bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the sexual function of female partners of men with erectile dysfunction receiving different treatment modalities: An observational study
Authors: Nabil Ismail Nashaat , GamalEl Din Sameh Fayek , Abdel Raheem Amr , Rashad Esraa Mohamed , Farag Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To evaluate sexual functions of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and their female partners.

Methods:

A total of 90 consecutive ED patients who received different ED therapies and their partners and 90 consecutive controls and their partners were divided into four groups. All participants were evaluated by the 15-item international index of erectile function and the Arabic version of female sexual function index (Ar-FSFI).

Results:

All ED patients who received sildenafil demonstrated significant improvements of their erectile function compared to baseline. Their partners did not demonstrate improvements in frequency of pain during vaginal penetration (3.86 ± 0.58, 3.93 ± 0.45, p = 0.477), confidence of becoming aroused (3.86 ± 0.58, 3.93 ± 0.45, p 0.477), frequency of satisfaction with arousal (3.07 ± 0.37, 3.03 ± 0.49, p 0.712), and maintenance of lubrication (4.37 ± 0.49, 4.23 ± 0.73, p 0.354). All ED patients who received quadmix demonstrated significant improvements of their erectile function compared to baseline. Their partners did not demonstrate improvements in desire level (2.6 ± 0.67, 2.63 ± 0.85, p = 0.869) and lubrication maintenance (3.53 ± 0.82, 3.47 ± 0.82, p = 0.423). Finally, All ED patients who underwent semi rigid penile implant demonstrated significant improvements of their erectile function compared to baseline. Their female partners demonstrated significant improvements in all items of FSFI-19 compared to baseline except the frequency of pain during vaginal penetration (3.86 ± 0.58, 3.93 ± 0.45, p = 0.477), confidence of becoming aroused (3.86 ± 0.58, 3.93 ± 0.45, p = 0.477), frequency of satisfaction with arousal (3.07 ± 0.37, 3.03 ± 0.49, p = 0.712), and maintenance of lubrication (4.37 ± 0.49, 4.23 ± 0.73, p = 0.354).

Conclusions:

Sexual functions of ED males significantly improved after ED therapies. Nevertheless, some sexual functions of their partners were not positively impacted.
Does transnational terrorism stimulate foreign assistance?
Authors: Kim Wukki , Sandler Todd
Published: February 2022

This paper quantifies how past transnational terrorist attacks against a potential donor's assets result in enhanced foreign aid flows to a country hosting the responsible terrorist group. Given the reversed causality between foreign aid and terrorism, our empirical analysis puts forward an instrumental variable. Both conflict and governance assistance are shown to stem from transnational terrorist incidents involving recipient–donor dyads during 1974–2013 for a global sample. For recipient-related terrorism, lagged transnational terrorist events against a donor's assets display a robust positive impact on conflict and governance aid. Placebo or falsification tests support the exogeneity of the instrument.
Stigma and Mental Health of Sexual Minority Women Former Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Fedele Emma , Juster Robert-Paul , Guay Stéphane
Published: February 2022

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at high risk of experiencing stigma, mental health problems, and being victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). This vulnerability can be explained by the sexual and gender minority stress model, stating that sexual and gender minority people suffer from specific stress factors added to general stressors, leading to more mental health and relationships problems. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to assess the impact of minority stress factors and former IPV victimization on the current mental health of Canadian SMW, as a function of their sexual and gender identity. METHOD: In total, 209 individuals identifying as women (M age = 33.9), living in Canada and who lived in a past violent relationship with a woman responded to an online survey. Well-validated questionnaires assessed sexual orientation and gender identity, former IPV behaviors, minority stress factors, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: Hierarchical regressions showed that past psychological aggression was positively associated with anxiety symptoms and past sexual coercion with depressive symptoms. Not being monosexual was also associated more severe symptoms of depression and age was negatively associated with the severity of anxiety symptoms. After controlling for age, race/ethnicity, sexual and gender identity and former IPV victimization, having negative feelings about being a SMW was strongly associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: These results provide new information on the interconnected associations between former IPV, minority stress and SMW's mental health. Findings highlight the need to adapt clinical interventions to help buffer against victimization faced by IPV victims who identify as sexual and gender minorities.
Remdesivir and Human Milk: A Case Study
Authors: Wada Yuka Sano , Saito Jumpei , Hashii Yuko , Kishi Tomomi , Kobayashi Masayuki , Kamiya Taro , Mizuno Katsumi
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Remdesivir was originally developed to treat Ebola hemorrhagic fever, and its efficacy in treating coronavirus disease 2019 was detected during a preliminary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. It is known that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is not transmitted through human milk, but data about the presence of remdesivir in human milk have been lacking.

Main issue:

In this case study, we determined the human milk-to-serum drug concentration ratio and the relative dose of Remdesivir in one participant.

Management:

The participant, a 28-year-old primipara, was found to have Coronavirus 2 infection in 2019, 2 days after delivery. She was given Remdesivir. The Remdesivir concentration in maternal serum and human milk was measured, and the milk-to-serum drug concentration ratio was found to be low (0.089), as was the relative infant dose (0.0070). The participant could not breastfeed her infant during her Coronavirus 2 infection treatment because in Japan anyone with COVID-19 was completely quarantined. However, she was able to resume breastfeeding after discharge and breastfed her infant for 6 months with supplements.

Conclusion:

Given the low amount of Remdesivir in the participant’s milk, the inclusion of antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, which can be expected to protect the infant from infection, and various other benefits of human milk, suggests that breastfeeding is safe during treatment with Remdesivir.
Standby Ties that Mobilize: Social Media Platforms and Civic Engagement
Authors: Boulianne Shelley
Published: February 2022

Nonprofit organizations and groups depend on donations and volunteers for their survival. Digital media can help by offering a platform for making online donations and facilitating online volunteering, but also by identifying and connecting with people who are sympathetic to an organization’s mission. This article employs four-country (USA, UK, France, and Canada) representative survey data ( n = 6291) to examine the use of social media for establishing connections between citizens and organizations as well as the relationship of these connections to online and offline volunteering and donating. Across all social media platforms considered (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), I find significant positive correlations of following nonprofits with online and offline volunteering and donating. However, Facebook has a slightly larger role, which may be attributed to its overall popularity, which can incentivize organizations’ more intense use of this platform.
Networks and Selective Avoidance: How Social Media Networks Influence Unfriending and Other Avoidance Behaviors
Authors: Barnidge Matthew , Peacock Cynthia , Kim Bumsoo , Kim Yonghwan , Xenos Michael A.
Published: February 2022

From time to time, some social media users avoid content posted by specific people in their networks. Most research on such selective avoidance has focused on individual motivations and other psychological factors rather than on social network characteristics, and there is a need for a systematic analysis of the relationships between individuals’ social media networks and selective avoidance. This study fills that gap in the literature, drawing on theory about egocentric or personal publics. We test our predictions using data from three surveys of adults in the United States, collected just before each of the last three major national elections. Results are discussed in light of theory about the role of media technology in shaping political communication and scholarly discourse about how selective avoidance affects information flows.
Comparative study on polysilazane and silicone resins as high-temperature-resistant coatings
Authors: Sun Chenwei , Wang Dan , Xu Caihong , Chen Wenyi , Zhang Zongbo
Published: February 2022

The development of high-temperature-resistant coatings is crucial, which demands a new adhesive resin owing to harsh service conditions. In this work, the structural evolution and basic performance of three different polysilazanes with a Si–N backbone are studied, which is further compared to a typical silicone resin with a Si–O backbone. Experimental results show that polysilazanes with different structures undergo a two-step oxidation process with a residual weight higher than 77% in comparison to the one-step degradation of silicone with a weight loss higher than 47% at 800°C under flowing air atmosphere. Additionally, the decrease in thickness of polysilazane-resin coating is below 50%, while that of the silicone-resin coating is higher than 77%, which affords a crack- and defect-free morphology in polysilazanes and blistering and particle aggregation in the silicone after a temperature treatment at 800°C. Thus, our study demonstrates that polysilazanes are potential alternative choices as resin adhesives for high-temperature-resistant coatings rather than silicone-based resins, in extremely harsh conditions.
Swelling, degradation and thermal behaviours of cellulosic fibre reinforced fly ash dispersed hybrid polymer composites
Authors: Biswas Bhabatosh , Chakraborty Tanmoy , Mandal Gurudas , Das Apurba , Sinha Arijit
Published: February 2022

The present investigation is carried out to study the swelling and thermal behaviours of alkali treated cellulosic fibre (sisal and jute) with fly ash dispersed unsaturated polyester composites. These composites are fabricated by compression moulding with a filler loading of 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 wt. %. The electronic thermal insulation tester, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermo-gravimetric analyzer are used for thermal analyses of the synthesized composites. It was observed that the thermal stability and degradation temperature of the composites improved significantly with addition of the filler within the unsaturated polyester resin.The swelling behaviours are determined by immersing the synthesized samples in the different pH content of water. In case of swelling behaviours, the changes in water absorption are quite acceptable as compared to the treatment time and the atmospheric condition. The fabricated composites displayed optimum results for filler content with 35 wt. % followed by saturation in properties with the dispersion above the same.
Sensitivity study of fiducial-aided navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Strate Amanda J , Christensen Randall
Published: February 2022

The possible applications and benefits of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) use in urban areas are gaining considerable attention. Before these possibilities can be realized, it is essential that UAVs be able to navigate reliably and precisely in urban environments. The most common means of determining the location of a UAV is to utilize position measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In urban environments, however, GNSS measurements are significantly degraded due to occlusions and multipath. This research analyzes the use of camera Line-of-Sight (LOS) measurements to self-describing fiducials as a replacement for conventional GNSS measurements. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is developed and validated for the purpose of combining continuous measurements from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with the discrete LOS measurements to accurately estimate the states of a UAV. The sensitivity of the estimation error covariance to various system parameters is assessed, including IMU grade, fiducial placement, vehicle altitude, and image processing frequency.
Low Perinatal Androgens Predict Recalled Childhood Gender Nonconformity in Men
Authors: Shirazi Talia N. , Self Heather , Rosenfield Kevin A. , Dawood Khytam , Welling Lisa L. M. , Cárdenas Rodrigo , Bailey J. Michael , Balasubramanian Ravikumar , Delaney Angela , Breedlove S. Marc , Puts David A.
Published: February 2022

The contributions of gonadal hormones to the development of human behavioral sex differences are subjects of intense scientific and social interest. Isolated gonadotropin-releasing-hormone deficiency (IGD) is a rare endocrine disorder that can reveal a possible role of early gonadal hormones. IGD is characterized by low or absent gonadal hormone production after the first trimester of gestation, but external genitalia and hence gender of rearing are concordant with chromosomal and gonadal sex. We investigated recalled childhood gender nonconformity in men ( n = 65) and women ( n = 32) with IGD and typically developing men ( n = 463) and women ( n = 1,207). Men with IGD showed elevated childhood gender nonconformity, particularly if they also reported undescended testes at birth, a marker of low perinatal androgens. Women with IGD did not differ from typically developing women. These results indicate that early androgen exposure after the first trimester contributes to male-typical gender-role behaviors in childhood.
Book review: R. Srinivasan, Shrihari Udupa & R. Mukund, Above and Beyond-How to Build Impactful Businesses—Where Everybody Wins
Authors: Verma Krishan Kumar
Published: February 2022

R. Srinivasan, Shrihari Udupa & R. Mukund, Above and Beyond-How to Build Impactful Businesses—Where Everybody Wins, SPOT LIGHT by Notion Press, 2020, 213 pp., ₹600. ISBN: 9781647335540 (Hardback).
Ensuring the Effectiveness of EService-Learning in Holistic Education Under Social Distancing
Authors: Xiao Chong , Wan Kelvin , Chan Wing-Fung Chad
Published: February 2022

Background: The worldwide pandemic has shifted eService-Learning from a pedagogical innovation into a must, challenging the applicability of frameworks and principles previously developed. Purpose: The authors aim to verify whether extreme eService-Learning can be assessed within Ma and Lo's holistic outcome framework and how to ensure its effectiveness in cultivating students roundly. Methodology/Approach: Based on a holistic outcome framework produced under traditional semesters, this study examines six Service-Learning courses. Adopting a mixed-method approach, self-reported students questionnaires (N = 497) were analyzed by paired-sample t-test and ANCOVA to compare students’ Service-Learning outcomes in the traditional and pandemic periods, from which two effective courses were identified. A case study was conducted to conceptualize the good practices in extreme eService-Learning. Findings/Conclusions: Findings reveal extreme eService-Learning can enhance students’ subject-related knowledge, soft skills, and civic orientation. To ensure its effectiveness in holistic education, balance between the tangibility and ambiguity in service and the harmony of individualized and collaborative learning should be planned in the curriculum and cautiously implemented. Implications: A holistic Service-Learning outcome framework is verified to be applicable in an entirely online environment. The summarized principles provide reference to practicing extreme eService-Learning under current social distancing restrictions and worth further normalizing in the post-COVID era.
Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Under Neoadjuvant Therapy: Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Omari Majid , Zarrouq Btissame , Amaadour Lamiae , Benbrahim Zineb , El Asri Achraf , Mellas Nawfel , El Rhazi Karima , Ragala Mohammed El Amine , Halim Karima
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Women with breast cancer eligible for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) present a disorder of biopsychosocial variables and alteration of their quality of life. They cope with this changing by adopting psychological adjustment strategies, either passive or active. This systematic review aims to investigate the psychological distress, coping strategies, and quality of life in breast cancer patients under neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Online library represent the databases that were searched to identify relevant published articles until September 27, 2021. Full-text published articles, written in English and assessing the main outcomes (namely: psychological distress, coping strategies, and quality of life) in women with breast cancer under NAT will be included. Also, we will integrate papers dealing with the related bio psychosocial variables to the main variables. The paper selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of selected studies will be performed independently by two researchers, and disagreements will be resolved through discussions. We will bring together the results of all of the included studies to draw conclusions based on the body of evidence. The narrative approach will be adopted to analyze the results and conclusions extracted and we would perform quantitative groupings if we have similar data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as the proposed systematic review will not use primary data. The results of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentation(s). PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021230300.
A new configuration of composite nonlinear feedback control for nonlinear systems with input saturation
Authors: Zhu Quanmin , Mobayen Saleh , Nemati Hamidreza , Zhang Jianhua , Wei Wei
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a U-control–based Composite Nonlinear Feedback (U-CNF) design procedure. This U-CNF control establishes a double feedback loop framework for generalisation and simplification in designing the CNF control systems. Two controllers, in terms of double dynamic inversion, are designed separately, (1) to stabilise and cancel the nonlinearities and dynamics (convert the plant into an identity matrix) in the inner closed-loop, and then (2) to improve the system transient response by specifying a second-order linear system with a monotonic nonlinear function to smoothly tune the damping ratio. Accordingly, the conventional CNF characteristics in a concise pathway are achieved. The properties show, under proper conditions, the U-CNF control is plant model-free control, applicable to nonaffine nonlinear dynamic systems, and robust against model uncertainty and external disturbance. For the initial bench tests of the first-time proposed U-CNF configuration, the simulated case studies are provided with a transparent procedure to demonstrate the consistency with the analytical results in the numerical computations and to present guidance for applications.
The influence of surface topography on friction squeal-A review
Authors: Wenbo Li , Lijun Zhang , Cunman Zhang , Dejian Meng , Pengfei He
Published: February 2022

Friction squeal is an unstable friction-induced vibration with high frequency and high intensity, which is troublesome for both people and environment. Surface topography is an important influencing factors of friction squeal. In this paper, based on introduction of surface topography, a review on the influence of surface topography on friction squeal is conducted from the aspect of experimental analysis, theoretical research and simulation analysis. For the convenience of scholars’ understanding and carrying out relevant research, the influence of surface topography on friction and contact parameters, and the influence of friction and contact parameters on friction squeal are reviewed. Moreover, the generation methods of rough surface are introduced to facilitate the research. Finally, on the basis of a discussion on difficulties and shortcomings of the former research, recommendations are proposed for future research.
Simultaneous effect of temperature, shrinkage, and self-weight creep on RC beams: A case study
Authors: Aval Seyed Bahram Beheshti , Ghabdian Mohsen , Noori Mohammad , Altabey Wael A
Published: February 2022

This study presents the results of long-term field measurement of two RC beams under the simultaneous effect of medium to high temperature, shrinkage, and self-weight creep. In industrial complexes such as steel making plants, these members may, in addition to creep and shrinkage, be exposed to high temperature. However, less attention has been paid to the simultaneous effect of creep, shrinkage, and temperature in a case study framework. In this regard, two RC beams with the same geometric properties in a pelletizing plant located in Kerman, Iran, were studied. In addition, in order to establish a powerful numerical method for these effects, numerical results were compared with the field measurement data. The results showed that an average increase by 50% in temperature would increase the maximum deflection of RC beam by 37%. In the case of the environment temperature, grate machine temperature increased the maximum deflection of RC beam by 61%. Moreover, field measurements showed that for self-weight creep level, shrinkage, temperature, and cracking strains covered more than 80% of the total strain. Similarly, such as this case study, simultaneous effects of these triple factors can change the long-term serviceability of structural elements exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
How post-Bologna policies construct the purposes of higher education and students’ transitions into Masters programmes
Authors: Mendick Heather , Peters Anne-Kathrin
Published: February 2022

In this article, we address the questions: How is the purpose of higher education constructed within policy texts from the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), England and Sweden? How does this position students in making the transition from Bachelor to Masters? We do this through analysis of two recent policy documents from each of the EHEA, England and Sweden, identifying key discourses including the meanings, oppositions, contradictions and logics that structure the texts. We look at what aspects of ‘global policyspeak’ are common across them, what are their particularities and how these are shaped by distinct histories. We argue that all the texts represent neoliberal policies in sharing an economic rationale for higher education and in individualising the benefits of university education. Students are, in their transition from Bachelor to Masters, expected to maximise their employability and their ability to contribute to the national and global knowledge economy. However, there are also differences between the policy documents, tensions within them and alternative discourses, such as a focus on dialogue and academic freedom that challenge the reduction of higher education to the economic.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Orthographic Knowledge
Authors: Krimm Hannah , Schuele C. Melanie
Published: February 2022

This study quantified the orthographic knowledge (i.e., knowledge of spelling conventions) of school speech-language pathologists (SLPs). On average, SLPs ( N = 48) answered 65% of the questions correctly on a measure of orthographic knowledge. SLPs need better preparation in written language structure to support reading acquisition in children with language disorders.
Arcadia for Everyone? The Social Context of Garden Suburbs in the U.S
Authors: Talen Emily
Published: February 2022

Garden suburbs are a particular type of residential development that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in the U.S. and globally. Using census data of 283 garden suburbs in the U.S., I investigated the exclusivity of the garden suburb by looking at income, housing value, race, and age. I found that garden suburbs had more Whites, single-family housing, and higher family income in all time periods. Income levels were significantly higher whether the comparison was between garden suburbs and the immediately surrounding area (1mile), or between garden suburbs and a wider context.
Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Sympathomimetic Pressor-Induced Digital Hand Ischemia in the Critically Ill Intensive Care Unit Patient
Authors: De May Henning , Laarakker Avra S. , Borah Gregory
Published: February 2022

Vasopressor-induced ischemia of the hand, while relatively rare, is a severe complication in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring high concentrations of sympathomimetic pressors and often results in digit necrosis and amputation. Currently, there are no widely accepted approaches for treating this cause of peripheral digital ischemia. Case reports have demonstrated that reducing the concentration of vasopressors that patients are given may reverse the progression of ischemic events prior to necrosis. While this approach is at odds with the principle of “life over limb,” it demonstrates that digit necrosis can be reversed, resulting in improved outcomes. Here, we present a therapeutic strategy for treating digital limb ischemia in the septic ICU patient without the need to lower systemic vasopressor dose by using locally injected botulinum toxin A into ischemic hands.
Innovative Quantitative Assessment of Hand Function in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Alloisio Susanna , Mennella Ciro , Viti Federica , Novellino Antonio , Tognon Stefano
Published: February 2022

Background:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) compromises fine sensorimotor function during activities of daily living and affects a large number of individuals with high burden costs for society. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively characterize fine movement skills in CTS patients preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively by means of a sensor-engineered glove, in order to provide new insights for evaluative and finally therapeutic purposes.

Methods:

Forty-one CTS patients and 41 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by adopting the engineered glove Hand Test System (HTS), which previously demonstrated its reliability and sensitivity to detect hands dysfunction in several neurological diseases. A sub-group of 11 CTS subjects was re-tested 1 month after surgery. Three parameters—touch duration (TD), inter-tapping interval (ITI), and movement rate (MR)—were considered to characterize hand function.

Results:

The affected hand of CTS patients generally showed worst finger opposition performances than HC. Comparing the dominant hand, all parameters were able to significantly discriminate CTS patients from HC. Considering the nondominant hand, the best performing parameter in discriminating CTS from HC was TD. The follow-up assessment at 1 month after surgery showed that considered parameters were able to monitor patients’ recovery. In particular, the TD parameter recorded at the 3 different assigned task modalities resulted significantly enhanced.

Conclusions:

Results of this pilot study proved the validity of the parameters obtained through the sensor-engineered glove to assess objectively hand functional status and surgical outcomes in CTS.
FEM verification of accelerated vibration test method based on Grms - T curve
Authors: Wang Li-Jun , Wang Zhi-Wei
Published: February 2022

Accelerated random vibration test is now the important dynamic performance and safety evaluation technique for transport packaging system during transportation. The current widely used time scale of accelerated random vibration test in engineering test and some standards is “Inverse power law,” which is based on Basquin (power function) fatigue damage model and [Formula: see text] curve, but is not completely suitable for transport packaging system. In author’s previous research, the general theory of accelerated random vibration test based on acceleration PSD and [Formula: see text] curve was developed which is applied for any fatigue damage model besides Basquin type. The study in this paper is the further and extensive research of previous research. The definite expression between response von Mises equivalent stress ([Formula: see text]) of the products and tri-axial acceleration Root-Mean-Square (RMS) was developed, based on which [Formula: see text] curve was transformed to [Formula: see text] curve to describe the product damage. Time scale of accelerated random vibration was obtained. The proposed method was verified by finite element analysis. In addition, the effects of excitation spectrum shape and system damping on the response vibration of products were discussed. This study is valuable in engineering for safety assessment and random vibration analysis of transport packaging system.
Family physicians’ and trainees’ experiences regarding cancer screening with patients with intellectual disability: An interpretive description study
Authors: Breau Genevieve , Thorne Sally , Baumbusch Jennifer , Hislop T Greg , Kazanjian Arminee
Published: February 2022

People with intellectual disability receive breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening at lower rates relative to the general population, although the reasons for this disparity are largely unknown. Research, both with the general population and specific to people with intellectual disability, has revealed that a family physician’s recommendation for cancer screening or continuity of primary care may increase screening rates. We interviewed family physicians and family medicine trainees regarding their experiences recommending cancer screening to patients with intellectual disability. We concluded that the decision to recommend cancer screening is complex, and includes physicians weighing their clinical judgement as to the best provision of care for patients with a patient’s eligibility for screening, while continuing to respect patients’ autonomy. This patient-physician interaction occurs within the larger medical environment. Further research with experienced family physicians is warranted to better understand this complex phenomenon.
Phytochemical Investigation of Pilea pumila (Clearweed), Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle), and Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle): Three Members of the Urticaceae Family
Authors: Sinville Rondedrick D. , Alfs Matthew G. , Dimick Gray Sarah M.
Published: February 2022

Phytochemical analysis of 3 members of the Urticaceae family (eg Pilea pumila, Laportea canadensis, and Boehmeria cylindrica) was conducted using GC-MS. P pumila and L canadensis have several recorded historical medicinal uses by Native American tribes, whereas B cylindrica does not. This study was conducted to understand the historical uses in terms of chemical composition. Plant material, separated into aerial or root portions, was dried and extracted using either ethanol or heptane at room temperature. Sterols, fatty acids and esters, terpenes and terpenoids, saturated and monounsaturated hydrocarbons, small oxygen-functionalized organic molecules, and tocopherols were observed using these methods. Plant sterols composed 30.3% to 62.2% of the observed extracts, followed by fatty acids and esters ranging from 0% to 49% and terpenes and terpenoids ranging 4.56% to 33.9%. All 3 plants contained γ-sitosterol as the dominant plant sterol and palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids and esters. The 3 plants differed significantly in the observed terpene and terpenoid composition. Germacrene D-4-ol, known to have antifungal activity, was the major terpenoid identified in P pumila (7.42%-7.76%), phytol (4.13%), α-cadinene (3.96%), and cadina-1,4-diene (5.53%) were observed in L canadensis treatments, and squalene (2.20%-7.04%), phytol (4.17%), and cadina-1,4-diene (6.68%) were observed in B cylindrica treatments . Possible rationales for Native American medicinal uses were evaluated.
Engineering of Tracheal Grafts Based on Recellularization of Laser-Engraved Human Airway Cartilage Substrates
Authors: Baranovskii Denis , Demner Jan , Nürnberger Sylvia , Lyundup Alexey , Redl Heinz , Hilpert Morgane , Pigeot Sebastien , Krasheninnikov Michael , Krasilnikova Olga , Klabukov Ilya , Parshin Vladimir , Martin Ivan , Lardinois Didier , Barbero Andrea
Published: February 2022

Objective

Implantation of tissue-engineered tracheal grafts represents a visionary strategy for the reconstruction of tracheal wall defects after resections and may develop into a last chance for a number of patients with severe cicatricial stenosis. The use of a decellularized tracheal substrate would offer an ideally stiff graft, but the matrix density would challenge efficient remodeling into a living cartilage. In this study, we hypothesized that the pores of decellularized laser-perforated tracheal cartilage (LPTC) tissues can be colonized by adult nasal chondrocytes (NCs) to produce new cartilage tissue suitable for the repair of tracheal defects.

Design

Human, native tracheal specimens, isolated from cadaveric donors, were exposed to decellularized and laser engraving–controlled superficial perforation (300 μm depth). Human or rabbit NCs were cultured on the LPTCs for 1 week. The resulting revitalized tissues were implanted ectopically in nude mice or orthotopically in tracheal wall defects in rabbits. Tissues were assayed histologically and by microtomography analyses before and after implantation.

Results

NCs were able to efficiently colonize the pores of the LPTCs. The extent of colonization (i.e., percentage of viable cells spanning >300 μm of tissue depth), cell morphology, and cartilage matrix deposition improved once the revitalized constructs were implanted ectopically in nude mice. LPTCs could be successfully grafted onto the tracheal wall of rabbits without any evidence of dislocation or tracheal stenosis, 8 weeks after implantation. Rabbit NCs, within the LPTCs, actively produced new cartilage matrix.

Conclusion

Implantation of NC-revitalized LPTCs represents a feasible strategy for the repair of tracheal wall defects.
Association of primary Sjögren’s syndrome with incident heart failure: a secondary analysis of health claims data in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Chen Hung-An , Chang Tsang-Wei , Hsu Tsai-Ching , Hsu Chung-Yuan , Su Yu-Jih
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that various chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with incident heart failure (HF). However, there is scarce evidence about the association between primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and HF. We aimed to explore this association using a nationwide database in Taiwan.

Methods:

We selected patients with incident pSS and no history of HF. Using propensity score matching based on age, sex, cohort entry time, comorbidities, and concomitant medications, cohorts of patients with and without pSS (as controls) were created in a 1:1 ratio and the groups were compared. The cumulative incidence of HF was calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimation. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to measure the hazard ratio (HR) of HF-related hospitalization for the pSS cohort compared with the comparison group.

Results:

A total of 16,466 pairs of patients with pSS and those without pSS were identified. The cumulative incidence of HF-related hospitalization at 3, 5, and 10 years in patients with pSS was 1.05%, 1.89%, and 4.33%, respectively. The risk of HF-related hospitalization was not higher in patients with pSS than in the general population (HR: 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–1.14). There was no difference in survival probability after the first episode of HF-related hospitalization between pSS and non-pSS groups.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that distinct inflammatory spectrums in each chronic inflammatory disease might have differential impacts on cardiac function and subsequent risk of HF. Future studies are needed to elucidate the complex and diverse mechanisms of HF in various chronic autoimmune diseases.
Urinary tract infection, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates, and associated factors among women with a post-fistula at public health facilities, Harar, eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Marami Dadi , Abate Degu , Letta Shiferaw
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Urinary tract infection remains one of the major public health problems among post-fistula patients worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, antimicrobial resistance impedes the effective infection prevention and treatment of ever-increasing bacteria. There was a paucity of data on urinary tract infections and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria among post-fistula patients.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of urinary tract infections among women with post-fistula attending public health facilities, Harar, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 146 consecutively enrolled women with post-fistula from February 2017 to December 2018. Risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. The midstream urine was collected, cultured and bacteria species were identified by using standard culture methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the disk diffusion technique. The association between independent and outcome variables was computed by using logistic regression analysis. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence of urinary tract infections was 28.8% (95% confidence interval: 23.4, 33.6). Escherichia coli (19.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%), and Proteus species (11.9%) were the commonest isolates. E. coli showed (75%) resistance to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin (62.5%), and ciprofloxacin (62.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was shown 80% resistance to amoxicillin and erythromycin. Giving birth to a single baby (adjusted odds ratio: 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.1, 0.8), illness by a fistula for less than 3 years (adjusted odds ratio: 0.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.1, 0.6), and lack of a previous history of catheterization (adjusted odds ratio: 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.1, 0.9) decrease the odds of having urinary tract infections.

Conclusion:

Gram-negative organisms were the commonest cause of urinary tract infections in women with post-fistula. E. coli and P. aeruginosa showed higher resistance to most antimicrobials in the panels. Fistula patients need to be screened for urinary tract infections before antimicrobial treatment is indicated.
Framing, Sources, and Tone of Government Response: An Analysis of Tainted Cooking Oil Scandal in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shuhui Sophy , Chuang Po-Chung
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine print news coverage of food safety issues linked to tainted cooking oil in Taiwan between 2013 and 2014 through the scope of framing theory. A content analysis presents the frames used by Taiwanese news outlets to portray the food incident and outlines how this coverage may have shaped and been reflected by the media. Messages published in newspapers were analyzed to investigate how the amount of coverage and framing of this well-known food safety issue changed over time. The data demonstrated that newspapers, when reporting on aspects of the food scare, relied upon various government sources. Results revealed that attribution of responsibility, weak food safety system, and inefficiency of information dissemination were the most common frames presented in the printed news. During this incident, newspaper coverage largely placed the blame and responsibility on the cooking oil manufacturers. The overall tone of the newspapers offered a moderately neutral description of government response.
Is Social Capital a Key Factor to enhance Firm’s Performance via Manager’s Intangible Capabilities?
Authors: Rababah Abedalqader , Javed Sarfaraz , Malik Azam
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of the study is to analyse the role of internal social capital and external social capital in determining the financial and non-financial performance of the firm and the effect of manager’s intangible capabilities on internal social capital and external social capital of firm in the context of the manufacturing sector of India.

Design/methodology/approach:

The data for this study is collected from 417 managers of manufacturing firms through a structured questionnaire and is analysed through SPSS and AMOS by performing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings:

Findings reveal that a manager’s business experience, financial literacy and intellectual capital significantly enhance the firm’s internal and external social capital. Furthermore, it has been found that the internal social capital of the firm has the potential to enhance the performance of the firm in financial and non-financial terms. The external social capital also significantly derives from the firm’s financial performance; however, it has not significantly impacted its non-financial performance in the current study.

Research limitations/implications:

These findings provide many implications in theoretical and practical terms because the literature regarding social capital and the linkage among social capital, intangible capabilities and firm performance will be enhanced. The strategymakers and policymakers can also benefit from this study’s implications for making better strategies and policies regarding social capital and the firm’s performance.

Originality/value:

Past studies, though, examined the influence of social capital on business performance. However, no prior research addresses the phenomenon through which social capital can determine business performance while undertaking the role of a manager’s intangible capabilities in such a model. Therefore, the current study is the first to study the interrelationship among the manager’s intangible capabilities, social capital, and firm performance.
Achilles Tendon–Bone Block Allograft for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears With Bony Deficiency of the Greater Tuberosity: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Ho Sean W.L. , Denard Patrick J. , Chong Xue Ling , Collin Philippe , Wang Sidi , Lädermann Alexandre
Published: February 2022

Background:

Massive rotator cuff tears associated with greater tuberosity bone loss are challenging to treat. Repairing the rotator cuff without addressing the greater tuberosity deficiency may result in poorer clinical outcomes.

Hypothesis:

Utilizing an Achilles tendon–bone block allograft to address both the massive rotator cuff tear and greater tuberosity bone loss concurrently can result in improved clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective study of patients treated between January 2011 and December 2018 with Achilles tendon–bone block allograft for massive rotator cuff tears associated with greater tuberosity bone loss. The inclusion criteria were massive rotator cuff tear and bony deficiency of the greater tuberosity; patients with a history of bony metabolism disease, connective tissue disease, and previous surgery to the wrist or elbow of the affected limb were excluded. Range of motion, visual analog scale for pain, Constant score, and Single Numeric Assessment Evaluation score were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Radiographs and ultrasound images were evaluated to assess allograft union and rotator cuff integrity.

Results:

Five patients (3 male and 2 female; mean age, 54.0 ± 12.2 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 80.6 ± 33.7 months. Preoperative to postoperative values improved significantly on the visual analog scale (from 45.8 ± 25.5 to 14.5 ± 14.1; P = .04), Constant score (from 36.8 ± 7.9 to 73.5 ± 3.1; P < .001), and Single Numeric Assessment Evaluation score (from 42.5 ± 26.3 to 82.5 ± 10.4; P = .04). Forward flexion improved significantly from 53° ± 47° to 149° ± 17° ( P = .03). Four of the 5 patients achieved bony union. One patient required removal of symptomatic hardware at 6 months postoperatively, and 1 patient required revision surgery at 1 year postoperatively because of progressive osteonecrosis of the humeral head.

Conclusion:

In patients with massive rotator cuff tears and a greater tuberosity bony deficiency, utilizing an Achilles tendon–bone block allograft to restore the bony defect and reinforce the rotator cuff repair was safe and effective. At a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, most patients demonstrated improved clinical outcomes, tendon healing, and graft incorporation.
Does Living Alone Affect Self-Perceptions of Aging? Findings From Two Waves of the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Lee Sunwoo
Published: February 2022

The current study examined if living alone is associated with self-perceptions of aging (SPA). The study used two-wave longitudinal data, sampled from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and collected in 2014 and 2018. In total, 6506 older adults aged 60–99 years at baseline were followed up with a 4-year lag. Results indicated that there was no significant change in SPA at follow-up regardless of changes in living arrangements. However, at follow-up, there was a significant cross-sectional difference in SPA between older adults who remained in partnership and those who transitioned to living alone due to widowhood or separation/divorce over a 4-year period. Findings suggest that SPA is relatively stable over time and is barely affected by living alone.
Dalit Middle Class and the Crisis of Colonial Modernity: A Study of Ajay Navaria’s Yes Sir
Authors: Beniwal Diksha , Chattopadhyay Sayan
Published: February 2022

This study attempts to understand the relatively new phenomenon of the rise of Dalit middle class by examining Ajay Navaria’s short story titled Yes Sir. The continued survival of caste in modern India compels one to ask if it is possible to enter modernity and achieve class mobility without shedding one’s caste identity as a Dalit. This study shall focus on how Narottam, a Dalit officer’s character, as a representative of the modern Dalit male, manages to renegotiate the very margins he comes from, as he is vested with the ultimate power of promoting Tiwari, his Brahmin clerk. To understand the contradictions inherent in the term ‘Dalit middle class’, the study traces the workings of caste and class since the British rule, to the contemporary notions of modern society driven by individuality and social mobility. It traces the emergence of the middle class, along with the transforming ideas of race and purity as they outlive the traditional understanding of caste as division of labour.