bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is Nonviolence? A Dialogue with Ramchandra Gandhi, Saadat Hasan Manto, and Mahasweta Devi
Authors: Raveh Daniel
Published: July 2022

This paper is an attempt to make sense of the notion and ideal of nonviolence in these ultra-violent days. The paper is a dialogue with three “specialists” of violence, who nevertheless aspire to a different, brighter horizon: Ramchandra Gandhi (henceforth R. Gandhi), Saadat Hasan Manto and Mahasweta Devi. R. Gandhi is one of the most intriguing voices of twentieth-century Indian philosophy. Manto and Mahasweta are writers, the former known for his short partition stories in Urdu; the latter for her gut-wrenching literature in Bengali. All three dare to look violence in the eye, implying that nonviolence can only emerge from deep reflection on violence as an inherent human tendency. Violence is part of me as much as of anyone else. R. Gandhi argues that partition, the cradle of violence, is in the eye, and suggests that we can train the human gaze, our gaze, to prioritize the common denominator between you and I, which hides under the obvious differences between us. For Manto, the remedy is to be found in language. He implies that an ethical dimension is concealed within language, waiting to be excavated. Mahasweta gives voice to those unheard. Acknowledging the unacknowledged, she and Manto show us, is an act of nonviolence.
De la critique de l’Orientalisme au nouvel Humanisme
Authors: Turki Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Résumé

Juste avant sa mort précoce il y a près de vingt ans, Edward Saïd nous a légué en signe de testament l’un de ses derniers ouvrages Humanisme et démocratie dans lequel il a étalé sa vision du monde futur et montré l’impact que doit avoir l’humanisme sur la conception démocratique de la praxis politique. Son projet consiste en effet à réhabiliter l’humanisme pris déjà pour cible par le courant structuraliste antihumaniste au milieu du vingtième siècle et à le réintégrer dans le processus démocratique de l’action politique et sociale. Il s’agit en effet, comme il l’exprime, « d’une méditation approfondie sur les possibilités concrètes de l’humanisme comme pratique durable et non comme propriété, sur ce qu’une activité humaniste implique, plutôt qu’une énumération des qualités souhaitables chez un humaniste ».

Tout en se référant aux événements politiques des dernières décennies et à ses expériences propres dans ce domaine, particulièrement son engagement pour la cause palestinienne, Edward Saïd considère que l’humanisme présente une base solide pour bâtir une société et une culture séculaires ouvertes au monde dominé actuellement par l’impérialisme et la mondialisation. Ce qui lui importe au fond le plus, « c’est l’humanisme en tant que praxis utile aux intellectuels qui veulent comprendre ce qu’ils font, à quoi rime leur engagement en tant que chercheurs, et qui veulent également relier ces principes au monde dans lequel ils vivent comme citoyens ».

Ce n’est pas en vérité une recette toute prête à résoudre les crises ou les problèmes politiques actuels mais, à la lueur de la synthèse théorique et pratique qu’il opère dans cette œuvre, Saïd nous permet aujourd’hui de relire et comprendre les événements des révolutions arabes et d’en tirer les conséquences critiques, car son projet offre la possibilité de se pencher de manière critique sur le rôle public que doit jouer l’intellectuel dans la consolidation du processus démocratique. Il indique également comment on peut participer à l’élaboration d’une culture humaniste de coexistence et de partage à la place d’une culture d’exclusion, de terreur et de guerre telle qu’on est en train de vivre actuellement dans plusieurs pays du monde.

Notre feuille de travail tend à rappeler le trajet qu’a suivi Edward Saïd dans son cursus théorique et pratique depuis la parution de son écrit l’Orientalisme tout en passant par Culture et impérialisme jusqu’à Humanisme et Démocratie, et de mettre en exergue les idées fortes de cette œuvre et leurs répercussions sur les études post-orientalistes et postcoloniales.
Sanfoqi 三佛齊 as a Designation for “Srivijaya”
Authors: Kurz Johannes L.
Published: July 2022

Textual evidence for the existence of Srivijaya (variously addressed as a state, kingdom, or empire in southeastern Sumatra) is very limited and rests on inscriptions as well as a manageable number of pre-modern Chinese texts. According to prevailing scholarly conventions, the term Shilifoshi 室利佛逝 (and variants) in early Tang dynasty texts was replaced in the Song dynasty by the term Sanfoqi 三佛齊. This connection allowed for an extension of Srivijayan history from the early Tang in the seventh century to the mid-Song period in the twelfth century. This essay argues that preconceived interpretations of the original Chinese texts identified Sanfoqi with Srivijaya. A survey of the existing Western scholarship allows the conclusion that assumptions made by early scholars of Srivijayan history have transformed into assured knowledge only in the absence of a stricter philological engagement with the relevant texts from the Song dynasty.
Youths and Varieties of Globalism in Asia: an Editorial Introduction
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chang , Yi Chin-Chun
Published: July 2022

How global and local forces play out in affecting youths in different places is a most intriguing question for researchers concerned with youths in an era of globalization. The challenge is to develop systematic conceptions to compare and understand the agencies and meanings of global and local practices by young people. This special issue, titled “Youths and varieties of globalism in Asia”, can be seen as an endeavor to fulfill this goal. Four articles collected herein offer new empirical findings and explore new frontiers across Japan, Taiwan and Australia. They together represent a feast of innovative ways to examine the links between young people and globalization.
Cognitive Dissonance Bias Among Stock Market Investors
Authors:   , 2 and, Dassani Preksha , Kittu Manda Vijaya , . Deepak
Published: July 2022

The cognitive dissonance theory, formulated by Psychologist Leon Festinger, revealed that inconsistency in beliefs or behaviour among individuals causes psychological tension or dissonance due to exposure to new information. Investor behaviour is prone to several biases that refrains them from making rational decisions. They often reluctantly stick to their original decision even though it is costly. An online and offline survey using a structured questionnaire was used and data was collected from 250 stock market investors of Visakhapatnam, India. With the use of mean and one-way ANOVA - the relationship between independent variable (income, investment amount, education qualification, age, gender and investor experience) and dependent variables (cognitive dissonance) - it was revealed that investors were prone to cognitive dissonance bias. The research shows that cognitive dissonance bias causes investors to make sub-optimal choices. Based on the findings, recommendations were put forth to help investors mitigate their susceptibility to cognitive dissonance bias.
Circular Economy-driven Sustainability Adoption Practices in the Food Supply Chain: An Analysis of Managerial Perceptions
Authors: Nath Tribhuvan , Shrestha  , Sharma Priya
Published: July 2022

The circular economy has emerged as a new paradigm for sustainability. The ‘take-make-reutilise’ concept of the circular model is considered to be far more superior to the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ linear model. The concepts of circular economy and sustainability are closely related; the circular economy is considered a driver to more sustainable business. Our existing global food system is highly unsustainable. Roughly, one-third of the total food produced gets lost or waste at different stages of food supply chain. Further, the agriculture sector is also a victim of and a major contributor to climate change. Hence, our food system is in urgent need of transformation from the existing unsustainable to be made more sustainable and healthier. So, it is critically important to adopt circular economy-driven sustainability practices in the food industry and its supply chain. While there have been many studies in the past which built conceptual knowledge on the circular economy and sustainable food business practices, rarely any study attempts to investigate the perception of food business managers/executives by integrating both concepts. The article analyses the circular-economy driven sustainability adoption practices in the food supply chain. Based on the survey of managers and business executives of 26 selected food companies in India, the study investigates the managerial perception on sustainability adoption practices in food supply chain. The findings indicate that food business managers and executives believe that adoption of sustainable practices is extremely important for food business sustainability. However, their sustainability adoption practices were found to be on moderate level across the food supply chain. The major recommendation is that the government should take the proactive approach to educate the agri-food industry particularly the traditional food enterprises including SMEs about the benefits of the adoption of circular economy and sustainability approaches. Policy-based initiatives are required to develop the enabling conditions in terms of provision of necessary infrastructure, delivering technical-know, promoting innovations and extending the financial support for successful adoption of circular economy-driven sustainability practices by agri-food sector and its supply chain.
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Differences Following Experimental Manipulation of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Two Directions via Theta-Burst Stimulation
Authors: Price Rebecca B. , Ferrarelli Fabio , Hanlon Colleen , Gillan Claire M. , Kim Tae , Siegle Greg J. , Wallace Meredith L. , Renard Marlee , Kaskie Rachel , Degutis Michelle , Wears Anna , Brown Vanessa , Rengasamy Manivel , Ahmari Susanne E.
Published: July 2022

Compulsive behaviors (CBs) have been linked to orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function in animal and human studies. However, brain regions function not in isolation but as components of widely distributed brain networks—such as those indexed via resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC). Sixty-nine individuals with CB disorders were randomized to receive a single session of neuromodulation targeting the left OFC—intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) or continuous TBS (cTBS)—followed immediately by computer-based behavioral “habit override” training. OFC seeds were used to quantify RSFC following iTBS and following cTBS. Relative to cTBS, iTBS showed increased RSFC between right OFC (Brodmann’s area 47) and other areas, including dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), occipital cortex, and a priori dorsal and ventral striatal regions. RSFC connectivity effects were correlated with OFC/frontopolar target engagement and with subjective difficulty during habit-override training. Findings help reveal neural network-level impacts of neuromodulation paired with a specific behavioral context, informing mechanistic intervention development.
What role does the seed coat play during symbiotic seed germination in orchids: an experimental approach with Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Chen Xiang-Gui , Wu Yi-Hua , Li Neng-Qi , Gao Jiang-Yun
Published: July 2022

Background

Orchids require specific mycorrhizal associations for seed germination. During symbiotic germination, the seed coat is the first point of fungal attachment, and whether the seed coat plays a role in the identification of compatible and incompatible fungi is unclear. Here, we compared the effects of compatible and incompatible fungi on seed germination, protocorm formation, seedling development, and colonization patterns inDendrobium officinale; additionally, two experimental approaches, seeds pretreated with NaClO to change the permeability of the seed coat and fungi incubated with in vitro-produced protocorms, were used to assess the role of seed coat played during symbiotic seed germination.

Results

The two compatible fungi,Tulasnellasp. TPYD-2 andSerendipita indicaPI could quickly promoteD. officinaleseed germination to the seedling stage. Sixty-two days after incubation, 67.8 ± 5.23% of seeds developed into seedlings with two leaves in the PI treatment, which was significantly higher than that in the TPYD-2 treatment (37.1 ± 3.55%), and massive pelotons formed inside the basal cells of the protocorm or seedlings in both compatible fungi treatments. In contrast, the incompatible fungusTulasnellasp. FDd1 did not promote seed germination up to seedlings at 62 days after incubation, and only a few pelotons were occasionally observed inside the protocorms. NaClO seed pretreatment improved seed germination under all three fungal treatments but did not improve seed colonization or promote seedling formation by incompatible fungi. Without the seed coat barrier, the colonization of in vitro-produced protocorms by TPYD-2 and PI was slowed, postponing protocorm development and seedling formation compared to those in intact seeds incubated with the same fungi. Moreover, the incompatible fungus FDd1 was still unable to colonize in vitro-produced protocorms and promote seedling formation.

Conclusions

Compatible fungi could quickly promote seed germination up to the seedling stage accompanied by hyphal colonization of seeds and formation of many pelotons inside cells, while incompatible fungi could not continuously colonize seeds and form enough protocorms to supportD. officinaleseedling development. The improvement of seed germination by seed pretreatment may result from improving the seed coat hydrophilicity and permeability, but seed pretreatment cannot change the compatibility of a fungus with an orchid. Without a seed coat, the incompatible fungus FDd1 still cannot colonize in vitro-produced protocorms or support seedling development. These results suggest that seed coats are not involved in symbiotic germination inD. officinale.
Enhancement of plant growth regulators production from microalgae cultivated in treated sewage wastewater (TSW)
Authors: Elakbawy Walaa M. , Shanab Sanaa M. M. , Shalaby Emad A.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work is to develop an efficient method for detection and evaluation of the plant growth regulators produced from cyanobacteria species (Anabaena oryzae and Nostoc muscorum) cultivated on BG110, and Chlorophyta alga (Chlorella vulgaris) cultivated on BG11 in addition to the cultivation of these strains on treated sewage wastewater (TSW) combined with control media (BG11 and BG110) at different concentrations (100, 75 and 50%). Bioassays were performed on Wheat coleoptile length and Cucumber cotyledons fresh weight for indole acetic acid (IAA) and Benzyl adenine (BA) detection. In addition, application experiments of IAA and BA presence in algal extract were applied on tomato plantlets and soybean callus. The obtained results of A. oryzae and N. muscorum extracts (grown on BG110 and 100% sewage media) with optimum conc. of IAA and BA showed moderate shoot length and leaves number as well as high root initiation of tomato explant compared to control. While dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), IAA conc. as well as IAA + BA conc. showed no effect on branching and leaf expansion. The results of C. vulgaris (grown on BG11) also revealed that the shoot had high leaves number and greatest root initiation, without branching and leaf expansion. On the other hand, 100% TSW had a moderate shoot, leaves number and high root initiation. Extracts of A. oryzae and N. muscorum (grown on BG110) induced 1.5-fold increase in soybean callus fresh weight, while the growth on 100% TSW was shown to be less effective. Moreover, extract of C. vulgaris (grown on BG11) induced a moderate effect, while its growth on 100% TSW was shown to be less effective in soybean callus fresh weight increment.
Assessment of unvaccinated and vaccinated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treated with monoclonal antibodies during the delta wave (July 1–August 20, 2021): a retrospective observational monocentric study
Authors: Guo Yi , Cowman Kelsie , Chang Mei , Bao Hongkai , Golia Austin , Mcsweeney Terrence , Bard Linda , Simpson Roxanne , Andrews Erin , Pirofski Liise-anne , Nori Priya
Published: July 2022

Background

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) prevent COVID-19 progression when administered early. We compared mAb treatment outcomes among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients during Delta wave and assessed the feasibility of implementing stricter eligibility criteria in the event of mAb scarcity.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of casirivimab/imdevimab recipients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection in an emergency department or outpatient infusion center (July 1–August 20, 2021). Primary outcome was all-cause hospital admission within 30 days post-treatment between vaccinated vs. unvaccinated patients during Delta surge in the Bronx, NY.

Results

A total of 250 patients received casirivimab/imdevimab (162 unvaccinated vs. 88 vaccinated). The median age was 39 years for unvaccinated patients, and 52 years for vaccinated patients (p < 0.0001). The median number of EUA criteria met was 1 for unvaccinated and 2 for vaccinated patients (p < 0.0001). Overall, 6% (15/250) of patients were admitted within 30 days post-treatment. Eleven unvaccinated patients (7%) were admitted within 30-days compared to 4 (5%) vaccinated patients (p = 0.48).

Conclusions

All-cause 30-day admission was not statistically different between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. When federal allocation of therapies is limited, programs must prioritize patients at highest risk of hospitalization and death regardless of vaccination status.
Performance of 2D BLADE turbo gradient- and spin-echo diffusion-weighted imaging in the quantitative diagnosis of recurrent temporal bone cholesteatoma
Authors: Lin Mengyan , Geng Yue , Sha Yan , Zhang Zhongshuai , Zhou Kun
Published: July 2022

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has become an important tool for the detection of cholesteatoma. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of 2D BLADE turbo gradient- and spin-echo imaging (TGSE BLADE) DWI in the quantitative diagnosis of recurrent temporal bone cholesteatoma (CS).

Methods

From March 2018 to October 2021, 67 patients with suspected recurrence of temporal bone CS after assessment by clinical otorhinolaryngologists who had undergone previous ear surgery for CS were prospectively evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two radiologist assessed images independently. Quantitative parameters such as signal intensity ratio (SIR) calculated using, as a reference, the inferior temporal cortex (SIRT) and the background noise (SIRN), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and ADC ratio (with pons as reference) measured on TGSE BLADE sequences were assessed. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal threshold and diagnostic performance for diagnosing recurrent CS were determined. Pair-wise comparison of the ROC curves was performed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

Finally, 44 patients were included in this study, including 25 CS and 19 non-cholesteatoma (NCS). Mean SIRT and mean SIRN on TGSE BLADE DWI were significantly higher for CS than NCS lesions (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, mean ADC values and mean ADC ratios on ADC maps were significantly lower in the CS group than in the NCS group (p < 0.001). According to ROC analysis, the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative parameters such as SIRT (AUC = 0.967), SIRN (AUC = 0.979), ADC value (AUC = 1.0), and ADC ratio (AUC = 0.983) was significantly better than that of qualitative DWI (AUC = 0.867; p = 0.007, 0.009, 0.011 and 0.037, respectively).

Conclusions

Residual/recurrent temporal bone CS can be accurately detected using quantitative evaluation of TGSE BLADE DWI.
The clinical and pathological characteristics of IgA nephropathy patients in Tibet
Authors: Si Fenglei , Mei Jiarong , A Yong , Tang Chen , Yao Yuxuan , Liu Lijun
Published: July 2022

Background

There are few studies on immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at high altitude. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and pathological characteristics of IgAN between Tibet and Beijing, which provided a basis for improving diagnosis and treatment in Tibet.

Method

The clinical and pathological data of 80 patients from the People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibetan group) and 991 patients from Peking University First Hospital (Beijing group) with IgAN proven by renal biopsy were compared retrospectively between January 2016 and July 2020. The kidney biopsy tissue was sent to the Department of Nephrology, Peking University First Hospital for pathological evaluation.

Results

The proteinuria (2.9 [2.0, 4.9] vs. 1.1 [0.5, 2.4] g/day, P < 0.001) in the Tibetan group was significantly higher than that in the Beijing group. The serum albumin (30.4 ± 7.7 vs. 38.2 ± 5.5 g/L, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the Tibetan group. The eGFR (77.7 ± 37.8 vs. 62.1 ± 33.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.001) was higher in the Tibetan group. The percentage of patients with nephrotic syndrome in the Tibetan group was significantly higher than that in the Beijing group (33.8% vs. 4.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

There are differences in the clinical and pathological characteristics of IgAN between plateau and plain regions.
The correlation between enlarged perivascular spaces and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and vascular parkinsonism
Authors: Tu Yu , Zhuo Wenyan , Peng Jiewei , Huang Rong , Li Baizhu , Liu Yuqi , Zhang Chengtao , Zeng Xiuli , Huang Li’an
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The widespread use of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed the correlation between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and cognitive impairment (CI). However, few studies have examined the correlation between MRI-visible EPVS and CI in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and vascular parkinsonism (VaP). This study explored how the number and main location of EPVS in PD and VaP are correlated with the occurrence of CI in these diseases to provide radiology markers and other evidence for early clinical diagnosis in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

Clinical data were prospectively collected from 77 patients: 26 patients clinically diagnosed with PD or probable PD, 19 patients clinically diagnosed with VaP, and 32 control subjects with normal cognitive function and no stroke or parkinsonism. The patients with PD and VaP were divided into a CI group and a no CI (NCI) group according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Beijing version (MoCA-BJ). The relevant clinical data were statistically analysed.

Results

The centrum semiovale (CSO)-EPVS, lacunes, Fazekas scores, global cortical atrophy scale (GCA) scores, Koedam posterior atrophy visual scale (KS) scores, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scores were higher in the PD-CI and VaP-CI groups than in the control group (adjusted P < 0.017). The number of basal ganglia (BG)-EPVS in the VaP group was higher than that in the PD and control groups (adjusted P < 0.017). BG-EPVS, Fazekas scores, GCA scores, KS scores, and MTA scores were higher in the VaP-CI group than in the PD-CI group (adjusted P < 0.017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the differences in BG-EPVS and Fazekas scores were not significant between PD-CI and VaP-CI patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

VaP-CI results from multiple factors and is significantly associated with BG-EPVS, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities and brain atrophy. BG-EPVS can be used as an imaging marker to distinguish VaP-CI from PD-CI.
Associations between childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position and grip strength at age 46 years: findings from the 1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Yusuf Mohamed , Montgomery Gallin , Hamer Mark , McPhee Jamie , Cooper Rachel
Published: July 2022

Background

Muscle weakness is a key criterion for important age-related conditions, including sarcopenia and frailty. Research suggests lower childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) may be associated with muscle weakness in later life but there is little evidence on associations in younger adults closer to peak muscle strength. We aimed to examine relationships between indicators of SEP in childhood and adulthood and grip strength at age 46y.

Methods

We examined 7,617 participants from the 1970 British Cohort Study with grip strength measurements at 46y. We used sex-specific linear regression models to test associations between five different indicators of SEP in childhood and adulthood (paternal occupational class and parental education levels at age 5 and own occupational class and education level at age 46) and maximum grip strength. Models were adjusted for birth weight, BMI in childhood and adulthood, adult height, disability in childhood, leisure-time physical activity in childhood and adulthood, sedentary behaviour in childhood and adulthood, occupational activity and smoking at age 46.

Results

Among women, lower SEP in childhood and adulthood was associated with weaker grip strength even after adjustments for covariates. For example, in fully-adjusted models, women whose mothers had no qualifications at age five had mean grip strength 0.99 kg (95% CI: -1.65, -0.33) lower than women whose mothers were educated to degree and higher. Among men, lower levels of father’s education and both adult SEP indicators were associated with stronger grip. The association between own occupational class and grip strength deviated from linearity; men in skilled-manual occupations (i.e. the middle occupational group) had stronger grip than men in the highest occupational group (Difference in means: 1.33 kg (0.60, 2.06)) whereas there was no difference in grip strength between the highest and lowest occupational groups. Adjustment for occupational activity largely attenuated these associations.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need to identify age and sex-specific interventions across life to tackle inequalities in important age-related conditions related to weakness.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and birth outcomes in California: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Alcala Emanuel , Shaver Amber , Collin Daniel F. , Franck Linda S. , Gomez Anu Manchikanti , Karasek Deborah , Nidey Nichole , Hotard Michael , Hamad Rita , Pacheco-Werner Tania
Published: July 2022

Background

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides temporary relief from deportation and work permits for previously undocumented immigrants who arrived as children. DACA faced direct threats under the Trump administration. There is select evidence of the short-term impacts of DACA on population health, including on birth outcomes, but limited understanding of the long-term impacts.

Methods

We evaluated the association between DACA program and birth outcomes using California birth certificate data (2009–2018) and a difference-in-differences approach to compare post-DACA birth outcomes for likely DACA-eligible mothers to birth outcomes for demographically similar DACA-ineligible mothers. We also separately compared birth outcomes by DACA eligibility status in the first 3 years after DACA passage (2012–2015) and in the subsequent 3 years (2015–2018) - a period characterized by direct threats to the DACA program - as compared to outcomes in the years prior to DACA passage.

Results

In the 7 years after its passage, DACA was associated with a lower risk of small-for-gestational age (− 0.018, 95% CI: − 0.035, − 0.002) and greater birthweight (45.8 g, 95% CI: 11.9, 79.7) for births to Mexican-origin individuals that were billed to Medicaid. Estimates were consistent but of smaller magnitude for other subgroups. Associations between DACA and birth outcomes were attenuated to the null in the period that began with the announcement of the Trump U.S. Presidential campaign (2015-2018), although confidence intervals overlapped with estimates from the immediate post-DACA period.

Conclusions

These findings suggest weak to modest initial benefits of DACA for select birthweight outcomes during the period immediately following DACA passage for Mexican-born individuals whose births were billed to Medicaid; any benefits were subsequently attenuated to the null. The benefits of DACA for population health may not have been sufficient to counteract the impacts of threats to the program's future and heightened immigration enforcement occurring in parallel over time.
Comparing standard versus enhanced implementation of an evidence-based HIV prevention program among Bahamian sixth grade students: findings from nationwide implementation trials
Authors: Wang Bo , Deveaux Lynette , Herbert Carly , Li Xiaoming , Cottrell Lesley , Adderley Richard , Poitier Maxwell , Mortimer Arvis , Rolle Glenda , Marshall Sharon , Forbes Nikkiah , Stanton Bonita
Published: July 2022

Background

Effective implementation strategies are needed to address the challenges encountered by teachers in implementation of evidence-based HV prevention programs in schools. The current study: 1) compares implementation fidelity of Focus on Youth in the Caribbean (FOYC) plus Caribbean Informed Parents and Children Together (CImPACT) intervention using enhanced implementation strategies (including biweekly monitoring/feedback and site-based mentoring) to those using more traditional approach (teacher training only); and 2) evaluates the impact of school coordinators’ and mentors’ performance on teachers’ implementation fidelity and student outcomes.

Methods

Data from an enhanced implementation trial in 2019–2020, involving 24 government primary schools, 79 teachers, and 2252 students, were compared to data from a standard implementation trial in 2011–2012, involving 35 government primary schools, 110 teachers and 2811 students using mixed-effects modeling and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Teachers in the 2019–2020 trial taught more core activities (28.3 vs. 16.3, t = 10.80, P < 0.001) and sessions (7.2 vs. 4.4, t = 9.14, P < 0.001) than those participating in the 2011–2012 trial. Teachers taught > 80% of the intervention curriculum in 2019–2020 compared to 50% curriculum delivery in 2011–2012. Teachers who had a “very good” or “excellent” school coordinator in their schools taught more core activities than those who had a “satisfactory” school coordinator (30.4 vs. 29.6 vs. 22.3, F = 18.54, P < 0.001). Teachers who worked in a school which had a “very good” mentor, taught more core activities than those teachers who did not have a mentor or had only a “satisfactory” mentor (30.4 vs. 27.6; t = 2.96; p = 0.004). Teachers’ confidence in implementing core activities, comfort level with the curriculum, attitudes towards sex education in schools, and perceived principal support were significantly related to increased self-efficacy, which in turn was related to teachers’ implementation fidelity. The degree of implementation was significantly associated with improved student outcomes.

Implications/conclusion

An evidence-based HIV prevention intervention can achieve a high degree of implementation when delivered with enhanced implementation strategies and implementation monitoring. Future program implementers should consider the purposeful selection and training of school coordinators and mentors to support low-implementing teachers as a potentially important strategy when attempting to achieve high-quality implementation of school-based interventions.
Palliative care and healthcare utilization among deceased metastatic lung cancer patients in U.S. hospitals
Authors: Chang Jongwha , Han Kyu-Tae , Medina Mar , Kim Sun Jung
Published: July 2022

Objective

The benefits of palliative care for cancer patients were well developed; however, the characteristics of receiving palliative care and the utilization patterns among lung cancer patients have not been explored using a large-scale representative population-based sample.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample of the United States was used to identify deceased metastatic lung cancer patients (n = 5,068, weighted n = 25,121) from 2010 to 2014. We examined the characteristics of receiving palliative care use and the association between palliative care and healthcare utilization, measured by discounted hospital charges and LOS (length of stay). The multivariate survey logistic regression model (to identify predictors for receipts of palliative care) and the survey linear regression model (to measure how palliative care is associated with healthcare utilization) were used.

Results

Among 25,121 patients, 50.1% had palliative care during the study period. Survey logistic results showed that patients with higher household income were more likely to receive palliative care than those in lower-income groups. In addition, during hospitalization, receiving palliative care was associated with11.2% lower LOS and 28.4% lower discounted total charges than the non-receiving group.

Conclusion

Clinical evidence demonstrates the benefits of palliative care as it is associated with efficient end-of-life healthcare utilization. Health policymakers must become aware of the characteristics of receiving the care and the importance of limited healthcare resource allocation as palliative care continues to grow in cancer treatment.
Effect of police action on low-barrier substance use disorder service utilization
Authors: Weisenthal Karrin , Kimmel Simeon D. , Kehoe Jessica , Larochelle Marc R. , Walley Alexander Y. , Taylor Jessica L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Police action can increase risky substance use patterns by people who use drugs (PWUD), but it is not known how increased police presence affects utilization of low-barrier substance use disorder bridge clinics. Increased police presence may increase or decrease treatment-seeking behavior. We examined the association between Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a 2-week police action in Boston, MA, and visit volume in BMC’s low-barrier buprenorphine bridge clinic.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort, we used segmented regression to investigate whether the increased police presence during OCS was associated with changes in bridge clinic visits. We used General Internal Medicine (GIM) clinic visit volume as a negative control. We examined visits during the 6 weeks prior, 2 weeks during, and 4 weeks after OCS (June 18–September 11, 2019).

Results

Bridge clinic visits were 2.8 per provider session before, 2.0 during, and 3.0 after OCS. The mean number of GIM clinic visits per provider session before OCS was 7.0, 6.8 during, and 7.0 after OCS. In adjusted segmented regression models for bridge clinic visits per provider session, there was a nonsignificant level increase (0.643 P = 0.171) and significant decrease in slope (0.100, P = 0.045) during OCS. After OCS completed, there was a significant level increase (1.442, P = 0.003) and slope increase in visits per provider session (0.141, P = 0.007). There was no significant change in GIM clinic volume during the study period.

Conclusions

The increased policing during OCS was associated with a significant decrease in bridge clinic visits. Following the completion of OCS, there was a significant increase in clinic visits, suggesting pent-up demand for medications for opioid use disorder, a life-saving treatment.
Hypoxic lung cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-21 mediates macrophage M2 polarization and promotes cancer cell proliferation through targeting IRF1
Authors: Jin Jianxu , Yu Guiping
Published: July 2022

Background

Hypoxia is the hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and plays a critical role during the progress of tumor development. A variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) transmitted by tumor-derived exosomes were involved in intercellular communication. We aimed to elucidate the precise mechanism by which tumor cell-derived exosomes promote lung cancer development by affecting macrophage polarization under hypoxic conditions.

Methods

CD163 signal in tumor tissue from lung cancer patients was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC). The M2 polarization-related markers were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot. Exosomes were isolated from normoxic and hypoxic lung cancer cell culture and characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and western blot. RNA sequencing was performed to show the abnormally expressed miRNAs in exosomes from normoxic and hypoxic lung cancer cell culture. In addition, CCK-8 and clone formation assays were used to assess cell proliferation. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the relationship between miR-21 and IRF1. For in vivo experiment, the male nude mice were injected with H1299 cells with exosomes and miR-21 mimic treatment.

Results

Firstly, we found a strong CD163 signal in tumor tissue from lung cancer patients by IHC. Subsequently, we co-cultured lung cancer cell line H1299 with M0 macrophage THP-1 and found that H1299 in a hypoxic environment promoted THP-1 M2 polarization. PKH67 fluorescence staining experiments confirmed that exosomes of H1299 origin were able to enter THP-1 and induced M2 polarization. RNA sequencing of exosomes showed that miR-21 level was significantly higher in the hypoxic culture group compared to the normoxic group. Subsequent cellular assays showed that miR-21 inhibited the expression of IRF1 by targeting it. In addition, the overexpression of IRF1 reversed the role of miR-21 on macrophage M2 polarization. Finally, we have confirmed through animal experiments that either hypoxic environment or high miR-21 level promoted tumor progression.

Conclusions

High miR-21 level in hypoxic environments promoted macrophage M2 polarization and induced lung cancer progression through targeting IRF1.
Comparing health gains, costs and cost-effectiveness of 100s of interventions in Australia and New Zealand: an online interactive league table
Authors: Carvalho Natalie , Sousa Tanara Vieira , Mizdrak Anja , Jones Amanda , Wilson Nick , Blakely Tony
Published: July 2022

Background

This study compares the health gains, costs, and cost-effectiveness of hundreds of Australian and New Zealand (NZ) health interventions conducted with comparable methods in an online interactive league table designed to inform policy.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed evaluations (2010 to 2018) arising from the Australia Cost-Effectiveness research and NZ Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness Programmes, or using similar methodology, with: health gains quantified as health-adjusted life years (HALYs); net health system costs and/or incremental cost-effectiveness ratio; time horizon of at least 10 years; and 3% to 5% discount rates.

Results

We identified 384 evaluations that met the inclusion criteria, covering 14 intervention domains: alcohol; cancer; cannabis; communicable disease; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; diet; injury; mental illness; other non-communicable diseases; overweight and obesity; physical inactivity; salt; and tobacco. There were large variations in health gain across evaluations: 33.9% gained less than 0.1 HALYs per 1000 people in the total population over the remainder of their lifespan, through to 13.0% gaining > 10 HALYs per 1000 people. Over a third (38.8%) of evaluations were cost-saving.

Conclusions

League tables of comparably conducted evaluations illustrate the large health gain (and cost) variations per capita between interventions, in addition to cost-effectiveness. Further work can test the utility of this league table with policy-makers and researchers.
Association between common vaginal and HPV infections and results of cytology test in the Zhoupu District, Shanghai City, China, from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Li Huaping , Xiao Zhengguang , Xing Baoling , Wu Suqin , Wang Ying , Liu Zhou , Zeng Yanan , Mushi Joseph Cosmas , Sun Hudie , Li Ping
Published: July 2022

Background

HPV (human papillomavirus) is an important cause of cervical cancer. Cervical-vaginal infection with pathogens, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), bacterial vaginosis Trichomonas vaginalis and vaginal candidiasis could be a cofactor. This study aimed to assess the relationship between vaginal infection with HPV genotype and cytology test results and analyze the relationship between vaginal and HPV infections and cervical cancer.

Methods

We performed a district-based study to elucidate the relationship among the vaginal and HPV infections and cervical cancer. We collected the cervical exfoliation data of 23,724 women admitted to the Shanghai Zhoupu Hospital and received ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and HPV detection between 2014 and 2019.

Results

Total vaginal infection rate was 5.3%, and the HPV-positive group had a slightly higher vaginal infection rate than the HPV-negative group (P < 0.01). The incidence rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer with vaginal infection was higher than without vaginal infection (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

HPV/vaginal infection-positive women tended to have abnormal results of TCT. Women with vaginal infection were more likely to develop HPV infection. HSV combined with HPV infection was noted as a causal factor for HSIL.
Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus Endostar compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Yin Yuanxiu , Zhou Ziyan , Li Zhiru , Shen Mingjun , Qin Yating , Yang Chaolin , Wang Rensheng , Kang Min
Published: July 2022

Background

To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) plus recombinant human endostatin (Endostar, CCRT + E) versus CCRT alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients initially treated for LANPC from November 2016 to March 2019 was performed: trial group received CCRT + E and control group received CCRT. Prognoses and adverse effects were evaluated.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were included: 43 received CCRT + E and 45 received CCRT. The median follow-up time was 54.0 (range: 8.0–64.0) months. The survival data of the CCRT + E and CCRT groups were as follows: 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates, 81.4% and 63.6% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.418, 95%CI 0.181–0.963, P = 0.034); 3-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates, 88.3% and 77.3% (HR 0.370, 95%CI 0.132–1.039, P = 0.049); 3-year overall survival rates, 88.2% and 81.9% (HR 0.437, 95%CI 0.151–1.260, P = 0.114); and 3-year locoregional failure-free survival rates, 87.8% and 86.9% (HR 0.795, 95%CI 0.242–2.616, P = 0.705). Three months after radiotherapy, the complete response (CR) rates of cervical lymph node regression were 97.7% and 82.2% for the CCRT + E and CCRT groups (P = 0.041). The corresponding CR rates were 100% and 80.0% for lymph node necrosis (P = 0.001) and 100% and 85.2% for extranodal extension (P = 0.041). The CCRT + E group had higher incidence of grade 3/4 leukopenia (32.6% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.031), with similar results for late toxicity.

Conclusions

CCRT + E significantly prolonged 3-year PFS and DMFS in LANPC, and patients had better lymph node regression.
Health-related quality of life and health literacy in patients with systemic mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome
Authors: Schmidt Tobias Jürgen , Sellin Julia , Molderings Gerhard J. , Conrad Rupert , Mücke Martin
Published: July 2022

Background

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare genetic disease characterized by aberrant proliferation and/or activation of mast cells, resulting in multi-organ, allergy-like symptoms. Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a clinically similar, but more prevalent disease with unclear etiology. In this study, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health literacy of people suffering from SM and MCAS were assessed.

Results

Two validated questionnaires (QLQ-C30/QLQ-INFO25) from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were used to analyze HRQOL and level of information of SM and MCAS patients. In addition, a control group without any health issues was included. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and linear regression to detect significant differences. Questionnaire data from 66 patients with MCAS (83% female, mean 44 years), 32 patients with SM (78% female, mean 53 years) and 52 healthy participants (67% female, mean 48 years) resident in Germany were analyzed. HRQOL as measured by the Global health status was significantly worse in patients suffering from MCAS or SM compared to control group. Individuals with MCAS showed a slightly, but insignificantly lower score on Global health status, and a significantly lower score with respect to role function and fatigue. Patients with the rare disease SM felt significantly better informed on their disease compared to MCAS patients. Linear regression performed separately for both groups showed a direct influence of the level of information on patients' HRQOL.

Conclusion

Overall, our study showed a significant negative impact on the HRQOL of both diseases, but only a small difference in quality of life and severity of symptoms between patients with MCAS and the supposedly more severe form, the rare disease SM. Our results demonstrate that the level of information patients receive impacts HRQOL, and that this is not only an issue in rare diseases, but also diseases with unclear etiology and pathology. Our data shows that even slight improvements in the patient's level of information can have a positive effect on their quality of life, further highlighting the importance of gaining more knowledge on rare and incompletely understood diseases and communicating these insights to patients.
Chromosomal abnormalities related to fever of unknown origin in a Chinese pediatric cohort and literature review
Authors: Sun Bijun , Yang Mi , Hou Jia , Wang Wenjie , Ying Wenjing , Hui Xiaoying , Zhou Qinhua , Yao Haili , Sun Jinqiao , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) has been difficult to diagnose in pediatric clinical practice. With the gradual change in the disease spectrum, genetic factors have received increasing attention. Limited studies have shown an association between FUO and chromosomal abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with FUO presenting with chromosomal abnormalities in a Chinese pediatric cohort.

Results

Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 5.5% (8/145) of the patients with FUO. Six patients with inflammatory fever presented with pharyngitis/amygdalitis (4/6), oral aphthous ulcer (2/6), digestive symptoms (3/6), developmental delay (4/6) and elevated C-reactive protein levels (6/6) during fever. These patients were often considered to have systemic inflammatory diseases, such as Behcet’s disease or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Trisomy 8, 7q11.23 dup, 3p26.3-p26.1 del/17q12 dup, 22q11.21 del, and 6q23.3-q24.1 del were identified in patients with inflammatory fever. The TNFAIP3 gene was included in the 6q23.3-q24.1 deletion fragment. Two patients with central fever were characterized by facial anomalies, developmental delay, seizures and no response to antipyretic drugs and were identified as carrying the de novo 18q22.3-q23 del. By performing a literature review, an additional 19 patients who had FUO and chromosomal abnormalities were identified. Trisomy 8, 6q23.2-q24.3 del and 18q22.3-q23 del were reported to present as fever, similar to the findings of our study.

Conclusions

We emphasized the important role of detecting chromosomal abnormalities in patients with FUO, especially in patients with systemic inflammatory manifestations or developmental delay. Identifying chromosomal abnormalities may change the diagnosis and management of patients with FUO.