bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusive Approaches by VAW Shelters: Respecting Women's Choice to be Together With Companion Animals
Authors: Matsuoka Atsuko , Sorenson John
Published: May 2022

Women often delay moving to VAW shelters if their companion animals’ safety is not ensured. Yet, few shelters accommodate them together. The purpose of this study is to explore what may help to promote services for women with companion animals facing violence, through learning from professionals who already provide support. Our email survey with VAW shelters in Ontario, Canada identified services and potential interviewees. Nine semi-structured telephone interviews with professionals were conducted to explore their experiences and views on human–animal relationships. All agencies that provided onsite programs, plus one about to start, participated. We utilized Critical Animal Studies as a theory to understand human–animal relationships through concepts such as intersectionality, anthropocentrism, speciesism, and feminist ethics of responsibility. The study found: (1) seven approaches shelters used to help women with companion animals; (2) programs that accept companion animals helped women move to shelters quickly but also affirmed women’s mutually respectful relationships with companion animals; (3) shelters also benefited, including expanding support from local communities and opportunities to educate them. The study suggests that by shifting ontological and theoretical approaches and including a critical examination of human–animal relationships at interpersonal and social structural levels, professional education promotes mobilizing resources for women with companion animals.
Tensile, thermal and ultra-violet shielding enhancement of poly(lactic acid) bionanocomposite film using cellulose nanocrystals extracted from sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Khoo Rong Ze , Chow Wen Shyang , Ismail Hanafi
Published: May 2022

Sugarcane bagasse fiber cellulose nanocrystals (SBFCNC) and microcrystalline cellulose-derived-cellulose nanocrystals (MCC-CNC) were extracted from sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF; an agricultural waste) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), respectively. Both SBFCNC and MCC-CNC were synthesized using sulfuric acid hydrolysis followed by the freeze-drying method. Both MCC-CNC and SBFCNC show stable suspension in water with zeta potential values of – 40.5 mV and – 42.2 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the SBFCNC has a higher aspect ratio (l/d = 65) compared to the MCC-CNC (l/d = 25). The poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites containing of MCC-CNC and SBFCNC was prepared using solvent casting method, and the films are highly amorphous as evidenced from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study. The tensile strength of PLA/SBFCNC-10 is higher than that of PLA/MCC-CNC-10 films. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that the thermal stability of PLA was improved significantly by the incorporation of MCC-CNC and SBFCNC. Poly(lactic acid)/SBFCNC-15 nanocomposites exhibited higher UV shielding properties (i.e., a UV blocking ratio of 0.63–0.66 in the UVA, UVB, and UVC regions) compared to PLA/MCC-CNC-15 nanocomposites (a UV blocking ratio in the range of 0.38–0.54). Sugarcane bagasse fiber cellulose nanocrystal is a potential biofiller that can provide good thermal stability and UV shielding properties for green bionanocomposites, which can give it an opportunity for food packaging applications.
Analysis of the impact of natural resource rent, transportation infrastructure, innovation and financial development on China's carbon emission
Authors: Huang Jiemin , Guo Liying
Published: May 2022

Using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 1995 to 2017, this study explores the impact of natural resource rent, transportation infrastructure, innovation, financial development, green investment and energy investment on carbon emission and its role in achieving the sustainable development goals. In order to obtain long-term and short-term estimates, the auto-regression distribution lag model (ARDL) is used in this study. The results confirm that natural resource rent, transportation infrastructure, innovation, energy investment and carbon emission are significantly positively correlated in long-term and short-term. Financial development and carbon emission are not significant in short term, but in the long term, financial development will contribute to the rise of carbon emissions. Green investment will increase short-run carbon emissions, whereas it really can control carbon emissions, which is different from other studies. This research proposes to improve the level of innovation and reduce carbon emission in other fields through technological innovation, increase green investment and renewable energy investment and combine with financial development to invest more funds in low carbon environmental production industries and to build an environment friendly system.
Dr. Vladimir Fortunato (1885–1938), once lauded but now obscure Russian-American medical model sculptor
Authors: Mages Keith C , Galbo Sebastian C
Published: May 2022

Arriving to the United States in 1921, Dr. Vladimir Fortunato (1885–1938) was a respected and celebrated figure responsible for creating striking medical models and anatomical sculptures. Although Dr. Fortunato was well connected and worked for some of the United States’ most prestigious medical institutions, his legacy, achievements, and creations have all but vanished from the annals of American medical history. In an effort to establish a more defined profile of this obscure man’s life and lifework, this article draws on scant information provided by a range of sources, including academic journal articles, obituaries, and physician autobiography. In the present-day era of digital imaging technologies, Dr. Fortunato’s lifelike sculptures represent a bygone age of medical visualization that embraced both utility and beauty.
Loneliness in Kenyan adolescents: Socio-cultural factors and network association with depression and anxiety symptoms
Authors: Rodriguez Micaela , Osborn Tom L. , Gan Jenny Y. , Weisz John R. , Bellet Benjamin W.
Published: May 2022

Loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes and is particularly common among adolescents. Yet, little is known about the dynamics of adolescent loneliness in non-Western, low-income nations. Accordingly, we estimated the severity of loneliness in a sample of Kenyan adolescents and used mixed-effects regression modelling to determine the socio-cultural factors associated with loneliness. We also used network analysis to examine the associations between loneliness, depression, and anxiety at the symptom level. We analyzed data from a large sample (N = 2,192) of school-attending Kenyan adolescents aged 12–19 (58.3% female, 41.7% male). Standardized measures of loneliness (ULS-8), depression (PHQ-8), and anxiety (GAD-7) were used. Our mixed-effects model revealed that female and lower-income adolescents felt lonelier. The perception of feeling alone emerged as the aspect of loneliness most strongly linked to depression and anxiety symptoms. Our findings establish an estimate of loneliness levels in Kenyan adolescents, and identify possible socio-cultural factors associated with loneliness. We found that perceptions of isolation more strongly linked loneliness to psychopathology than did objective measures of isolation or preferences for social contact. Finally, we identify specific aspects of loneliness that could prove to be treatment targets for youth psychopathology; however, further research is needed. Limitations, future directions, and clinical implications are discussed.
Shared Medical Appointments in Weight Management: A Culturally Responsive Process for Aboriginal Women. Translational Trial Results
Authors: Stevens John , Morgan Bob , Willow Firth , Egger Garry
Published: May 2022

Introduction: This paper presents a secondary analysis of data from a study of 216 people participating in a trial of program shared medical appointments (PSMA) in weight management. The focus of this paper is the Aboriginal women who participated in this translational research project and who were not reported on specifically in the primary analysis and publication. This paper, therefore, examines the use of PSMA as a culturally safe and responsive procedure to facilitate weight management. Method: Twogroups, totalling 25 Aboriginal women, participated in a 6-session 12-week culturally responsive weight management PSMA. Repeated weight and satisfaction measures at 3, 6 and 12 months were collected. Results: 19 of 25 (76%) Aboriginal women completed the MYU. 16 (84%) lost some weight, and 5 (26%) lost clinically significant weight (> 5%), sustained for 1 year. The participants and providers rated the procedure > 4 on 5-point Likert scales for satisfaction. 95% reported that they preferred MYUs for weight management over 1:1 consultations with their general practitioner. Conclusion: The data indicates that programmed shared medical appointments appear to be a culturally safe and responsive procedure to support the Aboriginal women, in this study, to manage their weight.
The relationship between self, value-based reward, and emotion prioritisation effects
Authors: Yankouskaya Alla , Lovett Gemma , Sui Jie
Published: May 2022

People show systematic biases in perception, memory, attention, and decision-making to prioritise information related to self, reward, and positive emotion. A long-standing set of experimental findings points towards putative common properties of these effects. However, the relationship between them remains largely unknown. Here, we addressed this question by assessing and linking these prioritisation effects generated by a common associative matching procedure in three experiments. Self, reward, and positive emotion prioritisation effects were assessed using cluster and shift function analyses to explore and test associations between these effects across individuals. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct patterns of the relationship between the biases. Individuals with faster responses showed a smaller reward and linear positive association between reward and emotion biases. Individuals with slower responses demonstrated a large reward and no association between reward and emotion biases. No evidence of the relationship between self and value-based reward or positive emotion prioritisation effects was found among the clusters. A shift function indicated a partial dominance of high-reward over low-reward distributions at later processing stages in participants with slower but not faster responses. Full stochastic dominance of self-relevance over others and positive over neutral emotion was pertinent to each subgroup of participants. Our findings suggest the independent origin of the self-prioritisation effect. In contrast, commonalities in cognitive mechanisms supporting value-based reward and positive emotion processing are subject to individual differences. These findings add important evidence to a steadily growing research base about the relationship between basic behavioural drivers.
Application verification of blast mitigation through the use of thuja hedges
Authors: Tomasz Gajewski , Piotr Peksa , Robert Studziński , Michał Malendowski , Wojciech Sumelka , Piotr Sielicki W
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, large gatherings of people, such as open-air concerts, outdoor-sport events, trade fairs, etc., are often attracted by the terrorists. Recently, an interesting passive alternative way of securing such events against terrorist threats appeared in the scientific literature, in which the tree hedges mitigation potential against blast waves were studied. Despite comprehensive studies regarding selected species of hedge trees, the real application outlines were reported to be still missing for those barriers. Our study verified the mitigation potential of thuja in field tests for (i) several distances behind the hedge and for (ii) several positions along the hedge wall. The explosives of 5 kg trinitrotoluene with a rectangular shape were used in four detonations. Six pressure pencil gauges were registering the overpressure histories. A high-speed camera was recording the in-plane deformation of the hedge wall, the motion of selected points on the height of the wall was plotted. For each position, the reduction of overpressure peak and overpressure impulse were obtained in reference to their counterparts for the position without a hedge. The maximal overpressure peak reductions obtained were 14% for case (i) (differing distances from the explosive) and 22% for case (ii) (differing positions along the hedge wall). The experiments' outcomes showed the safest position behind the thuja wall and the actual benefit from using them in the public application if the terrorist acts would happen.
Emotional labour in the collaborative data practices of repurposing healthcare data and building data technologies
Authors: Choroszewicz Marta
Published: May 2022

This article focuses on emotions, conceptualised as emotional labour, evoked during data practices used to repurpose and enable healthcare data journeys for Finnish public healthcare. Combined approaches from critical data studies and the sociology of emotions were used to contribute to a better understanding of the mundane but often invisible work of the emotions of experts involved in data practices, such as facilitating data journeys and building data technologies. The article is based on a two-and-a-half-year ethnographic study conducted in a Finnish regional public healthcare and social service organisation. The study results were derived from the analysis of 39 interviews and fieldnotes produced by observing 170 h of various meetings, events and work activities performed by experts. The results were organised into three forms of observed experts’ emotional labour related to three phases of healthcare data journeys: (a) caring for data production and preparing data for travel, (b) managing excitement and frustration in data processing for continually building the data management system, and (c) reassuring users in making sense of obtained data analytics. The results contribute to a greater understanding of the emotions and emotional labour generated by healthcare data journeys and in relation to the volatile nature of healthcare data and the collaborative character of data practices. This work advocates for a better recognition of the emotional aspects of data practices and their implications on data-based knowledge and datafication processes in healthcare.
Reasons for hospitalization and in-hospital mortality in adults with systemic sclerosis: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Potera Joanna , Manadan Augustine M
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune condition with significant morbidity and mortality despite modern medical therapies. The goal of this investigation was to comprehensively analyze all reasons for hospitalization and in-hospital death of systemic sclerosis patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the adult systemic sclerosis hospitalizations from the 2016–2018 National Inpatient Sample. We included patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of systemic sclerosis and compared them to the group without the disease. The incidence of inpatient death and total hospitalization charges were recorded along with the most frequent principal diagnoses for systemic sclerosis hospitalizations and mortality categorized into subgroups.

Results:

There were 94,515 adult systemic sclerosis hospitalizations recorded in the 2016–2018 National Inpatient Sample database. Systemic sclerosis patients had higher inpatient mortality compared to the non-systemic sclerosis group (4.5% vs 2.2%, respectively, p < 0.0001), were more likely to be female (84% vs 58%, p < 0.0001), had a longer mean length of stay (6.1 vs 4.7 days, p < 0.0001), and greater mean total hospital charges ($70,018 vs $53,556, p < 0.0001). Sepsis, unspecified organism (A41.9) was the most common principal diagnosis for both hospitalized and deceased systemic sclerosis patients. Cardiovascular diagnoses (21.9%) were the most common reasons for hospitalization and infectious (28%)—for in-hospital death.

Conclusion:

Our analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2018 showed that infections and cardiovascular diseases were a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized systemic sclerosis patients. Sepsis was the most frequent specific diagnosis for both hospitalization and inpatient deaths. These results stress the importance of early recognition of life-threatening infections in this patient population.
Transmission risk of COVID-19 in high school and college water polo
Authors: Kreienkamp Raymond J. , Kreienkamp Christopher J. , Terrill Cindy , Halstead Mark E. , Newland Jason G.
Published: May 2022

Background

Concerns that athletes may be at a higher risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission has led to reduced participation in sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess COVID-19 incidence and transmission during the spring 2021 high school and college water polo seasons across the United States.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 1825 water polo athletes from 54 high schools and 36 colleges. Surveys were sent to coaches throughout the season, and survey data were collected and analyzed.

Results

We identified 17 COVID-19 cases among 1223 high school water polo athletes (1.4%) and 66 cases among 602 college athletes (11.0%). Of these cases, contact tracing suggested that three were water polo–associated in high school, and none were water polo–associated in college. Quarantine data suggest low transmission during water polo play as only three out of 232 (1.3%) high school athletes quarantined for a water polo–related exposure developed COVID-19. In college, none of the 54 athletes quarantined for exposure with an infected opponent contracted COVID-19. However, in both high school and college, despite the physical condition of water polo athletes, both high school (47%) and college athletes (21%) had prolonged return to play after contracting COVID-19, indicating the danger of COVID-19, even to athletes.

Conclusions

While COVID-19 spread can occur during water polo play, few instances of spread occurred during the spring 2021 season, and transmission rates appear similar to those in other settings, such as school environments.
An exploration of person-centred approach in end-of-life care policies in England and Japan
Authors: Fang Chao , Tanaka Miho
Published: May 2022

Background

Increasing evidence has suggested that a person-centred approach (PCA) is beneficial not only for improving care outcomes but also for mitigating the pressure on public health systems. However, policy implementation gaps have prevented the translation of this complex framework into useful practical, ethical and moral stances for end-of-life care (EOLC). This article aims to explore the meaning and implications of person-centredness in EOLC policy discourses.

Methods

By perceiving policy documents as a medium embodied with socio-political and cultural norms, we analysed how PCA in EOLC is constructed within specific socio-cultural contexts and the implications of these contexts on resultant care. Focusing on England and Japan, we conducted a critical policy analysis to examine and compare key policy and legal documents released between 2000 and 2019 in these two post-industrial and socio-culturally distinctive countries.

Results

Our analysis found that the PCA is mobilised in policy discourses primarily through three interconnected dimensions: individual, relational and existential. While acknowledging that both countries have developed varied policy and legal mechanisms to emphasise holistic and integrated care with respect to these three dimensions, we also identified significant gaps in the pol icies both within and between England and Japan. They include ambiguity in defining patients’ best interests, fragmented support for social and family care and the neglect of existential needs.

Conclusions

This cross-cultural analysis has revealed the complex nature of discourses around PCA in English and Japanese EOLC policies, which often concentrate on the multifaceted aspects of experiences as one approaches the end of life. Despite this, we argue that a more holistic construction of PCA is needed in EOLC policies not only in England and Japan but also more broadly, to encapsulate the richness of end-of-life experiences.
Evidence-based indicators for the measurement of quality of primary care using health insurance claims data in Switzerland: update of the SQUIPRICA working group
Authors: Blozik Eva , Farcher Renato , Graber Sereina M. , Huber Carola A. ,   Swiss Quality Indicator for Primary Care (SQIPRICA) Working Group, Burgstaller Jakob , Chmiel Corinne , Huber Felix , Luchsinger Philippe , Muheim Leander , Reich Oliver , Rosemann Thomas , Scherer Martin , Schnweuwly Felix , Senn Oliver , Tapernoux Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

The level of quality of care of ambulatory services in Switzerland is almost completely unknown. Since health insurance claims are the only nationwide applicable and available data source for this purpose, a set of 24 quality indicators (QI) for the measurement of quality of primary care has been previously developed and implemented. The present paper reports on an evidence-based update and extension of the initial QI set.

Methods

Established pragmatic 6-step process based on informal consensus and potential QI extracted from international medical practice guidelines and pre-existing QI for primary care. Experts rated potential QI based on strength of evidence, relevance for Swiss public health, and controllability in the Swiss primary care context. Feasibility of a preliminary set of potential new QI was tested using claims data of persons with basic mandatory health insurance at one of the largest Swiss health insurers. This test built the basis for expert consensus on the final set of new QI. Additionally, two diabetes indicators included in the previous QI set were re-evaluated.

Results

Of 23 potential new indicators, 19 of them were selected for feasibility testing. The expert group consented a final set of 9 additional QI covering the domains general aspects/efficiency (2 QI), diagnostic measures (1 QI), geriatric care (2 QI), osteoarthritis (1 QI), and drug safety (3 QI). Two pre-existing diabetes indicators were updated.

Conclusions

Additional QI relating to overuse and intersectoral care aspects extend the options of measuring quality of primary care in Switzerland based on claims data and complement the initial QI set.
Burnout and the role of authentic leadership in academic medicine
Authors: McPherson Katie , Barnard Juliana G. , Tenney Martha , Holliman Brooke Dorsey , Morrison Katherine , Kneeland Patrick , Lin Chen-Tan , Moss Marc
Published: May 2022

Background

Recently, there has been increasing evidence that reducing burnout in healthcare providers requires significant organizational efforts that include the integration of leadership strategies.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted across four health systems within the University of Colorado Department of Medicine in four affinity groups (administrative staff, medical trainees, research faculty, and clinical faculty). Authentic leadership theory was used for analysis to advance the understanding of the role of leadership style upon participants’ work experiences and preferences, and to identify opportunities for translation of site-specific results to other academic medical settings.

Results

Study participants from each affinity group believed their clinical leaders lacked objectivity with decision-making (lacking “balancing processing”), which contributed to their overall feeling of powerlessness. The experience of increasing work demands was salient throughout all twelve focus groups, and participants identified leadership that interacted in a more open and self-disclosing manner (“relational transparency”) as alleviating at least some of this burden. Strong preference discernable alignment between their leaders’ decision-making and their internal moral compass of values (demonstrating “internalized moral perspective”) was described, as was clinical leaders demonstrating “self-awareness” (having a self-reflective process that informs the leader’s decision-making). Comparing affinity group experiences within each authentic leadership theory construct identified the relevance of contextual factors, such as work setting and roles, upon employees’ perceptions and expectations of their leaders.

Conclusions

Use of authentic leadership theory advanced the understanding of the association between leadership traits and experiences of burnout amongst a large group of academic clinicians, researchers, trainees, and administrative staff. Leadership styles that promoted relationship transparency, openness, and support were preferred and fostering these traits may help address the demands in academic medicine, including symptoms of burnout.
A novel amino acid site of N protein could affect the PRRSV-2 replication by regulating the viral RNA transcription
Authors: Deng Hua , Xin Ning , Zeng Fancong , Wen Feng , Yi Heyou , Ma Chunquan , Huang Shujian , Zhang Guihong , Chen Yao
Published: May 2022

Background

Finding the key amino acid sites that could affect viral biological properties or protein functions has always been a topic of substantial interest in virology. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the principal proteins of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and plays a vital role in the virus life cycle. The N protein has only 123 or 128 amino acids, some of key amino acid sites which could affect the protein functions or impair the viral biological characteristics have been identified. In this research, our objective was to find out whether there are other novel amino acid sites of the N protein can affect N protein functions or PRRSV-2 replication.

Results

In this study, we found mutated the serine78 and serine 99of the nucleocapsid (N) protein can reduce the N-induced expression of IL-10 mRNA; Then, by using reverse genetics system, we constructed and rescued the mutant viruses, namely, A78 and A99.The IFA result proved that the mutations did not affect the rescue of the PRRSV-2. However, the results of the multistep growth kinetics and qPCR assays indicated that, compared with the viral replication ability, the titres and gRNA levels of A78 were significantly decreased compared with the wild-type. Further study showed that a single amino acid change from serine to alanine at position 78 of the N protein could abrogates the level of viral genomic and subgenomic RNAs. It means the mutation could significant decrease the viral replication efficiency in vitro.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the serine78 of N protein is a key site which could affect the N protein function and PRRSV replication ability.
Mass spectrometry detection of inhaled drug in distal fibrotic lung
Authors: Mikolasch Theresia A. , Oballa Eunice , Vahdati-Bolouri Mitra , Jarvis Emily , Cui Yi , Cahn Anthony , Terry Rebecca L. , Sahota Jagdeep , Thakrar Ricky , Marshall Peter , Porter Joanna C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Currently the only available therapies for fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease are administered systemically, often causing significant side effects. Inhaled therapy could avoid these but to date there is no evidence that drug can be effectively delivered to distal, fibrosed lung. We set out to combine mass spectrometry and histopathology with rapid sample acquisition using transbronchial cryobiopsy to determine whether an inhaled drug can be delivered to fibrotic, distal lung parenchyma in participants with Interstitial Lung Disease.

Methods

Patients with radiologically and multidisciplinary team confirmed fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease were eligible for this study. Transbronchial cryobiopsies and endobronchial biopsies were taken from five participants, with Interstitial Lung Disease, within 70 min of administration of a single dose of nebulised ipratropium bromide. Thin tissue cryosections were analysed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry imaging and correlated with histopathology. The remainder of the cryobiopsies were homogenised and analysed by Liquid Chromatography—tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Results

Drug was detected in proximal and distal lung samples from all participants. Fibrotic regions were identified in research samples of four of the five participants. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry imaging showed co-location of ipratropium with fibrotic regions in samples from three participants.

Conclusions

In this proof of concept study, using mass spectrometry, we demonstrate for the first-time that an inhaled drug can deposit in distal fibrotic lung parenchyma in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. This suggests that drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis could potentially be administered by the inhaled route.

Trial registration A prospective clinical study approved by London Camden and Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03136120)
Higher resolution protein band visualisation via improvement of colloidal CBB-G staining by gel fixation
Authors: Chong Nikson Fatt-Ming , Hussain Hasnain , Hamdin Nur Ezzati , Wee David Hong-Sheng , Nisar Mehvish , Yan Wei-Jie , Lau Benjamin Yii Chung , Rahmad Norasfaliza
Published: May 2022

Background

Gel staining is a crucial step that allows the visualisation of proteins separated through SDS-PAGE. Colloidal Coomassie Brilliant Blue-G (CBB-G) staining is among the commonly used visualisation methods due to several factors such as compatibility with mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, sensitivity, reproducibility, and simplicity of the staining process. However, the standard colloidal CBB-G staining has a drawback: the resolution of protein bands is compromised because of diffusion of proteins during the washing step.

Results

A modification to an established colloidal CBB-G staining method, which greatly increases the resolution of protein bands, is described. The addition of a fixation step, which prevents the diffusion of proteins during the washing step, is shown to increase protein band resolution.

Conclusion

The fixation step is fast, flexible, and also retains all the advantages of the standard colloidal CBB-G staining methods. As there are no drawbacks, incorporating this fixation step into the standard colloidal CBB-G staining is an easy way to improve protein visualisation in SDS-PAGE.

Graphical Abstract
Can nutrition interventions tackle the global insulin affordability via improving diabetes management and reducing insulin demand?
Authors: Lu Victoria , Zhang Jiandi , Chen Guoxun
Published: May 2022

Diabetes, a global health concern, requires insulin therapy. As insulin demand and prices rise dramatically, insulin affordability has increasingly become an issue facing patients with diabetes worldwide. To cut insulin costs, many patients ration their supply, which may have dire health consequences. This particularly affects lower-income populations, who are often forced to choose between purchasing their medications or paying for other necessities. Nutrition might be one solution for this. This commentary aims to provide comprehensive insight with historical context into intersectional components of diabetes in the global arena through analyses of insulin affordability, coupled with the critical role of nutrition intervention after searching the PubMed for relevant articles. More studies in personalized nutrition, supplementations, and dietary behaviors may develop evidence-based nutrition interventions to control diabetes. We argue that alongside price regulation, a greater focus to nutrition to address issues of food insecurity and food assistance programs may help to improve insulin affordability.
Biological applications of the NanoSuit for electron imaging and X-microanalysis of insulating specimens
Authors: Kim Ki Woo
Published: May 2022

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is an essential tool for observing surface details of specimens in a high vacuum. A series of specimen procedures precludes the observations of living organisms, resulting in artifacts. To overcome these problems, Takahiko Hariyama and his colleagues proposed the concept of the “nanosuit” later referred to as “NanoSuit”, describing a thin polymer layer placed on organisms to protect them in a high vacuum in 2013. The NanoSuit is formed rapidly by (i) electron beam irradiation, (ii) plasma irradiation, (iii) Tween 20 solution immersion, and (iv) surface shield enhancer (SSE) solution immersion. Without chemical fixation and metal coating, the NanoSuit-formed specimens allowed structural preservation and accurate element detection of insulating, wet specimens at high spatial resolution. NanoSuit-formed larvae were able to resume normal growth following FESEM observation. The method has been employed to observe unfixed and uncoated bacteria, multicellular organisms, and paraffin sections. These results suggest that the NanoSuit can be applied to prolong life in vacuo and overcome the limit of dead imaging of electron microscopy.
Implementation Strategies to Increase Clinical Trial Enrollment in a Community-Academic Partnership and Impact on Hispanic Representation: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ledesma Vicioso Nahomy , Lin Diana , Gomez Daniel R. , Yang Jonathan T. , Lee Nancy Y. , Rimner Andreas , Yamada Yoshiya , Zelefsky Michael J. , Kalman Noah S. , Rutter Charles E. , Kotecha Rupesh R. , Mehta Minesh P. , Panoff Joseph E. , Chuong Michael D. , Salner Andrew L. , Ostroff Jamie S. , Diamond Lisa C. , Mathis Noah J. , Cahlon Oren , Pfister David G. , Zhang Zhigang , Chino Fumiko , Tsai Jillian , Gillespie Erin F.
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE:

Community-academic partnerships have the potential to improve access to clinical trials for under-represented minority patients who more often receive cancer treatment in community settings. In 2017, the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center began opening investigator-initiated clinical trials in radiation oncology in targeted community-based partner sites with a high potential to improve diverse population accrual. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a set of implementation strategies for increasing overall community-based enrollment and the resulting proportional enrollment of Hispanic patients on trials on the basis of availability in community-based partner sites.

METHODS:

An interrupted time series analysis evaluating implementation strategies was conducted from April 2018 to September 2021. Descriptive analysis ofHispanic enrollment on investigator-initiated randomized therapeutic radiation trials open at community-based sites was compared with those open only at themain academic center.

RESULTS:

Overall, 84 patients were enrolled in clinical trials in the MSK Alliance, of which 48 (56%) identified as Hispanic. The quarterly patient enrollment pre- vs postimplementation increased from 1.39 (95% CI, –3.67 to 6.46) to 9.42 (95% CI, 2.05 to 16.78; P5 .017). In the investigator-initiated randomized therapeutic radiation trials open in the MSK Alliance, Hispanic representation was 11.5% and 35.9% in twometastatic trials and 14.2% in a proton versus photon trial. Inmatched trials open only at the main academic center, Hispanic representation was 5.6%, 6.0%, and 4.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

A combination of practice-level and physician-level strategies implemented at community-based partner sites was associated with increased clinical trial enrollment, which translated to improved Hispanic representation. This supports the role Q:2 of strategic community-academic partnerships in addressing disparities in clinical trial enrollment.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of High-Risk Pediatric Cancer Patients Has a Measurable Impact on Clinical Care
Authors: Summers Ryan J. , Castellino Sharon M. , Porter Christopher C. , MacDonald Tobey J. , Basu Gargi D. , Szelinger Szabolcs , Bhasin Manoj K. , Cash Thomas , Carter Alexis B. , Castellino Robert Craig , Fangusaro Jason R. , Mitchell Sarah G. , Pauly Melinda G. , Pencheva Bojana , Wechsler Daniel S. , Graham Douglas K. , Goldsmith Kelly C.
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

Profiling of pediatric cancers through deep sequencing of large gene panels and whole exomes is rapidly being adopted in many clinical settings. However, the most impactful approach to genomic profiling of pediatric cancers remains to be defined.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective precision medicine trial, using whole-exome sequencing of tumor and germline tissue and whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA Seq) of tumor tissue to characterize the mutational landscape of 127 tumors from 126 unique patients across the spectrum of pediatric brain tumors, hematologic malignancies, and extracranial solid tumors.

RESULTS

We identified somatic tumor alterations in 121/127 (95.3%) tumor samples and identified cancer predisposition syndromes on the basis of known pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes in 9/126 patients (7.1%). Additionally, we developed a novel scoring system for measuring the impact of tumor and germline sequencing, encompassing therapeutically relevant genomic alterations, cancer-related germline findings, recommendations for treatment, and refinement of risk stratification or prognosis. At least one impactful finding from the genomic results was identified in 108/127 (85%) samples sequenced. A recommendation to consider a targeted agent was provided for 82/126 (65.1%) patients. Twenty patients ultimately received therapy with a molecularly targeted agent, representing 24% of those who received a targeted agent recommendation and 16% of the total cohort.

CONCLUSION

Paired tumor/normal whole-exome sequencing and tumor RNA Seq of de novo or relapsed/refractory tumors was feasible and clinically impactful in high-risk pediatric cancer patients.
Effects of Metastatic Sites on Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bando Hideaki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Shiozawa Manabu , Yasui Hisateru , Esaki Taito , Kagawa Yoshinori , Denda Tadamichi , Satoh Taroh , Yamazaki Kentaro , Sunakawa Yu , Kato Takeshi , Goto Masahiro , Yuki Satoshi , Nishina Tomohiro , Oki Eiji , Shinozaki Eiji , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takahashi Naoki , Tsuji Akihito , Ohtsubo Koushiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Ikeno Takashi , Hata Masayuki , Odegaard Justin I. , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

Low concordance between plasma-based and tissue-based tests for determining the RAS mutational status have been reported in some but not all patients with limited-extent metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this study, we investigated the relationship between metastatic site and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection using ctDNA genotyping, an alternative to tissue genotyping for precision oncology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the relationship between metastatic site and ctDNA detection using Guardant360, a next-generation sequencing ctDNA assay, in mCRC patients with single-organ metastasis in the SCRUM-Japan GOZILA study (UMIN000029315).

RESULTS

Of 1,187 patients with mCRC enrolled in GOZILA, 138 were eligible (49 with liver-only, 15 with lymph node-only, 27 with peritoneum-only, and 47 with lung-only metastases). The concordance of RAS/ BRAF status between Guaradant360 and tissue in vitro diagnostic tests was 95.9% in patients with liver-only, 80.0% in lymph node-only, 56.0% in peritoneum-only, and 65.9% in lung-only metastases. ctDNA fraction, as measured by the median maximum variant allelic fraction (max VAF), and median number of detected variants were 23.1% and five in liver-only, 6.0% and five in lymph node-only, 0.4% and three in peritoneum-only, and 0.4% and three in lung-only metastases, respectively (all P < .001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Few patients with liver-only (2.0%) and lymph node-only metastasis (13.3%) had a max VAF < 0.2%, which is required to ensure a detection limit of 95%, but max VAF was more frequently < 0.2% in patients with lung-only (27.7%) or peritoneum-only metastasis (29.6%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with lung-only and peritoneum-only metastatic disease have significantly lower levels of ctDNA, suggesting decreased clinical sensitivity for subclonal variants. This observation suggests that such patients may benefit from concurrent tissue and plasma testing to provide optimal genotyping for subsequent therapy selection.
A Blueprint for Success: Implementation of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mandated Anesthesiology Oversight for Procedural Sedation in a Large Health System
Authors: Abdelmalak Basem B. , Adhami Talal , Simmons Wendy , Menendez Patricia , Haggerty Elizabeth , Troianos Christopher A.
Published: May 2022

In 2009, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the §482.52 Condition of Participation (CoP) that the director of anesthesia services (DAS) is responsible for all anesthesia administered in the hospital, including moderate and deep procedural sedation provided by nonanesthesiologists. Although this mandate was issued several years ago, many anesthesiology departments remain uncertain as to how best to implement it, who needs to be involved, what resources are needed, and how to leverage this oversight to improve quality of care and patient safety. This article reviews the CMS CoP interpretive guidelines and other regulations as they relate to procedural sedation, outlines the components and benefits of anesthesiology oversight, and describes the tools and structure to implement these guidelines. In addition, we discuss some of the challenges surrounding this implementation. This initiative continues to evolve and expand as needs change and experience develops.
Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Clinical Practice Update for Management of Acute Kidney Injury Associated With Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Peng Ke , McIlroy David R. , Bollen Bruce A. , Billings Frederic T. , Zarbock Alexander , Popescu Wanda M. , Fox Amanda A. , Shore-Lesserson Linda , Zhou Shaofeng , Geube Mariya A. , Ji Fuhai , Bhatia Meena , Schwann Nanette M. , Shaw Andrew D. , Liu Hong
Published: May 2022

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is common and is associated with increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Our recent survey of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) membership showed 6 potentially renoprotective strategies for which clinicians would most value an evidence-based review (ie, intraoperative target blood pressure, choice of specific vasopressor agent, erythrocyte transfusion threshold, use of alpha-2 agonists, goal-directed oxygen delivery on cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB], and the “Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] bundle of care”). Thus, the SCA’s Continuing Practice Improvement Acute Kidney Injury Working Group aimed to provide a practice update for each of these strategies in cardiac surgical patients based on the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were comprehensively searched for eligible studies from inception through February 2021, with search results updated in August 2021. A total of 15 RCTs investigating the effects of the above-mentioned strategies on CS-AKI were included for meta-analysis. For each strategy, the level of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Across the 6 potentially renoprotective strategies evaluated, current evidence for their use was rated as “moderate,” “low,” or “very low.” Based on eligible RCTs, our analysis suggested using goal-directed oxygen delivery on CPB and the “KDIGO bundle of care” in high-risk patients to prevent CS-AKI (moderate level of GRADE evidence). Our results suggested considering the use of vasopressin in vasoplegic shock patients to reduce CS-AKI (low level of GRADE evidence). The decision to use a restrictive versus liberal strategy for perioperative red cell transfusion should not be based on concerns for renal protection (a moderate level of GRADE evidence). In addition, targeting a higher mean arterial pressure during CPB, perioperative use of dopamine, and use of dexmedetomidine did not reduce CS-AKI (a low or very low level of GRADE evidence). This review will help clinicians provide evidence-based care, targeting improved renal outcomes in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Imaging incidental adrenal lesions
Authors: Sahdev Anju
Published: May 2022

Incidental adrenal masses are among the most common incidental lesions detected on cross-sectional imaging. The majority are benign lesions, adenomas and myelolipomas being the most common. Simple cross-sectional imaging techniques using CT and MRI permit the characterization of over 80%, thereby requiring no further imaging. The remaining lesions are considered indeterminate. These lesions consist of benign and malignant lesions sharing imaging features. Further imaging and management of these indeterminate lesions should be guided by close collaboration between different specialists in an MDT setting. Advanced imaging options include dedicated adrenal scintigraphy, positron emission tomography CT, biopsy and surveillance. Biochemical and hormonal evaluation is also important to identify hyperfunctioning adrenal lesions. This review focuses on imaging features of benign and malignant adrenal masses used for characterization and suggests an imaging pathway for indeterminate adrenal masses.
FEATURES OF ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF RETAIL ENTERPRISES
Authors: MIRKINA O.N.
Published: May 2022

The problem of evaluating the efficiency of an enterprise is one of the most important in a market economy. Science offers different approaches to evaluating effectiveness, in particular a cost-based and resource-based approach. Trading enterprises play a significant role in the country’s economy, so it is important to consider the indicators for evaluating their activities using a cost and resource approach.
CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPORT SUBSTITUTION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY
Authors: SAPOZHNIKOVA S.M. , REICHERT N.V.
Published: May 2022

The article discusses different modern points of view on the problem of import substitution in the domestic agro-industrial complex. The authors outlined the necessary conditions for the implementation of import substitution in the seed sector: the creation of specialized companies for the selection of seed varieties necessary for agribusiness and a special agrarian zone, where a complete production chain will be organized from seed selection to their sale, as well as support and assistance in the form of subsidies from the state.
THE SPECIFIC TRANSLATION OF ONOMATOPOEIA IN ENGLISH COMICS
Authors: PLATONOVA E.V. , MYASNIKOVA K.A.
Published: May 2022

This article is devoted to the study of the translation of onomatopoeia in English-language comics into the Russian language. Onomatopoeic words cause difficulties in their translation, which creates the need to study onomatopoeia from the point of view of their special characteristics, such as their optional role. The need for creative rethinking, full consideration of the context as well as getting into the situation are especially highlighted.
AUTHENTIC VIDEOS IN MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION: LINGUODIDACTIC ASPECT
Authors: OSIYANOVA O.M. , SELEZNEVA V.I.
Published: May 2022

The article considers the relevance of the authentic videos use in students foreign language education, determines their linguistic and didactic potential in the development of habits and skills in a foreign language speech activity. The subject of the analysis is the selection criteria and the content of work stages with authentic videos in English classes.