bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a collagen-based composite material containing selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Stevanović Magdalena M , Filipović Nenad , Kuzmanović Maja , Tomić Nina , Ušjak Dušan , Milenković Marina , Zheng Kai , Stampfl Juergen , Boccaccini Aldo R
Published: February 2022

Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains represent an emerging global health threat and a great obstacle for bone tissue engineering. One of the major components of the extracellular matrix of the bone is a collagen protein, while selenium is an element that has antimicrobial potential, and is also important for bone metabolism and bone health. Here we represent the incorporation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized by the green chemical reduction method into collagen gels to produce a composite material, collagen/SeNPs, with antimicrobial properties. The samples were comprehensively characterized by zeta potential measurements, dynamic light scattering inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry The cytotoxicity of the SeNPS, as well as collagen/SeNPs, was tested on the MRC-5 cells. It was revealed that collagen/SeNPS expressed a lower cytotoxic effect. Collagen/SeNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against all tested Gram-positive strains, the major causative agents of orthopedic infections as well as Candida albicans. Furthermore, three-dimensional β-tricalcium phosphate (3D-TCP) scaffolds were fabricated by a well-established 3D printing (lithography) method, and afterward preliminary coated by newly-synthesized SeNPs or collagen/SeNPs. In addition, uncoated 3D-TCP scaffolds as well as coated by collagen/SeNPs were subjected to biofilm formation. The production of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on coated scaffolds by collagen/SeNPs was significantly reduced compared to the uncoated ones.
Redefining Disciplinary Segregation: Perceptions of Effective Programming Among Program Participants and Staff
Authors: Meyers Travis J. , Wright Kevin A. , Phillips Samantha
Published: February 2022

People who engage in violence during their incarceration create a number of challenges for those who live and work in our correctional facilities. In response, there is a growing focus on the use of short-term confinement in disciplinary segregation that includes therapeutic programming. The ability of these programs to affect future behavior, however, is mixed. To better understand why research is mixed, the current study incorporates the views and perspectives of staff and participants involved in rehabilitative efforts within a segregated housing setting. Structured interviews were carried out with 25 former program participants and 10 correctional staff who oversee the day-to-day management of a disciplinary segregation program in a U.S. prison that includes rehabilitative programming. Subject perspectives provide additional direction for the inclusion of programming in segregated housing and a note of caution for programs that are alternative in name but traditional in practice.
Associations, microbiology and outcomes of pre-training peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis
Authors: Hayat Ashik , Johnson David W , Hawley Carmel M , Jaffrey Lauren R , Mahmood Usman , Mon Sarah Saw Yu , Cho Yeoungjee
Published: February 2022

Background:

Pre-training peritonitis (PTP), defined as peritonitis that occurred after catheter insertion and before peritoneal dialysis (PD) training, is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for adverse patient outcomes, yet poorly understood with limited studies conducted to date. This study was conducted to identify the associations, microbiologic profiles and outcomes of PTP compared to post-training peritonitis.

Methods:

This single-centre, case-control study involved patients with kidney failure who had PD as their first kidney replacement therapy and had experienced an episode of PD peritonitis between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015. Individuals experiencing their first episode of peritonitis were included in the study and categorized according to whether it occurred pre- or post-training. The primary outcome was peritonitis cure rates and composite outcome of hemodialysis (HD) transfer for ≥30 days or death. The secondary outcomes included catheter removal and refractory peritonitis rates.

Results:

Among 683 patients who received PD for the first time, 121 (17.7%) had PTP while 265 (38.8%) had post-training peritonitis. PTP patients were more likely to have had exit-site infection (ESI) prior to peritonitis (24.8% compared to 17% in the post-training peritonitis group, p = 0.2). Culture-negative peritonitis was significantly more common in the PTP patients (53.7%) than in the post-training group (27.3%, p < 0.001). The cure was achieved in 68.9% of cases and was not significantly different between the PTP and post-training peritonitis groups (66.1% vs. 70.2%; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51–1.35). Lower odds of cure were associated with peritonitis caused by moderate and high severity organisms (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.85; OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08–0.43, respectively). Composite outcome of HD transfer or death was more commonly observed among patients with PTP (87.5% vs. 75.8%; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.20–4.48) in whom significantly shorter median time to HD transfer was observed (PTP 10.7 months vs. post-training peritonitis 21.9 months, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

PTP is a common condition that is highly associated with preceding ESI, is frequently culture-negative and is associated with worse composite outcome of HD transfer or death. PTP rates should be routinely monitored and reported by PD units for continuous quality improvement.
Dynamic response of an annular circular plate made of shape memory alloy using differential quadrature method
Authors: Barati Amir Hossein Nasrollah , Jafari Ali Asghar , Haghighi Shahram Etemadi , Maghsoudpour Adel
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the dynamic response of an annular circular plate with clamped edges under harmonic load. The circular plate is analyzed based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The Boyd-Lagoudas constitutive model is used to simulate the pseudoelastic behavior, and Hamilton’s principle is used to obtain the equations of motion. Also, differential quadrature and Newmark methods are utilized to obtain the time and frequency responses of the plate. The phase transformation effects are studied on the time and frequency responses of the plate. Then, the accuracy of these results is checked with the available literature and ABAQUS software. Results indicate that the alloy phase transformation leads to reduced material strength and the nonlinear behavior of the alloy.
Analysis of 3D composite preform contour locking parameters based on vibration characteristics
Authors: Sun Wenli , Li Chunhui , He Lei , Shan Zhongde , Cheng Xiang
Published: February 2022

To ensure the smooth insertion of the side rod/fiber bundle during the three-dimensional woven preform contour locking process, the influence of the diameter, speed, and other parameters on the free end vibration displacement response of the side rod and the fiber-carrying needle is analyzed. By calculating the kinetic energy and potential energy of the two separately, the dynamic equations of the side rod and the fiber-carrying needle are established based on Hamilton's principle and discretized. The state equations are solved using the Runge–Kutta method, and the free end vibration displacement responses of the side rod and the fiber-carrying needle for different parameters are obtained. The results show that the equilibrium position and the maximum amplitude of the free end of the side rod and the fiber-carrying needle decrease with the increase of the section diameter and the decrease of the axial speed. And the circular tube wall thickness has less impact on the free end vibration displacement of the fiber-carrying needle. The overall analysis shows that the fiber-carrying needle vibration response is smaller than that of the side rod under the same parameters.
Fostering Students’ Understanding in Mangrove Ecosystem: A Case Study Using the Mangrove Survivor Board Game
Authors: Gitgeatpong Lalipat , Ketpichainarong Watcharee
Published: February 2022

Background

The mangrove ecosystem is a most productive and biologically diverse ecosystem. Even though many insertional media and tools are used for educating students about the mangrove ecosystem and conservation, most media do not provide in-depth knowledge of the relationships among organisms in the mangrove ecosystem. This research created a board game as an instructional tool to help students learn about the relationship of organisms and environmental impacts on the mangrove ecosystem.

Aim

The Mangrove Survivor board game was designed and developed for fostering students’ learning in the concepts relating to the relationship among organisms, biodiversity, and the impact of the key factors on living organisms to survive in the mangrove ecosystem.

Method

Thirty-two students in grade 11 played the developed board game in groups of four to six. Then each group was asked to discuss and write a food web to summarize the obtained knowledge. A debriefing session was organized to confirm that all students accomplished understanding. Finally, all students were asked to complete the openended questions, questionnaire, and focus group interviews.

Results

The overall results showed that students gained more knowledge and showed a positive perception toward the mangrove ecosystem. Most students also showed positive satisfaction with the developed board game which helped them to learn the concept.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the mangrove Survivor board game can be a highly effective teaching and learning tool for enhancing student understanding relating to the mangrove ecosystem. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Epidemiology of Nonsyndromic, Orofacial Clefts in Texas: Differences by Cleft Type and Presence of Additional Defects
Authors: Navarro Sanchez Maria Luisa , Swartz Michael D. , Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Agopian A.J.
Published: February 2022

To describe the current epidemiology of nonsyndromic cleft palate alone (CP) and cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) in Texas and examine differences in the characteristics of infants with CP and CL ± P based on the presence/absence of additional defects.

We used data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, a statewide active birth defect surveillance system, from 1815 cases with CP and 5066 with CL ± P, without a syndrome diagnosis (1999-2014 deliveries). All live births in Texas were used for comparison. Poisson regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for each characteristic, separately for each cleft subphenotype.

The prevalence of CL ± P and CP in our study was estimated as 8.3 and 3.0 per 10 000 live births, respectively. After adjusting for several characteristics, several factors were associated with CL ± P, CP, or both, including infant sex and maternal race/ethnicity, age, smoking, and diabetes. There were several differences between infants with isolated versus nonisolated clefts. For example, maternal prepregnancy diabetes was associated with an increased prevalence of CL ± P (aPR 7.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.53, 11.30) and CP (aPR 3.24, 95% CI: 1.43, 7.36), but only when additional defects were present.

Findings from this study provide a contemporary description of the distribution of orofacial clefts in Texas accounting for differences between isolated and nonisolated clefts. They may contribute to increasing our understanding of the etiology of CP and CL ± P.
Regression Analysis to Estimate the Factor VIII Activity of Patients with Hemophilia A Without Inhibitor who Received Emicizumab Therapy
Authors: Hatayama Yuki , Motokura Toru , Hosoda Yuzuru , Suzuki Sayaka , Namba Hiroya , Kato Konami , Kojima Nao , Horie Takuya , Iwamoto Takuya , Yamashita Noriko , Ichikawa Hitomi , Fukuda Tetsuya
Published: February 2022

Background

 Emicizumab, a bispecific monoclonal antibody for hemophilia A (HA), has strong pharmacodynamic effects in several coagulation assays resulting in dosing difficulties with Factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates during bleeding emergencies.

Materials and Methods

Single and multiple regression models were studied to estimate FVIII activity using 27 archived plasma samples from three patients with HA without inhibitor under emicizumab treatment. Explanatory variables were FVIII chromogenic assay (CSA), Ad|min1|, Ad|min2|, the number of seconds of APTT, and the FVIII one-stage assay (OSA), which were measured without idiotype antibodies. The response variable was FVIII OSA measured with idiotype antibodies.

Results

In the simple linear model, the FVIII CSA regression coefficient was 1.04 and the intercept was −14.55 ( r2 = 0.95; p < 0.001). In the multiple regression model, FVIII OSA and FVIII CSA were selected based on the Akaike Information Criterion, with regression coefficients of 1.74 and 1.15, respectively, and an intercept of −92.03 ( r2 = 0.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The regression models can estimate the FVIII:C levels in patients with HA receiving emicizumab and would be useful in a bleeding emergency and/or surgery.
Loss of Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) in Knockout Mice Does Not Affect the Development of Skin Lesions in the Imiquimod-Induced Mouse Model of Psoriasis
Authors: Choudhary Vivek , Ajebo Etsubdenk , Uaratanawong Rawipan , Spaulding Shinjini C , Hossack Sarah , Chen Xunsheng , Xu Jianrui , Choudhary Mrunal , Irsik Debra L , Isales Carlos M , Bollag Wendy B
Published: February 2022

Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) degrades the essential amino acid tryptophan resulting in tryptophan depletion and the accumulation of catabolites such as kynurenine. The expression/activity of IDO in various cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, results in an inhibition of T-cell responses in a number of situations, such as toward allogeneic fetuses and tissue grafts. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease involving T cells; kynureninase and its generation of catabolites downstream of IDO are reported to play an important role in this disease. We hypothesized that mice lacking the IDO1 gene would exhibit a hyperactive immune response and an exacerbation of skin lesions in the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. Littermate wild-type and IDO1-knockout mice were treated with imiquimod for 5 days, and the severity of psoriasiform skin lesions assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), ear edema measured using a digital caliper, and thickness of the epidermis determined by histology. Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and tryptophan-metabolizing enzymes was monitored using quantitative RT-PCR. Imiquimod increased ear edema, PASI scores, and epidermal thickness in both WT and IDO1 knockout mice; however, there were no differences observed between the 2 genotypes. There were also no differences in imiquimod’s induction of skin inflammatory mediators, indicating no effect of IDO1 gene loss in this psoriasis model. Although these data suggest a lack of involvement of IDO1 in psoriatic skin inflammation, other possible mechanisms, such as compensatory changes in other pathways and the involvement of the IDO2 isoform, must also be considered.
How Do Case Mangers Determine the Types of Services Provided to Users in the Intensive Case Management? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Suzuki Kota , Yamaguchi Sosei , Kawasoe Yasunari , Nayuki Kazumi , Aoki Tsutomu , Fujii Chiyo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Intensive case management is an essential component of community mental health care system for people with severe mental illness. We examined the association of service types with previous and future functioning and hospital admissions using a longitudinal data, to clarify the case managers’ activity.

Methods

The study included baseline assessment, recording and analysis of services, and follow-up assessment. At the baseline and follow-up assessments, we examined functioning (ie, Personal and Social Performance Scale: PSP) and hospital admission of users for past periods. For recording and analysis of services, we recorded services provided by case managers over 2 months, and five core services were used for the analyses: regular face-to-face contact, outreach services, hospital-based (outpatient) services, and easy contacts and coordination.

Results

Outreach services were significantly associated with hospital admissions at baseline and follow-up assessments. Hospital-based services were significantly associated with lower PSP scores and hospital admission at follow-up assessment. Easy contacts and coordination were associated with lower PSP scores at follow-up assessment.

Conclusion

In Japan, most services are provided in the outpatient department of hospital, and outreach services are relatively time consuming for case managers; thus, the indications for providing outreach services need to be carefully considered. Therefore, we suggest that case managers provide flexible services to users according to the circumstances in Japan.
Optimum spatial scale of regional tourism cooperation based on spillover effects in tourism flows
Authors: Zhu Nina , Zeng Gang , Li Xue , Zhong Zhangqi
Published: February 2022

This research investigates the optimum spatial scale of regional tourism cooperation based on the tourism flows spillover in Mainland China. Using panel data from 341 prefecture-level cities in Mainland China, spatial econometric modeling is employed to estimate the spillover effects to determine the optimum spatial scale of regional tourism cooperation. The findings reveal that there are spatial correlations of tourism flow. In addition, tourism economic fundamental factor, surrounding market factor, tourism transportation facility factor, and tourist attraction factors have a positive and significant impact not only on local tourism flows but also on the surrounding areas. Finally, it is found that the optimum spatial scale of the regional tourism cooperation in Mainland China is [5, 15] cities, whereas for the eastern, western, southern, and northern regions, the optimum scale of the regional tourism cooperation is [5, 21], [5, 26], [5, 26], and [5, 11] cities, respectively.
Chinese consumer confidence: A catalyst for the outbound tourism expenditure?
Authors: Su Chi-Wei , Meng Xian-Li , Tao Ran , Umar Muhammad
Published: February 2022

This study performs the bootstrap full- and sub-sample rolling-window Granger causality tests, in order to investigate the time-varying causal relationship between the consumer confidence index (CCI) and the outbound tourism expenditure (OTM) in China. For this purpose, it introduces the variable of consumer confidence as a subjective psychological perception variable into the gravity model and explores its impact on the outbound travel. The results reveal that CCI tends to exert positive impacts on the OTM in most subsamples. That is to say that the Chinese consumer confidence can be considered as a catalyst for the OTM. However, the impact tends to be negative during times such as the global financial crisis, caused by the appreciation in the renminbi. In turn, OTM does not affect CCI. This suggests that the only change of private expenditure on outbound tourism cannot alter consumer confidence regarding the current economic and income situation. These findings compel the foreign tourism authorities to take CCI into account, especially when predicating the tourism arrivals from China, and hence plan their tourism strategy accordingly. Also, Chinese travel agencies should ideally take notice of the CCI in order to plan their international tour packages.
Connecting the past to the present: A historical review of exercise training for peripheral artery disease
Authors: Bronas Ulf G , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: February 2022

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a prevalent manifestation of atherosclerosis, is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as well as decreased functional ability. Exercise training for PAD is acknowledged to be a highly effective treatment, which improves walking ability and cardiovascular risk. The historical development of this treatment has not been the focus of a report. Therefore, we present a historical review of research on exercise training for PAD. Overall, this body of knowledge has provided strong evidence of the efficacy of supervised exercise training (SET) to improve walking ability for patients with claudication due to PAD. SET, using intermittent bouts of walking exercise to moderate claudication pain on a treadmill, is considered the most efficacious mode of exercise to improve walking ability in patients with claudication. This compelling evidence published over the past 60 years was evaluated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2017, which culminated in a national coverage determination for SET to improve symptomatic PAD. Future directions include determining optimal delivery strategies for SET and further elucidation of the mechanisms of improvement in walking ability resulting from SET. In addition, alternative forms of exercise should be evaluated and effective home- and community-based exercise interventions should be assessed. There is an enormous need to increase the inclusion of women and racial and ethnic minority groups in studies. It is to be hoped that researchers will continue with new innovative research and persistence in the treatment of claudication due to PAD.
Implementation of supervised exercise therapy in a veteran population with symptomatic claudication
Authors: Elissa Altin S , Schneider Marabel D , Parise Helen , Banerjee Subhash , Wu Wen-Chih , Meadows Judith L , Pfau Steven , Keefe Heidi , Armstrong Ehrin J
Published: February 2022

Background:

Real-world implementation of supervised exercise therapy (SET) referral for symptomatic intermittent claudication has been limited by poor provider awareness around reimbursement and low patient adherence owing to factors including limited center availability and long travel distances to sites.

Methods:

In this study, 76 of 77 consecutive male veteran patients with intermittent claudication managed at a single-center vascular specialty clinic were referred to SET prior to revascularization. Pre- and post-SET submaximal exercise treadmill testing was performed for assessment of exercise capacity in metabolic equivalents (METs).

Results:

In the 48.7% of subjects who completed 36 sessions of SET ( n = 37), the average improvement in METs was 60.3%, reflecting improvement from baseline average of 3.4 METs to 5.5 METs after SET. Another 14 patients pursued self-guided exercise therapy and 25 patients declined any participation in exercise therapy. Reasons for declining participation in SET included inadequate transportation, cost of copayment, and interference with full-time work schedules. There was a nonsignificant numeric trend toward improved change in ankle–brachial index in the combined SET and self-guided exercise groups compared to those that declined exercise therapy (0.011 ± 0.124 vs –0.040 ± 0.105, p = 0.156).

Conclusion:

High acceptance of referral to SET is possible, despite the limitations to implementation. Incorporation of novel pre- and post-SET submaximal exercise treadmill testing allows for assessment of change in exercise capacity and aids in risk stratification and management of intermittent claudication symptoms.
Traditional healers’ explanatory models of intellectual disability in Cape Town
Authors: Mkabile Siyabulela , Swartz Leslie
Published: February 2022

While intellectual disability is experienced worldwide, with much greater rates in contexts of poverty, relatively few studies on intellectual disability have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries. High levels of intellectual disability in South Africa exist alongside high levels of poverty, malnutrition and poor or inaccessible healthcare services. The lack of access to services partly explains why many turn to traditional healers. Within this context there is very limited research on the role that traditional healers play in relation to intellectual disability in South Africa. The current study investigated traditional healers’ understanding and beliefs about intellectual disabilities and the treatment modalities that they use. An exploratory qualitative research design was used to examine the views and perspectives of traditional healers on intellectual disability. Fifteen traditional healers participated in the study. Key findings show that the naming of and the terminology used to describe and identify intellectual disability are very much similar to what has been observed in African cultures in general where intellectual disability is identified as an abnormality. Some traditional healers located the presentation of intellectual disability within the biomedical sphere while others gave supernatural explanations for how intellectual disability presents in children and for its causes. All traditional healers expressed a willingness to work with the Western formal healthcare system. Findings on traditional healers’ views on future collaborations with the formal health system provide opportunities for these two forms of healthcare services to be synergised for the strengthening and improvement of services provided to children with intellectual disability and their families.
Populism and the politicisation of foreign policy
Authors: Destradi Sandra , Plagemann Johannes , Taş Hakkı
Published: February 2022

Populists in power often resort to the politicisation of foreign policy to generate domestic support. This article explores this process. First, it conceptualises populist politicisation of foreign policy. Second, it develops expectations on how such politicisation will take place: the distinctive features of populism (the intensity of populist discourse, the relative weight of anti-elitism and people-centrism, and a transnational understanding of the ‘people’ or the ‘elite’) will have an impact on how foreign policy is politicised. The empirical analysis focuses on selected public speeches and tweets by two populist leaders from the Global South: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Narendra Modi. The analysis reveals huge differences: the more populist Erdoğan emphasises anti-elitism and extensively resorts to the politicisation of Turkish foreign policy by constructing foreign threats. Modi is less populist and his discourse emphasises people-centrism; as expected, he only marginally politicises foreign policy, highlighting the greatness of the Indian nation.
Use of daily posture and activity tracking to assess sedentary behavior, toss-and-turns, and sleep duration of independently living Thai seniors
Authors: Tanlamai Uthai , Jaikengkit Aim-Orn , Jarutach Trirat , Rajkulchai Surasvadee , Ritbumroong Thanachart
Published: February 2022

This study examines the postures and activities of elders using activity-monitoring device or diary booklet. The research focuses on using the tracked data to assess sedentary behaviors, toss-and-turns, and sleep duration. Fifty seniors participated in the study for 14 days to obtain anecdotal evidence: half of them wore Sookjai, a motion-tracking device; the other half recorded their activities manually via a diary. The results show that they spent most of their time in the sit/stand posture; they tossed and turned during naps and sleep. Both groups showed a similar pattern of activities: the higher level of sedentary behavior is related to a longer sleep duration. Sedentary behavior and naps increased the number of toss-and-turns at night; toss-and-turns did not affect sleep duration. These independent living adults rated themselves healthy regardless of the extent of their sedentary behaviors or tossing and turning. Although the device did not meet all expectations, the seniors did indicate a positive intention to use wearables.
Statistics-based baseline-free approach for rapid inspection of delamination in composite structures using ultrasonic guided waves
Authors: Jagadeeshwar Tabjula L , Kalyani Sheetal , Rajagopal Prabhu , Srinivasan Balaji
Published: February 2022

Delamination in composite structures is characterized by a resonant cavity wherein a fraction of an ultrasonic guided wave may be trapped. Based on this wave trapping phenomenon, we propose a baseline-free statistical approach for the identification and localization of delamination using sparse sampling and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) technique. The proposed technique can be deployed for rapid inspection with minimal human intervention. The Performance of the proposed technique in terms of its ability to determine the precise location of such defects is quantified through the probability of detection measurements. The robustness of the proposed technique is tested through extensive simulations consisting of different random locations of defects on flat plate structures with different sizes and orientation as well as different values of signal to noise ratio of the simulated data. The simulation results are also validated using experimental data and the results are found to be in good agreement.
Jezebel’s Punishment in Revelation 2: Research and Trends
Authors: Heister Chantel R.
Published: February 2022

In Revelation, John labels a religious teacher in Thyatira ‘Jezebel’, stating that she is ‘teaching and beguiling [Christ’s] servants to practice fornication [πορνεῦσαι] and to eat food sacrificed to idols’ (Rev. 2.20). As punishment, John’s Christ throws her into a bed (βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, Rev. 2.22). This study examines three major trends in how scholars have translated the phrase ‘βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην’: 1) the phrase has been translated as non-sexual, but rather strictly emblematic for illness; 2) scholars have highlighted the idea that Jezebel is deserving of her punishment, often while acknowledging the irony imbedded in the combined πορν- and κλίνην imagery and 3) readings of the text as an image of sexual violence have become increasingly common. Scholars have attempted to elucidate John’s original purpose in crafting the image, but there is a lacuna of research involving the effect this image has on women readers, despite the authorial intent. Additionally, readings which delve deeply into Jezebel’s punishment with regard to her ‘otherness’ are needed.
Race, Gender, and Positionality in Urban Planning Research
Authors: Beebeejaun Yasminah
Published: February 2022

Reflexivity within planning research has emerged as central to a series of epistemological and methodological debates. There has been less discussion, however, about how research positionalities might intersect with assumptions regarding gendered and raced identities. Writing from within the field of urban planning I consider how a pervasive inattentiveness to the racial and gendered dynamics of the wider field obscures the articulation of the complexities of positionality and reflexivity within the research process. I call for a greater engagement with positionality within disciplinary debates in order to engage with the differential demands placed on feminist scholars of color.
The effect of bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde and polyethylene glycol polymer on local tissue reaction and inflammation in rabbit carotid artery anastomosis
Authors: Besir Yuksel , Karaagac Erturk , Kurus Meltem , Keselik Erdi , Iscan Sahin , Gokalp Orhan , Eygi Bortecin , Iner Hasan , Yesilkaya Nihan , Ozcem Barcin , Yılık Levent , Gurbuz Ali
Published: February 2022

Objectives

In addition to the hemostatic properties of hemostatic agents, the investigation of their immunogenic properties, their local effects on application area has been the subject of many experimental studies. There are limited data on the inflammatory effects of Bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde and Polyethylene glycol polymer. Therefore, we investigated the effects of these agents on tissue reactions and inflammation in rabbit carotid artery anastomosis in our experimental study.

Methods

Twenty-one New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The right carotid artery anastomosis was performed on the control group after transection. Hemostatic agents were applied locally to other two groups separately after transection and anastomosis. At the end of 28 days, the type of inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, degree of inflammation, and amount of residual adhesives were examined and compared statistically.

Results

Cell infiltrations associated with inflammation on the anastomosis site (eosinophils, epithelioid/giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells) and inflammation grade in the groups of hemostatic agents were significantly lower compared to the control group ( p < .05). There was no difference between the hemostatic agents. While mild inflammation (61.9%) was dominant in the groups of hemostatic agents, moderate inflammation (85.7%) was more common in the control group. No severe inflammation was observed in any of the three groups. Residual sealant grade between hemostatic agents did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

When inflammation and tissue reactions of the 4th week were evaluated, it was determined that both hemostatic agents did not cause severe inflammation. However, comparative results at multiple time intervals are needed due to the dynamic process of inflammation.
Thrombosis or vasospasm: The utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring during TCAR
Authors: Intagliata Alexander , Rountree Kaitlyn , Bath Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has become more prevalent as a treatment modality for carotid stenosis. Many centers perform TCAR without any adjunctive neuromonitoring, for example, somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) and electroencephalogram (EEG).

Methods

We present a case of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) performed with concomitant somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) neuromonitoring in the setting of concerning intraoperative angiographic images.

Results

TCAR was undertaken for a 58 year-old man presenting with symptomatic left carotid stenosis and right ICA occlusion. Based on his comorbidities, pre-existing conditions, and the need for dual antiplatelet therapy, TCAR was offered as an alternative to standard carotid endarterectomy. Intraoperatively, following stent delivery, no flow was appreciated through the carotid stent or distal ICA. Neuromonitoring remained stable and was reassuring for distal ICA spasm with no-reflow phenomenon. The patient tolerated the procedure well and has had no stent-related complications through 10 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

This case highlights the utility of neuromonitoring with TCAR as an adjunct to intraoperative decision-making in the setting of suspected internal carotid artery (ICA) vasospasm versus thrombosis after stent delivery.
The accountability of assessments in news interviews
Authors: Alroumi Abdulrahman , Lahlali El Mustapha
Published: February 2022

This study examines the accountability of assessments in news interview settings on two Arabic networks. It employs a conversation analytic approach, in addition to quantitative analysis to identify the most adopted practices that show participants’ orientation to the accountability of assessments. The data consists of 28 hours of recorded interviews on the Arab television news networks, Aljazeera Al-Arabiya channels. The findings show that interviewers and interviewees adopt different strategies to avoid the accountability of their displayed assessments. Interviewers attribute their assessments either to third parties or to the upshot of interviewees’ answers. Similarly, interviewees introduce accounts before and following their proffered assessments to provide epistemic support to these assessments. Furthermore, interviewers introduce follow-up questions to scrutinize interviewees’ assessments and accounts or seek interviewees’ reaffirmation of these assessments to highlight their accountability.
Managing higher education and neoliberal marketing discourses on Why Choose webpages for international students on Australian and British university websites
Authors: Zhang Zuocheng , Tan Sabine , O’Halloran Kay L.
Published: February 2022

International education is impacted by multiple discourses, in particular the discourse of university as an educational institution responsible for producing and curating knowledge for the public good, pursuing truth and transforming student life, and the neoliberal marketing discourse which portrays the university as a business organization providing a service for international students as customers/consumers. Following a multimodal discourse analytic perspective, this study examines ‘ Why Choose’ webpages of one British and two Australian universities to identify how the apparently conflicting higher education and neoliberal marketing discourses are managed in the interdiscursive space using language, images and videos. The results reveal that ‘ Why Choose’ webpages are hybrid texts where the discourse of higher education is upheld in relation to the neoliberal marketing discourse through multimodal strategies of accentuation, infusion and progression. The study argues for the necessity of undertaking a multimodal discourse approach to understand how various positions are negotiated interdiscursively in online media.
Silicone adhesive multilayer foam dressings for preventing facial pressure injuries in COVID-19 patients in prone position
Authors: Otto Pia , Großkreutz Tobias , Köberich Stefan
Published: February 2022

The development of facial pressure injury (PI) during prone position is frequently described. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients with facial PIs increased. This quality improvement project describes the effectiveness of using silicone adhesive multilayer foams for preventing facial PIs in COVID-19 patients in need of prone position therapy. After introduction of foam dressing on chin and forehead to the standard protocol procedures for PI prevention, the decrease in number of patients developing facial PIs was statistically significant. Based on these results, the use of silicone adhesive multilayer foam will be implemented as a standard procedure for facial PIs prevention.
Road to conception and successful delivery for a facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patient
Authors: Triantafyllidou Olga , Stavridis Konstantinos , Kastora Stavroula Lila , Vlahos Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is a muscular dystrophy affecting all ages, primarily people in the second decade. The disease is initially presented with face, shoulder girdle, and upper arm involvement, followed by lower extremity muscle weakness. Disease progression is usually slow, although about one-fifth of patients will require a wheelchair to accommodate mobility. Women with this muscular dystrophy could rarely have poor birth outcomes, with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy symptom deterioration post-partum. In this study, we present a case of a woman with a genetically confirmed facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 who underwent cesarean section with epidural anesthesia with favorable outcomes following the procedure. Eight months post cesarean section, the patient reported no facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy symptom deterioration. We reviewed the literature with emphasis on large studies concerning facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and birth outcomes and concluded that the hereby presented approach is important for the comprehensive obstetric care and future risk assessment and management in such patients.
Rural Migrant Women’s Informal Learning of Life Skills in Social Networks in Urban China
Authors: Luo Shujuan , Seeberg Vilma
Published: February 2022

Life skill programs have been widely provided for vulnerable women in Third World Countries but not for the deprived rural migrant women in China. This study explored the way these women informally learned life skills in urban China and their primary sources of learning, in hopes of providing insights into possible life skill programs targeting them. A basic interpretive qualitative research was conducted by interviewing seventeen migrant women in Northwest and Central China. Findings show that these women learned certain core life skills informally as they adjusted to the urban life. They regarded rural migrant social networks as the main source of learning. Yet, their aspirations to acquire better communication and occupational skills remained mostly unfulfilled and a few of them demanded extra emotional support. This study strongly suggests life skill programs provided for rural migrant women in China to enhance their capability for self-protection, empowerment and social integration.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Khokher Waleed , Cash Ayla , Alom Modar , Iftikhar Saffa , Kesireddy Nithin , Abuhelwa Ziad , Malik Ahmad , Lynn Amy , Altorok Nezam
Published: February 2022

Malignancies have been associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, such as dermatomyositis. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can occur due to a wide array of cancers. Paraneoplastic SCLE obeys McLean’s criteria and often regresses after the underlying malignancy has been treated appropriately. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are often present in patients with paraneoplastic SCLE; however, there have been many instances where anti-Ro may not be present. We report a case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma causing SCLE, a malignancy not previously known to be associated with paraneoplastic SCLE. We also highlight the importance of perhaps prompt chemotherapy to treat the underlying malignancy, as a failure to do so may lead to worse patient outcomes.
A Pragmatist’s Guide to Using Prediction in the Social Sciences
Authors: Verhagen Mark D.
Published: February 2022

Prediction is an underused tool in the social sciences, often for the wrong reasons. Many social scientists confuse prediction with unnecessarily complicated methods or with narrowly predicting the future. This is unfortunate. When we view prediction as the simple process of evaluating a model’s ability to approximate an outcome of interest, it becomes a more generally applicable and disarmingly simple technique. For all its simplicity, the value of prediction should not be underestimated. Prediction can address enduring sources of criticism plaguing the social sciences, like a lack of assessing a model’s ability to reflect the real world, or the use of overly simplistic models to capture social life. The author illustrates these benefits with empirical examples that merely skim the surface of the many and varied ways in which prediction can be applied, staking the claim that prediction is a truly illustrious “free lunch” that can greatly benefit social scientists in their empirical work.
The SUMOylation inhibitor subasumstat potentiates rituximab activity by IFN1-dependent macrophage and NK cell stimulation
Authors: Nakamura Akito , Grossman Stephen , Song Keli , Xega Kristina , Zhang Yuhong , Cvet Donna , Berger Allison , Shapiro Gary , Huszar Dennis
Published: February 2022

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a member of a ubiquitin-like protein superfamily. SUMOylation is a reversible posttranslational modification that has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes including inflammatory responses and expression of type 1 interferons (IFN1). In this report, we have explored the activity of the selective small molecule SUMOylation inhibitor subasumstat (TAK-981) in promoting antitumor innate immune responses. We demonstrate that treatment with TAK-981 results in IFN1-dependent macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activation, promoting macrophage phagocytosis and NK cell cytotoxicity in ex vivo assays. Furthermore, pretreatment with TAK-981 enhanced macrophage phagocytosis or NK cell cytotoxicity against CD20+ target cells in combination with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. In vivo studies demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity of TAK-981 and rituximab in CD20+ lymphoma xenograft models. Combination of TAK-981 with anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab also resulted in enhanced antitumor activity. TAK-981 is currently being studied in phase 1 clinical trials (#NCT03648372, #NCT04074330, #NCT04776018, and #NCT04381650; www.clinicaltrials.gov) for the treatment of patients with lymphomas and solid tumors.
BET-bromodomain and EZH2 inhibitor–treated chronic GVHD mice have blunted germinal centers with distinct transcriptomes
Authors: Zaiken Michael C. , Flynn Ryan , Paz Katelyn G. , Rhee Stephanie Y. , Jin Sujeong , Mohamed Fathima A. , Saha Asim , Thangavelu Govindarajan , Park Paul M. C. , Hemming Matthew L. , Sage Peter T. , Sharpe Arlene H. , DuPage Michel , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Cutler Corey S. , Koreth John , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J. , Ritz Jerome , Luznik Leo , Maillard Ivan , Hill Geoffrey R. , MacDonald Kelli P. A. , Munn David H. , Serody Jonathan S. , Murphy William J. , Kean Leslie S. , Zhang Yi , Bradner James E. , Qi Jun , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: February 2022

Despite advances in the field, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Because treatment options remain limited, we tested efficacy of anticancer, chromatin-modifying enzyme inhibitors in a clinically relevant murine model of cGVHD with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). We observed that the novel enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 each improved pulmonary function; impaired the germinal center (GC) reaction, a prerequisite in cGVHD/BO pathogenesis; and JQ5 reduced EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 in donor T cells. Using conditional EZH2 knockout donor cells, we demonstrated that EZH2 is obligatory for the initiation of cGVHD/BO. In a sclerodermatous cGVHD model, JQ5 reduced the severity of cutaneous lesions. To determine how the 2 drugs could lead to the same physiological improvements while targeting unique epigenetic processes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of splenic GCB cells (GCBs) from transplanted mice treated with either drug. Multiple inflammatory and signaling pathways enriched in cGVHD/BO GCBs were reduced by each drug. GCBs from JQ5- but not JQ1-treated mice were enriched for proproliferative pathways also seen in GCBs from bone marrow-only transplanted mice, likely reflecting their underlying biology in the unperturbed state. In conjunction with in vivo data, these insights led us to conclude that epigenetic targeting of the GC is a viable clinical approach for the treatment of cGVHD, and that the EZH2 inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 demonstrated clinical potential for EZH2i and BETi in patients with cGVHD/BO.