bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine Care in Community Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Hangzhou of China
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Ren Jianping , Sun Liqi , Liu Chaojie
Published: July 2022

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an integral part of the mainstream health care system in China. Public community health services are required by the government to deliver TCM services. This study aimed to assess patient perceived quality of TCM care in community health services. Methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 471 TCM users in four community health centers in Hangzhou. Respondents were asked to rate their experiences on a Likert scale about tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy of the TCM services they received. Linear regression models were established to determine the sociodemographic and services factors associated with the ratings. Results. Average ratings on the five aspects of the TCM care ranged from 78 to 88 out of a possible 100, with assurance attracting the highest and empathy attracting the lowest score. Overall, higher perceived quality of TCM care (except for assurance) was associated with a choice of TCM in preference to western medicine. Those who reported higher cost (≥100 yuan) of TCM care rated higher on responsiveness and empathy of the care. But higher frequency of visits to community TCM services was associated with lower ratings on reliability, assurance and empathy. Those who received two or more TCM modalities also perceived lower tangible care. In addition, higher ratings on reliability and responsiveness were found in women. The respondents with a university qualification gave higher ratings on reliability and responsiveness; by contrast, those with a highest education of senior high school rated lower on assurance and empathy. Lower perceived tangibility and assurance was also associated with rural residency. Compared with those working in the public sector, the respondents from the retail and services sector gave a higher rating on assurance but a lower rating on empathy. Conclusion. Overall, the TCM users perceived high quality of TCM care in community health services in Hangzhou. However, there is a need to further improve TCM care from all quality perspectives in order to attract and maintain consumer trust in TCM.
Evaluation of Radix Entomolaris and Middle Mesial Canal in Mandibular Permanent First Molars in an Iraqi Subpopulation Using Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Talabani Ranjdar Mahmood , Abdalrahman Kazhan Omer , Abdul Rawa Jamal , Babarasul Dlsoz Omer , Hilmi Kazzaz Sara
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radix entomolaris (RE) and middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular permanent first molars in an Iraqi subpopulation using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Their prevalence and types were investigated in 201 patients (301 tooth subjects), among which 156 were of the right side, and 145 of the left side mandibular first molars (MFM), using CBCT scans. The effects of gender, age, and unilateral/bilateral on the presence of both RE and MMC were evaluated. Chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine the level of significance (p ≤ 0.05), and the kappa value was used to check reliability of results of the research. In MFM, the prevalence of right and left RE was 4.5% and 4.1%, respectively, and it was significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.006) based on the Chi‐square test. No significant difference was identified in the prevalence of RE in relation to age and tooth position. MMC was found in 14.7% of teeth in the right side and 19.3% in the left side, with no significant differences for age or gender. MMC merged with mesiolingual canal presented with higher prevalence compared to other types of MMC (8.3% right side and 7.6% left side), again with no significant differences for age or gender. Within the limits of this study, no significant association was detected between the prevalence of MMC and RE in MFM.
Construction of International Education Talents Training Mechanism Based on Data Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Hong Ying
Published: July 2022

With the increasing trend of economic globalization and the continuous evolution of economic forms, the role of science and technology in promoting the development of human civilization has become more and more obvious. With the improvement of comprehensive national strength, the knowledge economy has brought new opportunities and challenges. With the increasing internationalization of higher education, it has not only driven the economic exchanges between countries but also led to the exchange of educational resources among transnational countries. However, China’s international education talent cultivation started late, with poor teaching awareness, imperfect discipline construction, and low quality of international education talents. A series of problems have seriously hindered the establishment of the talent training mechanism. In order to establish a reasonable and perfect talent training mechanism, optimize the international education talent training mechanism, make the international education talent training mechanism keep up with the development trend of science, technology, and education in the contemporary world, promote the internationalization of international education talent training, and strengthen the exchange of educational resources among countries. This paper uses various algorithms of fusion algorithms to accurately calculate the talent data. The algorithm results show that the optimized grouped quadratic combined Kalman filter has a shorter running time than the traditional Kalman filter, which decreased about 20%. The S-LEACH algorithm outperforms the traditional algorithm in the simulation results of the number of surviving nodes, relative energy consumption, and data transmission. In response to the national strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, cultivating international talents and building a modern talent training mechanism are particularly important.
The Structural Framework Design on Information Management System of University Funding
Authors: Huang Xiaomin , Peng Qiang
Published: July 2022

With the increase in the number of college students, the problem of family poverty among college students has also attracted the attention of colleges and universities. There are still many problems to be solved in the link of university funding. This article takes college students as the management object and designs a set of college funding information management system to complete the information management of college funding information for college students. The system adopts distributed and modular design ideas, divided into two parts, software and hardware, and uses MySQL as the back-end database to research and design a set of B/S university funding information management system. The system not only improves work efficiency but also ensures the safety and accuracy of data. We first tested the pressure performance of the system, and the final result shows that the system has good robustness. Then, we investigated the attitudes of impoverished students from 120 colleges and universities towards the information management system of college funding from 2016 to 2021. Combining with the data obtained from the survey and sorting and analyzing the data, the survey results show that at least 83.54% of poor students believe that this system has a greater effect on the information management of poor students. In addition, more than 64.31% are quite satisfied with the system; of course, 19.01% of them are unclear. Therefore, it can be considered that the system has a large effect on information management.
Antioxidation Function of EGCG by Activating Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway in Mice with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Huang Xiaoyi , Chu Yang , Ren Hua , Pang Xiaofen
Published: July 2022

Objective. To explore the effect and mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in mice with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods. Firstly, a CHD model of mouse was established by feeding mice high‐fat diet and randomly divided into four groups, including Model group (0.5% sodium cholate) and 10 mg/kg EGCG, 20 mg/kg EGCG, and 40 mg/kg EGCG groups. After oral administration of sodium cholate or EGCG, HE staining was conducted to assess the pathological changes of mouse cardiac tissues in each group of mice, biochemical kits to measure the levels of blood lipid and oxidative stress substance activity, and western blot to detect matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), as well as expression levels of protein related to Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 pathway in cardiac tissues. Results. The mice in the CHD model appeared to have myocardial pathological damage with elevated serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Of note, administration of EGCG significantly attenuated myocardial injuries and improved blood lipid levels in mice in a concentration‐dependent manner. The advent of EGCG significantly decreased the expression of VEGFA and MMP‐2 and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), when reducing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the myocardial tissue and upregulating the expression of HO‐1, NQO1, and Nrf2. Conclusion. EGCG may reduce atherosclerotic plaque and alleviate pathological damage in the cardiac tissue of CHD mice as well as improve blood lipid levels with antioxidative effect. The mechanism of its effect may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 antioxidant pathway in vivo of the CHD mice.
Data Modeling of Impact of Green-Oriented Transportation Planning and Management Measures on the Economic Development of Small- and Medium-Sized Cities
Authors: Lu Yuan , Shao Jinyan , Yao Yifeng
Published: July 2022

With the rapid growth of urbanization and motorization in China in recent years, the demand for transportation in people’s work and daily lives has increased. In this context, a number of issues such as urban traffic congestion, energy consumption, and environmental pollution have become increasingly severe. As a result, the tremendous socioeconomic, resource, and environmental pressures have been placed on the development of urban transportation. Sustainable economic and social development requires green development as a precondition. The economical and efficient use of resources and the protection and improvement of the ecological environment are conducive to the formation of a new pattern of modernization for the harmonious development of man and nature. Transportation planning is an essential technical field for promoting the development of green and ecological cities, and it is one of the primary responsibilities of urban planning. The application of green ecological planning technology and the scientific and reasonable development of traffic planning and management measures can aid in reducing energy consumption and, thus, achieving the goal of environmental protection. In this field, green transportation is a mature green ecological planning technology. Green transportation development is not only a key solution to urban transportation problems, but also an essential means of achieving sustainable urban development, so it has become a hot topic in the field of transportation. As the ideal city of the postindustrial era, ecocity can serve as a model for the sustainable development of China’s small and medium-sized cities. After all, industrial development is an unsustainable path, so human society must embrace green development. The core of green development lies in shifting from an exclusive reliance on industrialization to the urban transformation into an ecological civilization. Given the current contradictions between economic growth and resource and environmental degradation, promoting green and environmentally conscious transportation planning with resource conservation in mind is a crucial means of resolving these contradictions. Government incentives and restrictions are essential for the development of green transportation. Therefore, it is crucial to study the impact of environmentally conscious transportation planning and management measures on the economic growth of small and medium-sized cities. This will provide relevant departments and stakeholders with guidance and a reference for formulating policies that will contribute to the harmonious development of China’s green transportation and economy.
Image Detection System Based on Smart Sensor Network and Ecological Economy in the Context of Fine Agriculture
Authors: Wang Yile , Li Hanbing , Teo Brian Sheng-Xian , Jaharadak Adam Amril
Published: July 2022

In this paper, an in-depth study and analysis of the ecological economy of fine agriculture are carried out using image detection methods of smart sensor networks. The analog signal output from the wireless sensor network is filtered and thresholder to convert into a digital signal to complete the sensor monitoring data preprocessing for digital information analysis. In this paper, with the objectives of good environmental adaptability, low power consumption, low cost, and standardization, the key technologies of wireless sensor networks for fine agriculture are studied, including network structure, networking method, node positioning method, data fusion method, rapid energy self-sufficiency, and energy-saving strategy, and the performance evaluation method of wireless sensor network system, IoT-oriented middleware design method, generic node software and hardware design method, and typical application system. Firstly, a convolutional layer is used instead of a fully connected layer, which makes the network more flexible in terms of input image requirements and enables the calculation of the target rice region. Not only will many complex operations be generated, but it will also limit the generalization ability of the model. Then, by introducing a flexible connection layer based on unit and optimizing the loss function of the network, a crop convolutional neural network (Crop-Net) is finally proposed for training and testing rice images at different growth stages to improve the detection accuracy. In this paper, a network quality of service goal-driven evaluation strategy and evaluation method for agricultural wireless sensor network systems is designed to provide a reference for the establishment of industry standards for wireless sensor network systems for fine agriculture.
Application of Digital Media Technology for Teaching in Higher Vocational Colleges Using Big Data
Authors: Wu Dongqin
Published: July 2022

The utilization and accessibility of big data and digital media technology by common people have decreased technological prices. Professional education has been pushed to modernize curricula and boost talent development efficiency. The vocational education curriculum system must take into account the usage of new technologies in a comprehensive manner to ensure the availability of knowledge and ability structure. To accomplish the goal, the application techniques and approaches of teaching and practice utilizing big data and digital media technologies in vocational education are explored and researched. To improve the teaching quality of higher vocational education, with the help of big data, this paper aims to conduct an in-depth study on the application of digital media technology in higher vocational education. Firstly, the teaching management system of higher vocational education is constructed. Secondly, the structure, efficient units, architecture, and database of the teaching management system are pronounced. Thirdly, fuzziness mining and teaching data scheduling are used to optimize and regulate the storage structure. According to the multiparameter optimization method, the teaching feature screening and resource scheduling are completed improving the capability of parameter recognition and online identification related to teaching resources. The simulation results show that the method proposed in this paper can make the teaching methods of higher vocational education more diverse. It is anticipated that it can help the reform process and growth of vocational education, as well as the development of innovative and entrepreneurial skills. As the data receiving rate of teaching resources is high, therefore, the ability of teaching resource scheduling is also strong along with a high application value.
Association between Baseline Cognitive Score and Postoperative Delirium in Parkinson’s Disease Patients following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Zhou Yongde , Fan Ting , Ma Yu , Ding Jian , Yu Jianfeng , Chen Yao , Yu Cuiping , Zhou Rongsong , Wang Baoguo , Shi Chengmei
Published: July 2022

Background. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (STN-DBS) is a standard treatment option for advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Delirium following DBS electrode implantation is common, by several studies, and cognitive impairment is a risk factor for developing postoperative delirium (POD). This prospective observational study was conducted to identify whether preoperative baseline cognitive status has an association with POD in PD patients undergoing DBS surgery. Methods. Preoperatively, neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological assessments of the patients were performed including clinical dementia rating (CDR) score, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) score, mini-mental state exam (MMSE) score, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score, Hamilton anxiety (HAMA) and Hamilton depression (HAMD) scores, and numerical cancellation test. POD was identified by the confusion assessment method (CAM) twice per day on postoperative day 1 until discharge. Results. Twenty-seven (21.6%) of 125 patients developed POD. Among the variables screened, age, CDR score, MMSE score, and HAMA score were indicated to be independent influence factors of POD. The cutoff score, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of age, CDR score, MMSE score, and HAMA score associated with POD was 58.5, 0.751, 92.6%, 52.0%; 0.5, 0.848, 77.8%, 91.8%; 27.5, 0.827, 88.9%, 62.2%; and 12.5, 0.706, 85.2%, 54.1%, respectively. Conclusions. We observed age, CDR score, MMSE score, and HAMA score were independent influence factors of POD in PD patients who received DBS. It is necessary to assess the cognitive status of PD patients before surgery to identify high-risk patients.
Lightweight Fall Detection Algorithm Based on AlphaPose Optimization Model and ST-GCN
Authors: Zheng Hongtao , Liu Yan
Published: July 2022

Falls cause great harm to people, and the current, more mature fall detection algorithms cannot be well-migrated to the embedded platform because of the huge amount of calculation. Hence, they do not have a good application. A lightweight fall detection algorithm based on the AlphaPose optimization model and ST-GCN was proposed. Firstly, based on YOLOv4, the structure of GhostNet is used to replace the DSPDarknet53 backbone network of the YOLOv4 network structure, the path convergence network is converted into BiFPN (bidirectional feature pyramid network), and DSC (deep separable convolution) is used to replace the standard volume of spatial pyramid pool, BiFPN, and YOLO head network product. Then, the TensorRt acceleration engine is used to accelerate the improved and optimized YOLO algorithm. In addition, a new type of Mosaic data enhancement algorithm is used to enhance the pedestrian detection algorithm, improving the effect of training. Secondly, use the TensorRt acceleration engine to optimize attitude estimation AlphaPose model, speeding up the inference speed of the attitude joint points. Finally, the spatiotemporal graph convolution (ST-GCN) is applied to detect and recognize actions such as falls, which meets the effective fall in different scenarios. The experimental results show that, on the embedded platform Jeston nano, when the image resolution is 416 × 416, the detection frame rate of this method is stable at about 8.33. At the same time, the accuracy of the algorithm in this paper on the UR dataset and the Le2i dataset has reached 97.28% and 96.86%, respectively. The proposed method has good real-time performance and reliable accuracy. It can be applied in the embedded platform to detect the fall state of people in real time.
Post-Transplant Diabetes: Prevalence, Risk, and Management Challenges
Authors: Bashier Alaaeldin M.K. , Kumar Dileep , Alalawi Fakhriya J. , Al Nour Hind , Al Hadari Amna Khalifa , Bin Hussain Azza Abdulaziz
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy is increasing, especially in middle eastern countries. Many patients reach end-stage renal disease and either start dialysis or consider preemptive transplantation. Even a higher number of patients develop post-transplant diabetes, which imposes an even higher risk on graft survival and outcomes post-transplantation. Recently, in the UAE, a renal transplant service has been initiated. Because the population is considered at high risk for post-transplant diabetes, we wrote this review article to discuss the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and management, including lifestyle interventions, manipulation of immunosuppressant agents, and suggested algorithms for the use of oral hypoglycemic agents used in the management of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus. We also discussed the specific indications for each of the oral hypoglycemic agents.
A Novel ANK1 Mutation in a Neonatal Hereditary Spherocytosis Case: Diagnostic Challenges and Familial Genetic Analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Haiyan , Zhu Zaifu , Sun Jingmin
Published: July 2022

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a congenital disease in which erythrocyte membranes are abnormal, with ANK1 defects as the main cause. The diagnosis of neonatal HS is difficult due to poor phenotypic specificity. Therefore, a detailed inquiry into family history may be helpful for diagnosis. Here, we describe a familial case of HS caused by a novel mutation in ANK1. The proband is a premature infant of Chinese Han ethnicity characterized by progressive aggravation of anemia and jaundice. The disease was caused by a frameshift mutation (c.3392delT/p.Leu1131Argfs*15) of ANK1 that was identified by genetic testing. In vitro functional experiments showed that this variant may seriously affect the protein expression and further expanded the mutation spectrum of ANK1-HS. In this case, we emphasize the diagnostic value of early-intervention genetic testing for neonatal hemolytic anemia with a family history.
Role of Proxy Respondents in International Stroke Research: Experience of the INTERSTROKE Study
Authors: Costello Maria M. , Judge Conor , Reddin Catriona , Rangarajan Sumathy , Langhorne Peter , Zhang Hongye , Iversen Helle K. , Xavier Denis , Smyth Andrew , Canavan Michelle D. , Yusuf Salim , O’Donnell Martin J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Measuring patient-reported information in stroke research is challenging. To overcome this, use of proxy respondents is often a necessary strategy. In this study, we report on use and effect of proxy respondents on patient case-mix in a large international epidemiologic stroke study (INTERSTROKE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 13,458 cases of acute first stroke in 32 countries. A standardized study questionnaire recording behavioural cardiovascular risk factors was administered to the patient, and if unable to communicate adequately, a valid proxy, or both. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of age, sex, education, occupation, stroke severity, and region with need for proxy respondent, and report odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among 13,458 participants with acute stroke, questionnaires were completed by patients alone in 41.4% (n = 5,573), combination of patient and proxy together in 21.7% (n = 2,918), and proxy alone in 36.9% (n = 4,967). Use of proxy alone was greater in participants with severe stroke (4.7% with modified-Rankin score of 0 vs. 80.5% in those with score 5; OR 187.13; 95% CI: 119.61–308.22), older persons (43.8% of those aged 80 years and over vs. 33.2% of those aged less than 40 years; age per decade OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.12), women (40.7% vs. 34.3% of men; OR 1.32 95% CI: 1.22–1.43), and those less educated (58.9% of those never educated vs. 25.7% of those who attended third level education; OR 7.84; 95% CI: 6.78–9.08). Conclusion: Use of proxy respondents enhances the generalizability of international research studies of stroke, by increasing representation of women, patients with severe stroke, older age, and lower education.
Acute Kidney Injury following Exposure to Formaldehyde-Free Hair-Straightening Products
Authors: Abu-Amer Nabil , Silberstein Natalie , Kunin Margarita , Mini Sharon , Beckerman Pazit
Published: July 2022

Formaldehyde-free hair-straightening products are hair-smoothening solutions widely used by professional beauty salons. Formaldehyde-free hair straighteners do not technically contain formaldehyde; however, they contain other chemicals such as glyoxyloyl carbocysteine which releases formaldehyde upon contact with heat. Moreover, its by-product glyoxylate may convert to oxalate; both compounds have potential nephrotoxic effect. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room with weakness, nausea, vomiting, and stage 3 acute kidney injury (AKI) according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) acute kidney injury staging shortly after exposure to formaldehyde-free hair-straightening product; other causes of AKI were excluded such as preceding acute illness, drug history, or other nephrotoxic agent exposure. On physical examination, the patient was pale, and her vital signs were normal. The urine microscopy and serologic workup were not indicative. Kidney core biopsy revealed interstitial edema, acute interstitial nephritis, and oxalate crystal nephropathy. Kidney function completely recovered after a short course of steroid therapy. In this case, AKI was a complication caused by exposure to hair-straightening products branded as formaldehyde free but actually containing other chemical products which release formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals when heated during the straightening procedure and may cause systemic toxicity, particularly kidney injury. Different cosmetic products are widely in use, but not all are under tight regulation, and therefore, it is important to raise the awareness among both medical teams and consumers of possible adverse health effects of different cosmetic products.
Myasthenia Gravis Complicated by Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Case Report
Authors: Uchi Takahumi , Konno Shingo , Kihara Hideo , Matsushima Mari , Sugimoto Hideki , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Takahashi Kei , Fujioka Toshiki
Published: July 2022

A 55-year-old woman with a history of allergic sinusitis was being administered cyclosporine for ptosis and diplopia due to myasthenia gravis since age 46 years. She developed painful dysesthesia that began in her feet and later spread to her palms, leading to difficulty in walking. Eosinophils were markedly increased in the peripheral blood. Nerve conduction studies revealed mononeuritis multiplex. Nerve biopsy showed the infiltration of eosinophils in the superior neurovasculature. Based on these findings, eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis was diagnosed. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was followed by oral prednisolone. Two weeks after treatment, the patient could do normal daily activities without assistance. In patients with myasthenia gravis having a history of allergic diseases, considering EGPA as a complication and monitoring prior changes in blood data are necessary for early detection before apparent tissue damage.
Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Nano-Liposomal Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil/L-Leucovorin in Unresectable Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Real-World Study
Authors: Yasuoka Hidetoshi , Naganuma Atsushi , Kurihara Eishin , Kobatake Tsutomu , Ijima Masashi , Tamura Yuki , Suzuki Yuhei , Hoshino Takashi , Ishida Fumiya , Hosaka Hisashi , Hatanaka Takeshi , Yoshida Sachiko , Aihara Ryusuke , Hosouchi Yasuo , Ishii Norihiro , Araki Kenichiro , Shirabe Ken , Uraoka Toshio , Kakizaki Satoru
Published: July 2022

Introduction: This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of nano-liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus 5-fluorouracil/L-leucovorin (5-FU/l-LV) treatment in the second-line or later setting for advanced pancreatic cancer under real-world conditions. Methods: Between June 2020 and September 2021, a total of 44 patients with unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer treated with nal-IRI + 5-FU/l-LV in our affiliated hospitals were included. The prognosis, predictive factors (including systemic inflammation-based prognostic indicators), and adverse events were investigated. Results: The median age was 68 (interquartile range 62–73) years old, and 22 patients (50.0%) were male. Concerning tumor factors, 9 patients (20.5%) had local advanced disease and 35 patients (79.5%) had metastases. Twenty-five of the 44 patients were receiving second-line treatment, and 19 were receiving third-line or later treatment. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were 9.0 (range, 0.7–15.4) months and 4.4 (range, 0.6–15.4) months, respectively. The overall response rate was 5.3%. The disease control rate was 44.7%. Patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of ≥2.7 had a significant risk of a poor OS (HR = 0.275, p = 0.017). Adverse events were manageable, although gastrointestinal symptoms and neutropenia were observed. The most common grade ≥3 adverse event was neutropenia, which was reported in 20% of patients. Conclusions: Nal-IRI + 5-FU/l-LV therapy was considered to be a useful regimen as second-line or later treatment for unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer, even in clinical practice.
The Effect of Vaccination against COVID-19 in Cancer Patients: Final Results of the COICA Trial
Authors: Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Ingenito Concetta , D’Ambrosio Bruno , Ranieri Chiara , Iuliucci Michela Rosaria , Iervolino Mario , Primiano Ferdinando , Buonerba Luciana , Busto Giuseppina , Ferrara Claudia , Libroia Annamaria , Ragone Gianluca , De Falco Ferdinando , Costabile Ferdinando , Fimiani Pietro , Ugliano Francesco , Leo Emilio , Roviello Giandomenico , Scafuri Luca , Buonerba Carlo
Published: July 2022

Background: The COICA study is an ambispective, observational trial that was conceived to assess the clinical course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in cancer patients. A recently published, population-based, case-control study reported a reduced vaccine efficacy at 3–6 months in cancer patients compared to individuals without cancer. Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outcomes in cancer patients and analyze differences in SARS-CoV-2 outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Methods: Descriptive statistics and frequency counts were used to summarize characteristics of the study population. χ2 test and the log-rank test were used to compare outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Results: A total of 141 cancer patients (80 males, 61 females) were recruited at two participating Institutions from March 2020 until April 2022 and observed from the time of positive SARS-CoV-2 test to the time of negativization or death. Approximately 35% of patients had been vaccinated at the time of infection with 2 (16 patients) or 3 (33 patients) vaccine doses. Vaccinated patients consistently and significantly showed improved COVID-19 outcomes compared to unvaccinated patients, with CT-diagnosed pneumonia, hospitalization, O2 therapy, and death reported in 0% versus 48.6%, 2.0% versus 15.2%, 0% versus 14.1%, and 0% versus 7.6%, respectively, of assessable patients (p < 0.05). Vaccinated versus unvaccinated patients showed a significantly shorter time to negativization, with a median (95% confidence interval) time of 12 (10–14) versus 20 (17–23) days, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vaccination consistently improved all COVID-19 outcomes. No death was recorded among vaccinated patients. Additional research is especially warranted to establish optimal timing and patient selection for administration of the fourth vaccination dose.
Frequency, Penetrance, and Variable Expressivity of Dilated Cardiomyopathy–Associated Putative Pathogenic Gene Variants in UK Biobank Participants
Authors: Shah Ravi A. , Asatryan Babken , Sharaf Dabbagh Ghaith , Aung Nay , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Lopes Luis R. , van Duijvenboden Stefan , Holmes Anthony , Muser Daniele , Landstrom Andrew P. , Lee Aaron Mark , Arora Pankaj , Semsarian Christopher , Somers Virend K. , Owens Anjali T. , Munroe Patricia B. , Petersen Steffen E. , Chahal C. Anwar A. ,   on behalf of the Genotype-First Approach Investigators
Published: July 2022

Background:

There is a paucity of data regarding the phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) gene variants in the general population. We aimed to determine the frequency and penetrance of DCM-associated putative pathogenic gene variants in a general adult population, with a focus on the expression of clinical and subclinical phenotype, including structural, functional, and arrhythmic disease features.

Methods:

UK Biobank participants who had undergone whole exome sequencing, ECG, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging were selected for study. Three variant-calling strategies (1 primary and 2 secondary) were used to identify participants with putative pathogenic variants in 44 DCM genes. The observed phenotype was graded DCM (clinical or cardiovascular magnetic resonance diagnosis); early DCM features, including arrhythmia or conduction disease, isolated ventricular dilation, and hypokinetic nondilated cardiomyopathy; or phenotype-negative.

Results:

Among 18 665 individuals included in the study, 1463 (7.8%) possessed ≥1 putative pathogenic variant in 44 DCM genes by the main variant calling strategy. A clinical diagnosis of DCM was present in 0.34% and early DCM features in 5.7% of individuals with putative pathogenic variants. ECG and cardiovascular magnetic resonance analysis revealed evidence of subclinical DCM in an additional 1.6% and early DCM features in an additional 15.9% of individuals with putative pathogenic variants. Arrhythmias or conduction disease (15.2%) were the most common early DCM features, followed by hypokinetic nondilated cardiomyopathy (4%). The combined clinical/subclinical penetrance was ≤30% with all 3 variant filtering strategies. Clinical DCM was slightly more prevalent among participants with putative pathogenic variants in definitive/strong evidence genes as compared with those with variants in moderate/limited evidence genes.

Conclusions:

In the UK Biobank, ≈1 of 6 of adults with putative pathogenic variants in DCM genes exhibited early DCM features potentially associated with DCM genotype, most commonly manifesting with arrhythmias in the absence of substantial ventricular dilation or dysfunction.
Sufism in Post-Soviet Russia: Searching for Enchantment and a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Knysh Alexander
Published: July 2022

Sufism in post-Soviet Russia is a complex phenomenon that resists common methodological assumptions current in the sociology of religion and cultural studies, especially the oft-cited notions of disenchantment or re-enchantment and cognitive paradigm shift. This article demonstrates that discontinuities and shifts in cultural and intellectual spheres do matter, but so do continuities and remembrances of the past. In other words, “nothing is ever lost”. The author examines several instances of the reimagining of Sufism in the Caucasus and the Volga-Ural region of Russia, including recent interpretations of its history and principles by a popular Sufi teacher and two high-ranking members of the Russian-Muslim officialdom. Provisionally classified as “traditionalist”, “interiorized-privatized”, and “perennialist”, these interpretations reflect not only the varying social positions and intellectual convictions of the interpreters but also their conscious efforts to adapt Sufism to their respective environments and audiences. In conclusion the author evaluates the epistemological utility of the aforementioned sociological concepts in explaining these [re-]interpretations of Sufism with special emphasis on the role of imagination and creative remembrance of the past.
Spiritual Legacy, Sufi Identity, and Mystical Knowledge in Taṣliya formulae
Authors: Sajid Mehdi
Published: July 2022

The tradition of taṣliya texts and practices in Sufism constitute an important source of Muslim intellectual and religious history. Previous studies have argued that these texts were more than mere cultural expressions of devotion to Prophet Muḥammad. Following this line of thought, this article seeks to deepen our grasp of the significance of taṣliya formulae in Sufi contexts. Emphasis will be placed on their role in popularizing various mystical-philosophical teachings and prophetical doctrines that shaped Muslims’ imaginations of the Prophet throughout the centuries.
The Palestinian Refugee Problem: Theory and Practice in Light of Back-Channel Negotiations
Authors: Rami Goldstein
Published: July 2022

The Palestinian refugee problem is considered one of the most intractable and complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article examines the gaps between Israel and the Palestinians concerning the Palestinian refugee problem and considers whether back-channel diplomacy can help promote possible lasting solutions. To answer this question, several sets of peace negotiations are presented that involved back-channel communications and offered possible solutions to the problem. These include the Camp David ii summit in 2000 (including the Taba talks of 2001), the intensive back-channel negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu-Mazen (2006–2008) ongoing when the 2007 Annapolis Conference was held, and the Kerry Proposals of 2016. The main argument is that back-channel negotiations may contribute to a solution to conflicts involving issues of human dignity and responsibility, like the issue of the Palestinian refugees.
The Origin of Akṣayanīvī and the Historical Context of the Arthaśāstra
Authors: Martini Kelsey
Published: July 2022

This paper has two purposes. The first is to provide an accurate definition and history of the origin of the Sanskrit term akṣayanīvī. The standard scholarly translation of this term, which is encountered almost exclusively in inscriptions, is “permanent endowment” and has been established since the mid-19th century. It will be shown that the usual translations of both members of the compound—akṣaya as “permanent” and nīvī as “endowment”—are at the least misleading. This will be accomplished through a discussion of the occurrences of the terms in the Adhyakṣapracāra “Activities of Superintendents” (Book II of the Kauṭilya Arthaśāstra), with a particular focus on KA 2.6.27 which contains an explicit definition of nīvī. The second purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the Adhyakṣapracāra, the largest and most perplexing chapter of the KA, utilizes a technical vocabulary which points to a specific context of production. This will be done through an examination of a series of fiscal and administrative technical terms which occur in the Adhyakṣapracāra and which emerge in the Indian epigraphic record at around the time period and geographic region commonly given for the composition of the text (ca. 1st c. BCE—1st c. CE Western Maharashtra/Southern Gujarat).
“Heavens What Are They Up To!”
Authors: Weiss Katherine
Published: July 2022

In Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days, the protagonist Winnie recalls being gawked at by an offensive passerby. Despite the pain she endures from this crude fellow whose looking represents the patriarchal gaze, the aging Winnie seeks attention from her husband and the audience. In her need for attention, that is to-be-looked-at, Winnie reveals that she is not meek. She fondly recollects men from her past and with pleasure looks at a pornographic postcard she takes from her partner, Willie. Beckett’s play complicates the patriarchal gaze with its exploration of the female gaze—a gaze that reveals Winnie’s desire for sexual intimacy.
Gendering Waiting for Godot in the Socio-political Context of Pakistan
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Saeed , Shehzad Umar
Published: July 2022

This paper focuses on an adaptation of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in the Muslim context of Pakistan. Firstly, it looks at previous performances of the play with female actors. Secondly, it examines why female characters are introduced in the adaptation, which is strikingly opposite to Beckett’s idea of characterization in Waiting for Godot. Thirdly, it explores how such alteration is significant in the context of the Muslim culture of Pakistan. Finally, the play thus adapted for a local audience is read in a political light.
‘Restriction Gives Freedom’
Authors: Heron Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Nando Messias is a Brazilian artist based in London whose work straddles performance art, dance and theatre. This interview explores how Nando brings a ‘queer’ perspective to our understanding of Beckett’s drama and Beckettian aesthetics. The artist reflects upon their training, the performing of Not I, and their wider practice in live art and queer performance.
Growing Up Absurd
Authors: Baxter James
Published: July 2022

This article explores the curious interface between Beckett’s writing and the male-orientated magazine culture of the United States. Throughout the 1960s, Beckett would be solicited for articles by Esquire (advertised as ‘The Magazine for Men’) including an unlikely invitation to cover the 1968 Democratic Convention. By 1969, a write-up of Kenneth Tynan’s Oh! Calcutta! (for which Beckett would contribute the opening skit) would feature prominently in the October issue of Playboy magazine. Despite his often-perplexed reactions, this article suggests that the appeal of Beckett to commercial men’s magazines may help to situate the author within mid-century discourses around sexual freedom and ‘hip’ masculinity.
Self Re-writing and Self Un-writing
Authors: Nugent-Folan Georgina
Published: July 2022

This essay analyses the imbalance identifiable in critical approaches to the gendering of Beckett’s influences with respect to his autographic writing. Contrasting Beckett’s Company with Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, I unravel the particulars that have led to Stein’s marginalisation as a figure against which we can situate Beckett’s autographic writings, with a view to further understanding why the remarkable correspondence between Beckett and Stein’s autographic praxes has continually evaded critical attention. Building on Porter Abbott’s description of autography as self-writing, I propose that Stein’s autography be considered an example of self-rewriting, and Beckett’s of self-unwriting.
Exploring the Relationships between UN Sanctions and Mediation
Authors: Biersteker Thomas J. , Brubaker Rebecca , Lanz David
Published: July 2022

Sanctions and mediation are often applied simultaneously by the UN, but there has been little systematic exploration of their interrelationships. Drawing on research from the Sanctions and Mediation Project (SMP), both complications and complementarities can be identified. Sanctions can complicate mediation by fostering exclusion, emboldening nonsanctioned parties, closing mediation space, undercutting mediator impartiality, and forcing premature agreements. At the same time, sanctions can complement mediation by deterring spoilers, breaking stalemates, incentivizing cooperation, modifying cost-benefit calculations, ensuring broad participation in talks, and facilitating the onset of talks. The conditions under which complementarity can be enhanced include UN Security Council unity, focus and coherence of mandates, and regional cooperation. This article concludes with policy recommendations for different institutional actors and some suggestions for future research.
From Aspiration to Commitment
Authors: Haack Kirsten , Karns Margaret P. , Murray Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2022

Gender equality has long been a goal within the UN system, particularly for women’s representation among the professional staff. Yet it was more an aspiration than the target of serious action, let alone with leadership from the UN Secretary-General. It could not be addressed, however, without adequate data revealing women’s absences. Building a dataset based on Human Resources Statistics Reports has enabled the authors to show the patterns in the UN Secretariat and the secretariats of eighteen agencies, funds, and programs. The analysis reveals persistent gender-specific conceptualizations of issue areas as more masculine (e.g., peace, security, finance, trade) or feminine (health, human rights, population), creating “glass walls” and “glass ceilings” that have limited women’s appointments to high-level positions in certain areas. The results reveal the limits of goal setting, the slowness of change, and the difference that leadership from the UN Secretary-General can make in the UN’s “long march” toward gender equality.
“Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick”
Authors: Hudáková Zuzana
Published: July 2022

While sanctions and mediation are often used to address the same conflict situations, they are usually employed without significant coordination. Focusing on a rare case of a mediator successfully wielding the threat of sanctions, this article explores the utility of sanctions for mediation in the Yemeni political transition during the mandate of UN special adviser Jamal Benomar. Although the transition ultimately derailed, the analysis shows that the threat of sanctions can be used in different phases of the mediation process to provide mediators with the leverage needed to convince conflict parties to engage in negotiations, break stalemates during talks, nudge parties toward an agreement, or persuade potential spoilers to refrain from undermining the implementation of the negotiated agreement. Their success, however, not only depends on the degree of convergence between the application of the two instruments, but also on the type of target, regional support, and institutional backing.
Integration of Islamic Management Principles and Values according to the Qurʾan and Hadith in Fostering Halal Governance in Malaysia
Authors: Zain Che Rosmawati Che Mohd , Zakaria Zalina
Published: July 2022

Since the 1970s, Malaysia has been experiencing excellent and smooth development and reform of Halal governance year after year. Halal stakeholders in the country such as government agencies, consumers and industry players perform their roles well in implementing, improving, and supporting the Halal ecosystem and Halal governance towards a better position. The current shaping of Malaysian Halal governance has the nature and elements of federalism and public administration of the country. However, this paper seeks to explore the Islamic management principles and values in the Qurʾan and Hadith, which can be part and parcel in strengthening the nation’s Halal governance paradigm. In the discovery, this study conducts a qualitative method through library research of journal articles, books, and other relevant materials in gathering the systematic review of concepts and theories of Islamic management according to the Qurʾan and Hadith. On the bright side, Islamic management principles and values promote excellent strategies which suit the Halal governance sphere and environment. Adoption of the Islamic management concept is a right shift in the sight of Halal governance melioration in Malaysia to reach the status of the most efficient Halal global leader.