bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Factors Important in Inclusive Education of the Pupil with Traumatic Brain Injury Identified on the Basis of the Lived Experience of His Mother
Authors: Sedláčková Dagmar , Kantor Jiří
Published: June 2022

Changes in Czech legislation in 2016 created more favorable conditions for learners with special educational needs (SEN) and their involvement in mainstream schools. However, we do not have enough information about the educational experiences of pupils with SEN/their parents, and some types of SEN, for example, traumatic brain injury (TBI), are under-researched worldwide. A qualitative design was chosen to explore the lived experiences of a mother (52) of a learner with traumatic brain injury (14), educated in a typical elementary school. Semistructured interviews based on the biographical narration of the mother together with studying the pupil’s documentation and using a brief questionnaire with the pupil and three members of the school staff were all used for data collection. Data analyses carried out according to van Manen’s approach that revealed seven themes: (1) what helps, (2) barriers, (3) active life and well-being of the pupil, (4) decision-making, (5) social environment approach, (6) participation, and (7) the future. The results of this study point to a number of obstacles that the pupil and his mother faced in education and also represent the ways how to cope with them. The study depicts the school life of the pupil with TBI and his family and helps us perceive disability and what it brings to life from their perspective.
The Protection and Restoration of Ancient Buildings in Guanzhong Traditional Villages Based on the Improved Priority Algorithm
Authors: Li Chang , Zhao Yiyuan
Published: June 2022

Architecture is closely related to human development. Different architectural shapes and texture structures reflect the changes of society and the level of social development. They are not only important materials for studying history but also carry the profound significance of human history. However, due to chemical effects, the acid, alkali, salt, and corrosive solvents are applied and produced in the process of industrial production, as well as the corrosive media contained in the atmosphere, groundwater, surface water, and soil will corrode the ancient buildings. The whole picture of many ancient buildings cannot be completely preserved, let alone used as research materials to deeply explore history and humanities. With the development of computer science and technology, we hope to protect and repair traditional ancient buildings through modern technology, which not only respects the long history of the Chinese nation but also helps us better study history through ancient buildings. This paper takes the ancient buildings of traditional villages in Guanzhong, Shanxi Province as an example, optimizes them on the basis of predecessors, and explores the protection and restoration of ancient buildings based on the improved priority algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in the protection and restoration model of ancient buildings than the traditional algorithm.
Impacts of Pretreatment Techniques on the Quality of Tuber Flours
Authors: Desalegn Melese Abebe , Olika Keyata Ebisa
Published: June 2022

Besides dietary sources of energy, roots and tuber crops can also serve as functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients to be explored in disease risk reduction and wellness. However, they are easily spoiled because of their high moisture contents and enzymatic reactions. Therefore, this review aimed at gathering information on the effects of various pretreatment methods on the quality of tuber crops before converting them into flour. Studies reported by different scholars showed that there were significant differences in physicochemical and functional properties between untreated tuber and the treated tuber samples. The review also highlighted that the chemical treatment methods, particularly sulfite treatment, could increase the lightness value of the flour. In addition, blanching could induce a decrease in protein, ash, and fat. Despite this, blanching pretreatment techniques increased moisture and carbohydrate content. Chemical treatment increases the ash content, which might be responsible for chemical diffusion into the sample. The reviewed results showed that the application of different pretreatments on tuber crops significantly improves many quality characteristics such as color, fiber content, carbohydrate, and the functional properties used for value addition during food product development in the industry. Therefore, application of pretreatment methods particularly chemical treatments could enhance nutritional value, and functional and physical properties of tuber flours.
Personalized Recommendation Algorithm of Smart Tourism Based on Cross-Media Big Data and Neural Network
Authors: Lu Jing
Published: June 2022

Accurate recommendation of tourist attractions is conducive to improving users’ travel efficiency and tourism experience. However, the choice of tourism feature factors and the difference of recommendation algorithm will affect the accuracy of scenic spot recommendation. Aiming at the problems of sparse data, insufficient tourism factors, and low recommendation accuracy in the existing tourism recommendation research, this paper puts forward a scenic spot recommendation method based on microblog data and machine learning by using the characteristics of personalized expression and strong current situation of microblog data and the intelligent prediction function of machine learning, so as to realize accurate and personalized scenic spot recommendation. This paper extracts rich tourism characteristic factors. Typical tourism recommendation algorithms choose tourism characteristic factors from scenic spots, tourists, and other aspects, without considering the travel time, tourism season, and other contextual information of tourists’ destination, which can help understand users’ tourism preferences from different angles. Aiming at the problem of sparse data and cold start of collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm, this paper introduces deep learning algorithm and combines the proposed multifeature tourism factors to build dynamic scenic spot prediction models (random forest preferred attraction prediction (RFPAP) and neural networks preferred attraction prediction (NNPAP)). The experimental results show that RFPAP and NNPAP methods can overcome the problem of data sparsity and achieve 89.61% and 89.51% accuracy, respectively. RFPAP method is better than NNPAP method and has stronger generalization ability.
Identification of Two Genetic Loci Associated with Leukopenia after Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Fasching Peter A. , Liu Duan , Scully Steve , Ingle James N. , Lyra Paulo C. , Rack Brigitte , Hein Alexander , Ekici Arif B. , Reis Andre , Schneeweiss Andreas , Tesch Hans , Fehm Tanja N. , Heinrich Georg , Beckmann Matthias W. , Ruebner Matthias , Huebner Hanna , Lambrechts Diether , Madden Ebony , Shen Jess , Romm Jane , Doheny Kim , Jenkins Gregory D. , Carlson Erin E. , Li Liang , Fridley Brooke L. , Cunningham Julie M. , Janni Wolfgang , Monteiro Alvaro N.A. , Schaid Daniel J. , Häberle Lothar , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Wang Liewei
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To identify molecular predictors of grade 3/4 neutropenic or leukopenic events (NLE) after chemotherapy using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Experimental Design:

A GWAS was performed on patients in the phase III chemotherapy study SUCCESS-A (n = 3,322). Genotyping was done using the Illumina HumanOmniExpress-12v1 array. Findings were functionally validated with cell culture models and the genotypes and gene expression of possible causative genes were correlated with clinical treatment response and prognostic outcomes.

Results:

One locus on chromosome 16 (rs4784750; NLRC5; P = 1.56E-8) and another locus on chromosome 13 (rs16972207; TNFSF13B; P = 3.42E-8) were identified at a genome-wide significance level. Functional validation revealed that expression of these two genes is altered by genotype-dependent and chemotherapy-dependent activity of two transcription factors. Genotypes also showed an association with disease-free survival in patients with an NLE.

Conclusions:

Two loci in NLRC5 and TNFSF13B are associated with NLEs. The involvement of the MHC I regulator NLRC5 implies the possible involvement of immuno-oncological pathways.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Tissue Architecture in Human High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Xu Junfen , Fang Yifeng , Chen Kelie , Li Sen , Tang Sangsang , Ren Yan , Cen Yixuan , Fei Weidong , Zhang Bo , Shen Yuanming , Lu Weiguo
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The heterogeneity of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is not well studied, which severely hinders clinical treatment of HGSOC. Thus, it is necessary to characterize the heterogeneity of HGSOC within its tumor microenvironment (TME).

Experimental Design:

The tumors of 7 treatment-naïve patients with HGSOC at early or late stages and five age-matched nonmalignant ovarian samples were analyzed by deep single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Results:

A total of 59,324 single cells obtained from HGSOC and nonmalignant ovarian tissues were sequenced by scRNA-seq. Among those cells, tumor cells were characterized by a set of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated gene signatures, in which a combination of NOTCH1, SNAI2, TGFBR1, and WNT11 was further selected as a genetic panel to predict the poor outcomes of patients with HGSOC. Matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts (mCAF) expressing α-SMA, vimentin, COL3A, COL10A, and MMP11 were the dominant CAFs in HGSOC tumors and could induce EMT properties of ovarian cancer cells in the coculture system. Specific immune cell subsets such as C7-APOBEC3A M1 macrophages, CD8+ TRM, and TEX cells were preferentially enriched in early-stage tumors. In addition, an immune coinhibitory receptor TIGIT was highly expressed on CD8+ TEX cells and TIGIT blockade could significantly reduce ovarian cancer tumor growth in mouse models.

Conclusions:

Our transcriptomic results analyzed by scRNA-seq delineate an ecosystemic landscape of HGSOC at early or late stages with a focus on its heterogeneity with TME. The major applications of our findings are a four–EMT gene model for prediction of HGSOC patient outcomes, mCAFs’ capability of enhancing ovarian cancer cell invasion and potential therapeutic value of anti-TIGIT treatment.
A Targetable Myeloid Inflammatory State Governs Disease Recurrence in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rappold Phillip M. , Vuong Lynda , Leibold Josef , Chakiryan Nicholas H. , Curry Michael , Kuo Fengshen , Sabio Erich , Jiang Hui , Nixon Briana G. , Liu Ming , Berglund Anders E. , Silagy Andrew W. , Mascareno Eduardo A. , Golkaram Mahdi , Marker Mahtab , Reising Albert , Savchenko Alexander , Millholland John , Chen Ying-Bei , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan , Reznik Ed , Manley Brandon J. , Ostrovnaya Irina , Makarov Vladimir , DiNatale Renzo G. , Blum Kyle A. , Ma Xiaoxiao , Chowell Diego , Li Ming O. , Solit David B. , Lowe Scott W. , Chan Timothy A. , Motzer Robert J. , Voss Martin H. , Hakimi A. Ari
Published: June 2022

It is poorly understood how the tumor immune microenvironment influences disease recurrence in localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here we performed whole-transcriptomic profiling of 236 tumors from patients assigned to the placebo-only arm of a randomized, adjuvant clinical trial for high-risk localized ccRCC. Unbiased pathway analysis identified myeloid-derived IL6 as a key mediator. Furthermore, a novel myeloid gene signature strongly correlated with disease recurrence and overall survival on uni- and multivariate analyses and is linked to TP53 inactivation across multiple data sets. Strikingly, effector T-cell gene signatures, infiltration patterns, and exhaustion markers were not associated with disease recurrence. Targeting immunosuppressive myeloid inflammation with an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist in a novel, immunocompetent, Tp53-inactivated mouse model significantly reduced metastatic development. Our findings suggest that myeloid inflammation promotes disease recurrence in ccRCC and is targetable as well as provide a potential biomarker-based framework for the design of future immuno-oncology trials in ccRCC.

Significance:

Improved understanding of factors that influence metastatic development in localized ccRCC is greatly needed to aid accurate prediction of disease recurrence, clinical decision-making, and future adjuvant clinical trial design. Our analysis implicates intratumoral myeloid inflammation as a key driver of metastasis in patients and a novel immunocompetent mouse model.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2221
Clinical Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy
Authors: Wang Mei-Ling , Liu Rui , Zhang Li-Mei , Zhao Bin , Jia Rui , Zhao Yang , Xi Ya-Lin , Ma Jing-Xia , Ma He
Published: June 2022

Purpose: We report two cases diagnosed as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) with acute onset and various clinical manifestations. Methods: The patients’ data were obtained from the medical records of the Binzhou Medical University Hospital in Binzhou, China. The clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, neuroimaging, treatment, and prognosis of the 2 patients were collected and analyzed. Results: We report 2 adult ANE patients with acute onset. The first symptom was fever, followed by symptoms and signs of damage to the central nervous system. The patients were infected with herpes simplex virus and influenza virus, respectively. The main manifestation on brain magnetic resonance imaging was a mixed-signal of a “three-layer structure” in the bilateral thalamus. The first patient died. Based on the experience of the diagnosis and treatment of the first patient, combined with a review of the literature, the second patient was immediately treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy combined with gamma globulin injection. This patient’s condition was controlled, and the prognosis was good. Conclusions: This study describes the clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, neuroimaging evidence, and treatment experience of ANE in adults. We believe that the progress of the disease may be controlled, and the prognosis may be improved if glucocorticoid pulse therapy combined with gamma globulin injection is used as soon as possible.
Apolipoprotein A-I Inhibits Transendothelial Transport of Apolipoprotein B-Carrying Lipoproteins and Enhances Its Associated High-Density Lipoprotein Formation
Authors: Guo Zhongmao , Zhang Ningya , Yang Hong
Published: June 2022

Caveola-located scavenger receptor type B class I (SR-BI) and activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK1) are involved in transendothelial transport of apolipoprotein B-carrying lipoproteins (apoB-LPs). Transport of apoB-LPs though mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) is associated with apoE-carrying high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-like particle formation and apoAI induces raft-located proteins to shift to non-raft membranes by upregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). To investigate apoAI’s effect on transendothelial transport of apoB-LPs, MAECs and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were treated with apoB-LPs ± apoAI. Our data demonstrated that apoAI neither altered SR-BI and ALK1 expression nor affected apoB-LP binding to MAECs. ApoAI inhibited MAEC uptake, transcellular transport, and intracellular accumulation of apoB-LPs and accelerated their resecretion in MAECs. ApoAI enhanced transendothelial apoB-LP transport-associated HDL-like particle formation, upregulated ABCA1 expression, shifted SR-BI and ALK1 to the non-raft membrane in MAECs, inhibited transcellular transport of apoB-LPs, and enhanced associated HDL-like particle formation in HCAECs. ABCA1 knockdown attenuated apoAI-induced membrane SR-BI and ALK1 relocation and diminished apoAI’s effect on transendothelial apoB-LP transport and HDL-like particle formation in MAECs. This suggests that upregulation of ABCA1 expression is a mechanism, whereby apoAI provokes caveola-located receptor relocation, inhibits transendothelial apoB-LP transport, and promotes associated HDL-like particle formation.
Ipsilateral Effects of Unilateral Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor
Authors: Österlund Erik , Blomstedt Patric , Fytagoridis Anders
Published: June 2022

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is the most common adult movement disorder. For the relatively large group of patients who do not respond adequately to pharmacological therapy, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established treatment option. Most ET patients will have bilateral symptoms, and many of them receive bilateral DBS. Unilateral DBS is however still the most common procedure, and some papers suggest an ipsilateral effect in these patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze if there is an ipsilateral effect of DBS for ET. Method: We retrospectively analyzed our patient cohort with DBS surgery from 1996 to 2017, selecting patients with ET that underwent surgery with unilateral DBS without previous DBS or lesional surgery. A total number of 68 patients (39 males, 29 females) were identified. The patients were evaluated twice: first, at a mean time of 12 months after surgery defined as short-term follow-up and then again at a mean time of 49 months after surgery defined as long-term follow-up, using the clinical rating scale for tremor (CRST). Results: The total CRST score was reduced from mean 49.5 points at baseline before surgery to 20.2 (p < 0.001) at short-term and 28.3 (p < 0.001) at long-term follow-up. Contralateral tremor was reduced from mean 6.1 to 0.4 (p < 0.001) and 1.2 (p < 0.001), respectively. Contralateral hand function was reduced from 11.5 to 2.6 (p < 0.001) and 4.6 (p < 0.001), respectively. Ipsilateral hand function scored 9 at baseline, 8.3 at 1 year, and then again 9.4 at long-term follow-up. Ipsilateral tremor scored 4.0 at baseline, 3.7 at 1 year, and 4.3 at long-term follow-up. Neither ipsilateral hand function nor ipsilateral tremor showed significant difference. Conclusions: There was no difference in severity of ipsilateral tremor, neither at 1 year nor in the long term. We believe ipsilateral effects of DBS for ET merits limited consideration regarding decision-making or patient counseling before surgery.
Small-For-Size Syndrome and Graft Inflow Modulation Techniques in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Cheng Pengrui , Li Zhongqiu , Fu Zongli , Jian Qian , Deng Ronghai , Ma Yi
Published: June 2022

Background: Partial liver transplantation has recently been proposed to alleviate organ shortages. However, transplantation of a small-for-size graft is associated with an increased risk of posttransplant hepatic dysfunction, commonly referred to as small-for-size syndrome (SFSS). This review describes the etiology, pathological features, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic criteria of SFSS. Moreover, we summarize strategies to improve graft function, focusing on graft inflow modulation techniques. Finally, unmet needs and future perspectives are discussed. Summary: In fact, posttransplant SFSS can be attributed to various factors such as preoperative status of the recipients, surgical techniques, donor age, and graft quality, except for graft size. With targeted improvement measures, satisfactory clinical outcomes can be achieved in recipients at increased risk of SFSS. Given the critical role of relative portal hyperperfusion in the pathogenesis of SFSS, various pharmacological and surgical treatments have been established to reduce or partially divert excessive portal inflow, and recipients will benefit from individualized therapeutic regimens after careful evaluation of benefits against potential risks. However, there remain unmet needs for further research into different aspects of SFSS to better understand the correlation between portal hemodynamics and patient outcomes. Key Messages: Contemporary transplant surgeons should consider various donor and recipient factors and develop case-specific prevention and treatment strategies to improve graft and recipient survival rates.
Progestogen-Mediated Neuroprotection in Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Bassani Taysa Bervian , Bartolomeo Cynthia Silva , Oliveira Rafaela Brito , Ureshino Rodrigo Portes
Published: June 2022

Neuroactive steroids can be synthetic or endogenous molecules produced by neuronal and glial cells and peripheral glands. Examples include estrogens, testosterone, progesterone and its reduced metabolites such as 5α-dihydro­progesterone and allopregnanolone. Steroids produced by neurons and glia target the nervous system and are called neurosteroids. Progesterone and analog molecules, known as progestogens, have been shown to exhibit neurotrophic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glial modulatory, promyelinating, and remyelinating effects in several experimental models of neurodegenerative and injury conditions. Pleiotropic mechanisms of progestogens may act synergistically to prevent neuron degeneration, astrocyte and microglial reactivity, reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review is to summarize the significant findings related to the actions of progesterone and other progestogens in experimental models and epidemiological and clinical trials of some of the most prevalent and debilitating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, namely, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. We evaluated progestogen alterations under pathological conditions, how pathology modifies their levels, as well as the intracellular mechanisms and glial interactions underlying their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, an analysis of the potential of natural progestogens and synthetic progestins as neuroprotective and regenerative agents, when administered as hormone replacement therapy in menopause, is also discussed.
Serum and Urine Osmolality as Predictors of Adequate Diuresis in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lo Kevin Bryan , Salacup Grace , Pelayo Jerald , Putthapiban Prapaipan , Swamy Sowmya , Nakity Rasha , Naranjo-Tovar Mario , Rangaswami Janani
Published: June 2022

Background: Determination of adequacy of decongestion remains a significant challenge in the management of acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: This is a prospective single center cohort study of patients (>18 years old) admitted for AHF on intravenous diuretics, with BNP >100 pg/mL or echocardiographic findings of reduced ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction, and at least 1 clinical sign of volume overload. Patients with eGFR ≤45 mL/min or on dialysis, and with exposure to contrast dye or nephrotoxins were excluded. Serum and spot urine osmolality were obtained in the early morning simultaneously daily for 5 days or until discharge. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the optimal cutoffs for the osmolality values in the prediction of heart failure (HF) readmissions Results: Of the total 100 patients, 62% were male and 59% were Black American. The mean age was 64.41 ± 12.53 and 34% had preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 30-day readmission had higher serum osmolality (mOsm/kg) on admission (305 [299–310] vs. 298 [294–303]; p = 0.044) and had higher drop in serum osmolality between admission and discharge (−7.5 [−9.0, −1.25] vs. −1.0 [−4.0, 4.0]; p = 0.044). Serum osmolality on admission of >299 mOsm/kg (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 61%) and drop in serum osmolality between admission and discharge of >2 mOsm/kg (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 65%) was associated with 30-day HF readmissions. No patients discharged with urine osmolality more than 500 mOsm/kg had 30-day readmissions, but this was not statistically significant, p = 0.334. Conclusion: Measurement of serum osmolality and urine osmolality may have some utility in AHF, but interpretation should consider baseline values and dynamic changes to account for individual differences in sodium and water handling.
REVIEW ESSAY – THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Authors: Raadschelders Jozef
Published: June 2022

This review essay was prompted by a reading of Salvador Santino F. Regilme's (2021) book entitled Aid Imperium: United States Foreign Policy and Human Rights in Post-Cold War Southeast Asia ( Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press). American development aid is motivated by a mixture of security, commercial, and humanitarian interests. All three rationales are characteristic for foreign aid since the Second World War, but not always in the same mix. Security concerns were quite influential in the 1950s and early 1960s and again after 9/11. Regilme describes American foreign aid rationales for two Southeast Asian countries (the Philippines and Thailand) and shows how quickly humanitarian considerations give way to security interests. What makes his study quite unique is that he focuses on the intertwinement of donor and recipient interests. Both donor and recipient act more on the basis of territorial and domestic concerns than with an eye on international, humanitarian needs.
Primary Kaposi’s Sarcoma of the Nasal Cavity: Clinical Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xiang Peng , Liu Mengya , Lu Xueyan , Tang Wei , Liu Jin
Published: June 2022

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a vascular sarcoma derived from vascular endothelial cells and presents with multiple lesions. It mainly appears on the skin and oral mucosa, usually in the face, oral mucosa, and genitals. Very few cases of primary lesions in the nasal cavity have been reported. It is often difficult to diagnose only by imaging examination. Here, we describe a case of KS in a patient who was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative, in which the primary sites were the nasal mucosa and nasal septum. A diagnosis was made according to the patient’s clinical presentation, physical examination, laboratory examination, imaging examination, and histopathological results. We used surgical resection combined with chemotherapy, with 6 months’ postoperative follow-up without recurrence. We reviewed the relevant literature to identify similar cases and summarize the findings reported on this rare manifestation of KS. We recommend that, where possible, antiviral therapy such as interferon, and regular review should continue, to improve the survival rate and patients’ quality of life.
Employee Constructive Voice: An Integrative Review and a Dyadic Approach
Authors: Kim You Jin , Lam Chak Fu , Oh Jo (Kyoungjo) , Sohn Wonbin
Published: June 2022

Constructive voice is a type of communicative act involving both voicers and managers. However, research on constructive voice has developed in two separate streams, with studies adopting either a voicer- or a manager-centric perspective, thereby failing to provide a holistic understanding of constructive voice. This unilateral approach results in missed opportunities for scholars to understand the dyadic and dynamic nature of constructive voice. To address this limitation, we draw on social exchange theory to introduce a four-phase (felt voice, expressed voice, managerial responses to voice, and relational voice outcomes) dyadic model of constructive voice. By conceptualizing constructive voice as a dyadic exchange between voicers and managers, we detail the ongoing processes in which employees initiate voice and managers subsequently endorse and/or implement voicers’ input. We also introduce feedback loops to highlight the dynamic nature of constructive voice over time and explain the consequences of repeated constructive-voice exchange processes on relational outcomes. Finally, we review the literature, summarize gaps and opportunities, and provide directions for future research.
Linguistic Barriers to Immigrants’ Labor Market Integration in Italy
Authors: Ghio Daniela , Bratti Massimiliano , Bignami Simona
Published: June 2022

This article investigates whether and to what extent poor proficiency in Italian impairs immigrants’ labor market integration in Italy. Using individual-level survey data, we apply instrumental variables methods to leverage presumably exogenous variations in Italian proficiency induced by immigrants’ demo-linguistic characteristics (e.g., age at arrival, linguistic distance between mother tongue and destination language, speaking Italian during childhood) and their interplays. We find that, given the low-skill nature of Italy's immigrant labor market, poor proficiency in communication skills (speaking and understanding Italian) produces larger penalties for immigrants’ labor force participation and employment than does the lack of formal skills (reading and writing). In contrast, no effect is found on immigrants’ job characteristics like the type of contract and full-time or part-time work. Whereas female immigrants were more penalized than males by poor linguistic proficiency in labor force participation, immigrants in linguistic groups that were more likely to work with (for) co-nationals were less affected by linguistic barriers than other immigrant groups. Yet, when investigating perceived integration outcomes, immigrants working with (for) co-nationals fared worse on feeling at home, feeling accepted, and overall life satisfaction in Italy. As our analysis shows, linguistic enclaves in workplaces, while not always representing a hurdle to immigrants’ labor market success, can generate trade-offs for other non-labor market integration outcomes. These findings highlight that the development of linguistic skills should be prioritized in migration policy agendas, taking into account heterogeneity in immigrants’ demographic and linguistic profiles.
‘Do they ever think about people like us?': The experiences of people with learning disabilities in England and Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Scherer Nathaniel , Wiseman Phillippa , Watson Nicholas , Brunner Richard , Cullingworth Jane , Hameed Shaffa , PEARSON CHARLOTTE , Shakespeare Tom
Published: June 2022

People with learning disabilities in England and Scotland have experienced an increased risk of illness and death during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on data of a longitudinal qualitative study with 71 disabled people and 31 disability organisations, this article examines the experiences of 24 people with learning disabilities in England and Scotland during the pandemic, reflecting on what rendered them vulnerable and placed them at risk. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants and key informants at two timepoints; June–August 2020 and February–April 2021. Findings emerged across four key themes: failure to plan for the needs of people with learning disabilities; the suspension and removal of social care; the impact of the pandemic on people’s everyday routines; and lack of vaccine prioritisation. The inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities in this study are not particular to the pandemic. We explore the findings in the context of theoretical frameworks of vulnerability, including Fineman’s conceptualisation of a ‘vulnerability paradigm’. We conclude that the structured marginalisation of people with disabilities, entrenched by government action and inaction, have created and exacerbated their vulnerability. Structures, policies and action must change.
Sex Worker Collectives Within the Whorearchy: Intersectional Inquiry with Sex Workers in Los Angeles, CA
Authors: Fuentes Kimberly
Published: June 2022

Our ability to provide affirming care to individuals who engage in sex work is limited by punitive foundations of social work. This study originates from within the sex worker rights movement. I utilize qualitative dialogues aligned with participatory principles to consider how a Black feminist disability framework can be employed to explore how intersectionality weaves itself into the lives and networks of 13 sex workers in Los Angeles, CA. Specifically, this study engaged in Participatory Action Research (PAR) and collective knowledge production to examine how criminalization operates within larger intersecting systems of oppression and complicates workers’ relationships with each other. The results of this study put forth the conceptualization of the sex worker-informed stratified social hierarchy – described as the “whorearchy” – and the ways that collective care is used to combat it. I conclude with a discussion on centering restorative sex worker narratives in order to examine how criminalization hinders sex worker solidarity and how, similarly, the state's role limits the ways social workers can support sex worker liberation.
Evaluating Social Determinants of Health Domains and Their Predictive Validity Within Black/African American and White Older Adults From the ACTIVE Trial
Authors: Clay Olivio J. , Ball Karlene K. , Wheeler Katie M. , Crowe Michael , Marsiske Michael , Dean Lorraine T. , Thorpe Roland J. , Jones Richard , Owens Joshua H. , Rebok George W. , Willis Sherry L.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess domains of social determinants of health (SDoH) and their associations with cognition and quality of life.

Method

This investigation uses baseline data from individuals participating in the ACTIVE trial ( n = 2505) to reproduce the SDoH domains described in Healthy People 2030 (economic stability, health care, education, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context). Results: Results support using data from the ACTIVE trial to assess all five SDoH domains, and the ability of the composites to predict baseline performance on measures of cognition and self-reported quality of life within a sample of older adults. Additionally, higher SDoH domain scores were associated with better functioning on composite measures of cognition and higher scores for mental and general health-related quality of life with Access to Healthcare associated with all outcomes. Discussion: These findings can inform investigators interested in assessing multiple domains of SDoH and highlight the importance of access to health care within older Black/African American and White older adults.
Heteronomous rationality and rural protests: Peasants’ perceived egalitarianism in post-taxation China
Authors: Tahara Fumiki
Published: June 2022

This study focuses on Chinese peasants’ behavioural logic after the abolition of agricultural taxes in 2006. The everyday words and deeds of the residents of an ordinary village in Gansu Province were observed and interpreted. Their behavioural logic can be conceptualized as ‘heteronomous rationality’, according to which one’s behavioural choice is based on whether one is treated equally and fairly in comparison with others. When deviations from this standard are observed, rural peasants are motivated to protest. This study further examines when and how this Chinese-style peasant egalitarianism was shaped.
Investigation on the flow field regulation characteristics of the right-angled channel by impinging disturbance method
Authors: Wang Tong , Li Lin , Yin Zichao , Xie Zongwei , Wu Jiafeng , Zhang Yongchao , Tan Dapeng
Published: June 2022

The right-angled constrained channel with square-section is a typical channel configuration in many engineering fields. However, due to the high curvature of the right-angled constrained channel, the flow field parameters are not uniformly distributed, which has an adverse effect on resource utilization or reaction efficiency of the industrial process. To address the above matters, the modeling and solving method for impinging disturbance-based flow field regulation are proposed to regulate the flow field distribution. According to the design criteria of the disturbance channel, a numerical model of impinging disturbance is set up based on the mixture multiphase model and realizable [Formula: see text] turbulence model. And the pressure–velocity coupling solution strategies are conducted to quickly solve the impinging disturbance mechanism. The distribution law of the flow field parameters at different disturbance velocities is obtained to reveal the turbulence variation mechanism caused by impinging disturbance. These research results show that the disturbance vortex produced by the collision between the disturbance flow and the mainstream can affect the parameter distribution characteristics of the flow field in the constrained channel together with the backflow vortex, dean vortex, and the secondary vortex. The disturbance flow can effectively interfere with or control the vortex structure and indirectly regulate the flow field parameters to improve uniformity and energy utilization by actively regulating the disturbance velocity.
Impact of stir-squeeze casting process parameters on tensile strength of hybrid aluminium matrix composite
Authors: Pugalenthi T. , Arulraj M. , Sowrirajan M. , Vijayan S.
Published: June 2022

Aluminium metal matrix composite with higher tensile strength is made using a hybrid stir-squeeze casting technique. The hybrid technology combines the desirable features of uniform reinforcement particle distribution in the base matrix through stir casting and refined microstructure, minimizing porosity and enhanced mechanical properties via squeeze casting process. The composite was made from A356 aluminium alloy reinforced with Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and wheat husk ash (WHA). A356 alloy has a wide range of engineering applications, with MoS2 increasing wear resistance and WHA particles providing major technological and economic benefits. Taguchi L16 orthogonal array experiments are applied to optimize the stir-squeeze casting parameters (stirring speed, mould temperature, squeeze time squeeze pressure, pouring temperature) for achieving better tensile strength of the composites. The identified significant factors for the stir-squeeze casting process are stirring speed, squeeze pressure, and squeeze time. The optimum stir-squeeze casting condition increased the composite's tensile strength by 23.72%. The squeeze pressure of 125 MPa was noted that to eliminating these porosities and gives better grain refinement in the microstructure. The fractured tensile test specimen indicated the brittle and ductile mode of fracture.
A 12‐year retrospective review of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Kent Shek , Chan Chi Keung
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Tetrodotoxin poisoning is typically caused by puffer fish consumption. This study is to review its demographics, clinical presentations and management in Hong Kong.

Method:

Reported cases of tetrodotoxin poisoning to Hong Kong Poison Information Centre from October 2008 to March 2021 were included in the study. Information from electronic database was analysed.

Results:

Forty‐two cases were included in this case series. The number of incidents of tetrodotoxin poisoning ranged from 0 to 5 per year, mostly in the winter months. Median ingestion‐to‐symptom and ingestion‐to‐door time was 2 and 6.5 h, respectively. 48% of puffer fish meal sharer was symptomatic and attended emergency department. 100% and 48% of all cases had neurological and cardiovascular/gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively. Fukuda and Tani clinical Grade 1 and 2 were the most common presentation. 17% required intensive care while most patients were managed safely in emergency department and/or emergency medicine ward.

Conclusion:

There are recurrent incidents of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Hong Kong. Public education is the key to prevent future outbreaks. Targeted history and enhanced availability of tetrodotoxin test would assist in its diagnoses.
Participatory Qualitative Research in a Multilingual Context: The Use of Panel Translation to Better Understand and Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health in Timor-Leste
Authors: Henderson Helen , da Silva Alexandrina Marques , da Silva Mariano , Soares Xavier Helio A. , Mendonca Silvina A. , de Araújo Rui M. , Vaughan Cathy , Bohren Meghan A.
Published: June 2022

Understanding and respecting different linguistic and socio-cultural needs of health service users is critical to design, adapt and provide appropriate health services. We explored access to male family planning methods in The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a linguistically and culturally diverse nation, by conducting 14 participatory group discussions (PGDs) with 175 participants across seven municipalities. Participants (84 men and 91 women, aged 18 to 72) spoke 13 different languages. PGDs were audio-recorded and translated to English using a multilingual panel translation approach that enabled rigorous and reflexive discussion and learning between researchers about context and meaning. Planning for language diversity helped us to centre participant voices and to hear perspectives that may have otherwise been excluded or misrepresented. Our study affirms the need for research teams to include diverse members who help ensure meaning and voice is not lost across cultural and linguistic differences. Linguistic respect, inclusion and transparency are required to realise improved health and development outcomes.
Developing the Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance Health Disparities Common Measure: The Florida Health and Ancestry Survey
Authors: Dyal Brenda W. , Uscanga Zulema L. , Bailey Zinzi , Schmit Stephanie , Hoehn Alina , Garcia Jennifer , Gwede Clement K. , Brownstein Naomi , Powell-Roach Keesha , Johnson-Mallard Versie , Krieger Janice L. , Kobetz Erin , Vadaparampil Susan , Odedina Folakemi T. , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Our specific aim was to develop and assess the consensus-based validity of common measures for understanding health behaviors and ancestry in Florida’s population subgroups and establish the feasibility of wide-scale implementation of the measures and biospecimen collection within three cancer centers’ catchment areas.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Institute’s Grid-Enabled Measures web-based platform and an iterative process, we developed the Florida Health and Ancestry Survey (FHAS). We then used three sampling approaches to implement the FHAS: community-engaged, panel respondent, and random digit dialing (RDD). We asked a subset of participants to provide a saliva sample for future validation of subjective ancestry report with DNA-derived ancestry markers.

Results

This process supported the FHAS content validity. As an indicator of feasibility, the goals for completed surveys by sampling approach were met for two of the three cancer centers, yielding a total of 1438 completed surveys. The RDD approach produced the most representative sample. The panel sampling approach produced inadequate representation of older individuals and males. The community-engaged approach along with social media recruitment produced extreme underrepresentation only for males. Two of the cancer centers mailed biospecimen kits, whereas one did not due to resource constraints. On average, the community engaged approach was more productive in obtaining returned biospecimen samples (80%) than the panel approach (48%).

Conclusions

We successfully developed and implemented the FHAS as a common measure to show its feasibility for understanding cancer health disparities in Florida. We identified sampling approach successes and challenges to obtaining biospecimens for ancestry research.
Anatomic acetabular reconstruction with femoral head autograft for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with a minimum follow-up of 10 years
Authors: Güneş Zirvecan , Bekmez Şenol , Çağlar Ömür , Mazhar Tokgözoğlu Ahmet , Atilla Bülent
Published: June 2022

Background:

DDH with coxarthrosis causes significant deformity and bone deficiency. Various reconstructive techniques have been proposed to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, the existing literature has not yet reached a consensus on the best technique regarding long-term survival.

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the long-term survival of uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA) coated acetabular components augmented with a femoral head autograft.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 31 hips in 29 patients (24 female, 5 male, mean age 45.06 years) treated with HA-coated cementless components and femoral head autograft between 2000-2008 with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Graft resorption, cup loosening and the anatomical hip centre were determined. Functional outcomes were calculated using the Harris Hip Scoring system. The survival of the acetabular component was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

In 24 hips (77,4%), we reconstructed the hip centre anatomically. The remaining cups had variable deviations from the anatomical rotation centre. Only one patient required revision due to loosening. Survival analysis revealed 96.8% survival at 10 years. The mean Harris Hip Score was 39.23 preoperatively and 84.77 at final follow-up. There was no statistical correlation between revision and any of the measured parameters.

Discussion:

Acetabular reconstruction with a femoral head autograft allows for anatomical cup positioning, early structural support and increases bone stock for future revisions. Although our prior cemented cup study showed that anatomical cup orientation is critical, this study demonstrated the absence of a correlation between implant failure and cup positioning, suggesting that HA-coated cementless cups are more stable and forgiving.

Conclusions:

HA-coated acetabular cups augmented with femoral head autograft provided long-term, reliable and durable cup fixation in dysplastic hips of young adults.
Time to Return to Work After an Occupational Injury and Its Prognostic factors Among Employees of Large-Scale Metal Manufacturing Facilities in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Tamene Aiggan , Habte Aklilu , Derilo Habtamu Tamrat , Endale Fitsum , Gizachew Addisalem , Sulamo Dawit , Afework Abel
Published: June 2022

Background:

Globally, occupational risk factors are thought to be responsible for at least 1.9 million deaths and 90 million disability-adjusted life years per year. Occupational injury survivorship has increased in Ethiopia in recent years. However, the vast majority of the victims are young people who are impacted in their everyday life as a result of occupational injuries. While research in developed countries has revealed several factors related to early return to work, there have been very few studies of significance in underdeveloped countries, including Ethiopia.

Methods:

Metalworkers who had an occupational accident between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, were investigated in a facility-based retrospective cohort. Data was collected from 422 medical records and registration books using a standardized abstraction tool. STATA 15 was used to analyze the data. The median time it took to return to work was computed. The Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to estimate the time to return to work across covariates. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify statistically significant predictors of return to work.

Results:

After a median of 45 days away from work, 310 of the 422 (73.5%) cases returned to work (95% CI 39.7-50.2). The total incidence density of return to work was 1.21 (95% CI = 1.01-1.30) per 100 person-days observed. Professional certification (AHR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.62-2.87), working as a rigger (AHR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.20-2.10), having dependents at home (AHR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.09-2.64), and injuries caused by body movement without any physical stress (AHR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.92-3.56) were all associated with return to work.

Conclusion:

Return to work is influenced by a range of factors other than the type or severity of the injury incurred. Multidisciplinary approaches such as clinical treatment and rehabilitation, ergonomics interventions, and economic and social assistance should be prioritized in the efforts to aid employees’ return to work.