bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the cascade of care for anal cancer screening within a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinic
Authors: Cardenas Benjamin F , Geba Maria , Williams Brooke , Hoang Sook , Newberry Yvonne , Quass-Ferdinand Laura , Woodberry Lauren , Dillingham Rebecca , Thomas Tania A
Published: July 2022

Background

Care cascades can inform providers about differences in engagement and retention in care between patient populations thereby improving participation by targeting interventions more effectively. The objective of this study was to assess the uptake and retention of participants along the anal cancer screening algorithm within a single HIV clinic.

Methods

Retrospective procedural and demographic data were collected within a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinic from 18 December 2017 to 29 May 2021. A care cascade was constructed among eligible participants who engaged and were retained in the anal cancer screening algorithm. Engagement was defined as having at least one anal Pap smear. Retention was defined as having a follow-up anal Pap smear, and/or high resolution anoscopy, as indicated. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated to reveal factors associated with initiation and retention in screening.

Results

Of 821 eligible participants, 312 (38%) engaged in screening and 205 (66%) were retained in care. Anoreceptive intercourse was positively associated with engagement (RR 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05–3.90, p<0.001), whereas male gender was negatively associated (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.20–0.33, p<0.001). Abnormal cytology results on Pap smear were associated with retention (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03–1.86, p=0.03).

Conclusions

Overall engagement in anal cancer screening is low within our clinic, particularly among men, but retention in the screening program is notably better, especially among those with abnormal cytology. Target populations have been identified to increase awareness, and qualitative studies are underway to understand perceptions and barriers to engagement in anal cancer screening.
Novel FTIR and visible infrared imaging assessment of binary biofuel stability and abated NOx for clean environment assisting energy approach
Authors: Peer Mohamed Nishath , Anbalagan Krishnaveni
Published: July 2022

To compensate the oil demand and pollution, scientists explore biodiesel as a pollution free alternate energy. But depending on one particular species of feedstock will lead to its extinction like diesel. For this intent, this research proposes a novelty on blending of binary non-edible high oil yielding species. As biodiesel is a natural constituent with elevated oxygen content, a stability analysis has to be performed to diminish its rapid decay. For stabilizing fuel properties synthetic antioxidants have been involved as inhibitors. Previous studies have been performed on the stability analysis individually as oxidation, thermal and storage stability without analyzing them mutually. This research fills the key gap by deeper mutual stability analysis, as the output parameters of these three stabilities are interrelated. Few samples have shown best stability output parameters which challenges in narrowing the best blend. To face this task, a multi objective optimization study has been done. NOx emission has been reduced with the aid of antioxidants as a twin reward. Two novel assessment tools for validating are, i) FTIR, by which the impact of molecular arrangements on stability variation has been evaluated and ii) Using Infrared Imaging Technique, by which the NOX has been analyzed visually correlating the emission level and engine combustion temperature.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of Current Strategies and Socio-economic Impact
Authors: Bhargava Anushka , Dahiya Praveen
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus disease is a respiratory tract disorder which causes pneumonia-like symptoms in severe patients and mild flu-like symptoms in mild symptomatic cases first noticed in Wuhan, China. DNA sequencing and further analysis shows it to be 79% like the 2002 SARS-CoV and 50% like the 2012 MERS-CoV. It was also observed that the novel coronavirus’s spike protein was larger and very different from its previously known strains. For diagnosis, multiple strategies were developed and real time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was determined to be the best technique. The CT scan was also found effective majorly for the continuous assessment of the disease. Treatment strategies used in previous outbreaks were looked into and put to trial like convalescent plasma therapy. Vaccine development using various genetic engineering strategies are going on across the world. To contain the spread of the disease, countries with positive cases were put under lockdown to break the chain of spread. These lockdowns forced industries, offices, schools, religious places, stadiums, travel, and many more to close which impacted the economies of all the major countries. Lesser human interaction and more use of social media has impacted the social aspects of human life. Cases of domestic violence and mental stress increased among households. Economic stimulus package was announced by various countries to curb the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Versus Usual Palliative Care Consultation in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Helgeson Scott A. , Burnside Rebecca C. , Robinson Maisha T. , Mack Rachel C. , Ball Colleen T. , Guru Pramod K. , Moss John E.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Palliative Medicine involvement in MICU patients have improved length of stay and mortality, but with varying effects on specific patient decision outcomes, such as, advance care planning. These studies have utilized Palliative Medicine later in the hospital or ICU course, with some evidence showing that earlier involvement resulted in better results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of early (within 24 hours) palliative care consultation in medical ICU (MICU) patients to clinical and satisfaction outcomes.

Methods

An unblinded randomized study performed in the MICU in one academic hospital in the USA. Ninety-one adult patients admitted to MICU received a Palliative care medicine consultation within 24 hours as the intervention.

Measurements and results

Ninety-one patients admitted to the MICU underwent randomization with 50 patients randomly assigned to receive Palliative Medicine consultation and 41 patients randomly assigned to receive standard-of-care based on predefined criteria. The median satisfaction score was 23 points higher for the patients in the intervention group (P < .001). The median length of MICU stay was 5 days shorter in the intervention group compared to the control group (95% CI; 1 day to 18 days, P = .018). Advance care planning was completed in the hospital for 34% of patients in the intervention arm and 12% of patients in the controls arm (absolute risk difference 22%, 95% CI 4% to 37%, P = .016).

Conclusion

Early Palliative Medicine consultation within 24 hours of MICU admission showed significant benefits to patients by improving satisfaction and decreasing length of stay. This study provides evidence that Palliative Medicine involvement earlier in the course of severe disease is important. Further studies in other types of intensive care units (neurological and Cardiovascular) are necessary to determine their impact.
Exploring Screening Practices for Child Sexual Abuse in School Settings: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ackers Suzanne M. , Colbert Alison M. , Fraley Hannah E. , Schreiber James B.
Published: July 2022

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive public health problem. If left undetected, CSA can result in immediate and long-term health problems, which can be mitigated through early identification. Schools are an ideal environment to implement screening measures, and school nurses (SN) are uniquely poised to intervene and respond early. The aim of this review was to systematically examine and synthesize the international evidence related to screening for early identification of CSA in schools. Themes emerging from the analysis were SN behaviors relative to screening, potential instruments or approaches for screening, and SN and school professionals’ beliefs about CSA screening practices. This review found little evidence that CSA screening is occurring in schools. However, SNs are aware that screening falls within their scope of practice and many SNs feel they should be screening for it. A constant proactive approach by SNs is necessary to improve early identification and subsequent intervention.
Post Philosophies and the Doing of Inquiry Session 6: A conversation Between Erin Manning, Halbe Kuipers, Mayra Morales, and Diego Gil
Authors: Manning Erin
Published: July 2022

This article is derived from a webinar series conversation titled “Post Philosophies and the Doing of Inquiry.”

How does your philosophical approach influence your ways of doing inquiry? What does this philosophical approach make thinkable or possible for inquiry?

What are your perspectives on methodology(ies) and/or methods?

How do you envision that in your approaches to doing inquiry?

What mechanisms could be put in place at universities to help supervisors and/or committees support students engaged in philosophical modes of inquiry.
The Cumulative Influence of Perceived Discrimination, Stress, and Coping Responses on Symptoms of Depression Among Young African American Mothers
Authors: Millender Eugenia , Harris Rachel M. , Bagneris Jessica R. , Marks Laura R. , Barcelona Veronica , Wong Frank Y. , Crusto Cindy A. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y.
Published: July 2022

Background:

African American women have an elevated risk for experiencing depressive symptoms, and discrimination, stress, and coping contribute to symptoms of depression.

Aims:

We aimed to examine the associations between discrimination, stress, and coping on symptoms of depression among young African American mothers.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we utilized a hierarchical linear regression to explore the effects of perceived racial discrimination, stress, and general and discrimination-related coping responses on depressive symptoms in a sample of African American mothers ( N = 250). The data were drawn from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure study (InterGEN), a study conducted between 2014 and 2019 and based in Connecticut.

Results:

After accounting for maternal age, level of education, and income, greater perceived racial discrimination ( p = .03), higher levels of stress ( p < .001), greater engagement in avoidance coping ( p < .001), and use of passive coping responses to discrimination ( p = .04) were uniquely associated with increased depressive symptoms. Other forms of coping, specifically, problem-solving and support seeking, did not appear to influence depressive symptoms in this sample.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the negative impact of discrimination, heightened stress, and maladaptive coping on the emotional health of young African American mothers.
Dynamics of locally damped Timoshenko systems
Authors: Freitas Mirelson M , Júnior Dilberto S Almeida , Santos Mauro L , Ramos Anderson JA , Caljaro Ronal Q
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the long-time dynamics of a Timoshenko system modeling vibrations of beams with non-linear localized damping mechanisms acting on both displacement and angular rotation and subjected to non-linear source terms. Using recent quasi-stability methods, we prove the existence of smooth finite dimensional global attractor, which is characterized as unstable manifold of the set of stationary solutions. Moreover, the existence of exponential attractors is shown. These aspects were not previously considered for the Timoshenko system with localized damping.
Reply to letter to editor
Authors: Koçak Nurullah
Published: July 2022

We aimed to explain the questions about choroidal vascularity index (CVI) calculation which mentioned in the manuscript entitled ‘Acute effects of coffee on peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal parameters in young healthy subjects’.
EDSS 0 is not normal: Multiple sclerosis disease burden below the clinical threshold
Authors: Krieger Stephen C , Antoine Ali , Sumowski James F
Published: July 2022

Little to no above-threshold deficits may be evident in early multiple sclerosis (MS). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a standard measure of neurologic function, with an EDSS score of 0 defined as “neurologically normal.” The topographical model of MS proposes that sub-threshold disease is compensated for by functional reserve. In this short report, we found that physically high-challenge measures of balance and upper extremity coordination reveal sub-threshold deficits in patients with EDSS score of 0 compared with healthy controls. Challenge task performance was correlated with imaging markers of both lesional burden of disease and a volumetric measure of brain reserve.
Estimation of direct net effects of events
Authors: Roller Marcus
Published: July 2022

We provide three estimation strategies for the estimation of direct net effects of events and the respective substitution effects based on a quantitative model. We apply the strategies to estimate the effect of fairs on overnight stays in Basel. We show that deseasonalizing by year day fixed effects is superior to month and week fixed effects and semi-parametric deseasonalizing. We find that fairs increase the overnight stays in nights during fairs by 17% and by 8% and 4% in the preceding nights. The net effect of fairs on overnight events is only one fourth of the gross effect. These results demonstrate that the distinction between net and gross effects is crucial also for the estimation of direct effects of events. The study therefore contributes to the literature on the estimation of economic effects of events which recently has focused on this distinction for indirect effects. It also contributes to the theoretical an empirical literature of event tourism in cities.
Unprincipled and unrealised: CEDAW and discrimination experienced in the context of migration control
Authors: Briddick Catherine
Published: July 2022

This article analyses the CEDAW Committee’s General Recommendations and Views on individual complaints, to evaluate its contribution to the elimination of discrimination against women experienced in the context of migration control. It makes two arguments. First, the Committee’s General Recommendations contain a range of doctrinal and empirical shortcomings. This opacity, and these omissions, considerably reduce the value of the Committee’s statements as a means by which States’ discriminatory migration control practices might be contested. Second, the Committee’s decisions, in communications concerned with discrimination experienced in the context of migration control, are inconsistent with those standards that it has set, and with the decisions it makes in other types of cases. A detailed analysis of the jurisprudence grounds the conclusion that the Committee is, in practice, according States a margin of appreciation that varies according to the subject of the complaint. Particular, representative communications are drawn on to argue that the margin granted in cases concerned with migration control is over-wide, characteristic not of appropriate (quasi) judicial restraint, but unprincipled deference. The article concludes by suggesting how some of the criticisms outlined may be remedied, notably by the Committee adopting its own justification and proportionality assessment.
Music therapy interventions for eating disorders: Lack of robust evidence and recommendations for future research
Authors: Coutinho Eduardo , Van Criekinge Tamaya , Hanford Greg , Nathan Rajan , Maden Michelle , Hill Ruaraidh
Published: July 2022

Music therapy (MT) has been used to support people with a variety of eating disorders (EDs), but it is unclear whether there is sufficient and robust evidence from controlled experimental studies. In this article, we report the results of a systematic review that summarises the evidence from published controlled studies where MT has been used to treat people diagnosed with any type of ED. Our results demonstrate that robust evidence concerning the effectiveness of MT for the treatment of EDs is severely lacking. Nonetheless, the evidence described in this paper warrants further investigation especially given that new treatment strategies for EDs are urgently needed. To this end, we offer a set of recommendations for future high-quality experimental studies that can inform the development of effective MT interventions and support for people with EDs.
Relationships between alexithymia, interoception, and emotional empathy in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Butera Christiana D , Harrison Laura , Kilroy Emily , Jayashankar Aditya , Shipkova Michelle , Pruyser Ariel , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa
Published: July 2022

Some studies suggest that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have reduced emotional empathy while others do not. The presence of co-occurring alexithymia in autism spectrum disorder and differences in interoception have been associated with reductions in empathic ability. To fully explore the relationships between interoception, alexithymia, and emotional empathy, we collected self-report and interview data in 35 youth with autism spectrum disorder and 40 typically developing controls (ages 8–17 years). The autism spectrum disorder sample had increased alexithymia and physiological hyperarousal compared to typically developing controls, but there were no group differences in interoception or emotional empathy. Alexithymia severity correlated with higher personal distress in both groups and with lower empathic concern in the autism spectrum disorder group. Within the autism spectrum disorder group, higher incidence of reports of bodily sensation when describing emotional experience correlated with lower personal distress and lower alexithymia. In addition, although empathic concern was negatively correlated with alexithymia in the autism spectrum disorder group, across groups, the alexithymia hypothesis was supported in only the personal distress domain of emotional empathy. These results suggest emotional empathy; personal distress, in particular, is not intrinsically impaired in autism spectrum disorder.

Lay abstract

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the emotions of others, is a necessary skill for social functioning and can be categorized into cognitive and emotional empathy. There is evidence to suggest that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have difficulties with cognitive empathy, the ability to imagine how another person is thinking or feeling. However, it is unclear if individuals with autism spectrum disorder struggle with emotional empathy, the ability to share and feel emotions others are experiencing. Self-report and interview data were collected to explore the relationships between interoception (individuals’ self-reported awareness of sensation from their body such as thirst, heartbeat, etc.), alexithymia (an individual’s ability to describe and distinguish between their own emotions), and emotional empathy in 35 youth with autism spectrum disorder and 40 typically developing youth. Greater personal distress to others’ emotions and greater difficulty describing and recognizing self-emotions were associated with reporting fewer physical sensations in the body when experiencing emotion in the autism spectrum disorder group. The results of this study suggest that while autism spectrum disorder youth with concomitant alexithymia may experience emotional empathy differently, it should not be characterized as an absence of a capacity for emotional empathy.
Learning through mess: Sensemaking visual communication practices in a UK multidisciplinary applied health study
Authors: Robson Ian
Published: July 2022

This article addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the development of new visual communication practices and outputs, using an example of such work conducted in a UK interdisciplinary applied health project. Reflecting on his role as co-researcher and practice as a visual ethnographer in the study, the author argues that new visual communication practices may emerge from ‘mess’ and even ugliness. In the case discussed, the author comes to terms with mess and elements of failure as potential phenomena of learning through a process of Sensemaking (see Weick’s Sensemaking in Organizations, 1995), by applying innovative visual methods to the approach. Through his version of visual Sensemaking, the author identifies a set of principles to inform innovation in collaborative, interdisciplinary visual communication.
Evading Big Brother: Using visual methods to understand children’s perception of sensors and interest in subverting digital surveillance
Authors: Main Angus , Yamada-Rice Dylan
Published: July 2022

In relation to this Special Issue’s focus on ugly information, this article examines children’s perception of the often invisible interactions they have with sensor-enabled digital devices and, when prompted, their interest in subverting or blocking these sensors to evade surveillance. The authors report on a study of 12 children, aged 8–12 years, that investigated their knowledge of the sensing abilities of commonly used digital devices (smart phones, smart watches, smart speakers and games consoles), and their attitudes towards having active agency over sensors. In line with this journal’s readership, visual methods used for data collection and analysis are described. Specifically, within semi-structured focus groups, drawing was used to understand what children thought was inside digital devices and the extent of their awareness of digital sensors. Child participants were invited to model speculative tools for deceiving digital sensors in order to explore their interest in having agency over digital surveillance. Data in the form of drawings, photographs of models and video recordings were analysed using experimental visual methods that included 3D rendering and comics, as well as visual content and thematic analysis. These drew out four key themes: (1) the role of inference in sensor awareness; (2) misunderstanding of device components and sensing capabilities; (3) attitudes to surveillance; and (4) children’s interest in subverting rather than blocking sensors. We discuss how technology companies’ desire to create ‘magical experiences’ may contribute to incorrect inferences about information gathering systems, how this reduces children’s agency over the information they share and how it puts them at greater risk from digital surveillance. The article makes an original contribution to knowledge in this area by calling for a two-pronged approach from technology companies and educators to address these issues by making sensor presence more visible, educating children about the full extent of sensor capability and bringing critical discussion of them into curricula.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats by activating autophagy
Authors: Jia Qiang , Yang Rui , Mehmood Shomaila , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) possesses anti-fibrotic potential in diverse tissues; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the impacts of EGCG on diabetes-induced myocardial fibrosis remain unclear. This present study aimed to unravel the anti-fibrotic effects of EGCG on the heart in type 2 diabetic rats and investigate its molecular mechanisms. Rats were randomly assigned to the following four groups: Normal (NOR), diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), DCM + 40 mg/kg EGCG, and DCM + 80 mg/kg EGCG groups. After 8 weeks of EGCG treatment, fasting blood glucose, left ventricular hemodynamic indices, heart index, and myocardial injury-related parameters were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Sirius Red staining were used to evaluate myocardial pathological alterations and collagen accumulation. The contents of myocardial hydroxyproline, collagen-I, collagen-III, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 were measured. The gene expression levels of myocardial TGF-β1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected. Autophagic regulators, including adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and autophagic markers, including microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3 and Beclin1 were estimated. The results indicated that diabetes significantly decreased cardiac contractile function and aggravated myocardial hypertrophy and injury. Furthermore, diabetes repressed the activation of autophagy in myocardial tissue and promoted cardiac fibrosis. Following ingestion with different doses of EGCG, myocardial contractile dysfunction, hypertrophy and injury were ameliorated; myocardial autophagy was activated, and myocardial fibrosis was alleviated in the EGCG treatment groups. In conclusion, these findings suggested that EGCG could attenuate cardiac fibrosis in type 2 diabetic rats, and its underlying mechanisms associated with activation of autophagy via modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and then repression of the TGF-β/MMPs pathway.
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Different Body Positions and Amplitudes on Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Women
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Fan Yongzhao , Chen Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The present study was designed to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) response in leg muscles to whole-body vibration while using different body positions and vibration amplitudes.

Methods:

An experimental study with repeated measures design involved a group of community-dwelling middle-aged and older women (n = 15; mean age=60.8 ± 4.18 years). Muscle activity of the gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius (GS) was measured by surface electromyography, which participants were performing three different body positions during three WBV amplitudes. The body positions included static semi-squat, static semi-squat with elastic band loading, and dynamic semi-squat. Vibration stimuli tested were 0 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm amplitude and 30 Hz frequencies. And the maximum accelerations produced by vibration stimuli with amplitudes of 2 mm and 4 mm are approximately 1.83 g and 3.17 g.

Results:

Significantly greater muscle activity was recorded in VL, BF, and GS. When WBV was applied to training, compared with the same training without WBV ( P < .05). There were significant main effects of body positions on EMGrms for the GM, RF, and VM ( P < .05). Compared to static semi-squat, static semi-squat with elastic band significantly increased the EMGrms of GM, and dynamic semi-squat significantly increased the EMGrms of GM, RF and VM (P < .05). And there were significant main effects of amplitudes on EMGrms for the GM, RF, and VM ( P < .05). The EMGrms of the VL, BF, and GS at 4 mm were significantly higher than 0 mm, and the EMGrms of the VL and BF at 4 mm were significantly higher than 2 mm. There was no significant body interaction between body positions and amplitudes (P > .05).

Conclusions:

The EMG amplitudes of most leg muscles tested were significantly greater during WBV exposure than in the no-WBV condition. The dynamic semi-squat 4 mm whole-body vibration training is recommended for middle-aged and older women to improve lower limb muscle strength and function.
Current state and future trends in boundary layer control on lifting surfaces
Authors: Svorcan Jelena , Wang Jonathan M. , Griffin Kevin Patrick
Published: July 2022

Successful flow control may bring numerous benefits, such as flow stabilization, flow reattachment, separation delay, drag reduction, lift increase, aerodynamic performance improvement, energy efficiency increase, shock delay or weakening, noise reduction, etc. For these purposes, many different flow control devices, which can be classified as passive, semi-active and active, have been designed and tested. This review paper aims to highlight the most promising and commonly employed boundary layer control methods as well as outline their potential in specific applications in aerospace and energy engineering. Referenced studies, performed on various geometries (flat plates, channels, airfoils, wings, blades, cylinders), are primarily numerical or experimental. Although enhanced aerodynamic performance is achieved in many cases, further research is required to draw general conclusions. This paper aims to demonstrate that, in the future, we may expect further developments of flow control actuators, as well as their increased application.
Premenstrual and menstrual changes reported after COVID-19 vaccination: The EVA project
Authors: Baena-García Laura , Aparicio Virginia A , Molina-López Ana , Aranda Pilar , Cámara-Roca Laura , Ocón-Hernández Olga
Published: July 2022

Background:

Menstrual disorders were not reported as a possible secondary effect in any of the clinical trials for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Aim:

To describe the prevalence of perceived premenstrual and menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccine administration.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

A total of 14,153 women (mean age 31.5 ± 9.3 years old) who had received the full course of vaccination at least three months earlier were included in this cross-sectional study. Data including the type of vaccine administered, perceived changes in the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding, presence of clots, cycle length, and premenstrual symptoms were collected through a retrospective online survey from June to September 2021.

Results:

Of the women who participated in this study, 3136 reported no menstrual changes and 11,017 (78% of the study sample) reported experiencing menstrual cycle changes after vaccination. In summary, women who reported menstrual changes after vaccination were older (overall p < 0.001) and slightly more smokers ( p = 0.05) than women who did not report any changes. The most prevalent changes in relation to premenstrual symptoms were increased fatigue (43%), abdominal bloating (37%), irritability (29%), sadness (28%), and headaches (28%). The most predominant menstrual changes were more menstrual bleeding (43%), more menstrual pain (41%), delayed menstruation (38%), fewer days of menstrual bleeding (34.5%), and shorter cycle length (32%).

Conclusion:

Women vaccinated against COVID-19 usually perceive mild menstrual and premenstrual changes. Future studies are warranted to clarify the physiological mechanisms behind these widely reported changes.
Communicating for social change: A model of communicative power
Authors: Kogen Lauren
Published: July 2022

There are two fundamental concerns about global communication for social change (CSC) research and practice that guide the present study. The first is whether CSC researchers are collecting evidence regarding whether interventions work, the second is whether the sub-field is building theory about how CSC interventions work to promote community-led change. Based on a scoping review of peer-reviewed journal articles on international participatory development interventions, this analysis shows the field continues to lack a convincing explanation of the relationship between participation, communication, empowerment and social change. A model to elucidate this relationship is offered.
Vortex particle method with iterative Brinkman penalization for simulation of flow past sharp-shape bodies
Authors: Duong Viet Dung , Zuhal Lavi Rizki
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a Lagrangian vortex method combined with iterative Brinkman penalization for the simulation of incompressible flow past a complex geometry. In the proposed algorithm, particle and penalization domains are separately introduced. The particle domain is for the computation of particle convection and diffusion, while the penalization domain is the enforcement of the wall boundary conditions. In iterative Brinkman penalization, the no-slip boundary condition is enforced by applying penalization force in multiple times within each time step. This enables large time step size reducing computational cost and maintains the capability in handling complex geometries. The method is validated for benchmark problems such as an impulsively started flow past a circular cylinder, normal to a flat plate, and a symmetric airfoil at Reynolds numbers ranging from 550 to 1000. The vorticity and streamline contours, drag, and lift coefficients show a good agreement with those reported in literature.
Reduction in Postprandial Peak Glucose With Increased Technosphere Insulin Dosage
Authors: Kaiserman Kevin B. , Christiansen Mark , Bhavsar Sunil , Ulloa Johanna , Santogatta Brandi , Hanna Joseph , Bailey Timothy S.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Technosphere Insulin (TI) is an ultra-rapid-acting inhaled insulin. This study assessed the mean peak two-hour postprandial glucose concentration with the initial TI dose (dose 1) calculated per the current label (United State Prescribing Information) compared with a ~2× higher dose (dose 2). Secondary objectives were to evaluate hypoglycemia within the two-hour postprandial period, evaluate change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) before and after the two-hour postprandial period, and monitor for other adverse events.

Methods:

Twenty patients with diabetes, on basal-bolus insulin therapy, received an initial dose 1 of TI followed by the higher dose 2, one to three days later. Subjects received an identical meal for both visits, and TI doses were administered immediately prior to the meal.

Results:

The higher dose 2 provided significant reductions in mean postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE) in the two-hour postprandial period starting from 45 minutes ( P = .008) to 120 minutes ( P < .0001). Mean peak glucose was reduced from 228.6 to 179.3 mg/dL ( P < .001) at two hours. Two hypoglycemic events (one level 1, one level 2) were observed in a single subject during the two-hour postprandial period with dose 2. There were no significant changes in FEV1 after either dose of TI.

Conclusions:

The higher dose 2 reduced PPGE versus the current label recommended dose 1 within the two-hour postprandial timeframe without any new safety concerns. When confirmed with a larger study, this higher TI dosing recommendation may help patients and clinicians minimize immediate postprandial hyperglycemia when titrating TI for prandial glucose control.
The Watchdog Press in the Doghouse: A Comparative Study of Attitudes about Accountability Journalism, Trust in News, and News Avoidance
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Antonis , Toff Benjamin , Fletcher Richard
Published: July 2022

The watchdog role has been one of the most widely discussed normative functions of the press. In this study, we examine the public’s attitudes toward the news media’s watchdog performance and how they correlate with trust in news and news avoidance, two important phenomena for democracy and the health of the public sphere. We further examine how individual predispositions (e.g. political interest, ideology) and contextual variables (e.g. press freedom) moderate these relationships. Based on data from the 2019 Reuters Institute Digital News Report, and controlling for a range of factors, we find that across 38 countries, watchdog performance evaluations are positively associated with trust in news but that they are also positively associated with higher levels of news avoidance. Last, we find that evaluations of media in other functions like helping citizens understand the most important topics of the day and choosing relevant topics were more strongly associated to trust in news and lower news avoidance levels than watchdog performance evaluations.
Civic Hope and the Perceived Authenticity of Democratic Participation
Authors: Maffly-Kipp Joseph , Holte Patricia N. , Stichter Matt , Hicks Joshua A. , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Vess Matthew
Published: July 2022

In two studies, we tested how the expression of civic hope in narratives and the perceived authenticity of civic/political actions relate to civic/political engagement. In a cross-sectional study of undergraduates ( N = 230), the expression of civic hope predicted the perceived authenticity of civic actions (e.g., voting), which in turn predicted the motivation to engage in them. In a longitudinal on-line study that began 8 weeks prior to the 2020 U.S. Presidential election ( N = 308 MTurk workers), overall expressions of civic hope positively predicted the perceived authenticity of voting and the motivation to vote. In addition, expressions of civic hope positively predicted the perceived authenticity of voting, which in turn positively predicted the likelihood of reporting that one did vote. These findings indicate that a sense of civic hope and the experience of authenticity in political contexts may be important for democratic engagement.
Use of handheld electrocardiograph (SnapECG) for the remote monitoring of arrhythmias
Authors: Gu Qian , Chen Zengguang , Ma Jiazheng , Zhou Yaqing , Li Jinshuang , Ying Lianghong , Hua Rui , Zhang Wenhao , Li Ran , Zou Fengwei , Gong Xiaoxuan , Zhan Yiyang , Li Chunjian
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the value of a SnapECG monitoring in diagnosing arrhythmias compared with the conventional management.

Methods

In the first phase, the SnapECG and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were simultaneously adopted to detect arrhythmias in 439 hospitalized patients. The accuracies of the SnapECG in detecting different arrhythmias were assessed. In the second phase, 62 patients with palpitations were randomized to receive the SnapECG monitoring or conventional management for 3 months. The diagnosis rate, time of diagnosis, episodes before diagnosis, associated expenses, and scores of the modified European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36) were compared between groups.

Results

In the first phase, the SnapECG monitoring showed a sensitivity of 83.55% and specificity of 96.79% in identifying tachyarrhythmias, and a sensitivity of 95.29% and specificity of 97.54% in identifying bradyarrhythmias. In the second phase, 1642 ECGs were recorded by the SnapECG, among which 290 abnormal ECGs were identified. Compared with the conventional management, the SnapECG monitoring increased the diagnosis rate of symptomatic arrhythmias (70.97% vs. 19.35%, P < 0.05), shortened the time of diagnosis (48.26 ± 36.78 days vs. 71.45 ± 30.01 days, P < 0.05) and consequently reduced the episodes of symptomatic arrhythmias prior to establishing diagnosis. The scores of modified EHRA, SAS, SF-36 significantly improved at 3-month compared with their baseline levels in the SnapECG group.

Conclusions

Remote monitoring with the SnapECG can achieve early diagnosis of symptomatic arrhythmias. However, its sensitivity in identifying P-wave-related arrhythmias warrants further improvement.
Responding to COVID-19 While Serving Veterans Experiencing Homelessness: The Pandemic Experiences of Healthcare and Housing Providers
Authors: Gin June L. , Balut Michelle D. , Alenkin Nikola R. , Dobalian Aram
Published: July 2022

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides essential care through transitional housing and healthcare for Veterans experiencing homelessness through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program and the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT), respectively. At the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, GPD organizations and HPACT clinics faced the challenge of being essential providers tasked with ensuring the well-being of Veterans under their care. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 providers (6 HPACT health care providers representing 2 HPACT programs, and 7 GPD staff members) across the U.S., this study explored their experiences navigating the tasks of keeping Veterans safe and providing ongoing care from the start of the pandemic up to the 2021 interview dates. Both GPD and HPACT providers reported amplified safety concerns about COVID-19 infection among staff at the start of the pandemic, which diminished to a lower, stable level after a few months as adaptations made for safety became embedded in their routines. However, ongoing challenges included isolation and mental health challenges among Veterans, inherent limitations of telehealth as a care delivery avenue, provider frustration and burnout due to increased workload and frequent change, and the logistics of administering testing for Veterans to enter GPD housing. Enhanced pandemic preparedness planning for GPD organizations, funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) and providing technology to facilitate Veterans’ telehealth access, and strategies for preventing provider burnout are critical to both sustaining homeless providers’ capabilities during this pandemic and enhancing readiness to respond to the next public health emergency.
#Selfies With a Mask On: Comparing Self-Presentation of Athletes From the U.S. and China in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Authors: Xu Qingru , Guo Sitong , Kim Eunhui
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore Chinese and U.S. athlete self-presentation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. By examining 1200 photographs posted by Olympians on social media, this study finds that (a) male athletes feature themselves in more revealing clothes than female athletes, (b) Chinese athletes actively show more nationalistic notions compared to their U.S. counterparts, and (c) U.S. female athletes are involved in more subordinating behaviors than Chinese female athletes. This study underlines how the intersection of gender, nationalism, and culture influences athlete social media self-presentation in the global pandemic context. Possible explanations and implications are discussed.
A Study of Legal Education Systems in Russia, India and Brazil: Issues and Suggestions for Global Education
Authors: Soares Ardyllis Alves , Upadhyay Niteesh Kumar , Bazhina Maria A. , Rathee Mahak
Published: July 2022

Education is a crucial tool for bringing a positive change in society and for the growth of the economy. While talking about legal education, in particular, it has been imparted in all the nations in some form or other, and it is imperative to impart legal education properly to make the members of the society more civilized and stable. Legal education can play a vital role in bringing peace, justice and imparting human rights in society. However, there are numerous challenges that the education systems face all across the globe, and there is a need to look into these challenges for the growth of the society. The researchers in this article have provided a detailed analysis of the education systems in three different countries, that is, Russia, India and Brazil. The researchers have further discussed the issues and challenges in the legal education systems in these countries, and in the end, suggestions have been provided for bringing a change in the global education system.
Descriptive Epidemiology of a Surgical Patellofemoral Instability Population of 492 Patients
Authors: Zheng Evan T. , Kocher Mininder S. , Wilson Benjamin R. , Hussain Zaamin B. , Nunally Kianna D. , Yen Yi-Meng , Kramer Dennis E. , Micheli Lyle J. , Heyworth Benton E.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) occurs most commonly in pediatric and adolescent patients, with evolving indications for surgery and changes in surgical techniques over the past decade.

Purpose:

To characterize the demographic, clinical, and radiologic characteristics of a large cohort of patients undergoing PFI surgery and investigate longitudinal trends in techniques utilized over a 10-year period at a tertiary-care academic center.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Electronic medical records of patients younger than 25 years of age who underwent primary surgery for lateral PFI from 2008 to 2017 at a single center by 1 of 5 different sports medicine surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic parameters of instability were analyzed. Routine surgical techniques included medial retinacular plication/reefing/repair (MRP), medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR), tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), or a combination thereof, with or without lateral retinacular release (LR) or lateral retinacular lengthening (LRL). Exclusion criteria, selected for potentially altering routine surgical indications or techniques, included fixed/syndromic PFI, a formally diagnosed collagen disorder, cases in which a chondral/osteochondral shear fragment underwent fixation or was >1 cm in diameter, and body mass index >30 kg/m2.

Results:

Of the 492 study patients (556 knees; 71% female; median age, 15.2 years; 38% open physes), 88% were athletes, with the most common sports participated in being soccer, basketball, dance, football, gymnastics, and baseball/softball. While 91% of the cohort had recurrent dislocations, the 9% with primary dislocations were more likely to have small osteochondral fractures/loose bodies ( P < .001). Female patients were younger ( P = .002), with greater patellar tilt ( P = .005) than male patients. Utilization of MPFLR and TTO increased significantly over the study period, while use of MRP+LR decreased.

Conclusion:

Most patients younger than 25 years of age who underwent PFI surgery were skeletally immature, female, and athletes and had recurrent dislocations. The <10% who had primary dislocations and underwent surgery were likely to have osteochondral fractures. Surgical techniques have changed significantly over time, with increasing use of TTO and MPFLR, while the use of MRP+LR/LRL has significantly decreased.
Urban form character and Airbnb in Amsterdam (NL): A morphometric approach
Authors: Venerandi Alessandro , Feliciotti Alessandra , Fleischmann Martin , Kourtit Karima , Porta Sergio
Published: July 2022

Proliferation of Short Term Rental (STR) in cities has generated considerable debate as it was found associated with negative externalities, such as gentrification. Nonetheless, it signals urban qualities working as attractors at different geographical scales. STRs’ relation with urban form remains largely understudied. In this paper, we explore how urban form relates to STRs registered by the Airbnb platform in Amsterdam (NL). First, we identify urban types (homogenous patterns of form) through an ‘urban morphometric’ approach. Second, we assess the relation between urban types and density of Airbnbs via a composite machine learning (ML) technique. Third, we provide profiles of the urban types most strongly associated with it. Fifteen urban types explain up to 44% of Airbnb density’s variance. Compact and diverse urban types relate more strongly with Airbnbs. Conversely, repetitive, sparse and uniform urban types are inversely related. The proposed morphometric-based method is robust, replicable and scalable, offering a novel way to study the intricate relation between urban form, STRs and, in fact, any other measurable urban dynamics at an unprecedented scale. By identifying spatial features related to urban attractiveness, it can inform evidence-based design codes incorporating place-making qualities in existing and new neighbourhoods.