Survey on hospice care attitude of family members of advanced cancer patients at different ages

BACKGROUND Hospice care plays an important role in improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients,but controversy remains over whether age affects the attitudes of family members toward hospice care.AIM To investigate the attitudes of family members of advanced cancer patients of different ages toward hospice care.METHODS The study participants were 175 family members of patients with advanced cancer from January 2020 and October 2022.The participants were divided into youth(<40 years,n=65),middle-aged(40–60 years,n=59),and elderly(>60 years,n=51)groups.Researchers investigated and compared the degree of awareness regarding hospice care,attitudes,and whether the family members of patients would choose hospice care.RESULTS Among the family members of 175 patients,approximately 28%(49/175)were aware of hospice care.Awareness of hospice care,the proportion of hospice care acceptance and adaptation attitudes,and the proportion of those who chose hospice care in the youth group were higher in the middle-aged and elderly groups(P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in these three indicators between the middle-aged and elderly groups(P>0.05).Hospice care was chosen mainly to relieve pain and reduce unnecessary treatment,whereas the reasons for not choosing hospice care were mainly distrust and ethical concerns.CONCLUSION The family members of patients with advanced cancer had relatively low awareness of hospice care,while youth had a higher awareness of hospice care,acceptance,and adaptation attitudes,and were more willing to choose hospice care.

Analysis of the Current Status and Influencing Factors of Family Members’Collateral Stigma in Schizophrenia Patients

Objective: To investigate the associated collateral stigma of the family members of schizophrenia patients and analyze its current status and influencing factors. Methods: The Link Depreciation-Discrimination Perception Scale was used to investigate the status quo of the associated stigma of the family members of 169 schizophrenia patients diagnosed in 4 hospitals in a certain province. The results of the investigation were analyzed and summarized. Results: The detection rate of stigma associated with the family members of schizophrenia patients was 72.78%, with a score of 28.41 ± 3.92 points. The main influencing factors were the family member’s education level, the patient’s illness duration, the family member’s occupation, and the family-patient relationship. Conclusion: The detection rate of stigma associated with schizophrenia was relatively high. This requires increased attention and appropriate nursing intervention.

Crosstalk among canonical Wnt and Hippo pathway members in skeletal muscle and at the neuromuscular junction

Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.

Compressive Strength of Tubular Members with Combined Pitting Corrosion and Crack Damage

Tubular members subject to combined pitting corrosion and crack damage were numerically studied to clarify the reduction of ultimate strength and failure behavior,based on numerical models validated against available experi-ments.The effects of length,location and inclined angle of a crack under combined damage were studied to disclose the mechanism of interaction between the crack and corrosion pits.The methods,named as linear superposition directly accumulating the effects of solo crack and solo pitting damage,as well as crack projection transferring an inclined crack to a transverse one,were discussed and verified in the view of assessing ultimate strength of tubular members with combined damage.It was shown that the former is practical but complex while the next always over-estimates the residual strength.Besides,the location and inclined angle of a crack have a subtle effect on the reduction of ultimate strength under combined damage,especially at higher level of pitting damage,due to the synergistic effect between corrosion pits and cracks.Such effect can lead to early occurrence of plasticity and local buckling by inducing stress interaction between crack tips and pits,and causing more significant strength reduction compared with a solo type of damage.A practical method was proposed to determine the loss ratio of cross-sectional area on the equivalent weakest section of a damaged member.Based on the loss ratio,a formula was presented to predict the ultimate strength of damaged members with combined damage,showing good applicability.

Constraints Hindering the Adoption of Scientific Dairy Farming Practices by Members and Non-members of Dairy Co-operative Societies （DCS）/Milk Producer Institutions （MPI）

The present study was conducted in four districts of Telangana State of India with 120 respondents in which 60 were members and other 60 were non-members of DCSs （Dairy Co-operative Societies）/MPIs （Milk Producer Institutions）. Constraints perceived in dairy farming and suggestions elicited by members and non-members were noted, tabulated and analyzed. The major constraints perceived by half or more than half of members were scarcity of water （91.67%）, lack of green fodder （88.33%）, preferring NS （natural service） than AI （Artificial Insemination） （83.33%）, negligence in feeding pregnant and dry animals （81.37%）, insufficient loan amount （78.33%）, tendency to feed only grass and brans （71.67%）, lack of availability of sufficient labour （70.00%）, lack of remunerative price for milk （66.67%）, high cost of feed （61.67%）, lack of fodder conservation （55.00%） and high cost of animals （50.00%）. Whereas major constraints perceived by non-members were scarcity of water （96.67%）, lack of green fodder （93.33%）, preferring NS than AI （88.33%）, lack of availability of sufficient labour （85.00%）, negligence in feeding pregnant and dry animals （83.33%）, tendency to feed only grass and brans （78.33%）, high cost of animals （75.00%）, complex procedure for obtaining loans （71.67%） and high cost of feed （66.67%）. Suggestions elicited by members majorly were providing subsidy for purchase of animals/providing loans on par with the cost of animal （81.67%）, enhancing the procurement price （70.00%）, providing more incentives （60.00%）, encouraging calf rearing （58.33%） and conducting frequent animal health camps （50.00%）. In case of non-members major suggestions elicited were conducting frequent animal health camps （68.33%） and providing subsidy on purchase of animals/providing loans on par with the cost of animal （58.33%）. Considering the above constraints perceived and suggestions elicited by dairy farmers a proper linkage strategy should be developed among private and public sectors in providing need based services to the dairy farmers.

A randomized trial comparing the Tennant Biomodulator to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and traditional Chinese acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in military service members

Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosocial sequelae in a sample of current and former military service members.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting was compared to two commonly used,non-pharmacological pain treatments—traditional Chinese acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)—in a comparative efficacy,randomized,open-label trial.Methods:Participants included 100 active duty and retired service men and women with chronic pain undergoing treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,USA,randomly assigned to receive six,weekly sessions of either Tennant Biomodulator treatment,traditional Chinese acupuncture,or TENS,in addition to usual care.Recruitment was conducted between May 2010 to September 2013.Outcome measures were collected at intake,before and after each treatment session,and at a 1-month follow-up.Intent-to-treat analyses were used throughout,with mixed models used to investigate main effects of group,time,and group×time interactions with consideration given to quadratic effects.Outcomes measured included ratings of chronic pain,pain-related functional disability,and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depression.Results:On average,regardless of their treatment group,participants exhibited a 16%reduction in pain measured by the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Clinic Pain Log[F(1,335)=55.7,P<0.0001]and an 11%reduction in pain-related disability measured by the Million Visual Analog Scale[MVAS:F(1,84)=28.3,P<0.0001]from baseline to the end of treatment,but no one treatment performed better than the other,and the reductions in pain and pain-related disability were largely lost by 1-month follow-up.Symptoms of PTSD and depression did not change significantly as a function of time or group.Conclusions:Findings build on previous work suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture and TENS can reduce pain and its functional sequelae without risks associated with pharmacological pain management.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting performs as well as these other interventions.Based on the present findings,large,randomized controlled trials on the Tennant Biomodulator are indicated.Future work should test this device using its full range of settings for pain-related psychological health.Trial registration:Clincialtrials.gov(NCT01752010);registered December 14,2012.

CHIP regulates bone mass by targeting multiple TRAF family members in bone marrow stromal cells

Carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein（CHIP or STUB1） is an E3 ligase and regulates the stability of several proteins which are involved in different cellular functions. Our previous studies demonstrated that Chip deficient mice display bone loss phenotype due to increased osteoclast formation through enhancing TRAF6 activity in osteoclasts. In this study we provide novel evidence about the function of CHIP. We found that osteoblast differentiation and bone formation were also decreased in Chip KO mice. In bone marrow stromal（BMS） cells derived from Chip^-/- mice, expression of a panel of osteoblast marker genes was significantly decreased. ALP activity and mineralized bone matrix formation were also reduced in Chip-deficient BMS cells. We also found that in addition to the regulation of TRAF6, CHIP also inhibits TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling through promoting TRAF2 and TRAF5 degradation. Specific deletion of Chip in BMS cells downregulated expression of osteoblast marker genes which could be reversed by the addition of NF-κB inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the osteopenic phenotype observed in Chip^-/- mice was due to the combination of increased osteoclast formation and decreased osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our findings indicate a significant role of CHIP in bone remodeling.

Experimental Study on a Single Layer Two-Way Grid Shell with Tension Members

Single layer two-way grid shell with in-plane and out-of-plane tension members is a new type of single-layer latticed shell roofs. Compared with traditional single-layer latticed shells,this new type has a unique mesh form and excellent rigidity. In order to further understand the buckling behaviors of single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with tension members,the buckling experiments have been undertaken to investigate the effect of tension members,in either out-of-plane or in-plane placement. A single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with out-of-plane tension members has been tested under symmetric and asymmetric loading. The tension member placement,the introducing initial axial force to tension members and the load patterns are considered to investigate the buckling behavior. Experimental results indicate that four long out-ofplane tension members work well under symmetrical loading,but only two long out-of-plane tension members work under asymmetrical loading. It can be concluded that the PC bar members used as tension members for this study are useful in the construction of a single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with structural members intersecting at small angles.

Determinants of loan repayment among agricultural microcredit finance group members in Delta state, Nigeria

Background:This study examined the determinants of loan repayment among microcredit finance group members in Delta State,Nigeria.Methods:To capture the determinants of loan repayment in the study area,a total of 48 microcredit groups and 300 microcredit group members were randomly selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique.The study data was collected by questionnaire.Statistical tools such as simple descriptive statistics(table,frequency,percentage and mean)and a multiple regression analysis were used to examine the data.Results:The results indicate that females form a greater proportion of the study area microcredit group members at 70%,moreover 73%of the respondents have a household size of between 6 to 10 persons.These findings revealed that the groups had a mean 8 years of existence with a mean membership size of 13 persons.Further,an average interest rate of 40 percent per annum was charged on loans,with mean loan duration of 6 months.The regression’s result demonstrated that the determinants of the group member’s loan repayment included the group member’s age,household size,house income,and educational level,the amount of credit received,length of stay in their locality,distance to the credit source,supervision and disbursement lag.Conclusion:Therefore it was suggested that the various agricultural microcredit finance groups should carefully examine the significant determinants of loan repayment for the approach’s viability and sustainability and for optimum repayment performance.

Structural Integrity Assessment of Offshore Jackets Considering Proper Modeling of Buckling in Tubular Members-a Case Study of Resalat Jacket

In the present research,results of buckling analysis of 384 finite element models,verified using three different test results obtained from three separate experimental investigations,were used to study the effects of five parameters such as D/t,L/D,imperfection,mesh size and mesh size ratio.Moreover,proposed equations by offshore structural standards concerning global and local buckling capacity of tubular members including former API RP 2A WSD and recent API RP 2A LRFD,ISO 19902,and NORSOK N-004 have been compared to FE and experimental results.One of the most crucial parts in the estimation of the capacity curve of offshore jacket structures is the correct modeling of compressive members to properly investigate the interaction of global and local buckling which leads to the correct estimation of performance levels and ductility.Achievement of the proper compressive behavior of tubular members validated by experimental data is the main purpose of this paper.Modeling of compressive braces of offshore jacket platforms by 3D shell or solid elements can consider buckling modes and deformations due to local buckling.ABAQUS FE software is selected for FE modeling.The scope of action of each of elastic buckling,plastic buckling,and compressive yielding for various L/r ratios is described.Furthermore,the most affected part of each parameter on the buckling capacity curve is specified.The pushover results of the Resalat Jacket with proper versus improper modeling of compressive members have been compared as a case study.According to the results,applying improper mesh size for compressive members can under-predict the ductility by 33%and under-estimate the lateral loading capacity by up to 8%.Regarding elastic stiffness and post-buckling strength,the mesh size ratio is introduced as the most effective parameter.Besides,imperfection is significantly the most important parameter in terms of critical buckling load.

AMBO:All Members-Based Optimizer for Solving Optimization Problems

There are many optimization problems in different branches of science that should be solved using an appropriate methodology.Populationbased optimization algorithms are one of the most efficient approaches to solve this type of problems.In this paper,a new optimization algorithm called All Members-Based Optimizer(AMBO)is introduced to solve various optimization problems.The main idea in designing the proposedAMBOalgorithm is to use more information from the population members of the algorithm instead of just a few specific members(such as best member and worst member)to update the population matrix.Therefore,in AMBO,any member of the population can play a role in updating the population matrix.The theory of AMBO is described and then mathematically modeled for implementation on optimization problems.The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on a set of twenty-three standard objective functions,which belong to three different categories:unimodal,high-dimensional multimodal,and fixed-dimensional multimodal functions.In order to analyze and compare the optimization results for the mentioned objective functions obtained by AMBO,eight other well-known algorithms have been also implemented.The optimization results demonstrate the ability of AMBO to solve various optimization problems.Also,comparison and analysis of the results show that AMBO is superior andmore competitive than the other mentioned algorithms in providing suitable solution.

Associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients in Flanders:An exploratory study

AIM: To assess presence and severity of associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients and factors for higher associative stigma.METHODS: Standardized semi-structured interview of 150 family members of psychotic patients receiving full time treatment. This study on associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients was part of a larger research program on the burden of the family, using "Interview for the Burden of the Family" and the chapters stigma, treatment and attribution from the "Family interview Schedule". The respondents were relatives, one per patient, either partner or parent. The patients had been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. All contacts with patients and relatives were in Dutch. Relatives were deemed suitable to participate in this research if they saw the patient at least once a week. Recruitment took place in a standardized way: after obtaining the patient's consent, the relatives were approached to participate. The results were analyzed using SPSS Version 18.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of associative stigma in this sample is 86%. Feelings of depression in the majority of family members are prominent. Twenty-one point three percent experienced guilt more or less frequent, while shame was less pronounced. Also, 18.6% of allrespondents indicated that they tried to hide the illness of their family member for others regularly or more. Three six point seven percent really kept secret about it in certain circumstances and 29.3% made efforts to explain what the situation or psychiatric condition of their family member really is like. Factors with marked significance towards higher associative stigma are a worsened relationship between the patient and the family member, conduct problems to family members, the patients' residence in a residential care setting, and hereditary attributional factors like genetic hereditability and character. The level of associative stigma has significantly been predicted by the burden of aggressive disruptions to family housemates of the psychotic patient.CONCLUSION: Family members of psychotic patients in Flanders experience higher associative stigma compared to previous international research. Disruptive behavior by the patient towards in-housing family members is the most accurate predictor of higher associative stigma.

Life Estimation of Reinforced Concrete Members after Fire

To solve the problem of life estimation of reinforced concrete （RC） members after fire, an analysis is made of the resistance of RC members after fire. On basis of the resistance, the life of RC members after fire is analyzed by using JC （Jukes and Cantor） method. Then the calculation models for the resistance and the life estimation of RC members after fire are put forward, and an example analysis proves their reliability and accuracy.

SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION OF ADAPTIVE TRUSS STRUCTURES USING PIEZOELECTRIC ACTIVE MEMBERS

Adaptive truss structures are a new kind of structures with integrated active members,whose dynamic characteristies can be beneficially modified to meet mission requirements.Active members containing actuating and sensing units are the major components of adaptive truss structures.Modeling of adaptive truss structures is a key step to analyze the structural dynamic characteristics.A new experimental modal analysis approach,in which active members are used as excitatiDn sources for modal test,has been proposed in this paper.The excitation forces generated by the active members, which are different from the excitation forces exerted on structures in the conventional modal test,are internal forces for the truss structures.The relation between internal excitation forces and external forces is revealed such that the traditional identification method can be adopted to obtain modal parameters of adaptive structures.Placement problem of the active member in adaptive truss structures is also discussed in this work. Modal test and analysis are conducted with a planar adaptive truss structure by using piezoelectric active members in order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Cyber Security Awareness among Students and Faculty Members in a Sudanese College

In the last few years,cyber security has been an essential prerequisite for almost every organization to handle the massive number of emerging cyber attacks worldwide.A critical factor in reducing the possibility of being exploited is cyber security awareness.Not only having the adequate knowledge but how to utilize this knowledge to prevent cyber attacks.In this paper we conducted a survey that focuses on three vital security parameters,which are trust,passwords and defensive attitude respectively.The survey mainly aimed at assessing cyber security knowledge of 200 students and 100 faculty members in a Sudanese college and how secure these participants think they are according to their current cyber behaviour.56%of the participants are males and 44%are females.The results revealed that all participants were having fairly-low level of security awareness and their defensive attitude is considerably weak and doesn’t protect them either individually or at institutional-level.Nevertheless,faculty member showed better cyber security knowledge and skills by 8%higher than students.This study can be used to develop training approaches that bridge the security gaps depicted by the respondents of the survey questions manipulated in this study.

RESEARCH ON T SHAPED HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE MEMBERS SUBJECTED TO AXIAL COMPRESSION AND BIAXIAL BENDING

Based on experiments, a computer program is developed. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results. The flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members subjected to axial compression and biaxial bending is studied. The main factors affecting the flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members are loading angle, axial compression ratio and reinforcement ratio.

Psychological selection methods for winter-over members of the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition

This is the first study on the psychological selection of winter over members of the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. The methods include EPQ, BPQ, 16PF, Self reported Questionnaire, test of level of stress and direct observation of behavior. According to the results of the 54 winter over candidates of the ⅩⅠⅠⅠ and ⅩⅠⅤ Team, the validity was roughly tested. This research lay a foundation for the future studies in this field.

Description of trauma among French service members in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry: Understanding the nature of trauma and the care provided

Background:Since 2001,the French Armed Forces have sustained many casualties during the Global War on Terror;however,even today,there is no French Military trauma registry.Some French service members(SMs)were treated in US Military Medical Treatment Facilities(MTFs)and were recorded in the US Department of Defense Trauma Registry(Do DTR).Our objective was to conduct a descriptive analysis of the injuries sustained by French SMs reported in the Do DTR and subsequent care provided to them to assist in understanding the importance of building a French Military trauma registry.Methods:Using Do DTR data collected from 2001 to 2017,a retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted.We identified 59 French SMs treated in US MTFs.The characteristics of the SMs’demographics,injuries,care provided to them,and discharge outcomes were summarized.Results:Among the 59 French SMs identified,46(78%)sustained battle injuries(BIs)and 13(22%)sustained nonbattle injuries(NBIs).There were 47(80%)SMs injured in Afghanistan(Opération Pamir),while 12(20%)were injured in Opération Chammal in Iraq and Syria.Explosives accounted for 52.5%of injuries,while 25.4%were due to gunshot wounds;all were BIs.The majority of reported injuries were penetrating(59.3%),most of which were BIs(71.7%).The mean Injury Severity Score for BIs was 12(SD=8.9)compared to 6(SD=1.7)for NBIs.Around half of SMs(n=30;51%)were injured in Afghanistan between the years 2008–2010.Among a total of 246 injuries sustained by 59 patients,extremities were the body part most prone to BIs followed by the head and face.Four SMs died after admission(6.8%).Conclusions:The Do DTR provides extensive data on trauma injuries that can be used to inform injury prevention and clinical care.The majority of injuries sustained by French SMs were BIs,caused by explosives,and predominantly occurring to the extremities;these findings are similar to those of other studies conducted in combat zones.There is a need to establish a French Military trauma registry to improve the combat casualty care provided to French SMs,and its creation may benefit from the Do DTR model.

Welcome to our new Editorial Board Members of the Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves at 60th anniversary of SITP and happy new year 2019

It is a great honor to introduce Prof.Dr.Weida Hu and Prof.Dr.Chaohai Du as our new Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves at 60th anniversary of the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics(SITP)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.SITP celebrated its 60th year of existence on October 28,2018,with a scientist and engineer academic conference to commemorate the six decades of its history,to honor the six decades that SITP has devoted to developing science and technology in frontier areas of infrared physics.SITP was cofounded by CAS and Fudan University on October 28,1958.

A Preliminary Study on the HCV Infection Status of Patients with Hemophilia and Their Family Members

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