bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, spectral, molecular modeling, biological and antitumor studies of new nifuroxazide complexes
Authors: Alosaimi Eid H. , El-Shwiniy Walaa H. , Alshahrani Saad M. , Younes Ayman A. O. , Nassar Mostafa Y. , El-Desoky Sameh I.
Published: July 2021

Series of Zr(IV), Ce(IV) and U(VI) complexes were synthesized with nifuroxazide ligand. Design and formulae of the complexes suggested in the light of analytical, spectral, magnetic and thermal analyses (1HNMR, IR, UV-Vis). The calculated values of molar conductance mean that, all isolated complexes were electrolytes. The data revealed the complexes formation and suggested that nifuroxazide binds as a bidentate at NO sites with metal ions. The kinetic parameters evaluated using Coats Redfern (CR) and Horowitz-Metzeger (HM) methods. The thermodynamic data reflect the thermal stability for all complexes. The calculated bond length and force constant values for UO2bond are 1.741 Å and 459.409 Nm−1. The research investigations were related to quantum chemical calculations conducted at the theory level of DFT/B3LYP/LANL2DZ. The nifuroxazide, inorganic salts and their metal complexes were assayed against different bacterial species as well as thein vitrogrowth inhibitory activity against human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and HCT-116 cell lines. Zr(IV) complex was found to have the highest activity against all the tested organisms and a powerful anti-cancer drug.
Using Opinion Polling Data to Replicate Non-Experimental Quantitative Results Across Time and Space: An Exploration of Attitudes Surrounding School Desegregation and Resegregation Policies
Authors: Parcel Toby L. , Bauldry Shawn , Mickelson Roslyn A. , Smith Stephen S. , Riel Virginia , Boden Madison
Published: July 2021

A renewed call for replications has emerged in social science research. An important form of replication involves exploring the extent to which findings from a given study hold in other contexts. This study draws on opinion polling data to replicate key findings across time and space based on an original study in one location analyzing attitudes toward public school assignment policies. The replication finds that many of the original findings hold, though one important exception reflects the changing context. We note that the increasing availability of relatively inexpensive methods of quantitative data production facilitates replication and comment on how the temporal interval between the original study and the replication may influence the extent to which findings replicate. We argue that largely successful replications help to clarify the conditions under which findings replicate, and that sociologists are in the early stages of determining which strategies work best for replicating which findings.
Ubuntu and its potential impact on the international social work profession
Authors: Mayaka Bernard , Truell Rory
Published: July 2021

Ubuntu is the current theme for the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development and represents the highest level of global messaging within the social work profession for the years 2020–2030. This article presents an in-depth description of Ubuntu as a philosophy of social development that can strengthen social work theory and practice in its global aims of supporting community systems of social protection and social justice. The article concludes with advancing proposals on how the learnings from Ubuntu can strengthen international social work ethics, principles and practice.
Death Anxiety and Related Factors in Schizophrenia Patients: Controlled Study
Authors: Öztürk Seher Serez , Çiçek İsmet Esra , Eren İbrahim
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the level of death anxiety and related sociodemographic and clinical variables in schizophrenia patients. One hundred and ninety schizophrenia patients and 110 healthy controls were included the study. Death anxiety measured with Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). The patients were also evaluated with scales in terms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and suicide. The death anxiety level in patients with schizophrenia was significantly higher than the healthy controls. The severity of depressive and psychotic symptoms were related to the level of death anxiety. Patients with schizophrenia may need more protection and psychosocial interventions about death related themes.
Polymeric hybrid nanocomposites processing and finite element modeling: An overview
Authors: Uthale Suhas A , Dhamal Nitin A , Shinde Dattaji K , Kelkar Ajit D
Published: July 2021

Polymeric hybrid nanocomposites, due to improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, are key factors in recent technologies. Because of anisotropic characteristics of polymeric hybrid nanocomposites, mechanical properties and their behavior are very difficult to predict. If they are fabricated with complicated woven fabric patterns, it becomes more difficult to predict. This review discusses in detail the properties and manufacturing methods of various fibers, focuses on different manufacturing, processing, and characterization techniques used for polymeric hybrid nanocomposites. Theoretical composite models and some recent advances in modeling and simulation techniques for polymer nanoparticle composites are discussed and thus this review can provide significant guidelines for the development of manufacturing, characterization, testing, modeling, and simulation techniques for high performance hybrid polymer nanocomposites as current state of art.
Mechanical response and failure mechanism of three-dimensional braided composites under various strain-rate loadings by experimental and simulation research: a review
Authors: Chen Zhimei , Yue Chengming , Zhang Yan , Wang Ping , Li Yuanyuan
Published: July 2021

The high stiffness and great strength of three-dimensional (3D) braided composites mean they are widely used in the aerospace, marine and automotive industries. Three-dimensional braided composites exhibit very different mechanical responses under various strain-rate loadings (such as tensile, compression, punch and shearing) due to their complex structural characteristics. Studies under quasi-static and low strain-rate loadings predict the elasto-plastic properties of 3D braided composites, and research under high strain-rate loading has explored the conditions of industrial composites used in special environments. The investigation of the strain-rate effect can provide a sound database reference for engineering design. Through experiments and simulation analysis methods, this work reviews the braided structural effect, mechanical response and failure mechanism of 3D braided composites under various strain rates. Mechanical properties under different theoretical and structural models are reviewed and summarized. In particular, the damage evolution and stress propagation of 3D braided composites were revealed from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives through finite element modeling.
Peace research meets implementation studies: The role of implementing actors
Authors: Froitzheim Meike , Schierenbeck Isabell , Söderbaum Fredrik
Published: July 2021

In spite of a vibrant debate about the genesis, logic and effects of peace operations, peace research remains poorly equipped to account for how policies are implemented and ‘translated into practice’ – issues that have been the focus in implementation studies for nearly five decades. In response, we propose a merger of certain strands of peace research with bottom-up implementation studies, which forefronts the role of ‘implementing actors’, namely, those actors who are granted the discretionary powers to carry out policies in their daily encounter with local counterparts on the ground. Through a case study of peace operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we show that successful policy implementation depends on that field-based implementing actors are provided with discretionary powers to use their skill, judgement and local knowledge to solve problems and ensure implementation of peace operations on the ground. There is a need for a paradigm change within peace research in order to account for these findings. Better understanding of the daily work carried out by implementing actors in the field makes it possible to avoid many of the pitfalls and shortcomings we have witnessed through several decades of flawed or even devastating peace operations such as the one in DRC.
Excision of Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve Schwannoma Via a Pure Endoscopic Endonasal Approach
Authors: Wang Zhenlin , Zhang Siyuan , Qi Yan , Cao Lianjie , Li Pu , Zhang Qiuhang
Published: July 2021

Greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) schwannomas are an exceedingly rare nerve sheath tumor. The current literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase database by key search terms. Only 31 cases have been reported in the literature so far. Facial palsy, hearing loss, and xerophthalmia accounted for 48.4% (15), 41.9% (13), and 29% (9) of all cases, respectively. The middle cranial fossa approach was used in all previous reports. A retrospective review of 2 GSPN schwannomas patients treated by endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in our center was collected. Clinical records, including clinical features, pre- and postoperative images, surgery, and follow-up information, were reviewed. In all cases, clinical features including facial numbness and headache were found, with tinnitus in case 1, hearing loss, xerophthalmia in case 2. Imaging studies showed a solid mass that originated in the anterior of the petrous bone. Two patients were treated by EEA. Furthermore, no recurrence was found during the follow-up period (15-29 months) in both of the 2 cases after the operation. Complete resection of GSPN schwannomas can be achieved via the pure EEA. Endoscopic endonasal approach for radical removal of tumors is safe and feasible.
Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis on Respiratory Functions and FeNO Production in the Lower Respiratory Tract
Authors: Terada Tetsuya , Inui Takaki , Moriyama Kou , Noro Keiki , Kikuoka Yusuke , Omura Shuji , Suzuki Manabu , Kawata Ryo
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To confirm the relevance of upper and lower airway inflammation in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on lower airway functions and inflammation need to be examined in ECRS patients.

Methods:

Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps (25 non-ECRS, 28 ECRS) were enrolled. The 12 patients in the ECRS group had comorbid asthma, in contrast to none in the non-ECRS group. We divided ECRS patients into 2 groups of ECRS with and without asthma. Clinical markers, including fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory functions, and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire, were investigated before and after ESS.

Results:

The FeNO levels in the ECRS with asthma group decreased after ESS. The mean FeNO levels in this group were 56.3 ppb before ESS and 24.9, 25.1, 25.0, and 15.5 ppb 1, 2, 3, and 4 months, respectively, after ESS. The mean forced expiratory rates in 1 second before and after ESS were 67.6% and 73.0%, respectively. The mean maximal expiratory flow rates at 50% of the vital capacity before and after ESS were 45.8% and 58.0%, respectively. Significant differences were observed in respiratory functions before and after ESS. The mean ACT scores in the ECRS with asthma group before and after ESS were 17.5 and 23.5, respectively. The ACT scores were significantly higher after than before ESS.

Conclusions:

The present results indicate that ECRS and bronchial asthma are common eosinophilic airway inflammatory diseases, and ESS for eosinophilic sinusitis may improve lower airway function.
Clinical Biomarkers in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery: Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Samarrai Ruwaa , Rahman Khalil , Parham Kourosh
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to review the literature and compile promising and clinically relevant biomarkers in autoimmune disease related to otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Methods:

Pubmed and Google Scholar were queried using combined key words such as “biomarkers” and “otolaryngology.” Additional queries were made with combined key words such as “biomarkers” and a particular subspecialty such as “autoimmune” or “Meniere’s” to maximize yield of relevant titles. Subsequently, specific biomarkers identified, such as “anti-TPO-antibodies,” were used as key words. Relevant titles were reviewed and selected for abstract review. Applicable abstracts were then selected for review of the full text.

Results:

Biomarkers that are currently in clinical use for the management of autoimmune diseases within the field of otolaryngology were included in this review. The compiled biomarkers were then detailed individually regarding their molecular characteristics, function, and clinical significance.

Conclusions:

Based on this literature review, there are several biomarkers currently in clinical use within the field of otolaryngology relating to autoimmune diseases. The majority of these biomarkers are in the form of proteins such as Cogan peptide and c-ANCA. This survey may serve as a comprehensive resource on biomarkers for autoimmune diseases in clinical otolaryngology.
Space and Sensemaking in High-Reliability Task Contexts: Insights from a maritime mass rescue exercise
Authors: Steigenberger Norbert , Lübcke Thomas
Published: July 2021

The spatial environment shapes sensemaking in complex situations. While we know that actors in high-reliability task contexts often have a certain degree of control over their spatial environment, it remains unclear how they enact it and which effect this has on their sensemaking. In this paper, we use micro-ethnographic video data from two maritime mass rescue exercises to fill this gap. We find that actors that are under a high cognitive load enact space incidentally and fail to re-enact their spatial environment when problems arise. Instead, actors engage in micro-activities that temporarily mitigate the problems created by their space enactment. We develop a model on space and sensemaking in high-reliability task contexts that distinguishes between unenacted, enacted and lived space. Our findings point towards nested sensemaking, where the enacted spatial environment becomes part of the overall ‘story’ of an operation. Our findings have implications for our understanding of space and sensemaking in high-reliability task contexts, provide opportunities to improve high-reliability organizations’ performance and add to research on space and organising.
A Genome‐First Approach to Rare Variants in Dominant Postlingual Hearing Loss Genes in a Large Adult Population
Authors: Ahmadmehrabi Shadi , Li Binglan , Hui Daniel , Park Joseph , Ritchie Marylyn , Rader Daniel J. , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Epstein Douglas J. , Brant Jason
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the importance of rare variants in adult‐onset hearing loss.

Study Design

Genomic association study.

Setting

Large biobank from tertiary care center.

Methods

We investigated rare variants (minor allele frequency <5%) in 42 autosomal dominant (DFNA) postlingual hearing loss (HL) genes in 16,657 unselected individuals in the Penn Medicine Biobank. We determined the prevalence of known pathogenic and predicted deleterious variants in subjects with audiometric‐proven sensorineural hearing loss. We scanned across known postlingual DFNA HL genes to determine those most significantly contributing to the phenotype. We replicated findings in an independent cohort (UK Biobank).

Results

While rare individually, when considering the accumulation of variants in all postlingual DFNA genes, more than 90% of participants carried at least 1 rare variant. Rare variants predicted to be deleterious were enriched in adults with audiometric‐proven hearing loss (pure‐tone average >25 dB; P =. 015). Patients with a rare predicted deleterious variant had an odds ratio of 1.27 for HL compared with genotypic controls (P =. 029). Gene burden in DIABLO, PTPRQ, TJP2, and POU4F3 were independently associated with sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusion

Although prior reports have focused on common variants, we find that rare predicted deleterious variants in DFNA postlingual HL genes are enriched in patients with adult‐onset HL in a large health care system population. We show the value of investigating rare variants to uncover hearing loss phenotypes related to implicated genes.
Bereaved relatives’ quality of life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of the prospective, multicenter, observational eQuiPe study
Authors: Ham Laurien , Fransen Heidi P , van den Borne Ben , Hendriks Mathijs P , van Laarhoven Hanneke WM , van der Padt-Pruijsten Annemieke , Raijmakers Natasja , van Roij Janneke , Sommeijer Dirkje W , Vriens Birgit EPJ , van Zuylen Lia , van de Poll – Franse Lonneke
Published: July 2021

Background:

The death of a loved one is considered as one of the most stressful life events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, grief processes are potentially affected by measures such as social distancing and self-quarantine.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to give insight in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life, social support, and self-care of bereaved relatives of people with advanced cancer in order to evaluate whether care for bereaved relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic should be improved.

Design:

A cross-sectional analysis using data from bereaved relatives of a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, observational study on quality of care and quality of life of people with advanced cancer and their (bereaved) relatives (eQuiPe).

Setting/participants:

Quality of life, social support, and self-care of bereaved relatives who completed a questionnaire within 3–6 months after their relative died during COVID-19 (April-November 2020) were compared with bereaved relatives who completed this questionnaire pre-COVID-19 (April-November 2019).

Results:

Ninety-one bereaved relatives were included in the analysis, 44 bereaved relatives completed the questionnaire pre-COVID-19 and 47 during COVID-19. The median age of the participants was 65 (IQR = 14) years and 58% were female. There were no significant differences between the pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 bereaved relatives in quality of life (68 vs 69), social support (17 vs 18), and self-care (20 vs 19).

Conclusions:

On the short-term, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have significant impact on bereaved relatives’ wellbeing. However, long-term impact of the pandemic on their wellbeing should be assessed.
GIScience II: Newness and imminence
Authors: Wilson Matthew W
Published: July 2021

In this second report, I discuss the role of newness in GIScience, drawing distinctions between ‘the new’, as a state of emergent technology and technical situation, and imminence, a state of happenings and becomings. I suggest that GIScience often reduces the two to each other – what is imminent is that which is new – with specific implications for the use of geospatial techniques and technologies in explicitly radical, critical, and anti-racist projects. To engage in this work means often to make do with what is available and accessible, with no less need for experimentation and innovation.
Database Design and Integration Framework for Risk Management for State Highway Agencies
Authors: Nlenanya Inya , Smadi Omar
Published: July 2021

Risk-based transportation asset management program (TAMP) gives transportation agencies the ability to have a mechanism for documenting and measuring risks to their operations, as this will help drive the potential mitigation activities. The monitoring and updating of the risk management process is essential to TAMP as it will ensure that the financial plan and investment strategy components of the TAMP are suitable to ensure that agencies continue to fulfill their primary responsibilities. However, a review of the initial TAMP documents submitted by U.S. transportation agencies showed that although risks are acknowledged, there does not exist a clear line of sight between risk management and agencies’ programming. This is the result of a lack of cross-asset risk integration. As a result, the paper proposes a data integration framework for developing a cross-asset comprehensive database for risk management that integrates many of the common risks that state highway agencies have identified in the initial TAMP documents. In addition, the paper proposes modifications to the risk identification methodology that leverage the collaborative aspects of risk management to quantify risk in monetary terms.
Pavement Fatigue Damage Simulations Using Second-Generation Mechanistic-Empirical Approaches
Authors: Hernandez-Fernandez Noe , Harvey John T. , Underwood Benjamin Shane , Ossa-Lopez Alexandra
Published: July 2021

This article aims to demonstrate the advanced features of two second-generation mechanistic-empirical (ME) pavement analysis engines by focusing on their ability to conduct fatigue performance analysis. First, a comprehensive review is presented of both mechanistic and empirical damage models, underlining the additional features of CalME and FlexPAVE™ over AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. Then, the capabilities of these methodologies are demonstrated by simulating the fatigue damage performance of an example study section. For these simulations the mechanical properties of four asphalt concrete mixtures, assembled in the laboratory with similar mix design attributes but diverse fatigue characteristics, were utilized. The empirical transfer functions were initially calibrated against field cracking for the unmodified mixture cracking predictions. After that, fatigue damage simulations for the other three mixtures were performed. The results showed a similar ranking in fatigue cracking performance for both software simulations. Polymer-modified mixtures exhibited higher fatigue cracking resistance, whereas the unmodified mixture showed the worst cracking resistance. However, significant differences in cracking initiation and progression rates were observed for all mixture simulations before and after calibration. This discrepancy was related to the different approaches to considering traffic loads in each software system, single axle in FlexPAVE™ and axle spectrum in CalME. Finally, current, and future enhancements for both analysis engines are briefly discussed.
The Triple Burden of Malnutrition Among Adolescents in Indonesia
Authors: Rah Jee Hyun , Melse-Boonstra Alida , Agustina Rina , van Zutphen Kesso Gabrielle , Kraemer Klaus
Published: July 2021

Background:

Indonesia is a prime example of the triple burden of malnutrition. Indonesian adolescents are among the hardest hit, with approximately one in four adolescent girls suffering from anemia, while nearly one in seven adolescents is overweight or obese.

Objectives:

The present editorial provides a snapshot of the various research papers included in this Supplement, which calls for increased attention to adolescent nutrition in Indonesia and beyond.

Results:

Despite major steps to reduce undernutrition and overweight, including a renewed focus on anemia among adolescent girls, major gaps remain in our understanding of various nutrition issues concerning adolescents. These include various drivers and determinants of the triple burden of malnutrition, evidence-based interventions that are supported by large-scale implementation research and evaluation, and effective delivery platforms to reach the most vulnerable groups of adolescents.

Conclusion:

The time has come to position adolescent nutrition as central to development, and mainstream it into health sector plans, strategies, and policies. It is our hope that this issue will stimulate the urgently needed interventions, implementation research and required programs that will safeguard the nutritional wellbeing of today's forgotten generation.
Coronavirus, the great toilet paper panic and civilisation
Authors: Stratton Jon
Published: July 2021

Panic buying of toilet rolls in Australia began in early March 2020. This was related to the realisation that the novel coronavirus was spreading across the country. To the general population the impact of the virus was unknown. Gradually the federal government started closing the country’s borders. The panic buying of toilet rolls was not unique to Australia. It happened across all societies that used toilet paper rather than water to clean after defecation and urination. However, research suggests that the panic buying was most extreme in Australia. This article argues that the panic buying was closely linked to everyday notions of Western civilisation. Pedestal toilets and toilet paper are key aspects of civilisation and the fear of the loss of toilet paper is connected to anxiety about social breakdown, the loss of civilisation. This is the fear manifested in the perceived threat posed by the virus.
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener Ratings in College Students: Concurrent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Ferrier David E. , Wang Tina , Jordan Alexander H.
Published: July 2021

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale screener is commonly used to determine if further evaluation of ADHD is required. However, despite use in college settings, the ASRS was not developed for this population, and limited relevant psychometric data exist. In this study, 190 college students completed the ASRS screener as well as a lengthier measure of the 18 DSM symptoms of ADHD. A subgroup ( n = 141) completed the ASRS twice, with at least 1 week in between measures. Concurrent validity of ASRS scores was substantial ( r = 0.73 with DSM inattentive symptoms and r = 0.57 with DSM hyperactive/impulsive symptoms) and test–retest reliability was adequate ( r = 0.69 with an average interval of 42 days). However, the sensitivity of the screener was only moderate (66%), and approximately one-fifth of the students changed screening status (positive vs. negative) across the time interval. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Analysis of Periodontal Conditions in the Provinces of Vietnam: Results From the National Dental Survey
Authors: Minh Nguyen Thi Hong , Cao Binh Tran , Dinh Hai Trinh , Thuy Duong Nguyen , Bui Quang-Thanh
Published: July 2021

Nationwide dental health surveys are crucial for providing essential information on dental health and dental condition–related problems in the community. However, the relationship between periodontal conditions and sociodemographic data has not been well investigated in Vietnam. With data from the National Oral Health Survey in 2019, we performed several machine learning methods on this dataset to investigate the impacts of sociodemographic features on gingival bleeding, periodontal pockets, and Community Periodontal Index. From the experiments, LightGBM produced a maximum AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.744. The other models in descending order were logistic regression (0.705), logiboost (0.704), and random forest (0.684). All methods resulted in significantly high overall accuracies, all exceeding 90%. The results show that the gradient boosting model can predict well the relationship between periodontal conditions and sociodemographic data. The investigated model also reveals that the geographic region has the most significant influence on dental health, while the consumption of sweet foods/drinks is the second most crucial. These findings advocate for a region-specific approach for the dental care program and the implementation of a sugar-risk food reduction program.
Facing Loss and Finding Hope in Narrating Together: Accounts of Parenthood Following the Death of a Child to Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Randall James , Nolte Lizette , Wellsted David
Published: July 2021

Muscular dystrophy is a terminal muscle-wasting condition, whereby families face continuous challenges as their child’s health deteriorates. This research explored accounts of parenthood following bereavement of their child to muscular dystrophy. Narrative inquiry was used to analyse interviews with four couples. Findings suggest an importance in narrating adversities ( waking up to different futures) and positive influence ( creating legacies). The research highlighted how humour is often used to support others to witness painful accounts ( humour through the struggle). Parents appeared to co-regulate the painfulness of narrating loss ( storytelling together). Further research is needed on conjoint narrative interviews and how these may enable participants to address shared loss experiences. Practitioners who support bereaved parents could consider the potential value highlighted in this study of meeting with parents conjointly, which include that, through co-regulatory, collaborative processes, families seemed to be supported to reach narrative cohesion, sensitively and safely, when facing loss and bereavement.
“Hey Mom, I Missed School Today to Save the Planet!”: Mandatory Attendance and Student Activism—A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Clarke Paul T. , Anderson Mark , Yoh Abdoulaye
Published: July 2021

In recent times, climate change has become an increasingly significant and pressing issue of ethical, social, political, economic, and environmental concern. Although mandatory attendance laws are important, we argue in the Canadian context that it is possible and indeed necessary to support an educational agenda that takes social activism seriously as a means to promote community, solidarity, concern for the environment, and global stewardship. We draw on the work of Rob Reich (2002) who claims that the state, parents, and children all have a stake in children’s education, and include a fourth actor, namely teachers, who also have specific interests in children’s education.
Treatment of Acute Gout Flares in the Emergency Department: Prescribing Patterns and Revisit Rates
Authors: Brunetti Luigi , Vekaria Janaki , Lipsky Peter E. , Schlesinger Naomi
Published: July 2021

Background

The incidence and health care costs of gout flares have increased in the United States. The increased costs may be a result of a lack of adherence to treatment guidelines and medication knowledge. Identifying causes for this trend is vital to mitigate inappropriate resource use.

Objectives

The aim was to identify pharmacotherapy use related to gout treatment before, during hospital visit or stay, and on discharge in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with gout flares. Secondary end points included opioid use, revisit rates, and associated risk factors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study at a community teaching hospital ED. All consecutive patients visiting the ED from January 2016 to July 2019 with a primary diagnosis of gout flare were included. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records.

Results

The analysis included 214 patients. Anti-inflammatory medication was not prescribed in 33.6% during the hospital visit and 29.6% of patients on discharge. History of opioid use (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.3-8.6; P = 0.014) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.09-10.9; P = 0.035) were associated with opioid prescription on discharge. ED revisits within 90 days for any gout-related or non–gout-related cause were recorded in 16.8% of patients.

Conclusion and Relevance

Roughly 30% of patients did not receive an anti-inflammatory on discharge, and opioids were frequently overused in gout management in the ED. There is an opportunity for further education of health care providers regarding gout treatment.
Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use on the Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Peng Kangning , Chen Ken , Teply Benjamin A. , Yee Gary C. , Farazi Paraskevi A. , Lyden Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2021

Background:

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in modulating the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used in cancer patients and may affect the gut microbiome by altering gut pH.

Objective:

To evaluate if concurrent use of PPI is associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of advanced cancer adult patients who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab between September 1, 2014, and August 31, 2019. Concomitant PPI exposure was defined as PPI use 0 to 30 days before or after initiation of ICIs. Treatment outcome was OS and PFS.

Results:

A total of 233 patients were included in our study. Concomitant PPI use was not significantly associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.80-1.86) or PFS (HR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.76-1.45) in patients with ICI use. The effect estimates were robust after adjusting for covariates in multivariate analysis and in patients with NSCLC.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Concomitant PPI use was not associated with the effectiveness of nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Certain predictors of survival outcomes related to PPI use in patients receiving immunotherapy, such as the time window and indication of PPI exposure and autoimmune disorders, should be explored in the future to better carve out the impact of PPI on the effectiveness of ICI use.
An automated learning model for sentiment analysis and data classification of Twitter data using balanced CA-SVM
Authors: Cyril C Pretty Diana , Beulah J Rene , Subramani Neelakandan , Mohan Prakash , Harshavardhan A , Sivabalaselvamani D
Published: July 2021

The modern society runs over the social media for their most time of every day. The web users spend their most time in social media and they share many details with their friends. Such information obtained from their chat has been used in several applications. The sentiment analysis is the one which has been applied with Twitter data set toward identifying the emotion of any user and based on those different problems can be solved. Primarily, the data as of the Twitter database is preprocessed. In this step, tokenization, stemming, stop word removal, and number removal are done. The proposed automated learning with CA-SVM based sentiment analysis model reads the Twitter data set. After that they have been processed to extract the features which yield set of terms. Using the terms, the tweets are clustered using TGS-K means clustering which measures Euclidean distance according to different features like semantic sentiment score (SSS), gazetteer and symbolic sentiment support (GSSS), and topical sentiment score (TSS). Further, the method classifies the tweets according to support vector machine (CA-SVM) which classifies the tweet according to the support value which is measured based on the above two measures. The attained results are validated utilizing k-fold cross-validation methodology. Then, the classification is performed by utilizing the Balanced CA-SVM (Deep Learning Modified Neural Network). The results are evaluated and compared with the existing works. The Proposed model achieved 92.48 % accuracy and 92.05% sentiment score contrasted with the existing works.
“Please Let It Stop”: Fear, Anxiety, and Uncertainty on the Neoliberal Tenure Track
Authors: Bunds Kyle S.
Published: July 2021

I have anxiety and I am not alone, although I have felt that way. Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that impact millions of individuals in our society. While discussions about mental health are improving, insofar as conversations are more frequent particularly during the 2020 to 2021 Coronavirus pandemic, more voices are needed to tell their stories of mental health and actions need to be taken to address systemic issues in a multitude of contexts. My context is that of a tenure-track middle-class white privileged male who began an intense battle with anxiety while undertaking a guest professorship in a foreign country. The autoethnographic narrative presented here is a composition of vignettes from my struggle with anxiety in the 4th and 5th tenure track years. Throughout, I attempt to openly present my struggles and conclude by proposing ways in higher education can aid faculty, staff, and students in creating a better structure.
Rare side effect caused by atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor: Cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Acikgoz Ozgur , Bayramgil Ayberk , Cavusoglu Gunes , Sadri Sevil
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that are included in the guidelines of hematological and solid cancer treatments, give highly effective results and increase T cell functionality. However, these drugs can cause immune-related adverse events resembling autoimmune diseases.

Case report

A 50-year-old male patient was admitted to an external center with complaints of chest pain and dyspnea. Thoracic CT revealed a 97 × 58 mm mass in the left lung, and a diagnosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) was made by biopsy. The PET/CT performed for staging was also evaluated as extensive stage small cell lung cancer. It was decided to give a combination of atezolizumab and carboplatin-etoposide to the patient. Management and outcome: The patient completed 3 cycles without any problem. Discordance was detected in the hemogram of the patient who came to the control for the assessment of response and had a regression in the imaging. Hemoglobin 9.6 g/dl (N: 14–17.5) hematocrit 14.8% (N: 41–51) were detected in the hemogram. Agglutinins were seen in the peripheral smear performed. Cold agglutinin (+4 positive) and indirect coombs (+3 positive) were found positive. Atezolizumab was stopped and methylprednisolone was started. After 10 days of treatment, discordance improved and methylprednisolone was discontinued by decreasing to half dose every 5 days.

Discussion

With the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the variety of side effects has increased and case reports have increased. After detection of cold agglutinin, IgG, cryoglobulin, mycoplasma pneumonia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV were found negative in the differential diagnosis, Our case appears to be immune checkpoint inhibitor-related Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD). It should not be forgotten that immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are widely used, may cause CAD, and hemoglobin-hematocrit discordance should be paid attention to in routine controls.
When Seeing Is Believing: Generalizability and Decision Studies for Observational Data in Evaluation and Research on Teaching
Authors: Weston Timothy J. , Hayward Charles N. , Laursen Sandra L.
Published: July 2021

Observations are widely used in research and evaluation to characterize teaching and learning activities. Because conducting observations is typically resource intensive, it is important that inferences from observation data are made confidently. While attention focuses on interrater reliability, the reliability of a single-class measure over the course of a semester receives less attention. We examined the use and limitations of observation for evaluating teaching practices, and how many observations are needed during a typical course to make confident inferences about teaching practices. We conducted two studies based on generalizability theory to calculate reliabilities given class-to-class variation in teaching over a semester. Eleven observations of class periods over the length of a semester were needed to achieve a reliable measure, many more than the one to four class periods typically observed in the literature. Findings suggest practitioners may need to devote more resources than anticipated to achieve reliable measures and comparisons.
Identification of modal parameters from non-stationary responses of high-rise buildings
Authors: Zhi Lunhai , Hu Feng , Li Qiusheng , Hu Zhixiang
Published: July 2021

A key issue in the control, health monitoring, and condition assessment of civil structures is the estimation of structural modal parameters based on measured structural responses. However, field measurements of structural responses from civil structures under strong wind or earthquake excitations usually exhibit non-stationary feature and therefore cannot be adequately deal with by traditional modal identification methods. In this study, a novel procedure is integrated for modal parameter identification of civil structures from non-stationary structural responses on the basis of the variational mode decomposition (VMD) technique. First, the VMD algorithm is applied to decompose measured vibration signals into individual mode components. Then, the random decrement technique (RDT) is employed to obtain free vibration response of each mono component. Next, normalized Hilbert transform (NHT) is used to estimate modal natural frequency and damping ratio. The performance of the developed approach is evaluated using simulated non-stationary responses of a frame structure, and the identified results are validated. The effects of crucial factors such as levels of noise involved in structural response and data length on the modal parameter estimations are examined through detailed parametric study. Furthermore, the approach is applied to modal identification based on field measured non-stationary responses of a high-rise building during Typhoon Nida. The case study illustrates that the integrated method is an efficient tool for estimating the modal parameters of civil structures from non-stationary structural responses.
A comparison of small-area deprivation indicators for public-health surveillance in Sweden
Authors: Strömberg Ulf , Baigi Amir , Holmén Anders , Parkes Brandon L. , Bonander Carl , Piel Frédéric B.
Published: July 2021

Aims:

The aims of this study were to construct a small-area index of multiple deprivation (IMD) from single deprivation indicators (SDIs) and to compare the explanatory power of the IMD and SDIs with regard to mortality. We considered a small-area division of Sweden consisting of 5985 DeSO ( Demografiska statistikområden), each with a population size between 653 and 4243 at the end of 2018.

Methods:

Four SDIs were provided by open-source data: (a) the proportion of inhabitants with a low economic standard; (b) the proportion of inhabitants aged 25–64 years with ⩽12 years of schooling; (c) the proportion of inhabitants aged 16–64 years who were not in paid employment; and (d) the proportion of inhabitants who lived in a rented apartment/house. A four-indicator IMD was constructed using factor analysis. As a validation, the IMD and SDIs were compared by exploring their DeSO-level associations with spatially smoothed death rates, with robustness checks of associations across different small-area contexts defined by degree of urbanisation and distribution of immigrants from non-Western countries.

Results:

The constructed IMD and SDI1 performed essentially equally and outperformed SDI2, SDI3 and SDI4. Associations between IMD/SDI1 and the spatially smoothed death rates were most pronounced within the age range 60–79 years, showing 5–8% lowered rates among those categorised in the least deprived quintiles of IMD and SDI1, respectively, and 7–9% elevated rates among those categorised in the most deprived quintiles. These associations were consistent within each small-area context.

Conclusions:

We suggest prioritisation of SDI1, that is, a DeSO-level deprivation indicator based on open-access data on economic standard, for public-health surveillance in Sweden.
Prevalence and predictors of return to work following a spinal cord injury using a work disability prevention approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Nadesar Nirusa , Sun Yingji , Ott Markus , Sithamparanathan Gobika , Thakkar Priya
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Worldwide, spinal cord injuries are associated with diminished participation in the labor market. Inconclusive reporting and differences between workplace settings for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) make conceptualizing return to work rates among this population inherently challenging. The objectives of this study are to explore factors associated with return to work (RTW) following an SCI. Moreover, the factors were classified according to the work disability prevention framework. Finally, we conducted a meta-analysis of the prevalence of RTW following an SCI.

Methods

Original articles were identified through a literature search in four health databases. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the mapping and identification of records. Included studies contained primary studies that included the nature of the injury, antecedent factors associated with the injury, and study characteristics and RTW outcomes. Exclusion criteria for the studies included if there was no discussion of RTW outcomes, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 461 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and eight studies were included and assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, Risk of Bias, and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Four studies identified personal system factors, four identified healthcare system factors, two identified compensation system factors, and one identified workplace system factors.

Conclusions

Attempts to optimize RTW among persons with SCI are inherently difficult due to the diversity of this client population. Findings from the studies included in this systematic review support the utility of interventions for facilitating RTW, such as vocational rehabilitation and workplace accommodations, while simultaneously acknowledging the limitations in identifying specific interventions as facilitatory or inhibitory throughout the process.
Autopsy of a metaphor: The origins, use and blind spots of the ‘infodemic’
Authors: Simon Felix M , Camargo Chico Q
Published: July 2021

In 2020, the term ‘infodemic’ rose from relative obscurity to becoming a popular catch-all metaphor, representing the perils of fast, wide-spreading (false) information about the coronavirus pandemic. It featured in thousands of academic publications and received widespread attention from policymakers and the media. In this article, we trace the origins and use of the ‘infodemic’ metaphor and examine the blind spots inherent in this seemingly intuitive term. Drawing from literature in the cognitive sciences and communication studies, we show why information does not spread like a virus and point out how the ‘infodemic’ metaphor can be misleading, as it conflates multiple forms of social behaviour, oversimplifies a complex situation and helps constitute a phenomenon for which concrete evidence remains patchy. We point out the existing tension between the usefulness of the widespread use of the term ‘infodemic’ and its uncritical adoption, which we argue can do more harm than good, potentially diluting the quality of academic work, public discourse and contributing to state overreach in policymaking.