bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis and critical review of metacognitive accuracy in autism
Authors: Carpenter Katie L , Williams David M
Published: July 2022

Metacognition refers to cognitions about our own cognitions. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to examine metacognition among autistic people. The results from these studies have produced a mixed picture, with some concluding that autistic people are just as accurate as typically developing people in judging their own cognitions and others providing evidence of reduced accuracy. The aim of this meta-analysis is to amalgamate this research to obtain a clearer picture of the evidence to date. A total of 17 studies comparing 412 individuals diagnosed with autism and 453 typically developing individuals were included in the meta-analysis. The data revealed a moderate, but heterogeneous, reduction in metacognitive accuracy among autistic individuals in comparison with non-autistic individuals. A critical review of the results suggested that, despite the overall reduction in metacognitive accuracy, performance was not universally diminished among autistic participants across studies. Accuracy may be undiminished on certain types of metacognitive task. Moreover, across all tasks, there was moderate difference in metacognitive accuracy between autistic and non-autistic children, but only a small difference in metacognitive accuracy between autistic and non-autistic adults.

Lay Abstract

The ability to make accurate judgements about our own and others’ mental states has been widely researched; however, it is unclear how these two abilities relate to each other. This is important given that there is evidence that autistic individuals can have difficulty with accurately judging others’ mental states. Recent evidence suggests that some autistic individuals may also have difficulty accurately judging their own mental states. This may have an impact on various aspects of everyday life but particularly academic success, and therefore it is important that this skill is not overlooked when exploring areas of individual support. The aim of this article is to bring together the research examining autistic individual’s ability of making accurate judgements about their own mental states and to establish whether this is an area that warrants further investigation. The results from this article show that autistic individuals may have difficulty making accurate judgements about their own mental states, although this depends on the type of judgement being made. It also highlighted that while autistic children may have difficulties in some areas, these may improve by adulthood. Overall, this article shows that more research is needed to fully understand where specific difficulties lie and how they may be overcome.
“School is light and we are blind”: Afghan refugee parents’/guardians’ beliefs about literacy and language(s)
Authors: Sadiq Assadullah
Published: July 2022

This article examines four Afghan refugee parents/guardians in Islamabad, Pakistan for their beliefs about literacy and language(s). Semi-structured interviews with each parent/guardian showed that they all highly valued reading and writing as essential life skills. However, while they viewed literacy as having instrumental value, they also strongly believed it shaped and developed a person morally and supported one to think critically. In terms of language(s), all of the parents/guardians wanted their children to learn to read and write in their first language, and believed that speaking only one’s first language was not enough. They believed that the school their children attended should offer classes to teach them to read and write in their first language. In addition, they supported their children learning Urdu, the national language of their host country, Pakistan. All of the parents also mentioned the importance of having their children learn English, as they believed it is an international and useful language in the world. This study offers important findings regarding parents’/guardians’ beliefs about language and literacy from one of the largest refugee groups about which little is known.
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids on Tumor Microenvironment: A Molecular Switch in Neoplasia Transformation
Authors: Bakshi Hamid A. , Faruck Hakkim L. , Ravesh Zeinab , Ansari Prawej , Hannan J. M. A. , Hashimoto Rina , Takayama Kazuo , Farzand Rabia , Nasef Mohamed M. , Mensah Adelaide , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Mishra Vijay , Charbe Nitin B. , Goyal Rohit , Negi Poonam , Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Bahar Bojlul , El-Tanani Mohamed , Courtenay Aaron J. , McCarron Paul , Jack Iain G. , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: July 2022

The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on the tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment consists of a complex cellular network that can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on tumor genesis. Given the increasing interest in the effectiveness of cannabis, cannabinoids have gained much attention as a potential chemotherapy drug. Cannabinoids are a group of marker compounds found in Cannabis sativa L., more commonly known as marijuana, a psychoactive drug used since ancient times for pain management. Although the anticancer potential of C. sativa, has been recognized previously, increased attention was generated after discovering the endocannabinoid system and the successful production of cannabinoid receptors. In vitro and in vivo studies on various tumor models have shown therapeutic efficiency by modifying the tumor microenvironment. However, despite extensive attention regarding potential therapeutic implications of cannabinoids, considerable clinical and preclinical analysis is needed to adequately define the physiological, pharmacological, and medicinal aspects of this range of compounds in various disorders covered in this review. This review summarizes the key literature surrounding the role of cannabinoids in the tumor microenvironment and their future promise in cancer treatment.
Arthrodesis for Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dharamsi Miraal S. , Caudle Krysta , Fares Austin , Dunn John
Published: July 2022

Background:

This study reviews the patient demographics, functional outcomes, and complications of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis as a treatment for arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

Methods:

A literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles located by the search were independently assessed by title, abstract, or full article review for inclusion or exclusion. Demographic, outcome, and complication data from included articles were extracted, compiled, and analyzed. Frequency-weighted means and proportions were generated.

Results:

In total, 21 articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria accounting for 802 patients and 914 thumbs. Average age at time of surgery was 55.4 years, and mean follow-up time was 72.7 months. Arthrodesis techniques include Kirschner-wire fixation (51.3%), plate fixation (24.6%), screw fixation (9.8%), tension band technique (7.1%), staple fixation (7.0%), and none (<0.1%). Mean preoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 58 and 25.4 postoperatively (∆ = -32.6 points). Mean preoperative visual analogue scale score was 6.8 and 1.9 postoperatively (∆ = -4.9 points). Mean preoperative grip strength was 15.7 kg, and 23.0 kg postoperatively (∆ = +7.3 kg). In all, 48.7% of thumbs had complications, 15.1% of which were major, while 33.6% were minor. The most common major complication was symptomatic hardware (8.6%) requiring return to the operating room, and the most common minor complications were peritrapezial arthritis (8.5%) and nonunion (8.4%).

Conclusions:

Arthrodesis for arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is associated with good functional outcomes and low to moderate patient-reported disability and pain scores, but a high complication rate.

Level of Evidence:

IV
Training practices and perceptions of soccer officials: Insights from the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire
Authors: McEwan Gary P , Unnithan Viswanath B , Easton Chris , Arthur Rosie
Published: July 2022

This study sought to: (1) document the multifaceted training practices of soccer officials in relation to their role and officiating category; and (2) explore the association between the officials’ training practices and perceptions of the attributes pertinent to optimal performance. Field referees and assistant referees at officiating categories 1–3 ( n = 173) with the Scottish Football Association were invited to participate in this national cross-sectional study. Using the Referee Training Activity Questionnaire (RTAQ), officials reported the volume and type of training engaged in during a 2-week in-season period. Respondents’ perceptions of the skills pertinent to performance were also explored using a 7-point Likert scale ( 1  =  not at all important; 7  =  extremely important), with the frequency in which they trained these skills assessed using a 5-point Likert Scale ( 1  =  less than once a month; 5  =  more than once a week). Ninety-one responses were received, representing a 52.6% response rate. Irrespective of their role or level of professional attainment, the officials’ training was focused mostly on physical conditioning, with significantly less time apportioned to decision-making ( P < 0.001; ES = 1.28), psychological ( P < 0.001; ES = 1.47), and technical ( P < 0.001; ES = 1.23) skills training. Meanwhile, although decision-making and psychological skills were rated as “ very important” to “ extremely important” amongst both field referees and assistant referees, officials purposefully trained these skills “ less than once a month.” The present study provides important new insights into the training practices engaged in by soccer officials. As accurate decision-making is at the forefront of soccer officiating, enhancing the exposure of match officials to match-related decision-making during training should be considered a priority for future research.
Misspecification of copula for one-shot devices under constant stress accelerated life-tests
Authors: Prajapati Deepak , Ling Man Ho , Shing Chan Ping , Kundu Debasis
Published: July 2022

Copula models have attracted significant attention in the recent literature for modeling multivariate observations. An essential feature of copulas is that they enable us to specify the univariate marginal distributions and their joint behaviors separately. This paper provides asymptotic results for misspecification of copula models, and examines the consequences and detection of misspecification in copula models under constant-stress accelerated life-tests for one-shot devices. The one-shot device is considered as a two-component system. The reliability is an important factor in lifetime data applications, and we focus on the effect of misspecification on the estimation of the reliability of one-shot devices. Moreover, the Akaike information criterion is used as a specification test for copula model validation. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the effect of misspecification under the Gumbel-Hougaard, the Frank and the Clayton copulas incorporated with Weibull and gamma distributions as marginal distributions, in terms of asymptotic bias, asymptotic relative bias, and root mean square error.
Comparison of initial clinic characteristics of hospitalized patients in Suzhou City during the COVID-19 Omicron wave with ancestral variant wave
Authors: Gu Binbin , Yao Lin , Zhu Xin-yun , Zou Tao , Feng Yan-jun , Yan Jin-yu , Zhang Jian-ping , Tang Pei-jun , Chen Cheng
Published: July 2022

Background:

Recently, the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, Omicron (B.1.1.529), was identified as responsible for a novel wave of COVID-19 worldwide. Here, we compared initial clinical features of hospitalized COVID-19 patients during recent wave (Omicron Variant) with those in ancestral variant wave (2020).

Methods:

This is a cohort study of electronic health record (EHR) data from a signal center in the China. The clinical data of 116 cases of Omicron hospitalized in 2022 and 87 cases hospitalized in 2020 were collected. The comparisons were performed with the Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher exact test or the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Clinically, compared with 2020-cohort, Omicron-cohort was more inclined to cluster in younger population and had more nonsymptomatic (25.0%) and nonsevere cases, as well as suffered from comparable extrapulmonary complication. Radiologically, although the major computed tomography (CT) findings of both cohorts were ground-glass opacities (GGOs), crazy-paving pattern was relatively less seen in the Omicron-cohort. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, Omicron-cohort was associated with a lower risk of complaining with fever, the presence of lung opacity, and increased Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.

Conclusion:

This study provided the data of different patterns of clinic characteristics and reduced severity from infections that occurred in Omicron variant as compared with the outbreak of the epidemic in 2020 wave (ancestral variant).
Concentric or eccentric physical activity for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized prospective study
Authors: Trojani Marie-Charlotte , Chorin Fréderic , Gerus Pauline , Breuil Véronique , Michel Constance , Guis Sandrine , Bendahan David , Roux Christian
Published: July 2022

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis–related pain limits physical function and leads to functional disability. Physical activity is one of the central recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Although concentric muscle activities are often preferred to eccentric ones, the corresponding rationale remains controversial.

Objective:

To explore the effect of a 6-week exercise program on function, pain, and performance in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

Patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were included in the prospective EX-ART project (Walking performance in osteoARThritic subjects: effect of an ECCentric muscle strengthening program) and randomized in a 6-week rehabilitation program including either eccentric or concentric activities. Metrics of interest chosen as end points measured before and after the rehabilitation were WOMAC score, pain, and muscular performance (quadriceps power PMAX and contraction strength MMAX). MRI was also used to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration changes.

Results:

30 patients were included in each group; mean age was 74 (±7.6); 69% were women. At week 6, both groups showed a significant improvement in the WOMAC without difference between the two groups ( p = 0.7). No difference between the two groups was identified for the pain reduction ( p = 0.7). A significant improvement in the change in PMAX and MMAX at high velocity ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.002) was observed in the eccentric group only. A vastus medialis hypertrophy was quantified in the eccentric group only ( p = 0.002), whereas fat infiltration in the quadriceps muscles was unchanged.

Conclusion:

Physical activity, whether eccentric or concentric, has a benefit on function and pain in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. A few differences have been identified between the two types of rehabilitation. More particularly, a gain in muscle performance and vastus medialis volume was found with eccentric rehabilitation only.

Registration:

www.ClinicalTrials.gov , registration number NCT03167502.
Geopolitics and Geoeconomics in the China–Latin American Relations in the Context of the US–China Trade War and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gachúz Maya Juan Carlos , Urdinez Francisco
Published: July 2022

The Bretton Woods institutions have failed to accommodate a rising China, and many authors describe this moment as a crisis of the liberal order, which China is intentionally contesting. The World Trade Organization was incapable of offering a solution to the trade war, and more recently, the World Health Organization was incapable of reducing – and rather partly contributed to – tensions between the US and China in the management of COVID-19 crisis. This Special Issue is made up of six manuscripts that address the most sensitive issues of the China–Latin American relationship amid the challenges of the growing dispute with the United States. The manuscripts assess the four main concerns that are shaping the agenda in China–Latin American relations in times of increasing geopolitical and geoeconomic competition between the United States and China: the Belt and Road Initiative, the One-China policy, the trade war, and the COVID-19 crisis.
Applying Political Knowledge in Modern Combat: How the U.S. Military Can Use Social Science to Achieve Cross-Cultural Competency
Authors: Ledet Richard
Published: July 2022

Culture is a prominent theme in U.S. military doctrine, and the Department of Defense has invested much effort in improving the cultural competency of military professionals. This article utilizes first-person reflections of the author, a political scientist who worked in an advisory capacity for the Army in Afghanistan in 2012, to support arguments for applying the social sciences as a way to address the need for improved cultural competency training provided to military personnel. Observations are described, followed by brief analyses of how knowledge of social science concepts, methods, and theories proved to be an instrumental means through which the author’s missions were understood at the time and ultimately conducted in a manner that improved the chances of success. This article therefore provides a unique perspective on the value of social science education, specifically political science, to obtain cultural competency among military personnel engaged in modern combat operations.
Frequent and diverse use of electronic health records in the United States: A trend analysis of national surveys
Authors: Zheng Han , Jiang Shaohai
Published: July 2022

Objective

Considering the increasing integration of electronic health records (EHRs) into medical practice by healthcare organizations, it is especially pertinent to understand its actual usage by the general public in recent years. This study aims to explore factors associated with the frequency and diversity of EHR usage in the United States over time.

Methods

We analyzed three iterations (2017, 2018, and 2019) of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). HINTS is a national cross-sectional survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute to document attitudes and perceptions about health information access and use among American adults.

Results

Both frequency and diversity of EHR usage have slightly increased across the years. However, its overall usage still remained low. Three technology-related enablers (access to digital devices, access to the Internet, and perceived usefulness of EHRs) were positively related to EHR usage in all three iterations. In addition, perceived health status was a constant and negative predictor of EHR usage over years. Doctor–patient communication was positively associated with the frequency of EHR usage in two survey waves.

Conclusions

More initiatives to increase EHR usage in the United States are needed. We advocate for providing affordable Internet access and smartphone to underserved populations; in medical encounters, doctors should have more patient-centered communication, introduce the benefits of EHRs to patients, and promote EHR adoption in terms of frequency and diversity.
The use of play in English as a foreign language classrooms: Chinese teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Mao Wei , Doan Laura K , Handford Victoria
Published: July 2022

This semi-structured interview study seeks to describe Chinese teachers’ understanding and concerns about the use of play in supporting young children’s English learning. Eight English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers of children aged between 3 to 8 years were involved, including both local teachers and international teachers. Findings reveal that because of the unique feature of EFL learning, structured play-based learning was mainly discussed and favored by teachers. Although teachers showed an inclination of separating learning from play, they believed that play serves a supporting role in maintaining students’ interest and motivation in English learning, which is especially crucial important for young children. However, teachers are concerned that play’s benefits would be considered being neutralized when children get older from parents’ perspectives which will eventually negatively impact teachers’ teaching practices. Teachers also face the barriers of balancing the gap between child’s language abilities and cognitive development in EFL teaching. The findings and discussions raise implications for researchers and practitioners to rethink how to define play. A broader definition of play-based learning will help balance both the needs for academic teaching and the benefits of incorporating play, as well as provide implications for integrating play pedagogy in public school systems.
The H-1B Visa and US GATS Market Access Commitments: Options and Strategies for India
Authors: Salamah Ansari , Babu R. Rajesh
Published: July 2022

Indian IT firms and professionals have been one of the primary beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa. However, the new US ‘buy American, hire American’ policy and the consequent suspension of the H-1B visa have resulted in India’s claims that the US measures are discriminatory and not in compliance with various provisions of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The present article aims to assess the consistency of the US measures on H-1B category visa in the context of its specific commitments under Mode 4 of GATS and explore India’s options in finding a suitable solution. Our analysis posits that India’s concerns are well-founded, and the US measures at issue may have direct implications on its commitment under the GATS Schedule of Commitments. At the same time, for India, the option of the invocation of the WTO redressal process to force the well-guarded discretionary sovereign power associated with entry visas could be counterproductive and finding a mutually beneficial solution seems to be the way forward. The article will also help understand and explore India’s options in dealing with the highly sensitive area of entry for foreign nationals that falls under the domain of sovereign prerogative of a State.
External Debt and Real Exchange Rate Volatility in South Asia
Authors: Moazzam Md.
Published: July 2022

This study empirically examines the mechanism that connects debt accumulation to exchange rate volatility through the lens of important macroeconomic variables in South Asian Countries. One of the most influential explanatory factors behind exchange rate volatility is deemed as the flow of external debt for these countries. Using data from the World Development Indicators for the period 1980–2020, it is shown that external debt increases exchange rate volatility, significantly. The model is identified via panel Granger tests for relevant variables, estimated for a wide range of covariates and tested for all possible sources of endogeneity via subsequent robustness analyses.

JEL Classification: C33, F31, H6, O53
Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Repair Versus Labral Debridement: Long-term Survivorship and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Kucharik Michael P. , Abraham Paul F. , Nazal Mark R. , Varady Nathan H. , Eberlin Christopher T. , Meek Wendy M. , Martin Scott D.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Arthroscopic treatment for labral tears includes debridement and repair. Long-term studies have failed to demonstrate a difference between these treatments in terms of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Purpose:

To investigate 2 different labral treatments, debridement and repair, using an adjusted analysis to evaluate long-term conversion to THA.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon between April 2007 and October 2014. Postoperative follow-up information included conversion to THA, patient satisfaction, and patient-reported outcome measures (modified Harris Hip Score; Hip Outcome Score, Activities of Daily Living and Sports Specific subscales; International Hip Outcome Tool; Nonarthritic Hip Score; and Lower Extremity Functional Scale).

Results:

Of the 204 hips included in the study, 99 (48.5%) underwent labral repair, and 105 (51.5%) underwent debridement. In total, 28 (13.7%) of the 204 patients underwent conversion to THA within 10 years after hip arthroscopy (labral repair: 5 [5.0%] vs labral debridement: 23 [21.9%]). Labral repair was associated with a significantly lower risk of conversion to THA compared with debridement (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.74; P = .014). Additional factors associated with risk of conversion to THA included older age at the time of arthroscopy (HR = 1.06 per year; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P = .002) and Tönnis grade (HR = 2.39; CI, 1.14-5.41; P = .026). Abrasion chondroplasty, acetabuloplasty, body mass index, Outerbridge grade, and radiographic femoroacetabular impingement were not found to be significantly associated with risk of THA. No significant difference in patient satisfaction was found between treatment groups, and for patients who did not convert to THA, there was no difference in mean patient-reported outcome scores at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent labral repair were less likely to convert to THA compared with patients who underwent labral debridement, despite adjustment for differences in baseline patient characteristics and preexisting pathology. Additional factors associated with a lower rate of hip survival were older age and osteoarthritis at the time of hip arthroscopy.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Resource Utilization in Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Liberman Joshua N. , Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Rui Pinyao , Ruetsch Charles , Rothman Brian , Kulkarni Amit , Forma Felicia
Published: July 2022

Objective

To estimate the impact COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare HCRU in the twelve months prior to and six months following pandemic onset among 1,318,709 individuals with MDD and propensity-score matched controls. Outcomes were monthly rates of all-cause and MDD-specific outpatient, inpatient, and prescription medication HCRU. Piecewise random effects models were used to adjust for patient-level clustering, trends over time, and pre-pandemic factors.

Results

In the first month following onset, outpatient HCRU declined with primary care visits down 25.1%. Following this initial decline, outpatient HCRU increased, exceeding pre-pandemic rates within three months. By April 2020, three quarters of all psychotherapy sessions were delivered by telehealth, followed by psychiatry (62.3%), and primary care visits (30.1%). The use of telehealth remained highest for psychotherapy and psychiatry (representing 67.6% and 54.2% of visits, respectively, in September 2020). All-cause partial-day hospitalizations declined 50.5% and remained depressed through July 2020 (down 18.3%). Beginning in the first month post-onset, prescription medication HCRU increased for all antidepressant and antipsychotic medication classes: serotonin modulators ( + 11.8%), bupropion ( + 10.4%), SSRIs ( + 9.0%), SNRIs ( + 8.6%), and atypical antipsychotics ( + 7.5%).

Conclusions

Following pandemic onset, individuals with MDD realized an immediate, but short-lived, reduction in primary care HCRU. Telehealth use remained elevated through the first six months. The most significant and sustained reduction in HCRU was noted for partial-day hospitalizations and all-cause ED visits.
Developing a Feasible and Credible Method for Analyzing Healthcare Documents as Written Data
Authors: Moilanen Tanja , Sivonen Mari , Hipp Kirsi , Kallio Hanna , Papinaho Oili , Stolt Minna , Turjamaa Riitta , Häggman-Laitila Arja , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: July 2022

Healthcare provides a rich, and constantly increasing, number of written documents, which are underutilized in research data for health and nursing sciences, but previous literature has only provided limited guidance on the process of document analysis. The aim of this paper is to provide a methodological framework for analyzing health care documents as written data, based on a systematic methodological review and the research team’s experience of the method. Based on the results, the methods consist of seven phases: (i) identify the purpose, (ii) determine the document selection strategy, (iii) select or design an extraction matrix, (iv) carry out pilot testing, (v) collect and analyze the data, (vi) consider the credibility, and (vii) ethics of the study. The framework that has been developed can be used to carry out document analysis studies that are both feasible and credible.
Parental Factors Contribute to Childhood Cancer Abandonment Treatment During COVID-19
Authors: Susanah Susi , Modjaningrat Ismiana Fatimah , Sari Nur Melani , Suryawan Nur
Published: July 2022

Factors influence a person’s health seeking behavior related to abandonment rate on pediatric oncology treatment during this pandemic is unknown. The aim is to identify factors influencing abandonment rates in early pandemic. This was a cross-sectional studies during early pandemic and analyze factors in parents whose children had treatment for malignancy contribute to their children’s abandonment treatment rate through guided interview using questionnaire. The characteristic related significantly with treatment abandonment is maternal education. It is found that patients whose mother had education less than secondary school was 1.315 (CI 1.013-1.707) having risk experience abandonment treatment. Parental perception related to impact of COVID-19 was significantly related to treatment abandonment rate with RR 0.202 (CI 0.86-0.471). Patients whose parents have positive perception how abandonment treatment affect their child outcome, believe that doctor has taken step to prevent COVID-19 transmission during treatment, and receive information about COVID-19, having less risk being abandonment treatment.
Theory of Culture and Market by Wherry: Caste and Cultural Impact in Indian Market
Authors: Dhaktode Nitin
Published: July 2022

The sociology of the market with the focus of cultural impact in the market demand and supply studies by Wherry and others is central part as a theoretical base to argue the idea of oppressed culture in India and its impact on the oppressed castes in Varna System and other marginalized groups, including women. In unequal caste and gender-based society, the market demands services and products that treat lower caste and women as a secondary stakeholder and keep them away from playing the role of a mainstream seller or buyer. The article focuses on business strategies in India where caste-based hierarchical culture is observed in businesses. The article also deals with the theoretical concepts such as caste, culture and market with arguments by Dr Ambedkar and Wherry with other references. The theoretical base of the article is drawn from Wherry’s book and builds on the argument with empirical data from India. The author tried to seek answers to three questions stated in the last part of the introduction. The author has used both qualitative and explorative data from various sources.
Rural Heritage for Sustainable Development: A Gandhian Perspective in Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Sharma Mamta , Choudhary Monika
Published: July 2022

Chingus, an almost mountainous village of district Rajouri, falls under Jammu province of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is replete with local heritage which includes culinary heritage and handicrafts. Though rich in heritage, it cannot be considered as a sustainably developed area. Identification and utilisation of its available heritage can be helpful in its sustainable development. Years ago, Mahatma Gandhi also laid stress on the utilisation of local heritage for sustainable development. When it comes to the identification and utilisation of local heritage of Chingus, the local communities (Gujjars/ Bakarwals/ Paharies) of the area can do a lot. But, the locals would not come forward on their own. They must be channelised by local government and other government/private or non-profit agencies. Such channelisation would help in making Chingus, a self-reliant village, thus, giving practical shape to the Gandhian dream of self reliant villages. Moreover, establishment of ‘Mahatma Gandhi Museum of Heritage’ would make the process of sustainable development of Chingus more speedy.
Bilateral vs Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Heiser Clemens , Sommer J. Ulrich , Hofauer Benedikt , de Vries Nico , Ravesloot Madeline JL , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Jira Daniel
Published: July 2022

Objective

Unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation (uniHNS) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation (biHNS) is a novel therapeutic option and a different approach to hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome of the first 10 biHNS cases vs the first 10 uniHNS cases ever implanted.

Study Design

Prospective data analysis.

Setting

International multicenter comparative clinical trial.

Methods

The first 10 patients in 2020 who received a biHNS device (Genio System; Nyxoah) and the first 10 patients in 2014 who received a uniHNS system (Inspire II; Inspire Medical Systems) were included. Treatment outcome was evaluated at 3 months after surgery. Data collection included demographics, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation and desaturation index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and adverse events.

Results

The mean ± SD age was 52.1 ± 9.6 years (biHNS) and 58.3 ± 8.6 years (uniHNS). The mean body mass index was 26.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (biHNS) and 26.2 ± 2.2 kg/m2 (uniHNS). The mean preimplantation AHI (biHNS, 39.9 ± 14.8/h; uniHNS, 32.2 ± 11.0/h) decreased in both groups after 3 months (biHNS, 19.2 ± 14.0/h, P =. 008; uniHNS, 13.1 ± 16.8/h, P =. 037) with no significant difference between groups (P =. 720). The mean preimplantation Epworth Sleepiness Scale (biHNS, 11.8 ± 6.2; uniHNS, 11.1 ± 4.9) decreased as well after 3 months (biHNS, 9.4 ± 6.3; uniHNS, 6.0 ± 5.0).

Conclusion

Preliminary postmarket data suggest that biHNS may be as safe and effective as uniHNS. Long‐term follow‐up in a larger sample size is required to assess the stability of biHNS.
How does housing affect end-of-life care and bereavement in low-income communities? A qualitative study of the experiences of bereaved individuals and service providers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hansford Lorraine , Thomas Felicity , Wyatt Katrina
Published: July 2022

Background:

Access to affordable, appropriate housing is one of the key social determinants of health, affecting well-being across the lifecourse. However, beyond a recognition that housing quality is linked to place of death, little is known about the ways in which housing status impacts social, emotional, and practical aspects of dying and bereavement.

Method:

The Checking Out project is a qualitative study aiming to explore the ways in which socio-economic status impacts people’s experiences of, and attitudes towards, death, dying, and bereavement in the United Kingdom. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 14 bereaved individuals with experience of poverty at end of life or in bereavement, and 15 professionals supporting individuals in low-income communities. Interviews were conducted via phone/video call, and data include experiences of end of life and bereavement both before and during the pandemic. Transcripts were examined using thematic analysis.

Results:

Housing emerged as an important factor affecting people’s experiences, with 7 of the 14 bereaved individuals and all except 1 of the professionals discussing housing-related issues. Participants described ways in which unsuitable housing and housing insecurity impacted practical aspects of dying but also emotional and social well-being at end of life. Housing-related issues affected both patients and their families, though families found it difficult to air these concerns when their relative was dying.

Conclusion:

The paper demonstrates how trusted professionals are able to advocate or address the issues faced by bereaved individuals and suggests implications for policy and practice. A greater awareness of the potential impact of housing status across public services, including healthcare practitioners, welfare support, and housing providers, could better support patients and practitioners to address these issues proactively. Housing providers and policy-makers should be included as key partners in collaborative public health approaches to palliative care.
Design and Dynamic Analysis of the Recirculating Planetary Roller Screw Mechanism
Authors: Qiao Guan , Liao Rong , Guo Shijie , Shi Zhenghong , Ma Shangjun
Published: July 2022

The recirculating planetary roller screw mechanism (RPRSM) is a transmission mechanism that engages the screw and nut threaded by multiple grooved rollers. In this paper, firstly, the design method of RPRSM nut threadless area is proposed, and the equations related to the structural parameters of nut threadless area are derived. On this basis, the cross-section design method of roller, screw and nut is constructed according to the actual situation of engagements between the screw/nut and the roller. By adjusting the gap between the two beveled edges and that between the arc and the beveled edge, the accuracy of the thread engagements between the screw/nut and the roller can be improved. Secondly, to ensure the engagements of the screw/nut and the roller, the distance equation from the center surface of the different rollers to the end surface of cam ring is given. Thirdly, combined with the working principle and structural composition of RPRSM, the component model is established according to its relevant structural parameters, and the virtual assembly is completed. Finally, the 3D model is imported into the ADAMS simulation software for multi-rigid body dynamics. The dynamic characteristic is analyzed, and the simulated values are compared with the theoretical values. The results show that the contact forces between the screw/nut and the roller are sinusoidal, mainly due to the existence of a small gap between the roller and the carrier. The maximum collision forces between the roller and cam ring are independent from load magnitude. Normally, the collision force between the roller and the carrier increases as the load increases. When RPRSM is in the transmission process, the roller angular speed in nut threadless area begins to appear abruptly, and the position of the maximum change is at the contact between the roller and the convex platform of cam ring. The design of the nut threadless area and the proposed virtual assembly method can provide a theoretical guidance for RPRSM research, as well as a reference for overall performance optimization.
Role of pelvic packing in the first attention given to hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Pengyu , Liu Fanxiao , Li Qinghu , Zhou Dongsheng , Dong Jinlei , Wang Dawei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic packing (PP) in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability.

Materials and methods

Three databases—PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library—were systematically searched to identify studies presenting comparisons between a protocol including PP and a protocol without PP. Mortality, transfusion requirement and length of hospitalization were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) and standard mean difference (SMD), along with their confidence intervals (CIs), were used as the pooled statistical indices.

Results

Eight studies involving 480 patients were identified as being eligible for meta-analysis. PP usage was associated with significantly reduced overall mortality (RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47–0.79, p < 0.01) as well as reduced mortality within 24 h after admission (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.26–0.69, p < 0.01) and due to hemorrhage (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14–0.50, p < 0.01). The usage of PP also decreased the need for pre-operative transfusion (SMD = − 0.44, 95% CI = − 0.69 to − 0.18, p < 0.01), but had no influence on total transfusion during the first 24 h after admission (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI = − 0.43–0.54, p = 0.83) and length of hospitalization (ICU stay and total stay).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that a treatment protocol including PP could reduce mortality and transfusion requirement before intervention in pelvic fracture patients with hemodynamic instability vs. angiography and embolization. This latter technique could be used as a feasible and complementary technique afterwards.

Level of evidence

3.
Network-based inference of master regulators in epithelial membrane protein 2-treated human RPE cells
Authors: Wan Hua , Gao Wei , Zhang Wei , Tao Zijiao , Lu Xiang , Chen Feng , Qin Jian
Published: July 2022

Background

The application of cell-specific construction of transcription regulatory networks (TRNs) to identify their master regulators (MRs) in EMP2 induced vascular proliferation disorders has been largely unexplored.

Methods

Different expression gene (DEGs) analyses was processed with DESeq2 R package, for public RNA-seq transcriptome data of EMP2-treated hRPECs versus vector control (VC) or wild type (WT) hRPECs. Virtual Inference of protein activity by Enriched Regulon analysis (VIPER) was used for inferring regulator activity and ARACNE algorithm was conducted to construct TRNs and identify some MRs with DEGs from comparisons.

Results

Functional analysis of DEGs and the module analysis of TRNs demonstrated that over-expressed EMP2 leads to a significant induction in the activity of regulators next to transcription factors and other genes implicated in vasculature development, cell proliferation, and protein kinase B signaling, whereas regulators near several genes of platelet activation vascular proliferation were repressed. Among these, PDGFA, ALDH1L2, BA1AP3, ANGPT1 and ST3GAL5 were found differentially expressed and significantly activitve in EMP2-over-expressed hRPECs versus vector control under hypoxia and may thus identified as MRs for EMP2-induced lesion under hypoxia.

Conclusions

MRs obtained in this study might serve as potential biomarkers for EMP2 induced lesion under hypoxia, illustrating gene expression landscapes which might be specific for diabetic retinopathy and might provide improved understanding of the disease.
Microbe- plant interaction as a sustainable tool for mopping up heavy metal contaminated sites
Authors: Sorour Ahmed A. , Khairy Heba , Zaghloul Eman H. , Zaghloul Heba A. H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Phytoremediation is a green technology that removes heavy metal (HM) contamination from the environment by using HM plant accumulators. Among soil microbiota, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) have a role influencing the metal availability and uptake.

Methods

This current study evaluates the plant growth promoting qualities of microbial flora isolated from rhizosphere, plant roots, and marine aquatic HMs polluted environments in Alexandria through several biochemical and molecular traits. Metal contents in both collected soils and plant tissues were measured. Transcript levels of marker genes (HMA3 and HMA4) were analyzed.

Results

Three terrestrial and one aquatic site were included in this study based on the ICP-MS identification of four HMs (Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ni) or earlier reports of HMs contamination. Using the VITEK2 bacterial identification system, twenty-two bacteria isolated from these loci were biochemically described. Pseudomonas and Bacillus were the most dominant species. Furthermore, the soil microbiota collected from the most contaminated HMs site with these two were able to enhance the Helianthus annuus L. hyper-accumulation capacity significantly. Specifically, sunflower plants cultivated in soils with HMs adapted bacteria were able to accumulate about 1.7–2.5-folds more Zn and Cd in their shoots, respectively.

Conclusion

The influence of PGPR to stimulate crop growth under stress is considered an effective strategy. Overall, our findings showed that plants cultivated in HMs contaminated sites in the presence of PGPR were able to accumulate significant amounts of HMs in several plant parts than those cultivated in soils lacking microbiota.
Patient care in rapid-expansion intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis
Authors: Basem Jade I. , Roth Anna F. , White Robert S. , Tangel Virginia E. , Jiang Silis Y. , Choi Jacky M. , Hoffman Katherine L. , Schenck Edward J. , Turnbull Zachary A. , Pryor Kane O. , Ivascu Natalia S. , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Goldstein Peter A.
Published: July 2022

Background

The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the unfortunate reality that many hospitals have insufficient intensive care unit (ICU) capacity to meet massive, unanticipated increases in demand. To drastically increase ICU capacity, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center modified its existing operating rooms and post-anaesthesia care units during the initial expansion phase to accommodate the surge of critically ill patients.

Methods

This retrospective chart review examined patient care in non-standard Expansion ICUs as compared to standard ICUs. We compared clinical data between the two settings to determine whether the expeditious development and deployment of critical care resources during an evolving medical crisis could provide appropriate care.

Results

Sixty-six patients were admitted to Expansion ICUs from March 1st to April 30th, 2020 and 343 were admitted to standard ICUs. Most patients were male (70%), White (30%), 45–64 years old (35%), non-smokers (73%), had hypertension (58%), and were hospitalized for a median of 40 days. For patients that died, there was no difference in treatment management, but the Expansion cohort had a higher median ICU length of stay (q = 0.037) and ventilatory length (q = 0.015). The cohorts had similar rates of discharge to home, but the Expansion ICU cohort had higher rates of discharge to a rehabilitation facility and overall lower mortality.

Conclusions

We found no significantly worse outcomes for the Expansion ICU cohort compared to the standard ICU cohort at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrates the feasibility of providing safe and effective care for patients in an Expansion ICU.