bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet Accessibility for Blind and Visually-Impaired Users: An Evaluation of Official U.S. State and Territory COVID-19 Websites
Authors: Hewitt Dylan H. , He Yingchen
Published: November 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most health information was moved to an online format for easier dissemination. However, many of these health websites may not be accessible to users who are visually impaired, such as people who use screen readers and magnifiers. This study aimed to test the accessibility of 55 U.S. state and territory COVID-19 websites using 3 automated accessibility checker tools (MAUVE++, CynthiaSays, and AChecker). The homepage, testing, and vaccine pages for each state/territory were tested. Accessibility violations were categorized based on their relevance to visual impairment and compared between categories. Individuals who have vision loss but still access the websites visually are the most likely to be affected, with relevant accessibility violations detected in 81% of the checked cases. In addition, states/territories were ranked by their accessibility ratings. Our findings emphasize the need to improve the accessibility of public-facing health informational websites and provide suggestions for remedies.
The Role of Transparency and Explainability in Automated Systems
Authors: Maarten Schraagen Jan , Kerwien Lopez Sabin , Schneider Carolin , Schneider Vivien , Tönjes Stephanie , Wiechmann Emma
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the differences and effects of transparency and explainability on trust, situation awareness, and satisfaction in the context of an automated car. Three groups were compared in a between-subjects design (n = 73). Participants in every group saw six graphically manipulated videos of an automated car from the driver’s perspective with either transparency, post-hoc explanations or both combined. Transparency resulted in higher trust, higher satisfaction and higher level 2 situational awareness (SA) than explainability. Transparency also resulted in higher level 2 SA than the combined condition, but did not differ in terms of trust or satisfaction. Moreover, explainability led to significantly worse satisfaction compared to combined feedback. Although our findings should be replicated in more ecologically valid driving situations, we tentatively conclude that transparency alone should be implemented in semi self-driving cars, and possibly automated systems in general, whenever possible to make them most satisfactory, trustworthy, and resulting in higher SA.
Fun and Games: Designing a Gamified Central Venous Catheterization Training Simulator
Authors: Tzamaras Haroula M. , Martinez Jason , Brown Dailen C. , Gonzalez-Vargas Jessica M. , Moore Jason Z. , Miller Scarlett R.
Published: November 2021

Gamification, or adding elements of games to training systems, has the potential to increase learner engagement and information retention. However, the use of gamification has yet to be explored in Central Venous Catheterization (CVC) trainers which teach a commonly performed medical procedure with high incidence rates. In order to combat these errors, a Dynamic Haptic Robotic Trainer (DHRT) was developed, which focuses on vessel identification and access. A DHRT+ system is currently under development that focuses on whole procedure training (e.g. sterilization and catheter insertion), including a gamified Graphical User Interface. The goal of this paper was to (1) develop a game-like, patient-centered interface to foster personalized learning and (2) understand the perceived utility of gamification for CVC skill development with expert doctors. This paper outlines some of the potential benefits and deficits of the use of gamification in medical trainers that can be used to drive simulation design.
Advice from Robots: Would You Choose a Robot that Looked More or Less Human?
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Getu Amroté , Sharp Heath , Wiese Eva
Published: November 2021

Humans are increasingly turning to non-human agents for advice. Therefore, it is important to investigate if human-likeness of a robot affects advice-seeking. In this experiment, participants chose robot advisors with different levels of human-likeness when completing either social or analytical tasks, and the task was either known or unknown when the robot advisor was selected. In the agent first condition, participants chose the advisor before receiving their task assignment, and in the task first condition participants received their task assignment before choosing the advisor. Results indicated that task type did not play a role in agent selection in either condition. However, in the agent first condition, more human-like robots (Nao and Kodomoroid) were selected at a higher rate than machine-like robots (Cozmo) and, in the task first condition, Nao was selected at a higher rate than Cozmo or Kodomoroid. These results should be considered when designing robots for giving advice to improve human-robot interaction.
Scientific and Design Understandings of Aesthetics
Authors: Alharoon Dahlia , Gillan Douglas J. , Lei Carina
Published: November 2021

User Experience (UX) extends the construct of usability by an additional focus on emotion, motivation and aesthetics. An emphasis on aesthetics has been undertaken to a greater extent by design disciplines than by science. The present review examines both design and scientific approaches to aesthetics in order to integrate the two approaches and identify research opportunities that could result in science based design principals. The review of design approaches to aesthetics indicates the primary importance of balance as an element of design. Accordingly, research on the role of balance in producing aesthetic responses from users is a reasonable starting point for a program of research. Additionally, the analysis of aesthetic metrics and individual differences in aesthetic preferences in scientific research are discussed as possible collaboration areas for designers.
Somatosensory Impairments, Falls History and Fear of Falling in Glaucoma - A Survey Study Approach
Authors: O’Connell Caitlin , Wollstein Gadi , Conner Ian P. , Redfern Mark S. , Chan Kevin C. , Whitney Susan L. , Cham Rakie
Published: November 2021

The primary aim was to determine if somatosensory impairments alter the association between falls history and glaucoma severity. A secondary aim was to identify the activities of daily living that cause increased concern related to falling in glaucoma and their association with glaucoma severity. Established questionnaires about falls and fear of falling (FoF) were mailed to participants diagnosed with glaucoma. Ninety-eight participants responded. Self-reported feet numbness and tingling symptoms were used to determine the presence of somatosensory impairments. Self-reported falls in glaucoma are associated with visual field deficits in both eyes, particularly in the presence of somatosensory impairments. In addition, increased FoF levels are linked with worse visual field deficits in both eyes, especially when performing challenging walking tasks. Somatosensory impairments alter the relationship between falls risk and visual field deficits in glaucoma. This information may be helpful in identifying older workers at an increased risk of falling.
Effect of Individual Differences in Fear and Anxiety on Face Perception of Human and Android Agents
Authors: Schroeder Sarah , Goad Kurtis , Rothner Nicole , Momen Ali , Wiese Eva
Published: November 2021

People process human faces configurally—as a Gestalt or integrated whole—but perceive objects in terms of their individual features. As a result, faces—but not objects—are more difficult to process when presented upside down versus upright. Previous research demonstrates that this inversion effect is not observed when recognizing previously seen android faces, suggesting they are processed more like objects, perhaps due to a lack of perceptual experience and/or motivation to recognize android faces. The current study aimed to determine whether negative emotions, particularly fear of androids, may lessen configural processing of android faces compared to human faces. While the current study replicated previous research showing a greater inversion effect for human compared to android faces, we did not find evidence that negative emotions—such as fear—towards androids influenced the face inversion effect. We discuss the implications of this study and opportunities for future research.
The Challenges of Evaluating the Usability of Augmented Reality (AR)
Authors: Derby Jessyca L. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: November 2021

Augmented reality (AR) is a new and emerging technology that could benefit from evaluating its usability to better the user’s experience with the device or application. This is often done through usability testing and heuristic evaluations. However, AR technology presents some challenges when completing these usability evaluations. Practitioners need to keep in mind the hardware limitations of AR devices that may not be present with other computerized technology, consistency of the users’ environment plays a larger role in the AR experience, recognize that a novelty effect may occur and affect subjective scores, and choose heuristic sets that will best evaluate AR applications. Practitioners need to be aware of these challenges and overcome them to accurately assess the usability of these products to gain insights about what should be changed to make the overall experience with the product better.
Case report of sacituzumab govitecan-hziy-induced neutropenia in a patient with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and a uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 poor metabolizer genotype
Authors: Baek Grace , Jung Lindsey , Duong Arianne , Gralow Julie
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy, approved in 2020 for treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, provides a new option for a population with a historically poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy. Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 poor metabolizers are at increased risk for profound neutropenia. This case discusses clinical implications of the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1*28/*28 genotype in patients receiving sacituzumab govitecan-hziy.

Case report

A 38-year-old otherwise healthy pre-menopausal female of South Asian descent was diagnosed with non-metastatic, hormone receptor-positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. This was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and multiple lines of subsequent therapies. Upon finding bone metastasis, an additional six lines of therapy ensued. In total, 3.5 years post-diagnosis, sacituzumab govitecan-hziy was started for disease transformation to triple-negative status.

Management and outcome

Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy was initiated at the Food and Drug Administration-approved 10 mg/kg/dose on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred after one dose. Pharmacogenomics testing identified the patient as a uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1*28 homozygous expressor. Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy was dose-reduced, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered due to the severity of neutropenia. The patient continued on sacituzumab govitecan-hziy until disease progression.

Discussion

Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy's propensity to cause neutropenia is multifactorial. Although incidence of all-grade neutropenia from sacituzumab govitecan-hziy is elevated for uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1*28 homozygous expressors, this does not translate to increased risk for febrile neutropenia. Detailed guidance is lacking regarding empiric dose adjustments or prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for these patients. 1 Currently, pre-sacituzumab govitecan-hziy pharmacogenomics testing to identify uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 poor metabolizers is not recommended, and the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unclear.
Ocular adverse events following intravitreal brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration at a single tertiary care center
Authors: Nguyen Huy V. , Li Angela S. , Silva Amila R. , Leng Theodore
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To determine the incidence of ocular adverse effects (AEs) following brolucizumab injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration at a tertiary academic institution.

Design

Retrospective, single center cohort study.

Participants

All patients who received an intravitreal injection of brolucizumab 6 mg for neovascular age-related macular degeneration between October 7, 2019 and July 31, 2020.

Methods

Medical records of all patients who received brolucizumab 6 mg during the aforementioned time period were carefully reviewed and all ocular adverse effects after injection were charted.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence of post-injection ocular AEs, including intraocular inflammation (IOI), and time to development of AEs after injection.

Results

A total of 77 patients received brolucizumab 6 mg for a total of 115 administrations during the study period. There were 4 AEs (3.5%), including three cases of IOI (2.6%), one central retinal artery occlusion, and one retinal detachment. Two men and two women were affected.

Conclusion

Ocular AEs, including those leading to severe vision loss, may develop after intravitreal brolucizumab 6 mg. A careful discussion of benefits and risks to brolucizumab should be conducted with all patients.

Precis

In this first case series of ocular adverse effects after brolucizumab 6 mg injection at a single tertiary care center, the incidence of ocular adverse effects was 3.5%, including a 2.6% incidence of intraocular inflammation.
Management of vascular access for extracorporeal life support: A cohort study
Authors: Lucchini Alberto , Elli Stefano , Piovera Daniele , Grossulè Mario , Giannini Luciano , Cannizzo Luigi , Crosignani Andrea , Rona Roberto , Foti Guseppe , Giani Marco
Published: November 2021

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is required for patients with refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. Inadequate securement of ECMO cannulae may lead to adverse events, ranging from line kinking to catastrophic accidents, such as air entrainment into the circuit or massive bleeding. Furthermore, the micro-motion of the cannulae at the entry site might increase the risk of local infections. Since 2015, we implemented a written protocol for management of ECMO cannulae and tubing, which specifically includes the securement of each cannula with three sutureless devices. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess cannulae micro-motion and the rate of bleeding events at the insertion site. Secondarily we aimed to evaluate the impact of prone positioning maneuvers during ECMO on these events. We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on nursing care of ECMO cannulae. We included adult patients treated with veno-venous (V-V) or veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO between 2015 and 2018 in our general intensive care unit. The distance between the insertion site and the end of the wire-wound part of the cannula was recorded daily. Variations of this distance (defined as “cannula micro-motion”) were recorded. Forty-five ECMO consecutive adult patients (40 V-V and 5 V-A) were included. No accidental cannula dislodgement was recorded. Median daily “cannula micro-motion” was 0.0 (−0.5 to 0.2) cm, without any significant difference between ECMO configuration, cannula type, and insertion site. Twelve patients (26%) presented at least one bleeding episode at cannula insertion site, none of which required surgical intervention. In the subgroup of patients who underwent prone positioning, no difference in cannulae micro-motion was recorded. An ECMO nursing protocol for cannulae management providing sutureless devices for cannula and tubing securement allows safe line stabilization, with the potential to reduce complications related to ECMO vascular access.
Political ideology moderates White Americans’ reactions to racial demographic change
Authors: Brown Xanni , Rucker Julian M. , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: November 2021

An emerging body of research finds that exposure to the shifting racial demographics of a nation can engender concerns about racial group status among members of the dominant racial group. The present work revisits this finding, probing a broader set of group status concerns than has been examined in most past research. Three experiments exposed four samples of White Americans to racial demographic information or race-neutral control information, then assessed their perception that the relative status of racial groups in the nation would change and the extent to which they were alarmed by such a status shift—that is, status threat. Consistent with past work, what we now term perceived status change increased in response to salient racial demographics information, relative to race-neutral control information, irrespective of participants’ political ideology. Departing from past work, however, the perceived threat associated with changing racial demographics was moderated by political ideology. Specifically, politically conservative White participants demonstrated high levels of group status threat in the neutral control condition that either increased (Study 1a, Study 2) or stayed equally high (Study 1b, Study 3) after exposure to information about a racial shift. In contrast, in all studies, politically liberal White participants demonstrated a modest level of group status threat in the control condition that was attenuated upon exposure to a racial shift. Taken together, these results suggest a polarization of responses to the increasing racial diversity of the nation, one that was not observed even just a few years ago.
Proximity Effects in Mass Spectra of Benzanilides
Authors: Fenwick Nathan W , Saidykhan Amie , Nazir Yasser , Telford Richard , Masood Binyaameen , Martin William H C , Gallagher Richard T , Bowen Richard D
Published: November 2021

The analytical value of peaks arising by a proximity effect in the electron ionization mass spectra of benzanilides has been established by examining the spectra of numerous examples of general structure XC6H4NHCOC6H4Y. Significant [M-X]+ signals are observed only when X = Cl, Br, I or CH3O in the 2-position. The presence of strong [M-X]+ signals, but negligibly weak [M-Y]+ peaks, even when the C-Y bond would be expected to break more readily than the C-X bond, indicates that these diagnostically useful signals do not arise by simple cleavage. Similarly, the presence of an appreciable [M-Cl]+ signal, but no [M-Br]+ signal, in the spectra of representative examples of 4-Br-2ClC6H3NHCOC6H4Y, reveals that loss of a substituent from the 2-position occurs much more rapidly than fission of a weaker bond to a substituent in the 4-position. These trends are interpreted in terms of cyclization of the ionized 2-substituted benzanilide, followed by elimination of the substituent originally in the 2-position, to form a protonated 2-arylbenzoxazole.
Using examples to increase recall in self-administered questionnaires
Authors: Phillips Joan M
Published: November 2021

Self-administered questionnaires often use examples or lists of examples to aid respondent recall. We report on the results of a field experiment examining how such examples in survey questions affect the episodic recall of events. Building on part-set cuing theory, the authors propose that examples increase recall when they cue low-accessibility subcategories of events, but may decrease recall when they cue high-accessibility subcategories. Further, cuing with examples rather than subcategory names may in some situations clarify questions and reduce non-useable open-ended responses. Findings from a survey of 2137 adult Medicaid recipients are generally consistent with these predictions.
Understanding educator attitudes towards and perceptions of mathematics in early childhood
Authors: Johnston Kelly , Bull Rebecca
Published: November 2021

The first 3 years of life are identified as a period where children are primed for mathematical thinking, and a time where significant and critical development occurs. Additionally, mathematical ability in the years before children start school serves as a strong predictor of later achievement. However, many early childhood educators do not recognise the relevance of focussing on numeracy with very young children, and there remains a paucity of research on mathematical thinking and learning with infant and toddler aged children. This study sought to investigate early childhood educators’ perspectives on mathematics for children birth to 5 years of age. Educators were invited to complete an online survey and a mixed methods approach was used to interpret the responses. The findings revealed that even though mathematics was seen as relevant and important across the birth to five age range, these values were not significantly reflected in educator’s preferred or espoused teaching practices. The study also identified a range of factors that positively and negatively influenced educator self-efficacy and dispositions towards mathematics across their lifespans. Practitioner led research projects are suggested as an effective form of professional learning to incorporate into future research projects.
Application of Lipidomics for Assessing Tissue Lipid Profiles of Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Weibiao , Zheng Wen , Hu Sheng , Zhang Jianyong , Zhang Wenxiong , Xu Jianjun , Yu Dongliang , Peng Jinhua , Zhang Lu , Gong Meng , Wei Yiping
Published: November 2021

Background: Lipid metabolism disorders play a key role in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). Herein we used lipidomics to study the tissue lipid profiles of 40 patients with SqCC. Methods: Lipidomics, based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry, was applied to identify altered lipid metabolites between tumor and adjacent noninvolved tissues (ANIT), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis model facilitated the identification of differentially abundant lipids. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and variable importance in projection scores of the aforementioned model were calculated to select lipid profiles. Metabolic pathway analyses were completed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and MetaboAnalyst. Results: Differences in lipid profiles were found between tumor and ANIT, early- and advanced-stage SqCC, and positive and negative lymph node metastases. The lipid profile panel was composed of five lipids—PC(44:4), diacylglycerol(36:5), sphingomyelin(d18:1/20:0), phosphatidylinositol(46:7), and HexCer-AP(t8:0/32:2 + O)—and could effectively differentiate between tumor and ANIT. Further, pathway analyses revealed alterations in several lipid metabolism pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. Conclusion: Our data revealed several changes in the tissue lipid profiles of patients with SqCC; moreover, we identified a lipid profile panel that could effectually distinguish tumor tissues from ANIT. We believe that our results provide new insights into the biological behavior of lung SqCC.
Combining Optogenetic Stimulation and Motor Training Improves Functional Recovery and Perilesional Cortical Activity
Authors: Conti Emilia , Scaglione Alessandro , de Vito Giuseppe , Calugi Francesco , Pasquini Maria , Pizzorusso Tommaso , Micera Silvestro , Allegra Mascaro Anna Letizia , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: November 2021

Background. An ischemic stroke is followed by the remapping of motor representation and extensive changes in cortical excitability involving both hemispheres. Although stimulation of the ipsilesional motor cortex, especially when paired with motor training, facilitates plasticity and functional restoration, the remapping of motor representation of the single and combined treatments is largely unexplored. Objective. We investigated if spatio-temporal features of motor-related cortical activity and the new motor representations are related to the rehabilitative treatment or if they can be specifically associated to functional recovery. Methods. We designed a novel rehabilitative treatment that combines neuro-plasticizing intervention with motor training. In detail, optogenetic stimulation of peri-infarct excitatory neurons expressing Channelrhodopsin 2 was associated with daily motor training on a robotic device. The effectiveness of the combined therapy was compared with spontaneous recovery and with the single treatments (ie optogenetic stimulation or motor training). Results. We found that the extension and localization of the new motor representations are specific to the treatment, where most treatments promote segregation of the motor representation to the peri-infarct region. Interestingly, only the combined therapy promotes both the recovery of forelimb functionality and the rescue of spatio-temporal features of motor-related activity. Functional recovery results from a new excitatory/inhibitory balance between hemispheres as revealed by the augmented motor response flanked by the increased expression of parvalbumin positive neurons in the peri-infarct area. Conclusions. Our findings highlight that functional recovery and restoration of motor-related neuronal activity are not necessarily coupled during post-stroke recovery. Indeed the reestablishment of cortical activation features of calcium transient is distinctive of the most effective therapeutic approach, the combined therapy.
A Study of Workspace Design Characteristics Exemplified by Nurses’ Satisfaction Within Three Intensive Care Units in a University Hospital
Authors: Obeidat Bushra , Younis Mohammad Bani , Al-Shlool Esra’a , Alzouby Ahmad
Published: November 2021

Background:

The critical conditions of intensive care patients require providing them with a higher acuity of care. Thus, it is essential to focus on critical care nurses and improve their work environment in a way that maximizes productivity, collaboration, satisfaction, and leads to improved patient care.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role the workplace layout design play in determining nurses’ satisfaction in three intensive care units (ICUs) at a university hospital.

Method:

A prospective, cross-sectional, single-center, survey-based design was employed in this study. Data were obtained, via a standardized questionnaire, from 36 morning shift nurses. The nurses’ self-reported satisfaction scores in three different ICUs with differing overall layouts, nursing station locations, and workplace design were statistically compared.

Results:

The study found that ICU 1 (private rooms, single corridor, central nursing station, close to supported services) had higher nursing satisfaction levels than ICUs 2 and 3 (open wards with separate service zones), F (2,34) = 5.054, p = .012. However, overall satisfaction was higher with the ICU 2 primary workspace design, possibly due to the perceived acoustic privacy in this configuration, F (2,34)= 4.492, p = .019. The ability of the ICU layout design to enhance teamwork and minimize traffic in patients care areas was found to be an important predictor of nurses’ satisfaction. The primary workspace design capacity to minimize congestion and the presence of large numbers of providers in a confined workplace might account for variation in nurses’ satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Physical environment variables in the ICU design may contribute to staff workplace satisfaction scores and may help in guiding informed choices regarding the future ICU design.
Effects of Whole-Season Training and Match-Play on Hip Adductor and Abductor Muscle Strength in Soccer Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: Moreno-Pérez Víctor , Peñaranda Marcelo , Soler Aitor , López-Samanes Álvaro , Aagaard Per , Del Coso Juan
Published: November 2021

Background:

Previous investigations have associated weakness of hip muscles with a higher likelihood of developing hip groin injury. However, no previous investigation has examined the influence of soccer training and match-play during the season on maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength.

Hypothesis:

Maximal hip adductor and abductor muscle strength would increase after the preseason, maintaining relatively constant levels across the soccer season.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 26 semiprofessional male soccer players underwent measurements of maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength at 3 time points of the soccer season: preseason, midseason, and end-season to investigate the longitudinal effect of soccer training and competition during a complete season on maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength in the semiprofessional Spanish soccer player.

Results:

Compared with preseason, hip abductor muscle strength increased in the midseason (14.2% and 17.1%, for dominant and nondominant limb, respectively; P < 0.001) and in the end-season (13.1%; P = 0.005, and 14.1%; P < 0.005). In contrast, hip adductor muscle strength remained unchanged across the season in both limbs. As a result, the adductor/abductor strength ratio in the nondominant limb was reduced at midseason and end-season time points (−14.6% and −18.4%, respectively; P < 0.001) with a corresponding tendency in the dominant limb (−9.3% and −15.0%, respectively; P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

While maximal hip abductor muscle strength increased throughout the season, hip adductor muscle strength remained stable across the season. This produced a substantial deficit in hip adductor/abductor strength ratio at midseason and end-season.

Clinical Relevance:

The progressive imbalance in adductor/abductor strength across the soccer season may be an indicator of increased risk of groin injury and may reinforce the need for preventive rehabilitation activities focused on enhancing adductor muscle strength.
What is Marxist geography today, or what is left of Marxist geography?
Authors: Das Raju J
Published: November 2021

The history and geography of intellectual neglect of Marxism are the history and geography of Marxism itself. Scholars of different political persuasions and from different regions of the world, including some ‘Marxists’, have pointed to its various deficiencies ever since its origin. But is Marxism really as bad as it is made out to be? In this short article, I argue that it absolutely is not. I discuss my view of Marxism, including Marxist geography. The latter examines economy, politics, culture and nature/body from the vantage-point of space, place, scale and human transformation of nature. I also discuss what difference Marxism has made to my own agenda of abstract and concrete research. For me, Marxism fundamentally comprises ideas of Marx and Engels, and revolutionary Marxist socialists of the 20th century (Lenin, Luxemburg and Trotsky), and those who have critically developed their thinking. I discuss four major areas of Marxism: philosophy (dialectical and materialist views of society and nature), social theory, or historical materialism, (geographical) political economy, and theory of communist practice. Marxism treats class, including in its capitalist form, as the causally most important social relation which explains how human beings live their lives. Class relations, and capitalism, structure gender and racial oppression which in turn influence class relations at a concrete level, and which are behind the geographical organization of society. The main goal of Marxism is not to produce ideas for the sake of ideas. It is rather to arm the exploited masses with adequate ideas that describe, explain and critique the world from their standpoint, so they can engage in the fight to produce an alternative social-spatial arrangement, i.e. a democratic and classless society which is ecologically healthier and which avoids geographically uneven development intra-nationally and internationally.
Epidural analgesia is associated with earlier gastrointestinal transit after radical cystectomy but does not reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Knoerlein Julian , Heinrich Sebastian , Kaufmann Kai , Schultze-Seemann Wolfgang , Baar Wolfgang , Kalbhenn Johannes
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To compare the effect of combined epidural thoracic analgesia and general anaesthesia (CEGA) in radical cystectomy (RC) with respect to the return of gastrointestinal passage, the incidence of paralytic postoperative ileus (POI) compared to general anaesthesia (GA) only.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a retrospective review using the electronic medical records of 236 patients who underwent RCs between July 2011 and September 2018 at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.

Results:

A CEGA was administered to 202 patients, while 34 patients received only GA. The baseline characteristics of patients with and without CEGA showed no significant differences. CEGA will decrease the time required for return of gastrointestinal transit as measured by time to first defecation by about 13 hours. In the first 90 days after surgery, 82 (34.7%) patients had a POI. There was no significant difference between complications in the CEGA and GA groups.

Conclusion:

A CEGA accelerates the return of the gastrointestinal transit but does not reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus.

Level of evidence:

2b
No home court advantage: The trump impeachment trial and attitudes toward the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Armaly Miles T , Enders Adam M
Published: November 2021

Although the U.S. Supreme Court goes to great lengths to avoid the “political thicket,” it is sometimes unwittingly pulled in. We employ several experimental treatments—each of which is composed of real behaviors that took place during the Trump impeachment trial—to understand the impact of the trial on attitudes about the Court. We find that Chief Justice Roberts’ presence and behaviors during the trial failed to legitimize the proceeding and may have even harmed views of the Court. Treatments involving Roberts’ actions decreased willingness to accept Court decisions and, in some cases, negatively impacted perceived legitimacy. We also find that criticisms of the Chief Justice by Senators decreased decision acceptance. These findings clarify both the bounds of the institution’s legitimizing power and the tenuous nature of public support in times of greater Court politicization by outside actors.
“Yearning for it” and “no turning back”—A study on Chinese international high school students’ motivations in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Feng Yuhuan , Xinyi Xie , Aiai Fan
Published: November 2021

This paper studies the macro situation of studying abroad in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak and the motivations of Chinese international high school students studying abroad. The research shows that from the macro situation, the “push” growth is caused by the epidemic situation, racial discrimination, tightening employment and immigration policies, online teaching, and other reasons, while the “pull” growth is caused by the good control of the epidemic situation and the sense of belonging and security for students in China; however, from the perspective of individual choice, most international high school students still insist on studying abroad, “demand effect” and “cost effect” can explain their motivations of studying abroad. The motivation of those students going abroad unshakably mainly shows “demand effect.” They tend to satisfy the differentiated demand of personal development through studying abroad and believe that this demand is more difficult to obtain in home country. While the motivation of those students going abroad reluctantly mainly shows “cost effect.” The cost of early investment including not only monetary expenditures but also behavioral choices in K-12 education leads to their continued investment.
Development, Prosperity and Aspirations: A Narrative from the Peri-Urban Areas of Noida
Authors: Bali Bhawna , Bhatia Neha
Published: November 2021

Urban development at city periphery as a unique process of urbanisation, manifests in distinctive spatial and socio-economic characteristics. The emergence of settlement types—an admixture of rural and urban characteristics—functionally transient between agrarian and non-agrarian economy with pervasive change in land uses and attendant livelihood sources, retreating mode of rural social norms and advancing urban way of life are remarkably obvious in peri-urban landscape of large Indian cities. The resultant socio-economic challenges for peri-urban inhabitants often create chasm between promised development agenda and their aspirations. Delving into the socio-economic transformations on account of land appropriation by the State government for urban and industrial development and ramifications of land negotiations in five peri-urban villages of Noida—this study reveals the discordant side of urbanisation benefitting urban at the cost of rural, and administrative processes which remain oblivious to the aspirations of those whose lands provided the grounds of this development agenda.
Resilience within Communities of Forced Migrants: Updates and the Path Forward
Authors: Pendley Sofia Curdumi , VanLandingham Mark Jennings , Pham Nhu Ngoc , Do Mai
Published: November 2021

We explore the current state of the principal literature relevant to resilience and vulnerability within and among communities of forced migrants. We highlight strengths, gaps, and weaknesses in these literatures, utilizing a case study to illustrate the importance of what we deem to be essential omitted variables. We make recommendations for moving these literatures—and their associated underlying conceptual frameworks—forward.
The Role of Demographic Research in Promoting Refugee Resettlement and Integration in the United States
Authors: Reed Holly E. , Kraly Ellen Percy , Bloemraad Irene
Published: November 2021

This introduction to this special issue of the Journal on Migration and Human Security discusses the background and focus of two meetings precursory to this collection, considers refugee resettlement and integration in the United States within the broader framework of the literature on migrant integration, and reflects on the role that population research can play in promoting successful and healthy refugee resettlement in the United States. Other contributions to the special issue are based on five of the presentations at a scientific workshop held in May 2019 in Washington, DC, entitled, “Forced Migration Research: From Theory to Practice in Promoting Migrant Well-Being.” A sixth article evolved from a virtual stakeholder meeting held as a follow-up activity in December 2020, entitled, “Refugee Resettlement in the United States: The Role of Migration Research in Promoting Migrant Well-being in a Post-Pandemic Era.” Both the workshop and the virtual meeting were hosted by the Committee on Population of the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, with dedicated support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Momelotinib is a highly potent inhibitor of FLT3-mutant AML
Authors: Azhar Mohammad , Kincaid Zachary , Kesarwani Meenu , Ahmed Arhama , Wunderlich Mark , Latif Tahir , Starczynowski Daniel , Azam Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Despite the introduction of more selective FLT3 inhibitors to treat FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), remissions are short lived, and patients show progressive disease after an initial response. Acquisition of resistance-conferring genetic mutations and growth factor signaling are 2 principal mechanisms that drive relapse. FLT3 inhibitors targeting both escape mechanisms could lead to a more profound and lasting clinical response. Here, we show that the JAK2 inhibitor momelotinib is an equipotent type 1 FLT3 inhibitor. Momelotinib showed potent inhibition of FLT3-internal tandem duplication in mouse and human primary cells and effectively suppressed its clinically relevant resistant variants within the activation loop at residues D835, D839, and Y842. Additionally, momelotinib efficiently suppressed the resistance mediated by growth factors and hematopoietic cytokine-activated JAK2 signaling. Consequently, concomitant inhibition of FLT3 and suppression of growth factor signaling by momelotinib treatment showed better efficacy in suppressing leukemia in a preclinical murine model of AML. Altogether, these data provide evidence that momelotinib is an effective type 1 dual JAK2/FLT3 inhibitor and may offer an alternative to gilteritinib. Its ability to impede the resistance conferred by growth factor signaling and activation loop mutants suggests that momelotinib treatment could provide a deeper and durable response and, thus, warrants its clinical evaluation.
MCT1 is a predictive marker for lenalidomide maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Stroh Jacob , Seckinger Anja , Heider Michael , Rudelius Martina , Eichner Ruth , Schick Markus , Slawska Jolanta , Emde-Rajaratnam Martina , Salwender Hans , Bertsch Uta , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Weisel Katja , Scheid Christof , Keller Ulrich , Hose Dirk , Bassermann Florian
Published: November 2021

Biomarkers that predict response to lenalidomide maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have remained elusive. We have shown that immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) exert anti-MM activity via destabilization of MCT1 and CD147. In this study, cell samples of 654 patients with MM who received lenalidomide (n = 455), thalidomide (n = 98), or bortezomib (n = 101) maintenance were assessed by gene expression profiling and RNA sequencing, followed by correlation of MCT1 and CD147 expression with data for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with high expression levels of MCT1 showed significantly reduced PFS (31.9 months vs 48.2 months in MCT1high vs MCT1low; P = .03) and OS (75.9 months vs not reached [NR] in MCT1high vs MCT1low; P = .001) in cases with lenalidomide maintenance, whereas MCT1 expression had no significant impact on PFS or OS in cases with bortezomib maintenance. We validated the predictive role of MCT1 for IMiD-based maintenance in an independent cohort of patients who received thalidomide (OS, 83.6 months vs NR in MCT1high vs MCT1low; P = .03). Functional validation showed that MCT1 overexpression in human MM cell lines significantly reduced the efficacy of lenalidomide, whereas no change was observed with bortezomib treatment, either in vitro or in a MM xenograft model. Our findings have established MCT1 expression as a predictive marker for response to lenalidomide-based maintenance in patients with MM.
Protective efficacy of 6-week regimen for latent tuberculosis infection treatment in rural China: 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xin Henan , Cao Xuefang , Zhang Haoran , Feng Boxuan , Du Ying , Zhang Bin , Wang Dakuan , Liu Zisen , Guan Ling , Shen Fei , Guan Xueling , Yan Jiaoxia , He Yijun , He Yongpeng , Quan Zhusheng , Pan Shouguo , Liu Jianmin , Jin Qi , Gao Lei
Published: November 2021

Background

Enlarging tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment among at-risk populations is a critical component of the End TB Strategy. There is an urgent need to develop suitable latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing and treatment tools according to the local TB epidemic and available resources worldwide.

Methods

Based on an open-label randomised controlled trial conducted since 2015 in China among rural residents aged 50–70 years with LTBI, the protective efficacy of a 6-week twice-weekly regimen of rifapentine plus isoniazid was further evaluated in a 5-year follow-up survey.

Results

1298 treated participants and 1151 untreated controls were included in the 5-year protective efficacy analysis. In the per-protocol analysis, the incidence rate was 0.49 (95% CI 0.30–0.67) per 100 person-years in the untreated control group and 0.19 (95% CI 0.07–0.32) per 100 person-years in the treated group; the protection rate was 61.22%. Subgroup analysis showed that the protection rate was 76.82% in the per-protocol analysis among participants with baseline interferon (IFN)-γ levels in the highest quartile (≥3.25 IU·mL−1). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that participants with baseline body mass index <18.5 kg·m−2and with pulmonary fibrotic lesions had increased hazard of developing active disease with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 3.64 (95% CI 1.20–11.00) and 5.99 (95% CI 2.20–16.27), respectively. In addition, individuals with higher baseline IFN-γ levels showed an increased risk of TB occurrence (aHR 2.27, 95% CI 1.13–4.58).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the 6-week twice-weekly regimen of rifapentine plus isoniazid for LTBI treatment might be an optional tool for TB control in the Chinese population.
Communicating with patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: can we do it better?
Authors: Wijsenbeek Marlies S. , Bonella Francesco , Orsatti Leticia , Russell Anne-Marie , Valenzuela Claudia , Wuyts Wim A. , Baile Walter F.
Published: November 2021

Communications between clinicians and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have the potential to be challenging. The variable course and poor prognosis of IPF complicate discussions around life expectancy but should not prevent clinicians from having meaningful conversations about patients’ fears and needs, while acknowledging uncertainties. Patients want information about the course of their disease and management options, but the provision of information needs to be individualised to the needs and preferences of the patient. Communication from clinicians should be empathetic and take account of the patient's perceptions and concerns. Models, tools and protocols are available that can help clinicians to improve their interactions with patients. In this article, we consider the difficulties inherent in discussions with patients with IPF and their loved ones, and how clinicians might communicate with patients more effectively, from breaking the news about the diagnosis to providing support throughout the course of the disease.
Influence of Novel Redirector with Bypass Damping on the Performance of Load-Sensing Steering System
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Liu Xinhui , Chen Jinshi , Huo Dongyang
Published: November 2021

Load-sensing steering systems for articulated loaders are prone to large pressure shocks and oscillations during steering operations, affecting the system stability. An optimized structure of the redirector with bypass damping is proposed to improve this phenomenon. In this structure, orifices and throttle grooves are added to the traditional redirector. To control the steering load and working conditions, the steering load of the loader is replaced by a pressure regulating valve. Simulation and experimental results reveal that the redirector with bypass damping has better load-sensing characteristics than the traditional redirector. The peak output pressure shock caused by the load unit step signal decreases from 6.50 to 5.64 MPa, which means the pressure oscillation of the hydraulic system is reduced by 13.4%. The pressure fluctuation time can be reduced from 2.09 to 1.6 s, with a decrease rate of 23.4%. The output pressure oscillation decays swiftly, and the smoothness of the steering operation is improved significantly.