bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative evaluation of role transitions is associated with perceived stress and alcohol consequences: Examination of the Transitions Overload Model in young adulthood using two years of monthly data
Authors: Cadigan Jennifer M. , Fleming Charles B. , Patrick Megan E. , Lewis Melissa A. , Rhew Isaac C. , Abdallah Devon A. , Fairlie Anne M. , Schulenberg John E. , Larimer Mary E. , Lee Christine M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Young adulthood is characterized by transitions into and out of social roles in multiple domains. Consistent with self‐medication models of alcohol use, the Transitions Overload Model (J Stud Alcohol Suppl, 14, 2002, 54) hypothesizes that one cause of increased alcohol use during young adulthood may be the stress of navigating simultaneous role transitions. This study examined the simultaneous occurrence of major developmental role transitions in the domains of education, employment, romantic relationships, and residential status and their associations with perceived stress, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and negative alcohol‐related consequences. Further, we extended the Transitions Overload Model to explore whether the number of transitions rated as having a negative impact on one's life was related to perceived stress, HED, and alcohol‐related consequences.

Methods

A community sample of young adult drinkers (N = 767, 57% women, ages 18 to 25 years) in the Pacific Northwest provided monthly data across 2 years. Multilevel models were used to assess the average (between‐person) and month‐to‐month (within‐person) associations of role transitions with perceived stress, HED, and negative alcohol‐related consequences.

Results

Although having more role transitions was positively associated with HED frequency and alcohol‐related consequences at both the between‐ and within‐person (monthly) levels, it was not associated with increased stress. The number of transitions rated as having a negative impact on one's life, however, was positively associated with stress. Thus, rather than the total number of transitions, it is the number of negatively perceived major developmental role transitions that is associated with perceived stress and increased risk for negative alcohol‐related consequences.

Conclusions

Contrary to Transitions Overload Model assumptions, more transitions were not a significant predictor of more perceived stress; rather, the evaluation of the transition as negative was associated with stress and negative alcohol‐related outcomes. This distinction may help elucidate the etiology of stress and subsequent alcohol consequences and identify individuals at‐risk of these effects.
Tupananchiskama/Until We Meet Again: Research Ethics and Bodily Vulnerability in the Time of COVID‐19
Authors: Stavig Lucía Isabel
Published: August 2021

As anthropologists, we face ethical dilemmas even during “normal” times. But the pandemic has forced us to face yet another important question: do we know when to stop? Bodily vulnerability and in‐situ ethics were brought into stark relief when the outbreak of COVID‐19 found me, a graduate student researcher, in a small Andean community in the department (state) of Cusco, Peru, where I had been researching healing and the ethics of ayni, or reciprocal care. Given the quickly changing circumstances and increasing vulnerabilities as the pandemic started, staying to continue research seemed drenched in the imperialist “will to know”—the conceit that my need for information was more important than my safety and the care my friends and kin had shown me.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in exercising asthmatic adolescents: A randomized and open label trial
Authors: Bar‐Yoseph Ronen , Gur Michal , Zuckerman Shalev , Gut Guy , Hanna Moneera , Toukan Yazeed , Nir Vered , Masarweh Kamal , Bentur Lea
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Relvar® (fluticasone furoate [FF]/vilanterol [VI]) is a once‐daily inhaler with bronchodilator effect lasting 24 h. Our aim was to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of FF/VI on exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) in adolescents.

Methods

Ninety‐three adolescent asthmatics aged 12–18 years were referred for evaluation of EIA. Following a positive exercise challenge test (ECT), 22/44 were allocated to a single administration of salbutamol (400 μg) and 22/44 to FF/VI (92/22 μg) in a double‐blind method. Thirty‐five subjects were reassessed by repeat ECT 30–60 days of FF/VI.

Results

Median FEV1 change post‐ECT at baseline was −22.8% predicted (interquartile range [IQR] −26.1 and −18.0) for salbutamol and −21.0 (IQR −30.7 and −16.8) for FF/VI. Following bronchodilator, FEV1 improved similarly in both groups. Repeat ECT following 30–60 days of FF/VI resulted in negative ECT in 33/35 subjects; the median decrease in FEV1 of these 35 subjects was 22.6% predicted (IQR 29–18) before, and 4.6% predicted (IQR 8.7–2.5) after 30–60 days of FF/VI treatment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

FF/VI is effective in reversing EIA after 15 min in adolescents and in protecting EIA after 30–60 days in adolescents. Larger studies are needed to assess the effect of FF/VI on EIA.
A multilevel account of social value‐related reasons behind mastery goals
Authors: Smeding Annique , Dompnier Benoît , Meier Emanuele , Darnon Céline , Butera Fabrizio
Published: August 2021

Background

A growing literature focuses on reasons behind achievement goal endorsement, and mastery‐approach goals (MG) specifically, and how these reasons influence academic performance. Past research provides evidence that student‐level social value‐related reasons behind MG moderate the MG‐performance link in adolescents and young adults. However, we ignore whether this moderation is best conceived of as a student‐level effect (i.e., students’ social value‐related reasons), a class‐level effect (i.e., influence of class‐dependent contextual social value), or both.

Aims

This research aims at understanding the moderation of the MG‐performance link by social value from a multilevel account, which is novel, as the student level has been the default level so far.

Sample

The study was conducted on a sample of 436 primary school students, from 3rd to 6th grade.

Methods

Students completed a MG scale adapted to their French classes under different instructions: standard, social desirability (answer to be viewed as likeable by your teacher), social utility (answer to be viewed as successful by your teacher), along with a dictation to measure performance, and socio‐demographic measures.

Results

Results show that the moderation effect of social utility on the MG‐dictation performance link is observed at the student level, but that the moderation by social desirability is best accounted for by class‐level differences.

Conclusions

It is important to consider a multilevel framework when examining reasons behind MG reports, including social value‐related reasons, both for future research and teachers in the classroom.
Integrated genotype–phenotype analysis of long‐term epilepsy‐associated ganglioglioma
Authors: Wang Yujiao , Wang Leiming , Blümcke Ingmar , Zhang Weiwei , Fu Yongjuan , Shan Yongzhi , Piao Yueshan , Zhao Guoguang
Published: August 2021

The BRAF p.V600E mutation is the most common genetic alteration in ganglioglioma (GG). Herein, we collected a consecutive series of 30 GG specimens from Xuanwu Hospital in order to corroborate the genetic landscape and genotype–phenotype correlation of this enigmatic and often difficult‐to‐classify epilepsy‐associated brain tumor entity. All specimens with histopathologically confirmed lesions were submitted to targeted next‐generation sequencing using a panel of 131 genes. Genetic alterations in three cases with histologically distinct tumor components, that is, GG plus pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), or an oligodendroglioma (ODG)‐like tumor component, were separately studied. A mean post‐surgical follow‐up time‐period of 23 months was available in 24 patients. Seventy seven percent of GG in our series can be explained by genetic alterations, with BRAF p.V600E mutations being most prevalent (n = 20). Three additional cases showed KRAS p.Q22R and KRAS p.G13R, IRS2 copy number gain (CNG) and a KIAA1549‐BRAF fusion. When genetically studying different histopathology patterns from the same tumor we identified composite features with BRAF p.V600E plus CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in a GG with PXA features, IRS2 CNG in a GG with DNT features, and a BRAF p.V600E plus CNG of chromosome 7 in a GG with ODG‐like features. Follow‐up revealed no malignant tumor progression but nine patients had seizure recurrence. Eight of these nine GG were immunoreactive for CD34, six patients were male, five were BRAF wildtype, and atypical histopathology features were encountered in four patients, that is, ki‐67 proliferation index above 5% or with PXA component. Our results strongly point to activation of the MAP kinase pathway in the vast majority of GG and their molecular‐genetic differentiation from the cohort of low‐grade pediatric type diffuse glioma remains, however, to be further clarified. In addition, histopathologically distinct tumor components accumulated different genetic alterations suggesting collision or composite glio‐neuronal GG variants.
Body mass index and adipokines/cytokines dysregulation in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Iannone Florenzo , Praino Emanuela , Rotondo Cinzia , Natuzzi Dorotea , Bizzoca Rita , Lacarpia Nunzia , Fornaro Marco , Cacciapaglia Fabio
Published: August 2021

Body fat has regulatory functions through producing cytokines and adipokines whose role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is currently emerging. Changes in body mass, either over- or underweight, entail a dysregulation of the cytokine/adipokine network that may impact upon SSc disease activity. We evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines in SSc patients and correlated them to clinical features and body mass index (BMI) categories. The study included 89 SSc patients and 26 healthy donors (HD). Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and IL-17A were measured by multiplex immunoassay and correlated to BMI and disease-specific features. Student's t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for comparisons between groups. Spearman's or Pearson's tests were used for correlation analysis. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-2, leptin and resistin were significantly higher in SSc than in HD. Leptin levels were significantly higher in interstitial lung disease (ILD)- and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-SSc subgroups. The highest levels of IL-17A, IL-2, IL-10, leptin and visfatin were detected in SSc patients with obesity (p < 0.01). Conversely, underweight SSc patients showed the highest TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Adipokines, IL-2, IL-10 and IL-17A were found to be increased in SSc patients with obesity, but whether or not they play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be investigated. Intriguingly, underweight patients had the highest TNF-α levels, suggesting a potential role of TNF-α in inducing the cachexia observed in long-lasting disease.
Widow’s peak: a usually overlooked, yet significant morphogenetic trait
Authors: Kyriakou Georgia , Glentis Apostolos , Papanikolaou Sofia
Published: August 2021

Originally believed to be an omen for early widowhood, widow’s peak, a V‐shaped descending extension of the anterior hairline at the center of the forehead is now known to be a morphogenetic trait. Although in the majority of cases, widow’s peak is a normal variant, its presence has also been associated with several genetic syndromes.
Technologies of Authoritarian Statecraft in Welfare Provision: Contracting Services to Social Organizations
Authors: Howell Jude , Martinez Regina Enjuto , Qu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2021

In 2013 the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party adopted a nationwide policy to contract out welfare services to social organizations. This presented the Party/state with a conundrum: how best to foster service‐oriented social organizations whilst retaining control over politically sensitive groups. Using a Foucauldian framework of analysis, this article explores the rationalities and technologies of statecraft deployed to navigate this tension. It argues that contracting welfare services is a form of governmentality linked to economic efficiency, welfare provision and social stability, requiring subtle ways of governing society. In implementing this policy, the Party/state seeks to foster a service‐oriented civil society and stymie rights‐based and politically sensitive groups.
Flexible fast‐mapping: Deaf children dynamically allocate visual attention to learn novel words in American Sign Language
Authors: Lieberman Amy M. , Fitch Allison , Borovsky Arielle
Published: August 2021

Word learning in young children requires coordinated attention between language input and the referent object. Current accounts of word learning are based on spoken language, where the association between language and objects occurs through simultaneous and multimodal perception. In contrast, deaf children acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) perceive both linguistic and non‐linguistic information through the visual mode. In order to coordinate attention to language input and its referents, deaf children must allocate visual attention optimally between objects and signs. We conducted two eye‐tracking experiments to investigate how young deaf children allocate attention and process referential cues in order to fast‐map novel signs to novel objects. Participants were deaf children learning ASL between the ages of 17 and 71 months. In Experiment 1, participants (n = 30) were presented with a novel object and a novel sign, along with a referential cue that occurred either before or after the sign label. In Experiment 2, a new group of participants (n = 32) were presented with two novel objects and a novel sign, so that the referential cue was critical for identifying the target object. Across both experiments, participants showed evidence for fast‐mapping the signs regardless of the timing of the referential cue. Individual differences in children's allocation of attention during exposure were correlated with their ability to fast‐map the novel signs at test. This study provides first evidence for fast‐mapping in sign language, and contributes to theoretical accounts of how word learning develops when all input occurs in the visual modality.
Unmet psychosocial needs of parents of children with rare, complex, and severe genetic diseases
Authors: Tumiene Birute
Published: August 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Nevin et al. on pages 95–104 of this issue.
External validation of different clinical and echocardiographic scores to distinguish post‐ from precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Fontes Oliveira Marta , Oliveira Maria Isilda , Furtado Inês , Carvalho Luísa , Gonçalves Fabienne , Reis Abílio , Santos Mário
Published: August 2021

Background

Even though right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold‐standard method to characterise Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), it cannot be performed in all the patients with suspected PH. Clinical and echocardiographic scores have been developed to differentiate PH secondary to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH‐HFpEF) from pre‐capillary PH. We aimed to compare the performance of non‐invasive parameters in a population with suspected PH.

Methods

We retrospectively included consecutive patients who underwent RHC for suspected PH. Patients with a non‐invasive evaluation clearly suggestive of left heart disease were excluded. We assessed the performance of non‐invasive pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial ratio (ePLAR), and Opotowsky, Richter, Berthelot, and D'Alto scores using the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Of the 142 included patients, 61 patients had pre‐capillary PH, 49 had PH‐HFpEF, and 32 patients did not meet invasive criteria for PH. We were able to perform the aforementioned scores in 71–100% of our patients. Using the original cut‐offs, Opotowsky was the score that best predicted precapillary PH (96% sensitivity, 41% specificity, AUC .69), followed by D'Alto (98% sensitivity, 22% specificity, AUC .60) and Berthelot (32% sensitivity, 90% specificity, AUC .60). Richter score did not discriminate between phenotypes (AUC .50). Using optimised cut‐offs, a Berthelot score < 9 predicted precapillary PH with 73% sensitivity and 74% specificity (AUC .73). Single echocardiographic parameters as non‐invasive PVR (85% sensitivity, 59% specificity, AUC .72) and ePLAR (73% sensitivity, 76% specificity, AUC .75) showed better prediction performance than the composite studied scores.

Conclusion

Combined clinical and echocardiographic characteristics can be used to predict pre‐capillary PH with moderate performance. The application of these non‐invasive parameters in clinical practice can help refine referral to RHC in a population with clinically suspected PH.
Phenotypic plasticity masks range‐wide genetic differentiation for vegetative but not reproductive traits in a short‐lived plant
Authors: Villellas Jesus , Ehrlén Johan , Crone Elizabeth E. , Csergő Anna Mária , Garcia Maria B. , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Roach Deborah A. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Wardle Glenda M. , Childs Dylan Z. , Elderd Bret D. , Finn Alain , Munné‐Bosch Sergi , Bachelot Benedicte , Bódis Judit , Bucharova Anna , Caruso Christina M. , Catford Jane A. , Coghill Matthew , Compagnoni Aldo , Duncan Richard P. , Dwyer John M. , Ferguson Aryana , Fraser Lauchlan H. , Griffoul Emily , Groenteman Ronny , Hamre Liv Norunn , Helm Aveliina , Kelly Ruth , Laanisto Lauri , Lonati Michele , Münzbergová Zuzana , Nuche Paloma , Olsen Siri Lie , Oprea Adrian , Pärtel Meelis , Petry William K. , Ramula Satu , Rasmussen Pil U. , Enri Simone Ravetto , Roeder Anna , Roscher Christiane , Schultz Cheryl , Skarpaas Olav , Smith Annabel L. , Tack Ayco J.M. , Töpper Joachim Paul , Vesk Peter A. , Vose Gregory E. , Wandrag Elizabeth , Wingler Astrid , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: August 2021

Genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity jointly shape intraspecific trait variation, but their roles differ among traits. In short‐lived plants, reproductive traits may be more genetically determined due to their impact on fitness, whereas vegetative traits may show higher plasticity to buffer short‐term perturbations. Combining a multi‐treatment greenhouse experiment with observational field data throughout the range of a widespread short‐lived herb,Plantago lanceolata, we (1) disentangled genetic and plastic responses of functional traits to a set of environmental drivers and (2) assessed how genetic differentiation and plasticity shape observational trait–environment relationships. Reproductive traits showed distinct genetic differentiation that largely determined observational patterns, but only when correcting traits for differences in biomass. Vegetative traits showed higher plasticity and opposite genetic and plastic responses, masking the genetic component underlying field‐observed trait variation. Our study suggests that genetic differentiation may be inferred from observational data only for the traits most closely related to fitness.
First record of Aleurocanthuscamelliae Kanmiya & Kasai, 2011 (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) from Italy, on ornamental Camellia spp. plants
Authors: Rizzo Domenico , Suma Pompeo , Rossi Elisabetta , Farina Paolo , Da Lio Daniele , Bartolini Linda , Salemi Chiara , Farina Alessia , Rapisarda Carmelo
Published: August 2021

This paper provides a first report of Aleurocanthus camelliae, the Camellia spiny whitefly, from Italy. The pest was found on plants of Camellia spp. grown in the nursery. Brief morphological and biological information is provided on this whitefly, as well as some considerations on the phytosanitary measures to be adopted to reduce the potential risk of its spread on ornamental plants in Europe and the EPPO region.
Perivascular clusters of Th2 cells and M2 macrophages in allergic contact dermatitis to methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
Authors: Virgens Anangélica R. , Goes Heliana F. O. , de Carvalho Gabriel C. , Pietrobon Anna Julia , C. C. Branco Anna Cláudia , Ramos Yasmim A. L. , Pereira Naiura V. , Orfali Raquel L. , Aoki Valéria , da Silva Luiz Fernando F. , Sotto Mirian N. , dos Reis Vitor M.S. , Sato Maria N.
Published: August 2021

Background

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are among the most common skin sensitizers, yet the immunological events that occur during MCI/MI allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are still poorly understood. Objectives: To analyse dendrocytes, macrophage subtypes and T cells in skin during the elicitation phase of MCI/MI ACD.

Methods

Thirteen patients with positive patch test reactions to MCI/MI (ACD group) and 11 individuals with negative patch test results were selected. Skin biopsies were only performed at 48 hours of patch testing. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess T cells, dendrocytes (Factor XIIIa), M1 (p‐Stat1, CD68) and M2 (c‐Maf, CD163) macrophages. Transcriptional analyses were performed for cytokines and related factors, and further compared to atopic dermatitis samples (n=4). Immunofluorescence assays addressed T cells location, along with IL‐4 or IL‐13, within the skin.

Results

MCI/MI elicited dermal dendrocytes and macrophages, pronouncedly the M2 subtype. T cells, majorly CD4+ T cells, accumulated in the perivascular areas. Similarly, abundant IL‐4 protein was detected in these areas. There was an upregulation of IL‐4 and IL‐13 mRNA expression, a mild increase in IFNG mRNA levels and a down‐regulation of RORC in the ACD group. Immunofluorescence revealed dermal clusters of T cells co‐localized with IL‐4.

Conclusions

M2 macrophages and Th2 cells participate in the immunopathogenesis of MCI/MI ACD. Dermal dendrocytes and M2 macrophages may assist the formation of CD4+ T cells perivascular clusters. These findings render a mechanistic insight into the MCI/MI reaction. Further analysis at different timepoints of patch testing is required to fully comprehend this ACD kinetics.
Mobilizing sorghum genetic diversity: Biochemical and histological‐assisted design of a stem ideotype for biomethane production
Authors: Thomas Hélène Laurence , Pot David , Jaffuel Sylvie , Verdeil Jean‐Luc , Baptiste Christelle , Bonnal Laurent , Trouche Gilles , Bastianelli Denis , Latrille Eric , Berger Angélique , Calatayud Caroline , Chauvergne Céline , Rossard Virginie , Jeanson Patrice , Alcouffe Joël , Carrère Hélène
Published: August 2021

Sorghum currently contributes to the species portfolio that is supporting bioenergy production including anaerobic digestion. Although agro‐morphological ideotypes maximizing biogas production have been recently proposed, there is a crucial need to refine our understanding of the impacts of the stem composition and structure on this processing trait in order to ensure genetic gains in the mid to long terms. This study aims to assess the potential of Sorghum bicolor ssp bicolor stem genetic diversity to maximize genetic gains for biogas production and define a biogas stem ideotype. In this context, a panel of 57 genotypes, encompassing most of the stem composition variability available in cultivated sorghum, was characterized over five sites. Simultaneous histological and biochemical characterizations were performed. A high broad sense heritability associated with a moderate genetic variability was detected for stem biogas potential ensuring significant genetic gains in the future. In addition, the development of a stem histological phenotyping pipeline made it possible to describe the genetic diversity available for the internode anatomy and the repartition of key cell wall components. Consistently with previous studies, moderate to high heritability was observed for stem biochemical components. Genetic correlation, hierarchical clustering, and multiple stepwise regression analyses identified soluble sugar content as the first main driver of biogas potential genetic variability. Nevertheless, breeding programs should anticipate that biogas yield improvement will also rely on the monitoring of the cell wall components and their distribution in the stem jointly with the soluble sugar content. According to the assets of sorghum in terms of adaptation to environmental stresses and the present results regarding the identification of stem ideotypes suitable for different value chains, this species will surely play a key role to optimize the economic and environmental sustainability of the agrosystems that are currently facing the effects of climate change.
Association between psychosocial determinants of adverse childhood experiences and severe early childhood caries among First Nations children
Authors: Tsai Wan Ting , Lawrence Herenia Procopio
Published: August 2021

Aim

To determine whether psychosocial determinants of adverse childhood experiences (ACE), from pregnancy to 2 years old, are associated with severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC) in Indigenous children.

Design

Secondary data analyses from an ECC prevention trial among 344 First Nations mother‐child dyads living on‐ and off‐reserve in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. Stratified (on‐/off‐reserve) logistic regression, controlling for mother's age and income source, assessed three categories of psychosocial ACE determinants: alcohol/drug misuse, household financial hardship (overcrowding and food insecurity) and emotional/social well‐being (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐14), sense of personal control (SOC), social support, subjective social status).

Results

Household overcrowding [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.89 (95% CI: 1.06–3.38)], food insecurity [AOR = 2.86 (1.53–5.34)] and mothers’ high perceived stress [AOR = 2.48 (1.40–4.37)] were associated with S‐ECC (dmft > 9) for those on‐reserve. Maternal SOC had a protective effect for off‐reserve children [AOR = 0.17 (0.03–0.95)].

Conclusions

Increased efforts to reduce psychosocial ACE determinants are paramount to decreasing Indigenous children's vulnerability to S‐ECC.
Worker Participation in Decision‐making, Worker Sorting, and Firm Performance
Authors: Mueller Steffen , Neuschaeffer Georg
Published: August 2021

Worker participation in decision‐making is often associated with high‐wage and high‐productivity firm strategies. Using linked employer–employee data for Germany and worker fixed effects from a two‐way fixed‐effects model of wages capturing observed and unobserved worker quality, we find that plants with formal worker participation via works councils indeed employ higher quality workers. We show that worker quality is already higher in plants before council introduction and further increases after the introduction. Importantly, we corroborate previous studies by showing positive productivity and profitability effects even after taking into account worker sorting.
Home health agency adoption of quality improvement activities and association with performance
Authors: Shetty Kanaka D. , Robbins Michael W. , Saliba Debra , Campbell Kyle N. , Castora‐Binkley Melissa , Damberg Cheryl L.
Published: August 2021

Background

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HHQRP) uses performance measurement to spur improvements in home health agencies' (HHAs') quality of care. We examined quality improvement (QI) activities HHAs reported making to improve on HHQRP quality measures, and whether reported QI activities were associated with better measure performance.

Methods

We used responses (N = 1052) from a Web‐ and mail‐based survey of a stratified random sample of HHAs included in CMS Home Health Compare in October 2019. We estimated national adoption rates for 27 possible QI activities related to organizational culture, health information technology, care process redesign, provider incentives, provider training, changes to staffing responsibilities, performance monitoring, and measure‐specific QI initiatives and technical assistance. We used multivariate linear regression to examine the associations between HHA characteristics and QI adoption, and between QI adoption and CMS Home Health Quality of Patient Care Star Rating.

Results

HHAs reported implementing an average of 16 QI activities (interquartile range 11–19 activities). Larger HHA size was associated with adopting 1.6 additional QI activities (p < 0.001). HHAs with higher proportions of disabled, black, or Hispanic patients adopted QI activities at similar or higher rates as other HHAs. Of the 27 QI activities, 23 were considered helpful by more than 80% of adopting HHAs. Compared with adopting 44% of QI activities (10th percentile among HHAs), adopting 89% of QI activities (90th percentile) was associated with a 0.4‐star higher Star Rating (95% confidence interval 0.2–0.6).

Conclusions

HHAs report implementing a significant number of QI activities in response to CMS measurement programs; implementation of a greater number of activities is associated with better performance on publicly reported measures. To guide future HHA QI investments, work is needed to identify the optimal combination of QI activities and the specific QI activities that yield the greatest performance improvements.
Hepatic lesions in captive owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) with ultrasonographic “starry sky” liver
Authors: de Souza Alex Junior Souza , Coutinho Leandro Nassar , Silva Wellington Bandeira da , Imbeloni Aline Amaral , Carneiro Liliane Almeida , Kanashiro‐Galo Luciane , Hagen Stefano Carlo Filippo , Malheiros Andreza Pinheiro , Sá Lilian Rose Marques de
Published: August 2021

Background

The “starry sky” (SK) liver is ultrasonographic pattern characterized by multiple hyperechogenic foci in hepatic parenchyma. The study aimed to characterize the microscopic hepatic lesions in captive owl monkeys with SK liver.

Methods

Thirty‐seven clinically healthy owl monkeys had their liver scanned and 18 of them had liver biopsy. Animals with SK and peliosis hepatis (PH) were subjected to immunohistochemical and molecular screening for Bartonella spp.

Results

SK liver occurred in 59.4% (22/37) of the owl monkeys. Biopsied animals showed steatosis, hydropic degeneration, hemosiderosis, PH, and multifocal granulomatous hepatitis. Two monkeys had SK, granulomatous hepatitis, and PH which were negative for Bartonella spp.

Conclusions

PH and granulomatous hepatitis associated with hepatocellular degenerative lesions may present as hyperechoic nodular liver lesions consisted of SK liver; therefore, concomitant occurrence of two lesions or more contributed to the hepatic SK pattern among owl monkeys and such cases might be clinically monitored.
Dimensional study of prostate cancer using stereological tools
Authors: Santamaría Luis , Ingelmo Ildefonso , Teba Fernando
Published: August 2021

This study analyzes the dimensional changes of the glands from prostate cancer by applying stereology to estimate the variations in volume, length, surface, and cellular densities of tumor acini. Normal and tumor acini were visualized using immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin18. On immunostained sections, parameters related to the dimensions and cell population of prostate acini were measured. The immunohistochemical expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen was also measured to correlate the quantitative changes estimated with the proliferative activity of the epithelium. The average cell volume in normal and tumor epithelium was estimated using the method of the nucleator. The relative size of the acini was similar in the carcinoma compared with the normal prostate. Within the acini, the fraction of acinar volume occupied by the epithelium was significantly higher in cancer than in the nontumor prostate. Conversely, the glandular lumen of the cancer acini is lower than in the normal acini. The significant increase of acinar length density in the carcinoma indicates that the glandular tree's growth in the carcinoma is higher and with more branches than in the case of nonneoplastic glands. The basal surface density is higher in the carcinoma than in the controls. The number of epithelial cells per unit length of acini was significantly decreased in the neoplastic glands. This "dilution" of the cell population along the cancer acinus can be explained by the significant increase in the tumor cell's mean cell volume.
A machine‐learning algorithm for the reliable identification of oral lichen planus
Authors: Idrees Majdy , Farah Camile S. , Shearston Kate , Kujan Omar
Published: August 2021

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common oral disorder which shares clinical and histopathological features with other lichenoid lesions, leading to considerable inter‐observer disagreement. This negatively impacts understanding of the pathogenesis and malignant transformation potential of this condition.

Methods

Artificial intelligence was employed to create a machine‐learning artificial neural network to identify and quantify mononuclear cells and granulocytes within the inflammatory infiltrates in digitized hematoxylin and eosin microscopic slides. Twenty‐four regions of interest were extracted from OLP cases for learning purposes and validated on a retrospective cohort of 130 cases. All cases were related to patients with confirmed diagnoses of OLP, oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs), or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) with lichenoid host response.

Results

The number of inflammatory cells was statistically significantly higher in OLP compared to OLLs or OED with lichenoid host response (p < 0.0005). The proposed machine‐learning method was reliably capable of detecting OLP cases based on the number of inflammatory cells and the number of mononuclear cells with an area under the curve of 0.982 and 0.988, respectively. Identifying a cut‐off point between OLP and other lichenoid conditions based on the number of mononuclear cells showed a sensitivity of 100% and an accuracy of 94.62%.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence has shown promising outcomes and provides a robust approach to enhance the accuracy of anatomical pathologists in accurately diagnosing OLP using features of disease pathogenesis.
Behavioral and neural correlates of social network size: The unique and common contributions of face recognition and extraversion
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhen Zonglei , Xu Shan , Li Jingguang , Song Yiying , Liu Jia
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Humans are inherently social creatures and can gain advantages from larger network size. Researches have shown that different cognitive and personality factors may result in individual differences of social network size (SNS). Here, we focused on whether face recognition ability and extraversion were related to SNS and the neural basis underlying the relations.

Methods

Behaviorally, we adopted the face‐inversion task, NEO personality inventory, and computerized SNS test to explore the relationships between face recognition, extraversion, and SNS. Neurally, we used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging and fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analysis method to investigate the neural correlates of SNS and then revealed whether face recognition and extraversion were related to SNS relevant brain regions.

Results

We found that individuals with better face recognition ability and more extraverted personality had larger size of social network. In addition, we found that SNS was positively associated with the fALFF in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), right superior temporal sulcus, and precuneus. Interestingly, the fALFF in the vmPFC significantly correlated with face recognition ability.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that both face recognition and extraversion may be important correlates of SNS, and the underlying spontaneous neural substrates are partially dissociable.
The biased nature of philosophical beliefs in the light of peer disagreement
Authors: Bernáth László , Tőzsér János
Published: August 2021

This essay presents an argument, which it calls the Bias Argument, with the dismaying conclusion that (almost) everyone should significantly reduce her confidence in (too many) philosophical beliefs. More precisely, the argument attempts to show that the most precious philosophical beliefs are biased, as the pervasive and permanent disagreement among the leading experts in philosophy cannot be explained by the differences between their evidence bases and competences. After a short introduction, the premises of the Bias Argument are spelled out in the first part. The second part explains why the objections to the Bias Argument are not compelling. Even though the essay does not adopt the conclusion of the Bias Argument, partly because it seems to be self‐defeating, the authors know no plausible way to refute its premises. Thus, the primary aim of the essay is to clarify why theaporeticsituation of the Bias Argument arises.
In search of scientific objectivity: Is there such a property for paediatric concussion?
Authors: Ramsay Scott
Published: August 2021

Concussions are a significant public health problem worldwide. This brain injury is problematic in the paediatric population for a variety of reasons; however, the enquiry into these problems has been mainly through the biomedical perspective. This approach has impacted nursing knowledge and practice of children and youth with a concussion, primarily since other perspectives are viewed as not being objective. In this manuscript, I draw on Thomas Kuhn's view of objectivity to evaluate the biomedical perspective of concussion. I utilize current research and clinical examples to illustrate the advantages and drawbacks of this perspective for nursing. From this discussion, I propose an alternative perspective to capture the complexity of paediatric concussions for nursing, a systems perspective. Although I argue for an alternative perspective to approach paediatric concussions for nursing, I maintain that the biomedical perspective can be incorporated as one part of nursing knowledge and practice for paediatric concussion.
Environmental injustice: Fracking
Authors: Tyree Tammy L.
Published: August 2021

Individuals have rights not only to health care but also to a safe environment including clean water sources and ambient air. These rights should be protected regardless of demographic variables. Unfortunately, there are injustices that infringe upon these human rights including the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock or “fracking.” Fracking is a technique that is used to release trapped oil and gas from shale to be used as an energy source. Fracking has been shown to contaminate surrounding air and water sources. Fracking wells are disproportionately located in areas of poverty and minority. While areas of fracking can temporarily boost the local economy, there are risks to the environment and the community. Systems need to be in place to protect the affected communities. The vulnerable and poor populations need to be protected and should have input into the location of these fracking wells. In addition, nurses need to be knowledgeable of this type of environmental injustice, be active politically, and advocate for the rights of the affected populations. Nurses have a responsibility to educate ourselves, stay abreast of current affairs and policies regarding fracking, and educate patients on the health risks of fracking so that we as a group and our patients can advocate for environment justice for vulnerable populations.
Is it a four‐star movement? Policy transformation and the U.S. women's national soccer team's campaign for equal pay
Authors: English Ashley
Published: August 2021

Objective

In 2019, the U.S.Women's soccer team (USWNT) sold shirts claiming “It's not a moment, it is a four‐star movement,” positioning the team as leaders of a transformative movement for equal pay that would benefit all women. Were they?

Method

Drawing on the gender and public policy and agenda setting literatures, I use the players’ statements about the team's wage discrimination case, and members of Congress' (MCs) speeches to analyze whether the USWNT's case promoted transformative changes in the enforcement of American equal pay policies.

Results

The players and MCs failed to use the USWNT's case to promote a shared transformative call for changes in equal pay enforcement policies. Both the team and the MCs also prioritized the broad concerns of women and girls over the diversity of women's experiences with wage discrimination.

Conclusion

The players’ case and MCs' responses to it indicate that this case of policy‐focused athlete activism did not promote transformative enforcement changes.
Del canon a la memoria: el pasado como historia de Colombia
Authors: Mejía Pavony Germán Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

El 1 de octubre de 1930, 163 años después de que los jesuitas fueran desterrados de los dominios españoles de Carlos III, se firmó el acta de fundación de la Universidad Javeriana, honrada con el título de pontificia en 1938. En ese momento, se dio vida al impulso de la Universidad por hacer parte de una sociedad basada en el saber y el reconocimiento del otro. Con un espíritu pionero e innovador, esta etapa contemporánea tiende un puente que se extiende hasta 1623, cuando se reconoció oficialmente y por primera vez la que se denominaría en los tiempos coloniales como universidad y academia de San Francisco Javier. En 2020, cumplidos 90 años del restablecimiento de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, la Colección 90 Ideas rinde homenaje al pensamiento crítico y al diálogo de saberes que han caracterizado a esta casa de estudios desde sus inicios. Los ensayos originales que el lector encontrará en esta colección son una invitación a seguir pensando y construyendo de forma continua el mundo en que vivimos.
Design and Analysis of an Aircraft Thermal Management System Linked to a Low Bypass Ratio Turbofan Engine
Authors: Clark Robert A. , Shi Mingxuan , Gladin Jonathan , Mavris Dimitri
Published: August 2021

The design of an aircraft thermal management system (TMS) that is capable of rejecting heat loads into the bypass stream of a typical low-bypass ratio turbofan engine, or a ram-air stream, is investigated. The TMS consists of an air cycle system, similar to the typical air cycle machines used on current aircraft, both military and commercial. This system turbocharges compressor bleed air and uses heat exchangers in a ram air stream, or the engine bypass stream, to cool the engine bleed air prior to expanding it to low temperatures suitable for heat rejection. In this study, a simple low-bypass ratio afterburning turbofan engine was modeled in numerical propulsion system simulation to provide boundary conditions to the TMS system throughout the flight envelope of a typical military fighter aircraft. Two variations of the TMS system, a ram air cooled and a bypass air cooled, were sized to handle a given demanded aircraft heat load. The ability of the sized TMS to reject the demanded aircraft load throughout several key off-design points was analyzed. It was observed that the maximum load dissipation capability of the TMS is tied to the amount of engine bleed flow, while the level of bleed flow required is set by the temperature conditions imposed by the aircraft cooling system. Notably, engine bypass stream temperatures significantly limit the thermodynamic viability of a TMS designed with bypass air as the heat sink. The results demonstrate the advantage that variable cycle engines (VCEs) may have for future aircraft designs.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Dynamic Bearing Properties of a Four-Pad and Eight-Pad Tilting Pad Journal Bearings in a Vertical Rotor
Authors: Benti Gudeta Berhanu , Rondon David , Gustavsson Rolf , Aidanpää Jan-Olov
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the dynamics of tilting pad journal bearings (TPJB) with four and eight pads are studied and compared experimentally and numerically. The experiments are performed on a rigid vertical rotor supported by two identical bearings. Two sets of experiments are carried out under a similar test setup. One set is performed on a rigid rotor with two four-pad bearings, while the other is on a rigid rotor with two eight-pad bearings. The dynamic properties of the two bearing types are compared with each other by studying the unbalance response of the system at different rotor speeds. Numerically, the test rig is modeled as a rigid rotor and the bearing coefficients are calculated based on Navier–Stokes equation. A nonlinear bearing model is developed and used in the steady-state response simulation. The measured and simulated displacement and force orbits show similar patterns for both bearing types. Compared to the measurement, the simulated mean value and range (peak-to-peak amplitude) of the bearing force deviate with a maximum of 16% and 38%, respectively. It is concluded that, unlike the eight-pad TPJB, the four-pad TPJB excites the system at the third- and fifth-order frequencies, which are due to the number of pads, and the amplitudes of these frequencies increase with the rotor speed.
Engineering Design of Battery Module for EVs: Comprehensive Framework Development Based on DFT, Topology Optimization, Machine Learning, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization and Digital Twins
Authors: Ghosh Nitika , Garg Akhil , Li Wei , Gao Liang , Nguyen-Thoi T.
Published: August 2021

Battery technology has been a hot spot for many researchers lately. Electrochemical researchers have been focusing on the synthesis and design of battery materials; researchers in the field of electronics have been studying the simulation and design of battery management system (BMS); whereas mechanical engineers have been dealing with structural safety and thermal management strategies for batteries. However, overcoming battery limitation in only one or two domains will not design an efficient battery pack as it requires an integrated framework. So far, there are few research studies that circumscribed all the multi-disciplinary aspects (cell material selection, cell-electrode design, cell clustering, state of health (SOH) estimation, thermal management, cell monitoring and recycling) simultaneously for battery packs in electric vehicles (EVs). This paper presents a holistic engineering design and simulation strategy for a future advanced battery pack and its parts by assimilating paradigmatic solutions for cell material selection, component design, cell clustering, thermal management, battery monitoring and recycling aspects of the battery and its components. The developed framework has been proposed based on DFT based cell material selection, topology design based cell-electrode design, machine learning (ML) based SOH estimation along with multi-disciplinary design optimization based liquid cooling system. The proposed framework also highlights the optimal configuration of cells using ML algorithms and multi-objective optimization of cell-assembly parameters. The role of digital twins for real-time and faster acquisition of data has been highlighted for the advanced and futuristic battery pack designs. Furthermore, preliminary investigation of robot assisted disassembly and recycling of battery packs has been summarized. Each proposed methodology has been discussed in detail, along with the advantages and limitations. Critical research orientations are also discussed in the end.