bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of neck pain in migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Khazali Haidar Muhsen , Younis Samaira , Al-Sayegh Zainab , Ashina Sait , Ashina Messoud , Schytz Henrik W
Published: February 2022

Background

Neck pain is a frequent complaint among patients with migraine and seems to be correlated with the headache frequency. Neck pain is more common in patients with chronic migraine compared to episodic migraine. However, prevalence of neck pain in patients with migraine varies among studies.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of neck pain in patients with migraine and non-headache controls in observational studies.

Methods

A systematic literature search on PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify studies reporting prevalence of neck pain in migraine patients. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data was extracted by two independent investigators and results were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021264898).

Results

The search identified 2490 citations of which 30 contained relevant original population based and clinic-based data. Among these, 24 studies provided data eligible for the analysis. The meta-analysis for clinic-based studies demonstrated that the pooled relative frequency of neck pain was 77.0% (95% CI: 69.0–86.4) in the migraine group and 23.2% (95% CI:18.6–28.5) in the non-headache control group. Neck pain was more frequent in patients with chronic migraine (87.0%, 95% CI: 77.0–93.0) compared to episodic migraine (77.0%, 95% CI: 69.0–84.0). Neck pain was 12 times more prevalent in migraine patients compared to non-headache controls and two times more prevalent in patients with chronic migraine compared to episodic migraine. The calculated heterogeneity (I2 values) ranged from 61.3% to 72.0%.

Conclusion

Neck pain is a frequent complaint among patients with migraine. The heterogeneity among the studies emphasize important aspects to consider in future research of neck pain in migraine to improve our understanding of the driving mechanisms of neck pain in a major group of migraine patients.
Facial expressions modulate pain perception in patients with chronic migraine
Authors: Matamala-Gomez Marta , Bottiroli Sara , Sances Grazia , Allena Marta , De Icco Roberto , Ghiotto Natascia , Guaschino Elena , Sandrini Giorgio , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: February 2022

Aim

First, we investigated whether the exposure to different visual feedback conditions may modulate pain perception by means of visual induced analgesia in patients with chronic migraine. Second, to comprehend the way emotional face expressions could induce visual analgesia, we evaluated the degree of identification with the four experimental conditions.

Methods

In a 1 × 4 within-subject study design, 38 female chronic migraine patients were exposed to different visual stimuli – positive face, neutral face, negative face, and control (white screen) – during a migraine attack. Visual stimuli were presented 3 times in a randomized order (each condition lasted 40 seconds). Migraine pain ratings and identification scores were assessed immediately after the observation of each visual condition.

Results

We observed a significant difference in pain ratings between the positive (median: 30, 95% CI 26.69 to 38.20) and the negative (median: 30, 95% CI 33.09 to 44.13) ( z = −4.46, p < 0.0001) facial expressions or the neutral facial expression (median: 30, 95% CI 31.89 to 42.41) ( z = 3.41, p < 0.001). Participants identified more with the neutral face condition than with the other conditions.

Conclusions

Observation of a positive emotional face resulted sufficient to modulate pain perception possibly via the mediation of emotion regulation for positive emotions. This study paves the way for the integration of new cognitive behavioural interventions based on the adoption of visual induced analgesia to further control pain perception in chronic migraine patients.
Prediction of Shear Wave Velocity in Fine-grained Soils From Cone Penetration Test Data: Toward a Global Approach
Authors: Mousa Ahmad , Hussein Mohab
Published: February 2022

Shear wave velocity ([Formula: see text]) is often used for the calculation of the shear modulus to combat sampling issues in clays and minimize the cost of laboratory testing. Several studies reported correlations between [Formula: see text] and direct and indirect measurements of the cone penetration test (CPT), yet those proposed for fine-grained formations are generally of a local nature. This study sets out to propose a global approach for the estimation of [Formula: see text] for these soils. Seven regressions were developed using a total of 632 CPT data measurements collected from 55 different sites in 12 countries. The correlations utilizing the tip resistance and depth statistically outperform those using other CPT data. A total of 165 CPT points—collected from the state of New Jersey, USA, and Mexico City, Mexico—were used for verification. It is instrumental to analyze CPT data before building global correlations for gauging applicability and understanding limitations. The adopted approach paves the way for more methodical and rigorous global regressions.
Understanding Complexity in Care: Opportunities for Ethnographic Research in Palliative Care
Authors: Grant Matthew P. , Philip Jennifer A. M. , Deliens Luc , Komesaroff Paul A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Ethnography has been used to address a broad range of research questions in health care. With ethnographic research methods it is possible to gain access to the complex realities of health care practice as it occurs, through interpreting the nuances of individual and team behaviours, the roles and dynamics of care provision, and the social impacts and influences of illness. The provision of clinical palliative care is complex, involving multidisciplinary collaboration across different health systems, and is subject to a multitude of personal, cultural and environmental influences. This complexity demands creative methodological approaches to research in palliative care, of which ethnography plays an important, if infrequently utilised, role. Aim: This article aims to explore potential opportunities of ethnographic methods for palliative care research. Findings: Ethnographic methods focuses on behaviour in the ‘natural’ setting of participants, to create theoretical descriptions of events, cultures, interactions and experiences. In palliative care these methods may provide nuanced understandings of illness, relationships and teams, communication, medical education, complex care provision, and novel or changing health practices. Of particular importance is the potential of these methods to understand complex practices and processes, and engage with under-represented population groups who may be excluded from interview research. Conclusion: Ethnography offers important opportunities for future research in palliative care and should be considered as part of the ‘research toolbox’ to improve understanding of the complex nature of care provision and the experiences of illness and loss.
Nurses’ Experiences of their Ethical Responsibilities during Coronavirus Outbreaks: A Scoping Review
Authors: Peter Elizabeth , Variath Caroline , Mohammed Shan , Mitchell Mikaela , Killackey Tieghan , Maciver Jane , Chiasson Conor
Published: February 2022

Globally, nurses have experienced changes to the moral conditions of their work during coronavirus outbreaks. To identify the challenges and sources of support in nurses’ efforts to meet their ethical responsibilities during SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 outbreaks a scoping review design was chosen. A search was conducted for eligible studies in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Embase Classic, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, OVID APA PsycInfo, ProQuest ASSIA, and ProQuest Sociological Abstracts on August 19, 2020 and November 9, 2020. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to ensure rigor. A total of 5204 records were identified of which 41 studies were included. Three themes were identified related challenges in meeting ethical responsibilities: 1) substandard care, 2) impeded relationships, 3) organizational and system responses and six themes relating to sources of support: 1) team and supervisor relationships, 2) organizational change leading to improved patient care, 3) speaking out, 4) finding meaning, 5) responses by patients and the public, 6) self-care strategies.Our review revealed how substandard care and public health measures resulted in nurses not being fully able to meet their ethical responsibilities of care. These included the visitation policies that impeded the support of patients by nurses and families, particularly with respect to face-to-face relationships. Organizational and system responses to the evolving outbreaks, such as inadequate staffing, also contributed to these challenges. Supportive relationships with colleagues and supervisors, however, were very beneficial, along with positive responses from patients and the public
Psychosocial and Culturally-Specific Factors Related to Intimate Partner Violence Victimization among a Sample of Latino Sexual Minority Cis Men in the U.S.
Authors: Robles Gabriel , Bosco Stephen C. , Cardenas Iris , Hostetter Joletta , Starks Tyrel J.
Published: February 2022

A growing body of research illustrates that sexual minority men (SMM) experience elevated rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to heterosexual individuals. Researchers have examined the relationship between minority stress and IPV victimization among sexual minority men. A majority of the IPV research identifying risk factors associated with IPV victimization among SMM have sampled predominately non-Hispanic White SMM, while Latino SMM are consistently under-represented in IPV research. This study examines the associations between (1) co-occurring psychosocial factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse, drug use, and problematic drinking) and (2) Latino-specific minority stress factors (e.g., U.S.-born, language, race/ethnic identities, and discrimination) on IPV victimization in a nationwide sample of Latino SMM. Data were collected from Latino SMM aged 18 or older, identified as cis-male, and in a romantic relationship with a cis-male partner ( N = 530). The participants were recruited through social media and geo-location-based dating mobile applications. A majority (72%) of the sample reported IPV victimization in their lifetime. Specific to forms of IPV, more than half (51.9%) of the sample reported monitoring behaviors, while 49.6% reported emotional IPV, 45.1% reported physical IPV, 31.5% reported controlling behaviors, and 22.3% reported HIV-related IPV. In multivariable models, psychosocial and Latino-specific factors were associated with the increased likelihood of IPV victimization. Regarding Latino-specific factors, being born in the U.S. and race-based discrimination predicted IPV victimization. These findings highlight the extent to which minority stress elevates the risk of IPV for Latino SMM and point to the need to address social factors in IPV prevention services. Further, work on SMM IPV victimization tends to focus on the potential role of sexual orientation-related discrimination, whereas the current study points to the importance of race-based discrimination.
Steering of carbon fiber/PEEK tapes using Hot Gas Torch-assisted automated fiber placement
Authors: Rajasekaran Aadhithya , Shadmehri Farjad
Published: February 2022

In-situ manufacturing of thermoplastic composites using Hot Gas Torch (HGT)-assisted Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) has the potential to produce laminates in an efficient manner by avoiding a secondary process, like autoclave consolidation. One of the advantages of AFP technique is its capability to steer fiber path and to manufacture Variable Angle Tow (VAT) laminates which have shown to have improved mechanical performance. This study investigates the process parameters that affect steering of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic tapes (AS4/polyether ether ketone) using an HGT-assisted AFP machine. The effect of the steering radius, laydown speed, number of repasses, and substrate angle on the geometry and bond strength of steered tape was investigated through observation and testing. A modified lap shear test was devised and used to study the bond strength between the steered tape and the substrate and the results were compared with autoclave treated samples which served as a reference. It was found that with a decrease in the steering radius of the tape, there was a decrease in the tape width and an increase in the tape thickness. A significant reduction in the steering-induced defects was observed at higher laydown speeds where the defects were intermittent unlike in the case of lower laydown speeds. Performing a repass over the steered tape smoothed some of the tape defects caused by steering. Furthermore, the lap shear strengths of the steered tapes were found to be functions of laydown speed and substrate angle.
Surface roughness of AISI 1010 and AISI 304 of PEMFC bipolar plates with microscale hydroformed capillary channels
Authors: Olayinka Ayotunde , Emblom William J
Published: February 2022

As part of the efforts to produce robust, cost effective bipolar plates, it is necessary to evaluate the forming characteristics of potential materials under consideration. For this work the relationship between strain and deformation induced surface roughness was investigated for channels made from AISI 304 stainless steel and AISI 1010 mild steel that are formed using a hydroforming process. The experiment investigated the effect of channel geometry and hydroforming pressure on surface roughness of the sheet metals under consideration. It is important to state that some functional properties and manufacturing processes of metallic bipolar plates are dependent on the surface roughness of the materials. The results indicate that the final roughness of the formed part is dependent on the initial roughness of the as received sheet. Also, the results show that the surface roughness increases with increasing forming pressure and the resulting increase in strain of the sheet metal due to deformation.
Studies on microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of hybrid Al-4032 AMC reinforced with SiC and granite marble powder
Authors: Saini Pardeep , Singh Pradeep K
Published: February 2022

The present work reports the impact of granite marble powder (GMP) and SiC on the physical, microstructural, and mechanical characterization of the hybrid aluminium-based metal matrix composite (AMC). Al-4032/SiC/GMP composites with 4, 6, and 8 weight % of SiC and GMP (equal proportion) have been fabricated through stir casting. The impact on properties like density, porosity, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation, microhardness, and impact strength were analyzed according to ASTM standards. A maximum of 1.07% increase in theoretical density and a maximum of 4.86% decrease in experimental density have been recorded for 8% reinforcement. Microstructure of the as-cast specimens were analyzed using optical microscope (OM), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and SEM (scanning electron microscope) equipped with EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). Owing to ceramic particles, mechanical properties like UTS, microhardness, and impact strength of the AMC got enhanced from 69.4 MPa to 146 MPa, 131.4 HV to 190.2 HV, and 22.4 J to 32.8 J, respectively.
Mechanical faults detection for vehicle motors under nonstationary conditions based on Vold-Kalman order tracking method
Authors: Zhao Sifang , Song Qiang , Wang Mingsheng , Lai Wuxuan , Li Yiting
Published: February 2022

The fault diagnosis and health management of motors are the key technology that needs to be resolved in the future with the development of electric vehicles. The drive motors usually working under nonstationary conditions. Moreover, the mechanical fault is the most common type among the motor fault types. Therefore, developing the mechanical fault detection method under variable speed conditions would be of great value to improve the diagnosis accuracy of vehicle motors. This paper deals with the mechanism of the bearing fault, the rotor eccentricity fault, and their compound fault of permanent magnet synchronous motors. The purpose of this paper is to propose a mechanical fault detection method based on Vold-Kalman for vehicle motors under variable working conditions. First, the vibration characteristics of the healthy and the faulty motors are analyzed. Next, for eliminating the influence of variable conditions on the mechanical-fault detection, the fault characteristics are extracted by applying the Vold-Kalman filter. Finally, experiments are carried out based on the selected part of the new European driving cycle test conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can detect the mechanical fault of the motor under nonstationary conditions effectively.
Description of damage in different clusters of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Uludağ Ömer , Çene Erhan , Gurel Erdem , Çetin Çiğdem , Bektaş Murat , Yalçınkaya Yasemin , Diz-Küçükkaya Reyhan , Gül Ahmet , Inanç Murat , Artim-Esen Bahar
Published: February 2022

Objective

To identify the different clinical phenotypes of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) by using cluster analysis and describe cumulative damage of disease clusters.

Methods

This retrospective study includes patients with APS (±systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)). Two-step cluster analysis was applied by considering clinical data. Damage was calculated for all patients by applying damage index for APS (DIAPS).

Results

A total of 237 patients (198 females; median age of 43 years; median follow-up of 9.5 years) were classified into four clusters. Cluster 1 ( n = 74) consisted of older patients with arterial-predominant thrombosis, livedo reticularis, and increased cardiovascular risk; cluster 2 ( n = 70) of SLE+APS patients with thrombocytopenia and heart valve disease; cluster 3 ( n = 59) of patients with venous-predominant thrombosis, less extra-criteria manifestations; and cluster 4 ( n = 34) of patients with only pregnancy morbidity with lower frequency of extra-criteria features and cardiovascular risk. Patients with SLE+APS ( n = 123) had the highest mean DIAPS. Regarding clusters, 1 and 2 had high cumulative damage. While cumulative survival rates of clusters did not differ, cluster 2 and 3 had lower survival rates at further years. There was no correlation between DIAPS and mortality.

Conclusion

SLE+APS patients with extra-criteria manifestations and older APS patients with arterial thrombosis and increased cardiovascular risk have higher cumulative damage. Effective treatment of SLE disease activity and control of cardiovascular risk may help to reduce cumulative damage in these patients.
Towards real time release testing of Shuxuening injection based on near infrared spectroscopy and accuracy profile
Authors: Ouyang Xiaojie , Zhan Shuyi , Tang Min , Wang Shumei , Liang Shengwang , Sun Fei
Published: February 2022

Real time release testing (RTRT) has been applied in the pharmaceutical process to ensure the high quality of finished products. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is one of the primary analytical methods to implement RTRT. In this study, an NIR quantitative method was developed to determine the content of total flavonol glycosides in Shuxuening injection and validated by the accuracy profile approach. Combining the NIR validation with quality specification limits, a reliable RTRT method was constructed. Shuxuening injection samples of different concentrations were prepared and characterized by NIR spectroscopy. A first-order Savitzky–Golay derivative was used to pretreat the NIR spectra, and the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling method was used to select the feature variables. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to build the NIR quantitative model. The trueness, precision, and accuracy of the developed NIR models were validated by accuracy profile, and the measurement uncertainty was also estimated. Finally, the unreliability graph as a decision tool was established to avoid risk, enabling correct decision making to release of Shuxuening injection. The root mean square error of calibration, root mean square error of cross validation, root mean square error of prediction, and the ratio of prediction to deviation of the PLS model were 19.6 μg·mL−1, 20.9 μg·mL−1, 29.9 μg·mL−1, and 12.2, respectively, indicating the NIR quantitative model had good predictive performance. The validation results prove that the precision, trueness, and accuracy of the NIR quantitative model were within the acceptable limits. Based on the unreliability graph, the decision to release Shuxuening injection was satisfied, if the prediction of total flavonol glycosides fell into the range from 783 μg·mL−1 to 900 μg·mL−1. The RTRT method for Shuxuening injection based on NIR spectroscopy and accuracy profile can improve the efficiency and accuracy of quality control.
Mechanical properties and morphology of HDPE/PA12 blends compatibilized with HDPE-alt-MAH
Authors: Silva Geovane de Almeida Santos da , d’Almeida José Roberto Moraes
Published: February 2022

The objective of this work is to study the effect of the addition of the compatibilizing agent poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (HDPE-alt-MAH) on the mechanical properties and morphology of HDPE/PA12 blends. The amounts of compatibilizer used were 0, 2, and 3 wt% and HDPE/PA12 blends were manufactured in three ratios, namely: 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75. It was observed that the blends with 2 wt% of HDPE-alt-MAH presented the best mechanical performance. As the proportion of PA12 in the blend increased, the mechanical strength and elongation at break also increased. The creep behavior of the blends was also evaluated, and it was verified that the steady-state creep rate decreases with the increase of PA12 showing the greater resistance to deformation of PA12 compared to HDPE. The viscoelastic behavior of the materials varied with the composition, but by creep compliance analysis, it was observed that the elastic behavior of the blends was similar. The rheology of the blends was analyzed, and it was concluded that the 75/25 HDPE/PA12 blend had the best processability. From the analysis of the microstructures of the blends, it was possible to correlate the phase dispersion with the mechanical and rheological properties.
Factors Affecting the Practice of Corona Virus Disease-19 Prevention Activities in Patients With Heart Diseases in Korea
Authors: Yun Sun-Hee , Park Byung-Gyu , Jung Eun-Young , Kwon Ji-Yeon , Park Yeon-Kyung , Kim Hea-Jeong
Published: February 2022

This study was conducted in a cross-sectional correlation design to identify factors affecting the practice of COVID-19 prevention activities in patients with heart diseases. A convenience sample of 195 patients with heart diseases from one tertiary teaching hospital completed questionnaires with items from the characteristics of these participants, their knowledge, attitude, and practice related to COVID-19 prevention activities. Participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice for COVID-19 prevention were relatively high but there was a significant difference in the degree of practice of COVID-19 prevention activities according to the characteristics of the participants. The higher the level of their knowledge and the more positive their attitude, the higher their practice. Attitude and information check about COVID-19 prevention were factors that influenced the practice of COVID-19 prevention activities, with an explanatory power of 32%. This study can help motivate and actively encourage COVID-19 prevention practices.
An Update on the Status of Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Including Variants. Practical Considerations for COVID-19 Special Populations
Authors: Kantarcioglu Bulent , Iqbal Omer , Lewis Joseph , Carter Charles A. , Singh Meharvan , Lievano Fabio , Ligocki Mark , Jeske Walter , Adiguzel Cafer , Gerotziafas Grigoris T. , Fareed Jawed
Published: February 2022

The progress in the development of various vaccine platforms against SARS-CoV-2 have been rather remarkable owing to advancement in molecular and biologic sciences. Most of the current vaccines and those in development focus on targeting the viral spike proteins by generating antibodies of varying spectrum. These vaccines represent a variety of platforms including whole virus vaccines, viral vector vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines representing RNA, DNA, and their hybrid forms.

The therapeutic efficacy of these vaccines varies owing to their pharmacodynamic individualities. COVID-19 variants are capable of inducing different pathologic responses and some of which may be resistant to antibodies generated by current vaccines. The current clinical use of these vaccines has been through emergency use authorization until recently. Moreover, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines have been tested in substantial numbers of individuals but studies in special populations that better reflect the global population are pending results. These specialized populations include young children, immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, and other specialized groups. Combination approaches, molecularly modified vaccination approaches, and vaccines conferring longer periods of immunity are being currently being investigated, as well as pharmacovigilance studies.

The continual transformation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are of concern along with the breakthrough infections. These considerations pose new challenges for the development of vaccination platforms. For this purpose, booster doses, combination vaccine approaches, and other modalities are being discussed. This review provides an updated account of currently available vaccines and those in advanced development with reference to their composition and mechanisms of action.

A discussion on the use of vaccines in special populations including immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and other specialized populations are also included.
Impact of electronic interventions on guideline concordant ordering of rituximab infusion rate
Authors: Moser Katherine A , Knoebel Randall W , Roth Connor , Parsad Sandeep , Schlei Zachary
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Rituximab carries a boxed warning for severe or fatal infusion reactions; most occurring with the initial infusion. Prior studies established that if the initial rituximab infusion is tolerated, subsequent infusions can be given safely over 90 min. The University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) did not have a standardized method to document infusion reactions for outpatient chemotherapy patients, making it challenging for providers to know a patients’ eligibility for rapid infusion. This quality improvement project focused on a series of interventions to improve documentation and electronic ordering of rituximab.

Methods

A flowsheet for nurses to record patients’ tolerance of chemotherapy infusions was created within the electronic health record (EHR). Following results of flowsheet impact, a second intervention was implemented to modify ordering of rituximab. The primary endpoint was the incidence of guideline concordant rate ordering of rituximab. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of accurate chair time scheduling pre- and post-interventions and nursing compliance with flowsheet documentation.

Results

Prior to flowsheet implementation, 85% of patients were infused at the guideline concordant rate, compared to 79% post-implementation. Prior to modification of rituximab ordering in the EHR, 85% of patients were infused at the guideline concordant rate, compared to 87% after implementation. Complete nursing documentation was done 89% of the time when the flowsheet was utilized, compared to 11% pre-interventions.

Conclusion

No difference in primary or secondary endpoints was found following our interventions. However, the infusion documentation flowsheet, when used, provided more complete reaction data compared to when it was not used.
Posterior lamellar keratectomy for recalcitrant deep stromal keratitis: A case report
Authors: Parmar Gautam Singh , Jain Divya , Borde Prashant , Meena Ashok
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To describe a new technique for management of recalcitrant deep stromal keratitis using posterior lamellar keratectomy.

Methods

A 66-year-old pseudophakic male presented with deep stromal corneal infiltrates, extending from 2 to 4 o’clock in the vicinity of the limbus of the left eye, 3 months after phacoemulsification. The infiltrates failed to respond to empirical topical medications, anterior chamber wash and intrastromal injection. Posterior lamellar keratectomy was done to debulk the infectious load. In this technique the diseased posterior lamella was excised through a sclerocorneal lamellar pocket without a donor graft.

Results

The infection subsided within 2 weeks after posterior lamellar keratectomy. Patient achieved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/60 with complete resolution of symptoms at 2 weeks follow up. Till the last follow-up at 6 months, the patient maintained BCVA of 20/60 with no sign of recurrence or corneal decompensation at the keratectomy site.

Conclusion

Posterior lamellar keratectomy is a simple, effective and inexpensive technique for management of small, peripheral, deep-seated recalcitrant keratitis. It leads to radical treatment of the disease like therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty but in a less invasive manner and without a donor graft.
Position of Sulfonylureas in the Current ERA: Review of National and International Guidelines
Authors: Mohan Viswanathan , Saboo Banshi , Khader Jabbar , Modi Kirtikumar D , Jindal Sushil , Wangnoo Subhash Kumar , Amarnath Sugumaran
Published: February 2022

Sulfonylureas (SUs) are one of the commonly prescribed oral anti-hyperglycemic agents (AHA) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), either in combination with metformin therapy or alone. However, concern about cardiovascular safety has limited the use of SUs in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, lack of uniformity in the national and international guidelines regarding the positioning of SUs in the management of diabetes has also been reported. The objective of this review was to assess the various national and international guidelines on diabetes management and understand the recommendations specific to SUs in various scenarios. A total of 33 national and international guidelines on the management of T2DM published in English were evaluated. These guidelines have considered the latest evidence and suggest the use of certain second-generation SUs as second-line therapy or in combination with other AHAs in select population and specific scenarios. Identification of the appropriate population, classification based on underlying risk, thorough assessment of the comorbid conditions, and a step-wise approach for the selection of appropriate SUs is essential for the effective management of T2DM. Additionally, cost-to–benefit ratio should be considered, particularly in LMICs, and SUs could continue to play an important role in such settings.
Ways of seeing: Peace process data-viz as a research practice
Authors: Bell Christine , Bach Benjamin , Kauer Tobias
Published: February 2022

This article uses John Berger’s idea (1972) that images are connected to ‘ways of seeing’ to reflect on the creation of interactive visualizations of peace agreement and peace process data. We reflect on three visualizations created during a three-year long collaboration. We first describe our data, the peacebuilding ambitions for its use, and why we produced interactive forms of visualization. Second, we describe how the process of producing these visualizations created an interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration, which also connected different epistemic and geographic communities involved in peace processes. We term this ‘visualization-as-scoping’. Third, we reflect on both ‘what we saw’, through the process of visualization, how it affected policy, and the lessons we learned regarding visualization in the peacebuilding field. In the article, we argue that our experience of ‘visualization-as-scoping’ inverts traditional assumptions about the connection of data visualization to policy influence. In place of the notion of visualization-as-communication, focused on transmitting clear policy ‘messages’, we point to visualization-as-scoping as a practice of interchange, critique and re-iteration. Using John Berger as inspiration, we suggest that the ‘ways of seeing’ that result can usefully disrupt the idea of a data producing singular policy prescriptions, and rather enable people to grapple better with the complex political processes they are involved in.
Word order and information structure in heritage and L2 Russian: Focus and unaccusativity effects in subject inversion
Authors: Laleko Oksana
Published: February 2022

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

The study’s main objective is to investigate the effects of information structure and verb type on the acceptability of canonical and non-canonical word order patterns in baseline, heritage, and L2 Russian in a controlled experimental setting. In particular, the study examines the bilinguals’ sensitivity to extralinguistic (subject focus) and intralinguistic (unaccusativity) triggers of subject–verb inversion in Russian.

Design/methodology/approach:

The study employs a contextualized acceptability judgment task with unaccusative, unergative, and transitive predicates. In each condition, ratings for SV(O) and (O)VS structures are elicited in broad-focus and narrow-subject-focus contexts.

Data and analysis:

Data come from adult English-Russian bilinguals: heritage speakers at two proficiency levels ( n = 27) and L2 learners ( n = 15), compared to monolingual Russian speakers ( n = 15). Welch’s unequal variances t-tests are utilized in the statistical analysis of the results.

Findings/conclusions:

Bilinguals generally under-accept inverted structures. With intransitive predicates, heritage speakers in the higher proficiency group are sensitive to the effects of unaccusativity, but not focus, on the occurrence of VS orders. However, with transitive predicates, higher proficiency heritage speakers demonstrate a target-like contrast in their ratings of OVS structures under broad and narrow focus. No clear effects of unaccusativity or focus are attested in the lower proficiency heritage or L2 speakers’ judgments of inverted orders.

Originality:

This is the first study to compare the effects of unaccusativity and focus on word order variation in baseline, heritage, and L2 Russian and to examine subject focus in both intransitive and transitive structures.

Significance/Implications:

The differential effects of subject focus obtained in the intransitive and transitive conditions indicate that heritage speakers do not experience a generalized difficulty with information-structure marking through word order. While intralinguistic word order cues seem more accessible to early bilinguals than extralinguistic cues, heritage speakers are able to attend to the latter when their visibility is enhanced in discourse.
Determinants of health care seeking behavior for childhood infectious diseases and malnutrition: A slum-based survey from Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Sumaiya , Banna Md. Hasan Al , Brazendale Keith , Sultana Mst. Sadia , Kundu Satyajit , Disu Tasnim Rahman , Alshahrani Najim Z. , Tareq Md. Abu , Hassan Md. Nazmul , Islam Khan Md. Shafiqul
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to explore the magnitude and determinants of health care seeking behaviors for common infectious disease and malnutrition among Bangladeshi under-five children living in slum areas. A cross-sectional study of 300 children-caregiver dyads was conducted in an urban slum of Bangladesh. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire with accompanying anthropometric assessments of children administered by research staff. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors of health care seeking behaviors. Only 44.7% and 13.0% of respondents sought care for childhood infectious diseases and malnutrition, respectively. Being a male child, 2–5 years old, having ≤5 family members, monthly family income >125$, and living in close proximity to a health facility were found to be potential determinants of health care seeking behavior for childhood infectious diseases. Mother/caregivers with poor nutritional information knowledge and who had a child 2–5 years old reported engaging in less care seeking behaviors regarding their child’s malnutrition compared to their counterparts. Caregivers of children under the age of 5 years old reported low participation in health care seeking behaviors in relation to childhood infectious disease and malnutrition. Families living in slums require additional support targeting health and nutritional educational programs.
Challenges faced by informal caregivers of patients in a Nigerian hospital and implications for social work
Authors: Chukwu Ngozi , Agwu Prince , Ajibo Henry , Aronu Ngozi
Published: February 2022

Unlike in the global-north where care of hospital in-patients is within the remit of the nursing and social care staff, the burden of care in most Nigerian hospitals is borne by informal caregivers who are relatives, family members or friends of the in-patients. Their unpaid roles in ensuring health and wellbeing of in-patients cannot be overstated, yet they remain often invisible to and unappreciated by hospital authorities. We used in-depth interviews to glean lived experiences of 24 informal caregivers in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. This study adopted phenomenology as its overall theoretical underpinning that guided data collection and analysis. As also recommended by phenomenology, thematic clusters were employed for analysis.

Findings

The narratives of the respondents revealed that caregiving constitutes a lot of ordeals which are worsened by some unwholesome conditions in the hospital for informal caregivers who seem to be left to fend for themselves. Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews which are, challenges of informal caregivers, conditions that exacerbate the challenges, and steps to improve coping capacities.

Applications

Informal caregivers remain an essential force in the care of hospitalised patients yet are poorly attended to by healthcare authorities. There is a need to pay attention to their needs through a comprehensive health policy to accommodate them as a priority concern in the care of patients. Social workers can be meaningful in scaling up responses and response plans to that effect. Hence, the need to advance the professionalisation of social work in Nigeria deserves speedier attention.
The use of reinforced learning to support multidisciplinary design in the AEC industry: Assessing the utilization of Markov Decision Process
Authors: BuHamdan Samer , Alwisy Aladdin , Danel Thomas , Bouferguene Ahmed , Lafhaj Zoubeir
Published: February 2022

While the design practice in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry continues to be a creative activity, approaching the design problem from a perspective of the decision-making science has remarkable potentials that manifest in the delivery of high-performing sustainable structures. These possible gains can be attributed to the myriad of decision-making tools and technologies that can be implemented to assist design efforts, such as artificial intelligence (AI) that combines computational power and data wisdom. Such combination comes to extreme importance amid the mounting pressure on the AEC industry players to deliver economic, environmentally friendly, and socially considerate structures. Despite the promising potentials, the utilization of AI, particularly reinforced learning (RL), to support multidisciplinary design endeavours in the AEC industry is still in its infancy. Thus, the present research discusses developing and applying a Markov Decision Process (MDP) model, an RL application, to assist the preliminary multidisciplinary design efforts in the AEC industry. The experimental work shows that MDP models can expedite identifying viable design alternatives within the solutions space in multidisciplinary design while maximizing the likelihood of finding the optimal design.
The relationship between the elevation of haemoglobin A1c level, sleep quality and sleep duration in clinically diagnosed pre-diabetic patients in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Kass Lindsy , Sanderson Julia C , Desai Terun , Hurst Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Background/objectives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United Kingdom accounting for approximately 15% of deaths per year. Growing evidence suggests that sleep duration and quality contributes towards this. This study aimed to determine whether there was a significant relationship between the elevation of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, sleep quality (SQ) and sleep duration (SD) in clinically diagnosed pre-diabetic patients.

Subjects/methods

Following referral from a relevant healthcare professional, participants ( n = 40) were registered on the National Health Service England, funded Healthier You: National Diabetes Prevention Programme and completed a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire to evaluate SQ and SD.

Results

A Spearman’s correlation showed an association between HbA1c, SQ and SD measures. A simple linear regression showed a significant large positive association (rs = 0.913, p < 0.001) and significant regression (F (1) = 39, p < 0.001) with an R2 of 0.842 between HbA1c level and SQ. Additionally, a significant large negative association (rs = 0.757, p < 0.001) and significant regression was found (F (1) = 39, p < 0.001) with an R2 of 0.570 between HbA1c and SD.

Conclusions

This study suggests a relationship between SQ, SD and the elevation of HbA1c which may contribute towards prevalence of T2DM and may help to increase adherence to diabetes prevention programmes.
Anthem Protests, Viewer Politics, and the Demand for NFL Games: Assessing the Impact of National Anthem Protests on Viewership
Authors: Sperling Noah , Vandegrift Donald
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the effect of anthem protests on viewership for National Football League (NFL) games controlling for measures of NFL market-specific political beliefs and other demand determinants. To capture the effect of the protests on viewership, we create two classes of protests (unambiguous and ambiguous protests) and support the classification based on the meaning of the protest, actions by NFL owners, and statements by Donald Trump. Using data from all early and late-afternoon Sunday games from the 2014 through 2017 regular NFL seasons, we show that: (1) unambiguous protests reduce viewership in the week following the protests by about 15% while ambiguous protests do not generally produce statistically significant reductions in viewership; (2) the negative effect of unambiguous protests on viewership is particularly strong in metro locations that voted more heavily for Donald Trump in 2016; and (3) following Donald Trump's statements in week 3 of the 2017 season, both ambiguous and unambiguous protests increased and the increase in ambiguous protests was particularly large.
Politicultural Sorting: Mapping Ideological Differences in American Leisure and Consumption
Authors: Rogers Nick
Published: February 2022

The United States is in the grips of severe political polarization, which gridlocks government and strains the national social fabric. In one major aspect of the phenomenon, American popular culture is fragmenting along ideological lines, a process herein termed “politicultural sorting.” Previous studies have examined the politicization of individual products and activities (e.g., fine art, television, and coffee), and theorized that culture is dividing in a neatly bipolar fashion. Using proprietary data from the National Consumer Survey, rarely seen in academia, this study advances existing scholarship in two regards: first, by eschewing a piecemeal approach and instead examining large clusters of popular culture relationally; and second, by questioning the dichotomous model that has thus far conceptualized the culture divide. Employing a combination of factor analyses and regressions, this project confirms the general concept of politicultural sorting, but finds that there are numerous archetypes within each ideological group, rather than a single manifestation. Compared with the conservative archetypes, liberal culture tends to be broader, more demographically diverse, edgier, and more embracing of exploratory play. Conservative clusters are more wholesome, overtly religious, and frequently evoke a sense of rugged individualism.
Silencing lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 Induced Ferroptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Through miR-143-3p/SLC7A11 Signaling
Authors: Li Yan ze , Zhu Heng Cheng , Du Yang , Zhao Hong chao , Wang Lei
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Renal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, but the effect of therapies on advanced renal cancer has not improved for decades. Ferroptosis is an emerging type of programmed cell death and has been proved to play a vital role in many kinds of cancers. However, the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulated by long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the context of renal cancer was still unknown. Methods: We used bioinformation analysis to identify SLC16A1-AS1 as a survival-related lncRNA in renal cancer. The expression levels of SLC16A1-AS1 and microRNA-143-3p (miR-143-3p) were detected by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine proliferation assay, and colony-formation assay were performed to evaluate cell viability and proliferation. Wound-healing assay and transwell assay were used to examine cell invasive and migration capacity. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation were used to identify the interaction among SLC16A1-AS1, miR-143-3p, and the target protein solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11). Reduced glutathione and glutathione and lipid peroxidation measurements were carried out to evaluate the level of ferroptosis, and the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed by western blot. Results: Our study revealed that SLC16A1-AS1 has high expression and was associated with overall survival in renal cancer. Knockdown SLC16A1-AS1 inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and migration of renal cancer cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that SLC16A1-AS1 served as a sponge of miR-143-3p, and knockdown SLC16A1-AS1 significantly increased the enrichment of miR-143-3p. And then, SLC7A11 was identified as the target protein of miR-143-3p, and overexpression miR-143-3p remarkably inhibited the expression of SLC7A11. Moreover, knockdown SLC16A1-AS1 could aggravate this effect. Finally, through inhibiting SLC7A11 expression, silencing SLC16A1-AS1 induced ferroptosis via increasing miR-143-3p. Conclusion: The present results suggest that silencing lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 can induce ferroptosis through miR-143-3p/SLC7A11 signaling in renal cancer. Our study provided a novel view into the pathogenesis and treatment strategy of RCC.