bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination After Pharmacist-Led Intervention: A Pilot Project in an Ambulatory Clinic at a Large Academic Urban Medical Center
Authors: Cebollero Julianna , Walton Suzanne M. , Cavendish Laurie , Quairoli Kristi , Cwiak Carrie , Kottke Melissa J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Despite the safety and efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, many persons are still not receiving it. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the number of first doses of the 9-valent HPV (9vHPV) vaccination administered after a pharmacist-led intervention in the Adult Family Planning Clinic at Grady Health System (GHS), a large academic urban medical center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Methods

The pilot project had 3 phases: pre-intervention (November 15, 2016, through March 31, 2017), active intervention (November 15, 2017, through December 29, 2017), and post-intervention (December 30, 2017, through March 31, 2018). The pre-intervention phase was used as a historical control. The active intervention phase consisted of pharmacist interventions in the clinic and patient and health care provider education. The post-intervention phase evaluated the durability of pharmacist-led interventions performed and education provided during the active phase.

Results

Eighty-nine first-dose 9vHPV vaccines (of the 3-dose series) were administered to young adults aged 18-26 during the project period (November 15, 2017, through March 31, 2018); none were administered during the pre-intervention phase. Of 89 patients who received a first 9vHPV vaccine dose, 20 patients also received a second 9vHPV vaccine dose. During the project period, 166 doses of 9vHPV vaccine (first, second, or third doses) were administered.

Conclusion

This pharmacist-led intervention led to an increase in the number of young adult patients receiving their first dose of the 9vHPV vaccination series. With the support of other health care providers, pharmacist-led initiatives can expand vaccine-related health literacy and facilitate access to immunization services.
Using an Established Outbreak Response Plan and Molecular Epidemiology Methods in an HIV Transmission Cluster Investigation, Tennessee, January–June 2017
Authors: Sizemore Lindsey , Fill Mary-Margaret , Mathieson Samantha A. , Black Jennifer , Brantley Meredith , Cooper Kelly , Garrett Joy , Switzer William M. , Peters Philip J. , Wester Carolyn
Published: March 2020

Introduction

In April 2017, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) was notified of an increase in the number of persons newly diagnosed with HIV in eastern Tennessee in the same month. Two were identified as persons with a history of injection drug use (IDU) and named each other as syringe-sharing partners, prompting an investigation into a possible HIV cluster among persons with a history of IDU.

Materials and Methods

TDH and public health staff members in eastern Tennessee collaborated to implement procedures outlined in TDH’s HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) Outbreak Response Plan, including conducting enhanced interviewing and using a preestablished database for data collection and management. To complement contact tracing and enhanced interviewing, TDH partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct molecular HIV analyses.

Results

By June 27, 2017, the investigation had identified 31 persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection; 8 (26%) self-reported IDU, 4 of whom were also men who have sex with men (MSM). Of the remaining 23 persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection, 10 were MSM who did not report IDU, 9 reported high-risk heterosexual contact, and 4 had other or unknown risk factors. Molecular analysis of the 14 HIV-1 polymerase genes (including 7 of the 8 persons self-reporting IDU) revealed 3 distinct molecular clusters, one of which included 3 persons self-reporting IDU.

Practice Implications

This investigation highlights the importance of implementing an established Outbreak Response Plan and using HIV molecular analyses in the event of a transmission cluster or outbreak investigations. Future HIV outbreak surveillance will include using Global Hepatitis Outbreak Surveillance Technology to identify HCV gene sequences as a potential harbinger for HIV transmission networks.
Sensing efficiency of three-dimensional textile sensors with an open-and-close structure for respiration rate detection
Authors: Yang Jin-Hee , Cho Hyun-Seung , Kwak Hwykuen , Chae Je-Wook , Lee Hyeok-Jae , Lee Jeong-Whan , Oh Soo-hyun , Lee Joo-Hyeon
Published: March 2020

The strain-gauge type textile sensors adopted in many studies on respiration-sensing wearable systems have been reported to have two major limitations that result in reduced sensing accuracy and insufficient durability of the sensor. The two limitations are the inability to accurately monitor the changes in the three-dimensional (3D) body contour during changes in the respiration cycle and the frequent occurrence of baseline drifts. To solve these issues, this study proposes new types of textile respiration rate sensors with a 3D structure, which measure the respiration rate based on the variation in the size of the contacting section’s surface during respiration, rather than the changes in the length of the sensor, as in existing strain-gauge type sensors. Firstly, the sensing signals were analyzed based on morphology and size measurements. Then, the sensing reliability of three respiration rate sensor types, namely the no-filler, 3D hard, and 3D soft types, was analyzed by comparing their measurements with those of the SS5LB. Finally, the reproducibility and baseline drifts of the sensors’ measurements were evaluated by taking and comparing repeated measurements. As a result, the consistency of the sensing signals of the SS5LB and those of the two types of 3D sensors was higher than those of the no-filler type sensor, and the 3D soft type sensor had the highest reliability and reproducibility among the three new types of sensors. The result showed relatively reduced baseline drifts in the two types of 3D sensors.
Reflections on five years of the Summer Institute in Urban Studies
Authors: Ward Kevin , Bunnell Timothy
Published: March 2020

This critical commentary introduces the Summer Institute in Urban Studies (SIUS) in the context of the wider inter-disciplinary discussions over the future of urban studies. It outlines the context out of which the institute first took place in Manchester in 2014 and how it has evolved across four subsequent iterations, the most recent of which was held in Singapore in July 2018. We document and discuss the profile of those who have participated in the four institutes and reflect upon some of the challenges that have emerged through discussions on the current state of the field of urban studies and its various possible futures. In conclusion, this critical commentary reflects on what we have learnt from the four institutes to date as we plan for #SIUS2020.
The Labour Side of the Story: Informalisation and New Forms of Mobilisation of Kerala’s Women Workers
Authors: Velayudhan Meera
Published: March 2020

Historically, in the context of Kerala, through mobilisation, electoral and mass struggles and a broad-based alliance of poor peasants, agricultural labour and workers were forged into a political constituency. This paper locates new forms of women workers’ struggles in the post-1990 context which saw a shift in the politics of labour and in the language of class and since the People’s Planning Campaign for democratic decentralisation in Kerala, when agency moved away from trade unions to a plurality of organisations serving a range of objectives but linked with local governance. There was a shift away from exclusive collective bargaining by workers to collective social activity, for example, Kudumbashree, Ayalkootam (neighbourhood groups), public works, MNREGA forums and other forms of associational activities. Identities shifted beyond that of workers to citizens, involving a range of rights with the neighbourhood and the local as an axis. This paper focusses on women labour particularly in the context of the trajectory of development and labour in Kerala and the wider canvas in which labour movements developed post the 1980s in India.
Women, Work and Development in Rural India: A Catalogue of Voluntarism in Policy
Authors: Surendran Aardra
Published: March 2020

This paper seeks to evaluate the conception of rural women’s work evident in the trajectory of development policy in India. It argues that the feature of self-initiated or voluntary participation in development for women is not restricted to the period of structural adjustment. Its antecedents lie within earlier conceptions of national development and women’s role within it which is consistently characterised by a reliance on voluntarism on the part of unspecified community actors. Thus, while the shifting of the onus of women’s development from community voluntarism to small group voluntarism is an important feature of the contemporary period, it does, at another level, extend the trajectory of state policy that has failed to take central responsibility for working women in rural India. Parallel to the shifts in the conception of the rural woman as a receptacle of policy to a consumer of development initiatives through the post-Independence decades is thus the persistence of a half-baked notion of the rural working woman.
Women and Work in India: State-level Analysis
Authors: Deb Surajit
Published: March 2020

The Social Change Indicators series in this special issue presents state-level data on labour force participation rate, unemployment rate, status of employment and sectoral distribution.
Book review: Samita Sen and Nilanjana Sengupta, Domestic Days Women, Work and Politics in Contemporary Kolkata
Authors: Paul Ceena
Published: March 2020

Samita Sen and Nilanjana Sengupta, Domestic Days Women, Work and Politics in Contemporary Kolkata. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2016, p. 311, ₹995, ISBN 0-19-946116-3
Women’s Role in Shaping the Global Economic Landscape
Authors: Goswami Sathyasree
Published: March 2020

Beth English, Mary E. Frederickson, & Olga Sanmiguel-Valderrama (Eds.), Global Women’s Work––Perspectives on Gender and Work in the Global Economy. New York: Routledge, 2018, p.422. Price: $160, ISBN Number: 978-1-138-03658-1.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient Experiences With Group Medical and Individual Education Appointments for Type 2 Diabetes Management in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Tataryn Anna , Derbowka Hannah , Shen Xinyu , Gage Emily , Kang Ester , Wlock Jillian , Lieffers Jessica
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to capture information on patient experiences and perspectives of group medical appointments (GMAs) and compare them to those attending individual appointments (IAs) with the diabetes education team (usual care) for managing type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Adults (N = 18; 61% male; 83% 50-70 years old ) with type 2 diabetes (or prediabetes) living in rural Saskatchewan were recruited to complete a semistructured interview on their experiences with GMAs or IAs. To be eligible to participate, individuals must have attended at least 2 GMAs or 2 IAs. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Overall, participants spoke highly of their respective appointment type. Results indicated that both appointment types positively influenced understanding of diabetes management, with the most notable difference being greater understanding of stress management in the GMAs. Participants identified several positive aspects of each appointment type, which included convenience, supportive and enjoyable, and informative for GMAs and time and tailored information for IAs. Participants provided some suggestions to improve diabetes related-care for their respective appointment type.

Conclusions

Participants of GMAs and IAs for type 2 diabetes each reported unique strengths to their respective care plan and reported benefiting from their care.
The (lost) tune of ‘Raging Love’ and its reverberations in Isabella Whitney’s Copy of a Letter
Authors: Reid Lindsay Ann
Published: March 2020

This article argues that Isabella Whitney’s verse epistles ‘To Her Unconstant Lover’ and ‘The Admonition’ in The Copy of a Letter (c. 1566–67) are enmeshed more thoroughly in the early modern English soundscape than previous criticism has tended to acknowledge. Seeking to enrich current understandings of Whitney’s confluences, this article first examines the vibrant musical sphere in which The Copy of a Letter’s printer-publisher Richard Jones was demonstrably immersed before moving on to explore the more specific implications of an acoustically evocative allusion to ‘Raging Love’ (a now-lost Elizabethan ballad melody) in the opening lines of ‘The Admonition’.
Dancing Shakespeare in Europe: silent eloquence, the body and the space(s) of play within and beyond language
Authors: Chevrier-Bosseau Adeline
Published: March 2020

How does one dance Shakespeare? This question underpins this collection of six articles, which explore how choreographers have invested space and the playtext’s interstices to transpose them into ballet pieces – whether contemporary ballet, classical or neo-classical ballet, or works that fall under the umbrella term of contemporary dance. The authors delineate how the emotions translate into silent danced movement and highlight the physical, somatic element in music – beyond spoken language. Through the triple prism of dance, music and a reflection on silence, this special issue invites us to reconsider questions of embodiment, performance and eloquence in Shakespeare’s plays.
Effect of Electrocautery Settings on Particulate Concentrations in Surgical Plume during Tonsillectomy
Authors: Carr Michele M. , Patel Vijay A. , Soo Jhy‐Charm , Friend Sherri , Lee Eun Gyung
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To describe the effect of monopolar electrocautery (EC) settings on surgical plume particulate concentration during pediatric tonsillectomy.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

During total tonsillectomy exclusively performed with EC, air was sampled with a surgeon‐worn portable particle counter. The airborne mean and maximum particle concentrations were compared for tonsillectomy performed with EC at 12 W vs 20 W, with smoke evacuation system (SES) and no smoke evacuation (NS).

Results

A total of 36 children were included in this analysis: 9 cases with EC at 12 W and SES (12SES), 9 cases with EC at 20 W and SES (20SES), 9 cases with EC at 12 W without SES (12NS), and 9 cases with EC at 20 W without SES (20NS). Mean particle number concentration in the breathing zone during tonsillectomy was 1661 particles/cm3 for 12SES, 5515 particles/cm3 for 20SES, 8208 particles/cm3 for 12NS, and 78,506 particles/cm3 for 20NS. There was a statistically significant difference in the particle number concentrations among the 4 groups. The correlation between the particle number concentration and EC time was either moderate (for 12SES) or negative (for remaining groups).

Conclusion

Airborne particle concentrations during tonsillectomy are over 9.5 times higher when EC is set at 20 W vs 12 W with NS, which is mitigated to 3.3 times with SES. Applying lower EC settings with SES during pediatric tonsillectomy significantly reduces surgical plume exposure for patients, surgeons, and operating room personnel, which is a well‐known occupational health hazard.
Environmental information for inclusion in orientation and mobility maps, identified by travelers with blindness: The cases of city centers and neighborhoods/residential areas
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Charitakis Konstantinos , Koustriava Eleni , Kouroupetroglou Georgios , Stylianidis Efstratios , Müller Karin , Sakalli Gumus Suad
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the user requirements of individuals with blindness regarding the information to be mapped on audio-tactile maps of city centers and neighborhoods/residential areas. Beyond that specific scope, this study aims at covering a wider research gap. That is, the investigation of the usefulness that individuals with blindness attribute to different spatial information (items) of differentiated environments: city centers and neighborhoods/residential areas. A total of 115 adults with blindness took part in the research. Participants came from four countries: Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Germany. The researchers listed 222 pieces of information concerning city centers and 226 pieces concerning neighborhoods/residential areas and address them in survey by conducting two respective questionnaires. Participants were asked to evaluate the information regarding the usefulness of the information with regard to safety, location of services, and orientation/wayfinding during movement. The result of the study is the definition of the most useful information that should be included in orientation and mobility (O&M) aids. Thus, the findings of this study will be particularly important for designers of O&M aids, O&M specialists, rehabilitation specialists, and teachers who design and construct O&M aids for their students with blindness.
Engaging Church Leaders in the Reduction of Teen Birth Rate in High-Risk Areas
Authors: Golman Mandy , Luu Amy , Ricks Nila , Norris Vanessa , Nguyen Sarah
Published: March 2020

Involving faith-based organizations in community health promotion has gained widespread interest and has been a successful approach in addressing various health disparities in vulnerable communities. However, there is comparatively little evidence regarding sexual health promotion among faith-based organizations. Some agencies have responded to the challenge of reducing teen pregnancy with broad-based initiatives involving many different sectors of the community including faith-based organizations. Focus groups with key church leaders ( n = 25) from zip codes with identified birth rates of 95 or higher were conducted to explore their perception of teen pregnancy among their communities. Purposive and snowball sampling were utilized. Recruitment was conducted through calls, email, and flyers. This study identified the barriers that church leaders encounter in their efforts to address teen pregnancy in their communities. Common themes that emerged include church education, parent support and communication, cultural barriers, availability of resources, awareness of services, and the need for comprehensive sexual education. Findings and recommendations to help those working in the faith community overcome identified barriers are addressed. Recent decreases in teen birth rates should not lead to complacency; rather they should inspire public health practitioners to do more, especially when some communities have not experienced the same success. Collaborating with faith-based organizations is one method to consider when considering community prevention efforts.
Immediate implant-prosthetic dental rehabilitation of patients with diabetes using four immediately loaded dental implants: a pilot study
Authors: Juncar Raluca-Iulia , Precup Alexandru-Iosif , Juncar Mihai
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves endocrine changes that cause a persistent increase in blood glucose. Many disorders are associated with T2DM, including disorders that affect the oral cavity. Oral cavity disorders interfere with a patient’s capacity to follow a correct diet, which results in worsening systemic disease. Oral rehabilitation is necessary for patients with T2DM. Therefore, this prospective study was performed to evaluate the immediate dental rehabilitation capacity of patients with T2DM using four immediately loaded dental implants.

Methods

In this prospective study, four implants each were placed in four patients with T2DM and loaded within 24 hours. Demographic characteristics were assessed at baseline; systemic and oral health parameters were assessed at baseline and at 6 months after implant placement.

Results

The mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.05% (range, 6.8%–7.3%). The mean Implant Stability Quotient of the dental implants was 74.5 (range, 67–85). Postoperative evolution was favorable: only one implant exhibited inflammation of the prosthetic stump.

Conclusions

Immediate prosthetic rehabilitation using four maxillary dental implants was an effective treatment modality for patients with T2DM in this study. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
MicroRNA-34c-3p target inhibiting NOTCH1 suppresses chemosensitivity and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Lin-zhu , Lei Chang-cheng , Zhao Yun-ping , Sun Hong-wen , Yu Qing-he , Yang En-Ji , Zhan Xi
Published: March 2020

Background

Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, chemoresistance frequently occurs, making the treatment of NSCLC more difficult.

Method

We combined clinical and experimental studies to establish the role of microRNA (miR)-34c in NSCLC metastasis and chemoresistance.

Results

MiR-34c expression was significantly decreased in patients with NSCLC who showed a poor chemoresponse and metastasis. Overexpression of miR-34c sensitized NSCLC cells to paclitaxel and cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that NOTCH1 was target of miR-34c in NSCLC cells and played a key role in the effects of miR-34c on NSCLC.

Conclusion

NSCLC metastasis and chemoresistance are suppressed though the miR-34c/NOTCH1 axis. MiR-34c has important implications in the development of therapeutic strategies for metastasis and chemoresistance in NSCLC.
Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging examination of Tibetan patients with abnormal iron metabolism and a preliminary study of correlations with blood cell analysis
Authors: Zhou Yi , Meng Jin-Li , Feng Li , Huang Yong-Hong , Ye Jin , Li Man , Xu Zhong-You , Li Xiang-Wei , Yuan Fang , Song Bin
Published: March 2020

Objective

The objective was to investigate factors influencing the high incidence of abnormal iron metabolism in a Tibetan population.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. Magnetic resonance imaging and blood analysis of 363 Tibetan patients were performed and patients divided into normal and abnormal groups based on the clinical diagnostic standard. The upper limit of normal liver iron content was 50 μmol/g. We analyzed the association between abnormal iron metabolism and blood cell indicators using the Spearman rank correlation test.

Results

In male patients, differences in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration in blood between the normal and abnormal groups were significant. Abnormal iron metabolism in male patients was positively correlated with MCH and MCH concentration. In female patients, differences in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels between the two groups were significant. Erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of female patients were positively correlated.

Conclusion

Iron overload in male patients was correlated with an increase in MCH and MCH concentration, and that in female patients was correlated with levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The incidence rate of iron overload was higher in males than in females and was correlated with age in this Tibetan population.
Association between red blood cell distribution width and mortality in diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Dai Huifang , Su Xiaoyou , Li Hai , Zhu Lielie
Published: March 2020

Background

No epidemiological studies have assessed the impact of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) on the prognosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Thus, we investigated whether RDW was associated with mortality in DKA patients.

Material and method

We analyzed data from MIMIC-III. RDW was measured at ICU admission. The relationship between RDW and mortality of DKA was determined using a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The primary outcome of the study was 365-day mortality from the date of ICU admission. We also conducted a subgroup analysis to further confirm the consistency of associations.

Results

In total, 495 critically ill DKA patients were eligible for analysis. In the univariable Cox regression model for 365-day all-cause mortality, RDW was a predictor of all-cause mortality in DKA patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.43). After adjusting for confounders, RDW was still a particularly strong predictor (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.45). The same relationship was also observed for 90-day all-cause mortality (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02–1.65).

Conclusions

High RDW was associated with risk of all-cause mortality in DKA patients in the ICU. RDW was an independent prognostic factor for these patients.
Morphometric analysis of panoramic mandibular index, mental index, and antegonial index
Authors: Sghaireen Mohammed G , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Patil Santosh R , Rahman Saifulizan Ab , Alhabib Selham , Lynch Christopher D , AL-Omiri Mahmoud
Published: March 2020

Objective

This investigation was performed to calculate radiomorphometric indices in panoramic radiographs and identify possible relationships between these indices and sex, age, and body mass index of patients in Saudi and non-Saudi populations.

Methods

In total, 955 panoramic radiographs were reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography volumes of 133 male and 167 female patients (age range, 20–75 years; mean age ±standard deviation, 50.8 ± 8.9 years). Three panoramic indicators were calculated for Saudi and non-Saudi participants according to sex and age: the mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and antegonial index (AGI).

Results

The MI and AGI were significantly different between the two sexes, and the MI was significantly different between the Saudi and non-Saudi participants. Patients aged 20 to 40 years showed a significantly larger MI, PMI, and AGI than patients aged 40 to 60 years and patients aged >60 years.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study revealed that the MI, PMI, and AGI were significantly different between the two sexes, among various age groups, and between Saudi and non-Saudi participants.
Uber and the making of an Algopticon - Insights from the daily life of Montreal drivers
Authors: Jamil Rabih
Published: March 2020

Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, Uber has been disrupting the world taxi industry. However, the Uber algorithmic apparatus managed to perfectionize the scalable decentralized tracking and surveillance of mobile living bodies. This article examines the Uber surveillance machinery and discusses the determinants of its algorithmically powered ‘all-seeing power’. The latter is being figured as an Algopticon that reinvents Bentham’s panopticon in the era of the platform economy.
Illustration of the current practice and outcome comparison of early versus late tracheostomy after pediatric ECMO
Authors: Tripathi Sandeep , Swayampakula Anil K , Deshpande Girish G , Astle Michele , Wang Yanzhi , Welke Karl F
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation typically necessitates protracted ventilator support, yet not much is known about the use of tracheostomy in the pediatric subpopulation. The study was designed with an objective to quantify the prevalence of tracheostomy in children with respiratory/cardiac failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and to compare outcomes for patients undergoing early, late, and no tracheostomy.

Methods:

Data of patients <18 years of age who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory/cardiac failure between 2009 and 2015 were obtained from the Virtual Pediatric Systems (VPS, LLC) Database. Patients who underwent post-operative cardiac ECMO were excluded. Early versus late tracheostomy was defined as ⩽21 or >21 days after intensive care unit admission.

Results:

Data were analyzed for 2127 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Five percent (107/2127) underwent a tracheostomy. Of these, 28% (30/107) underwent early and 72% (77/107) late tracheostomy. A higher mortality was found in the no tracheostomy group (41.3%) compared to early (13.3%) and late tracheostomy (14.3%) groups. Late tracheostomy was associated with 2.4 times the expected intensive care unit length of stay and 1.87 times the expected ventilator days as compared to patients with no tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy was associated with a shorter intensive care unit length of stay (p value < 0.001) and ventilator days (p value = 0.04) compared to late tracheostomy and no difference with the no tracheostomy group.

Conclusions:

Late tracheostomy (>21 days) is associated with worse outcomes in the cohort of children who underwent Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared to patients who did not undergo tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy is associated with shorter intensive care unit stay and ventilator duration when compared to late tracheostomy.
The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care
Authors: Theurer Kristine A. , Stone Robyn I. , Suto Melinda J. , Timonen Virpi , Brown Susan G. , Mortenson W. Ben
Published: March 2020

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees’ loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees ( n = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees ( n = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression ( p = .02, d = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness ( p = .02, d = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended ( p = .01, d = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee’s interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.
Understanding the Victimization-Delinquency Overlap Among Latino Adolescents: The Role of Cultural and Mental Health Factors
Authors: Cuevas Carlos A. , Sabina Chiara , Cudmore Kendall Rebecca , Picard Emilie , Goggin Kelly
Published: March 2020

The aim of this analysis was to evaluate whether cultural factors and mental health variables distinguish Latino youth who are delinquent-victims, primarily victims, or primarily delinquent. This study used data from the Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) Study, which surveyed 1,525 Latino youth and queried participants about past year victimization, delinquency, psychological distress, and cultural factors. Using multinomial logistic regression, we evaluated whether these variables differentiated youth who were delinquent-victims, primarily victims, primarily delinquent, or neither delinquent nor victims. Results suggest that delinquent-victim Latino youth are differentiated from other groups primarily by the degree of familial support and anger/hostility. Other cultural and mental health variables do not appear to differentiate the groups, suggesting a greater degree of similarity among them based on the variables used in the analysis. The results indicate that Latino youth that are victimized and engage in delinquent behavior are primarily differentiated by the degree of anger/hostility they experience. Familial support, as has been seen with non-Latino groups, appears to present a significant protective quality and likely can serve as a prevention strategy, particularly for delinquent-victim youth. Study limitations include challenges with retrospective self-report and sampling using RDD methodologies.
Challenging the Cisgender/Transgender Binary: Nonbinary People and the Transgender Label
Authors: Darwin Helana
Published: March 2020

Interviews with 41 nonbinary individuals reveal a considerable amount of ambivalence among nonbinary people regarding transgender identification. There is also disagreement about which model of transgender legitimacy determines group membership: the binary and medicalized model or the umbrella model. Those who do not identify as transgender either do not consider themselves to be “trans enough” to claim group membership alongside trans men and trans women or otherwise consider their gender experience to be qualitatively different from the transgender experience. Meanwhile, those who do identify as transgender credit the umbrella model as authoritative while acknowledging that their claims to group membership are often resisted by those who uphold the binary transgender model. Finally, those who defy an easy yes/no transgender categorization schema qualify their transgender identification with admissions of doubt that they are really “trans enough” to claim the label or through linguistic practices that position themselves as tangentially transgender or as distinctly nonbinary transgender. This range of responses illuminates the diverse gender identities that coexist among nonbinary people that cannot be neatly sorted into a man/woman or cisgender/transgender binary. Research on the sociology of gender must expand beyond both of these binary frameworks to reflect the reality of gender diversity.
A working human abnormal operation recognition approach based on the deep multi-instance sorting model
Authors: Chen Liang , Du Lu , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Modeling abnormal behavior detection in the intelligent video monitoring system for recognition or detection of special event has attracted significant research interest in recent years. In order to achieve more effective recognition of abnormal behavior detection of the intelligent video surveillance system, this paper proposes a working human abnormal operation recognition approach based on deep multi-instance sorting model. Firstly, the uncut long video is sparse to obtain normal and abnormal behavior video segments, and the RGB and optical flow features in the segment are extracted by the deep convolution network. Video feature vectors are obtained by the consensus function and feature extractor. Then, multi-instance sorting learning is used to assign abnormality scores between 0 and 1 to feature vectors. When the abnormal values of abnormal packets are higher than those of normal packets, the abnormality score is returned and the high abnormality score is determined as an abnormal behavior. The experiments on the open THUMOS14 data set and our own XAGCWD data set using CUDA GPU accelerated computing to demonstrate that our approach improves the recognition accuracy about 10.8% and high accuracy of abnormal detection. The main purpose of this research is to apply the model proposed in this paper to the intelligent workshop behavior monitoring system to effectively realize the safety management of workshop personnel.
Prevalence of renal dysfunction and associated risk factors among HIV patients on ART at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon
Authors: Che Awah Nforbugwe Achu , Acha Asongalem Emmanuel , Bihnwi Nchotu Rengerline , Asangbeng Tanue Elvis , Sevidzem Wirsiy Frankline , Nguedia Assob Jules Clement
Published: March 2020

Since the advent of the management of HIV/AIDS using combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) have changed from infectious to non-infectious causes with kidney disease increasingly emerging as being significant. Despite the introduction of the ‘test and treat’ strategy in Cameroon, there are still few data available on the effect of ART on renal function. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of renal dysfunction among PLWH on ART and its associated risk factors. We conducted a hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study involving PLWH naïve to ART and those on ART. Spectrophotometry was used to quantify renal markers. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the creatinine clearance (CrCl) method. Participants with CrCl <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were considered to have renal dysfunction. A total of 136 participants were recruited of which 97 (71.3%) were females. The mean age was 39.5 ± 9.2 years. Each study category had the same number of participants (68 each). Both had a prevalence of proteinuria of 50%. Of the total study population, 26 (19.1%) had CrCl <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. About 82.4% of the participants on ART were on tenofovir-based regimens with a mean duration of treatment of 6.95 ± 3.74 years. The ART-experienced group had a prevalence of renal dysfunction of 26.5% and the ART-naïve group 11.8%. The difference in mean CrCl between the study groups was not statistically significant. There was no association between renal dysfunction and the ART regimen, duration on treatment, or adherence to treatment. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of renal dysfunction among PLWH that was associated with increasing age. Decreased CD4 cell count increased the risk of proteinuria.
PTEN/PI3K/VEGF signaling pathway involved in the protective effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat against endometrial hyperplasia in rats
Authors: Mohamed MZ , Baky MF Abed El , Hassan OA , Mohammed HH , Abdel-Aziz AM
Published: March 2020

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a medical condition that affects many females as it increases their uterine carcinogenic potential. EH results from entangling hormonal imbalance and inflammatory response. The study examined the role of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, febuxostat, in a rat model of EH. Adult female Wistar albino rats were subjected to estradiol valerate (EV) 2 mg/kg for 10 days to induce EH. Another group was treated concomitantly with febuxostat 10 mg/kg for the same period. The uterine malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed by chemical methods. Gene expressions of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha were assessed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathology and immunohistochemical techniques were used for the detection of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The results revealed that EV administration induced complex EH with focal atypia and loss of PTEN expression by the histological examination. Uteri of the EV group showed a significant drop in GSH content and SOD activity and rise in the expressions of PI3K, Akt, VEGF, and IL-6. Febuxostat administration significantly improved the uterine GSH and SOD levels. It decreased the expressions of PI3K, Akt, VEGF, and IL-6. The endometrium showed a regression of the proliferative epithelium with the restoration of PTEN expression and the absence of the atypical features. In conclusion, febuxostat protected the endometrium against estrogen-induced EH and may be beneficial in the management along with the hormonal therapy.
Decentralising atrial fibrillation screening to overcome socio-demographic inequalities in uptake in STROKESTOP II
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Katrin Kemp , Holmen Anders , Fredriksson Tove , Svennberg Emma , Al-Khalili Faris , Engdahl Johan , Strömberg Ulf
Published: March 2020

Objective

In the first STROKESTOP atrial fibrillation screening study, participation was influenced by socio-demographic and geographic factors. To improve uptake in the second study, two screening sites were added, closer to low-income neighbourhoods which had very low participation in the first study. This paper aims to analyse the geographic and socio-demographic disparities in uptake in the second trial and compare the results with the first trial.

Methods

Inhabitants of the Stockholm region born in 1940 and 1941 were randomised 1:1 to be invited to screening or serve as controls. Medical history, blood samples and single-lead-ECG were collected. Invitee’s residential parish was used for geo-mapping analysis of the geographical disparities in participation, using hierarchical Bayes methods. Individual data for participants and non-participants were obtained for the socioeconomic variables: educational level, disposable income, immigrant and marital status.

Results

Higher participation was observed in those with higher education, high income, among non-immigrants and married individuals. Participation between the first and second studies improved significantly, where additional screening sites were introduced. These improvements were generally significant, in each population group according to socio-demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

Decentralisation of screening sites in an atrial fibrillation screening program yielded a significantly positive impact on screening uptake. Adding local screening sites in areas with low uptake had beneficial impact on participation across a wide spectrum of socio-demographic groups. Decentralised screening substantially increased the screening uptake in deprived areas.
Role of Institutional Ecosystem in Entrepreneurship Education: An Empirical Reiteration
Authors: Mukesh H. V. , Rajasekharan Pillai K.
Published: March 2020

This study examines the influence of higher education institutions’ (HEIs’) ecosystem on entrepreneurship education (EE) and attempts to map the complex relationship between both. It also captures the actual practice of EE in HEIs. A two-stage empirical approach was used in the research design. Drawing upon literature, a conceptual framework was developed to relate HEIs’ ecosystem and EE in the first stage. This framework was tested with the data obtained from 264 academicians. The findings yielded eight factors of HEIs’ ecosystem and six factors of EE. In the second stage, opinion of 15 experts in the area of EE was sought to develop cause–effect relationships between the two constructs. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach was used to examine the cause–effect relationship. Findings indicate that entrepreneurship promotion activity and institutions’ attitude towards entrepreneurship is important causal factors leading to effective EE. The research contributes to literature by fusing two theoretical paradigms. The outcomes of the study have a strong implication for HEIs to build a conducive educational ecosystem for entrepreneurship development.
Child Maltreatment Investigations in Canada: Main and Moderating Effects of Primary Caregiver Cognitive Impairment
Authors: McConnell David , Aunos Marjorie , Pacheco Laura , Feldman Maurice
Published: March 2020

Children of parents with cognitive impairment are overrepresented in the child protection system (CPS). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between primary caregiver cognitive impairment (CCI) and CPS investigation outcomes using the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2008). The CIS-2008 includes process and outcomes data on a national sample of CPS investigations involving a total of 15,980 children under the age of 16 years. This secondary data analysis found that primary CCI was noted in 6.3% of all investigations. When primary CCI was noted, investigations were 3–4 times more likely to result in child removal and court action. The results further suggest that some case characteristics, including case history variables, are weighted differently in decision making depending on whether or not primary CCI is indicated. A systematic, national strategy is needed to build capacity in government and community sectors for the provision of research-informed child and youth protection and family support services for these parents and their children.
Dynamic aspects of salt reduction in tomato sauce by use of flavor enhancers and a bitter blocker
Authors: Rogério Tavares Filho Elson , Almeida Esmerino Erick , de Almeida Santos-Junior Valfredo , Cazzelato Lins da Silva Alessandra , Maria André Bolini Helena
Published: March 2020

Several government agencies have established guidelines for the food industry to reduce sugar, fat, and salt in processed foods. The objective of this study was to determine the dynamic sensory profile of tomato sauce formulated with flavor enhancers, a bitter blocker and 50% sodium content reduction. The perception of consumers and a trained panel was explored. Consumers performed temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal acceptance (TA) while the trained panel performed time-intensity analysis (TI). TA indicated that flavor enhancers improve initial acceptance of a sample but that its masking effect weakens 30 s after ingestion. TI showed that despite promoting salty equivalence, substitute salts were not able to completely suppress the bitter taste characteristic of potassium chloride and the addition of lysine as a bitter blocker was the least effective strategy. In TDS the bitter taste was not dominant in any of the samples. However, the presence of unusual flavors/tastes to the consumers like metallic and umami seems to have interfered negatively in the evaluation of the flavors. Flavor enhancers have been widely used to reformulate processed foods in order to reduce sodium content, preserving sensory acceptance. This study provides information on the dynamic behavior of different salt substitutes.
Comparison of free thyroxine measurement by chemiluminescence and equilibrium dialysis following 131I therapy in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Stammeleer Lisa , Buresova Eva , Stock Emmelie , Feenstra Laurien , Vandermeulen Eva , Duchateau Luc , Van de Maele Isabel , Daminet Sylvie
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The first objective was to assess correlation between free thyroxine (fT4) measurements by equilibrium dialysis (fT4ED; Antech Diagnostics) and a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (fT4CEIA; IMMULITE 2000 Veterinary Free T4 [Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products]) in hyperthyroid, otherwise healthy, cats before (T0), and 1 month (T1) and 11–23 months (T2) after radioactive iodine (131I) therapy. The second objective was to determine correlation between thyroid status based on fT4 (by both techniques) and the gold standard, thyroid scintigraphy.

Methods

Thyroid status, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4) and fT4 serum concentrations, were assessed in 45 client-owned hyperthyroid cats before (T0), and 1 month (T1) and 11–23 months (T2) after 131I therapy. fT4 was determined by a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CEIA) and equilibrium dialysis (ED). Quantitative thyroid scintigraphy (with sodium 99m-Tc-pertechnetate) was performed at T2.

Results

Spearman correlation between fT4CEIA and fT4ED was 0.81, 0.88 and 0.79 at T0, T1 and T2, respectively. fT4CEIA was consistently lower than fT4ED, with a median difference of −5.4 pmol/l ( P <0.001) and −4.9 pmol/l ( P <0.0001) at T1 and T2, respectively. At T2, all cats were identified as euthyroid based on thyroid scintigraphy. None of the cats were identified as being hypothyroid, based on serum TT4 and TSH measurements. Nine of 22 (40.9%) cats had an fT4CEIA below the reference interval (RI) at T2, whereas only 2/22 (9.1%) cats had an fT4ED concentration below the RI at T2.

Conclusions and relevance

Good correlation exists between both assays at T1 and T2, but a significant systematic difference is noted at both time points. This could be an indication for reconsideration of the current RI, although further studies are warranted for assessing test accuracy (in otherwise healthy cats and cats with non-thyroidal illness). At this time, routine use of fT4CEIA after 131I therapy is not advised in feline patients.