bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amoris Laetitia at Five
Authors: Reimer-Barry Emily
Published: February 2022

This review article documents how Amoris Laetitia has been received and implemented, five years after the post-synodal exhortation on family life was promulgated by Pope Francis. Theological engagement with and pastoral applications of Amoris Laetitia have already proven life giving as we celebrate the Year of the Family in local contexts, even as questions remain about how best to interpret the document. Many of those questions center on how chapter 8 should be read vis-à-vis the tradition—whether it is a corruption of the tradition, a restating of the tradition, or a coherent development of the tradition.
Hierarchicalism
Authors: Keenan James F.
Published: February 2022

For the past twenty years, clericalism has been a helpful concept to identify the problematic culture within the clergy that is sorely in need of reform. In fact, it has served to focus matters needing reform not only concerning the sexual abuse crisis but also a wide array of other matters. Still, though reformers insist that clericalism embraces the entire clergy, from priests to bishops, they inevitably singularly default to reform of the priesthood. This article insists that now, nearly forty years after the sexual abuse crisis first broke, we must redirect our focus primarily onto the father of clericalism, “hierarchicalism,” a much more distinctive, protected, and powerful culture that has generated many of the contemporary problems in the church that compromise her mission.
The Limitations and Hermeneutical Implications of Vatican I’s Prophetic Mode
Authors: O’Malley John W.
Published: February 2022

The sociopolitical ramifications of Vatican I’s decree on papal primacy and infallibility set the church in opposition to the modern world. Nonetheless, certain elements in the council’s stance and especially the intimate relationship between ressourcement and aggiornamento paved the way to Vatican II.
Exodus in the American metropolis: Predicting Black population decline in Chicago neighbourhoods
Authors: Snidal Michael , Maaoui Magda , Haupert Tyler
Published: February 2022

Urban population decline in the largest metropolitan regions of the United States is now explained almost exclusively by a ‘Black exodus’. In Chicago, competing ‘push’ explanations have been put forth to explain Black population loss in urban neighbourhoods, including housing instability, cost of living, unemployment and crime. However, no study to date estimates the predictive power of each of these factors. This article seeks to answer the research question: which neighbourhood characteristics predict Black exodus in Chicago? We explore relationships between Black population loss in Chicago and a comprehensive range of metrics representing economic and social conditions. A fixed-effects multivariate panel regression is specified for the years 2010 to 2018 at the census tract level and cross-checked with bivariate Granger causality tests. We find that foreclosure filings predict Black population decline, and suggest that government prioritise foreclosure relief policies to stem Black exodus.
Academic Self-esteem as a Buffer Between Negative Youth Experiences and Academic Achievement in African American Adolescents
Authors: Hodge Jarrad D. , Cunningham Michael
Published: February 2022

The study examines if African American adolescents’ academic self-esteem moderates relations between negative youth experiences and academic achievement. Grounded in a PVEST perspective, the study collected responses from 364 Black adolescents (69% girls) in a southern, urban city. The primary finding in the study confirmed the hypothesis that students who report more negative youth experiences would also report lesser achievement and that negative relations would be buffered by the presence of Academic Self-Esteem. The study also outlines sex differences as Black males appear to be more vulnerable to negative youth experiences. Despite reporting more encounters with neighborhood-based discrimination, Black males appear to benefit academically when negative experiences are coupled with high academic self-esteem. The highest achievement in our sample was reported by students with high academic self-esteem who also reported higher instances of negative youth experiences. Intervention efforts and suggestions for future directions are discussed.
The Role of Media and Retailer Message Recall on Malaysian Male Perceptions of E-Cigarette Use: The 2016 National Study of E-Cigarettes Prevalence
Authors: Wee Lei Hum , Tee Guat Hiong , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Draman Samsul , Jamalludin Ab Rahman , Ho Bee Kiau , Yn Ling Jane Miaw , Lim Kuang Hock , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli , Baharom Nizam , Robson Noorzurani , Kartiwi Mira , Ab Rahman Norny Syafinaz , Siau Ching Sin , Nik Mohamed Mohamad Haniki
Published: February 2022

This study examined the perceptions of current smokers on electronic cigarette (EC) use, after exposure to information on EC use and its potential harms from various media and retail outlets. This cross-sectional study is a sub-analysis of the National Study of Electronic Cigarettes Prevalence (N = 4289) using the multi-stage stratified sampling method. Respondents were interviewed face-to-face by a trained data collector using a structured questionnaire printed in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. The analysis included 376 males who smoked conventional cigarettes and/or used ECs and reported ever seeing messages on ECs/vape in various platforms were analyzed using weighted simple and multiple logistic regression. Our findings showed different media types resulted in differing perceptions among smokers towards EC use especially between social media and conventional media. Those exposed to messages promoting EC in social media had higher odds of believing that ECs help people quit smoking (OR: 2.28), the urge to smoke is reduced by ECs (OR: 1.86), ECs are more effective than medication for quitting smoking (OR: 1.96), breathing is improved after using ECs (OR: 2.85), the smell of EC is better than a tobacco cigarette (OR: 2.73), and ECs should be regulated rather than banned completely (OR: 3.08). Vape shops, social, and conventional media provided very different perceptions among smokers towards EC use. Beyond using traditional communication channels, EC promoters have successfully utilized social media to promote ECs among smokers.
Seasonal predominance of atypical agents in adult community-acquired pneumonia in India's northeastern region: Is it the time to look again at empirical therapy guidelines?
Authors: Kalita Deepjyoti , Deka Sangeeta , Sharma Kripesh Ranjan , Sarma Ridip Kumar , Hazarika Naba Kumar
Published: February 2022

Atypical agents such as Mycoplasma, Legionella, Chlamydia species, and Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever agent) are responsible for some adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Insufficient studies on this topic can be blamed for the failure to include atypical pathogens in empirical management. We followed adult CAP cases for two years, and samples (respiratory and serum) were tested by culture, ELISA (IgM, IgG, and IgA), and PCR. A risk factor analysis was performed. Overall in 21.3% adult CAP patients, atypical agents found were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (51.5%), Legionella pneumophila (28.8%), and Chlamydophila pneumoniae (19.7%). However, amongst patients <60 years of age and in the summer season, the proportion of atypical agents increased significantly. There is thus a need to re-examine empirical antibiotic regimes.
Recommendations for Creating and Teaching a Graduate Psychology Course Exclusively for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Students
Authors: Kadaba Meiyang L. , Chow Joshua S. , Briscoe-Smith Allison
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although the development of graduate psychology trainees’ multicultural competence is established to be a necessity, current training implicitly and explicitly centers White clinicians.

Statement of the Problem

This orientation leads to inadequate opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) trainees to access mentoring, learning, and support.

Literature Review

We review the focus in graduate psychology training centered on White clinicians and the need to develop actively anti-racist training specifically suited to BIPOC clinicians. We discuss the principles of decolonization and collective liberation that can underlie such training.

Teaching implications

A course called In the Center (ITC) was exclusively offered to BIPOC students to prioritize their needs and strengths. Based on ITC, we recommend instructors consider institutional context, ground teaching practices in values, utilize co-teaching, target multiple competencies, and address classroom racial dynamics to build greater community and solidarity among BIPOC students.

Conclusion

This article discusses considerations for equitable, anti-racist training for BIPOC graduate psychology students built upon principles of decolonization and collective liberation.
Indoor occupancy estimation from carbon dioxide concentration using parameter estimation algorithms
Authors: Wei Yixuan , Wang Shu , Jin Longzhe , Xu Yifei , Ding Tianqi
Published: February 2022

The number of building occupants is an important indicator for predicting building energy consumption and developing control strategies for building automation. However, most occupancy estimation models were developed depending on the training steps where the true number of occupants is necessary. In order to calculate the occupant number independently, the newly-developed parameter estimation models were proposed, which are based on Maximum Likelihood (ML) approach and Bayesian analysis. A combination of multiple common measurements is used, including real-time CO2 concentration, energy consumption of facilities and make-up air system. The model starts by smoothing the raw CO2 concentration data using moving average, two-hour median as well as globally smooth. Then, ML and Bayesian analysis are used to establish the occupancy estimation models. The proposed models are evaluated in a commercial office which contains 36 occupants for validation. We find that the calculation errors could be reduced by using moving averaged data and globally smoothed data. The superiority of the parameter estimation models can be identified based on its lower calculation error and higher calculation accuracy compared to the previous established models.

Practical Application

Occupancy estimation models developed in this study are able to calculate occupant numbers independently and accurately in a non-intrusive way based on the indoor carbon dioxide concentration. This can provide input to a predictive building controller based on the application of occupancy estimation models. This could be applied to buildings across a district, informing demand-side management systems by employing occupancy behaviour and energy characteristics of individual buildings. This could allow both utility companies and building operators to simultaneously optimise their performance and benefit from this dedicated control strategy.
Labor Unions and Democracy: A Long View
Authors: Feurer Rosemary
Published: February 2022

This essay historicizes some of Stephen Ashby's findings, and elaborates on a thesis that union democracy is weak in the United States because capitalist opposition was so strong in a formative stage of union development. It introduces a brief survey of the first major U.S. industrial union, the United Mine Workers of America, to show that leadership cordoned off more radical alternatives in service to capital and to middle class and political operatives influence. It introduces a brief survey of the first major industrial union, the United Mine Workers to show that leadership cordoned off more radical alternatives in service to capital and to middle class and political operatives influence. Union leadership responded to that challenge with highly centralized control that blocked more democratic and struggle-based unionism. This had long term consequences through the next insurgency the Congress of Industrial Organizations. These historic influences are operative in the present, when workers seek power to build a counter to the growing inequality of wealth.
My Wife Is My Insurance Policy: Household Bargaining and Couples’ Purchase of Long-Term Care Insurance
Authors: Tennyson Sharon , Yang Hae Kyung , Woolley Frances
Published: February 2022

This paper examines household decisions over long-term care insurance (LTCI) purchases through a bargaining lens. Long-term care insurance purchase is a discrete decision around which spouses’ interests may diverge substantially. The cost of buying LTCI is typically borne by both spouses, but the benefits of LTCI go disproportionately to women, who are more likely to need long-term care for themselves, and to benefit from the asset protection and other support LTCI offers in the event their husband needs care. Using panel data on married couples ages 50–75 from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we test and find support for the hypothesis that spouses’ relative bargaining power is related to LTCI purchase decisions. In particular, when husbands have final say in household decisions, LTCI coverage is less likely. The findings suggest that spouse’s relative bargaining power matters for health care choices and, therefore, for the welfare of older men and women.
Changing Age Segregation in the US: 1990 to 2010
Authors: Das Gupta Debasree , Wong David W. S.
Published: February 2022

Age segregation adversely impacts health and wellbeing. Prior studies, although limited, report increasing age segregation of the US. However, these studies are dated, do not comprehensively examine the spatiotemporal patterns and the correlates of intergenerational segregation, or suffer from methodological limitations. To address these gaps, we assess the spatiotemporal patterns of age segregation between 1990 and 2010 using census-tract data to compute the dissimilarity index ( D) at the national, state, and county levels. Results contradict previous findings, providing robust evidence of decreasing age segregation for most parts of the country and across geographical levels. We also examine factors explaining adult-older adult segregation across counties between 1990 and 2010. Higher levels of rurality indicated lower levels of adult-older adult segregation, but this association diminished over time. Percent of older adults and percent of population in group quarters were inversely related to adult-older adult segregation, contrary to results from previous decades.
Gender Representations Elicited by the Gender Star Form
Authors: Körner Anita , Abraham Bleen , Rummer Ralf , Strack Fritz
Published: February 2022

In many languages, masculine language forms are not only used to designate the male gender but also to operate in a generic fashion. This dual function has been found to lead to male biased representations when people encounter the generic masculine. In German, the now predominant substitute is the gender star form (e.g., Athlet*innen). In two experiments, we examined gender representations elicited when reading the gender star form (vs. generic masculine vs. pair forms). We found that, following the generic masculine, continuations about men (vs. women) were more frequently and more quickly judged to be compatible, replicating the male bias, even though participants were informed about the generic intention. Following the gender star form, a female bias in judgments (both Studies) and speed (only Study 2) occurred, which was somewhat smaller. Representations were most balanced when both male and female forms were mentioned.
Revisiting English language proficiency and its impact on the academic performance of domestic university students in Singapore
Authors: Bo Wenjin Vikki , Fu Mingchen , Lim Wei Ying
Published: February 2022

The role of international students’ English language proficiency has been extensively researched to understand its impact on academic achievement in English-medium universities, mainly because of students’ non-English-speaking backgrounds. However, the relationship between language proficiency and academic achievement among English-speaking-background students remains under-researched, especially in multilingual societies, such as Singapore. The present study explored the relationship among university students’ previous academic experience, English language proficiency, and their current academic performance within a sample of 514 Singaporean students (252 females and 262 males). Findings showed that students’ proficiency scores significantly predicted their current grade point average (GPA) with their prior academic performance being controlled. Moreover, proficiency scores significantly strengthened the association between students’ prior academic performance and their current GPA. Finally, academic discipline showed a marginally significant moderating effect in the relationship between proficiency scores and current GPA. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Bridging local needs and national standards: Use of standards-based individualized feedback of an in-house EFL listening test in China
Authors: Min Shangchao , Zhang Juan , Li Yue , He Lianzhen
Published: February 2022

Local language tests are an arena where national language standards can be operationalized to create a hub for integrating assessment results and language support. Few studies, however, have examined the operationalization of national standards in local language assessment contexts. In this study, we proposed a model to present the integration of national standards in local contexts to guide assessment, teaching, and learning. Using this model, we conducted a 5-month longitudinal study involving 689 college students to examine (1) the consistency between their internal and external assessment feedback (i.e., standards-based self-assessment ratings and standards-based individualized English as a Foreign Language [EFL] listening test feedback) and (2) the effectiveness of standards-based teaching intervention in enhancing their perceived and actual language development. The results showed that the test feedback generally aligned well with students’ self-assessment and perceptions at the overall listening skill and subskill levels, yet student perceptions outlined needs for feedback refinements. In addition, the use of the standards-based individualized feedback, in conjunction with language support courses and practice materials, facilitated students’ perceived and actual listening achievement. This study makes an important contribution to local language testing by demonstrating the potential of a local instrument to provide a bridge between local instructional goals and national standards.
Efficacy of treatments tested in COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis
Authors: Ben-Aicha Soumaya , Buchanan Jacqueline , Punjabi Prakash , Emanueli Costanza , Moscarelli Marco
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally infecting and killing millions. Those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at higher risk of increased disease severity and mortality. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the rate of in-hospital mortality following different treatments on COVID-19 in patients with CVD.

Methods

Pertinent articles were identified from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE databases. This study protocol was registered under PROSPERO with the identifier CRD42020183057.

Results

Of the 1673 papers scrutinized, 46 were included in the review. Of the 2553 patients (mean age 63.9 ± 2.7 years/o; 57.2% male), the most frequent CVDs were coronary artery disease (9.09%) and peripheral arterial disease (5.4%) and the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were hypertension (86.7%) and diabetes (23.7%). Most patients were on multiple treatments. 14 COVID-19 treatments were compared with controls. The pooled event rate for in-hospital mortality was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11–33%); certain heterogeneity was observed across studies.

Conclusions

COVID-19 is associated with a high in-hospital mortality rate in patients with CVD. This study shows that previous CVD determines mortality, regardless of the type of COVID-19 administered therapy. Treatments for at-risk patients should be administered carefully and monitored closely until further data are available.
Network meta-analysis comparing blood cardioplegia, Del Nido cardioplegia and custodiol cardioplegia in minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Authors: Chan Jeremy , Oo Shwe , Butt Salman , Benedetto Umberto , Caputo Massimo , Angelini Gianni D , Vohra Hunaid A
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been evolving, with the intention of reducing surgical trauma, improve cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Single dose, crystalloid cardioplegia such as Del Nido cardioplegia and Custoidol solution have been increasingly used to reduce the interruption from repeating cardioplegia dosing to minimise the cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp time. However, the best cardioplegia for myocardial protection in adult minimally invasive cardiac surgery remains controversial. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to analyse the current evidence in the literature.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the updated 2020 PRISMA guideline. Articles published in the five major electronic databases up 1st of April 2021 were identified and reviewed. The primary outcome was in-hospital or 30-day mortality. Traditional pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted.

Results

Nine articles were included in this study. The use of Del Nido cardioplegia was associated with a lower volume of cardioplegia used (Del Nido vs Blood, 1105.62 mL+/-123.47 vs 2569.46 mL+/-1515.52, p<0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (Del Nido vs Custoidol vs Blood: 91.67+/−14.78 vs 138.05 +/− 21.30 vs 119.38+/−26.91 minutes, p<0.001) and cross-clamp time (Del Nido vs Custoidol vs Blood: 74.99+/−18.55 vs 82.01 +/− 17.28 vs 93.66+/−8.88 minutes, p < 0.001). No differences were observed in the incidence of in-hospital/30-day mortality rate, new onset of atrial fibrillation and stroke. Ranking analysis showed the Custoidol solution has the highest probability to be the first ranked cardioplegia.

Conclusion

No differences were found between blood and crystalloid cardioplegia in adult minimally invasive cardiac surgery in several clinical outcomes. The cardioplegia of choice in minimally invasive cardiac surgery remains the surgeons’ decision and preference.
The efficacy of change in limb volume on functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema
Authors: Şahinoğlu Ertan , Ergin Gülbin , Karadibak Didem
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of change in limb volume on the levels of functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression before and after complex decongestive physiotherapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema.

Method

Twenty-seven patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were included. The treatment period was 20 sessions. The outcome measures were the limb volume, the Timed Up and Go test, the Short Form-36, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in the limb volume ( p < 0.001) and statistically significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go test performance ( p < 0.001), the Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary score ( p < 0.01), the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale score ( p < 0.001), and the Beck Depression Inventory score ( p < 0.001) were found. No statistically significant difference was found on the Short Form-36 Mental Component Summary score ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The decrease in the limb volume improves the functional mobility, physical health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema, but not the mental health-related quality of life.
Lance Adams syndrome: two cases report and literature review
Authors: Guo Yu , Xiao Yan , Chen Li-Fa , Yin De-Hui , Wang Ruo-Dan
Published: February 2022

Hypoxic myoclonus, also known as Lance Adams syndrome, is a rare syndrome that results from the serious brain damage caused by cerebral hypoxia that often follows cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This current case report describes two patients with post-hypoxic myoclonus, both of whom received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The neurological symptoms of these two patients were significantly improved by the administration of clonazepam and sodium valproate sustained-release tablets. The report presents a literature review detailing the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Lance Adams syndrome. The timely diagnosis and treatment of Lance Adams syndrome can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. Valproic acid, clonazepam and other antiepileptic drugs can be used. Whether levetiracetam is effective for cortical myoclonus requires further clinical study.
Application of a three-dimensional printed model to localize a cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak: a case report
Authors: Duan Hao , Jiang Xiaobing , Li Chang , Chen Mingyuan , Zhang Bei , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhao Qingyu , Mou Yonggao
Published: February 2022

Localization of defect sites is a major challenge for surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Here, we report a case in which we applied a 3-dimensional (3D) printed model to accurately identify the defect sites and facilitate the successful repair of a cranial CSF leak. A 37-year-old female patient diagnosed with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma suffered CSF rhinorrhea and severe bacterial meningitis. Lumbar drainage and antibiotic administration failed to control the condition. In addition to high resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, we applied a 3D printed model of the skull to improve the understanding of the osseous destruction at the skull base and aid in accurately localizing the defect sites of the right middle fossa. Accordingly, a right temporalis pedicled flap combined with an autogenous fascia lata flap was applied to cover the defect sites. The leak stopped postoperatively, and meningitis was relieved by enhanced antibacterial treatment. As a complement to high resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a 3D printed model may improve localization of complex defect sites and surgical planning by allowing preoperative visualization of the skull condition.
Concurrent lung adenocarcinoma and bladder diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Feng , Liang Ying , Mo Wen-Bin , Yan Xiao-Jing , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most common solid tumors, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype of adult non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Although extra-nodular lesions are frequently observed in patients with DLBCL, urinary bladder involvement is rare. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma who was diagnosed with a second primary bladder DLBCL, 9 months after treatment with molecular targeted drugs. Simultaneous therapies for her lymphoma with lenalidomide and rituximab and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for her lung cancer were both effective. This result was consistent with previous reports suggesting that patients unable to tolerate intensive chemotherapy could benefit from targeted therapies. Current research into the use of lenalidomide for the treatment of lymphomas and solid tumors is promising in terms of exploring immunotherapy as an alternative option for patients with concurrent solid tumors and lymphomas who have poor tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Coronary artery–left ventricular multiple microfistulas, a rare disease that is easily missed: case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Kaicong , Zeng Zhihuan , Li Tudi , Chen Rong , Luo Junqian , Zhou Zihao
Published: February 2022

Coronary artery–left ventricular multiple microfistulas (CALVMMFs) are a very rare type of coronary artery fistula. Because of their special anatomical structure and hemodynamics, CALVMMFs often result in no obvious symptoms and signs. Most patients are diagnosed by coronary angiography; however, as a routine noninvasive screening method, Doppler echocardiography is a potential first-choice diagnostic technique for patients with CALVMMFs. Although satisfactory results of CALVMMF closure are difficult to achieve, the clinical symptoms of these patients are not obvious, and drug therapy has a clear therapeutic effect on most patients. We herein introduce seven cases of CALVMMFs confirmed by our hospital and briefly review the related literature.
Another new attempt to repair finger pulp defects: retrograde island flap bridge transfer of the adjacent phalangeal artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting
Authors: Du Weibin , Zhu Fangbing , Zhang HeLou , Yang Jun , Zhuang Wei , Hou Qiao
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the surgical method and therapeutic effect of retrograde island flap bridge transfer of the adjacent phalangeal artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting to repair finger pulp defects. From June 2008 to May 2020, 21 fingers (19 patients) were repaired using this method. The postoperative flap survival rate and complications, and the clinical effect, were evaluated. All flaps survived, and all patients were followed-up for 12 to 46 months. The static two-point discrimination (2PD) was 7 to 11 mm, no apparent complications were observed in the donor area and the McIndoe cold intolerance symptom severity (CISS) scores indicated mild severity. The Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHQ) indicated that all patients were satisfied with their overall hand appearance and function. Results were excellent in 15 cases and good in 4 cases, according to the Dargan function evaluation (DFE). It is safe and effective to repair finger pulp defects with a retrograde island flap bridge transfer of the adjacent phalangeal artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting. This skin flap has the advantages of simple severing, good texture and concealed donor area, which is convenient for early postoperative functional exercise of the finger.
Potential relationships between COVID-19 and the thyroid gland: an update
Authors: Naguib Rania
Published: February 2022

In this review, I aim to provide a complete overview of recent advances in knowledge regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced thyroid dysfunction. I discuss the findings regarding the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the development of thyroid dysfunction, including subacute thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, non-thyroidal illness, thyrotoxicosis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis during and subsequent to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The thyroid gland and the entire hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis may represent key targets of SARS-CoV-2. Thyroid dysfunction during and subsequent to COVID-19 has been documented in clinical studies and is usually reversible. Most of the thyroid disorders, including Graves’ disease, euthyroid sick syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis, have been documented as sequelae to COVID-19, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been implicated in the aetiology of each. COVID-19 has been suggested to trigger the activation of pre-existing thyroid disease or autoimmunity. Furthermore, patients with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis are at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection-related consequences. Because of the neutropenia caused by antithyroid medications, which may obscure the signs of COVID-19, this group of patients should receive special attention. It is suggested that thyroid dysfunction during COVID-19 is caused by direct infection of the thyroid or “cytokine storm”-mediated autoimmune effects on the thyroid.
Development of Road Diet Segment and Intersection Crash Modification Factors
Authors: Lim Linda , Fontaine Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Road diets can offer potential safety improvements for both pedestrians and vehicles. The additional space provided by reducing the number of vehicular through lanes can be reallocated to other uses such as bicycle lanes, parking, sidewalks, transit use, turn lanes, curb extensions, parklets, or pedestrian refuge islands. This study evaluated the safety effectiveness of road diets in Virginia using the empirical Bayes method, focusing on the common road diet conversion from a four-lane roadway to a three-lane roadway with added bike lanes. A total of 36 segment sites and 39 intersections were identified in Virginia where road diet installations were implemented between the years 2009 to 2018. The analysis showed segment crash modification factors (CMFs) of 0.62 for total crashes and 0.36 for fatal and injury (FI) crashes. Across all intersection types, the CMFs were 0.65 for total crashes and 0.54 for FI crashes. All CMFs were found to be statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. When intersections were separated into signalized and unsignalized intersections, no significant safety benefit was found for unsignalized intersections. Based on the results, it was concluded that road diets can potentially reduce crashes, and public agencies should consider the safety benefits of road diets when justifying roadway improvements.
Evaluating the Potential Environmental Benefits of Cold Recycling-Based Methods for Flexible Pavement Rehabilitation in Virginia
Authors: Amarh Eugene Annan , Santos Joao , Flintsch Gerardo W. , Diefenderfer Brian K.
Published: February 2022

This paper describes a study conducted to quantify the potential environmental benefits of recycled asphalt pavement projects completed in Virginia. Three restorative maintenance projects were evaluated: (i) a 5-in. hot-mix asphalt (HMA) over 5-in. cold in-place recycling (CIR) with foamed asphalt stabilization; (ii) a 3.5-in. HMA over 5-in. CIR with emulsion stabilization; and (iii) one non-recycling structural overlay (5-in. HMA over an existing pavement). In addition, the following reconstruction projects—the first three constructed on primary roads and the last two constructed on interstates—were assessed: (i) a 2.5-in. HMA over 9.6-in. full depth reclamation (FDR) with asphalt stabilization; (ii) a 3.5-in. HMA over 9.0-in. cement stabilized FDR; (iii) a non-recycling reconstruction project (7-in. HMA over 12-in. aggregate base and subbase); (iv) a 6-in. HMA over 6-in. asphalt-stabilized cold central plant recycled layer over a 12-in. lime-stabilized FDR base; and (v) a non-recycling reconstruction project (8-in. HMA over 18-in. aggregate base and subbase). When considering exclusively cradle-to-laid system boundaries, the results show that pavement recycling projects used for interstate reconstruction and primary route restorative maintenance yielded lower global warming (GW) than non-recycling approaches. When considering the entire life cycle, the study found that approximately 98% of the total GW came from pavement–vehicle interaction that takes place during the use stage. Finally, to reduce GW, the Virginia Department of Transportation could encourage (or even incentivize) practices that improve the initial pavement smoothness for recycling projects and use structural designs that are expected to have a low annual deterioration rate.
Performance Evaluation of Modified Cyclic Max-Pressure Controlled Intersections in Realistic Corridors
Authors: Barman Simanta , Levin Michael W.
Published: February 2022

Max-pressure (MP) signal timing is an actuated decentralized signal control policy. Rigorous mathematical studies have proven the stability properties and established the benefits of different MP policies. However, theoretical studies make assumptions about traffic properties that may not represent reality and whose effects are not explored much in the literature under realistic traffic conditions. This study focuses on examining how different variations of MP perform in realistic scenarios and on finding the most practical policy among those for implementation in real roads. Microsimulation models of seven intersections from two corridors, County Road (CR) 30 and CR 109 from Hennepin County, Minnesota were created. Real-life demand and current signal timing data provided by Hennepin County were used to make the simulations as close to reality as possible. In this paper, we compare the performance of current actuated-coordinated signal control with an acyclic MP and two variations of cyclic MP policies. We present the performance of different control policies as delay, throughput, worst lane delay, and number of phase changes. We also present how different parameters affect the performance of the MP policies. We found that better performance can be achieved with a cyclic MP policy by allowing phase skipping when no vehicles are waiting. Our findings also suggest that most of the claimed performance benefits can still be achieved in real-life traffic conditions even with the simplified assumptions made in the theoretical models. In most cases, MP control policies outperformed current signal control.
Aunting as Family Shadow-Work
Authors: Barnwell Ashley
Published: February 2022

Women have long been known as family kin-keepers, sources of knowledge about family histories. Yet little has been written on the role of aunts within families, and more specifically on aunts’ domain over sensitive or secret family information. This paper develops the concept of family shadow-work to analyse labours that are unseen yet essential to family life. To do this it explores aunting practices around family secrets using ‘facet methodology’ applied to qualitative research. This analysis highlights aunts’ efforts to manage and transmit information while navigating the politics of family secrecy. While such acts of diagonal transmission may be less recognised as reproductive of family, they are crucial in creating a continuity of family lore, structure, and identity.
PD-L1 expression in breast invasive ductal carcinoma with incomplete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Alhesa Ahmad , Awad Heyam , Bloukh Sarah , Al-Balas Mahmoud , El-Sadoni Mohammed , Qattan Duaa , Azab Bilal , Saleh Tareq
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in breast cancer in association with incomplete pathological response (PR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

PD-L1 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in post-operative, post-NAC samples of 60 patients ( n = 60) diagnosed with breast invasive ductal carcinoma with incomplete PR to NAC, including 31 matched pre-NAC and post-NAC samples ( n = 31). PD-L1 protein expression was assessed using three scoring approaches, including the tumor proportion score (TPS), the immune cell score (ICS), and the combined tumor and immune cell score (combined positive score, CPS) with a 1% cut-off.

Results

In the post-operative, post-NAC samples ( n = 60), positive expression rate of PD-L1 was observed in 18.3% (11/60) of cases by TPS, 31.7% (19/60) by ICS, and 25% (15/60) by CPS. In matched samples, positive expression rate of PD-L1 was observed in 19.3% (6/31) of patients by TPS, 51.6% (16/31) by ICS, and 19.3% (6/31) by CPS in pre-NAC specimens, while it was observed in 22.6% (7/31) of matched post-NAC samples by TPS, 22.6% (7/31) by ICS, and 19.3% (6/31) by CPS. In the matched samples, there was a significant decrease in PD-L1 immunoexpression using ICS in post-NAC specimens (McNemar’s, p = 0.020), while no significant differences were found using TPS and CPS between pre- and post-NAC samples ( p = 1.000, p = 0.617; respectively). PD-L1 immunoexpression determined by TPS or CPS was only significantly associated with ER status ( p = 0.022, p = 0.021; respectively), but not with other clinicopathological variables. We could not establish a correlation between PD-L1 expression and the overall survival rate ( p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes count between the paired pre- and post-NAC samples ( t = 0.581, p = 0.563 or Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test; z = -0.625, p = 0.529).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that PD-L1 protein expression in infiltrating immune cells was significantly reduced in breast tumors that developed incomplete PR following the exposure to NAC.
Failure analysis of composite repaired pipes subjected to internal pressure
Authors: Savari Ardeshir
Published: February 2022

While around 60% of pipelines transmitting oil and gas worldwide experience corrosion and metal loss, the composite repair technique has become a popular option developed in recent decades. Employing a theoretical methodology, this study deals with corroded metallic pipes repaired by composite repair systems such that the focus is the impact of elastoplastic deformations on the failure pressure. In this methodology, the elastoplastic strains are taken into account by employing the bilinear isotropic hardening plastic flow theory with the von Mises yield criterion. Three modes are recognized based on the region where failure occurs, and the results are presented. The findings revealed that when the failure happens in the defect region, the proposed formula estimates the failure pressure more accurately than when it occurs either far from the defect or in the composite sleeve. Moreover, studying the bonding strength between the pipe, infill material, and composite patch shows that the interface bonding strength between the pipe and the polymer filler plays a more significant role than the interface bonding strength between the polymer filler and the composite repair. The results of this study can assist maintenance engineers in better evaluating the reliability of composite repaired pipelines.
Experimental and numerical investigation of a thermal conductivity in the thermally drained carbon-fiber/epoxy composite materials for aeronautical applications
Authors: ARBAOUI Jamal , AUCHER Jérémie , GOMINA Moussa , BREARD Joël
Published: February 2022

The study focuses on the development of novel composite material with good transverse thermal conductivity able to dissipate the heat. This material will be associated with a cooling loop for transferring the heat from electrical equipment to the composite panel thermally drained and which posed at the fuselage of the aircraft. To achieve this goal, an extensive research was conducted in the thermal field leading to design a novel composite structure. The thermal conductivity of the composite materials selected in this work were assessed through experimental tests. Here, the material thermal conductivity was evaluated using measurements of density, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat. The thermal performances of material were described by the nature of constituents and reinforcement architecture. The current research highlights the influence of adding nickel coated carbon and nickel-plated copper wires on the braided composites. The results indicate that the High Tensile Strength (HTS) carbon braided manufactured with nickel-plated copper wires presents higher in-plane thermal conductivity (in direction parallel of the fibers) when comparing to HTS carbon and HTS carbon braided manufactured with nickel coated carbon. To gain more insight, a numerical model, based on the Finite Element Method was built. Besides, it helps to reduce the experimental matrix protocol. The results obtained by numerical and experimental investigation showed good correlation, which allowed to validate the numerical approach. In the end, the numerical model validated were used to optimize the structure of the composite material.
Do Written Language Bursts Mediate the Relations of Language, Cognitive, and Transcription Skills to Writing Quality?
Authors: Grace Kim Young-Suk
Published: February 2022

In this study, we examined burst length and its relation with working memory, attentional control, transcription skills, discourse oral language, and writing quality, using data from English-speaking children in Grade 2 ( N = 177; Mage = 7.19). Results from structural equation modeling showed that burst length was related to writing quality after accounting for transcription skills, discourse oral language, working memory, and attentional control. Burst length completely mediated the relations of attentional control and handwriting fluency to writing quality, whereas it partially mediated the relations of working memory and spelling to writing quality. Discourse oral language had a suppression effect on burst length but was positively and independently related to writing quality. Working memory had an indirect relation to burst length via transcription skills, whereas attentional control had a direct and indirect relation. These results suggest roles of domain-general cognitions and transcription skills in burst length, and reveal the nature of their relations to writing quality.
Differences in sensitivity of human lymphocytes and fish lymphocytes to polyvinyl chloride microplastic toxicity
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Alavehzadeh Ali , Ramezani Maral , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: February 2022

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics are emerging contaminants affecting biological wastewater treatment processes. So far, the toxicological investigation of PVC microplastics usually focused on the anaerobic and denitrifying bacteria. It seems that the primary lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood are more sensitive than most other organ cell types in vitro; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of PVC microplastic on human and fish blood lymphocytes as a useful ex vivo model for accelerated human toxicity studies. Using biochemical analyses, we showed human lymphocytes are more sensitive to toxic effects of PVC microplastic than fish lymphocytes. Our result showed that addition of PVC microplastic at 24, 48, and 96 μ g/ml for 3 h to human blood lymphocytes induced cytotoxicity. The PVC microplastic-induced cytotoxicity on human blood lymphocytes was associated with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lysosomal membrane injury, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, depletion of glutathione, and lipid peroxidation. According to our results, PVC microplastic particles induce oxidative stress and organelle damage in human lymphocytes, while these significant alterations in toxicity parameters in PVC microplastic-treated fish lymphocytes were not observed. Finally, our findings suggest that human lymphocytes are more sensitive to PVC microplastic toxicity compared with fish lymphocytes.
Multi-network granular hydrogel with enhanced strength for 3D bioprinting
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Xi , Meng Teng , Liu Lei
Published: February 2022

Granular hydrogels are a kind of bulk hydrogel that are densely assembled by microparticles, showing great potential in 3D bioprinting. To develop a granular hydrogel-based bioink with enhanced strength, the present study combined methacryloylated gelatin (GelMA) with granular hydrogel to fabricate a compound bioink. Poly (γ-glutamic acid) (PG) microspheres and hydroxy propyl chitosan (CSPO) microspheres were fabricated, respectively, and self-assembled via charge interaction between microspheres to form a granular hydrogel after adding GleMA solution. However, its assembly ability decreased with the increase of the content of CSPO microspheres. The composite granular hydrogel with same mass content of PG microspheres and CSPO microspheres showed superior storage modulus, shear-thinning and self-healing ability. The composite granular hydrogels carrying adiposed derived stem cells (ASCs) showed well-performed extrudability and fidelity. In addition, after printing, UV light was used for further cross-linking GelMA, forming multi-networks that significantly improve the strength of the printed engineered tissue. ASCs proliferated significantly in bioink. The composite granular hydrogel thus showed great potential as bioink with enhanced strength for cell printing.