bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Monte Carlo Method for the Evaluation of Scattered Radiation Dose Due to the Use of Handheld X-Ray in Dentistry
Authors: Gonzales A Cc , Soares M R , Batista W O G , Cardeña A R , Marquez J P , Vega J R
Published: July 2022

The object of this study was to evaluate the dose of scattered radiation in the organs of the operator and assistant located in different positions within a dental room when acquiring intraoral images with a portable handheld X-ray device, using Monte Carlo simulations for recommended and traditional techniques. A typical dental installation was modeled, where the operator and assistant were placed. The beam is represented by 60-kV spectrum. Ten scenarios were simulated, representing different positions and use of the lead apron. The results of the simulations were carried out with typical parameters of the annual workload, showing significant increases in dose in the organs of the operator due to the angulation. The minimum dose in the organs of the assistant occurred when he was located 2-m away and 45° from the direction of the beam. The dose received by the operator is significantly reduced with the use apron.
Advancing Active Allyship for Social Justice: Cross-Group Friendships, Social Empathy, and Political Engagement
Authors: Kiehne Elizabeth , Hafen Quinn
Published: July 2022

Collections of policies in the United States have produced and perpetuated ubiquitous social disadvantage. To overcome this reality, policymaking must be more democratic and participatory with active allyship in support of social justice. By deepening contextual understanding of systemic barriers and promoting macro perspective taking, social empathy may foster allyship from socially advantaged group members. However, research on the promise of social empathy and understanding of how to advance it remain nascent. Drawing on the intergroup contact theory (ICT) and using a sample of white U.S. college students (N = 329), this study explores the relationship between cross-group friendships, social empathy, and political engagement. Having close friends of color was indirectly related to more political engagement through a serial pathway of greater sociopolitical discussions and social empathy. The theoretical significance of these findings to the ICT and social empathy framework are discussed, as well as implications for intergroup contact interventions, social policy, and social work education.
From ‘Non-market Economy’ to ‘Significant Market Distortions’: rethinking the EU anti-dumping regulation and China’s state interventionism
Authors: Du Ming
Published: July 2022

This article questions the consistency of the EU anti-dumping regulation with the WTO Anti-dumping Agreement. It argues that with the expiry of paragraph 15(a)(ii) on 11 December 2016, China’s WTO Accession Protocol may no longer provide the legal basis for the EU to set aside Chinese domestic prices in determining normal value of Chinese products. Moreover, given that the European Commission has consistently used costs that are not actual costs of Chinese producers in constructing normal value of Chinese products, the EU anti-dumping practice runs the risk of being inconsistent with WTO law since the WTO Anti-dumping Agreement does not allow for such flexibility when determining costs of production in the exporting country. Drawing on Jackson’s interface theory, this article further argues that the EU’s introduction of the new concept ‘significant market distortions’ to anti-dumping practices should be conceptualized as an effort to reconstitute alternative interface mechanisms when old ones are no longer applicable. The dubious legality of the EU’s new anti-dumping regulation is simply a symptom of a long-brewing tension in the multilateral trade system: how can the WTO accommodate systemic friction between heterogeneous economic models?
Comparison of wavefront-optimized and corneal wavefront-guided transPRK for high-order aberrations (>0.35 μm) in myopia
Authors: Shao Ting , Li Hua , Zhang Jiafan , Wang Huifeng , Liu Sai , Long Keli
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes, mainly including contrast sensitivity and high-order aberrations (HOAs), between wavefront-optimized (WFO) and corneal wavefront-guided (CWFG) transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transPRK) for preoperative HOAs >0.35 μm.

Setting:

Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Design:

Prospective randomized controlled study.

Methods:

71 patients with preoperative total ocular and corneal aberrations >0.35 μm who underwent transPRK for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism were randomly divided into the aberration optimization mode group (WFO group; 36 eyes) and the corneal wavefront-guided mode group (CWFG group; 35 eyes). Preoperative and postoperative visual outcome, refraction, contrast sensitivity, and HOAs were compared.

Results:

71 patients (71 eyes) who underwent transPRK were selected. The CWFG group had significantly lower total HOAs and coma values in the corneal aberration compared with the WFO group at 3 (P = .009; P < .001) and 6 months postoperatively (P = .006; P < .001). In addition, the CWFG group had significantly lower total HOAs and coma values in the whole-eye aberration compared with the WFO group at 3 (P = .044; P = .004) and 6 months postoperatively (P = .026; P = .001). The CWFG group had significantly better improvement in contrast sensitivity than the WFO group at spatial frequencies of 3 cycles per degree (cpd), 6 cpd, 12 cpd, and 18 cpd (P = .005, P = .007, P = .001, and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions:

CWFG transPRK is associated with better visual and refractive outcomes and less HOAs than WFO transPRK in eyes with preoperative aberrations >0.35 μm.
The risk of variceal bleeding during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Lu Hsiao-Sheng , Yang Tsung-Chieh , Chang Chung-Yu , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih
Published: July 2022

Background:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a widely performed procedure. However, the risk of variceal bleeding during ERCP has rarely been assessed. This study aims to evaluate the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with esophageal varices (EV) undergoing ERCP.

Methods:

From October 2010 to November 2017, the study retrospectively enrolled 75 cirrhotic patients who received elective ERCP. The patient’s risk of gastrointestinal (GI) and variceal bleeding and other procedure-related adverse events within 30 days of ERCP were evaluated.

Results:

Among the 75 patients, 45 patients (60.0%) had EV. Most of the patients were male (65.3%), and there were high rates of viral hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (36.0%), Child-Pugh B (49.3%), and an indication of choledocholithiasis (40.0%). Thirty-three of 45 (73.3%) patients had high-risk EV, and nine (20.0%) patients had concomitant gastric varices. There was no esophageal variceal bleeding; however, one patient had gastric variceal bleeding after ERCP. Non-variceal significant GI bleeding occurred in three patients with EV and one without EV (p = 0.529). Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in three patients with EV and five without EV (p = 0.169). No perforation or procedure-associated mortality was noted.

Conclusion:

The risk of esophageal variceal bleeding within 30 days of ERCP is neglectable, except for a patient who suffered from gastric variceal bleeding. Other complications, such as non-variceal bleeding and pancreatitis, are also no higher in patients with EV. Therefore, ERCP is generally a safe procedure for a patient with high-risk esophageal varices.
Phase I Trial of nab-Paclitaxel Administered Concurrently With Radiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Inoperable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Roy Amitesh Chandra , Abbas M. Nazim , Price Timothy Jay , Singhal Nimit , Vatandoust Sina , Leung John , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Koczwara Bogda , Sukumaran Shawgi , Kumar Rajiv , Woodman Richard , Scott-Hoy Alex , Karapetis Christos Stelios
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Nab-paclitaxel has radiosensitizing antitumor efficacy in pancreatic cancer. We aimed to establish maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of nab-paclitaxel with radiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In a phase I dose escalation trial patients received weekly nab-paclitaxel for 6 weeks with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). 3 + 3 design was used with nab-paclitaxel doses: 25 mg/m2 (cohort 1), 50 mg/m2 (cohort 2), 75 mg/m2 (cohort 3), and 100 mg/m2 (cohort 4). Primary endpoint was MTD. Secondary objectives were progression-free survival and overall survival.

Results

Fourteen patients were recruited. Median age was 69 years (range, 40–86). Grade 1/2 toxicities were nausea (93%), vomiting (54%), diarrhea (57%), and fatigue (69%). There were no dose limiting toxicities (DLT) in cohorts 1 to 3. In cohort 4, DLTs of febrile neutropenia and enterocolitis were observed in patient 1. Subsequent DLT of febrile neutropenia and enterocolitis occurred in patient 5 in the expanded cohort. Following chemoradiotherapy median progression-free survival was 4.7 months (95% confidence interval, 2.5–27.5) and median overall survival was 10.8 months (95% confidence interval, 6.37–25.2).

Conclusions

Nab-paclitaxel and EBRT was well-tolerated at doses below 100 mg/m2. The MTD and recommended phase II study dose for nab-paclitaxel with EBRT is 75 mg/m2 in this disease.
Case Report: Treatment of Severe Neuroretinitis and other Sequelae Associated with Cat Scratch Disease
Authors: Whorff John
Published: July 2022

Significance

Severe vision loss from Bartonella neuroretinitis can best be treated to improve visual outcomes with a combination of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Topical ketorolac 0.5% and difluprednate 0.05% are presented as a new adjunct therapy to potentially improve visual outcomes.

Purpose

This case illustrates severe posterior pole complications that can occur with cat scratch disease disseminated to the eye. Combination therapy with antibiotics and corticosteroids results in better visual outcomes. Topical treatment might further enhance visual outcome by preventing inflammatory damage without significant immunosuppression.

Case Report

A 17-year-old male presented with right eye vision loss. He had been hospitalized two weeks prior for optic neuritis and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. After 3 days vision had improved from 20/200 to 20/40. After positive serology for Bartonella henselae was obtained, he was released and treated with oral rifampin, doxycycline and prednisone. Sixteen days later he regressed to 20/200 and many more ophthalmic complications were observed. After discontinuation of rifampin, oral prednisone was continued for an additional two weeks and doxycycline was continued for approximately 3 weeks. Topical drops ketorolac 0.5% BID and difluprednate 0.05% QID were used for over 6 weeks before tapering after vision returned to normal.

Conclusions

Bartonella neuroretinitis associated with preretinal hemorrhage, vitritis and subretinal hemorrhage can be successfully treated with a combination of systemic medications and topical drops. Monotherapy with doxycycline is effective and well tolerated. Rifampin can cause rapid metabolization and reduction in plasma levels of both prednisone and doxycycline and should be avoided with combined therapy. Oral prednisone and topical difluprednate are recommended to quell initial inflammation during the first few weeks. The anti-inflammatory effects of doxycycline and topical ketorolac used for longer duration may be beneficial in preventing tissue damage without systemic immunosuppression and result in better visual outcomes.
Clinical Report: Midday Removal and Reinsertion of Soft Contact Lens Cannot Prevent Post-lens Tear-film Hyperosmolarity
Authors: Kim Young Hyun , Nguyen Thien , Lin Meng C. , Peng Cheng-Chun , Radke Clayton J.
Published: July 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

Our analysis shows that post-lens tear-film (PoLTF) hyperosmolarity is not preventable with midday removal and reinsertion of soft contact lenses. However, low lens-salt diffusivity can prevent the PoLTF from becoming hyperosmotic. Lens-salt diffusivity should be lowered to minimize PoLTF osmolarity while also avoiding lens adhesion.

PURPOSE

Soft contact lenses with high lens-salt diffusivity result in hyperosmotic PoLTFs. If the time it takes for PoLTF osmolarity to reach periodic steady state is multiple hours, simple midday lens removal and reinsertion can prevent the PoLTF from becoming hyperosmotic. We investigate whether midday removal and reinsertion of a soft contact lens can prevent the PoLTF from becoming hyperosmotic.

METHODS

Time to periodic steady state for PoLTF osmolarity upon soft-contact-lens wear is determined with a previously developed transient tear-dynamics continuum model. Interblink period, lens-salt diffusivity, and lens thickness was varied to assess their effects on time to periodic steady state for PoLTF osmolarity. Time to periodic steady states were assessed for both normal and dry eyes.

RESULTS

Within the physically realistic ranges of lens-salt diffusivity, lens thickness, and interblink period, PoLTF osmolarity reaches the periodic steady state well within the first hour of lens wear for both normal and dry eyes. Time to periodic steady state for PoLTF osmolarity is predominately dictated by the salt transport across the contact lens between the PoLTF and the pre-lens tear film and water transport from the ocular surface to the PoLTF.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the time to periodic steady state is less than 1 hour for physically realistic ranges of lens-salt diffusivity, interblink period, and lens thickness, midday lens removal and reinsertion cannot prevent PoLTF hyperosmolarity. Instead, focus should be on using soft contact lenses with low salt diffusivity to prevent PoLTF hyperosmolarity.
Topical Review: Pilocarpine-induced Miosis as Help for Early Presbyopes?
Authors: Westheimer Gerald
Published: July 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

The clinical utility of ophthalmic pilocarpine-induced pupil constriction to help overcome image blur of close-up targets in patients with failing accommodation is examined.

Pilocarpine in low-concentration ophthalmic solution eye drops constricts the pupil to approximately 2 mm and thus reduces defocus blur. To gain regulatory approval of this drug for the treatment of presbyopia, clinical trials were conducted with 1.25% pilocarpine. Near vision was improved in a modest proportion of early presbyopes: between 12 and 22% more patients reached criterion near visual acuity than with a placebo, depending on conditions. The drug is well tolerated, and its effect has onset of only minutes and lasts several hours. Small pupils will cause diminished night vision and may have an impact on distance acuity to which possible minor drug-induced accommodative spasms could contribute. The therapy has a role for patients who want to postpone or briefly pause dioptric supplementation of their failing accommodation. No convincing case has been made for one version of ophthalmic pilocarpine over another.
Assessing concordance of HIV risk behaviors collected by different surveillance systems
Authors: Panneer Nivedha , Balaji Alexandra B. , Crim Stacy M. , Bosh Karin A. , Shouse R. Luke , Fagan Jennifer L. , Beer Linda
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Assess concordance of assigned transmission category between National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) and Medical Monitoring Project (MMP); assess persistence of behaviors by comparing transmission category to current behavior.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of HIV surveillance data.

Methods:

For 4034 participants in the 2016 MMP cycle, transmission category was assigned in NHSS and MMP by applying a hierarchy to acquisition risk behaviors and selecting the most likely risk behavior that led to HIV acquisition. We assessed concordance of transmission category between systems, the number of persons with an updated transmission category in NHSS after incorporating MMP data, and concordance of transmission category and current behavior.

Results:

Concordance of transmission category between NHSS and MMP was 87% for men with evidence of male-to-male sexual contact and ranged from 27% to 62% in persons with other transmission categories. Transmission category in NHSS was updated for 9% of persons after incorporating MMP data, mostly affecting those with no identified risk in NHSS. Current behavior aligned with updated NHSS transmission category in 56% of men with a transmission category of male-to-male sexual contact. However, only 8% of men and 5% of women with a transmission category of injection drug use had recently injected drugs.

Conclusion:

HIV surveillance systems can better inform prevention efforts with more complete risk information. Sexual behaviors are more persistent over time than injection drug use. In addition to promoting viral suppression, routinely assessing risk and tailoring prevention activities accordingly can improve health outcomes.
Association of envelope-specific B-cell differentiation and viral selective pressure signatures in HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection
Authors: Hau Trang Thi Thu , Nishizawa Masako , Harada Shigeyoshi , Phan My Ha , Kanno Yoshiaki , Nomura Takushi , Matsuoka Saori , Kawana-Tachikawa Ai , Hall William W. , Matano Tetsuro , Nguyen Lan Anh Thi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Objective:

In HIV type 1 (HIV-1) infection, virus-specific B-cell and neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses are impaired but exert selective pressure on target viral Envelope (Env) resulting in prominent sequence diversification among geographical areas. The basal induction patterns of HIV Env-specific B cells and their interaction with HIV Env awaits clarification.

Design:

We investigated the relationship of Env polymorphisms and Env-specific B-cell responses in treatment-naive HIV-1 CRF01_AE-infected Vietnamese.

Methods:

Samples of 43 HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection-identified individuals were divided into acute-phase (n = 12) and chronic-phase (n = 31) by combined criteria of serological recent-infection assay and clinical parameters. We quantified subcloning-based polymorphic residue site numbers in plasma-derived Env variable region 1–5 (V1–V5)-coding regions within each individual, designating their summation within each region as variant index. Peripheral blood Env gp 140-specific B-cell responses and plasma neutralizing activity of Env pseudoviruses were examined to analyze their relationship with variant index.

Results:

HIV-1 CRF01_AE Env gp140-specific total B-cell and plasma cell (CD19+IgD−CD27+CD38+CD138+) responses were determined. In chronic-phase samples, significant correlation of variant index in all Env V1–V5 regions with Env-specific plasma cell responses was shown, and V1–V5 total variant index correlated stronger with Env-specific plasma cell as compared with total Env-specific B-cell responses. Env V5 variant index was significantly higher in chronic-phase cross-neutralizers of V5-polymorphic/VRC01-insensitive CRF01_AE Env.

Conclusion:

Results revealed the association between circulating Env-specific plasma cell responses and Env polymorphisms, implicating selective pressure on Env by plasma cell-derived antibodies and conversely suggests that Env-specific B-cell induction alone is insufficient for exerting Env selective pressure in HIV infection.
Potential opportunities and challenges for infection prevention and control for cystic fibrosis in the modern era
Authors: Murray Laurie , Saiman Lisa
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

We describe recent changes in care for people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) that could impact infection prevention and control (IP&C) practices.

Recent findings

Current IP&C guidelines primarily aim to prevent acquisition and transmission of pathogens in PwCF utilizing evidence-based recommendations for healthcare settings. Currently, highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) is dramatically improving the clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis and reducing pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations. Thus, it is feasible that long-term, sustained improvements in pulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis could favorably alter cystic fibrosis microbiology. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of virtual care, enabling PwCF to spend less time in healthcare settings and potentially reduce the risk of acquiring cystic fibrosis pathogens. The increasing use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) shows great promise in elucidating sources of cystic fibrosis pathogens, shared strains, and epidemic strains and ultimately could allow the cystic fibrosis community to monitor the safety of changed IP&C practices, if deemed appropriate. Finally, given the nonhealthcare environmental reservoirs for cystic fibrosis pathogens, practical guidance can inform PwCF and their families about potential risks and mitigation strategies.

New developments in the treatment of PwCF, a shift toward virtual care delivery of care, and use of WGS could change future IP&C practices.
Decay of waves in strain gradient porous elasticity with Moore–Gibson–Thompson dissipation
Authors: Fernández J. R. , Magaña A. , Quintanilla R.
Published: July 2022

We study a one-dimensional problem arising in strain gradient porous-elasticity. Three different Moore–Gibson–Thompson dissipation mechanisms are considered: viscosity and hyperviscosity on the displacements, and weak viscoporosity. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are proved. The energy decay is also shown, being polynomial for the two first situations, unless a particular choice of the constitutive parameters is made in the hyperviscosity case. Finally, for the weak viscoporosity, only the slow decay can be expected.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Wave generation and transmission in multi-scale complex media and structured metamaterials (part 1)’.
Multi-scale bullseye antennas
Authors: Chaplain G. J. , Hooper I. R. , Starkey T. A.
Published: July 2022

We design, simulate and experimentally characterize a multi-scale bullseye antenna for the broadband manipulation of microwaves. The device achieves far-field beam-forming via tailored diffraction at the interface between two concentric bullseye geometries, with near-field energy concentration resulting from the overlap of the diffracted beams.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Wave generation and transmission in multi-scale complex media and structured metamaterials (part 1)’.
Study of the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effect of the traditional Mongolian Hohgardi-9 in acute lung injury
Authors: Qimuge Aodeng , Bilige Bilige , Qimuge Wuhan , Siqin Siqin , Hang Hugelile , temuqile Temuqile , Chen Shana , Baigued Huricha , Wang Changshan , Baiyin Tegexi , Yang Dezhi
Published: July 2022

Objective

To explore the main active components of Hohgardi-9 and its mechanism treating in ALI.

Methods

Through searching the TCMSP database, we obtained the main components and action targets of Hohgardi-9, and the targets related to ALI were analyzed as the possible targets of Hohgardi-9. Then, the compound target network was constructed using Cytoscape software and obtained the key compounds of Hohgardi-9 acting on ALI. The blood entering components of Hohgardi-9 were analyzed by metabonomics. Using a string database to investigate the interaction between proteins of possible targets of Hohgardi-9, Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation and Tokyo Encyclopedia of the genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out at the same time to predict its mechanism. Finally, the ALI rat model verified the pharmacodynamic effects and key targets of Huhgridi-9.

Results

The network pharmacology and blood component analysis results showed that 27 potentially active components such as quercetin, herbacetin, izoteolin, and columbinetin acetate were the major functional components in Hohgardi-9. Those might act on NF kappa B signalling pathway, toll-like receptor signalling pathway, and TNF signalling pathway through key targets such as RELA (p65), TLR4, etc. In vivo experiments showed that Hohgardi-9 significantly improved lung tissue injury and pulmonary edema in ALI rats. At the same time, the Hohgardi-9 intervention could significantly reduce the mRNA expression levels of TRL4, TNFa, IL-1 β, and ICAM1 in ALI rats.

Conclusion

Hohgardi-9 revealed ALI through the inhibiting inflammatory factor apoptosis-related gene expression.
Early myelination involves the dynamic and repetitive ensheathment of axons which resolves through a low and consistent stabilization rate
Authors: Almeida Adam R. , Macklin Wendy B.
Published: July 2022

Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system exhibit significant variability in the number of myelin sheaths that are supported by each cell, ranging from just a few to about 50 (1–4). This begs the question, why does sheath number vary so widely across individual oligodendrocytes? Myelin production during development is dynamic and involves both sheath formation and loss (5–9). However, how these parameters are balanced to determine overall sheath number has not been thoroughly investigated. To explore this question, we combined extensive time-lapse and longitudinal imaging of oligodendrocytes in the developing zebrafish spinal cord to quantify sheath initiation and loss. Oligodendrocytes repetitively ensheathed the same axons multiple times before stable sheaths were formed. Interestingly, while there was a variable number of ensheathments produced by each oligodendrocyte, ~80-90% of these structures were always lost, which was an unexpectedly high, but consistent rate of sheath destabilization. The dynamics of this process indicated rapid membrane turn-over as ensheathments were formed and lost repetitively on each axon. To test whether membrane recycling impacts this sheath stabilization rate the endocytic pathway was disrupted by expressing a dominant-negative mutant form of Rab5. Oligodendrocytes over-expressing this mutant lost an even higher percentage of sheaths. Overall, oligodendrocytes initiate a highly variable number of axonal ensheathments, but these cells all exhibit a similar sheath stabilization rate, which is dependent on the endocytic recycling pathway.
Targeting MAPAKAP2(MK2) to combat inflammation by avoiding the differential regulation of anti-inflammatory genes by p38 MAPK inhibitors
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Sodhi Reena , Sharma Sameer , Dastidar Sunanda Ghosh , Tandon Ruchi
Published: July 2022

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) plays an important role in the key cellular processes related to inflammation. Several small molecule inhibitors of p38 MAPK therefore have been evaluated for their anti-inflammatory potential and progressed from early discovery to late phase clinical trials. Most of these efforts however have failed due to severe toxicity concerns. Since p38 MAPK has several downstream substrates, inhibition of p38 MAPK, therefore, leads to the modulation of all its substrates, resulting into a dis-balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory response and multiple toxicity concerns. Targeting p38MAPK MAPKAPK2 (MK2), one of the downstream substrates of p38 MAPK directly, is expected to be a better anti-inflammatory approach without having any toxicity concerns. In this manuscript, we are reporting biological data of representative MK2 inhibitor to validate its anti-inflammatory potential and a comparison of p38 MAPK and MK2 inhibitors in cell based assays to understand their relative toxicities.
The Impact of Schools on the Transmission of Sars-Cov-2: Evidence from Italy*
Authors: Lattanzio Salvatore
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the effect of school re-openings and closures on the spread of Sars-Cov-2 in Italy. Exploiting different re-opening dates across regions after the summer break 2020, I show that early opening regions experience on average 1,900 more cases per day in the 40 days following school re-openings compared with late opening ones. However, the uncertainty around the estimates is large and suggests a wide dispersion in the effects of school re-openings on Sars-Cov-2 transmission. I also study the effect of school closures in Campania, one of the biggest regions in Southern Italy. Using a synthetic control approach, I show that school closures are associated with lower case numbers relative to the counterfactual group, particularly in younger age groups. In contrast, I find no significant effects on older age groups, who are more likely to require hospitalization. Finally, exploiting survey data on incidence rates in schools, I provide descriptive evidence on the increased incidence among teachers and students relative to the general population, following school re-openings.
The Dragon's gift: an empirical analysis of China's foreign aid in the new century
Authors: Ye Min
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The new century has witnessed rapid growth in China's foreign aid. However, there is still yet any consensus about the nature or the consequences of China's foreign aid. In this study, the author reviews the history of China's foreign aid and finds significant changes in China's foreign aid policy in the past seven decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The author analyzes China's foreign aid data between 2000 and 2017 from the AidData program with a Tobit model.

Findings

This study’s results show both the similarities and differences between China and Western donors. These “Chinese characteristics” in its foreign aid, we argue, illustrate China's dual identity in the new century: both the largest developing country that minds its own economic development and an emerging global power that aspires to elevate its global status and enhance its soft power.

Originality/value

This article is, to the author’s knowledge, one of the first comprehensive empirical analysis of China's foreign aid using the data from AidData program. It will enrich our understanding of the nature and consequences of China's foreign aid in the new century.
Managing supply chains during COVID-19 outbreak: a case of Hong Kong toy manufacturing company
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Verma Pratima , So Tsz-Chun , Singh Arpit , Al Owad Ali
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify key supply chain challenges and opportunities of the case of Hong Kong toy manufacturing company during the COVID-19 outbreak and develop a comprehensive structural relationship to rank them.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a toy model company in Hong Kong is considered to discuss about what challenges and opportunities have the biggest impacts on non-necessary goods companies and how to deal with different impacts on entire supply chain flow disruption during COVID-19. A semi-structured interview with five decision-makers from the company was made to give key challenges and opportunities scores. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique is used to establish the model and rank them afterward to overcome the challenges.

Findings

From the data analysis and results, “salary of employee” and “inconvenient transportation” have emerged as top and bottom key challenges respectively. The sequence of organized challenges in the list needs to mitigate one by one in this order to improve the supply chain performance. The “client's orders’ frequency, customer management” and “supplier/partner relationship management” are identified as the top and bottom respectively to develop the opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

These key challenges and opportunities are identified as contributing attributes and provide the way to measure to improve production, profits and sustainable growth of the toy manufacturing company during a pandemic. Moreover, it helps to improve the distribution level and good planning with appropriate decision making to manage the supply chain performance considering humanitarian aspects during a pandemic outbreak.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to identify the key supply chain challenges and opportunities measured by the TOPSIS method to rank them and consider the case of a Hong Kong toy manufacturing company as a case-based approach to measuring its performance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Challenges faced by financial institutes before onboarding politically exposed persons in undocumented Eastern economies: a case study of Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Nasir , Mohamed Norazida
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate and investigate the existing process of establishing a banking relationship with politically exposed persons.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used qualitative techniques of semi-structured interviews with senior compliance officers of financial institutes in Pakistan.

Findings

This study found that the existing mechanism of identification and verification of politically exposed persons (PEPs) is ineffective. Financial institutes face challenges like the quality of name screening data sets, cost of identification and verification, role and control of the regulator, the influence of politically exposed persons, the opaqueness of laws and international connections of the politically exposed persons. Further, financial Institutes are burdened by regulators to perform robust PEP customer due diligence but do not guide and provide the right tools.

Originality/value

This paper aims to find challenges faced by financial institutes before onboarding the PEPs. Further, very limited studies on this topic have been conducted in Pakistani context.
Can online professional development increase teachers' success in implementing project-based learning in south China?
Authors: Fang Houbin , Wang Lili , Zhou Qi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of one online PD in PBL. Researchers want to investigate if a five-day international online PBL training will prepare teachers to implement PBL in their classrooms. Secondly, the researchers aim to determine if the training provides teachers with sufficient knowledge and support to ensure successful PBL implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were given a 5-day (20 h) online PBL training created by one of the researchers with three frontline teachers. Seven trainers are divided into four groups for four groups of participants. Group A included Grade 1 and Grade 2 teachers, Group B included Grade 3 and Grade 4 teachers, Group C included Grade 5 and Grade 6 teachers, and Group D consisted of Grades 7 through 9 teachers. All the participants were given exactly the same surveys at the beginning and the end of the training.

Findings

Consistent with previous studies comparing in person and virtue PD programs, this five-day interactive PD program was effective in increasing teachers' knowledge of and ability to plan and implement PBL projects. Specifically, results showed that teachers' knowledge level of PBL shifted from a shallow understanding of what the name implies to a deeper, more comprehensive, and more concrete understanding of PBL essential concepts, its pedagogical values, specific process involved in a PBL project. In addition, the PD program increased teachers' comfort level and ability of planning and implementing PBL projects across grade levels and subject areas.

Originality/value

This research study supported the previous study results that virtual PD programs can be as effective as in person programs. Further, this is the study discovered the effectiveness of PBL training between the US and China through online format, which has not been conducted literately before. The positive results will be used to promote the online collaboration internationally in the future.
Relationship between parents' health literacy and child health: systematic review
Authors: Batool Syeda Hina , Safdar Muhammad , Eman Saima
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Parents' health literacy is an important element to ensure the sound health of children. One of the major purposes of this study was to systematically collect and review the literature that identified the relationship between two variables: parents' health literacy and their child's health.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the purpose, the authors searched four well-reputed research databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts) comprehensively to collect the relevant research on the topic. Except for books, various types of content from different years were used for this review. The investigators used Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to select eligible studies for this review. The authors also assessed the quality of the reviewed research in the light of well-reputed quality guidelines shared by Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004).

Findings

The majority of the reviewed studies found a statistically significant relationship between parents' health literacy and the health of their children. Findings also identified that the majority of the reviewed literature scored from 9 to 12 on the quality assessment criteria. Results also highlighted that the majority of the reviewed research on parents' health literacy and child health has been conducted in the USA and utilized quantitative methods to conduct research on the topic under this study.

Research limitations/implications

This systematic review has multiple theoretical and practical implications for parents, policymakers and researchers.

Originality/value

This is the first systematically collected and reviewed paper on the relationship between parents' health literacy and child health.
On the Parable of the Management Scholars and the Russia–Ukraine War
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Cope Amando , Martin Ursula M.
Published: July 2022

We invoke the parable of “the blind men [sic] and the elephant” to argue that conflicting perspectives from scholars across management subfields preclude a comprehensive understanding of the Russia–Ukraine war. To address this problem, we argue for the need to develop programmatic theories that provide better explanations and predictions and guide empirical research by adopting multilevel and multimethod approaches.
Short‐term effects of comprehensive caregiver supports on caregiver outcomes
Authors: Miller Katherine E. M. , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Kent Erin E. , Gilleskie Donna , Holmes G. Mark , Smith Valerie A. , Stearns Sally C.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To estimate the association of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) implemented in 2011 with caregiver health and health care use.

Data Sources

VHA claims and electronic health records from May 2009 to May 2018.

Study Design

Using a retrospective, pre–post study design with inverse probability of treatment weights to address selection into treatment, we examine the association of PCAFC on caregivers who are veterans: (1) outpatient primary, specialty, and mental health care visits; (2) probability of uncontrolled hypertension and anxiety/depression; and (3) VHA health care costs. We compare outcomes for caregivers approved for PCAFC (treatment) to caregivers denied PCAFC (comparison).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

In the year pre‐application, we observe similar probabilities of having any VHA primary care (~36%), VHA specialty care (~24%), and VHA or VHA‐purchased mental health care (~22%) for treatment and comparison caregivers. In the year post‐application, treated caregivers had a 5.89 percentage point larger probability of any outpatient VHA primary care (p = 0.002) and 4.34 percentage points larger probability of any outpatient mental health care use (p = 0.014). Post‐application, probabilities of having uncontrolled hypertension or diagnosed anxiety/depression were higher for both treated and comparison groups. In the second year post‐application, treated caregivers had a 1.88 percentage point larger probability of uncontrolled hypertension (p = 0.019) and 4.68 percentage points larger probability of diagnosed anxiety/depression (predicted probabilities: treated = 0.30; comparison = 0.25; p = 0.005). We find no evidence of differences in VHA total costs by PCAFC status.

Conclusions

Our findings that PCAFC enrollment is associated with increased health care diagnosis and service use may reflect improved access for previously unmet needs in the population of veteran caregivers for veterans in PCAFC. The costs and value of these increases can be weighed against other effects of the program to inform national policies supporting caregivers.
Perceptions of community members in Australia about the risk factors, symptoms and impacts of dementia: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Mansfield Elise , Watson Rochelle , Carey Mariko , Sanson‐Fisher Rob
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Ensuring that the Australian public has an accurate understanding of the characteristics of dementia may assist in improving timely detection of dementia. This cross‐sectional questionnaire study aimed to examine community members' perceptions of the risk factors, symptoms and impacts of dementia.

Methods

Participants were recruited from outpatient units at a major regional hospital and were aged at least 18 years, a patient or an accompanying support person, did not have a dementia diagnosis, had sufficient English knowledge and were well enough to complete a survey. Participants completed a web‐based survey on a touchscreen computer including items exploring knowledge of dementia risk factors, symptoms and perceived impacts if they or a loved one had dementia. Counts and proportions were calculated and perceived impacts of dementia were compared for self versus loved one using a χ2 test.

Results

Of 353 eligible individuals approached, 208 consented and were included in the study. Between 30% and 61% (n = 62–127) of participants believed modifiable factors such as high alcohol consumption and high blood pressure were associated with increased risk of dementia. While a majority of participants (87–96%; n = 164–181) identified memory‐related symptoms, less than one‐third recognised behavioural symptoms. Participants were more likely to identify emotional and practical impacts compared to physical or social impacts as most difficult if they or a loved one had dementia.

Conclusions

There remains a need for increased community education to address knowledge gaps regarding modifiable risk factors, behavioural symptoms and potential impacts of dementia on the individual diagnosed and their carers.
Double Reduction Estimation and Equilibrium Tests in Natural Autopolyploid Populations
Authors: Gerard David
Published: July 2022

Many bioinformatics pipelines include tests for equilibrium. Tests for diploids are well studied and widely available, but extending these approaches to autopolyploids is hampered by the presence of double reduction, the comigration of sister chromatid segments into the same gamete during meiosis. Though a hindrance for equilibrium tests, double reduction rates are quantities of interest in their own right, as they provide insights about the meiotic behavior of autopolyploid organisms. Here, we develop procedures to (i) test for equilibrium while accounting for double reduction, and (ii) estimate the double reduction rate given equilibrium. To do so, we take two approaches: a likelihood approach, and a novel U-statistic minimization approach that we show generalizes the classical equilibrium χ2 test in diploids. For small sample sizes and uncertain genotypes, we further develop a bootstrap procedure based on our U-statistic to test for equilibrium. We validate our methods on both simulated and real data.
On Editing the British Journal of Psychotherapy
Authors: Kahr Brett , Scott Ann
Published: July 2022

In this interview by email, Ann Scott, Editor‐in‐Chief of the British Journal of Psychotherapy from 2009 to 2022, is in conversation with Brett Kahr, responding to questions put to her by him and the Journal's Editorial Board. The interview focuses on Scott's background and its influence on her work; her early role at Free Association Books and her role as Deputy Editor of the BJP. She identifies papers from the Journal, on her watch as Editor‐in‐Chief, that have resonated particularly powerfully for her, commenting that all convey a sense of urgency and immediacy. She is asked to comment on the relationship between clinical and research approaches; current debates about informed consent; the Journal's title; the impact of online as well as print publication; whether published topics have changed over time; and the Journal's international standing. She describes the editorial principles that have governed her approach to the editorship, drawing on work by Britton, Turquet, Rey and Gabbard. She comments on some challenges she has faced as an editor, and shares the highlights of her tenure. Lastly, she is asked whether the editorship has impacted on her clinical practice, whether she has any regrets, and how she would like to be remembered in relation to her editorial work.
Phase II proof‐of‐concept study of atorvastatin in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Rushworth Linda K. , Loveridge Carolyn , Salji Mark , MacLeod Martin , Mui Ernest , Sumpton David , Neilson Matthew , Hedley Ann , Alexander Laura , McCartney Elaine , Patel Rachana , Wallace Jan , Delles Christian , Jones Rob , Leung Hing Y.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To test for evidence of statin‐mediated effects in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) as post‐diagnosis use of statins in patients with prostate cancer is associated with favourable survival outcome.

Patients and Methods

The SPECTRE trial was a 6‐weeks‐long proof‐of‐concept single‐arm Phase II treatment trial, combining atorvastatin and androgen deprivation therapy in patients with CRPC (regardless of metastatic status), designed to test for evidence of statin‐mediated effects in patients with CRPC. The primary study endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a ≥50% drop from baseline in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels at any time over the 6‐week period of atorvastatin medication (PSA response). Exploratory endpoints include PSA velocity and serum metabolites identified by mass spectrometry .

Results

At the scheduled interim analysis, one of 12 patients experienced a ≥50% drop in PSA levels (primary endpoint), with ≥2 patients satisfying the primary endpoint required for further recruitment. All 12 patients experienced substantial falls in serum cholesterol levels following statin treatment. While all patients had comparable pre‐study PSA velocities, six of 12 patients showed decreased PSA velocities after statin treatment, suggestive of disease stabilization. Unbiased metabolomics analysis on serial weekly blood samples identified tryptophan to be the dominant metabolite associated with patient response to statin.

Conclusions

Data from the SPECTRE study provide the first evidence of statin‐mediated effects on CRPC and early sign of disease stabilization. Our data also highlight the possibility of altered tryptophan metabolism being associated with tumour response.