bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does College Prestige Matter? Asian CEOs and High-Skilled Immigrant Hiring in the US
Authors: Kim Eunbi
Published: May 2023

In the hiring discrimination literature, employers are depicted primarily as majority members who strive to bolster their privileged group status by limiting immigrants’ employment opportunities. While minority employers are expected to be less discriminatory towards immigrant hiring than their majority counterparts, our argument contradicts this expectation. Building on the segmented assimilation and social identity literature, we analyse the disparities in organisational support for high-skilled immigrant hiring among Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 1500 firms (2009–2018) with a focus on organisations led by Asian CEOs. We find that firms with Asian CEOs tend to have a lower intent to hire high-skilled foreign workers compared to those with CEOs of other races, but such a negative effect improves significantly when the Asian CEOs received a prestigious college education. This article extends theoretical discussion on hiring discrimination by emphasising the importance of CEO minority status and education.
Regional Measures of Sexual-Orientation Bias Predict Where Same-Gender Couples Live
Authors: Snyder Jason S. , Henry P. J.
Published: May 2023

Regional explicit and implicit bias are associated with real-world discrimination and marginalization. We extended this research area by focusing on sexual minorities and where same-gender couples live. Using data on 2,939 U.S. counties from Project Implicit and other publicly available sources, we found that measures with known associations with systemic anti–lesbian, gay, and bisexual (anti-LGB) bias are similarly associated with regional implicit and explicit anti-LGB bias. Furthermore, we found that fewer same-gender couples reside in counties with more explicit and implicit anti-LGB bias, above and beyond other factors that likely influence same-gender-couple residency. These findings further suggest that explicit and implicit measures of regional bias are capturing similar, if not the same, construct of a region’s culture of bias toward particular groups. Couched specifically within the ongoing systemic political antagonization of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community, these findings also highlight the importance of considering contextual (in addition to individual) factors that reinforce systemic inequality.
Inherited age of floating charcoal fragments in a sand-bed stream, Macdonald River, NSW, Australia: Implications for radiocarbon dating of sediments
Authors: Blong Russell , Fryirs Kirstie , Wood Rachel , King Fleur , Schneider Larissa , Dotte-Sarout Emilie , Fallon Stewart , Gillespie Richard , Chen Qianyang , Esmay Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Radiocarbon dates on multiple individual charcoal fragments floating together down the Macdonald River, New South Wales, Australia, have calibrated ages spanning >1700 years. Partial explanations of this range of inherited ages can be attributed to the inbuilt age of living biomass, charcoalisation conditions, hillslope transport and storage and/or valley floor (fluvial) transport and storage, but the contribution of each of these components can be constrained only rarely. These results caution against using radiocarbon dating of charcoal as the sole dating technique to interpret Late-Holocene sedimentary histories. These findings also show that it is unlikely that deposit age has a dependable relationship to charcoal age.
Real-world treatment patterns of immunosuppressants in Adults with systemic lupus erythematosus: A claims database analysis in the United States
Authors: Birt Julie , Delbecque Laure , O’brien Daniel , Wu Jianmin , Vasey Joseph , Dean Alex , Sudaria Theresa , Vadhariya Aisha
Published: May 2023

Objective

To explore initiation, persistence, and adherence to second-line prescribed treatments for SLE, specifically regarding the immunosuppressants azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate (conventional DMARDs), and belimumab (a biologic).

Methods

Clinical and insurance records were obtained for 801 patients with SLE who initiated treatment with azathioprine, belimumab, methotrexate, or mycophenolate between July 2015 and June 2019. The date of initiation defined the index date, with a 6-month pre-index and 12-month post-index period. Patient characteristics (age, gender, race, sex, ethnicity, geographic region of the US, diagnosing specialty, and type of insurance) and treatment patterns were tabulated overall and by each index medication. Logistic regression was used to model predictors of persistence for the entire sample and for each treatment cohort.

Findings

Approximately one-third of patients initiated methotrexate (n = 282, 35.2%) or mycophenolate (n = 258, 32.2%), with the remaining receiving azathioprine (n = 173, 21.6%) or belimumab (n = 88, 11.0%). 30% of patients were persistent with their index immunosuppressant therapy over the 12-month follow-up. The most common non-persistent treatment pattern was discontinuation which occurred in 55% of patients and was highest in the mycophenolate (58%) and lowest in the azathioprine (47%) groups. In total, 17% of patients switched to a different immunosuppressant, which was highest for the belimumab (25%) group. The average time to discontinuation was over 3 months and average time to switch was about 5 months, with patients receiving azathioprine tending to have shorter and belimumab having longer times to discontinuation or switch. Predictors of persistence were limited. Patients under the care of rheumatologists versus primary care and having higher co-morbidity assessed by CCI were associated with non-persistence for the overall sample. Race, number of SLE-related medications, census region, sex, and age were not found to be significantly related to non-persistence of immunosuppressants in this study.
Protective Effects of Safflor Yellow A Against H2O2-induced Oxidative Stress Injury in PC12 Cells via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Chen Hui , Gu Sichun , You Yi , Xie Anjie , Lu Yiying , Wang Changde
Published: May 2023

Background

Safflor yellow (SY) is a water-capacitive component of dried flowers, mainly from safflor in the safflower family, which contains a large amount of bruthin A, or Safflor yellow A (SYA) for short. Studies have reported the protective effects of SYA against oxidative stress injury in nerve cells.

Materials and Methods

In this study, H2O2-treated PC12 cells were used as experimental materials to explore how SYA plays a protective role against nerve cells after oxidative stress and to analyze the molecular mechanism of SYA. PC12 cells were treated with H2O2 and SYA solution. Cell proliferation is then detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The detection method is 5-(and 6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichloro-dihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCF-DA) staining reactive oxygen species (ROS). Levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3, and oxidative stress regulators, namely, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related actor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), were detected by western blotting.

Results

The CCK-8 assay results showed that the survival rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells was significantly increased after SYA treatment. Fluorescence microscopy (CM-H2DCF-DA staining) indicated that SYA decreased H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by reducing intracellular ROS. Western blotting analysis showed that SYA upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression of Bax, caspase 3, and cleaved caspase-3 in H2O2-induced PC12 cells.

Conclusion

SYA does protect the nerve cells from oxidative stress damage. Its mechanism of action is mainly related to whether the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is activated.
Probiotics: A Review on Microbiome That Helps for Better Health – A Dermatologist’s Perspective
Authors: Renuka Sane Roja , Kumar N. Ashok , Manoharan D. , Naidu Dama Kondaiah
Published: May 2023

Commensal microorganisms heavily influence human health and disease pathogenesis, and the impact of the skin microbiome on numerous skin illnesses has recently piqued researchers’ interest, in addition to the gut microbiome. Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are good for the host’s health when given in sufficient proportions. The concept of probiotics has sparked much curiosity and scientific investigation since its inception. Probiotics alter the intestinal microbiota and are employed as a treatment technique for a variety of diseases. Despite several studies, the significance of probiotics in dermatological illnesses such as acne, vaginal infections, and atopic dermatitis has yet to be demonstrated. Evidence pointing to the “gut-skin axis” link has increased, and intestinal microbiota regulation may play a role in dermatological diseases. There is, however, no consensus on the species or the dosage to be utilized for such therapies. This article makes an effort to review recent evidence from the literature.
Functional adaptability in playing style: A key determinant of competitive football performance
Authors: He Qixiang , Araújo Duarte , Davids Keith , Kee Ying Hwa , Komar John
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The present study examined the relationship between playing style adaptability and team match performance indicators throughout the season. Three playing style adaptability metrics were analysed, namely, (1) flexibility (i.e., exhibiting a wide range of playing styles), (2) reactivity (i.e., adapting playing style based on opposition) and (3) imposition (i.e., executing predetermined playing style regardless of opposition).

Methods

Team playing styles were derived through a clustering analysis of 21,708 matches played in the top five male European leagues from 2014/15 to 2019/20. Spearman’s correlation was utilized to assess the association between the three playing style adaptability metrics and four team match performance indicators (e.g., shots taken in opposition penalty box; shots conceded in own penalty box; goals scored; goals conceded; and total wins).

Results

Playing style flexibility was positively associated with both offensive and defensive match performance indicators and win frequency. Conversely, playing style reactivity and imposition were negatively associated with these team match performance indicators.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the capacity to exhibit a wide range of playing styles throughout a season is associated with greater team performance. Furthermore, it is possible that high performing teams are capable of functionally switching between playing style reactivity and imposition, depending on match dynamics.
Malignant Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor of Small Intestine Showing DOG1 Expression: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Shalaby Asem , Telugu Ramesh Babu , Deshpande Prashant Ajit , Qureshi Asim , Al Adawi Humaid , Al Harthi Sara , Al Hinai Khulood , Al Miskry Hilal , Nadaf Asmanaz , Niaz Zahida , Al Riyami Marwa , Itkin Boris , Al Haddabi Ibrahim Hassan
Published: May 2023

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET), also referred to as clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the GI tract is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. It has to be distinguished from various mimickers including gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) due to its aggressive course and different natural history and therapeutic approach. Here we report a case of GNET arising in the small intestine with aberrant DOG1 expression posing a diagnostic challenge. In this context, the combination of clinical, histomorphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features helped to establish a proper diagnosis.
Effects of Reference Group Instructions on Big Five Trait Scores
Authors: Lenhausen Madeline R. , Bleidorn Wiebke , Hopwood Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

People responding to personality questionnaires rate themselves by comparing themselves to some reference group, but this reference group is typically not specified. In this study, we examined the differences between Big Five trait scores when people responded to trait questionnaires without a specified reference group, as is typical in personality assessment, and when they were asked to compare themselves to people in general, close others, people their age, people their same gender, their ideal self, or their past self. We found that personality scores tended to be more adaptive for between-person comparisons than for within-person comparisons. We also found that unprompted instructions produced mildly higher scores across all traits. There were few differences among between-person reference group conditions. Men rated themselves as slightly more agreeable when comparing themselves to other men. Implications for basic and applied personality assessment are discussed.
Examining Measurement Invariance in the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form Across Sexual and Gender Minority Status
Authors: Asadi Shayan , Cunningham Tony J. , Morgan Theresa A. , Zimmerman Mark , Rodriguez-Seijas Craig
Published: May 2023

The Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Brief Form (PID-5-BF) was developed with an assumption of invariance across sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. This assumption has yet to be tested empirically. Using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, we examined measurement invariance in the PID-5-BF across the SGM status in clinical ( N = 1,174; n = 254 SGM) and nonclinical ( N = 1,456; n = 151 SGM) samples. Measurement invariance was supported for the PID-5-BF structure, item thresholds, and factor loadings, but not at the item intercept level. SGM individuals endorsed higher negative affectivity, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism domains in both samples. In the clinical sample, adjusting for partial invariance decreased detachment and antagonism levels for SGM persons. In the nonclinical sample, adjusting for partial invariance reduced antagonism disparities in the SGM group, even rendering original group differences null. Our results support the use of the PID-5-BF in SGM populations but indicate that some measurement bias may drive observed disparities in maladaptive trait domains and, in turn, personality disorder diagnosis.
Influence of displacement sensor runout on active magnetic bearing-rotor system and control analysis
Authors: Jian Zhou , Baixin Cheng
Published: May 2023

In the active magnetic bearing (AMB)-rotor system, a displacement sensor is one of the indispensable components. It detects the displacement of the rotor in real time and feeds back to the control system to realize the stable suspension of the rotor. However, due to electromagnetic interference, unstable power supply, poor grounding, and uneven rotor surface, the signal runout of the displacement sensor can often occur, resulting in rotor vibration. Given the above problems, this paper establishes the control model of the AMB-rotor system, lists three typical sensor runout signals, then analyzes the influence of different types of sensor runout on the system, and discusses the control methods under different sensor runout conditions. The research results have a specific guiding significance for vibration control of the maglev rotor under sensor runout influence.
Examining the Impact of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality in Children With ADHD
Authors: Liu Hok Ling Venus , Sun Fenghua , Tse Choi Yeung Andy
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Sleep problems have been commonly observed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of current study was to investigate the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in young adolescent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Method:

A total of 33 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (mean age = 10.12 years) were randomized into intervention group and control group respectively. Mention the intervention detail here. Four specific sleep parameters, including sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, and wake after sleep onset, were assessed before and after the intervention period in both groups.

Results:

Results revealed the significant improvements in sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset in the intervention group but not in the control group.

Conclusion:

Current findings highlight the benefits of PA on enhancing sleep quality among children with ADHD.
Ultrasound based tip location of femorally inserted central catheters into the inferior vena cava: A comparison between the transhepatic and the subcostal view
Authors: Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Marche Bruno , Mercurio Giovanna , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: May 2023

Background:

Intraprocedural catheter tip location is currently recommended. Intracavitary EGC and ultrasound are the preferred methods of tip location for catheters with their tip in the superior vena cava or in the right atrium. Though, the best method of intraprocedural tip location for catheters with their tip in the inferior vena cava is still uncertain. One possibility is to visualize the subdiaphragmatic inferior vena cava by ultrasound, using either the transhepatic or the subxiphoid view.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we compared two different ultrasound windows for the visualization of the inferior vena cava (transhepatic vs subxiphoid) for the purpose of localizing the catheter tip during the insertion of femorally inserted central catheters.

Results:

We studied 249 consecutive insertions of central catheters via the superficial femoral vein. Intraprocedural location of the catheter tip was performed by ultrasound, using both transhepatic and subxiphoid view. Visualization of the inferior vena cava was possible only in 81 cases (32.5%) with the subxiphoid view, but it was always possible in all 249 cases with the transhepatic view. The catheter tip was localized in 15 patients out of 81 with the subxiphoid view (18.5%); the transhepatic view allowed the visualization of the tip in all 249 patients.

Conclusions:

The applicability of the subxiphoid window has several limitations, both in terms of visualization of the inferior vena cava and localization of the catheter tip. The transhepatic view should be the preferred method for intraprocedural ultrasound localization of the catheter tip in the inferior vena cava.
Pediatric multiple sclerosis: The 2022 ECTRIMS lecture
Authors: Banwell Brenda
Published: May 2023

The 2022 ECTRIMS lecture focused on pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), in recognition of the pivotal importance of prompt recognition and treatment of children and youth diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), enabled over the past decade by the formal inclusion of pediatric patients in the McDonald diagnostic criteria. Epidemiologic, genetic and immunologic research has supported the concept that MS is a single disease across the age span and that clues to the inciting and early facets of MS pathobiology might be uniquely discerned through study of the youngest MS patients. Pediatric trials of pharmaceutical agents approved in adult-onset MS are emerging, although innovative study designs, alignment of regulatory agency requirements for trial design, family-centric models for study visits and emphasis on long-term safety and tolerability are essential. Evidence of safety and efficacy of key therapies is key if POMS patients are to be availed of the full armamentarium of MS therapeutic options. Finally, the rarity of POMS necessitates an international community effort to advance care and research. Such collaborations have been facilitated through the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Group, Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, and by national multiple sclerosis societies. International efforts and priorities for the next decade will be highlighted.
Instagrammable feminisms: Aesthetics and attention-seeking strategies on Portuguese feminist Instagram
Authors: Caldeira Sofia P
Published: May 2023

This article presents an exploratory analysis of feminist practices on Portuguese Instagram, questioning how online feminisms are represented on Instagram, in light of its conventions, aesthetics, and popularity logics. Starting from a theme-oriented dataset – collected using the hashtags #feminismoportugal (feminism Portugal), #igualdadedegénero (gender equality), #naopartilhes (don’t share it), and #portugalmaisigual (a more equal Portugal) – this research analyses 294 posts, created by 101 users. Combining a qualitative close reading with the use of digital tools for visual analysis, this article explores how these Instagram feminist practices look like, what dynamics they encompass, and how they relate to the aesthetics and popularity logics of Instagram. Within this plural hashtag landscape, the aesthetics of online feminism goes beyond the dominant cultural imaginaries that link Instagram to photographic content, with long written text emerging as a key site for sharing feminist knowledge – both in captions and in graphic compositions. These graphic compositions have become part of the popular cultural imaginary of a feminist ‘genre’ on Instagram, combining Instagrammable aesthetics with educational content for accessible informal learning. Yet, feminist practices on Instagram are also subjected to the dominant social media logic of popularity, leading to a strategic mobilisation of attention to seek visibility and engagement, albeit to limited success.
Psychological variables and lifestyle in children with type1 diabetes and their parents: A systematic review
Authors: Alazmi Afrah , Bashiru Masha Boi , Viktor Simon , Erjavec Mihela
Published: May 2023

Diabetes may impact physical and psychosocial well-being; the diabetes incidence has seen a drastic increase globally. There is also a rise in poor mental health and well-being in children with and without chronic illness; problems are being seen at a younger age. The objective of this review was to understand the determinants of these problems in a family context. We conducted a systematic review to investigate what lifestyle and psychological factors influence children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents. A focused literature search was performed using a combination of keywords that covered the relevant terminology for diabetes, target population, and associated emotional distress, using electronic bibliographic databases containing publications until May 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tools for Quantitative Studies. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. Quality scores were weak because of a lack of comparison groups, information about the type of therapy, or adequate sample sizes. Many of the studies included a wide age range in their sample. The majority of the studies reported that parents and their children showed depression symptoms, fear of hypoglycaemia, and higher parenting stress. We conclude that sufficiently powered studies employing appropriate control groups and measures are needed to elucidate the psychological variables associated with Type1 diabetes in children and the effects on parents, especially considering primary-age children who are increasingly reported to suffer from poor mental health, and its implications. This should help to introduce better targeted interventions and improve behavioural outcomes.
Review on development and application of 4D-printing technology in smart textiles
Authors: Li Shuai
Published: May 2023

4D printed products can change shape under external stimulation, and the deformation design of material and structure is directly built into the material, which simplifies the manufacturing process from design concept to physical object and allows the object to be automatically assembled and conformed, realizing the integration of product design, manufacturing, and assembly. In recent years, 4D printing technology has also received widespread attention in the smart textile industry. This paper aims to promote the diversified and efficient development of the smart textile industry and expand the scope of the application of additive manufacturing technology. First, the evolution of 4D printing and its intrinsic relationship with 3D printing are examined. Then, the types of 4D printing smart textile technologies and their characteristics are presented, and the influence of relevant parameters of each type of technology on the molding quality, deformation mechanism, and driving performance of printed models is discussed. Materials for 4D printing of smart textiles are further described, including shape memory materials, hydrogels, and elastic liquid crystals. To adapt to the specific properties of textile applications, 4D printing technology has developed from the structural level of textiles to create smart textiles with adjustable shapes, properties, or functions. Then, the applications of 4D printed smart textiles in different fields are summarized. Finally, some problems currently faced by 4D printed smart textiles are discussed, and their prospects are projected.
A Scoping Review of Physical Activity Interventions for Physician Wellness
Authors: Huecker Martin , Genova Gina , Shreffler Jacob
Published: May 2023

Training and practicing physicians continue to experience burnout, poor job satisfaction / engagement, high stress, and even depression and suicide. With an understanding of effective and ineffective methods to improve wellness, our team aimed to collect publications with data on the effectiveness of physical activity interventions to address burnout and well-being in physicians. Comprehensive searches for articles related to the impact of exercise on physicians’ well-being were undertaken in March 2022 in PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. Of 2496 records identified in the databases, the team screened 1,287 and finalized 12 papers for inclusion and review. This study reviews the overall positive benefits of physical activity and exercise interventions in physicians. Despite the wide-ranging utility of an exercise prescription and despite clear evidence that physicians' personal exercise habits affect their patient counseling about exercise, this review shows that (often overburdened) physicians have insufficient physical activity, and are rarely included in studies targeting exercise. Many of the included studies had small sample sizes, leaving possibilities for future research aiming to augment physician wellness.
Secondary Qualitative Research Methodology Using Online Data within the Context of Social Sciences
Authors: Cheong He-in , Lyons Agnieszka , Houghton Robert , Majumdar Arnab
Published: May 2023

Qualitative research using interviews is a crucial and established inquiry method in social sciences to ensure that the study outputs represent the researched people and area rather than those who are researching. However, first hand primary data collection is not always possible, often due to external circumstances. Additionally, the use of secondary data, particularly open data, is progressively preferred to increase efficiency and gain geographical breadth. Therefore, this paper proposes a new step-by-step secondary qualitative inquiry methodology for online, publicly available interview data. Such procedural approach can help increase rigor, explicitly consider and mitigate potential pitfalls, and expand the research community’s datasets. The 7-step methodology is based on a hybrid approach with elements of pragmatic qualitative approach, discursive grounded theory, and narrative approach and refers to research ethical principles of autonomy, equity, and diversity. One of the proposed steps is data quality assessment, which consists of quality assessment of data context and data content with a total of 16 quality dimensions to filter the collected data. The data analysis method comprises of content analysis for dataset categorization and thematic discourse analysis to answer the pre-set research questions. Additionally, the methodology covers the ethical and legal considerations relating to secondary online data and reporting the research findings of such data. By providing an example in the field of forced migration, we demonstrate how the methodology provides structure when conducting secondary qualitative research.
Uncovering John Holliday’s industrial dye synthesis patented in 1865
Authors: Plater Michael John , Harrison William TA
Published: May 2023

Holliday’s industrial dye synthesis of 1865 was repeated by heating aniline hydrochloride with nitrobenzene and the products were characterised by modern spectroscopic methods. A red dye was isolated in low yield and characterised by an X-ray single-crystal structure determination as 9-phenyl-3-anilinophenazone-2-anil. The structure was identical to that made 93 years later in 1958 by the oxidation of 2-aminodiphenylamine hydrochloride with FeCl3 followed by heating the two products with aniline. An X-ray single-crystal structure determination was obtained for an isomer of anilinoaposafranine. A proposal is made that 9-phenyl-3-anilinophenazone-2-anil, isolated from Holliday’s synthesis, arises via the oxidation and dimerisation of 2-aminodiphenylamine with hot nitrobenzene so there is a common intermediate in both syntheses.
Rationale and trial design of NATALEE: a Phase III trial of adjuvant ribociclib + endocrine therapy versus endocrine therapy alone in patients with HR+/HER2− early breast cancer
Authors: Slamon Dennis J. , Fasching Peter A. , Hurvitz Sara , Chia Stephen , Crown John , Martín Miguel , Barrios Carlos H. , Bardia Aditya , Im Seock-Ah , Yardley Denise A. , Untch Michael , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Stroyakovskiy Daniil , Xu Binghe , Moroose Rebecca L. , Loi Sherene , Visco Frances , Bee-Munteanu Valerie , Afenjar Karen , Fresco Rodrigo , Taran Tetiana , Chakravartty Arunava , Zarate Juan Pablo , Lteif Agnes , Hortobagyi Gabriel N.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Ribociclib has demonstrated a statistically significant overall survival benefit in pre- and postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer. New Adjuvant Trial with Ribociclib [LEE011] (NATALEE) is a trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of adjuvant ribociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) versus ET alone in patients with HR+/HER2− early nonmetastatic breast cancer (EBC).

Methods/design:

NATALEE is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial in patients with HR+/HER2− EBC. Eligible patients include women, regardless of menopausal status, and men aged ⩾18 years. Select patients with stage IIA, stage IIB, or stage III disease (per the anatomic classification in the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition) with an initial diagnosis ⩽18 months prior to randomization are eligible. Patients receiving standard (neo)adjuvant ET are eligible if treatment was initiated ⩽12 months before randomization. Patients undergo 1:1 randomization to ribociclib 400 mg/day (3 weeks on/1 week off) +ET (letrozole 2.5 mg/day or anastrozole 1 mg/day [investigator’s discretion] plus goserelin [men or premenopausal women]) or ET alone. Ribociclib treatment duration is 36 months; ET treatment duration is ⩾60 months. The primary end point is invasive disease-free survival.

Discussion:

The 36-month treatment duration of ribociclib in NATALEE is extended compared with that in other adjuvant cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor trials and is intended to maximize efficacy due to longer duration of CDK4/6 inhibition. Compared with the 600-mg/day dose used in advanced breast cancer, the reduced ribociclib dose used in NATALEE may improve tolerability while maintaining efficacy. NATALEE includes the broadest population of patients with HR+/HER2− EBC of any Phase III trial currently evaluating adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03701334 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03701334 )
Assessing academic productivity of U.S. otolaryngology departments using the h(5) index
Authors: Desai Deesha , Grosse Philip J , Snyderman Carl H
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

We aim to examine the h(5) index of U.S. otolaryngology programs to help assess current academic productivity.

Methods:

A total of 116 otolaryngology departments with residency programs were included. Our primary outcome was the h(5) index, calculated cumulatively for faculty MDs, DOs, and PhDs within the department. Audiologists and clinical adjunct faculty were excluded. This was calculated over a 5-year period (2015–2019) using Elsevier’s database SCOPUS. Faculty affiliation within SCOPUS was confirmed by cross-referencing department websites. The h(5) indices were calculated and then correlated with other publication metrics, including total publications by department and publications in major otolaryngology journals.

Results:

The h(5) index was highly correlated positively with other metrics of academic productivity, including total publications and publications in top 10 otolaryngology journals. Greater variability in data was noted as the h(5) index increased. Similar trends were observed when the h(5) was compared to the number of residents accepted per year. Rankings of departments by Doximity and US News and World Report were positively correlated with h(5) though they remained weaker when compared to other correlations.

Conclusions:

h(5) indices are a valuable tool to objectively assess academic productivity for otolaryngology residency departments. They are a better indicator of academic productivity than national rankings.
Utility of chest imaging in the diagnosis and management of patients with visceral leishmaniasis: A systematic review
Authors: Hailemariam Tesfahunegn , Mebratu Yonas , Andrias Tsion , Melkeneh Fikremariam , Abebe Abel , Mulualem Biruk , Abadi Zewdu , Desta Wazema , Bedasso Selamawit , Belay Fekadu , Sileshi Abibual , Desta Elilta , Velsaquez-Botero Felipe , Birhane Rahel , Marinucci Francesco , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Visceral leishmaniasis remains a deadly parasitic disease with diagnostic complexities. Currently, point-of-care chest imaging is gaining momentum in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Respiratory symptoms are common in visceral leishmaniasis. Here we aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the utility of chest imaging on the diagnosis and management of patients with visceral leishmaniasis.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for studies reporting chest imaging findings in patients with visceral leishmaniasis, published in English from database inception to November 2022. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists to evaluate the risk of bias. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with the Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XP24W .

Results:

Of 1792 studies initially retrieved, 17 studies with 59 participants were included. Of the 59 patients, 51% (30) had respiratory symptoms and 20% (12) were human immunodeficiency virus co-infected. Chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography, and chest ultrasound findings were available for 95% (56), 93% (55), and 2% (1) of the patients, respectively. The most common findings were pleural effusion (20%; 12), reticular opacities (14%; 8), ground-glass opacities (12%; 7), and mediastinal lymphadenopathies (10%; 6). High-resolution computed tomography was more sensitive than chest X-ray and detected lesions that were lost on chest X-ray, 62% (37) versus 29% (17). In almost all cases, regression of the lesions was observed with treatment. Microscopy of pleural or lung biopsy detected amastigotes. Polymerase chain reaction yield was better in pleural and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. A parasitological diagnosis from pleural and pericardial fluid was possible in AIDS patients. Overall, the risk of bias was low.

Conclusions:

Visceral leishmaniasis patients frequently had abnormal findings on high-resolution computed tomography. Chest ultrasound is a useful alternative in resource-limited settings to aid in diagnosis and subsequent treatment follow-up, especially when routine tests yield negative results despite clinical suspicion.
Design suggestions for a persuasive e-coaching application: A study on informal caregivers’ needs
Authors: Premanandan Shweta , Ahmad Awais , Cajander Åsa , Ågerfalk Pär , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette
Published: May 2023

Objective

Informal caregivers such as relatives or close friends of patients are essential for caregiving at home. However, caregiving is a complex experience that may affect the caregivers’ well-being. Therefore, there is a need to provide support for caregivers, which we address in this article by proposing design suggestions for an e-coaching application. This study identifies the unmet needs of caregivers in Sweden and provides design suggestions for an e-coaching application using the persuasive system design (PSD) model. The PSD model offers a systematic approach to designing IT interventions.

Methods

A qualitative research design was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 informal caregivers from different municipalities in Sweden. A thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data. The PSD model was used to map the needs emerging from this analysis to propose design suggestions for an e-coaching application for caregivers.

Results

Six needs were identified, and based on them, we proposed design suggestions for an e-coaching application using the PSD model. These unmet needs are monitoring and guidance, assistance to avail formal care services, access to practical information without being overwhelmed, feeling of community, access to informal support, and grief acceptance. The last two needs could not be mapped using the existing PSD model, resulting in an extended PSD model.

Conclusion

This study revealed the important needs of informal caregivers based on which design suggestions for an e-coaching application were presented. We also proposed an adapted PSD model. This adapted PSD model can be further used for designing digital interventions in caregiving.
Who Controls the National Academic Promotion System: An Analysis of Power Distribution in Poland
Authors: Koza Zbigniew , Lew Robert , Kulczycki Emanuel , Stec Piotr
Published: May 2023

In studying the performance of academic systems, one often tries to find out—by inspecting some well-defined parameters—how specific changes in the legal system influence the volume and quality of desired outputs, such as publications, patents, or alumni. This mechanistic approach neglects the fact that the main actors in this spectacle are not passive, but have their own priorities, and actively self-organize in response to any changes in their professional environment. In this contribution, we investigate such collective social behavior using the data for academic promotions in Poland in the years 2011 to 2020. Focusing on degrees higher than the PhD, we analyzed over 12,500 habilitation (= higher doctorate) and over 3,000 professorship applications, extracting personal data on academic promotion panel membership along with official roles on the panels. These details were then linked with data on the personal make-up of three consecutive terms of the central body overseeing academic promotions in Poland, Centralna Komisja do Spraw Stopni i Tytułów (“Central Board for Degrees and Titles”). As a result, we were able to identify a privileged group of individuals who controlled a substantial majority of academic promotions beyond the PhD degree by virtue of being part of the Central Board. We found that this relatively small group of academics held dominant control over academic promotions by repeatedly serving on promotion panels. Thus, despite the well-meaning intentions of the reformists who had designed it, the Polish system of academic promotions in the past decade can hardly be regarded as based on pure merit.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Perceived Change of Caregivers’ Burden in Providing Care for People With Dementia
Authors: Wongmek Apichaya , Wongviriyawong Titima , Pitiyarn Sutisa , Siritipakorn Pitiporn , Phannarus Harisd , Muangpaisan Weerasak
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affects caregiver (CG) burden, the quality of care provided to people with dementia (PwD) and their perceived changes between before and during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed primary CGs about burden and self-perceived change in multidimensional domains and compared these before and during the pandemic. Results: About 135 primary CGs of PwD were enrolled at Siriraj Hospital’s Geriatric Clinic in Thailand and assessed using various online platforms. About 13.8% of CGs had a “mild to moderate” burden. The NPI-Q score and level of functional capacity of the PwD declined during the COVID-19 pandemic ( p-value .001 and .001, respectively). The CG-associated factors that related to a higher CG burden were younger age (mean age of 54.2 years old), female (76.3%), and high educational level (80.7%). Conflict between CG and PwD was associated with an increase in CG burden ( p-value .004; 95% CI [1.19, 6.12]). Regarding the COVID-19-related factors, there was no association between CG burden and the PwD’s characteristics or COVID-19-related concerns. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a higher CG burden. Identifying the related factors in an unusual situation may help reduce the CG burden and improve the care of PwD.
Determinants of door-in-door-out time in patients with ischaemic stroke transferred for endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: van de Wijdeven Ruben M , Duvekot Martijne HC , van der Geest Patrick J , Moudrous Walid , Dorresteijn Kirsten RIS , Wijnhoud Annemarie D , Mulder Laus JMM , Alblas Kees CL , Asahaad Nabil , Kerkhoff Henk , Dippel Diederik WJ , Roozenbeek Bob
Published: May 2023

Background:

Long door-in-door-out (DIDO) times are an important cause of treatment delay in patients transferred for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from primary stroke centres (PSC) to an intervention centre. Insight in causes of prolonged DIDO times may facilitate process improvement interventions. We aimed to quantify different components of DIDO time and to identify determinants of DIDO time.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a Dutch ambulance region consisting of six PSCs and one intervention centre. We included consecutive adult patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, transferred from a PSC for EVT between October 1, 2019 and November 31, 2020. We subdivided DIDO into several time components and quantified contribution of these components to DIDO time. We used univariable and multivariable linear regression models to explore associations between potential determinants and DIDO time.

Results:

We included 133 patients. Median (IQR) DIDO time was 66 (52–83) min. The longest component was CTA-to-ambulance notification time with a median (IQR) of 24 (16–37) min. DIDO time increased with age (6 min per 10 years, 95% CI: 2–9), onset-to-door time outside 6 h (20 min, 95% CI: 5–35), M2-segment occlusion (15 min, 95% CI: 4–26) and right-sided ischaemia (12 min, 95% CI: 2–21).

Conclusions:

The CTA-to-ambulance notification time is the largest contributor to DIDO time. Higher age, onset-to-door time longer than 6 h, M2-segment occlusion and right-sided occlusions are independently associated with a longer DIDO time. Future interventions that aim to decrease DIDO time should take these findings into account.
Estimating household demand for transit-oriented development: A two-stage hedonic analysis in Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
Authors: Huang Yu , Parker Dawn Cassandra , Anglin Paul
Published: May 2023

Interest in mass transit investment and transit-oriented development (TOD) is growing as a way to promote smart growth. These investments and policy changes may imply new housing demands, which are not well understood. Using Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada, as a case study, we address the following questions: (1) Do households in this mid-sized region show preferences for TOD neighborhoods? How do preferences for transit accessibility vary across space? (2) What household characteristics are associated with the demand for housing and neighborhood characteristics? With a combined dataset of household survey and housing transactions, we present a novel application of the two-stage hedonic model to understand the housing demand structure impacted by transit policies. This study provides evidence of demand for TOD and LRT accessibility by households with a range of socio-demographics. We thus recommend the region build complete TODs to satisfy a variety of housing needs.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(styrenesulfonate)/Carbon Nanotube-Coated Electrically Conducting Fabrics With High Strain Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Wei , Cheng Qiong , Zhang Yuqing , Xu Fujun
Published: May 2023

Knitted fabrics are widely used in smart textiles due to their great elasticity and reversibility, which make them good platforms for multifunctional fabrics, such as wearable strain sensors. In this study, a new method to make high strain-sensing knitted fabrics was proposed by coating the carbon nanotube solution first and then spraying the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) solution on 1 × 1 rib knitted fabric. The results showed that 0.1 wt% PEDOT:PSS/3 wt% carbon nanotube-coated knitted fabrics exhibited the best comprehensive performance. Their gauge factor reached 18.3 in the linear rising strain stage and showed excellent stability in cyclic stretching with a strain of 5%. Furthermore, the knitted fabric strain sensor exhibited a quick and precise response to the knee joint motion detection, demonstrating its potential in wearable applications.
A Lifesaving Initiative for Patients with Kidney Failure: A Well-structured and Efficiently Implemented, Pioneering, Public–Private Health Partnership in India
Authors: Kudtarkar Sandeep Ganpat
Published: May 2023

The dialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney, a lifesaver for patients whose both kidneys have failed. But the dialysis process is physically painful and economically stressful, especially for poor patients. Even for the government the cost of providing dialysis services to poor patients is exorbitant. This is a case of the setting of the dialysis centres by the Andhra Pradesh Government in partnership with the private service provider on a public-private partnerships basis. There was a dilemma whether to do this project wholly through government budgets or forming a partnership with a private party to implement the project. The project emerged as a successful and imitable example of a public–private partnership for the rest of the country and other developing countries. Apart from being a financially sound and bankable project, efficient project management, efficient contract and risk management, vigilant monitoring by the government, sound payment mechanism and mutually beneficial partnership are the driving factors for the success of this pioneering healthcare PPP project in India.