bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Semifluoroalkyl Triazole Derivatives for the Separation of Oil and Water
Authors: Cao Ban-Peng , Huang Gang-Ren , Tao Xue-Ping , Okamoto Hiroaki , Xiao Qiang
Published: March 2022

Semifluoroalkyl triazole derivatives have been facilely synthesized by copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction, which can gelate some organic solvents at weight concentrations of down to 0.5 wt.%. The gelation abilities of triazole derivatives with/without a semifluoroalkyl and an aromatic group were fully characterized. We found that triazole derivatives containing semifluoroalkyl chains and aromatic groups are typically effective in forming supramolecular organogels. Moreover, the gelator in ethyl acetate can solidify oil from an oil‐water biphasic mixture for about 1 min.
Boundedness of Multilinear Calderón-Zygmund Operators on Grand Variable Herz Spaces
Authors: Nafis Hammad , Rafeiro Humberto , Zaighum Muhammad Asad
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we prove the boundedness of multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operators on product of grand variable Herz spaces. These results generalize the boundedness of multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operators on product of variable exponent Lebesgue spaces and variable Herz spaces.
A Case of Drastic Reduction of Membranous Substances in the Pharynx by Interprofessional Cooperative Oral Care
Authors: Okubo Masahiko , Kamimura Hideyuki , Sato Tsuyoshi , Kokabu Shoichiro
Published: March 2022

Membranous substances in the pharynx are occasionally observed in tube feeding patients during the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Although the mechanism of the formation of these deposits sometimes causes problems, such as dysphagia, asphyxia, or aspiration pneumonia, a 91-year-old male complained about difficulty of swallowing. He had a history of cerebral infarction and aspiration pneumonitis. There was a large amount of oral desquamated epithelium, dental plaque, and calculus in his mouth. Nurses and care workers administered oral care such as rubbing the tongue and buccal mucosa daily. Dentists and oral hygienists visited and provided special oral care three times per week. At least for 77 days, the patient had no recurrence of pneumonitis. The oral desquamated epithelium and membranous substances in the pharynx decreased drastically. 2 months after the first examination, the patient was able to start rehabilitation with food. Some studies have indicated that pharyngeal deposits are derived from the oral mucosa, and through our case, we realized the importance of daily oral care by interprofessional work to reduce membranous substances in the pharynx.
Diabetes Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Permanent Pacemaker: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Huang-Chung , Liu Wen-Hao , Tseng Chien-Hao , Chen Yung-Lung , Lee Wei-Chieh , Fang Yen-Nan , Chong Shaur-Zheng , Chen Mien-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Background. Type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher risk for permanent pacemaker (PPM) treatment. The difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients with and without diabetes receiving PPM treatment remains unexplored. Method. Between January 2003 and December 2017, 1742 patients receiving naïve PPM treatment comprised this retrospective cohort study and were categorized into two groups by the diagnosis of diabetes: group with diabetes (

n
=
632

, 36.3%) and group without diabetes (

n
=
1110

, 63.7%). The primary outcome was cardiovascular events including heart failure (HF) hospitalization and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The secondary outcomes of this study included pacemaker infection, pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce selection bias between the study groups. Result. During a mean follow-up period of

7.8
±
4.8

years, 264 patients had a cardiovascular event. Before PSM, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (19.8% vs. 12.5%,

P
<
0.001

), and the incidences of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality were all higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes. After PSM, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (18.8% vs. 12.3%,

P
=
0.015

). The incidence of HF hospitalization was higher in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes (15.3% vs. 10.2%,

P
=
0.037

), whereas the incidence of AMI did not differ between the two groups. Moreover, after PSM, patients with diabetes had higher cumulative incidences of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and all-cause mortality compared to patients without diabetes. Conclusions. The prevalence of diabetes was over one-third of naïve PPM recipients of this cohort, and diabetes increased the risk of cardiovascular events in PPM recipients, especially for HF hospitalization.
Amelioration of Renal Injury by Resveratrol in a Rat Renal Transplantation Model via Activation of the SIRT1/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Qin , Li Jiamin , Xiang Zhicong , Zou Hequn , Shao Xiaofei
Published: March 2022

Purpose. The improvement of the long‐term survival of patients receiving kidney transplantation remains challenging. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) reduces long‐term renal graft survival in the early posttransplantation phase. However, few studies have investigated the effects of IRI on the pathogenesis of chronic renal graft failure. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) regulates antioxidative stress and inflammatory response and protects against IRI. This study is aimed at investigating the role of resveratrol (RSV), an SIRT1 activator, in preventing renal injury in a rat renal transplantation model. Methods. A classical F334‐to‐LEW orthotopic renal transplantation rat model was established. The experiment group was treated with RSV from three days prior to kidney transplantation and the treatment lasted until the day of harvest. Uninephrectomized F344 and Lewis rats were used as controls. After 12 weeks, the effects of RSV were evaluated according to renal function, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. The activities of oxidative stress‐related markers and proinflammatory cytokines were also assessed. Results. RSV treatment significantly ameliorated renal function and histopathological lesions in kidney‐transplanted rats and increased the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT and decreased the levels of MDA and iNOS. Furthermore, RSV also inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines such as TNF‐α, CD68, and IL‐6 in kidney‐transplanted rats. In addition, the transplant group displayed significantly lower level of SIRT1 and higher level of Ac‐NF‐κBp65. RSV increased the expression of SIRT1 and decreased the expression of Ac‐NF‐κBp65. Conclusion. SIRT1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic renal allograft dysfunction. It is a potential therapeutic agent for ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress‐induced renal injury following kidney transplantation by activating the SIRT1/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
A New Adaptive Controller for Nonlinear Systems with Uncertain Virtual Control Gains
Authors: Xiao Wei , Yin Zhixiang , Zhou Tianyue , Ye Zi , Yang Xiaoqi
Published: March 2022

This paper addresses the adaptive asymptotic tracking control problem for nonlinear systems whose virtual control gains are unknown nonlinear functions of system states. Only in the first step, the Nussbaum gain technique is utilized to handle the uncertain virtual control gain. In the remaining steps, virtual control gains are dealt with by constructing novel control laws without the approximation of the uncertain nonlinear functions and external disturbances by neural networks or fuzzy logic. New adaptive laws are defined to compensate for unknown virtual control gains, uncertain parameters, and external disturbances. Finally, an adaptive tracking controller is designed and applied to the control of a 3‐order robot system, which guarantees the boundedness of all the signals in the closed‐loop system and asymptotic stability of the tracking error.
Experimental Study on the Size Effect on the Probability Distribution of Concrete Compressive Strength
Authors: Zhai Youcheng
Published: March 2022

Understanding the size effect on the probability distribution of concrete compressive strength is critical to accurately determining its probability distribution and to correctly calculating reliability. Compressive strength tests were performed on concrete cubic specimens with side lengths of 70 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm, respectively. The Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test results revealed that concrete compressive strength of each specimen size followed a normal probability distribution; that is, a change in specimen size did not affect the type of probability distribution. The point and interval estimates of the mean and standard deviation of concrete compressive strength showed that both the mean and standard deviation decreased, and the latter decreased to a greater extent with an increase in specimen size. The calculation results show that the standard value of concrete compressive strength also has a significant size effect, but the standard value increases with an increase in specimen size, which is opposite to the change pattern of concrete compressive strength mean and standard deviation. Finally, a reliability analysis was carried out using the compressive strength of a cubic concrete specimen with a size of 150 mm as an example, and the probability distributions for different specimen sizes were found to have a great influence on the reliability of the calculation results. Therefore, it is important to account for the size effect on the probability distribution of concrete compressive strength in practical engineering.
Icariside II Attenuates Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Impairments via Activating the Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Huang Jian , Ding Jiuyang , Wang Zhuo , Li Yanning , He Yitong , Wang Xiaohan , Fan Haoliang , Xie Qiqian , Qiu Pingming
Published: March 2022

Chronic and long-term methamphetamine (METH) abuse is bound to cause damages to multiple organs and systems, especially the central nervous system (CNS). Icariside II (ICS), a type of flavonoid and one of the main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Epimedium, exhibits a variety of biological and pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. However, whether ICS could protect against METH-induced neurotoxicity remains unknown. Based on a chronic METH abuse mouse model, we detected the neurotoxicity after METH exposure and determined the intervention effect of ICS and the potential mechanism of action. Here, we found that METH could trigger neurotoxicity, which was characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons, depletion of dopamine (DA), activation of glial cells, upregulation of α-synuclein (α-syn), abnormal dendritic spine plasticity, and dysfunction of motor coordination and balance. ICS treatment, however, alleviated the above-mentioned neurotoxicity elicited by METH. Our data also indicated that when ICS combated METH-induced neurotoxicity, it was accompanied by partial correction of the abnormal Kelch 2 like ECH2 associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and oxidative stress response. In the presence of ML385, an inhibitor of Nrf2, ICS failed to activate the Nrf2-related protein expression and reduce the oxidative stress response. More importantly, ICS could not attenuate METH-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and behavioral damage when the Nrf2 was inhibited, suggesting that the neuroprotective effect of ICS on METH-induced neurotoxicity was dependent on activating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Although further research is needed to dig deeper into the actual molecular targets of ICS, it is undeniable that the current results imply the potential value of ICS to reduce the neurotoxicity of METH abusers.
Intelligent Algorithm‐Based Gastrointestinal X‐Ray Examination in Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Probiotics Combined with Triple Therapy on Children with Helicobacter Infection
Authors: Wang Qizheng , Li Jiangshu
Published: March 2022

In this study, gastrointestinal X‐ray imaging was processed based on the Ncut algorithm, the gastric signs of the children after probiotics combined with triple therapy were examined, the therapeutic effect of probiotics combined with triple therapy was evaluated, and the correlation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and gastric disease was analyzed. The included children were randomly divided into group A (treated with standard triple therapy) and group B (pretreated with probiotics on the basis of the treatment method of group A) with 48 cases in each group. The gastrointestinal angiography results of children were observed. The accuracy of the gastrointestinal angiography based on intelligent algorithms was evaluated by taking the results of the urea breath test (UBT) as the gold standard. The results were as follows: first, gastrointestinal X‐ray imaging before and after treatment showed that the recovery of the gastric body and gastric antral mucosa for children in group B was better than that of group A (P < 0.05); second, the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in HP‐positive patients was 78% and the incidence of HP‐negative patients was 32%; third, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of gastrointestinal X‐ray imaging based on intelligent algorithm were 76.47%, 93.67%, and 90.63%, respectively. After treatment, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in group B were much lower than those in group A (P < 0.05), and the incidence of adverse reactions in group B was lower than that in group A (P < 0.05). In summary, gastrointestinal X‐ray imaging based on intelligent algorithm had a reliable reference value for the judgment of gastrointestinal HP infection and probiotics combined with triple therapy was more effective for HP infection, which was worthy of clinical application.
Plasma Exchange Therapy Using Solvent Detergent-Treated Plasma: An Observational Pilot Study on Complement, Neutrophil and Endothelial Cell Activation in a Case Series of Patients Suffering from Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: de Wit Yasmin , Rethans Arne , van Mierlo Gerard , Wouters Diana , ten Brinke Anja , Bemelman Frederike J. , Zeerleder Sacha
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Plasma exchange therapy (PEX) was standard treatment for thrombotic microangiopathy before eculizumab was available and is still widely applied. However, most PEX patients still ultimately progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been suggested that infusion of plasma that contains active complement may induce additional complement activation with subsequent activation of neutrophils and endothelial cells, leading to exacerbation of organ damage and deterioration of renal function. Objective: This observational pilot study examines the effect of hemodialysis, eculizumab and PEX before and after treatment in plasma of aHUS patients on complement-, neutrophil and endothelial cell activation. Methods: Eleven patients were included in this pilot study. Six patients were treated with hemodialysis, 2 patients received regular infusions of eculizumab, and 3 patients were on a regular schedule for PEX. Patients were followed during 3 consecutive treatments. Blood samples were taken before and after patients received their treatment. Results: Complement activation products increased in plasma of patients after PEX, as opposed to patients treated with hemodialysis or eculizumab. Increased levels of complement activation products were detected in omniplasma used for PEX. Additionally, activation of neutrophils and endothelial cells was observed in patients after hemodialysis and PEX, but not in patients receiving eculizumab treatment. Conclusion: In this pilot study we observed that PEX induced complement and neutrophil activation, and that omniplasma contains significant amounts of complement activation products. Additionally, we demonstrate that hemodialysis induces activation of neutrophils and endothelial cells. Complement activation with subsequent neutrophil activation may contribute to the deterioration of organ function and may result in ESRD. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to investigate the effect of PEX on complement- and neutrophil activation in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy.
Gastric Plexiform Fibromyxoma Resected Using Nonexposed Endoscopic Wall-Inversion Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Ebi Masahide , Nagao Kazuhiro , Sugiyama Tomoya , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Saito Takuya , Kurahashi Shintaro , Yamaguchi Yoshiharu , Adachi Kazunori , Tamura Yasuhiro , Izawa Shinya , Funaki Yasushi , Ogasawara Naotaka , Sasaki Makoto , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Kasugai Kunio
Published: March 2022

Gastric plexiform fibromyxoma is extremely rare. In our case, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy of a 41-year-old woman patient revealed a 1-cm submucosal tumor (SMT) in the greater curvature of the lower body of the stomach. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography, the tumor was hypervascular in the arterial phase with continuous enhancement in the post-venous phase. On endoscopic ultrasonography, it had a low echo pattern. The preoperative diagnosis was a gastric SMT with a rich vasculature; however because the biosy specimen did not contain tumor tissue, a malignant tumor could not be excluded. The patient underwent nonexposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS), and the tumor was completely resected. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the tumor was positive for D2-40 and α-smooth muscle actin, but negative for c-kit, discovered on gastrointestinal stromal tumor-1, desmin, S100, Melan-A, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, insulinoma-associated protein 1, CXCL13, ETS transcription factor, follicular dendritic cell, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, human melanoma black, h-caldesmon, and CD1a, 10, 21, 23, 31, 34, 68, and 163. Approximately, 1–2% of the tumor cell nuclei were Ki-67-positive. Finally, we diagnosed the tumor as a plexiform fibromyxoma. In conclusion, NEWS is an effective method for the treatment of SMTs with a diameter of <3 cm.
Therapeutic Effect of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from HIF Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain Enzyme Inhibitor-Treated Cells on Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ding Zhao-Ying , Tang Tao-Tao , Li Zuo-Lin , Cao Jing-Yuan , Lv Lin-Li , Wen Yi , Wang Bin , Liu Bi-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major public health problem worldwide. However, there is no definitive therapies to treat established AKI. In this study, we used FG-4592 to induce hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) expression in cells and then explored whether the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by HIF-upregulated cells could alleviate ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI. Methods: FG-4592/HK2-EVs and FG-4592/HEK293-EVs were prepared by treating HK2 or HEK293 cells with FG-4592 for 24 h, respectively. HK2 cells under hypoxia were treated with FG-4592/HK2-EVs or FG-4592/HEK293-EVs to observe the therapeutic effect of EVs on H/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Mice were treated with FG-4592/HEK293-EVs after IRI to observe whether FG-4592/HEK293-EVs treatment could alleviate ischemic AKI. Results: The expression of HIF was induced by FG-4592 in a dose-dependent manner in HK2 and HEK293 cells under normoxia. In vitro, FG-4592/HK2-EVs and FG-4592/HEK293-EVs inhibited apoptosis and inflammation induced by H/R. In vivo, treatment with FG-4592/HEK293-EVs significantly ameliorated renal tubular injury and inflammation caused by IRI. In addition, the expression of HIF-1α in cells and kidneys was significantly downregulated by FG-4592/HK2-EVs and FG-4592/HEK293-EVs treatment. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that EVs derived from HK2 or HEK293 cells after FG-4592 treatment could alleviate renal tubular injury and inflammation, suggesting a novel therapeutic role of FG-4592/EVs in the treatment of AKI.
A Novel Splenic Vein Flow Volume to the Portal Vein Flow Velocity Index as a Predictor for the Degree of Esophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Authors: Wicaksono Krishna Pandu , Matondang Sahat , Silman Christopher , Prihartono Joedo , Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya
Published: March 2022

Bleeding esophageal varices (EV) have the highest mortality rate from all complications of liver cirrhosis (LC). Several Doppler ultrasound (DUS) studies have been done on the splenic or portal vein (PV) to evaluate the hemodynamic of the esophageal vein. Our study focused on finding a better index using the ratio from two parameters correlated with EV, splenic vein flow volume (SFV), and PV flow velocity. In this study, 28 patients with LC were evaluated using DUS to compare the SFV to PV flow velocity/speed (Sv/Ps) index and other measured DUS parameters with the EV degree. Afterward, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on statistically significant DUS parameters. Mean Sv/Ps index value in the group of nonvarices was 9.89 ± 3.56; 19.50 ± 5.56 in the small esophageal varices (SEV) and 74.12 ± 29.37 in the large esophageal varices (LEV) group with p < 0.001. ROC curve analysis generated an optimal cutoff point of 16.5 (90% sensitivity and 100% specificity) to predict the presence of EV and the cutoff point of 46.7 (100% sensitivity and specificity) to predict the presence of LEV. In conclusion, the Sv/Ps index measured using DUS can be used as a noninvasive method to predict the presence of EV, especially in predicting LEV.
Off-Label Use: Ruxolitinib im Einsatz bei entzündlichen Hauterkrankungen
Authors: Sondermann Wiebke
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is a Janus kinase 1 and 2 small molecule inhibitor that the Food and Drug Administration approved for myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. It has been expanded to off-label treatment for a variety of dermatologic conditions, with several clinical trials ongoing. A review of available studies and cases of off-label uses was performed to guide clinicians seeking evidence on the efficacy of this Janus kinase inhibitor for dermatologic disorders. Materials and methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched with the term “ruxolitinib,” and results were manually reviewed to identify published data on off-label uses of ruxolitinib. Studies included are structured by quality of evidence available. Results: Ruxolitinib may have utility in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo, with data from open-label and randomized trials supporting efficacy of topical formulations. Evidence of utility for alopecia areata is mixed and differs depending on topical versus oral form. Evidence for numerous other conditions is available through case reports and case series. Conclusions: There is growing evidence supporting potential off-label use of oral and topical ruxolitinib for a wide range of skin conditions. There are several ongoing investigations of ruxolitinib use in dermatology that will undoubtedly better define its efficacy and appropriate use in dermatology.
Over-The-Scope Clip for the Immediate Management of Stapfer Type-1 Duodenal Perforation during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Gazelakis Kathryn , Lovett Grace , Chen Robert , Al-Habbal Yahya , Nalankilli Kumanan
Published: March 2022

Iatrogenic Stapfer type-1 duodenal perforations during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) typically necessitate surgical management and carry significant morbidity and mortality risk. Here, we present a case of a large duodenal perforation during ERCP managed endoscopically with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) and describe the subsequent post-procedural management. An 80-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute cholangitis. Abdominal ultrasound scan revealed a dilated biliary tree with echogenic material in the common hepatic and intrahepatic ducts. The patient proceeded to ERCP, where filling defects consistent with stones were found in the proximal main bile duct on cholangiogram. Stone retrieval was complicated by a large iatrogenic perforation of the infero-lateral duodenal wall, distal to the major ampulla (Stapfer type-1). Following unsuccessful attempts to close the defect using through-the-scope clips, a decision was made to attempt closure endoscopically using an OTSC. The duodenoscope was exchanged for a forward-viewing gastroscope mounted with the OTSC. The perforation defect was fully suctioned into the cap and the clip was successfully deployed. Subsequent on-table fluoroscopy with contrast injection did not demonstrate any extra-luminal contrast leak. The patient developed a post-procedure infra-duodenal collection, however, made a complete recovery with bowel rest, negative pressure regulation at the site of the OTSC using a dual-lumen nasogastric/nasojejunal feeding tube and intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam. Thus, OTSCs potentially offer a safe and effective endoscopic treatment modality for the immediate management of ERCP-related Stapfer type-1 duodenal perforations.
Subtyp-spezifische Off-Label-Behandlung von Rosazea
Authors: Wienholtz Nita , Ashina Messoud , Thyssen Jacob P. , Egeberg Alexander
Published: March 2022

Wir stellen 2 Fälle von Rosazea vor, die erfolgreich mit einer Off-Label-Therapie behandelt wurden. Bei dem ersten Fall handelt es sich um schmerzhafte, exsudierende papulopustulöse Läsionen der Nase, die mit Rifaximin behandelt wurden, und bei dem anderen Fall handelt es sich um schwere, belastende und schmerzhafte Hautrötungen, die mit Sumatriptan behandelt wurden. Die Fälle stützen frühere Annahmen, dass gastrointestinale Komorbiditäten möglicherweise mit papulopustulären Läsionen in Zusammenhang stehen und dass Rötungen mit neurogenen Entzündungen und Migräne in Verbindung stehen können. Die Fälle deuten zudem darauf hin, dass ein neuer Ansatz für die Behandlung von Rosazea auf der Grundlage von Endotypen und Komorbiditäten erforderlich sein könnte.
Abstracts of the 8th International Conference on Neurology and Epidemiology 2022
Authors: Feigin Valery
Published: March 2022

Abstracts of the International Conference on Neurology and Epidemiology 2022
Varied Racialization and Legal Inclusion: Haitian, Syrian, and Venezuelan Forced Migrants in Brazil
Authors: Jensen Katherine , Sousa Dias Lisa M.
Published: March 2022

What does immigrant racialization look like in a context of legal inclusion? Although scholars have given notable attention to racialization in the face of illegality and exclusionary immigration regimes, less well understood are dimensions of racialization in inclusive legal contexts. Over the past decade, Brazil has experienced three major influxes of forcibly displaced people—from Haiti, Syria, and Venezuela. For each, Brazil radically expanded its asylum and immigration policies in their favor. At the same time, these groups have been disparately racialized in the public sphere. Using a content analysis of media coverage from 2010 to 2020, this paper examines the varied public racialization of Haitians, Syrians, and Venezuelans. Juxtaposing representations sheds light on the relationality of migrant racialization. It finds autonomy and capacity, belonging, and national ramification as key dimensions through which migrants are variably racialized. By interrogating these racial dimensions in the face of legal incorporation in Brazil, this study complicates the relationship between racialization, Othering, and legal status.
Potentiality of halloysite nanoclay on crashworthiness performance of polymer composite tubular elements
Authors: Abd El-baky Marwa A , Hegazy Dalia A , Hassan Mohamad A , Kamel Madeha
Published: March 2022

The recent article investigates the impact of the presence of halloysite nanoclay (HNC) on crashworthiness performance of glass/epoxy energy absorbent composite tubes. Specimens filled with 0,1,2,3, and 4 wt. % of HNC were manufactured via wet-wrapping process and tested under quasi-static axial loadings. The crush load-displacement response, initial crushing load [Formula: see text], average crushing load ([Formula: see text]), crushing force efficiency ( CFE), absorbed energy ( U), and specific absorbed energy ( SEA) for the proposed composites were determined. The crushing behaviors for all specimens were traced. It was indicated that the specimens’ failure mechanisms and the energy absorption capacities of nanofilled glass/epoxy composites are highly dominated by the wt. % of the embedded HNC. The inclusion of HNC enhances the energy absorbing capacities of glass/epoxy composites during the crushing process. Composite tubes filled with 4 wt. % of HNC has the highest load carrying and energy absorption capacities which are, respectively, 32.75 kN and 1110.84 J. So, they are the most suitable materials for energy dissipating elements. The inclusion of 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt. % of HNC to glass/epoxy composite tubes exhibits, respectively, an enhancement of 8.56, 35.76, 37.96, and 53.33% in [Formula: see text] and an enhancement of 169.29, 215.76, 204.60, and 254.19% in the [Formula: see text]. Also, an improvement in the energy absorbing by, respectively, 220.43, 270.09, 249.11, and 320.98% was attended. The purpose of this work is to experimentally study the applicability of HNC in the energy dissipating composite tubular elements.
Don’t go ‘Along’ with corporate schemes to gather up student data
Authors: Boninger Faith , Molnar Alex
Published: March 2022

The Along digital SEL product marketed to teachers by Gradient Learning and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) promises to help teachers establish strong relationships with their students via an exchange of personal reflections. In so doing, it collects intimate personal information from students about their lives. Faith Boninger and Alex Molnar explain how the legal documents that govern Gradient’s retention and use of students’ data allow Gradient to retain students’ de-identified data in perpetuity and use it for unknown purposes. They explain the privacy and other threats associated with de-identified data, and warn against allowing education technology providers — particularly Gradient and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative — unfettered use of it.
Health Promotion Practice Among Older Persons: A Nordic Multi-Professional Focus Group Study Exploring what It Is and How It Could be Achieved
Authors: Viklund Emilia W.E. , Nordmyr Johanna , Häggblom-Kronlöf Greta , Forsman Anna K.
Published: March 2022

The growing ageing population in the Nordic region calls for increased focus on health promotion work. To enhance multi-professional understanding and further develop strategies for promoting healthy ageing, it is vital to consider the perspectives of those working with health promotion. The aim of this study was to explore a wide spectrum of practitioners’ experiences of community-level health promotion targeting older adults in Finland and Sweden. Nine focus group interviews (34 informants) were conducted in 2019–2020. “Seeing the person” emerged as the ideal for health promotion targeting older adults, but this ideal was not always realized in current practice. Barriers related to organizational structures and the practitioner role were identified. However, work methods connected to user involvement and technology-based tools were considered key facilitators, enabling tailored health promotion initiatives.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on SATB2 Expression in Colorectal Carcinomas: SATB2 Positivity is Preserved in Most Cases, but Down-Expressed in Effective Cases of Chemotherapy
Authors: Asahina Yuichi , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Aihara Makoto , Noie Tamaki , Morikawa Teppei
Published: March 2022

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) is a novel, diagnostically useful, and highly sensitive immunohistochemical marker for both primary and metastatic colorectal or appendiceal tumors. In the present study, we aimed to assess the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on SATB2 expression in primary colorectal carcinomas and their corresponding liver metastases. Forty-four patients with colorectal carcinomas who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included. SATB2 expression in specimens of biopsy, resected primary colorectal carcinomas, and resected metastatic foci were examined by immunohistochemistry and compared to caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2). Using a modified H-score, expressions were scored semiquantitatively for both staining intensity and tumor cell proportion with nuclear staining. SATB2 was positive in 43/44 cases (98%) in biopsy specimens, 42/44 cases (96%) in resected colorectal carcinomas with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 9/9 cases (100%) with liver metastases. However, these expressions were variably decreased, and the H-score was lower in resected colorectal carcinomas (158 ± 69) than in biopsy specimens (174 ± 60) (p < 0.01). The proportion of SATB2-positive area of colorectal carcinoma was 93% in metastatic foci, while the CDX2-positive area was 78%. When categorized by histopathological tumor regression, the most effective tumors of chemotherapy showed the lowest H-score in resected colorectal carcinomas among the three groups (p < 0.01). SATB2 is a useful marker for both primary colorectal carcinoma and corresponding liver metastases, even with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, caution should be exercised when performing needle biopsy for metastatic foci with neoadjuvant therapy because expressions could be decreased, especially in chemotherapy-effective cases, and show immunohistochemically negative results.
At home with Gumtree: A cultural analysis of Australia’s popular secondhand online marketplace
Authors: Podkalicka Aneta
Published: March 2022

Shopping has received extensive scholarly attention across humanities and social science disciplines as an important set of activities that shape values, identities and politics in consumer societies. Cultural (or culturally inspired) investigations have offered rich accounts of department stores, shopping centres, street markets and secondhand outlets, theorising complex dynamics that create consumption spaces and shopping experiences in context-specific ways. This literature, and particularly Gregson and Crewe’s influential studies of secondhand retail, serves as the theoretical framework for my cultural analysis of Gumtree, the popular online classified site used for trading secondhand goods, accommodation and services in Australia. Online marketplaces are redefining everyday trade but have not been the subject of much comprehensive discussion within cultural studies. The article examines representational and branding strategies pursued by the platform, which, now owned by the global company Adevinta and previously by eBay, promotes itself as a sustainable, local and social marketplace. The study discusses interrelated and ambiguous areas in Gumtree’s identity-making to explain its distinct place in Australia’s secondhand consumer markets, and more broadly, the role that online marketplaces play in contemporary retail cultural economies.
Practice of end-of-life care for patients with advanced dementia by hospital physicians and nurses: Comparison between medical and surgical wards
Authors: Erel Meira , Marcus Esther-Lee , Dekeyser-Ganz Freda
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients with advanced dementia are commonly hospitalized in acute care wards, yet there is limited data regarding the end-of-life (EOL) care delivered to this population. The aim of the study was to examine EOL care delivered to patients with advanced dementia hospitalized on acute wards as reported by physicians and nurses.

Methods

Participants were physicians and nurses from medical and surgical wards of two tertiary hospitals in Israel. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire evaluating EOL care experiences, knowledge, performance, assessment, communication, and perceived futile care regarding patients with dementia.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 315 providers. There were 190 medical ward respondents and 125 from general surgical wards. Of them, 48.6% recognized dementia as a terminal disease, while 26.0% of the participants reported that they knew the end-of-life preferences for less than 10% of their patients. Among the providers, 53.3% reported that end-of-life ward discussions took place only when there was a life-threatening situation and 11.1%–16.5% never engaged in end-of-life communication regarding EOL patient’s preferences, appointing an attorney for the patient, disease trajectory or the essence of palliative care, with patients or their representatives. Only 17.1% reported “never” performing care they considered to be futile for patients with advanced dementia. Controlling for gender, age, role, position (senior/junior), and exposure to patients with advanced dementia, surgical ward respondents reported performing less EOL care than medical ward respondents in almost all aspects of palliative care.

Conclusions

Despite growing attention, a significant portion of staff in acute care wards do not report applying EOL care to patients with advanced dementia in clinical practice, especially surgical ward staff.
HIV-Related Stigma, Sexual Identity, and Depressive Symptoms Among MSM Living With HIV in China: A Moderated Mediation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Mi Tianyue , Lan Guanghua , Yang Xueying , Li Xiaoming , Qiao Shan , Shen Zhiyong , Zhou Yuejiao
Published: March 2022

Depression is one of the biggest health issues among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, where sexual identity might play an intricate role. Yet, findings of the relationship between sexual identity and depression were mixed and few studies explored its underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the association between sexual identity and depression, and the potential mediating role of HIV-related stigma and moderating role of age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 203 MSM living with HIV in Guangxi, China. Participants provided information on sexual identity, depression, HIV-related stigma, and background information. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and path analysis were applied to examine our hypotheses. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that participants who self-identified as gay reported a lower level of HIV-related stigma and depression. Path analysis revealed an insignificant direct effect of identifying as gay on depression. Yet, the indirect pathway was significant, with identifying as gay being associated with a lower level of HIV stigma and thus a lower level of depression. This indirect effect was moderated by age. The conditional indirect effect was significant in the younger group yet ceased in the older group. The study provided information to better understand the effect of sexual identity on mental health among stigmatized sexual and gender minorities by highlighting the mediating effect of HIV-related stigma and the protective effect of age. Interventions targeting mental health of MSM living with HIV might consider placing greater emphasis on addressing HIV-related stigma among younger MSM.
Socioeconomic characteristics of those with peripheral artery disease in the chronic renal insufficiency cohort
Authors: Stoecker Jordan B , Cohen Jordana B , Belkin Nathan , Chen Jing C , Townsend Raymond R , Xie Dawei , Feldman Harold I , Wang Grace J ,   the CRIC Study Investigators
Published: March 2022

Background

The association between socioeconomic factors and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been as well characterized as other cardiovascular conditions. We sought to define how annual income and education level are associated with PAD in a well-characterized diverse set of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study (CRIC) is a multi-center, prospective cohort study designed to examine risk factors for progression of CKD and cardiovascular disease. Demographic, income, and education-level data, as well as clinical data including ankle-brachial index (ABI) were collected at baseline. Annual income was categorized as < $25,000, $25,000–50,000, $50,000–100,000, or above $100,000; educational level was categorized as some high school, high school graduate, some college, or college graduate. Participants with missing income data or incompressible ABI (>1.4) were excluded from initial analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of income and/or education level with PAD, defined as an enrollment ABI of <0.90, history of PAD, or history of PAD intervention.

Results

A total of 4122 were included, mean age of participants was 59.5 years, 56% were male, and 44% were Black. There were 763 CRIC participants with PAD at study enrollment (18.5%). In the final multivariable logistic regression model, Black race (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, p = 0.004) and level of annual household income remained independently associated with PAD at the time of enrollment (income <$25,000 OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8, p < 0.001; income $25,000–50,000 OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3, p = 0.011; income $50,000–100,000 OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.9–1.8, p = 0.246), relative to a baseline annual income of >$100,000 (overall p-value <0.001). Decreasing level of educational attainment was not independently associated with increased PAD at enrollment, but lower level of educational attainment was associated with increased PAD when income data was not adjusted for ( p = 0.001). Interestingly, Black race (OR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.8, p < 0.001), female gender (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, p = 0.007), and income <$25,000 (OR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–0.9, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with decreased statin use even after controlling for cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusions

In this prospectively followed CKD cohort, lower annual household income and Black race were significantly associated with increased PAD at study enrollment. In contrast, educational level was not associated with PAD when adjusted for patient income data. Black race, female gender, and low income were independently associated with decreased statin use, populations which could be targets of future public health programs.
Book review: A. Narayanamoorthy, R.V. Bhavani, and R. Sujatha (Eds.) (2019). Whither Rural India? Political Economy of Agrarian Transformation in Contemporary India: A Festschrift for Venkatesh B. Athreya
Authors: Mishra Preksha
Published: March 2022

A. Narayanamoorthy, R.V. Bhavani, and R. Sujatha (Eds.) (2019). Whither Rural India? Political Economy of Agrarian Transformation in Contemporary India: A Festschrift for Venkatesh B. Athreya. New Delhi: Tulika Books. ISBN 9788193732960 (Hardback), 264 pp., ₹950.
Community food beliefs during pregnancy in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia: an explorative qualitative study
Authors: Eyasu Kebede , Gebremariam Lemlem Weledegerima , Gebrearegay Freweini , Hadush Zinabu , Mulugeta Afework
Published: March 2022

Background

Dietary related misconceptions during pregnancy affect the heath of mothers and their growing babies. Misconceptions vary from place to place and from community to community. Understanding of a given community’s food perceptions during pregnancy helps policy makers able to design cultural appropriate interventions. In Ethiopia, however, evidences on food beliefs and perceptions during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, this study is aimed at qualitatively assessing community food beliefs during pregnancy in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted 10 in-depth interviews (n = 10) and four focus group discussions (n = 32) among purposively selected community groups including pregnant mothers, religious leaders, and elders in rural kebeles of Ofla Woreda, Northern Ethiopia. Data were transcribed word-for-word, translated into English, and uploaded into ATLAST ti version 7.5.1.6. Data were analyzed following the principles of thematic analysis. Line-by-line coding was applied to identify codes; identified codes were categorized based on their similarities and differences and themes were developed inductively.

Results

Three main themes were identified inductively; foods positively and negatively linked with pregnancy; perceived benefits and harms of alcoholic drinks during pregnancy; and religion and fasting. In this study, consumptions of animal source foods such as egg were discouraged because such foods were perceived to increase the risk of having big baby that could delay delivery. However, intakes of locally produced alcoholic drinks during pregnancy were encouraged by the local community. Furthermore, avoidance of animal source foods and meal skipping during religious fasting-periods were also common practices among pregnant mothers in the study area.

Conclusions

This study explored misconceptions on food intakes during pregnancy. Positive attitude towards intake of “soft” alcoholic drinks might result in alcohol related teratogenic effects. Restriction on the intakes of nutrient rich diets due to religious fasting and other misconceptions would lead to insufficient nutrient intake both to the mothers and their growing fetus. Culturally appropriate intervention to improve awareness on healthy dietary intake during pregnancy is needed.
Investigating the risk factors for academic difficulties in the medical programme at a South African university
Authors: Mabizela Sfiso Emmanuel , Bruce Judith
Published: March 2022

Background

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) that determines academic readiness is widely used by Faculties as an additional measure to select students for the study of medicine. Despite this, many students continue to experience academic challenges that culminate in delayed graduation and sometimes academic exclusion or discontinuation of studies.

Aim

This study aimed to understand academic and non-academic variables linked with academic difficulties in the first three years of medical education.

Methods

The study sample consisted of six cohorts of medical students for the period 2011 to 2016 (n = 1392). Only the first three of the six-year medical programme were selected for analysis. Survival analysis and Cox Proportional Hazard (CPH) was used to identify academic and non-academic variables associated with academic difficulties.

Results

A total of 475 students (34%) experienced academic difficulty; 221 (16%) in the first year of study, 192 (14%) in the second year and 62 (5%) in the third year of study. The results show that Intermediate Upper, Lower and Basic levels for all NBT domains, living in university residence, rurality and male gender were risk factors for academic difficulty.

Conclusion

In mitigating these factors, the NBT must inform the type of support programmes to augment the students' skills and promote academic success. Additionally, existing support programmes should be evaluated to ascertain if they reach students at risk and whether participating in these programmes yield positive academic outcomes.