examine the expression of EZH2 and cytokines including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were used to validate the interaction between myocardial infarction associated transcript and EZH2. Flow cytometry and CCK-8 assay were used to examine cell apoptosis and proliferation, respectively.

Results: Curcumin suppressed inflammation in atherosclerosis mouse model and ox-LDL-induced cell model. MIAT overexpression and miR-124 inhibition relieved the anti-inflammation effect of curcumin in ox-LDL-induced cell. MIAT regulated miR-124 by interacting with EZH2. Curcumin relieved ox-LDL-induced cell inflammation via regulating MIAT/miR-124 pathway. Conclusion: MIAT/miR-124 axis mediated the effect of curcumin on atherosclerosis and altered cell apoptosis and proliferation, both in vivo and in vitro. These data further support the application of curcumin in control of atherosclerosis advancement.
Musical life stories: Coherence through musicking in the prison setting
Authors: Hjørnevik Kjetil , Waage Leif , Hansen Anita Lill
Published: January 2022

Despite the strong relationships evidenced between music and identity little research exists into the significance of music in prisoners’ shifting sense of identity. This article explores musicking as part of the ongoing identity work of prisoners in light of theory on musical performance, narrative and desistance and discusses implications for penal practice and research. Through the presentation of an ethnographic study of music therapy in a low security Norwegian prison we show how participation in music activities afforded congruence between the past, the present and the projected future for participants by way of their unfolding musical life stories. Complementing existing conceptualisations of music as an agent for change, our study suggests that musicking afforded the maintenance of a coherent sense of self for participating prison inmates, whilst offering opportunities for noncoercive personal development. We argue that research into musicking in prison offers fruitful ways of tracing how the complexities inherent in processes of change are enacted in everyday prison life, and that it can advance our knowledge of relationships between culture, penal practice and desistance.
World Stroke Organization (WSO): Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022
Authors: Feigin Valery L , Brainin Michael , Norrving Bo , Martins Sheila , Sacco Ralph L , Hacke Werner , Fisher Marc , Pandian Jeyaraj , Lindsay Patrice
Published: January 2022

Stroke remains the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (as expressed by disability-adjusted life-years lost – DALYs) in the world. The estimated global cost of stroke is over US$721 billion (0.66% of the global GDP). From 1990 to 2019, the burden (in terms of the absolute number of cases) increased substantially (70.0% increase in incident strokes, 43.0% deaths from stroke, 102.0% prevalent strokes, and 143.0% DALYs), with the bulk of the global stroke burden (86.0% of deaths and 89.0% of DALYs) residing in lower-income and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC). This World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022 provides the most updated information that can be used to inform communication with all internal and external stakeholders; all statistics have been reviewed and approved for use by the WSO Executive Committee as well as leaders from the Global Burden of Disease research group.
Investigating the role of age and maturation on the association between tennis experience and cognitive function in junior beginner to intermediate-level tennis players
Authors: Turner Mitchell , Ishihara Toru , Beranek Philipp , Turner Kate , Fransen Job , Born Philipp , Cruickshank Travis
Published: January 2022

Sport engagement, including tennis, and physical activity have been shown to have a positive influence on cognition in children. However, age has also been found to have a strong association with cognition in youth athletes. This study examines the threshold hypothesis by investigating the moderating role of age and maturation on the association between tennis experience and cognitive measures in Australian and German junior beginner to intermediate-level tennis players. The demographic information, which includes years of tennis experience, and anthropometrics (e.g. height and weight) was collected for 48 junior tennis players. A comprehensive cognitive testing battery was then completed to assess cognitive performance, with a principle component analysis used to determine an overall cognitive performance score. Multiple regression analyses were then performed to test the relationship between tennis experience and cognitive performance as well as the moderating effects of age and maturation. The results of this study indicate that the age and maturation rather than the exposure to tennis training are related to cognitive performance. Additionally, the positive relations of tennis experience to cognitive performance were stronger in younger participants, specifically those younger than 12 years old. Therefore, tennis may not provide a stimulus large enough for further cognitive improvement once players have developed a high level of cognitive performance. While age and biological maturity will largely dictate cognitive performance in adolescents, tennis experience may play some role in the cognitive performance of children (specifically <12 years of age).
Predicting change-of-direction performance in elite young badminton players: A multiple regression analysis on acceleration- and deceleration-related qualities
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Pereira Lucas A. , Alvarez-Dacal Francisco , Martinez-Maseda Jonathan , Freitas Tomás T. , Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the interrelationships between direct (sprint and change-of-direction [COD] velocities) and indirect measures (COD-deficit [CODD], deceleration deficit [DD], and sprint momentum) of speed-related performances in young badminton players. Thirty young male badminton players (age: 16.8 ± 1.4 years; body-mass: 61.5 ± 7.9 kg; height: 170 ± 5.8 cm) performed a 20-m sprint followed by 505 COD tests, on the same day. A Pearson product moment test was applied to determine the relationships among variables. A multiple regression analysis was used to verify whether the combination of CODD and DD increased the capacity to predict COD performance. Large and significant relationships were observed between COD and linear sprint velocity and sprint momentum ( r ranging from 0.62 to 0.84; P < 0.05). COD velocity revealed a moderate significant ( r  = −0.38) and a small non-significant ( r  = 0.29) relationship with CODD and DD, respectively. The multiple regression model combining CODD and DD explained 44% of the variance in COD performance. In summary, young badminton players who sprint faster are equally faster in COD manoeuvres but present higher levels of CODD and DD. Coaches should be aware that faster badminton players may exhibit greater magnitudes of CODD-DD, thus requiring specific interventions to optimize the transition between high deceleration and (re) acceleration phases.
Perceptions of Partisanship in Local Television News
Authors: O’Brochta William
Published: January 2022

People turn to local media for information during crises such as the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). What factors impact media consumers’ decisions about which local television news broadcast to watch? This study argues that media consumers infer the partisanship of local television affiliates — judging local Fox and NBC news broadcasts to be right and left slanted, respectively, based on their perceived associations with Fox News and MSNBC. Using the results from a representative survey of Americans (N = 5,461), the study demonstrates that local Fox and NBC viewers are significantly more likely to watch Fox News or MSNBC. As a result, watching local Fox is associated with less coronavirus risk because media consumers choose local Fox believing that it will align with their existing conservative views. This study demonstrates the importance of the perceptions of local news partisanship in influencing the consumption of critically important local crisis news.
Cost-Utility of an Online Education Platform and Diabetes Personal Health Record: Analysis Over Ten Years
Authors: Cunningham Scott G. , Stoddart Andrew , Wild Sarah H. , Conway Nicholas J. , Gray Alastair M. , Wake Deborah J.
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims:

My Diabetes My Way (MDMW) is Scotland’s interactive website and mobile app for people with diabetes and their caregivers. It contains multimedia resources for diabetes education and offers access to electronic personal health records. This study aims to assess the cost-utility of MDMW compared with routine diabetes care in people with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin.

Materials and Methods:

Analysis used the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Outcomes Model 2. Clinical parameters of MDMW users (n = 2576) were compared with a matched cohort of individuals receiving routine care alone (n = 11 628). Matching criteria: age, diabetes duration, sex, and socioeconomic status. Impact on life expectancy, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs of treatment and complications were simulated over ten years, including a 10% sensitivity analysis.

Results:

MDMW cohort: 1670 (64.8%) men; average age 64.3 years; duration of diabetes 5.5 years. 906 (35.2%) women: average age 61.6 years; duration 4.7 years. The cumulative mean QALY (95% CI) gain: 0.054 (0.044-0.062) years. Mean difference in cost: –£118.72 (–£150.16 to –£54.16) over ten years. Increasing MDMW costs (10%): –£50.49 (–£82.24-£14.14). Decreasing MDMW costs (10%): –£186.95 (–£218.53 to –£122.51).

Conclusions:

MDMW is “dominant” over usual care (cost-saving and life improving) in supporting self-management in people with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin. Wider use may result in significant cost savings through delay or reduction of long-term complications and improved QALYs in Scotland and other countries. MDMW may be among the most cost-effective interventions currently available to support diabetes.
Rubusoside Reduces Blood Glucose and Inhibits Oxidative Stress by Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice
Authors: Hu Xi-yu , Chang Ying , Xu Zheng-zhe , Wang Yan , Dai Min-min , Yu Kai-kai , Sun Cheng-biao , Dong Ming-xin , Zhang Jian-xu , Xu Na , Liu Wen-sen , Chen Zheng-ai
Published: January 2022

The current study aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of rubusoside on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice models as an alternative hypoglycemic candidate drug. T2DM mice models were established with a combination of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection and high-fat diet. After 10 weeks of rubusoside intragastric administration (100, 200 mg/kg/day) to the mice, the body weight, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and blood lipids were measured. The liver protein expression levels of p-AMPK, GLUT2, GLUT4 and total antioxidant capacity were also investigated.

After 10 weeks of rubusoside administration, the levels of blood glucose and lipids were decreased in T2DM mice. Compared with the model group, rubusoside administration significantly decreased the liver mass-to-body weight ratio, upregulated p-AMPK and GLUT4, and downregulated GLUT2 expression levels in the liver. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and gluathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were increased, and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased to reduce oxidative stress in the liver. Liver hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) pathological analysis also showed that rubusoside had a protective effect on T2DM mice liver.

These results demonstrate that rubusoside could be used as an anti-diabetic candidate drug, and that its hypoglycemic mechanism might be related to the activation of adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to modulate the expression of GLUT2 and GLUT4. Finally, rubusoside could also increase total antioxidant capacity to protect the liver from oxidative stress.
Three Dimensions of American Conservative Political Orientation Differentially Predict Negativity Bias and Satisfaction With Life
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Burton Caitlin M. , Plaks Jason E.
Published: January 2022

Numerous studies have linked political conservatism with negativity bias, whereas others have linked conservatism with indicators of positive adjustment. This research sought to reconcile this seeming contradiction by examining whether distinct dimensions of conservatism differentially predicted measures of negativity bias and positive adjustment. In two studies, we used an empirically derived and validated Attitude-Based Political Conservatism (ABPC) Scale that captures three correlated but distinct factors of American conservatism: Libertarian Independence, Moral Traditionalism, and Ethnic Separateness. In both studies ( N = 1,756), Libertarian Independence was linked with indicators of positive adjustment, whereas Moral Traditionalism and Ethnic Separateness were linked with indices of negativity bias. By identifying which dimensions of conservatism predict negativity bias and positive adjustment, this work illuminates the unique psychological foundations of distinct strands of conservatism in America.
Pediatric spinal cord diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered with intracranial and spinal leptomeningeal spread: A case report
Authors: Serrallach Bettina L , Tran Brandon H , Bauer David F , Mohila Carrie A , Adesina Adekunle M , McGovern Susan L , Lindsay Holly B , Huisman Thierry AGM
Published: January 2022

Primary spinal cord high-grade gliomas, including those histologically identified as glioblastoma (GBM), are a rare entity in the pediatric population but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions. Pediatric spinal cord high-grade gliomas have an aggressive course with poor prognosis. The aim of this case report is to present a 15-year-old female adolescent with histopathologically confirmed spinal cord GBM with H3F3A K27 M mutation consistent with a diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27-altered, CNS WHO grade 4 with leptomeningeal seeding on initial presentation. As imaging features of H3 K27-altered DMGs are non-specific and may mimic more frequently encountered neoplastic diseases as well as demyelinating disorders, severe neurological deficits at presentation with short duration, rapid progression, and early leptomeningeal seeding should however raise the suspicion for a pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma like DMG, H3 K27-altered.
Beyond Victims and Villains: Young People's Acts of Citizenship during Covid-19
Authors: Estellés Marta , Bodman Holly , Mutch Carol
Published: January 2022

During the Covid-19 crisis, stereotypical images of young people as selfish troublemakers or passive victims appeared in the media and scholarly publications. These persistent views disregard many young people's authentic experiences and civic contributions. In this article, we challenge these perceptions by highlighting young people's acts of citizenship during the pandemic lockdowns that took place during 2020 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite being internationally praised for its compliant Covid-19 response, citizens were prepared to challenges the pandemic restrictions in order to have their voices heard. Young people were often at the forefront of these protests, wanting to actively participate in matters that concerned them by joining Black Lives Matter marches or campaigning to lower the voting age. At the same time, young people engaged in more personal and invisible acts of citizenship within their families and school communities. In this article, we share evidence from our empirical study into young people's social and political engagement during the Covid-19 lockdowns in Aotearoa New Zealand. Implications of this study for citizenship education are discussed.
Longitudinal assessment of hemodynamic alterations after mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents: Selected case study review
Authors: Thibeault Corey M. , Dorn Amber Y. , Radhakrishnan Shankar , Hamilton Robert B.
Published: January 2022

Alterations in the neurovasculature after traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant sequelae. However, despite theoretical and empirical evidence supporting the near-ubiquity of vascular injury, its pathophysiology remains elusive. Although this has been shown for all grades of TBI, the vascular changes after injuries with the broad mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) classification, remain particularly difficult to describe. Our group has previously demonstrated hemodynamic alterations in mTBI by utilizing transcranial Doppler ultrasound and cerebrovascular reactivity in a cross-sectional study. That work identified a phasic progression of deviations over varying days post-injury. These phases were then characterized by a set of inverse models that provided a hypothetical process of hemodynamic dysfunction after mTBI. This model set provides a framework with the potential for guiding clinical treatment over the course of recovery. However, it is still unclear if individual patients will progress through the phases of dysfunction similar to that found at the population level. The work presented here explores six individual patients with high-density data collected during their post-injury recovery. Breath-hold index (BHI) was found to be the most robust feature related to mTBI longitudinally. All six subjects exhibited BHI recovery curves that followed the population model's progression. The changes in pulsatile features lacked the universality of BHI, but were present in subjects with higher self-reported symptom scores and longer periods of recovery. This work suggests neurovascular dysfunction after an mTBI may be a robust phenomenon. Additionally, the capabilities of TCD in capturing these changes highlights its potential for aiding clinicians in monitoring patient's recovery post mTBI.
Three Years Survival and Factor Predicting Amputation or Mortality in Patients with High Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta
Authors: Yunir Em , Hidayah Canggih Dian , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Kshanti Ida Ayu Made
Published: January 2022

Background:

Diabetic foot is one of major complication in diabetes patients with unfavorable outcome. Survival study in outpatients is limited and factors related are inconsistent. Survival and its modifiable risk factors should be identified early since the foot at risk status to reduce amputation/mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate survival probability for amputation or mortality, compare different ulcer risk classification, and figure out the relation of status of ulcer risk, age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, and LDL with amputation or mortality.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of 487 T2DM subjects who visited internal medicine outpatient clinic in Fatmawati General Hospital since January-December 2016. Status of ulcer risk and risk factors were extracted from medical record and lower-extremity amputation or mortality was observed in 3 years from baseline.

Result:

Three years overall survival is 85.7% (SE 0.17). Patients with high risk for foot ulcer have survival probability of 80.2% (SE 0.027), which is lower compared to non-high risk for foot ulcer with survival probability of 91.8% (SE 0.019). Patients with high risk for foot ulcer (aHR 2.386 [95% CI 1.356-4.20]; P = .003), aged ≥60 years old (aHR 2.051 [95% CI 1.173-3.585]; P = .012), and HbA1C ≥7% (aHR 2.022 [95% CI 1.067-3.830]; P = .031) were independently associated with amputation or mortality.

Conclusion:

T2DM patients with high risk for foot ulcer have lower survival probability and higher risk for amputation or mortality in 3 years compared to patients with non-high risk for foot ulcer. Status of ulcer risk, age ≥60 years, and HbA1C ≥7% were associated with amputation or mortality in 3 years observation.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Slovakia: Results of a National Population Survey
Authors: Souček Ivan , Hofreiter Roman
Published: January 2022

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe has intensely increased in recent decades. To acquire information about the patterns and trends of CAM use in Slovakia, a nationwide representative survey was conducted on Slovakian adult population. A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was administered to the general population of Slovakian residents aged 18 years and over. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face by professional interviewers. Data were collected during September 2019 as a part of an omnibus survey on a variety of subjects. Altogether, 82.4% of the respondents reported either regular CAM method use or the lifetime prevalence of such use. The most frequently reported group of methods were biologically based treatments (78.9%), followed by manipulative and body-based methods (54.4%), mind-body interventions (31.9%), whole medical systems (18.2%), and energy therapies (4.2%). Vitamins (71.1%), herbal teas (68.1%), massages (53.6%), religious healing (20.3%), and special diets (18.8%) were the five most commonly preferred CAM modalities. Female gender, higher income and higher education are significant predictors of CAM use. The study highlights the association between satisfaction with healthcare systems, health situations, and the use of CAM.
Differences in Auditory Perception Between Young and Older Adults When Controlling for Differences in Hearing Loss and Cognition
Authors: Lentz Jennifer J. , Humes Larry E. , Kidd Gary R.
Published: January 2022

This study was designed to examine age effects on various auditory perceptual skills using a large group of listeners (155 adults, 121 aged 60–88 years and 34 aged 18–30 years), while controlling for the factors of hearing loss and working memory (WM). All subjects completed 3 measures of WM, 7 psychoacoustic tasks (24 conditions) and a hearing assessment. Psychophysical measures were selected to tap phenomena thought to be mediated by higher-level auditory function and included modulation detection, modulation detection interference, informational masking (IM), masking level difference (MLD), anisochrony detection, harmonic mistuning, and stream segregation. Principal-components analysis (PCA) was applied to each psychoacoustic test. For 6 of the 7 tasks, a single component represented performance across the multiple stimulus conditions well, whereas the modulation-detection interference (MDI) task required two components to do so. The effect of age was analyzed using a general linear model applied to each psychoacoustic component. Once hearing loss and WM were accounted for as covariates in the analyses, estimated marginal mean thresholds were lower for older adults on tasks based on temporal processing. When evaluated separately, hearing loss led to poorer performance on roughly 1/2 the tasks and declines in WM accounted for poorer performance on 6 of the 8 psychoacoustic components. These results make clear the need to interpret age-group differences in performance on psychoacoustic tasks in light of cognitive declines commonly associated with aging, and point to hearing loss and cognitive declines as negatively influencing auditory perceptual skills.
Adverse Effects of Plasticizers and Pesticides on Female Reproductive Health
Authors: Ramakrishna Manjunath Paidakula , Prasad Rashmi Mahadev , Huchegowda Srinivas , Ramanna Manasa , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Huchegowda Ravish
Published: January 2022

Central neuroendocrine system regulated by hypothalamus, controls most of the body homeostasis involving processes, like metabolism, reproduction, stress responsiveness, growth, and energy balance mainly through hormonal signals. Plasticizers and pesticides interact as endocrine disruptors with endocrine hormones causing adverse effects which tend to destroy the body homeostasis. Exposures to these compounds during critical developmental stages such as puberty and pregnancy (prenatal or perinatal) influence neurodevelopment, social behavior of the growing fetus and causes sexual dimorphism. Plasticizers and pesticides systemize its effects on adulthood either by mimicking, antagonizing, or having an impact on steroidal activity also along with hormonal disruptions. The aim of this review is to address some of the effects of plasticizers and pesticides exposure on female behavior. In this review, we are discussing the remedial nutritional choice to control the plasticizers and pesticides mediated endocrine disruption.
Distal Triceps Tendon Injury
Authors: Matthews John R. , Paul Ryan W. , Freedman Kevin B.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Triceps tendon ruptures typically result from a forceful elbow eccentric contraction. The goal of a distal triceps tendon repair is to reattach the torn tendon back to the olecranon. Surgery is indicated for patients with complete rupture of the triceps tendon or symptomatic partial tears with failed conservative management. The complication rate occurs in 22% of patients postoperatively; however, only 0% to 4% of patients suffer a re-rupture of the tendon.

Indications:

We present a case of a highly active 38-year-old right-hand dominant man with acute onset of left posterior elbow pain following 1-handed pushup resulting in a complete distal triceps avulsion with 1.5 cm retraction.

Technique:

The distal triceps avulsion was repaired in a double row fashion using 2 double-loaded all-suture anchors in the medial row and anchor in the lateral row through a posterior approach.

Results:

Full anatomic footprint coverage was able to be achieved intraoperatively, and gentle range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees of flexion did not result in gap formation.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Successful outcomes with full anatomic footprint coverage of the distal triceps tendon can be achieved through a double row repair configuration.
Modulation of the HIF2α-NCOA4 axis in enterocytes attenuates iron loading in a mouse model of hemochromatosis
Authors: Das Nupur K. , Jain Chesta , Sankar Amanda , Schwartz Andrew J. , Santana-Codina Naiara , Solanki Sumeet , Zhang Zhiguo , Ma Xiaoya , Parimi Sanjana , Rui Liangyou , Mancias Joseph D. , Shah Yatrik M.
Published: January 2022

Intestinal iron absorption is activated during increased systemic demand for iron. The best-studied example is iron deficiency anemia, which increases intestinal iron absorption. Interestingly, the intestinal response to anemia is very similar to that of iron overload disorders, as both the conditions activate a transcriptional program that leads to a hyperabsorption of iron via the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α). However, pathways for selective targeting of intestine-mediated iron overload remain unknown. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) is a critical cargo receptor for autophagic breakdown of ferritin and the subsequent release of iron, in a process termed ferritinophagy. Our work demonstrates that NCOA4-mediated intestinal ferritinophagy is integrated into systemic iron demand via HIF2α. To demonstrate the importance of the intestinal HIF2α/ferritinophagy axis in systemic iron homeostasis, whole-body and intestine-specific NCOA4−/− mouse lines were generated and assessed. The analyses revealed that the intestinal and systemic response to iron deficiency was not altered after disruption of intestinal NCOA4. However, in a mouse model of hemochromatosis, ablation of intestinal NCOA4 was protective against iron overload. Therefore, NCOA4 can be selectively targeted for the management of iron overload disorders without disrupting the physiological processes involved in the response to systemic iron deficiency.
Platelet SHARPIN regulates platelet adhesion and inflammatory responses through associations with αIIbβ3 and LUBAC
Authors: Kasirer-Friede Ana , Peuhu Emilia , Ivaska Johanna , Shattil Sanford J.
Published: January 2022

Platelets form hemostatic plugs to prevent blood loss, and they modulate immunity and inflammation in several ways. A key event during hemostasis is activation of integrin αIIbβ3 through direct interactions of the β3 cytoplasmic tail with talin and kindlin-3. Recently, we showed that human platelets express the adapter molecule Shank-associated RH domain interacting protein (SHARPIN), which can associate directly with the αIIb cytoplasmic tail and separately promote NF-κB pathway activation as a member of the Met-1 linear ubiquitination activation complex (LUBAC). Here we investigated the role of SHARPIN in platelets after crossing Sharpin flox/flox (fl/fl) mice with PF4-Cre or GPIbα-Cre mice to selectively delete SHARPIN in platelets. SHARPIN-null platelets adhered to immobilized fibrinogen through αIIbβ3, and they spread more extensively than littermate control platelets in a manner dependent on feedback stimulation by platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (P < .01). SHARPIN-null platelets showed increased colocalization of αIIbβ3 with talin as assessed by super-resolution microscopy and increased binding of soluble fibrinogen in response to submaximal concentrations of ADP (P < .05). However, mice with SHARPIN-null platelets showed compromised thrombus growth on collagen and slightly prolonged tail bleeding times. Platelets lacking SHARPIN also showed reduced NF-κB activation and linear ubiquitination of protein substrates upon challenge with classic platelet agonists. Furthermore, the loss of platelet SHARPIN resulted in significant reduction in inflammation in murine models of colitis and peritonitis (P < .01). Thus, SHARPIN plays differential and context-dependent roles in platelets to regulate important inflammatory and integrin adhesive functions of these anucleate cells.
Hypermethylation at the CXCR5 gene locus limits trafficking potential of CD8+ T cells into B-cell follicles during HIV-1 infection
Authors: Ogunshola Funsho J. , Smidt Werner , Naidoo Anneta F. , Nkosi Thandeka , Ngubane Thandekile , Khaba Trevor , Baiyegunhi Omolara O. , Mahlobo Bongiwe , Rasehlo Sam , Ngema Namani , Jajbhay Ismail , Dong Krista L. , Ramsuran Veron , Pansegrouw Johan , Ndung’u Thumbi , Walker Bruce D. , Oliveria Tulio de , Ndhlovu Zaza M.
Published: January 2022

CD8+ T cells play an important role in HIV control. However, in human lymph nodes (LNs), only a small subset of CD8+ T cells express CXCR5, the chemokine receptor required for cell migration into B-cell follicles, which are major sanctuaries for HIV persistence in individuals on therapy. Here, we investigate the impact of HIV infection on follicular CD8+ T cell (fCD8) frequencies, trafficking patterns, and CXCR5 regulation. We show that, although HIV infection results in a marginal increase in fCD8s in LNs, the majority of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells are CXCR5− (non-fCD8s) (P < .003). Mechanistic investigations using Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing showed that non-fCD8s have closed chromatin at the CXCR5 transcriptional start site (TSS). DNA bisulfite sequencing identified DNA hypermethylation at the CXCR5 TSS as the most probable cause of closed chromatin. Transcriptional factor footprint analysis revealed enrichment of transforming growth factors (TGFs) at the TSS of fCD8s. In vitro stimulation of non-fCD8s with recombinant TGF-β resulted in a significant increase in CXCR5 expression (fCD8s). Thus, this study identifies TGF-β signaling as a viable strategy for increasing fCD8 frequencies in follicular areas of the LN where they are needed to eliminate HIV-infected cells, with implications for HIV cure strategies.
The Saint-Ursanne earthquakes of 2000 revisited: evidence for active shallow thrust-faulting in the Jura fold-and-thrust belt
Authors: Lanza Federica , Diehl Tobias , Deichmann Nicholas , Kraft Toni , Nussbaum Christophe , Schefer Senecio , Wiemer Stefan
Published: January 2022

The interpretation of seismotectonic processes within the uppermost few kilometers of the Earth’s crust has proven challenging due to the often significant uncertainties in hypocenter locations and focal mechanisms of shallow seismicity. Here, we revisit the shallow seismic sequence of Saint-Ursanne of March and April 2000 and apply advanced seismological analyses to reduce these uncertainties. The sequence, consisting of five earthquakes of which the largest one reached a local magnitude (ML) of 3.2, occurred in the vicinity of two critical sites, the Mont Terri rock laboratory and Haute-Sorne, which is currently evaluated as a possible site for the development of a deep geothermal project. Template matching analysis for the period 2000–2021, including data from mini arrays installed in the region since 2014, suggests that the source of the 2000 sequence has not been persistently active ever since. Forward modelling of synthetic waveforms points to a very shallow source, between 0 and 1 km depth, and the focal mechanism analysis indicates a low-angle, NNW-dipping, thrust mechanism. These results combined with geological data suggest that the sequence is likely related to a backthrust fault located within the sedimentary cover and shed new light on the hosting lithology and source kinematics of the Saint-Ursanne sequence. Together with two other more recent shallow thrust faulting earthquakes near Grenchen and Neuchâtel in the north-central portion of the Jura fold-and-thrust belt (FTB), these new findings provide new insights into the present-day seismotectonic processes of the Jura FTB of northern Switzerland and suggest that the Jura FTB is still undergoing seismically active contraction at rates likely < 0.5 mm/yr. The shallow focal depths provide indications that this low-rate contraction in the NE portion of the Jura FTB is at least partly accommodated within the sedimentary cover and possibly decoupled from the basement.
LncRNA HCG18 promotes osteosarcoma growth by enhanced aerobic glycolysis via the miR-365a-3p/PGK1 axis
Authors: Pan Xiaohui , Guo Jin , Liu Canjun , Pan Zhanpeng , Yang Zhicheng , Yao Xiang , Yuan Jishan
Published: January 2022

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary bone malignancy. Long noncoding RNA HCG18 is known to play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, its role in OS and relevant molecular mechanisms are unclear.

Methods

Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of target genes. Function experiments showed the effects of HCG18 and miR-365a-3p on OS cell growth.

Results

HCG18 expression was increased in OS cell lines. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that HCG18 knockdown inhibited OS cell proliferation. Mechanistically, HCG18 was defined as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-365a-3p, thus elevating phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) expression by directly targeting its 3ʹUTR to increase aerobic glycolysis.

Conclusion

HCG18 promoted OS cell proliferation via enhancing aerobic glycolysis by regulating the miR-365a-3p/PGK1 axis. Therefore, HCG18 may be a potential target for OS treatment.
Development of a remote learning educational model for international Emergency Medicine trainees in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Ciano Joseph D. , Acerra John , Tang Aimee
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has pressured post-graduate medical education programs to shift from traditional in-person teaching to remote teaching and learning. Remote learning in medical education has been described in the literature mostly in the context of local in-country teaching. International remote medical education poses unique challenges for educators, especially in low-middle income countries (LMICs) who need continued Emergency Medicine (EM) specialty development. Our objective is to describe the development and implementation of our remote educational curriculum for EM trainees in West Bengal, India, and to assess trainee satisfaction with our remote learning curriculum.

Methods

Our curriculum was developed by adapting remote learning techniques used in Western post-graduate medical education, conducting literature searches on remote learning modalities, and through collaboration with local faculty in India. We assessed resident satisfaction in our curriculum with feedback surveys and group discussions.

Results

The remote educational curriculum had overall high trainee satisfaction ratings for weekly livestream video lectures and throughout our monthly educational modules (median ratings 9-10 out of a 10-point Likert scale). Qualitative feedback regarding specific lecture topics and educational modules were also received.

Conclusions

International remote education in LMICs poses a unique set of challenges to medical educators. Residents in our study reported high satisfaction with the curriculum, but there is a lack of clarity regarding how a remote curriculum may impact academic and clinical performance. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and academic and clinical implications of remote medical education in LMICs.
Influence of citrate and PEG coatings on the bioaccumulation of TiO2 and CeO2 nanoparticles following dietary exposure in rainbow trout
Authors: Connolly Mona , Hernández-Moreno David , Conde Estefanía , Garnica Alicia , Navas José M. , Torrent Fernando , Rucandio Isabel , Fernandez-Cruz María L.
Published: January 2022

Background

This study was conducted to provide much needed information on the potential of low solubility, highly biodurable nanoparticles (NPs) (TiO2 and CeO2 NPs), to bioaccumulate in fish and to investigate the relationship between an engineered nanomaterials surface coating, uptake and biokinetics in vivo. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed diets spiked with uncoated or surface coated (polyethylene glycol (PEG) or citrate (CIT)) TiO2 and CeO2 NPs (100 mg NPs/kg feed) for 10 days and thereafter fish were allowed to depurate for 42 days. Special care was taken to measure the real dispersed and actual administered concentrations, taking into consideration any potential losses from leaching, and to characterise the form (size, aggregation state, charge) of the NPs to which the fish were exposed.

Results

The coatings had an influence on levels of uptake and distributions. Most notably a higher uptake of PEG and CIT coated TiO2 and CeO2 NPs compared to fish exposed to uncoated materials was observed. The elimination of any Ti from tissues was rapid during the first day of depuration, whereas Ce levels remained in fish tissues (stomach, intestine and liver) with differences in depuration and redistribution of the three types of CeO2 NPs. However, no bioaccumulation potential for both tested metal oxide NPs in fish irrespective of coatings is expected according to BMF values < 1.

Conclusions

Distinct uptake, distribution and depuration kinetics in rainbow trout have been evidenced for different metal oxide NPs (TiO2 and CeO2 NPs). Coatings influenced uptake and in some cases led to slower depuration and distinct distributions, but do not make the uncoated NPs studied bioaccumulative (BMF > 1).

Graphical Abstract