bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of Playing a Musical Instrument and Lifetime Change in General Cognitive Ability: Evidence From the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Okely Judith A. , Overy Katie , Deary Ian J.
Published: August 2022

We tested whether experience of playing a musical instrument was associated with lifetime change in cognitive ability. Participants were 366 older adults from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 who had completed general cognitive-ability assessments at ages 11 and 70 and reported their lifetime experience of playing a musical instrument at age 82. This sample included 117 participants with musical-instrument experience, mostly at a beginner or an intermediate level. There was a small, statistically significant positive association between experience of playing a musical instrument and change in general cognitive ability between ages 11 and 70; specifically, individuals with more musical-instrument experience were likely to show greater gains in general cognitive ability. This association was reduced but remained statistically significant following adjustment for covariates (childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status, years of education, and disease history). These findings suggest that playing a musical instrument is associated with a long-term cognitive advantage.
Enteropathy and bone marrow hypoplasia associated with presumptive albendazole toxicosis in a juvenile Boer goat
Authors: Harm Tyler A. , Radke Scott L. , Burns Laura E. , Schrunk Dwayne E.
Published: August 2022

Albendazole is a widely used anthelmintic drug that is labeled for the treatment of specific nematodes and flukes in ruminants. Albendazole is approved for the treatment of liver flukes in goats (10 mg/kg PO for a single dose), but is commonly used extra-label in situations in which parasite resistance is an issue. Albendazole toxicosis has been reported in pigeons, doves, alpacas, humans, dogs, and cats. Here we report an adverse event in a 6-mo-old goat associated with extra-label use of albendazole (35.7 mg/kg PO daily for 3 d). Clinicopathologic findings included severe diarrhea and death, with small intestinal crypt necrosis and dysplasia, and severe bone marrow hypoplasia. Microbial and molecular testing and transmission electron microscopy ruled out infectious organisms. The described pathologic changes are similar to those reported in other species that have experienced toxicosis associated with albendazole. To our knowledge, bone marrow and intestinal lesions associated with albendazole use in the goat have not been reported previously. Veterinarians should be aware of potential adverse events and toxicoses associated with anthelmintic drugs, especially as parasite resistance increases, and extra-label usage, and the use of such drugs without veterinary supervision, becomes more common.
Lessons on the Community Conservancy Model for Wildlife Protection in Namibia
Authors: Wenborn Michael , Svensson Magdalena S. , Katupa Stein , Collinson Roger , Nijman Vincent
Published: August 2022

The growing human population in Africa is putting increasing pressure on habitats and wildlife outside of protected areas. The wildlife conservancy model in Namibia empowers rural communities to decide on the use of wildlife. Namibia started to implement the conservancy model in the 1990s and provides relevant experience from which other countries can learn. We reviewed the conservancy model in northwest Namibia to identify lessons for other countries. Our core work included case studies on six conservancies. We confirmed success factors for conservancies include: investment and revenues, strong governance and support from NGOs, as has been identified in previous studies. We conclude that a comprehensive wildlife monitoring programme is also a critical success factor. The wildlife monitoring method in conservancies in Namibia has been consistent since 2001, and the results show that populations have recovered and stabilised, although there are ongoing risks to wildlife and habitats in this fragile landscape.
Normal Neurodevelopment and Fertility in Juvenile Male Rats Exposed to Polyethylene Glycol Following Dosing With PEGylated rFIX (Nonacog Beta Pegol, N9-GP): Evidence from a 10-Week Repeat-Dose Toxicity Study
Authors: Jensen Vivi F. H. , Schefe Line H. , Jacobsen Helene , Mølck Anne-Marie , Almholt Kasper , Sjögren Ingrid , Dalsgaard Charlotte M. , Kirk Rikke K , Benie Andrew J. , Petersen Bent O. , Kyhn Mette S. , Overgaard Anne J. , Bjørnsdottir Inga , Stannard Diane R. , Offenberg Hanne K. , Egecioglu Emil
Published: August 2022

N9-GP/Rebinyn®/Refixia® is an approved PEGylated (polyethylene glycol-conjugated) recombinant human factor IX intended for prophylactic and/or on-demand treatment in adults and children with haemophilia B. A juvenile neurotoxicity study was conducted in male rats to evaluate effects on neurodevelopment, sexual maturation, and fertility following repeat-dosing of N9-GP. Male rats were dosed twice weekly from Day 21 of age with N9-GP or vehicle for 10 weeks, followed by a dosing-free recovery period for 13 weeks and terminated throughout the dosing and recovery periods. Overall, dosing N9-GP to juvenile rats did not result in any functional or pathological effects, as measured by neurobehavioural/neurocognitive tests, including motor activity, sensory function, learning and memory as well as growth, sexual maturation, and fertility. This was further supported by the extensive histopathologic evaluation of brain tissue. Exposure and distribution of polyethylene glycol was investigated in plasma, choroid plexus, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain sections. PEG did not cross the blood brain barrier and PEG exposure did not result in any effects on neurodevelopment. In conclusion, dosing of N9-GP to juvenile rats did not identify any effects on growth, sexual maturation and fertility, clinical and histological pathology, or neurodevelopment related to PEG exposure and supports the prophylactic use of N9-GP in children.
Psychosocial Factors and Telomere Length Among Parents and Infants of Immigrant Arab American Families
Authors: Khalil Dalia , Giurgescu Carmen , Misra Dawn P. , Templin Thomas , Jenuwine Elizabeth , Drury Stacy S.
Published: August 2022

Background: Immigrant Arab American families face multiple stressors related to migration and resettlement. Telomere length (TL) is an established biomarker of aging and psychosocial stress. No published studies have concurrently examined the association between maternal and paternal psychosocial factors and infants’ TL. The purpose of this study was to: (1) compare mother, father, and infant TLs; (2) explore the association of maternal and paternal psychosocial factors (acculturative stress and depressive symptoms) with maternal and paternal TL; and (3) explore the association of maternal and paternal psychosocial factors with infants’ TL among Arab American immigrants. Method: Using a cross-sectional exploratory design, a sample of 52 immigrant Arab American mother-father-infant triads were recruited from community centers. Data were collected in a single home visit when the infant was 6–24 months old. Each parent completed the study questionnaires addressing their psychosocial factors (acculturative stress, and depressive symptoms), then parents and infants provided buccal cell for TL measurement. Results: Maternal TL was positively correlated to infants’ TL ( r = .31, p = .04) and significantly shorter ( p < .001). Paternal TL was not correlated with infant TL but was significantly shorter than infant’s TL ( p < .001). Maternal depression was significantly correlated with mothers’ TL ( r = .4, p = .007). Higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were significantly associated with shorter infant TL when controlling for background characteristics. Conclusions: Our pilot study is the first study to examine maternal and paternal psychosocial factors related to migration and infants’ TL. More research is needed to advance our understanding of the effects of immigration on the intergenerational transfer of stress and trauma.
A Phenomenological Study of Teachers’ First-Year Experiences of Curriculum Development in Christian International Schools
Authors: Pedigo Rachel Morgan , Smith Samuel
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of eight American teachers in Christian international schools during the process of developing curriculum during their first year of teaching. In light of the purpose of the study, the following research questions framed this investigation: How do teachers describe their experiences of developing curriculum during their first year of teaching at an international Christian school? What challenges do first-year teachers encounter when beginning to develop curriculum for their classes? What are first-year teachers’ expectations of support during curriculum development? How do teachers describe their first-year experiences of adjusting to a new culture while at the same time working to develop curriculum? Participants for this study were purposefully selected classroom teachers who had been teaching at an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) international school for at least one year, but no more than three years. The theories guiding the study were experiential learning theory and the theory of cultural intelligence. Data collection methods included analysis of school documents, a photo narrative, and interviews. Data analysis procedures followed a heuristic research approach. The following themes emerged as a result of analyzing teacher interviews, photo narratives, and curriculum documents: (a) decision to teach internationally, (b) first year challenges teaching overseas, (c) effects of living cross-culturally, (d) developing curriculum at an international school, and (e) challenges to developing curriculum in an international school.
Pain After Preoperative Ultrasound Guided Hip Injections for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Holbert S. Elliott , Fowler Brook , West Michaline , Morris Jennifer , Turcotte Justin , King Paul
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Hip replacement is a frequently performed and highly successful treatment for patients with end stage osteoarthritis. Advances in technique and pain management have allowed for rapid mobilization and early discharge after surgery. We hypothesize that pre-incision intra-articular injection of local anesthetic with epinephrine under image guidance combined with post incision peri-articular injection (PAI) may be more effective than PAI alone. Methods. A prospective, randomized, controlled, comparative investigation at a single institution of 41 patients undergoing THA who received standard 30 mL post-arthrotomy, PAI of ropivacaine with epinephrine under direct visualization after prosthesis implantation before closure or an equivalent dose divided into a 10 mL pre-incision, ultrasound guided intra-articular injection and a 20 mL post-arthrotomy PAI. Results. 42 patients were included in this study before its early conclusion with 22 patients in the treatment group and 20 in the control group. There were no significant differences in age, BMI or ASA scores. Additionally, there were no significant differences noted when comparing groups by postoperative outcome measures including OMME, EBL, OR time, PACU minutes, and first and last PACU pain score. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the PROMs evaluated. Discussion. The addition of ultrasound guided pre-incision intra-articular injection to the standard PAI had no benefit when compared with standard PAI during a THA. Portable mobile phone based ultrasound devices provide a cost effective way to perform musculoskeletal blocks, and further studies on their use and comparative accuracy is warranted. A novel technique for confirmation of injection location is described.
Motives for Physical Activity in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Patel Asmita , Schofield Grant M. , Keogh Justin W. L.
Published: August 2022

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for both the physical and psychological health of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. This study identified and examined motives for PA in a cross-section of PCa survivors, including both men in remission and those receiving treatment in the form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Sixteen PCa survivors from Auckland, New Zealand were individually interviewed. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Both groups of men were motivated to engage in PA post-diagnosis to obtain and experience the physical, mental, and cognitive health-related benefits associated with regular PA engagement. Past history of PA was also identified as a motive for current PA for men in remission. These findings provide important insight into how PCa survivors perceive the benefits of PA as a part of their cancer survivorship. Healthcare practitioners, exercise physiologists, and cancer support organizations can use this information to further improve PCa survivors’ quality of life and overall cancer survivorship by better promoting PA to these individuals.
Novel ferroptosis-related gene signature as a potential prognostic tool for gastric cancer
Authors: Song Ling , Feng Dou , Tan Jiajie , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major global health concern and is difficult to diagnose in the early stage. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, novel form of non-apoptotic cell death. In recent years, inducing the upregulation of ferroptosis-related genes has become a promising therapeutic alternative for cancers, especially those resistant to traditional treatments. However, the relationship between ferroptosis-related genes and GC remains to be further elucidated.

Methods

In the present study, mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of patients with GC were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas and used as test data. A multigene signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model. Data of patients with GC from ‘GSE84426’ in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used as Training data for validation.

Results

More than half ferroptosis-related genes were differentially expressed in GC tissues and adjacent normal tissue samples (58.43%) in the test data. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that 16 differentially expressed genes were related to the prognosis of GC (all p < 0.05). Expression profiles of the 16 DGEs were analysed using LASSO Cox regression, and a prognostic model was established by selecting the 10 best genes for λ. These 10 genes were used to construct a 10-gene signature and stratify patients into two risk groups. Based on the median risk score in the test data, patients with GC were divided into high- and low-risk groups ( p < 0.001). Risk score was an independent predictor for overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analyses ( p < 0.001 and <0.01 in the test and training data, respectively; hazard ratio >1). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the predictive capacity of the 10-gene signature. Functional analysis revealed that tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cell co-stimulation, and cytokine-cytokine receptors were enriched; however, the immune status differed between the two risk groups.

Conclusion

The novel ferroptosis-related gene signature can be used for GC prognosis. In addition, ferroptosis may provide a novel alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Assessing the effects of Close-to-Nature Forestry on forest birds in the eastern United States: A case study and way forward
Authors: Gresh James M. , Courter Jason R.
Published: August 2022

Over the last half-century, North American forest birds have experienced staggering declines, while at the same time, many metrics indicate that North American forest health has improved. While the United States has been recognised for global leadership in innovation and research in forestry, the negative impacts of high-severity harvesting methods and forest fragmentation are sometimes overlooked, and a dearth of research studies exist that assess the impacts of lower-severity forestry practices on birds. Globally, some regions are pursuing markedly different forestry practices, and one example is Europe’s Close-To-Nature Forestry (CTNF) that protects forest canopies. Historically, CTNF methods have not been promoted to help avian abundance or diversity; however, forest bird populations in Europe have increased 7% over the last two decades, and we posit whether similar forest management approaches in the eastern USA could benefit North American birds. Therefore, we sought to 1) assess the effects of forest structural characteristics on avian species richness in a CTNF-managed forest in the eastern USA; 2) compare our results to county-level eBird data to identify the challenges of assessing the impacts of forestry practices on birds at landscape scales; 3) highlight the ambiguities in current forest management guidelines for improving avian habitats in the USA and 4) suggest long-term direction for evaluating the impacts of alternative forest management practices on birds. Our case study provides preliminary evidence that CTNF-managed forests may support diverse birds of high conservation value that are normally drawn to different forest management extremes. We also provide recommendations for utilising eBird data to assess alternative forest management strategies at landscape scales and a synthesised look at the forest management guidelines provided by many of the major players in American ornithology. While there may be multiple reasons for forest bird declines noted in the past 50 years in North America, long-standing forest management practices and policies should not be overlooked.
Deception in the era of digital technologies and the distortion of reality and facts: An X-Ray of Nigerian peculiarities
Authors: Hazzan Moses K
Published: August 2022

The phenomenal increase in the level of digital technologies has in no small measure enabled and opened new vista of possibilities that were hitherto inconceivable before the advent of these digital technologies. Indeed, this phenomenon has also increased the ‘crescendo’ of various seemingly impossible trends in the area of circulation of information in the globalised world in ways such as global rapid communication, unhindered and constant access to information, democratised production and dissemination of information and digital content, and the ability to coordinate global political activities or movements through several populist strategies and political antics employed by politicians. Currently, it is somewhat seemed intractable to separate truth from falsehood due to striking similarities in the appearance of the two. However, these phenomena have brought about untoward development resulting in the amplification of various forms of digital deceptions peddled on several digital devices. Like other countries, Nigeria, too, is battling with the rise in populism politics, fake news, ethnic nationalism (laden with ethnic jingoism), hate and dangerous speech and other kinds of digital deceptions, among others. The escalating herder-farmer communal clashes, ethno-religious crises in some states in Nigeria, a tsunami of misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19, as well as political tensions between the two dominant political parties (All Progressives Congress and People’s Democratic Party (PDP)), have been influenced by deceptions, untruths and political propaganda. Therefore, through extensive interaction with (and review of) both the extant and current literature, this paper: provides further insights into the evolving issues regarding deceptions, fake news, epistemic errors as well as democratic and social harms emanating from deceptions in the Nigerian polity. The methodology used in this paper involves a comprehensive but selective literature review conducted to locate papers (Journal articles and theses or dissertations) on the foregoing evolving issues. Also, literature related to each of the analyses of the trend of fake news and other forms of digital deceptions in the light of the emerging post-truth era and their potential impacts on the country is incorporated into the review. However, a conclusion is drawn from the findings while the paper recommends that curtailing the influence of digital deceptions and fake news on the body polity of Nigeria requires collective responsibility of all the stakeholders coupled with enhanced steps (which include but are not limited to: credibility, media skills, regulation, collaboration, media literacy, professionalism, gatekeeping, self-censorship as well as detection) towards fighting the menace and morbidity of digital deceptions in the country.
Central bank digital currency: Advising the financial services industry
Authors: Babin Ron , Smith Donna , Shah Heli
Published: August 2022

The teaching case focuses on central bank digital currency, or CBDC, which would be a new kind of government-issued digital currency. Currently, money already flows around the world through electronic circuits. Private/non-government digital currencies such as cryptocurrencies are decentralised, unregulated and highly volatile. Unlike the private digital money, CBDC would be centralised and controlled digital money. CBDC would provide a stable means of exchange amongst the citizens and businesses as it would be controlled by the central bank and backed by the government. CBDC could be programmed, transferred and traced more easily and at a lower cost. Through this case, students will get the opportunity to understand the advantages, risks and challenges of CBDC and how CBDC is different from the existing digital currencies such as Bitcoin, stable-coins and Diem. The efficient integration of CBDC with existing banking and payment systems to ensure flawless operations is a vital success factor for a country to embrace CBDC. The digital system’s simplified administrative and regulatory requirements will also assist governments in significantly lowering operational and technology maintenance expenses. At the same time, a CBDC could threaten the commercial banks, allowing the government to communicate directly with CBDC holders. Through this case, students will learn about different models that can be used to implement and integrate the CBDC system.
Examining the Relationships Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Student Generational Status, and Exam Performance in Emerging Adult Undergraduates
Authors: York Sarah K. , Chim Louise , Viczko Jeremy , Nicoll Patrick , Fontanilla Cheiyenne , Kasian Andrea , Smart Colette M.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: We aimed to understand how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) correlated with undergraduates’ examination performance, while looking at the contributions of attentional control and resilience. Methods: Students aged 18–25 years were recruited from first-year Psychology classes (Total N = 488). ACE scores, as well as the Attention Control Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale, were measured in conjunction with students’ first exam score of the semester. Results: Participants with no (0) and high (4+) ACE burden had higher resilience compared to those with moderate (1–3) ACE burden. Higher examination scores related to greater levels of attentional control, but no relationship was found with resilience or ACEs. Conclusions: Contrary to predictions, ACEs were related to resilience but in a non-linear fashion. Students with highest ACE burden require further study to understand factors contributing to their academic and personal resilience.
The Clinical Significance of the Modic Changes Grading Score
Authors: Udby Peter M. , Modic Michael , Elmose Signe , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Ø. , Karppinen Jaro , Samartzis Dino
Published: August 2022

Study design

Cross-sectional retrospective observational study.

Objective

To evaluate the reliability and clinical utility of the Modic changes (MC) grading score.

Method

Patients from the Danish national spine registry, DaneSpine, scheduled for lumbar discectomy were identified. MRI of patients with MC were graded based on vertical height involvement: Grade A (<25%), Grade B (25%-50%), and Grade C (>50%). All MRIs were reviewed by 2 physicians to evaluate the reliability of the MC grade.

Results

Of 213 patients included, 142 patients had MC, 71 with MC-1 and 71 with MC-2; 34% were Grade A, 45% were Grade B, and 21% were Grade C. MC grade demonstrated substantial intra-rater (κ = .68) and inter-rater (κ = .61) reliability. A significantly higher proportion (n = 40, 57%) of patients with MC-1 had a severe MC grade compared to patients with MC-2 (n = 30, 43%, P < .001). Severe MC grade was associated with the presence of severe lumbar disc degeneration (DD) (Pfirrmann grade = V, P = .024), worse preoperative ODI (52.49 vs 44.17, P = .021) and EQ-5D scores (.26 vs .46, P = .053). MC alone including type was not associated with a significant difference in patient-reported outcomes ( P > .05).

Conclusion

The MC grade score was demonstrated to have substantial intra- and inter-observer reliability. Severe MC grade was associated with both severe DD and MC type, being more prevalent in patients with MC-1. The MC grade was also significantly associated with worse disability and reduced health-related quality of life. Results from the study suggest that MC grade is more clinically important than MC type.
Work and Family Disadvantage: Determinants of Gender Gaps in Paid Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mertehikian Yasmin A. , Gonalons-Pons Pilar
Published: August 2022

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the increase in gender inequality in paid work during the pandemic to unpack the relative relevance of labor market and work-family conflict processes. Using panel data from the United States Current Population Survey, we examine four mechanisms in an integrated analysis that explicitly includes single-parent households and assesses the moderating role of women’s economic position relative to their partners. The results indicate that increases in gender inequality during the pandemic were heavily concentrated in households with children but also partly connected to gender differences in prepandemic labor market positions and to the higher prevalence of women in lower earner position relative to their partners. Single parents were more negatively impacted than partnered parents, but the disproportionate concentration of this impact on women does not contribute much to increases in overall gender inequality due to the relatively smaller size of this group.
Roughness and intermittency within metropolitan regions - Application in three French conurbations
Authors: Lengyel Janka , Roux Stéphane , Sémécurbe François , Jaffard Stéphane , Abry Patrice
Published: August 2022

Even though the past three decades have seen numerous crucial investigations on interurban scaling characteristics, there has been less focus on revealing multiscale properties within municipal or metropolitan structures. We demonstrate how a newly developed methodology, the Geographically Weighted Multiscale Analysis (GWMSA) stemming from the theory of multifractal systems, can be used to analyze small-scale urban environments with respect to their intermittency and roughness simultaneously. To this end, apart from the widely used sand-box method, we introduce wavelet coefficients in the multiscale analysis of urban systems. In more detail, the spatially continuous scanning of the three largest French conurbations—Paris, Marseille, and Lyon—over their territories and at length scales ranging from parcel to neighborhood level will allow to derive and compare globally and locally characteristic scaling exponents. Depending on the feature under analysis, the exponents reveal qualitatively distinct structural properties, whereby the viability of our findings is further verified on four exemplary typologies of multiscale behavior in urban systems. To introduce GWMSA, this paper focuses primarily on morphological characteristics and findings provide a compelling alternative to how we capture and define district-scale spatial organization and interdependencies within urban settlements.
How applicable are scaling laws in predicting slum populations in urban systems? Evidence from India
Authors: Patel Amit
Published: August 2022

Recently, we have seen new developments in our understanding of the emergence and organization of cities and urban systems, including application of scaling laws to urban areas. A recent wave of studies has observed consistent behavior of multiple urban measures that scale with city size across geographic and sectoral contexts. However, the extant evidence is lacking in two important ways: first, a wide variety of urban measures still remain unexplored, and second, there is limited evidence from developing countries. This paper offers new evidence on both these fronts: i) applying scaling laws to predict slum population in cities, an urban measure that remains largely unexplored, and ii) applying them in the context of a developing country, India. Results suggest that population alone is not sufficient to predict slum population in India. Conversely, I use empirical results from scaling laws to test established slum growth theories that have influenced policymaking globally for decades, despite having limited empirical evidence to support them. I also show that scaling exponents are sensitive to the way we define urban systems, of which cities are a part, an issue that has been raised in the ongoing methodological debate on urban scaling laws. I believe that findings presented in this paper have implications for advancement of slum theories as well as urban scaling laws by offering new empirical evidence and mechanisms through which such scaling might happen in the context of slums.
The Arts Alumni Have Spoken: The Impact of Training in Higher Education on Entrepreneurial Careers
Authors: Guo Wen , McGraw David J.
Published: August 2022

Studies of alumni from arts-focused degree programs in American higher education have revealed the need for arts entrepreneurship training for self-reliant careers, resulting in the creation of at least 168 programs and course offerings for students in a range of arts disciplines. Using factor analysis of datasets from the 2015–2017 administrations of the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project, a multi-institution online alumni survey, this paper divides the skills most relevant to arts entrepreneurship training into four latent categories: critical thinking, leadership, business management, and artistic specialty. A logistic regression revealed statistically significant associations between the latent variables with alumni’s propensity for freelancing and new venture creation. We also identified that race interacts with both student loan amount and family social and cultural capital. Arts-focused higher education programs should consider how they can offer training in these skill groups and complementary opportunities for financially challenged college students and those with fewer familial connections to the arts without creating additional barriers to careers in the arts.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Cancer Screening and Reduce Depression Among Low-Income Women
Authors: Tobin Jonathan N. , Weiss Elisa S. , Cassells Andrea , Lin TJ , Holder Tameir , Carrozzi Gianni , Barsanti Franco , Morales Alejandra , Mailing Alison , Espejo Maria , Gilbert Erica , Casiano Louann , O’Hara-Cicero Ellen , Weed John , Dietrich Allen J.
Published: August 2022

Low-income women of color receive fewer cancer screenings and have higher rates of depression, which can interfere with cancer screening participation. This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of two interventions for improving colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening participation and reducing depression among underserved women in Bronx, NY, with depression. This comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial (RCT) with assessments at study entry, 6, and 12 months utilized an intent-to-treat statistical approach. Eligible women were aged 50 to 64, screened positive for depression, and were overdue for ≥ 1 cancer screening (colorectal, breast, and/or cervical). Participants were randomized to a collaborative depression care plus cancer screening intervention (CCI + PCM) or cancer screening intervention alone (PCM). Interventions were telephone-based, available in English or Spanish, delivered over 12 months, and facilitated by a skilled care manager. Cancer screening data were extracted from electronic health records. Depression was measured with a validated self-report instrument (PHQ-9). Seven hundred fifty seven women consented and were randomized (CCI + PCM, n = 378; PCM, n = 379). Analyses revealed statistically significant increases in up-to-date status for all three cancer screenings; depression improved in both intervention groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the interventions in improving cancer screening rates or reducing depression. CCI and PCM both improved breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening and depression in clinical settings in underserved communities; however, neither intervention showed an advantage in outcomes. Decisions about which approach to implement may depend on the nature of the practice and alignment of the interventions with other ongoing priorities and resources.
Citizens’ attitudes toward legal authorities in Brazil: Examining the impact of crime, insecurity, and corruption
Authors: Boateng Francis D , Dzordzormenyoh Michael K , Cavalcante Damara
Published: August 2022

This paper sought to understand public attitudes and behavior toward criminal justice institutions in Brazil. Using a cross-sectional data from a sample of Brazilians, we made very important and intriguing observations about Brazilians’ attitudes. Among these observations is the finding that the presence of crime results in favorable attitudes toward the Brazilian judiciary. Also, sense of security, corruption (bribe solicitation), and citizens’ trust in the media predicted attitudes toward criminal justice institutions and officials. Given that this study is one of the few studies that have examined this issue in the Brazilian context, the findings serve as a starting point for discussion about improving the relationship between citizens and the system. Specific implications of the findings are discussed.
Trends in utilization and costs of migraine medications, 2017–2020
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer L. , Munshi Kiraat , Peasah Samuel K. , Swart Elizabeth C. S. , Kohli Monal , Henderson Rochelle , Good Chester B.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study examines changes in utilization and costs trends associated with migraine medications.

Background

Migraine attacks are a burden to many patients. There are many pharmacotherapy options available with newer migraine drug classes entering the market in the past decade. Little is known about the use, associated costs, and the impact of the newer agents.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined 2017–2020 administrative claims from a large national pharmacy benefits manager. Patients aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance exchange insurance plans who filled ≥ 2 prescription claims for triptans, ergotamines, isometheptenes, gepants, ditans, and CGRP mABs were included. A two-sample t-test was conducted to estimate whether differences in mean utilization and costs between 2017 and 2020 were statistically significant for migraine drug classes, except for CGRP mABs, which were estimated between 2018 and 2020.

Results

The sample ranged from 161,369 (2017) to 240,330 (2020) patients. 84.5% (n = 203,110; 2020) of patients were women. The number of 30-day adjusted prescription fills for prophylaxis remained stable over the four-year period, except for CGRP mABs, which increased from 0.5% (n = 0.007; 2018) to 5.3% (n = 0.075; 2020). Antiepileptics, antidepressants and beta blockers were the most common prophylaxes, while triptans, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/non-narcotic analgesics and opioids were the most common treatments utilized. CGRP mABs were the most expensive, while utilization of triptans were the highest. CGRP mABs had the largest increase in utilization (177.5%) and costs (166.3%) PPPM in 2020 ($291.17) compared to 2018 ($109.35), the year they were first available (p < 0.001). Between 2018 and 2020, costs increased overall and for commercial and Medicare enrollees, but remained unchanged for Medicaid and HIX members.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a shift in migraine medication utilization from 2017–2020, where increased use of CGRP mABs had a significant contribution to increased costs. These increased pharmacy costs must be weighed against the improved tolerability of these agents likely resulting in other healthcare and indirect cost savings.
Retromer subunit, CfVps35 is required for growth development and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Li Xi-Ya , Zhang Sheng-Pei , He Li
Published: August 2022

Background

Tea oil is widely used as edible oil in China, which extracted from the seeds of Camellia oleifera. In China, the national oil-tea camellia planting area reached 4.533 million hectares, the output of oil-tea camellia seed oil was 627 000 tons, and the total output value reached 18.3 billion dollars. Anthracnose is the common disease of Ca. oleifera, which affected the production and brought huge economic losses. Colletotrichum fructicola is the dominant pathogen causing anthracnose in Ca. oleifera. The retromer complex participates in the intracellular retrograde transport of cargos from the endosome to the trans-Golgi network in eukaryotes. Vacuolar protein sorting 35 is a core part of the retromer complex. This study aimed to investigate the role of CfVps35 in C. fructicola.

Results

The CfVPS35 gene was deleted, resulting in reduced mycelial growth, conidiation, and response to cell wall stresses. Further analysis revealed that CfVps35 was required for C. fructicola virulence on tea oil leaves. In addition, the ΔCfvps35 mutant was defective in glycogen metabolism and turgor during appressorium development.

Conclusion

This study illustrated that the crucial functions of CfVps35 in growth, development, and pathogenicity.
Therapy-based allied health delivery in residential aged care, trends, factors, and outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Meulenbroeks Isabelle , Raban Magdalena Z. , Seaman Karla , Westbrook Johanna
Published: August 2022

Background

Allied health professionals in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) make important contributions to the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Yet to date, health services research in RACFs has focused almost exclusively on nursing disciplines. This review aims to synthesise the current evidence on allied health services in RACF; specifically, how therapy-based allied health is delivered, what factors impact the quantity delivered, and the impact of services on resident outcomes and care quality.

Methods

Empirical peer-reviewed and grey literature focusing on allied health service delivery in RACFs from the past decade was identified through systematic searches of four databases and over 200 targeted website searches. Information on how allied health delivered, factors impacting service delivery, and impact on resident outcomes were extracted. The quality of included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the AACODS (Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance) checklist.

Results

Twenty-eight unique studies were included in this review; 26 peer-reviewed and two grey literature studies. Sixteen studies discussed occupational therapy and 15 discussed physiotherapy, less commonly studied professional groups included dieticians (n = 9), allied health assistants (n = 9), and social workers (n = 6). Thirteen studies were assigned a 100% quality rating. Levels of allied health service provision were generally low and varied. Five studies examined the association between system level factors and allied health service provision, and seven studies examined facility level factors and service provision. Higher levels of allied health provision or access to allied health services, specifically physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nutrition, were associated with reduced falls with injury, improved care quality, activities of daily living scores, nutritional status, and meal satisfaction in five studies.

Conclusion

Evidence on how allied health is delivered in RACFs, and its impact on resident health outcomes, is lacking globally. While there are some indications of positive associations between allied health staffing and resident outcomes and experiences, health systems and researchers will need commitment to consistent allied health data collection and health services research funding in the future to accurately determine how allied health is delivered in RACFs and its impact on resident wellbeing.
Prediction model of axillary lymph node status using automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and ki-67 status in early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Wang Qiucheng , Li Bo , Liu Zhao , Shang Haitao , Jing Hui , Shao Hua , Chen Kexin , Liang Xiaoshuan , Cheng Wen
Published: August 2022

Background

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is a useful choice in breast disease diagnosis. The axillary lymph node (ALN) status is crucial for predicting the clinical classification and deciding on the treatment of early-stage breast cancer (EBC) and could be the primary indicator of locoregional recurrence. We aimed to establish a prediction model using ABUS features of primary breast cancer to predict ALN status.

Methods

A total of 469 lesions were divided into the axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) group and the no ALNM (NALNM) group. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the difference of clinical factors and ABUS features between the two groups, and a predictive model of ALNM was established. Pathological results were as the gold standard.

Results

Ki-67, maximum diameter (MD), posterior feature shadowing or enhancement and hyperechoic halo were significant risk factors for ALNM in multivariate logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05). The four risk factors were used to build the predictive model, and it achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.751, 0.831). The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model were 72.5%, 69.1% and 75.26%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 66.08% and 79.93%, respectively. Distance to skin, MD, margin, shape, internal echo pattern, orientation, posterior features, and hyperechoic halo showed significant differences between stage I and stage II (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ABUS features and Ki-67 can meaningfully predict ALNM in EBC and the prediction model may facilitate a more effective therapeutic schedule.
The lack of correlation between symptoms and signs in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction: a secondary analysis of the multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xie Luoying , Chen Shudi , Hong Jing , Jin Xiuming , Chen Wei , Rong Bei , Feng Yun , Huang Xiaodan , Li Jinyang , Song Wenjing , Lin Lin , Cheng Yu , Yan Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Background

This study was performed to investigate the association between symptoms and signs in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods

Data were obtained from 122 MGD patients who were recruited for intense pulsed light therapy from November 2017 to April 2018 and the severity of their symptoms and signs at baseline were observed and recorded. Spearman correlation analyses were performed to analyze the relationships between SPEED score and signs. Subjects were divided into different subgroups based on possible influencing factors, and the differences in symptoms and signs were compared between different subgroups. Then influencing factors were controlled by regression analysis to explore the relationship between symptoms and signs and the strong factors affecting symptoms and signs.

Results

Analysis of baseline data showed that SPEED scores were not correlated with TBUT, CFSS, MGYSS or any index of eyelid margin abnormality (p > 0.05). In addition, abnormalities of lid margins, including hyperemia, thickening, rounding, hyperkeratinization, and telangiectasia around orifices, were more likely to occur in older patients, menopausal patients, and patients living in northern China. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that there was still no correlation between symptoms and signs (p > 0.05) after adjusting for influencing factors. Further analysis suggested that each influencing factor has different effects on symptoms and signs, among which menopause affects the SPEED score (R = -4.112, p = 0.025), and age and region have significant effects on eyelid margin abnormalities.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results demonstrated a poor correlation between symptoms and signs in MGD patients. Age, hormone, and a dry environment may influence the disease, which suggests that the severity of the disease needs to be comprehensively assessed.
A randomized controlled trial of Goal Management Training for executive functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders or psychosis risk syndromes
Authors: Haugen Ingvild , Stubberud Jan , Haug Elisabeth , McGurk Susan R. , Hovik Kjell Tore , Ueland Torill , Øie Merete Glenne
Published: August 2022

Background

Executive functioning is essential to daily life and severely impaired in schizophrenia and psychosis risk syndromes. Goal Management Training (GMT) is a theoretically founded, empirically supported, metacognitive strategy training program designed to improve executive functioning.

Methods

A randomized controlled parallel group trial compared GMT with treatment as usual among 81 participants (GMT, n = 39 versus Wait List Controls, n = 42) recruited from an early intervention for psychosis setting. Computer generated random allocation was performed by someone independent from the study team and raters post-intervention were unaware of allocation. The primary objective was to assess the impact of GMT administered in small groups for 5 weeks on executive functioning. The secondary objective was to explore the potential of the intervention in influencing daily life functioning and clinical symptoms.

Results

GMT improved self-reported executive functioning, measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult version (BRIEF-A), significantly more than treatment as usual. A linear mixed model for repeated measures, including all partial data according to the principle of intention to treat, showed a significant group x time interaction effect assessed immediately after intervention (post-test) and 6 months after intervention (follow-up), F = 8.40, p .005, r .37. Improvement occurred in both groups in objective executive functioning as measured by neuropsychological tests, functional capacity, daily life functioning and symptoms of psychosis rated by clinicians. Self-reported clinical symptoms measured with the Symptoms Check List (SCL-10) improved significantly more after GMT than after treatment as usual, F = 5.78, p .019, r .29. Two participants withdrew due to strenuous testing and one due to adverse effects.

Conclusions

GMT had clinically reliable and lasting effects on subjective executive function. The intervention is a valuable addition to available treatment with considerable gains at low cost.

Trial registration

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03048695 09/02/2017.