bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЦИФРОВА ПАТОЛОГІЯ В РОБОТІ МЕДИЧНОЇ ЛАБОРАТОРІЇ. / АНАЛІТИЧНИЙ ОГЛЯД
Authors: Дудін О. Є. , Мінцер О. П. , Сулаєва О. М.
Published: November 2021

Цифрова патологія є невід'ємним технологічним елементом науково-лабораторного середовища та відіграє важливу роль у сучасній клінічній практиці. Мета огляду полягала в аналізі сучасного стану розвитку цифрової патології, її можливостей та ролі в розвитку патології як невід'ємної складової персоналізованої медицини. Отримання повноцінних віртуальних препаратів полегшило б роботу з зображеннями, надало можливість перегляду та обміну зображень між патологами і фахівцями інших спеціальностей. Розроблення відповідного програмного забезпечення та рішень про зберігання й обмін цифрових зображень визначила також широке використання цифрової патології в освітньому процесі при навчанні цитопатологів, патологоанатомів і молекулярних патологів. Окрім зручних інструментів діагностики, отримання другої думки, проведення мультидисциплінарних консиліумів і безперервного навчання патологів, цифрова патологія скоро стане технологічною вимогою в науковому та лабораторно-діагностичному середовищі. У підсумку, впровадження систем штучного інтелекту у діагностику онкологічної патології свідчить про можливість інтеграції патогістологічних даних із результатами клінічного обстеження, лабораторними показниками, даними радіологічного дослідження та результатами молекулярно-генетичного тестування, що надає змогу для повноцінної діагностики та вибору лікування відповідно до вимог персоналізованої медицини. Водночас підкреслено необхідність створення єдиної професійної мови та багатовимірних класифікацій станів пацієнтів, що підлягають комп'ютерному розпізнаванню.
ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО СТВОРЕННЯ СИСТЕМНОЇ БІОМЕДИЦИНИ (ЗА МАТЕРІАЛАМИ ЗВІТУ НДР «СИСТЕМНО-БІОЛОГІЧНІ ТА СИСТЕМНО-МЕДИЧНІ ЗАКОНОМІРНОСТІ РОЗВИТКУ ТА ПЕРЕБІГУ ІШЕМІЧНОЇ ХВОРОБИ СЕРЦЯ»)
Authors: Мінцер О. П. , Бабінцева Л. Ю. , Заліський В. М. , Попова М. А. , Надутенко М. В. , Харченко Н. В. , Ладичук О. К.
Published: November 2021

В роботі проаналізовано результати досліджень, що дозволяють створити нові, доповнити та вдосконалити існуючі методи персоналізованої діагностики ішемічної хвороби серця, а також сприяти подовженню строку працездатності населення.
На основі трансдисциплінарного підходу створено багатовимірну онтологічну моделі знань із ішемічної хвороби серця. Метою досліджень була концептуалізація основних положень біології' та медицини, обґрунтування інтелектуального інтерфейсу між системно-біологічними та системно-медичними закономірностями в організмі людини.
Запропоновано новий підхід до прогнозування наслідків лікування на основі моделювання in silico за допомогою онтологічних моделей знань. Зроблено висновки, що системна концептуалізація основних положень біології та медицини дозволяє створити інтелектуальний міст між ними і створити новий напрям — системну біомедицину. Показано, що системно-біологічний і системно-медичний аналізи вимагають широкого застосування мультидисциплінарних і трансдисциплінарних підходів.
Optimal Methods for Reducing Proxy-Introduced Bias on Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements for Group-Level Analyses
Authors: Lapin Brittany , Thompson Nicolas , Schuster Andrew , Katzan Irene L.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Caregivers, or proxies, often complete patient-reported outcomes (PROs) on behalf of patients; yet, research has demonstrated proxies rate patient outcomes worse than patients rate their own outcomes. To improve interpretability of PROs in group-level analyses, our study aimed to identify optimal approaches for reducing proxy-introduced bias in the analysis of PROs.

Methods:

Data were simulated based on 200 patients with stroke and their proxies who both completed 9 PROMIS domains as part of a cross-sectional study. The sample size was varied as 50, 100, 200, and 500, and the proportion of patients with proxy-respondents was varied as 10%, 20%, and 50%. Six methods for handling proxy-completions were investigated: (1) complete case analysis; (2) proxy substitution; (3) Method 2 plus proxy adjustment; (4) Method 3 including inverse-probability of treatment weighting; (5) multiple imputation; (6) linear equating. These methods were evaluated by comparing average bias in PROMIS
T
-scores (estimated versus observed patient-only responses), as well as by comparing estimated regression coefficients to models using patient-only responses.

Results:

Overall mean
T
-score differences ranged from 0 to 1.75. The range of mean differences varied by the 6 methods with methods 1 and 5 providing estimates closest to the observed mean. In regression models, all but inverse-probability of treatment weighting resulted in low bias when proxy-completions were 10% to 20%. With 50% proxy-completions, method 5 resulted in less accurate estimations while methods 1 to 3 provided less proxy-introduced bias. Bias remained low across domain and varying sample sizes but increased with larger percentages of proxy-respondents.

Conclusions:

Our study found modest proxy-introduced bias when estimating PRO scores or regression estimates across multiple domains of health. This bias remained low, even when sample size was 50 and there were large proportions of proxy-completions. While many of these methods can be chosen for including proxies in stroke PRO research with <20% proxy-respondents, proxy substitution with adjustment resulted in low bias with 50% proxy-respondents.
Ankle‐Brachial Index and Subsequent Risk of Severe Ischemic Leg Outcomes: The ARIC Study
Authors: Paskiewicz Amy , Wang Frances M. , Yang Chao , Ballew Shoshana H. , Kalbaugh Corey A. , Selvin Elizabeth , Salameh Maya , Heiss Gerardo , Coresh Josef , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: November 2021

Background

Ankle‐brachial index (ABI) is used to identify lower‐extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, its association with severe ischemic leg outcomes (eg, amputation) has not been investigated in the general population.

Methods and Results

Among 13 735 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study participants without clinical manifestations of PAD (mean age, 54 [SD, 5.8] years; 44.4% men; and 73.6% White) at baseline (1987–1989), we quantified the prospective association between ABI and subsequent severe ischemic leg outcomes, critical limb ischemia (PAD with rest pain or tissue loss) and ischemic leg amputation (PAD requiring amputation) according to discharge diagnosis. Over a median follow‐up of ≈28 years, there were 221 and 129 events of critical limb ischemia and ischemic leg amputation, respectively. After adjusting for demographics, ABI ≤0.90 versus 1.11 to 1.20 had a ≈4‐fold higher risk of critical limb ischemia and ischemic leg amputation (hazard ratios, 3.85 [95% CI, 2.09–7.11] and 4.39 [95% CI, 2.08–9.27]). The magnitude of the association was modestly attenuated after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratios, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.29–4.61] and 2.72 [95% CI, 1.25–5.91], respectively). ABI 0.91 to 1.00 and 1.01 to 1.10 were also associated with these severe leg outcomes, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.7 to 2.0 after accounting for potential clinical and demographic confounders. The associations were largely consistent across various subgroups.

Conclusions

In a middle‐aged community‐based cohort, lower ABI was independently and robustly associated with increased risk of severe ischemic leg outcomes. Our results further support ABI ≤0.90 as a threshold diagnosing PAD and also suggest the importance of recognizing the prognostic value of ABI 0.91 to 1.10 for limb prognosis.
Distinct Effects of Ibrutinib and Acalabrutinib on Mouse Atrial and Sinoatrial Node Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Tuomi Jari M. , Bohne Loryn J. , Dorey Tristan W. , Jansen Hailey J. , Liu Yingjie , Jones Douglas L. , Rose Robert A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Ibrutinib and acalabrutinib are Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Ibrutinib is associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation. Cases of sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest have also been reported following ibrutinib treatment. Conversely, acalabrutinib is less arrhythmogenic. The basis for these different effects is unclear.

Methods and Results

The effects of ibrutinib and acalabrutinib on atrial electrophysiology were investigated in anesthetized mice using intracardiac electrophysiology, in isolated atrial preparations using high‐resolution optical mapping, and in isolated atrial and sinoatrial node (SAN) myocytes using patch‐clamping. Acute delivery of acalabrutinib did not affect atrial fibrillation susceptibility or other measures of atrial electrophysiology in mice in vivo. Optical mapping demonstrates that ibrutinib dose‐dependently impaired atrial and SAN conduction and slowed beating rate. Acalabrutinib had no effect on atrial and SAN conduction or beating rate. In isolated atrial myocytes, ibrutinib reduced action potential upstroke velocity and Na
+
current. In contrast, acalabrutinib had no effects on atrial myocyte upstroke velocity or Na
+
current. Both drugs increased action potential duration, but these effects were smaller for acalabrutinib compared with ibrutinib and occurred by different mechanisms. In SAN myocytes, ibrutinib impaired spontaneous action potential firing by inhibiting the delayed rectifier K
+
current, while acalabrutinib had no effects on SAN myocyte action potential firing.

Conclusions

Ibrutinib and acalabrutinib have distinct effects on atrial electrophysiology and ion channel function that provide insight into the basis for increased atrial fibrillation susceptibility and SAN dysfunction with ibrutinib, but not with acalabrutinib.
A new species of Tritodynamia (Brachyura, Macrophthalmidae) from Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Rahayu Dwi Listyo , Ng Peter K. L.
Published: November 2021

Tritodynamia nontjii n. sp. is described from Papua, Indonesia, and is distinguished from congeners by its proportionately broader carapace and relatively shorter ambulatory legs. The new species superficially resembles T. yeoi Naruse & Ng, 2010, from Singapore, in having the male first gonopod stout with the distal portion broad and curved, but the two species differ in the proportion of the carapace and structures of the ambulatory legs. A table of morphological differences of all known species of Tritodynamia is also provided to distinguish the taxa.
Seasonal and interannual variability in the density of the postlarvae of Litopenaeus setiferus and Farfantepenaeus duorarum in Términos Lagoon, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Ponce Mario A. , Coria-Monter Erik , Flores-Coto Cesar , Canales-Delgadillo Julio C. , Cardoso-Mohedano José G. , Durán-Campos Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

White shrimps, Litopenaeus setiferus (Linnaeus, 1767) and pink shrimps, Farfantepenaeus duorarum (Burkenroad, 1939) are two pivotal species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, due to their ecological and economic importance. In this study we present observational evidence of the seasonal and interannual variability of both species in the Términos Lagoon (southern Gulf of Mexico). The results suggest that the hydrography of the water column and the surface circulation exert a strong influence on the density of both species. The results presented here contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of both species and highlight the need to combine different methodologies to achieve a better interpretation of this system.
Educating Latinx and African American Students in Charter Schools: A Comparative Study from Chicago
Authors: Bu Qingyu , Mendenhall Ruby
Published: November 2021

The public school system in U.S. has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Institutionally, neo-liberal reform has created a new educational apparatus known as charter schools. As they admit students without school boundaries, these schools promise to offer great opportunities for disadvantaged students. The enrollment in charter schools is mainly Latinx and Black students, especially in large urban areas. That demographic shift is not reflected in the literature because previous studies have predominately focused on comparisons between Whites and minorities. Using Chicago as a case, this study compares the association between the enrollment of Black and Latinx students with educational resources and academic performance in charter schools. Using Illinois Report Card data representing 119 public schools during the 2016 to 2017 academic year, we aimed to understand which group could more systemically benefit from charter schools. We found that although the enrollment of Black students might be associated with better educational resources (i.e., total number of school days per academic year, and class size), the enrollment of Latinx students predicted stronger school academic performance on the SAT and PARCC. Those findings can contribute to the debate about institutionalized racial inequality in education and the effects of charter schools.
Doctoral Education, Job Mismatch, and Wage Consequences in South Korea: A Propensity Score Matching Approach
Authors: Park Kihong
Published: November 2021

This study extends the previous literature on the wage effects of over-education, focusing on young doctorate holders (DHs). It also contributes to the conventional over-education literature on a causal relationship between over-education and wages by implementing techniques of propensity score matching (PSM). By tackling potential bias as a consequence of omitted variable bias via the PSM strategy, this study provides evidence of the negative influence of over-education on wages (i.e., the over-education wage penalty) once potential sources of bias are adequately considered. While the current analysis is focused on one country, South Korea, its results might be relevant for many other countries that have experienced a rapid expansion in the supply of DHs over recent years.
Perceived threats and the trade-off between security and human rights
Authors: Radnitz Scott
Published: November 2021

It is well established that exposure to threats causes citizens to prioritize security considerations and accept restrictions on civil liberties. Yet most studies on which these findings are based come from longstanding democracies and do not distinguish among types of threat. This article argues that the effects of internal and external threats are conditional on regime type. It tests the argument via an experiment embedded in an original survey of Georgia and Kazakhstan, countries that vary in regime type but face similar levels of threat. In authoritarian Kazakhstan, there is no difference in attitudes by threat type, whereas external threats produce greater support for security than internal ones in more pluralistic Georgia. Contrary to previous research, security preferences are not mediated by the triggering of anxiety. The findings contribute to literatures on the link between threats and authoritarian preferences, the rally-round-the-flag effect, and the ways that political institutions mediate psychological processes.
The editor’s note: A better start for teachers
Authors: Heller Rafael
Published: November 2021

Long-standing teacher shortages have only gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Rafael Heller. As more teachers leave the profession, the teacher workforce is getting younger and greener. To stop the churn, school systems need to address the specific needs of their new teachers. Some are also beginning to pursue grow-your-own strategies that encourage current students, paraeducators, and other staff who are already invested in the community to become teachers.
What pandemic-related test waiver requests suggest about states’ testing priorities
Authors: Bruno Paul , Goldhaber Dan
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened tensions around standardized testing policy and prompted the United States Department of Education to allow states to request waivers from federal standardized testing requirements. Paul Bruno and Dan Goldhaber describe the waivers that states requested and received, what they suggest about how state test results might be used for different purposes and by different people, and what uses of testing seem to be most salient to policy makers. They conclude with recommendations for policy makers about how to design testing policy that can both improve educational outcomes and maintain robust political support, objectives achieved at best imperfectly by existing testing policy.
First person: Watching the clock: Make it to the end of the year without messing up
Authors: Goldman Steven
Published: November 2021

Math coach Steven Goldman compares working the timer and scoreboard at a local basketball game to teaching. His mission as the clock guy is not to mess up. That means he avoids doing anything fancy or learning what any of the buttons do beyond the ones he needs. When he worked as a long-term sub for a colleague’s paternity leave, it would have been easy for him to have the same attitude. By trying to create new materials, Goldman risked making mistakes — and eventually he did. As a teacher who was new to the school, this mistake had the potential to carry higher consequences that it would for a veteran, making the temptation to simply watch the clock even greater.
Career confidential: Principal getting cyberbullied by parent
Authors: Fagell Phyllis L.
Published: November 2021

Phyllis Fagell offers workplace advice to educators. In this month’s column, a parent is responding angrily to all of a principal’s tweets, and Fagell seeks suggestions from Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. A teacher is annoyed that she cannot leave school during the day without filling out a leave slip and is considering breaking the rule and risking the consequences.
Biosurveillance of Drug Overdoses and Substance Misuse Treated in Selected Emergency Departments in Minnesota, 2017-2020
Authors: Wiens Terra , Bilden Elisabeth , Saravia Stefan , Peterson Jason , Wogen Matthew , Hanson Kaila , Makhtal Roon , Wright Nate , Roesler Jon , Lynfield Ruth
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Increasing knowledge about the toxicology of drug overdose and substance misuse (DOSM) is important in improving our understanding of the epidemic. We describe the Minnesota Drug Overdose and Substance Use Pilot Surveillance Activity, which started collecting data on emergency department (ED) visits attributable to DOSM in 2017, with a focus on the toxicology results of a subset of clinical encounters.

Methods

From November 1, 2017, through January 30, 2020, we collected near–real-time data on DOSM-related ED encounters. The Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory tested leftover clinical specimens (blood and/or urine) for the presence of various substances for patients who died, were hospitalized, had an atypical clinical presentation, or were part of a local drug overdose cluster. Testing looked for >250 drugs or their metabolites, including those commonly misused (eg, methamphetamine, cocaine), prescription medications, synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and opioids. We describe characteristics of the overall group and a subgroup of clinical encounters with toxicology results.

Results

Specimens submitted from 6 EDs during the study period represented 239 clinical encounters. Methamphetamine was the most frequently detected substance (67.4%) but was suspected in only 45.6% of encounters. At least 1 opioid was detected in 42.5% of encounters but suspected in only 29.7%. Testing also detected potential adulterants and additives (eg, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, levamisole) and showed frequent patient exposure to substances not reported by patients or suspected by clinicians. Nearly half (44.4%) of clinical encounters had >1 substance detected.

Conclusions

ED surveillance for DOSM encounters, enhanced by toxicology testing, can provide local situational awareness on overdoses, prevent potential mischaracterization of the true drug overdose epidemic, and inform harm reduction and drug overdose prevention efforts.
Development and Validation of a Syndrome Definition for Suspected Nonfatal Unintentional/Undetermined Intent Stimulant-Involved Overdoses
Authors: Pickens Cassandra M. , Scholl Lawrence , Liu Stephen , Smith Herschel , Snodgrass Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To monitor stimulant-involved overdose (SOD) trends, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed and evaluated the validity of a syndromic surveillance definition for suspected nonfatal, unintentional/undetermined intent stimulant-involved overdose (UUSOD).

Methods

We analyzed all emergency department (ED) visits in CDC’s surveillance system that met the UUSOD syndrome definition (January 2018–December 2019). We classified visits as true positive, possible, or not UUSODs after reviewing diagnosis codes and chief complaints. We first assessed whether visits were acute SODs, subsequently classifying acute SODs by intent. The percentage of true-positive UUSODs did not include intentional or possibly intentional visits. We considered all visits with UUSOD diagnosis codes to be acute SODs and reviewed them for intent. We manually reviewed and double-coded a 10% random sample of visits without UUSOD diagnosis codes using decision rules based on signs and symptoms. The overall percentage of true-positive UUSODs was a weighted average of the percentage of true-positive UUSODs based on diagnosis codes and the percentage of true-positive UUSODs determined by manually reviewing visits without codes.

Results

During 2018-2019, 40 045 ED visits met the syndrome definition for UUSOD. Approximately half (n = 18 793; 46.9%) of 40 045 visits had UUSOD diagnosis codes, indicating acute SOD; of these, 98.6% (n = 18 534) were true-positive UUSODs. Of 2125 manually reviewed visits without UUSOD diagnosis codes, 32.6% (n = 693) were true-positive UUSODs, 54.2% (n = 1151) were possible UUSODs, and 13.2% (n = 281) were not UUSODs. Overall, 63.6% of visits were true-positive UUSODs, 29.3% were possible UUSODs, and 7.1% were not UUSODs.

Practice Implications

CDC’s UUSOD definition may assist in surveillance efforts with further refinement to capture data on SOD clusters and trends.
Electrospun flexible lignin/polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofiber and its application in electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Hong , Liu Chengkun , Jiang Zhiwei , Yang Zhi , Mao Xue , Wei Liang , Sun Runjun
Published: November 2021

In this study, a lignin/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofiber membrane is prepared by electrospinning and used as the precursor to prepare flexible carbon nanofibers (CNFs) through pre-oxidation and carbonization. The micromorphology, crystal structure, pore size distribution and specific surface area of the CNFs are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and specific surface adsorption analysis, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the CNF membrane are also investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy due to its potential application in binder-free electrode materials for supercapacitors. We successfully prepared flexible CNFs with an average diameter of about 539 nm and a specific surface area of 1053.78 m2/g when the mass ratio of lignin to PAN was 9:1 in a solution concentration of 28 wt%. The CNFs are loaded onto nickel foam to prepare the electrode materials for supercapacitors without a binder. When the current density is 0.5 A/g, the specific capacitance could be up to 201.27 F/g and the equivalent series resistance is only 0.57 Ω, which shows an excellent electrochemical performance. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of lignin and the preparation of flexible lignin/PAN-based CNFs, but also provides a new type of environmentally friendly raw material for the electrodes of supercapacitors and could be helpful to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental pollution.
Locking Down Gender Roles? A Time-Use Perspective on Gender Division of Household Labour during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Belgium
Authors: van Tienoven Theun Pieter , Minnen Joeri , Glorieux Anaïs , Laurijssen Ilse , te Braak Petrus , Glorieux Ignace
Published: November 2021

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the division of household labour could continue to lock down or start to break gender roles. Using time-use data of n = 473 individuals collected during the lockdown restrictions in Belgium from March to May 2020, we analyse the gendered division of routine and non-routine household labour in absolute time use and relative shares. We compare against the Belgian time-use data of 2013 for the same time period ( n = 678 individuals). A time-demanding work and living situation associate with an increase in men’s time spent on household labour during the lockdown but not with a change in women’s time use. The gender gap closes in absolute time but not in relative shares of routine and non-routine household labour. The limited impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gender division of household labour indicates a temporal rather than a substantial change in gender roles.
Now for the Good News: Self-Perceived Positive Effects of the First Pandemic Wave on Romantic Relationships Outweigh the Negative
Authors: Holmberg Diane , Bell Kathryn M. , Cadman Kim
Published: November 2021

Media attention has highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on romantic relationships (e.g., increased partner aggression). The current mixed-method study also explored potential positive effects, and how the relative balance of positive versus negative effects might have changed over time during the first pandemic wave. Individuals ( N = 186) who participated in a pre-COVID study were recruited through MTurk to participate in a four-wave longitudinal follow-up, every 2 weeks from mid-April to late May 2020. Participants completed an 8-item self-report measure assessing perceived negative and positive effects of the pandemic on their romantic relationship. Multi-level models revealed that perceived positive effects were substantially higher than perceived negative effects at each timepoint, even amongst those who reported being more heavily impacted by the pandemic. Both positive and negative effects were stable across time. Open-ended questions at the final time point were coded for common themes. Positive themes were more frequent than negative themes. The most common negative theme centered on increased stress or tension in the relationship, while the most common positive theme discussed the importance of focusing on and appreciating the relationship, including taking advantage of the gift of increased time together the pandemic had brought. Amongst all of the pandemic’s bad news, it is refreshing to consider the possibility of pandemic-related benefits for people’s romantic relationships.
Education in plastics manufacturing: Aluminum mold making and injection molding
Authors: Bradley Robert Kelley
Published: November 2021

Plastics are ubiquitous in the modern world with both positive and negative consequences. Students will benefit from understanding how plastics are manufactured. They will be more aware of the material and have a better appreciation for the need to recycle. Injection molding is one of the primary plastics manufacturing methods and hobby scale injection molding machines can be used to educate students about plastics and polymers. Furthermore, it is possible to create custom injection molds from aluminum using similar hobby scale tools. In this article, experiences introducing injection molding in the classroom and experiences with mold making as a senior design project are presented. Suggestions and procedures for using the injection molding machine and for creating custom aluminum molds are covered.
If We Build It, Who Will Come? Comparing Sociodemographic Characteristics of Bike Share Subscribers, Cyclists, and Residents of New York City
Authors: Crossa Aldo , Reilly Kathleen H. , Wang Shu Meir , Lim Sungwoo , Noyes Philip
Published: November 2021

Bike share programs are becoming increasingly popular across U.S. cities. However, their impact on persistent disparities in cycling by gender, race, and socioeconomic status remains understudied. We examined whether subscribers of Citi Bike, New York City’s (NYC) largest bike share program, reflect the sociodemographic profile of NYC cyclists. Using NYC Community Health Survey data, we described adult NYC residents of neighborhoods with ≥1 Citi Bike stations who rode a bicycle at least once a month. Citi Bike members were also described using first-time subscriber survey data. We compared the sociodemographic characteristics of these groups via a z-score with pooled variance. Approximately 2.2 million residents lived in 15 NYC neighborhoods with ≥1 Citi Bike station, and 449,000 (20.5%) reported cycling at least once a month in the past 12 months. Among first-time Citi Bike subscribers, 23,223 (11.5%) completed the survey. Compared with NYC cyclists, Citi Bike subscribers were more likely to be women, aged 24 to 45, White, college graduates, and from a household with an income >400% than the poverty level. Compared with the general population, cyclists were more likely to be White, male, and from a household with an income >400% than the poverty level. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (not gender) disparities were larger among Citi Bike subscribers than NYC cyclists. With the emergence of cycling as an alternative transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the extension of bike share programs, this highlights the need for ongoing, systematic monitoring of bike share user socioeconomic characteristics to evaluate equitable use and access.
Preparation of polyoxymethylene/methyl vinyl silicone rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane ternary thermoplastics vulcanizates with good toughness properties
Authors: Fang Wei , Fan Xiaodong , Li Ruilong
Published: November 2021

Novel thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on polyoxymethylene (POM) and methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) have been prepared by dynamic vulcanization process through a batch mixer. During the preparation of TPV blends, Di-(tert butyl peroxyisopropyl) benzene (BIBP) was used as the curing agent in order to make MVQ cross-linked and TPU was used to coat MVQ for improving the compatibility of MVQ and POM. In order to understand the influence of different compositions on TPV blends, five groups of experimental processes were described in detail. During these experiments, the amount of POM was reduced from 70phr to 30phr, that of MVQ was gradually increased from 18phr to 42 phr, and TPU was increased from 12phr to 28phr. In addition, the morphology and properties of TPVs were studied by DSC, FTIR, SEM, DMA and mechanical tests. The mechanical testing results showed that with the amount of POM decreasing and the total amount of MVQ and TPU increasing, the tensile strength of the TPV blends gradually was decreased, and the elongation at break was increased accordingly from 35.2 ± 6% of pure POM to 142.8 ± 11% of sample 5#.
Characteristics of open cavity flow with floor inclinations at M = 2.0
Authors: Saranyamol VS , Kumar Priyank , Das Sudip
Published: November 2021

Experimental studies on open cavity flows at supersonic speed of M = 2.0 were carried out. Oil flow visualization tests were made to understand the steady features of the surface flow field. Unsteady pressure measurements were done at five locations inside the cavity and pressure spectrum of these measurements were obtained. Cavity floor was made inclined to influence the flow directing towards the cavity leading edge with both, a favourable and adverse slope, by giving a positive and negative inclination angles to the floor, respectively. It is observed that the negative inclinations to the cavity floor behaves in a similar way to the base cavity, but a positive inclination helps to reduce the fluctuating pressures by 80% and reduce OASPL to the order of 14 dB and more.
Behavior of cracked Euler–Bernoulli beam and inverse problem for assessing crack severity
Authors: Samir Mohamed Mohamed Soliman Ehab
Published: November 2021

In this present study, natural frequencies of the first two modes of bending vibration for the cracked simply supported Euler–Bernoulli beam is determined using finite element analysis (FEA). FEA natural frequencies for the cracked beam are used to investigate the behavior of the cracked beam and also used in the inverse problem of crack depth detection. Dynamic behavior of the cracked simply supported beam is observed, and it is found that normalized mode shape at crack location has great effect on amount of decreasing of natural frequencies. When normalized mode shape at crack location is increased, then natural frequencies decrease. In this study, pattern of mode shape played a vital role in decreasing or increasing natural frequencies. At the midpoint of the beam, there is largest bending moment in first bending mode and there is nodal point in second bending mode. Harmonic analysis for the cracked simply supported beam is carried out to find von Mises stress responses and appearance of peaks at frequency of first bending mode is noticed in graphs of von Mises stress response, expressing high values of von Mises stress at crack tip. Inverse problem of assessing the crack depth is performed using results of FEA first mode frequency ratio and published experimental results and the method showed good results in case of high crack depth ratios.
Revisiting Polish Abortion Law: Doctors and Institutions in a Restrictive Regime
Authors: Krajewska Atina
Published: November 2021

This article examines the motivations of doctors operating in restrictive abortion regimes, and it takes Poland as a case study. It places in the foreground institutional and intra-professional factors that determine abortion healthcare, which to date have been accorded little attention. The article compares the impact that criminal, professional, and social sanctions have upon the provision of abortion services. In so doing, its purpose is to refocus debate in this area. It aims to move the emphasis away from legal and political factors, including the criminalisation of abortion, and to place it on medical agency. The Polish case study is examined to test out, in the context of a late-transitional polity, the sustainability of neo-institutionalist approaches to the study of law and organisations and the sociology of professions. The analysis is particularly important and urgent in light of the recent retrenchment of reproductive rights in Poland, and beyond.
Book review: Asha Kaul and Vidhi Chaudhri, Corporate Communication Through Social Media: Strategies for Managing Reputation
Authors: Bhandari Arabinda
Published: November 2021

Asha Kaul and Vidhi Chaudhri, Corporate Communication Through Social Media: Strategies for Managing Reputation, 2017, New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 213 + XVII pp., ₹275. ISBN: 9789386446190 (Paperback).
Retrospective assessment of chemotherapy/biotherapy toxicity in a Hispanic/Latinx population versus published study population
Authors: Leidy Sara B , Hull Lauren R , Macik Monica R , Gonzalvo Jasmine D , Weddle Kellie J
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. services diverse communities in Central Indiana, including the Hispanic/Latinx community. It has been postulated that this population experiences toxicities at a higher rate and with a faster onset than the general population when treated with chemotherapy or biotherapy. The published clinical trials that have evaluated chemotherapy/biotherapy efficacy and toxicity have not adequately represented the Hispanic/Latinx population. This retrospective analysis aims to analyze the incidence and severity of adverse drug events in the Hispanic/Latinx population compared to the general study population.

Methods

A retrospective chart review included patients reported as Hispanic/Latinx in the electronic medical record who had breast cancer, colon cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, or multiple myeloma currently receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy and/or received chemotherapy/biotherapy during the study period. Seventy-three instances of patients receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy and 46 unique patients were included in the final analysis.

Results

Of the 73 instances, 29 (40%) had toxicity at baseline prior to chemotherapy/biotherapy received during the study period. Of those 29 baseline toxicities, 26 (90%) of them had new toxicity during the study period. Of the 73 instances, 62 (85%) experienced toxicities during the study period.

Conclusion

Ethnicity has a proven effect on medication efficacy and safety, but the specific impact of ethnicity on chemotherapy/biotherapy toxicity risk has not been well elucidated. This study found that a majority (85%) of Hispanic/Latinx patients treated with chemotherapy/biotherapy experienced toxicity of any grade, and the majority (90%) patients who had prior toxicity experienced another toxicity.
Specialist consultation activity and costs in Australia: Before and after the introduction of COVID-19 telehealth funding
Authors: De Guzman Keshia R , Caffery Liam J , Smith Anthony C , Snoswell Centaine L
Published: November 2021

This study describes and analyses the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) activity and cost data for specialist consultations in Australia, as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To achieve this, activity and cost data for MBS specialist consultations conducted from March 2019 to February 2021 were analysed month-to-month. MBS data for in-person, videoconference and telephone consultations were compared before and after the introduction of COVID-19 MBS telehealth funding in March 2020. The total number of MBS specialist consultations claimed per month did not differ significantly before and after the onset of COVID-19 ( p = 0.717), demonstrating telehealth substitution of in-person care. After the introduction of COVID-19 telehealth funding, the average number of monthly telehealth consultations increased ( p < 0.0001), representing an average of 19% of monthly consultations. A higher proportion of consultations were provided by telephone when compared to services delivered by video. Patient-end services did not increase after the onset of COVID-19, signifying a divergence from the historical service delivery model. Overall, MBS costs for specialist consultations did not vary significantly after introducing COVID-19 telehealth funding ( p = 0.589). Telehealth consultations dramatically increased during COVID-19 and patients continued to receive specialist care. After the onset of COVID-19, the cost per telehealth specialist consultation was reduced, resulting in increased cost efficiency to the MBS.
Virtual care in end of life and palliative care: A rapid evidence check
Authors: Dolan Hankiz , Eggett Catherine , Holliday Laura , Delves Shane , Parkes Donna , Sutherland Kim
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this rapid evidence check was to identify virtual care modalities that are safe and effective in the delivery of end of life and palliative care. Thirty-three peer reviewed articles which were either review articles or interventional/evaluative studies presenting comparative data were identified through PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar searches. Extracted data was synthesized narratively and outcomes were categorised separately for patients, healthcare providers, caregivers and health system. Included studies reported on a wide range of virtual care modalities, including video consultation, mobile apps, videos, websites, telephone support, email and alert messages. Generally, studies reported similar or favourable quality of life outcomes to face-to-face palliative care, especially when virtual care was used as a supplement rather than a substitute for face-to-face care. Positive attitudes for perceived usefulness and helpfulness were reported by patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. Challenges identified related to technology limitations, trust, ethical concerns, administrative burden and evidence gaps. Overall, most studies found virtual care modalities to be safe and effective in end of life and palliative care with no detrimental adverse outcomes, when used as a supplement to face-to-face care.
Are online mental health interventions for youth effective? A systematic review
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyun , Edirippulige Sisira , Bai Xuejun , Bambling Matthew
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of online mental health interventions for youth.

Methods

We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS) for the past 10 years to identify randomized controlled trials which have evaluated the use of telehealth interventions for young people with mental health problems. The included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias.

Results

Forty-five randomized controlled trials ( n = 13,291 participants) were eligible for this review. Most studies (35 trials) evaluated the use of web-based self-help platforms to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (14 trials), mindfulness (four trials), acceptance commitment therapy (five trials) and positive psychology (two trials). Mobile/computer applications were used to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (four trials) and coping strategies training (two trials). Web-based synchronous chat (one trial) was used to assist communication between counsellors and participants. Three studies used artificial intelligence-based conversational agents to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (two trials) and problem-solving-strategy training (one trial). Eighty-two percent ( n = 37) identified the participants as student population (i.e. university students, high school students). Sixty-four percent ( n = 29) of the telehealth interventions were found to be effective in managing depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia and improving quality of life when compared with control conditions.

Conclusions

Online mental health interventions were found to be effective in managing diverse mental health conditions among youth. Online self-help platforms were the most frequently used modality and artificial intelligence-based chatbots are merging as potential solutions. Future research is warranted to investigate the solutions to improve the retention rate and satisfaction of telehealth interventions among this population.
Enhancing a community palliative care service with telehealth leads to efficiency gains and improves job satisfaction
Authors: Haydon Helen M , Snoswell Centaine L , Thomas Emma E , Broadbent Andrew , Caffery Liam J , Brydon Julie-Ann , Smith Anthony C
Published: November 2021

Telepalliative care services enable clinicians to provide essential palliation services to people with a life-limiting illness in or closer to home. This study aims to explore the costs, service activity and staff experiences resulting from the introduction of telehealth in a community palliative care service in Queensland, Australia. Pre- and post-activity and cost data from the 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 financial years were examined and staff members interviewed. Accounting for inflation and standard wage increases, the labour costs before and after the addition of telehealth were approximately equal. There were small variations in non-labour costs, but these were not directly attributable to the expansion of the telehealth services. Overall, the service activity increased by 189% for standard doctor and nurse consultations, due to the increased efficiency of telehealth compared to the previous outreach (travel) model. Thematic analysis of the staff interview data generated an overarching theme of Increased Job Satisfaction which staff attributed to the patient-centred nature of the telepalliative care service, the increased peer support and increased professional development. Compared with the traditional in-person service, the new telehealth-supported model resulted in equivalent costs, greater efficiency by allowing palliative care to reach more patients and improved staff job satisfaction.
Exploring the impact of Covid-19 on the care and quality of life of people with dementia and their carers: A scoping review
Authors: Masterson-Algar Patricia , Allen Maria Cheshire , Hyde Martin , Keating Norah , Windle Gill
Published: November 2021

This article reports on findings of a scoping review aimed to map the published literature concerning the impact of Covid-19 on the care and quality of life of people living with dementia and their carers. Twenty-nine articles were included in the review. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Impact on people with dementia – unmet and increased care needs; (2) Impact on carers – increased stress and burden and (3) Impact according to demographics. Overall, findings show that Covid-19 has led to a reduction in support from health and social services and to a move towards technology-based support. Furthermore, Covid-19 has had a negative impact on the care and quality of life of people living with dementia and their carers, and that this impact was influenced by the severity of dementia.
Psychology’s Stewardship of Gender/Sex
Authors: Schudson Zach C.
Published: November 2021

Psychological theories of gender and/or sex (gender/sex) have the capacity to shape people’s self-perceptions, social judgments, and behaviors. The institutional power of psychology to affect cognition and behavior—not just to measure them—necessitates a serious consideration of our social responsibility to manage the products of our intellectual labor. Therefore, I propose that psychological research should be understood as stewardship of gender/sex (and socially relevant concepts in general). In this issue, four articles collectively serve as a demonstrative slice of the diversity of current directions in psychological research on gender/sex. I use these articles as springboards for articulating key elements of psychologists’ stewardship of gender/sex and strategies for improving our stewardship. First, I examine how psychology’s historical stewardship of gender/sex has yielded both new methods for self-understanding and harmful consequences for marginalized people. Next, I explore promising current approaches that center minoritized perspectives. I also discuss roadblocks to effective stewardship, including narrowly disciplinary approaches. Finally, I consider strategies for improving psychology’s stewardship of gender/sex, such as mitigating gender/sex essentialism and employing generative theoretical frameworks built from interdisciplinary insights.
Japan and the international humanitarian system: In the periphery by design, principle or strategy?
Authors: Gómez Oscar A.
Published: November 2021

This article aims to explain why Japan has been at the periphery of the international humanitarian system, at least for the past two decades. Based on a review of the main features of the country's historical involvement in humanitarian crisis response, I suggest two main reasons: 1) the difficulty for Japan to adapt to the kind of institutions created after the end of the Cold War, mainly by Western actors, and 2) Japan's preference for an integral approach to crisis management, using multiple international cooperation means, which falls outside of the present humanitarian diplomacy paradigm. As this paradigm comes into question, Japan can influence the emerging humanitarian system, particularly through the promotion of crisis management ownership and long-term commitment backed by multiple financial means.