bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of International Reserves on Monetary Independence in Emerging Countries: An Asymmetric Analysis
Authors: Law Chee-Hong
Published: February 2022

The level of international reserves could influence the monetary independence of a country. Nonetheless, this relationship is usually estimated in a single structural equation. This article examines the dynamics from a shock in a partial sum of negative and positive changes in the international reserves on monetary independence in 17 emerging countries from 1991 to 2015 by applying the panel vector regressive estimation. The Granger causality analysis indicates that a decline in the international reserve has a unidirectional impact on monetary independence. The impulse response analysis shows that the monetary independence moves in the same direction immediately after a change in the international reserves. The impact reverses a year later before returning to its initial trend. Besides, the negative partial sum of international reserves has a more lingering effect on monetary independence. Otherwise, the variance decomposition analysis suggests that the monetary independence movement is partially explained by the shock in international reserves, albeit the magnitude is relatively small. The outputs imply that sterilization has played a critical role in moderating the negative effect of raising international reserves on monetary independence. In sum, hoarding of international reserves needs to be complemented with effective sterilization.
Compulsory treatment order and rehospitalisation: A New Zealand study
Authors: Dey Sangeeta , Mellsop Graham , Obertova Zuzana , Jenkins Matthew
Published: February 2022

Objective

The effectiveness of compulsory treatment orders (CTO) in psychiatric practice is an area in need of evidence. There are no recent New Zealand publications on outcomes for patients under CTOs. This study examined the association between CTOs and subsequent rehospitalisation for patients with schizophrenia or related disorders.

Method

Two year outcome data for 326 consecutive patients discharged in 2013 and 2014 was obtained from the Programme for the Integration of Mental Health Data database. Regression analyses were performed with rehospitalisation as the main outcome.

Results

For the 54% of patients discharged under CTOs, rehospitalisation was 2–4 times more likely for the CTO group than for voluntary patients. Patients under CTOs also spent longer in hospital post index admission (IA). However, patients placed under CTOs during IA stayed longer than those under CTOs prior to IA. Ethnicity did not contribute significantly to any of the findings.

Conclusion

This study did not show that patients under CTOs were associated with subsequent reduced resource use. The subgroup analysis suggested that studies with a longer follow-up period may provide better insight into the utility of CTOs.
Psychological Distress, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Suicidal Ideation Among Resettled Nepali-Speaking Bhutanese Refugees in the United States: Rates and Predictors
Authors: Hess Rosanna F. , Croasmun Amanda C. , Pittman Carly , Baird Martha B. , Ross Ratchneewan
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Bhutanese refugees may exhibit psychological distress (PD), post-traumatic stress (PTS), and suicidal ideation (SI), but little is known about predictors of these mental health problems.

Purpose:

To examine rates and predictors of PD, PTS, and SI among Bhutanese refugees.

Methods:

Cross-sectional correlational study of 209 Bhutanese refugees in Midwestern United States. Data were collected using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist/Nepali version and Refugee Health Screener-15/PTS subscale and then analyzed using simultaneous multiple regression.

Results:

Rates of PD, PTS, and SI were 18.7%, 8.1%, and 7.7%, respectively. Significant predictors of PD were a history of mental health treatment ( p<.001) and fewer years of schooling ( p = .032). Predictors of PTS were history of mental health treatment ( p<.001), female gender ( p = .016), fewer years of schooling ( p = .012), and being single/previously married ( p = .004). PTS predicted SI (ρ<.001).

Discussion:

Health providers should routinely assess Bhutanese refugees’ mental health status for timely further assessment and treatment.
Liposomal amphotericin B related late-onset hyperphosphatemia in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Çifci Sude Ayça , Yalçın Nadir , Aksu Tekin , Demirkan Kutay
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at risk for serious electrolyte abnormalities.

Case report

We reported a case of hyperphosphatemia in a child with acute myeloid leukemia who received liposomal amphotericin B (AMBL) for the treatment of an invasive fungal infection. The findings of this case suggest that cumulative dose accumulation due to long term AMBL treatment may result in late-onset hyperphosphatemia.

Management and outcome

This is the first case report in the literature that of late-onset hyperphosphatemia (day 56) in a patient with low-dose AMBL treatment (3–5 mg/kg/day) and normal renal function.

Discussion

We highlight the importance of increasing awareness of AMBL related hyperphosphatemia among healthcare providers.
Emotion Regulation by Psychological Distance and Level of Abstraction: Two Meta-Analyses
Authors: Moran Tal , Eyal Tal
Published: February 2022

Self-reflection is suggested to attenuate feelings, yet researchers disagree on whether adopting a distant or near perspective, or processing the experience abstractly or concretely, is more effective. Given the relationship between psychological distance and level of abstraction, we suggest the “construal-matching hypothesis”: Psychological distance and abstraction differently influence emotion intensity, depending on whether the emotion’s appraisal involves low-level or high-level construal. Two meta-analyses tested the effects of psychological distance ( k = 230) and level-of-abstraction ( k = 98) manipulations on emotional experience. A distant perspective attenuated emotional experience ( g = 0.52) but with weaker effects for high-level ( g = 0.29; for example, self-conscious emotions) than low-level emotions ( g= 0.64; for example, basic emotions). Level of abstraction only attenuated the experience of low-level emotions ( g = 0.2) and showed a reverse (nonsignificant) effect for high-level emotions ( g = −0.13). These results highlight differences between distancing and level-of-abstraction manipulations and the importance of considering the type of emotion experienced in emotion regulation.
Prediction of knock propensity using stochastic modeling in a spark-ignition engine
Authors: Cho Seokwon , Song Chiheon , Lee Youngbok , Kim Namho , Oh Sechul , Min Kyoungdoug
Published: February 2022

To comply with stringent CO2 regulations, enhanced thermal efficiency has been prioritized in internal combustion engine development; however, this has strongly driven the development of engines with operating conditions more prone to knock. Current knock sensors have its limitations to decompose knock signal by degradation so that it required a cross-referencing signal. In addition, knock control intervention is currently preceded by the occurrence of the knock, leading to decrease in thermal efficiency by retarding spark timing. In the present work, a novel prediction model for knock propensity (incidence) is presented, aiming to enable active control of knock or autoignition, and to support conventional knock sensor for cross-referencing by facilitating virtual knock sensor. A zero-dimensional model-based prediction of the in-cylinder pressure is demonstrated to prevent using in-cylinder pressure transducer, along with other incorporated predictive sub-models for the residual gas fraction, heat loss, burn duration, and heat release rate. Ignition delay correlation and Livengood-Wu relation are used to predict the onset of knock, and a burn point-based criterion is newly proposed for application in stochastic modeling for determining the knock propensity. The predicted knock propensity from the combined holistic model shows a remarkable agreement with experimental results.
Politics of (dis)assembling – (re)moving borders across Europe
Authors: Landau-Donnelly Friederike
Published: February 2022

The paper explores the politics of (dis)assembling borders within Europe. It examines the performance of the Berlin-based artist collective Zentrum für Politische Schönheit (Center for Political Beauty, ZPS) in 2014, in which artist activists temporarily removed white border crosses commemorating death at the former Berlin Wall. With this unauthorized displacement, ZPS sought to problematize ongoing violence and death at European borders. Via a three-part analysis of the performance Erster Europäischer Mauerfall (First European Fall of the Wall), the paper outlines a political framework for understanding art around and against borders – contributing to accounts on border art and the politics of borders. Staged as critique against the official commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, perceived by ZPS as festivalized and thus apolitical event, the multiple performance acts highlight material and emotional movements. They oscillate between past and present border death, commemorated and forgotten border objects, bodies, places. In particular, ZPS aimed to denounce (implicit) hierarchies regarding how and whose death at European borders is remembered via acts of (dis)assembling. By unsolicitedly (re)moving Berlin’s border crosses (Act I), mobilizing over 100 activists to dismantle border fences and temporarily installing replica crosses at Southern EU borders and placing them in the hands of contemporary refugees (Act III), ZPS mobilized public concern about contemporary border politics and commemoration. The paper contributes to border studies that view borders as inherently complex and contingent symbolic, socio-spatial arrangements, which affect and are affected by objects, bodies, and policies that oscillate between contested absence and presence. Accompanied by controversial media coverage, the performance gathered (im)mobile bodies, moving objects, and multiple emotional responses about the what, where and who of Europe. Ultimately, politics of (dis)assembling unfold absence and presence to articulate mo(ve)ments of ‘the political’ as contestation against complacency and border violence.
Poloxamer188 composite electrospun poly L-lactic acid fibrous nonwoven: Sustained in vitro and in vivo release letrozole as a subcutaneous implant
Authors: Wang Hao , Huang Jiana , Liu Yang , Dong Xin , Wen Meng , Huang Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Poloxamer188 composite poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) electrospun fibrous nonwovens (EFNW) were prepared by simple letrozole-poloxamer188-PLLA co-solution electrospinning and used as subcutaneous implants to sustained release letrozole. Contents of poloxamer188 and letrozole were varied to investigate the effect of the two compounds’ amounts on drug release behavior. Materials’ combination and drug incorporation in fibers were investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential thermal calorimetry. Letrozole contents in vitro and in vivo were all determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectrometry. Meanwhile, in order to analyze the mechanism of drug release behavior and show modulated drug release by electrospun fibers, letrozole-poloxamer188 solid dispersions (SDs) and letrozole-poloxamer188poly L-lactic acid-dichloromethane solution cast films (CFs) were also studied. Plasma letrozole concentration curves of subcutaneous implanting EFNW and daily oral administration of poloxamer188-letrozole SD on female rabbits were investigated and compared. Fibers of desirable morphology were obtained. During the whole release process of all EFNWs, water-insoluble letrozole could be released in the form of being dissolved. Letrozole release rates increased with increasing poloxamer188 content and decreased with increasing letrozole content. When letrozole and poloxamer188 content in fibers was 30% and 150% (EFNW-30-150%), respectively (with respect to PLLA in mass ratio), the release curve presented a desirable profile. After subcutaneous implant of EFNW-30-150%, the plasma concentration curve presented a later peak time and lower maximum value, and a comparable bioavailability with daily oral administration of poloxamer188-letrozole SD solution within 15 days. The research provided primary and encouraging information to use EFNW as a novel subcutaneous implant for sustained delivery of water-insoluble drugs.
Psychological Stress on Wound Healing: A Silent Player in a Complex Background
Authors: Basu Somprakas , Goswami Aakansha Giri , David Lena Elizabeth , Mudge Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Stress is hard to define and is further complicated by varied perceptions in the population and differing responses in different situations. Psychological stress brings about certain physiological changes through manipulation of the neural, humoral and immunological systems. Observational studies have showed that fear and anxiety before surgery can complicate normal wound healing. Two different pathways appear to be involved: one directly through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic-adrenomedullary axis, and another indirectly through negative psychological stressors such as anxiety, depression and social isolation. The pathogenesis includes decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in poor angiogenesis, matrix regeneration and delayed healing. Prolonged immunological activation in itself is a stressor and can precipitate a sickness behaviour syndrome manifested by disturbed sleep, anorexia, reduction in activity, increased responsiveness to pain and addiction to alcohol and tobacco. It has been observed that cortisol release suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine release, while down-regulation of cortisol causes unabated inflammatory response. In individuals with chronic wounds, on the other hand, it is thought that physical stress has different effects such as foul odor, pain, exudate and social and familial isolation, which may act independently as psychological stressors. This article attempts to appraise the influence of psychological stress on the immunological system and its effect on wound healing.
Tentacular Classrooms: Feminist Transformative Learning for Thinking and Sensing
Authors: Branlat Jennifer , Velasquez Juan , Hellstrand Ingvil
Published: February 2022

Integrative transformative learning in a feminist perspective asks students to engage in potentially troublesome and unsettling debates, to confront their own privilege and situated knowledges, and to experiment with conventional boundaries for knowledge production. We introduce the idea of the “tentacular classroom” grounded in the work of Haraway on tentacular thinking to show the ways in which the learning encounter, figured as a tentacular organism, allows for co-production and multiplicity in knowledge production. Through two illustrative examples from gender studies classrooms, we show what is at stake when unruly tentacles become involved in disrupting the boundedness imposed on teaching and learning in the neo-liberal university context. We conclude that a tentacular classroom entails confrontations with troublesome knowledges but also with troublesome unlearning as well, leading teachers and learners to an alternative point of departure for the learning encounter.
Aortic graft explants – A single institution analysis of incidence and outcomes
Authors: Shiraev Timothy P , de Boer Madeleine , Joseph Simon , Loa Jacky , Qasabian Raffi
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Explantation of both endovascular endovascular aneurysm repair and open aortic grafts is a procedure associated with high peri-operative risk, and the current study sought to determine the outcomes and trends over time in these patients.

Methods

This study examined data from all patients undergoing explant of an aortic graft (both open and endovascular) between January 2004 and December 2020 at a single centre. Variables analysed included comorbidities, duration to and indication for explantation, type of revascularization, in-hospital complications and mortality, duration of hospital and ICU stay, and out-patient mortality.

Results

Of 688 open and 1352 EVARs performed, 46 patients underwent 48 explants. Five were open grafts and 43 were endografts, equating to an explant rate of 0.73% of open and 3.18% EVARs. Average time to explant was 70 months, with patients presenting electively having a significantly longer duration to representation than those presenting emergently (51 vs 44 months, p=0.003). Indication for explant was endoleak in 70%, infection in 23%, and occlusion in 6%. Of the endoleaks, 61% of were Type 1, 22% Type II, 11% Type IV, and 6% Type V. On representation, 17 patients (35%) were symptomatic. Overall mortality rate was 8.3%, with a trend for higher mortality in emergent than elective presentations (11.8 vs 6.5%, p=0.55). There was no change in explant rate over time.

Conclusions

Elective aortic graft explantation is associated with low mortality, despite its complexity and patient comorbidities. Patients presenting with symptoms suffered higher mortality and a longer post-operative course, suggesting that aortic graft explantation should be considered sooner rather than later, rather than persisting with repeated endovascular management.
Changing our Roots: How Having Black Hair Shapes Student Perspectives on Pursuing Careers in Broadcast Journalism
Authors: Harris Whitney
Published: February 2022

Despite more acceptance for natural Black hair in the workplace nationwide, highly-skilled students of color hoping to enter broadcast journalism-related fields are often still deterred from pursuing their dream careers. This is due to concerns about the perception of their natural hair. Many broadcast journalism students report seeing mostly straight hair on TV - and that can be a discouragement to those whose looks don't conform. As students learn about the challenges Black women working in local TV news face, particularly when it comes to strict regulations on their hairstyles and hair textures, it can affect their enthusiasm for pursuing such careers. Focus groups conducted at the University of the District of Columbia and American University with broadcast journalism students highlight the importance of continuing to foster conversations and create policies that help to end hair-based discrimination, particularly in the field of broadcast journalism.
Complete inguinal bladder hernia causing acute right upper urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Madden-McKee Christopher TJ , Getty Matthew , Thompson Trevor J
Published: February 2022

Case Summary:

An 86-year-old male nursing home resident presented with increasing confusion and was initially treated for catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated complete inguinal bladder hernia with compression of the right vesico-ureteric junction leading to acute obstructive renal failure. Percutaneous nephrostomy was attempted but was not possible due to patient non-compliance. Patient improved with conservative management.

Discussion:

Bladder involvement in inguinal hernia is rare with most cases being identified at the time of hernia repair and there is a 17% risk of intra-operative bladder injury. Key risk factors include increasing age, male gender, lower urinary tract symptoms and previous hernia repair. Percutaneous nephrostomy followed by inguinal hernia repair is the treatment of choice for most patients. This case highlights that inguinal bladder hernia can lead to acute upper urinary tract obstruction even when the bladder is catheterised. Level of evidence: IV
“I Definitely Wouldn’t Have Been Able to Make it Through College Without My Dad’s Money”: American College Students’ Reflections Regarding Caregiver Financial Support
Authors: Fletcher Anne C. , Alligood Brittany N.
Published: February 2022

American college students ( N = 49) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on the manner in which their caregivers did (or did not) provide financial support related to their college-enrollment. Transcript data were coded and analyzed using a cross-case, variable-oriented approach. Students described variability in their perceptions of (a) the extent of caregiver financial resources and (b) caregiver representations of financial contributions to college education as a source of support or a source of control. Placement with respect to these two dimensions yielded groups of students that varied in meaningful ways in terms of feelings of obligation to share school-related information with caregivers and attitudes toward caregivers’ support. Findings have implications for informing the manner in which researchers, parents, and campus professionals understand the nature of financial support and the importance of considering the emotional climate within which it is provided.
Functional outcome following excision of giant cell tumour of the distal radius and reconstruction by autologous non-vascularized osteoarticular fibula graft
Authors: Ajit Singh Vivek , Teck Wei Koh , Haseeb Amber , Yasin Nor Faissal
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the bone is a benign but locally aggressive tumour, commonly occurs at the metaphyseal–epiphyseal junction of the distal femur, proximal tibia, and distal radius. For Campanacci grade II and III lesions of the distal radius and in cases of recurrence, we usually carry out wide resection and reconstruction. There are numerous publications on the treatment of GCT of the distal radius. Still, reports on the functional outcome using non-vascularized fibular graft arthroplasty without fusion remain limited.

Method

We reviewed patients who underwent wide resection and non-vascularized fibular graft arthroplasty from 2007 to May 2014. The assessment was done with Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS), Toronto Extremities Scoring System (TESS) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. We also reviewed the radiographic results.

Results

Fifteen patients were recruited, of whom 10 cases used ipsilateral fibular graft and five used contralateral non-vascularized fibular graft. The average duration of follow up was 6 years (3.25–9.92 years). The average grip strength was 48.1% compared to the non-operated hand. The average MSTS score was 78.4 %, TESS score was 84%, and DASH score was 25.2. The average time to radiological union was 12.5 weeks. 64% (29–78%) of the range of movement is preserved compared to the normal side. The complication rate was 20%.

Conclusion

Fibula autograft arthroplasty is a feasible method of reconstruction after distal radius resection with good functional outcomes.
Use of Dalfampridine in a Young Child with Episodic Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Malamud Emily , Otallah Scott I.
Published: February 2022

Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with mutations of the CACNA1A gene. 1 Because there is no curative therapy available, EA2 is typically managed symptomatically. First line treatment has typically been with acetazolamide. 2 Dalfampridine has also been noted to decrease the frequency and duration of ataxic attacks in patients ranging in age from adolescence through adulthood. 3 , 4 The efficacy and dosing of dalfampridine has not yet been studied in younger pediatric populations. The lack of published experience in younger children can and has led to these patients going without potentially safe and effective treatment. Thus, we describe an 8-year-old girl with EA2 and a confirmed CACNA1A gene mutation whose symptoms had been previously unrelieved by acetazolamide. She was subsequently trialed on dalfampridine and experienced symptomatic relief at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg.
The political geographies of strategic partnerships: City deals and non-deals
Authors: Soininvaara Ilppo
Published: February 2022

This article analyses the changing relations and deal making processes between the State of Finland and Finnish cities in the context of the so-called partnership approach in regional development. Within the partnership approach, the state apparatus and cities are figuratively posited as equal partners, though this equality has not been achieved in practice. The approach, promoted by consecutive Finnish governments, is analysed as an active mode of territorial politics that aims to capture or produce certain forms of urbanisation. These strategic partnerships are analysed by utilising the so-called regional cities, a group of smaller Finnish cities, as a case study. The article looks at how different participants, interviewed state officials and mayors of the regional cities, evaluate and frame the partnership approach. While the interviewees often regard the partnership approach as a functional mode of interaction and development, in practice, it creates and solidifies spatial categories and further contributes to the justification of instances of spatial selectivity. It becomes evident that deal making as a mode of regional development policy relies on hierarchisation and categorisation reflecting wider trends in state spatial transformation. The article argues that while failing to address the needs of smaller cities, the deal making process is nevertheless manifest in terms of demonstrative politics and so-called non-deals where deal making practices are constantly upheld but without clear content.
Detecting gene–gene interactions from GWAS using diffusion kernel principal components
Authors: Walakira Andrew , Ocira Junior , Duroux Diane , Fouladi Ramouna , Moškon Miha , Rozman Damjana , Van Steen Kristel
Published: February 2022

Genes and gene products do not function in isolation but as components of complex networks of macromolecules through physical or biochemical interactions. Dependencies of gene mutations on genetic background (i.e., epistasis) are believed to play a role in understanding molecular underpinnings of complex diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the process of identifying such interactions is complex due to for instance the curse of high dimensionality, dependencies in the data and non-linearity. Here, we propose a novel approach for robust and computationally efficient epistasis detection. We do so by first reducing dimensionality, per gene via diffusion kernel principal components (kpc). Subsequently, kpc gene summaries are used for downstream analysis including the construction of a gene-based epistasis network. We show that our approach is not only able to recover known IBD associated genes but also additional genes of interest linked to this difficult gastrointestinal disease.
Effect of topical local anaesthesia on injection pain associated with administration of sterile water injections - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mårtensson Lena B. , Gunnarsson Britt-Marie , Karlsson Sandra , Lee Nigel , Bergh Ingrid
Published: February 2022

Background

Sterile water injections can provide effective pain relief during childbirth, particularly for low back pain related to childbirth. However, the pain associated administering the injections can negatively impact women’s impressions of the procedure. It may discourage women from considering repeat doses despite the quality of analgesia experienced. Determining strategies to reduce the pain related to the administration of sterile water injections would improve the acceptability of the technique. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical local anesthesia on the pain associated with administration of sterile water injections.

Methods

The study was designed as a multi-arm single-blind, randomized, controlled trial and 120 female healthy students were randomly divided according to one of four groups. The Intervention group received sterile water injections with topical local anesthesia. Control group 1 received sterile water injections without topical local anesthesia, control group 2 received injections of isotonic saline 0.9% with topical local anesthesia and control group 3 received injections of isotonic saline 0.9% without topical local anesthesia. Pain Immediately after the injections and subsidence in pain were recorded using a visual analogue scale. Sensations in the injection area were reported 15 min and the day after the injections.

Results

The main finding of this study was that local anesthesia with EMLA® reduces the pain associated with the administration of intracutaneous sterile water injections. There was a significant difference in the self-assessed pain score immediately following the injections between the control (73.3 mm) and intervention groups (50.0 mm), p = 0.001. No adverse side effects were reported.

Conclusion

Local anesthesia with EMLA® reduces the pain associated with intracutaneous administration of sterile water injections.

Trial registration

The study was registered 08/07/2014 at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02213185.
Influenza circulating viruses, positivity rate and risk factors for influenza associated severe acute respiratory infection during 2018/2019 winter season, Yemen
Authors: Al Amad Mohammed , Almoayed Khaled
Published: February 2022

Background

The burden of seasonal influenza in conflict counties is exacerbated due to limited resource and collapse of health system. During 2018 /2019 season, two-fold increase in the incidence of influenza was reported in Yemen with 22% case fatality of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). The aims are to analyze the influenza circulating viruses, positivity rate and risk factors for hospitalizing influenza associated-SARI.

Methodology

We used a retrospective analytical study based on surveillance data. All reported patients during 2018/2019 season, fulfilling the WHO cases definition for SARI or influenza like illness (ILI), and had laboratory result from the National Laboratory were included. Influenza positivity rate was calculated, all SARI and ILI patients with positive influenza were included for further analysis by univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. Crude and adjusted Odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05 were used for statistically significant.

Results

Out of 2186 patients enrolled, 768 patients were tested for influenza viruses,: 19% were children < 15 years, 15% were ≥ 65 years, 69% males and 18% had co-morbidity with chronic diseases. Patients with SARI were 37% and 63% were ILI patients. Influenza viruses were detected in 411 (53.5%), 68% were influenza A subtype (H1N1)pdm09, 27% influenza B and 5% was influenza A not subtyped. The influenza positivity was significantly higher in SARI compared to ILI for patients < 15 years (95% vs, 66%, p < 0.001), and patients ≥ 65 years (83% vs. 56%, p < 0.002), respectively. The highest positivity for influenza type A and B reached 44% and 33% for patients ≥ 65 years and < 15 years, respectively. The risk factors for influenza-associated SARI in multivariate analysis included age < 5 [AOR 2.8] and ≥ 65 years old [AOR 3.1] compared to age 5– < 25 years, diabetes [AOR 4.7], heart diseases [AOR 3.1] and chronic respiratory diseases [AOR 5.0].

Conclusion

The influenza positivity during 2018/2019 winter season was high in Yemen and varied by age distribution. Influenza subtype A (H1N1) pdm09 was the predominant and co circulated with influenza B. An influenza vaccination program for the risk group is necessary. Strengthening lab capacity to detect respiratory pathogens and further prospective study for more comprehensive picture are recommended.
Relationship between the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes/medical costs of patients with community-acquired acute pyelonephritis: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Yoon Choseok , Park Se Yoon , Kim Bongyoung , Kwon Ki Tae , Ryu Seong-yeol , Wie Seong-Heon , Jo Hyun-uk , Kim Jieun , Hong Kyung-Wook , Kim Hye In , Kim Hyun ah , Kim Mi-Hee , Bae Mi-Hyun , Sohn Yong-Hak , Kim Jieun , Lee Yangsoon , Pai Hyunjoo
Published: February 2022

Background

Inappropriate use of antibiotics not only increases antibiotic resistance as collateral damage but also increases clinical failure rates and medical costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the appropriateness of antibiotic prescription and outcomes of community-acquired acute pyelonephritis (CA-APN).

Methods

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted at eight hospitals in Korea between September 2017 and August 2018. All hospitalized patients aged ≥ 19 years who were diagnosed with CA-APN on admission were recruited. The appropriateness of empirical and definitive antibiotics, as well as the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment duration and route of administration, was evaluated in accordance with the guideline and expert opinions. Clinical outcomes and medical costs were compared between patients who were administered antibiotics ‘appropriately’ and ‘inappropriately.’

Results

A total of 397 and 318 patients were eligible for the analysis of the appropriateness of empirical and definitive antibiotics, respectively. Of them, 10 (2.5%) and 18 (5.7%) were administered ‘inappropriately’ empirical and definitive antibiotics, respectively. Of the 119 patients whose use of both empirical and definitive antibiotics was classified as ‘optimal,’ 57 (47.9%) received antibiotics over a longer duration than that recommended; 67 (56.3%) did not change to oral antibiotics on day 7 of hospitalization, even after stabilization of the clinical symptoms. Patients who were administered empirical antibiotics ‘appropriately’ had shorter hospitalization days (8 vs. 10 days, P = 0.001) and lower medical costs (2381.9 vs. 3235.9 USD, P = 0.002) than those who were administered them ‘inappropriately.’ Similar findings were observed for patients administered both empirical and definitive antibiotics ‘appropriately’ and those administered either empirical or definitive antibiotics ‘inappropriately’.

Conclusions

Appropriate use of antibiotics leads to better outcomes, including reduced hospitalization duration and medical costs.
Randomized double-blind clinical trial comparing safety and efficacy of the biosimilar BCD-021 with reference bevacizumab
Authors: Stroyakovskiy Daniil L. , Fadeeva Natalya V. , Matrosova Marina P. , Shelepen Konstantin G. , Adamchuk Grigoriy A. , Roy Bodhisatta , Nagarkar Rajnish , Kalloli Mahesh , Zhuravleva Daria , Voevodin Georgiy D. , Shustova Mariya S. , Kryukov Fedor
Published: February 2022

Background

BCD-021 is a bevacizumab biosimilar which was shown to be equivalent to reference bevacizumab in a wide panel of physicochemical studies as well as preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo. International multicenter phase III clinical trial was conducted to compare efficacy and safety of BCD-021 and reference bevacizumab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in a first-line treatment of inoperable or advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients with no previous treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC were randomly assigned 3:2 to BCD-021 or reference bevacizumab and were treated with bevacizumab + paclitaxel + carboplatin. Therapy continued for 6 cycles (every 3 weeks), until progression of the disease or unbearable toxicity. The primary study endpoint was the overall response rate. The study goal was to prove the equivalent efficacy of BCD-021 and reference bevacizumab. Equivalence margins for 95% CI for the difference in the overall response rates were set at [-18%; 18%], for 90% CI for the ratio of overall response rate were set at [67%; 150%].

Results

In total 357 patients were enrolled in the study, 212 in the BCD-021 group and 145 in the reference bevacizumab group. The ORR was 34.63% in the BCD-022 group and 33.82% in the reference bevacizumab group. Limits of 95% CI for the difference in overall response rates between the groups were [-9.47%; 11.09%]. Limits of 90% CI for the ratio of overall response rate between the groups were [79.6%; 131.73%]. For both approaches CI lied within predetermined equivalence margins. Profile of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the groups (any AEs were reported in 86.89% of patients in BCD-021 group and 89.05% of patients in reference group). No unexpected adverse reactions were reported throughout the study. No statistically significant differences regarding anti-drug antibody occurrence rate was found between BCD-022 (n=4; 1.96%) and comparator (n=5; 3.65%). Both drug products showed low occurrence rate and short life of anti-bevacizumab antibodies. Pharmacokinetics assessment after 1st and 6th study drug injection also demonstrated equivalent PK parameters by all outcome measures.

Conclusions

Thus, the results of this study demonstrated therapeutic equivalence of bevacizumab biosimilar BCD-021 and referent bevacizumab drug.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Study Number NCT01763645, date of registration 09/01/2013).
Sociodemographic and socioeconomic correlates of learning disability in preterm children in the United States
Authors: Okoli Menkeoma Laura , Ogbu Chukwuemeka E. , Enyi Chioma O. , Okoli Ibuchim C. , Wilson Ronee E. , Kirby Russell S.
Published: February 2022

Background

In 2019, 1 in every 10 infants born in the United States was preterm. Prematurity has life-threatening consequences and causes a range of developmental disabilities, of which learning disability is a prevalent complication. Despite the availability of special services for children living with learning disability, gaps still exist in terms of access due to socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate socioeconomic and sociodemographic correlates of learning disability in preterm children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2016–2018 National Survey of Children’s Health. Weighted multivariable analyses were conducted to ascertain the association of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on learning disability among preterm children. The main outcome variable was the presence of learning disability.

Results

Among 9555 preterm children in our study population, 1167 (12%) had learning disability. Learning disability was significantly associated with health insurance, food situation, and poverty level after adjustment for other variables. Children currently insured had lower odds of having learning disability compared to those without health insurance (OR = 0.79, 95% C.I. = 0.70–0.91). Also, children living in households that cannot afford nutritious meals are more likely to have learning disability compared to those that can afford nutritious meals at home (OR = 1.55, 95% C.I. = 1.22–1.97).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for intervention efforts to target these children living with a learning disability to achieve the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of promoting educational equality and empowerment of children living with a learning disability.
Improvised use of a digital tool for social interaction in a Norwegian care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study
Authors: Badawy Abeer , Solberg Mads , Obstfelder Aud Uhlen , Alnes Rigmor Einang
Published: February 2022

Background

Digital tools for social communication have been deployed in care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate social connectedness between older people and their next of kin in a safe manner. This study explores how and why health care professionals facilitate the ad hoc and prompt use of a technology for social communication, known as KOMP, in care facilities in western Norway to promote communication and social engagement among residents and their next of kin during the crisis.

Methods

To investigate the perspectives and practices of health care professionals, we conducted focus groups, individual interviews, and participant observation in public short- and long-term care facilities in western Norway. An explorative investigation with inductive content analysis was applied to analyse interview transcripts and fieldnotes from participant observation.

Results

The resulting qualitative data reveal that prompt implementation of interactive technology to cope with social distancing during the pandemic added new routines to the staff workload. Using this interactive technology entailed new forms of collaborative work among residents, next of kin, health care professionals and technology facilitators. Additionally, the staff articulated a sense of responsibility towards using KOMP as a meaningful and practical tool for social communication in an extraordinary period of reduced social contact.

Conclusions

Improvised implementation of KOMP as an interactive technology shapes work routines, introduces new tasks and creates additional responsibilities. Despite creative efforts by health care staff, however, using KOMP remains constrained by the physical and cognitive abilities of its users. We suggest that health care managers ask a deceptively simple question when introducing novel technologies in health care contexts, namely: what kind of invisible work do these devices entail?
T-cell-lymphoma presented as a solitary subcutaneous mass in the ventral cervical region of an adult llama- diagnostic and treatment
Authors: Schoiswohl Julia , Eibl Cassandra , Haralambus Rhea , Lipnik Karoline , Schieder Katrin , Franz Sonja
Published: February 2022

Background

Neoplasm in South American camelids (SAC) are commonly described. The most frequently reported type of neoplasm are lymphomas and difference in the age suffering from lymphomas of and llamas is seen.

This report describes a case of a solitary lymphoma in a 5 years and 9 month old llama mare displaying the approach of diagnostic imaging and successful surgical treatment.

Case presentation

The llama was referred to the clinic for dyspnoea and inspiratory abnormal respiratory sounds. The clinical examination comprised blood cell count, ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations, endoscopy and fine needle aspiration cytology of a mass detected in the mid cervical region. The mass was surgically removed. Histopathological examination of the surgically removed mass diagnosed a malignant T-cell- lymphoma. According to the results of the clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations no tumor invasion was apparent in distant organs and the llama was discharged from the clinic seven days after surgery.

Conclusion

Lymphoma has been reported to be the most common neoplasia in camelids and are more often described in young alpacas and in adult llamas. To the author´s knowledge the case presented here is the first that described a broad panel of diagnostic tools including ultrasound, radiographs, endoscopy, fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathoogical examination as well as a successful surgical treatment of a solitary lymphoma in camelids.
Effect of previous wedge resection for interstitial pregnancy on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles of IVF/ICSI: a retrospective study
Authors: Tang Shengluan , Du Tong , Huang Jialyu , Ye Hongjuan , Zhao Ming , Lin Jiaying , Kuang Yanping
Published: February 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women, with a previous history of wedge resection for interstitial pregnancy, in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles of IVF/ICSI.

Methods

The present study involved a retrospective case-control assessment of 75 cases and 375 control subjects over 6 years in a single center. To compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between cases, treated using wedge resection, and controls without any previous history of ectopic pregnancy, propensity score matching (1:5) was utilized. The study also compared subgroups in the case group.

Results

Women with previous wedge resection exhibited higher rates of ectopic pregnancy and uterine rupture rate as compared to control subjects (9.1% vs 1.3%, P = 0.025 and 4.5% vs 0%, P = 0.035, respectively). No statistically significant differences were recorded between the two cohorts with regard to clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and neonatal outcomes. For pregnancy type subgroup analysis, Z-score and rates of large for gestational age were recorded to be significantly lower in twin pregnancy subgroup when compared with singleton pregnancy subgroup (0.10 (− 0.59, 0.25) vs 0.50 (− 0.97, 1.39), P = 0.005; 4.5% vs 26.1%, P = 0.047, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicated that previous wedge resection correlated to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy and uterine rupture. However, it might not be related to an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. The study recommended cesarean section in these patients. Further studies are required to verify the validity of current recommendations.
Introduction to this special section: Life of the well
Authors: Weiss Chester J. , Daley Tom
Published: February 2022

One of the consequences of identifying economically viable hydrocarbon resources is the emplacement of production infrastructure that brings the resource to market. This complex system of anthropogenic artifacts — tanks, pipelines, power grids, etc. — and its natural degradation over time present a challenge for ongoing geophysical assessment of the oil field's state of health. In this special section, we highlight a selection of recent advances in seismic and electromagnetic (EM) technology to overcome the problems of anthropogenic overprinting for problems spanning the full lifecyle of the oil field, and in some cases, how that infrastructure can be used to facilitate an improved subsurface interrogation or to find renewed utility once production has ceased.
Modeling and inversion of electromagnetic data collected over steel casings: An analysis of two controlled field experiments in Colorado
Authors: Orujov Gurban , Streich Rita , Swidinsky Andrei
Published: February 2022

Modeling and inversion of electromagnetic (EM) data contaminated by steel infrastructure remains a numerically challenging task. In this study, we collected controlled-source EM (CSEM) field data at two test sites. First, we conducted a CSEM survey over a dry and abandoned well in eastern Colorado. Next, we collected CSEM data over a test well located at the Colorado School of Mines. The purpose of these experiments was to examine methods to invert EM data contaminated by infrastructure effects and recover undistorted subsurface conductivity models. We used a hybrid approach to model casing effects by considering the conductive metal as a distribution of secondary sources with magnitudes calculated using an approximate layered background. In particular, we applied the method of moments algorithm to calculate the magnitude of the secondary electric dipole sources along the casing. Subsequently, we included these secondary sources in a 3D finite-volume-based forward calculation and used the Gauss-Newton method to invert the contaminated field data. As expected, our preliminary inversion results show that by not considering casing effects, significant artifacts are introduced in the recovered models. Furthermore, we show that such artifacts are reduced significantly through the introduction of casing physics in the forward model, enabling the surrounding subsurface conductivity and corresponding geology to be characterized.