bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PiS vs LGBT: The “Othering” of the LGBT Movement as an Element of Populist Radical Right Party Discourse in Poland
Authors: Yermakova Olena
Published: December 2021

PiS vs LGBT: The “Othering” of the LGBT Movement as an Element of Populist Radical Right Party Discourse in PolandThe article explores how the LGBT movement is “othered” to fit into right-wing populist discourse and is thereby utilised as an element of a political strategy by right-wing populist actors. I focus on Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość), a Polish populist radical right party (continuously in power since 2015), whose anti-LGBT rhetoric increased anew ahead of the 2019 European Parliament election. This study presents the results of a critical discourse analysis (conducted using Ruth Wodak and Martin Reisigl’s analytical framework) of selected texts and visuals from the party’s official website and from Twitter accounts of its prominent members. I analysed how the party representatives “other” LGBT Poles using discursive means, and how they frame homophobia within their broader populist discourse and instrumentalise it for political gains. I compare my findings to the findings from an analysis of Law and Justice’s anti-migration discourse ahead of the 2015 parliamentary election. The study is conducted within the framework of a larger study on “othering” as part of contemporary right-wing populism in Central and Eastern Europe. PiS vs LGBT. Kształtowanie obrazu „Innego” w przypadku ruchu LGBT jako element dyskursu populistycznej radykalnej partii prawicowej w PolsceArtykuł analizuje, w jaki sposób ruch LGBT jest przedstawiany jako „Inny” w celu dopasowania go do prawicowego populistycznego dyskursu, a tym samym jak jest wykorzystywany jako element strategii politycznej przez prawicowych populistycznych aktorów. Koncentruję się na Prawie i Sprawiedliwości, polskiej populistycznej partii radykalnej prawicy (u władzy nieprzerwanie od 2015 roku), której retoryka anty-LGBT nasiliła się na nowo przed wyborami do Parlamentu Europejskiego w 2019 roku. Przeprowadzając krytyczną analizę dyskursu (w oparciu o ramy analityczne Ruth Wodak i Martina Reisigla) wybranych tekstów i materiałów wizualnych z oficjalnej strony internetowej partii oraz kont jej czołowych członków na Twitterze, przeanalizowałam, jakimi środkami dyskursywnymi przedstawiciele partii kształtują obraz Polaków LGBT jako „Innych”, jak umieszczają homofobię w ramach szerszego populistycznego dyskursu i jak instrumentalizują ją dla uzyskania politycznych korzyści. Porównuję wyniki moich badań z wynikami analizy antymigracyjnego dyskursu Prawa i Sprawiedliwości przed wyborami parlamentarnymi w 2015 roku. Prace są prowadzone w ramach szerszego projektu na temat „inności” w ramach współczesnego prawicowego populizmu w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej.
Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Wrought Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg Alloy
Authors: Liu Fang , Yu Fuxiao , Zhao Dazhi
Published: December 2021

In present paper, the dry sliding wear behaviors of wrought Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg alloy have been investigated using a pin-on-disc machine. The effect of various parameters, such as alloy conditions, sliding speed, and normal pressure, has been investigated. Wear surface was characterized
by SEM/EDX microanalysis. The microstructure, hardness and tensile properties of the extruded profile were investigated with the aim of understanding the wear and friction mechanisms. The present results reveal an improvement in the mechanical and tribological properties, obtained due to microstructure
characterized by fine Si particles uniformly distributed in the Al matrix of fine equiaxed grains, as promoted by hot extrusion. It was also revealed that higher hardness and the lower aspect ratio of eutectic Si particles contributed to the better wear resistance.
Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Rapid Prototyping Parts Fabricated by Stereolithography
Authors: Yang Na-Na , Liu Hao-Rui , Mi Ning , Zhou Qi , He Li-Qun , Liu Xin , Zhao Lei , Yang Lai-Dong
Published: December 2021

Stereolithography (SLA)-manufactured parts behave with anisotropic properties due to the varying interface orientations generated by the layer-based manufacturing process. Part build orientation is a very important factor of anisotropic mechanical properties. In this paper, the build
orientation experiment was designed to study the anisotropic behaviour of the mechanical properties of the SLA parts based on the orientation relationship between the force and the layer. The results show that there are obvious brittle characteristics on the fracture surface of the specimens
and microcracks perpendicular to the direction of the layer distributed on the side of the fracture. The mechanical properties under brittle fracture have different degrees of sensitivity to the build orientation. Among all the build orientations, whether a specimen is built flat or on an
edge shows obvious difference in tensile strength, and the relative range distribution reaches 35%. The changes in elastic modulus and the elongation at break are the most obvious in different angles relative to the XY plane, and the relative range distribution reaches 62% and 56% respectively.
In all the build orientations designed, the tensile strength is the largest when it is placed on the edge at 0° with Y-axis in the XY plane, the elastic modulus is the largest when it was placed vertically, and the elongation at break is the largest when it is placed flat
at 45° with Y-axis in the XY plane.
Air Temperature Variability in High-Elevation Glacierized Regions: Observations from Six Catchments on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhu Meilin , Guo Xiaofeng , Zhao Huabiao
Published: December 2021

Near-surface air temperature variability and the reliability of temperature extrapolation within glacierized regions are important issues for hydrological and glaciological studies that remain elusive because of the scarcity of high-elevation observations. Based on air temperature data in 2019 collected from 12 automatic weather stations, 43 temperature loggers, and 6 national meteorological stations in 6 different catchments, this study presents air temperature variability in different glacierized and nonglacierized regions and assesses the robustness of different temperature extrapolations to reduce errors in melt estimation. The results show high spatial variability in temperature lapse rates (LRs) in different climatic contexts, with the steepest LRs located on the cold and dry northwestern Tibetan Plateau and the lowest LRs located on the warm and humid monsoonal-influenced southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Near-surface air temperatures in high-elevation glacierized regions of the western and central Tibetan Plateau are less influenced by katabatic winds and thus can be linearly extrapolated from off-glacier records. In contrast, the local katabatic winds prevailing on the temperate glaciers of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau exert pronounced cooling effects on the ambient air temperature, and thus, on-glacier air temperatures are significantly lower than that in elevation-equivalent nonglacierized regions. Consequently, linear temperature extrapolation from low-elevation nonglacierized stations may lead to as much as 40% overestimation of positive degree-days, particularly with respect to large glaciers with a long-flowline distances and significant cooling effects. These findings provide noteworthy evidence that the different LRs and relevant cooling effects on high-elevation glaciers under distinct climatic regimes should be carefully accounted for when estimating glacier melting on the Tibetan Plateau.
Impact of the Scandinavian Pattern on Long-Lived Cold Surges over the South China Sea
Authors: Pang Bo , Lu Riyu , Ren Rongcai
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the influence of the Scandinavian (SCA) pattern on long-lived cold surges over the South China Sea (SCS). The results show that, different from the short-lived ones, the majority of long-lived cold surges over the SCS are preceded by a negative phase of the quasi-stationary SCA pattern in the extratropics, which is characterized as a primary cyclonic center over the Scandinavian Peninsula and two anticyclonic ones over the North Atlantic and central Siberia. This connection is mainly conducted through a continuous amplification of the high pressure anomalies over East Asia. On the other hand, the SCA-related anomalies also reveal identical responses as an increase in sea level pressure over East Asia and northerly flows over the SCS. Besides, the SCA pattern may influence the long-lived cold surges over the SCS by facilitating blocking occurrences through the extensive and quasi-stationary anticyclone over central Siberia. The present results have an implication for the extended weather forecast: long-lasting circulation anomalies, such as the SCA pattern, can affect long-lasting weather phenomena in the regions that are located remotely in both the zonal and meridional directions, such as long-lived cold surges over the SCS.
Understanding Opioid Prescribing Practices of Resident Physicians
Authors: Coughlin Julia M. , Terranella Samantha L. , Ritz Ethan M. , Xu Thomas Q. , Tierney John F. , Velasco Jose M. , Myers Jonathan A.
Published: December 2021

Background

To compare opioid prescribing practices of resident physicians across a variety of surgical and nonsurgical specialties; to identify factors which influence prescribing practices; and to examine resident utilization of best practice supplemental resources.

Methods

An anonymous survey which assessed prescribing practices was completed by residents from one of several different subspecialties, including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology. Fisher’s exact test assessed differences in prescribing practices between specialties.

Results

Only 35% of residents reported receiving formal training in safe opioid prescribing. Overall, the most frequently reported influences on prescribing practices were the use of standardized order sets for specific procedures, attending preference, and patient’s history of prescribed opioids. Resident physicians significantly underutilize best practice supplemental resources, such as counseling patients on pain expectations prior to prescribing opioid medication; contacting established pain specialists; screening patients for opioid abuse; referring to the Prescription Monitoring Program; and counseling patients on safe disposal of unused pills ( P < .001).

Discussion

The incorporation of comprehensive prescribing education into resident training and the utilization of standardized order sets can promote safe opioid prescribing.
Revisiting the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in depression, again
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B , Gill Shane , Breakspear Michael , Kulkarni Jayashri , Chen Leo , Pridmore Saxby , Purushothaman Subramanian , Galletly Cherrie , Clarke Patrick , Ng Felicity , Hussain Salam , Chamoli Suneel , Csizmadia Tibi , Tolan Patrick , Cocchi Luca , Ibrahim OAM Samir , Shankar Kavitha , Sarma Shanthi , Lau Michael , Loo Colleen , Yadav Tarun , Hoy Kate E
Published: December 2021

Following on from the publication of the Royal Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Mood Disorder Clinical Practice Guidelines (2020) and criticisms of how these aberrantly addressed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment of depression, questions have continued to be raised in the journal about this treatment by a small group of authors, whose views we contend do not reflect the broad acceptance of this treatment nationally and internationally. In fact, the evidence supporting the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in depression is unambiguous and substantial, consisting of an extensive series of clinical trials supported by multiple meta-analyses, network meta-analysis and umbrella reviews. Importantly, the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in depression has also been subject to a series of health economic analyses. These indicate that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective therapy and have been used in some jurisdictions, including Australia, in support of public funding. An argument has been made that offering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment may delay potentially effective pharmacotherapy. In fact, there is considerably greater danger of the opposite happening. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is as, if not more effective, than antidepressant medication after two unsuccessful medication trials and should be a consideration for all patients under these circumstances where available. There is no meaningful ongoing debate about the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in depression – it is a safe, effective and cost-effective treatment.
A Qualitative Examination of Dialogical Elements in Anti-Racist Deep Canvassing Conversations
Authors: Brennan William , Jackson Margo A.
Published: December 2021

This community-based action research study aimed to better understand the dialogical process underlying deep canvassing (Denizet-Lewis, 2016), a social justice intervention technique for engaging in nonconfrontational discussions designed to constructively challenge prejudicial attitudes. Previously, it has been suggested, but not demonstrated, that cognitive dissonance and perspective taking may serve as the mechanisms of change that facilitate shifts in the process of these dialogues. In the current study, 15 anti-racist deep canvassing conversations with White individuals were facilitated by White canvassers working with Showing Up for Racial Justice New York City. A dialogical approach was used to address the question of what intrapsychic and interpersonal processes occurred in these conversations on the topic of reparations. Themes included Interpersonal Agreement, Intervoice Dynamics, Authoring the Self and the Other, and Bringing in Personal Experience. We discuss the results and implications for future action research with prejudice reduction interventions.
The Effects of Animation on the Guessability of Universal Healthcare Symbols for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Chao , Hsu Szu-Erh , Huang Ding-Hau , Liu Chia-Yi , Chiou Wen-Ko
Published: December 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether animation can help to improve the comprehension of universal healthcare symbols for middle-aged and older adults.

Background

The Hablamos Juntos (HJ) healthcare symbol system is a set of widely used universal healthcare symbols that were developed in the United States. Some studies indicated that HJ healthcare symbols are not well-understood by users in non-English-speaking areas. Other studies found that animations can improve users’ comprehension of complex symbols. Thus, we wanted to test whether animation could help to improve users’ comprehension of HJ symbols.

Methods

The participants included 40 middle-aged and 40 older adults in Taiwan. We redesigned the 12 HJ symbols into three visual formats—static, basic animation, and detailed animation—and compared them to find which best improved the participants’ guessability scores.

Results

(1) Middle-aged adults’ comprehension of static and basic animated symbols was significantly better than that of older adults, but there was no significant difference in the guessability scores between the two age groups in terms of detailed animated symbols; (2) In general, both basic animation and detailed animation significantly improved the guessability score, but the effect with detailed animation was significantly greater than that with basic animation; (3) Older women were more receptive to detailed animation and showed better guessing performance.

Conclusion

Detailed animation contains more details and provides a more complete explanation of the concept of the static symbols, helping to improve the comprehension of HJ symbols for middle-aged and older adult users.

Application

Our findings provide a reference for the possibility of new style symbol design in the digital and aging era, which can be applied to improve symbol comprehension.
Designing Combinations of Pictogram and Text Size for Icons: Effects of Text Size, Pictogram Size, and Familiarity on Older Adults’ Visual Search Performance
Authors: Hou Guanhua , Hu Ying
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine suitable combinations of text and pictogram sizes for older adults and investigated the visual prioritization of pictogram versus text.

Background

Icons have become an indispensable part of application (app) design. Pictogram size and text size of icons influence the usability of apps, especially by aged users. However, few studies have investigated the influences of different pictogram and text size combinations on readability, legibility, and visual search performance for older adults.

Method

This study used eye-tracking technology to investigate the effects of different pictogram and text size combinations as well as familiarity on readability, legibility, and visual search performance for older adults. A 3 (pictogram size) × 3 (text size) × 2 (familiarity) repeated-measures experimental design was used.

Results

The results of this study suggest that pictogram size and text size significantly affect visual search performance and that familiarity moderates the effect of text size on distribution of fixation duration proportion for text and pictograms.

Conclusion

Large pictogram and text sizes improved the readability and legibility of icons for older adults. Furthermore, the older adults fixated the area of text prior to pictograms when the pictogram size was larger than 72 × 72 px (1.38° × 1.38°) in the visual search task.

Application

The results of this study suggest using different combinations of pictogram and text sizes for older adults under different scenarios. The findings of this study act as practical support for designers and developers of mobile apps for older adults.
Encumbered and Traditional Anthropometry of Law Enforcement Officers for Vehicle Workspace and Protective Equipment Design
Authors: Hsiao Hongwei , Whisler Richard , Weaver Darlene , Hause Mathew , Newbraugh Bradley , Zwiener Joyce , Ronaghi Mahmood , Bradtmiller Bruce , Rockwell Belva , McDougall Vernon , Brake Tiffany
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study investigated anthropometric changes of national law enforcement officers (LEOs) in 46 years, compared the differences between LEO data and civilian anthropometry, and identified the magnitude of differences in dimensions measured with gear versus semi-nude measurements.

Background

The best available 46-year-old anthropometric dataset of LEOs has largely become outdated due to demographic changes. Additionally, anthropometric data of female LEOs and LEO measurements with gear are lacking.

Method

Thirty-four traditional body dimensions and 15 with gear measurements of 756 male and 218 female LEOs were collected through a stratified national survey using a data collection trailer that traveled across the U.S. and the data were compared to the LEO anthropometric data from 1975 and existing civilian anthropometric databases.

Results

LEO body size and shape have evolved over the past 46 years - an increase of 12.2 kg in body weight, 90 mm in chest circumference, and 120 mm in waist circumference for men. No previous data was available for comparison for females. Compared to civilians, both male and female LEOs have a larger upper body build. LEO gear added 91 mm in waist breadth for men and 120 mm for women, and 11 kg in weight for men and 9 kg for women.

Conclusion

The study reveals that equipment design based on the existing civilian datasets or 46-year-old LEO dataset would not accommodate the current LEO population. The new data fill this gap. Application: The differences reported above are important for LEO body gear, vehicle console, and vehicle ingress/egress design.
Caregivers’ experiences and perspectives of factors associated with relapse in Iranian people living with schizophrenia: A qualitative study
Authors: Zabihi Poursaadati Maryam , Maarefvand Masoomeh , Bolhari Jafar , Hosseinzadeh Samaneh , Songhori Nahid , Derakhshan Leili , Khubchandani Jagdish
Published: December 2021

Background:

Relapse in People Living with Schizophrenia (PLS) has several reasons and recognizing these can increase the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Formal and informal caregivers are an informed source to reduce relapse in PLS.

Aim:

This study explores the caregivers’ perspective in Iran on the factors affecting relapse in PLS.

Method:

A total of 28 caregivers (16 formal caregivers and 12 informal caregivers) of PLS were enrolled in our qualitative study. A content analysis was conducted using individual and group, semi-structured in-depth interviews with informal and formal caregivers of PLS. This study was conducted in a hospital, three universities, and a non-governmental organization in Tehran, Iran.

Results:

The majority (69%) of the participants were females. About half of the informal caregivers were over 60 years old and about 40% of the formal caregivers were in the age range of 30 to 40 years. The average number of years of work for informal caregivers was 17.6 years and the average of work experience among the formal caregivers was 14.1 years. Seven key dual themes were identified from data: ‘awareness-stigma’, ‘social support-social exclusion’, ‘treatment adherence-treatment discontinuation’, ‘holistic approach – one-dimensional approach’, ‘supported employment-social dysfunction’, ‘emotional management in family – family with high emotional expression’, and ‘access to treatment-treatment gap’.

Conclusion:

The results of this research can help practitioners and policymakers to enable evidence-based practices to reduce relapse in PLS by emphasizing and acting on factors identified in our analyses.
When life happens: the impact of life events on turnout
Authors: Rapeli Lauri , Papageorgiou Achillefs , Mattila Mikko
Published: December 2021

Habit is among the most influential explanations for why people vote. Scholars have addressed the impact of individual disruptions to habitual voting, but analyses including several life events are rare. We combine two panel surveys, conducted in the UK during 1991-2017, to examine the impact of unemployment, retirement, changes in partnership status, moving and disability on voting. We distinguish between habitual voters, occasional voters and habitual non-voters. For all voter groups, turnout declines with divorce. For other life events, the impacts diverge across the voter groups. Overall, the findings suggest that social connections are the strongest underlying mechanisms explaining the changes. Although the results support the voting habit thesis, they also suggest that previous research has overstated the persistence of voting habits. The results revise some of the canonical findings by demonstrating that the impact of life events differs across people with different voting habits and across different life events.
Survival Analysis of Time to Opioid Use and the Role of PTSD-Linked Stress Sensitivity for Predicting Onset Risk for Juvenile Offenders Following Adjudication
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas W.
Published: December 2021

This study sought to understand how PTSD predicts opioid use onset rates and how subsequent exposures to violence also influence this risk following adjudication. Survival analysis was used to examine the moderating role that baseline PTSD status plays for predicting rates of opioid use onset risk following adjudication. Hazard models used to examine the role of time-varying covariates for predicting opioid onset risk following adjudication. PTSD was found to predict significantly greater odds of opioid use initiation. Hazard of introducing opioid use was greater during observation periods in which participants witnessed violence. This effect was greater for PTSD sufferers.
Dispositional Mindfulness and Positive Mindset in Emerging Adult College Students: The Mediating Role of Decentering
Authors: Ben Salem Maha , Karlin Nancy J.
Published: December 2021

Emerging adulthood is often recognized as a time of uncertainty, confusion, pressure, and stress. This time period also coincides in the Western world with attending college. Many emerging adults arrive at this developmental stage feeling the pressure and obligation for success, but lack the interpersonal resources needed to make required choices. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the psychological and mental state of this particular group by focusing on mechanisms of self-awareness and its connection to psychological health. The present study examines whether an indirect path could explain the relationships between mindfulness, positive thinking, and positive affect. Path analysis was used to test whether decentering fosters positive thinking and positive affect. Participants were surveyed for dispositional mindfulness, frequency of positive and negative feelings, positive thinking, and rumination. Results show decentering mediates between mindfulness and positive affect but does not mediate between mindfulness and positive thinking. Rumination counteracts the effects of mindfulness and predicts negative affect.
Feeling Not Wanted/Loved and Depression: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Ahuja Manik , Okoro Joy , Frimpong Esther , Doshi Riddhi P. , Wani Rajvi J.
Published: December 2021

Depression affects over 17 million American adults yearly and has been identified as the leading cause of disability in people between the ages of 15 and 44 years. There is evidence that feeling neglect or a lack of parental attachment during childhood is associated with depression. One construct that has been overlooked is love from a parent. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between individuals who felt not wanted/loved during adolescence and lifetime depression and to examine this association by gender. We examined 5114 participants aged 24–32 years at Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) public use dataset. We used logistic regression analysis to determine the association between an individual feeling not wanted/loved by their parent/caregiver prior to age 18, covariates, and lifetime depression. We then stratified by gender and ran logistic models for both men and women separately. Overall, 16.2% ( n = 827) reported lifetime depression diagnosis, while 16.5% of the participants reported feeling not wanted/loved “often,” while 29.8% reported it as “sometimes.” Feeling not wanted/loved “often” was associated with higher odds of depression (AOR = 3.00; 95% CI, 2.45–3.66; p < .001) versus “sometimes” (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.31–1.90; p < .001). When stratified by gender, feeling not loved/wanted was associated with depression among both men (AOR = 3.70; 95% CI, 2.60–5.25; p < .001) and women (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI, 2.13–3.48; p < .001). Feeling not loved or wanted by a parent/caregiver during adolescence has serious implications, for both men and women. Future studies should further examine this construct and identify family-based interventions that focus on parent/caregiver and child relationships.
Curating the Evidence About COVID-19 for Frontline Public Health and Clinical Care: The Novel Coronavirus Research Compendium
Authors: Redd Andrew D. , Peetluk Lauren S. , Jarrett Brooke A. , Hanrahan Colleen , Schwartz Sheree , Rao Amrita , Jaffe Andrew E. , Peer Austin D. , Jones Carli B. , Lutz Chelsea S. , McKee Clifton D. , Patel Eshan U. , Rosen Joseph G. , Garrison Desany Henri , McKay Heather S. , Muschelli John , Andersen Kathleen M. , Link Malen A. , Wada Nikolas , Baral Prativa , Young Ruth , Boon Denali , Grabowski M. Kate , Gurley Emily S. ,   the Novel Coronavirus Research Compendium Team
Published: December 2021

The public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a deluge of scientific research aimed at informing the public health and medical response to the pandemic. However, early in the pandemic, those working in frontline public health and clinical care had insufficient time to parse the rapidly evolving evidence and use it for decision-making. Academics in public health and medicine were well-placed to translate the evidence for use by frontline clinicians and public health practitioners. The Novel Coronavirus Research Compendium (NCRC), a group of >60 faculty and trainees across the United States, formed in March 2020 with the goal to quickly triage and review the large volume of preprints and peer-reviewed publications on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 and summarize the most important, novel evidence to inform pandemic response. From April 6 through December 31, 2020, NCRC teams screened 54 192 peer-reviewed articles and preprints, of which 527 were selected for review and uploaded to the NCRC website for public consumption. Most articles were peer-reviewed publications (n = 395, 75.0%), published in 102 journals; 25.1% (n = 132) of articles reviewed were preprints. The NCRC is a successful model of how academics translate scientific knowledge for practitioners and help build capacity for this work among students. This approach could be used for health problems beyond COVID-19, but the effort is resource intensive and may not be sustainable in the long term.
Years Since Diagnosis Among People Living With Diagnosed HIV in New York City
Authors: Xia Qiang , Torian Lucia V. , Braunstein Sarah L. , Blackstock Oni J.
Published: December 2021

Antiretroviral treatment has greatly improved the survival of people living with diagnosed HIV (PLWDH), but little information is available on the time since diagnosis among them. Using New York City HIV surveillance data, we described the trend in the number of years since diagnosis among PLWDH during 2010-2019 and reported the mean, median, and interquartile range (IQR) of years since diagnosis among PLWDH in New York City in 2019, overall and by gender, race and ethnicity, and transmission risk. The median number of years since diagnosis among PLWDH in New York City increased from 10.5 years (IQR, 6.3-15.6) in 2010 to 16.3 years (IQR, 8.9-22.1) in 2019. By gender, transgender people had the shortest time since diagnosis, with a median of 11.4 years (IQR, 5.6-17.9), compared with men (median = 15.2 years; IQR, 8.1-21.6) and women (median, 18.5 years; IQR, 12.0-23.0). By race and ethnicity, non-Hispanic White people had been living with the diagnosis for the longest time (median = 17.4 years; IQR, 9.5-23.5), and Asian/Pacific Islander people had been living with the diagnosis for the shortest time (median = 10.1 years; IQR, 4.7-17.0). With an expected and continuing increase in the number of years since HIV diagnosis among PLWDH, programs that provide treatment and support services will need to be expanded, updated, and improved.
Psychometric Validation of the Wisconsin Community Participation Scale in a Sample of People with Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities Living in the Community
Authors: Iwanaga Kanako , Chen Xiangli , Wu Jia Rung , Lee Beatrice , Deppert Brett , Tansey Timothy N. , Chan Chetwyn , Tao Jing , Chan Fong
Published: December 2021

Increasing community participation can reduce the risk for functional disabilities; participation is influenced by person and environment contextual factors. Development and validation of a brief community participation assessment can advance and support evidence-based assessment in clinical rehabilitation counseling practice. It will be an invaluable rehabilitation and public health surveillance tool that can be used to gauge the health conditions and participation of people with disabilities. The current study evaluated and validated the Wisconsin Community Participation Scale (WCPS) in 982 individuals with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Participants indicated five most meaningful life roles: (a) being able to get around with or without help, (b) live independently with or without help, (c) live a healthy lifestyle, (d) work, and (e) engage in leisure and recreation activities. The WCPS scores were positively associated with physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction and negatively related to functional disability in the theoretically expected directions. The WCPS can help rehabilitation counselors assess their clients’ current level of participation in meaningful life roles that are important to them. Rehabilitation counselors can use the WCPS assessment data to guide treatment planning and empower clients to build confidence and self-efficacy to participate in personally meaningful activities in the community.
Firefighter Stress and Mental Health: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Van Hasselt Vincent B. , Bourke Michael L. , Schuhmann Bailee B.
Published: December 2021

The past decade has witnessed burgeoning interest and concern regarding the mental health of firefighters. This increased attention is due, in part, to research documenting higher rates of psychiatric problems, including depression, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidality in fire rescue personnel compared to civilians. Similarly, the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (2014) has identified disturbingly elevated rates of physical health difficulties in firefighters, most notably high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, death due heart attacks, as well as different forms of cancer. Despite the heightened awareness of the mental and physical health challenges in this population, behavioral research specifically targeting firefighters is limited. With this is mind, we asked prominent researchers and clinicians working in this area to present results of their early investigative efforts in our Special Issue on “First Responder Stress and Mental Health”. In this Introduction, we provide brief summaries of the studies comprising the Issue. Articles in this issue address topics of sleep, PTSD, substance use, physical health concerns, and provide assessment and treatment considerations. A primary goal of the Issue is to stimulate further behavioral research with this group of deserving yet underserved first responders. Moreover, the Issue serves as a tribute to the men and women of the fire service who dedicate and risk their lives to serve their community.
Exuberant Arytenoid Edema Following Gore-Tex Thyroplasty
Authors: Adewumi Mopileola Tomi , Bress Eli , Sataloff Robert T.
Published: December 2021

Arytenoid edema is not a well-described complication of thyroplasty. We report a case of exuberant arytenoid edema following thyroplasty in a 33-year-old female. The diagnosis was made post-operative day 1, the patient was immediately started on a 6-day course of methylprednisone with voice rest. The arytenoid edema completely resolved within 1 week.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhu Feilong , Chen Wei , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on pain, function, walking ability and stiffness in people with Knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), clinicaltrials.gov and Web of Science (last search November 2021) for randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used for the included studies, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) was used to interpret the certainty of results. Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were found (1398 people, age range 54-85, 74% are female) and fourteen were included in this review. Intervention duration was divided as short term (immediately after intervention), medium term (<four weeks) and long term (≥ four weeks). Active TENS showed greater improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) than sham TENS.Combining TENS with other interventions produced superior outcomes compared with other interventions for VAS in all the terms. In the meanwhile, TENS combined with other interventions was superior to other interventions for the pain subgroup of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index in the medium term and long term. TENS combined with other interventions was superior to other interventions for function in the medium term and long term.

Conclusion

TENS could significantly relieve pain, decrease dysfunction and improve walking ability in people with KOA, but it is not effective for stiffness.
Randomized controlled trial of occupation performance coaching for families of children with autism spectrum disorder by means of telerehabilitation
Authors: Jamali Ali Reza , Alizadeh Zarei Mehdi , Sanjari Mohammad Ali , AkbarFahimi Malahat , Saneii Seyed Hassan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study examined the effectiveness of occupational performance coaching, which was delivered through telerehabilitation, in improving children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) occupational performance, behavior problems, and prosocial behavior in addition to parental self-efficacy and quality of life.

Method

Forty-three children were matched and randomized to occupational performance coaching or waitlist groups. Occupational performance, parental self-efficacy, behavioral problems, and prosocial behaviors were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Child adjustment and parent efficacy scale-developmental disability (CAPES-DD), the Short-Form Health Survey, and goal attainment scale.

Results

The intervention group showed greater improvement on occupational performance, specified goals, and behavioral problems. No progress was seen on the CAPES-DD prosocial behavior subscale. In addition, parental quality of life improvement was not maintained after the follow-up phase.

Conclusion

Occupation performance coaching, which was delivered through telerehabilitation, was effective on children with ASD occupational performance and parental self-efficacy, but it was not effective on the prosocial behaviors of these children.
Disturbance of the Circadian System in Shift Work and Its Health Impact
Authors: Boivin Diane B. , Boudreau Philippe , Kosmadopoulos Anastasi
Published: December 2021

The various non-standard schedules required of shift workers force abrupt changes in the timing of sleep and light-dark exposure. These changes result in disturbances of the endogenous circadian system and its misalignment with the environment. Simulated night-shift experiments and field-based studies with shift workers both indicate that the circadian system is resistant to adaptation from a day- to a night-oriented schedule, as determined by a lack of substantial phase shifts over multiple days in centrally controlled rhythms, such as those of melatonin and cortisol. There is evidence that disruption of the circadian system caused by night-shift work results not only in a misalignment between the circadian system and the external light-dark cycle, but also in a state of internal desynchronization between various levels of the circadian system. This is the case between rhythms controlled by the central circadian pacemaker and clock genes expression in tissues such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, hair follicle cells, and oral mucosa cells. The disruptive effects of atypical work schedules extend beyond the expression profile of canonical circadian clock genes and affects other transcripts of the human genome. In general, after several days of living at night, most rhythmic transcripts in the human genome remain adjusted to a day-oriented schedule, with dampened group amplitudes. In contrast to circadian clock genes and rhythmic transcripts, metabolomics studies revealed that most metabolites shift by several hours when working nights, thus leading to their misalignment with the circadian system. Altogether, these circadian and sleep-wake disturbances emphasize the all-encompassing impact of night-shift work, and can contribute to the increased risk of various medical conditions. Here, we review the latest scientific evidence regarding the effects of atypical work schedules on the circadian system, sleep and alertness of shift-working populations, and discuss their potential clinical impacts.
Motivations and Experiences in a Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors: Findings from Key Informant Interviews
Authors: Dunn Melissa , Milius Lauren , Ivarra Amanda , Cooper Maria , Bhakta Nimisha
Published: December 2021

Purpose

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based 12-week physical activity (PA) program for cancer survivors. The purpose of our study was to understand the factors that motivated cancer survivors to begin the program, how the program impacted their habits, and how their experience influenced their motivation to continue with the program.

Approach or Design

Key informant interviews

Setting

Phone interviews conducted between April 15 and June 1, 2020.

Participants

27 cancer survivors in Texas who previously participated in the LS program.

Method

Participants completed a 30- to 60-minute interview with one of four interviewers. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes.

Results

Most interviewees were motivated to begin the program because of a desire to feel better after treatment. The most cited motivator to continue in the program was the community of cancer survivors. During the program, interviewees enjoyed learning different exercises, the community of cancer survivors, and the supportive teachers. Nearly all interviewees adopted or changed a healthy habit as a result of the program.

Conclusion

These results could be used by healthcare professionals to better understand what motivates cancer survivors to participate in a PA program. Results could also be used to plan or modify other PA programs for cancer survivors.
Persistent Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Completion Amid Centralized Outreach: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Wainwright Jocelyn V. , Mehta Shivan J. , Clifton Alicia , Bocage Claire , Ogden Shannon N. , Cohen Sarah , Rendle Katharine A.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To understand patient experiences and persistent barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening amid centralized outreach at urban family medicine practices.

Approach

Following a pragmatic trial assessing mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach, we invited a subset of participants to complete a semi-structured qualitative interview and structured questionnaire.

Setting

Single urban academic healthcare system.

Participants

Sixty patients who were eligible and overdue for CRC screening at the time of trial enrollment.

Method

Using Andersen’s Behavioral Model, we developed an interview guide to systematically assess factors shaping screening decisions and FIT uptake. Close-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Most participants (82%) self-reported that they had ever completed any modality of CRC screening, and nearly half (43%) completed the mailed FIT during the trial. Most patients (60%) preferred FIT to colonoscopy due to its private, convenient, and non-invasive nature; however, persistent barriers related to screening beliefs including fear of test results and cancer treatment still prevented some patients from completing any form of CRC screening.

Conclusions

Mailed FIT can overcome many structural barriers to CRC screening, yet clear communication and follow-up amid centralized outreach are essential. For some patients, tailored outreach or navigation to address screening-related fears or other screening beliefs may be needed to ensure timely completion of CRC screening.
The aftermath of transnational illegal adoptions: Redressing human rights violations in the intercountry adoption system with instruments of transitional justice
Authors: Loibl Elvira C
Published: December 2021

A growing movement of illegally adopted individuals request remedies and reparations for the human rights violations that they and their biological families had suffered. This article explores a number of measures that the stakeholders in the receiving countries can use in an effort to repair the human rights violations caused by illegal intercountry adoptions, borrowing ideas from transitional justice. In order to effectively redress the harm inflicted upon victims of illegal adoptions, a policy on remedies should combine instruments of retributive justice, aimed at holding wrongdoers accountable, with measures of restorative justice that focus on the victims’ needs and interests.
Are Proton Pump Inhibitors More Effective Than Histamine-2-Receptor Antagonists for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: He Na , Yan Yingying , Su Shan , Ge Qinggang , Zhai Suodi
Published: December 2021

Background:

Histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) have been largely replaced by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) despite the inconclusive evidence concerning comparative effectiveness.

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of PPIs and H2RAs on SUP in real-world setting.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 19, 2021. We included cohort studies comparing PPIs with H2RAs in critically ill adult patients and explicitly reporting the outcome of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or mortality. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess potential risk of bias. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis and only the studies with adjusted effect estimates were pooled. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess the overall quality of the evidence.

Results:

Thirteen cohort studies (N = 145 149) were eligible and 11 of them available for full texts were of low to moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis of adjusted effect estimates indicated that PPIs were associated with a significantly higher risk of GI bleeding, compared with H2RAs (8 studies, odds ratio [OR] = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-3.01, low certainty). Post hoc pooling analysis also suggested that PPIs were associated with a slightly higher risk of mortality in comparison with H2RAs (7 studies, OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.13-1.42, low certainty).

Conclusion and Relevance:

The systematic review of cohort studies showed that PPIs were associated with higher risks of GI bleeding and mortality, although the certainty of evidence was low. Overall, we suggest not excluding H2RAs for SUP, while further studies are essential for elucidating the risk stratification, optimal regimen, and specific duration.