bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Follow-Up and Outcomes for Chinese Patients with Stage 1–4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Jinwei , Lv Jicheng , He Kevin , Wang Fang , Gao Bixia , Zhao Ming-Hui , Zhang Luxia ,   the Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE) collaborators
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Understanding heterogeneity in the prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has implications in management of patients. We aimed to evaluate the comparative risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular (CV) events, and death among patients with CKD in China. Methods: In total, 3,700 patients with CKD stage 1–4 were recruited from 39 clinical centers in China between 2011 and 2016. New occurrence of ESKD, CV events, and all-cause mortality was recorded until the end of 2017. The crude incidence rate was calculated for each outcome. Ratios of incidence between different outcomes were generated with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated by 1,000 times of bootstrapping. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models accounting for competing risk between the outcomes were used to evaluate the association of risk factors with the outcomes. Results: The population mean age was 50 ± 14 years, with 58.2% male and 60.3% of glomerulonephritis. After a median follow-up of 4.65 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.71–5.60 years) for ESKD, 4.76 years (IQR: 3.97–5.76 years) for CV events, and 4.84 years (IQR: 3.97–5.76 years) for death, the incidence rates of the 3 outcomes were 3.1, 1.5, and 0.92/100 patient-years, respectively. The ratio for the incidence of ESKD and CV events was 2.15 (95% CI: 1.87, 2.53) and that for incidence of ESKD and death was 3.41 (95% CI: 2.88, 4.08). Significant differences regarding the ratios were detected through levels of age, history of CV disease, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), and etiology of CKD. In the Cox regression model adjusting for traditional CV and kidney-specific risk factors, older age was associated with a higher risk of CV events and death but a lower risk of ESKD (hazard ratios [HRs] = 1.45 [95% CI: 1.29, 1.64], 1.48 [95% CI: 1.29, 1.70], and 0.78 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.84] per 10 year increase, respectively). By comparison, reduced eGFR was associated with a higher risk of ESKD and death, rather than CV events (HRs = 3.62 [95% CI: 2.96, 4.43], 1.30 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.66], and 1.22 [95% CI: 0.99, 1.49] per 30.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase, respectively). Similar patterns were seen for increased uACR (HRs = 1.42 [95% CI: 1.30, 1.55], 1.17 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.30], and 1.07 [95% CI: 0.99, 1.17] per 1 natural log-transformed value increase, respectively). Conclusion: ESKD was more likely to occur than CV events and death in the population with CKD stage 1–4 in China. Traditional risk factors contributed differently to the comparative risk of the outcomes.
Reducing Surgical Site Infection by Prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in a Cohort of General Surgery Patients
Authors: Piroski Vladimir , Müller Elisa , Herrmann Eva , Hanisch Ernst , Buia Alexander
Published: January 2022

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the leading complications in health care. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is meanwhile widely prophylactically used for preventing SSIs. For evaluating the results of the implantation of this technique, we used the Simon single-arm study design and examine whether NPWT has a prophylactic effect on reducing SSIs in a cohort of general surgery patients. Methods: This single-arm, two-stage study includes 81 elective general surgery patients and corresponds to the Simon’s design. The sample size calculation was based on a reduction in the superficial SSI rate from 12 to 4% (power 80%, significance level 5%) using a NPWT system. In compliance with Simon’s two-Stage design, the study required the recruitment of 34 patients in stage I and 47 patients in stage II. The two-stage design method would be discarded in case of a wound infection in 3 or more patients in stage I or 6 or more patients in stage II. Using the NPWT system in the operating room, a negative pressure wound dressing was applied post-operatively and removed after 7 days. According to the criteria of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), post-operative wound documentation followed on day 7 and 30. Results: In stage I, no SSI was apparent. In stage II, 3 patients had SSIs (CDC grade I). Conclusion: A prophylactic NPWT can significantly reduce the wound infection rate in elective general surgery.
Identification and Mapping Real-World Data Sources for Heart Failure, Acute Coronary Syndrome, and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Studer Rachel , Sartini Claudio , Suzart-Woischnik Kiliana , Agrawal Rumjhum , Natani Harshul , Gill Simrat K. , Wirta Sara Bruce , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Dobson Richard , Denaxas Spiros , Kotecha Dipak
Published: January 2022

Background: Transparent and robust real-world evidence sources are increasingly important for global health, including cardiovascular (CV) diseases. We aimed to identify global real-world data (RWD) sources for heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of publications with RWD pertaining to HF, ACS, and AF (2010–2018), generating a list of unique data sources. Metadata were extracted based on the source type (e.g., electronic health records, genomics, and clinical data), study design, population size, clinical characteristics, follow-up duration, outcomes, and assessment of data availability for future studies and linkage. Results: Overall, 11,889 publications were retrieved for HF, 10,729 for ACS, and 6,262 for AF. From these, 322 (HF), 287 (ACS), and 220 (AF) data sources were selected for detailed review. The majority of data sources had near complete data on demographic variables (HF: 94%, ACS: 99%, and AF: 100%) and considerable data on comorbidities (HF: 77%, ACS: 93%, and AF: 97%). The least reported data categories were drug codes (HF, ACS, and AF: 10%) and caregiver involvement (HF: 6%, ACS: 1%, and AF: 1%). Only a minority of data sources provided information on access to data for other researchers (11%) or whether data could be linked to other data sources to maximize clinical impact (20%). The list and metadata for the RWD sources are publicly available at www.escardio.org/bigdata. Conclusions: This review has created a comprehensive resource of CV data sources, providing new avenues to improve future real-world research and to achieve better patient outcomes.
Incidence of Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Oedema Post-Cataract Surgery in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Australia
Authors: Seth Ishith , Bulloch Gabriella , Tan Alvin , Thornell Erin , Agarwal Smita
Published: January 2022

Background: Post-operatively, cataract surgery is associated with pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCMO) causing vision disturbances. The presence of comorbidities may increase the incidence of PCMO post-cataract surgery. Objective: This observational study aimed to assess the incidence of PCMO in Australia (Illawarra region) and identify risk factors for developing PCMO. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on data from patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation between 1st March and June 30, 2016. Demographics, comorbidities, central subfield thickness (CST), visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected preoperatively, day 1, and weeks 2, 4, and 6 post-operatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.27.0 and GraphPad Prism v.9.0. The median and 95% confidence intervals were used to describe data. Logistic regression and χ2 tests were used to describe the associations. We followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. Results: Fifty right and 35 left cataract eyes were operated on (58.8% were females; average age 72.8 ± 8.146 years). Total PCMO incidence was 10.6%, and true PCMO incidence (removing PCMO risk factors) was 4.2% at week 6 post-operatively. CST was slightly increased between pre- and post-cataract surgery at week 4 (p = 0.002) and week 6 (p < 0.0001; median = 259 μm, 264 μm, and 263 μm, respectively). IOP was found to be decreased (p < 0.0001) compared to day 1 (median = 17 mm Hg) and week 6 (median = 13 mm Hg). The probability of developing PCMO (odds ratio [OR] = 3) and vitreomacular traction (OR = 2.9) was higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients and in patients >65 years old (OR = 1.5). Conclusion: The true incidence of PCMO was found to be the greatest at 2–4 weeks post-operatively. Patients with diabetes or advanced age (>65 years) are at an elevated risk of developing PCMO after cataract surgery. The treatment regimens for the comorbid populations, especially diabetic patients, remain limited, and future efforts should target pharmaceutical management for these groups.
A Phase I Trial to Determine the Pharmacokinetics, Psychotropic Effects, and Safety Profile of a Novel Nanoparticle-Based Cannabinoid Spray for Oromucosal Delivery
Authors: Lorenzl Stefan , Gottwald Franz , Nistler Angelika , Brehm Laura , Grötsch Renate , Haber Georg , Bremm Christian , Weck Christiane , Trummer Carina , Brand Werner
Published: January 2022

Introduction: A phase I, open-label clinical trial in healthy male subjects was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of an oromucosal cannabinoid spray (AP701) containing a lipid-based nanoparticular drug formulation standardized to ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Methods: Twelve healthy male subjects received a single dose of AP701 (12 sprays) containing 3.96 mg THC. Plasma samples were drawn 10 min–30 h post dose for analysis of THC and the active metabolite 11-hydroxy-∆-9-THC (11-OH-THC). Results: The single dose of the applied oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 (12 sprays, 3.96 mg THC) resulted in a mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 2.23 ng/mL (90% CI 1.22–3.24) and a mean overall exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to last measurable concentration [AUC0–t]) of 7.74 h × ng/mL (90% CI 5.03–10.45) for THC. For the active metabolite 11-OH-THC, a Cmax of 2.09 mg/mL (90% CI 1.50–2.68) and AUC0–t of 10.4 h × ng/mL (90% CI 7.03–13.77) was found. The oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 caused only minor psychotropic effects despite the relatively high dosage applied by healthy subjects. No serious adverse effects occurred. Overall, the oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 was well tolerated. Conclusion: Compared to currently available drugs on the market, higher AUC values could be detected for the oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 despite administration of a lower dose. These comparatively higher blood levels caused only minor psychotropic adverse effects. The oromucosal cannabinoid spray AP701 was well tolerated at a single dose of 3.96 mg THC. The oromucosal administration may provide an easily applicable and titratable drug formulation with a high safety and tolerability profile.
A Narrative Review of Respiratory Impairment, Assessment, and Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dereli Muge , Ozcan Kahraman Buse , Kahraman Turhan
Published: January 2022

Background: Respiratory impairment is a problem seen in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) from the early stages of the disease but not frequently recognized by clinicians until the later stages. It is seen in different ways, such as respiratory muscle weakness, change in pulmonary volumes, and decrease in cough efficiency. This situation has consequences affecting individuals’ physical fitness, participation in daily life, and quality of life. Summary: This review explains possible respiratory impairment mechanisms, related problems, assessment, and rehabilitation approaches in pwMS. Key Messages: It is recommended a comprehensive assessment of respiratory functions in pwMS regardless of the disease severity and stage. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation and other exercises can have positive effects on the respiratory functions of pwMS. In future studies, specific training parameters should be determined for pwMS to achieve optimal benefits. There is also a need for studies that apply respiratory muscle training in pwMS who have a high disease severity and limited participation in the activities of daily living.
Comfort Measures Only in Myocardial Infarction: Prevalence of This Status, Change Over Time, and Predictors From a Nationwide Study
Authors: Haghighat Leila , Reinhardt Samuel W. , Saly Danielle L. , Lu Di , Matsouaka Roland A. , Wang Tracy Y. , Desai Nihar R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have a high mortality rate. Despite increasing recognition of the role for comfort focused care, little is known about the prevalence of comfort measures only (CMO) care among patients with AMI. The objective of this study was to investigate patient- and hospital-level patterns and predictors of CMO care among patients admitted with AMI.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study used the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain-MI Registry, which contains data on patients admitted with AMI. Data were analyzed in 6-month increments from January 2015 to June 2018.

Results:

Among 483 696 patients with AMI across 827 hospitals, 13 955 (2.9%) had CMO status at discharge (2.6% non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and 3.4% ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction). There was a modest decline in CMO rates over time (3.0% to 2.8%). Independent patient characteristics associated with CMO status included male gender, White race, nonprivate insurance, frailty, and higher estimated bleeding and mortality risks. There was substantial variation in CMO rates across hospitals, with the proportion of CMO patients ranging from 0% to 17.1% and a median odds ratio of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.56–1.62). Among the 13 955 patients who were CMO by discharge, 8134 (58.3%) underwent diagnostic catheterization. This is despite significantly elevated risks predicted using precatheterization models, specifically the ACTION Registry GWTG in-hospital major bleeding and mortality risk scores. Patients who were initially managed invasively but later made CMO experienced high rates of procedural complications, including cardiogenic shock (38.3%), dialysis (10.1%), and bleeding (33.3%).

Conclusions:

Most patients with AMI who were CMO by discharge had aggressive initial management and became CMO following in-hospital complications of their care. Early identification of high-risk patients and appropriate transition of such patients to CMO, if aligned with their values, remain important areas for future quality programs in AMI.
Race, Racism, and Cardiovascular Health: Applying a Social Determinants of Health Framework to Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Javed Zulqarnain , Haisum Maqsood Muhammad , Yahya Tamer , Amin Zahir , Acquah Isaac , Valero-Elizondo Javier , Andrieni Julia , Dubey Prachi , Jackson Ryane K. , Daffin Mary A. , Cainzos-Achirica Miguel , Hyder Adnan A. , Nasir Khurram
Published: January 2022

Health care in the United States has seen many great innovations and successes in the past decades. However, to this day, the color of a person’s skin determines—to a considerable degree—his/her prospects of wellness; risk of disease, and death; and the quality of care received. Disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally—are one of the starkest reminders of social injustices, and racial inequities, which continue to plague our society. People of color—including Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, and others—experience varying degrees of social disadvantage that puts these groups at increased risk of CVD and poor disease outcomes, including mortality. Racial/ethnic disparities in CVD, while documented extensively, have not been examined from a broad, upstream, social determinants of health lens. In this review, we apply a comprehensive social determinants of health framework to better understand how structural racism increases individual and cumulative social determinants of health burden for historically underserved racial and ethnic groups, and increases their risk of CVD. We analyze the link between race, racism, and CVD, including major pathways and structural barriers to cardiovascular health, using 5 distinct social determinants of health domains:
economic stability
;
neighborhood and physical environment
;
education
;
community and social context
; and
healthcare system
. We conclude with a set of research and policy recommendations to inform future work in the field, and move a step closer to health equity.
Perks and Pitfalls of Performance-Linked Reimbursement for Novel Drugs: The Case of Sacubitril-Valsartan
Authors: Sandhu Alexander T. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Lin John , Parizo Justin , Bhattacharya Jay , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Rising drug costs have increased interest in performance-linked reimbursement (PLR) contracts that tie payment to patient outcomes. PLR is theoretically attractive to payers interested in reducing the risk of overpaying for expensive drugs, to manufacturers working to improve early drug adoption, and to patients seeking improved access. Multiple PLR contracts were developed for sacubitril-valsartan. We evaluated how the characteristics of a PLR contract influence its performance.

Methods:

We used a published cost-effectiveness model of sacubitril-valsartan. We evaluated hypothetical PLR contracts that adjusted drug payment based on observed therapy effectiveness. Ideally, these contracts reduce the uncertainty around the value obtained with purchasing sacubitril-valsartan. By reducing the financial risk in covering an ineffective therapy, PLR incentivizes insurers to increase patient access. We measured the uncertainty in value as the SD of the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB), an estimate of therapy value incorporating costs and clinical benefits. We evaluated the change in INMB SD under a variety of different assumptions regarding contract design, therapy effectiveness, and population characteristics.

Results:

Over 2 years, sacubitril-valsartan led to 0.042 additional quality-adjusted life-years at an incremental cost of $4916. Using a willingness-to-pay of $150 000 per quality-adjusted life-year, this led to a mean INMB across simulations of $1416 (SD, $1720). A PLR contract that adjusted payment based on cardiovascular mortality reduced the INMB SD moderately by 20.7% while a contract based on all-cause mortality was more effective (INMB SD reduction of 27.3%). A contract based on heart failure hospitalization reduction was ineffective. PLR effectiveness increased with greater uncertainty regarding therapy effectiveness or in sicker cohorts (eg, New York Heart Association Class III/IV heart failure). Contracts required precise estimates of treatment effect in addition to trust or verifiability between manufacturers and payers concerning patient selection.

Conclusions:

The development of accurate prospective estimates of treatment effectiveness using actual enrollee characteristics will be critical for successful PLR. If able to meet these requirements, PLRs could incentivize insurers to expand access to expensive treatments by reducing financial risk.
Association of State Medicaid Expansion Status With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in a Singleton First Live Birth
Authors: Everitt Ian K. , Freaney Priya M. , Wang Michael C. , Grobman William A. , O’Brien Matthew J. , Pool Lindsay R. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increasing in the United States. Early detection is important to prevent adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. This ecological study evaluated changes in rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among states that expanded Medicaid compared with states that did not expand Medicaid.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental analysis using difference-in-differences models compared changes in rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Medicaid expansion states relative to non-Medicaid expansion states from 2012 to 2019. Maternal data from singleton first live births to individuals aged 20 to 39 years were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Outcomes of interest included age-adjusted rates of de novo hypertension in pregnancy (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia) and prepregnancy hypertension.

Results:

Data from 7 764 965 individuals with a singleton first live birth were analyzed from 17 states and Washington, DC that expanded Medicaid and 15 states that did not. Rates of de novo hypertension in pregnancy increased over the study period in both expansion (54.34 [95% CI, 48.25–60.43] to 74.87 [95% CI, 71.20–78.55] per 1000 births) and nonexpansion states (68.32 [95% CI, 61.02–75.62] to 84.79 [95% CI, 80.67–88.91] per 1000 births). In adjusted difference-in-differences analyses, expansion status was associated with a greater increase in rates of de novo hypertension in pregnancy (difference-in-differences coefficient, +8.18 [95% CI, 4.00–12.36] per 1000 live births) but a decline in rates of de novo hypertension in pregnancy complicated by low birth weight (−7.20 [95% CI, −13.71 to −0.70] per 1000 births with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy). In adjusted difference-in-differences analyses, there were no significant changes in rates of prepregnancy hypertension in expansion relative to nonexpansion states (+1.13 [95% CI, −0.09 to +2.35] per 1000 live births).

Conclusions:

Between 2012 and 2019, states that expanded Medicaid had a significantly greater increase in rates of de novo hypertension, with some evidence of better outcomes among those with de novo hypertension diagnosed in pregnancy.
Can Uncertainty Be Quantified?
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove
Published: January 2022

In order to explore the quantifiability and formalizability of uncertainty a wide range of uncertainties are investigated. They are summarized under eight main categories: factual, possibilistic, metadoxastic, agential, interactive, value, structural, and linguistic uncertainty. This includes both classical uncertainty and the uncertainties commonly called great, deep, or radical. For five of the eight types of uncertainty, both quantitative and non-quantitative formalizations are meaningful and available. For one of them (interactive uncertainty), only non-quantitative formalizations seem to be meaningful, and for two (agential and structural uncertainty) neither quantitative nor non-quantitative formalization seems to be a useful approach.
Knautia goecmenii (Caprifoliaceae): an unexpected caespitose suffrutescent new species from the Western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: YILDIRIM HASAN , ÖZDÖL TUĞKAN , CAN ILGIN DENİZ , ERDEM SEVAL , OĞUR ERDİNÇ , ÖZÜDOĞRU BARIŞ
Published: January 2022

Knautia goecmenii, from Nif Mountain (İzmir) in western Anatolia (Turkey), is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular evidence. Its phylogenetic relationships within the genus are provided based on the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses of the molecular data clearly showed that K. goecmenii falls into a clade together with morphologically irrelevant annual species from sections Knautia and Tricheroides. From a morphological perspective, by having a suffrutescent and caespitose habitus with very rich stemmed base (up to 152 stems) without basal leaf rosettes and showing very pale whitish-lilac flowers, K. goecmenii is placed in a unique position within genus Knautia. Both the main morphological features of K. goecmenii and its phylogenetic position make difficult to accommodate it any extant Knautia sections. Finally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threat category is assessed and observations on the ecology of the only known population of this rare species are noted.
Three new records of Lamiaceae from China and Uzbekistan
Authors: ZHAO YUE , CHI JIAN-CAI , CHEN YA-PING , LIANG CUN-ZHU , TURGINOV ORZIMAT T. , PULATOV SARDOR O. , RAKHMATOV ABDURASHID A. , AROMOV TOLMAS B. , XIANG CHUN-LEI
Published: January 2022

Geographic novelties of three species of Lamiaceae are newly reported in this paper. Phlomoides zenaidae, previously known only from a few collections from Kazakhstan, is reported from Xinjiang Province, China for the first time. Phlomoides baldschuanica and Nepeta badachschanica, previously only known from Tajikistan, are also newly reported for Uzbekistan. Diagnostic characters, additional descriptions, detailed illustrations, taxonomic comments and conservation status are provided.
Neoascotaiwania aquatica sp. nov. from a freshwater habitat in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: YANG LIN , BAO DAN-FENG , LUO ZONG-LONG , SU XI-JUN , SU HONG-YAN
Published: January 2022

During an investigation of freshwater fungi from the Greater Mekong Subregion, a Bactrodesmium-like taxon was collected from a freshwater habitat in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU, SSU, ITS, TEF1-α and RPB2 sequence data placed the new isolate, Neoascotaiwania aquatica, in the genus Neoascotaiwania within Savoryellaceae. The new taxon is distinguished from other Neoascotaiwania species by its semi-macronematous, uniseptate, subhyaline to pale brown conidiophores and fusiform, 2-septate conidia.
Reestablishment of the name Piptolepis pseudomyrtus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae)
Authors: CÂNDIDO JACQUELINE B. , LOEUILLE BENOÎT
Published: January 2022

In the course of a taxonomic revision of the genus Piptolepis (Vernonieae, Asteraceae), it became clear that P. pseudomyrtus, until now considered a synonym of P. buxoides, should be re-established. It differs from P. buxoides by its habit, leaf shape, number of florets per head, cypsela shape, and length of pappus series. An updated morphological description, geographic distribution, illustration and conservation status of P. pseudomyrtus are provided, as well as a comparative discussion with P. buxoides.
Three new records for the flora of Turkey: Campanula lyrata subsp. icarica (Campanulaceae), Erysimum aureum (Brassicaceae) and Stachys benthamiana (Lamiaceae)
Authors: ÖZDÖL TUĞKAN , GÜNER ÖZAL , SEFALI ABDURRAHMAN , AKÇİÇEK EKREM , DİRMENCİ TUNCAY , YILDIRIM HASAN
Published: January 2022

N/A
Advancing Knowledge on Situation Comprehension in Dynamic Traffic Situations by Studying Eye Movements to Empty Spatial Locations
Authors: Frank Wiebke , Mühl Kristin , Rosner Agnes , Baumann Martin
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study used the looking-at-nothing phenomenon to explore situation awareness (SA) and the effects of working memory (WM) load in driving situations.

Background

While driving, people develop a mental representation of the environment. Since errors in retrieving information from this representation can have fatal consequences, it is essential for road safety to investigate this process. During retrieval, people tend to fixate spatial positions of visually encoded information, even if it is no longer available at that location. Previous research has shown that this “looking-at-nothing” behavior can be used to trace retrieval processes.

Method

In a video-based laboratory experiment with 2 (WM) x 3 (SA level) within-subjects design, participants ( N = 33) viewed a reduced screen and evaluated auditory statements relating to different SA levels on previously seen dynamic traffic scenarios while eye movements were recorded.

Results

When retrieving information, subjects more frequently fixated emptied spatial locations associated with the information relevant for the probed SA level. The retrieval of anticipations (SA level 3) in contrast to the other SA level information resulted in more frequent gaze transitions that corresponded to the spatial dynamics of future driving behavior.

Conclusion

The results support the idea that people build a visual-spatial mental image of a driving situation. Different gaze patterns when retrieving level-specific information indicate divergent retrieval processes.

Application

Potential applications include developing new methodologies to assess the mental representation and SA of drivers objectively.
Cyberflashing: Consent, Reform and the Criminal Law
Authors: McGlynn Professor Clare
Published: January 2022

In the context of growing calls for a new law criminalising cyberflashing – the digital distribution of penis images to another without consent – this article makes the case for a comprehensive, ‘consent-based’ criminal offence specifically targeting cyberflashing. It justifies this approach by examining the core wrongs of cyberflashing and suggests draft legislative text for such an offence. In making this case, the article analyses and rejects the Law Commission’s recent proposal for a ‘motive-based’ cyberflashing law. Ultimately, it is argued that while the Law Commission's proposal is a welcome recognition of the harms of cyberflashing and need for reform, it does not go far enough to offer the redress victim-survivors are seeking, nor does it provide an appropriate normative foundation for education and preventative initiatives.
Impact of Meritocratic Beliefs of Newcomers on Creativity: A Career Construction Perspective
Authors: Li Zhongqiu , Liang Liang , Duan Caiquan , Zhang Xue , Lv Zhuo
Published: January 2022

Recent research suggests that meritocratic beliefs impact future-oriented activities. However, relatively little attention has been given to concomitant work outcomes, such as employee creativity. This study examines how the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers relate to employee creativity. We explore a serial mediation model where the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers heighten their meaning of work and learning adaptability, which increases employee creativity. We use questionnaires to survey 212 full-time employees from 10 manufacturing enterprises in China, who had joined their companies for less than a year. The results show that positive serial indirect effects of the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers on employee creativity via increased meaning of work and learning adaptability. Overall, the results provide new insight that may advance theoretical and practical implications on the pathways in which meritocratic beliefs may enhance employee creativity.
Teaching Intercultural Communication in an English as a Lingua Franca Context
Authors: Chen Rainbow Tsai-Hung
Published: January 2022

Developing learners’ intercultural communicative competence is considered to be one of the responsibilities of English language teaching professionals. This responsibility has become ever more challenging in today's globalized world, in which most intercultural communication occurs in English as a lingua franca (ELF) contexts, where a target culture often does not exist. To address this challenge, the current paper showcases an innovation that utilized practitioner-produced materials to teach intercultural communication in ELF settings as part of a General English course at a Taiwanese university. The project sought to achieve the dual purpose of raising the learners’ intercultural and ELF awareness by engaging them in a sequence of activities that involved experienced ELF users from various countries, from video-viewing and online forum discussions to face-to-face interactions. The effectiveness of the innovation was evaluated through questionnaires and participants’ written reflections on the activities, which indicated that the project was generally successful in both cultural and language attitude domains.
Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated lesions in exotic and companion animals
Authors: Rotstein David S. , Peloquin Sarah , Proia Kathleen , Hart Ellen , Lee Jeongha , Vyhnal Kristin K. , Sasaki Emi , Balamayooran Gayathriy , Asin Javier , Southard Teresa , Rothfeldt Laura , Venkat Heather , Mundschenk Peter , McDermott Darby , Crossley Beate , Ferro Pamela , Gomez Gabriel , Henderson Eileen H. , Narayan Paul , Paulsen Daniel B. , Rekant Steven , Schroeder Megan E. , Tell Rachel M. , Torchetti Mia Kim , Uzal Francisco A. , Carpenter Ann , Ghai Ria
Published: January 2022

Documented natural infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in exotic and companion animals following human exposures are uncommon. Those documented in animals are typically mild and self-limiting, and infected animals have only infrequently died or been euthanized. Through a coordinated One Health initiative, necropsies were conducted on 5 animals from different premises that were exposed to humans with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The combination of epidemiologic evidence of exposure and confirmatory real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed infection in 3 cats and a tiger. A dog was a suspect case based on epidemiologic evidence of exposure but tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Four animals had respiratory clinical signs that developed 2 to 12 days after exposure. The dog had bronchointerstitial pneumonia and the tiger had bronchopneumonia; both had syncytial-like cells with no detection of SARS-CoV-2. Individual findings in the 3 cats included metastatic mammary carcinoma, congenital renal disease, and myocardial disease. Based on the necropsy findings and a standardized algorithm, SARS-CoV-2 infection was not considered the cause of death in any of the cases. Continued surveillance and necropsy examination of animals with fatal outcomes will further our understanding of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and the potential role of the virus in development of lesions.
A numerical study of rotationally symmetric nanofluid flow over a permeable surface using Buongiorno model
Authors: Tahira Sahreen , Mushtaq Ammar , Mustafa M.
Published: January 2022

This note describes boundary layer development beneath a generalized vortex flow of nanofluid using two-phase Buongiorno model. Vortex motion is characterized by a prescribed tangential flow with velocity proportional to [Formula: see text] where r is radial coordinate and m denotes the power-law index. Different from previously adopted practice, the diffusion coefficients are not assumed constant here. A similarity solution is proposed, which transforms the constitutive equations into a coupled differential system whose solution is evaluated numerically. Simulations are made by assuming a power-law surface temperature distribution. Two separate situations namely (i) rigid body rotation ([Formula: see text]) and (ii) potential vortex ([Formula: see text]) are carefully assessed. Furthermore, subtle fluid dynamics entities such as resisting wall shear and heat transfer rate are deliberated. Computational results reveal that there is no noticeable change in nanofluid temperature when diffusion coefficients are varied. Though, marked variations in nanoparticle concentration profile are observed whenever diffusion coefficients are varied.
Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feleke Daniel Getacher , Yemanebrhane Nebiyou
Published: January 2022

Background

An estimated 30 million new cases of Trichomonas vaginalis are recorded annually in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, there is no study that systematically compiled the burden of T. vaginalis. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of T. vaginalis in Ethiopia.

Methods

Electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Science Direct, Scopus, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched, and studies with high-quality Newcastle Ottawa Scale scores were included. Analyses were performed using STATA version 14 software, and heterogeneity of studies was assessed using the Cochrane’s Q test statistics and I2 test statistics. Sub-group, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were performed.

Results

Ten eligible studies consisting of 2979 study participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of T. vaginalis infections in Ethiopia was 9.62%. Sub-group analysis showed that the overall pooled prevalence of T. vaginalis infections in pregnant women and other study groups was 6.68% and 12.86%, respectively. Publication bias was detected by funnel plots and Egger’s tests.

Conclusions

This study showed that the overall pooled prevalence of T. vaginalis infections was relatively high. This study should trigger policy makers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and healthcare providers to give attention for prevention and control of T. vaginalis infection.
Role of Long-term Bank Credit in the Economic Growth of India
Authors: Balasubramanian R.
Published: January 2022

The impact of overall bank credit on the economic growth is extensively studied by way of cross-country analysis. This article is a country-specific study on the role of long-term bank credit, rather than total bank credit, on the economic growth of India, using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with control variables. Further, this article examines sector-specific impact of long-term industrial credit on the industrial output. The results support the existence of long-run relationship between industrial long-term credit and industrial output in India. Furthermore, there is both long-run and short-run equilibrium relationship between total long-term bank credit and overall economic growth as evident from the statistically significant positive coefficient of long-term bank credit. In addition, Granger causality test shows that long-term bank credit Granger causes gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The outcome of this study highlights the importance of long-term bank credit for the economic growth of India. It also suggests that the government and the Central Bank of India should evaluate suitable policies for encouraging long-term credit.
Development of a Longitudinal Dataset of Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers Through End-of-Life: A Statistical Analysis System Algorithm for Joining National Health and Aging Trends Study/National Study of Caregiving
Authors: Sullivan Suzanne S. , Li Chin-Shang , de Rosa Cristina , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: January 2022

Background: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) are terminal conditions impacting families and caregivers, particularly at end-of-life. Longitudinal, secondary data analyses present opportunities for insight into dementia caregiving and decision-making over time; however, joining complex datasets and preparing them for analysis poses many challenges. Objectives: To describe an approach to linking national survey data of older adults with their primary caregivers to build a prospective, longitudinal dataset, and to share the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) coding statement algorithms with other researchers. Methods: The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) are joined using a series of algorithms based on conceptual and operational definitions of dementia, primary caregivers, and the occurrence of death. A series of SAS algorithms resulting in the final longitudinal dataset was created. Results: NHATS/NSOC participants were linked using three preliminary data files (n = 12 427) and one final data join (n = 3305) over nine rounds of data collection. Presence of dementia was defined based on the indicator in the year preceding the last month-of-life (LML) interview. Primary caregivers were defined as the person providing the most frequent care over time. Additional flag variables (LML interview, dementia classification, and cohort (2011 vs 2015)) were created. The SAS algorithms are presented herein. Discussion: The SAS coding statement algorithms provide an opportunity to conduct longitudinal analysis of care for both members of the dyad in the context of dementia and end-of-life. Future research using the proposed dataset can further explore care and caregiving in these populations.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization of the Inpatient Hospice Services (General Inpatient Hospice)
Authors: Sarkar Arunima , Parulekar Manisha , Sanders Angeline
Published: January 2022

Background: Our institution has been offering the General inpatient hospice (GIP) services within the premises of our hospital since 2013. Our previous data had suggested increased acceptance of hospice and GIP care with this model. We wanted to study the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, on utilization of Hospice with this model of care.

Objectives: Compare utilization of GIP at HUMC during the first COVID-19 surge, (3/1/2020–6/30/2020) to pre-COVID period (11/1/2019–2/29/2020).

Methods: Using a retrospective chart review was done for GIP admissions from 11/2019 to 6/2020 at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), an academic hospital in New Jersey which was approved by HUMC institutional review board. Data was collected for demographics and comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were reported.

Results: The primary findings show increased hospice referrals during the study period (3.02%) compared to the pre-covid time period (2.63%), P = .0592. Furthermore, GIP admissions increased from 122/13 440 (.91%) in the pre-covid period to 146/11 480 (1.27%) during covid, P = .0055. There were 54 patients admitted to GIP with COVID-19. Descriptive statistics showed male and female distribution was almost equal (53.70% vs. 46.30%), and mean age of 82 years. In GIP patients with COVID-19, majority patients were white patients, (66.67%) age group of 76–95 years old and had < 3 comorbidities (85.19%), about half were with hypertension, next chronic condition was diabetes.

Conclusions: COVID-19 outbreak increased both hospice referral and admission in our model of care. Availability of GIP in the hospital setting may help acceptance and facilitation of these essential end-of-life care services.
Can pharmacotherapeutic follow-up after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improve medication compliance?
Authors: Zanetti Maria Olívia Barboza , Rodrigues João Paulo Vilela , Varallo Fabiana Rossi , Cunha Renato Luiz Guerrino , Simões Belinda Pinto , Pereira Leonardo Régis Leira
Published: January 2022

Background

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) is currently one of the most effective therapies in onco-hematology. For the treatment of the disease and prevention of such complications, a complex pharmacotherapeutic regimen is employed. Non-compliance is prevalent among adolescents and young adults with chronic hematological diseases, being reported by up to 50% of the patients.

Objective

To evaluate the results of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up on medication compliance and on the knowledge about pharmacotherapy of patients who underwent allo-HSCT.

Methods

A single-arm, open-label and non-randomized intervention study developed in an allo-HSCT outpatient clinic. The participants attended pharmaceutical consultations and had their knowledge about pharmacotherapy and medication compliance measured by MedTake and Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ), respectively.

Results

A total of 27 patients attended pharmaceutical consultations (4.81 consultations/patient; SD = 1.80). There was an improvement in medication compliance and in knowledge between the first and last consultations (p < 0.05). In the final consultation, 70.37% of the patients showed compliance, with a knowledge rate of 98.35% (SD = 3.63). Non-compliant individuals presented a greater tendency to hospital readmissions. There was no relationship between medication compliance and sociodemographic variables, graft-versus-host disease, and knowledge about pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions

Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up contributed to improving medication compliance. Knowledge about pharmacotherapy alone does not translate into behaviors, which corroborates the complexity of the biopsychosocial factors associated with medication compliance.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment Efficiency of Mixed Substrate (Pumice and Scoria) in Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland: Comparative Experimental Study Design
Authors: Aregu Mekonnen Birhanie
Published: January 2022

The discharge of untreated wastewater causes serious public and environmental health problems. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the combined adsorption potential of the two substrates (Pumice and Scoria) in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland. The substrates were collected from the Ethiopian rift belt. Composite samples from tannery wastewater before and after treatment of four different retention times (RT) were collected and analyzed. Chrysopogon zizanioides was planted in one of the mixed substrate beds and grown for 5 months before running wastewater for the treatment. The maximum removal efficiency of the planted bed revealed that BOD5 at RT 7 days effluent concentration of 59.33 mg/L (96.38% removal), COD at RT 7 days 129.33 mg/L (98.14% removal), NO3-N at RT 7 days 0.28 mg/L (99.76% removal), TN 27.33 mg/L (95.80% removal), PO4-P RT 9 days 0.01 mg/L (99.9% removal), TP at RT 7 days 6 mg/L (95% removal), Sulfide at RT 7 days 0.27 mg/L (99.9% removal), sulfate at RT 9 days 87.9 mg/L (91.8% removal), and total Chromium at RT 7 days 0.1 mg/L (99.45% removal) respectively. The efficiency of the study and control beds was tested by a Two-Sample t-Test. The result showed that there was a significant difference at a 95% confidence interval, p-value = .002. Hence, the mixed substrate with plants performs better than the unplanted one, which means it can be effective for the treatment of high-strength industrial wastewater using horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland.
Healthcare Waste Management Practices and Associated Factors in Private Clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Berhanu , Gintamo Binyam , Mekuria Zelalem Negash , Gizaw Zemichael
Published: January 2022

Background:

Healthcare waste management requires special attention and every healthcare teams should be involved in handling of wastes at point of generation. However, less attention is given to healthcare waste management in Ethiopia and there is no evidence about healthcare waste management practices in private clinics in Addis Ababa. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess healthcare waste management practices and associated factors in private clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 278 randomly selected private clinics in Addis Ababa. Data were collected using questionnaire and observational checklists. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with healthcare waste management practices on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-values <.05.

Result:

Results showed that 61.2% of the surveyed clinics had poor healthcare waste management practices, out of which, 56.8% had poor waste segregation practice, 55.0% had poor waste collection practice, 85.6% had poor waste transportation practice, 63.3% had poor waste storage practice, 61.9% had poor waste treatment, and 57.9% had poor disposal system. Healthcare waste management practice in the surveyed clinics was significantly associated with presence of guidelines (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.69), budget allocation (AOR: 2.05, 95%, CI: 1.20, 3.49), and inspection by the regulatory bodies (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.84).

Conclusion:

Healthcare waste management practice was poor in the surveyed clinics. This suggests that the healthcare industries in the studied region may create health treats to healthcare workers, waste handlers, patients, the community, and the environment at large. The following key elements are needed to improve healthcare waste management practices in private clinics: promoting practices that reduce the volume of waste generated and ensure proper waste segregation; developing strategies and systems, as well as strong oversight and regulation, to incrementally improve waste segregation, destruction, and disposal practices with the ultimate goal of meeting national and international standards; and selecting safe and environmentally-friendly management options, to protect people from hazards when collecting, handling, storing, transporting, treating or disposing of waste.