bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Care Continuum Interventions for Transgender Women: A Topical Review
Authors: Goldhammer Hilary , Marc Linda G. , Psihopaidas Demetrios , Chavis Nicole S. , Massaquoi Massah , Cahill Sean , Rebchook Greg , Reisner Sari , Mayer Kenneth A. , Cohen Stacy M. , Keuroghlian Alex S.
Published: January 2022

Transgender women experience a disproportionate prevalence of HIV and barriers to linkage to care, retention in care, medication adherence, and viral suppression. As part of a national cooperative agreement funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s HIV/AIDS Bureau, we searched the literature from January 1, 2010, through June 1, 2020, for English-language articles on interventions designed to improve at least 1 HIV care continuum outcome or address 1 barrier to achieving HIV care continuum outcomes among transgender women diagnosed with HIV in the United States. To be included, articles needed to identify transgender women as a priority population for the intervention. We found 22 interventions, of which 15 reported quantitative or qualitative outcomes and 7 reported study protocols. Recent interventions have incorporated a range of strategies that show promise for addressing pervasive structural and individual barriers rooted in societal and cultural stigma and discrimination against transgender people. Cross-cutting themes found among the interventions included meaningful community participation in the design and implementation of the interventions; culturally affirming programs that serve as a gateway to HIV care and combine gender-affirming care and social services with HIV care; interventions to improve behavioral health outcomes; peer-led counseling, education, and navigation; and technology-based interventions to increase access to care management and online social support. Ongoing studies will further elucidate the efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions, with the goal of reducing disparities in the HIV care continuum and bringing us closer to ending the HIV epidemic among transgender women in the United States.
Rural–Urban Differences in Physical Activity Tracking and Engagement in a Web-Based Platform
Authors: Pickett Andrew C. , Bowie Maria , Berg Alison , Towne Samuel D. , Hollifield Stephanie , Smith Matthew Lee
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Despite the well-established health benefits of regular participation in physical activity, most adults do not meet recommended exercise guidelines. In rural communities, limited local resources and geographic dispersion make engaging in regular activity particularly difficult. Web-based solutions offer a potential solution for addressing physical activity disparities between rural and urban areas.

Methods:

This study examined the physical activity logs of users (n = 6695) of a web-based platform called Walk Georgia, comparing residents of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. We tabulated descriptive statistics for variables of interest, cross-tabulated for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan groups. We then used independent-samples t tests to compare logged activity between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan residing user groups.

Results:

In the analysis of group type (n = 6654), users were more likely to enroll in the program as part of a group than as individuals (n = 4391; 65.9%), particularly for users in metropolitan areas (3558 of 5192; 68.5%). Although the groups shared certain activities, nonmetropolitan residents were more likely than metropolitan residents to engage in maintenance-based activities. Nonmetropolitan residents earned fewer program points for their activity than metropolitan users ( P = .007), largely because of lower average exercise difficulty ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

The web-based platform was effective in helping individuals track physical activity. Despite engaging in similar amounts of physical activity by time, on average, users in nonmetropolitan areas engaged in less rigorous and more maintenance-based tasks than users in metropolitan areas. One strategy for increasing physical activity among rural populations may be to leverage social support provided by group enrollment in such programming.
Lead Levels in Spices From Market Basket and Home Lead Investigation Samples in North Carolina
Authors: Angelon-Gaetz Kim A. , Segule Marjorie N. , Wilson Molly
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Lead investigators in North Carolina found evidence that contaminated spices may contribute to children’s elevated blood lead levels. We compared lead levels in samples of spices and other consumable products by country of purchase to inform consumer safety interventions and regulations.

Methods:

From February 1, 2011, through October 22, 2020, North Carolina lead investigators sampled spices and other consumable products from 103 homes of children with confirmed elevated blood lead levels. In 2017, the study team purchased 50 products frequently sampled during lead investigations, as a “market basket” sample, from local stores in or near Raleigh, North Carolina. The State Laboratory of Public Health analyzed 423 product samples using mass spectrometry. We extracted environmental sample results from lead investigations from the North Carolina Electronic Lead Surveillance System.

Results:

The median market basket lead result was 0.07 mg/kg (SD = 0.17); the maximum lead result was 0.88 mg/kg. The median home lead investigation sample result was 0.26 mg/kg (SD = 489.44); the maximum lead result was 6504.00 mg/kg in turmeric purchased in India. Among all samples, products purchased in India had more than triple the median lead levels (0.71 mg/kg) of those purchased in the United States (0.19 mg/kg).

Conclusions:

Purchasing spices in the United States is an action that consumers can take that may reduce their lead poisoning risk. Regulatory agencies should consider a lead limit of <1 mg/kg as attainable for spices sold in US stores and for ingredients of any foods that may be consumed by children.
Enhancing the ATra Black Box Matching Algorithm: Use of All Names for Deduplication Across Jurisdictions
Authors: Hamp Auntré D. , Karn Helen E. , Kwon Frances Y. , Rhodes Anne , Carrier James , Bhattacharjee Reshma , Flynn Colin , Hsu Trevor , McNeice John , Anderson Bridget J. , Chicoine Joyce , Fridge Jessica , King Justice , Lum Garret R. , Mishra Tej , Kang Alisa , Smart J.C.
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Achieving accurate, timely, and complete HIV surveillance data is complicated in the United States by migration and care seeking across jurisdictional boundaries. To address these issues, public health entities use the ATra Black Box—a secure, electronic, privacy-assuring system developed by Georgetown University—to identify and confirm potential duplicate case records, exchange data, and perform other analytics to improve the quality of data in the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS). We aimed to evaluate the ability of 2 ATra software algorithms to identify potential duplicate case-pairs across 6 jurisdictions for people living with diagnosed HIV.

Methods:

We implemented 2 matching algorithms for identifying potential duplicate case-pairs in ATra software. The Single Name Matching Algorithm examines only 1 name for a person, whereas the All Names Matching Algorithm examines all names in eHARS for a person. Six public health jurisdictions used the algorithms. We compared outputs for the overall number of potential matches and changes in matching level.

Results:

The All Names Matching Algorithm found more matches than the Single Name Matching Algorithm and increased levels of match. The All Names Matching Algorithm identified 9070 (4.5%) more duplicate matches than the Single Name Matching Algorithm (n = 198 828) and increased the total number of matches at the exact through high levels by 15.4% (from 167 156 to 192 932; n = 25 776).

Conclusions:

HIV data quality across multiple jurisdictions can be improved by using all known first and last names of people living with diagnosed HIV that match with eHARS rather than using only 1 first and last name.
Help Me See the “Magnificent” Side of Sociology: The Outcomes of a Community Action and Involvement Course Designed to Help Undergraduates View Themselves as Agentic
Authors: Savage Brenda
Published: January 2022

The learning outcome, “Students will learn to engage with and impact society,” is common in curricular frameworks addressing undergraduate sociology education; however, it does not receive adequate coverage compared to other competencies. The lack of attention to this outcome coupled with the tendency to focus heavily on social problems may cause some students to leave sociology classes with increased cynicism and helplessness. This research therefore assesses an upper-level elective sociology course designed to challenge this proclivity by guiding students toward the recognition of their agency. Precourse and postcourse surveys (N = 47) are analyzed to uncover student attitudes regarding agency and social change. Results indicate the course prompted an increase in the students’ optimism and confidence in their ability to impact society. This type of course, both as an entity and in its transferable components, can provide support for students who want to learn how to engage with their world.
Simultaneous detection of metabolite concentration changes, water BOLD signal and pH changes during visual stimulation in the human brain at 9.4T
Authors: Dorst Johanna , Borbath Tamas , Landheer Karl , Avdievich Nikolai , Henning Anke
Published: January 2022

This study presents a method to directly link metabolite concentration changes and BOLD response in the human brain during visual stimulation by measuring the water and metabolite signals simultaneously. Therefore, the metabolite-cycling (MC) non-water suppressed semiLASER localization technique was optimized for functional 1H MRS in the human brain at 9.4 T. Data of 13 volunteers were acquired during a 26:40 min visual stimulation block-design paradigm. Activation-induced BOLD signal was observed in the MC water signal as well as in the NAA-CH3 and tCr-CH3 singlets. During stimulation, glutamate concentration increased 2.3 ± 2.0% to a new steady-state, while a continuous increase over the whole stimulation period could be observed in lactate with a mean increase of 35.6 ± 23.1%. These increases of Lac and Glu during brain activation confirm previous findings reported in literature. A positive correlation of the MC water BOLD signal with glutamate and lactate concentration changes was found. In addition, a pH decrease calculated from a change in the ratio of PCr to Cr was observed during brain activation, particularly at the onset of the stimulation.
A framework for interprofessional team collaboration in a hospital setting: Advancing team competencies and behaviours
Authors: McLaney Elizabeth , Morassaei Sara , Hughes Leanne , Davies Robyn , Campbell Mikki , Di Prospero Lisa
Published: January 2022

Healthcare teams that practice collaboratively enhance the delivery of person-centred care and improve patient and systems outcomes. Many organizations have adopted existing interprofessional frameworks that define the competencies of individual health professionals that are required to meet practice standards and advance interprofessional goals. However, to support the collective efforts of team members to deliver optimal care within complex hospital settings, healthcare organizations may benefit from adopting team-based competencies for interprofessional collaboration. The Sunnybrook framework for interprofessional team collaboration was intentionally created as a set of collective team competencies. The framework was developed using a comprehensive literature search and consensus building by a multi-stakeholder working group and supported by a broad consultation process that included patient representation, organizational development and leadership, and human resources. The six core competencies are actionable and include associated team behaviours that can be easily referenced by teams and widely implemented across the hospital.
Granulomatous Herpetic Encephalitis A Possible Role for Inflammasomes
Authors: McKenna Brendan , Malone Caitlin , Merwe Ashirwad , Kathirvelu Gopinathan , Mankad Kshitij
Published: January 2022

Background

Granulomatous herpetic encephalitis is a rare inflammatory complication of acute herpes simplex encephalitis.

Methods

We describe 3 cases of granulomatous herpetic encephalitis in children arising between 1 to 10 years after the initial presentation with acute herpes simplex encephalitis. We focus on the clinical course and neuroimaging phenotype with a discussion of possible mechanisms underpinning this entity.

Results

The clinical course was highly variable. However, the dominant neuroimaging phenotype in each of our cases was that of confluent gyriform cortical enhancement with predominantly solid foci of enhancement in the subjacent white matter +/− deep gray nuclei. Cerebrospinal fluid was negative for herpes simplex virus DNA in all cases. All 3 cases required brain biopsy to help establish the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Increased recognition of granulomatous herpetic encephalitis in children will facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. Although the exact role played by the host immune response, genetics, and environment in determining the different outcomes of herpes simplex encephalitis remains to be determined, we postulate a role for inflammasome dysregulation in this entity.
“Other” psychologists: An autoethnographic conversation about difference, deviance and defiance
Authors: Harvey Clare , Kotze Elliott
Published: January 2022

Within the framework of the current drive to transform psychology in South Africa, this paper highlights “other” axes of identity that are arguably largely overlooked within the field. The conversation exposes the discipline of psychology – specifically within the South African context – and its many unexamined assumptions concerning “expected” identities of psychologists – specifically, those along heterosexual and able-bodied lines. By engaging in an autoethnographic conversation, the two authors, both “other”, practising psychologists – one queer, one disabled – share and reflect on some of their experiences of feeling othered in their chosen profession. Drawing on parts of queer theory, critical disability literature, as well as the theoretical framework of biopolitical power, we start to make sense of our experiences of difference, deviance, and defiance. How the field of psychology marginalises “other” psychologists, and the impacts on those who bear the oppressions, is exposed; and a conversation is begun in which the discipline's assumptions around compulsory forms of identity – straight, not disabled, among others – are disrupted in productive ways.
Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane May Reduce Transient Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury During Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Clayman Gary L. , Roy Rashmi , Norman James
Published: January 2022

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage is a significant and prevalent complication of thyroid surgery. Based on the beneficial role of a human amnion/chorion membrane (HACM) allograft in wound management and nerve regeneration, we investigated whether placement of a commercially available HACM allograft on dissected RLN could reduce the occurrence and/or duration of RLN injury during thyroidectomy. Among 67 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, 100 at-risk nerves (exposure of at least 3 cm of RLN) received intraoperative placement of HACM; 205 at-risk RLNs without HACM in 134 matched patients served as controls. Patient-reported vocal analysis, physician-assessed vocal analysis, and laryngoscopic assessment of vocal-fold dysfunction were performed before and after surgery. At 24 h after surgery, 17 patients in the control group (12.5%) had documented voice changes; these changes persisted for at least 3 weeks in seven patients (5%). Only one patient (1.5%) in the HACM group had vocal changes at 24 h after surgery, which resolved within 1 week ( P < 0.01). Intraoperative placement of the HACM allograft over at-risk RLNs during thyroidectomy may reduce the incidence, severity, and/or duration of intraoperative RLN injury, which could address a significant complication of head and neck surgery. A larger prospectively designed clinical study is warranted to further investigate a possible benefit of the HACM allograft in thyroid surgery and to begin to understand the mechanisms through which a clinical benefit might be mediated.
The Chinese Government Bond Markets: Foreign Investments and Market Efficiency
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: January 2022

The Chinese bond market is the world’s second largest, with government bonds accounting for the majority of the market. The Chinese government has been gradually opening up its bond markets to foreign investors since 2015. However, studies on the Chinese bond markets are very few. Based on data of most frequently traded government bonds in 2015 and 2019, statistical tests including Ken-tau tests and variance ratio tests show that while Chinese government bond markets were generally not efficient in 2015, the efficiency has significantly improved in 2019. The change of market efficiency is likely from the increasing foreign investments, thus a more diverse investor base of the Chinese government bonds. Some structural issues remain such as immature derivative market, low marketization of commercial banks, and restrictions to foreign investors. Finally, this study discusses the implications for investors, policymakers and academics.
Louisiana Guestworker Health and Safety a Necessary Component of Health Equity: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McCallum Leanne , Lackovic Michelle , Whitcomb Olivia , Katner Adrienne , Harrington Daniel
Published: January 2022

Guestworkers are a critical labor component of many industries considered essential to U.S. infrastructure. Despite their essential role in the U.S. labor force, guestworkers are vulnerable to exploitative labor practices. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded guestworkers’ vulnerability to include a lack of public health protective measures in addition to longstanding labor abuses. The pandemic has created greater public health awareness about structural determinants of health inequities, such as unsafe and exploitative working conditions. As public health increases its focus on social and structural determinants of health, it can contribute to improved labor conditions for guestworkers. This article highlights guestworkers’ experiences in Louisiana's crawfish industry to demonstrate the marginalized role of guestworker labor in a major Louisiana industry. This article also examines local public health approaches that can bring attention and resources to labor issues.
A retrospective analysis of first-line PD-1 monoclonal antibodies treatment in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from solid tumors
Authors: Chu Zhaohui , Lin Hao , Zhan Qiong , Liu Tao , Wang Yu
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Patients whose solid tumors (ST) show leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) have very poor prognosis and short overall survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of first-line programed death-1(PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed with LM from ST who were treated with first-line PD-1 mAb at our hospital between April 1 and November 30, 2019. We analyzed their clinicopathological characteristics and response to the treatment.

Results

We collected and analyzed data from 6 patients with different primary ST. 5 patients received PD-1 mAb combined with chemotherapy and/or anti-angiogenic drugs, while one received only PD-1 mAb. The median (range) number of treatment cycles was 5.5 (1-21). PD-1 mAb treatment did not cause neurotoxicity. The time period of first assessment varied from 21 to 65 days after treatment. Among 5 patients who got obvious symptoms relief, 4 patients persisted for > 3 months and even showed a reduction in the number of tumor cells in cerebrosprinal fluid. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was used to treat hydrocephalus observed beneficial in 3 patients: 2 before and 1 after PD-1 mAb treatment. The median (range) follow-up time was 214 (57-460) days. 4 patients died. The overall survival ranged from 57 days to at least 460 days. 1 of the two alive patients continued to show no worsening of symptoms after 457 days.

Conclusions

Patients with LM from ST can benefit from first-line PD-1 mAb combined treatment without additional neurotoxicity. Further research is required to validate the safety and efficacy.
Successful desensitization under antihistamine suppression in a case with urticaria due to osimertinib
Authors: Vural Solak Gürgün Tuğçe , Aksu Kurtuluş , Topel Musa , Çuhadar Erçelebi Dilek , Yeşilkaya Selma , Demir Şenay , Köycü Buhari Gözde , Koca Kalkan İlkay , Ateş Hale , Nazik Bahçecioğlu Sakine
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Osimertinib is an approved therapy for patients with a Thr790met (T790M) mutation diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that progresses during epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. However, in 7–13% of patients, drug-related side effects lead to discontinuation of osimertinib treatment. In such cases, osimertinib desensitization is a treatment option that can be considered.

Case report

A 59-year-old female patient, who was followed up with the diagnosis of stage 4 NSCLC, was consulted to the allergy clinic because of urticaria. The patient developed urticaria plaques 20 h after the third dose of osimertinib tablet.

Management & outcome

With the diagnosis of osimertinib-induced urticaria, desensitization was planned for the patient. Treatment was started with a dose of 0.1 mg/day osimertinib. The procedure was completed in approximately 50 days, and a dose of 80 mg/day was reached with antihistamine suppression.

Discussion

Here, a successful osimertinib desensitization in a patient with a history of osimertinib-related type 1 allergic reaction is reported. Osimertinib desensitization is a treatment option that should be considered in cases where treatment has to be ceased due to drug-related side effects.
Comparison of Artificial Intelligence-Based Machine Learning Classifiers for Early Detection of Keratoconus
Authors: Mohammadpour Mehrdad , Heidari Zahra , Hashemi Hassan , Yaseri Mehdi , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To compare the agreement between artificial intelligence (AI)-based classifiers and clinical experts in categorizing normal cornea from ectatic conditions.

Methods

Prospective diagnostic test study at Noor Eye Hospital. Two hundred twelve eyes of 212 patients were categorized into three groups of 92 normal, 52 subclinical keratoconus (SKCN), and 68 KCN eyes based on clinical findings by 3 independent expert examiners. All cases were then categorized using four different classifiers: Pentacam Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia total deviation value (BADD) and Topographic Keratoconus Classification (TKC), Sirius Phoenix, and OPD-Scan III Corneal Navigator. The performance of classifiers and their agreement with expert opinion were investigated using the sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa index (κ).

Results

For detecting SKCN, Phoenix had the highest agreement with the clinical diagnosis (sensitivity, specificity, and κ of 84.62%, 90.0%, and 0.70, respectively) followed by BADD (55.56%, 86.08%, 0.42), TKC (26.92%, 97.50%, 0.30), and Corneal Navigator (30.77%, 93.75%, 0.29). For KCN diagnosis, the highest agreement with expert opinion was seen for Phoenix (80.02%, 96.60%, 0.79), BADD (95.59%, 85.42%, 0.75), TKC (95.59%, 84.03%, 0.73), and Corneal Navigator (67.65%, 96.45%, 0.68). Analysis of different classifiers showed that Phoenix had the highest accuracy for differentiating KCN (91.24%) and SKCN (88.68%) compared to other classifiers.

Conclusions

Although AI-based classifiers, especially Sirius Phoenix, can be very helpful in detecting early keratoconus, they cannot replace clinical experts’ opinions, particularly for decision-making before refractive surgery. Albeit, there may be concerns about the accuracy of clinical experts as well.
Revision of double-tapered, titanium, fully hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stems: ease of extraction and subsequent reconstruction
Authors: Hastie Graham R , Asle Soheil G , Gambhir Anil , Board Tim N
Published: January 2022

Background:

Fully hydroxyapatite coated, double-tapered, titanium stems are the most commonly used uncemented implants in the UK with survivorship reported at 96.3% at 23 years however there is no literature on the consequences of revision. We aimed to explore the reasons for failure, ease of stem extraction, extent of bone loss and complexity of the subsequent reconstruction.

Methods:

Between December 2012 and March 2019, 104 cases requiring removal of the Corail® stem (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA) were identified from the National Joint Registry (NJR) and our local revision database. Indication for revision, surgical/reconstruction technique, complications and follow-up data were reviewed.

Results:

The common reasons for revision were aseptic loosening 45.2%, infection 23.5%, instability 4.8% and peri-prosthetic fracture 12.5%. Removal of the implant without extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) was achieved in 94.2% of cases. Of those revised for aseptic loosening 23% were proximal, 38% were proximal/mid stem and 38% all zones. Significant bone loss is not a common feature of the failure of this stem with 95% graded as a Paprosky grade 2 or less. In terms of reconstruction, 69.2% were revised to a primary cemented stem.

Conclusions:

In the majority of cases revision can be achieved without an ETO and reconstruction possible using a primary stem as significant bone loss is not a common feature of failure of this stem design. We conclude that this stem is safe to use in younger patients who may outlast any type of primary implant and would inevitably face revision in their lifetime.
Mechanical properties of plate type steel bar connectors for prefabricated concrete structures
Authors: Li Chao , Zhu Hao , Liu Xinyu , Xia Chengxin , Wang Peijun , Liu Fangzhou , Fang Zezhi , Wei Dong
Published: January 2022

This article presented experimental studies on mechanical properties on Plate Type steel Rebar Connector (PTRC), which is composed of steel plate, thread coupler, and steel tube. This is a new method of mechanical connection of steel bars provided in this article for full-precast concrete shear wall structures. The proposed PTRC was tested under monotonic tensile tests, high-stress cyclic tests and high-deformation cyclic tests according to the code (JGJ107-2016). PTRCs were evaluated as Grade I splice through U0, U4, U8, Asgt, and U20 according to the code. The stress distribution curves and end section rotation of PTRCs with different parameters were analyzed using verified Finite Element Model. The calculation methods of PTRC initial stiffness, including stiffness of bolt and threads were provided.
Efficacy of carbon nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane interlayer in augmenting the impact strength of glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Yadav Narendra , Bhinder Jasdeep , Agnihotri Prabhat K
Published: January 2022

An experimental investigation is carried out to explore the possibility of carbon nanotubes addition and incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane soft interlayer in improving the impact strength and energy-absorbing capability of conventional glass fiber-reinforced plastics. To this end, deformation behavior of glass fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon nanotube-modified glass fiber-reinforced plastics, and glass fiber-reinforced plastics-polydimethylsiloxane sandwich coupons under high strain rate loading are compared using the split-Hopkinson pressure bar testing technique. While neat epoxy is used to process conventional glass fiber-reinforced plastics, the carbon nanotubes-modified glass fiber-reinforced plastics samples are fabricated using 0.5 wt. % carbon nanotube-modified epoxy. The split-Hopkinson pressure bar testing reveals that the addition of carbon nanotubes improves the peak stress and energy-absorbing capacity of the epoxy matrix. The improved impact response of carbon nanotube-modified epoxy translates into enhanced peak stress and energy-absorbing capability of carbon nanotubes-modified glass fiber-reinforced plastics in comparison to conventional glass fiber-reinforced plastics under impact loading. The microscopy analysis of failed composite samples reveals that while glass fiber-reinforced plastics primarily fails at the fiber/epoxy interface, the failure initiates in the epoxy matrix in carbon nanotubes-modified glass fiber-reinforced plastics samples. The impact testing of sandwich samples shows that the insertion of neat and 0.05 wt. % carbon nanotube-modified polydimethylsiloxane interlayer helps to distribute the impact load in a wider domain and thus delays the failure of glass fiber-reinforced plastics sandwich coupons. Moreover, the carbon nanotube-modified polydimethylsiloxane interlayer is better suited to increase the damage resistance and energy-absorbing ability of glass fiber-reinforced plastics. The present study provides a feasible strategy to enhance the failure strength and energy-absorbing capacity of conventional composites using carbon nanotube-modified epoxy and polydimethylsiloxane-based interlayer.
Organization and management scholars’ technological conservatism: Could we free ourselves from the shackles of paper-bound logic?
Authors: Hensel Przemysław G
Published: January 2022

Despite capitalizing on many new possibilities offered by the digital revolution, our research community still remains bound by the 17th-century technology of research results reporting. Our work can progress faster and achieve greater impact within and beyond academia if we replace the one-package manuscript form, born three hundred years ago, with a full package that takes advantage of everything digital technology has to offer. However, the switch from paper-bound to digitally enabled logic will not be easy as our thinking and practices have been formed by decades of honing skills that bring success in the current conventions.
Finding an academic home, but still searching for our place: A call for mentoring from the voices of Latina junior faculty
Authors: Pagan Maria Susana , Salas-Ramirez Kaliris Y , Perez Hazel Yadira
Published: January 2022

Universities across the country are faced with the challenges of meeting the demands of an increasing diverse student population. In order to address this need, many efforts have been made focusing on recruitment strategies for a more diverse faculty. While these recruiting efforts are essential, little attention has been paid to retention. By underscoring similar experiences, this article provides qualitative insight on issues around the negotiation of identities as Latinas in classrooms, institutions, and research programs. It argues for urgency from institutions of higher education in urban, diverse environments to address the Latina experience, social locations, and standpoints. The purpose of this article is to use narratives from current junior Latina faculty to highlight the need for and the development of effective mentoring programs that address the unique needs of diverse faculty. In sharing the author’s varying experiences and challenges from graduate school to careers in academia, we hope to influence policies and decisions that consider the unique cultural experiences of Latina graduate students, early career scientists, and junior faculty. Our fundamental goal is to advocate for structured mentoring programs as a critical component to ensuring retention and increasing academic success within a diverse professoriate.
Twenty-five Years of Securitization Theory: A Corpus-based Review
Authors: Baele Stephane J , Jalea Diana
Published: January 2022

Twenty-five years after its initial formulation, securitization theory is at a crossroads: attempts to critically scrutinize its achievements and shortcomings proliferate, concerns about the theory’s eurocentrism are articulated, and a heated row shakes the field following accusations of racism. In this unstable context, the present article systematically reviews a corpus of 171 securitization papers published in 15 major International Relations journals since 1995, identifying two major imbalances characterizing securitization theory research. First, rich theoretical development has not been matched by sustained efforts to strengthen empirical work; second, the theory has not been globally embraced, displaying instead a narrow, distinctly local anchoring. By shedding light on these two issues and their relationships, this review article aims to provide clear and actionable observations around which scholars could productively re-organize the ongoing debates and controversies.
Impact of Cardiac Function on Loss of Patency in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Presenting the Femoropopliteal Lesions Endovascularly Treated With New-Generation Devices
Authors: Nakao Sho , Iida Osamu , Hata Yosuke , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Mano Toshiaki
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The current study sought to investigate the impact of cardiac condition on loss of patency after endovascular therapy (EVT) using new-generation devices for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively studied 547 lesions (chronic limb-threatening ischemia: 44%, TASC II C/D lesion: 61%, chronic total occlusion: 37%, in-stent restenosis: 13%, involving popliteal arterial lesion: 45%) belonging to 416 patients (average age: 75±9 years, male: 69%, diabetes mellitus: 62%, hemodialysis: 33%) who underwent EVT with new-generation FP-specific devices (polymer-free paclitaxel-eluting stent, n=186; stent graft, n=119; fluoropolymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stent, n=29; interwoven stent, n=17; drug-coated balloon, n=196) from June 2012 to May 2019. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography. The primary outcome measure was primary patency, which was defined as free from peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR) >2.5 assessed by duplex ultrasound. Predictors for loss of patency were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results:

Overall 12 primary patency were 80.0±1.8%. After the multivariate analysis, reduced stroke volume evaluated by echocardiography (hazard ratio [HR]=0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.97-0.99, p=0.03), chronic heart failure (HR=1.76, 95% CI=1.05-2.97, p=0.03), and a smaller distal reference vessel diameter (HR=0.73, 95% CI=0.55-0.97, p=0.03) were significantly associated with loss of 12-month primary patency, whereas lesion length (HR=1.01, 95% CI=0.99–1.03, p=0.33) and presence of chronic total occlusion (CTO; HR=0.92, 95% CI=0.61-1.40, p=0.70) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The current study revealed that cardiac function represented by reduced stroke volume and presence of chronic heart failure as well as a smaller distal reference vessel diameter were significantly associated with loss of 12-month primary patency in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) presenting FP lesions endovascularly treated with new-generation devices.
Manufacturing and utilization of novel sustainable composites using pulled wool fibers waste from leather tanneries: Mechanical, physical, and dynamic characterization
Authors: Nassef Mohamed , Elbasyoni Ahmed M , Badr Alaa A , Alnahrawy Ashraf , Hassanin Ahmed H
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces a novel composite from discarded pulled wool fibers as a sustainable alternative to commercial particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF). The investigation aims at designing composites with prominent properties in terms of thermal insulation, water absorption, flexural strength, and dynamic properties. Composites specimens are synthesized from recycled pulled wool fibers at three different densities namely 500, 800, and 1000 kg/m3, with and without fabric skin (core-only and sandwich specimens). Thermal conductivity test shows that core-only specimens with the lowest density (500 kg/m3) has lower thermal conductivity than particleboard and MDF by 30% and 50%, respectively. The sandwich specimens demonstrate 30%, 40%, and 70% less water absorption than MDF and particleboard. The results reveal high potential of pulled wool fibers to produce economic composites with appropriate thermal and physical properties that can be utilized for green buildings envelops. Dynamic tests show that the proposed composites exhibit higher damping values (70% higher in case of core-only specimens) as compared to particleboard and MDF. A main contribution of this work is presenting novel sustainable composites with high damping capacities, which promote their use as light weight structure components in critical applications such as aerospace panels subjected to high dynamic loading conditions.
Diagnostic Performance of AI for Cancers Registered in A Mammography Screening Program: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kizildag Yirgin Inci , Koyluoglu Yilmaz Onat , Seker Mustafa Ege , Ozkan Gurdal Sibel , Ozaydin Ayse Nilufer , Ozcinar Beyza , Cabioğlu Neslihan , Ozmen Vahit , Aribal Erkin
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm in a simulated screening setting and its effectiveness in detecting missed and interval cancers. Methods: Digital mammograms were collected from Bahcesehir Mammographic Screening Program which is the first organized, population-based, 10-year (2009-2019) screening program in Turkey. In total, 211 mammograms were extracted from the archive of the screening program in this retrospective study. One hundred ten of them were diagnosed as breast cancer (74 screen-detected, 27 interval, 9 missed), 101 of them were negative mammograms with a follow-up for at least 24 months. Cancer detection rates of radiologists in the screening program were compared with an AI system. Three different mammography assessment methods were used: (1) 2 radiologists’ assessment at screening center, (2) AI assessment based on the established risk score threshold, (3) a hypothetical radiologist and AI team-up in which AI was considered to be the third reader. Results: Area under curve was 0.853 (95% CI = 0.801-0.905) and the cut-off value for risk score was 34.5% with a sensitivity of 72.8% and a specificity of 88.3% for AI cancer detection in ROC analysis. Cancer detection rates were 67.3% for radiologists, 72.7% for AI, and 83.6% for radiologist and AI team-up. AI detected 72.7% of all cancers on its own, of which 77.5% were screen-detected, 15% were interval cancers, and 7.5% were missed cancers. Conclusion: AI may potentially enhance the capacity of breast cancer screening programs by increasing cancer detection rates and decreasing false-negative evaluations.
Evaluation of Different Pain-Control Procedures for Post-cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Mengjie , Wang Yuqi , Hao Bihai , Gong Cheng , Li Zhen
Published: January 2022

Objective

To identify superior pain-control procedures for postoperative patients who undergo cardiac surgeries.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in globally recognized databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pain-control procedures after cardiac surgeries. The parameters evaluating analgesic efficacy and postoperative recovery, namely, the pain score and ICU stay, were quantitatively pooled and estimated using Bayesian methods. The values of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities regarding each parameter were calculated to enable the ranking of various pain-control procedures. Node-splitting analysis was performed to test the inconsistency of the main results, and the publication bias was assessed by examining the funnel-plot symmetry.

Results

After a detailed review, 13 RCTs containing 7 different procedures were included in the network meta-analysis. After pooling the results together, an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a local parasternal block (LPB) plus target-controlled infusion (TCI) presented the best analgesic effects for reducing pain at rest (SUCRA, .47) and during movement (SUCRA, .52), respectively, while the former also achieved the shortest ICU stay (SUCRA, .48). Moreover, the funnel-plot symmetries showed no inconsistencies or obvious publication bias in the current study.

Conclusions

The current evidence indicates that ESPB is a potential superior analgesic strategy for post-cardiac surgery patients. To verify this conclusion further, it is imperative to obtain more high-quality evidence and conduct relevant investigations in the future.
The ring vaccination trial design for the estimation of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness during infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Dean Natalie E , Longini Ira M
Published: January 2022

The ring vaccination trial is a recently developed approach for evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of vaccines, modeled after the surveillance and containment strategy of ring vaccination. Contacts and contacts of contacts of a newly identified disease case form a ring, and these rings are randomized as part of a cluster-randomized trial or with individual randomization within rings. Key advantages of the design include its flexibility to follow the epidemic as it progresses and the targeting of high-risk participants to increase power. We describe the application of the design to estimate the efficacy and effectiveness of an Ebola vaccine during the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic. The design has several notable statistical features. Because vaccination occurs around the time of exposure, the design is particularly sensitive to the choice of per protocol analysis period. If incidence wanes before the per protocol analysis period begins (due to a slow-acting vaccine or a fast-moving pathogen), power can be substantially reduced. Mathematical modeling is valuable for exploring the suitability of the approach in different disease settings. Another statistical feature is zero inflation, which can occur if the chain of transmission does not take off within a ring. In the application to Ebola, the majority of rings had zero subsequent cases. The ring vaccination trial can be extended in several ways, including the definition of rings (e.g. contact-based, spatial, and occupational). The design will be valuable in settings where the spatio-temporal spread of the pathogen is highly focused and unpredictable.
P2X7 receptor induces microglia polarization to the M1 phenotype in cancer-induced bone pain rat models
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhou Guohua , Wu Xiaoqi , Lv Run , Yao Jiaqi , Wen Qingping
Published: January 2022

Background

The transition from pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype presents a novel therapeutic strategy for chronic pain.

Objective

We investigated the role of microglia polarization in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP), as well as the role of the P2X7 receptor in modulating M1 to M2 polarization.

Methods

Walker-256 breast cancer cells were administered into tibias of female rats to induce bone cancer–associated cancer.

Results

During bone cancer development, the P2X7 receptor and M1 microglia markers were upregulated. In contrast, inhibition of the P2X7 receptor by BBG, a blood-brain barrier-permeable P2X7R-specific antagonist, alleviated the pain and promoted microglia polarization toward the M2 phenotype, while suppressing the M1 phenotype in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

P2X7 receptor-mediated spinal microglia polarization is involved in alleviation of CIBP. Therefore, P2X7R is a potential option for CIBP treatment.
Risk of consecutive immunogenic failure in switchers of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Yanai Henit , Ungar Bella , Kopylov Uri , Fischler Tali Sharar , Biron Irit Avni , Ollech Jacob E. , Goren Idan , Matar Manar , Perets Tsachi Tsadok , Shamir Raanan , Dotan Iris , Amir Shira , Assa Amit
Published: January 2022

Background:

Evidence regarding the risk of immunogenicity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapies to a subsequent anti-TNFα (either infliximab or adalimumab) is conflicting. We aimed to assess the risk of consecutive immunogenicity to anti-TNFα in a large cohort of patients.

Methods:

This was a multicenter retrospective study. Medical records of adult and pediatric IBD switchers who had pharmacokinetic data for both agents between 2014 and 2020 were retrieved. Data including age, sex, disease type, duration of therapies, and concomitant use of immunomodulators (IMMs) were recorded.

Results:

Overall, 164 patients were included [52% female; 88% Crohn’s disease; mean age = 24.4 ± 14.6 years; 108 (66%) switched from infliximab to adalimumab and 56 (34%) vice versa]; 120 (73.1%) patients switched due to an immunogenic failure. Among patients switching therapy from infliximab to adalimumab due to an immunogenic failure immunogenicity to infliximab was significantly associated with consecutive immunogenicity to adalimumab ( p = 0.026). Forthy four out of 120 patients (36.6%) with an immunogenic failure to the first anti-TNFα started an IMM with the second anti-TNFα. This combination with IMM was not associated with reduction of consecutive immunogenicity ( p = 0.31), but it was associated with longer drug retention ( p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that older age at second anti-TNFα, adjusted to the chronology of therapy and sex, was associated with increased immunogenicity to the second anti-TNFα.

Conclusion:

Patients with IBD who switch from infliximab to adalimumab following an immunogenic failure are at increased risk for consecutive immunogenicity to adalimumab. IMM use after a switch prolongs drug retention.
K-12 Christian school teachers’ perspectives on faith and learning
Authors: Witwer Mark T
Published: January 2022

Relationships between faith and learning are central to Christian education. However, few large studies have examined grade-school teachers’ faith-learning perspectives, especially the influence of academic discipline and theological tradition. I investigated these among 1,059 teachers certified by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Academic discipline showed a relationship to the responses of secondary (7–12) teachers but not to those of elementary (K-6) teachers. Theological tradition showed no significant relationship to either group’s perspectives. Both groups reported a stronger influence of faith on course content than on instructional strategies. These results have implications for teacher training and evaluation.
A Call to Rethink Nursing Education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chigangaidze Kudzanayi A. N.
Published: January 2022

Nursing education is crucial in the achievement of The United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goal 3 that aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all ages”. Zimbabwe produces diploma and degree graduates from the available education programs in the country. The differences in the diploma and degree education program include the curricula, program funding, quality assurance processes, personnel delivering the programs, student exchange programs and partnerships. Graduates from both programs are not required to have licensure examinations to test their competency before practising. The diploma program has failed to produce graduates who are critical thinkers due to the shallow nature of the learning curriculum. Additionally, the graduates are not involved in strategic decision making in the profession. In the interest of quality and patient safety, it would be appropriate to phase out the diploma program and adopt the baccalaureate nursing degree.