bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Mechanism of Üstikuddus Sherbiti in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Diseases: Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Gul Aman , Aimaiti Mutalifu , Tuerxun Tuerhong , Amat Raziye , Reheman Ayinuer , Zhang Min Fang , Memtily Nassirhadjy
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to study the potential biological mechanism of Üstikuddus Sherbiti (ÜS) in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases (ICVD) by the network pharmacology method. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to obtain effective constituents of ÜS by screening eligible oral utilization, drug similarity, and blood-brain barrier permeability threshold. By drug target prediction and stroke treatment target mining, 2 target data sets were analyzed to find intersection targets and the corresponding constituents were used as active constituents. An active constituent target network and an effective constituent target network were constructed by using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Degree parameters of the effective constituent target network were analyzed to find important effective constituents and targets. Through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, potential signaling pathways of ÜS in ischemic stroke were found out. AutoDock was used for molecular docking verification. A total of 90 active constituents of ÜS were screened out. There were 10 active constituents against ICVD, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin, and 10 important targets for anticerebral ischemia, namely, PIK3CA, APP, PIK3R1, MAPK1, MAPK3, AKT1, PRKCD, Fyn, RAC1, and NF-κB1. Based on the protein interaction network, the important targets of ÜS were significantly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, Ras signaling pathway, etc. ÜS in ICVD has characteristics like multiple targets, multiple approaches, and multiple pathways. Results of molecular docking showed that the active components in ICVD had a good binding ability with the key targets. Its main biological mechanism may be related to the PI3K-Akt and Ras-MAPK centered signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated that ÜS exerted the effect of treating ICVD by regulating multiple targets and multiple channels with multiple components through the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking.
Research on Load Balancing and Caching Strategy for Central Network
Authors: Wang Zhi-hong , Dong A-liang
Published: April 2022

The central network architecture takes the information content as the processing object and can better meet the user access needs. However, the traditional network node load balancing and caching strategy has been difficult to adapt to the development of the central network architecture. Therefore, this article proposed a load balancing and cache management strategy based on the central network in order to provide a reference for the architecture and application of the central network. Based on the analysis of the existing network architecture, this article expounded the networking form and characteristics of the central network system. By analyzing the load scheduling requirements of network nodes, combined with the transmission characteristics of resource requests in the central network, a cache node load balancing method suitable for the requirements of the central network was proposed based on the existing load balancing algorithms. In addition, by analyzing the cache management strategy and its impact on the performance of the network system, a cache node information forwarding model with resource requests as the object in the central network environment was given. Finally, through experimental test and comparative analysis, the results showed that the method proposed in this article had certain feasibility and effectiveness. Compared with other typical strategies, the load balancing and caching strategy proposed in this article can better meet the user needs of the central network.
Application of UAV Remote Sensing Technology in the Construction of Modern Smart Farm
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , SHIM Dongha , Cha Jae-sang
Published: April 2022

This article is to study the application and optimization of UAV remote sensing technology in the construction of smart farms. Multiparty calculations, circuit design, remote sensing, and remote control are used wirelessly, with a wide field of vision and easy evasion. Its transmitting frequency, transmitting power, interference electromagnetic wave intensity, receiving sensitivity, and gain coefficient are all factors that affect wireless remote sensing. Stress and strain are also important factors for the timely response and control of remote sensing technology. This article first outlines smart farms and drones, and then describes how to design drone circuits. Its smallest UAV circuit design includes UAV reset circuit, UAV crystal oscillator circuit, UAV upgrade circuit, UAV PPM decoding module circuit diagram, and then explains the attitude calculation and complementary filtering of the multiwing UAV. The complementary filtering algorithm is applied to the attitude calculation, and the error is reduced through the analysis of the coordinate system, the quaternion method, and the calculation of Euler angles. Then establish a wireless communication propagation model for smart farmland monitoring. Among them, the Egli model is selected. After data monitoring, it is obvious that the Egli model can monitor higher path loss, higher accuracy, and stronger propagation strength. Then through experiments, the static data of the two different tail transmissions under different loads are analyzed, the stress-strain trend line is observed, and the performance of the two transmission systems is analyzed. It can be seen that under the same conditions, the bevel gear tail transmission system has higher comprehensive performance, good reaction force characteristics, and excellent stress-strain performance. The power ratio of the synchronous belt tail drive system is 31.22, and the power ratio of the bevel gear is 29.52, a difference of 5.76%. The power ratio wind speed value of the tail part of the timing belt is 0.01014, and the power ratio wind speed value of the bevel gear is 0.009851, a difference of 2.93%.
Implementation and Experiment of a Novel Molecular Spring Isolator
Authors: Nie Gaofa , Miao Xuhong , Tang Yuhang , Chen Qian
Published: April 2022

A molecular spring isolator comprising ZIF-8 with hydrophobic micropores, water, and a cylinder/piston unit is introduced. Liquid water can be intruded into the micropores of ZIF-8 under critical pressure. In the meantime, mechanical energy is stored. And once the external pressure is withdrawn, spontaneous capillary evaporation will occur. The stored energy, meanwhile, is released. This behavior is similar to a coil spring. The Laplace–Washburn equation is used to describe the force equilibrium of a single water column in a micropore. After that, the result of water infiltrating a great deal of hydrophobic pores is revealed by theoretical analysis and an experiment. An averaging method is devoted to computing the primary resonance response and its accuracy is proved by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Furthermore, the energy transmissibility is used to estimate its vibration isolation capability. Finally, a vibration isolation test indicated that the inherent frequency of the isolator is as low as 1.3 Hz.
Bearing Capacity of Light‐Steel Compound Section and Steel Columns under Axial Compression
Authors: Li Jianwen , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Li , Lu Wenbo
Published: April 2022

In the international trend of vigorously developing low‐carbon economy and green buildings, environmental protection and conservation have received increased attention in the construction field. Light steel, as an environmental protection material, has gradually become a key direction in the architectural field. The axially compressed columns forming the wall skeleton in the light steel structure usually adopt two cross‐sectional forms, namely, cold‐formed thin‐walled steel built‐up cross‐section and independent profiled steel cross‐section. The cold‐formed thin‐walled steel cross‐section is divided by the splitting method into two types, namely, open type and closed type. This paper analyzes two cold‐formed thin‐walled steel composite sections and independent section columns. The theoretical calculation, experimental test, and finite element simulation were used, and the multidimensional calculation results were compared to obtain the mechanical properties of axial compression columns. Based on the comparison between the experimental results and the calculation results, it is found that the specification is conservative. The experimental results show that it is more flexible to use composite cross‐section columns in the middle of the light steel skeleton; steel columns in the corner of the frame are more conducive to the structure’s overall stability.
Shrinkage and Mechanical Properties of Fibre‐Reinforced Blast Furnace Slag‐Steel Slag‐Based Geopolymer
Authors: Xu Shengtang , Wu Chaofan , Yue Jinchao , Xu Zikai
Published: April 2022

Geopolymer materials have several obvious advantages such as energy conservation, emission reduction, and waste reuse, so they can become substitutes for cement materials. In this study, geopolymer mortars made from blast furnace slag and steel slag reinforced by basalt fibre and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre were prepared to explore the effect on their strength and shrinkage properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to characterize the reaction mechanism of the geopolymer mortars. The results show that both PVA fibre and basalt fibre can improve the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortars during the late curing period. The geopolymer reinforced by basalt fibre manifested a better toughness. A proper content of PVA fibres and basalt fibres can effectively reduce the drying and autogenous shrinkage of geopolymer mortars. The optimal content of basalt fibres and PVA fibres to reduce the drying shrinkage was 0.4%. The SEM results show that the fibres can effectively alleviate the stress concentration and prevent crack propagation.
BRCA1-Associated RING Domain-1 (BARD1) Loss and GBP1 Expression Enhance Sensitivity to DNA Damage in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Maurer Lisa M. , Daley Jessica D. , Mukherjee Elina , Venier Rosemarie E. , Julian Claire M. , Bailey Nathanael G. , Jacobs Michelle F. , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Raphael Haley , Periyapatna Nivitha , Weiss Kurt , Janeway Katherine A. , Mody Rajen , Lucas Peter C. , McAllister-Lucas Linda M. , Bailey Kelly M.
Published: April 2022

Ewing sarcoma is a fusion oncoprotein–driven primary bone tumor. A subset of patients (∼10%) with Ewing sarcoma are known to harbor germline variants in a growing number of genes involved in DNA damage repair. We recently reported our discovery of a germline mutation in the DNA damage repair protein BARD1 (BRCA1-associated RING domain-1) in a patient with Ewing sarcoma. BARD1 is recruited to the site of DNA double stranded breaks via the PARP protein and plays a critical role in DNA damage response pathways including homologous recombination. We thus questioned the impact of BARD1 loss on Ewing cell sensitivity to DNA damage and the Ewing sarcoma transcriptome. We demonstrate that PSaRC318 cells, a novel patient-derived cell line harboring a pathogenic BARD1 variant, are sensitive to PARP inhibition and by testing the effect of BARD1 depletion in additional Ewing sarcoma cell lines, we confirm that BARD1 loss enhances cell sensitivity to PARP inhibition plus radiation. In addition, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that loss of BARD1 results in the upregulation of GBP1 (guanylate-binding protein 1), a protein whose expression is associated with variable response to therapy depending on the adult carcinoma subtype examined. Here, we demonstrate that GBP1 contributes to the enhanced sensitivity of BARD1-deficient Ewing cells to DNA damage. Together, our findings demonstrate the impact of loss-of function mutations in DNA damage repair genes, such as BARD1, on Ewing sarcoma treatment response.

Significance:

This work provides preclinical support for the inclusion of pediatric patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma and pathogenic germline variants in BARD1 in future clinical trials testing novel agents inducing DNA damage/targeting DNA damage repair.
Type-I Interferon Signaling Is Essential for Robust Metronomic Chemo-Immunogenic Tumor Regression in Murine Breast Cancer
Authors: Vergato Cameron , Doshi Kshama A. , Roblyer Darren , Waxman David J.
Published: April 2022

Many patients with breast cancer have a poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options. Here, we investigated the potential of chemo-immunogenic therapy as an avenue of treatment. We utilized two syngeneic mouse mammary tumor models, 4T1 and E0771, to examine the chemo-immunogenic potential of cyclophosphamide and the mechanistic contributions of cyclophosphamide-activated type-I IFN signaling to therapeutic activity. Chemically activated cyclophosphamide induced robust IFNα/β receptor-1–dependent signaling linked to hundreds of IFN-stimulated gene responses in both cell lines. Furthermore, in 4T1 tumors, cyclophosphamide given on a medium-dose, 6-day intermittent metronomic schedule induced strong IFN signaling but comparatively weak immune cell infiltration associated with long-term tumor growth stasis. Induction of IFN signaling was somewhat weaker in E0771 tumors but was followed by widespread downstream gene responses, robust immune cell infiltration, and extensive, prolonged tumor regression. The immune dependence of these effective antitumor responses was established by CD8 T-cell immunodepletion, which blocked cyclophosphamide-induced E0771 tumor regression and led to tumor stasis followed by regrowth. Strikingly, IFNα/β receptor-1 antibody blockade was even more effective in preventing E0771 immune cell infiltration and blocked the major tumor regression induced by cyclophosphamide treatment. Type-I IFN signaling is thus essential for the robust chemo-immunogenic response of these tumors to cyclophosphamide administered on a metronomic schedule.

Significance:

Many patients with breast cancer have few therapeutic options. We show that cyclophosphamide treatment induces extensive tumor regression in a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer via a chemo-immunogenic mechanism linked to type-I IFN production. Our findings establish that IFN signaling is essential for the robust antitumor actions of cyclophosphamide and suggest that treatment resistance may stem from silencing the IFN pathway. This suggests a new avenue for improving breast cancer treatment efficacy.
Development of a Checklist of Potentially Traumatic Events in Children and Adolescents (CEPT-CA)
Authors: Barroca Inês , Santos Catarina Melo , Velosa Ana , Cotovio Gonçalo , Kozlowska Kasia , Pinto Inês , Carvalho Paula Saraiva
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Since exposure to potentially traumatic events during childhood and adolescence has been shown to be very common, its screening is very important. Our aim was to develop a self-assessment checklist to perform screening of potentially traumatic events in childhood and adolescence. Methods: The development of the Checklist of Potentially Traumatic Events in Children and Adolescents (CEPT-CA) was based on: (a) the structure of Life Events Checklist that has been translated, back-translated, and adapted; (b) recommendations of renowned entities about trauma in childhood; (c) particularities of potentially traumatic events in childhood; (d) adapting the language to the target population’s age group; (e) Portugal’s sociocultural context. The preliminary version of the CEPT-CA was again discussed with the Review Committee. Subsequently, a pre-test was carried out with 30 children/adolescents between the ages of 7 and 18 years. Results: The CEPT-CA includes the assessment of 16 potentially traumatic events. It also includes a 17th item, in which “any other very difficult/stressful event” may be added. Each event can be selected according to “It happened to me,” “I saw it happen to someone else,” “They told me,” “I’m not sure,” and “Not applicable.” The mean time to complete the questionnaire was 9 min. Conclusion: This pioneering study presents a checklist of potentially traumatic events in childhood/adolescence. This tool is useful for tracking these traumatic events, thereby allowing an early and specific assessment and intervention.
Growth Hormone Deficiency due to p.(Gln467Argfs*64) Mutation in the ARID1B Gene in a Girl with Coffin-Siris Syndrome
Authors: Mouskou Stella , Leka-Emiri Sofia , Korona Anastasia , Mastroyanni Sotiria , Manolakos Emmanouil , Papoulidis Ioannis , Sekouris Nick , Katerelos Adamantios , Katsarou-Pectasides Efstathia , Voudris Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) (MIM #135900) is an extremely rare genetic multisystemic disorder characterized by aplasia or hypoplasia of the upper phalanx of the fifth finger, moderate to severe cognitive and/or developmental delay, and characteristic facial features (thick lashes, hypertrichosis of the trunk, sparse hair). Congenital anomalies of the brain, kidney, and heart have been described but are less consistent across patients. Case presentation: We report a case of a 12-year-5-month-old girl with the clinical features of CSS, severe scoliosis, and epilepsy. Growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed at the age of 9 years. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment was started that resulted in a significant improvement of the growth velocity up to 5.4 cm/year (>90-97th centile). Next-generation sequencing identified a mutation in the ARID1B gene. Discusion: Despite its phenotypic heterogeneity, key features of CSS have become clearer and along with molecular diagnosis, a further global approach to improve the care of these individuals is enabled. Appropriate therapies for this population are needed to optimize growth and intellectual potentials.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a New Auditory Training Program on the Speech Recognition Skills and Auditory Event-Related Potentials in Elderly Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Kucuk Ceyhan Aysenur , Dere Haci Huseyin , Mujdeci Banu
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new auditory training (AT) program on the speech recognition in the noise and on the auditory event-related potentials in elderly hearing aid users. Methods: Thirty-three elderly individuals using hearing aids aged from 60 to 80 years participated. A new AT program was developed for the study. AT program lasts for 8 weeks and includes sound discrimination exercises and cognitive exercises. Seventeen individuals (mean age 72.17 ± 6.94) received AT and 16 individuals (mean age 71.75 ± 6.81) did not receive AT. The mismatch negativity (MMN) test and matrix test were used to evaluate the effectiveness of AT. Tests were conducted for the study group before and after the AT. The tests were carried out for the control group at the same times with the study group and the results were compared. Results: In comparison with the first evaluation, the last evaluation of the study group demonstrated a significant difference regarding the decrease of mean latency in the MMN wave (p = 0.038), and regarding the improving score of matrix test (p = 0.004), there was no difference in the control group. Conclusion: The AT program prepared for the study was effective in improving speech recognition in noise in the elderly, and the efficiency of AT could be demonstrated with MMN and matrix test.
Guia prático de plantas de cobertura: aspectos fitotécnicos e impactos sobre a saúde do solo
Authors: Cherubin Maurício Roberto ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz"
Published: April 2022

Plantas de cobertura têm sido utilizadas como alternativa de diversificação de sistemas de cultivos anuais, semiperenes e perenes nas diferentes regiões do Brasil. Neste contexto, esta obra se coloca à disposição de acadêmicos, produtores e profissionais da assistência técnica e extensão rural informações fitotécnicas, características gerais, indicações e limitações de uso específicas de 49 espécies de plantas de cobertura de primavera/verão e de outono/inverno, tanto para cultivos solteiros (uma espécie) quanto para consórcio de duas espécies, ou mixes com três ou mais espécies na mesma área. Essas informações, por meio de uma abordagem simples e direta dos autores, são excelentes ferramentas para a escolha das espécies de plantas de cobertura, a adequada implantação e manejo, quesitos essenciais para otimizar o impacto da cobertura do solo e da diversidade de culturas na melhoria do manejo do solo, nos sistemas de produção e, consequentemente, na produtividade das culturas e na conservação do solo e do ambiente.
Tecnologias da informação e da comunicação, vigilância e neoliberalismo
Authors: Zanola Gisele , Rosa Otto Sanchez-Crespo da
Published: April 2022

Em vista da discussão acerca da legitimidade do emprego de tecnologias de vigilância em massa no combate à pandemia do novo coronavírus, este artigo pretende investigar aquilo que, no fenômeno da vigilância, não é fruto de seu uso contextual, mas decorre da própria estrutura da produção e do consumo das Tecnologias da informação e comunicação, como argumenta Julian Assange. Nossa exposição considera que essas tecnologias operam segundo a racionalidade do neoliberalismo, entendida aqui no sentido de Dardot e Laval, enquanto expansão da lógica de mercado para todos os âmbitos da vida.
Vulnerabilidades de refugiados árabes na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Lima Junior Luiz Paulo de , Lima Kayte Chaves Oliveira de , Bertolozzi Maria Rita , França Francisco Oscar de Siqueira
Published: April 2022

OBJETIVO Mapear e analisar as vulnerabilidades de refugiados árabes no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. MÉTODO Revisão de escopo em que foram analisados estudos publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, a partir de 2011. As bases foram Cochrane, Scopus, Health System Evidence , MedLine-PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Lilacs, Web of Science , SciELO, NYAM Grey Literature , BVS, Banco de teses e dissertações Capes, Refworld e Journal of Refugee Studies. A análise dos dados foi realizada à luz do conceito de vulnerabilidade. RESULTADOS Dos 854 estudos identificados, restaram 40 artigos para análise e extração dos indicadores de vulnerabilidade nas dimensões individual, social e programática. Em relação à dimensão individual, os principais indicadores identificados foram desemprego, moradias instáveis e superlotadas, falta de saneamento e de acesso à água, agravos mentais, doenças transmissíveis e crônicas não transmissíveis etc. Na dimensão programática foram identificadas, principalmente, equipes de saúde com sobrecarga de trabalho, falta de preparo para lidar com as barreiras culturais e linguísticas, demora para o atendimento. Em relação à dimensão social, constatou-se falta de acesso às escolas, à informação sobre os programas de saúde dos países de acolhida, aos direitos, entre outros. CONCLUSÃO As vulnerabilidades constatadas evidenciam desvantagem dos refugiados perante os programas, serviços e sistema de saúde nos países de acolhida, além de colocar em evidência as profundas desigualdades que incidem nesse grupo. Aponta-se a necessidade de programas e políticas que promovam ações, no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde, que reconheçam e respondam às necessidades de saúde de refugiados.
Wholesome Education and Sound Leisure: The YMCA Sports Programme in Colonial Korea
Authors: Ceuster Koen De
Published: April 2022

The history of sport in modern Korea is largely uncharted territory. The few studies that do exist fall under the spell of a nationalist reading of colonial period history. Breaking with that tradition, this article looks at the novelty of sport as a social practice in colonial Korea. Modern sport, as defined by Allen Guttmann, was introduced and propagated by the YMCA even prior to the colonisation of Korea. Sheltered from any overt prosecution by the colonial master, the YMCA could deploy its (sporting) activities during the better part of the colonial period (1910–45), making it an important player in the development of sport in Korea and an important producer of discourses on sport. In that respect, a clear distinction is apparent between the Eliasian ‘civilising’ aspect stressed by the YMCA foreign sports advisor, Byron Barnhart, and the political reading of sports supported by its Korean leadership. As sport gained in popularity by the 1930s, it was spinning out of the control of this socio-cultural elite and entering the domain of popular culture, where the consumer deployed an agency rarely acknowledged but clearly present. Developing its own dynamics, sport entered the realm of mass culture, where politics no longer reigned supreme, where élite discourses no longer held sway.
Regulating Heritable Human Genome Editing: Drawing the Line between Legitimate and Controversial Use
Authors: Conditi Noemi
Published: April 2022

In general, to modify the human germline is prohibited. However, regulating the use of HHGE might be a more efficient method than the actual ban. Indeed, when genome editing is safe for introduction in clinical practices, it is frequently proposed that the prohibition is lifted solely for therapeutic purposes, i.e., to eliminate serious genetic diseases. Definitions of the concepts of health and disease are controversial and may only be reached by adopting a value-laden approach, which may rise concerns about legal certainty and have possible discriminatory effects. Nor the threshold of the seriousness of the disease might be used to solve these issues. A different model might then be adopted for the assessment of the permissibility of HHGE, i.e., the PGD model. However, such model should not be implemented as the only criterion, but should rather be a “minimum threshold”: HHGE should be allowed whenever used to correct a genetic defect for which PGD is possible.
Exemplary Lovers: Humanity and Hierarchy in Muslim Philanthropy
Authors: Mostowlansky Till
Published: April 2022

Islamic charity is an increasingly well-charted field of study that encompasses Muslim institutions and practices of “doing good” across time and space. What is less well charted, though, is the study of how these institutions and practices become part of a broader sphere of civic engagement through contact with Muslim and non-Muslim actors, concepts and exemplary figures. This article analyses such contact, focusing on Muslim philanthropists who lead projects and trusts across a range of social and geographical spaces, and exploring the humanitarian examples they draw on and the hierarchies they reproduce and create through their engagement. With an emphasis on exchanges between Muslim philanthropists in England, Iran and Pakistan, the article follows the spiritual connections, pilgrimage economy and moral sentiments that inform the ways these philanthropists carve out spaces for themselves.
Durio gerikensis (Malvaceae), a new Arilless Durio from Hulu Perak, Malaysia
Authors: GHAZALLI MOHD NORFAIZAL , HASHIM MOHAMAD HADRUL , BESI EDWARD ENTALAI , MAT-ESA MUHAMMAD IKHWANUDDIN , ZAINI AHMAD ZAKI , SARANUM MOHD MASRI , SALLEH SALMANIZA , JAJULI ROSLIZA , MD SAH MUHAMMAD SHAFIE MD , TALIP NORAINI , LATIFF A.
Published: April 2022

A new species Durio gerikensis (Malvaceae) is described from Hulu Perak, Peninsular Malaysia, it can be easily recognised in the field by its reddish-pink flowers and small (6–7.5 cm in diameter), golden yellowish to pale yellow fruits with persistent calyx. It is unique from all the congeneric taxa by having two to four valved fruits with arilless seeds. Morphologically, Durio gerikensis is similar to D. lanceolatus Mast. (Masters 1875:499) and D. singaporensis Ridl. (Ridley 1916: 143) but they differ in their leaf, flower and fruit characteristics.
Participatory Budgeting and Community Development: A Global Perspective
Authors: Touchton Michael , McNulty Stephanie , Wampler Brian
Published: April 2022

Participatory budgeting (PB) is designed to leverage local knowledge about community needs and translate spending preferences into tangible community development action by giving communities control over key budgetary resources. Moreover, PB participants learn about decision-making processes in development policy and can organize to pursue their communities’ interests beyond the PB process by engaging with government and civil society. PB advocates hope that infrastructure, service delivery, and, ultimately, well-being will improve for underserved communities and groups that have been historically excluded from the perspective of representative democracy. This article presents the theoretical logic connecting PB to community development and summarizes the global evidence from studies that test the theoretical propositions above. We find evidence for PB’s impact on community development performance in several important contexts. However, we also note that many hypotheses have yet to be tested in rigorous, large-N, comparative studies. There is thus considerable room to evaluate PB’s impact in the future.
The Cost of Frailty in Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Vidri Roberto J. , Mohamed Abdimajid , Mack Joseph D. , MacGillivray Dougald , Fitzgerald Timothy L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Frailty is a syndrome characterized by decreased physiologic reserve related with aging; it has been associated with increased costs of health care. Factors driving its economic impact remain poorly understood. We examine the association between frailty, complications, and costs in complex gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review of a prospective database encompassing elective complex gastrointestinal operations from 2017 to 2018 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were categorized into non-frail (NF): MFI 0, pre-frail (PF): MFI 1-2, and frail (FR): MFI >2 based on the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index. Linear regression models were applied.

Results

612 patients were included; 268 (44%) were NF, 325 (53%) were PF, and 19 (3%) were FR. The FR group had a longer length of stay (7.26 days) compared to NF (5.05 days) or PF (5.67 days) ( p = 0.031). The average total cost of care for all patients was $19,413.06 (CI 18,297.13-20,528.98). The cost for NF was $17,648.54 (CI 15,969.18-19,327.9), PF $20,435.70 (CI 18,911.01-21,960.4, p = .016), and FR patients was $26,809.36 (CI 20,511.9-33,106.81). A complication was observed in 91 patients (14.9%); of these, 76 (12.4%) were serious complications, as defined by NSQIP. There was no difference in incidence of complications (NF 14.93%, PF 14.46%, FR 21.05%, p = .734). On average, a complication added $12,656.67 regardless of frailty category.

Discussion

Frail patients are more costly and have a longer length of stay than their more robust counterparts. Complications were the major driver of costs after complex gastrointestinal surgery regardless of frailty status.
Post-operative Cecal Volvulus After Extensive Mobilization of the Right Colon During Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Saladziute Severija , Garcia Daniel , Fortgang Alexander
Published: April 2022

Cecal volvulus can be a rare and challenging diagnosis. We report a 47-year-old female who presented to the hospital and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis based on workup and clinical exam. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy where the appendix was localized after extensive ascending colon mobilization. The patient’s post-operative course was complicated by cecal volvulus requiring a right hemicolectomy. There have been several other reported cases of cecal volvulus following laparoscopic appendectomy, both of which also involved considerable cecal mobilization. More data are necessary to determine whether this clinical course could have been prevented with more limited mobilization or with cecopexy at initial surgery. A mobilized cecum may benefit from early surgical intervention to prevent future volvulus or a chronic mobile cecum syndrome. Cecal volvulus should be considered in the case of worsening abdominal pain or obstruction following laparoscopic appendectomy, given the consequences that can result if symptoms are overlooked.
Occupational Attainment and Criminal Justice Contact: Does Type of Contact Matter?
Authors: Nur Alexandra V. , Monaghan Rory
Published: April 2022

Contact with the justice system is associated with negative overall employment and wage outcomes. An understudied employment-based outcome of interest for justice-involved populations is occupational prestige attainment, or relative social status position based on occupation. This outcome is salient to justice-involved populations as embedment in low-quality, low-prestige work may have substantial impacts on later upward mobility. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics ( n = 1,382), we assess whether arrest, probation, and jail are differentially related to occupational prestige attainment for young adults. Results indicate that justice involvement inhibits occupational prestige attainment, and that removal from the community in the form of jail may pose particular detriments to overall occupational prestige attainment compared to arrest or probation.
Revisiting the Gravity Model of Migration
Authors: Khan Mohammad Azeem , Fatima Zeenat , Fatima Sumbul
Published: April 2022

The recent global migration pattern indicates the importance of the movement of people from developing countries to developed countries in search of better economic opportunities. The G20 report of ‘International Migration and Displacement Trends’ mentions India at the top of the list of highly educated emigrants in G20 countries. The current study addresses the endogeneity problem in the migration determinants and attempts to highlight the major regional and economic determinants of migration flow from India to major OECD countries using the Gravity model of migration. We apply the Prais–Winsten regression method to address the cross-sectional correlation, while we apply instrumental variable regression and Hausman–Taylor regression estimation techniques to deal with the endogeneity issue. The findings reveal that the population of India, distance, common official language and per capita income differential are the major determinants of migration from India. In the backdrop of our findings, in terms of per capita income differential, there is a need for an upward revision in the pay scale of the white-collar workers in the organised sector.

JEL Codes: C23, F22, J11, J60
Strategic alignment of open government initiatives in Andalusia
Authors: Alcaide Muñoz Cristina , Alcaide Muñoz Laura , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro
Published: April 2022

The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has put emphasis on the open government approach (OG), provoking a cultural change in both the citizenry (demanding new ways of collaborating with public administration and more openness in government), and in the public administrations (adapting their structures and processes to support civic participation). This article analyzes both the strategies followed by local governments in implementing OG initiatives and the level of alignment of the objectives included in the municipal OG strategies with those settled by the regional government to which they belong. Empirical research on the OG objectives included in the strategic planning of large-size Andalusian municipalities has been performed. Findings reveal that most local governments are implementing a push strategy based only on more openness in government (mainly owing to normative requirements). Additionally, the objectives included in both the economic and governance dimensions are those included in the OG initiatives in municipalities, although each one has a particular way of adopting digital and OG strategies consistent with their municipal priorities and circumstances.

Points for practitioners

This study brings a novel insight to public managers and politicians concerning OG initiative adoption. It highlights both the limitations of current OG initiatives developed by public administration and the importance of citizens’ involvement in them in order to acquire trust in government. The current economic situation favors and increases mistrust in the citizen, who feels great disappointment in governments and political leaders. This could be minimized with the creation of spaces for municipal collaboration, where public managers and politicians may capture the voice of citizens directly and the strategic alignment in the OG strategies for efficiently reaching economic and social outcomes for the citizenry. Also, OG implementation experiences should be shared, so that more reticent local governments could be made aware of the potential.
Band Teacher Agency in a High-Stakes Performance Environment
Authors: Tucker Olivia G.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to investigate band teacher agency in a high-stakes performance environment. Research questions were: (1) What experiences and professional relationships were most salient in the past (iterative), present (practical-evaluative), and future (projective) dimensions of band teacher agency in a high-stakes performance environment? and (2) How did high-stakes performance practices, mediated by teacher agency, shape music teaching and learning in school bands? I used Emirbayer and Mische’s chordal triad of agency and Priestley et al.’s ecological framework of teacher agency as theoretical frameworks, and I collected data in the forms of interviews, observations, and document review in 2019. Participants’ agency emerged from their interactions with music education organizations that perpetuated a high-stakes performance environment. Powerful structures (state associations) and individual agents (band teachers) sustained each other through norms and values derived from their contextual discourse. Findings indicated that visions for holistic music-making and greater diversity and inclusion in school music must include structural changes in professional organizations. For example, state associations could enact policies that incentivize teachers to exert agency to engage students in other forms of music learning in addition to performance preparation.
A Multidisciplinary Quality of Care Path For Couple Infertility: Development of An Integrated Approach Founded on A Multidisciplinary, Personalistic, and Ecological Model For Couple Fertility
Authors: Grande Giuseppe , Colesso Walter , Gava Stefano , De Conto Umberto , Cusinato Mario
Published: April 2022

The Path of Fertile Family (FFP) is a service for couples experiencing infertility, aimed to obtain natural conception, as an alternative to assisted reproductive techniques, developed in 2018 and provided by the Counseling Centre of Centro della Famiglia Foundation, an institute of culture and pastoral care of the Diocese of Treviso, in cooperation with the local socio-health unit. FFP offers to infertile couples a specific multidisciplinary path of care, including the involvement of specific gynecological, andrological, endocrinological, and psycho-relational competences, together with fertility awareness. It represents an “experiential laboratory” for the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of infertility, for understanding relational processes, for the development of operational strategies and above all for the verification of the goodness of a lifestyle that is able to harmonize the couple’s project and the family’s project, couple satisfaction and parental openness. The setting of the service draws inspiration and reference from three paradigms from which significant ethical choices derive: the ecological perspective of fertility, the relational intimacy of the couple and a multidisciplinary approach. From the three founding paradigms, FFP model has been developed and progressively implemented in order to define a specific FFP Quality of Care Path (QCP) for couple infertility. Although further studies are needed to better clarify the role of each studied variable in a complex monitoring system, we identified for the first time a QCP Path based on 7 variables we present here two illustrative cases: the first one in which a natural conception has been obtained and the second one, in which the focus has been moved from natural conception to the reconstruction of relational competence. Further studies will demonstrate, on large scale, the efficacy of our protocol and of the analyzed variables.

Summary: This paper provides an overview of the conceptual and methodological process of implementing the monitoring of the path of infertile couples towards natural conception in harmony with their relational life project. A multi-professional team accompanies couples in overcoming the obstacles to fertility and in the progressive awareness that parenting is not only biological. The result is a range of goals to strive for. The reference paradigms of the service justify the ethical choices of the couple and the team. The operating protocol supports the couple commitment and guides professionals in their effective action if competent and concerted. The variables identified are the monitoring tool that gradually indicates the degree of the path progress.
COVID-19 Control in Community Hospitals: Experience From Four Community Hospitals in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Yuan Ping , Tang Chong , Guan Zhenpeng , Xiang Pingchao , Chen Xin , Zhang Dan , Li Qi , Hu Shoukui , Bo Tianhui , Gu Jin
Published: April 2022

By September 20, 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been pandemic in 237 countries and regions, resulting in 228,506,698 confirmed cases and 4,692,361 deaths. At the same time, a total of 1123 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Beijing, China. Peking University Shougang Hospital has 4 community hospitals with 174 staff members, covering 230,000 residents in Shijingshan district, Beijing. The community hospitals were the basic units of China’s healthcare system for public health services, as the main battlefield for screening and controlling of COVID-19. We reported our experience about the prevention of SARS-CoV-2. We suggest that community hospitals should change their process for admitting patients. While the screening of suspected cases of COVID-19 is vital, patients with suspected infections should be isolated immediately.
Management for Warthin Tumor of the Parotid Gland: Surgery or Observation. A 21-Year Retrospective Study of 387 Cases
Authors: Nishimura Hiromi , Kawata Ryo , Kinoshita Ichita , Higashino Masaaki , Terada Tetsuya , Haginomori Shin-Ichi , Tochizawa Takeshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of Warthin tumors (WTs) to explore the possibility of managing patients by observation.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 1167 patients with benign parotid tumors who were seen in our department between September 1999 and April 2021. Among them, 387 cases were WT and 668 cases were pleomorphic adenoma. We evaluated preoperative diagnoses of WT by symptoms/signs, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), imaging, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and technetium-99m pertechnetate (Tc-99m) scintigraphy. Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used in statistical analyses.

Results

Warthin tumors were treated by surgery in 238 cases and follow-up in 149 cases. The 238 patients were diagnosed as WT at the final pathology after surgery. Among them, 172 patients (72.3%) were determined as benign histological type by preoperative FNAC; in these 172 patients, 170 (71.4%) were correctly diagnosed as WT in the final pathology. Preoperative Tc-99m scintigraphy was performed in 69 patients diagnosed with WT by final pathology or FNAC, and the positive rate of Tc-99m scintigraphy in WT was 75.4%.

Conclusions

Combining FNAC and Tc-99m scintigraphy, as well as considering clinical findings, enables the diagnosis of WT in most cases. In particular, WT is more common in the elderly, grows more slowly, and is less likely to be malignant. Therefore, if WT can be diagnosed preoperatively with a high rate of correct diagnosis, it could be an accurate and effective means of managing patients through follow-up without surgery.
Organized Hematoma after Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy for Maxillary Sinus Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Tanida Masashi , Hayama Masaki , Maeda Yohei , Obata Sho , Nakatani Ayaka , Amano Yuta , Inohara Hidenori
Published: April 2022

An organized hematoma (OH) is a relatively rare benign lesion of the paranasal sinuses. Traditionally, it has been reported to occur following trauma, surgery, and sinus hemorrhagic lesions and in various bleeding predispositions. OHs are sometimes difficult to differentiate from malignancy because of the similar clinical symptoms and bone destruction. It is especially difficult when OHs occur in the same location as the primary tumor after treatment of a malignant tumor. In this paper, we report two cases of OH that occurred after intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy (IACRT) for maxillary sinus cancer. In one case, FDG accumulation was found in PET/CT and suspected to be a cancer recurrence. However, the postoperative pathology showed no malignant findings. This suggests that OH may show accumulation on 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). In both cases, bleeding from the maxillary sinus continued after surgery. In one case, recurrence was observed, and in the other, nasal irrigation prevented the pooling of blood in the maxillary sinus, and no recurrence was observed. These cases suggest that OH after IACRT may easily recur because the bleeding continues even after surgery. In such cases, nasal irrigation or preoperative embolization may be helpful to avoid recurrence.
Dueling with Dual-Process Models: Cognition, Creativity, and Context
Authors: Brett Gordon
Published: April 2022

Sociologists increasingly draw on dual-process models of cognition to account for the ways context, cognition, and action interrelate. Drawing from 40 interviews with improvisers and observations from improvisational theater, I find that dual-process model scholarship is limited in three respects: It does not consider how cognition operates in situations where order and disruption are concurrent, it fails to realize there is interindividual variation in cognitive processing, and it underestimates the creativity emerging through automatic processes. Interactions in improv contain elements of both order and disruption, and they place demands on automatic and deliberate cognition simultaneously. Improvisers respond to these competing demands through either automatic or deliberate thinking dispositions, which are engendered through explicit instruction, practical experience, and artistic commitments. These dispositions, in turn, shape creative decision-making, predicting interindividual differences in how improvisers respond to contingencies on stage. I conclude by discussing the implications for culture, cognition, and action.
Thoughts About Environment
Authors: Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this essay is to discuss what is meant by the external environment within our discipline. The essay includes an overview of attention to environment that began when human beings first inhabited the planet and has continued to contemporary times within the context of nursing conceptual models. The finally recognized need for attention to global environmental conditions that include climate and climate change is cited. The essay concludes with a call for decolonizing the disciplinary meanings of environment.
Valuing Originality in Nursing Practice
Authors: Carroll Karen
Published: April 2022

Originality brings forth the idea of envisioning something novel and requires enculturating disciplinary knowledge. Originality ideally initiates within nurse education and extends throughout all areas in which nurses practice, the goal of which is to advance future directions of disciplinary knowledge and practice.