bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to antihypertensive treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: da Luz Pádua Guimarães Mayra Cristina , Coelho Juliana Chaves , dos Santos Juliano , de Oliveira Higa Camila Braga , Flórido Carime Farah , Lee Renata Jae Won , Paes Grazielli Soares , da Silva Giovanio Vieira , Drager Luciano Ferreira , Pierin Angela Maria Geraldo
Published: December 2022

Background

Nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment is one of the main causes of the lack of blood pressure (BP) control. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic imposes substantial social restriction impairing the medical care routine, which may influence adherence to the antihypertensive treatment. To assess the rate of nonadherence to antihypertensive drug treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating hypertensive adult patients from a tertiary outpatient clinic. From March to August 2020, patients were interviewed by telephone during the social distancing period of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated biosocial data, habits, attitudes, and treatment adherence using the 4-item Morisky Green Levine Scale during the social distancing. Uncontrolled BP was defined by BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Clinical and prescription variables for drug treatment were obtained from the electronic medical record. We performed a multivariate analysis to determine the predictors of nonadherence to BP treatment.

Results

We studied 281 patients (age 66 ± 14 years, 60.5% white, 62.3% women, mean education of 9.0 ± 4 years of study). We found that 41.3% of the individuals reported poor adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment and 48.4% had uncontrolled BP. Subsample data identified that adherence was worse during the pandemic than in the previous period. The variables that were independently associated with the nonadherence during the pandemic period were black skin color (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–4.68), and intermittent lack of access to antihypertensive medication during the pandemic (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.11–5.89).

Conclusions

Beyond traditional variables associated with poor adherence, the lack of availability of antihypertensive medications during the study underscore the potential role of pandemic on hypertension burden.
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase III study on the efficacy and safety of a combination treatment involving fimasartan, amlodipine, rosuvastatin in patients with essential hypertension and dyslipidemia who fail to respond adequately to fimasartan monotherapy
Authors: Jeon Eun-Seok , Lim Sang Wook , Kim Seok-Yeon , Yang Hyoung-Mo , Kim Moo Hyun , Rhee Moo-Yong , Han Seung Hwan , Shin Jinho , Kim Kwang-il , Jeong Jin-Ok , Sung Ki Chul , Hong Geu Ru , Kim Hyung-Seop , Kwon Kihwan , Kang Tae-Soo , Lee Hae-Young , Han Su-Eun
Published: December 2022

Background

To assess the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy involving fimasartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin in patients with essential hypertension and dyslipidemia who fail to respond to fimasartan monotherapy.

Methods

This phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was conducted in adults aged 19–70 years. Patients who voluntarily consented were screened for eligibility to enroll in the study. Patients who failed to respond to 4 weeks of fimasartan monotherapy were randomized with a 1:1:1 ratio to the fimasartan 60 mg/amlodipine 10 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg (FMS/ALD + RSV) as study group, fimasartan 60 mg/amlodipine 10 mg (FMS/ALD) as control 1 group, and fimasartan 60 mg + rosuvastatin 20 mg (FMS + RSV) as control 2 group. The primary efficacy endpoints were the change in the sitting systolic blood pressure and the rate of change in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level from baseline to 8 weeks. The adverse events, adverse drug reactions, physical examination findings, laboratory test results, electrocardiograms, and vital signs were evaluated to assess safety in the study.

Results

Of 138 randomized patients, 131 were conducted efficacy analysis, and 125 completed the study. For the change in LDL-C and sitting SBP (SiSBP) as primary efficacy assessments, the change in LDL-C at week 8 was significantly reduce in the FMS/ALD + RSV group than in the control 1 group (P < 0.001). The change in SiSBP at week 8 were greater reduce in the FMS/ALD + RSV group than in the FMS + RSV group (both P < 0.001). For the safety evaluation, there were no differences among the treatment groups in the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions

The fimasartan/amlodipine + rosuvastatin combination therapy can effectively and safely lower blood pressure and improve lipid levels in patients with essential hypertension and dyslipidemia who fail to respond adequately to fimasartan monotherapy.

Trial registration

NCT03156842, Registered 17 May 2017
Applying patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in physiotherapy: an evaluation based on the QUALITOUCH Activity Index
Authors: Zaugg Mias , Baur Heiner , Schmitt Kai-Uwe
Published: December 2022

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools to screen a population, to monitor the subjective progress of a therapy, to enable patient-centred care and to evaluate the quality of care. The QUALITOUCH Activity Index (AI) is such a tool, used in physiotherapy. This study aimed to provide reference values for expected AI outcomes.

Methods

A large data set uniting clinical routine data and AI outcomes was generated; it consisted of data of 11,948 patients. For four defined diagnoses, i.e. chronic lower back pain, tibia posterior syndrome, knee joint osteoarthritis and shoulder impingement, the AI responses related to the dimensions “maximum pain level” and “household activity” were analyzed. Reference corridors for expected AI outcomes were derived as linear trend lines representing the mean, 1st and 3rd quartile.

Results

Reference corridors for expected AI outcomes are provided. For chronic lower back pain, for example, the corridor indicates that the initial average AI value related to maximum pain of 49.3 ± 23.8 points on a visual analogue scale (VAS multiplied by factor 10) should be improved by a therapeutic intervention to 36.9 ± 23.8 points on a first follow-up after four weeks.

Conclusions

For four exemplary diagnoses and two dimensions of the AI, one related to pain and one related to limitations in daily activities, reference corridors of expected therapeutic progress were established. These reference corridors can be used to compare an individual performance of a patient with the expected progress derived from a large data sample. Data-based monitoring of therapeutic success can assist in different aspects of planning and managing a therapy.
Vagus nerve stimulation and inflammation: expanding the scope beyond cytokines
Authors: Falvey Aidan
Published: December 2022

Approximately 20 years ago it was discovered that the vagus nerve regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and inflammation. Subsequent research using several preclinical models revealed that vagus nerve stimulation evokes a protective decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines in multiple inflammatory disorders. Consequently, the pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokine balance has become the predominant readout for indicating a positive outcome of vagus nerve stimulation. However, cytokine levels are just a single aspect of an effective immune response. It is conceivable that vagus nerve stimulation regulates inflammation through additional mechanisms. In this letter, I discuss a manuscript that describes how vagus nerve stimulation promotes resolution of inflammation via regulating the balance of specialised pro-resolving mediator levels and neutrophil activity.
Unleashing the power of pseudo-code for binary code similarity analysis
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Xu Zhengzi , Xiao Yang , Xue Yinxing
Published: December 2022

Code similarity analysis has become more popular due to its significant applicantions, including vulnerability detection, malware detection, and patch analysis. Since the source code of the software is difficult to obtain under most circumstances, binary-level code similarity analysis (BCSA) has been paid much attention to. In recent years, many BCSA studies incorporating AI techniques focus on deriving semantic information from binary functions with code representations such as assembly code, intermediate representations, and control flow graphs to measure the similarity. However, due to the impacts of different compilers, architectures, and obfuscations, binaries compiled from the same source code may vary considerably, which becomes the major obstacle for these works to obtain robust features. In this paper, we propose a solution, named UPPC (Unleashing the Power of Pseudo-code), which leverages the pseudo-code of binary function as input, to address the binary code similarity analysis challenge, since pseudo-code has higher abstraction and is platform-independent compared to binary instructions. UPPC selectively inlines the functions to capture the full function semantics across different compiler optimization levels and uses a deep pyramidal convolutional neural network to obtain the semantic embedding of the function. We evaluated UPPC on a data set containing vulnerabilities and a data set including different architectures (X86, ARM), different optimization options (O0-O3), different compilers (GCC, Clang), and four obfuscation strategies. The experimental results show that the accuracy of UPPC in function search is 33.2% higher than that of existing methods.
One ominous case of focal atrial tachycardia in pregnancy, two victims and a successful outcome: a case report
Authors: Santos João Grade , Briosa Alexandra , Sebaiti Daniel , Almeida Sofia , Miranda Rita , Brandão Luís , Pereira Hélder
Published: December 2022

Background

Pregnancy is associated with both new-onset and exacerbation of pre-existing arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular tachycardia, with increased maternal and fetal risks and with added concerns on the safety of the available drug therapy and catheter ablation techniques.

These are often withheld, with worse outcomes, and lead to challenging decisions in the approach to pregnant women with refractory supraventricular arrhythmias.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 28-year-old 37-weeks pregnant woman with symptomatic, almost incessant, atrial tachycardia causing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, refractory to medical therapy, that evolved in acute cardiac failure and needed emergency cesarian delivery. The patient was afterward submitted to catheter ablation therapy, with an electrical isolation of the ectopic foci on the lower left pulmonary vein with radiofrequency and total suppression of the arrhythmia. The patient and infant were discharged clinically well and during follow-up the patient was asymptomatic, without recurrence of tachycardia and with complete recovery of left ventricle function.

Conclusions

This case highlights the challenges in the treatment of this special population with a stepwise medical approach that proved ineffective and clinical deterioration requiring termination of pregnancy and catheter ablation in the postpartum period, with a successful maternal and fetal outcome.
Characterization of recombinant humanized collagen type III and its influence on cell behavior and phenotype
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Hong , Wang Jian , Qiu He , Gao Yongli , Xu Yang , Liu Zhanhong , Tang Yajun , Song Lu , Ramshaw John , Lin Hai , Zhang Xingdong
Published: December 2022

Collagen made a tremendous impact in the field of regenerative medicine as a bioactive material. For decades, collagen has been used not only as a scaffolding material but also as an active component in regulating cells' biological behavior and phenotype. However, animal-derived collagen as a major source suffered from problems of immunogenicity, risk of viral infection, and the unclear relationship between bioactive sequence and function. Recombinant humanized collagen (rhCol) provided alternatives for regenerative medicine with more controllable risks. However, the characterization of rhCol and the interaction between rhCol and cells still need further investigation, including cell behavior and phenotype. The current study preliminarily demonstrated that recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCol III) conformed to the theoretical amino acid sequence and had an advanced structure resembling bovine collagen. Furthermore, rhCol III could facilitate basal biological behaviors of human skin fibroblasts, such as adhesion, proliferation and migration. rhCol III was beneficial for some extracellular matrix-expressing cell phenotypes. The study would shed light on the mechanism research of rhCol and cell interactions and further understanding of effectiveness in tissue regeneration.

Graphical abstract
Connecting for Care: a protocol for a mixed-method social network analysis to advance knowledge translation in the field of child development and rehabilitation
Authors: Glegg Stephanie , Costello Carrie , Barnaby Symbia , Cassidy Christine , Sibley Kathryn M. , Russell Kelly , Kingsnorth Shauna , Pritchard Lesley , de Camargo Olaf Kraus , Andersen John , Bellefeuille Samantha , Cross Andrea , Curran Janet , Hesketh Kim , Layco Jeremy , Reynolds James , Robeson Paula , Straus Sharon , Wittmeier Kristy
Published: December 2022

Background

Connections between individuals and organizations can impact knowledge translation (KT). This finding has led to growing interest in the study of social networks as drivers of KT. Social networks are formed by the patterns of relationships or connections generated through interactions. These connections can be studied using social network analysis (SNA) methodologies. The relatively small yet diverse community in the field of child development and rehabilitation (CD&R) in Canada offers an ideal case study for applying SNA. The purposes of this work are to (1) quantify and map the structure of Canadian CD&R KT networks among four groups: families, health care providers, KT support personnel, and researchers; (2) explore participant perspectives of the network structure and of KT barriers and facilitators within it; and (3) generate recommendations to improve KT capacity within and between groups. Aligning with the principles of integrated KT, we have assembled a national team whose members contribute throughout the research and KT process, with representation from the four participant groups.

Methods

A sequential, explanatory mixed-method study, within the bounds of a national case study in the field of CD&R. Objective 1: A national SNA survey of family members with advocacy/partnership experience, health care providers, KT support personnel, and researchers, paired with an anonymous survey for family member without partnership experience, will gather data to describe the KT networks within and between groups and identify barriers and facilitators of network connections. Objective 2: Purposive sampling from Phase 1 will identify semi-structured interview participants with whom to examine conventional and network-driven KT barriers, facilitators, and mitigating strategies. Objective 3: Intervention mapping and a Delphi process will generate recommendations for network and conventional interventions to strengthen the network and facilitate KT.

Discussion

This study will integrate network and KT theory in mapping the structure of the CD&R KT network, enhance our understanding of conventional and network-focused KT barriers and facilitators, and provide recommendations to strengthen KT networks. Recommendations can be applied and tested within the field of CD&R to improve KT, with the aim of ensuring children achieve the best health outcomes possible through timely access to effective healthcare.
A case of bronchial atresia treated with right S6 segmentectomy using fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green
Authors: Watanabe Mototsugu , Kondo Kaoru , Furukawa Shinichi , Shiotani Toshio , Kataoka Kazuhiko
Published: December 2022

Background

Bronchial atresia is a congenital obstruction of the segmental or lobar bronchus that often leads to hyperinflation of the affected area. It can cause intractable infections and abnormal nodules in these regions and surgical resection needs to be considered. The precise resection of the abnormal pulmonary segment is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old male patient was incidentally diagnosed with an abnormal lung shadow, which was confirmed to be bronchial atresia with computerized tomography imaging and bronchofiberscopy. Segmentectomy using fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green dye was performed. The patient had no trouble in his clinical course, indicating that this procedure may be useful in the resection of congenital bronchial atresia regions.

Conclusion

Segmentectomy using indocyanine green is an appropriate technique for minimal resection without respiratory impairment and diagnostic therapy of bronchial atresia.
Getting the most out of a large data set: A case study for a large 3D seismic interpretation project in the Carnarvon Basin, NW Australia
Authors: Shadlow James , Christiansen David , Al-Houli Meshari , Paxton Andrea , Wilson Thomas
Published: December 2022

A case study is presented for the seismic interpretation of a 3D seismic reprocessing project covering approximately 7200 km2 within a rift basin setting on the Northwest Shelf of Australia. The area includes two main petroleum plays: the Cretaceous Barrow Group Delta and the fluvio-deltaic Triassic Mungaroo Formation. Multiple 3D surveys of varying vintages were reprocessed to provide a unified continuous data set over the area. Seismic amplitude variation with offset inversions were conducted in time and depth domains to produce acoustic impedance and VP/VS volumes. The use of depth-domain inversion enabled more accurate inversion products to be developed with a large lateral and vertical zone of interest to assist in prospectivity assessments. Project time and cost constraints indicated a traditional seismic interpretation process would be ineffective and inefficient. The workflows applied included optimizations of the initial horizon interpretation to improve efficiency, machine learning (ML)-based automatic fault interpretation to save time, and bulk horizon interpretation for time savings and rapid stratal slicing. Utilizing ML and automated interpretation processes in conjunction with seismic inversion products enabled a full prospectivity assessment to be developed within six months. In addition to completing the work within the available time, the applied workflows allowed for significantly more time to be spent on prospectivity assessment rather than structural and stratigraphic interpretations.
Efficacy, Safety, and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Thailand: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Charonpongsuntorn Chanchai , Tanasanvimon Suebpong , Korphaisarn Krittiya , Payapwattanawong Songwit , Siripoon Teerada , Pakvisal Nussara , Juengsamarn Jitlada , Phaibulvatanapong Ekkamol , Chindaprasirt Jarin , Prasongsook Naiyarat , Udomdamrongkul Kittipong , Ngamphaiboon Nuttapong , Sirachainan Ekaphop
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment is a first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of HCC in Thailand have not yet been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and PROs of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 2020 to August 2021, 30 patients with unresectable HCC who met the inclusion criteria of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment were enrolled. Analysis was assessed for progression-free survival, overall survival, adverse events (AEs), and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

The median progression-free survival and overall survival periods were 6.7 and 10.2 months, respectively. The disease control rate was 63.3%. The frequent AEs were proteinuria, hypertension, and hepatitis. Serious AEs included gastrointestinal bleeding, but none of the patients died from serious AEs. The discontinuation rate was 23.3%, and the median number of treatment cycles was 10.5 cycles. In total, 23.3% of the patients continued treatment after 1 year of therapy. The global health status/QoL and physical function scores showed less deterioration at baseline than at 3 and 6 months (median scores = 76.7, 71.6, and 64.1 in QoL and 84.7, 79.6, and 79.0 in physical function, respectively). The HCC18 symptom score index data showed a slow progression of symptom scores from baseline to 3 and 6 months (12.7, 19.6, and 22.3, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is effective and has a safety profile comparable with that of previous studies as first-line therapy for unresectable HCC in a real-world setting and in Thai populations. Data on PROs also demonstrate benefits in terms of patients' QoL and symptoms.
Financial Burden in Blood or Marrow Transplantation Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A BMTSS Report
Authors: Bhatia Smita , Dai Chen , Hageman Lindsey , Wu Jessica , Schlichting Elizabeth , Siler Arianna , Funk Erin , Hicks Jessica , Lim Shawn , Balas Nora , Bosworth Alysia , Te Hok Sreng , Francisco Liton , Bhatia Ravi , Forman Stephen J. , Wong F. Lennie , Arora Mukta , Armenian Saro H. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Landier Wendy
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

The financial burden experienced by blood or marrow transplant (BMT) survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unstudied. We evaluated the risk for high out-of-pocket medical costs and associated financial burden experienced by BMT survivors and a sibling comparison group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study included 2,370 BMT survivors and 750 siblings who completed the BMT Survivor Study survey during the pandemic. Participants reported employment status, out-of-pocket medical costs, and financial burden. Medical expenses ≥ 10% of the annual household income constituted high out-of-pocket medical costs. Logistic regression identified factors associated with high out-of-pocket medical costs and financial burden.

RESULTS

BMT survivors were more likely to incur high out-of-pocket medical costs (11.3% v 3.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.88; 95% CI, 1.84 to 4.50) than the siblings. Survivor characteristics associated with high out-of-pocket medical costs included younger age at study (aORper_year_younger_age, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.03), lower prepandemic annual household income and/or education (< $50,000 US dollars and/or < college graduate: aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.69; reference: ≥ $50,000 in US dollars and ≥ college graduate), > 1 chronic health condition (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.00 to 3.98), ≥ 1 hospitalization during the pandemic (aOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.89), and being unemployed during the pandemic (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.17). Among BMT survivors, high out-of-pocket medical costs were significantly associated with problems in paying medical bills (aOR, 10.57; 95% CI, 7.39 to 15.11), deferring medical care (aOR, 4.93; 95% CI, 3.71 to 6.55), taking a smaller dose of medication than prescribed (aOR, 4.99; 95% CI, 3.23 to 7.70), and considering filing for bankruptcy (aOR, 3.80; 95% CI, 2.14 to 6.73).

CONCLUSION

BMT survivors report high out-of-pocket medical costs, which jeopardizes their health care and may affect health outcomes. Policies aimed at reducing financial burden in BMT survivors, such as expanding access to patient assistance programs, may mitigate the negative health consequences.
Best Practices and Guidelines (2022) for Scale-Up and Tech Transfer in Freeze-Drying Based on Case Studies. Part 1: Challenges during Scale Up and Transfer
Authors: Tchessalov Serguei , Shalaev Evgenyi , Bhatnagar Bakul , Nail Steven , Alexeenko Alina , Jameel Feroz , Srinivasan Jayasree , Dekner Michael , Sahni Ekneet , Schneid Stefan , Kazarin Petr , McGarvey Orla , Van Meervenne Bert , Kshirsagar Vaibhav , Pande Paritosh , Philipp Jens , Sacha Greg , Wu Ke , Azzarella Joseph , Shivkumar Gayathri , Bhatt Shreyas
Published: December 2022

The freeze-drying process scale-up and transfer remain a complicated and non-uniform practice. We summarized inefficient and good practices in these papers and provided some practical advice. It was demonstrated that using the same process set points/times in laboratory and commercial scale dryers may lead to loss of product quality (collapse or vial breakage). The emerging modeling approach demonstrated practical advantages. However, the upfront generation of some input parameters (vial heat transfer coefficient, minimum controllable pressure, and maximum sublimation rate) is essential for model utilization. While the primary drying step can be transferred with a high degree of confidence (e.g., using modeling), and secondary drying is usually fairly straightforward, predicting potential changes in product behavior during freezing remains challenging.

Graphical Abstract
Lysosomal alterations and decreased electrophysiological activity in CLN3 disease patient-derived cortical neurons
Authors: Chear Sueanne , Perry Sharn , Wilson Richard , Bindoff Aidan , Talbot Jana , Ware Tyson L. , Grubman Alexandra , Vickers James C. , Pébay Alice , Ruddle Jonathan B. , King Anna E. , Hewitt Alex W. , Cook Anthony L.
Published: December 2022

CLN3 disease is a lysosomal storage disorder associated with fatal neurodegeneration that is caused by mutations in CLN3, with most affected individuals carrying at least one allele with a 966 bp deletion. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we corrected the 966 bp deletion mutation in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of a compound heterozygous patient (CLN3 Δ 966 bp and E295K). We differentiated these isogenic iPSCs, and iPSCs from an unrelated healthy control donor, to neurons and identified disease-related changes relating to protein synthesis, trafficking and degradation, and in neuronal activity, which were not apparent in CLN3-corrected or healthy control neurons. CLN3 neurons showed numerous membrane-bound vacuoles containing diverse storage material and hyperglycosylation of the lysosomal LAMP1 protein. Proteomic analysis showed increase in lysosomal-related proteins and many ribosomal subunit proteins in CLN3 neurons, accompanied by downregulation of proteins related to axon guidance and endocytosis. CLN3 neurons also had lower electrophysical activity as recorded using microelectrode arrays. These data implicate inter-related pathways in protein homeostasis and neurite arborization as contributing to CLN3 disease, and which could be potential targets for therapy.
Measuring the motives of informal entrepreneurs
Authors: Othman Noor Shahaliza , Marthandan Govindan , Ab Aziz Kamarulzaman
Published: December 2022

Background - Handling non-observed activities pose major challenges to the governments and other stakeholders. Non-observed activities refer to underground activities, illegal activities, informal sector and any other activities that result in goods or services consumed by the household. The impact of these non-observed activities shows that the volume of people involved in the informal sector will rapidly increase. Informal economic activities are technically illegal yet are not intended as antisocial,   thereby remaining acceptable to many individuals within the society. This research aimed to identify the factors that lead to entrepreneurial necessity and opportunity.  

Methods – The data of 51 respondents who were employed as informal entrepreneurs in Klang Valley areas in Malaysia was collected with the use of a questionnaire and convenient and proportionate sampling techniques. The data were analysed using SPSS software.  

Results – The two primary drivers of informal entrepreneurial activity were necessity and opportunity. The inability to find a formal job was an example of being driven by necessity. Meanwhile, individuals that are driven by opportunity chose to work independently in these informal sectors. Between necessity and engagement, refinement acted as a mediator. Often, necessity and opportunity do not automatically translate into successful entrepreneurship; further refinement is required in terms of market potential, technology usage, location preferences, and capital requirements. Improved refinement results in increased entrepreneurial engagement. 

Conclusions - The role and contribution of the informal sector entrepreneurship in economic development need to be evaluated and not just observed as an opportunity for individuals who choose this type of career. Therefore, further research is required in a wider variety of contexts to evaluate whether the same remains true in different populations. The results of this study can be useful for the government to set policies to encourage the transition of informal to formal entrepreneurships in Malaysia.
ANCA-associated vasculitis in Ireland: a multi-centre national cohort study
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Nic an Ríogh Eithne , Al Nokhatha Shamma , Cowhig Cliona , Verrelli Alyssa , Fitzgerald Ted , White Arthur , Walsh Cathal , Aslett Louis , DeFreitas Declan , Clarkson Michael R. , Holian John , Griffin Matthew D. , Conlon Niall , O’Meara Yvonne , Casserly Liam , Molloy Eamonn , Power Julie , Moran Sarah M. , Little Mark A.
Published: December 2022

Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease. There is a need for interoperable national registries to enable reporting of real-world long-term outcomes and their predictors in AAV.

Methods: The Irish National Rare Kidney Disease (RKD) registry was founded in 2012. To date, 842 patients with various forms of vasculitis have been recruited across eight nephrology, rheumatology and immunology centres. We focus here on patient- and disease- characteristics, treatment and outcomes of the 397 prospectively recruited patients with AAV.

Results: Median age was 64 years (IQR 55–73), 57.9% were male, 58.9% had microscopic polyangiitis and 85.9% had renal impairment. Cumulative one- and five-year patient survival was 94% and 77% respectively. Median follow-up was 33.5 months (IQR 10.7–52.7). After controlling for age, baseline renal dysfunction (p = 0.04) and the burden of adverse events (p <0.001) were independent predictors of death overall. End-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD) occurred in 73 (18.4%) patients; one- and five-year renal survival was 85% and 79% respectively. Baseline severity of renal insufficiency (p = 0.02), urine soluble CD163 (usCD163) (p = 0.002) and “sclerotic” Berden histological class (p = 0.001) were key determinants of ESKD risk.

Conclusions: Long-term outcomes of Irish AAV patients are comparable to other reported series. Our results emphasise the need for personalisation of immunosuppression, to limit treatment toxicity, particularly in those with advanced age and renal insufficiency. Baseline usCD163 is a potential biomarker for ESKD prediction and should be validated in a large independent cohort.
Cobertura y tratamiento informativo en periódicos de circulación nacional. Caso rifa del avión presidencial
Authors: Marañón Felipe , Saldierna Salas Alma Rosa , Moreno Marañón Dinorah
Published: December 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el tratamiento informativo que otorgan distintos periódicos de circulación nacional a la idea propuesta por el presidente de la República, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, sobre rifar el avión presidencial. A través de una metodología cuantitativa de análisis de contenido, y haciendo uso de encuadres o frames, se analizaron 84 notas periodísticas provenientes de cinco periódicos de circulación nacional. Los resultados arrojaron que se tuvo una gran presencia de atribución de responsabilidad como framing de acontecimiento narrado, siendo este el de mayor nivel en comparación con el discurso de interés humano, conflicto y consecuencias económicas. Así mismo se detectó el uso de un discurso de conspiración, en donde se posicionaba a la rifa como una estrategia para distraer a la población de otros asuntos políticos; sin embargo, también se encontraron una gran cantidad de notas en las que se brindó un discurso de apoyo. Remarcando de esta manera la importancia que tiene el periodismo en la generación de opiniones, así como en la de transmitir conocimiento a la población.
Consumer Loyalty Programs and Retail Prices: Evidence from Gasoline Markets
Authors: Rossi Federico , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: December 2022

We study the pricing strategy of retailers that promote their sales with a loyalty program.
Institutional Investor Attention, Agency Conflicts, and the Cost of Debt
Authors: El Ghoul Sadok , Guedhami Omrane , Mansi Sattar A. , Yoon Hyo Jin
Published: December 2022

Using a new measure of shareholder inattention constructed from exogenous industry shocks to institutional investor portfolios, we find that firms with distracted shareholders are associated with a higher cost of debt. This effect is stronger for firms with more powerful CEOs, firms with higher information asymmetry, and those operating in less competitive product markets. Further testing suggests that the inattention-cost of debt relation is driven primarily by dual holders directly observing shareholder distraction. Our results are robust to controlling for inattention at the retail investor level and to other external monitors, including credit rating agencies, financial analysts, and Big 4 auditors. Overall, our evidence suggests that institutional shareholder inattention has an incrementally negative effect on bond pricing.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4593 .
Spontaneous Resolution of a Pulmonary Cystic Amyloidosis Mass
Authors: Guediri Nouha , Meijri Islam , Boubaker Nouha , Mhamdi Samira , Daboussi Selsabil , Aichaouia Chiraz , Messaoudi Houssem , Ayadi Aida , Moatemri Zied
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Amyloidosis is a rare illness characterized by the deposition in organs of amyloid, which can be detected by histological staining. Amyloidosis restricted to the lower respiratory tract is unusual. Results: We reported the case of a 68-year-old woman with no history of chronic disease who presented with dyspnoea on exertion, cough and fatigue. The physical examination was unremarkable. A CT scan showed a cystic mass with a thickened wall in the apical segment of the left lower lobe. A biopsy of the mass was performed, and histological and immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. The patient’s clinical and radiological symptoms spontaneously improved without treatment after 3 years. Conclusion: Amyloid-related cystic lung disease is a rare presentation of amyloidosis in the thorax. More case reports are required to determine if such masses can resolve without treatment and whether amyloid-associated cystic lung disease actually exists.
SUSTAINABILITY AND THE REASONS FOR ITS ADOPTION IN THE COMPANIES
Authors: Zhivkova Stela
Published: December 2022

Sustainable development is all around us nowadays. Every day we are poured in with initiatives and information related to sustainable development. The world leaders talk about the green economy, circular economy, green deals, and sustainable development.  However, what actually drives the companies to apply sustainable development principles in their business operations? Whether these are the different legislative requirements at the national and international level or the pure economic interest of the companies to earn additional income from their sustainable actions? The present paper highlights the key results of the project "International Business and Sustainable Practices" and attempts to summarize the motivations for the business to be sustainable. The research focuses on the three key dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) and the sustainable development practices of internationally operating companies. The main objectives of the study are to identify the major business environment factors influencing the implementation of sustainable practices by companies operating internationally and to analyze the best sustainable development practices. The present study is primarily desk research based on the review of existing literature for developing and promoting the concept of sustainability in everyday business practices. Research papers, projects, and reports of international organisations working for sustainable development are extensively reviewed. The study found that internal environment factors like managers’ attitude, employees, and financial benefits are the key motives for the organisations to apply sustainable development practices in their business operations.
Periprosthetic joint infection following hip hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Bourget-Murray Jonathan , Horton Isabel , Morris Jared , Bureau Antoine , Garceau Simon , Abdelbary Hesham , Grammatopoulos George
Published: December 2022

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and factors for developing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following hemiarthroplasty (HA) for hip fracture, and to evaluate treatment outcome and identify factors associated with treatment outcome.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients treated for HA PJI at a tertiary referral centre with a mean 4.5 years’ follow-up (1.6 weeks to 12.9 years). Surgeries performed included debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) and single-stage revision. The effect of different factors on developing infection and treatment outcome was determined.

Results

A total of 1,984 HAs were performed during the study period, and 44 sustained a PJI (2.2%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher CCI score (odds ratio (OR) 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.117 to 2.187); p = 0.003), peripheral vascular disease (OR 11.34 (95% CI 1.897 to 67.810); p = 0.008), cerebrovascular disease (OR 65.32 (95% CI 22.783 to 187.278); p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 4.82 (95% CI 1.903 to 12.218); p < 0.001), moderate-to-severe renal disease (OR 5.84 (95% CI 1.116 to 30.589); p = 0.037), cancer without metastasis (OR 6.42 (95% CI 1.643 to 25.006); p = 0.007), and metastatic solid tumour (OR 15.64 (95% CI 1.499 to 163.087); p = 0.022) were associated with increasing PJI risk. Upon final follow-up, 17 patients (38.6%) failed initial treatment and required further surgery for HA PJI. One-year mortality was 22.7%. Factors associated with treatment outcome included lower preoperative Hgb level (97.9 g/l (SD 11.4) vs 107.0 g/l (SD 16.1); p = 0.009), elevated CRP level (99.1 mg/l (SD 63.4) vs 56.6 mg/l (SD 47.1); p = 0.030), and type of surgery. There was lower chance of success with DAIR (42.3%) compared to revision HA (66.7%) or revision with conversion to total hip arthroplasty (100%). Early-onset PJI (≤ six weeks) was associated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure (OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 10.6); p = 0.007) along with patients treated by a non-arthroplasty surgeon (OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 5.3); p = 0.014).

Conclusion

HA PJI initially treated with DAIR is associated with poor chances of success and its value is limited. We strongly recommend consideration of a single-stage revision arthroplasty with cemented components. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(12):924–932.
Critical Orthodoxies and (Re) Imagining Scholarship for a Brave New World
Authors: Benson II Richard D.
Published: December 2022

Introduction to the special issue.
Part Typewriter, Part Divination: A Black Feminist Approach to Black Digital Archives and Preserving the Papers of the Campaign to Bring Mumia Home
Authors: Millward Jessica , Willoughby-Herard Tiffany , Carter LaShonda , Tribbett Krystal , Turenne Ella
Published: December 2022

Black Digital Humanities in the hands of Black Feminist and Black Women’s Studies scholars enables historiography and open access pedagogy about Black liberation thinkers in the tradition of the Black Studies Movement.1 Furthermore it is a subversive model of archiving which produces a counter-narrative to traditional and canonical ways of thinking, producing, and storing work that is coming out of Black liberatory movements, praxis, creative social visions, and knowledge production. For our purposes we describe this as the myriad valences of Blackness experienced, encompassed, and reproduced. This paper theorizes the ways in which Black Digital Humanities can be used to preserve historical documents that would otherwise be repressed and erased in the evolving world of online databases, open access and for-profit library packages. It examines these questions by discussing the creation of the Activist Studio West (ASW) and its efforts to preserve the history of The Campaign to Bring Mumia home. We deploy Black Feminist praxis through collaborative interventions into historiography as a key feature of political consciousness raising. The stakes of this article (and archive) call into question the fundamentals of digital humanities and what it means to develop a digital repository to document Black Radical Political movements as Black Feminists. Research team members, historian Jessica Millward, political scientist Tiffany Willoughby-Herard, Black cultural studies scholar LaShonda Carter, visual culture scholar Ella Turenne, and ethnic studies archivist Krystal Tribbett prioritized introducing students to the major scholarship on creating community based archives, the ethical concerns around this particular type of Black Radical archive, and the political ethos involved in initiating an archive around a figure that has been consistently threatened by state sanctioned historical record. As a research methods driven paper we have focused on concept and theory-building toward curriculum development.
Extracting Life-giving Strength from my Roots: An Endarkened Feminist (Auto)Nkwaethnography of Navigating Tenure as a Black Woman at a Predominantly White Institution
Authors: Allen-Handy Ayana
Published: December 2022

This auto nkwa (life-affirming) ethnography shares a Black woman’s journey to tenure at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Grounded in endarkened feminist epistemologies, the author weaves together elements of intersectionality, critical autoethnography, narrative inquiry, and Black womanist traditions to share first-person accounts of how she navigated the socio-cultural and socio-political institutional context to ultimately become the first Black woman to earn tenure in the School of Education’s history at her university. In connecting the personal to theory and theory to praxis, the author illuminates how PWIs must undertake anti-racist and justice-orientations in order to fully center and support Black women’s ways of knowing and being in the tenure and promotion process, ultimately ensuring their long-term success.
What if Life Were Black and White: An Interview with Behjat Omer Abdulla
Authors: Omer Behjat , Abdullah Meriwan
Published: December 2022

Artist Behjat Omar Abdulla discusses his most recent projects,
What if Life is Black and White and
From a Distance. These works focus on reflecting on identity, belonging, migration, and citizenship, along with the founding of Abdulla’s
River of Light project.
Space in the City’s Memory: An Example of Statues in Sulaymaniyah
Authors: Daraga Zamoa
Published: December 2022

Gardens, parks, and public artworks around the city of Sulaymaniyah are among the city’s most admired features. An important hallmark of these public spaces are the statues of famous historical personalities who are remembered for serving the city, particularly those who were martyred for the sake of the Kurdish nation and were important figures of the Kurdish revolution. Despite their significance to the history of Sulaymaniyah, these statutes and the public spaces in which they exist are being reshaped and removed, at worst destroyed, to make way for new developments in the city.
Planting the Seeds of Collaboration: A Pilot for School/Clinic Partnerships During Pediatric Clerkship
Authors: Sheppard Mary E. , Vitalone-Raccaro Nancy , Kaari Jacqueline M.
Published: December 2022

Although pediatricians and family physicians often refer children to early intervention (EI) and provide support and information to families, medical school training that provides information about special education policy and procedures is often limited. We piloted a program whereby medical students, during their pediatric clerkship, observed school classrooms that included young children with disabilities. Visit impact was measured through assessments of perceived competency and a written reflection. Students showed perceived competency growth across all areas measured. Written reflections demonstrated understanding of special education practices and collaborative opportunities. These findings suggest that incorporating experiential learning through facilitated school visits is a way to enhance the learning experience of medical students on topics essential to supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Analysis and design of a microlens array scanning system based on spherical aberration
Authors: Ge Zenghui , Liu Zhiying , Huang Yunhan , Lv Zhiyang
Published: December 2022

The microlens array (MLA)
scanning system is a relatively new solution for beam scanning. The
excrescent light generated by overlapping divergent beams from
adjacent microlenses increases with the scanning angle, and as a
result, the rays do not fill the clear aperture of the MLA. The effect
on the detection distance and imaging resolution of the MLA system are
analyzed. Based on the principle of minimum spherical aberration, a
design method for initial configuration of the MLA system is proposed.
The findings of this paper can be beneficial for the design and
evaluation of MLA systems.
Polarization-insensitive 90° optical hybrid using silica-based PLC
Authors: Pan Pan , Wang Liangliang , Liu Qinghai , Zhan Shengbao , Wang Peng , Li Lingli , An Junming
Published: December 2022

A 90° optical hybrid (OH) based on a

4

×

4

multimode interference (MMI) coupler is characterized and analyzed using the silica-based planar light circuit. The OH is designed to be polarization-insensitive with an extremely low polarization-dependent loss (

<

0.18

d
B

) and phase error (

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t
h
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n

±
1

.

3

∘

)

. The fabricated chip exhibits an excess loss of 3.4 dB and 3.8 dB for TE and TM polarizations at 1550 nm. The measured phase error is

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t
h
i
n

±
7

.

2

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over 50 nm in the

C

+

L

band with a polarization-dependent error

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t
h
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n

±
3

.

5

∘

. The fabrication tolerance of the MMI width and waveguide sidewall angle is analyzed, which can well explain the deviation from the theoretical calculation.
Two-dimensional power allocation scheme for NOMA-based underwater visible light communication systems
Authors: Chen Danyang , Fan Kai , Wang Jianping , Lu Huimin , Jin Jianli , Liu Changling
Published: December 2022

In this work, a two-dimensional power allocation scheme combining fractional transmit power allocation (FTPA) and the sine cosine algorithm (SCA) is proposed for non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based underwater visible light communication (UVLC) systems. Considering the proposed power allocation scheme, a downlink NOMA-based UVLC system using blue-light-emitting diodes in the deep-sea environment is set up to evaluate the influence of the FTPA coefficient and SCA on system communication performance. The simulation results demonstrate that the two-dimensional power allocation scheme can effectively reduce the impact of user pairing on system performance and improve the system transmission rate compared with the conventional power allocation scheme.
Novel High Power 1.24 μm And 1.48 μm Raman Lasers Based On Phosphosilicate Fiber
Authors: Dianov E.M. , Grekov M.V. , Bufetov I.A. , Vasiliev S.A. , Medvedkov O.I. , Ivanov G.A. , Belov A.V. , Plotnichenko V.G. , Koltashev V.V. , Prokhorov A.M.
Published: December 2022

At present cascaded Raman fiber lasers pumped by Nd or Yb fiber lasers have found wide application. The growing interest in such lasers has been caused by the possibility to generate the high power CW radiation at the wavelengths of 1.24 and 1.48 μm.