bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching about the Evolving Agency Relationships between Project Managers, Creative and Account Service
Authors: Blakeman Robyn , Taylor Maureen
Published: January 2022

Students in advertising have always been taught about the big four positions of research, media, account management, and creative. However, other positions should be considered as the field evolves. To better understand evolving agency relationships with creative and account service teams, we interviewed 16 advertising professionals about a fifth career option, project management. This article outlines the tasks, knowledge bases, and roles of project managers based on the industry literature and interviews. We offer advertising educators insights into how to discuss the expanded role of project management as a viable option for students’ long-term careers in advertising.
A survival analysis of cuffed tunneled silicon central venous catheters in children affected by short bowel syndrome: A lesson from the past
Authors: Ghidini Filippo , Tognon Costanza , Verlato Giovanna , Duci Miriam , Andreetta Marina , Leon Francesco Fascetti , Gamba Piergiorgio
Published: January 2022

Background:

Tunneled central venous catheters (CVC) are crucial in the management of children affected by short bowel syndrome (SBS). This work aims to investigate the outcomes of tunneled CVC and to identify factors influencing their survival.

Methods:

All the children diagnosed with SBS and undergone a procedure of insertion of a tunneled CVC from 2010 to 2019 were included. Demographic data and surgical information about the procedures were collected. Regression models and Kaplan–Meier analysis were performed to estimate the survival.

Results:

Eighteen patients, eight males (44%), with a median length of residual bowel measuring 72 cm (IQR 50–102 cm), were enrolled. Thirty-nine Broviac CVCs were inserted with a mean number of 2.2 CVCs per patient and 13365 line-days. The overall incidence of complications was 3.2/1000 line-days, and the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) was 1.1/1000 line-days. No episode of catheter thrombosis was reported. The median survival was 269 days (IQR 82–1814 days). The survival was negatively influenced by a younger age at insertion ( R2 = 0.29; p < 0.001), 2.7 Fr diameter (median survival 76 days; p < 0.001) and the occurrence of complications (median survival 169 days; p = 0.002). The length of residual bowel was a mild risk factor for anticipated removal (OR 1.1; CI95 1.0–1.1; p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

CVC-related complications negatively influenced the survival of the line. An elder age at insertion together with a larger CVC diameter increased the survival of the line, while a shorter residual bowel was associated with an anticipated removal due to complications.
Adult Children Move Out: Family Meals and Reflections on Parental Self-sacrifice at the Moment of Transition
Authors: Rancew-Sikora Dorota , Skowrońska Marta
Published: January 2022

This article examines the differentiation and change in the shared eating practices of parents and their adult children, linking theories of sacrifice with empirical research. Drawing on 26 qualitative, in-depth dyadic interviews, the authors analyse the transformation of expectations sensed by the parents before and after their adult children leave home. While the article confirms the significance of meals for family relationships, it further develops the findings in transition to the empty nest phase of family life. First, it examines the understanding of different aspects and distribution of everyday sacrificing in an intergenerational family, as well as the dynamics introduced by the life course transition connected with adult children moving out. Second, it analyses how this transition carries in consequence a transformation in the food-related practices of the parents of adult children, who tend to pay less attention to the quality, variety, and regularity of their dinners once their children have moved out. Third, it explores children’s visits to their family home that can trigger or modify old self-sacrifice patterns. Finally, it demonstrates the perceived gains or losses resulting from parents’ long-term sacrifices connected with feeding their children.
The impact of early stages of COVID-19 on the mental health of autistic adults in the United Kingdom: A longitudinal mixed-methods study
Authors: Bundy Rebecca , Mandy Will , Crane Laura , Belcher Hannah , Bourne Laura , Brede Janina , Hull Laura , Brinkert Jana , Cook Julia
Published: January 2022

We used mixed methods to learn about the nature and drivers of mental health changes among autistic adults in the United Kingdom during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In quantitative analyses, we examined the nature and predictors of change in depression, anxiety and stress, prospectively measured in 70 autistic adults at Wave 1 (just before the United Kingdom’s first lockdown) and Wave 2 (10–15 weeks into the United Kingdom’s first lockdown). Retrospective Wave 2 reports of mental health change were also analysed for these 70 participants. For the qualitative analysis, 133 participants (including the 70 from the quantitative analyses) provided reports on their experiences of the pandemic at Wave 2. In quantitative analyses, retrospective reports indicated that participants’ mental health worsened, but prospective data showed a different picture, with overall anxiety and stress scores reducing between Waves 1 and 2. Nevertheless, the mental health impact of the pandemic on autistic adults was variable, with a sizable minority reporting a significant decline in mental health. Qualitative analysis yielded four themes that contributed to mental health changes: (a) adjusting to changes to the social world, (b) living with uncertainty, (c) disruptions to self-regulation, and (d) barriers to fulfilling basic needs.

Lay abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high levels of depression, anxiety and stress have been reported in the general population. However, much less has been reported about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of autistic people. What we did: In the present study, we investigated how the mental health of autistic adults in the United Kingdom changed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 133 participants completed an online survey at two different time points. Of the 133 participants, 70 completed the survey at the first time point just before the onset of the national lockdown. This allowed us to look at changes in their mental health, from before the lockdown to 10 to 15 weeks during lockdown. All participants (133) told us about their experiences of the pandemic. What we found: While many autistic adults told us that their mental health worsened, people’s experience varied. For some autistic adults, aspects of mental health (e.g. anxiety, stress) actually improved. Participants also described social changes that had occurred, at home and in the outside world. They described feelings of uncertainty during the pandemic, and discussed how the pandemic had affected some of their previous coping strategies. Participants also told us about their difficulties in accessing healthcare services and food during the early stages of the pandemic. In our article, we discuss these findings and focus on what needs to change to ensure that autistic people are better supported as the pandemic continues.
An online (r)examination of frequency and context effects in code-switching using the auditory moving window
Authors: Heredia Roberto R. , Angelovska Tanja , Cieślicka Anna B.
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

This study revisits the finding that code-switched language comprehension takes longer than non-switched language.

Design/methodology/approach:

Using an auditory moving window task, bilinguals operating in single (English) or dual (Spanish–English) language communities listened to sentences presented auditorily. Sentences in Experiments 1a to b were in Spanish and critical targets were either a code-switch or a borrowing, where an English target was pronounced in Spanish. Experiments 2a to b compared code-switched versus non-switched targets within Spanish sentences. Sentences for Experiment 3 were in English with critical targets in Spanish. Context (low/high constraint) and word frequency (low/high) were manipulated.

Data and analysis:

Data were analyzed using linear mixed effect models ( N = 358), with phonetics (code-switch vs. borrower), context (high- vs. low-constraint), word frequency (high vs. low), and bilingual group (code-switcher vs. English-dominant) as fixed factors, and items and subjects as random factors.

Findings/conclusions:

Findings from the three experiments suggested that code-switched language results in a processing cost. The bilingual’s linguistic system demands more memory and time to successfully integrate the code-switched information into the sentence. Word frequency and context, as predicted by the featural restriction model, affected the processing of the code-switched targets.

Originality:

This study is one of the first attempts to investigate bilingual processing employing the auditory moving window technique and the first one to find an interactive effect of context and the type of bilingual and mixed language processing.

Significance/implications:

The results suggest that there are differences in language switch costs moderated by word frequency, phonetics, and linguistic environment (monolingual vs. bilingual) among bilinguals. The results also suggest that the auditory moving window technique is sensitive to the classic bilingual factors such as code-switching, and other robust psycholinguistic factors such as context and word frequency.
Cognate and meaning frequency effects on homonym processing
Authors: Cassol Rigatti Pietra , Arêas da Luz Fontes Ana Beatriz
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study investigated the influence of L1 co-activation and meaning frequency of homonyms on L2 lexical access of Brazilian Portuguese–English bilinguals during an L2 meaning decision task.

Design:

Eighty-four university students completed a meaning decision task—with cognate homonyms—a meaning recognition task, a Language History Questionnaire, and an L2 proficiency test. The meaning decision task was composed of 128 prime words followed by one out of three possible targets: related to the dominant meaning, related to the subordinate one, or unrelated. Independent variables were cognate status (64 cognate × 64 non-cognate words), homonym status (64 homonym × 64 non-homonyms), prime-sharedness (16 dominant meaning shared words × 16 subordinate meaning shared words), and target-relatedness (64 related to dominant meaning × 64 related to subordinate meaning × 64 unrelated words). Dependent variables were reaction times and accuracy.

Data and analysis:

Data were analyzed using linear mixed effect models in R.

Findings:

Results showed that, in this sample of bilinguals, processing of target words related to the meaning of the prime was confounded when primes were homonyms. In general, this interference was not decreased by the co-activation of cognate words across languages. Accuracy scores benefited from cognate status only when no ambiguity was present. Word processing was faster and more accurate when target words were related to the dominant meaning of the homonym prime, which shared this same meaning across languages.

Originality:

L1 co-activation via cognate words was not enough to decrease homonym interference effect in L2 word processing.

Implications:

This study lends support for a non-selective bilingual lexical access view and for frequency approaches during L2 word recognition. It also indicates limitations of the cognate facilitation effect.
Conservative advocacy journalism: Explored with a model of journalists’ influence on democracy
Authors: Fielding Victoria
Published: January 2022

The democratic role of news media in Western society is usually analysed through the lens of the dominant liberal model of media. This model assumes that journalists play a positive part in democracy by monitoring those with power and facilitating a diverse marketplace of ideas. Within this model, journalistic professionalism emphasises objectivity, neutrality, pluralism, balance and independence. There are, however, two types of advocacy journalism which, despite receiving less attention, nonetheless are present in Western media and exhibit characteristics contrary to these liberal values: radical journalism and collaboration between journalists and the state. Through a case study comparing Australian Murdoch media coverage of an industrial dispute to that of non-Murdoch media, this paper proposes a third type of advocacy journalism: conservative advocacy. Through the development of a model of journalistic influence on democracy, conservative advocacy is proposed as the least democratic form of journalism due to its suppression of voices that challenge power.
Beyond positive and negative: Developing a reflexive framework for first amendment theory
Authors: Walters Patrick
Published: January 2022

Tracing back to the work of Isaiah Berlin and the debates of the Hutchins Commission, discussions of First Amendment theory have long been divided into interpretations of “negative” rights protecting speakers from interference and “positive” rights ensuring that the public has the right to a quality information system. This paper explores how a First Amendment framework consisting of these two approaches breaks down in a networked communication ecosystem in which the lines between communicator and audience are increasingly blurred. The analysis explores these questions amid ongoing debates over regulating platforms and the possibility of increased public intervention in the floundering news industry. The paper builds on previous scholarship that has deemed First Amendment theory “inadequate,” incorporating the work of Mike Ananny, Joshua Braun, Victor Pickard, Phillip Napoli, and others. It argues that the current information system is too complex for a simple binary approach to First Amendment theory. Instead, it calls for a reflexive approach that embraces how these perspectives interrelate, one that calls for protecting the rights of speakers, but doing so in a way that characterizes them as members of a larger collective of listeners whose interests must be served.
The increased iron deposition of the gray matter over the whole brain in chronic migraine: An exploratory quantitative susceptibility mapping study
Authors: Chen Zhiye , Zhao He , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Mengqi , Li Xin , Ma Lin , Yu Shengyuan
Published: January 2022

Background

Prior studies identified iron deposition in deep brain nuclei and the periaqueductal gray matter region in chronic migraine, and less is known about the cerebral iron deposition over the whole cerebral gray matter in CM. The aim of this case–control study is to investigate the cerebral iron deposition of gray matter in CM using an advanced quantitative susceptibility mapping.

Methods

A multi-echo gradient echo MR sequence was used to obtain raw quantitative susceptibility mapping data from 12 CM patients and 18 normal controls and the quantitative susceptibility mapping were reconstructed. Three dimensional T1 images were segmented and the gray matter mask was generated to extract the susceptibility value of gray matter over the whole brain. The independent t test and receiver operating characteristic curve Receiver operating characteristics was used to investigate the iron deposition changes in CM patients.

Results

CM presented a higher susceptibility value (1.44 × 10−3 ppm) compared with NC group (0.47 × 10−3 ppm) ( p < 0.0001) over the whole cerebral gray matter. There was no correlation between susceptibility value and the clinical variables including disease duration, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores ( p > 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated the susceptibility had a high diagnostic efficacy (AUC 0.949, sensitivity 77.78% and specificity 100%) in distinguishing CM from NC.

Conclusion

CM patients had increased iron deposition in total cerebral gray matter which could be considered as a potential diagnostic and evaluated imaging biomarker in CM.
Representing social categories based on shared cultural knowledge in adults
Authors: Oláh Katalin , Király Ildikó
Published: January 2022

The study investigated whether adults rely on the cues of shared cultural knowledge when forming social category representations. We used a modified version of the memory confusion paradigm, where participants are presented with the photographs of people differing along social category distinctions while listening to utterances associated with the pictures. In the test phase, the task is to match the utterances to the photographs. When category representations are formed, more within-category errors than between-category errors are expected. Experiment 1 contrasted two cues in social category representations: race and shared cultural knowledge. In Experiment 2, categorisation based on shared cultural knowledge was tested without any competing cue. Experiment 3 replicated previous results about automatic race encoding when no competing social distinction was available. Experiment 4 contrasted gender with cultural category membership. The results indicate that people encode information about race, gender, and cultural background; however, the latter two are more fundamental dimensions of social categorisation.
‘A welcome change . . . but early days’: Irish Service Provider Perspectives on Domestic Abuse and the Domestic Violence Act 2018
Authors: Thompson Stephanie , Doyle David M , Murphy Muiread , Mangan Rosemary
Published: January 2022

This article is an exploratory study of service provider perspectives on the impact and effectiveness of the recently commenced Domestic Violence Act 2018 in Ireland. Drawing on 22 semi-structured interviews with domestic abuse organisations, and a review of both national and provincial newspaper sources, the article highlights the challenges facing domestic abuse service providers in Ireland and identifies key areas in need of reform. The research was conducted during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, and as such, provides a unique insight into the experiences of frontline service providers, and the victims that availed of their services, during the public health crisis.
Is social media, as a main source of information on COVID-19, associated with perceived effectiveness of face mask use? Findings from six sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Iyamu Ihoghosa , Apantaku Glory , Yesufu Zeena , Oladele Edward Adekola , Eboreime Ejemai , Afirima Barinaadaa , Okechukwu Emeka , Kibombwe Gabriel Isaac , Oladele Tolulope , Tafuma Taurayi , Badejo Okiki-Olu , Ashiono Everline , Mpofu Mulamuli
Published: January 2022

Background:

The use of face masks as a public health approach to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the subject of debate. One major concern has been the spread of misinformation via social media channels about the implications of the use of face masks. We assessed the association between social media as the main COVID-19 information source and perceived effectiveness of face mask use.

Methods:

In this survey in six sub-Saharan African countries (Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe), respondents were asked how much they agreed that face masks are effective in limiting COVID-19. Responses were dichotomised as ‘agree’ and ‘does not agree’. Respondents also indicated their main information source including social media, television, newspapers, etc. We assessed perceived effectiveness of face masks, and used multivariable logistic models to estimate the association between social media use and perceived effectiveness of face mask use. Propensity score (PS) matched analysis was used to assess the robustness of the main study findings.

Results

Among 1988 respondents, 1169 (58.8%) used social media as their main source of information, while 1689 (85.0%) agreed that face masks were effective against COVID-19. In crude analysis, respondents who used social media were more likely to agree that face masks were effective compared with those who did not [odds ratio (OR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.65]. This association remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, country, level of education, confidence in government response, attitude towards COVID-19 and alternative main sources of information on COVID-19 (OR 1.33, 95%CI: 1.01–1.77). Findings were also similar in the PS-matched analysis.

Conclusion:

Social media remains a viable risk communication channel during the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite concerns about misinformation, social media may be associated with favourable perception of the effectiveness of face masks.
Direct and indirect influence of project managers’ contingent reward leadership and empowering leadership on project success
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad K , Abdulhamid Abu B , Wahab Sazali A , Pervaiz Ali N , Imtiaz Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Leadership is considered to be a viable solution to avoid persistent project failures in an increasingly volatile and uncertain competitive business environment; however, practitioners and researchers have yet to reach a consensus on the best leadership style to prevent project failure. Although past studies have examined different leadership models in the project environment, they have overlooked the importance of emerging leadership styles in managing new business realities. This article thus attempts to determine whether two leadership styles, that is, contingent reward and empowering, directly and indirectly achieve project success. Data were collected from 289 project team members in the IT sector and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results demonstrate the positive impact of empowering leadership on employee self-leadership, which leads to project success. Further, employee self-leadership positively mediates the link between empowering leadership and project success, while goal clarity moderates the influence of self-leadership on project success. However, contingent reward leadership neither directly nor indirectly (through self-leadership) showed any significant relationship with project success.
Examining the association between group context effects and individual outcomes in an interdisciplinary group-based treatment for chronic pain based on acceptance and commitment therapy
Authors: Gilpin Helen R , Ratanachatchuchai Soravis , Novelli David , McCracken Lance M , Scott Whitney
Published: January 2022

Background

Although cognitive-behavioural treatments for chronic pain are delivered in groups, there is little research investigating group effects in these treatments.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between group composition variables at the start of treatment and individual outcomes following intensive interdisciplinary treatment for pain based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of routinely collected observational data. Five-hundred and sixteen patients completed a standard set of demographic, pain-related and psychosocial measures at pre- and post-treatment. Intracluster correlations (ICCs) were computed to examine the clustering of outcomes within groups and multilevel models explored the association between group composition variables and individual level outcomes.

Results

The ICCs for pain intensity (0.11) and interference (0.09) suggested that multilevel models were warranted for these outcomes, while a multilevel model for post-treatment depression (ICC = 0.04) was not warranted. Group percentage of participants receiving disability benefits and group mean pain intensity at pre-treatment were significantly positively associated with individual level pain intensity at post-treatment, controlling for pre-treatment individual level pain intensity. Group mean pain intensity at pre-treatment was the only group variable that significantly predicted post-treatment pain interference at the individual level. Psychosocial group composition variables were not significantly associated with individual level outcomes.

Conclusion

Given the limited predictive utility of group composition variables in the current study, future research should undertake direct assessment of group level therapeutic and countertherapeutic processes to advance understanding of who benefits from group treatments for pain and how. As the variance in outcomes accounted for by group clustering was relatively small and significant within groups variance remained, research is also needed to further understand individual level factors that influence cognitive-behavioural treatment outcomes for pain.
Patient-reported quality of life in patients suffering from acute herpes zoster—a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Sollie Martin , Jepsen Pernille , Sørensen Jens A
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is a common painful, debilitating condition caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by a painful skin eruption which is very complex to treat. Studies have reported that HZ negatively affects Quality of Life (QoL), but no large systematic review on this topic has been published to date. This systematic review aims to summarize the current data on patient-reported QoL amongst patients diagnosed with HZ.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The primary outcome was the change in percent impairment of QoL compared to normative data. Secondary outcomes were meta-analyses comparing reported QoL to a control group or normative data.

Results

We assessed a total of 536 studies for inclusion. Thirteen studies were included in the systematic review and five studies in the meta-analyses. The total number of patients was 5472.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis found lower reported QoL amongst patients diagnosed with acute herpes zoster compared to normative values. Our data show that acute herpes zoster significantly reduces the quality of life of the patients affected.
Effectiveness of a fluralaner spot-on formulation in a case of feline demodicosis due to Demodex cati
Authors: Bouza-Rapti Pavlina , Tachmazidou Anatoli , Farmaki Rania
Published: January 2022

Case summary

A 7-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a non-pruritic erythematous crusted nasal hypotrichosis along with bilateral ceruminous otitis externa. The cat was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Deep skin scraping, trichograms from lesional skin and ear canal parasitological examination were positive for Demodex cati. A 250 mg (55.5 mg/kg) fluralaner spot-on for medium-sized cats (Bravecto; MSD) was applied to the base of the cat’s head. Re-examinations were carried out on the fourth, sixth and eighth weeks after therapy. On the fourth week, the ceruminous otitis had resolved completely and the nasal lesions were markedly improved. One dead adult D cati was found in deep skin scrapings while other tests from the skin and both ear canals were negative. On the second re-examination only a mild hypotrichosis persisted on the nasal region and all parasitological examinations were negative. Eight weeks after the initial examination, the skin lesions had almost clinically resolved. On the 12th week, fluralaner spot-on was repeated. No recurrence was noted at the 6-month follow-up.

Relevance and novel information

The use of isoxazolines has been reported for only a few demodectic cats but was described to be safe and effective. This is the first report to evaluate the efficacy of a single spot-on fluralaner for the treatment of localised dermatitis and otodemodicosis due to D cati, and suggests it as an effective, safe and practical treatment.
Two sides of the working alliance: A qualitative study from the perspective of both probationers and probation officers
Authors: Sturm Annelies , de Vogel Vivienne , Huibers Marcus JH
Published: January 2022

The probationer–probation officer working alliance plays an important role in the outcome of probation supervision. This study explored the development of the working alliance between probationers and probation officers in the Netherlands, from the perspective of both probationers and probation officers. More specifically, we explored the significance of different aspects of the working alliance at the start of probation supervision and after a three-month period, as well as the role played by critical incidents during the supervisory process and their subsequent effect on the working alliance. Overall, the study showed that clarity over goals and restrictions was initially the most salient issue for both parties, and that after a three-month period the working alliance evolved into a trusting relationship. Several incidents were identified, probationers identified more positive moments and less negative moments than their PO counterparts. If these types of incidents are managed accordingly by the probation officer, then they can ultimately serve to strengthen the relationship.
Patient Perspectives on the Development of a Novel Mobile Health (mHealth) Application for Dietary Supplement Tracking and Reconciliation—A Qualitative Focus Group Study
Authors: Post Elana , Faurot Keturah , Kadro Zachary O. , Hill Jacob , Nguyen Catharine , Asher Gary N. , Gaylord Susan , Corbett Amanda
Published: January 2022

Background

More than 170 million adults use dietary supplements (DS) in the United States, which can have both benefit and harm to patient health. DS use is often poorly documented in the medical record and can pose health risks if not properly communicated with providers. Reasons for poor DS documentation include low disclosure rates, time constraints of clinical encounters, and providers’ failure to inquire about DS use. This study was conducted to assess patients’ views on the facilitators and barriers to using a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) to collect and share DS information with their healthcare providers.

Methods

Utilizing a theory-based conceptual model, we conducted 7 patient focus groups (FGs) to assess opinions on DS safety, provider communication, comfort with technology use, and our proposed mHealth app. Participants were recruited from the general public and through patient advisory groups. Patient views will inform the creation of an mHealth app to improve DS patient-provider communication and tracking and reconciliation in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Results

Overall, participants believe their DS information is inaccurately represented in the EMR, leading to safety concerns and negatively impacting overall quality of care. Participants desired an app designed with (1) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance; (2) ease of use for a variety of technical efficacy levels; (3) access to reliable DS information, including a DS-drug interaction checker; and (4) integration with the EMR.

Conclusion

An app to simplify and improve DS entry and reconciliation was of interest to patients, as long as it maintained health autonomy and privacy and possessed key valuable features.
Adverse childhood events and substance use history or recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Griego Jamie L , Petersen Timothy R , Komesu Yuko M , Andrews Nicholas L , Meriwether Kate V
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

We aimed describe the association of adverse childhood events (ACEs) with a history of substance use disorder and recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

Methods:

This cohort study investigated two data sets of women presenting to subspecialty gynecologic and pelvic floor disorder clinics where questionnaires querying substance use disorder, opioid use in the last 3 months, and ACEs (BRFSS-ACE questionnaire) were obtained. We compared the recent opioid use, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per dose, pills used per month, and minimum MMEs reported per month between women with high (⩾4) or low (<4) reported ACEs.

Results:

Patients completing the BRFSS-ACE ( n = 113) were older, more likely to be Hispanic/Latina, had higher levels of education, a higher prevalence of pain syndromes, and a greater degree of bother from pelvic floor disorders than those not completing the BRFSS-ACE. Women reporting a high number of (⩾4) ACEs ( n = 56) were younger, less likely to identify as Hispanic, had higher co-occurrence of fibromyalgia and IBS, and a higher prevalence of a history of substance use disorder (18% vs 2%, p < 0.01) than women with low (<4) ACEs ( n = 57). High ACEs were not significantly associated with recent opioid use (43% vs 39%, p = 0.83), opioid pills used per month, MMEs per dose, or the minimum MMEs used per month.

Conclusion:

Women with CPP reporting higher numbers of ACEs are more likely to report a history of substance use disorder but were not more likely to have used opioids in the last 3 months.
The Impact of Suspension Reforms on Discipline Outcomes: Evidence From California High Schools
Authors: Wang Rui
Published: January 2022

Minority students are suspended at a disproportionately higher rate compared with others. To reduce racial suspension gaps, four California school districts banned schools from suspending students for willful defiance, a category consisting of relatively minor disruptive offenses. I evaluate the impact of these policies on high school student discipline outcomes using a difference-in-differences strategy that exploits the temporal variation in the enactment of these policies across school districts. The results suggest that while these policies decreased willful defiance out-of-school suspension rates by around 69%, they did not reduce overall out-of-school suspension rates. In fact, the policies significantly increased out-of-school suspension rates among Black students, particularly in schools with a small share of Black teachers. Taken together, the results suggest that the willful defiance suspension bans failed to address implicit and explicit biases in California schools.
“Immigration Enforcement Is a Daily Part of Our Students’ Lives”: School Social Workers’ Perceptions of Racialized Nested Contexts of Reception for Immigrant Students
Authors: Rodriguez Sophia , Roth Benjamin J. , Villarreal Sosa Leticia
Published: January 2022

This qualitative analysis examines school social workers’ equity work for immigrant students, including their perceptions of immigration enforcement and school climates that support or hinder immigrant student experiences. We conceptually expand understandings of nested contexts of reception and racialized organizations across macro, meso, micro levels, and how they affect immigrant students’ educational experiences, mobility, and belonging. Utilizing open-ended responses from a unique national survey data set, we examine school social workers’ perceptions of the macro, meso, micro racialized contexts that immigrant students encounter, how school social worker perceptions reflect racial attitudes as part of the racialized organization of schools in which they work, and how such racial attitudes influence their actions and potentially disrupt racial inequality in schools. Discussion of the impact of school social workers’ racial attitudes, and perceptions of racialized contexts and how they influence school social workers’ advocacy for immigrant students is offered.
Predictive multi-watershed flood monitoring using deep learning on integrated physical and social sensors data
Authors: Dong Shangjia , Yu Tianbo , Farahmand Hamed , Mostafavi Ali
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a deep learning model based on the integration of physical and social sensors data for predictive watershed flood monitoring. The data from flood sensors and 3-1-1 reports data are mapped and fused through a multivariate time series approach. This data format is able to increase the data availability (partially due to sparsely installed physical sensors and fewer reported flood incidents in less urbanized areas) and capture both spatial and temporal interactions between different watersheds and historical events. We use Harris County, TX as the study site and obtained seven historical flood events data for training, validating, and testing the flood prediction model. The model predicts the flood probability of each watershed in the next 24 hours. By comparing the flood prediction performance of three different datasets (i.e., flood sensor only, 3-1-1 reports only, and integrated dataset), we conclude that the physical-social data integrated approach can better predict the flood with an accuracy of 0.825, area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AURC) of 0.902, area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.883, area under the F-measure curve (AUFC) of 0.762, and Max. F-measure of 0.788.
Conducting 1D site response analyses to capture 2D VS spatial variability effects
Authors: Pretell Renmin , Ziotopoulou Katerina , Abrahamson Norman A
Published: January 2022

One-dimensional site response analyses (1D SRAs) with shear-wave velocity ( VS) randomization are commonly performed to estimate median site-specific amplification factors (AFs) under the implicit assumption that this approach yields a realistic response. In this work, an investigation is conducted to determine the appropriate amount of VS randomization (σlnVs) needed to capture a median response that accounts for 2D VS spatial variability effects. Results from 2D SRAs and 1D SRAs with VS randomization show that the median 2D seismic responses are generally higher than 1D responses at the site’s fundamental frequency, and that higher VS variability has a mild impact on the median 2D seismic response amplitude at the fundamental frequency, whereas it significantly reduces the median 1D response. Findings indicate that the 84th percentile AFs based on 1D SRAs conducted with VS randomization using σlnVs = 0.25, approximate well with the more realistic median 2D SRA-based AFs around the fundamental frequency, while the 70th to 60th percentiles might be more appropriate at higher frequencies. The benefit of using percentiles of the 1D SRA-based AFs higher than the median is shown for different site conditions and supported by comparisons against empirical data from four downhole sites.
Predictors of short- and long-term mortality in critically ill, older adults admitted to the emergency department: an observational study
Authors: Olsson Henrik , Karlson Björn W. , Herlitz Johan , Karlsson Thomas , Hellberg Jenny , Prytz Mattias , Sernert Ninni , Ekerstad Niklas
Published: January 2022

Background

In the future, we can expect an increase in older patients in emergency departments (ED) and acute wards. The main purpose of this study was to identify predictors of short- and long-term mortality in the ED and at hospital discharge.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study, involving critically ill older adults, recruited consecutively in an ED. The primary outcome was mortality. All patients were followed for 6.5–7.5 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used.

Results

Regarding all critically ill patients aged ≥ 70 years and identified in the ED (n = 402), there was a significant association between mortality at 30 days after ED admission and unconsciousness on admission (HR 3.14, 95% CI 2.09–4.74), hypoxia on admission (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.69–3.74) and age (HR 1.06 per year, 95% CI 1.03–1.09), (all p < 0.001).

Of 402 critically ill patients aged ≥ 70 years and identified in the ED, 303 were discharged alive from hospital. There was a significant association between long-term mortality and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) > 2 (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.46–2.48), length of stay (LOS) > 7 days (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.32–2.23), discharge diagnosis of pneumonia (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24–2.21) and age (HR 1.08 per year, 95% CI 1.05–1.10), (all p < 0.001). The only symptom or vital sign associated with long-term mortality was hypoxia on admission (HR 1.70, 05% CI 1.30–2.22).

Conclusions

Among critically ill older adults admitted to an ED and discharged alive the following factors were predictive of long-term mortality: CCI > 2, LOS > 7 days, hypoxia on admission, discharge diagnosis of pneumonia and age. The following factors were predictive of mortality at 30 days after ED admission: unconsciousness on admission, hypoxia and age. These data might be clinically relevant when it comes to individualized care planning, which should take account of risk prediction and estimated prognosis.
Intergenerational support and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural China: the moderating roles of age, living alone, and chronic diseases
Authors: Sun Qian , Wang Youwei , Lu Nan , Lyu Shiyan
Published: January 2022

Background

While depressive symptoms are recognized as major mental health problems in later life, there is a lack of study in examining potential moderators in the association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms, especially in social contexts with low socioeconomic status and inadequate formal public support. This study set out to examine the association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural Northeast China, and the potential moderating roles of age, living alone, and number of chronic diseases on this link.

Methods

A quota sampling approach was used to recruit 448 respondents aged 60 and above from rural Chinese communities. Depressive symptoms were the dependent variable. Intergenerational emotional, instrumental, and financial support were the main independent variables. Age, living alone, and number of chronic diseases were the moderators. Multiple linear regression models with interaction terms were conducted to test the proposed model.

Results

The results showed that intergenerational emotional support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults when instrumental and financial support and covariates were controlled (β = -0.196, p < .001). Age was found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between intergenerational instrumental support and depressive symptoms (β = -0.118, p < .05). Among older respondents aged 74.51 years and older, instrumental support was positively associated with depressive symptoms, but this association was not significant for younger respondents. Furthermore, living alone and number of chronic diseases suffered moderated the association between intergenerational financial support and depressive symptoms, which was statistically significant only for those living alone and with more chronic diseases (interaction term between living alone and intergenerational financial support: β = -0.082, p < .05; interaction term between number of chronic diseases and intergenerational financial support: β = -0.088, p < .05.

Conclusions

The findings not only highlight the important role of intergenerational support in promoting mental health in later life in rural Chinese contexts, but also identify within-population heterogeneity in the identified associations. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
Transplant centers that assess frailty as part of clinical practice have better outcomes
Authors: Chen Xiaomeng , Liu Yi , Thompson Valerie , Chu Nadia M. , King Elizabeth A. , Walston Jeremy D. , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Dadhania Darshana M. , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams-DeMarco Mara A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Frailty predicts adverse post-kidney transplant (KT) outcomes, yet the impact of frailty assessment on center-level outcomes remains unclear. We sought to test whether transplant centers assessing frailty as part of clinical practice have better pre- and post-KT outcomes in all adult patients (≥18 years) and older patients (≥65 years).

Methods

In a survey of US transplant centers (11/2017–4/2018), 132 (response rate = 65.3%) centers reported their frailty assessment practices (frequency and specific tool) at KT evaluation and admission. Assessment frequency was categorized as never, sometime, and always; type of assessment tool was categorized as none, validated (for post-KT risk prediction), and any other tool. Center characteristics and clinical outcomes for adult patients during 2017–2019 were gleaned from the transplant national registry (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients). Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of waitlist outcomes (waitlist mortality, transplantation) in candidates and IRRs of post-KT outcomes (all-cause mortality, death-censored graft loss) in recipients by frailty assessment frequency. We also estimated IRRs of waitlist outcomes by type of assessment tool at evaluation. All models were adjusted for case mix and center characteristics.

Results

Assessing frailty at evaluation was associated with lower waitlist mortality rate (always IRR = 0.91,95%CI:0.84–0.99; sometimes = 0.89,95%CI:0.83–0.96) and KT rate (always = 0.94,95%CI:0.91–0.97; sometimes = 0.88,95%CI:0.85–0.90); the associations with waitlist mortality rate (always = 0.86,95%CI:0.74–0.99; sometimes = 0.83,95%CI:0.73–0.94) and KT rate (always = 0.82,95%CI:0.77–0.88; sometimes = 0.92,95%CI:0.87–0.98) were stronger in older patients. Furthermore, using validated (IRR = 0.90,95%CI:0.88–0.92) or any other tool (IRR = 0.90,95%CI:0.87–0.93) at evaluation was associated lower KT rate, while only using a validated tool was associated with lower waitlist mortality rate (IRR = 0.89,95%CI:0.83–0.96), especially in older patients (IRR = 0.82,95%CI:0.72–0.93). At admission for KT, always assessing frailty was associated with a lower graft loss rate (IRR = 0.71,95%CI:0.54–0.92) but not with mortality (IRR = 0.93,95%CI:0.76–1.13).

Conclusions

Assessing frailty at evaluation is associated with lower KT rate, while only using a validated frailty assessment tool is associated with better survival, particularly in older candidates. Centers always assessing frailty at admission are likely to have better graft survival rates. Transplant centers may utilize validated frailty assessment tools to secure KT access for appropriate candidates and to better allocate health care resources for patients identified as frail, particularly for older patients.
Predictive value of preoperative platelet-to-albumin ratio and apolipoprotein B-to-apolipoprotein A1 ratio for osteosarcoma in children and adolescents: a retrospective study of 118 cases
Authors: Ma Cong , Li Ruizhen , Yu Ronghui , Guo Jingjing , Xu Jianyun , Yuan Xuhui , Guo Jianfeng
Published: January 2022

Background

This retrospective study investigated biomarkers that can reflect coagulation, inflammation, and lipid abnormalities: platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR), platelet-to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C), apolipoprotein B-to-apolipoprotein ratio (ApoB/ApoA1) whether may be viable prognostic predictors in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.

Methods

The retrospective review has enrolled a total of 118 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Analyses with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate the optimal cut-off values and to compare the area under curves (AUC). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to visualize survival outcome and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to confirm independent prognostic factors.

Results

Osteosarcoma patients in high PAR group (> 4.41) and high ApoB/ApoA1 group (> 0.82) experienced significantly shorter overall survival compared with those in low PAR group (≤ 4.41) and low ApoB/ApoA1 group (≤ 0.82). In univariate and multivariable analyses, preoperative PAR and ApoB/ApoA1 were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

Preoperative PAR and ApoB/ApoA1 can be used as promising predictors in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma to help clinicians recognize patients with an increased risk of poor prognosis.