bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Effects of a Haptic Anchor System on Postural Sway of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Brito Thanielle S. S. , de Souza Luciane A. P. S. , Luvizutto Gustavo J.
Published: August 2022

Some investigators have demonstrated that an anchor system can improve postural control in elderly persons during balance tasks, but none have reported on the use of this approach in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an anchor system on postural sway in elderly individuals with ( n = 13) and without ( n = 14) PD. In this cross-sectional study, we measured postural sway with a force platform based on the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance (CTSIB). We calculated center of pressure (COP) parameters, as a function of time, based on the ellipse sway area (cm2) and evaluated self-efficacy for postural control based on the degree of difficulty in each task. With the anchor system (i.e., handheld ropes attached to weights on the floor), we observed a significant reduction in the ellipse sway area in the semi-tandem position among individuals with PD ( p = .04). For participants without PD, there was no significant difference in sway with or without the anchor system in all positions. Also, for participants with PD, there was an improvement in self-efficacy for postural control associated with the anchor system in several positions while there was only a self-efficacy improvement with the anchor system in the semi-tandem position for those without PD. Acute use of a haptic anchor system reduced postural sway in the semi-tandem position in individuals with PD, and the anchor system generally improved postural control self-efficacy for body sway in individuals with PD.
Critical problems and pragmatist solutions
Authors: Petersen Felix , Brunkhorst Hauke , Seeliger Martin
Published: August 2022

In this special issue, we draw on pragmatist political and social theory and philosophy to illustrate the creative potential of this intellectual tradition for thinking about the numerous crises that haunt liberal democratic societies today. The introduction identifies five overlapping problem constellations (demise of public power, lasting consequences of inequality, pluralization of society, return of authoritarian practices and globalization of the world) that have driven the recent rise of undemocratic or authoritarian patterns of social organization and political rule. Against this backdrop, we conclude that the revitalization of certain dimensions of liberal democracy will not suffice to overcome these problems, which means that democratic practices need radical rethinking and reconceptualization. For this intellectual and political endeavour, we argue, pragmatism provides a suitable framework to identify problems that require resolution and define and mobilize collective problem solving capacities from already existing practices. All eight contributions to this special issue draw on pragmatist political and social theory and philosophy to illustrate to what extent, and to what ends, this intellectual tradition can revitalize the political and social discourse on the past, present and future of democracy. The articles are organized in two sections : (1) Pragmatist critique and the critical potential of pragmatism, (2) pragmatist politics and theories of democratic practice.
Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admission Following Cleft Palate Repair by Head and Neck Surgeons
Authors: Scott Andrew R. , Shumrick Christopher M. , Hussein Musse , Ebert Bridget E. , Schnell Avery , Roby Brianne B.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine the incidence of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission following primary repair of cleft palate by otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons at 2 tertiary centers. To identify potential diagnoses associated with admission or unanticipated PICU transfer.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional case series with chart review.

Setting

Two tertiary pediatric medical centers.

Methods

Children who underwent primary repair of cleft palate at 2 cleft centers over a 10‐year period were identified. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and whether PICU admission was required.

Results

From 2009 to 2019, 464 patients underwent primary repair of a cleft palate by 1 of 6 otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons with subspecialty training in cleft surgery; 459 patients had sufficient postoperative documentation and 443 children met inclusion criteria. The incidence of PICU admission was 9.3% (41/443), with 33 (7.4%) planned admissions and 8 (1.8%) unexpected PICU transfers. Syndromic conditions were associated with both planned and unanticipated PICU admissions.

Conclusion

The incidence of unanticipated postoperative PICU admission following cleft palate repair by otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons was low. Risk stratification by surgeons with expertise in airway management may inform decisions regarding postoperative disposition of patients with medical or airway complexity who are undergoing cleft palate repair.

Level of Evidence

4
Health Expenditures, Health Infrastructure and Health Status in SAARC Countries: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Mohapatra Subhalaxmi
Published: August 2022

Scholars in health economics have been studying the relationship between healthcare expenditure and health outcomes for the last half-century. Researchers emphasized the increase of public health expenditure towards providing primary healthcare based on the logic that health expenditure has a direct effect on the health outcomes of the people. However, such studies have a lot of inconsistencies. Given the background, the present study has three research objectives. First, to investigate the effect of healthcare spending on multiple health outcomes in SAARC nations after controlling for country-specific health infrastructures and economic conditions. Second, to undertake a differential analysis of the effect of public and private healthcare spending (both aggregate and out of pocket) on specific health outcomes. Third, to explore the presence (if any) of the differential effect of health expenditure and health infrastructure variables on specific health outcome variables, including mortality and morbidity indicators. Based on a 20-year (1993–2012) panel data from seven SAARC countries, health expenditure was found to influence improved health outcomes in SAARC nations. In addition, the differential effect of public, private and out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure was observed on different health outcomes. Thus, OOP expenditures was found to be the major influencer of life expectancy, death rate and TB instances, while public expenditure was found to be influential for improving infant mortality rate (IMR). The present study supports the notion that disaggregated effects of health expenditure (by including the effect of public, private and OOP expenditures) are needed to get a complete understanding of the health expenditure–health outcome linkage. In addition, the findings emphasize on the role of proximal predictors of health outcomes (alongside expenditure variables in the same model) as important inclusion in the health expenditure-health outcome investigation.
Coping with uncertainty in mental illness: Associations among desired support, support seeking strategies, and received support from family members
Authors: Kuang Kai , Wang Ningxin
Published: August 2022

Individuals with mental illness commonly experience uncertainty related to not only the condition itself but also personal and social implications surrounding mental illness. Support from family has the potential to alleviate uncertain feelings and reduce perceived stress. Drawing on the sensitive interaction systems theory, this longitudinal study investigated the support seeking processes and outcomes in mental illness. Results suggested that perceived uncertainty about mental illness was negatively associated with desired emotional and informational support from close family. Desired support predicted received support and reduced perceived stress 2 weeks later. The effect of desired support on received support was mediated by direct support seeking behaviors. Communication efficacy, relational trust, and motivation to seek support moderated the associations between desired support and support seeking behaviors. Findings offer theoretical and practical implications for support seeking from family members in mental illness.
Impact of perfusion method on perioperative red blood cell transfusions and new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation in mitral valve surgery patients
Authors: Räsänen Jenni , Ellam Sten , Hartikainen Juha , Juutilainen Auni , Halonen Jari
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are common in cardiac surgery and reportedly associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including increased risk of postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). The aim of this study was to compare minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) and conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC) in terms of RBC transfusions and the incidence of NOAF in mitral valve surgery.

Methods

The study population consisted of 89 MiECC and 169 CECC patients undergoing mitral valve surgery as an isolated procedure (80.6% of the patients) or in combination with coronary artery bypass grafting (19.4% of patients). 79.4% of the patients were male and the mean age was 62.1 years.

Results

30.0% of patients aged < 65 years and 48.1% of patients aged ≥ 65 years needed RBC transfusion. The overall need for RBC transfusions did not differ between the treatment groups. Among patients < 65 years of age transfusions of ≥ 3 units were less frequent in MiECC than in CECC patients (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.98, p = 0.045). The overall incidence of NOAF was 41.8% with no significant difference between MiECC and CECC groups. Red blood cell transfusions were associated with an increased risk of NOAF in an unadjusted analysis but not after adjustment for age and sex (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.64–2.43, p = 0.515).

Conclusions

In mitral valve surgery MiECC compared to CECC was associated with less need of RBC units and platelets, particularly in patients aged < 65 years. Use of RBC transfusions was associated with increased risk of NOAF significantly only in unadjusted analysis.
Trapped in the platform: Migration and precarity in China's platform-based gig economy
Authors: Zhou Yang
Published: August 2022

Recent studies on precarity among gig workers has turned away from labour process factors to explore the role of the wider social, cultural and institutional environment. Existing western-centred studies in this aspect argue that platforms reproduce racialised and gendered hierarchies to leverage control over vulnerable populations. This study extends this literature by focusing on the migration factor in a non-western context. Using the case of Didi, drawing on ethnographic and interview data, it is argued that migrant drivers’ high tolerance for platform precarity should be understood as an imposed position, for they are actually trapped in the platform by China's state-led, tech-driven economic restructuring project, through a new mode of migrant labour differentiation comprising three factors – changes in the labour market, hegemonic gender norms and the reformed hukou system. It thus enriches our understanding of worker precarity in the gig economy by highlighting the impact of migration and the state.
Effectiveness of Bone Marrow–Derived Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Degenerative Model
Authors: Uno Tomohiro , Maruyama Masahiro , Satake Hiroshi , Takakubo Yuya , Toyono Shuji , Xing Liu , Huang Hanqing , Yuki Issei , Suzuki Akemi , Mura Nariyuki , Takagi Michiaki
Published: August 2022

Background:

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate. Although peripheral blood–derived PRF (P-PRF) is commonly applied in biological augmentation, there is no report about the therapeutic effect of bone marrow–derived PRF (BM-PRF) for degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), P-PRF, and BM-PRF during rotator cuff repair (RCR) in degenerative RCTs in rabbits. We hypothesized that BM-PRF would accelerate the bone-tendon healing after RCR.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Degenerative RCT models were created 2 weeks before beginning the study, and 68 juvenile rabbits were divided into 4 groups: the control, PRP, P-PRF, and BM-PRF groups. RCR without augmentation was done in the control group. PRP was prepared by centrifuging peripheral blood twice using a plastic tube. P-PRF and BM-PRF were prepared by centrifuging peripheral blood and bone marrow, respectively, using a glass tube. Rabbits from PRP, P-PRF, and BM-PRF groups were administered the augmentation in a similar fashion for RCR, between the rotator cuff and the footprint of the humerus. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, rabbits were euthanized and histologically assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Alcian blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining for type I and III collagen. The sections were also evaluated with immunofluorescence staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at 4 weeks.

Results:

The continuity was significantly better in the BM-PRF group at 4 weeks ( P < .05). Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that VEGF-positive stained cells were significantly greater in the BM-PRF group than in the control group ( P < .01). The modified tendon maturing score was significantly greater in the BM-PRF group than in the control and PRP groups at 12 weeks ( P < .05). There was no significant difference in the modified tendon maturing score of the P-PRF group compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

The rabbit model of degenerative RCTs demonstrated that RCR combined with BM-PRF enhanced tendon-bone continuity and increased the VEGF-positive cells at 4 weeks and obtained preferable tendon-bone maturation at 12 weeks.

Clinical Relevance:

RCR augmented with BM-PRF has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for RCTs.
Caring Contacts to Reduce Psychiatric Morbidity Following Hospitalization During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Holman Sarah , Steinberg Rosalie , Sinyor Mark , Lane Hillary , Starritt Kaleigh , Kennedy Sidney H. , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Zaretsky Ari , Castel Saulo , Schaffer Ayal
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Caring Contacts are an emerging intervention that aims to reduce distress and suicide risk after acute psychiatric care. This trial aimed to determine whether, during a pandemic, there was any evidence that the mental health benefits and reduction in suicidal ideation (SI) associated with delivering Caring Contacts to recently discharged psychiatric patients were greater than a control communication. The secondary objective was to identify whether the predicted benefits were greater among people living alone or those diagnosed with depression.

Method

A single-site pilot randomized clinical trial ( n = 100), with patients recruited from the adult Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada between August 2020 and May 2021. Participants were randomized (1:1) to the Caring Contact or control group. Participants received three Caring Contact or control communications via email or mail (on days 4, 21, and 56 post-discharge). Mental health symptoms were assessed using the self-report Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) scores at discharge (baseline) and when participants received each communication. Analysis of variance was used for the primary comparisons and exploratory analyses for subgroups.

Results

Both groups experienced a significant worsening of mental health symptoms at all time points post-discharge relative to baseline. There were no significant differences between groups at any time point, however, on day 4 there was a 24.2% and 72.6% attenuated worsening in the Caring Contact group compared to the control group for total symptom severity and SI, respectively. There was no significant interaction effect for the depression subgroup or those living alone.

Conclusions

While this pilot study was not powered to identify significant differences between groups, results are indicative of feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and provide some indication that Caring Contacts may have benefited patients in the days following discharge, supporting the need for larger-scale trials. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (study ID NCT04456062).
Exploring Youths’ Cannabis Health Literacy Post Legalization: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bishop Lisa D. , Drakes Dalainey H. , Donnan Jennifer R. , Rowe Emily C. , Najafizada Maisam
Published: August 2022

Legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada was intended to protect youth health and safety by limiting access and raising awareness of safety and risks. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore youths’ perceptions of their cannabis health literacy and future educational needs. A convenience sample of youth aged 13 to 18 residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada who may or may not have consumed cannabis were included. A qualitative study using virtual focus groups with semi-structured interview questions was conducted. Ethics approval was obtained. All sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis used a social-ecological framework for adolescent health literacy. Six focus groups ( n = 38) were conducted with youth of all ages and from rural and urban areas. Three main themes were identified: (i) micro influences (age, gender, and beliefs), (ii) meso influences, (family, peers, and school enforcement), (iii) macro influences (cannabis legalization and social media), and (iv) evidence-informed information (harm reduction and cannabis properties). They desired evidence-informed education using harm-reduction principles, integrated early, and interactive. The findings provide support for a cannabis health literacy framework that will inform youth cannabis education programs. Interactive approaches with real-world application should support their autonomy, share knowledge, and minimize stigma.
Rating Health and Rating Change: How Canadians Rate Their Health and Its Changes
Authors: Lazarevič Patrick , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie
Published: August 2022

Objectives: We investigated the contribution of five health domains to self-rated health (SRH) cross-sectionally and longitudinally and whether these contributions differ by gender or age. Methods: Employing dominance analyses, we quantified the contributions of functioning, diseases, pain, mental health, and behavior to both SRH at a point in time and for changes in SRH using data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (NPHS, 1994–2011). Results: Cross-sectionally and longitudinally, functioning was the most important health domain, followed by diseases and pain. There were no meaningful differences in the ranking by gender while functioning, diseases, and pain were more relevant in older cohorts. Discussion: Functioning, diseases, and pain systematically were the most important health domains in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. While these results held for women and men, they were more salient for older adults. This points to a gender-invariant but age-graded process, confirming previous research with European data.
Clinical, Diagnostic and Histological Findings Involving Cheek Teeth Hypercementosis in Nine Horses
Authors: Brown James A. , Murphy Brian G. , Clapp Kemba S. , LaDouceur Elise E. B.
Published: August 2022

Hypercementosis is infrequently reported to affect the cheek teeth of horses and presents as mineral deposits either attached (peripheral) or solitary ovoid (nodular) structures in the tooth bearing region. There is overlap between radiological and histological appearance of hypercementosis, cementoma, and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). The clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical management, and histological findings of nine horses that presented for dental lesions and associated hypercementosis of cheek teeth are reported. Horses were 4-15 years old and presented for either nasal discharge or facial swelling. Peripheral and nodular mineral structures were identified using radiographs or computed tomography in six and three horses, respectively. Eight of nine cases involved maxillary cheek teeth. Of six cases with peripheral hypercementosis, three had enlargement of the apical cross-sectional area that was greater than the coronal cross-sectional area thus preventing extraction along the normal eruption pathway and necessitating sectioning (two cases) and repulsion. Nodular hypercementosis lesions were extracted in three of the four cases. Post-extraction complications occurred in five cases; four cases required additional procedures. All horses returned to their intended use, ie riding or pasture. Histology of extracted dental and proliferative mineral material revealed hypercementosis characterized by large sheets of eosinophilic matrix with lacunae (usually empty; presumed artifact) and frequent, irregular, basophilic cement lines. All cases had evidence of chronic inflammation, such as caries, chronic fractures and/or pulpitis. The findings of this case series share many features with previous published descriptions of cementoma and with histological findings of hypercementosis lesions of EOTRH. Further investigation into differentiation of these entities is warranted.
Multi-branch junction boundary model of an internal combustion engine intake and exhaust manifold system
Authors: Wang Yingyuan , Zhang Kun , Guo Wenjun , Gu Jie , Xie Wenping , Deng Kangyao
Published: August 2022

Multi-branch junctions are commonly used in highly integrated supercharged internal combustion engines. Accurate prediction of flow performance is critical to engine cycle simulation. However, the few studies on this type of junction boundary model focus on incompressible fluid, which leads to insufficient accuracy in predicting compressible flow. In this study, based on a constant-pressure model commonly used to calculate multi-branch junctions, by considering fluid compressibility, we developed a momentum conservation model and a pressure loss coefficient model, respectively, that are tailored to multi-branch junctions. The momentum conservation model accounts for structural parameters such as branch angle and the influence of Mach number, and hence it improved the prediction accuracy. For a certain type of high-power-density internal combustion engine, the maximum simulation error is reduced from 7.58% to 2.47% in the engine performance prediction at the rated speed after using the momentum conservation model. The proposed pressure loss coefficient model was mainly used to compensate for the shortcomings of the momentum conservation model in the multi-branch calculation efficiency reduction, which is more dependent on the pressure loss coefficient database provided by the experiment. The influence of fluid compressibility was also considered. This investigation can provide tailored tools for multi-branch junction performance prediction in different functional simulation scenes.
Late-onset cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients have distinctive clinical features and demographics versus early-onset patients
Authors: Anderson Scott R , Hynan Linda S , Chong Benjamin F
Published: August 2022

Background

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can present later in life, but frequency and risk factors of late-onset CLE patients are not well characterized. The study determined frequency of late-onset CLE and compared the demographic and disease characteristics between early-onset and late-onset CLE in a cohort of patients with CLE.

Objectives

To determine the frequency and compare clinical features of early-onset and late-onset CLE.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of CLE patients seen in outpatient dermatology clinics at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, from April 2009 to May 2019. The primary outcome was the age of CLE onset, stratified by early-onset (<50 years) and late-onset CLE (≥50 years). Predictor variables significantly associated with CLE onset groups were identified by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of the 291 CLE patients studied, 79% were early-onset, and 21% were late-onset. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified that Caucasian race (odds ratio (OR): 2.23, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.19–4.19, p = 0.013), having a CLE subtype other than chronic (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.02–4.65, p = 0.044), and drug-induced cases (OR: 4.65, 95% CI: 1.18–18.24, p = 0.028) were significantly associated with late-onset CLE. Early-onset CLE patients were more likely to have oral ulcers (OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.46–8.78, p = 0.005) and renal disorders (OR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.10–14.71, p = 0.036).

Limitations

This was a single center study. Age of onset was self-reported and late-onset CLE cohort has a small sample size.

Conclusions

Our diverse cohort of CLE patients had about one out of five patients with CLE experiencing disease onset after 50 years old. These patients have distinct demographic and clinical presentations compared to early-onset CLE patients. Providers should remain mindful of CLE in older patients with photosensitive rashes and mild systemic symptoms.
ZNF561-AS1 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Myocardial Infarction Through miR-223-3p/NLRP3 Axis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Long Jun , Zong Ligeng , Zhang Chengcheng , Yang Zhongxin , Guo Shengnan
Published: August 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely recognized as important regulators in myocardial infarction (MI) and other heart diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanism and biological function of an unknown lncRNA zinc finger protein 561 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF561-AS1) in MI. After confirming the MI model was successful, we applied reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot (WB) and found that the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 was substantially increased in infarct and border zones of MI mice heart at 24 h and 72 h compared with that in sham-operated models. Moreover, we found that NLRP3 expression was promoted in hypoxia human cardiomyocytes (HCMs). Through cell function assays including CCK-8, 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), supported by WB analysis, we verified that silencing of NLRP3 facilitated proliferation but impeded apoptosis of hypoxia-induced myocardial cell. Moreover, Ago2-RIP and RNA pull-down assays displayed that NLRP3 could combine with miR-223-3p. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that NLRP3 was directly targeted by miR-223-3p. Simultaneously, we found that miR-223-3p was the downstream gene of ZNF561-AS1. In addition, we conducted a series of rescue experiments to affirm that ZNF561-AS1 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis in MI through miR-223-3p/NLRP3 axis.
The Historical Context of Neighborhood Racial Diversity and Crime in Philadelphia, PA
Authors: Miller Jeaneé C.
Published: August 2022

Social science theory and research have linked racial diversity to both positive and negative outcomes for communities. Research has also demonstrated that the effects of demographic indicators sometimes vary across space and time. This complex web of results calls for examinations of the spatial and temporal elements at play in this relationship. Using spatial lag models, I analyze the relationship between racial diversity—both as a static measurement and as the 20-year change—and crime in four distinct neighborhood clusters in Philadelphia, PA. I first find evidence of spatial heterogeneity—that racial diversity predicts lower crime rates in one community, but higher crime rates in another. Second, the change in racial diversity influences crime in ways that differ from the static diversity measure. These results provide support for both competing hypotheses regarding the racial diversity–crime connection while also underscoring the role of spatiotemporal contexts in illuminating the dynamism of neighborhood processes.
Simulation of Velopharyngeal Biomechanics Identifies Differences in Sphincter Pharyngoplasty Outcomes: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Tran Thanh , Perry Jamie , Blemker Silvia , Mason Kazlin
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for 3D subject-specific computational models capable of simulating velopharyngeal biomechanics for anatomic changes that occur following pharyngoplasty and to gain insight into biomechanical factors that may lead to different speech/surgical outcomes. Patient-specific models for two, matched participants with differing speech/surgical outcomes were developed: one with a successful pharyngoplasty outcome and one with a failed pharyngoplasty outcome. Surgical scenarios were simulated to model pharyngoplasty location, identify LVP muscle biomechanics, and identify an optimal pharyngoplasty location for each participant. These simulations illustrate the potential for optimizing pharyngoplasties based on patient-specific geometry.
Cultural Differences in an Artificial Representation of the Human Emotional Brain System: A Deep Learning Study
Authors: Messner Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

Cultural differences between countries are customarily calculated by comparing mean scores on multiple dimensions, which ignores heterogeneity within societies. This article proposes a fundamentally new way of measuring cultural differences by evaluating the functioning of the emotional brain—that is, by comparing how people think, rather than what they think. Deep learning as a supervised machine learning technique is used to mathematically represent the emotional brain of the Volksgeist (“folk spirit”) with a complex system of nonlinear combinations of value priorities, opinions, and other factors with subjective feelings of well-being. Cross-validating how well one Volksgeist's artificial brain fits another country provides a novel measure for emotional cultural differences, which also considers heterogeneity within a society. This measure is conceptually and statistically unrelated to the Kogut–Singh index calculated from mean scores on cultural dimensions. However, it shows good face validity and supports international marketing and business theory as a negative and highly significant predictor for bilateral trade flows within Europe, using a classic gravity model.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Cooper–Norcross Inventory of Preferences–Therapist Version
Authors: She Zhuang , Řiháček Tomáš , Xu Jun , Yang Wenxian , Xu Dan , Zhou Ningning , Ji Weidong , Xi Juzhe
Published: August 2022

The Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences (C-NIP) is a commonly used and psychometrically validated measure of client preferences in therapy. However, the C-NIP version for therapists (C-NIP-T) has not yet been validated. This study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the C-NIP-T and test its factor structure, reliability, and concurrent validity. A national sample of 1,054 Chinese mental health professionals completed the C-NIP-T and provided relevant demographic information. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used to examine the factor structure of the C-NIP-T. ESEM provided stronger evidence than CFA for the hypothesized four-factor model. Internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach’s α) of the four subscales ranged between .60 and .76. Full or partial scalar invariance was established across therapists’ therapeutic orientations, gender, personal therapy, and clinical experience. There were significant differences in subscale scores among therapists who identified as cognitive/cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, and humanistic/client-centered, supporting the concurrent validity of the C-NIP-T. The C-NIP-T is a psychometrically sound measure that can be used to assess therapists’ preferences about therapy.
Effect of modified atmosphere packaging with different gas mixtures on the texture and muscle proteins of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during cold storage
Authors: Qian Yun-Fang , Lin Ting , Xie Jing , Yang Sheng-Ping
Published: August 2022

In this study, the effect of modified atmosphere packaging with different gas mixtures on texture and muscle properties of Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage was studied via texture profile, water holding capacity (WHC), protein properties (Ca2+-ATPase, TCA-soluble peptides, myofibrillar/sarcoplasmic protein content), and microbial counts. The results showed that the antibacterial effect of Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was correlated with the increase of CO2 with the presence of low level of O2. Though MAP without O2 had a higher whiteness value but also had higher bacterial counts and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values compared with other MAP-groups. In general, a gas composition of 80% CO2 + 5%O2 + 15% N2 treatment had lowest microbial counts and reduced TVB-N values by 22.85% in comparison with the control on day 10. However, MAP was found to have a complicated impact on muscle protein and texture of shrimp. 60% CO2 + 5% O2 + 35% N2 and 40% CO2 + 5% O2 + 55% N2 had an advantage in maintaining springiness and the content of myofibrillar/sarcoplasmic proteins. The correlation analysis showed that WHC had stronger relationship with springiness, resilience, myofibrillar protein content. Therefore, regarding the texture and protein properties, the concentration of CO2 in MAP for Pacific white shrimp should not be higher than 60%.
Systemic inflammation index as useful tool to predict arteriovenous graft stenosis: Our experience and literature review
Authors: Franchin Marco , Muscato Paola , Piffaretti Gabriele , Tozzi Matteo
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Many studies show that settings of severe inflammatory stress might be responsible for changes in circulating blood cells count. Effective inflammation indices are created calculating the quantitative relationship between these cells. No previous studies have been proposed on hemodialysis patients exploring the association between arteriovenous graft (AVG) stenosis and systemic inflammation markers, such as Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic-immune-inflammation index (SII).

Methods:

Patients undergone surgery for AVG creation in a 2-year period are examined. Examining their full blood count, we have established the value of inflammatory indices (NLR, PLR, SII) and we have compared their mean values in patients who have developed significant stenosis or not. Finally, we have considered the connection between those values and stenosis onset and recurrence in AVG.

Results:

Fifty-two patients are included in the study [male: 40%, mean age 70 ± 15 years (range 55–86)]. We have found out there is not statistical significance in preoperative values of inflammatory index (NLR p 0.33, PLR p 0.15, SII p 0.98) Otherwise NLR and SII indices were statistically significant 3 months after surgery (NLR 2.04 ± 0.98 vs 3.91 ± 2.10, p < 0.001; SII 415.32 ± 255.15 vs 636.91 ± 349.01, p 0.014).

Conclusions:

Increased post-operative values of NLR and SII have proved a strong association with AVG outflow stenosis onset and recurrence.
Parading Utopia on the road to nowhere? An introduction to the special issue on the policy impact of the European basic income experiments
Authors: Chrisp Joe , De Wispelaere Jurgen
Published: August 2022

Basic income experiments have emerged across Europe in recent years, but until now analysis has focused on their design and the scientific interpretation of their results, rather than the subsequent policy impact of these projects. This special issue addresses this gap. The papers all focus on whether and how the European basic income experiments have made an observable impact on the basic income debate and social security reform more generally. The special issue includes country case studies of the three countries in Europe that have completed their experiments, Finland, the Netherlands and Spain, as well as a case study of Scotland, where a feasibility study did not result in a field experiment, and of Ireland, which is in the process of planning at least one experiment. Two papers then also examine the effect of these experiments on the debate at EU level and outside Europe, in Australia. The special issue provides a novel contribution that advances both the scholarly and policy debates surrounding basic income at a time when COVID-19 appears to have increased interest in the policy and equally seems to have propelled the idea of experimenting with basic income even further into the mainstream.
The tour guide role in the United Arab Emirates: Emiratisation, satisfaction and retention
Authors: Rutledge Emilie J
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the job satisfaction levels of national tour guides in the United Arab Emirates. In-depth interviews (n = 34) and a questionnaire (n = 63), incorporating Job Satisfaction Survey dimensions alongside context-specific ones, were used to assess continuance intentions in relation to career development opportunities and societal sentiment on the ‘appropriateness’ of this vocational role. While the nature of the job and promotional opportunities strengthened continuance intentions, stigma towards nationals working in the tourism sector reduced such intentions. A recommendation that fits with the UAE’s goal of better utilising indigenous human capital is to augment the hands-on aspect of the job with academically orientated tasks including archiving, curation and research and thus, raise this role’s status.
Creating safety: Group reflections on surviving as a female, social work early career academic in the neoliberal academy
Authors: Newcomb Michelle , Saxton Katherine , Lovrić Esha , Harris Sera , Davidson Danielle
Published: August 2022

Female social work early career academics (ECAs) face many challenges within a neoliberal university context. The tension between balancing the social justice mission of the profession against the consumer model of higher education is conflicting and contributes to feelings of isolation and alienation. This article documents a group of female ECAs experiences by drawing on critical, post-modern and feminist knowledge traditions. The qualitative methodology used was collective autoethnography and critical reflection where the group documented and collectively analysed individual experiences of teaching social work education as female ECAs. The purpose of collating these experiences was to explore the emancipatory capacity of female agency as well as embodying what it is to be a female ECA. Vignettes were thematically examined in a three-part process including (1) reading and reviewing data; (2) categorising and group data and (3) finding themes and connecting these to the original data ( Chang et al., 2016 ). Analysis of the vignettes highlighted the tensions of working as female social justice educators within a neoliberal university causing feelings of oppression and discomfort. In finding one another, sharing and writing stories as well as a collective response this challenged the masculinist model which has been the norm within neoliberal universities. Female led support strategies coupled with the utilisation of feminist methodologies contributes to the emergence of a new, feminist and collectively safer academic culture.
Research on parameter estimation methods of fatigue life distribution model of automotive chassis parts
Authors: Wu Yidong , Li Nini , Liu Yihan , Tang Liqun , Cao Wei
Published: August 2022

The reliability assessment of fatigue life of automotive chassis parts is an important part of automobile safety. The fatigue endurance tests of automotive half-axles were carried out. The three-parameter Weibull distribution model was established according to the fatigue life distribution of samples. Using the right approximation method and the genetic algorithm to estimate three parameters of the distribution model and a comparative analysis was made. The results show that the initial life unreliability estimated by the median rank in the right approximation method had a large deviation from the true value, which may cause the iterative algorithm fall into the local optimal solution and affect the estimation accuracy. Therefore, a new parameter estimation method based on dual genetic algorithm was proposed. The newly proposed dual genetic algorithm not only improves the iteration speed, but also improves the accuracy of parameter estimation, which provides new ideas and theoretical basis for reliability assessment of mechanical components.
Three New Phenolic Compounds from Sabia parviflora and Their Hepatoprotective Activity
Authors: He Huan , Du Wei Dong , Zhou Qiang , Wang Qi , Li Zhi Feng , Fang Yuanying , Feng Yulin
Published: August 2022

Three compounds were obtained from Sabia parviflora Wall., and their structures were identified through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, particularly 2-dimensional (2D)-NMR. The molecular masses were determined using quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. Electronic circular dichroism spectra were used to determine the absolute configuration of compound 1. The 3 new compounds were identified as 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-8S,10-dihydroxy-2,7,8,9-tetrahydro-2H-naphtha[2,3-b]pyran-6-one-10- O- β-D-glucopyranoside, (2Z)-4-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylbut-2-enoic acid, and (2Z)-5-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxo-2-methylpent-2-enoic acid. The liver protective activities of these compounds were tested by HepG2 and LO2 cell lines, which were induced using free fatty acids.
Therapeutic decisions in a cohort of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multicenter, prospective survey from Poland
Authors: Górska Katarzyna , Maskey-Warzęchowska Marta , Barnaś Małgorzata , Białas Adam , Barczyk Adam , Jagielska-Len Hanna , Jassem Ewa , Kania Aleksander , Lewandowska Katarzyna , Majewski Sebastian , Martusewicz-Boros Magdalena M. , Piotrowski Wojciech J. , Siemińska Alicja , Sładek Krzysztof , Sobiecka Małgorzata , Trzaska-Sobczak Marzena , Tomkowski Witold , Żołnowska Beata , Krenke Rafał
Published: August 2022

Background:

Pirfenidone and nintedanib are considered as the standard of care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but there is no consensus as to which of these two agents should be regarded as first-line treatment.

Objective:

To provide real-world data on therapeutic decisions of pulmonary specialists, particularly the choice of the antifibrotic drug in patients with IPF.

Methods:

This was a multicenter, prospective survey collecting clinical data of patients with IPF considered as candidates for antifibrotic treatment between September 2019 and December 2020. Clinical characteristics and information on the therapeutic approach were retrieved. Statistical evaluation included multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise model selection.

Results:

Data on 188 patients [74.5% male, median age 73 (interquartile range, 68–78) years] considered for antifibrotic therapy were collected. Treatment was initiated in 138 patients, while 50 patients did not receive an antifibrotic, mainly due to the lack of consent for treatment and IPF severity. Seventy-two patients received pirfenidone and 66 received nintedanib. Dosing protocol ( p < 0.01) and patient preference ( p = 0.049) were more frequently associated with the choice of nintedanib, while comorbidity profile ( p = 0.0003) and concomitant medication use ( p = 0.03) were more frequently associated with the choice of pirfenidone. Age ( p = 0.002), lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO) ( p = 0.001), and gastrointestinal bleeding ( p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the qualification for the antifibrotic treatment.

Conclusion:

This real-world prospective study showed that dose protocol and patient preference were more frequently associated with the choice of nintedanib, while the comorbidity profile and concomitant medication use were more frequently associated with the choice of pirfenidone. Age, TLCO, and history of gastrointestinal bleeding were significant factors influencing the decision to initiate antifibrotic therapy.
Introduction: Thinking of a Black Digital Ethos
Authors: Clark Meredith D. , Banks Adam J.
Published: August 2022

This special issue offers a series of cross-disciplinary perspectives from a network of Black scholars in sociology, technology, media studies and humanities living through economic, political, social, and technological paradigm shifts that prompt us to revisit Stuart Hall’s question, “What is this Black in Black popular culture?” in the context of Black Digital Culture. We take up the challenge to center Black technocultural production on social media platforms through an intersectional lens. Using critical approaches including Black Feminist Thought (as articulated by Patricia Hill Collins, Sylvia Wynter, bell hooks, and Kimberlé Crenshaw among others), Black Cyberfeminism (Kishonna Gray, Catherine Knight Steele, and Tressie McMillan Cottom), and Andre Brock’s Critical Technocultural Discourse Analysis, we investigate how race, gender, and digital media technologies have informed and influenced Black digital culture.
The Accuracy of Self-Perception of Obesity in a Rural Australian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Seth Nimish , Seal Alexa , Ruchin Peter , McGirr Joe
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Obesity is a major public health concern. Accurate perception of body weight may be critical to the successful adoption of weight loss behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-perception of BMI class.

Methods:

Patients admitted to the acute medical service in one regional hospital completed a questionnaire and classified their weight as: “underweight,” “normal,” “overweight,” or “obese.” Reponses were compared to clinically measured BMIs, based on the WHO Classification. Patients were also questioned about health-related behavior. Data were analyzed via Pearson’s Chi-squared test.

Results:

Almost 70% of the participating patient population (n = 90) incorrectly perceived their weight category, with 62% underestimating their weight. Only 34% of patients who were overweight and 14% of patients with obesity correctly identified their weight status. Two-thirds of patients who were overweight and one-fifth of patients with obesity considered themselves to be “normal” or “underweight.” Patients with obesity were 6.5-fold more likely to misperceive their weight status. Amongst patients with overweight/obesity, those who misperceived their weight were significantly less likely to have plans to lose weight. Almost 60% had not made any recent health behavior changes. This is one of the first regional Australian studies demonstrating that hospitalized patients significantly misperceive their weight.

Conclusion:

Patients with overweight/obesity had significantly higher rates of weight misperception and the majority had no intention to lose weight or to undertake any health behavior modification. Given the association between weight perception and weight reduction behavior, it introduces barriers to addressing weight loss and reducing the increasing prevalence of obesity in rural Australia. It highlights that doctors have an important role in addressing weight misperception.