bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise Parameters Predict Technique Survival in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Nakayama Takashin , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Washida Naoki , Morimoto Kohkichi , Muraoka Kaori , Adachi Keika , Kasai Takahiro , Miyashita Kazutoshi , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Objective: The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is an important marker of aerobic capacity in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to evaluate its predictive value for PD-related outcomes. Methods: This single-center cohort study recruited outpatients on maintenance PD from our hospital between March 2017 and March 2018. Exercise capacity was assessed using measurement of ISWT and handgrip and quadriceps strength. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median of exercise capacity and prospectively followed up until cessation of PD, death, or the study end (October 2019). The primary end point of this study was technique survival rate, and secondary outcomes were rates of peritonitis-free survival and PD-related hospitalization-free survival. Results: Among the 50 participants, age and PD vintage were [median (IQR)] 62.5 (58.3–70) and 3.5 (1.3–6.5) years, respectively. At the end of the study, 3 of the 28 participants (11%) in the long-ISWT group and 13 of the 22 participants (59%) in the short-ISWT group were transferred to hemodialysis. The short-ISWT group showed lower technique survival rate (p < 0.001), peritonitis-free survival rate (p = 0.01), and PD-related hospitalization-free survival rate (p < 0.01) than the long-ISWT group, whereas those survival rates did not differ when participants were divided by handgrip or quadriceps strength. Multivariate analysis revealed lower ISWT to be independently associated with technique failure (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The ISWT is an important predictor of technique survival for patients on PD. Monitoring and enhancing ISWT as a marker of aerobic capacity might improve PD-related outcomes.
Successful Conversion Surgery for Stage IV Gastric Cancer after Nivolumab Monotherapy as Third-Line Chemotherapy
Authors: Watanabe Hayato , Fujikawa Hirohito , Komori Keisuke , Kano Kazuki , Takahashi Kosuke , Yamada Takanobu , Inokuchi Yasuhiro , Machida Nozomu , Yokose Tomoyuki , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Ogata Takashi , Oshima Takashi
Published: June 2021

There are few reports of conversion surgery (CS) after nivolumab monotherapy because it is considered as a third-line standard chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer. Here, we report a rare case of stage IV gastric cancer effectively treated with CS after nivolumab monotherapy as a third-line chemotherapy. A 73-year-old man was referred to our hospital with loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort. Stage IV gastric cancer with liver metastasis was diagnosed via upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and CT. Twelve courses of capecitabine, cisplatin, and trastuzumab were administered as the first-line treatment, 25 courses of paclitaxel plus ramucirumab as the second-line treatment, and 31 courses of nivolumab monotherapy as the third-line treatment. After 31 courses of nivolumab monotherapy, CT showed that the primary tumor shrank with no liver metastasis or ascites. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed with no peritoneal dissemination (P0), and the peritoneal lavage cytology was negative (CY0). CS was performed with total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection (R0 resection). The pathological diagnosis was U, Ant-Less, Type 2, 70 × 63 mm, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (ypT3N0M0 ypStage IIA). R0 resection was performed, and the histological response was grade 1a. The patient did not show recurrence for 9 months after CS.
First Subungual Cryptococcosis Described in an HIV Patient with Disseminated Cryptococcosis
Authors: Chiheb Soumiya , Slimani Yasmine , Karam Rajaa , Marnissi Farida , Hali Fouzia
Published: June 2021

Background: Cutaneous cryptococcosis occurs in 10–15% of patients with disseminated cryptococcosis. It typically presents as papulonodular molluscum-like lesions, but it can also produce a wide variety of lesions. Cryptococcal infection of the nail unit has never been reported. Case Report: A 28-year-old woman with a history of HIV with disseminated cryptococcosis in complete remission was referred to evaluate a subungual swelling of the right middle finger. Examination revealed an ulcero-burgeoning nodule over the right middle finger’s subungual area with onycholysis, eschar, and erosion. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological analysis demonstrated multiple histiocytic granulomas centered by encapsulated yeast cells. Culture grew Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans. After 9 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the lesion. Discussion: It is the first reported case of nail involvement in the course of cutaneous cryptococcosis. Definitive diagnosis required pathology and culture. Cryptococcal infection of the nail unit was recalcitrant to systemic therapy while the remaining infection cleared. Our case report suggests that surgical excision associated with systemic therapy is the best treatment approach for subungual cryptococcosis. Recognition of rare manifestations of cutaneous cryptococcosis, such as ours, is essential because HIV cases increase continuously.
Nasal Polyposis and Its Association with Cardiac Functions
Authors: Dhiman Sapna , Dhiman Abhishek , Azad Ramesh K. , Negi Prakash C. , Lal Bhushan , Thakur Jagdeep S.
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to ascertain the effect of nasal polyposis on cardiac functions. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized interventional open-label endpoint-controlled study was conducted in an academic tertiary care hospital. Thirty-one patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis were enrolled and administered fluticasone furoate nasal spray for 3 weeks before randomly segregation into surgical or medical group. The treatment continued for 3 months in both groups. The SNOT-22 (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22) score, polyp grade, and right ventricular and pulmonary arterial functions were recorded in both groups before and after 3 months of the intervention. Results: Both groups had significant improvement in SNOT-22 scores after 3 months of intervention. Both groups showed improvement in cardiac functions, but statistical significance was found only in subjects who underwent surgery. Conclusion: Nasal polyp affects cardiac functions, and this needs further evaluation and research through studies on large samples.
Infancias y desigualdades de clase y género en América Latina: entrevista a Valeria Llobet
Authors: Cubillos-Celis Paula , Rojas-Novoa Soledad
Published: June 2021

Valeria Llobet es Doctora en Psicología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Trabaja
temas relativos a las políticas de protección social y derechos humanos desde un punto de vista que articula las desigualdades de género y la edad. En la actualidad se desempeña como investigadora principal del Conicet en la Universidad Nacional de San Martín (Unsam), donde es docente de grado, posgrado y dirige el Centro de Estudios sobre Desigualdades, Sujetos e Instituciones.
Los hallazgos y reflexiones que Valeria desarrolla en torno a la producción social de las infancias y la reproducción de las desigualdades de clase y género se nutren por su militancia política y su activa participación en la opinión pública, así como también por su estrecha colaboración con organismos estatales en Argentina y agencias internacionales como Unicef. Esta trayectoria como investigadora, docente y activista a nivel nacional e internacional le ha permitido desarrollar una perspectiva compleja en torno al lugar de las infancias en los proyectos de desarrollo social, político y económico en América Latina. Gracias a ello, su mirada puede ofrecernos nuevas pistas para comprender las acciones que, aunadas bajo la retórica de la protección de derechos de niños y niñas, construyen categorías específicas de intervención.
Si consideramos que, en el campo de las Ciencias Sociales, la implementación de la Convención Internacional sobre los Derechos del Niño (CIDN) ha sido ampliamente abordada desde una perspectiva que se concentra en la brecha existente entre el documento universal y las legislaciones y políticas locales, la mirada que Valeria desarrolla es particularmente fructífera para los objetivos de este dossier. Este propone salir de las lógicas evaluativas con el fin de reflexionar, en cambio, sobre el proceso de construcción del campo de disputas que emerge entre las diversas racionalizaciones, clasificaciones y tratamientos que han hecho de la infancia una pieza del engranaje desarrollista en América Latina. En esa dirección apunta esta entrevista.
Mediação da informação no contexto da biblioteca universitária: evidências temáticas
Authors: Abreu Patrícia Maria Honório , Farias Gabriela Belmont de , Pinto Virgínia Bentes
Published: June 2021

A mediação da informação é um processo que contempla todas as atividades da biblioteca universitária. Nesse sentido, realizou-se uma pesquisa cujo objetivo foi investigar como os assuntos relacionados à mediação da informação em biblioteca universitária, estão sendo refletidos nos resumos da literatura cientifica publicados e indexados na Base de Dados Referenciais de Artigos de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação. Os procedimentos metodológicos da pesquisa são de abordagem quanti-qualitativa; a análise das temáticas ocorreu por meio da revisão integrativa. Na estratégia de busca, para obter resultados mais precisos, utilizou-se o operador booleano AND somado aos termos ‘mediação da informação’ e ‘biblioteca universitária’, e o marco temporal de 2009-2019. Evidenciamos que os 23 artigos analisados tinham as seguintes temáticas - mediação em ambiente virtual, mediação da informação e competência informacional, mediação implícita e explícita, tipologia da mediação, mediação para pessoas com deficiência, mediação e ação cultural, mediação para leitura e escrita e mediação e interculturalidade. Por fim constatou-se que as temáticas predominantes nas publicações analisadas, foram: a mediação em ambiente virtual, principalmente ao uso das redes sociais, à competência em informação e sua contribuição na formação dos usuários, e o conceito da mediação implícita e explícita. A partir dos resultados da pesquisa, conclui-se que os estudos relacionados a mediação da informação em biblioteca universitária trazem temas com enfoques complementares.
Anti-TGFβ (Transforming Growth Factor β) Therapy With Betaglycan-Derived P144 Peptide Gene Delivery Prevents the Formation of Aortic Aneurysm in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Arce Cristina , Rodríguez-Rovira Isaac , De Rycke Karo , Durán Karina , Campuzano Victoria , Fabregat Isabel , Jiménez-Altayó Francesc , Berraondo Pedro , Egea Gustavo
Published: June 2021

Objective:

We investigated the effect of a potent TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) inhibitor peptide (P144) from the betaglycan/TGFβ receptor III on aortic aneurysm development in a Marfan syndrome mouse model.

Approach and Results:

We used a chimeric gene encoding the P144 peptide linked to apolipoprotein A-I via a flexible linker expressed by a hepatotropic adeno-associated vector. Two experimental approaches were performed: (1) a preventive treatment where the vector was injected before the onset of the aortic aneurysm (aged 4 weeks) and followed-up for 4 and 20 weeks and (2) a palliative treatment where the vector was injected once the aneurysm was formed (8 weeks old) and followed-up for 16 weeks. We evaluated the aortic root diameter by echocardiography, the aortic wall architecture and TGFβ signaling downstream effector expression of pSMAD2 and pERK1/2 by immunohistomorphometry, and
Tgfβ1
and
Tgfβ2
mRNA expression levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Marfan syndrome mice subjected to the preventive approach showed no aortic dilation in contrast to untreated Marfan syndrome mice, which at the same end point age already presented the aneurysm. In contrast, the palliative treatment with P144 did not halt aneurysm progression. In all cases, P144 improved elastic fiber morphology and normalized pERK1/2-mediated TGFβ signaling. Unlike the palliative treatment, the preventive treatment reduced
Tgfβ1
and
Tgfβ2
mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

P144 prevents the onset of aortic aneurysm but not its progression. Results indicate the importance of reducing the excess of active TGFβ signaling during the early stages of aortic disease progression.
Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by ITE Improves Cardiac Function in Mice After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Seong Eunhwa , Lee Jun‐Ho , Lim Sungmin , Park Eun‐Hye , Kim Eunmin , Kim Chan Woo , Lee Eunmi , Oh Gyu‐Chul , Choo Eun Ho , Hwang Byung‐Hee , Kim Chan Joon , Ihm Sang Hyun , Youn Ho Joong , Chung Wook Sung , Chang Kiyuk
Published: June 2021

Background

The immune and inflammatory responses play a considerable role in left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Binding of AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) to its ligands modulates immune and inflammatory responses; however, the effects of AhR in the context of MI are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the potential association between AhR and MI by treating mice with a nontoxic endogenous AhR ligand, ITE (2‐[1’H‐indole‐3’‐carbonyl]‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methyl ester). We hypothesized that activation of AhR by ITE in MI mice would boost regulatory T‐cell differentiation, modulate macrophage activity, and facilitate infarct healing.

Methods and Results

Acute MI was induced in C57BL/6 mice by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, the mice were randomized to daily intraperitoneal injection of ITE (200 µg/mouse, n=19) or vehicle (n=16) to examine the therapeutic effects of ITE during the postinfarct healing process. Echocardiographic and histopathological analyses revealed that ITE‐treated mice exhibited significantly improved systolic function (
P
<0.001) and reduced infarct size compared with control mice (
P
<0.001). In addition, we found that ITE increased regulatory T cells in the mediastinal lymph node, spleen, and infarcted myocardium, and shifted the M1/M2 macrophage balance toward the M2 phenotype in vivo, which plays vital roles in the induction and resolution of inflammation after acute MI. In vitro, ITE expanded the Foxp3
+
(forkhead box protein P3‐positive) regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cell populations.

Conclusions

Activation of AhR by a nontoxic endogenous ligand, ITE, improves cardiac function after MI. Post‐MI mice treated with ITE have a significantly lower risk of developing advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction than nontreated mice. Thus, the results imply that ITE has a potential as a stimulator of cardiac repair after MI to prevent heart failure.
Penumbra Consumption Rates Based on Time-to-Maximum Delay and Reperfusion Status: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DEFUSE 3 Trial
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Raz Eytan , Dehkharghani Seena , Riina Howard , McTaggart Ryan , Jayaraman Mahesh , Prabhakaran Shyam , Liebeskind David S. , Khatri Pooja , Mac Grory Brian , Al-Mufti Fawwaz , Lansberg Maarten , Albers Gregory , de Havenon Adam
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose:

In patients with acute large vessel occlusion, the natural history of penumbral tissue based on perfusion time-to-maximum (T
max
) delay is not well established in relation to late-window endovascular thrombectomy. In this study, we sought to evaluate penumbra consumption rates for T
max
delays in patients with large vessel occlusion evaluated between 6 and 16 hours from last known normal.

Methods:

This is a post hoc analysis of the DEFUSE 3 trial (The Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke), which included patients with an acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation occlusion within 6 to 16 hours of last known normal. The primary outcome is percentage penumbra consumption, defined as (24-hour magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume–baseline core infarct volume)/(T
max
6 or 10 s volume–baseline core volume). We stratified the cohort into 4 categories based on treatment modality and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI score; untreated, TICI 0-2a, TICI 2b, and TICI3) and calculated penumbral consumption rates in each category.

Results:

We included 141 patients, among whom 68 were untreated. In the untreated versus TICI 3 patients, a median (interquartile range) of 53.7% (21.2%–87.7%) versus 5.3% (1.1%–14.6%) of penumbral tissue was consumed based on T
max
>6 s (
P
<0.001). In the same comparison for T
max
>10 s, we saw a difference of 165.4% (interquartile range, 56.1%–479.8%) versus 25.7% (interquartile range, 3.2%–72.1%;
P
<0.001). Significant differences were not demonstrated between untreated and TICI 0-2a patients for penumbral consumption based on T
max
>6 s (
P
=0.52) or T
max
>10 s (
P
=0.92).

Conclusions:

Among extended window endovascular thrombectomy patients, T
max
>10-s mismatch volume may comprise large volumes of salvageable tissue, whereas nearly half the T
max
>6-s mismatch volume may remain viable in untreated patients at 24 hours.
Morphology of the last instar larva and pupa of Synanthedon caucasica (Gorbunov, 1986) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), a serious pest of oriental plane and elm trees
Authors: BĄKOWSKI MAREK , KARIMZADEH JAVAD
Published: June 2021

This work presents the first description of the morphology of the last larval instar and pupa of the clearwing moth species Synanthedon caucasica (Gorbunov, 1986). All diagnostic morphological characters are described in detail, compared with the closely related species Synanthedon loranthi (Králíček, 1966), and these diagnostic characters are illustrated with photographs and line drawings.
Songs in the genus Uromenus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Ephippigerini): A review with new information about some species
Authors: HELLER KLAUS-GERHARD , PUSKÁS GELLÉRT , SZÖVÉNYI GERGELY , CHOBANOV DRAGAN P.
Published: June 2021

With nearly 60 described forms Uromenus is the most species-rich genus of the tribe Ephippigerini, a west Palearctic group of flightless bush-crickets (katydids). As it is typical for bush-crickets, Uromenus males produce species-specific calling songs to attract females prepared to mate. These insects are relatively large and their songs have always components audible to humans. Nevertheless, acoustical information are available only for few species. Also the phylogenetic relationships of species and species groups are poorly known. In this paper we present new data on the song and morphology of several species (U. dyrrhachiacus, U. elegans, U. finoti, U. galvagnii, U. robustus, U. tobboganensis and U. innocentii) and give a review of all published acoustical data. Judging from the still few data, as in other Ephippigerini the song patterns often seem to contain species-group characteristics making them candidates to be used in phylogenetic studies. Additionally, we have studied the female stridulatory organs which are unique in structure in Ephippigerini and completely different from those of the males. Despite in Uromenus used only for defensive stridulation, possibly species-specific similarities in structure between males and females exist.
The larva of Sericostoma galeatum Rambur 1842 (Trichoptera: Sericostomatidae), based on French material
Authors: WARINGER JOHANN , COPPA GENNARO
Published: June 2021

The present paper describes the previously unknown larva of Sericostoma galeatum based on French material. Information on the morphology of the larva is given, and the most important morphological characters are illustrated. Sericostoma galeatum is very close to the S. personatum / S. flavicorne species pair and cannot be separated yet from those confusing congeners. With respect to the distribution, S. galeatum is confined to the French, Italian, and Swiss western Alps and the Apennines. In addition, ecological information is provided.
Study on Electrochemical Stripping Method of Graphene Electrode and Its Capacitive Properties
Authors: Qin Qi , Cui Yi-Ran , Song Meng , Li Ji-Yuan , Wang Yan-Jie , Wang Jing , Zhang Dian-Bo
Published: June 2021

Graphene has excellent properties, such as excellent conductivity, more pores, stable chemical and structural properties, high specific surface area, so it is usually used in the battery fields. In order to further explore the capacitive properties of graphene, this experiment used
electrochemical stripping method, the electrochemical electrode was characterized by constant potential treatment methods, cyclic voltammetry curve, and constant current charging–discharging curve. The capacitive performance of modified graphene at different potentials was compared.
If a constant potential peeling treatment is performed, the interlayer spacing of graphene increases, and this time, the specific surface area is enlarged, and the electrical properties of the graphene electrode material are correspondingly improved. Cyclic voltammetry curve results show that
the graphene electrode exhibits better capacitance performance after being treated with a constant potential in neutral electrolyte. When treating with 3.1 V constant potential and voltage range of -1.1 V–1.1 V, capacitance can reach 327.273 F. The chronopotentiometry curve results show
that 3.1 V graphene electrode mass ratio capacitance can reach 218.182 F/g under voltage range of -0.3 V–0.3 V, meeting the energy storage requirements of the battery industry, and it is expected to become an ideal electrode material in the field of supercapacitors.
BACH1 Binding Links the Genetic Risk for Severe Periodontitis with ST8SIA1
Authors: Chopra A. , Mueller R. , Weiner J. , Rosowski J. , Dommisch H. , Grohmann E. , Schaefer A.S.
Published: June 2021

Genome-wide association studies identified various loci associated with periodontal diseases, but assigning causal alleles remains difficult. Likewise, the generation of biological meaning underlying a statistical association has been challenging. Here, we characterized the genetic association at the gene ST8SIA1 that increases the risk for severe periodontitis in smokers. We used CRISPR/dCas9 activation and RNA-sequencing to identify genetic interaction partners of ST8SIA1 and to determine its function in the cell. We used reporter gene assays to identify regulatory elements at the associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to determine effect directions and allele-specific changes of enhancer activity. Antibody electrophoretic mobility shift assays proved allele-specific transcription factor binding at the putative causal SNPs. We found the reported periodontitis risk gene ABCA1 as the top upregulated gene following ST8SIA1 activation. Gene set enrichment analysis showed highest effects on integrin cell surface interactions (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85; q = 4.9 × 10−6) and cell cycle regulation (AUC = 0.89; q = 1.6 × 10−5). We identified 2 associated repressor elements in the introns of ST8SIA1 that bind the transcriptional repressor BACH1. The putative causative variant rs2012722 decreased BACH1 binding by 40%. We also pinpointed ST8SIA1 as the target gene of the association. ST8SIA1 inhibits cell adhesion with extracellular matrix proteins, integrins, and cell cycle, as well as enhances apoptosis. Likewise, tobacco smoke reportedly results in an inhibition of cell adhesion and a decrease in integrin-positive cells and cell growth. We conclude that impaired ST8SIA1 repression, independently caused by reduced BACH1 binding at the effect T allele, as well as by tobacco smoke, contributes to higher ST8SIA1 levels, and in smokers who carry the effect T allele, both factors would be additive with damaging effects on the gingival barrier integrity. The activity of ST8SIA1 is also linked with the periodontitis risk gene ABCA1.
Saliva and Serum Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Silica Surfaces
Authors: Lehnfeld J. , Dukashin Y. , Mark J. , White G.D. , Wu S. , Katzur V. , Müller R. , Ruhl S.
Published: June 2021

Biomaterials, once inserted in the oral cavity, become immediately covered by a layer of adsorbed proteins that consists mostly of salivary proteins but also of plasma proteins if the biomaterial is placed close to the gingival margin or if it becomes implanted into tissue and bone. It is often this protein layer, rather than the pristine biomaterial surface, that is subsequently encountered by colonizing bacteria or attaching tissue cells. Thus, to study this important initial protein adsorption from human saliva and serum and how it might be influenced through chemical modification of the biomaterial surface, we have measured the amount of protein adsorbed and analyzed the composition of the adsorbed protein layer using gel electrophoresis and western blotting. Here, we have developed an in vitro model system based on silica surfaces, chemically modified with 7 silane-based self-assembled monolayers that span a broad range of physicochemical properties, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic surfaces (water contact angles from 15° to 115°), low to high surface free energy (12 to 57 mN/m), and negative to positive surface charge (zeta potentials from –120 to +40 mV at physiologic pH). We found that the chemical surface functionalities exerted a substantial effect on the total amounts of proteins adsorbed; however, no linear correlation of the adsorbed amounts with the physicochemical surface parameters was observed. Only the adsorption behavior of a few singular protein components, from which physicochemical data are available, seems to follow physicochemical expectations. Examples are albumin in serum and lysozyme in saliva; in both, adsorption was favored on countercharged surfaces. We conclude from these findings that in complex biofluids such as saliva and serum, adsorption behavior is dominated by the overall protein-binding capacity of the surface rather than by specific physicochemical interactions of single protein entities with the surface.
The clinical features and prognosis of 31 HIV-infected diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases
Authors: Lian Yun , Huang Jiayu , Zhao Huihui
Published: June 2021

This retrospective study was designed to describe the clinical characteristics and prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. We retrospectively enrolled 31 patients newly diagnosed with HIV-infected DLBCL from 2009 to 2019 in our institution. The median age of patients was 47 years, and most patients were male ( n = 27, 87.1%). Baseline mean CD4+ count was 150.72 ± 146.57/μl. Eighteen (58.1%) patients had B symptoms. Categorized by international prognostic index (IPI) score, 7 cases (22.6%) were in low-risk group (IPI 0-1) and 24 cases (77.4%) were in medium-high risk group (IPI 2-5). Twenty-five (80.6%) patients received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 16 (51.6%) underwent standard chemotherapy. The mortality rate was 58.1% (18/31). Univariate survival analysis revealed that HCV infection ( p = 0.032), standard chemotherapy treatments ( p = 0.038) were associated with overall survival (OS). Our results showed that HIV-infected DLBCL patients had high-risk stratification and high mortality. HCV-coinfection might be associated with poor OS. Early diagnosis and standardized treatments might be beneficial for promoting the survival of HIV-infected DLBCL patients.
The Administrator’s Role in Universal Design for Learning’s Successful Implementation
Authors: Grillo Monica
Published: June 2021

Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a critical issue for public schools in our country. UDL is an inclusive framework based on the science of learning. It supports and removes barriers to learning for all students while maintaining high expectations. Federal education policies have called for inclusive instruction based on UDL principles. Nevertheless, our educators and administrators are not sure they believe in it and do not know what exactly it is or how to implement it with fidelity (Jordan, 2018; Monsen et al., 2014; Russel & Bray, 2013). Previous researchers have found that teachers are more likely to implement inclusive teaching practices such as UDL when they have positive attitudes toward them shaped by their culture, experiences, and training. Administrators have a unique position to influence teacher attitudes by creating an inclusive school culture and providing instructional leadership. UDL benefits all students-not just those with unique needs-by increasing student engagement and removing learning barriers.
Increasing Secondary Students’ Comprehension Through Explicit Attention to Narrative Text Structure
Authors: Butler Whitney Sommers , Hord Casey , Watts-Taffe Susan
Published: June 2021

In spite of the prevailing assumption that formal reading instruction is no longer needed once adolescents reach high school, students at the secondary level still benefit from explicit reading instruction to continue developing advanced literacy skills enabling them to access complex narrative texts. This article argues for the importance of teachers to scrutinize the texts they plan to teach to determine what instruction and supports are needed to promote reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities. Specifically, this article examines how nonlinear text structures can challenge adolescent reading comprehension and illustrates explicit text structure instruction with three exemplar texts which use unconventional narrative patterns. The article emphasizes the importance of considering the qualitative features of texts to inform instruction to support reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities.
Status of research and development conducted by the International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning
Authors: Yamauchi Toyoaki
Published: June 2021

Since the International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID) was established as a technology research association in August 2013, it has been engaged in research and development (R&D) for decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which is currently an urgent issue, to strengthen the platform for decommissioning technology for the future. The work of IRID R&D is classified into three main pillars: removal of spent nuclear fuel from the pool; retrieval of fuel debris; and technological development for treatment and disposal of solid radioactive waste. This article describes an overview of R&D as of the first half of the fiscal year 2020, mainly focusing on investigation inside primary containment vessels and retrieval of fuel debris.
Listening Like a Computer: Attentional Tensions and Mechanized Care in Psychiatric Digital Phenotyping
Authors: Semel Beth M.
Published: June 2021

This article explores negotiations over the humanistic versus mechanized components of care through an ethnographic account of digital phenotyping research. I focus on a US-based team of psychiatric and engineering professionals assembling a smartphone application that they hope will analyze minute changes in the sounds of speech during phone calls to predict when a user with bipolar disorder will have a manic or depressive episode. Contrary to conventional depictions of psychiatry as essentially humanistic, the discourse surrounding digital phenotyping positions the machine as a necessary addition to mental health care precisely because of its more-than-human sensory, attentional capacities. The bipolar research team likewise portrays their app as capable of pinpointing sonic signs of mental illness that humans, too distracted by semantic meaning, otherwise ignore. Nevertheless, the team members tasked with processing the team’s data (audio recordings of human research subject speech) must craft and perform a selectively attentive machinic subject position, which they call “listening like a computer”: a paradoxical mode of attention (to speech sound) and inattention (to speech meaning). By tracing the team’s discursive and on-the-ground enactments of care and attention as both humanistic and machinic, I tune a critical ear to the posthuman promises of digital phenotyping.
Navigating to the Top in an Egalitarian Welfare State: Institutional Opportunity Structures of Second-generation Social Mobility
Authors: Midtbøen Arnfinn H. , Nadim Marjan
Published: June 2021

A large body of work has demonstrated the substantial intergenerational mobility experienced by children of immigrants, yet the institutional determinants of incorporation are poorly understood. Building on insights from neo-classical assimilation theory, this article analyzes in-depth interviews with 62 high-achieving children of labor immigrants from Pakistan, Turkey, India, and Morocco and investigates how they maneuvered through Norway’s educational system and reached their current positions as medical doctors, lawyers, and business professionals. We show that these children of immigrants from low-income households capitalized on a series of institutional opportunity structures provided by Norway’s egalitarian welfare state, such as a school system with high standardization and low stratification, free higher education, and a cultural and institutional context that supports women’s employment. In line with neo-classical assimilation theory, we argue that the specific institutional structures and cultural beliefs in the Norwegian context shape the strategies and forms of adaptation chosen by ethnic minority groups. However, our analyses suggest the need for careful consideration of how such strategies and adaptations vary across national contexts.
Introducing the Napo Archive
Authors: Annison Jill , Dominey Jane
Published: June 2021

This comment piece outlines the genesis of the Napo Archive and the process of its establishment at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. It outlines the scope that these resources offer for researchers, students, and for those with a more general interest in probation. It also points to the unique vantage points that these materials could offer in relation to investigations into the historical development of probation policy and practice, and the emergence of Napo as a professional organisation and subsequently as a trade union.
Reimagining public library programming during a pandemic
Authors: Lenstra Noah , D’Arpa Christine
Published: June 2021

This article uses survey data to describe, discuss, and examine the ways in which small and rural public libraries adjusted their programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions associated with the pandemic forced libraries to close their doors and reimagine how they would deliver programming to their community.
Neither rhyme nor reason? Understanding science evaluation today
Authors: Wagner Peter
Published: June 2021

After illustrating by comparison why large segments of the current practices of science evaluation should be seen as absurd in procedure or outcome and often in both, this contribution asks why these practices have emerged in the first place and why they persist despite widespread criticism.
Evaluation of the Modified Barium Swallow Study Conducted With and Without Radiologist Supervision: A Pre- and Post-Observational Study
Authors: Yang Luhe , Leswick David , Butler Michael , Ellchuk Tasha
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Assess quality metrics of modified barium swallow studies (MBSS) with and without a radiologist present during the procedure.

Methods:

Retrospective review of MBSS performed on adult inpatients at a tertiary care hospital 6-months pre- and post-institutional change from having to not having a radiologist present during the examination.

Factors assessed included:

fluoroscopy time; study duration; number of cine loops; number of images; efficiency of collimation (using a 5-point scoring system); time to final report; radiologist-speech language pathologist report disagreement; and recalls for inadequate studies. Statistical analysis was via Welch’s t-test and a test of proportions for continuous and count data under the normal approximation.

Results:

106 and 119 MBSS were analyzed from the radiologist present and radiologist absent periods, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found for: average fluoroscopy time (116.1 s vs. 126.9 s; P = 0.161); study duration (400.4 s vs. 417.3 s; P = 0.453); number of cine loops (9.3 vs. 10.2; P = 0.075); number of images (620.5 vs. 581.1; P = 0.350); or report disagreement. There was improved performance without the radiologist present for collimation (1.92 vs. 1.43; P = 0.003) and fewer non-diagnostic images (6.5 vs. 4.5; P = 0.001). Time to final report was longer with the radiologist absent due to more reports with significant delays. There were no repeated studies because of inadequate technique in either group.

Conclusion:

MBSS performed by technologists without radiologist supervision is not inferior to those performed with radiologist supervision on multiple performance measures. This supports technologist operated MBSS without radiologist supervision, while acknowledging a need to further address radiologist report time delay.
Entry Timing as a Mixed Gamble in Cross-border Acquisition Waves: A study of Family Firms
Authors: Fuad Mohammad , Thakur Vinod , Sinha Ashutosh Kumar
Published: June 2021

We draw upon the mixed gamble perspective to investigate the entry timing decisions made by family firms in the context of cross-border acquisition (CBA) waves. We argue that family-controlled firms trade-off short-term SEW and financial losses in favor of long-term SEW and financial gains, while moving early in CBA waves. Findings suggest that family-controlled firms have a higher preference for early movement compared with nonfamily-controlled firms. Further, we show that founder’s presence on the board and acquirer’s superior performance amplifies the mixed gamble trade-offs, thereby strengthening the relationship between family control and early movement within CBA waves.
Examining Volatility Spillover Between Foreign Exchange Markets and Stock Markets of Countries such as BRICS Countries
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Theivanayaki M. , Ganeshwari M.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this article is to examine the volatility spillover effect between the foreign exchange market and the stock market of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries along with Japan as the developed country in the region, affecting the BRICS countries. Generalized Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroscedastic (GARCH) (1,1) method is used to study the volatility between the stock market and the foreign exchange market in selected countries, and asymmetric model, that is, Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity—EGARCH (1,1) is also used to investigate the presence of leverage effects in both stock market and foreign exchange market in selected countries. GARCH findings suggest a two-way volatility spillover between the stock market and foreign exchange markets for India, China and South Africa. In BRICS countries, volatility spillover from the currency market to the stock market is seen as more evident and robust as compared to spillover from the stock market to the currency market. A positive asymmetry in spillover is also observed from the foreign exchange market to the stock market. The findings of the study may provide valuable information to investors for decision-making in international portfolio investment and also for economic policymakers for their financial stability perspective.
Is Awareness That Powerful? Women’s Financial Literacy Support to Prospects Behaviour in Prudent Decision-making
Authors: Iram Tahira , Bilal Ahmad Raza , Latif Shahid
Published: June 2021

Financial literacy is of utmost relevance in the field of entrepreneurship, especially in developing countries. However, what builds financial literacy and how it shapes investment decision-making of women entrepreneurs is an exiguously researched area. Building on this gap, this study postulates that women entrepreneurs’ prospect behavioural factors (loss aversion, regret aversion, mental accounting, and self-control) impact their investment decision process through the intervening role of financial literacy. Based on a stratified sample of 579 women entrepreneurs operating in Punjab, Pakistan, structural equation modelling was used to analyse the hypothesized relationship among variables. Findings showed that loss aversion, regret aversion, mental accounting, and self-control significantly influenced women’s financial literacy and investment decision process, whereas no impact of regret aversion was traced on investment decision-making. Thus, our results offered robust support that financial literacy stimulated by women entrepreneurs’ prospect behaviour invigorates their investment decision power.
Rickets in a Thoroughbred-cross foal: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Asin Javier , Murphy Brian G. , Samol Monika A. , Polanco Jose , Moore Janet D. , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: June 2021

Rickets is a metabolic bone disease associated with failure of endochondral ossification and impaired osteoid mineralization in growing animals. As a consequence, affected individuals can develop gross and microscopic bone malformations. The most common causes of rickets in domestic species include vitamin D and phosphorus deficiency. Rickets has been described in multiple species; however, comprehensive postmortem characterizations with confirmatory histopathology in equids have not been published. A 6-mo-old, Thoroughbred-cross foal was diagnosed with rickets based on gross autopsy findings and microscopic examination of the ribs and long bones. Grossly, all costochondral junctions of the ribs were enlarged with a “rachitic rosary” appearance, and there were multiple fracture calluses in the rib bodies. Epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones appeared widened on sagittal section, and their physes were irregularly thickened. Histologically, there were poorly organized columns of hypertrophic chondrocytes within the physes of affected bones, islands of chondrocytes embedded within the primary and secondary spongiosa, and faintly eosinophilic seams of poorly mineralized osteoid within the bone trabeculae. Areas of focally increased osteoclastic activity were observed in some of the sections, perhaps pointing to a more complex metabolic bone disease in a growing animal. Low serum concentrations of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were detected in an antemortem sample. The pathogenesis of these imbalances was not definitively established, but lack of sunlight exposure, low concentration of vitamin D precursors in the diet (perhaps secondary to malnutrition), or both, were suspected; a genetic basis cannot be ruled out.
Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve Pediatric Palliative Care Consultation Processes
Authors: Stoyell Jennifer Forsman , Jordan Megan , Derouin Anne , Thompson Julie , Gall Sarah , Jooste Karen R. , Keskinyan Vahakn Shant , Lakis Kristen Register , Lee Yu-Lin Amy , Docherty Sharron
Published: June 2021

Background:

A critical aspect of pediatric palliative care consultations is the assessment and documentation of patient and family needs. While these assessments usually include a focus on physical pain, there is less standardization of assessments of other physical symptoms and psychosocial, emotional, or spiritual needs.

Aims:

To improve the breadth of assessment of psychosocial and emotional needs, screen for symptoms other than pain among pediatric patients utilizing palliative care services, and to increase documentation of assessment data from 30%-40% to 80% through practice changes implemented in 2 Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

Methods:

This quality improvement project involved implementing provider education and adapting the palliative care consultation template in the electronic health record to improve breadth and consistency of assessment and documentation during consultations by the interdisciplinary pediatric palliative care team. Two PDSA cycles were performed. Chi squared tests and statistical control charts were used for data analysis.

Results:

There was statistically significant improvement in the inclusion of documentation of a pediatric palliative care social work note from baseline (32%) to Cycle 2 (57%). Physical symptom screening declined slightly, but not significantly (p = .32) and socio-emotional discussions also declined but not significantly (p = .05).

Conclusions:

Screening for physical symptoms and discussions with patients and families about psychosocial/emotional needs during the initial palliative care consultations are extremely important in providing effective, holistic, patient-centered care. There is a need for development of pediatric-centric guidelines and quality measures to evaluate pediatric palliative care programs; further research is indicated to determine methods for evaluating compliance with these guidelines.
Scaffolding Inference-Making for Adolescents With Disabilities That Impact Reading
Authors: Barth Amy E. , Thomas Cathy Newman
Published: June 2021

Middle grade students with disabilities that impact reading, including learning disabilities (LD) in reading, high functioning autism (ASD), and emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), and students atrisk for reading failure due to the effects of poverty often struggle to make knowledge-based inferences while reading informational texts. As a result, these populations of students are not able to read for understanding or learn from grade-level texts. Unfortunately, many special educators have had little preparation in how to develop their knowledge of inference-making or methods for explicitly teaching inference-making. Despite their lack of knowledge, special educators are often solely responsible for teaching skills that support reading comprehension, such as knowledge-based inference-making. This article provides special educators with information and resources to enhance their understanding of knowledge-based inferencing and methods for teaching knowledge-based inference-making to middle grade students with disabilities and those who are at risk for reading failure.
Utilization Impact of Cost-Sharing Elimination for Preventive Care Services: A Rapid Review
Authors: Norris Hope C. , Richardson Haley M. , Benoit Marie-Anais C. , Shrosbree Beth , Smith Judith E. , Fendrick A. Mark
Published: June 2021

Consumer cost-sharing has been shown to diminish utilization of preventive services. Recent efforts, including provisions within the Affordable Care Act, have sought to increase use of preventive care through elimination of cost-sharing for clinically indicated services. We conducted a rapid review of the literature to determine the impact of cost-share elimination on utilization of preventive services. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL Complete databases as well as in grey literature. A total of 35 articles were included in qualitative synthesis and findings were summarized for three clinical service categories: cancer screenings, contraceptives, and additional services. Impacts of cost-sharing elimination varied depending on clinical service, with a majority of findings showing increases in use. Studies that included socioeconomic status reported that those who were financially vulnerable incurred substantial increases in utilization. Future investigations on additional clinical services are warranted as is research to better elucidate populations who most benefit from cost-sharing elimination.
Peerformance: Bystanders Enacting and Challenging Gender Norms in Community-Based Theater to Prevent Domestic Violence
Authors: Yoshihama Mieko , Hammock Amy C. , Baidoun Fatmeh
Published: June 2021

This study examined the gender beliefs and norms expressed by South Asian community members when intervening as bystanders in Peerformance, a publicly performed scene depicting a husband’s controlling behavior toward his wife enacted by a peer-led theater group. Using a grounded theory approach, inductive coding and reiterative visual analysis of videotaped bystander interactions revealed that, while most community members confronted the husband, beliefs about gender roles and relations impacted how these confrontations occurred. The complexity of gender norms in bystanders’ interventions calls for sociocultural tailoring; bystander programs must attend to the rich, within-group variations in community members’ attitudes and beliefs.