bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Community-Based Youth Programming in Counseling Psychology Journals: A 30-Year Analysis
Authors: Jensen Laura E. , Case Amanda S.
Published: January 2022

As a field, counseling psychology distinguishes itself through its values of building on client strengths, developmentally-informed and preventative approaches to treatment, social justice efforts to confront individual and systemic oppression, and treatment of individuals across the lifespan. Community-based youth programs offer a culturally-responsive way to advocate for and challenge the systemic inequities faced by youth today. Despite the connections between counseling psychology values and community-based programs, it is unclear how, and to what extent, the field has contributed to this literature. To address this issue, we conducted a content analysis of the three major counseling psychology journals to determine how community-based youth programs have been represented in the field. From January 1990 to March 2019 only 10 articles were published about community-based youth programming, representing only .17% of the articles published during that time period. Implications and future direction for researchers, journals, and the field as a whole are addressed.
Towards a better understanding of police experience: An assessment of the unique shifts, crime areas, and duty assignments that officers have worked
Authors: Somers Logan J.
Published: January 2022

Using the survey data from 791 officers in a large western police department in the United States, the current study assesses how officers’ unique work experiences (i.e., shifts, crime areas, and duty assignments) vary and culminate throughout a career in policing. Findings provide a glimpse into the early socialization and work experiences of novice officers and how experiences manifest across officers as they gain years on the job. The results also show that there is particularly high variation in the career work experiences amongst the most tenured officers, which calls into question the validity of using only length of service to measure officer experience. This study closes by discussing the implications that these findings have for future research and practice.
Ethnicity, Self-Knowledge and Literary Sensitivity: A Sociological Reading of V. S. Naipaul’s First Four Novels
Authors: Jayaram N.
Published: January 2022

Taking a cue from G. S. Ghurye’s Shakespeare on Conscience and Justice (1965) this lecture in his memory explores the role of ethnicity in shaping the self-knowledge and literary sensitivity of V. S. Naipaul. Naipaul’s life traverses three distinct cultures: the Hindu culture brought by his ancestors who came as indentured migrants to Trinidad, the Creole culture of colonial Trinidad and the emerging modern culture of western civilisation. Much of Naipaul’s self-knowledge involved his engagement with these three cultures and his experience of the interplay between colonialism and ethnicity. In his first four novels— Miguel Street, The Mystic Masseur, The Suffrage of Elvira and A House for Mr Biswas—Naipaul describes the life and times of the descendants of Indian immigrants in colonial Trinidad and the making of a girmitiya diaspora there. The lecture delineates the rare sociological insights into this diaspora provided by these novels.
Neurodiversity in (Not Only) Public Organizations: An Untapped Opportunity?
Authors: Houdek Petr
Published: January 2022

This perspective shows how neurodiversity can increase public organizations’ innovations and output quality. Studies from business and entrepreneurship fields are used to argue that public organizations may prosper if they recruit neurologically atypical individuals. Their unique thinking styles, coping strategies, and life experiences can lead to public services innovation. The management of public organizations through neurodiversity programs may gain competencies benefiting all employees. However, the promotion of neurodiversity cannot be achieved without demanding changes in organizational culture. The article also illustrates the benefits of neurodiversity using the example of a neurogenerative disease (toxoplasmosis).
Discrete-time rate-dependent hysteresis modeling and parameter identification of piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Shao Muyao , Wang Yiru , Gao Zhiyuan , Zhu Xiaojin
Published: January 2022

A discrete-time-modified Bouc–Wen model is proposed to describe the non-symmetrical and rate-dependent hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators for micro-vibration control applications. The modified model combines a non-symmetrical Bouc–Wen model and a frequency-dependent dynamic module. A series of experiments are conducted to characterize the rate-dependent hysteresis of piezoelectric stack actuators under sinusoidal excitations at a range of 1 to 20 Hz. The experimental results verify the validity of the modified model. The modified Bouc–Wen model increases the complexity of Bouc–Wen hysteresis nonlinear differential equation, which brings difficulties to parameter identification. To identify the parameters of Bouc–Wen model, an improved hybrid differential evolution and Jaya (DE-Jaya) algorithm is introduced with a hybrid mutant operator and Jaya operator that tried to balance between convergence speed and solution accuracy. The improved algorithm is tested on benchmark functions and compared with other optimizations to prove its effectiveness. The comparison results show that hybrid DE-Jaya algorithm has better performance in convergence speed and solution accuracy. The identified discrete-time-modified Bouc–Wen model is used as the secondary path in a filtered-x variable step-size affine projection algorithm (FXVSSAPA), and experimental verifications are done on a micro-vibration control platform. The experimental results show that the FXVSSAPA algorithm can converge to the steady-state error faster and verify the effectiveness of the proposed discrete-time-modified Bouc–Wen model.
Prevalence of Individuals With Deafblindness and Age-Related Dual-Sensory Loss
Authors: Minhas Renu , Jaiswal Atul , Chan Serena , Trevisan Jessica , Paramasivam Abinethaa , Spruyt-Rocks Roxanna
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The authors of this paper have compiled a report on the prevalence of deafblindness and dual-sensory loss based on the review of existing estimates. The purpose is to inform readers of the importance of using consistent, well-researched definitions and survey questions in future prevalence studies.

Methods

Articles were extracted through ProQuest and EBSCOhost, online library databases of Cambrian College and Laurentian University. Keywords search included “deafblindness,” “dual-sensory impairment,” “dual-sensory loss,” “age-related,” “congenital,” “acquired,” and “prevalence.” Additionally, the authors conducted a search with Google for research reports and Google Scholar for other relevant peer-reviewed articles.

Results

This review provides a current overview of prevalence estimates of deafblindness and age-related dual-sensory loss around the world, examining 19 articles or reports published over the last 20 years (2000–2020) in 18 countries, including the European Union (consisting of 8 countries). In line with the prevalence estimates by the World Federation for the Deafblind global report 2018, the review indicates an estimated 0.2–2% prevalence of dual-sensory impairment and underscores varying ranges of prevalence among populations, studies or countries, age groups, and types of deafblindness. The review highlights that the prevalence of deafblindness or dual-sensory loss was often not comparable across studies, but it is clear that the prevalence of dual-sensory impairment increases with age. The studies varied in methods (e.g., population surveys, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies).

Implication for Practitioners

The review provides evidence of varying ranges of prevalence rates. Future prevalence studies may benefit from consistent definitions, standard data-collection tools to do better comparisons across countries, and identify factors that predict higher or lower prevalence rates among populations and age groups.
Multi-dimensional boundary effects and regional economic integration: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: He Dan , Zhang Zhiqiong , Han Minglong , Kang Yizhi , Gao Peng
Published: January 2022

While the challenges posed by multi-dimensional boundary effects to global economic integration are studied widely, regional economic integration within a sovereign country requires additional analysis. The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), a super-scale interprovincial area including three nested urban alliances, is a meaningful vision of regional economic integration in China. After building the producer services-based urban corporate network, this study investigates the influence of multi-dimensional boundary effects on regional economic integration by social network analysis and the exponential random graph model. The findings show that the fragmented reality of YREB’s economy is significantly different from the vision of the Chinese central government. More specifically, although the natural boundary restraints represented by distance have disappeared, multi-dimensional barriers to regional economic integration are still posed by administrative, policy, economic, and cultural boundaries. The estimation results pass the robustness test of the grouping sample of producer services. Therefore, we confirm that the multi-dimensional boundary effects, particularly the intangible ones, significantly impact regional economic integration even within a country with a top-down ‘strong’ governance.
Unique Predictors of Intended Uptake of a COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults Living in a Rural College Town in the United States
Authors: Lennon Robert P. , Small Meg L. , Smith Rachel A. , Van Scoy Lauren J. , Myrick Jessica G. , Martin Molly A. ,   Data4 Action Research Group
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To explore public confidence in a COVID-19 vaccine.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

A rural college town in central Pennsylvania.

Subjects:

Adult residents without minor children.

Measures:

The primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccination intention. Secondary measures included vaccination attitudes, norms, efficacy, past behavior, trust in the vaccination process, and sociodemographic variables of education, financial standing, political viewpoint, and religiosity.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics were used to describe quantitative data. Multivariate ordinal regression was used to model predictors of vaccine intention.

Results:

Of 950 respondents, 55% were “very likely” and 20% “somewhat likely” to take a coronavirus vaccine, even though 70% had taken the flu vaccine since September 2019. The strongest predictors of vaccine acceptance were trust in the system evaluating vaccines and perceptions of local COVID-19 vaccination norms. The strongest predictors of negative vaccine intentions were worries about unknown side-effects and positive attitudes toward natural infection. Sociodemographic factors, political views, and religiosity did not predict vaccine intentions.

Conclusion:

Fewer adults intend to take a coronavirus vaccine than currently take the flu vaccine. Traditional sociodemographic factors may not be effective predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Although based on a small sample, the study adds to our limited understanding of COVID-19-specific vaccine confidence among some rural Americans and suggests that traditional public health vaccination campaigns based on sociodemographic characteristics may not be effective.
Coping with Conundrums: Lower Ranked Pakistani Policewomen and Gender Inequity at the Workplace
Authors: Ahmad Sadaf
Published: January 2022

Scholarship on gender and policing has frequently applied gendered organizational theory to understand how this type of organization and the men who run it produce gendered difference and inequity at the workplace. In this article, I draw on ethnographic research on lower ranked policewomen in Pakistan and contend that to fully fathom women’s marginalization at work, an analysis must not limit itself to the organization or the men who create the inequity but must also focus on women’s workplace behavior. My research sheds light on women’s anxieties about working with a large number of men and about people questioning their morality and character because they do so. I also demonstrate how their subsequent coping strategies can impede their professional development and reproduce their marginalization at their workplace. This woman-centric approach, which examines how policewomen navigate gendered landscapes in different patriarchal social spaces, therefore shows that workplace inequity is the collective result of the interplay between different actors and social structures, and leads to a more complex understanding of this phenomenon.
Physico-chemical properties of irradiated poly (vinyl alcohol)–Ethylene glycol blend films by γ-rays and ion beam
Authors: Torab SI Radwan , Shehata MM , Saleh HH , Ali ZI
Published: January 2022

Poly (vinyl alcohol) is blended with ethylene glycol by casting method to form PVA-EG blend films. These films were irradiated by both N2 ion beam extracted from dc ion source at different ion fluences and γ-rays with various irradiation doses. The effects of ion beam and γ-rays irradiation on the thermal, micro-hardness, and gel fraction properties of PVA-EG blend films were investigated. The gel fraction % and micro-hardness increase with increasing the γ-rays doses up to 150 kGy and then decreased, where they increased at all fluences of ion beam irradiation. The improvement in the gel fraction percentage and micro-hardness suggest that PVA-EG blend films exhibited a crosslink density. The thermal behavior was examined by thermogravimetric analysis and it shows different thermal patterns depending on the type and dose of radiation. The thermal stability parameters of γ-rays- and ion beam-irradiated PVA-EG samples were evaluated using the Ti, Ts, T0.5, Tf temperatures, and activation energy (Ea) values. The thermal stability parameters were dependent on both the type and extent of irradiation dose and fluence. Finally, there is a good agreement between the obtained results from different measurement techniques.
Coping with digital market re-organization: How the hotel industry strategically responds to digital platform power
Authors: Balsiger Philip , Jammet Thomas , Cianferoni Nicola , Surdez Muriel
Published: January 2022

How do organizations in a sector where powerful platforms have emerged cope with the new constraints and opportunities that platforms induce? A growing number of studies highlight the power of digital platforms to re-organize markets and thereby create new forms of dependence. But there are also indications that organizations are capable of countering platform power especially by demanding their regulation. This paper expands this view to investigate also strategies at the organizational level. It draws on the algorithmic game studies of strategic responses to environmental changes to study how organizations strategically respond to the rise of digital platforms. To show organizations’ capacities to cope with the new digital market environment, we use a qualitative case study of the Swiss hotel sector and its reactions to so-called online travel agencies, based on interviews with hotel managers and professional representatives. We distinguish between three types of hotels—small family-run, luxury, and chain hotels, and identify three types of strategic responses: bypassing, optimizing, and mitigating. Contrary to a platform power perspective, we find some evidence for organizations’ capacity to keep platforms at bay, by limiting dependence through mitigation, and platforms’ reach through bypassing. Hotels also learn to “play the algorithmic game” and take advantage of platforms’ technological affordances, but such strategies seem to accommodate platform power rather than countering it. Finally, we find that hotels with fewer resources (small family-run hotels) are less equipped to counter platform power, suggesting that platforms risk fostering existing hierarchies and segmentation in markets.
On wave propagation and free vibration of piezoelectric sandwich plates with perfect and porous functionally graded substrates
Authors: Askari Mahmoud , Brusa Eugenio , Delprete Cristiana
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to develop analytical solutions for wave propagation and free vibration of perfect and porous functionally graded (FG) plate structures integrated with piezoelectric layers. The effect of porosities, which occur in FG materials, is rarely reported in the literature of smart FG plates but included in the present modeling. The modified rule of mixture is therefore considered for variation of effective material properties within the FG substrate. Based on a four-variable higher-order theory, the electromechanical model of the system is established through the use of Hamilton’s principle, and Maxwell’s equation. This theory drops the need of any shear correction factor, and results in less governing equations compared to the conventional higher-order theories. Analytical solutions are applied to the obtained equations to extract the results for two investigations: (I) the plane wave propagation of infinite smart plates and (II) the free vibration of smart rectangular plates with different boundary conditions. After verifying the model, extensive numerical results are presented. Numerical results demonstrate that the wave characteristics of the system, including wave frequency and phase velocity along with the natural frequencies of its bounded counterpart, are highly influenced by the plate parameters such as power-law index, porosity, and piezoelectric characteristics.
Interface bond strength performance of overlap joints within the corrugated pipes used in prefabricated bridges
Authors: Shah Yasir Ibrahim , Hu Zhijian , Yao Pengfei
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an experimental study of a novel composite structure used in prefabricated bridges. Corrugated pipes were used to improve the interface bond performance of the structure because of their excellent stiffening effect on the grouting material. Interface bond performance of overlap joints within corrugated pipes was explored by the load-displacement curve and load-strain curves. Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) and high-strength mortar were used as grouting materials. The diameter of steel bars, UHPC, high-strength mortar, strength grades of surrounded concrete, anchorage length, the diameter of the corrugated pipe, and lap length was taken as influential factors. Twenty specimens were designed for the pull-out test by using a larger cover thickness. The failure modes and the influence of different influential factors on the interface bond strength of each specimen were analyzed. The results show that the bond performance between UHPC and reinforcement was better than that of high-strength mortar and normal concrete, which can effectively improve the bond strength and reduce the basic anchorage length of reinforcement besides the design size of prefabricated members. In addition, the differences in anchorage length and lap length between the corrugated pipe grouting reinforcement were compared to the different specifications and prefabricated concrete members. Combined with the test phenomenon and analysis results, it is suggested that the anchorage length and lap length of connecting reinforcement should be reconsidered. Furthermore, the grouting effect under different diameters of corrugated pipe and reinforcement were compared. It is recommended that the corrugated pipe diameter should be four times that of the overlapping grouting reinforcement.
Preparation of Liposomal Raloxifene-Graphene Nanosheet and Evaluation of Its In Vitro Anticancer Effects
Authors: Altyar Ahmed E. , Fahmy Omar
Published: January 2022

Background

In current years, researchers have shown their prime interest in developing multifunctional drug delivery systems, especially against cancers, for effective anticancer outcomes.

Methodology

Raloxifene (RLX) loaded liposomal-graphene nanosheet (GNS) was developed. The novelty of this work was to enhance the solubilization of RLX and improvement of its bioavailability in the disease area. So, the selection of optimized formula design of experiment was implemented which produced the desired formula with the particle size of 156.333 nm. Further, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and thermodynamic stability of optimized formulation were evaluated. The optimized formulation exhibited prolonged release of RLX for a longer period of 24 h, which can minimize the dose-related toxicity of the drug. Furthermore, optimized formulation demonstrated remarkable thermodynamic stability in terms of phase separation, creaming, and cracking.

Results

The cytotoxicity study on the A549 cell line exhibited significant ( P < .05) results in favor of optimized formulation than the free drug. The apoptotic activity was carried out by Annexin V staining and Caspase 3 analysis, which demonstrated remarkable promising results for optimized liposomal formulation.

Conclusion

From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the novel optimized liposomal formulation could be pondered as a novel approach for the treatment of lung cancer.
Cross-national structure of economic competence: Insights from a German and Russian assessment
Authors: Federiakin Denis , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Kardanova Elena , Kühling-Thees Carla , Reichert-Schlax Jasmin , Koreshnikova Yuliya
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a study, which models and measures the competencies of higher education students in business and economics—within and across countries. To measure student competencies in a valid and reliable way, the Test of Understanding in College Economics was used, which assesses microeconomic and macroeconomic competencies. The test was translated into several languages and adapted for different university contexts. In the presented study, the test contents were also compared with regard to the educational standards and the university curricula in Russia and Germany. Our findings from the cross-national analysis suggest one strong general factor of economic competence, which encompasses micro- and macroeconomic dimensions. This points to a stronger interconnection between learning and understanding economic contents than previous research suggests and indicates far-reaching curricular and instructional consequences for higher education economics as well as needs for further research, which are discussed in this paper.
Scientific journals must be alert to potential manipulation in citations and referencing
Authors: Mehregan Mina
Published: January 2022

Citation is an essential practice in scientific publishing. However, it is mandatory that citing the sources in a scientific work is performed in a proper manner. Manipulating citations in research articles is one form of academic research misconduct that violates publication ethics. Citation manipulation simply occurs for the purpose of increasing the number of citations of a researcher or a journal. Unfortunately, there has been a growing trend for this type of misconduct recently and this has not received much attention from the science community. The most effective solution to prevent the growth of such unethical practices is for reputable journals to impose stricter rules on reference evaluation criteria in order to emphasize on the appropriateness of the citations.
Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment
Authors: Girolomoni Giampiero , Busà Valentina Maria
Published: January 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin immune-mediated inflammatory disease with a chronic-recurrent course. Acute exacerbations or flares are an integral part of the AD course and are generally defined as disease worsening, requiring escalation/intensification of treatment. Management of flares is crucial since their prevention is a key aim of long-term disease control. Nevertheless, difficulties related to this aspect are several, starting from the definition of flare itself, which is not always satisfactory or unambiguous, and needs clarification. Indeed, this hurdle may reduce clarity on treatment choice and generate difficulties when comparing data between studies. Deepening our knowledge on flares could be highly relevant to both clinicians and patients to provide adequate control of the disease through patient education and appropriate treatment. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the management of AD flares from definition to treatment, highlighting aspects that are still unclear, and identifying any necessary unmet needs to better manage AD.
Enriched CD45RA−CD62L+ central memory T and decreased CD3+CD56+ natural killer T lymphocyte subsets in the rectum of ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Takahashi Takahide , Watanabe Natsuki , Tanaka Takehiro , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Hiraoka Sakiko , Otsuka Fumio , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate the distinctive features of lymphocytes promoting inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We performed flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and colorectal mucosa lymphocytes in ulcerative colitis patients ( n = 13) and control patients ( n = 5).

Results

CD62L+/CD3+CD4+ (35.7 ± 14.0% vs. 19.9 ± 6.4%) and CD62L+/CD3+CD4− cells (17.1 ± 17.4% vs. 2.4 ± 3.9%) were higher in the rectum of ulcerative colitis patients than in control patients. Subpopulation analysis revealed that CD45RA−CD62L+/CD3+CD4+, that is, central memory T cell fraction in CD4+ T cells, was significantly increased in the rectum of ulcerative colitis, compared to that in control patients (23.3 ± 10.5% vs. 8.2 ± 4.0%). Comparison of rectum and colon samples in ulcerative colitis patients indicated that CD56+/CD3+ was decreased in the rectum compared to that in the colon (11.3 ± 12.5% vs. 21.3 ± 16.5%). The ratio of CD56+/CD3+ was also decreased in the rectum of active ulcerative colitis patients compared to that in ulcerative colitis patients at the endoscopic remission stages (2.8 ± 1.7% vs. 18.5 ± 13.3%).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that CD62L+ T lymphocytes, particularly the CD45RA−CD62L+ T cell subset that represents central memory T cells, were increased in the rectum of patients with ulcerative colitis. In addition, the CD56+/CD3+ subset (natural killer T cells) was decreased in the rectum compared to that of less inflamed colonic mucosa. These results suggest that the enrichment of central memory T lymphocytes and the reduction of natural killer T cells in the gut mucosa are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.
Top Management Team Diversity and International Expansion: Spanish Companies in China
Authors: Niñerola Angels , Hernández-Lara Ana-Beatriz , Sánchez-Rebull María-Victoria
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the relationship between diversity in the Top Management Team (TMT) of Spanish firms and the firms’ willingness to further expand in China, as a proxy for their international success. Data from Spanish companies with direct investment in China were collected through a questionnaire. Regression analyses were carried out to test the differential influences of multiple forms of TMT demographic diversity (age, gender, tenure, and functional experience). The moderating effect of conflict in an uncertain environment is also examined, as this offers potentially novel insights into the determinants of success in emerging countries. Results show that the effects of TMT diversity on international success are very much influenced by the perception of the conflict related to investment in a non-traditional market. The findings highlight the relevant negative role that conflict can exert in diverse TMTs in a growing developing economy.
Influence of Gender Diversity in Boards on Family and Non-family Businesses Towards Innovation and Creativity
Authors: Shukla Hitesh , Teraiya Vibhu
Published: January 2022

This article aims to understand better the impact of the diversity of gender in boards on the innovation and creativity of companies in the context of the structure of business—family businesses and non-family businesses. Based on women’s participation in decision-making and family firm literature, we argue that women directors/executives’ impact on decision-making will rely on their relative power and credibility within the board. These dynamics are especially crucial, bringing creativity to family firm’s boardrooms as well. The results show that increases in innovation and creativity with women’s presence in family firms’ boards are due mainly to outsider non-family and insider family women directors/executives. Even after the division of women directors into independent and non-independent directors, the finding suggests that women independent directors have an impact on the company’s innovations. Conversely, women chair minimal effects on the innovation and creativity advances of the businesses. Furthermore, In the family business, the influence of women managers and women independent managers on the innovation and creativity of a company is slightly stronger.
Using Shared Medical Appointments for Delivering Patient-Centered Care to Cancer Survivors: A Feist-Weiller Cancer Center Pilot Study
Authors: Grewal Udhayvir S , Brown Tyiesha , Mudigonda Ghanshyam R , Davila-Chapa Cesar , Thotamgari Sahith R , Crooms Carol , Singh Jennifer S , Mahadevan Rupa
Published: January 2022

Background: Shared medical appointments (SMAs) have shown promise in the care of patients with conditions such as diabetes; however, the impact of lifestyle medicine-based SMAs on the overall health status of cancer survivors remains poorly understood. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey of patients was conducted to study the impact of a unique lifestyle medicine-based survivorship program on cancer survivors. Results: A total of 64 patients were telephonically contacted for the survey, out of which 39 (60.9%) patients responded. All patients (39 of 39, 100%) found the program to be helpful in some way; 26 patients (66.7%) found SMAs to be significantly helpful, while 13 patients (33.3%) found SMAs as only somewhat helpful. The majority noted feeling a great sense of support (35 of 39, 89.7%), followed by improvement in appetite (21 of 39, 54%) and improvement in pain (14 of 39, 35.9%). All patients reported at least some improvement in subjective well-being (SWB); patients who attended >3 appointments reported significant/very significant improvement in SWB ( P = .03). Conclusion: SMAs offer promise in the effective delivery of lifestyle medicine-focused care to cancer survivors. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Validation and clinical application of transactivation assays forRUNX1variant classification
Authors: Decker Melanie , Agarwal Anupriya , Benneche Andreas , Churpek Jane , Duployez Nicolas , Duvall Adam , Ernst Martijn P. T. , Förster Alisa , Høberg-Vetti Hildegunn , Hofmann Inga , Nash Michelle , Raaijmakers Marc H. G. P. , Tvedt Tor H. A. , Vlachos Adrianna , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Illig Thomas , Ripperger Tim
Published: January 2022

Familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancies (RUNX1-familial platelet disorder [RUNX1-FPD]) is caused by heterozygous pathogenic germline variants of RUNX1. In the present study, we evaluate the applicability of transactivation assays to investigate RUNX1 variants in different regions of the protein. We studied 11 variants to independently validate transactivation assays supporting variant classification following the ClinGen Myeloid Malignancies Variant Curation Expert Panel guidelines. Variant classification is key for the translation of genetic findings. We showed that new assays need to be developed to assess C-terminal RUNX1 variants. Two variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were reclassified to likely pathogenic. Additionally, our analyses supported the (likely) pathogenic classification of 2 other variants. We demonstrated functionality of 4 VUS, but reclassification to (likely) benign was challenging and suggested the need for reevaluating current classification guidelines. Finally, clinical utility of our assays was illustrated in the context of 7 families. Our data confirmed RUNX1-FPD suspicion in 3 families with RUNX1-FPD-specific family history, whereas for 3 variants identified in RUNX1-FPD-nonspecific families, no functional defect was detected. Applying functional assays to support RUNX1 variant classification can be essential for adequate care of index patients and their relatives at risk. It facilitates translation of genetic data into personalized medicine.
Prognostic value of low-level MRD in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia detected by low- and high-throughput methods
Authors: Kotrová Michaela , Koopmann Johannes , Trautmann Heiko , Alakel Nael , Beck Joachim , Nachtkamp Kathrin , Steffen Björn , Raffel Simon , Viardot Andreas , Wethmar Klaus , Darzentas Nikos , Baldus Claudia D. , Gökbuget Nicola , Brüggemann Monika
Published: January 2022

Persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction/consolidation therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the leading cause of relapse. The GMALL 07/2003 study used MRD detection by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of clonal immune gene rearrangements with 1 × 10−4 as discriminating cutoff: levels ≥1 × 10−4 define molecular failure and MRD-negativity with an assay sensitivity of at least 1 × 10−4 defining complete molecular response. The clinical relevance of MRD results not fitting into these categories is unclear and termed “molecular not evaluable” (MolNE) toward MRD-based treatment decisions. Within the GMALL 07/03 study, 1019 consecutive bone marrow samples after first consolidation were evaluated for MRD. Patients with complete molecular response had significantly better outcome (5-year overall survival [OS] = 85% ± 2%, n = 603; 5-year disease-free survival [DFS] = 73% ± 2%, n = 599) compared with patients with molecular failure (5-year OS = 40% ± 3%, n = 238; 5-year DFS = 29% ± 3%, n = 208), with patients with MolNE in between (5-year OS = 66% ± 4%; 5-year DFS = 52% ± 4%, n = 178). Of MolNE samples reanalyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), patients with undetectable NGS-MRD (n = 44; 5-year OS = 88% ± 5%, 5-year DFS = 70% ± 7%) had significantly better outcome than those with positive NGS-MRD (n = 42; 5-year OS = 37% ± 8%; 5-year DFS = 33% ± 8%). MolNE MRD results not just are borderline values with questionable relevance but also form an intermediate-risk group, assignment of which can be further improved by NGS.
ERS International Congress 2021: highlights from the Allied Respiratory Professionals assembly
Authors: Robertson Lucy , Machado Filipa , Rutkowski Sebastian , Silva Liliana , Miranda Sabina , Farver-Vestergaard Ingeborg , Janssens Thomas , Sylvester Karl P. , Burtin Chris , Šajnić Andreja , Cruz Joana
Published: January 2022

This paper provides an overview of some of the most memorable sessions that were (co)organised by the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly during the 2021 European Respiratory Society International Congress, which was held online for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Early Career Members from Assembly 9 summarised the content of the sessions (three oral communication sessions, two symposia and one Expert View) with the support of the chairs from the four Assembly groups: Respiratory Function Technologists and Scientists (Group 9.01); Physiotherapists (Group 9.02); Nurses (Group 9.03); and Psychologists and Behavioural Scientists (Group 9.04). The sessions covered the following topics: impact of COVID-19 on lung function and healthcare services, and the importance of quality assurance and technology in lung function assessment; diagnosis and management of sarcopenia in patients with chronic respiratory disease; maintenance of the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation; solutions outside the hospital for the management of patients with COVID-19 in need of health care; the nursing perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic; and psychological and behavioural issues in respiratory care. This highlights article provides valuable insight into the latest scientific data and emerging areas affecting clinical practice of allied respiratory professionals.
Completeness of reporting of clinical prediction models developed using supervised machine learning: a systematic review
Authors: Andaur Navarro Constanza L. , Damen Johanna A. A. , Takada Toshihiko , Nijman Steven W. J. , Dhiman Paula , Ma Jie , Collins Gary S. , Bajpai Ram , Riley Richard D. , Moons Karel G. M. , Hooft Lotty
Published: January 2022

Background

While many studies have consistently found incomplete reporting of regression-based prediction model studies, evidence is lacking for machine learning-based prediction model studies. We aim to systematically review the adherence of Machine Learning (ML)-based prediction model studies to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) Statement.

Methods

We included articles reporting on development or external validation of a multivariable prediction model (either diagnostic or prognostic) developed using supervised ML for individualized predictions across all medical fields. We searched PubMed from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. Data extraction was performed using the 22-item checklist for reporting of prediction model studies (www.TRIPOD-statement.org). We measured the overall adherence per article and per TRIPOD item.

Results

Our search identified 24,814 articles, of which 152 articles were included: 94 (61.8%) prognostic and 58 (38.2%) diagnostic prediction model studies. Overall, articles adhered to a median of 38.7% (IQR 31.0–46.4%) of TRIPOD items. No article fully adhered to complete reporting of the abstract and very few reported the flow of participants (3.9%, 95% CI 1.8 to 8.3), appropriate title (4.6%, 95% CI 2.2 to 9.2), blinding of predictors (4.6%, 95% CI 2.2 to 9.2), model specification (5.2%, 95% CI 2.4 to 10.8), and model’s predictive performance (5.9%, 95% CI 3.1 to 10.9). There was often complete reporting of source of data (98.0%, 95% CI 94.4 to 99.3) and interpretation of the results (94.7%, 95% CI 90.0 to 97.3).

Conclusion

Similar to prediction model studies developed using conventional regression-based techniques, the completeness of reporting is poor. Essential information to decide to use the model (i.e. model specification and its performance) is rarely reported. However, some items and sub-items of TRIPOD might be less suitable for ML-based prediction model studies and thus, TRIPOD requires extensions. Overall, there is an urgent need to improve the reporting quality and usability of research to avoid research waste.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42019161764.
Malament stitch and increased risk of bladder neck stenosis: any association following open prostatectomy in Enugu Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Amu Okwudili Calistus , Affusim Emmanuel Azubuike , Nnadozie Ugochukwu Uzodimma , Mbadiwe Okezie
Published: January 2022

Background

Malament stitch is one of the effective techniques employed to minimize bleeding in simple open prostatectomy but concerns about possibility of increased risk of bladder neck stenosis has limited its routine use.

Aim

We studied patients who had open prostatectomy with Malament stitch to determine the incidence of bladder neck stenosis amongst them.

Material and methods

This was a prospective study of 72patients who had simple open prostatectomy in which malament stitch was applied from 2010 to 2020. A proforma was designed to collect data. Pretreatment variables were transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) volume of prostate, pretreatment IPSS value, postvoidal residual urine volume before surgery, weight of enucleated prostate adenoma, time to removal of Malament stitch. Outcome measures were done with post treatment IPSS and PVR at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Cystoscopy was done at 3 months or 6 months for patients with rising outcome measures to determine presence of bladder neck stenosis.

Results

The mean age of patients in this study was 68.3 years (SD = 7.1, range 52–82). The mean of the pretreatment score for IPSS was 30.7 (SD = 3.9, range 18–34) and 5.9 (SD = 0.2) for QOLS. The mean weight of prostate estimated with ultrasound was 169.5 g and mean weight of enucleated adenoma of the prostate was 132.5 g. The mean time of removal of Malament stitch was 23.1 h. Only 3 (4.2%) patients required cystoscopy because of increasing IPSS and PVR at 3 months postprostatectomy. 2 (2.8%) patients out of 72patients were confirmed to have bladder neck stenosis at cystoscopy.

Conclusion

Malament stitch did not lead to significant incidence of bladder neck stenosis in this study.
Variety and quantity of dietary protein intake from different sources and risk of new-onset diabetes: a Nationwide Cohort Study in China
Authors: Zhou Chun , Liu Chengzhang , Zhang Zhuxian , Liu Mengyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Huan , He Panpan , Li Qinqin , Qin Xianhui
Published: January 2022

Background

The relation of the variety and quantity of different sources of dietary proteins intake and diabetes remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the associations between the variety and quantity of proteins intake from eight major food sources and new-onset diabetes, using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

Methods

16,260 participants without diabetes at baseline from CHNS were included. Dietary intake was measured by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. The variety score of protein sources was defined as the number of protein sources consumed at the appropriate level, accounting for both types and quantity of proteins. New-onset diabetes was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes or fasting glucose ≥7.0mmol/L or glycated hemoglobin ≥6.5% during the follow-up.

Results

During a median follow-up of 9.0 years, 1100 (6.8%) subjects developed diabetes. Overall, there were U-shaped associations of percentages energy from total protein, whole grain-derived and poultry-derived proteins with new-onset diabetes; J-shaped associations of unprocessed or processed red meat-derived proteins with new-onset diabetes; a reverse J-shaped association of the fish-derived protein with new-onset diabetes; L-shaped associations of egg-derived and legume-derived proteins with new-onset diabetes; and a reverse L-shaped association of the refined grain-derived protein with new-onset diabetes (all P values for nonlinearity<0.001). Moreover, a significantly lower risk of new-onset diabetes was found in those with a higher variety score of protein sources (per score increment; HR, 0.69; 95%CI, 0.65–0.72).

Conclusions

There was an inverse association between the variety of proteins with appropriate quantity from different food sources and new-onset diabetes.
Overview of the pre-clinical and clinical studies about the use of CAR-T cell therapy of cancer combined with oncolytic viruses
Authors: Zarezadeh Mehrabadi Ali , Roozbahani Fatemeh , Ranjbar Reza , Farzanehpour Mahdieh , Shahriary Alireza , Dorostkar Ruhollah , Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh Hadi
Published: January 2022

Background

Cancer is one of the critical issues of the global health system with a high mortality rate even with the available therapies, so using novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the mortality rate and increase the quality of life is sensed more than ever.

Main body

CAR-T cell therapy and oncolytic viruses are innovative cancer therapeutic approaches with fewer complications than common treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and significantly improve the quality of life. Oncolytic viruses can selectively proliferate in the cancer cells and destroy them. The specificity of oncolytic viruses potentially maintains the normal cells and tissues intact. T-cells are genetically manipulated and armed against the specific antigens of the tumor cells in CAR-T cell therapy. Eventually, they are returned to the body and act against the tumor cells. Nowadays, virology and oncology researchers intend to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by utilizing CAR-T cells in combination with oncolytic viruses.

Conclusion

Using CAR-T cells along with oncolytic viruses can enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in destroying the solid tumors, increasing the permeability of the tumor cells for T-cells, reducing the disturbing effects of the immune system, and increasing the success chance in the treatment of this hazardous disease.

In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in using oncolytic viruses alone and in combination with other therapeutic approaches such as CAR-T cell therapy in pre-clinical and clinical investigations. This principle necessitates a deeper consideration of these treatment strategies. This review intends to curtly investigate each of these therapeutic methods, lonely and in combination form. We will also point to the pre-clinical and clinical studies about the use of CAR-T cell therapy combined with oncolytic viruses.
Immune response and pathogen invasion at the choroid plexus in the onset of cerebral toxoplasmosis
Authors: Figueiredo Caio Andreeta , Steffen Johannes , Morton Lorena , Arumugam Sushmitha , Liesenfeld Oliver , Deli Mária A. , Kröger Andrea , Schüler Thomas , Dunay Ildiko Rita
Published: January 2022

Background

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a highly successful parasite being able to cross all biological barriers of the body, finally reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have highlighted the critical involvement of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during T. gondii invasion and development of subsequent neuroinflammation. Still, the potential contribution of the choroid plexus (CP), the main structure forming the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) have not been addressed.

Methods

To investigate T. gondii invasion at the onset of neuroinflammation, the CP and brain microvessels (BMV) were isolated and analyzed for parasite burden. Additionally, immuno-stained brain sections and three-dimensional whole mount preparations were evaluated for parasite localization and morphological alterations. Activation of choroidal and brain endothelial cells were characterized by flow cytometry. To evaluate the impact of early immune responses on CP and BMV, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, tight junctions (TJ) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were quantified. Additionally, FITC-dextran was applied to determine infection-related changes in BCSFB permeability. Finally, the response of primary CP epithelial cells to T. gondii parasites was tested in vitro.

Results

Here we revealed that endothelial cells in the CP are initially infected by T. gondii, and become activated prior to BBB endothelial cells indicated by MHCII upregulation. Additionally, CP elicited early local immune response with upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6, host-defence factors as well as swift expression of CXCL9 chemokine, when compared to the BMV. Consequently, we uncovered distinct TJ disturbances of claudins, associated with upregulation of MMP-8 and MMP-13 expression in infected CP in vivo, which was confirmed by in vitro infection of primary CP epithelial cells. Notably, we detected early barrier damage and functional loss by increased BCSFB permeability to FITC-dextran in vivo, which was extended over the infection course.

Conclusions

Altogether, our data reveal a close interaction between T. gondii infection at the CP and the impairment of the BCSFB function indicating that infection-related neuroinflammation is initiated in the CP.