bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Full Plate Living lifestyle intervention in low-income monolingual Latinas with and without food insecurity
Authors: Joachim-Célestin Maud , Rockwood Nicholas J , Clarke Camille , Montgomery Susanne B
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Food insecurity has long been associated with poor physical and mental health, especially among women from underrepresented minorities. Despite efforts to reduce food insecurity, rates continue to rise and remain disproportionately high among Latinx living in the United States, a group reporting worse mental health symptoms than any other ethnic group during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need to reduce the health burden associated with food insecurity among Latinas is urgent and requires a more targeted and innovative approach. Interventions using a popular education approach have proven effective among underserved populations, especially when these are delivered by community health workers. However, food insecurity status of the participants is often unreported and it is not clear whether or not results vary between those with and without food insecurity.

Objectives:

The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to examine physical and mental health changes among Latinas with, and without, food insecurity following a multicomponent health intervention led by community health workers using a popular education approach.

Methods:

Enrolled obese Latinas (N = 98) with and without food insecurity responded to demographic, health behaviors and mental health surveys and completed biometric measurements at baseline, immediately following the intervention and at 3 months.

Results:

At baseline, participants with food insecurity reported more anxiety and depression than those without, but average body mass index was comparable. Depression, anxiety and body mass index were lower at 3 months post and no statistically significant differences were seen between the groups. Participants with food insecurity benefited as much from the intervention as those without. We found that, although community health workers are not licensed healthcare professionals, with proper training and support, they were able to successfully reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve mental health symptoms among food-insecure Latinas.

Conclusion:

Given the promising results, similar interventions should be implemented on a larger scale in Latino communities among food insecure women. Long-term sustainability should also be explored.
Neutral animals matter: Animacy modulates object-based attentional allocation
Authors: Hu Saisai , Yang Tingting , Zhang Haiyang , Gao Yunfei , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Yonghui
Published: April 2022

Animacy plays an essential role in survival and adaptive behaviour. Previous studies have found that dangerous or threatening animals can capture and hold attention. However, it is unclear whether and how neutral animate objects guide attentional allocation. It is also uncertain whether the modulation of animate objects on attentional allocation is based on the object itself (object-based attention) or its location (space-based attention). Therefore, the present study adopted the well-established two-rectangle paradigm and used animate and inanimate objects as stimuli to test the abovementioned problems. The results revealed that object-based effects were obtained for both animate and inanimate objects. However, the object-based effects were larger when the cue appeared on the animate objects than on the inanimate objects, due to faster response to invalid same-object trials and slower response to invalid different-object trials. Beyond that, we also further confirmed that animacy itself, not the low-level visual complexity, led to the differential object-based effects. These results suggest that neutral animals also mattered to our attentional allocation and animacy can modulate object-based attentional selection by capturing and holding visual attention on the animate objects. Ultimately, the present study not only enriches our understanding of how neutral animate objects guide attentional allocation and support the attentional prioritisation theory, but also further extends and amends the animate-monitoring hypothesis.
Shared genetic background between SARS-CoV-2 infection and large artery stroke
Authors: Parodi Livia , Myserlis Evangelos Pavlos , Chung Jaeyoon , Georgakis Marios K , Mayerhofer Ernst , Henry Jonathan , Montgomery Bailey E , Moy Mandy , Xu Huichun , Malik Rainer , Langefeld Carl D , Dichgans Martin ,   NINDS-Stroke Genetics Network, Woo Daniel , Rosand Jonathan , Anderson Christopher D ,   on behalf of the International Stroke Genetics Consortium
Published: April 2022

Background and aims:

Increased risk of stroke, particularly large artery stroke (LAS), has been observed in patients with COVID-19. The biological processes underlying the observed higher risk are still unknown. We explored the association between stroke subtypes and COVID-19 susceptibility to understand whether biological mechanisms specific to SARS-CoV-2 uptake/infection could be leading to excess stroke risk in this population.

Patients and methods:

We constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) of COVID-19 susceptibility and tested its association with stroke subtypes using individual- and summary-level genetic data (SiGN, MEGASTROKE). We generated co-expression networks of genes involved in SARS-CoV-2 uptake/infection ( ACE2, TMPRSS2, BEST3, ISLR2 and ADAM17) based on existing tissue expression libraries. Gene-based association testing was performed using S-PrediXcan and VEGAS2. Permutation independence tests were performed to assess SARS-CoV-2-related gene enrichment in stroke and its subtypes.

Results:

Our PRS demonstrated an association between COVID-19 susceptibility and LAS in SiGN (OR = 1.05 per SD increase, 95% CI: (1.00, 1.10), p = 0.04) and MEGASTROKE (β = 0.510, 95% CI: (0.242, 0.779), FDR-p = 0.0019). The SARS-CoV-2 risk-related ISLR2 co-expression gene network was significantly associated with genetic risk of LAS in aorta, tibial arteries, and multiple brain regions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Presence of genetic correlation and significant pathway enrichment suggest that increases in LAS risk reported in COVID-19 patients may be intrinsic to the viral infection, rather than a more generalized response to severe illness.
Quantifying the unfairness of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
Authors: Csató László
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the fairness of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying competition via Monte Carlo simulations. The qualifying probabilities are calculated for 102 nations, all teams except for African and European countries. A method is proposed to quantify the degree of unfairness. Although the qualifications within four FIFA confederations are constructed fairly, serious differences are found between the continents: for instance, a South American team could have tripled its chances by playing in Asia. Choosing a fixed matchup in the inter-continental play-offs instead of the current random draw can reduce the unfairness of the competition. The move of Australia from the Oceanian to the Asian zone is shown to increase its probability of participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup by about 65%. Our results provide important insights for the administrators on how to reallocate the qualifying berths.
Complications associated with anterior plate fixation of distal radial fractures: a retrospective study of 599 patients
Authors: Andersen Michelle Fog , Landgren Marcus , Schmidt Linnea Bøgeskov , Hassani Galal
Published: April 2022

We evaluated the incidence of postoperative complications following anterior locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures. We investigated whether there is an association with the patient’s age, severity of the fracture or surgeon’s experience. The medical records of all patients treated with anterior locking plate for a distal radial fracture between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were evaluated regarding Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, Soong grade and dorsal screw prominence. Six-hundred and three distal radial fractures treated with anterior locking plate fixation in 599 patients were included. The overall postoperative complication incidence was 11%. Secondary surgery was performed in 9%. No statistical significance in the incidence of complications was found regarding age, AO/OTA type or surgeon experience.

Level of evidence: IV
The effect of myeloperoxidase-oxidized LDL on THP-1 macrophage polarization and repolarization
Authors: Bazzi Samer , Frangie Christian , Azar Eliana , Daher Jalil
Published: April 2022

Macrophages (Mφs) play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis by engulfing modified LDL particles and forming foam cells, the hallmark of atherosclerosis. Many studies suggest that myeloperoxidase-oxidized LDL (Mox-LDL) is an important pathophysiological model for LDL modification in vivo. Classically (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) Mφs are both implicated in the process of atherogenesis. Mφs are highly plastic cells whereby they undergo repolarization from M1 to M2 and vice versa. Since little is known about the effects of Mox-LDL on Mφ polarization and repolarization, our study aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of Mox-LDL at this level through making use of the well-established model of human THP-1-derived Mφs. Resting M0-Mφs were polarized toward M1- and M2-Mφs, then M0-, M1- and M2-Mφs were all treated with physiological concentrations of Mox-LDL to assess the effect of Mox-LDL treatment on Mφ polarization and repolarization. Treatment of M0-Mφs with a physiological concentration of Mox-LDL had no significant effects at the level of their polarization. However, treatment of M1-Mφs with Mox-LDL resulted in a significant reduction in their IL-10 cytokine secretion. Our results point to a potential role of Mox-LDL in increasing the pro-inflammatory state in Mφs through reducing the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10.
Frontline therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an update
Authors: Akce Mehmet , El-Rayes Bassel F. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S.
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest increasing cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and is projected to be the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States by 2030. Main risk factors include alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). More than half of the patients have advanced-stage disease at presentation. Currently approved frontline systemic therapy options include sorafenib, lenvatinib, and atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Over the past decade, there has been a significant improvement in survival with a median overall survival of 19.2 months reported with first-line treatment with atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Based on positive results of randomized phase III HIMALAYA trial, durvalumab and tremelimumab combination could become another frontline option. Multiple frontline clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or ICI combined with other novel agents are underway. In the frontline setting, identifying predictive biomarkers for ICI-based or tyrosine kinase (TKI)-based therapy is an unmet need. Subsequent treatment is poorly defined in patients with prior ICI-based therapy since all the available second-line and beyond therapy was studied after first-line sorafenib. Frontline systemic therapy is poorly defined in certain subgroups of HCC such as Child–Pugh B and post-transplant recurrent HCC. The landscape of frontline HCC treatment is rapidly changing, and this article reviews the most recent treatment approaches to frontline therapy for advanced HCC.
Diabetes Specialists Value Continuous Glucose Monitoring Despite Challenges in Prescribing and Data Review Process
Authors: Kompala Tejaswi , Wong Jenise , Neinstein Aaron
Published: April 2022

Background:

Diabetes clinicians are key facilitators of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provision, but data on provider behavior related to CGM use and CGM generated data are limited.

Methods:

We conducted a national survey of providers caring for people with diabetes on CGM-related opinions, facilitators and barriers to prescription, and data review practices.

Results:

Of 182 survey respondents, 73.2% worked at academic centers, 70.6% were endocrinologists, and 70.7% practiced in urban settings. Nearly 70% of providers reported CGM use in the majority of their patients with type 1 diabetes. Half of the providers reported CGM use in 10% to 50% of their patients with type 2 diabetes. All respondents believed CGM improved quality of life and could optimize diabetes control. We found no differences in reported rates of CGM use based on providers’ years of experience, patient volume, practice setting, or clinic type. Most providers reviewed CGM data each visit (97.7%) and actively involved patients in the data interpretation (98.8%). Only 14.1% of clinicians reported reviewing CGM data without any prompting from patients or their family members outside of visits. Most providers (80.7%) reported their CGM data review was valued by patients although only half reported having adequate time (45.1%) or an efficient process (56.1%) to do so.

Conclusions:

Despite uniform support for CGM by providers, ongoing challenges related to cost, insurance coverage, and difficulties with prescription were major barriers to CGM use. Increased use of CGM in appropriate populations will necessitate improvements in data access and integration, clearly defined workflows, and decreased administrative burden to obtain CGM.
Increased Neutrophil Infiltration and Epithelial Cell Proliferation in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Compared to Contralateral Nasal Polyps
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhou Jiaying , Shi Le , Zhang Chen , Li Wanpeng , Hu Li , Zhai Changwen , Sun Xicai
Published: April 2022

Background

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a rare and benign epithelial tumor in the sinonasal tract. Recent study suggested the potential role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of IP. This study aims to compare the inflammatory pattern, the capacity of epithelial cell proliferation and EGFR mutation status of unilateral IP with contralateral polyp tissue.

Methods

Sixteen patients with unilateral IP and contralateral nasal polyps (NP) were identified through a retrospective chart review. The neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in IP and NP were assessed by immunostaining for neutrophil elastase and major basic protein (MBP). Immunohistochemistry was also used to assess the expression of FoxM1, Ki67 and cyclin D1 in IP tissue and contralateral NP. Sanger sequencing was used to evaluate the EGFR mutations.

Results

The neutrophil count in IP was significantly higher than contralateral NP and 68.8% patients presented with neutrophilic inflammation, whereas only 37.5% contralateral NP tissue showed neutrophilic inflammation. The percentage of positive FoxM1-staining cells was significantly increased in IP, and positively correlated with the percentage of cells with positive staining for cyclin D1 and ki67 as well as neutrophil counts. EGFR exon 20 insertions were detected in 14 (87.5%) IP samples and no EGFR mutations were found in contralateral NP sample.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated distinct inflammatory pattern between IP and contralateral NP and implied the oncogenic role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of IP. EGFR mutations may be the early event to initiate IP development by enhancing epithelial cell proliferation.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and neurological disorders: a scoping review
Authors: Tharmaraja Thahesh , Ho Jamie S.Y. , Sia Ching-Hui , Lim Nicole-Ann , Chong Yao Feng , Lim Amanda Y.L. , Rathakrishnan Rahul R. , Yeo Leonard L.L. , Sharma Vijay K. , Tan Benjamin Y.Q.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a group of antidiabetic medications with a favourable cardiovascular, renal and overall safety profile. Given the limited treatment options available for neurological disorders, it is important to determine whether the pleiotropic effects of SGLT2i can be utilised in their prevention and management.

Methods:

All articles published before 20 March 2021 were systematically searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO and ClinicalTrials.gov. Overall, 1395 titles were screened, ultimately resulting in 160 articles being included in the qualitative analysis. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent authors and studies were excluded if they were not an original research study.

Findings:

Of the 160 studies, 134 addressed stroke, 19 cognitive impairment, 4 epilepsy and 4 movement disorders, encompassing a range from systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials to bioinformatic and animal studies. Most animal studies demonstrated significant improvements in behavioural and neurological deficits, which were reflected in beneficial changes in neurovascular units, synaptogenesis, neurotransmitter levels and target receptors’ docking energies. The evidence from the minority clinical literature was conflicting and many studies did not reach statistical significance.

Interpretation:

SGLT2i may exert neurological benefits through three mechanisms: reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, augmentation of ketogenesis and anti-inflammatory pathways. Most clinical studies were observational, meaning that a causal relationship could not be established, while randomised controlled trials were heterogeneous and powered to detect cardiovascular or renal outcomes. We suggest that a longitudinal study should be conducted and specifically powered to detect neurological outcomes.
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tamiru Afework , Tolossa Tadesse , Regasa Bikila , Mosisa Getu
Published: April 2022

Active detection of asymptomatic malaria cases and resolution of associated factors are essential for malaria elimination. There are no nationwide estimates for asymptomatic malaria and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to generate comprehensive and conclusive evidence from various studies conducted in Ethiopia. Published articles from various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Scopes, Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and African Journals Online were accessed. Also, unpublished studies from Addis Ababa digital library were identified. All observational study designs were included in the search. Data were extracted on the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. A random-effects model was fitted to estimate the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. A meta-regression and subgroup analysis was computed to see heterogeneity. The publication bias was assessed by the funnel plots and Egger’s statistical tests. The analysis found that the pooled burden of asymptomatic malaria was 6.7 (95% confidence interval = 4.60, 8.79). The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 3.75 (95% confidence interval = 2.25, 5.18), and that of Plasmodium vivax was 2.22 (95% confidence interval = 1.46, 2.99). Factors such indoor residual spray service (odds ratio = 0.46; 95% confidence interval = 0.26, 0.81), never used insecticide-treated nets (odds ratio = 6.36; 95% confidence interval = 4.01, 10.09), and presence of stagnant water in the vicinity (odds ratio = 3.24; 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 8.71) were found to have a significant association with asymptomatic malaria. This study highlighted that pooled prevalence of asymptomatic malaria is high and varied by population groups. Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was increased among those who never used insecticide-treated nets and were living near stagnant water by six and three times, respectively. The use of more sensitive diagnostic methods could yield a higher burden of the disease. Furthermore, active case detection is recommended for effective intervention toward elimination.
The effects of implicit biases on real-life client discrimination among public officials
Authors: Larsson Taghizadeh Jonas
Published: April 2022

Discriminatory behavior is often assumed to partly be a result of implicit or unconscious biases. However, to my knowledge, no published experimental studies exist on the presence of such attitudes among public officials such as teachers or police officers and the related effects on real-life client discrimination. This study attempts to fill this research gap by combining a field experiment that captures ethnic discrimination among principals with an implicit attitude test (IAT) capturing their implicit attitudes toward Arab parents. The results suggest that Swedish elementary school principals have a moderately negative implicit bias toward Arabs according to the IAT. However, their implicit associations do not appear to drive the differential treatment of clients to a significant degree. Hence, implicit biases as captured by the IAT may possibly not be the most significant drivers of ethnic discrimination today among public officials.
Orthogeriatric Multidisciplinary Co-Management Across Acute and Rehabilitation Care Improves Length of Stay, Functional Outcomes and Complications in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Yee Dennis King Hang , Lau Tak-Wing , Fang Christian , Ching Kathine , Cheung Jake , Leung Frankie
Published: April 2022

Introduction

As the global number of geriatric hip fracture cases continues to proliferate, a newly developed orthogeriatric co-management multidisciplinary care model has been implemented since November 2018 to meet further increases in demand. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new pathway in improving the clinical outcomes of fragility hip fractures.

Methods

The data of geriatric hip fracture patients from 1 April 2018 till 30 October 2018 was collected as the conventional orthopaedic care model (pre-orthogeriatric care model) to compare with data from the orthogeriatric co-management model, 1 Feb 2019 till 31 August 2019. Clinical outcomes were analyzed between the groups, with the efficiency of the programme reflected in the total length of stay in acute and convalescent hospitals.

Results

194 patients were recruited to the conventional group and 207 were recruited to the orthogeriatric group, 290 patients (72.3%) were female. The mean (SD) patient age was 84.2 (7.9) years. The median length of stay in the acute and rehabilitation hospitals decreased by 1 day and 2 days, respectively (P=.001). The orthogeriatric group was associated with a higher Modified Barthel Index score on discharge from the rehabilitation hospital and more patients in the orthogeriatric collaboration group received osteoporosis medication prescription within one year after the index fracture. There was no difference in the 28-days unplanned readmission rate, complication rate, mortality rate or Elderly Mobility Scale scores on discharge from the rehabilitation hospital between the two groups.

Conclusion

Orthogeriatric collaboration has been proven to be effective in terms of a decreased length of stay in both the acute and the rehabilitation hospitals.
Service Innovation, Marketing Innovation and Customer Satisfaction: Moderating Role of Competitive Intensity
Authors: Nwachukwu Chijioke , Vu Hieu Minh
Published: April 2022

Based on dynamic capability and contingency theory, authors examined the direct connection between Service innovation, Marketing innovation and Customer satisfaction, and the interacting mechanism of competitive intensity. The research model and hypotheses were developed from extant studies. Respondents from 300 microfinance banks participated in the survey. Analyses in Smart PLS software showed that Service innovation positively and significantly affects Customer satisfaction. Marketing innovation promotes customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the influence of Service and Marketing innovation on Customer satisfaction is greater in a competitive environment. Therefore, microfinance bank managers must continue to invest in innovation-related capabilities (service and marketing) to keep their customers satisfied. Theoretical and managerial contributions are highlighted in the study.

JEL Classification: M10, M31
Telemedicine Improves Access to Care for Spine Patients With Low Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Ye Ivan B. , Thomson Alexandra E. , Chowdhury Navid , Oster Brittany , Miseo Vincent S. , Jauregui Julio J. , Cavanaugh Daniel , Koh Eugene , Gelb Daniel , Ludwig Steven
Published: April 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to compare the likelihood of missing a scheduled telemedicine and in-person appointments for spine patients. The secondary objective is to assess the impact of socioeconomic status on missed telemedicine and in-person appointments.

Methods

Patients with scheduled outpatient appointments with orthopedic spine faculty between 2019 and 2021 were divided by appointment type: telemedicine (N = 4,387) and in-person (N = 3810). Socioeconomic status was assessed using Area Deprivation Index (ADI) stratified based on percentile: low (<25), medium (25–75), and high (>75) levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. The primary outcome measure was missed clinic appointments, which was defined as having at least one appointment that was cancelled or labeled “no show.”

Results

Patients with in-person appointments missed appointments more often than patients with telemedicine visits (51.3% vs 24.7%, P < .001). Patients with high ADI missed their in-person appointments more often than patients with medium and low ADI (59.5% vs 52.2% and 47.5%, P < .001). There was no difference in missed telemedicine visits between patients with high, medium, and low ADI (27.6% vs 24.8% vs 23.8%, P = .294). Patients that missed an appointment were 41.9% more likely to be high ADI (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.68, P < .001) and 13.4% more likely to be medium ADI (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.26, P = .015) compared with low ADI patients.

Conclusions

Telemedicine may serve a role in reducing disparity in appointment attendance. While further studies are needed to validate these findings, spine surgeons should consider offering telemedicine as an option to patients.
Gastric Xanthomatosis Secondary to Lipoprotein X in Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Petrie Erin , Hoppmann Nicholas A. , Wilcox C. Mel , Al Diffalha Sameer , Gray Meagan E.
Published: April 2022

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by intralobular bile duct destruction. Patients typically present with generalized symptoms including fatigue and pruritis, and less commonly, manifestations of lipid deposition including xanthomas and xanthelasmas. We report a case of a 31-year-old female with PBC-associated cirrhosis who had cutaneous xanthelasmas and diffuse gastric xanthomas secondary to hyperlipidemia and lipoprotein X that completely resolved following liver transplantation. While gastric xanthomas have been reported in patients with PBC previously, to our knowledge, this is the first case report of diffuse gastric xanthomas secondary to PBC reported to resolve following liver transplantation, suggesting that liver transplantation is curative for gastric xanthomatosis in patients with PBC-related cirrhosis.
Supporting Change in Instructional Practices to Meet the Common Core Mathematics and Next Generation Science Standards: How Are Different Supports Related to Instructional Change?
Authors: Allensworth Elaine , Cashdollar Sarah , Cassata Amy
Published: April 2022

The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and Next Generation Science Standards encourage substantial shifts in teaching, but how to enact change is not specified. This mixed-methods exploratory study shows how different implementation supports were related to teachers’ use of standards-aligned instructional practices in the Chicago Public Schools. It provides comparative evidence that professional learning opportunities were strongly related to instructional practices, whereas curriculum and instructional resources had more modest and mixed relationships. In particular, collaboration with colleagues around instruction had consistently positive relationships with instructional practices in math and science, and these relationships were as strong among teachers who perceived many barriers to standards implementation as those who did not. We discuss implications for education leaders as they make decisions about how to best support teachers in standards-aligned math and science instruction.
Can Universities Counteract Immigrant Illegality? Examining the Impact of University-Based Institutional Support on Undocumented College Students
Authors: Delgado Vanessa
Published: April 2022

Research has established that federal-, state-, and local-level policies affect undocumented immigrants’ experiences in the United States. Some of this work suggests that university-level policies can affect the experiences of undocumented students, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Drawing on 55 in-depth interviews with undocumented college students in southern California, the author finds that university-level policies designed to help undocumented students create networks of support that provide resources and opportunities to students who face immigration status–related issues on college campuses. Findings demonstrate that the implementation of targeted programming and services can help undocumented students feel more supported on their campus; however, even in the presence of support and resources, a restrictive federal climate continues to negatively affect the everyday lives of these students. This study contributes to current scholarly and public discourse on how universities can intervene in federal exclusionary immigrant legislation.
Dental Extractions under General Anesthesia: New Insights from Process Mining
Authors: Fox F. , Whelton H. , Johnson O.A. , Aggarwal V.R.
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Tooth extraction under general anesthetic (GA) is a global health problem. It is expensive, high risk, and resource intensive, and its prevalence and burden should be reduced where possible. Recent innovation in data analysis techniques now makes it possible to assess the impact of GA policy decisions on public health outcomes. This article describes results from one such technique called process mining, which was applied to dental electronic health record (EHR) data. Treatment pathways preceding extractions under general anesthetic were mined to yield useful insights into waiting times, number of dental visits, treatments, and prescribing behaviors associated with this undesirable outcome.

Method:

Anonymized data were extracted from a dental EHR covering a population of 231,760 patients aged 0 to 16 y, treated in the Irish public health care system between 2000 and 2014. The data were profiled, assessed for quality, and preprocessed in preparation for analysis. Existing process mining methods were adapted to execute process mining in the context of assessing dental EHR data.

Results:

Process models of dental treatment preceding extractions under general anesthetic were generated from the EHR data using process mining tools. A total of 5,563 patients who had 26,115 GA were identified. Of these, 9% received a tooth dressing before extraction with an average lag time of 6 mo between dressing and extraction. In total, 11,867 emergency appointments were attended by the cohort with 2,668 X-rays, 4,370 prescriptions, and over 800 restorations and other treatments carried out prior to tooth extraction.

Discussion and Conclusions:

Process models generated useful insights, identifying metrics and issues around extractions under general anesthetic and revealing the complexity of dental treatment pathways. The pathways showed high levels of emergency appointments, prescriptions, and additional tooth restorations ultimately unsuccessful in preventing extractions. Supporting earlier publications, the study suggested earlier screening, preventive initiatives, guideline development, and alternative treatments deserve consideration.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study generates insights into tooth extractions under general anesthetic using process mining technologies and methods, revealing levels of extraction and associated high levels of prescriptions, emergency appointments, and restorative treatments. These insights can inform dental planners assessing policy decisions for tooth extractions under general anesthetic. The methods used can be combined with costs and patient outcomes to contribute to more effective decision-making.
Indigenous Knowledge and Africapitalism: An Unexploited Source for Sustainable Development
Authors: Onwuegbuzie Henrietta N. , Mafimisebi Oluwasoye P. , Okupe Adun , Orighoyegha Eseroghene
Published: April 2022

This article presents a critical point of view on indigenous knowledge and Africapitalism as an unexploited source for sustainable development. The notion of sustainable development in developing countries, particularly in Africa, has been of interest among scholars, practitioners and policymakers for decades. At the same time, there is increased acknowledgment of indigenous knowledge as an underexploited, yet invaluable source of sustainable development in emerging markets. In such a context, this article examines the constructs of Africapitalism management philosophy and indigenous knowledge. The authors examine diverse ways through which Africapitalism can embed indigenous knowledge systems as a key growth driver for sustainable socio-economic development. In conclusion, we discuss the implications for researchers and policy makers.
Women Entrepreneurs and Information Communication Technology: The Journey from Intention to Usage
Authors: Mehta Minu , Sinha Ritu
Published: April 2022

The role of women entrepreneurs in promoting social inclusion is widely accepted by researchers and policymakers. However, the women’s access to technology and their comfort level lags behind that of men. The present study investigates the role of various tools of ICTs such as mobile phones and computers in supporting women’s entrepreneurship. The study is based on narrative analysis, which was conducted on 20 women entrepreneurs involved in micro businesses of Maharashtra. The sample had a mix of women entrepreneurs; old and young; urban, suburban and rural; married and single. The sample was selected to provide a well-rounded coverage of differing demographic groups and life stages, and different levels of access to technology adoption and usage for business. The present study is an attempt to assess the link between technology adoption and usage by women-owned micro/small enterprises in their businesses. The study extends its contribution to the existing literature by exploring the role of women entrepreneurship arising out of need by technology adoption and accelerating women empowerment in the society.
Defining the Health Utility Value of Medical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Scangas George A. , Rathi Vinay K. , Metson Ralph B. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Busaba Nicholas Y. , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: April 2022

The extent to which medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may improve health utility value (HUV) remains unknown. We conducted a prospective pilot study to longitudinally assess HUV via the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire in patients with CRS who were receiving medical therapy but did not undergo sinus surgery. The primary study outcome was HUV at 12‐month follow‐up; secondary end points included HUV at baseline and 3‐ and 24‐month follow‐up. Our study enrolled 115 patients who received the following medical treatments: saline irrigations (n = 83, 72.2%), steroid sprays (n = 93, 80.9%), antihistamines (n = 64, 55.7%), steroid irrigations (n = 29, 25.2%), and oral antibiotics (n = 58, 50.4%). There was a statistically significant improvement (mean, +0.073; P =. 003) in HUV at 12 months (minimum clinically important difference, 0.055) as compared with baseline. However, there was no statistically significant trend in HUV over time between baseline and 24‐month follow‐up (P =. 3033). These findings can inform cost‐effectiveness research as new medical therapies for CRS emerge.
Developing telemedicine in Emergency Medical Services: A low-cost solution and practical approach connecting interfaces in emergency medicine
Authors: O’Sullivan Seán F , Schneider Henning
Published: April 2022

Background:

In Germany, the number of calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are increasing, while the number of general practitioners and hospitals are decreasing, resulting in a growing demand and workload for emergency physicians and paramedics. Furthermore, an aging population with increasingly complex medical histories, present emergencies in which a more detailed assessment and therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, common EMS systems need to find solutions to handle these problems.

Methods:

We used a user-focused five-step approach to define a technological solution: Research of current systems, definition of goals and requirements, development of concept, test series and evaluation, evaluation of costs and benefits.

Results:

Development of a holistic telemedical concept to connect in-hospital clinical emergency physicians and paramedics on the scene, by implementing and connecting systems that are already partially being used in common EMS in Germany. By using live audio and video communication, including vital signs between the two, a system can be established by keeping costs low, affordable and at the same time protecting patient data in line with General Data Protection Regulation.

Conclusion:

Implementing technologies in a practical specialty like Emergency Medicine with a user-focused approach demonstrates that the hurdle for integration into established routines can improve current processes. Evaluation of costs and usability is a main driver to define success of such concepts and can improve if such systems can be developed to be used in larger networks.
T-cell–redirecting bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma: a revolution?
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille
Published: April 2022

Bispecific antibodies are monoclonal antibodies targeting both a surface molecule on the malignant plasma cells and CD3 on T cells, leading to tumor cell death by activated T cells. Bispecific antibodies targeting B-cell maturation antigen, GPRC5D or FcRH5, demonstrated promising efficacy with favorable safety profile in patients with triple-class refractory multiple myeloma. This novel immunotherapeutic modality will likely change the treatment paradigm in the coming years.
The global prevalence of headache: an update, with analysis of the influences of methodological factors on prevalence estimates
Authors: Stovner Lars Jacob , Hagen Knut , Linde Mattias , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: April 2022

Background

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide. GBD builds on epidemiological studies (published and unpublished) which are notable for wide variations in both their methodologies and their prevalence estimates.

Our first aim was to update the documentation of headache epidemiological studies, summarizing global prevalence estimates for all headache, migraine, tension-type headache (TTH) and headache on ≥15 days/month (H15+), comparing these with GBD estimates and exploring time trends and geographical variations. Our second aim was to analyse how methodological factors influenced prevalence estimates.

Methods

In a narrative review, all prevalence studies published until 2020, excluding those of clinic populations, were identified through a literature search. Prevalence data were extracted, along with those related to methodology, world region and publication year. Bivariate analyses (correlations or comparisons of means) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed.

Results

From 357 publications, the vast majority from high-income countries, the estimated global prevalence of active headache disorder was 52.0% (95%CI 48.9–55.4), of migraine 14.0% (12.9–15.2), of TTH 26.0% (22.7–29.5) and of H15+ 4.6% (3.9–5.5). These estimates were comparable with those of migraine and TTH in GBD2019, the most recent iteration, but higher for headache overall. Each day, 15.8% of the world’s population had headache. MLR analyses explained less than 30% of the variation. Methodological factors contributing to variation, were publication year, sample size, inclusion of probable diagnoses, sub-population sampling (e.g., of health-care personnel), sampling method (random or not), screening question (neutral, or qualified in severity or presumed cause) and scope of enquiry (headache disorders only or multiple other conditions). With these taken into account, migraine prevalence estimates increased over the years, while estimates for all headache types varied between world regions.

Conclusion

The review confirms GBD in finding that headache disorders remain highly prevalent worldwide, and it identifies methodological factors explaining some of the large variation between study findings. These variations render uncertain both the increase in migraine prevalence estimates over time, and the geographical differences. More and better studies are needed in low- and middle-income countries.
The impact of the coronavirus on African American unemployment: lessons from history
Authors: Coupet Ernst , Yamani Ehab
Published: April 2022

In this article, our fundamental research question is to investigate the effect of the Coronavirus (named COVID-19) on the African American labor market. More specifically, we attempt to examine the potential economic impact of COVID-19 on the state of racial disparities among the African American labor market by examining two effects, namely, employment and income differentials, using national, state, and city level data (using data for all 77 neighborhood areas of the City of Chicago). Our central finding is that the labor market does not appear to treat black and white laborers as homogeneous, as attested by the finding that African American workers suffer from higher unemployment rates with higher volatility, lower median incomes, and they are more likely to work in the service sector, compared to their white counterparts, and we find this condition to be even larger in the City of Chicago. These findings have important policy implications.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of pigeon circovirus from racing pigeons in Northern China
Authors: Wang Haoran , Gao Hui , Jiang Zhiwen , Shi Leibo , Zhao Pengwei , Zhang Yanming , Wang Chengbao
Published: April 2022

Background

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) infections in pigeons (Columba livia) have been reported worldwide. Currently, pigeon racing is becoming increasingly popular and considered to be a national sport in China, and even, the greatest competitions of racing pigeons are taking place in China. However, there are still no epidemiologic data regarding PiCV infections among racing pigeons in China. The purpose of our study was to provide information of prevalence, genetic variation and evolution of PiCV from racing pigeons in China.

Results

To trace the prevalence, genetic variation and evolution of PiCV in sick and healthy racing pigeons, 622 samples were collected from 11 provinces or municipalities in China from 2016 to 2019. The results showed that the positive rate of PiCV was 19.3% (120/622) at the sample level and 59.0% (23/39) at the club level, thus suggesting that the virus was prevalent in Chinese racing pigeons. A sequence analysis revealed that the cap genes of the PiCV strains identified in our study displayed a high genetic diversity and shared nucleotide homologies of 71.9%–100% and amino acid homologies of 71.7%–100%. 28 and 36 unique amino acid substitutions were observed in the Cap and Rep proteins derived from our PiCV strains, respectively. A cladogram representation of PiCV strains phylogeny based on 90 cap gene sequences showed that the strains in this study could be further divided into seven clades (A, B, C, E, G, H, and I) and some of them were closely related to worldwide strains from different types of pigeons. A large number of recombination events (31 events) were also detected in the PiCV genomes from Chinese racing pigeons.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that PiCV strains circulating in China exhibit a high genetic diversity and also contribute to information of prevalence, genetic variation and evolution of PiCV from racing pigeons in China.
Skin microbiome alters attractiveness to Anopheles mosquitoes
Authors: Showering Alicia , Martinez Julien , Benavente Ernest Diez , Gezan Salvador A. , Jones Robert T. , Oke Catherine , Tytheridge Scott , Pretorius Elizabeth , Scott Darren , Allen Rachel L. , D’Alessandro Umberto , Lindsay Steve W. , Armour John A. L. , Pickett John , Logan James G.
Published: April 2022

Background

Some people produce specific body odours that make them more attractive than others to mosquitoes, and consequently are at higher risk of contracting vector-borne diseases. The skin microbiome can break down carbohydrates, fatty acids and peptides on the skin into volatiles that mosquitoes can differentiate.

Results

Here, we examined how skin microbiome composition of women differs in relation to level of attractiveness to Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes, to identify volatiles in body odour and metabolic pathways associated with individuals that tend to be poorly-attractive to mosquitoes. We used behavioural assays to measure attractiveness of participants to An. coluzzii mosquitoes, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the bacteria sampled from the skin and gas chromatography of volatiles in body odour. We found differences in skin microbiome composition between the poorly- and highly-attractive groups, particularly eight Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) belonging to the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes phyla. Staphylococcus 2 ASVs are four times as abundant in the highly-attractive compared to poorly-attractive group. Associations were found between these ASVs and volatiles known to be attractive to Anopheles mosquitoes. Propanoic pathways are enriched in the poorly-attractive participants compared to those found to be highly-attractive.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that variation in attractiveness of people to mosquitoes is related to the composition of the skin microbiota, knowledge that could improve odour-baited traps or other next generation vector control tools.