bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Developmental Dynamics of Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties of Youth of Color: Systemic Oppression, Correlated Constraints, and the Need for Targeted Universalism
Authors: Farmer Thomas W. , Serpell Zewelanji , Scott LaRon A. , DeVlieger Shana E. , Brooks Debbie S. , Hamm Jill V.
Published: January 2022

In this introduction to the special series, we examine the emotional and behavioral difficulties of youth of color from a dynamic developmental, ecological systems perspective. Building on the concepts of the child-in-context, correlated constraints, systemic oppression, and the malleability of maladaptive patterns, we argue that current research approaches and intervention frameworks (e.g., Multitiered Systems of Support, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) are centered on the experiences and circumstances of youth from majority backgrounds. This creates a context in which the emotional and behavioral difficulties of youth of color reflect a continuum of services casualty in which routine daily supports, interventions, and services are not aligned with their developmental needs and their corresponding pathways to success. There is a need to establish a targeted-universalism approach in which interventions and supports are centered on the daily functioning and adaptation of underrepresented groups. We discuss how a tiered system of adaptive supports may be designed and implemented to address this need.
Use of the Concrete–Representational–Abstract Instructional Sequence to Improve Mathematical Outcomes for Elementary Students With EBD
Authors: Flores Margaret M. , Hinton Vanessa M.
Published: January 2022

The concrete–representational–abstract (CRA) sequence of instruction is an explicit methodology for teaching mathematics using multiple representations of concepts. Learning concepts through multiple representations fosters conceptual understanding and mathematical thinking. This article describes how a special education teacher used explicit CRA instruction with two elementary students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Its aims are to describe and provide a rationale for explicit CRA instruction. We describe lesson activities, methods, materials, and procedures. Finally, we offer suggestions for effective implementation.
Screening of Important Markers in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Predict Female Osteoporosis Risk Using LASSO Regression Algorithm and SVM Method
Authors: Tang Hongwei , Han Qingtian , Yin Yong
Published: January 2022

Background:

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that increases the patient’s risk of fracture. We aimed to identify robust marker genes related to osteoporosis based on different bioinformatic methods and multiple datasets.

Methods:

Three datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized for analysis separately. Significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparing high hip and low hip low bone mineral density (BMD) groups in the first dataset were identified for Gene Ontology (GO), Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) to investigate the discrepantly enriched biological processes between high hip and low hip group. Last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), SVM model and protein-protein interaction (PPI) regulatory network were performed and generated robust marker genes for downstream TF-target and miRNA-target prediction.

Results:

Several DEGs between high hip BMD group and low hip BMD group were obtained. And the metabolism-related pathways such as metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism shown enrichment in these DEGs. Integration with LASSO regression analysis, 8 differential expression genes ( SH3BP1, NARF, ANKRD34B, RNF40, ZNF473, AKT1, SHMT1, and VASH1) in GSE62402 were identified as the optimal differential genes combination. Moreover, the SVM validation analysis in GSE56814 and GSE56815 datasets showed that the characteristic gene combinations presented high diagnostic effects, and the model AUC areas for GSE56814 was 0.899 and for GSE56815 was 0.921. Furthermore, the subcellular localization analysis of the 8 genes revealed that 4 proteins were located in the cytoplasm, 3 proteins were located in the nucleus, and 1 protein was located in the mitochondria. Additionally, the related TFs and miRNAs by performing TF-target and miRNA-target prediction for 5 genes ( AKT1, SHMT1, ZNF473, RNF40 and VASH1) were investigated from PPI network.

Conclusion:

The optimal differential genes combination ( SH3BP1, NARF, ANKRD34B, RNF40, ZNF473, AKT1, SHMT1, and VASH1) presented high diagnostic effect for osteoporosis risk.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of COVID-19 in 60 Adult Cancer Patients
Authors: Aznab Mozaffar , Eskandari Roozbahani Narges , Moazen Homa
Published: January 2022

Background:

During the pandemic of COVID-19, cancer patients have been considered as one high-risk group in the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. This study aimed to describe the clinical symptoms and risk factors of COVID-19 in cancer patients.

Method:

In a prospective cross-sectional study, during a year, all cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy in our clinic (Kermanshah, Iran) were followed up in terms of getting COVID-19. We analyzed the effect of tumor features and demographic information on clinical manifestations, survival status, therapeutic outcomes, and severity of the disease COVID-19 in 2 categories of cancer (hematologic and solid cancers).

Results:

Most of the patients (68%) were in the solid tumor category, including breast cancer (24.4%), colon cancer (22%), and gastric cancer (9.8%). There was a statistically significant difference between 2 categories of cancer in the clinical manifestations: the stage of cancer and survival status ( P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of death in cancer patients with COVID-19 along with symptoms of diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 12.8, P = .004), the difficulty of breath (OR = 10.73, P = .034), drop of SO2 (OR = 1.334, P = .003), thrombocytopenia (OR = 1.022, P = .02), anemia (OR = 2.72, P = .011), requiring mechanical ventilation (OR = 9.24, P = .004), pleural infusion (OR = 10.28, P = .02), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR = 7.389, P = .009) increases independent of other variables. The COVID-19 mortality rate in our cancer patients was 23%.

Conclusions:

Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and diarrhea are symptoms that, along with common symptoms such as lung involvement, difficulty breathing, and the need for a ventilator, increase the risk of death in cancer patients with COVID-19.
Democratizing candidate selection: Controlled turnover in Botswana’s Bulela Ditswe primaries
Authors: Warren Shana S
Published: January 2022

Why do political parties implement primary elections? With multi-party elections firmly established, political parties in many young democracies have begun to democratize internally by adopting mass primaries. Previous work argues that parties institute primaries to select for high quality candidates, incentivize campaigning effort, and reduce intra-party conflict. In this paper, I theorize that parties also implement mass primaries to open up the political elite while protecting their most senior members. Consistent with this hypothesis, using original data from Botswana’s ruling party, I find that primaries facilitate a limited and controlled turnover, decreasing the likelihood of re-nomination of long-term incumbents in favor of political newcomers while still protecting senior ministers. Combined with qualitative and historical evidence, these results suggest that electorally successful political parties may implement mass primaries to replace unpopular and entrenched leaders.
Test preparation pedagogy for international study: Relating teacher cognition, instructional models and academic writing skills
Authors: Clark Tony , Yu Guoxing
Published: January 2022

There now exists an established body of work outlining the challenges international students can face as part of the acculturation process, including a range of academic and non-academic pressures to overcome. For many students, writing essays in academic English for the first time is problematic. This article considers pedagogical approaches for IELTS writing test preparation prior to university admission, and the potential for introducing academic writing skills at an earlier stage of students’ learning. Noting implications of test constructs, we investigate pedagogical support for candidates preparing for the writing section of IELTS. Conducted at a test preparation centre in China, observational data from courses across three proficiency levels provided the basis for inquiry, alongside interviews with teachers ( n = 2), students ( n = 20), and collating homework essays ( n = 50).

Results indicate that teacher cognition highly influenced pedagogical practice for writing test preparation at the centre involved. It was also evident that (despite variations) overall test preparation objectives were broadly similar. Additionally, higher proficiency learners appeared to be more receptive to – and capable of – learning about early-stage academic writing skills. We suggest a series of tentative recommendations for instructors and areas for future research, including looking at other major university entrance tests, newer ‘digital first’ tests, and the implications of online test preparation.
Moving political opponents closer: How kama muta can contribute to reducing the partisan divide in the US
Authors: Blomster Lyshol Johanna K. , Seibt Beate , Oliver Mary Beth , Thomsen Lotte
Published: January 2022

Dislike of political opponents has increased over the past years in the US. This paper presents a preregistered study investigating the effect of kama muta (being moved by sudden closeness) on increasing warmth, social closeness, and trust toward political opponents through including them in a common American identity. Eight hundred forty-one U.S. Americans watched either a moving or a neutral video about the US or a different theme in a full-factorial design. We found main effects of emotion and theme on the increase of warmth, social closeness, and trust toward political opponents through viewing them as fellow Americans. Accordingly, the linear combination of moving U.S. videos showed the largest increase in warmth, social closeness, and trust. Exploratory analyses showed that moving U.S.-themed videos evoked the most kama muta from suddenly increasing one’s identification with the US. This suggests that kama muta is an important, and heretofore largely overlooked, emotional process promoting common in-group identification.
The effects of compression ratio and combustion initiation location on knock emergence by using multiple pressure sensing devices
Authors: Uddeen Kalim , Shi Hao , Tang Qinglong , Magnotti Gaetano , Turner James
Published: January 2022

Knock research is an essential study because knock limits spark-ignition (SI) engine power output, durability, noise, fuel consumption, and emission performance. The thermal efficiency of an engine can be improved by increasing the compression ratio, but at the same time it leads to the possibility of end gas autoignition inside the chamber. The objective of this work was to show the effect of three different compression ratios (CRs) 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5 on the mechanism of knock. In order to achieve this four equispaced spark plugs were fitted around the circumference of a special metal liner to initiate flame fronts from those plugs by firing with different spark approaches (e.g. spark timing, number, and location). In addition, six pressure sensors were installed at various locations to precisely record the autoignition event by monitoring pressure oscillations, combustion characteristics, and knock intensity. In-cylinder pressure and heat release rate (HRR) analyses were applied to distinguish the knocking combustion for the three different CRs. The results showed that a greater number of spark plugs produced more stable combustion even for a delayed spark timing (ST) than a single spark plug, but also increased pressure oscillations, HRR and knock propensity with higher CRs due to an increase in pressure and temperature inside the cylinder. The maximum amplitude of pressure oscillation (MAPO) method was used to determine the knock intensity, and it was observed that at the lowest CR of 8.5 three spark plugs gave higher MAPO values compared to four spark plugs for the same operating conditions. However, four spark plugs instigated higher MAPO values than three spark plugs for the higher CRs of 9.5 and 10.5 because, with the increase of CR and spark plug numbers, the pressure and temperature were increased during the combustion event, which was coupled with the compression effect on the unburned end gas mixture. Additionally, Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and wavelet methods were implemented to observe the frequencies induced during knock. It was found that sparking four plugs provoked various vibration modes in different amplitude ranges with the different CRs.
Railway defect detection based on track geometry using supervised and unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Sresakoolchai Jessada , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: January 2022

Track quality affects passenger comfort and safety. To maintain the quality of the track, track geometry and track component defects are inspected routinely. Track geometry is inspected using a track geometry car (TGC). Measured values are stored in the machine and processed to evaluate the track quality. However, track component defects require more effort to inspect. Track component defects can be inspected manually which is time- and workload-consuming or using sensors installed at additional cost. This study presents an approach using track geometry obtained by a TGC to detect track component defects, namely, rail, switch and crossing, fastener and rail joint defects. Detection models are developed using several supervised machine learnings. The relationships between track component defects are analysed to gain insights using unsupervised machine learnings. From the study, the best model for detecting track component defects using track geometry is a deep neural network with an accuracy of 94.31% followed by a convolutional neural network with an accuracy of 93.77%. For the exploration of insights, k-means clustering is used to cluster the track components defects, and association rules are used to find the relationships between them. Examples of the insights from applying these two techniques are that switch and crossing defects are usually found where the radius of curvature is less than 2000 m and the gradient is positive, the most common defects when the radius of curvature higher than 4000 m are rail defects, or a worn wing rail will be found when the rail section has failed, ties in switches and worn point blades are found with the confidence of 92.17%. The findings of the study can be applied to detect track component defects using track geometry where additional cost is not required and unsupervised machine learning provides the insights that will be beneficial for railway maintenance. The information obtained from machine learning models will be complementary information to support decision making and improve the maintenance efficiency in the railway industry.
Communities of care: A collective writing project on philosophies, politics and pedagogies of care and education in the early years
Authors: Ailwood Joanne , Lee I-Fang , Arndt Sonja , Tesar Marek , Aslanian Teresa K , Gibbons Andrew , Heimer Lucinda
Published: January 2022

This collective writing project considers the central issue of how we account for, understand, and talk about, the professional work of care in early childhood education. As an international collective, we stake out some of the messiness, the specificities and complexities of care in early childhood education. Each scholar explores the issue of foregrounding care in the professional work of early childhood educators and reflects on the complexities of care in early childhood education and care. While these musing are collected together in this paper, they are each a standalone provocation to grapple with diverse issues of care in relation to etymology, policy, risk, relationships, power, and racism. As a collective, we explore ways of engaging in the messiness of care and education with a spirit of vulnerability and the courage of risk taking to unpack care in early childhood education.
A Health Equity Lens Contributes to an Effective Pandemic Response: A Canadian Regional Perspective
Authors: Lam Andrew Terence , Bacani-Angus Kim , Richards Krista , Griffin Rachel , Karachiwalla Fareen
Published: January 2022

As cases of COVID-19 began to increase in Ontario, Canada, throughout 2020, early evidence from surveillance and media highlighted disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and mortality among racialized and low-income populations. This disproportionate impact on underserved populations calls for a shift in approach away from what has traditionally occurred in health protection, that is the use of a universal approach which assumes everyone is affected and benefits equally from the same type and intensity of interventions. In this article, public health agencies are, therefore, being called to consider moving away from using a purely universal approach, often used in the control of communicable diseases, and apply a more tailored approach and use principles of health equity and proportionate universalism to reduce COVID-19 cases and their impacts among underserved groups and address health inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. We highlight examples from York Region Public Health, one of the largest health units in Ontario, to demonstrate areas of possible impact of this paradigm shift. It is clear that with a health equity lens applied to the pandemic response, the impact of COVID-19 can be further reduced and health inequities that predated the global pandemic can improve.
Preoperative A1c and Postoperative Infection in Elective Hand Surgery
Authors: Schweitzer Timothy P. , Peterson Steven L.
Published: January 2022

Diabetes mellitus affects 10.5% of the US population. Numerous studies have documented increased risk of complications for patients with diabetes after different types of surgery, including hand surgery. By aiming for a preoperative target hemoglobin A1c (A1c), the risk of surgical complications following elective hand surgery may be reduced for patients with diabetes. This literature review was conducted to evaluate the association between diabetes mellitus and surgical site infections and, more specifically, to determine whether there is any association between preoperative A1c level and postoperative infections in hand surgery. The risk for surgical site infections and wound complications appears to be higher for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but not necessarily for patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, when compared with patients without diabetes. The role of prophylactic antibiotics for patients with diabetes undergoing elective hand surgery was also considered. Prophylactic antibiotics have not been shown to be beneficial for healthy patients undergoing clean, elective hand surgery. However, preoperative antibiotics may have a protective role for some patients with poorly controlled hyperglycemia.
Initial Treatment Choice Affects Cost-Effectiveness and Reintervention Rates for Dupuytren Contracture: A National Census Among Veterans Affairs Patients
Authors: Drinane James J. , Gemoets Darren , Hoftiezer Yannick A. J. , Hoehn James , Eberlin Kyle R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

A multitude of treatments for Dupuytren contracture are available, including both invasive and minimally invasive options. This study compares the reintervention rates and costs associated with various treatment options for Dupuytren disease (DD) within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration.

Methods:

Using the Corporate Data Warehouse, a national census was performed including all patients treated for DD in years 2014 to 2020 within the VA health care system. Patients treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), open fasciotomy, palmar fasciectomy, single finger fasciectomy, and multifinger fasciectomy were compared. The total cost of initial treatment was compared between modalities. The 5-year reintervention rates were compared using a Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results:

During the study period, 8530 patients were treated for DD (3501 fasciectomy, 3351 CCH, 880 PNA, 798 fasciotomy). The overall median treatment cost was found to be the least for PNA ( P < .0001). The 5-year reintervention rates were significantly lower for single finger fasciectomy (6.5%), operative fasciotomy (8.2%), and palmar fasciectomy (9%) when compared with PNA (12.3%), multifinger fasciectomy (13.1%), and CCH (14.4%) ( P < .001). However, reintervention rates were comparable between patients treated with PNA, multifinger fasciectomy, and CCH ( P > .05).

Conclusions:

Within the VA population, PNA is the most affordable procedure per treatment episode and is associated with reintervention rates that are comparable to those of CCH. Multifinger fasciectomy, CCH, and PNA had comparable reintervention rates. The differences in reintervention rates may partially be explained by patients’ willingness to consider additional treatment to correct any remaining or recurrent deformity.
Cellular and Biochemical Effects of Combined X-Ray Radiation and Storage on Whole Blood
Authors: Torres Filho Ivo P. , Torres Luciana N. , Barraza David , Williams Charnae E. , Hildreth Kim
Published: January 2022

Background

Evaluating the impact of ionizing radiation on stored blood is relevant since blood banks are major assets in emergency conditions such as radiation incident/attack. This study aimed to fill our knowledge gap of combined radiation and storage effects on blood.

Methods

Blood collected from 16 anesthetized rats was anticoagulated, aliquoted into storage bags, and assigned to 8 groups using protocols combining storage (1-day vs 3-day 4oC) plus irradiation (75 Gy vs 0 Gy - control). Bags were positioned inside an X-ray irradiator (MultiRad-350). Complete blood count, differential white blood cell count, biochemistry, and hemostasis were analyzed (≥7 bags/group).

Results

Na+, bicarbonate, glucose, and pH significantly reduced, while K+, Cl−, and lactate increased by storage. Coagulation measures were not significantly altered after radiation. White blood cell count and most cell types were numerically reduced after radiation, but changes were statistically significant only for monocytes. No significant alterations were noted in aggregation or rotational thromboelastometry parameters between irradiated and control.

Conclusions

Evaluating cellular/biochemical parameters aids in assessing stored blood adequacy after radiation. Data suggest that fresh or cold-stored blood can sustain up to 75 Gy without major critical parameter changes and may remain suitable for use in critically ill patients in military/civilian settings.
Maintaining Good Oral Health With Fluoridated Water
Authors: Murchio Joseph , White Nicole D.
Published: January 2022

Community water fluoridation (CWF) has been a public health measure against tooth decay since 1945. Strong evidence supports the use of CWF in reduction in caries risk in the pediatric population, and numerous studies also show benefit in adults. CWF remains an important contributor to oral health despite the availability and widespread use of other fluoride-containing dental products. The efficacy, safety, and optimal use of CWF will be discussed.
An overview on the various pricing policies of health-related products and incentivizing the innovation during the health emergency situations
Authors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi
Published: January 2022

Patents are often seen as legal monopolies that impose exorbitant pricing, particularly for innovations in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors where the inventions are usually protected through the patents. Many have argued that patent protection should not be extended to sectors where the public interest in obtaining those products or services is important, such as health-related products, which also includes the medications. This paper provides an overview of different policy choices that national governments might employ to both promote innovation in health-related goods and ensure low consumer prices for the basic medicines. Special consideration is given to the current COVID-19 health emergency and highlights the solutions through the published reviews to make the basic medications freely accessible to all countries.
The role of antifibrotic therapies in the treatment of systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Boleto Gonçalo , Avouac Jérôme , Allanore Yannick
Published: January 2022

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune condition with complex pathogenesis characterized by a heterogeneous presentation and different disease courses. Fibrosis of multiple organs including the lungs favored by inflammation and vasculopathy is the hallmark of SSc. SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is common and can be associated with poor outcomes, this complication being the leading cause of death in recent series. Because of its huge heterogeneity, SSc-ILD management can be very challenging. Immunosuppressive therapy has long been used to prevent SSc-ILD progression with modest effects in clinical trials. However, thanks to a better understating of SSc pathogenesis, innovative therapies including antifibrotics are increasingly being developed. The achievement of the Safety and Efficacy of Nintedanib in Systemic SClerosIS (SENSCIS) trial has led to the approval by drug agencies of the first antifibrotic drug for SSc-ILD. In parallel, other antifibrotics are being investigated as possible beneficial therapies in SSc-ILD. An important unmet need remains to clarify the positioning of the various strategies, such as the added value of combination of immunosuppressants and antifibrotic therapies in patients at high risk of progression. Indeed, irreversible lung injury or self-perpetuated progression highlights the concept of a window of opportunity in SSc-ILD patients. Herewith, we provide an overview of the most significant clinical trials with antifibrotic drugs developed in recent years for the management of SSc-ILD and a viewpoint about their positioning in treatment algorithms.
Oscillating scale and articulating regions: Power geometries and multi-scalar publics in People’s Tribune’s coverage of Benton Harbor, Michigan
Authors: Ewalt Joshua P
Published: January 2022

This essay explores the mapping of power geometries as public rhetoric within People’s Tribune’s coverage of Benton Harbor, Michigan. In doing so, the essay demonstrates three techniques for mapping power geometries: that they (a) oscillate between spatial scales, thereby managing a tension between framing place as unique and common to a broader geography; (b) articulate regions so as to locate the power dynamics of the nation; and (c) connect the place to a power geometry of resistance. Mapping power geometries also enables the production of a multi-scalar public: a set of strangers who understand their relationship to each other through a shared, yet differentiated, connection to variously scaled issues. The analysis consequently contributes to existing literature regarding spatial scale, the use of place-based argument in social movement rhetoric, and the formation of multi-scalar publics.
Health Care Access Brokerage by School Employees for Immigrant Mexican and Indigenous Guatemalan Farmworking Families in a Connecticut Elementary School
Authors: Campbell-Montalvo Rebecca , Sidorova Oxana , Valdovinos Miriam , Cong Xiaomei , Lucas Ruth
Published: January 2022

It is known that Florida school employees known as Migrant Advocates facilitate or broker MSF health care access for migrant and seasonal farmworker (MSF) families, but it is not known how states without a Migrant Education Program might also broker MSF health care access. To address this, present study examines the role of school employees in brokering health care access to immigrant Mexican and Indigenous Guatemalan MSF families in Connecticut. Informed by prior work, interviews (n = 12) with parents and elementary school employees showed that (1) a vast array of non-Migrant Advocate school employees, mostly Latinx women, directly brokered physical and psychosocial MSF health care access, often through developing deep social relationships and (2) barriers to brokerage included language inaccessibility, school employee gaps in knowledge of MSF health care needs, and transportation and related structural issues. Importantly, the school’s location near MSF homes is an important contributor to the success of the school’s brokerage efforts. Findings offer insight into how a school health broker model might be implemented, and advance understandings of MSF health and health care access.
Suffering as a Lifelong Companion: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Study of Men Living With Severe Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Kasén Anne , Bondas Terese
Published: January 2022

Accumulation of suffering in later life due to severe psychiatric illness has received surprisingly little interest in nursing research. Suffering in daily living seems to be more demanding for men, a phenomenon still debated in the literature. This phenomenological-hermeneutic study aims at describing and interpreting the perspectives of adult men and their experiences of suffering in daily living with severe psychiatric illness, diagnosed as schizophrenia. Data were collected in dialogical conversations with four men aged between 20 and 40 years, living alone in northern Norway. The themes created from the structural understanding illuminate the participants’ suffering as simultaneously struggling against the grasp of the illness and for reshaping the future. The theoretical interpretation unfolds the multidimensionality of their suffering and the need for confirmation of the suffering and reconciliation with the losses from illness, thus making reorientation to the future possible.
The New German-speaking School of Balkankompetenzen: Knowledge production and truth claims in post-colonial post-communist context
Authors: Doja Albert
Published: January 2022

In this paper, I show how some strands of contemporary Western scholarship in Albanian studies reproduce substantive empirical and methodological flaws and perpetuate imperial attitudes and othering stereotypes. In particular, I level a number of criticisms at what I refer to as the New German-speaking School of  Balkankompetenzen that has colonized Albanian and more generally Southeastern European issues. I argue that disregard and patronizing of local scholars, and occasionally over-reliance on essentialized, insufficient or misinterpreted research outcomes, can be shown in the writings of various scholars that are representative of strategic othering, methodological essentialism, dubious deconstructionism and outright misinterpretation of Albanian foundational myths, national history, social structures, and cultural behavior. Arguably, this methodological imperialism reproduces a discourse of Western superiority that serves to legitimate Western political, economic and social control.
City-exit and Community-fit: Finding One’s ‘Place’ in Australia
Authors: Ragusa Angela T.
Published: January 2022

Understanding what prompts ‘community-fit’ (subjective feeling of alignment with one’s residential community) is vital for retaining city-leavers voluntarily choosing to live outside major cities and for community well-being/prosperity. In Australia, city-exit is supported by decentralisation policy and media using imagery of gentrified rurality, wholesome communities, and affordability to assuage metropolitan congestion and address non-coastal rural-regional depopulation. This results in land development accompanied by population turnover as a few urbanites permanently relocate inland. By presenting a thematic analysis of interviews with city-leavers and government/industry professionals, this article identifies key factors affecting (dis)satisfaction with communities sought/left. Findings show community satisfaction is achieved through sociocultural-affirming social interactions, not property/amenity consumption. Hence, developing rural-regional marketing strategies that better articulate communities’ sociocultural dimensions may increase awareness of place-based values/characteristics pre-relocation to avoid poor community fit and cost. Finally, to support resident retention, inclusivity practices accompanying community change are advocated.
Examination of Medication Use Patterns by Age Group, Comorbidity, and Month in COVID-19 Positive Patients in a Large Statewide Health System During the Pandemic in 2020
Authors: Watanabe Jonathan H. , Kwon Jimmy , Nan Bin , Abeles Shira R. , Mehta Sanjay R.
Published: January 2022

Background: Understanding medication use patterns for patients with COVID-19 will provide needed insight into the evolution of COVID-19 treatment over the course of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and aid clinical management considerations. Objectives: To systematically determine most frequently used medications among COVID-19 patients overall and by hospitalization status. Secondary objective was use measurement of medications considered potential therapeutic options. Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the University of California COVID Research Data Set (UC CORDS) patients between March 10, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Main outcomes were percentages of patients prescribed medications, overall, by age group, and by comorbidity based on hospitalization status for COVID-19 patients. Use percentage by month of COVID-19 diagnosis was measured. Cumulative count of potential therapeutic options was measured over time. Results: Dataset included 22 896 unique patients with COVID-19 (mean [SD] age, 42.4 [20.4] years; 12 154 [53%] women). Most frequently used medications in patients overall were acetaminophen (21.2%), albuterol (14.9%), ondansetron (13.9%), and enoxaparin (10.8%). Dexamethasone use increased from fewer than 50 total hospitalized patients through April who had received the medication, to more than 500 patients by mid-August. Cumulative count of enoxaparin users was the largest throughout the study period. Conclusion and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study, across age and comorbidity groups, predominant utilization was for supportive care therapy. Dexamethasone and remdesivir experienced large increases in use. Conversely, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin use markedly dropped. Medication utilization rapidly shifted toward more evidence-concordant treatment of patients with COVID-19 as rigorous study findings emerged.
Probabilistic seismic source location and magnitude via inverse analysis of paleoliquefaction evidence
Authors: Rasanen Ryan A , Maurer Brett W
Published: January 2022

In regions of infrequent moderate-to-large earthquakes, historic earthquake catalogs are often insufficient to provide inputs to seismic-hazard analyses (i.e. fault locations and magnitude–frequency relations) or to inform ground-motion predictions for certain seismic sources. In these regions, analysis of relic coseismic evidence, such as paleoliquefaction, is commonly used to infer information about the seismic hazard. However, while paleoliquefaction studies have been performed widely, all existing analysis techniques require a priori assumptions about the causative earthquake’s location (i.e. rupture magnitude and ground motions can otherwise not be estimated). This may lead to inaccurate assumptions in some settings, and by corollary, erroneous results. Accordingly, this article proposes an inversion framework to probabilistically constrain seismic-source parameters from paleoliquefaction. Analyzing evidence at regional scale leads to (a) a geospatial likelihood surface that constrains the rupture location and (b) a probability distribution of the rupture magnitude, wherein source-location uncertainty is explicitly considered. Simulated paleoliquefaction studies are performed on earthquakes with known parameters. These examples demonstrate the framework’s potential, even in cases of limited field evidence, as well as important caveats and lessons for forward use. The proposed framework has the potential to provide new insights in enigmatic seismic zones worldwide.
The efficacy and safety of atogepant for the prophylactic treatment of migraine: evidence from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tao Xinyu , Yan Zeya , Meng Jiahao , Wang Wei , Dai Qiling , Zhou Qiufeng , Wang Zhifeng , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2022

Background

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder that has a severe impact on the individual daily life. Atogepant (AGN-241689) is an orally ingested, small-molecule drugs belonging to calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, which has been initiated for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. However, there is no comprehensive literature to study the efficacy and safety of atogepant for the treatment of migraine. In this article, we present a meta-analysis of the available studies.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched before October 20, 2021 for any relevant literature. Eventually, three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 2,466 patients were included in our study.

Results

We pooled 2,466 patients from 3 RCTs and primary outcome was mean monthly migraine days, the secondary endpoints were monthly headache days, acute medication use days per month and ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days, baseline to end of trials. It was found that atogepant (10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg once a day) led to a significant reduction in monthly migraine days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.007), monthly headache days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.001), and monthly medication use days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.0001), and an increase in the proportion of people with ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days (P = 0.0008, P = 0.02, P = 0.04) in comparison with placebo. Moreover, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in outcomes of adverse events between atogepant and placebo.

Conclusions

Atogepant has shown good efficacy and safety in the prophylactic treatment of migraine, and further studies are expected.
Genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of Cellulose Synthase gene family in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the expression in the pod development
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Wei , Xu Wenjing , Li Songsong , Chen Xin , Chen Huatao
Published: January 2022

Background

CesA and Csl gene families, which belong to the cellulose synthase gene superfamily, plays an important role in the biosynthesis of the plant cell wall. Although researchers have investigated this gene superfamily in several model plants, to date, no comprehensive analysis has been conducted in the common bean.

Results

In this study, we identified 39 putative cellulose synthase genes from the common bean genome sequence. Then, we performed a bioinformatics analysis of this gene family involving sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, collinearity analysis and chromosome location. We found all members possess a cellulose_synt domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these cellulose synthase genes may be classified into five subfamilies, and that members in the same subfamily share conserved exon-intron distribution and motif compositions. Abundant and distinct cis-acting elements in the 2 k basepairs upstream regulatory regions indicate that the cellulose synthase gene family may plays a vital role in the growth and development of common bean. Moreover, the 39 cellulose synthase genes are distributed on 10 of the 11 chromosomes. Additionally expression analysis shows that all CesA/Csl genes selected are constitutively expressed in the pod development.

Conclusions

This research reveals both the putative biochemical and physiological functions of cellulose synthase genes in common bean and implies the importance of studying non-model plants to understand the breadth and diversity of cellulose synthase genes.
Increased serum adenosine deaminase activity in patients with adult-onset Still's disease
Authors: Xu Zhiye , Geng Linyu , Guo LiLi , Song Hongyan , Pan Jie , Shen Han , Wang Sen
Published: January 2022

Background

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, lacking specific diagnosis and disease activity evaluation indicators. This study will analyze the activity and clinical significance of Adenosine deaminase (ADA) in AOSD patients.

Methods

Totally 53 AOSD patients, 60 patients with other autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sjogren syndrome (SS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as 60 healthy subjects were included in this study. AOSD activity was determined by Pouchot score. We analyzed the correlation between ADA activity and clinical parameters. In addition, the correlation between ADA activity and disease activity score was also analyzed.

Results

This study showed that the activity of ADA in AOSD patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls, SLE, SS and RA patient groups (p < 0.0001). The ADA activity of AOSD patients decreased significantly after systemic treatment (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis showed that ADA activity was positively correlated with ALT(r = 0.54, p < 0.0001), AST (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001) and serum ferritin (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). ADA activity was negatively correlated with white blood cell (r = − 0.42, p = 0.002) and platelet counts (r = − 0.44, p = 0.001). We also found a significant positive correlation between the activity of ADA and Pouchot score in AOSD patients (r = 0.51, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that ADA activity had a sensitivity of 93.3%, and a specificity of 83% for the diagnosis of AOSD, with an area under the curve of 0.93.

Conclusion

This study showed that serum ADA activity can be used as a potential biomarker for AOSD diagnosis and disease activity assessment.
Antibiotic resistance genes in gut of breast-fed neonates born by caesarean section originate from breast milk and hospital ward air
Authors: Zhang Kunming , Jin Min , Yang Dong , Shen Zhiqiang , Liu Weili , Yin Jing , Yang Zhongwei , Wang Huaran , Shi Danyang , Yang Jiping , Li Haibei , Chen Yaqiong , Gao Zhixian , Qiu Zhigang , Shi Haixia , Li Jun-Wen
Published: January 2022

The human gut is a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Even in the absence of antibiotics, ARGs are present in large quantities in faeces of adults, children and even newborns. However, where and when ARGs are acquired remains unclear, as does the types of ARGs acquired. Herein, we recruited 82 pairs of women and their caesarean section newborns. Conventional culture methods and quantitative PCR were employed to detect nine species and six ARG types in meconia, faeces from 3-day-old newborns, amniotic fluid, colostrum, and hospital ward air samples. Furthermore, ARG transfer was explored by tracking Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from faeces of 3-day-old newborns, colostrum and ward air samples using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). No ARGs or microorganisms were detected in meconia or amniotic fluid. One or more ARGs were detected in 90.2% of faeces from 3-day-old newborns, and the mecA gene exhibited the highest detection rate (45.1%). ARGs were detected in 85.4% of colostra consistent with ARGs in faeces from 3-day-old newborns. Some ARGs were detected in ward air, and might also be a source of ARGs in neonatal faeces. Isolation of S. epidermidis from neonatal faeces was consistent with antibiotic resistance and gene profiles for colostrum samples. Traceability analysis of S. epidermidis showed that ARGs in neonatal faeces mainly originated from colostrum, and partly from ward air. After birth, neonates born by caesarean section obtain a variety of ARGs mainly from colostrum, and partly from ward air.
Diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a single-center study with 1185 liver biopsies as controls
Authors: Jiang Kaiping , Zhang Lei , Li Jianhong , Hu Hongtao , Huang Qinghua , Qiu Tengyu , Mo Xiaoai , Ren Jian , Guo Wenqiang , Tao Yin , Cui Haijun , Zuo Ying , Chen Xuli , Xie Youqing , Li Yanxing , Liang Haimin , Liu Zhaohong , Xie Le , Mao Rongjun , Jiang Qunfang , Huang Kaizhou
Published: January 2022

Background

Noninvasive diagnostic technologies that can dynamically monitor changes in liver inflammation are highly important for the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and thus warrant further exploration. This study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in CHB patients.

Methods

A total of 1185 patients were selected, and ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was performed within 1 month after the FibroScan test. The liver stiffness measurement (LSM), the reliability criteria (IQR/M) of LSM, the quality of liver biopsy (complete portal area, PA), and the liver inflammation grades were the main observation items of this study. With liver biopsy as the control, the diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in CHB patients was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The grade of liver inflammation was positively correlated with the stage of fibrosis (rho = 0.829, P < 0.001). Different grades of inflammation will have significant rise in LSM values within the same fibrosis stage, and LSM values were positively correlated with liver inflammation grade and fibrosis stage, and the rho is 0.579 and 0.593 respectively (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the LSM of FibroScan were observed among different grades of liver inflammation (P < 0.0001). Liver biopsy (PA > 10) served as the control, and the cutoff point and the area under ROC curves (AUCs) of the LSMs for different inflammation grades were as follows: G2, 8.6 kPa, 0.775; G3 9.8 kPa, 0.818; and G4, 11.0 kPa; 0.832. With LSM cutoff values of 8.6 kPa, 9.8 kPa and 11.0 kPa, FibroScan showed certain diagnostic value for CHB patients with G2, G3 and G4 liver inflammation, especially those with G4 inflammation.

Conclusions

The grade of liver inflammation was positively correlated with the stage of fibrosis, different grades of inflammation will have significant rise in LSM values within the same fibrosis stage. In addition to liver fibrosis, FibroScan could evaluate liver inflammation in CHB patients in a noninvasive manner.