bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Interprofessional Education of Pharmacogenomics: An Interdisciplinary Assessment
Authors: Yehya Alaa , Matalgah Laila
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Pharmacogenomics, which emerged from disciplines such as pharmacology and genetics, is an increasingly important interdisciplinary field of health research, as indicated by the rapid growth of related literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge among genetics and pharmacology health-care students and to evaluate their exposure to and perceptions of pharmacogenomics. Methods: An anonymous, 28-item online survey was distributed to medical and pharmacy students enrolled at Yarmouk University, Jordan. Results: The respondents (n = 300) had an overall moderate level of knowledge regarding genetics and pharmacology. Most respondents recognized the benefits of pharmacogenomics for therapy optimization, but they had insufficient exposure to the topic. Most respondents supported providing pharmacogenetic testing in Jordan. The most preferred educational format in pharmacogenomics was integration in pharmacology courses. Discussion/Conclusion: Medical and pharmacy students are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of pharmacogenomics in therapy optimization. Challenges such as the complexity of the topic and low retention of previous knowledge should be addressed to promote pharmacogenomics education. More work is needed to increase students’ exposure to pharmacogenomics information. A deeper integration of pharmacogenomics applications into pharmacology courses is proposed to emphasize applications of pharmacogenomics.
Possibility of Pseudo-Obstruction in Lacrimal Canalicular Obstruction Diagnosed with Dacryocystography
Authors: Shim Woo Sub , Cho Min Jai , Kang Young , Lee Seok Hee , Lee Joo-Yeon , Jung Hahn Jin
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the treatment of choice for patients with lacrimal drainage system obstruction. Dacryocystography (DCG) is one of the most common preoperative studies and considered as a useful test demonstrating the anatomy of lacrimal drainage systems. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of DCG for canalicular obstruction and to compare surgical outcomes between true-obstruction versus pseudo-obstruction diagnosed with DCG. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 45 consecutive patients with lacrimal canalicular obstruction who had underwent endoscopic DCR with silicone tube insertion from January 2009 to December 2014 at a single tertiary hospital. A review of medical records included demographic data, preoperative symptoms and signs, results of intraoperative canalicular probing, and surgical outcomes including the postoperative symptom improvement and endoscopic finding. Results: Of 45 patients, 34 patients (75.6%) had true-canalicular obstructions and 11 patients (24.4%) had pseudo-canalicular obstructions. The success rate of endoscopic DCR was 50% (17 of 34) in cases with true-canalicular obstruction while 90.9% (10 of 11) in pseudo-canalicular obstruction (p value <0.05). No intraoperative or postoperative complications including sinusitis or synechia were found. Conclusions: About a quarter of lacrimal canalicular obstruction cases diagnosed with DCG seem to be pseudo-obstruction. The success rate of endoscopic DCR in pseudo-canalicular obstruction is similar to that of saccal and nasolacrimal ductal obstruction.
Informalidade urbana, classe trabalhadora e raça no Rio de Janeiro: a história dos censos de favelas (1948-1960)
Authors: Oliveira Samuel Silva Rodrigues de
Published: July 2021

O artigo analisa a história dos censos de favelas no Rio de Janeiro produzidos no âmbito do sistema censitário formado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Ao contrário de analisar os dados estatísticos como transparência do real, compreende-as como uma tecnologia de governo relacionada às políticas públicas e às relações de poder. Os censos de favelas estabeleceram novos parâmetros para representar a pobreza urbana no Brasil. A definição do que seria uma favela a partir de variáveis quantificáveis, a diferenciação entre os “trabalhadores” e os “inativos” e a imaginação da diferença racial negra nas favelas foram temas politizados, tendo grande variação na forma de registro nas primeiras estatísticas. A análise compreende as estatísticas de 1949, 1950 e 1960.
Diversity pattern of butterfly communities (Lepidoptera) in different habitat types of Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Suveena , Bahrdwaj Suneet , Singh Amar Paul
Published: July 2021

Diversity and similarity of butterfly communities were assessed in three different habitat types in the mountains of Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, from May 2012 to April 2013. A total of 75 species and five families were reported. Proportion of species was highest in deciduous dry forest (49%), followed by Shorea (Saal) forest (34%), and Pinus (Cheer) forest (17%). Family Pieridae was dominant followed by Nymphalidae in all three habitat types. Cluster analysis revealed that Cheer forest  stood out clearly from Dry and Saal forest which represents the different species composition. We found significant differences in butterfly diversity in the three forest types based on Shannon index, Simpson dominance index, and Buzas & Gibson’s evenness. These differences may be attributable to variations in host and nectar plant distribution. Of the habitats surveyed, dry deciduous forest appeared to be the most suitable for butterfly conservation.
On the diversity and abundance of riparian odonate fauna (Insecta) of the midstream Chalakkudy River, Kerala, India
Authors: Bose C. Nitha , Binoy C.F. , Kakkassery Francy K.
Published: July 2021

The riparian Odonate insect diversity of the midstream Chalakudy River at six locations assessed from February 2018 to January 2019 has revealed the occurrence of 25 species of odonates. Among them,10 species are dragonflies belonging to seven genera of the family Libellulidae and the remaining 15 species are damselflies belonging to six families and 11 genera. Five endemic damselfly species have been recorded. Pseudagrion indicum is endemic to the Western Ghats, while the remaining four species, Vestalis apicalis, Libellago indica, Dysphaea ethela, and Heliocypha bisignata, are endemic to India. Diversity indices of the odonates in all the six locations were analyzed and it showed less abundance at sites where tourist activities are more and with thin native riparian vegetation. Further, the study has unequivocally revealed that thick native riparian vegetation is essential for their perching and existence. By and large, the uncontrolled tourism activities and habitat alteration interfere with the density and diversity of these endemic species.
First camera trap photographs of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) from Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Misbah Bint , Akrim Faraz , Qasim Siddiqa , Bukhari Syed Afaq , Aslam Asad , Waseem Muhammad , Imtiaz Rizwana , Mahmood Tariq
Published: July 2021

In the current study, we have camera trapped Indian pangolin in the country providing very 1st camera trap photographs of the species from Pakistan. The species has been camera trapped from two sampling sites; one from Pothwar Plateau (Kallar Syedan site 33.465N 73.409E   district Rawalpindi) and from other sites named Rolli Hills (33.486N 73.902E), surrounding the University of Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. For this purpose, we installed camera traps eight camera trap stations from January 2021 till June 2021. We collected a total of 131 pictures of Indian pangolin from Kallar Syedan site and 25 pictures of the species from Rolli Hills site surrounding University of Kotli AJ&K. At Kallar Syedan site we confirmed two pangolins (one male and one female) while the female being pregnant and gave birth to baby pangolin (direct field observation) in the month of April.
Impact of Mitral Annular Dilation on Edge-to-Edge Therapy With MitraClip-XTR
Authors: Kreidel Felix , Zaid Syed , Tamm Alexander R. , Ruf Tobias F. , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Reinold Jenny , Geyer Martin , da Rocha e Silva Jaqueline , Schnitzler Katharina , Michaela Hell , Münzel Thomas , Tang Gilbert H.L. , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan
Published: July 2021

Background:

Mitral annular dilation has been shown to challenge successful edge-to-edge therapy with earlier MitraClip generations. Recently, third-generation MitraClip-XTR with extended clip arm length was introduced. We assessed the impact of annular dilation on residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after MitraClip-XTR repair and sought to identify cutoffs associated with suboptimal MR reduction.

Methods:

We included 107 patients (78.9±6.7 years; 40.2% female) with symptomatic severe MR (46.7% primary MR; 53.3% secondary MR) undergoing MitraClip-XTR repair. Annular dimensions were retrospectively assessed by 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional-transesophageal echocardiography including a semiautomated analysis. Impact of annular diameters and area on suboptimal reduction defined as ≥2+MR on transthoracic echocardiography at discharge was assessed and predictive cutoff values identified. Previously identified predictors of suboptimal outcome after MitraClip therapy were included in multivariable analysis.

Results:

Technical success was achieved in 93%, 1-year mortality was 23%. Suboptimal MR reduction was observed in 26% and associated with higher 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 4.5 [1.5–14.1]). End-systolic anteroposterior and intercommissural annular diameters, annular area and further vena-contracta width, effective regurgitant orifice area and left atrial volume were associated with suboptimal outcomes. Independent predictors of suboptimal reduction were end-systolic annular area (odds ratio, 1.36 [1.08–1.71] per cm
2
) and vena-contracta width (odds ratio, 1.47 [1.04–2.09] per mm). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, 3-dimensional-transesophageal echocardiography end-systolic anteroposterior diameter >40.5 mm, intercommisural diameter >40.5 mm, and annular-area >12.50 cm
2
were the most predictive thresholds for suboptimal reduction. If all 3 annular measurements exceeded the determined threshold values, the risk for suboptimal reduction increased by 17-fold.

Conclusions:

Annular dilation was found to challenge successful edge-to-edge therapy also with extended-reach MitraClip-XTR. Our proposed thresholds for preprocedural annular dimensions may serve as guidance for improved patient selection in edge-to-edge repair.
Considerations for Cardiovascular Genetic and Genomic Research With Marginalized Racial and Ethnic Groups and Indigenous Peoples: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Mudd-Martin Gia , Cirino Allison L. , Barcelona Veronica , Fox Keolu , Hudson Maui , Sun Yan V. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Cameron Vicky A. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Clinical Cardiology
Published: July 2021

Historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups and Indigenous peoples are burdened by significant health inequities that are compounded by their underrepresentation in genetic and genomic research. Of all genome-wide association study participants, ≈79% are of European descent, despite this group constituting only 16% of the global population. For underrepresented populations, polygenic risk scores derived from these studies are less accurate in predicting disease phenotypes, novel population-specific genetic variations may be misclassified as potentially pathogenic, and there is a lack of understanding of how different populations metabolize drugs. Although inclusion of marginalized racial and ethnic groups and Indigenous peoples in genetic and genomic research is crucial, scientific studies must be guided by ethical principles of respect, honesty, justice, reciprocity, and care for individuals and communities. Special considerations are needed to support research that benefits the scientific community as well as Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups. Before a project begins, collaboration with community leaders and agencies can lead to successful implementation of the study. Throughout the study, consideration must be given to issues such as implications of informed consent for individuals and communities, dissemination of findings through scientific and community avenues, and implications of community identity for data governance and sharing. Attention to these issues is critical, given historical harms in biomedical research that marginalized groups and Indigenous peoples have suffered. Conducting genetic and genomic research in partnership with Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups guided by ethical principles provides a pathway for scientific advances that will enhance prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease for everyone.
Characterization of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Surface Antigens in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Burrello Jacopo , Tetti Martina , Forestiero Vittorio , Biemmi Vanessa , Bolis Sara , Pomatto Margherita Alba Carlotta , Amongero Martina , Di Silvestre Dario , Mauri Pierluigi , Vassalli Giuseppe , Camussi Giovanni , Williams Tracy Ann , Mulatero Paolo , Barile Lucio , Monticone Silvia
Published: July 2021

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by inappropriate aldosterone production. Chronic aldosterone excess has detrimental effects on cardiovascular system, including endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are central players in the crosstalk between endothelium, vascular structures, and inflammatory cells. The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of EVs in aldosterone-related vascular damage by evaluating a comprehensive panel of 37 EV surface antigens. Serum EVs were isolated by immunocapture from 32 patients with PA, 29 patients with essential hypertension and from 22 normotensive controls. EVs were characterized by Western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. Particle concentration was higher and diameter lower in patients with PA compared with controls and the number of particles decreased after unilateral adrenalectomy. Nineteen EV surface antigens were differentially expressed in patients with PA compared with patients with essential hypertension or normotensive controls, including markers of activated platelets, endothelial and immune/inflammatory cells. The specific EV surface signature discriminated patients with PA from controls, whereas after specific PA treatment the profile became similar to essential hypertension. Stimulation of human endothelial cells with PA-derived EVs resulted in the overexpression of 5 selected genes (
AKT1-CALR-CSNK2A1-FN1-PIK3R1
), previously identified by bioinformatic analysis as targets of differentially expressed EV antigens. Overexpression of
CALR
and
FN1
was confirmed also at protein level. Our data suggest that EVs represent biomarkers of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with PA and also potential biovectors contributing to accelerated organ damage by multiple signaling processes.
Perceptions of Bereaved Caregivers and Clinicians About End‐of‐Life Care for Patients With Destination Therapy Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Chuzi Sarah , Ogunseitan Adeboye , Cameron Kenzie A. , Grady Kathleen , Schulze Lauren , Wilcox Jane E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) implanted as destination therapy may receive suboptimal preparation for and care at the end of life, but there is limited understanding of the reasons for these shortcomings. Exploring perceptions of individuals (caregivers and clinicians) who are closely involved in the end‐of‐life experience with patients with destination therapy LVADs can help identify key opportunities for improving care.

Methods and Results

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 7 bereaved caregivers of patients with destination therapy LVADs and 10 interdisciplinary LVAD clinicians. Interviews explored perceptions of preparing for end of life, communicating about end of life, and providing and receiving end‐of‐life care, and were analyzed using a 2‐step team‐based inductive approach to coding and analysis. Six themes pertaining to end‐of‐life experiences were derived: (1) timing end‐of‐life discussions in the setting of unpredictable illness trajectories, (2) prioritizing end‐of‐life preparation and decision‐making, (3) communicating uncertainty while providing support and hope, (4) lack of consensus on responsibility for end‐of‐life discussions, (5) perception of the LVAD team as invincible, and (6) divergent perceptions of LVAD withdrawal.

Conclusions

This study revealed 6 unique aspects of end‐of‐life care for patients with destination therapy LVADs as reported by clinicians and caregivers. Themes coalesced around communication, team‐based care, and challenges unique to patients with LVADs at end of life. Programmatic changes may address some aspects, including training clinicians in LVAD‐specific communication skills. Other aspects, such as standardizing the role of the palliative care team and developing practical interventions that enable timely advance care planning during LVAD care, will require multifaceted interventions.
Metaphoric interpretation
Authors: Lu Xinmeng , Pritchard Timothy
Published: July 2021

This paper compares two different theoretical approaches which have been developed to account for metaphoric interpretation: the comparison approach and the categorisation approach. Following a brief review on the history of the two theoretical approaches, the paper points out in part 5 that these two approaches are not fundamentally incompatible. It is further argued in parts 6 and 7 that while the comparison approach can be improved to provide metaphoric interpretations beyond a focus on words and phrases, similar improvement can hardly be made for the categorisation approach, whether by updating the approach itself or by merging it with non-categorisational processes. As a result, the metaphoric cases accountable by the categorisation approach can only be a subset of the cases accountable by the comparison approach.
Taxonomic studies on the Chinese Costaceae I: a new name and two new combinations
Authors: CHEN JUAN , Zeng LIN-YA , ZENG SI-JIN , TAN YUN-HONG , XIA NIAN-HE
Published: July 2021

Costus chinensis and C. oblongus (Costaceae) has been previously placed in synonymy under C. lacerus. Our critical examination of herbarium specimens including type material demonstrates that they are morphologically distinct from each other. Therefore, the independent specific status of C. chinensis and C. oblongus is reinstated. According to recent studies, Costus chinensis as well as other two Chinese species, C. oblongus and C. viridis, should be transferred to Hellenia. Thus, a new name for C. chinensis, and two new combinations are proposed. A detailed description of C. chinensis along with a distribution map of three allied species is also provided.
Description of Temnothorax estel sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a review of the Iberian species of the sordidulus species-complex
Authors: ARCOS GONZÁLEZ JAVIER
Published: July 2021

A characteristically bicolored ant belonging to the Temnothorax sordidulus species-complex is described from mountainous habitats in Iberia and named T. estel sp. nov. Three additional and closely-related taxa are newly recognized as members of the complex, including the Iberian endemics T. ibericus (Menozzi, 1922) and T. platycephalus (Espadaler, 1997) and the Pyrenean T. conatensis Galkowski & Lebas, 2016. The taxonomy of all four species is reviewed and discussed within the Palearctic context. Images and an identification key are provided.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Mining of Drought in the Last 40 Years in China Based on the SPEI and Space–Time Cube
Authors: Xu Dehe , Zhang Qi , Ding Yan , Zhang De
Published: July 2021

Drought is a common natural disaster that greatly affects the crop yield and water supply in China. However, the spatiotemporal characteristics of drought in China are not well understood. This paper explores the spatial and temporal distributions of droughts in China over the past 40 years using multiscale standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) values calculated by monthly precipitation and temperature data from 612 meteorological stations in China from 1980 to 2019 and combines the space–time cube (STC), Mann–Kendall test, emerging spatiotemporal hot-spot analysis, spatiotemporal clustering, and local outliers for the analysis. The results were as follows: 1) the drought frequency and STC show that there is a significant difference in the spatiotemporal distribution of drought in China, with the most severe drought in Northwest China, followed by the western part of Southwest China and the northern part of North China. 2) The emerging spatiotemporal hot-spot analysis of SPEI6 over the past 40 years reveals two cold spots in subregion 4, indicating that future droughts in the region will be more severe. 3) A local outlier analysis of the multiscale SPEI yields a low–low outlier in western North China, indicating relatively more severe year-round drought in this area than in other areas. The low–high outlier in central China indicates that this region was not dry in the past and that drought will become more severe in this region in the future.
Indirect Governance at War: Delegation and Orchestration in Rebel Support
Authors: Heinkelmann-Wild Tim , Mehrl Marius
Published: July 2021

Instead of attacking their adversaries directly, states often do so indirectly by supporting rebel groups. While these support relationships vary considerably, existing research lacks a comprehensive account thereof. To explain states’ choice of support, we suggest differentiating between two modes of support relationships according to the control opportunities they offer states over rebels: while delegation enables “hands-on” control, “hands-off” orchestration allows for plausible deniability and does not harm rebels’ local legitimacy. We argue that sponsors prefer orchestration when “hands-on” control can be substituted by goal alignment or competition; and they prefer delegation when the conflict is highly salient. Tests using global data for the period 1975-2009 support the first two expectations. Surprisingly, states’ capabilities also render “hands-off” orchestration more likely. The paper advances the understanding of external rebel support by transferring insights from indirect governance theory to the study of indirect wars and putting it to statistical test.
Why People Think They Might Hasten Their Death When Faced With Irremediable Health Conditions Compared to Why They Actually Do so
Authors: Blake Robert R. , Blake Charlie
Published: July 2021

This study surveys the differences of relatively healthy proponents of end-of-life choices and people with irremediable health conditions having already made the decision to hasten their deaths on what each group considers important in influencing a desire to hasten death. Psychosocial factors were more important than physical ones for both groups; but those contemplating what might influence them to hasten their deaths in the future thought pain and feeling ill would be much bigger factors than they turned out to be for those deciding to do so. Those having decided to hasten their deaths cited the lack of any further viable medical treatments and having to live in a nursing home as bigger factors. Identifying these psychosocial factors influencing a desire for a hastened death suggests that caregivers and medical providers may want to review what compassionate understanding and support looks like for people wanting to hasten their death.
Crossbreed impact of double-diffusivity convection on peristaltic pumping of magneto Sisko nanofluids in non-uniform inclined channel: A bio-nanoengineering model
Authors: Akram Safia , Athar Maria , Saeed Khalid , Razia Alia
Published: July 2021

The consequences of double-diffusivity convection on the peristaltic transport of Sisko nanofluids in the non-uniform inclined channel and induced magnetic field are discussed in this article. The mathematical modeling of Sisko nanofluids with induced magnetic field and double-diffusivity convection is given. To simplify PDEs that are highly nonlinear in nature, the low but finite Reynolds number, and long wavelength estimation are used. The Numerical solution is calculated for the non-linear PDEs. The exact solution of concentration, temperature and nanoparticle are obtained. The effect of various physical parameters of flow quantities is shown in numerical and graphical data. The outcomes show that as the thermophoresis and Dufour parameters are raised, the profiles of temperature, concentration, and nanoparticle fraction all significantly increase.
Disability Assessment in Geriatric Psychiatry and Social Welfare Measures in Geropsychiatry in India
Authors: Subramanyam Alka A. , Singh Shipra , Raut Nitin B. , John Thomas
Published: July 2021

Background:

Rising population of elder people and associated rise in health problems, frailty and disabilities have significant socioeconomic and health care implications. Mental health related disability contributes significantly in the global disability statistics and is an important health and quality of life indicator. Assessment of disabilities in elderly is essential part of routine evaluation, further it also helps the clinicians in identifying current functional status and choosing and monitoring therapeutic interventions and need for social welfare schemes.

Methods:

In order to understand the process of disability assessment in geriatric psychiatry and to gather information about social welfare schemes a literature review in Google Scholar and PubMed electronic database, and website of various ministries under Government of India was done, using developed key search terms for articles published up to February 2021. The identified eligible articles were reviewed for ideas and concepts, which were then integrated and categorized under broader themes. Finally, the broad categories were discussed briefly based on the above framework.

Results:

Review findings are summarized under the following headings: concept of ageing and disability, assessment of disability, process of certification, and social welfare schemes.

Conclusions:

The process of disability assessment comprises of comprehensive clinical evaluation, use of standardized rating instruments and disability certification wherever warranted or asked for. It is now being acknowledged worldwide by provisions of various social welfare benefits, that living with disability and increased care needs should be an integral part of definition of successful ageing.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare staff at a combined elderly care and specialist palliative care facility: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nestor Sarah , O’ Tuathaigh Colm , O’ Brien Tony
Published: July 2021

Background:

In the pre-COVID-19 era, healthcare professionals experienced stress and burnout. The international literature confirms that COVID-19 placed significant additional burdens on healthcare workers.

Aim:

To describe and characterise the magnitude and variety of ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic affected the personal, social and professional lives of healthcare workers representing several multidisciplinary specialties in a fully-integrated palliative and elderly care service.

Design:

All staff were invited to complete an anonymised standardised questionnaire evaluating the impact of COVID-19 across a diverse range of domains. The study was conducted over a 6-week period commencing 11 September 2020.

Setting:

The setting incorporates two distinct but integrated services operating under a single management structure in Ireland: (i) Specialist palliative care across hospice (44 beds), community and hospitals and (ii) Elderly Care Service (long-term and respite care) delivered in a 63-bed inpatient unit.

Results:

250 respondents (69.8%) completed the questionnaire. Nurses and healthcare assistants comprised the majority of respondents (60%) and other disciplines were represented proportionately. 230 participants (92%) agreed that their personal workload had changed significantly in response to COVID-19 and 182 (72.8%) agreed that their responsibilities had increased. 196 (78.4%) reported greater work-related stress. Highest-rated sources of stress included fear of contracting COVID-19 or transmitting it to friends/family, interacting with isolated frail/dying patients, changes to workplace protocols and reduced social interaction with colleagues.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the profound impact of COVID-19 on personal and professional wellbeing of staff. The greatest burden was carried by those providing prolonged, direct and intimate patient care.
Family ASL: An Early Start to Equitable Education for Deaf Children
Authors: Lillo-Martin Diane C. , Gale Elaine , Chen Pichler Deborah
Published: July 2021

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children experience systematic barriers to equitable education due to intentional or unintentional ableist views that can lead to a general lack of awareness about the value of natural sign languages and insufficient resources supporting sign language development. Furthermore, an imbalance of information in favor of spoken languages often stems from a phonocentric perspective that views signing as an inferior form of communication that also hinders the development of spoken language. On the contrary, research demonstrates that early adoption of a natural sign language confers critical protection from the risks of language deprivation without endangering spoken language development. In this position paper, we draw attention to deep societal biases about language in the information presented to parents of DHH children, against early exposure to a natural sign language. We outline actions that parents and professionals can adopt to maximize DHH children’s chances for on-time language development.
Comparison of the Treatment Effectiveness between Labial and Lingual Fixed Mechanotherapy and Patients’ Response toward Lingual Fixed Mechanotherapy: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Kantharaju Vagdevi Hosur , Manohar Mala Ram , Shivaprakash G
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment outcome using American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) scoring and total treatment time between labial and lingual appliance and also to assess patients’ perception of the lingual appliance system.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients requiring first premolar extraction were selected; 10 patients were treated with a lingual and 10 with a labial appliance. The treatment duration and ABO scores were recorded from the posttreatment dental casts and orthopantomogram (OPG). A questionnaire was used to evaluate the perception of patients on lingual treatment using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:

The total ABO scores of the 2 groups were not statistically significant. The lingual- and labial-appliance treatments were completed in 19.30 ± 7.50 and 22.40 ± 6.35 months, respectively. The VAS showed that lingual-appliance patients experienced a moderate amount of pain and discomfort to the tongue and soft tissues. Patients did not have considerable difficulty with speech and in maintaining oral hygiene.

Conclusion:

Lingual appliance cases finished with a comparable quality of orthodontic treatment precision well within the normal treatment time frame. These patients had moderate difficulties with speech, tongue irritation, and pain. They did not have difficulty in maintaining their oral hygiene and were satisfied with their smile and treatment outcome.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Detected in Mother’s Milk Post-Vaccination
Authors: Baird Jill K. , Jensen Shawn M. , Urba Walter J. , Fox Bernard A. , Baird Jason R.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has infected over 127 million people worldwide, with almost 2.8 million deaths at the time of writing. Since no lactating individuals were included in initial trials of vaccine safety and efficacy, research on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lactating women and the potential transmission of passive immunity to the infant through mother’s milk is needed to guide patients, clinicians, and policy makers on whether to recommend immunization during the worldwide effort to curb the spread of this virus.

Research Aims

(1) To determine whether SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobins are found in human milk after vaccination, and (2) to characterize the time course and types of immunoglobulins present.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study of lactating women ( N = 7) who planned to receive both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccine between December 2020 and January 2021 provided milk samples. These were collected pre-vaccination and at 11 additional timepoints, with the last sample at 14 days after the second dose of vaccine. Samples were analyzed for levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins A and G (IgA and IgG).

Results

We observed significantly elevated levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgA antibodies in human milk beginning approximately 7 days after the initial vaccine dose, with an IgG-dominant response.

Conclusions

Maternal vaccination results in SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins in human milk that may be protective for infants.
‘Chatting Shit’ in the Jobcentre: Navigating Workfare Policy at the Street-Level
Authors: Redman Jamie
Published: July 2021

Since the mid-1980s, out-of-work benefit receipt in the UK has been increasingly governed by a ‘workfarist’ mesh of conditionality and activation policies. A wealth of research has found that conditionality and activation policies trigger a range of harmful outcomes for benefit claimants. However, this research largely ignores how claimants may struggle against these policies to eschew harmful outcomes. Drawing on longitudinal interviews with 15 young men, this article demonstrates how claimants can subvert policy implementation to prioritise their own needs and interests. It is concluded that claimant struggles against policy implementation most accurately reflect survival strategies and are predominantly rooted in the ‘material nexus’ of class-based inequalities in capitalist societies.
A code for care and control: The PIN as an operator of interoperability in the Nordic welfare state
Authors: Alastalo Marja , Helén Ilpo
Published: July 2021

Many states make use of personal identity numbers (PINs) to govern people living in their territory and jurisdiction, but only a few rely on an all-purpose PIN used throughout the public and private sectors. This article examines the all-purpose PIN in Finland as a political technology that brings people to the sphere of public welfare services and subjects them to governance by public authorities and expert institutions. Drawing on documentary materials and interviews, it unpacks the history and uses of the PIN as an elementary building block of the Nordic welfare state, and its emerging uses in the post-welfare data economy. The article suggests that, although the PIN is capable of individualizing, identifying, and addressing individuals, its most important and widely embraced feature is the extent to which it enables interoperability among public authorities, private businesses, and their data repositories. Interoperability, together with advances in computing and information technology, has made the PIN a facilitator of public administration, state knowledge production, and everyday life. More recently, in the post-welfare data economy, interoperability has rendered the PIN a national asset in all the Nordic countries, providing a great advantage to biomedical research, innovation business, and healthcare.
Studies on mechanical property and wear behaviour of AA7075 hybrid composites prepared by a conventional casting method
Authors: Vignesh Kumar V , Raja K , Ramkumar T , Selvakumar M , Senthil Kumar TS
Published: July 2021

The research article addresses the reciprocating wear behaviour of hybrid AA7075 reinforced with boron carbide and boron nitride through a stir-casting technique. The experiment involved varying wt.% of the secondary particle boron carbide (3, 6 and 9) while boron nitride (3) was kept as constant. The hybrid composites were characterised using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The hardness and tensile behaviour of the hybrid composites were evaluated. Reciprocating wear behaviour of the hybrid composites were examined using a tribometer by varying the wear parameters such as load and sliding distance. The results revealed that AA7075/6boron carbide/3boron nitride had better hardness, tensile and wear properties. The surface morphology of the wear samples was analysed using SEM.
Influence of blade leaning on hydraulic excitation and structural response of a reversible pump turbine
Authors: Ouyang Jinhui , Luo Yongyao , Tao Ran
Published: July 2021

Blade leaning is commonly seen in the runner design of reversible pump turbines which operate under varying conditions. However, there is no certain law in determine the leaning mode and level. Considering performance, hydraulic excitation and structural response, five runners with strong rotational (RL+), rotational (RL), strong counter-rotational (CL+), counter-rotational (CL) and without (NL) blade leaning are compared under high-efficiency condition in pump mode and turbine mode. The head, efficiency, internal flow pressure pulsation and runner stress are comparatively studied. Among the five runners, CL+ runner is found has the highest efficiency as pump when RL+ runner has the highest efficiency as turbine. Pressure pulsation results show that the rotor-stator interaction region is the strongest pulsation source especially for runner and blade frequencies. In pump mode, pressure pulsation intensity decreases when blade leaning mode gradually changes from rotational to counter-rotational. In turbine mode, the NL runner has the strongest pressure pulsation intensity in runner and guide vane. Both rotational and counter-rotational leaning will reduce pressure pulsation. Velocity contours indicate that blade leaning will affect the velocity uniformity especially along rotational direction and cause stronger or weaker local hydraulic excitation. Under hydraulic excitation, RL+ runner suffers the highest equivalent stress as pump while CL runner suffers the highest equivalent stress as turbine. From rotational to counter-rotational blade leaning, the maximum stress moves on the crown from low pressure side to high pressure side. Considering hydraulic excitation and structural response, the strong counter-rotational leaning blade is found better in reversible runner design.
Tertiary hospital nurses’ ethical sensitivity and its influencing factors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xue Lei , Fei Huang Fei , Zhang Jie , Li Juan , Ye Bi Yun , Chen Yun Xiang , Zhang Yuan Hui , Li Fang , Yu Chun Fang , Zhang Jing Ping
Published: July 2021

Background:

High ethical sensitivity positively affects the quality of nursing care; nevertheless, Chinese nurses’ ethical sensitivity and the factors influencing it have not been described.

Research objectives:

The purpose of this study was to describe ethical sensitivity and to explore factors influencing it among Chinese-registered nurses, to help nursing administrators improve nurses’ ethical sensitivity, build harmony between nurses and patients, and promote the patients’ health.

Research design:

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Participants and research context:

We recruited 500 nurses from several departments in three tertiary hospitals. The Chinese Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire–Revised version and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals were used to assess the nurses’ ethical sensitivity and empathy ability, respectively. Fifteen sociodemographic variables were included in the questionnaires.

Ethical considerations:

Informed consent was obtained from the participants regarding participation and data storage and handling. This program has been examined and supported by the research center of medical ethics and professional ethics of Guilin Medical University. The Approval No. was 2016RWYB04. The whole research process is conducted strictly according to ethical requirements.

Results:

The valid response rate was 84.40% ( n = 422). The total score of Chinese Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire–Revised was 35.82 ± 8.17. The subscale scores of moral responsibility and strength and sense of moral burden were 21.50 ± 4.91 and 14.33 ± 3.98, respectively. Significant differences were found among age groups, gender, years of working, category of profession, and quality of family communication regarding nurses’ ethical sensitivity ( p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the main factors influencing nurses’ ethical sensitivity were gender, years of working, quality of family communication, career satisfaction, and empathic ability.

Discussion:

Our findings suggest that Chinese nurses’ ethical sensitivity in tertiary hospitals in Guilin is at a medium level.

Conclusion:

The director of nursing schools and hospitals in China should pay attention to nurses’ ethical sensitivity and should intensify education and training to improve nurses’ ethical sensitivity. Further studies should focus on interventions aimed at improving Chinese nurses’ ethical sensitivity.
Prioritising Quantity over Quality: Lopsided Approach to Girl Child Education in the Bihar Government’s Schemes
Authors: Kumar Nishant
Published: July 2021

Based on a field survey conducted in five districts of Bihar and involving 1,119 respondents, this article examines the role of schemes initiated by the Bihar Government to achieve a dramatic transformation in female literacy. It argues that the schemes, though successful in taking care of economic factors that act as hurdles in the enrolment and retention of girls in schools, suffer limitations in their implementation and also overlook the importance of other factors that impact the girl child’s education, especially at the school level. At the same time, though there is an overemphasis on increasing the number of learners, the issue of quality in education has been grossly neglected. The article concludes that, in the long run, neglecting school-related factors and the quality of education defeats the real purpose of the schemes. Based on the study, some recommendations are also offered to manage the quantity–quality equilibrium in relation to girl child education.
Gender and Counterstereotypical Facial Expressions of Emotion in Crowdfunded Microlending
Authors: Davis Blakley C. , Warnick Benjamin J. , Anglin Aaron H. , Allison Thomas H.
Published: July 2021

Crowdfunded microlending research implies that both communal and agentic characteristics are valued. These characteristics, however, are often viewed as being at odds with one another due to their association with gender stereotypes. Drawing upon expectancy violation theory and research on gender stereotypes, we theorize that gender-counterstereotypical facial expressions of emotion provide a means for entrepreneurs to project “missing” agentic or communal characteristics. Leveraging computer-aided facial expression analysis to analyze entrepreneur photographs from 43,210 microloan appeals, we show that women benefit from stereotypically masculine facial expressions of anger and disgust, whereas men benefit from stereotypically feminine facial expressions of sadness and happiness.
How I Use SDM in My Own Life: SDM and Me
Authors: Harris Jason
Published: July 2021

This article is a discussion on how supported decision-making (SDM) affects the author personally and professionally. He explains how he uses SDM for himself and why he finds it to be helpful. While he is in a gray area of getting the services and supports that he needs, he considers SDM as a tool for growth, helping him determine his strengths, needs, and interests.
Short midline catheters: High success rates for antibiotic therapy in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Glazner Judith , Steinfort Kate , Hu Yanhong Jessika , Browne William , Smith Ian , Brasher Christopher
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Short midline catheter use in paediatric populations appears to be increasing, however data on success rates and efficacy are sparse. This study aims to describe the success rate when midline venous catheters are employed as a single device for intravenous antibiotic therapy in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed in a single institution, retrieving electronic medical record data from July 2017 through March 2020. The primary outcome was device success, defined as a catheter that remained functional until the end of antibiotic therapy. Reasons for device failure were categorized in a standard fashion.

Results:

Primary outcome data were available for 116 catheter insertions, involving 49 patients and 55 proceduralists. The success rate was 84% ( n = 98). Median age at insertion was 15 years (range 4–19) and median weight 52 kg (13–81). Soft, polyether block amide, Arrow® Seldinger Arterial Catheters were employed. Only 16 patients (14%) required general anaesthesia. Median time to failure was 6 days, and median time to successful completion of treatment was 13 days. Six of 18 failures occurred within 48 h and were likely insertion complications. The most common reasons for device failure were occlusion, extravasation, phlebitis and dislodgement. More than half of patients (56%) received antibiotic therapy at home.

Conclusion:

There is a high single device success rate when inserting short midlines for 13-day intravenous pulmonary antibiotic therapy in children with cystic fibrosis. These results should be confirmed with a prospective study.
Lubrication state identification of the line contact tribo-pair under a pure rolling condition with ultrasonic method
Authors: Duan Zhihe , Wu Tonghai
Published: July 2021

A line contact tribo-pair is a key mechanism unit in rolling bearings, which is often characterized by ultra-high contact pressure and ultra-thin oil film. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication is often adopted to characterize the lubrication state of such a tribo-pair. As a primary parameter for elastohydrodynamic lubrication, the oil film thickness is often evaluated with simplified theoretical models or complicated measurements. So far, a comprehensive verification of the lubrication states in a real line-contact tribo-pair, however, is rarely reported. Focusing on the roller/ring tribo-pair of a wet-lubricated rolling bearing under pure rolling conditions, this study investigates the lubrication states by integrating multiple theories. Five regions including isoviscous hydrodynamic, piezoviscous hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, mixture lubrication, and boundary lubrication regions can be identified using the framework. Then, validation experiments are carried out on a line contact tribo-pair test rig under the same operating conditions applied in the theoretical analysis. The oil film thickness is measured by the ultrasonic method. The analysis results demonstrate that only two regions, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication and mixture lubrication regions, can be identified using the experimental data. The identified elastohydrodynamic lubrication and mixture lubrication regions are consistent with theoretical analysis; and the Blok equation and elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory are suggested to calculate the oil film thickness in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication and mixture lubrication regions, respectively. Moreover, the oil film thickness calculated by the Dowson equation is larger than that based on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory due to a different viscous pressure equation.