bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Tumor Debulking with Ibrutinib Before Initiation of Venetoclax: Results from the CAPTIVATE Minimal Residual Disease and Fixed-Duration Cohorts
Authors: Barr Paul M. , Tedeschi Alessandra , Wierda William G. , Allan John N. , Ghia Paolo , Vallisa Daniele , Jacobs Ryan , O'Brien Susan , Grigg Andrew P. , Walker Patricia , Zhou Cathy , Ninomoto Joi , Krigsfeld Gabriel , Tam Constantine S.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The phase II CAPTIVATE study investigated first-line treatment with ibrutinib plus venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in two cohorts: minimal residual disease (MRD)-guided randomized treatment discontinuation (MRD cohort) and fixed duration (FD cohort). We report tumor debulking and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk category reduction with three cycles of single-agent ibrutinib lead-in before initiation of venetoclax using pooled data from the MRD and FD cohorts.

Patients and Methods:

In both cohorts, patients initially received three cycles of ibrutinib 420 mg/day then 12 cycles of ibrutinib plus venetoclax (5-week ramp-up to 400 mg/day).

Results:

In the total population (N = 323), the following decreases from baseline to after ibrutinib lead-in were observed: percentage of patients with a lymph node diameter ≥5 cm decreased from 31% to 4%, with absolute lymphocyte count ≥25 × 109/L from 76% to 65%, with high tumor burden category for TLS risk from 23% to 2%, and with an indication for hospitalization (high TLS risk, or medium TLS risk and creatinine clearance <80 mL/minute) from 43% to 18%. Laboratory TLS per Howard criteria occurred in one patient; no clinical TLS was observed.

Conclusions:

Three cycles of ibrutinib lead-in before venetoclax initiation provides effective tumor debulking, decreases the TLS risk category and reduces the need for hospitalization for intensive monitoring for TLS.
Ex vivo and in vitro Monocyte Responses Do Not Reflect in vivo Immune Responses and Tolerance
Authors: Jansen Aron , Bruse Niklas , Waalders Nicole , Gerretsen Jelle , Rijbroek Daniëlle , Pickkers Peter , Kox Matthijs
Published: August 2022

Cytokine production by ex vivo (EV)-stimulated leukocytes is commonly used to gauge immune function and frequently proposed to guide immunomodulatory therapy. However, whether EV cytokine production capacity accurately reflects the in vivo (IV) immune status is largely unknown. We investigated relationships between EV monocyte cytokine responses and IV cytokine responses in a large cohort of healthy volunteers using a highly standardized IV model of short-lived LPS-induced systemic inflammation, which captures hallmarks of both hyperinflammation and immunological tolerance. Therefore, 110 healthy volunteers were intravenously challenged with 1 ng/kg LPS twice: on day 0 to determine the extent of the IV (hyper)inflammatory response and on day 7 to determine the degree of IV endotoxin tolerance. Baseline EV monocyte cytokine production capacity was assessed prior to LPS administration. Short-term and long-term EV tolerance was assessed in monocytes isolated 4 h and 7 days after LPS administration, respectively. No robust correlations were observed between baseline EV cytokine production capacity and IV cytokine responses following LPS administration. However, highly robust inverse correlations were observed between IV cytokine responses and EV cytokine responses of monocytes isolated 4 h after IV LPS administration. No correlations between IV and EV tolerance were found. In conclusion, attenuated EV cytokine production capacity reflects ongoing IV inflammation rather than immune suppression. Results of EV assays should be interpreted with caution at the risk of improper use of immuno­stimulatory drugs.
Potential Pitfalls of Steatopygia on Bone Scintigraphy and the Added Value of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Alenezi Saud , Dannoon Shorouk , Alnafisi Naheel , Alshammari Jehan , Elgazzar Abdelhamid H.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of steatopygia on bone scintigraphy of obese patients and to evaluate its effect on the appearance of the lumbar spine, and the added benefit of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in overcoming possible artifacts. Methods: Patients with BMI ≥30 who underwent bone scintigraphy between 2016 and 2019 were included. Three nuclear medicine consultants reviewed the studies to determine whether significant steatopygia was present, and whether it resulted in attenuation of underlying lumber spine and crease edge artifact. SPECT or SPECT/CT images were reviewed to evaluate their impact on diagnosis. Results: 56 out of the 100 patients were noted to have steatopygia on planar images. Among the group of 80 obese patients, 50% showed steatopygia, while in the group of 20 morbidly obese patients, 80% showed steatopygia. 32 of the 56 patients with steatopygia had significant attenuation at the lower lumber vertebrae. Nine of these patients showed crease edge artifact. SPECT and SPECT/CT clarified the scintigraphic abnormalities noted in all patients including those with edge artifact alleviating diagnostic difficulty. Among the 9 patients with edge artifact, 6 patients showed normal appearance on SPECT/CT images while three showed true abnormalities. Conclusions: Steatopygia is common on bone scintigraphy of obese patients, higher in females and morbidly obese patients. Obesity-related artifacts in bone scintigraphy, including attenuation effect and edge artifact, are common in this patient group. SPECT or SPECT/CT improves the diagnostic accuracy by overcoming the effects of steatopygia seen on planar images.
Bacterial Community Structure in Sago Pith and Sago Waste Water and Its Potential Uses as Organic Acids Producer
Authors:   Doctorate Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universitas Cokroaminoto Palopo, Palopo 91913, Indonesia, Tenriawaru Eka , Suharjono Suharjono ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Ardyati Tri ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Zubaidah Elok ,   Department of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Published: August 2022

Sago is one of commodities in South Sulawesi. The extraction process of sago flour produces waste water that still contains organic matter and smells sour. So, it has the potential as a pollutant. The sour odor produced allows the presence of acid-producing bacteria that can be used for waste treatment. The objective of this research is to explore the bacterial community structure in sago pith and sago waste water through high-throughput sequencing technology and its potential uses as organic acids producer. Samples were obtained from a traditional sago factory in Palopo City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The acidity degree, total dissolve solid, and temperature were measured in the sago pool at the sampling area, while the nutrient contents were analyzed by titration method in Testing Laboratory of Food Quality and Food Safety, Brawijaya University. Bacterial cells in the sago waste water were acquired through a multilevel filtering process on filter paper with pore nitrocellulose membrane sizes of 0.45 and 0.20 µm. Total DNA trapped in the nitrocellulose membrane with pore size of 0.20 µm was isolated using FastDNA Spin Kit (MPBIO) and the V3-V4 regions of 16S rDNA (341f-806r) were amplified. Amplicons were analyzed by Miseq of Illumina and further analyzed by Muscle v.3.8.31, QIIME v.1.7.0, and R v.2.15.3. The result shows that nutrient content in sago pith is higher than in sago waste water. Both samples are dominated by Phylum Proteobacteria and share 189 common bacterial species. The dominant bacteria that can produce organic acid in sago pith are Dysgonomonas sp., Propionispira sp., and Lactobacillus pentosus. While, Lactobacillus mali and Gluconobacter frateurii are the dominant organic acid-producer bacteria in sago waste water. Keywords: Bacterial community structure, Next generating sequencing, Sago pith, Sago wastewater
Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Camellia japonica L. Mistletoe Extracts
Authors:   Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology (Biomaterials), College of Applied Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea, Kin Min , Kim Ji ,   Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology (Biomaterials), College of Applied Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
Published: August 2022

The present study aims to investigate the phytochemical profiles, in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of methanol and 70% ethanol extracts of Camellia mistletoe. Both extracts were analyzed for contents of total flavonoid, total carotenoid and L-ascorbic acid, and antioxidant properties such as scavenging capacities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, O2- and NO), ferrous ion chelating and reducing power. MTT assay was used to assess the antiproliferative properties against human cancer cell lines. The results showed that the methanol extracts of Camellia mistletoe contained higher total flavonoids (16237 mg rutin equivalents/100 g) and carotenoids (49175 mg/100g) with higher DPPH (IC50 = 0.6 mg/mL), superoxide (IC50 = 0.6 mg/mL), nitric oxide (IC50 = 0.5 mg/mL) radical scavenging and reducing power (IC50 = 1.1 mg/mL) activities than those of ethanol extracts (p < 0.05). In addition, methanol extracts showed much higher antiproliferative activity against A375 (IC50 = 118.1 μg/mL) and HCT116 (IC50 = 148.4 μg/mL) cells than ethanol extracts whereas higher inhibitory effects of MCF7 (IC50 = 139.9 μg/mL), Hela (IC50 = 127.1 μg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50 = 84.2 μg/mL) cell proliferation in the ethanol extracts of Camellia mistletoe. The data from this study suggest that Camellia mistletoe is a potential source of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.
Cerebral Collateral Circulation in the Era of Reperfusion Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Uniken Venema Simone M. , Dankbaar Jan Willem , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik W.J. , van der Worp H. Bart
Published: August 2022

Clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke depend in part on the extent of their collateral circulation. A good collateral circulation has also been associated with greater benefit of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment. Treatment decisions for these reperfusion therapies are increasingly guided by a combination of clinical and imaging parameters, particularly in later time windows. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging enable a rapid assessment of both the collateral extent and cerebral perfusion. Yet, the role of the collateral circulation in clinical decision-making is currently limited and may be underappreciated due to the use of rather coarse and rater-dependent grading methods. In this review, we discuss determinants of the collateral circulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke, report on commonly used and emerging neuroimaging techniques for assessing the collateral circulation, and discuss the therapeutic and prognostic implications of the collateral circulation in relation to reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
From Battleground to Playground: The Video Game Avatar as Transitional Phenomenon for a Transgender Patient
Authors: Rivera Sien
Published: August 2022

The language and theories of Winnicott offer a lens for examining the importance of play in the development of the queer, transgender, and/or gender-nonconforming patient and the safety that virtual spaces—specifically, video games—provide for this play. While much of the literature posits the primary therapeutic value of virtual space as the site of psychic battle, interaction with a video game avatar can also be understood as an act of queerness-as-play, a potential cornerstone of healthy identity formation that may otherwise be precluded. An example of this paradigm is given in the case report of a twenty-year-year-old transwoman who used her video game avatar as a tool in her therapeutic progress during her medical transition. For effective psychotherapy to take place, both patient and clinician must have a capacity to play. With this in mind, the clinician might best visualize the virtual space not as a battleground, but as a playground.
What Happens When an Intersex Baby Happens
Authors: Kloppenberg Brian
Published: August 2022

Psychoanalytic efforts to think sexual difference beyond the restrictions of binary notions about anatomy and gender continue to prove challenging in both clinical practice and theory building. Claims that such binary notions are no longer applicable fail to take seriously the ongoing power of binary processes as they manifest both consciously and unconsciously. Without a capacity to think sexual difference as more than two, a capacity that resists the lure of spectrum modeling, efforts to conceptualize intersexuality and other nonbinary forms of anatomy and gender falter. An exploration into the challenges faced by two parents of an intersex baby, especially regarding the dilemma of pursuing genital surgery or not, shows some of the difficulties inherent in thinking sexual difference when the profound inadequacy of binary notions cannot be ignored.
Research on co-design of dual security control and communication for nonlinear CPS with actuator fault and FDI attacks
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Wei , Li YaJie
Published: August 2022

In this study, a co-design method of dual security control and communication is investigated for a nonlinear cyber–physical system (CPS) with an actuator fault and false data injection (FDI) attacks. First, under the discrete event trigger communication scheme, considering the different effects of actuator fault and FDI attacks on a double-end network, a dual security control strategy with active fault-tolerance and active–passive attack-tolerance is proposed. It can accommodate an actuator fault, actively compensate an actuator FDI attack, and passively resist a sensor FDI attack, respectively, thereby establishing a new dual security control framework with fault-tolerance and attack-tolerance. Moreover, the Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model for the nonlinear CPS is established under this framework. Second, by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and introducing the time-delay theory and the affine Bessel–Legendre inequality, lesser conservative design methods of a robust augmented observer for the estimation of the state, FDI attacks, and fault as well as a dual security controller are obtained. Finally, a classical quadruple-tank model is used to show the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
Extraordinary disordered hyperuniform multifunctional composites
Authors: Torquato Salvatore
Published: August 2022

A variety of performance demands are being placed on material systems, including desirable mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, acoustic and flow properties. The purpose of the present article is to review the emerging field of disordered hyperuniform composites and their novel multifunctional characteristics. Disordered hyperuniform media are exotic amorphous states of matter that are characterized by an anomalous suppression of large-scale volume-fraction fluctuations compared to those in “garden-variety” disordered materials. Such unusual composites can have advantages over their periodic counterparts, such as unique or nearly optimal, direction-independent physical properties and robustness against defects. It will be shown that disordered hyperuniform composites and porous media can be endowed with a broad spectrum of extraordinary physical properties, including photonic, phononic, transport, chemical and mechanical characteristics that are only beginning to be discovered.
Effect of alfa fiber loading on the mechanical, physical and dielectric properties of epoxy-amine composite
Authors: Belhadj Ouerdia , Hammiche Dalila , Boukerrou Amar , Gérard Jean-François , Duchet Jannick
Published: August 2022

In this work, a varied content of alfa fiber was used as reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix material. In order to eliminate the amorphous part of the alfa fiber, the fibers are treated with 5% of sodium hydroxide solution and their weight fraction is varied between 10% and 30%. Dielectric and water characteristics of different content of untreated and alkali treated alfa reinforced epoxy matrix is carried out in order to determine the role of cellulosic fibers in electrical field. Then, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is employed to analyze the chemical structure of epoxy resin before and after curing with amine hardener. FTIR and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis confirm that epoxy resin is completely cured with amine hardener at room temperature. For composites loaded with 30% treated and untreated alfa fiber, a decrease in tensile and dielectric properties has been obtained, this may be related to the random distribution of alfa fiber in the epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy analysis highlight the microstructure of epoxy matrix and its composites. The bio composites elaborated on the basis of alfa fiber and epoxy matrix have good physical and dielectric properties can be applied in different fields.
Remaining behind in the community: Rebel service provision and internal (non-)displacement of civilians in the former FATA, Pakistan
Authors: Kubota Yuichi
Published: August 2022

It is common during a civil war that a government’s counterinsurgency operations result in internally displaced persons seeking refuge from the violence by leaving their communities. However, many civilians alternatively choose to stay in their homes and seek accommodation from the rebels. It is, therefore, puzzling that in a civil war situation when rebel cadres often cannot protect civilians, civilians would remain in their communities. This article argues that the wartime provision of public services motivates civilians to stay with the rebel group because it demonstrates the group’s capability for and commitment to developing civilians’ welfare and livelihoods. This argument offers insight into an unanswered question in the literature regarding internal displacement in a civil war: Why do some civilians, when facing protection issues in rebel-held areas, choose to stay, while others opt to leave? Using novel survey data collected over two phases from the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) in Pakistan, a two-step Bayesian propensity score analysis reveals that the civilians who received rebel services are less likely to leave their places of residence. Civilians would pursue long-term goals during the crossfire between the government and rebel forces; wartime provisions of public services allow civilians to seriously consider the possibility of improving their lives.
Eco-friendly management of Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Ojija Fredrick
Published: August 2022

In sub-Saharan Africa, the invasive plant Parthenium hysterophorus (Parthenium) is threatening ecosystem integrity, biodiversity, and smallholder livelihoods. But, there is no single effective method of controlling it. Desmodium intortum, Lablab purpureus, and Medicago sativa were tested for their capacity to suppress Parthenium, as well as the allelopathic potential of Desmodium uncinatum leaf crude (DuLc) extract. While the study investigated the effect of DuLc extract concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth in laboratory, pot, field plot, it also assessed the effect of selected suppressive plants on Parthenium growth. It was found that high levels of DuLc concentrations and suppressive plants inhibited Parthenium germination and growth. When Parthenium was grown with suppressive plants, its growth was inhibited compared to when it was grown alone. When grown with all three test plants, the stem height and total fresh biomass of Parthenium seedlings were lowered by more than 60% and 59% in pots, and 40% and 45% in plots, respectively. Parthenium seed germination was decreased by 57% in plots, 60% in pots, and 73% in petri dishes at higher DuLc concentrations (i.e. 75% and 100%). Parthenium seedling stem heights were 36% (in plots) and 30% (in pots) shorter when sprayed with higher concentrations of DuLc. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that suppressive plants and those containing allelochemicals can be employed as a management tool to combat Parthenium invasion in sub-Saharan Africa, notably in Tanzania.
Anticipatory Regimes in Pregnancy: Cross-Fertilising Reproduction and Parenting Culture Studies
Authors: Ballif Edmée
Published: August 2022

Despite attempts at highlighting continuities across the reproductive process from conception to childcare, reproduction and parenting still tend to be studied as a collection of separate objects. This article contributes to the cross-fertilisation of reproductive and parenting culture studies by first introducing anticipation as a transversal analytical lens. A conceptual framework for the analysis of anticipatory regimes in reproduction is introduced with a focus on subjectification effects and future images. Second, the importance of pregnancy as a connector between reproduction and parenting is highlighted. These propositions are fleshed out with reference to an ethnography of pregnancy care in Switzerland. The results demonstrate that pregnant women are expected to act as anticipating agents and that foetuses are treated as future children. Future images reveal how prenatal care reproduces gender norms. Analysing anticipatory regimes contributes to discussions of power relations in prenatal care, the stratification of reproduction and challenges to reproductive justice.
Becoming an Activist: Individualisation and a Democratic Contentious Ethos in ‘How to’ Books
Authors: Gøtzsche-Astrup Johan
Published: August 2022

The article explores a new aspect of the interplay of individualisation and democracy. I ask how individualisation affects a contentious ethos, a set of ethical relations that contentious actors cultivate towards themselves and others in articulating their idea of the good. I analyse the ethea in the public through ‘how to become an activist’ books. The books instruct individuals in how they should turn inwards and work on themselves to become activists. I delineate three ethea: individuals can work on themselves to discover their passion, connect to an impersonal truth or situate themselves in a structural context. These may undermine collective political projects but can also facilitate deep democratic engagement.
Enacting Resistance, Performing Citizenship: Trajectories of Political Subjectification in the Post-Democratic Condition
Authors: Baća Bojan
Published: August 2022

Dominated by the ‘weak postsocialist civil society’ thesis, Central and Eastern Europe has generally been uninspiring for social movement scholars. In recent years, a growing body of scholarship has challenged this pessimistic notion, highlighting the emergence of grassroots activism. What remains under-researched, however, is the process of political subjectification of society’s apolitical segments through contentious practices. Informed by pragmatic sociology, this article explores three case studies – of student, civic and environmental movements, respectively – that demonstrate how citizens constituted themselves as collective political subjects by performatively enacting their citizenship through resistance in post-democratic Montenegro (2010–2015). Through analysis of news media sources and interviews with activists, this article postulates three trajectories of political subjectification – political becoming, political bonding and political embodying – by which citizens (re)gain their civic autonomy, allowing them to challenge dominant power relations and to attain political legitimacy to think, speak and act as relevant political actors on the public stage.
Design and evaluation of a novel interactive firefighter clothing with multiple functionalities
Authors: Xue Zhebin , Jin Peng , Jiang Runtian
Published: August 2022

Taking into consideration the requirements of anti-fire performance, safety protection and wearing comfort of firefighter clothing during anti-fire missions, the design of a novel interactive firefighter clothing with multiple functionalities is presented in the current paper. The conventional firefighter clothing has been redesigned from the perspectives of anti-fire functions and ergonomics. A safety protection clothing system has been developed involving hazardous gas detection, facilitated visual detection, positioning and vocal communication modules and a data interactive module. Objective evaluation tests have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed firefighter clothing in both functionality and comfort as compared with the conventional clothing. The results have been double validated by the subjective tests based on an analytic hierarchy process integrated fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The current research on firefighter clothing with multiple functionalities provides not only reference for the innovative design of firefighter clothing in the new era, but also, and more importantly a theoretical base for further study on more smart and comprehensive wearable systems for firefighting scenarios. Besides, the research framework and methodology of the current study could be instructive for the human-centered design of various products of diverse functionalities.
Urban Middle Schoolers’ Opportunities to Belong Predict Fluctuations in Their Engagement Across the School Day
Authors: Gray DeLeon L. , Harris-Thomas Brooke , Ali Joanna N. , Cummings Taylor N. , McElveen Tamika L. , Jones Tamecia R.
Published: August 2022

Existing measures of belonging in schools do not explicitly elevate the contextual and cultural insights of the educators and students they were designed to assess. Our study addresses this shortcoming through the co-creation of an Opportunities to Belong survey measure for urban middle schoolers. The tool was developed in partnership with practicing educators and normed around Black and Latinx students ( N = 225). Results of a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis revealed strong evidence for single factor structure. A within-persons multilevel model revealed that shifts in opportunities to belong predicted fluctuations in student engagement across different academic courses. Implications are discussed.
Coded Racialized Discourse Among Educators: Implications for Social-Emotional Outcomes and Cultures of Antiblackness at an Urban School
Authors: Marcucci Olivia , Elmesky Rowhea M.
Published: August 2022

Despite good intentions, educators often inadvertently uphold systems of antiblackness that undermine the well-being of Black students. This article combines qualitative content analysis and interactional analysis to interrogate how daily interactions between educators in an urban high school in the Midwest may contribute to a school culture of antiblackness. Findings indicate that educators at this school rely on coded and non-coded racialized language to talk about Black students. Further, the article uses Interaction Ritual Theory to argue that the racialized discourse acts as a socio-emotional resource for educators in urban contexts. Implications for schools, policy makers, and researchers are discussed.
Supplemental Blended Learning Model as an Approach Towards the Enhancement of Competency Based Education: An Experience from a Pedagogical Intervention
Authors: Shishigu Aweke
Published: August 2022

Due to its emphasis on the integrated nature of what students need to learn, competency-based education is considered as the leading paradigm for innovation and development. Due to meager adaption of technology integration, the education system has been severely affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to redesign the existing mathematics course in Ethiopian higher education to produce a pedagogically enhanced learning environment. To achieve the goal of the study, a pedagogical intervention with a time series design was employed at Wachemo University, Ethiopia. The result of the study shows a significant improvement of students’ course achievement. The model was found to be essential for the transformation to ICT mediated learnin, which is the future most dominant factor. Due to the several challenges associated while implementing blended learning, this type of model is far important when trying to change the customary face-to-face environment to computer mediated one.
COVID-19 vaccine compliance in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Shkalim Zemer Vered , Hoshen Moshe , Gerstein Maya , Richenberg Yael , Jacobson Eyal , Grossu Roy , Cohen Moriya , Cohen Herman Avner
Published: August 2022

Objective

To compare the rate of the administration of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations between adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD subjects.

Method

A retrospective chart review was performed on all adolescents aged 12–17 years registered at a central district in Israel from January 1st 2021 to October 31st 2021.

Results

Of the 46,544 subjects included in the study, 8241 (17.7%) were diagnosed with ADHD. Of them, 3% were PCR-COVID-19 positive. Among the patients with ADHD, the older adolescents were more likely to be vaccinated: 48.8% of those aged 12-15 years were vaccinated versus 59.6% of patients aged 16-17 years. The ultra-orthodox Jewish and Arab adolescents in the ADHD group were far less likely to be vaccinated (22.9% and 34.6%, respectively), compared to the adolescents with ADHD in the general population (60.5%). Girls were also somewhat more likely to be vaccinated.

Conclusions

Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD had a higher COVID-19 vaccination rate compared to their non-ADHD counterparts. The vaccine uptake was lower amongst Arab and ultra-orthodox Jewish populations.
Robust secure consensus of multiagent systems with DoS attacks
Authors: Du Shengli , Yan Qiushuo , Qiao Junfei
Published: August 2022

The secure consensus problem of multiagent systems with fixed topology and external disturbances is investigated in this paper. Along with external disturbances, the studied multiagent system is also subjected to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. First, some graph-based Lyapunov functions are presented for the robust consensus analysis. Second, the duration and attack frequency are introduced to quantitatively analyze the DoS attacks’ effects on the consensus. Third, the gain of the controller is acquired by solving an algebraic Riccati equation (ARE), which can always be guaranteed compared with solving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical simulation of a microgrid test system is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The moderating role of neighborhood social cohesion on the relationship between early mother-child attachment security and adolescent social skills: Brief report
Authors: Hong Sunghyun , Hardi Felicia , Maguire-Jack Kathryn
Published: August 2022

Background: Social skill is a critical asset for adolescents, and early mother-child attachment is an essential contributor to their development. While less secure mother-child attachment is a known risk factor for adolescent social development, the protective factor of neighborhood context in buffering this risk is still not well understood. Research Design: This study used longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( n = 1,876). Adolescent social skills (at age 15) were examined as a function of early attachment security and neighborhood social cohesion (age 3). Results: Children with higher mother-child attachment security at age three had higher adolescent social skills at age 15. The findings show that there was an interaction effect such that neighborhood social cohesion buffered the relationship between mother-child attachment security and adolescent social skills. Conclusion: Our study highlights that early mother-child attachment security can be promotive for cultivating adolescent social skills. Furthermore, neighborhood social cohesion can be protective among children with lower mother-child attachment security.
The nature of standards: How standards shape the value of nature
Authors: Sánchez-García Miguel Ángel , Pedreño Cánovas Andrés , de Castro Pericacho Carlos
Published: August 2022

The article analyzes how the Global G.A.P. standard has contributed to the construction of a link between nature and agriculture and to a form of nature valuation that has strong historical roots in the process of agricultural modernization of the Region of Murcia. It explores how Global G.A.P. has created an institutional and normative space in which the interactions of human and non-human elements (technology, norms, procedures, nature values, institutions, objects and materials, etc.) are stabilized and conceived within the sphere of profitability. Based on secondary sources and in-depth interviews, the article first provides a brief explanation of the relationship between standards, values, and nature. Second, it examines the organizational and technological modernization of the farming industry in the Region of Murcia. The article finishes with a detailed description of how water, soil and fertilizer management are designed and controlled.
Preferred music lowers anxiety levels and pain perception while promoting patient satisfaction in women undergoing ultrasound-guided breast biopsy: randomized controlled study
Authors: Öztürk Funda Ulu , Turnaoğlu Hale , Uslu Nihal
Published: August 2022

Background

Image-guided breast biopsies are well accepted, yet stressful procedures for patients in radiology clinics.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of music on anxiety, pain, and patient satisfaction related to a breast biopsy session.

Material and Methods

After approval of institutional review board and giving informed consent, 93 women scheduled for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy or stereotactic wire localization were prospectively enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Patients were referred into two groups either listening to music of their own choice from three options of genre list during the procedure or not. Immediately before and after the biopsy session, participants were asked to complete questionnaires for measuring anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory), pain, and patient satisfaction (visual analog scale). Sociodemographic data were described, and the duration was noted at the end. Statistical analysis was made using paired samples t-test, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Except for the duration, demographic characteristics were statistically similar between the two groups. Trait and preprocedural state anxiety scores did not have significant difference between the groups. Both groups showed lowered state anxiety values after the biopsy ( P < 0.05) and there was statistically significant reduction in state anxiety levels of music group (10.35 ± 7.5 music vs. 7 ± 7.98 control; P = 0.024). Pain perception was fewer ( P < 0.05) and patient satisfaction was greater ( P < 0.05) through the implementation of music.

Conclusion

Music intervention reduces anxiety and pain and thereby increases patient satisfaction during ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.
Shear wave elastography in the characterization of renal cell carcinoma and angiomyolipoma
Authors: Keskin Zeynep , Keskin Suat
Published: August 2022

Background

Detection and characterization of renal lesions are common in daily clinical practice.

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of shear wave elastography (SWE), a novel radiological examination technique, in the characterization of renal masses.

Material and Methods

The study included a total of 68 patients (33 men, 35 women; mean age = 57.71 ± 12.08 years; age range = 19–83 years) who underwent SWE. SWE measurements were obtained at depths of 2–8 cm from the probe surface in two different positions from an analysis window of approximately 0.5 × 1.0 cm on ultrasound. The cutoff SWE was calculated for the differentiation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. When the result was statistically significant, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of the test were calculated.

Results

Mass-to-parenchyma SWE ratios of RCCs were significantly higher than those of AMLs ( P = 0.003). In ROC curve analysis, the SWE cutoff was 1.215 m/s to differentiate RCCs from AMLs. The area under the ROC curve was calculated as 0.74 (95% CI = 0.610–0.871, sensitivity = 70.7%, specificity = 70.6%, positive predictive value = 87.8%, negative predictive value = 44.4%).

Conclusion

The SWE technique is increasingly used and may be useful in distinguishing RCC and AML lesions, and especially clear cell and non-clear cell RCCs.
Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Roto Allaa , Farah Randa , Al-imam Mahmood , Q. Al-Sabbagh Mohammed , Abu-Yaghi Nakhleh
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To measure the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, to define their characteristics, and identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

We performed a cross sectional study of 1316 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended an ophthalmology clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was diagnosed using a complete ophthalmic evaluation, including a fundic examination. Two regression models were constructed to identify the risk factors associated with DR and the parameters associated with the stage of retinopathy.

Results

Men accounted for 774 (58.8%) of the participants. The prevalence of DR was 28.2% (371 participants). DR was significantly more common in participants who were ≥60 years old, were women, had had diabetes for >10 years, were taking insulin, were not taking metformin, had a body mass index >30 kg/m2, were current smokers, or had a history of hypertension. Advanced stages of DR were more common in participants in the later stages of nephropathy and with albuminuria.

Conclusions

Poor glycemic control, smoking, and advanced diabetic kidney disease are most closely associated with retinopathy. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to identify the mechanisms underlying these relationships and to guide community-based interventions.
The sialodynamic test: A preliminary porcine head study
Authors: Dang Luong Huu , Chen Yen-Chun , Tseng How , Su Chin-Hui , Hung Shih-Han
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To provide a concept of measuring pressure changes under constant fluid infusion for the diagnosis of sialolithiasis, termed the sialodynamic test, in a porcine head model.

Methods

Using a porcine head model, a constant infusion of water into the submandibular gland of the two groups over 30 s was performed and the outlet pressure was measured. Metal beads were inserted into the salivary duct for obstruction simulation after the normal submandibular gland sialodynamic measurements were completed. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the differences between the measured individuals and the experimental group ( n = 3).

Results

The results showed no significant difference between individuals in the control group, but intergroup variation was noted in the simulated sialolithiasis group. The volume-dependent linear increase in pressure was exacerbated in the simulated sialolithiasis group compared with the control.

Conclusion

This study indicated that evaluating the relationship between pressure and volume changes can help to determine whether stones are present in the submandibular gland. The sialodynamic test might serve as a potential diagnostic method for salivary diseases.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Childhood Social Relationships and Mobile Payment Use Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Hu Xiyuan , Guo Chao , Liu Jie , Zhang Ketian
Published: August 2022

This research accordingly examines the effect of childhood social relationships on the use of mobile payment and e-money among Chinese middle-aged and older adults from a life course perspective and tests the mediation role of social activities in such a path with the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method. The findings support that good childhood community relationships, peer relationships, and close relationships positively affect mobile payment and electronic money use when people enter middle and old age. These effects are significantly mediated by social activities in later life. The findings make marginal contributions to life course theory (LCT), with practical implications for individuals, commercial enterprises, governments, and societies in their efforts to facilitate a society that promotes the digital inclusion of middle-aged and older adults.
Associations Between Changes in Depression/Anxiety Symptoms and Fall Worry Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Choi Namkee G. , Zhou Yuanjin , Marti C. Nathan , Kunik Mark E.
Published: August 2022

Using the 2019 and 2020 National Health and Aging Trend Study, we examined the association between fall worry and changes in depression/anxiety symptoms among community-dwelling older adults age 70+ ( N = 3333). Past-month fall worry in 2020 included any fall worry (30.9%) and activity-limiting fall worry (34.0% of those with any fall worry). Changes in depression/anxiety symptoms referred to an increase or decrease in the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 symptom categories between 2019 and 2020. Those with fall worry, compared to those without, had significantly higher rates of moderate/severe depression/anxiety symptoms in 2019 and increased depression/anxiety symptoms over time. Multivariable analysis results show that increased depression anxiety symptoms were associated with higher risks of any and activity-limiting fall worry, controlling for previous year’s fall worry, fall incidents, and other health- and fall-related covariates. Older adults need to be screened for both depression/anxiety and fall worry. Effective psychosocial and behavioral interventions for both conditions are needed.
Revisiting the Purpose of Land Policy: Efficiency and Equity
Authors: Vejchodská Eliška , Shahab Sina , Hartmann Thomas
Published: August 2022

Land policy influences how and by whom land is used; therefore, it impacts the efficiency and equity of land use. This paper offers an economic perspective on efficiency and equity as fundamental purposes of planning and land policy. It brings a highly needed mutual understanding between planning and economics, whilst acknowledging the limitations of the theoretical concepts of efficiency and equity in their real-world applications. The paper also provides a solid ground for analysing trade-offs between efficiency and equity of land policy interventions. Situations minimising trade-offs should be of particular interest as they provide opportunities for improvements without necessary sacrifices.
“Help Children Walking on the Right Path”: Understanding Parents’ and Grandparents’ Perceptions on Violence Against Children in Cambodia and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Andajani-Sutjahjo Sari , Neang Munin
Published: August 2022

This study examined parents’ and grandparents’ understanding of violence against children (VAC) strategies to prevent VAC in the home. Research questions: What do parents and grandparents understand about VAC? Which child discipline practices are violent? What are strategies to prevent VAC? Participants: 30 parents and grandparents from a small rural community. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) in which participants shared their perceptions and practices relating to child discipline, forms of VAC, and proposed intervention strategies. In two community forums, participants discussed intervention strategies produced in separate FGDs and agreed on three priority strategies. During the FGDs and community meetings, none of the participants ever mentioned any laws, regulations, or government strategies to address VAC in the home. Participants expressed confusion and mixed feelings and responses on forms of VAC. Some agreed on deception, manipulation, intimidation (som lot), threats (Kom ream, harsh words, scolding (je), and physical punishment (i.e., beating or beating with an object) as an unacceptable discipline that would adversely impact children’s well-being. Others agreed on cautiously using such disciplines to a certain degree and context. Participants proposed three priority strategies to address VAC in the home, of which two—community awareness and education and community-based efforts—fit with the Cambodia 2017 to 2024 Action Plan Strategies to Prevent and Respond to VAC. The third strategy, addressing alcohol harm-related violence, though not regarded in the 2017 to 2024 Action Plan, was considered pivotal in preventing VAC. Parents and grandparents have a substantial role in child protection at home. Nevertheless, without a clear definition of VAC or articulation of protecting children from violence in the home, it would be challenging to involve parents/grandparents for effective intervention. Participants’ three priority strategies have a substantial policy and program implications for Cambodia’s primary prevention of VAC action strategy. Community-based mobilization, education, and capacity building need to start and sustain the community.
Outcomes following peritoneal dialysis for COVID-19-induced AKI: A literature review
Authors: Atlani Mahendra Kumar , Pilania Rakesh Kumar , Bhatt Girish Chandra
Published: August 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been shown to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Due to increasing number of cases in pandemic, there is a significant shortage of medical facilities and equipment in relation to patient load. In low resource settings where access to intermittent haemodialysis (HD) or continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is limited, peritoneal dialysis (PD) may play a vital role in the management of COVID-19-induced AKI. A literature search using Medline/PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane register was performed using following search strategy: (((COVID 19) OR (SARS-CoV-2)) AND (((acute kidney injury) OR (acute renal failure)) OR (acute renal dysfunction))) AND (peritoneal dialysis). Search strategy yielded total 79 articles. After going through titles and abstracts, full text of 15 articles was obtained. Finally, six studies were included in the review after exclusion of 10 studies. Five studies were single centre and one study was multicentric; four studies were conducted in the United States and one in the United Kingdom; PD catheter placement was done by surgeons in three studies and by nephrologist in one study. The mortality reported in the studies varied from 43% to as high as 63%.