bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic change meets mechanisms of change: Examining mediators in the latent change score framework
Authors: Hilley Chanler D. , O’Rourke Holly P.
Published: January 2022

Researchers in behavioral sciences are often interested in longitudinal behavior change outcomes and the mechanisms that influence changes in these outcomes over time. The statistical models that are typically implemented to address these research questions do not allow for investigation of mechanisms of dynamic change over time. However, latent change score models allow for dynamic change (not just linear or exponential change) over time and have flexibility in parameter constraints that other longitudinal models do not have. Developmental researchers also frequently utilize mediation analyses to investigate mechanisms of influence in longitudinal research implemented in path analytic or latent growth curve models. In this article, we provide three examples of how mediation can be tested in the latent change score framework by combining aspects of traditional mediation models with latent change score models of repeated measures outcomes (and mediators and predictors) with more than two timepoints. We also provide the Mplus syntax to complete these analyses and practical considerations of latent change score mediation (LCSM) models.
Category Change in Cultural Fields: Practice deviation and the discursive maintenance of category meanings in jazz music
Authors: Innis Benjamin D.
Published: January 2022

Deviation from normative practices is common in established categories, stimulating category gatekeepers to reevaluate their approaches to defining and enforcing category boundaries and meanings. While scholars agree that categories are mutable and dynamic, we lack a theoretical framework explaining the mechanisms through which practice deviation stimulates category change. Using structural topic modeling and inductive hand-coding of a large text corpus, I analyse critical reviews of jazz records between 1968 and 1975 to show the discursive mechanisms through which gatekeepers codify change in cultural categories. As jazz musicians experimented with new practices associated with a style now known as jazz fusion, critics discursively reordered their criteria for assessing membership, quality, and value in jazz music, expanding the jazz category into new realms yet retaining its semantic coherence. This paper contributes to research on category dynamics including change and subcategorization, and extends knowledge of category maintenance and gatekeeping in cultural fields.
From shipwreck to commodity exchange: Robinson Crusoe, Hegel and Marx
Authors: Lazarus Michael
Published: January 2022

Robinson Crusoe is a mythic character who lives not only in the popular imaginary but through the history of political and social thought. Defoe’s protagonist lives marooned on his island, isolated and apart from society. The narrative is a perfect naturalisation of the ‘bourgeois’ world, dependent on an ontology of the self-sufficient individual. This article analyses this lineage in the social contract theory of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. Later, Hegel used the novel to illustrate his dialectic of mastery/servitude. Challenging the atomism of the state of nature, Hegel’s theory of recognition gives an account of positive freedom, where the individual is formed in and through social interdependence. This sociality is continued by Marx, who satirises Defoe's novel in his value-form critique of political economy. The value-form provides insight into Robinson's island labour and Marx's difference with Locke's labour theory of value. For Marx, the myth of ‘natural man’ hides the domination of capitalist development and Robinson Crusoe reflects the internalisation of the abstract rationality of commodity society. However, Marx's immanent critique of the novel points to a radical idea of social life and freedom.
Clinical and Biologic Characteristics and Outcomes in Young and Middle‐Aged Patients With Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Geng Calvin X. , Tanamal Priscilla , Arvisais‐Anhalt Simone , Tomasino Massimo , Gheit Tarik , Bishop Justin A. , Palsgrove Doreen N. , Wang Ellen , Salley Jordan R. , Tibbetts Kathleen M. , Sumer Baran D. , Tillman Brittny N. , Day Andrew T.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical and biologic characteristics and outcomes of young and middle‐aged (YMA; <65 years) patients according to the presence or absence of traditional risk factors for laryngeal cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Single‐institution academic medical center.

Methods

Patients without a history of clinically significant tobacco use or heavy alcohol use were defined as “nontraditional”: ≤5 pack‐years, ≤5 years smoked, ≤14 alcoholic drinks per week, and ≥15‐year interval from last tobacco abuse use to diagnosis. Remaining patients were categorized as “traditional.” Select tumor samples were evaluated for bacterial and viral DNA by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Seventy‐eight YMA patients with primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were identified, 23% (n = 18) of whom were nontraditional. Nontraditional patients were younger than traditional patients (median age, 51 vs 59 years; P <. 001). Twenty‐eight tumors were prospectively tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), and nontraditional patients were more likely to exhibit high‐risk HPV (57% vs 5%, P <. 01). Among 17 select tumors (nontraditional, n = 8; traditional, n = 9), 35% exhibited HPV16 (nontraditional, 63%; traditional, 11%; P =. 05). Other viruses were identified but did not differ according to risk status: herpesviruses (40%) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (7%). Chlamydia, β‐HPV, and γ‐HPV DNA was not detected in any samples. Median length of follow‐up was 42 months. On adjusted analyses, nontraditional patients exhibited nonsignificantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.03‐1.82]; P =. 17) and disease‐free survival (hazard ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.10‐1.23]; P =. 08) as compared with traditional patients.

Conclusion

Almost one‐quarter of YMA patients lacked characteristic risk factors for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and their tumors exhibited a higher prevalence of high‐risk HPV. The significance of HPV16 and other tumor viruses with outcomes in nontraditional patients should be evaluated further.
Recurrence Following Endoscopic Laser Wedge Excision and Triple Medical Therapy for Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Bowen Andrew Jay , Xie Katherine Z. , O’Byrne Thomas J. , Bayan Semirra L. , Edell Eric S. , Vassallo Robert , Ekbom Dale C. , Kasperbauer Jan L.
Published: January 2022

Objective

We present the outcomes for patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) following their first carbon dioxide laser wedge excision (LWE) procedure, additionally examining the effect of compliance with adjuvant medical therapy (triple therapy) after the operation.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary center.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 183 patients with iSGS following their first LWE and their compliance to adjuvant medical therapy (inhaled corticosteroid, proton pump inhibitor, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole) following the operation, with all reviewed to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome variable was median time to recurrence (MTR). Patients were stratified by whether the LWE was their first operation (LWE primary or secondary), by compliance to triple therapy, and by compliance with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards were used to evaluate the MTR across the stratifications.

Results

An overall 113 patients underwent their first LWE, while 70 received the procedure after having undergone 1 to 13 procedures. The MTR between LWE primary and secondary was 4.6 and 2.9 years, respectively. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards comparing these 2 groups revealed the number of prior operations to be a confounding variable. A statistically increased MTR was demonstrated with greater degrees of medical compliance.

Conclusion

LWE conferred an MTR of 4.1 years in the iSGS cohort. The number of prior procedures preceding LWE behaved as a confounding variable. Patients who were completely or partially compliant to triple therapy appear to demonstrate increased intervals prior to recurrence.
Another tool in the experimental toolbox: On the use of aluminum as a substitute for chert in North American prehistoric ballistics research and beyond
Authors: Eren Metin I. , Mukusha Lawrence , Lierenz Julie , Wilson Michael , Bebber Michelle R. , Fisch Michael , True Trent , Kavaulic Michael , Walker Robert S. , Buchanan Briggs , Key Alastair
Published: January 2022

Experimental archaeology continues to mature methodologically and theoretically. Around the world, practitioners are increasingly using modern materials that would have been unavailable to prehistoric people in archaeological experiments. The use of a modern material substitute can offer several benefits to experimental method, design, control, replicability, feasibility, and cost, but it should be directly compared to its “traditional” analogue to understand similarities and differences. Here, aluminum is introduced as a substitute for chert in prehistoric ballistics research because, critically, aluminum is safe, inexpensive, easy to process, and it and chert possess densities that differ by less than 4%. The aluminum casting process for replicating stone artifacts is presented, and it is shown that the aluminum castings are essentially identical in form, flake-scar patterning, and mass to their stone counterparts. We then present a proof-of-concept ballistics experiment that demonstrates no difference between aluminum and stone points in terms of target penetration.
A scoping review of longitudinal studies of children with vision impairment
Authors: Veldhorst Carlijn , Vervloed Mathijs , Kef Sabina , Steenbergen Bert
Published: January 2022

In past comparative studies, children with vision impairment were often shown a developmental delay compared to sighted children in several developmental domains. Medical treatments of vision impairments and societal attitudes toward disabilities changed considerably. Besides, within the rehabilitation practices, a stronger integration of multiple perspectives and increased focus on social inclusion and participation in society is present. The main goal of this scoping review was to investigate what is known about the development in cognition, language and communication, motor, social–emotional, and adaptive skills development of children with vision impairment by longitudinal studies. Besides, the results of the past studies were related to a contemporary view on disability, the participation concept. This was done by applying the family of participation-related constructs (fPRC) framework to examine which factors were covered and which not. A systematic literature search was performed in Web of Science, PsycInfo, ERIC, and Medline. Studies were included if they have been published in peer-reviewed journals between 1994 and 2020 had a longitudinal design and examined the development of children with vision impairment with no additional impairments up to 18 years of age. From the 2698 identified studies, 32 studies were included. The most commonly assessed variables concerned cognition and language and communication development. To a lesser extent, studies examined adaptive skills, motor, and social–emotional development. The majority used vision status as a predictor variable for developmental outcomes. In terms of the fPRC framework, most studies included variables related to the factor activity competences. The factors preferences, sense of self, environment, and involvement were studied far less often. The review suggested a positive impact on developmental outcomes for including variables that can mediate the relation between vision status and developmental outcomes and variables that are related to the fPRC factors environment, sense of self, and preferences.
Re-assessing global municipal solid waste generation
Authors: Maalouf Amani , Mavropoulos Antonis
Published: January 2022

This study contributes to estimate the total waste generated at global level. A few studies have provided an efficient and comprehensive global estimate. However, data reporting is globally inconsistent due to varying interpretation of terminology, lacking standardised categories and varying methodologies used to observe and measure waste amounts. This study employs regression analysis and material flow analysis approaches to ensure a cross-comparability of waste generation data. The result implies that total global waste arisings are around 20 billion tonnes in 2017. This corresponds to 2.63 tonnes of total waste per capita (cap) per year. The total global waste generated is expected to grow to 46 billion tonnes by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a much smaller amount, ranging from 2.3 to 3.1 billion tonnes (average of 2.7 billion tonnes) in 2019. This figure reflects an increase of between 30% and 50% in MSW generated during the last 15 years (2004–2019). MSW generated is expected to grow to 2.89–4.54 billion tonnes by 2050, depending on which assumptions are used. This represents a 26%–45% increase compared to 2019. The overall assessment in this study reveals that almost one-third of the total MSW generated is not collected, and most of what is collected is not treated accordingly to current ideas of sound management. Moreover, almost 42% of MSW goes to open dumping or uncontrolled burning. The finding provides valuable insight for policymakers to design and assess circular economy policy instruments towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Constitutive rubber model suitable for rolling resistance simulations of truck tyres
Authors: Hyttinen Jukka , Österlöf Rickard , Drugge Lars , Jerrelind Jenny
Published: January 2022

Tyres are a vital vehicle component forming an interface between a vehicle and the road, enabling the generation of braking, steering and traction forces. However, they also generate rolling resistance which researchers have tried to minimise through the years for environmental and economic reasons. Despite numerous attempts to model rolling resistance of tyres there still does not seem to exist a simple, flexible and accepted way of modelling rolling resistance in the time domain as well as parametrising models in an easy and accessible way. This study explores a simple and intuitive way of parametrising a hyperviscoplastic parallel rheological framework. In the experimental part of this study, rubber samples with various amounts of carbon black filler are extracted from a truck tyre section and tested using dynamic mechanical analysis. The test data was used to parametrise the material model. The model consists of Mooney-Rivlin hyperelasticity, 40 Prony elements and 8 perfectly plastic elements with Ogden hyperelasticity. The paper introduces a method to obtain a large number of parameters using only six tuneable parameters, which simplifies the tuning of the model drastically. The parametrised model is suitable for tyre rolling resistance simulations with frequency and strain amplitude dependency of the storage and loss modulus. A wide range of strain amplitudes and frequencies can be covered with the proposed method and it is possible to achieve a good fit for the storage and loss modulus values with the benefit of only a few tuneable parameters. Additional Prony or plastic networks do not increase the amount of tuneable parameters. Moreover, the method can be used to parametrise the material using manual iterations which is generally not possible for a parallel rheological framework with such a large amount of parameters.
Decolonising and demedicalising intersex research
Authors: Roen Katrina , Oliver Eli
Published: January 2022

In this commentary, we examine the role of non-Indigenous psychology researchers in settler states such as Aotearoa / New Zealand. A key focus is on demedicalising and decolonising intersex. We describe approaches to knowledge production that are based on the decolonising thinking of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, and that open up opportunities for resistance and transformation. We then examine how decolonisation can be brought into dialogue with demedicalisation. Finally, we consider opportunities for an Indigenous understanding of health to contribute to the demedicalising aspirations of intersex advocates and researchers.
Financial Record Keeping Practices in Micro and Small Businesses in Tanzania
Authors: Malauri Beatha , Mpogole Hosea , Wiketye Enock
Published: January 2022

Despite the importance of financial information on access to credit, growth and sustainability, Micro and Small Businesses (MSBs) in Tanzania hardly keep records. This descriptive study investigated financial record keeping practices in MSBs in Iringa and Kinondoni Municipalities employing a sample of 245 owner managers. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings indicated that financial record keeping in MSBs remains a big challenge. Some MSBs occasionally kept records while others did not keep records at all. The most kept records were inventories and purchases rather than sales. Reasons for not keeping records included limited knowledge on the value of record keeping, limited skills, shortage of time, shortage of funds to hire skilled personnel and shortage of facilities such as tables/desks and cabinets to store records. The study established a significant association between record keeping and the performance of MSBs. Yet there were mixed perceptions of MSB owner managers regarding the value of record keeping. The study recommends policy action to enforce financial record keeping and strengthen Business Development Services (BDS) provision. Further studies may consider an experimental design with MSBs in the treatment arm supported to keep financial records, then measure impact over a certain period.
Adolescent Bullying Victimization at Secondary School and Adult Suicidality and Depressive Symptoms Among 2152 Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in South Korea
Authors: Park Jooyoung , Lee Hyemin , Choi Bokyoung , Kim Ji-Hwan , Yoon Jaehong , Yi Horim , Choo Sungsub , Kim Seung-Sup
Published: January 2022

This study examined the association between adolescent bullying victimization (ABV) and adult mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in South Korea (hereafter Korea). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 2152 Korean LGB adults in 2016. Based on experiences of and reasons for ABV, participants were categorized into four groups: “never bullied,” “bullied due to sexual orientation and gender expression (SOGE),” “bullied due to other reasons,” and “bullied, reason unspecified.” Compared with participants who have never been bullied during adolescence, those who have been “bullied due to SOGE” were 1.56 times, 1.53 times, and 3.59 times more likely to report depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, respectively. Statistically significant associations with all three mental health indicators were also observed among those who have been “bullied due to other reasons”: depressive symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.72), suicidal ideation (aPR = 1.48), and suicide attempts (aPR = 3.15). This study suggests that ABV may increase depressive symptoms and suicidality in adulthood among LGB individuals.
Eimeria stiedae causes most of the white-spotted liver lesions in wild European rabbits in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Authors: Bochyńska Diana , Lloyd Sheelagh , Restif Olivier , Hughes Katherine
Published: January 2022

In rabbits, a white-spotted liver can be indicative of one of several disease processes, frequently caused by parasites. To date, the prevalence of white-spotted liver in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in the United Kingdom is undetermined. We evaluated the prevalence and main parasitic etiologies of this entity in a U.K. population of wild rabbits. Wild rabbits ( n = 87) were shot in Cambridgeshire for population control, and cadavers were donated for research. Postmortem examination was undertaken, including gross and histologic hepatic examination. Macroscopic lesions consistent with white-spotted liver were found in 46 of 87 (53%) rabbits examined; most of these lesions were considered to be mild. For 28 of 46 (59%) rabbits with gross hepatic lesions, an etiologic agent was apparent histologically. Eimeria stiedae was detected in 21 of 87 (24%) rabbits, and Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) was detected in 7 of 87 (8%). In the subset of rabbits killed in the summer, there was a significant association between white-spotted liver and juvenile age class. There was also an association between white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and juvenile age class. When restricting analysis to rabbits with white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and submitted in the summer, both juvenile age class and female had significant effects. E. stiedae and C. hepaticum can be transmitted to pet lagomorphs via contaminated vegetation, and to humans in the case of the latter, which demonstrates the importance of monitoring the prevalence of these parasitic diseases in wild rabbits.
Primary Care Clinician’s Knowledge of Trafficking in Persons: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ram Sharda , Goldin Deana
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Human trafficking is an enormous global threat. Primary care clinicians are part of a safety net of professionals who may be able to identify and assist trafficking in persons (TIPs). The purpose of this systematic review was to explore clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in identifying and assisting TIPS in health care settings.

Methodology:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided this review. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Medline Plus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases that yielded 130 articles, of which 10 quantitative articles met eligibility criteria. Eligibility determination, data extraction, synthesis, and evaluation were independently conducted by the authors.

Results:

Findings revealed deficits in clinician’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors on identifying TIPs in clinical settings. In addition, cultural influences affect TIP’s decision-making.

Discussion:

To support the wide-ranging needs of TIPs, education programs that include clinician trainings on the skills required to identify and assist TIPs across cultures is warranted.
A Rare Case of Tracheal Crystal-Storing Histiocytosis Associated with Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Authors: Kimura Shoichi , Oyama Yuzo , Ziyao Wang , Waseda Ryuichi , Nishino Nanako , Sakata Toshifumi , Takeshita Morishige
Published: January 2022

Crystal-storing histiocytosis (CSH) is a rare non-neoplastic histiocytic lesion with abnormal accumulation of immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain. CSH is associated with Ig overproduction by B-lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs) or by persistent inflammatory diseases. Eighteen cases of pulmonary CSH have been reported. However, no case reports of tracheal CSH have been published. In this patient, we found a solitary tracheal tumor in an asymptomatic 60-year-old man on chest computed tomography scan. Histologically, the tumor comprised two different lesions. One lesion showed diffuse proliferation of spindle-shaped histiocytes with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. With immunohistochemistry, the histiocytic cells were positive for CD68, CD163 and Ig kappa light chain, and the cytoplasm was weakly positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein. Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated no split signals for the ALK gene. Electron microscopy demonstrated many elongated or rhomboid-shaped dense crystals in the cytoplasm of histiocytes. The second lesion showed proliferation of CD20-positive small atypical lymphocytes mixed with Ig kappa chain-positive plasma cells. A diagnosis of CSH and concomitant mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma was made. In this patient, unexpected ALK protein was detected in infiltrating histiocytes. Therefore, careful assessment of the ALK protein and gene was necessary to differentiate from other histiocytic disorders.
Rational intransitive preferences
Authors: Baumann Peter
Published: January 2022

According to a widely held view, rationality demands that the preferences of a person be transitive. The transitivity assumption is an axiom in standard theories of rational choice. It is also prima facie very plausible. I argue here that transitivity is not a necessary condition of rationality; it is a constraint only in some cases. The argument presented here is based on the non-linearity of differential utility functions. This paper has four parts. First, I present an argument against the transitivity assumption (I, II). Second, I discuss some objections; this will also bring out some features of the view defended here, like the essentially comparative nature of choice (III). Then, I discuss certain proposals that promise to avoid my conclusion (IV). Finally, I go into some implications concerning the nature of rational decision making (V). To accept some intransitivities as rational does not make our life easier; it can even lead to hard choices. However, it does not lead to skepticism about rational choice.
Thinking boxes, behavioural boys and the politics of love: ‘Doing’ post-qualitative social work research
Authors: Tudor Raewyn , Barraclough Shanee
Published: January 2022

Post-humanist theories and feminist new materialism are a growing feature of social work scholarship. It is timely to explore how these theories inform qualitative social work research approaches. Drawing on post-qualitative methodology and Barad’s concept and method of diffraction, in this article we engage in a performative re-analysis of an account of school social work practice with a group of boys with behavioural concerns. We illuminate the interplay of neurological and behaviourist ways of knowing boys and social workers’ expertise and their linkages with the materiality of the place and space of the school-based group programme. Moving beyond merely representing these material-discursive happenings, this paper affirms new social worker identities and behavioural boys’ subjectivities which emerge within the entangled relations with non-human, material objects and things in schools. Doing post-qualitative inquiry, co-configures us as researchers actively involved in knowledge generation as we seek to make differences that matter in social work practice. Diffraction not only offers methods to engage with the material-discursive interface of social work knowledge practices, but also an ethical methodology for researchers to do justice in our engagement with research data.
Management of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hyperglycemia
Authors: Goncalves Marcus D. , Farooki Azeez
Published: January 2022

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway hyperactivation has been associated with the development of cancer and treatment resistance. PI3K inhibitors are now used to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2–negative (HER2−), PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer. Hyperglycemia, a frequently observed adverse event with PI3K inhibitors (PI3Ki), is regarded as an on-target effect because inhibition of the PI3K pathway has been shown to decrease glucose transport and increase glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. PI3Ki-induced hyperglycemia results in a compensatory increase in insulin release, which has been shown to reduce the efficacy of treatment by reactivating the PI3K pathway in preclinical models. Patients with an absolute or relative deficiency in insulin, and those with insulin resistance or pancreatic dysfunction, may experience exacerbated or prolonged hyperglycemia. Therefore, the effective management of PI3Ki-associated hyperglycemia depends on early identification of patients at risk, frequent monitoring to allow prompt recognition of hyperglycemia and its sequelae, and initiating appropriate management strategies. Risk factors for the development of hyperglycemia include older age (≥75 years), overweight/obese at baseline, and family history of diabetes. Consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended for patients considered high risk. The management of PI3Ki-induced hyperglycemia requires an integrative approach that combines diets low in carbohydrates and glucose-lowering medications. Medications that do not affect the PI3K pathway are preferred as the primary and secondary agents for the management of hyperglycemia. These include metformin, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Insulin should only be considered as a last-line agent for PI3Ki-associated hyperglycemia due to its stimulatory effect of PI3K signaling. Clinical studies show that alpelisib-associated hyperglycemia is reversible and manageable, rarely leading to treatment discontinuation. Management of PI3Ki-associated hyperglycemia in patients with breast cancer should focus on the prevention of acute and subacute complications of hyperglycemia, allowing patients to remain on anticancer treatment longer.
A simplified acute kidney injury predictor following endovascular aortic repair: ACEF score
Authors: Avci Yalcin , Demir Ali Riza , Güler Arda , Aktemur Tugba , Bulut Umit , Demirci Gökhan , Memiç Sancar Kadriye , Ersoy Burak , Celik Omer , Erturk Mehmet
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become quite common in recent years. This method, which has many advantages compared to the open surgical procedure, also has some complications. One of these complications is acute kidney injury (AKI). ACEF (age, creatinine, and ejection fraction) score, which is gaining popularity, can be an easy-to-use and cost-effective method in detecting this condition that causes increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate whether this ACEF score may predict a development of AKI in patients who underwent EVAR.

Methods

A total of 133 consecutive patients with AAA who underwent EVAR were analyzed. The primary endpoint of the study was the development of AKI. The best cut-off value for the ACEF score to predict the development of AKI was calculated and according to this value, the patients were divided into two groups as those with high ACEF scores and those with low ACEF scores. ACEF score was calculated by the formula of age/EF + 1 (if baseline creatinine > 2 mg/dL).

Results

After the exclusion criteria, a total of 118 patients were included in the study, and 20 (16.9%) of them developed AKI after EVAR. In the ROC curve analysis, a cut-off value of 1.34 was found for the ACEF score, and scores above this value were found to be independent predictors of AKI development after EVAR. In addition to the ACEF score, the contrast media volume was also found to be an independent predictor of the development of AKI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ACEF is a simple and effective scoring system in patients undergoing EVAR. To the best our knowledge, our study is the first study which applies ACEF score to predict AKI in EVAR patients.
Tumor promoting roles of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-35: Its implications in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Mirlekar Bhalchandra
Published: January 2022

Cytokines play a critical role in regulating host immune response toward cancer and determining the overall fate of tumorigenesis. The tumor microenvironment is dominated mainly by immune-suppressive cytokines that control effector antitumor immunity and promote survival and the proliferation of cancer cells, which ultimately leads to enhanced tumor growth. In addition to tumor cells, the heterogeneous immune cells present within the tumor milieu are the significant source of immune-suppressive cytokines. These cytokines are classified into a broad range; however, in most tumor types, the interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 are consistently reported as immune-suppressive cytokines that help tumor growth and metastasis. The most emerging concern in cancer treatment is hijacking and restraining the activity of antitumor immune cells in the tumor niche due to a highly immune-suppressive environment. This review summarizes the role and precise functions of interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in modulating tumor immune contexture and its implication in developing effective immune-therapeutic approaches.

Concise conclusion

Recent effort geared toward developing novel immune-therapeutic approaches faces significant challenges due to sustained mutations in tumor cells and a highly immune-suppressive microenvironment present within the tumor milieu. The cytokines play a crucial role in developing an immune-suppressive environment that ultimately dictates the fate of tumorigenesis. This review critically covers the novel aspects of predominant immune-suppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in dictating the fate of tumorigenesis and how targeting these cytokines can help the development of better immune-therapeutic drug regimens for the treatment of cancer.
Knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and its associated factors among pregnant women in Debre Tabor Town Health Facilities, South Gondar Administrative Zone, North West Ethiopia, 2019: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Asferie Worku Necho , Goshu Bizunesh
Published: January 2022

Background:

Pregnancy complications are one of the most common health problems and causes of death among women in developing countries. Knowledge of obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and postnatal period is an essential first step for the appropriate and timely referral.

Objective:

To assess knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and its associated factors among pregnant women at Debre Tabor Town Health Facilities, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods and Materials:

Facility-based cross-sectional study conducted from 30 December 2018 to 30 January 2019 among 340 pregnant women. Simple random sampling was used to select study subjects. Data entered to Epidata 4.2 and exported Statistical package for social science version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among pregnant women. Finally, a p-value less than 0.05 was used to identify the significant variables.

Result:

Overall women’s knowledge score on pregnancy danger signs was 74.4%. This finding is not satisfactory and affects pregnancy outcomes. Age, religion, women’s educational status, family size, educational status, and antenatal care follow-up were identified as predictors of knowledge of pregnancy danger signs.

Conclusion:

Overall knowledge scores of pregnancy danger signs among women were satisfactory compared with different researches in Ethiopia and different countries. Age, mother’s occupation, and antenatal care visit were significant factors of knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among study participants.
A diagnostic conundrum; Kimura’s disease mimicking eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Aravinthan Mythily , Atukorala Inoshi , De Silva Chandu
Published: January 2022

Kimura’s Disease (KD) is a benign, relapsing chronic inflammatory condition often seen in young Asian males, manifesting as recurrent swellings in skin and subcutaneous tissues especially in the head and neck region. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis (EGPA) is a debilitating multisystem vasculitic condition which causes high morbidity due to cavitating lung lesions, neuropathy and renal impairment. Eosinophilia is common to both conditions. We, herein present a young Asian male with KD who presented with isolated recurrent nasopharyngeal mucosal swelling with eosinophilia. Biopsy of the lesion showed necrotizing vasculitis and eosinophilic granulomata mimicking EGPA. Nevertheless, he did not have any other characteristic systemic features of EGPA. Targeted evaluation through multidisciplinary approach helped secure the diagnosis of KD. KD has a wide range of presentation. The three cardinal histopathologic features in KD are eosinophilic inflammation, vascular proliferation and stromal fibrosis. However, vasculitis, granulomata and variable degree of necrosis can be present as in this case. He responded well to a course of steroids followed by Mycophenolate Mofetil. This minimized iatrogenic morbidity to the patient resulting from use of highly toxic immunomodulators which are not necessary in KD unlike in EGPA.
Race, Ethnicity, Justice, and Self-Regulating Beliefs among a Sample of Justice-Involved Men and Women
Authors: Metcalfe Christi , Baker Thomas
Published: January 2022

Drawing on elements from the process-based model of policing, intersectionality, critical race perspectives, and comparative conflict theory, the study explores the pathways by which racial and ethnic identity influence self-regulating beliefs among justice-involved individuals. Given that people of color within this group are acutely aware of criminal justice system oppression and inequalities and have likely internalized negative expectations as part of their identity, we consider whether procedural justice perceptions of the police and courts mediate the relationship between racial and ethnic identity and obedience to the law. Relying upon data from a sample of men and women incarcerated in Florida, the findings reveal a negative, indirect relationship between race and self-regulating beliefs, such that Black individuals perceive the police as less procedurally just, which spills over onto perceptions of court procedural justice, and ultimately decreases the willingness to obey. A similar relationship is not found for Hispanic individuals.
Translating Narrative Space in Children’s Fiction Bronze and Sunflower From Chinese to English
Authors: Zhao Meijuan , Ang Lay Hoon , Md Rashid Sabariah , Toh Florence Haw Ching
Published: January 2022

Translating narrative space is a necessity due to its fundamental role in children’s literature. To date, studies have shown that efforts to examine the strategy in rendering the space issues in children’s literature translation remain scarce. Responding to that, the paper aims to explore how narrative space is transferred from one language to another. The theoretical framework is based on Ryan et al.’s model of narrative space and Baker’s framing strategies. A qualitative approach is designed to study the renowned Chinese children’s literature Bronze and Sunflower and its English version. A total of 146 examples are purposively selected as the samples. The findings show that selective appropriation is the most frequently used framing strategy. Also, it is observed that the translator prefers to omit some repeated settings and descriptions of spatial frames even though the source text elaborates them, consequently softening the sense of space in the target context. The findings may provide new insights into a better understanding of spatial issues in the translation of children’s literature.
Effectiveness of Workplace Mediterranean Diet Interventions on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: García Pérez de Sevilla Guillermo , Sánchez-Pinto Pinto Beatriz
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are numerous health benefits related to high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), providing a protective effect against cardiometabolic diseases, but there are very few MedDiet studies conducted in the workplace. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of MedDiet workplace interventions on cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

Studies were identified in four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, published from the earliest time point until 15 May 2021. The inclusion criteria were (a) adults aged 18 to 70 years; (b) MedDiet intervention only; (c) intervention was conducted in a workplace; and (d) the outcomes included measurement of cardiometabolic biomarkers. Exclusion criteria were (a) abstract not in English; (b) full-text non-available; and (c) review articles. Ninety-five studies were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers, who also used the Cochrane Collaboration Tool to assess study quality and risk of bias.

Results:

Five high-quality studies were included ( n = 436, 89% male). MedDiet interventions carried out within the workplace were effective in improving cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid profile and insulin sensitivity compared with a low-fat diet, especially among obese participants. Blood pressure and inflammatory markers were not improved after the MedDiet interventions.

Conclusions:

Worksite occupational health teams should consider promoting MedDiet by conducting regular nutritional sessions and providing tailored menus in workplace cafeterias. However, more high-quality studies are necessary to bring more evidence to this topic.
Results of a 1-Year Follow-Up Sleep Apnea Screening and Referral Initiative During Routine Yearly Examination of Environmental Inspection Workers
Authors: Mackey Thomas A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are strong links between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic disease, mental health, job performance, and motor vehicle accidents. Corporate wellness clinics and health monitoring programs present ideal settings to educate and screen employees for OSA.

Methods:

In January 2020, the Stop-Bang Sleep Apnea Questionnaire was added to the yearly health monitoring program of 571 State of Texas air, water, and hazardous waste workers as part of routine care. Medium- and high-risk (HR) scoring employees were counseled to seek follow-up care from a primary-care provider (PCP). The January 2021 exams provided an opportunity to determine the success of counseling efforts.

Findings:

Of the 479 returning employees in 2021, 24 (49%) of HR and 17 (21.8%) of intermediate risk (IR) had discussed OSA with a PCP. Seven (14.3%) HR and 1 (<1%) IR employee underwent a sleep study and 4 (8.2%) were prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Conclusions/Application to Practice:

Screening for OSA at the workplace was inexpensive and, when diagnosed and treated, can mitigate associated chronic disease, improve worker productivity, and reduce associated accidents and injuries. The described OSA screening delivered value to the employer and employees. The screening was performed at a very low cost, involved little time on the part of the nurse practitioner and employees, brought signs and symptoms of OSA to the consciousness level of 571 employees, encouraged at-risk participants to discuss OSA with a PCP and led to 4 (8.2%) being prescribed CPAP.
A Rare Case of Ciprofloxacin-Induced Bradycardia Recognized by a Smartwatch
Authors: Cordova Sanchez Andres , Chohan Moeed , Olatunde Oluwateniola , White Catherine
Published: January 2022

Fluoroquinolones are known to cause cardiac side effects. The most common are ventricular arrhythmias and QT prolongation. We present a case of symptomatic bradycardia secondary to ciprofloxacin use in a patient who presented to the hospital after a smartwatch alert for bradycardia. We believe that the integration of wearable technology in the practice of medicine could provide valuable data and improve patient care in different settings.
A Pediatric Case of Sensory Predominant Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Kim Yunsung , Zhu Zahra , Kochar Puneet , Gavigan Patrick , Kaur Divpreet , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: January 2022

Over six billion doses of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been administered worldwide. Amidst the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, vaccine-related side effects are of ongoing concern and investigation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, three main conditions in adults have surfaced in association with receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. These include thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a rare syndrome involving venous or arterial thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and myocarditis. While a number of GBS cases in adults have been published, to our knowledge, only one pediatric case of COVID-19 vaccine-related GBS has been reported. Herein we describe a case of sensory predominant GBS following the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in a 16-year-old female presenting with bilaterally ascending upper and lower extremity numbness and paresthesia.
Rohingya Influx and Socio-environmental Crisis in Southeastern Bangladesh
Authors: Sadat al Sajib S. M. , Islam S. A. M. Ziaul , Sohad Muhammad Kazim Nur
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the impact of Rohingya refugee settlements on the local environment and increasing social tensions between the refugees and local residents. Drawing on the qualitative field data from Rohingyas, local residents and various government and non-government organisations, it focuses on the root causes of the environmental loss. It also portrays the viewpoints of both Rohingyas and locals on the socio-environmental crisis. The study found that the massive Rohingya influx created a severe pressure on the local environment in Cox’s Bazar while most of the cultivable lands, hills and forestlands were occupied for their settlements. They have put the local wildlife and the entire ecosystem at risk, and disrupted the ecological habitations. Apart from endangering environment and biodiversity, the Rohingyas’ frequent access to natural resources has fuelled socio-economic tensions between the locals and the Rohingyas. However, there is a growing tendency of generalization in blaming the Rohingyas for socio-environmental crisis in all sphere due to their visible interactions with the environmental resources. The study argues that as the blaming approach does not help; the root causes should be redressed through the socio-economic and environment-friendly plans and policies to find a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Associating drug sensitivity with differentiation status identifies effective combinations for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kurtz Stephen E. , Eide Christopher A. , Kaempf Andy , Long Nicola , Bottomly Daniel , Nikolova Olga , Druker Brian J. , McWeeney Shannon K. , Chang Bill H. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Agarwal Anupriya
Published: January 2022

Using ex vivo drug screening of primary patient specimens, we identified the combination of the p38 MAPK inhibitor doramapimod (DORA) with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) as demonstrating broad, enhanced efficacy compared with each single agent across 335 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples while sparing primary stromal cells. Single-agent DORA and VEN sensitivity was associated with distinct, nonoverlapping tumor cell differentiation states. In particular, increased monocytes, M4/M5 French-American-British classification, and CD14+ immunophenotype tracked with sensitivity to DORA and resistance to VEN but were mitigated with the combination. Increased expression of MAPK14 and BCL2, the respective primary targets of DORA and VEN, were observed in monocytic and undifferentiated leukemias, respectively. Enrichment for DORA and VEN sensitivities was observed in AML with monocyte-like and progenitor-like transcriptomic signatures, respectively, and these associations diminished with the combination. The mechanism underlying the combination’s enhanced efficacy may result from inhibition of p38 MAPK-mediated phosphorylation of BCL2, which in turn enhances sensitivity to VEN. These findings suggest exploiting complementary drug sensitivity profiles with respect to leukemic differentiation state, such as dual targeting of p38 MAPK and BCL2, offers opportunity for broad, enhanced efficacy across the clinically challenging heterogeneous landscape of AML.