bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual Cause of Biliary Tract Obstruction: Lemmel Syndrome
Authors: Aourarh Benayad , Tamzaourte Mouna , Benhamdane Ahlame , Berrag Sanaa , Adioui Tarik , Aourarh Aziz , Belkouchi Lina , Outznit Mustapha , Saouab Rachida
Published: December 2021

Background:

Lemmel syndrome is a rare and misdiagnosed etiology of obstructive jaundice due to a periampullary duodenal diverticulum causing a mechanical obstruction of the common bile duct. It represents an obstructive jaundice with the absence of choledocholithiasis or pancreaticobiliary tumors. It is an underreported entity due to the absence of specific pathognomonic signs.

Case presentation:

A 77-year-old-woman admitted for sepsis, due to an ascending cholangitis, underwent a MRCP and a gastroduodenoscopy revealing Lemmel’s syndrome. Due to failure of ERCP, the patient underwent surgical derivation.

Conclusion:

Lemmel syndrome represents an uncommon diagnosis of obstructive jaundice, that shouldn’t be neglected if no other organic cause is detected. It is usually asymptomatic, however some patients can develop symptoms and complications such as cholangitis, as is the case of our patient. Imaging allows diagnosis, with MRCP as the modality of choice to confirm diagnosis. Endoscopy is the first line treatment.
A Case of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Fumaric Acid-Treated Psoriasis Patient With Severe Lymphopenia Among Other Risk Factors
Authors: Engel Sinah , Molina Galindo Lara S , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke , Luessi Felix
Published: December 2021

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a potentially fatal condition caused by a brain infection with JC polyomavirus (JCV), which occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients. Modern immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments for cancers and autoimmune diseases have been accompanied by increasing numbers of PML cases. We report a psoriasis patient treated with fumaric acid esters (FAEs) with concomitant hypopharyngeal carcinoma and chronic alcohol abuse who developed PML. Grade 4 lymphopenia at the time point of PML diagnosis suggested an immunocompromised state. This case underscores the importance of immune cell monitoring in patients treated with FAEs, even more so in the presence of additional risk factors for an immune dysfunction.
Fretting study of an impregnated graphite bearing/nitrided stainless steel in a dry contact submitted to severe thermal-vibratory loading
Authors: Zaidi H , Amirat M , Beloufa A
Published: December 2021

Some industrial applications require the use of self-lubricating materials when fluid lubrication cannot be used. Carbon-based materials and in particular graphites are usually a used solution. However, the application of these materials is limited at high temperature; these materials are exposed to significant degradation and to high friction due to their high sensitivity to the air humidity and to the desorption phenomenon.

This study determines the influence of a specific metallic impregnation on the graphite bearing, which is submitted to a severe thermo-vibratory loading by fretting against a stainless steel surface. The stainless steel surface has undergone a nitriding treatment by plasma.

During the fretting contact, a strong transfer of the impregnant takes place from the impregnated graphite bearing to the steel conterface by adhesion; this deposit film allows a significant improvement in the tribological properties of the contact surfaces at high temperature.
Spillover effects from news to travel and leisure stocks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the time and frequency domains
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Hongwei , Gao Wang , Yang Cai
Published: December 2021

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism has received general attention in the literature, while the role of news during the pandemic has been ignored. Using a time-frequency connectedness approach, this paper focuses on the spillover effects of COVID-19-related news on the return and volatility of four regional travel and leisure (T&L) stocks. The results in the time domain reveal significant spillovers from news to T&L stocks. Specifically, in the return system, T&L stocks are mainly affected by media hype, while in the volatility system, they are mainly affected by panic sentiment. This paper also finds two risk contagion paths. The contagion index and Global T&L stock are the sources of these paths. The results in the frequency domain indicate that the shocks in the T&L industry are mainly driven by short-term fluctuations. The spillovers from news to T&L stocks and among these T&L stocks are stronger within 1 month.
The influence of gaming and non-gaming experience on customers’ response to the casino
Authors: Prentice Catherine , Ji Chunli , Li Kefang
Published: December 2021

The study examines how customers’ experiences with gaming and non-gaming services offered by casino resorts affect their response toward the casino with the primary visiting purpose being modelled as a moderator. The response opted for this study includes place attachment, customer spending within the casino premises during their trip, and willingness to revisit and spread word of mouth as loyalty indicators. The study was undertaken in Macau casino resorts. Data were collected from visitors who had gambled and consumed in at least one of the resorts. The results show that customer experience, place attachment, and spend were significantly related to customer loyalty. Place attachment accounts for customers’ spending at the casino. The moderation relationships are rather complex, dependent upon the influence of other variables. This research enriches experiential marketing, consumer behaviour, and loyalty research. The findings may also be utilised by casinos to develop more appropriate marketing strategies to maximise business profitability.
Exploring the Multiplicity of Embodied Agency in Colombian Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Shaw Malissa Kay
Published: December 2021

Analyses of assisted reproductive technologies have demonstrated how objectification and agency can coexist in infertility centres. How objectification creates opportunities for empowerment, however, has not yet been explored. In analysing women’s narratives of assisted conception in Colombian infertility clinics, I demonstrate the complexity in women’s embodied experiences of various objectifying stages of assisted conception and argue that their experiences produced multiple forms of embodied agency. Women used diagnostic procedures to learn about their bodies and infertility complications, which augmented their authority over their bodies and treatment. They drew upon their embodied knowledge to reduce treatment anxieties, while sensations such as pain were made purposeful, and hence meaningful, as women strove to reconfigure the significance of the embodied sensations of conception in a context of medicalized reproduction. In these narratives, we see that lived bodies are productive agents of social change, generating meanings and working to reshape dominant social understandings.
Is it alright to use artificial intelligence in digital health? A systematic literature review on ethical considerations
Authors: Möllmann Nicholas RJ , Mirbabaie Milad , Stieglitz Stefan
Published: December 2021

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) not only yields in advantages for healthcare but raises several ethical questions. Extant research on ethical considerations of AI in digital health is quite sparse and a holistic overview is lacking. A systematic literature review searching across 853 peer-reviewed journals and conferences yielded in 50 relevant articles categorized in five major ethical principles: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and explicability. The ethical landscape of AI in digital health is portrayed including a snapshot guiding future development. The status quo highlights potential areas with little empirical but required research. Less explored areas with remaining ethical questions are validated and guide scholars’ efforts by outlining an overview of addressed ethical principles and intensity of studies including correlations. Practitioners understand novel questions AI raises eventually leading to properly regulated implementations and further comprehend that society is on its way from supporting technologies to autonomous decision-making systems.
Development of multi-input multi-output virtual tuned mass damper controls for the vibration suppression of structures
Authors: Kim Soo-Min , Kwak Moon K , Chung Taek Soo , Song Ki-Seok
Published: December 2021

This study is concerned with the development of multi-input multi-output control algorithms for the active vibration suppression of structures using accelerometer signals and force-type actuators. The concept of the single-input single-output virtual tuned mass damper control algorithm developed in the previous study was extended to cope with multiple natural modes of structure equipped with a limited number of sensors and actuators. Two control algorithms were developed based on the assumption of collocated control. One is the decentralized virtual tuned mass damper control that produces the actuator signal using only the accelerometer signal of that actuator position. The other is the centralized virtual tuned mass damper control that is designed in modal-space, and produces the modal control force using the modal coordinate. Both the theoretical and experimental results show that the proposed control algorithms are effective in suppressing multiple natural modes with a lesser number of sensors and actuators. However, the decentralized virtual tuned mass damper control can be designed and implemented more easily than the centralized virtual tuned mass damper control.
A national study of the availability of law enforcement agency wellness programming for officers: A latent class analysis
Authors: Taylor Bruce G , Liu Weiwei , Mumford Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to understand the availability of employee wellness programs within law enforcement agencies (LEAs) across the United States, including physical fitness, resilience/wellness, coping skills, nutrition, mental health treatment, and substance use treatment. The research team investigated whether patterns of LEA wellness programming are identifiable and, if so, what characteristics describe these patterns. We assess using latent class analysis whether there are distinct profiles of agencies with similar patterns offering different types of wellness programs and explore what characteristics distinguish agencies with certain profiles of wellness programming. Data were from a nationally representative sample of 1135 LEAs: 80.1% municipal, 18.6% county and 1.3% other agencies (state-level and Bureau of Indian Affairs LEAs). We found that many agencies (62%) offer no wellness programming. We also found that 23% have comprehensive wellness programming, and that another group of agencies specialize in specific wellness programming. About 14% of the agencies have a high probability of providing resilience coping skill education, mental health and/or substance use treatment services programming. About 1% of the agencies in the United States limit their programming to fitness and nutrition, indicating that fitness and nutrition programs are more likely to be offered in concert with other types of wellness programs. The analyses revealed that agencies offering broad program support are more likely to be large, municipal LEAs located in either the West, Midwest or Northeast (compared with the southern United States), and not experiencing a recent budget cut that impacted wellness programming.
Sliding mode control for overturning prevention and hardware-in-loop experiment of heavy-duty vehicles based on dynamical load transfer ratio prediction
Authors: Lu Yongjie , Han Yinfeng , Huang Weihong , Wang Yang
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the rollover risk of heavy-duty vehicles, an adaptive rollover prediction and control algorithm based on identification of multiple road adhesion coefficients is proposed, and the control effect has been verified by hardware-in-the-loop experiments. Based on the establishment of a 3 DOFs (Degree of freedom) vehicle dynamic model, the roll angle of the vehicle dynamic model is estimated in real time by using Kalman filter algorithm. In order to ensure the real-time operation of anti-rollover control strategy for multi-body dynamic heavy vehicle model, a sliding mode variable structure controller for anti-rollover of vehicles is designed to determine the optimal yaw moment. Specially, the recognition algorithm of road surface type is integrated into the control rollover algorithm. When the control system with road recognition algorithm recognizes whether the vehicle is in danger of rollover, it can not only adjust the state of the vehicle, but also shorten the time to reach the stable area of the vehicle's lateral load transfer rate by about 2 s. In order to further improve its adaptability and control accuracy, a Hardware-in-loop test platform for three-axis heavy-duty vehicles is built to verify the proposed anti-rollover control strategy. The results prove that the proposed control strategy can accurately predict the rollover risk and control the rollover in time.
Community multiculturalism and immigrant crime
Authors: Leerkes Arjen , Fokkema Tineke , Jennissen Roel
Published: December 2021

There is considerable international and local-level variation in immigrant crime. In this article, we propose a theoretical model to better understand that contextual variation. Furthermore, we present the results of our first attempts to empirically assess the validity of the framework, focussing on local-level variation in crime among residents of Turkish or Moroccan origin in the Netherlands. The proposed model connects Berry's acculturation theory to criminological theories, using relevant findings from the immigration acculturation literature as starting points. It theorises that host societies with a ‘multicultural acculturation orientation’ tend to reduce immigrant crime by fostering informal social control and attenuating criminogenic strains. The empirical analyses explore whether local-level variation in multicultural attitudes among the native-Dutch indeed predicts municipal variation in the number of registered suspected crimes among first- and second-generation immigrants, focussing on men of Turkish or Moroccan origin residing in 35 Dutch cities. The empirical analyses are based on a unique database that combines aggregated survey data, which were used to measure natives’ acculturation attitudes, with administrative microdata, including micro-level police data. Evidence is found for a protective effect of local-level multiculturalism for first-generation immigrant crime in particular, especially for immigrant men living in larger local immigrant communities. We also find stronger effects for the more cohesive and societally accepted Turkish-Dutch group than for the more fragmented and excluded Moroccan-Dutch.
Liquid-mediated particle capture by nonwoven filter media for automotive engine intake air filtration
Authors: Yadav Shivendra , Das Dipayan
Published: December 2021

This article reports on development, characterization, and performance of liquid-treated nonwoven air filter media for automotive engine intake application. A polypropylene fiber-based needle-punched nonwoven fabric was prepared for treatment with four viscous liquids (glycerol, SAE 20W/50 engine oil, PEG 400, and deionized water) by liquid spraying technique. The filtration performance was evaluated in terms of initial and final gravimetric filtration efficiencies, fractional filtration efficiency, evolution of pressure drop, and dust holding capacity. The liquid-treated filter media registered higher gravimetric as well as fractional filtration efficiency and higher dust holding capacity as compared to the untreated ones. The initial and final gravimetric filtration efficiencies were found to be directly related to liquid add-on via a power law relationship. The liquid-treated filter media also exhibited higher fractional filtration efficiency than their untreated counterparts for all sizes of tested particles. Interestingly, the increase of fractional efficiency was more for smaller particles as compared to larger ones. This was explained quantitatively through single fiber efficiency due to adhesion. The viscosity of liquid was found to be a very crucial parameter as the dust deposition morphology was contingent to the flow of liquid onto the filter media. The stickiest liquid yielded highest filtration efficiencies, displayed slowest rise of pressure drop, and exhibited highest dust holding capacity.
Parallel K-Wire Placement Leads to Fusion and Midcarpal Settling in Scaphoid Excision Four-Corner Fusion
Authors: Laudermilch Dann , Morales-Restrepo Alejandro , Bhogal Sumail , Kaufmann Robert A.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Scaphoid excision 4-corner fusion is a motion-sparing procedure in patients with advanced radioscaphoid arthritis. This study introduces an alternate technique for scaphoid excision 4-corner fusion using a parallel Kirschner wire (K-wire) construct across the midcarpal joints that leads to reliable fusion rates, and good patient outcomes.

Methods:

This is a single-surgeon, retrospective study of patients who underwent scaphoid excision 4-corner fusion, using a parallel K-wire construct across the midcarpal joints. Once fusion was achieved, K-wires were removed. Radiographic union rate, time to union, capitolunate angle, capitolunate coverage, and amount of midcarpal settling are measured. Patient-reported outcome measures and descriptive statistics are presented.

Results:

Sixty-five wrists were included in this study with a mean age of 50.1 years. One patient was lost to follow-up. All 64 wrists (100%) fused at an average of 2.6 months. The mean capitolunate angle was 7°, and capitolunate coverage was 99.2%. Fifty-two patients (81%) had adequate radiographs for measurement. Average midcarpal settling was 1.1 mm. Thirty-two patients (51%) were available for long-term follow-up at an average of 5.3 years (0.7-10.2 years), and participated in patient reported outcomes (PRO) surveys. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 16.6, and numeric pain rating scale score was 1.8.

Conclusions:

Parallel K-wire placement across the midcarpal joints with scaphoid leads to a high rate of fusion with good patient outcomes long term. Midcarpal settling that occurs through dynamic compression around the K-wires may have contributed to bony fusion. This technique may provide an alternative approach to achieving reliable fusion across the midcarpal joints.
Evaluation of the COVID-19 Infection Rate in the Perioperative Period of Elective Surgeries of the Hand and Microsurgery
Authors: Bertelli Vinícius Thiago Conde , Rosifini Alves Rezende Luis Guilherme , Shimaoka Filipe Jun , Mandarano Filho Luiz Garcia , Mazzer Nilton , Barbieri Cláudio Henrique
Published: December 2021

Background:

After the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]), the world started reducing the number of elective surgeries to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus. Some priority elective surgeries were performed, and there was no increase in contagion rates due to safety protocols and protection measures. The study aims to present the coronavirus infection rate of elective hand surgeries and microsurgery performed during pandemics.

Methods:

A retrospective study evaluating 188 patients submitted to elective surgical procedures. The exclusion criteria were patients infected by COVID-19 before the surgery and patients who submitted to trauma surgery. Only 108 patients were eligible for this study. The mean age was 47.8 years (range: 15 days-81 years). There were 63 females and 45 males. They were divided into 2 groups: outpatient (n = 49) and inpatient (n = 59) procedures.

Results:

The overall COVID infection rate was 6.48%. The outpatient infection rate was 2.08%, whereas the inpatient infection rate was 10.17% (Student t test: P = .089). The main factor correlated with infection in the postoperative period was the number of postoperative outpatient visits (Student t test: P = .089). No statistical differences were observed between the variables studied, but there was a tendency for patients who submitted to inpatient surgery to get infected by COVID-19 ( P = .089). The statistical power was 0.8 (Cohen’s d test), showing that large samples are needed to analyze the correlation better.

Conclusion:

We concluded that the safety of performing elective hand surgery during the pandemic remains unclear, and more studies with larger samples are needed.
Vascular supply of the hindbrain: Basic longitudinal and axial angioarchitecture
Authors: Ota Takahiro , Komiyama Masaki
Published: December 2021

The basic pattern of arterial vascularization is highly conserved across vertebrates and develops under neuromeric rules. The hindbrain has an angioarchitecture that is homologous to that of the spinal cord, and the hindbrain vascular system can be analyzed at the longitudinal and axial structures. During development, there are two main longitudinal arteries: the longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. This review discusses the basic pattern of the blood supply of the hindbrain, the development of vascularization, and the anatomical variations, with a special reference to the embryological point of view of two main longitudinal anastomoses (longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis). The formation of commonly observed variations, such as fenestration and duplication of the vertebrobasilar artery, or primitive trigeminal artery variant, can be explained by the partial persistence of the primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. Understanding the pattern and the development of the blood supply of the hindbrain provides useful information of the various anomalies of the vertebrobasilar junction and cerebellar arteries.
A systematic review of key contextual challenges facing school principals: Research-informed coping solutions
Authors: Tamadoni Alireza , Hosseingholizadeh Rezvan , Bellibaş Mehmet Şükrü
Published: December 2021

The function of school leadership has been significantly changed by the multi-layered school context to meet the demands of stakeholders. Increasing autonomy and accountability pressures have made it difficult to maintain the balance of principals’ tasks, which gives rise to a variety of challenges. This study adopted a descriptive quantitative form of a systematic review to analyse 169 related studies about the challenges faced principals and research-informed coping solutions for such challenges published in the international journals indexed by the WoS, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases between 2001 and 2020. This analysis identified 734 contextual challenges, including challenges related to principals’ roles and actions (31.3%) influenced by institutional contexts (24%), socio-cultural contexts (11%), stakeholders (3.4%), and parents (5.2%). Additional contextual challenges were related to the leading staff (6%) and teachers (7.9%). Finally, 11.2% of the contextual challenges corresponded with concerns about student performance. This research highlights the need for modifying leadership preparation programs in a context sensitive manner, active participation of all stakeholders in setting school targets and methods for achieving them, and creating a supportive culture that encourages mutual progressive trust between governments, local communities, and school principals.
A nurse-led conceptual model to inform patient-centred, type 2 diabetes mellitus management in public clinical settings
Authors: Foluke Bosun-Arije Stella , Chibuzor Nwakasi Candidus , Ekpenyong Mandu , Serrant Laura , Esther Sunday-Abel Temitope , Ling Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Background

Globally, there is an increased need to provide patient-centred care for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In Nigeria, a poorly financed health system has worsened the difficulties associated with managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in clinical settings, causing a detrimental effect on patient-centred care.

Aims

We aimed to develop a conceptual model to promote patient-centred type 2 diabetes mellitus care in clinical settings. We explored nurses’ contextual perceptions of clinical practices and operations in light of type 2 diabetes mellitus management across public hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. Identifying a nurse-led intervention is critical to care optimisation for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We adopted a qualitative approach. Using the constant comparison method and semi-structured questions and interviewed practice nurses, with over one year’s experience and who were working in public hospitals across Lagos, Nigeria. The framework method was used to analyse the data obtained.

Results

Nurses provided insight into four areas of patient-centred type 2 diabetes mellitus management in clinical settings: empowering collaboration; empowering flexibility; empowering approach; and empowering practice. Nurses discussed an empowering pathway through which health settings could provide patient-centred care to individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathway entailed the integration of macro, meso and micro levels for patient management. Nurses’ accounts have informed the development of a conceptual model for the optimisation of patient care.

Conclusions

The model developed from this research sits within the patient-centred care model of healthcare delivery. The research sits within the patient-centred care model of healthcare delivery. inform patient-centred care, not only in countries with poorly financed healthcare systems, but in developed countries with comparatively better healthcare.
Automated Bolus Calculators and Connected Insulin Pens: A Smart Combination for Multiple Daily Injection Insulin Therapy
Authors: Ahn David T
Published: December 2021

Although automated bolus calculators (ABCs) have become a mainstay in insulin pump therapy, they have not achieved similar levels of adoption by persons with diabetes (PWD) using multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI). Only a small number of blood glucose meters (BGMs) have incorporated ABC functionality and the proliferation of unregulated ABC smartphone apps raised safety concerns and eventually led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–mandated regulatory oversight for these types of apps. With the recent introduction of smartphone-connected insulin pens, manufacturer-supported companion ABC apps may offer an ideal solution for PWD and health care professionals that reduces errors of mental math when calculating bolus insulin dosing, increases the quality of diabetes data reporting, and improves glycemic outcomes.
Recolonization of Former Range by Endangered Banteng Bos javanicus in Mae Wong National Park, Thailand
Authors: Phoonjampa Rungnapa , Steinmetz Robert , Phumanee Worrapan , Bunchornratana Komsan , Kaewsrisod Teerawut , Srirattanaporn Surasak , Taraphibarl Kitiphat , Bejraburnin Thawatchai , Bhumpakphan Naris
Published: December 2021

Many large ungulate species, including the banteng ( Bos javanicus), are on the verge of extinction. Mae Wong National Park in Thailand was once a haven for banteng due to its abundance of preferred habitat, but the species was extirpated in the 1970s due to logging and hunting, before park designation. Mae Wong is connected with Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK), which retains the largest banteng population remaining in Thailand. In 2019, Mae Wong park rangers reported suspected banteng footprints near HKK. We used camera traps to verify the presence of banteng and determine their population structure and activity pattern. We observed at least nine individual bantengs (range 1–7 each month) during the 15-month survey, including three adult males, two adult females, three juveniles, and 1 calf. Solitary males and herds (up to five animals) were observed, reflecting typical social structure. Banteng were detected throughout the survey and across all seasons, suggesting a resident population. Our research confirms the return of banteng to Mae Wong after an absence of over 40 years. The banteng likely dispersed from HKK, emphasizing the importance of landscape connectivity and source sites for recovery of endangered species. Though still small, the Mae Wong population is breeding, which is significant for future population recovery. Protection, community outreach, and habitat management can help secure this population. As banteng is the preferred food of tigers, their recovery will benefit tiger conservation in Mae Wong as well.
Mitapivat, a novel pyruvate kinase activator, for the treatment of hereditary hemolytic anemias
Authors: Al-Samkari Hanny , van Beers Eduard J.
Published: December 2021

Mitapivat (AG-348) is a novel, first-in-class oral small molecule allosteric activator of the pyruvate kinase enzyme. Mitapivat has been shown to significantly upregulate both wild-type and numerous mutant forms of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR), increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and reducing levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Given this mechanism, mitapivat has been evaluated in clinical trials in a wide range of hereditary hemolytic anemias, including pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), sickle cell disease, and the thalassemias. The clinical development of mitapivat in adults with PKD is nearly complete, with the completion of two successful phase III clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Given these findings, mitapivat has the potential to be the first approved therapeutic for PKD. Mitapivat has additionally been evaluated in a phase II trial of patients with alpha- and beta-thalassemia and a phase I trial of patients with sickle cell disease, with findings suggesting safety and efficacy in these more common hereditary anemias. Following these successful early-phase trials, two phase III trials of mitapivat in thalassemia and a phase II/III trial of mitapivat in sickle cell disease are beginning worldwide. Promising preclinical studies have additionally been done evaluating mitapivat in hereditary spherocytosis, suggesting potential efficacy in erythrocyte membranopathies as well. With convenient oral dosing and a safety profile comparable with placebo in adults with PKD, mitapivat is a promising new therapeutic for several hereditary hemolytic anemias, including those without any currently US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA)–approved drug therapies. This review discusses the preclinical studies, pharmacology, and clinical trials of mitapivat.
The use of OCT in good visual acuity MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD patients; with and without optic neuritis
Authors: Roca-Fernández A , Camera V , Loncarevic-Whitaker G , Messina S , Mariano R , Vincent A , Sharma S , Leite MI , Palace J
Published: December 2021

Myelin oligodendrocyte-antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) often presents with severe optic neuritis (ON) but tends to recover better than in aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD). We measured OCT and VEP in MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD eyes with good visual function, with or without previous ON episodes. Surprisingly, OCT and/or VEPs were abnormal in 84% MOGAD-ON versus 38% AQP4-NMOSD-ON eyes (p = 0.009) with good vision, compared with 18% and 17% respectively of eyes with no previous ON. A sub-group with macular OCT performed as part of a research study confirmed both retinal and macular defects in visually-recovered MOGAD eyes. These findings have implications for investigation and management of MOGAD patients.
Writing Center Visitors: Influence of L1 Writing Skills on Students’ Exophonic Writings
Authors: Murdoch Yvette Denise , Lim Hyejung , Cho Jiyoung
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the influence of acquired L1 writing skills on exophonic writings of students ( N = 147) from diverse majors, who visited an English writing center for assistance. Affective differences revealed students with L1 writing tutelage (WL1) had lower avoidance behavior and higher extrinsic motivation and writing self-efficacy. Self-perceived L2 writing ability was found to be a principal factor for WL1. Writing self-efficacy appeared essential for students without L1 writing tutelage (WOL1). Regression analysis found learner self-beliefs and somatic anxiety (negative) influenced self-perceived L2 writing ability for WL1, and holistic self-beliefs on English writing (HSE) and cognitive ability (negative) for WOL1. Acquired L1 writing skills did not tangibly influence L2 performance. No large impact factors were found for WL1, but HSE and attitudes & reaction (negative) impacted WOL1 performance. Implications such as performance may not be a main concern among exophonic writers, and the need for English writing centers in non-L1 (English) countries are discussed.
Authenticity of Identity and Second Language Learning
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on authenticity of second language identity which has been at issue. Previous research of the authenticity of second language identity has revealed that second language identity may be inauthentic due to the impact from social context and the individual’s competence and desires. The discussion in this article aims at exploring causes for the possible inauthenticity of second language identity further. The discussion is carried out in a theoretical framework consisting of Sociocultural Identity Theory of Second Language Learning and Identity Theory. It is revealed that besides individual learners’ insufficient second language proficiency to support their free expression, contributive factors include: their possible disadvantageous position in power relations in a second language context, the lack of immediate and realistic social context, and the possible imagined membership in the target language community in a foreign language context. Based on the discussion, suggestions are made for second language teaching and learning practice.
Music Therapy for Anxiety and Pain After Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wood Christina , Cutshall Susanne M. , Lawson Donna K. , Ochtrup Heidi M. , Henning Noelle B. , Larsen Brianna E. , Bauer Brent A. , Mahapatra Saswati , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Music therapy (MT) programs have been used in various health care settings to reduce patients’ pain, anxiety, and stress. However, few studies have investigated its effects on patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), a frequently serious event requiring extensive rehabilitation.

Objective

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of offering music-assisted relaxation (MAR) during rehabilitation for patients with SCI. We also measured the effect of MAR on the patients’ pain, anxiety, and stress levels.

Methods

Patients were hospitalized at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) from September 2015 through September 2017 for rehabilitation of an SCI. Eligible patients received 2, 20-minute, personalized MAR sessions. Interventions were facilitated by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and included diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and passive muscle relaxation with live guitar accompaniment and spoken, improvised, or singing voice. Two surveys (Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7] and Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-10]) were used at the time of study consent and again upon hospital dismissal. Pain, anxiety, and relaxation were assessed before and after both MT sessions with visual analog scales (VASs), scored from 0 to 10. Participants completed a 7-question satisfaction survey after the second MAR session.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled (12 men, 8 women); 13 (65%) completed the MAR interventions. The mean (SD) age was 53.7 (17.7) years. VAS scores for pain significantly improved after both sessions (P ≤ .02). VAS scores for anxiety also significantly improved after both sessions (P ≤ .02), as did VAS scores for relaxation (P ≤ .02 for both). The satisfaction survey indicated that patients generally believed that they benefited from MT. Rehabilitation staff indicated that MT did not interfere with routine clinical care.

Conclusion

MT with live MAR is a feasible treatment for patients with SCI and may be effective for reducing their pain and anxiety.
Diamond open global research on Chinese education
Authors: Coates Hamish , Shi Jinghuan , Zhang Juan , Yang Juan
Published: December 2021

In this editorial we take stock IJCE’s shift from a prestigious paperoriented small-scale journal into a journal focused on globally open publication. Taking stock of the first 11 months, we look at characteristics and implications of this shift, metrics of success, and review published article highlights.
Facilitating Behavior Change in Plastic Surgery Patients Who Inject Drugs Through Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Olaiya Oluwatobi , Alagabi Awwal , Igboanugo Sonia , Glass Morgan L. , McRae Mark , Amaladoss Alfred
Published: December 2021

Background: Plastic surgeons treat a large volume of patients with upper limb morbidity resulting from intravenous drug use. The use of motivational interviewing by health care providers has demonstrated effectiveness in eliciting behavioral change, leading to improved health outcomes. This paper aims to explore the concept and process of motivational interviewing and its role in facilitating behavior change in the plastic surgery setting. Methods: The authors reviewed the literature on motivational interviewing in various health care settings. Results: Motivational interviewing, first developed in the field of psychology, has demonstrated effectiveness in facilitating behavior change in various clinical contexts, including brief clinical encounters. Using motivational interviewing guides the patient as they move through the stages of readiness for change in dealing with unhealthy behaviors. The authors demonstrate these techniques in a supplemental instructional video. Conclusions: Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based method for facilitating behavior change. All plastic surgeons should be prepared to use this person-centred counselling method in clinical practice.
Political Violence and Child Height: Evidence from the 2003 Casablanca Bombings
Authors: Nguyen My
Published: December 2021

This article examines how inutero exposure to political violence affects early childhood health within the context of the 2003 Casablanca bombings in Morocco. Exploiting the variation across districts and birth months–years within a difference-in-differences framework, we uncover the detrimental association between inutero exposure to the bombings and child height. Prenatally exposed children are 0.743 standard deviations shorter for their age. Children who were prenatally exposed to the bombings are 0.743 standard deviations shorter for their age. When examining the relative importance of exposure timing, we found that being exposed to the bombings during the first trimester has the most impact on a child’s height.
Urban form in Canada at a small-area level: Quantifying “compactness” and “sprawl” with bayesian multivariate spatial factor analysis
Authors: Luan Hui , Fuller Daniel
Published: December 2021

Quantifying urban forms to explore urban compactness or sprawl has become increasingly popular in multiple fields in the past decades. However, previous studies predominantly analyze the multidimensional phenomenon at large-area levels such as metropolitan areas, concealing variations that probably occur at small-area levels. Canadian studies measuring urban forms are usually conducted at the regional level with inconsistent indicators and approaches, hindering meaningful comparisons of compactness or sprawling between different regions. This study bridges a previous gap by applying Bayesian multivariate spatial factor analysis to construct a new composite urban compactness index for all Census Tracts (CT) in Canada. Nine urban form indictors representing four dimensions, density, centering, land use, and street connectivity are used in developing the index. Posterior probability is used to detect CTs that are most compact or sprawling. Results indicate that gross population and employment densities best characterize urban compactness at the CT level while land-use mix is the least central indictor to define the multi-faceted concept. Notable differences of urban compactness are detected across Canada and among different Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA). The most compact CTs usually locate in downtown or city center areas of a CMA. Larger and more populous CMAs, which also capture a larger extent of periphery areas, are not necessarily more compact and vice versa, suggesting the need to measure local variations of urban compactness. The constructed composite index allows direct urban compactness comparisons across different Canadian regions. Findings from this study can be used to guide smart and sustainable urban development in Canada.
Pharmacist Hypertension Management Quality Review at an Ambulatory Care Clinic
Authors: Chonko Kayla , Axtell Sandra , Mayzel Bianca
Published: December 2021

Background: A reduction of 10 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreases the risk of major cardiovascular disease events. Pharmacists’ management of blood pressure may assist with this reduction. Objective: Assess the impact of pharmacist management of hypertension via a collaborative practice agreement with physicians in an ambulatory care clinic. Methods: The first phase of this study was a retrospective chart review of physician/nurse hypertension visits from October 2019 to August 2020. The second prospective phase consisted of pharmacist managed hypertension visits from December 2020 to January 2021. The primary outcome was the change in SBP from the beginning to the end of the study period in the prospective group. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving their blood pressure goal and the proportion of patients adherent to all antihypertensive medications at their follow-up visits in both groups. This study was institutional review board approved. Results: Forty-seven patients were included and analyzed (24 in the retrospective group and 23 in the prospective group). Patients in the prospective group had an average SBP lowering of 10.83 mm Hg ( P = .0035). Thirteen patients (56.5%) met their blood pressure goal of <130/80 mm Hg in the prospective group, compared to 5 patients (20.8%) in the retrospective group ( P = .012). One adverse event occurred during this study. Limitations included small sample size and short duration of study. Conclusion: Patients had an average SBP lowering of >10 mm Hg. More patients reached a goal blood pressure of <130/80 mm Hg when managed by pharmacists.
Obinutuzumab plus lenalidomide in advanced, previously untreated follicular lymphoma in need of systemic therapy: a LYSA study
Authors: Bachy Emmanuel , Houot Roch , Feugier Pierre , Bouabdallah Krimo , Bouabdallah Reda , Virelizier Emmanuelle Nicolas , Maerevoet Marie , Fruchart Christophe , Snauwaert Sylvia , Le Gouill Steven , Marolleau Jean-Pierre , Molina Lysiane , Moluçon-Chabrot Cécile , Thieblemont Catherine , Tilly Hervé , Bijou Fontanet , Haioun Corinne , Van den Neste Eric , Fabiani Bettina , Meignan Michel , Cartron Guillaume , Salles Gilles , Casasnovas Olivier , Morschhauser Franck
Published: December 2021

Obinutuzumab and lenalidomide (referred to as the GALEN combination) is an active immunomodulatory combination with a manageable safety profile in multiple types of lymphoma. We report efficacy and safety results for the phase 2 GALEN study in previously untreated patients with advanced follicular lymphoma (FL). Eligible patients aged ≥18 years had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 and high-tumor burden, grade 1 to 3a FL. Induction treatment was obinutuzumab (1000 mg IV, days 8, 15, and 22, cycle 1; day 1, cycles 2-6) plus lenalidomide (20 mg/d, days 1-21, cycle 1; days 2-22, cycles 2-6) for six 28-day cycles. Maintenance included obinutuzumab (1000 mg every 2 cycles) plus lenalidomide (10 mg, days 2-22) for ≤12 cycles (year 1) followed by obinutuzumab (1000 mg every 56 days) for 6 cycles (year 2). The primary end point was complete response rate (CRR) after induction per the 1999 International Working Group criteria. From October 2015 to February 2017, a total of 100 patients were enrolled. CRR after induction was 47%, and the overall response rate (ORR) was 92%. Post hoc analyses per the 2014 Lugano classification, including patients with missing bone marrow assessments, identified an additional 13 patients fulfilling CRR criteria, resulting in a complete metabolic response of 80% and an ORR of 94%. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 82% and 94%, respectively. The most common adverse event was neutropenia (48% any grade; 47% grade ≥3). Only 2% of patients presented with febrile neutropenia; others were mainly grade ≤2. No other specific grade ≥3 toxicity occurred at a frequency >3%. Overall, these results showed promising clinical efficacy for the chemotherapy-free GALEN backbone in previously untreated patients with high tumor burden FL. Except for neutropenia, the safety profile of the combination is remarkable. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01582776.
Smouldering fire or conflagration? An illustrated update on the concept of inflammation in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Perros Frédéric , Humbert Marc , Dorfmüller Peter
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition that is characterised by a progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistances that leads to right ventricular failure and death, if untreated. The underlying narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature relies on several independent and interdependent biological pathways, such as genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes, imbalance of vasodilating and vasoconstrictive mediators, as well as dysimmunity and inflammation that will trigger endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell proliferation, fibroblast activation and collagen deposition. Progressive constriction of the pulmonary vasculature, in turn, initiates and sustains hypertrophic and maladaptive myocardial remodelling of the right ventricle. In this review, we focus on the role of inflammation and dysimmunity in PAH which is generally accepted today, although existing PAH-specific medical therapies still lack targeted immune-modulating approaches.
Perioperative approach to precapillary pulmonary hypertension in non-cardiac non-obstetric surgery
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debabrata , Lai Christopher , Pulido Juan N. , Restrepo-Jaramillo Ricardo , Tonelli Adriano R. , Humbert Marc
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) confers a significant challenge in perioperative care. It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. A considerable amount of information about management of patients with PH has emerged over the past decade. However, there is still a paucity of information to guide perioperative evaluation and management of these patients. Yet, a satisfactory outcome is feasible by focusing on elaborate disease-adapted anaesthetic management of this complex disease with a multidisciplinary approach. The cornerstone of the peri-anaesthetic management of patients with PH is preservation of right ventricular (RV) function with attention on maintaining RV preload, contractility and limiting increase in RV afterload at each stage of the patient's perioperative care. Pre-anaesthetic evaluation, choice of anaesthetic agents, proper fluid management, appropriate ventilation, correction of hypoxia, hypercarbia, acid–base balance and pain control are paramount in this regard. Essentially, the perioperative management of PH patients is intricate and multifaceted. Unfortunately, a comprehensive evidence-based guideline is lacking to navigate us through this complex process. We conducted a literature review on patients with PH with a focus on the perioperative evaluation and suggest management algorithms for these patients during non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgery.