bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure and cognitive function among older adults in India
Authors: Farron Madeline R. , Kabeto Mohammed U. , Levine Deborah A. , Wixom Caroline R. , Langa Kenneth M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between blood pressure and cognitive function among older adults in India.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed cross-sectional data of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) and cognitive testing from 3690 adults aged 60 years and older participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study in India—Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia from 14 states in India.

Results

After controlling for key sociodemographic, health, and geographic factors, higher SBP and lower DBP were each independently associated with worse cognitive function. Older age, female sex, lower education level, being widowed, residing in a rural area, being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, having a low level of economic consumption, being underweight, and a history of stroke were all independently associated with worse cognitive function scores.

Conclusions

Both SBP and DBP were independently associated with cognitive function among older adults in India in diverging directions. Clinical interventions targeting high SBP and low DBP may benefit both cognitive health and cardiovascular health.
Intimate Partner Homicides in Norway 1990–2020: An Analysis of Incidence and Characteristics
Authors: Vatnar Solveig K. B. , Friestad Christine , Bjørkly Stål
Published: January 2022

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) is an extreme outcome of intimate partner violence (IPV). It is a societal challenge that needs to be investigated over time to see whether changes occur concerning the incidence of IPH, IPH characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and contact with service providers. This study includes the total Norwegian cohort of IPHs between 1990 and 2019 with a final conviction ( N = 224). Poisson regression was applied to model the incidence rate of homicide and IPH between 1990 and 2020 as well as the incidence rates of immigrant perpetrators and victims. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between characteristics and period 1990–2012 compared to after 2012 as dependent variable. The results show that though homicide incidence rates in Norway declined steadily and significantly after 1990, IPH rates did not begin to decline until 2015. The following IPH characteristics showed reduced incidence after 2012: IPH-suicide, perpetrators with a criminal record, and IPHs perpetrated subsequent to preventive interventions towards the perpetrator. Sentence length in IPH cases had increased. Changes were not observed for any of the other IPH characteristics investigated. IPH is often the culmination of long-term violence and can be prevented, even if risk assessment is challenging due to the low base rates.
Advance prediction method for rock mass stability of tunnel boring based on deep neural network of time series
Authors: Junzhou Huo , Guopeng Jia , Bin Liu , Shiwu Nie , Junbo Liang , Hanyang Wu
Published: January 2022

Geological layers excavated using tunnel boring machines are buried deeply and sampled difficultly, and the geological behavior exhibits high diversity and complexity. Excavating in uncertain geology conditions bears the risks of excessive damage to the equipment and facing geologic hazards. Many scholars have used various signals to predict the advance geology conditions, but accurate prediction of these conditions in real-time and without effecting operations has not been realized yet. In this article, based on a large amount of corresponding data, an advance prediction model of the rock mass category (RMC) is formulated. First, the problem is divided into two parts, which are modeled separately to reduce the complexity of design and training. Then, the two models are combined in a pre-trained model, which is retrained to as the final prediction model to avoid the problem of error accumulation. The final model can predict the advance RMC in real-time and without affecting operations. The accuracy of the prediction model reaches 99% at an advance time of 60 min. The advance RMC can be used to guide the selection of support modes and control parameters without additional detection equipment and excavation down-time.
Library Websites During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mnzava Ester E , Katabalwa Annajoyce S
Published: January 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to impact the business environment in different ways. The current paper presents how the university and research library websites in Tanzania responded to the changes in the working environment and style following the outbreak of COVID-19. This study employed a content analysis method to collect and analyse data from academic and research library websites in Tanzania. This study focuses on how library websites in Tanzania were used to update and connect library users with relevant information resources and services during the outbreak of the COVID-19. The findings show that 12 of the 24 library websites had the opening and closing hours, two university library websites had information related to the outbreak of the COVID-19 and 12 had no information related to the outbreak of the COVID-19. This study has an important practical implication for the academic and research librarians on the effective use of library websites for information sharing and communication.
Recent insights suggest the need for the STI field to embrace a more eco-social conceptual framework: A viewpoint
Authors: Kenyon Chris , Vanbaelen Thibaut , Van Dijck Christophe
Published: January 2022

A large number of countries are being confronted with twin epidemics of increasing STI incidence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This has led to calls to intensify STI screening of high STI prevalence populations. The available evidence suggests that this will have little impact on STI prevalence but a significant deleterious effect on AMR. We suggest that this call to intensify STI screening is one of the several errors that stem from the way that the STI-field has been dominated by a biomedical individualistic conceptual framework. This framework views STIs as obligate pathogens that can and should be eradicated by intensive seek-and-destroy activities. We evaluate five types of evidence that suggest that a multi-level, socio-ecological framework would provide a more accurate portrayal of the important determinants of STI prevalence and AMR spread. By incorporating concepts such as limiting STI screening to scenarios with clear evidence of net-benefit and considering ‘antimicrobial footprint’ thresholds, this framework would be more likely to result in a better balance between targeting STI prevalence whilst minimizing the risk of AMR emerging.
The new EU Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions in the context of new forms of employment
Authors: Georgiou Despoina
Published: January 2022

The article examines the reach, protective effects and limitations of the recently adopted European Union (EU) Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions. After explaining the need for a new instrument, the article analyses the Directive’s protective provisions. Cases of the European Court of Justice are presented to provide the wider context and explain how the EU social acquis impacts upon the implementation of the Directive. Finally, new developments in the EU labour and social field are discussed, making recommendations of possible avenues for providing protection to a larger category of workers.
Reduction in Lifetime Fertility Through MNCS in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Gani M. Showkat , Ullah A. K. M. Ahsan , Subramaniam Thirunaukarasu , Nyström Lennarth , Chowdhury A. Mushtaque R.
Published: January 2022

This study assesses the effect of a customised Maternal Neonatal and Child Survival (MNCS) intervention in the rural areas of Bangladesh. This study attempts to estimate the lifetime fertility rate and the proportion of live births ≥3, and the age-specific lifetime fertility patterns among the women of reproductive age. This quasi-experimental study used impact evaluation data from the MNCS intervention in 2013 and compared these with the baseline data collected in 2008. We used a multi-stage, cluster random sampling technique to include 6,000 and 4,800 women in 2008 and 2013, respectively. The respondents were either mothers who had alive/deceased infants or the mothers whose pregnancy was terminated or who had living children of 12–59 months without pregnancy outcomes in the preceding year of the surveys. Based on the mean difference of live births from baseline to endline year for each intervention union, and then we compared these two areas (intervention and control unions). Overall lifetime fertility rate declined significantly in high-performing intervention unions (from 2.6 to 2.2/woman, p < .001) or in control unions (from 2.4 to 2.2/woman; p < .001). The degree of reduction of fertility increased significantly with age, and such a change was most prominent in the case of women ≥35 years old. Multivariate analyses suggest that the likelihood of having live births ≥3 reduced significantly in high-performed intervention compared to control unions. In conclusion, the probability of reducing lifetime fertility over time increases with a higher level of access, degree and duration of the customised intervention.
The evidence for introducing case-finding for delirium and dementia in older medical inpatients in a New Zealand hospital
Authors: Cullum Sarah , Kubba Yezen , Varghese Chris , Coomarasamy Christin , Hopkins John
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this project was to make the case to the managers of a large urban teaching hospital in New Zealand for the introduction of systematic case-finding for pre-existing cognitive impairment/dementia in older hospital inpatients that screen positive for delirium.

Method

Two hundred consecutive acute admissions aged 75+ in four medical wards were assessed using the 4AT assessment tool for delirium and the Alzheimer Questionnaire (AQ) for pre-existing cognitive impairment/dementia. Length of stay and mortality at 1 year were also collected.

Results

Over a third of the sample screened positive for delirium and nearly two-thirds of these also screened positive for dementia. The median length of stay was 5 days for delirium without dementia and 7 days for delirium with dementia, compared to 3 days for those who screened negative for both. After adjustment for age, gender and ethnic group, people who screened positive for delirium (with or without dementia) had 50% longer length of stay ( p < 0.05) and at least double the risk of death ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Older hospital inpatients that screen positive for delirium and dementia using 4AT and AQ have longer lengths of stay and higher mortality. Identification may lead to more timely interventions that help to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital costs.
Adapting Elements of Cleft Care Protocols in Low- and Middle-income Countries During and After COVID-19: A Process-driven Review With Recommendations
Authors: Fell Matthew , Goldwasser Michael , Jayanth B.S. , Pereira Rui Manuel Rodrigues , Nawej Christian Tshisuz , Winer Rachel , Daftari Neeti , Brewster Hugh , Goldschmied Karen , Almas Collaborators: Fernando , Eshete Mekonen , Galiwango George W. , Hollier Larry H. , Hussain Akhter , Lo Lun-Jou , Salins Paul , Sell Debbie , Tafase Amanuel , Zuker Ronald M.
Published: January 2022

A consortium of global cleft professionals, predominantly from low- and middle-income countries, identified adaptations to cleft care protocols during and after COVID-19 as a priority learning area of need.

A multidisciplinary international working group met on a videoconferencing platform in a multi-staged process to make consensus recommendations for adaptations to cleft protocols within resource-constrained settings. Feedback was sought from a roundtable discussion forum and global organizations involved in comprehensive cleft care.

Foundational principles were agreed to enable recommendations to be globally relevant and two areas of focus within the specified topic were identified. First the safety aspects of cleft surgery protocols were scrutinized and COVID-19 adaptations, specifically in the pre- and perioperative periods, were highlighted. Second, surgical procedures and cleft care services were prioritized according to their relationship to functional outcomes and time-sensitivity. The surgical procedures assigned the highest priority were emergent interventions for breathing and nutritional requirements and primary palatoplasty. The cleft care services assigned the highest priority were new-born assessments, pediatric support for children with syndromes, management of acute dental or auditory infections and speech pathology intervention.

A collaborative, interdisciplinary and international working group delivered consensus recommendations to assist with the provision of cleft care in low- and middle-income countries. At a time of global cleft care delays due to COVID-19, a united approach amongst global cleft care providers will be advantageous to advocate for children born with cleft lip and palate in resource-constrained settings.
Development and Validation of the Career Identity Development Inventory
Authors: Wendling Elodie , Sagas Michael
Published: January 2022

The primary aims of this study were to address existing measurement concerns in the neo-Eriksonian identity literature and fill a gap in the vocational identity literature by developing and validating the Career Identity Development Inventory (CIDI). As the processes of identity formation and career development share close conceptual ties, we introduced an integrated conceptual model of career identity development from which CIDI was developed to be comprised of two subscales, CIDI-E and CIDI-C, that were each composed of four career identity dimensions. In Study 1, we delineated how CIDI was constructed and reported initial evidence of validity and reliability using a sample of 398 US college graduates. We further tested the psychometric properties of CIDI in Study 2 using confirmatory factor analyses with another sample of 419 US college graduates. Implications for using CIDI at the variable and person level, and future research directions are provided to further the understanding of the career identity development process.
An implicit discretization-based adaptive reaching law for discrete-time sliding mode control systems
Authors: Wang Cong , Xia Hongwei , Ren Shunqing
Published: January 2022

In conventional reaching law approaches, the disturbance suppression is achieved at the cost of high-frequency chattering or increasing the complexity of algorithm such as adding a high-order disturbance compensator. This paper presents the design and analysis of a novel implicit discretization-based adaptive reaching law for discrete-time sliding mode control systems. First, the implicit Euler technique is introduced into the design of discrete reaching laws, and it is proved to be able to eliminate numerical chattering completely. By using a self-adaptive power term, the newly designed reaching law can obtain an arbitrarily small boundary layer of sliding surface, and at the different phases of sliding mode motion, the adaptive power parameter can automatically regulate its value to guarantee globally fast convergence without destroying the accuracy of sliding variable. Then, based on a predefined trajectory of sliding variable, the discrete-time sliding mode control law is developed to realize high control accuracy without additional design. Compared with previous methods, the main contribution of proposed reaching law lies in that it can acquire high-precision sliding mode motion and simultaneously eliminate numerical chattering in spite of complex uncertainties only by adjusting the adaptive power parameter. Finally, a simulation example on the piezomotor-driven linear stage is provided to verify the theoretical results.
Does an Increased Share of Black Police Officers Decrease Racial Discrimination in Law Enforcement?
Authors: Pyo Sunyoung
Published: January 2022

Based on representative bureaucracy theory, the current study investigates whether increasing Black representation in police forces is negatively associated with racial discrimination in law enforcement. This study additionally investigates how associations may differ according to the organizational or environmental contexts of the forces. Results show that an increased share of Black officers is associated with decreased police-involved deaths of Black residents, but is not significantly associated with a change in order maintenance arrests of Black suspects. In addition, the negative association between Black representation and police-involved deaths of Black residents disappears when the percent of Black officers surpasses about 15 percent, especially in organizations where White officers comprise a larger share. These findings support the potential negative role of organizational socialization on the effectiveness of increasing the share of Black officers in policing, implying that additional long-term efforts to change organizational culture are needed to realize the benefits of enhancing Black representation.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib induced palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia: A rare case
Authors: Aslaner Ak Muzeyyen , Ertop Doğan Pelin , Sahip Birsen
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Nilotinib is a second generation Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has transformed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia from a disease with a poor prognosis to a treatable chronic disease. Long-term treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors means that patients must be clinically managed and monitored for years. While under Nilotinib tretament, the development of palmoplantar erythrodyesthesia is a very rare condition compared to other oncological drugs.

Case report

A 66-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with chronic phase CML in 2019 had been placed under imatinib treatment . He had major molecular response loss in 2021, and was started on second generation TKI nilotinib 2  ×  400mg/day, considering his comorbidities. We present a case of a 66-year-old patient with CML who developed palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia on the 21st day starting nilotinib treatment.

Conclusion

It is important to manage the side effects that develop in long-term treatments. Adverse events can have a negative impact on patient compliance and quality of life and lead to poor clinical outcomes Our case is the first to develop PPE after beginning nilotinib use. We present this phenomenon to raise awareness and ignite a review of management strategies.In this case, we wanted to emphasize the importance of managing side effects.
Effectiveness and Efficacy of Therapeutic Interventions Performed by Nurses for Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amaral Roslaine Ifran , Weston Fernanda Cirne Lima , Hirakata Vânia Naomi , Paz Adriana Aparecida , Wesner Ana Cristina
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive anxiety, fear, and behavioral disorders that can lead the individual to have losses in daily, social, and work activities, generating a negative impact on their quality of life. AIM: To evaluate the quality of evidence of the therapeutic interventions performed by nurses for anxiety disorders. METHOD: An analysis of the quality of evidence was performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The systematic review protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Prospero), CRD420202939. RESULTS: The interventions performed by nurses were effective ( d = 0.44), with significant improvement in reducing anxiety levels, reducing drug use, and improving self-control. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that therapeutic interventions performed by nurses are beneficial for individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders, with significant improvement in reducing anxiety levels, reducing medication use, improving self-control, and remission of anxiety symptoms.
Predicting peak stresses in microstructured materials using convolutional encoder–decoder learning
Authors: Shrivastava Ankit , Liu Jingxiao , Dayal Kaushik , Noh Hae Young
Published: January 2022

This work presents a machine-learning approach to predict peak-stress clusters in heterogeneous polycrystalline materials. Prior work on using machine learning in the context of mechanics has largely focused on predicting the effective response and overall structure of stress fields. However, their ability to predict peak – which are of critical importance to failure – is unexplored, because the peak-stress clusters occupy a small spatial volume relative to the entire domain, and hence require computationally expensive training. This work develops a deep-learning-based convolutional encoder–decoder method that focuses on predicting peak-stress clusters, specifically on the size and other characteristics of the clusters in the framework of heterogeneous linear elasticity. This method is based on convolutional filters that model local spatial relations between microstructures and stress fields using spatially weighted averaging operations. The model is first trained against linear elastic calculations of stress under applied macroscopic strain in synthetically generated microstructures, which serves as the ground truth. The trained model is then applied to predict the stress field given a (synthetically generated) microstructure and then to detect peak-stress clusters within the predicted stress field. The accuracy of the peak-stress predictions is analyzed using the cosine similarity metric and by comparing the geometric characteristics of the peak-stress clusters against the ground-truth calculations. It is observed that the model is able to learn and predict the geometric details of the peak-stress clusters and, in particular, performed better for higher (normalized) values of the peak stress as compared to lower values of the peak stress. These comparisons showed that the proposed method is well-suited to predict the characteristics of peak-stress clusters.
Homogenization of the wave equation with non-uniformly oscillating coefficients
Authors: Shahraki Danial P. , Guzina Bojan B.
Published: January 2022

The focus of our work is a dispersive, second-order effective model describing the low-frequency wave motion in heterogeneous (e.g., functionally graded) media endowed with periodic microstructure. For this class of quasi-periodic medium variations, we pursue homogenization of the scalar wave equation in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], within the framework of multiple scales expansion. When either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], this model problem bears direct relevance to the description of (anti-plane) shear waves in elastic solids. By adopting the lengthscale of microscopic medium fluctuations as the perturbation parameter, we synthesize the germane low-frequency behavior via a fourth-order differential equation (with smoothly varying coefficients) governing the mean wave motion in the medium, where the effect of microscopic heterogeneities is upscaled by way of the so-called cell functions. In an effort to demonstrate the relevance of our analysis toward solving boundary value problems (deemed to be the ultimate goal of most homogenization studies), we also develop effective boundary conditions, up to the second order of asymptotic approximation, applicable to one-dimensional (1D) shear wave motion in a macroscopically heterogeneous solid with periodic microstructure. We illustrate the analysis numerically in one dimension by considering (i) low-frequency wave dispersion, (ii) mean-field homogenized description of the shear waves propagating in a finite domain, and (iii) full-field homogenized description thereof. In contrast to (i) where the overall wave dispersion appears to be fairly well described by the leading-order model, the results in (ii) and (iii) demonstrate the critical role that higher-order corrections may have in approximating the actual waveforms in quasi-periodic media.
Transcultural capital and emergent identities among migrant youth
Authors: Arias Cubas Magdalena , Jamal Al-deen Taghreed , Mansouri Fethi
Published: January 2022

The everyday practices and socio-cultural identities of migrant youth have become a focal point of contemporary sociological research in Western countries of immigration. This article engages with the concept of transcultural capital to frame the possibilities and opportunities embodied in young migrants’ multi-layered identities and cross-cultural competencies in the context of an increasingly interconnected and diverse world. By re-conceptualising diversity and difference as agentic, transformational capitals to be valued, fostered and mobilised, this transcultural approach brings to the fore the multitude of skills, networks and knowledge that migrant youth access and develop through multiple cultural repertoires. Drawing on the narratives of migrant youth in Melbourne (Australia), this article argues that access to different – and not necessarily oppositional – cultural systems opens up a space for understanding the ability of migrant youth to instigate, negotiate and maintain valuable socio-cultural connections in ways that recognise, disrupt and transform social hierarchies.
Social campaigns to social change? Sexual violence framing in U.S. news before and after #metoo
Authors: Noetzel Selina , Mussalem Gentile Maria F , Lowery Gianna , Zemanova Sona , Lecheler Sophie , Peter Christina
Published: January 2022

The discussion on sexual violence gained momentum in October 2017 after the Twitter hashtag (#metoo) spread globally highlighting the widespread reality of this problem. While this resulted in extensive media coverage, and naturally informed audiences about societal issues, it can also be problematic regarding the media’s power to reflect and construct reality. Therefore, it is important to research how societal issues like sexual violence are discussed in media settings. The study aimed to investigate how journalists frame sexual violence in the news (RQ1) and whether such practices have changed in the wake of the MeToo movement (RQ2). A quantitative content analysis was conducted for news articles published in four US newspapers, spanning a period of 2 years – from 1 year before to 1 year after the #metoo tweet ( N = 612; Oct. 2016 – Oct. 2018). Results indicate that news coverage on sexual violence shifted from straightforward, single-incident reports to broader discussions. This study contributes to scientific research and journalism practices by providing an overarching view of how sexual violence is framed in the news and the potential impact of social movements on reportage.
Evaluation methodology for light sources used to illuminate highly photosensitive artwork
Authors: Li Z , Zhang F , Song X , Dang R
Published: January 2022

Spectral energy radiated by light sources is the primary source of colour damage in highly photosensitive artworks (HPAs). However, spectral power distributions differ for different light sources, and the absorption and reflection characteristics of different materials, when irradiated by each narrow spectral energy band, also differ. This could result in large differences in the degree of radiation damage for materials under the same lighting intensity. In this paper, the suitability of different light sources used to illuminate HPAs was experimentally investigated over a long period of time by irradiating nine types of typical HPA materials with 10 different narrow-band light sources. By analysing the colour difference data of the illuminated material against the amount of exposure, a mathematical model relating the spectral composition and the damage to the colour of HPA materials was obtained. Based on this, a colour damage evaluation equation for light sources used for lighting HPAs was proposed. Finally, the equations were discussed using an example.
Scratch the Scratch-off: Testing Prepaid and Conditional Incentives with Postcard and Letter Invitations in a Web-push Design with an Address-based Sample
Authors: Brenner Philip S. , Buskirk Trent D.
Published: January 2022

We tested a novel extension to mailed invitations to a web-push survey, using a postcard invitation to deliver a scratch-off giftcode incentive similar to an instant-win lottery ticket. Scratch-off postcards were included as one of five conditions in randomized survey experiment varying two mailing types (letter and postcard) and three incentive types (prepaid cash, prepaid giftcodes, and conditional giftcodes). Invitations were sent to a sample of 17,808 addresses in Boston, Massachusetts, recruiting for a new online panel study of city residents. We report response rates and costs for each condition. Findings suggest that letters achieve higher response rates than postcards and are more cost effective overall. We also find that conditional incentives achieve higher response rates and are more cost effective, although conflating factors do not permit clear inferences. Notably, the novel scratch-off postcard condition achieved the lowest response rate and the highest costs per completed survey.
Reclaiming the People: Counter-Populist Algorithmic Activism on Israeli Facebook
Authors: Halperin Yoav
Published: January 2022

This article examines a new form of resistance to right-wing populist discourse on social media which I define as counter-populist algorithmic activism. Practitioners of this type of activism exploit platforms’ automated ranking mechanisms and interface design to bolster the online visibility of counter-populist voices. By so doing, activists seek to stymie the digitally mediated spread of right-wing populist rhetoric and advance an alternative, non-exclusionary vision of “the people.” To explore this nascent form of resistance, this study draws on a year-long online ethnography of a Facebook group of Israeli activists called Strengthening the Left Online. Through an observation of the group’s activities during 2017, as well as interviews with its main administrator and other left-wing Facebook users, I elucidate the distinctive nature of the motivations, strategies, and goals that guide counter-populist algorithmic activists.
Immigrants on Chinese Television and Limitations of China’s Globalist Discourse
Authors: Gan Chun
Published: January 2022

Traditionally perceived as a country of emigration, China has in recent years become an increasingly popular subject for immigration and diaspora studies, with an immigrant population that has been growing quietly and steadily since the 1990s. However, media representations of immigrants in China have not garnered much attention. This article provides a critical assessment of how immigrants and immigrant experience are portrayed on Chinese television, using the example of Foreigner in China (2013–19), the first-ever program on a national platform to tackle this topic. It argues that, while the program paints a rather insightful and entertaining picture of contemporary immigrant life in China, its representation of immigrants is restricted by not only the internal contradiction of the Xi administration’s globalist discourse, but also the exclusive, ethnocentric conception of Chinese nationhood, which remains the norm in a more heterogenous and globally conscious Chinese society.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Breast Cancer Patients Sensitive and Resistant to Chemotherapy: Looking for Overall Survival and Drug Resistance Biomarkers
Authors: Barrón-Gallardo Carlos A , Garcia-Chagollán Mariel , Morán-Mendoza Andres J , Delgadillo-Cristerna Raul , Martínez-Silva María G , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana , Jave-Suárez Luis F
Published: January 2022

Worldwide breast cancer ranks first in mortality and incidence rates in women over 20 years old. Rather than one disease, breast cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases that express distinct molecular profiles. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an important therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients independently of their molecular subtype, with the drawback of resistance development. In addition, chemotherapy has adverse effects that combined with resistance could contribute to lower overall survival. Although great efforts have been made to find diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer and for response to targeted and immune therapy for this pathology, little has been explored regarding biomarkers of response to anthracyclines and taxanes based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This work aimed to evaluate the molecular profile of patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could be used as biomarkers of chemotherapy response and overall survival. Breast cancer patients who were candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. After treatment and according to their pathological response, they were assigned as sensitive or resistant. To evaluate DEGs, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia Gene and Genome (KEGG), and protein–protein interactions, RNA-seq information from all patients was obtained by next-generation sequencing. A total of 1985 DEGs were found, and KEGG analysis indicated a great number of DEGs in metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. A selection of 73 DEGs was used further for an analysis of overall survival using the METABRIC study and the ductal carcinoma dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Nine DEGs correlated with overall survival, of which the subexpression of C1QTNF3, CTF1, OLFML3, PLA2R1, PODN, KRT15, HLA-A, and the overexpression of TUBB and TCP1 were found in resistant patients and related to patients with lower overall survival.
Influence of Miller cycle on thermal load of high-boosted diesel engine
Authors: Wen Ming , Li Yufeng , Li Xiaojuan , Liu Jinlong , Fan Juting
Published: January 2022

With the increase of the engine intensified degree, mechanical load and thermal load become to the two main factors limiting the engine to intensify. Application of Miller cycle, which can be realized by late intake valve closing (LIVC) and deeper late intake valve closing (DLIVC), has the potential to reduce the effective CR, mechanical load, and thermal load. In this paper, the effects of LIVC and DLIVC on the mechanical load and thermal load of a boosted DI diesel are experimentally compared. Compared to the original base case, the average cylinder temperature of LIVC and DLIVC is reduced by 90 and 52 K. The exhaust temperature of LIVC and DLIVC decreased by 26 and 14 K, and the maximum combustion pressure of LIVC and DLIVC decreased by 1.6 and 9.7 bar. The pumping losses of LIVC and DLIVC are reduced by more than 25%, while the actual cycle power does not decrease due to the late closing of the inlet valve. The fuel consumption rate decreased from 250.1 g/kWh of base case to 240 g/kWh of LIVC, reduced by 4.0%. The indicated thermal efficiency increased from 41.9% of base case to 43.7% and 42.5% of LIVC and DLIVC. Miller loss is only 2.55% with Miller inlet phase.
Eliciting patients’ healthcare goals and concerns: Do questions influence responses?
Authors: Scalia Peter , van Deen Welmoed K , Engel Jaclyn A , Stevens Gabrielle , Van Citters Aricca D , Holthoff Megan M , Johnson Lisa C , Kennedy Alice M , Reddy Swathi B , Nelson Eugene C , Elwyn Glyn
Published: January 2022

There is increasing interest in asking patients questions before their visits to elicit goals and concerns, which is part of the move to support the concept of coproducing care. The phrasing and delivery of such questions differs across settings and is likely to influence responses. This report describes a study that (i) used a three-level model to categorize the goals and concerns elicited by two different pre-visit questions, and (ii) describes associations between responses elicited and the phrasing and delivery of the two questions. The questions were administered to patients with rheumatic disease, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Paper-based responses from 150 patients with rheumatic disease and 338 patients with IBD were analyzed (163 paper, 175 electronic). The goals and concerns elicited were primarily disease or symptom-specific. The specific goal and concern examples featured in one pre-visit question were more commonly reported in responses to that question, compared to the question without examples. Questions completed electronically before the visit were associated with longer responses than those completed on paper in the waiting room. In conclusion, how and when patients’ goals and concerns are elicited appears to have an impact on responses and warrants further investigation.
Modifiable risk factors for intracranial aneurysms: Evidence from genetic studies
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Liu Bin , Chen Ying , Lv Linshuoshuo , Ye Ding , Mao Yingying
Published: January 2022

Background:

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a crucial health concern with limited strategies for prevention and treatment.

Aim:

To identify potentially modifiable risk factors, such as socioeconomic, behaviors, dietary, and cardiometabolic factors, for IA and its subtypes.

Methods:

Summary statistics for IA were derived from a genome-wide association study with an overall 79,429 participants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with modifiable risk factors at genome-wide significance ( P = 5 × 10–8) were used as instrumental variables. The inverse-variance-weighted method, weighted-median method, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier, and multivariable MR analyses were performed to evaluate the effect estimates.

Results:

Genetically predicted educational attainment, insomnia, smoking, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were significantly associated with the risk of IA. The odds ratios (ORs) were 0.44 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.52) for educational attainment, 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.23) for insomnia, 1.56 (95% CI: 1.38–1.75) for smoking initiation, 2.69 (95% CI: 1.77–4.07) for cigarette per day, 2.65 (95% CI: 1.72–4.08) for lifetime smoking, 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06–1.09), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04–1.10) for SBP and DBP, respectively. Similar effect estimates were observed for unruptured IAs and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

This study provided genetic evidence that several modifiable risk factors, including blood pressure, smoking, educational attainment, and insomnia were associated with the risk of IA.
Book review: S. Ninan & V. Anand, 2019, Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life
Authors: Krishnan T. N.  , Dhayanithy Deepak
Published: January 2022

S. Ninan & V. Anand, 2019, Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life. New Delhi: Hachette India. 272 pp., ₹599. ISBN-13: 978-9351951506.
Effects of Deficits in the Neuromuscular and Mechanical Properties of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings on Single-Leg Hop Performance and Dynamic Knee Stability in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: He Xin , Qiu Jihong , Cao Mingde , Ho Yui Chung , Leong Hio Teng , Fu Sai-Chuen , Ong Michael Tim-Yun , Fong Daniel T.P. , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang
Published: January 2022

Background:

Understanding the role of neuromuscular and mechanical muscle properties in knee functional performance and dynamic knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may help in the development of more focused rehabilitation programs.

Purpose:

To compare the involved and uninvolved limbs of patients after ACLR in terms of muscle strength, passive muscle stiffness, muscle activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings, hop performance, and dynamic knee stability and to investigate the association of neuromuscular and mechanical muscle properties with hop performance and dynamic knee stability.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Method:

The authors studied the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in 30 male patients (mean ± SD age, 25.4 ± 4.1 years) who had undergone unilateral ACLR. Muscle strength was measured using isokinetic testing at 60 and 180 deg/s. Passive muscle stiffness was quantified using ultrasound shear wave elastography. Muscle activation was evaluated via electromyographic (EMG) activity. Hop performance was evaluated via a single-leg hop test, and dynamic knee stability was evaluated via 3-dimensional knee movements during the landing phase of the hop test.

Results:

Compared with the uninvolved limb, the involved limb exhibited decreased peak torque and shear modulus in both the quadriceps and hamstrings as well as delayed activity onset in the quadriceps ( P < .05 for all). The involved limb also exhibited a shorter hop distance and decreased peak knee flexion angle during landing ( P < .05 for both). Decreased peak quadriceps torque at 180 deg/s, the shear modulus of the semitendinosus, and the reactive EMG activity amplitude of the semimembranosus were all associated with shorter hop distance ( R 2 = 0.565; P < .001). Decreased quadriceps peak torque at 60 deg/s and shear modulus of the vastus medialis were both associated with smaller peak knee flexion angle ( R 2 = 0.319; P < .001).

Conclusion:

In addition to muscle strength deficits, deficits in passive muscle stiffness and muscle activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings were important contributors to poor single-leg hop performance and dynamic knee stability during landing. Further investigations should include a rehabilitation program that normalizes muscle stiffness and activation patterns during landing, thus improving knee functional performance and dynamic knee stability.
Acute Pain Assessment Inadequacy in the Emergency Department: Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Hämäläinen Jenni , Kvist Tarja , Kankkunen Päivi
Published: January 2022

For many patients, acute pain is a common cause to seek treatment in an Emergency Department (ED). An inadequate assessment could cause inappropriate pain management. The aim of this study was to describe and explain patients’ perceptions of acute pain assessment in the Emergency Department. The data were collected from ED patients (n = 114). Patients reported that nurses were asking about intensity of pain at rest, but only 52% during movement. According to the patients, the most common tools to assess acute pain were the verbal rating scale (VRS; 54% of patients), numerical rating scale (NRS; 28% of patients), and visual analogue scale (VAS; 9.7% of patients). Over twenty per cent of patients stated that ED nurses did not ask about the intensity of pain after analgesic administration. Twenty-four per cent of the patients were not pleased with nursing pain assessment in the ED. The assessment of acute pain is still inadequate in the ED. Therefore, ED nurses need to be more attentive to systematic acute pain management of patients in the ED.
Supporting Individuals and Families Impacted by Dementia in Counseling: Case Report
Authors: Lee Kathy , English Jamie , Kusek Venieca
Published: January 2022

As more than 6 million people in the United States are living with dementia, it is important to foster and train counselors who are specialized in dementia. This case report explores the process and benefits of counseling when individuals and families are impacted by dementia. By understanding multiple changes in the individual and the family system, a counselor can provide guidance and resources to navigate and adapt changes during the disease process. Based on family systems therapy, a counselor can assist the family by facilitating family involvement and communication. It is critical for a counselor to help the family members in understanding how each one may be in a differing stage of acceptance regarding the diagnosis and loss. In addition, dementia-specific counseling should entail psychoeducation of the disease as well as existing community-based resources that are designed to support community-dwelling people living with dementia.
Muslim-Christian Relations and Collaborative Efforts to Build Indonesia
Authors: Sukamto Amos
Published: January 2022

Despite recent efforts to improve relations between Christian and Muslims in Indonesia, some Muslim groups continue to harbor prejudice against Christians, calling them infidels, followers of the religion of the hated Dutch, and allies of the Zionists. In addition, some Christian groups are actively seeking conversions in some Muslim groups. To reduce this prejudice, Christians must (1) cultivate a lifestyle that is less exclusive and more inclusive; (2) foster grassroots dialogue and collaboration (particularly regarding issues of the environment, human rights, and economic development); and (3) develop greater sensitivity about how and what they share about their ministry plans.
Lysosomal iron recycling in mouse macrophages is dependent upon both LcytB and Steap3 reductases
Authors: Meng Fanjing , Fleming Brittany A. , Jia Xuan , Rousek Alexis A. , Mulvey Matthew A. , Ward Diane M.
Published: January 2022

Iron that is stored in macrophages as ferritin can be made bioavailable by degrading ferritin in the lysosome and releasing iron back into the cytosol. Iron stored in ferritin is found as Fe3+ and must be reduced to Fe2+ before it can be exported from the lysosome. Here we report that the lysosomal reductase Cyb561a3 (LcytB) and the endosomal reductase six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (Steap3) act as lysosomal ferrireductases in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 converting Fe3+ to Fe2+ for iron recycling. We determined that when lysosomes were loaded with horse cationic ferritin, reductions or loss of LcytB or Steap3 using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout technology resulted in decreased lysosomal iron export. Loss of both reductases was additive in decreasing lysosomal iron export. Decreased reductase activity resulted in increased transcripts for iron acquisition proteins DMT1 and transferrin receptor 1 (Tfrc1) suggesting that cells were iron limited. We show that transcript expression of LcytB and Steap3 is decreased in macrophages exposed to Escherichia coli pathogen UTI89, which supports a role for these reductases in regulating iron availability for pathogens. We further show that loss of LcytB and Steap3 in macrophages infected with UTI89 led to increased proliferation of intracellular UTI89 suggesting that the endolysosomal system is retaining Fe3+ that can be used for proliferation of intravesicular pathogens. Together, our findings reveal an important role for both LcytB and Steap3 in macrophage iron recycling and suggest that limiting iron recycling by decreasing expression of endolysosomal reductases is an innate immune response to protect against pathogen proliferation and sepsis.