bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors for work participation of people with visual impairments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Daniëls Richard , van Nispen Ruth M. , de Vries Ralph , Donker‐Cools Birgit H. P. M. , Schaafsma Frederieke G. , Hoving Jan L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess factors associated with work participation in people with visual impairments and to explore how these factors may have changed over time.

Method

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase.com, EBSCO/APA PsycInfo, EBSCO/CINAHL and EBSCO/ERIC from database inception to 1 April 2022 was performed. We included studies with cross‐sectional design, case–control, case‐series or cohort design, involving visually impaired working‐age adults with at least moderate visual impairment, and evaluated the association between visual impairment and work participation. Studies involving participants with deaf‐blindness or multiple disabilities were excluded. We assessed study quality (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale [NOS]), examined between‐study heterogeneity and performed subgroup analyses. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42021241076.

Results

Of 13,585 records, 57 articles described 55 studies including 1,326,091 participants from mostly high‐income countries. Sociodemographic factors associated with employment included higher education (odds ratio [OR] 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.47 to 4.51, I2 0%), being male (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.84, I2 95%), having a partner (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.67, I2 34%), white ethnicity (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.74, I2 0%) and having financial assistance (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.55, I2 85%). Disease‐related factors included worse visual impairment (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.80, I2 98%) or having additional disabilities (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.62, I2 16%). Intervention‐related factors included mobility aid utilisation (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.18, I2 94%). A potential moderating effect of time period and geographical region was observed for some factors. Study quality (NOS) was rated moderate to high.

Conclusion

Several sociodemographic and disease related factors were associated with employment status. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of overall high heterogeneity. Future research should focus on the role of workplace factors, technological adjustments and vocational rehabilitation services on work participation.
Rising Patriarchy and Declining Economic Opportunity: Life Courses and Social Change in Egypt between 1965 and 2018
Authors: Buyukkececi Zafer , Fasang Anette Eva , Kraus Vered
Published: July 2023

Despite Egypt's economic growth and educational expansion, gender inequalities and a lack of economic opportunities for young adults persist. Existing studies on social change in Egypt often rely on aggregate trend indicators or focus on isolated point‐in‐time work or family outcomes. This study adopts a life course perspective to (1) trace cohort changes in work‐family life courses for individuals born between 1956 and 1988 (N = 19,970) from 1965 to 2018, (2) assess gender inequality trends in life courses across cohorts, and (3) link different life course patterns to aggregate development indicators. Using retrospective data from the Egyptian Labor Market Panel, multichannel sequence and cluster analyses identify ten typical life course profiles that can be divided into: a state‐structured life course; and various manifestations of family‐ and market‐structured life courses. The economically secure state‐structured life course declined in favor of rising market‐structured and family‐structured life courses. Gender inequality in employment increased across cohorts. GDP growth was associated with economically insecure market‐structured life courses for men and family‐structured life courses of economic inactivity for women. Cohort change in life courses was most rapid in the transition period from authoritarian socialism to unregulated crony capitalism (1980–1990) when cohorts born in the 1970s reached adulthood.
Distribution of photoactive β‐carboline alkaloids across Passiflora caerulea floral organs
Authors: Ospina‐Calvo Brian , De Gerónimo Eduardo , Villarruel Fernando D. , Aparicio Virgina C. , Ashworth Lorena , Erra‐Balsells Rosa , Cabrerizo Franco M.
Published: July 2023

This study reports valuable information regarding the presence and concentration of a series of photoactive β‐carboline (βCs) alkaloids (norharmane, harmane, harmine, harmol, harmaline, and harmalol) and their distribution across the floral age and organs of Passiflora caerulea. UHPLC–MS/MS data reported herein reveal that the βCs' content ranged from 1 to 110 μg kg−1, depending on the floral organ and age. In certain physiologically relevant organs, such as anthers, βCs' content was one order of magnitude higher than in other organs, suggesting a special role for βCs in this specific organ. βCs' content also varied in a structure‐dependent manner. Alkaloids bearing a hydroxyl group at position C(7) of the main βC ring were present at concentrations one order of magnitude higher than other βC derivatives investigated. UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy of the flower extracts provided complementary information regarding other biologically relevant groups of chromophores (phenolic/indolic derivatives, flavonoids/carotenes, and chlorophylls). Since flowers are constantly exposed to solar radiation, the presence of photoactive βCs in floral organs may have several (photo)biological implications that are further discussed.
The trajectory of non‐depressed suicidal ideation in community‐dwelling older people in a rural area in Japan: a prospective longitudinal study with a 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ichiki Takahiro , Koyama Asuka , Imai Masaki , Nishi Yoshitomo , Abe Yasuhisa , Fukunaga Ryuta , Murakami Ryoji , Nagaoka Maiko , Takebayashi Minoru , Fujise Noboru
Published: July 2023

Background

Suicidal ideation is closely related to severe suicidal behaviour and is an important predictor of suicide attempt and completion, including in older people. Older people tend to have many opportunities to be conscious of death, and may have vague suicidal ideation because of various loss experiences, even if they are not depressed. We hypothesised that suicidal ideation among older people might be a risk factor for later transition to depression. The present study aimed to clarify risk factors that predict the incidence of depression in older people 3 years post‐baseline in a rural area of Japan, and to examine the subsequent course of depression among non‐depressed older people with suicidal ideation.

Methods

In 2015 and 2018, survey questionnaires were mailed to residents aged 65 years and over living in a rural area in Japan. Participants were divided into a depression group and a non‐depression group using 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale scores 3 years post‐baseline. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors of late‐life depression 3 years post‐baseline.

Results

We received 597 valid responses, with a 3‐year follow‐up rate of 78.8%. Regarding suicidal ideation, 6.7% of non‐depressed older people exhibited suicidal ideation at baseline. Of these, 9.8% exhibited depression after 3 years post‐baseline. Logistic regression analysis indicated that development of late‐life depression is significantly associated with suicidal ideation, being female, and poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Conclusions

The results revealed that suicidal ideation, being female, and poor HRQOL were predictive factors of the development of late‐life depression 3 years post‐baseline in a rural area of Japan. These findings provide novel information regarding the transition to depression among community‐dwelling older people who are not depressed but have suicidal ideation. Whereas suicidal ideation is considered to be a symptom of depression, the current results suggest that suicidal ideation may precede depression in some older people.
Examining factors associated with emergency managers' collaborative planning with health departments prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hildebrand Sean , Wehde Wesley
Published: July 2023

We contribute to the growing body of research on COVID‐19 and pandemic response by connecting two bodies of existing but disparate research. Specifically, we examine how professionalization in emergency management is associated with collaborative outcomes. Using three unique surveys of local emergency managers (EMs) and convergent mixed methods, we find that more appropriate types of professionalization are more strongly associated with collaborative planning outcomes. EMs who completed pandemic‐related exercises were much more likely to report a collaborative plan with public health being in place prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. These EMs were also potentially less negative in their opinions about collaboration. Other measures of professionalization were less strongly associated with collaborative planning outcomes. These results shed light on the importance of appropriate forms of professionalization in public and emergency management in improving collaboration and potential performance.
The bureaucrat, the entrepreneur, and the networker: Developing and validating measurement scales for civil servants’ role perceptions
Authors: van der Meer Joëlle , Vermeeren Brenda , van Thiel Sandra , Steijn Bram
Published: July 2023

Civil servants’ work is being affected by an increasing variety of government reforms. As such, the role of civil servants is a major topic of research. Nevertheless, no validated measurement scales exist for how civil servants themselves perceive their own role in a complex and constantly changing environment. We develop and validate measurement scales for civil servants’ role perceptions. Using data from two surveys (N = 161 and N = 1080), we develop scales for bureaucratic, entrepreneurial, and networking role perceptions. We found that each role perception consists of two idiosyncratic elements. We tested our scales for reliability and validity and found that all three role perceptions related to role ambiguity, commitment, and engagement. Moreover, the entrepreneurial and networking role perceptions correlated with Public Service Motivation (PSM), while the bureaucratic and entrepreneurial role perceptions correlated with performance. We discuss opportunities to systematically study the effects and antecedents of civil servants’ role perceptions as they have practical implications.
Equity in government contracting: Analyzing the performance of small disadvantaged businesses
Authors: Brunjes Benjamin M. , Rodriguez‐Plesa Evelyn
Published: July 2023

Set aside programs, which preference disadvantaged businesses, have long been among the largest government equity programs in the United States. Set asides ensure government revenues spur economic growth in firms and communities that have traditionally lacked representation in systems of power. However, there has been skepticism about whether set aside programs are compatible with the efficiency objectives of government contracting. Few empirical studies have assessed the comparative performance of small, disadvantaged businesses and other firms to determine if there are differences. Using contract level data from the Federal Procurement Data System: Next Generation, we test whether set aside contracts are associated with a reduction in the government's ability to secure “best value.” We find few performance differences between small, disadvantaged businesses, and other vendors across a range of goods and services, suggesting mutual benefits and no outsized risks when governments engage in contracts with disadvantaged firms.
Biomass of key grazing fishes is an important determinant of coral growth and fouling control in coral nurseries
Authors: Knoester Ewout G. , Rizzi Emilia , Murk Albertinka J. , Osinga Ronald
Published: July 2023

Restoration is an emerging tool for coral reef conservation, yet despite small‐scale successes there are concerns about high costs and ecological setbacks. Integration between reef ecology and restoration could help address such concerns. A prime example is the use of grazing by herbivores to reduce coral nursery cleaning costs. However, the relation between herbivore communities and cleaning benefits remains unquantified. This study aimed to measure links between herbivorous fish communities, grazing intensity and coral nursery performance. Six reefs were selected in southern Kenya, equally divided across three levels of fisheries management (fished < reserve < no‐take). Fish surveys determined herbivorous fish biomass and composition, and remote underwater videos recorded grazing intensity on coral nurseries. Accumulated fouling and coral growth were measured at the end of the 4‐month study. Grazing intensity was sixfold lower and fouling density fourfold higher in the fished areas compared to protected zones. Higher fouling strongly correlated with lower coral growth: exponential growth constants in fished areas were respectively twice and three times as low compared to marine reserves and no‐take zones. Across study sites grazing was dominated by bristletooth tangs (Ctenochaetus spp.), except where these were outcompeted by territorial damselfish. Thus, better coral nursery performance in protected areas can be partially linked to higher grazing intensity, which in turn is determined by both fish biomass and local species composition. We recommend protecting herbivorous fish species and placing coral nurseries in areas with high biomass of key grazers to improve coral nursery performance and reduce maintenance costs.
The armory project: Partnering with firearm retailers to promote and provide voluntary out‐of‐home firearm storage
Authors: Constans Joseph I. , Houtsma Claire , Bailey Matthew , True Gala
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In this article, we describe the development of a regional firearm storage network organized by investigators affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs and run by small business, firearm retailers who were also U.S. Veterans.

Methods

Three firearm retailers participated as collaborators in the development of a temporary out‐of‐home storage program and as test sites in a 4‐month, uncontrolled pilot. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were collected to assess feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and program effectiveness.

Results

Data indicated the out‐of‐home storage program was feasible and acceptable to firearm retailers and their staff. The program led to changes in staff beliefs regarding the role of secure firearm storage in suicide prevention, dispersal of materials about the out‐of‐home storage program to customers, conversations about secure storage and availability of out‐of‐home storage, and actual storage of customers' firearms.

Conclusions

We discuss the potential benefits and limitations of a voluntary out‐of‐home storage network organized by public health professionals but run by firearm retailers.
How taste proximity affects consumer quality valuation of imported varieties: Evidence from the French food sector
Authors: Guerra Francesco
Published: July 2023

Consumer tastes vary by country and influence food trade patterns. While previous literature highlights different cultural elements as either trade promoters or barriers, divergences in consumer tastes may also generate differences in the perception of the quality of products. As a consequence, consumer taste in destination countries is likely to affect the demand for imported products in a different manner according to the origin and the quality of products imported. Based on firm‐product level data on French exports, this study analyses how differences in taste proximity with French consumers across destination markets affect the export revenues of vertically differentiated varieties. To identify taste proximity, we rely on data gathered from TripAdvisor on the type of cuisine offered in restaurants all over the world. The results of this study suggest that quality of French products is more strongly appreciated and consumers are more willing to spend on high‐quality products in countries with a taste similar to that of French consumers.
Arte da guerra e arte do Estado em Maquiavel
Authors: Adverse Helton
Published: July 2023

Aceitando o pressuposto de que política e guerra são domínios afins em Maquiavel, nós pretendemos neste artigo examinar a especificidade da arte da guerra em cotejamento com a arte do Estado. Se as homologias entre os dois campos são evidentes, resta investigar os pontos em que eles se diferenciam de modo decisivo. Para tanto, será preciso fazer duas coisas: por um lado, destacar as principais componentes da arte da guerra como conjunto de práticas; por outro lado, demonstrar que ela somente pode alcançar seus objetivos se for capaz de produzir a união entre os integrantes do exército.
Danzar conceptos filosóficos
Authors: Acevedo-Zapata Diana María
Published: July 2023

En este texto exploraré la idea de que la práctica de la danza puede ser un método de investigación en filosofía. Propongo que no solo es posible hacer filosofía en movimiento, sino que además esta aproximación cinética al pensamiento permite poner en cuestión y transformar sesgos y paradigmas patriarcales y coloniales que han predominado en la historia de la filosofía.  La danza nos permite experimentar nuestros cuerpos a través de, en y por el movimiento, en lugar de meramente hablar y referirnos al cuerpo como un objeto (como cualquier otro objeto) y de conceptualizar sus propiedades generales. Mi tesis es que un cuerpo que piensa es un cuerpo en movimiento, de manera que, si queremos filosofar como una forma de rechazar los dualismos y privilegios arbitrarios, la danza es una forma interesante de hacerlo. Analizaré el concepto de lo viviente de Gilbert Simondon, a partir de una difracción basada en la experiencia de participar en un taller de danza de Marie Bardet, para mostrar que cuando la temporalidad y la topología de lo viviente se aclaran en la experiencia, es posible constatar las potencias de pensamiento de los cuerpos múltiples, ya no está en cuestión un cuerpo abstracto, sino un cuerpo vivido, feminizado, marcado por historias singulares.
La huella de Dios en el cuerpo de los hombres. Acercamiento desde el psicoanálisis y la teología
Authors: Salazar Camilo
Published: July 2023

Lo que suele llamarse la existencia de Dios parece ser un problema que insiste en el pensamiento occidental. Asumir dicha existencia a través de categorías que permitan objetivarla parece descansar en paradojas que obturan su consistencia, de manera que la insistencia de dicho problema permite reconocer la presencia de un exceso. Este exceso será considerado como una huella de aquello que excede, sin determinar una figura. Abordaje que se llevará a cabo en la intersección de dos discursos que abordan, cada uno a su manera, el asunto del estatuto de este tipo de huella: el psicoanálisis y la teología. Dicha intersección opera a través de un elemento común, el cuerpo como localización de un Otro, del que la única noticia que nos es remitida es la concavidad de su ausencia. Desde este lugar común podría pensarse un espacio donde el problema de la existencia de Dios adquiera una consistencia que es apropiada al mismo, en concordancia con la textura de su propio “cuerpo”.
La naturaleza de la confianza: Hobbes y Spaemann en diálogo
Authors: Vargas-González Carlos , Toro-Jaramillo Ivan-Darío
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación pone en diálogo las posiciones de Hobbes y de Spaemann respecto a la naturaleza de la confianza, para lo cual se asume una postura hermenéutica. Los principales resultados de esta arrojan que para Hobbes la confianza ha de ser aprendida, pues la desconfianza es lo primero con lo que se encuentra el ser humano; mientras que, para Spaemann, el hombre es un ser confiado y aprende a desconfiar. Como efecto de este diálogo se descubre que ambos autores tienen como base para la confianza la sociabilidad humana, por lo cual se concluye que la disposición de la confianza se da en la naturaleza humana como condición de posibilidad para el acto de confiar.
The Effect of Interfacial Tension and Emulsification in Enhancing Oil Recovery During Surfactant Flooding
Authors: Shi Xuedong , Yang Xin , Xu Yongquan , Zhang Shilu , Dong Mingda , Zhang Dongmei
Published: July 2023

The effectiveness of various surfactants in improving crude oil displacement efficiency was evaluated using one-dimensional homogeneous core and three-dimensional heterogeneous models. Emulsification of the crude oil was simulated using an ultrasonic instrument, and the emulsification degree was evaluated based on droplet dispersion, droplet number density, interfacial tension, external phase viscosity, internal phase volume, and demulsification time. Six surfactants could be divided into five emulsifying types: non-emulsification, emulsification inversion, early emulsification, late emulsification, and whole process emulsification. The results showed that the surfactants had varying levels of effectiveness in improving displacement efficiency. The whole process emulsification system can effectively start the residual oil in the pore throat and reduce the free-state and bound-state residual oil saturation. The area of the mainstream zone between the injection and production wells was significantly expanded after the whole process emulsification system was injected. The whole process emulsification is more important than interfacial tension for enhancing oil recovery.
Deposition and characterization of α-Fe2O3/Pd thin films for neutron reflectometry studies
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Self Ethan C. , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Rouleau Christopher M. , Wixom Ryan R. , Browning Katie L. , Veith Gabriel M. , Liang Liyuan , Browning James F.
Published: July 2023

We report deposition of hematite/Pd thin films on silicon wafers via radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and subsequent characterization for future in situ neutron reflectometry studies. Following deposition, the hematite/Pd thin films were characterized as prepared and after annealing in air for 2h at 400, 500, and 600 °C, respectively. Raman spectroscopy, grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, and neutron reflectometry (NR) were used to characterize the structure and chemical compositions of the thin films. The results indicate that pure α-Fe2O3 (hematite) films were produced, free from other iron oxide phases and impurities. NR data reveal that one intermediate layer between the Pd layer and the hematite layer was formed during sputtering deposition processes. The fitted scattering length density (SLD) of the as-deposited hematite layer is 70% of the theoretical SLD value, indicating that the grains are loosely packed in the RF-deposited hematite films. After annealing at elevated temperatures, the hematite films show increased SLD values but remain comparable to that of preannealed.
Impact of naturalistic smartphone positioning on acoustic measures of voice
Authors: McKenna Victoria S. , Roberts Rachel M. , Friedman Aaron D. , Shanley Savannah N. , Llico Andres F.
Published: July 2023

Smartphone technology has been used for at-home health monitoring, but there are few available applications (apps) for tracking acoustic measures of voice for those with chronic voice problems. Current apps limit the user by restricting the range of smartphone positions to those that are unnatural and non-interactive. Therefore, we aimed to understand how more natural smartphone positions impacted the accuracy of acoustic measures in comparison to clinically acquired and derived measures. Fifty-six adults (11 vocally healthy, 45 voice disordered, aged 18–80 years) completed voice recordings while holding their smartphones in four different positions (e.g., as if reading from the phone, up to the ear, etc.) while a head-mounted high-quality microphone attached to a handheld acoustic recorder simultaneously captured voice recordings. Comparisons revealed that mean fundamental frequency (Hz), maximum phonation time (s), and cepstral peak prominence (CPP; dB) were not impacted by phone position; however, CPP was significantly lower on smartphone recordings than handheld recordings. Spectral measures (low-to-high spectral ratio, harmonics-to-noise ratio) were impacted by the phone position and the recording device. These results indicate that more natural phone positions can be used to capture specific voice measures, but not all are directly comparable to clinically derived values.
Trajectories of Device-Measured Physical Activity During Early Childhood and Its Determinants: Findings From the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Tornquist Debora , Crochemore-Silva Inácio , Tornquist Luciana , Mielke Grégore I. , Ekelund Ulf , Murray Joseph , Domingues Marlos R.
Published: July 2023

Background: The objective was to describe trajectories of physical activity (PA) measured by accelerometry during early childhood and to test associations with sociodemographic, gestational, maternal, and perinatal determinants. Methods: Data from 1798 children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analyzed. PA was measured with wrist accelerometers at 1, 2, and 4 years. PA trajectories were estimated using group-based trajectory modeling, and associations with determinants were tested using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: Two trajectories were identified: Moderate and high PA, both showing a linear increase in PA in the first years but differing in volume. Girls (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.94), highly educated mothers (PR: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.97), and high birth weight children (PR: 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.97) showed less probability of high PA trajectory. Birth order ≥3 (PR: 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11) was associated with higher likelihood of high PA trajectory. Conclusions: Children showed an increase in PA during the first years, with 2 trajectories that differ in PA levels. Female sex, high maternal schooling, and high birth weight reduced the probability of having a high PA trajectory, while higher birth order increased this probability. These characteristics should be considered when planning PA interventions for children in early childhood.
Overexpression of Nfe2l1 increases proteasome activity and delays vision loss in a preclinical model of human blindness
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Snell Aaron , Dyka Frank M. , Colvin Elizabeth R. , Ildefonso Cristhian , Ash John D. , Lobanova Ekaterina S.
Published: July 2023

Proteasomes are the central proteolytic machines that are critical for breaking down most of the damaged and abnormal proteins in human cells. Although universally applicable drugs are not yet available, the stimulation of proteasomal activity is being analyzed as a proof-of-principle strategy to increase cellular resistance to a broad range of proteotoxic stressors. These approaches have included the stimulation of proteasomes through the overexpression of individual proteasome subunits, phosphorylation, or conformational changes induced by small molecules or peptides. In contrast to these approaches, we evaluated a transcription-driven increase in the total proteasome pool to enhance the proteolytic capacity of degenerating retinal neurons. We show that overexpression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-like 1 (Nfe2l1) transcription factor stimulated proteasome biogenesis and activity, improved the clearance of the ubiquitin-proteasomal reporter, and delayed photoreceptor neuron loss in a preclinical mouse model of human blindness caused by misfolded proteins. The findings highlight Nfe2l1 as an emerging therapeutic target to treat neurodegenerative diseases linked to protein misfolding.
Targeting gut microbiota–derived kynurenine to predict and protect the remodeling of the pressure-overloaded young heart
Authors: Shi Bozhong , Zhang Xiaoyang , Song Zhiying , Dai Zihao , Luo Kai , Chen Bo , Zhou Zijie , Cui Yue , Feng Bei , Zhu Zhongqun , Zheng Jinghao , Zhang Hao , He Xiaomin
Published: July 2023

Pressure-overloaded left ventricular remodeling in young population is progressive and readily degenerate into heart failure. The aims of this study were to identify a plasma metabolite that predicts and is mechanistically linked to the disease. Untargeted metabolomics determined elevated plasma kynurenine (Kyn) in both the patient cohorts and the mice model, which was correlated with remodeling parameters. In vitro and in vivo evidence, combined with single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), demonstrated that Kyn affected both cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) to up-regulate hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related genes. Shotgun metagenomics and fecal microbiota transplantation revealed the existence of the altered gut microbiota-Kyn relationship. Supplementation of selected microbes reconstructed the gut microbiota, reduced plasma Kyn, and alleviated ventricular remodeling. Our data collectively discovered a gut microbiota–derived metabolite to activate AHR and its gene targets in remodeling young heart, a process that could be prevented by specific gut microbiota modulation.
The EcoCyc Database (2023)
Authors: Karp Peter D. , Paley Suzanne , Caspi Ron , Kothari Anamika , Krummenacker Markus , Midford Peter E. , Moore Lisa R. , Subhraveti Pallavi , Gama-Castro Socorro , Tierrafria Victor H. , Lara Paloma , Muñiz-Rascado Luis , Bonavides-Martinez César , Santos-Zavaleta Alberto , Mackie Amanda , Sun Gwanggyu , Ahn-Horst Travis A. , Choi Heejo , Covert Markus W. , Collado-Vides Julio , Paulsen Ian
Published: July 2023

EcoCyc is a bioinformatics database available online at
http://www.EcoCyc.org
that describes the genome and the biochemical machinery of
Escherichia coli
K-12 MG1655. The long-term goal of the project is to describe the complete molecular catalog of the
E. coli
cell, as well as the functions of each of its molecular parts, to facilitate a system-level understanding of
E. coli
.
Characterizing the Pathogenic Potential of Crohn’s Disease-Associated Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli
Authors: Zangara Megan T. , Darwish Lena , Coombes Brian K.
Published: July 2023

The microbiome of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients is composed of a microbial community that is considered dysbiotic and proinflammatory in nature. The overrepresentation of
Enterobacteriaceae
species is a common feature of the CD microbiome, and much attention has been given to understanding the pathogenic role this feature plays in disease activity.
Complete response of a large basosquamous carcinoma following treatment with cemiplimab and vismodegib
Authors: Pirruccello Jonathan , Afzal Muhammad Zubair , Voudouri Mariana , Shirai Keisuke
Published: July 2023

The anti-PD-1 antibody cemiplimab has demonstrated effectiveness in the setting of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma. We describe a case of a large, locally invasive basosquamous carcinoma, an aggressive type of BCC, invading the left sternocleidomastoid muscle with near compression of the left internal jugular vein producing a severe anaemia secondary to ulceration and chronic blood loss. The patient was initially started on vismodegib monotherapy but failed to respond. He was then started on cemiplimab in addition to vismodegib. Improvement was noted after one cycle. After 21 cycles of cemiplimab, the left shoulder ulcerated lesion was completely re-epithelialised. He remains in complete remission after 31 cycles of cemiplimab in addition to vismodegib.
Rituximab for treatment of pachymeningitis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Patankar Aditi , Yadav Sandeep , Balakrishnan Canchi , Baliga Sahana
Published: July 2023

Pachymeningitis is a rare manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and there is a paucity of literature regarding the efficiency of rituximab (RTX) in such cases. We present a woman in her early 50s with GPA who initially responded adequately to conventional therapy. However, the treatment course was complicated by pulmonary cryptococcosis. The patient later developed non-infectious pachymeningitis, which failed to respond to steroids and methotrexate. However, using RTX upfront led to good clinical response and radiological resolution.
Contributing factors involved in the safety of elderly people with chronic illness in home healthcare: a qualitative study
Authors: Keyvanloo Shahrestanaki Sahar , Rafii Forough , Ashghali Farahani Mansoureh , Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Amrollah Majdabadi Kohne Zahra
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Patients receiving home care are often elderly people with chronic illnesses that increasingly experience patient safety barriers due to special care needs.

Objective

The present study was conducted to determine the factors involved in the safety of elderly patients with chronic illnesses receiving home care.

Methods

A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was conducted in home care agencies of Tehran, Iran from August 2020 to July 2022. For data generation, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 nurses, 2 nurse assistants, 1 home care inspector (an expert working at the deputy of treatment) and 3 family caregivers. Moreover, four observational sessions were also held. Data analysis was done using the five-step Graneheim and Lundman method.

Results

According to the results, the facilitators of the safety of the elderly patients with chronic illnesses included the family’s participation, nurse’s competence, efficiency of the home care agency management and patient’s participation in patient safety. The barriers to patient safety included problems created by the family, nurse’s incompetence, inefficiency of the home care agency, patient’s prevention of patient safety, home care setting limitations and health system limitations.

Conclusion

The majority of the factors involved in the safety of elderly patients with chronic diseases receiving home care had dual roles and could serve as a double-edged sword to guarantee or hinder patient safety. Identification of the facilitators and barriers can assist nurses and the healthcare system in planning and implementing patient safety improvement programmes for elderly patients with chronic illnesses.
Relative deprivation and human flourishing: how do upward income comparisons affect health, happiness and life satisfaction?
Authors: Kuo Chun-Tung , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: July 2023

Background

Relative deprivation induced by social comparisons is hypothesised to deleteriously affect health. Previous work has proposed theCR∼iindex as a measure of relative deprivation; however, the performance of this novel index still needs further testing in the working-age population. This study examined the association of three relative deprivation measures (the Yitzhaki Index, income rank and theCR∼iindex) with human flourishing outcomes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analysed data from 2177 working-age adults in Taiwan. We conducted least-squares linear models to investigate the association between relative deprivation measures and health, happiness, life satisfaction, meaning in life, social relationships, and subjective well-being.

Results

When using sex and age as the reference group, for each increased SD in the Yitzhaki Index, the six human flourishing outcomes decreased by 0.10–0.20 SD. The results were consistent across various definitions of the reference group. Based on the Akaike information criterion, the Yitzhaki Index generally showed better model fits for health, happiness, life satisfaction and meaning in life, and had comparable model fits with the income rank for social relationships and subjective well-being. In comparing the relative performance of theCR∼iindex, positive α parameters (0<α<1) generally showed better model fits, suggesting that individuals were more sensitive to comparisons with those more distant from their own income level.

Conclusion

Policies to reduce relative deprivation by lowering income inequality could contribute to a higher level of health, happiness, life satisfaction, meaning in life, social relationships and subjective well-being.
Endovascular treatment for large-core ischaemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials
Authors: Palaiodimou Lina , Sarraj Amrou , Safouris Apostolos , Magoufis Georgios , Lemmens Robin , Sandset Else Charlotte , Turc Guillaume , Psychogios Marios , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Current guidelines recommend endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), due to large-vessel occlusion and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of ≥6. High-quality evidence resulting from randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) regarding EVT among large-core AIS has recently become available, justifying an updated meta-analysis aiming to evaluate efficacy and safety of EVT in this clinical setting.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including all available RCTs that compared EVT in addition to best medical treatment (BMT) versus BMT alone for large-core AIS (defined by ASPECTS 2–5 or volumetric methods). The primary outcome was reduced disability at 3 months (≥1-point reduction across all Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) grades). Secondary outcomes included independent ambulation at 3 months (mRS score 0–3), good functional outcome at 3 months (mRS score 0–2), excellent functional outcome at 3 months (mRS score 0–1), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and any intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and mortality at 3 months. The random-effects model was used.

Results

Four RCTs were included comprising a total of 662 patients treated with EVT vs 649 patients treated with BMT. Compared with BMT, EVT was significantly associated with reduced disability (common OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.07; I2=0%), independent ambulation (risk ratio (RR) 1.69, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.14; I2=39%) and good functional outcome (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.10; I2=0%), but not with excellent functional outcome (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.33; I2=39%) at 3 months. Although rates of sICH (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.68; I2=0%) and any ICH (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.66; I2=37%) were higher in the EVT group, 3-month mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.15; I2=0%) did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

EVT appears to be effective and safe and may be considered for the treatment of large-core AIS, as assessed by ASPECTS of 2–5 or volumetric methods.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022334417.
Sentiment analysis of pain physician reviews on Healthgrades: a physician review website
Authors: Cheng Christopher P , Owusu Tony , Shekane Paul , Patel Alopi M
Published: July 2023

Introduction

There are currently no published studies using patient reviews of pain physicians to quantitatively assess patient preferences for pain physician attributes. The aim of the present study was to use natural language processing to quantitatively analyze patient reviews of pain physicians by determining the effect of physician demographics and word frequency on positive review outcomes.

Methods

Using a peer-reviewed algorithm, online Healthgrades reviews of pain physicians practicing in the USA were scored according to their positive sentiment from −1 to 1. These sentiment scores and star ratings were used to compare physicians by age, gender and region of practice. Frequency analysis of words and bigrams was performed for all reviews.

Results

There were 15 101 reviews collected among 1275 pain physicians which showed male physicians received higher star ratings and review sentiment scores than female physicians. Pain physicians younger than 55 years received higher star ratings and sentiment scores than those of 55 years and older. Frequency analysis revealed that words most commonly used in the more positive patient reviews included ‘care’, ‘professional’, ‘patient’, ‘help’ and ‘kind’; the words most commonly used in less positive reviews included ‘pain’, ‘back’, ‘office’, ‘time’ and ‘years’.

Conclusions

Male and/or younger pain physicians receive more positive reviews. Patients highly rate pain physicians who are perceived as personable. Patients lowly rate physicians who are perceived as providing ineffective treatment of their pain as well as when they experience barriers to their access to care.
Local anesthetic dosing and toxicity of adult truncal catheters: a narrative review of published practice
Authors: Bungart Brittani , Joudeh Lana , Fettiplace Michael
Published: July 2023

Background/importance

Anesthesiologists frequently use truncal catheters for postoperative pain control but with limited characterization of dosing and toxicity.

Objective

We reviewed the published literature to characterize local anesthetic dosing and toxicity of paravertebral and transversus abdominis plane catheters in adults.

Evidence review

We searched the literature for bupivacaine or ropivacaine infusions in the paravertebral or transversus abdominis space in humans dosed for 24 hours. We evaluated bolus dosing, infusion dosing and cumulative 24-hour dosing in adults. We also identified cases of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and toxic blood levels.

Findings

Following screening, we extracted data from 121 and 108 papers for ropivacaine and bupivacaine respectively with a total of 6802 patients. For ropivacaine and bupivacaine, respectively, bolus dose was 1.4 mg/kg (95% CI 0.4 to 3.0, n=2978) and 1.0 mg/kg (95% CI 0.18 to 2.1, n=2724); infusion dose was 0.26 mg/kg/hour (95% CI 0.06 to 0.63, n=3579) and 0.2 mg/kg/hour (95% CI 0.06 to 0.5, n=3199); 24-hour dose was 7.75 mg/kg (95% CI 2.1 to 15.7, n=3579) and 6.0 mg/kg (95% CI 2.1 to 13.6, n=3223). Twenty-four hour doses exceeded the package insert recommended upper limit in 28% (range: 17%–40% based on maximum and minimum patient weights) of ropivacaine infusions and 51% (range: 45%–71%) of bupivacaine infusions. Toxicity occurred in 30 patients and was associated with high 24-hour dose, bilateral catheters, cardiac surgery, cytochrome P-450 inhibitors and hypoalbuminemia.

Conclusion

Practitioners frequently administer ropivacaine and bupivacaine above the package insert limits, at doses associated with toxicity. Patient safety would benefit from more specific recommendations to limit excessive dose and risk of toxicity.
Tree and 1-loop fundamental BCJ relations from soft theorems
Authors: Wei Fang-Stars , Zhou Kang
Published: July 2023

We provide a new derivation of the fundamental BCJ relation among double-color-ordered tree amplitudes of bi-adjoint scalar theory, based on the leading soft theorem for external scalars. Then, we generalize the fundamental BCJ relation to 1-loop Feynman integrands. We also use the fundamental BCJ relation to understand Adler’s zero for tree amplitudes of the nonlinear sigma model and Born–Infeld theory.
Responding to the Trauma That Is Endemic to the Criminal Legal System: Many Opportunities for Juvenile Prevention, Intervention, and Rehabilitation
Authors: Keels Micere
Published: July 2023

There is increasing pressure for the juvenile criminal legal system to address trauma; this is in response to advances in the science of trauma and adversity, evidence from interventions showing promising outcomes for juveniles coping with trauma, and development of systemic frameworks for providing trauma-informed care. This review details how exposure to potentially traumatic events can create primary, secondary, and tertiary effects that are relevant to how the criminal legal system engages with juveniles coping with trauma. Associations that could be dismissed on methodological challenges can no longer be ignored as an increasingly sophisticated body of prospective studies replicate previous cross-sectional and retrospective studies, which found a higher prevalence of trauma among system-involved juveniles and show that exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma symptoms play causal roles in engaging in behaviors that can be classified as criminal offending. Additionally, several examples are used to illustrate how racialized exposure to systemic trauma across generations underlies racialized disparities in persistent criminal offending—over exposure to potentially traumatic events and underexposure to coping resources. A broad range of developmental and criminological research is drawn upon to provide frameworks for implementing trauma-informed care as a systemic intervention aimed at minimizing retraumatization and using every interaction that juveniles have with the criminal legal system to contribute to recovery and prevent recidivism.
The Structure and Operation of the Transgender Criminal Legal System Nexus in the United States: Inequalities, Administrative Violence, and Injustice at Every Turn
Authors: Jenness Valerie , Rowland Alexis
Published: July 2023

A growing body of research reveals that transgender people are disproportionately in contact with the criminal legal system, wherein they experience considerable discrimination, violence, and other harms. To better understand transgender people's involvement in this system, this article synthesizes research from criminology, transgender studies, and related fields as well as empirical findings produced outside of academe, to conceptualize a “transgender criminal legal system nexus.” This article examines historical and contemporary criminalization of transgender people; differential system contact and attendant experiences associated with police contact, judicial decision-making, and incarceration; and pathways to system involvement for transgender people. The analytic focus is on cultural logics related to institutionalized conceptualizations of gender, discriminatory people-processing in various domains of the criminal legal system, and institutionally produced disparities for transgender people involved in the criminal legal system, especially transgender women of color. The article concludes with a discussion of directions for future research, including a focus on administrative violence, organizational sorting, intersectionality, and measurement challenges.
The Sixty-Year Trajectory of Homicide Clearance Rates: Toward a Better Understanding of the Great Decline
Authors: Cook Philip J. , Mancik Ashley
Published: July 2023

In 1962, the FBI reported a national homicide clearance rate of 93%. That rate dropped 29 points by 1994. This Great Decline has been studied and accepted as a real phenomenon but remains mysterious, as does the period of relative stability that followed. The decline was shared across regions and all city sizes but differed greatly among categories defined by victim race and weapon type. Gun homicides with Black victims accounted for most of the decline. We review the evidence on several possible explanations for the national decline, including those pertaining to case mix, investigation resources, and citizen cooperation. Our preferred explanation includes an upward trend in the standard for arrest, with strong evidence that although clearance-by-arrest rates declined, the likelihood of conviction and prison sentence actually increased. That result has obvious implications for the history of policing practice and for the validity of the usual clearance rate as a police performance measure.