bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the Hood to the Home: Masculinity Maturation of Chicago Street Gang Members
Authors: Leverso John , Hess Chris
Published: August 2021

This study draws on interviews with 29 former gang members to investigate changes in masculinity practices over time, which we term masculinity maturation. We find that perceptions of masculinity embodied dominant values while in the gang as well as later in the life course. For instance, respondents expressed that men should always act with respect, honor, and integrity toward others. We observed changes, however, in the ways that men accomplished their masculinities reflecting individuals’ shifting perceptions about the gang’s ability to be a resource to gain a masculine identity. Perceptions that the gang was not upholding masculine values spurred masculinity dilemmas that were associated with new dominant practices of masculinity centered on different social institutions like family, work, and religion as they grew older. The level of masculinity maturation that took place was linked to the strength of incongruence between perceptions of age-appropriate masculinity and gang masculinity.
Leader-Employee Gap in Verbal Transactional Leadership and Distributed Leadership: Evidence From a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Kjeldsen Anne Mette , Andersen Lotte Bøgh
Published: August 2021

Leadership behavior only contributes to goal attainment in public organizations if the employees perceive the behavior. Given that studies on self-other agreement show large gaps in perceived leadership between leaders and employees, it is highly relevant to ask how HRM-programs such as leadership training can reduce these gaps. Based on a large randomized field experiment including 130 leaders and their 4,800 employees in the Danish municipality of Aarhus, this article compares how different types of leadership training affect gaps in perceived leadership. Results from pre- and post-intervention surveys show a decreased gap in leader-employee perceptions of verbal transactional leadership, while the gap in perceived distributed leadership did not change. This suggests that leadership training can make leaders’ and employees’ perceived leadership behaviors more aligned, but less so for employee-centered leadership approaches such as distributed leadership.
Gambling-Related Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: A Grounded Theory Model of Individual and Relationship Determinants
Authors: Hing Nerilee , O’Mullan Catherine , Nuske Elaine , Breen Helen , Mainey Lydia , Taylor Annabel , Greer Nancy , Jenkinson Rebecca , Thomas Anna , Lee Jamie , Jackson Alun
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to examine how problem gambling interacts with gendered drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women to exacerbate this violence. Interviews were conducted with 48 female victims of IPV linked to a male partner’s gambling; 24 female victims of IPV linked to their own gambling; and 39 service practitioners from 25 services. Given limited research into gambling-related IPV, but a stronger theoretical base relating to IPV against women, this study used an adaptive grounded theory approach. It engaged with existing theories on gendered drivers of violence against women, while also developing a grounded theory model of individual and relationship determinants based on emergent findings from the data. Gambling-related IPV against women was found to occur in the context of expressions of gender inequality, including men’s attitudes and behaviors that support violence and rigid gender expectations, controlling behaviors, and relationships condoning disrespect of women. Within this context, the characteristics of problem gambling and the financial, emotional and relationship stressors gambling causes intensified the IPV. Alcohol and other drug use, and co-morbid mental health issues, also interacted with gambling to intensify the IPV. Major implications. Reducing gambling-related IPV against women requires integrated, multi-level interventions that reduce both problem gambling and gendered drivers of violence. Gambling operators can act to reduce problem gambling and train staff in responding to IPV. Financial institutions can assist people to limit their gambling expenditure and families to protect their assets. Service providers can be alert to the co-occurrence of gambling problems and IPV and screen, treat, and refer clients appropriately. Public education can raise awareness that problem gambling increases the risk of IPV. Reducing gender inequality is also critical.
Identification of Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia at a Community Hospital
Authors: Covington Elizabeth W. , Rufe Alanna
Published: August 2021

Background: The 2019 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for the management of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia encourage the identification of locally validated risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to guide empiric therapy decisions for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The guidelines urge clinicians to perform local validation to determine prevalence and risk factors pertinent to their institution. Objective: To determine the percentage of community-acquired pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and assess risk factors potentially associated with multidrug-resistant organisms CAP at our hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study analyzing patients admitted to the 344-bed community hospital with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were performed to assess potential risk factors for MDRO pathogens. Results: MDROs were isolated in 41.3% of patients with culture-positive CAP (n=19/46), and 3.6% of patients with microbiological culture data within 48 hours of admission (19/527). Among patients with culture-positive CAP, hospitalization in the previous 90 days and receipt of antibiotics in the previous 90 days occurred more frequently in MDRO patients than non-MDRO patients (37% vs 11%, P=.032). No risk factors reached statistical significance in the multivariate regression. There were no differences in clinical outcomes between MDRO and non-MDRO patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a low overall prevalence of MDRO pathogens in patients with CAP. Potential risk factors for MDRO included hospitalization within the past 90 days and antibiotic use within the past 90 days.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Predictors of Prescription Opioid Use in a Longitudinal Community-Based Cohort Study of Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Shiue Kristin Y. , Dasgupta Nabarun , Naumann Rebecca B. , Nelson Amanda E. , Golightly Yvonne M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Identifying factors associated with opioid use in middle-aged and older adults is a fundamental step in the mitigation of potentially unnecessary opioid consumption and opioid-related harms.

Methods

Using longitudinal data on a community-based cohort of adults aged 50–90 years residing in Johnston County, North Carolina, we examined sociodemographic and clinical factors in non-opioid users ( n = 786) at baseline (2006–2010) as predictors of opioid use at follow-up (2013–2015). Variables included age, sex, race, obesity, educational attainment, employment status, household poverty rate, marital status, depressive symptoms, social support, pain catastrophizing, pain sensitivity, insurance status, polypharmacy, and smoking status.

Results

At follow-up, 13% of participants were using prescription opioids. In the multivariable model, high pain catastrophizing (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval = 2.14; 1.33–3.46), polypharmacy (2.08; 1.23–3.53), and history of depressive symptoms (2.00; 1.19–3.38) were independent markers of opioid use.

Discussion

Findings support the assessment of these modifiable factors during clinical encounters in patients ≥ 50 years old with chronic pain.
The influence of ultrasonic vibrations on material removal in the silicon wafer polishing using DDCAMRF: Experimental investigations and process optimization
Authors: Srivastava Mayank , Pandey Pulak M
Published: August 2021

The present experimental investigation attempts to understand and address the effect of ultrasonic vibrations on material removal in the polishing of silicon wafers (1 0 0). The requisite finishing experimentations were performed on an indigenously developed experimental arrangement of double-disc chemical assisted magnetorheological finishing (DDCAMRF) process with longitudinal vibrations. The MR fluid used in the experiments consists of a water-based suspension prepared by mixing suitable amounts of carbonyl iron particles (CIPs), abrasive particles, and additives or stabilizers. The prepared MR fluid uses both mechanics and chemistry to finish the silicon surface. Mechanics is mainly responsible for micro-scratching of silicon surface, which gets “softened” by hydration utilizing DI water in the MR fluid. In this study, the ‘response surface methodology (RSM)’ was chosen for designing the experiments to evaluate the significance of different process factors, namely polishing speed, abrasive concentration, and ultrasonic power on the material removal rate (MRR) in DDCAMRF process. The material removed from the wafer surface was measured using the precision digital weighing balance. It was observed that the MRR was found to increase with the increase in various process factors used. Further, analysis of variance (i.e., ANOVA) technique with a 95% confidence interval was performed to analyze the significant contribution of different process factors on MRR. The validation of developed model was done by performing experiments on random and optimized set of process factors. From, the statistical investigation it was discovered that ultrasonic power has highest contribution of 57.9% on MRR, followed by the polishing speed (13.3%), and abrasive concentration (12.5%). Furthermore, a genetic algorithm optimization tool was utilized to obtain optimum set of process parameters to maximize MRR.
The method of bolt axial force looseness monitoring and control by piezoelectric ceramics in bolted joint structures
Authors: Sun Xinyao , Shao Jinggan , Zhou Yang , Yuan Ci , Li Yang , Li Dalei
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the problem of bolt looseness in structures, this paper proposes an active control method of axial force monitoring through guided wave and axial force compensation via the inverse piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric ceramic gasket. Based on the finite element model, the propagation process of guided wave wave in bolted connectors is analyzed, which shows that the transmitted wave energy increases with the increase of bolt clamping force. The analysis of the stress-strain characteristics of the axially polarized and radially polarized piezoelectric ceramic gasket shows that the axially polarized piezoelectric ceramic gasket is more suitable for the control of bolt clamping force. The finite element analysis of the application of piezoelectric ceramic gasket in bolt axial force control shows that the power of guided wave signal increases monotonously with the increase of loaded electric field strength. In accordance with these theoretical methods and research, an active control system for bolt axial force is established in this experiment. The system monitors the power of the guided wave signal in real time and controls the axial force of the bolt by adjusting the intensity of the piezoelectric effect, which achieves an accurate control effect.
Static force and tipover stability analysis of an assistive device for paraplegics
Authors: Abdullah Ahmad , Kausar Zareena , Raza Haroon , Siddiqui Abdullah , Yousaf Neelum , Hussain Zahid
Published: August 2021

Stability plays a vital role in any robotic system. Its significance increases in systems related to health and medicine. For rehabilitation devices meant for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients, stability is crucial and key element in ensuring patient safety and the usefulness of the devices. In this study, kinematics, force analysis, and the static tip-over stability of a device for rehabilitation of paraplegic patients is discussed. Kinematics modeling and static force analysis provide critical information about position and loading at different points on the device. Force-Angle Stability Criterion is used to find the static tip-over stability of the device while the patient is on board the device. The Criterion relies on the support boundary, tip-over mode axes, and the Center of Mass (COM) of the complete system. The Criterion is sensitive to the COM position and therefore is more suitable for the application. The linear actuator mounted on the device causes the end effector of the device to move. The patient, strapped with the end effector, in turn moves from sitting position to standing position. The study focuses on the analysis of stability based on changing COM during this motion. The results verify that although the system is well within the stability bounds, it is more stable as it moves from sitting position to standing position.
Successful treatment with secnidazole for trichomoniasis in the setting of metronidazole hypersensitivity
Authors: Kufel Wesley D , Asiago-Reddy Elizabeth A , Parsels Katie A , Sanyal Soma , Coyne Jennifer L
Published: August 2021

Limited effective treatment options currently exist for trichomoniasis management among patients with metronidazole hypersensitivity. We report a patient with a documented history of metronidazole hypersensitivity who initially was treated with nitazoxanide but demonstrated clinical and microbiological failure. Secnidazole was subsequently used for treatment, which resulted in clinical and microbiological cure without observation of cross-reactivity. Secnidazole may represent a potential treatment option for trichomoniasis in patients with metronidazole hypersensitivity after consultation with an infectious disease specialist.
Measuring Technological Collaboration on Blockchain Based on Patents: A Social Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Nan Jiang , Xing Liu , Ming Xu
Published: August 2021

Blockchain has been regarded as an emerging global phenomenon in the field of new technologies. However, the existing literature still lacks descriptions of the cooperation characteristics and innovation landscape of blockchain. This study uses the social network analysis method to compare the development of blockchain technology and technological collaboration in China and in the United States based on patent data. Our analyses suggest that the number of blockchain patent applications in China is increasing rapidly due to the Chinese Government developing consistent national strategies for blockchain technology. In all, both countries have notable agglomerations in a few geographical areas or cities. However, the university or enterprise block in the United States has broader and deeper cooperation, unlike the Chinese university or enterprise block, which is more inclined to cooperate within blocks and has more isolated blocks. Lastly, there are various patent attributes-influencing factors behind the importance of node cooperation. The results show that the degree of cooperation of cooperative inventors or important patents is greater in China’s cooperation network, while in the United States, the influence of enterprises rather than universities or individuals is greater.
Do FDI Flows Lead to Environmental Degradation in Developing Economies? A Case Study of Select Asian Economies
Authors: Manocha Rinku
Published: August 2021

Developing countries have an urge to boost economic development and they provide a supportive platform for production units with less stringent environment norms. Hence substantial numbers of manufacturing units are moving from developed economies to developing economies. Such a shift is leading to an upsurge in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the developing economies. The study is an attempt to find relationship between FDI (inflows) and environmental degradation using a sample size of 14 developing Asian economies over the period of 1971–2019 using panel autoregressive distributed lag specifications. Study adopts Environmental Kuznet Curve (EKC) technique to validate the existence of pollution havens in the region. Two panel regression equations were formed: first equation covers the link between economic growth (income per capita) and environment by incorporating square of GDP per capita as one of the explanatory variable. The second equation examines the relation between investment and environmental degradation by accommodating square of FDI as one of the dependent variable. The long-run results for first equation validated the presence of EKC, supporting the presence of pollution havens in the region. Long-run results for non-linear FDI depicted positive and significant outcome (using pooled mean group) indicating negligence towards environment. The results indicated that developing countries are not working towards inviting investment flows which are more environment friendly.
Panth Transport Limited: Digitizing Bulk Logistics
Authors: Kapoor Gopal , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

On 2 January 2018, V. K. Benugopal reviewed the company’s performance for the previous quarter. He thought about the challenges he had faced during the quarter and was convinced that time was running out to make things right.

Benugopal took charge as chief executive officer (CEO) of Panth Transfreight Limited (PTL) in July 2017 and was entrusted with the responsibility of streamlining logistics operations for Indian Steel and Power Ltd (ISPL). He was also tasked with eliciting a cost savings of 10% from the existing logistics costs. From the very beginning, Benugopal made critical changes in how logistics operations were managed at ISPL. He centralized operations and contracts, and changed the freight-finalization process from destination-wise freight to a region/state-wise freight concept. He created an information-technology portal to allow for a digitized billing process, and implemented a vehicle-tracking mechanism. These changes created unrest among employees at the plants and confusion among transporters, which resulted in declining operational performance.

Benugopal was anxious as he considered his circumstances. Did he do the right thing by implementing so many changes at one time, or should he have made these changes gradually and checked system readiness?
Employers’ potential liability for family and domestic violence: An Australian overview
Authors: Guthrie Rob , Babic Angela
Published: August 2021

This article considers a range of legal issues that arise when family and domestic violence impacts upon the workplace. It examines the available data on the costs of family and domestic violence to employers and the community. It discusses the potential for employers to be affected by Australian State and Territory criminal and related laws that are intended to protect a person from family and domestic violence. Recent cases of discrimination arising from family and domestic violence are considered with some speculations as to other possible forms of liability for employers concerning work health and safety and workers compensation laws. The Australian Fair Work Commission’s determination of unpaid family domestic violence leave is also examined, as is the adoption of paid leave by some State and Territory governments and larger Australian employers. The article concludes with some reflections and speculations on how current laws may affect employers and what actions can be taken by employers to adopt supportive measures to protect employees.

JEL Codes: K32, J28, L53
Toward a Theory of Family Social Capital in Wealthy Transgenerational Enterprise Families
Authors: de Groot Maarten B.T. , Mihalache Oli R. , Elfring Tom
Published: August 2021

Over generations, decaying family social capital is a primary cause of enterprise wealth loss in enterprise families that share ownership of multiple entities and multiple assets. We answer recent calls to uncover the origins of family social capital by studying seven old, wealthy, and large transgenerational enterprise families. We complement existing research on wealth creation through entrepreneurship by offering a deeper understanding of how family social capital is enhanced in transgenerational enterprise families. Our inductive qualitative study finds that enterprise family social capital appears to be enhanced by family governance, family learning, family identity, and physical grounding.
Technical Meets Traditional: Language, Culture, and the Challenges Faced by Hmong Medical Interpreters
Authors: Lor Maichou , Badenoch Nathan , Yang Mai Joua
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Ineffective intercultural communication can occur due to inaccurate medical interpreting for limited English proficiency (LEP) patients. Research shows that Hmong patients experience poorer quality interpreter services than other LEP populations. This study’s purpose is to understand Hmong medical interpreters’ perceptions of the factors that affect their ability to make accurate medical interpretations during clinical encounters.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted with Hmong-speaking medical interpreters. The interviews were semistructured, audio recorded, and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results

13 interpreters aged 29 to 49 years participated in the study. Three factors affected the interpreters’ ability to make accurate medical interpretations for Hmong-speaking patients: (a) matched gender between the interpreter and patient, (b) culturally taboo topics in communicating about reproductive body parts and sexual health/activity, and (c) culture and generational language differences between interpreters and Hmong patients.

Discussion

Clinical encounters that match patient–interpreter ages, gender, and/or local culture may reduce communication barriers.
Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy of the Lesser Toes: Clinical, Radiologic, and Pedobarographic Outcomes
Authors: Neunteufel Elena , Krenn Sabine , Chraim Michel , Amann Pascal , Greiner Fabian , Kranzl Andreas , Bock Peter
Published: August 2021

Background:

The minimally invasive distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomy (DMMO) is a percutaneous operative technique with the aim to relieve the symptoms of metatarsalgia. To our knowledge, no previous research has analyzed both pre- and postoperative pedobarographic data including the changes in plantar pressure.

Methods:

Thirty patients (31 feet) were operated on with a DMMO and included in a prospective study. Clinical, radiologic, and pedobarographic outcomes were evaluated in comparison with the preoperative parameters. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score, the Foot Function Index (FFI), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were used in order to assess clinical parameters. Radiographs were taken to compare metatarsal lengths. The pedobarographic analysis served to determine plantar peak pressure (PPP) beneath the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints.

Results:

All scores indicated a significant mean pre- to postoperative improvement (AOFAS = 31.9 points, FAOS = 16.3%, FFI = 24.3%, VAS pain = 4.1 points, VAS general limitation = 3.3 points) ( P < .05). PPP was substantially reduced in the relevant area (M6 [plantar area beneath the second and third MTP joint] had a mean pre to post PPP = 14.15 N/cm2) and concurrently higher in the lateral and medial MTP joint areas (M5 mean pre to post = +14.37, M7 pre to post = +7.11). Our mean metatarsal shortening was 6.6 mm. However, our findings do not demonstrate a significant correlation between metatarsal length relationships and the prevalence of metatarsalgia.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in clinical scores and PPP. A statistically significant relation between metatarsal length and the prevalence of metatarsalgia was not found in this prospective case series

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Needle Insertion Difficulty Algorithm (NIDA): A novel pilot study to predict Huber needle insertion difficulty in totally implanted devices
Authors: Civetta Giuseppe , Lombardi Lucia , Lanotte Antonio , Delvecchio Anna Maria , Colonnata Melania , Todisco Angela , Cristallo Rosa , Marcone Andrea , Somma Michele , Vitale Elsa , Giammarinaro Maria Pia , Bruno Giovanni , Caldarola Gennaro Gadaleta
Published: August 2021

Safeguarding of venous assets in cancer patients provides for positioning vascular devices. In totally implanted central venous access devices, hereinafter referred as TIVADs, it’s necessary introducing Huber needle, into subcutaneous port, to use it. This procedure is not easy for all implanted devices. The procedural difficulty is to be attributed both to the type of the implanted port and to the skill of the clinician. The degree of patient satisfaction is variable and related with the clinician performing the maneuver. It follows a professional dissatisfaction of the clinician and a hesitation of the patient. Moreover, the incorrect positioning of the Huber needle into the port, could lead to the infusion of antiblastic drugs into the subcutaneous tissue with the consequent tissue damage due to extravasation of the drugs. Evaluation of different characteristics of TIVADs, allowed grouping them, in different types, setting up the S.P.I.A. method (Subcutaneous Port Investigator Assessment). Collected data from medical records concerning: primary pathology, port’s permanence and using, Huber needle insertion failed events, if a vascular access expert/specialist clinician has been called, weight gain or loss were recruited. These data made it possible to determine the types of implanted ports that were most difficult to insert the Huber needle, creating the N.I.D.A. (Needle Inserting Difficulty Algorithm) as a prognostic index of Huber needle inserting into the port. In particular, the type of implanted port, that is, if it was a brachial or thoracic implant ( p < 0.001), the SPIA type, if type 1, 2, or 3 ( p < 0.001) and the experience of the clinician ( p < 0.001) were considered as predictors of a successful first attempt and then can perform the NIDA. The relevant aspects in the success of the procedure are therefore the type of port (thoracic or brachial), the SPIA type, and the experience of the clinician in the successful insertion of the Huber needle into the port at the first attempt.
Share and share unlike: Reciprocity, corporate power, and the open source ethos
Authors: Vasudevan Roopa
Published: August 2021

The “open source” model initially emerged as a way for programmers to collaborate on efforts to build and share code, but has since evolved to embody an ethos of sharing and cooperation that pervades software development as a whole. As many technologists have seen, however, a philosophy of openness can leave them vulnerable to attempts by large corporations to use the norms of open source communities for their own benefits. This article examines the breach of social trust that occurs when companies do not fulfill expectations of reciprocity in their relationships with open source communities, and instead attempt to co-opt their work for monetary gain. Through analysis of three case studies, I seek to emphasize the often misleading nature of these processes and show that they are directly incorporated into the business models of large corporations, even if they are not openly acknowledged as such.
Teacher-report of where preschool-aged children play and are physically active in indoor and outdoor learning centers
Authors: Clevenger Kimberly A , Pfeiffer Karin A
Published: August 2021

The childcare environment impacts physical activity participation, but little descriptive information is available in different types of programs. Most studies focus on the schoolyard despite children spending more time indoors. This study identified which learning centers were available, used by children, and promoted physical activity, both inside and on the schoolyard. Teachers ( N = 139; licensed centers, n = 59; home-based programs, n = 80) identified available learning centers and ranked locations where children spent free-choice time and participated in physical activity. Indoors, blocks, books, and dramatic play were frequently available, and dramatic play was ranked as an area where children spent time (87%) and were active (63%). Outdoors, open/grassy areas, fixed equipment, sandbox, and seating were available, and open/grassy areas and paved areas for balls/objects were locations where children spent time (73%–100%) and were active (87%–100%). Addition of learning centers that were unavailable but promoted physical activity (e.g. lofts) may be a point of intervention.
The Impact of Psychological Traits on Performance Under Pressure—Experimental Evidence of Handball Penalties
Authors: Bühren Christoph , Träger Lisa
Published: August 2021

Our field experiment analyzes the influence of psychological traits on performance in sequential games. It uses handball penalties thrown under individual, team, or tournament incentives in the ABBA sequence. Considering the single moves of these games, player A and player B are taking turns in being the first-mover. We find no significant first-mover advantage. However, we observe that player A performs better than player B under tournament incentives and if he or she is confident enough.
Imaging and artificial intelligence for progression of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Romond Kathleen , Alam Minhaj , Kravets Sasha , Sisternes Luis de , Leng Theodore , Lim Jennifer I , Rubin Daniel , Hallak Joelle A
Published: August 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss. With our aging population, it may affect 288 million people globally by the year 2040. AMD progresses from an early and intermediate dry form to an advanced one, which manifests as choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy. Conversion to AMD-related exudation is known as progression to neovascular AMD, and presence of geographic atrophy is known as progression to advanced dry AMD. AMD progression predictions could enable timely monitoring, earlier detection and treatment, improving vision outcomes. Machine learning approaches, a subset of artificial intelligence applications, applied on imaging data are showing promising results in predicting progression. Extracted biomarkers, specifically from optical coherence tomography scans, are informative in predicting progression events. The purpose of this mini review is to provide an overview about current machine learning applications in artificial intelligence for predicting AMD progression, and describe the various methods, data-input types, and imaging modalities used to identify high-risk patients. With advances in computational capabilities, artificial intelligence applications are likely to transform patient care and management in AMD. External validation studies that improve generalizability to populations and devices, as well as evaluating systems in real-world clinical settings are needed to improve the clinical translations of artificial intelligence AMD applications.
Q-marker Prediction Analysis of Rhubarb in Fengyin Decoction Based on Fingerprint and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Lan Ji-le , Ruan Ye-ping , Mao Zhu-jun , You Li-yan , Chen Zhong
Published: August 2021

Fengyin Decoction (FYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of epilepsy and wind paralysis. However, the potential antiepileptic active component in rhubarb (which is the most effective Chinese medicine in FYD) has not been defined. In this study, we analyzed and predicted the potential quality marker (Q-marker) of rhubarb in FYD based on fingerprint and network pharmacology. The fingerprints of FYD and rhubarb were established to analyze the transmission law of active components. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to study quantitatively the active components obtained by different extraction methods of FYD. Combined with network pharmacological analysis, a “components-targets-pathways” network was constructed to predict the potential Q-marker. Eight peaks were identified by FYD fingerprint: aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, cinnamaldehyde, 6-gingerol, and glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt. The determination of the 8 active components in FYD with different extraction methods suggested that rhubarb anthraquinone may be a potential antiepileptic active component. Twelve core components, 19 targets, and 21 pathways of rhubarb were screened by network pharmacology, which further demonstrated that rhubarb played a role mainly through these components, targets, and pathways. We preliminarily predicted that compounds such as rhubarb anthraquinones were a potential Q-marker. The UPLC fingerprint and the content determination method of the 8 components established in this study were effective and feasible. The findings in this study may provide a reference for further study of quality control of FYD and lay a theoretical foundation for the study of its action mechanism. In addition, our study may provide a novel idea for the study of the Q-marker of other classical compound traditional Chinese medicines.
Radiological and pathological assessment of response to neoadjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine treatments in a real-life setting—initial results
Authors: Moisander Mikko , Salminen Annukka , Jukkola Arja , Sassi Antti , Tervo Maija , Mäenpää Niina , Tiainen Leena , Rinta-Kiikka Irina , Tolonen Teemu , Arponen Otso
Published: August 2021

Background

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is an alternative to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with inoperable luminal-like breast cancers. Neoadjuvant cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor treatment combined with endocrine treatment (CDK4/6I + E) is interesting given the combination’s utility in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Currently, the literature on the radiological response evaluation of patients treated with neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E in a real-life setting is scarce.

Purpose

To conduct a radiological response evaluation of patients treated with neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E in a real-life setting.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical, pathological, and radiological findings of six patients with luminal-like breast cancers treated with neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E treatment. The radiological neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E response was evaluated with the RECIST 1.1 criteria and the pathological residual disease was assessed using the Residual Cancer Burden (RBC) criteria.

Results

None of the patients achieved a complete radiological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–determined response or a complete pathological response; three (50%) patients had a partial radiological response; in the three others, the disease remained stable radiologically. All of the tumors were rendered susceptible to surgical treatment. Two out of six (33.3%) patients had a moderate response (RBC-II); four (66.7%) had an extensive residual disease (RBC-III) in the final surgical sample.

Conclusion

Although none of the patients achieved a pathologically complete response, neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E treatment rendered all tumors operable. MRI appears to be reliable in the assessment of the neoadjuvant CDK4/6I + E treatment response in a real-life setting. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Professional or Interpersonal Trust? Effect of Social Network on the Intention to Undergo Cosmetic Procedures
Authors: Lo Chih-Cheng , Wang Chun-Hsien , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to explore the influence of friendship and medical advice networks on customers’ intention to undergo cosmetic procedures and its relationship to the role of professional and interpersonal trust in seeking cosmetic information. We propose that both interpersonal and professional trust play a mediating role in medical cosmetic information-seeking behaviors. In doing so, a purposive sampling of 289 customers from 21 cosmetic clinics was surveyed while all these customers received medical cosmetics treatment. The empirical analysis has shown that customers who are central to the friendship network have a high level of interpersonal trust, which positively mediates the relationship between friendship networks and their decisions to adopt cosmetic procedures. Our findings suggest that the understanding of friendship and advice networks enables us to explore the explicit details of how customers exchange information related to cosmetic surgery. Finally, our findings also made practical contributions, while the counseling service of medical clinic is required to take not only professional but also interpersonal trust into consideration.
Development of a Comprehensive Multi-Factor Method for Comparing Batting Performances in One-Day International Cricket
Authors: Sarkar Sahadeb , Mishra Subhasis , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: August 2021

In cricket, one-day-international (ODI) batsmen have traditionally been compared on the dimensions of batting average (BA) and strike rate (SR). The conventional method of computing BA assumes that runs scored by a batsman follow an exponential or geometric distribution. This results in unreasonably equating batting inconsistency with batting mean. Our study shows that a Weibull distribution model gives a very sensible assessment of a batsman’s inconsistency, independent of his BA. It also provides a superior fit to batting scores of ODI batsmen. We also introduce a measure for ‘quality-runs’ scored by a batsman which takes into account the difficulty level of opposition. Additionally, longevity index and opposition diversity index are defined to make comparisons more holistic. A substantial amount of data engineering effort is made in segregating available data into home, away and neutral matches. The measures proposed in this paper are more comprehensive and granular than those found in the literature. Various combinations of these six criteria are used to rank a select group of great ODI batsmen by assigning objective weights derived from principal component analysis. Finally, multivariate statistical outlier detection procedure produces different lists of outstanding players corresponding to different combinations of criteria. Our proposed methodology may be gainfully used by a team management to select best batsmen in a given situation.
Luxury Shopping Websites: The Impact of ‘Hygiene’ Design Factors on Trust and Distrust
Authors: Thekkat Anil Kumar , Anandkumar S. Victor
Published: August 2021

Though luxury products have unique characteristics that predominantly influence online luxury behaviour, study on luxury shopping websites has received little attention in academic literature. This research investigates how hygiene factors of website design attributes (information quality, functional quality and situational normality) impact on trust and distrust on luxury shopping websites. Free simulation experiments were conducted with 386 subjects and data were collected using a structured questionnaire for this study. The study found that information quality and functional quality have a strong effect on trust and distrust on luxury shopping websites. This study also found that these factors not only act as hygiene factors but also as motivating factors in the luxury context. Surprisingly, situational normality is negatively related to trust and positively related to distrust in the study. Managerial implications regarding the development of luxury websites and research opportunities are discussed.
Comparison of Various Root Canal Filling Materials and Obturation Techniques for Primary Teeth Using Microcomputed Tomography
Authors: Ozturk Gulce , Aydinbelge Mustafa , Gumus Husniye
Published: August 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different filling materials and obturation techniques for root canal obturation in primary teeth.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty maxillary primary incisors were included in this in vitro study. After biomechanical preparation, all samples were scanned using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and root canal volumes were calculated. Samples were grouped according to filling materials and obturation techniques, with ten samples in each group. The samples were filled with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and Vitapex using four different obturation techniques (local anesthesia syringe, lentulo spiral, pastinject, and lentulo spiral–ultrasonic activation). After filling, samples were scanned a second time using micro-CT and root canal volumes were calculated. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results:

When the ZOE and Vitapex were compared, it was observed that there were no significant differences between their postobturated volumes, percentage obturated volume (POV), internal void (IV), and percentage of internal void volume (PIV) ( P > .05). The local anesthesia syringe group had a significantly lower postobturated volume and POV, and a significantly higher IV and PIV for both filling materials than that by the other groups ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between the other obturation techniques ( P > .05). For the local anesthesia syringe group, postobturated volume and POV were significantly higher and IV and PIV were significantly lower with Vitapex than with ZOE ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between the other obturation techniques filled either with ZOE or Vitapex ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Except for the syringe technique, no difference was observed between the ZOE and Vitapex materials. The syringe technique used in the primary root canal filling was less effective than the other techniques, which had similar efficacy, and in this technique, more effective canal filling was achieved with Vitapex.
A phase 3, open-label, randomized study of asciminib, a STAMP inhibitor, vs bosutinib in CML after 2 or more prior TKIs
Authors: Réa Delphine , Mauro Michael J. , Boquimpani Carla , Minami Yosuke , Lomaia Elza , Voloshin Sergey , Turkina Anna , Kim Dong-Wook , Apperley Jane F. , Abdo Andre , Fogliatto Laura Maria , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , le Coutre Philipp , Saussele Susanne , Annunziata Mario , Hughes Timothy P. , Chaudhri Naeem , Sasaki Koji , Chee Lynette , García-Gutiérrez Valentin , Cortes Jorge E. , Aimone Paola , Allepuz Alex , Quenet Sara , Bédoucha Véronique , Hochhaus Andreas
Published: August 2021

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) resistant/intolerant to ≥2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are at high risk of experiencing poor outcomes because of disease biology and inadequate efficacy and/or safety of current therapies. Asciminib, a first-in-class BCR-ABL1 inhibitor Specifically Targeting the ABL Myristoyl Pocket (STAMP), has the potential to overcome resistance/intolerance to approved TKIs. In this phase 3, open-label study, patients with CML-CP previously treated with ≥2 TKIs were randomized (2:1) to receive asciminib 40 mg twice daily vs bosutinib 500 mg once daily. Randomization was stratified by major cytogenetic response (MCyR) status at baseline. The primary objective was to compare the major molecular response (MMR) rate at week 24 for asciminib vs bosutinib. A total of 233 patients were randomized to asciminib (n = 157) or bosutinib (n = 76). Median follow-up was 14.9 months. The MMR rate at week 24 was 25.5% with asciminib and 13.2% with bosutinib. The difference in MMR rate between treatment arms, after adjusting for MCyR at baseline, was 12.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.19-22.30; 2-sided P = .029). Fewer grade ≥3 adverse events (50.6% vs 60.5%) and adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (5.8% vs 21.1%) occurred with asciminib than with bosutinib. The study showed a superior efficacy of asciminib compared with that of bosutinib, together with a favorable safety profile. These results support the use of asciminib as a new therapy in patients with CML-CP who are resistant/intolerant to ≥2 prior TKIs. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03106779.
Expanding the potential genes of inborn errors of immunity through protein interactions
Authors: Khan Humza A. , Butte Manish J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of genetic disorders that impair the immune system, with over 400 genes described so far, and hundreds more to be discovered. To facilitate the search for new genes, we need a way to prioritize among all the genes in the genome those most likely to play an important role in immunity.

Results

Here we identify a new list of genes by linking known IEI genes to new ones by using open-source databases of protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and transcriptional regulation. We analyze this new set of 2,530 IEI-related genes for their tolerance of genetic variation and by their expression levels in various immune cell types.

Conclusions

By merging genes derived from protein interactions of known IEI genes with transcriptional data, we offer a new list of candidate genes that may play a role in as-yet undiscovered IEIs.
Inhibition of STAT3 enhances sensitivity to tamoxifen in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Moon Seo Yun , Lee Heejin , Kim Seoree , Hong Ji Hyung , Chun Sang Hoon , Lee Hee Yeon , Kang Keunsoo , Kim Ho Shik , Won Hye Sung , Ko Yoon Ho
Published: August 2021

Background

The mechanisms of endocrine resistance are complex, and deregulation of several oncogenic signalling pathways has been proposed. We aimed to investigate the role of the EGFR and Src-mediated STAT3 signalling pathway in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells.

Methods

The ER-positive luminal breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and T47D, were used. We have established an MCF-7-derived tamoxifen-resistant cell line (TamR) by long-term culture of MCF-7 cells with 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay, and protein expression levels were determined using western blot. Cell cycle and annexin V staining were analysed using flow cytometry.

Results

TamR cells showed decreased expression of estrogen receptor and increased expression of EGFR. TamR cells showed an acceleration of the G1 to S phase transition. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated Src, EGFR (Y845), and STAT3 was increased in TamR cells, while phosphorylated Akt was decreased. The expression of p-STAT3 was enhanced according to exposure time of tamoxifen in T47D cells, suggesting that activation of STAT3 can cause tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Both dasatinib (Src inhibitor) and stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in TamR cells. However, stattic showed a much stronger effect than dasatinib. Knockdown of STAT3 expression by siRNA had no effect on sensitivity to tamoxifen in MCF-7 cells, while that enhanced sensitivity to tamoxifen in TamR cells. There was not a significant synergistic effect of dasatinib and stattic on cell survival. TamR cells have low nuclear p21(Cip1) expression compared to MCF-7 cells and inhibition of STAT3 increased the expression of nuclear p21(Cip1) in TamR cells.

Conclusions

The EGFR and Src-mediated STAT3 signalling pathway is activated in TamR cells, and inhibition of STAT3 may be a potential target in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. An increase in nuclear p21(Cip1) may be a key step in STAT3 inhibitor-induced cell death in TamR cells.