bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward replication study types for design science research
Authors: Brendel Alfred Benedikt , Lembcke Tim-Benjamin , Muntermann Jan , Kolbe Lutz M
Published: April 2021

In design science research, two important challenges exist to achieve greater influence in research and practice: (1) foster frequent reuse of artifacts and design theories and (2) increase knowledge accumulation in the field. In this article, we argue that replication studies could support the accumulation and development of design theories to reach a state that encourages reuse of artifacts and design theories. However, it is unclear precisely how replication relates to design science research—that is, what outcomes replication produces and how researchers should apply it within design science research. This study proposes three overarching research questions ( Does the artifact provide utility? Is the design theory complete? What design theory components fit a larger context?) and eight categories for replication studies in design science research (Test, Redesign, Justification, Adaptation, Explanation, Update, Recreation, and Meta-Replication). We offer guidance to researchers, editors, and reviewers on how to conduct replication studies in design science research and why such studies are so critical. Our goal is to provide “food for thought” on the significance of design science research replication studies and, in turn, help facilitate their widespread implementation and publication. We conclude our study by highlighting areas for further discussion and investigation, such as defining replication procedures and conceptualizing genuine replication goals within design science research.
Single early palliative care intervention added to usual oncology care for patients with advanced cancer: A randomized controlled trial (SENS Trial)
Authors: Eychmüller Steffen , Zwahlen Susanne , Fliedner Monica C , Jüni Peter , Aebersold Daniel M , Aujesky Drahomir , Fey Martin F , Maessen Maud , Trelle Sven
Published: April 2021

Background:

International oncology societies recommend early palliative care. Specific models to integrate early palliative care efficiently into clinical practice are debated. The authors designed a study to look at the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of an early palliative care intervention in oncological care to decrease stress and improve quality of life.

Aims:

To compare a single structured early palliative care intervention added to a usual oncology care in terms of distress and health-related quality of life at baseline compared to 6 months after enrollment.

Design:

This multicenter randomized controlled trial (NCT01983956) enrolled adult patients with advanced cancer. Participants were either randomly assigned to usual oncology care alone or usual care plus a structured early palliative care intervention.

Setting/participants:

One hundred fifty adult patients with a variety of advanced cancer diagnoses were randomized. Seventy-four participants were in the intervention and 76 participants in the control group. The primary outcome was the change in patient distress assessed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network distress thermometer at 6 months. Health-related quality of life, the secondary outcome, was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General Questionnaire.

Results:

The results showed no significant effect of the early palliative care intervention neither on patient distress nor on health-related quality of life.

Conclusion:

The addition of an early intervention to usual care for patients with advanced cancer did not improve distress or quality of life. Thus, patients may need more intensive early palliative care with continuous professional support to identify and address their palliative needs early.
Hydrocortisone as an adjunct to brief cognitive-behavioural therapy for specific fear: Endocrine and cognitive biomarkers as predictors of symptom improvement
Authors: Steudte-Schmiedgen Susann , Fay Emily , Capitao Liliana , Kirschbaum Clemens , Reinecke Andrea
Published: April 2021

Background:

Glucocorticoid (GC) administration prior to exposure-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has emerged as a promising approach to facilitate treatment outcome in anxiety disorders. Further components relevant for improved CBT efficacy include raised endogenous GCs and reductions in information-processing biases to threat.

Aims:

To investigate hydrocortisone as an adjunct to CBT for spider fear and the modulating role of threat bias change and endogenous short-term and long-term GCs for treatment response.

Methods:

Spider-fearful individuals were randomized to receiving either 20 mg of hydrocortisone ( n = 17) or placebo ( n = 16) one hour prior to single-session predominantly computerised exposure-based CBT. Spider fear was assessed using self-report and behavioural approach measures at baseline, 1-day and 1-month follow-up. Threat processing was assessed at baseline and 1-day follow-up. Cortisol and cortisone were analysed from hair and saliva samples at baseline.

Results/outcomes:

Self-report, behavioural and threat processing indices improved following CBT. Hydrocortisone augmentation resulted in greater improvement of self-report spider fear and stronger increase in speed when approaching a spider, but not on threat bias. Neither threat bias nor endogenous GCs predicted symptom change, and no interactive effects with hydrocortisone emerged. Preliminary evidence indicated higher hair cortisone as predictor of a stronger threat bias reduction.

Conclusions/interpretation:

Our data extend earlier findings by suggesting that GC administration boosts the success of exposure therapy for specific fear even with a low-level therapist involvement. Future studies corroborating our result of a predictive hair GC relationship with threat bias change in larger clinical samples are needed.
Choroid plexus perfusion in sickle cell disease and moyamoya vasculopathy: Implications for glymphatic flow
Authors: Johnson Skylar E , McKnight Colin D , Jordan Lori C , Claassen Daniel O , Waddle Spencer , Lee Chelsea , Garza Maria , Patel Niral J , Davis L. Taylor , Pruthi Sumit , Trujillo Paula , Chitale Rohan , Fusco Matthew , Donahue Manus J
Published: April 2021

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid exchange have been shown to increase following pharmacologically-manipulated increases in cerebral arterial pulsatility, consistent with arterial pulsatility improving CSF circulation along perivascular glymphatic pathways. The choroid plexus (CP) complexes produce CSF, and CP activity may provide a centralized indicator of perivascular flow. We tested the primary hypothesis that elevated cortical cerebral blood volume and flow, present in sickle cell disease (SCD), is associated with fractionally-reduced CP perfusion relative to healthy adults, and the supplementary hypothesis that reduced arterial patency, present in moyamoya vasculopathy, is associated with elevated fractional CP perfusion relative to healthy adults. Participants (n = 75) provided informed consent and were scanned using a 3-Tesla arterial-spin-labeling MRI sequence for CP and cerebral gray matter (GM) perfusion quantification. ANOVA was used to calculate differences in CP-to-GM perfusion ratios between groups, and regression analyses applied to evaluate the dependence of the CP-to-GM perfusion ratio on group after co-varying for age and sex. ANOVA yielded significant (p < 0.001) group differences, with CP-to-GM perfusion ratios increasing between SCD (ratio = 0.93 ± 0.28), healthy (ratio = 1.04 ± 0.32), and moyamoya (ratio = 1.29 ± 0.32) participants, which was also consistent with regression analyses. Findings are consistent with CP perfusion being inversely associated with cortical perfusion.
How Do Public Service Professionals Behave in Risky Situations? The Importance of Organizational Culture
Authors: Tangsgaard Emily Rose
Published: April 2021

Many situations in public service delivery are characterized by uncertainty about the potential negative consequences following decisions. These risky situations make the behavior of frontline professionals particularly important. But what shapes the risk perception and subsequent behavior of frontline professionals in risky situations? This article explores the idea that organizational culture provides part of the answer. To examine this, a comprehensive qualitative study with participant observations and interviews at five public hospital wards was conducted. The findings demonstrate the importance of organizational culture on risk perception and behavior in risky situations. Basic cultural assumptions related to professional discussion, administering medicine, grading of adverse events, and prioritizing follow-up activities matter to behavior in risky situations. In organizational cultures with high levels of trust and dialogue about decision-making, the health professionals rely on each other and ask for second opinions, when making decisions in risky situations. Conversely, in organizational cultures with little trust and professional discussion, the health professionals are less likely to ask for second opinions and follow up on risky situations, which increases the possibility of unintended, negative consequences. In this way, organizational culture can be a driver of risk-reducing and risk-seeking behavior among frontline professionals.
Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies in immunocompromised hosts with suspicious pulmonary infection: diagnostic yields and complications
Authors: Lim Woo Hyeon , Park Chang Min
Published: April 2021

Background

Pulmonary infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, in whom diagnostic yields of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNBs) have not been evaluated so far.

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic yields and complications of CBCT-guided PTNBs in immunocompromised patients.

Material and Methods

From January 2015 to January 2018, 43 patients (25 men, 18 women; mean age 54.1 ± 16.4 years) who were suspected of having pulmonary infections were included in this retrospective study. Electronic medical records and radiologic studies were reviewed, including the underlying medical status, information on target lesions, PTNB procedural factors, and pathologic results. Logistic regression was performed to explore factors related with post-PTNB complications.

Results

Among 43 patients, specific causative organisms or family of organisms were identified by PTNBs in 16 patients (37.2%). The most common causative organism was fungus (10/16, 62.5%), while bacterial infection was pathologically proven only in one patient (6.3%). Clinically significant change in management occurred in 12 of 43 patients (27.9%). Post-PTNB complications developed in 12 patients (27.9%; pneumothorax [n = 6] and hemoptysis [n = 6]) without PTNB-related mortality. Lower lobar location (odds ratio [OR] = 0.07, P = 0.006) was related with post-PTNB pneumothorax, while lower platelet counts (≤127 × 103/µL) were associated with post-PTNB hemoptysis (OR = 9.82, P = 0.025).

Conclusion

CBCT-guided PTNBs revealed microbiological pathogens in 37.2% of immunocompromised patients and led to subsequent clinical actions in 27.9% of patients. Post-PTNB complications occurred in 27.9% of patients, and it might be necessary to perform PTNBs more carefully in immunocompromised patients with lower platelet counts.
Maintaining immobilization devices on trauma patients during chest and pelvic X-ray: a feasibility study
Authors: Stokkeland Pål Johan , Andersen Erlend , Bjørndal Maria Myhre , Moen Anita Imeland , Aslaksen Sindre , Grasaas-Albrecht Chris Peter , Hyldmo Per Kristian
Published: April 2021

Background

Most trauma systems and traumatic spinal injury guidelines mandate spinal stabilization from the site of injury to a radiological confirmation or refutal of spinal injury. Vacuum mattresses have been advocated for patients in need of prehospital spinal stabilization.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of different vacuum mattresses on standard resuscitation bay conventional radiography of chest and pelvis, especially regarding artefacts.

Material and Methods

We used a mobile X-ray machine to perform chest and pelvic conventional radiography on an anthropomorphic whole-body phantom with a trauma transfer board, three different vacuum mattresses, and without any stabilization device. The vacuum mattresses were investigated in activated, deactivated, and stretched after deactivated states. Two radiologists assessed the artefacts independently. Agreement was measured using kappa coefficient.

Results

All radiographs were of good technical quality and fully diagnostic. With the exception of one disagreed occurrence, artefacts were seen to hamper clinical judgment exclusively with activated vacuum mattresses. There was substantial agreement on artefact assessment. The observed agreement was 0.82 with a kappa coefficient of 0.71. The first vacuum mattress caused no artefacts hampering with clinical judgment.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that it is feasible to maintain some vacuum mattresses through resuscitation bay conventional radiography of chest and pelvis. They do not result in artefacts hampering with clinical judgment. Our vacuum mattress No. 1 is recommendable for this purpose. Together with our previous findings our present results indicate that some vacuum mattresses may be used throughout the initial resuscitation bay assessment and CT examination.
Serum exosomal miR-377-3p inhibits retinal pigment epithelium proliferation and offers a biomarker for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Jiang Li , Cao He , Deng Tingming , Yang Mingming , Meng Ting , Yang Huiqin , Luo Xiaoling
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that leads to diabetic retinopathy. Thus far, the role of serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in DME progression remains elusive. This study investigated serum exosomal miRNAs from patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and DME to identify miRNAs associated with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pivotal component in DME progression; it also evaluated the diagnostic values of these miRNAs for DME.

Methods

Serum was collected from patients with T2D who did (n = 20) and did not have DME (n = 24). Exosomes were isolated from serum and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, luciferase reporter, and miRNA profiling analyses.

Results

VEGF was significantly upregulated in ARPE-19 cells treated with exosomes from patients with T2D and DME, compared with exosomes from patients with T2D alone. Among the top 10 downregulated miRNAs identified during exosomal miRNA profiling, miR-377-3p inhibited the expression of VEGF. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-377-3p could directly regulate VEGF expression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified serum exosomal miR-377-3p as a potential biomarker for DME.

Conclusion

Serum exosomal miR-377-3p inhibits VEGF expression to suppress retinal pigment epithelium proliferation and offers a diagnostic biomarker for DME.
Isolated trochlear palsy as the only presentation of midbrain infarction: a case report
Authors: Chen Wen-Ching , Li Ying-Sheng , Huang Poyin
Published: April 2021

Trochlear palsy often results from traumatic, congenital and microvascular disorders. An intra-axial lesion as a cause of trochlear palsy is uncommon. Moreover, it usually accompanies other neurological deficits. Isolated trochlear palsy as the only presentation of brainstem stroke is unexpected. This current case report describes a 74-year-old male that presented with trochlear palsy without other neurological signs. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an acute midbrain infarction. The case report also reviews recent literature and provides a stepwise algorithm for clinicians to approach patients with trochlear palsy. Despite its rarity, clinicians are advised to consider ischaemic stroke as a cause of trochlear palsy even without other neurological deficits. Early MRI should be performed for prompt and proper management.
Serum glucose and potassium ratio as a predictive factor for prognosis of acute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Xiao-Yu , Zhuang Yao-Kun , Cai Yong , Dong Xiao-Qiao , Wang Ke-Yi , Du Quan , Yu Wen-Hua
Published: April 2021

Objective

The serum glucose/potassium ratio (GPR) is a potential prognostic predictor for acute brain injury-related diseases. We calculated the serum GPR in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and explored its prognostic value for long-term prognoses and ICH severity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study consecutively included 92 patients with ICH and 92 healthy controls. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and hematoma volume were used to assess severity. A modified Rankin Scale score > 2 at 90 days post-stroke was defined as a poor outcome.

Results

The serum GPR was significantly higher in patients than controls. The serum GPR was weakly correlated with the NIHSS score, GCS score, and hematoma volume. The serum GPR, GCS score, and hematoma volume were independently associated with poor outcomes. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the serum GPR remarkably discriminated patients at risk of poor outcomes at 90 days. The serum GPR significantly improved the prognostic predictive capability of hematoma volume and tended to increase that of the GCS score.

Conclusion

Serum GPR is an easily obtained clinical variable for predicting clinical outcomes after ICH.
Oxygen saturation improved with nitrate-based nutritional formula in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M. , Milovancev Aleksandra , Drid Patrik , Nikolaidis Alexandros
Published: April 2021

In this open-label case series trial, we evaluated the effects of a nitrate-based nutritional formula on oxygen saturation (SpO2) and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Five adult patients (three men and two women, age 39.6 ± 6.9 years) with a positive COVID-19 test result, breathing difficulties, and SpO2 ≤95%, who were free from other pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions, were recruited for this study. Participants were assigned to receive a multi-component nutritional formula (containing 1200 mg of potassium nitrate, 200 mg of magnesium, 50 mg of zinc, and 1000 mg of citric acid) every 4 hours during the 48-hour monitoring period. In all participants, SpO2 improved immediately after administration of the nutritional formula, from 1 to 7 percentage points (mean increase 3.6 ± 2.7 points; 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 7.0). SpO2 remained above baseline values throughout the monitoring interval, with values persisting over threshold values (>92%) for all patients and at each time point during the 48 hours. No patients reported any side effects of the intervention. These promising and rather unexpected results call for immediate, well-sampled, mechanistic randomized controlled trials to validate our findings.
Comparison between ABC and ACO: Tunning of On-Off MPPT for wind systems
Authors: Hannachi Marwa , Elbeji Omessaad , Benhamed Mouna , Sbita Lassaad
Published: April 2021

In this work, a comparative study between two optimization algorithms for On-Off MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) in wind power systems will be presented. The two optimizers considered in this paper are: the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) and the ant colony algorithms (ACO). Both of these optimization techniques are formulated to minimize different performance such as Integral Absolute Error (IAE) to determine optimal PI regulator values. In order to improve the performance and robustness properties of the proposed PI, the two tuning mechanisms are used in the optimization part. The system is modeled and tested under MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The comparison of the performances, either by the test function or by MPPT, between these two optimizers shows the efficiency and superiority of the ABC-based approach proposed in terms of the qualities of the solution obtained, the speed of convergence, and the simplicity compared to ACO.
Dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents in patients with obesity: A narrative review
Authors: Erstad Brian L , Barletta Jeffrey F
Published: April 2021

There is no consensus on which weight clinicians should use for weight-based dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), as exemplified by differing or absent recommendations in clinical practice guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to review studies that evaluated various size descriptors for weight-based dosing of succinylcholine and non-depolarising NMBAs, and to provide recommendations for the descriptors of choice for the weight-based dosing of these agents in patients with obesity. All of the studies conducted to date involving depolarising and non-depolarising NMBAs in patients with obesity have assessed single doses or short-term infusions conducted in perioperative settings. Recognising that any final dosing regimen must take into account patient-specific considerations, the available evidence suggests that actual body weight is the size descriptor of choice for weight-based dosing of succinylcholine and that ideal body weight, or an adjusted (or lean) body weight, is the size descriptor of choice for weight-based dosing of non-depolarising NMBAs.
Patient–ventilator dyssynchrony in the intensive care unit: A practical approach to diagnosis and management
Authors: Oto Brandon , Annesi Janet , Foley Raymond J
Published: April 2021

Patient–ventilator dyssynchrony or asynchrony occurs when, for any parameter of respiration, discordance exists between the patient’s spontaneous effort and the ventilator’s provided support. If not recognised, it may promote oversedation, prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation, create risk for lung injury, and generally confuse the clinical picture. Seven forms of dyssynchrony are common: (a) ineffective triggering; (b) autotriggering; (c) inadequate flow; (d) too much flow; (e) premature cycling; (f) delayed cycling; and (g) peak pressure apnoea. ‘Reverse triggering’ also occurs and may mimic premature cycling. Correct diagnosis of these phenomena often permits management by simple ventilator optimisation rather than by less desirable measures.
Cable Median Barrier Effect on Commercial Vehicle Crossover Crashes
Authors: Stamatiadis Nikiforos , Sagar Shraddha , Wright Samantha , Green Eric , Souleyrette Reginald
Published: April 2021

In the United States (U.S.) the annual number of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes has been on an upward trajectory since 2009. In 2016, CMV crashes accounted for 11.8% of all fatal crashes in the U.S., and in Kentucky, between 2009 and 2016, the number of CMV crashes rose 27%. Of particular concern to state departments of transportation have been crossover crashes involving CMVs. These occur when a vehicle leaves its intended path and veers into the path of oncoming traffic, typically resulting in head-on or sideswipe opposite direction collisions. While some researchers have found that installing cable median barriers can mitigate crossover crashes involving CMVs, no definitive conclusions have been reached. To move toward a resolution of this question, this study leveraged analysis by a panel of experts and the development of safety performance functions and crash modification factors to gauge how cable median barriers can influence the number and severity of crossover CMV crashes on Kentucky interstate routes. Expert panelists contended that cable median barriers will improve safety, a conclusion substantiated by statistical modeling. Despite the study’s limited scope, it appears that installing cable median barriers can prevent or mitigate CMV crashes.
Assessment of Commercial Truck Driver Injury Severity as a Result of Driving Actions
Authors: Tahmidul Haq Muhammad , Zlatkovic Milan , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: April 2021

The disaggregate modeling approach is a new trend in the literature to analyze the injury severity of truck-involved crashes. The assessment of truck driver injury severity based on driver action is still missing in the literature. This paper presents an extensive exploratory analysis that highlights significant variability in the severity of truck drivers’ injuries based on various action types (i.e., aggressive driving, failure to keep proper lane, driving too fast, and no improper driving). Binary logistic regression with the Bayesian random intercept approach was developed to examine the factors contributing to fatal or any injuries of truck drivers using 10 years (2007–2016) of historical crash data in Wyoming. Log-likelihood ratio tests were performed to justify that separate models by various driving action types are warranted. The results demonstrated the effects of various vehicle, driver, crash, and roadway characteristics, combined with truck driver-specific action, on the corresponding severity of driver injury. The gross vehicle weight, age and gender of the driver, time of day, lighting condition, and the presence of junctions were found to have significantly different impacts on the severity of truck driver injury in various driving action-related crashes. With the incorporation of the random intercept in the modeling procedure, the analysis found a strong presence (27%–33%) of intra-crash correlation in driver injury severity within the same crash. Finally, based on the findings of this study, several recommendations are made.
Factors Affecting Driver Injury Severity in the Wrong-Way Crash: Accounting for Potential Heterogeneity in Means and Variances of Random Parameters
Authors: Yu Miao , Shen Jinxing , Ma Changxi
Published: April 2021

Because of the high percentage of fatalities and severe injuries in wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes, numerous studies have focused on identifying contributing factors to the occurrence of WWD crashes. However, a limited number of research effort has investigated the factors associated with driver injury-severity in WWD crashes. This study intends to bridge the gap using a random parameter logit model with heterogeneity in means and variances approach that can account for the unobserved heterogeneity in the data set. Police-reported crash data collected from 2014 to 2017 in North Carolina are used. Four injury-severity levels are defined: fatal injury, severe injury, possible injury, and no injury. Explanatory variables, including driver characteristics, roadway characteristics, environmental characteristics, and crash characteristics, are used. Estimation results demonstrate that factors, including the involvement of alcohol, rural area, principal arterial, high speed limit (>60 mph), dark-lighted conditions, run-off-road collision, and head-on collision, significantly increase the severity levels in WWD crashes. Several policy implications are designed and recommended based on findings.
Effect of Changing a Traffic Control Device Color on Driver Behavior and Perception across Different Age Groups
Authors: Abou-Senna Hatem , El-Agroudy Mohamed , Mouloua Mustapha , Radwan Essam
Published: April 2021

The use of express lanes (ELs) in freeway traffic management has seen increasing popularity throughout the United States, particularly in Florida. These lanes aim at making the most efficient transportation system management and operations tool to provide a more reliable trip. An important component of ELs is the channelizing devices used to delineate the separation between the ELs and the general-purpose lane. With the upcoming changes to the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, this study provided an opportunity to recommend changes affecting safety and efficiency on a nationwide level. It was important to understand the impacts on driver perception and performance in response to the color of the EL delineators. It was also valuable to understand the differences between demographics in responding to delineator colors under different driving conditions. The driving simulator was used to test the responses of several demographic groups to changes in marker color and driving conditions. Furthermore, participants were tested for several factors relevant to driving performance including visual and subjective responses to the changes in colors and driving conditions. Impacts on driver perception were observed via eye-tracking technology with changes to time of day, visibility, traffic density, roadway surface type, and, crucially, color of the delineating devices. The analyses concluded that white was the optimal and most significant color for notice of delineators across the majority of subjective and performance measures, followed by yellow, with black being the least desirable.
Untangling Methodological Commitments in Writing Research: Using Collaborative Secondary Data Analysis to Maximize Interpretive Potentials of Qualitative Data
Authors: Madden Shannon , Tarabochia Sandra L.
Published: April 2021

Writing and communication researchers are in the early stages of developing procedures for reusing and maximizing the analytical potentials of qualitative data. Contributing to this effort, we critically reflect on our methodological decision-making process in developing innovative procedures for cross-analyzing two distinct studies. Our reflection responds to the need for published guidance on how to undertake methodological adaptation, the lack of which limits opportunities for other researchers to develop new study procedures to address complex problems. By discussing how and why we made particular methodological choices and adaptations in our collaborative study of faculty and doctoral student writers, we propose collaborative secondary data analysis as a fruitful avenue for qualitative writing researchers and show its potential to enact richer and more equitable research designs.
Comment saisir la production du genre par le droit ?: Réflexions à partir d’une triangulation de données qualitatives sur les juridictions familiale et pénale à Dakar
Authors: N’Diaye Marième
Published: April 2021

A Dakar, la mise en œuvre du droit par les juridictions familiales (conséquences du divorce) et pénales (répression de l’homosexualité) participe à la consolidation d’un ordre social hétérosexuel et patriarcal qui conforte les inégalités de genre. L’article propose un retour sur le déroulé de l’enquête et sur les méthodes mobilisées qui ont conduit à ces résultats. L’articulation de différentes méthodes qualitatives - étude d’archives (jurisprudence, documents juridiques, débats parlementaires), entretiens et observations - a permis d’opérer une triangulation des données dont la portée heuristique réside dans la capacité à dévoiler les processus de catégorisation de genre qui s’opèrent dans la mise en œuvre du droit.
PHMB-loaded PDMS and its antimicrobial properties for biomedical applications
Authors: Montemezzo Micael , Ferrari Micaela Dani , kerstner Estela , Santos Venina dos , Victorazzi Lain Vincius , Wollheim Claudia , Frozza Caroline Olivieri da Silva , Roesch-Ely Mariana , Baldo Guilherme , Brandalise Rosmary Nichele
Published: April 2021

Given the global panorama of demands in the health area, the development of biomaterials becomes irreducible for the maintenance and/or improvement in the quality of life of the human being. Aiming to reduce the impacts related to infections in the healing processes of the dermal structure, the present work proposes the development of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based membranes with the incorporated polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB) antimicrobial agent. In the present study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films incorporated with 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% (w/w) of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) were evaluated, aiming the development of a protective biomaterial that avoids cutaneous infections from the autochthonous and allochthonous microbiota. The disk diffusion of PHMB-loaded PDMS has shown the growth inhibition of Escherichia coli (ATCC 9637), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27953), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 19606), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and also yeast-like fungi Candida albicans, all microorganisms found on the epidermal surface. Likewise, the present study demonstrated low cytotoxicity of the PHMB-loaded PDMS on HaCaT and L929 cells at lower concentrations (0.1% w/w), indicating the possibility of using the developed material as a dressing for wounds, burns, and post-surgical procedures.
Place, Power, and Premature Mortality: A Rapid Scoping Review on the Health of Women in Appalachia
Authors: Thompson Jessica R. , Risser Lauren R. , Dunfee Madeline N. , Schoenberg Nancy E. , Burke Jessica G.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Appalachian women continue to die younger than in other US regions. We performed a rapid scoping review to summarize women’s health research in Appalachia from 2000 to 2019, including health topics, study populations, theoretical frameworks, methods, and findings.

Data Source:

We searched bibliographic databases (eg, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar) for literature focusing on women’s health in Appalachia.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Included articles were: (1) on women’s health in Appalachia; (2) published January 2000 to June 2019; (3) peer-reviewed; and (4) written in English. We excluded studies without reported data findings.

Data Extraction:

Two coders reviewed articles for descriptive information to create summary tables comparing variables of interest.

Data Synthesis:

Two coders co-reviewed a sub-sample to ensure consensus and refine data charting categories. We categorized major findings across the social-ecological framework.

Results:

A search of nearly 2 decades of literature revealed 81 articles, which primarily focused on cancer disparities (49.4%) and prenatal/pregnancy outcomes (23.5%). Many of these research studies took place in Central Appalachia (eg, 42.0% in Kentucky) with reproductive or middle-aged women (82.7%). Half of the studies employed quantitative methods, and half used qualitative methods, with few mixed method or community-engaged approaches (3.7%). Nearly half (40.7%) did not specify a theoretical framework. Findings included complex multi-level factors with few articles exploring the co-occurrence of factors across multiple levels.

Conclusions:

Future studies should: 1) systematically include Appalachian women at various life stages from under-represented sub-regions; 2) expand the use of rigorous methods and specified theoretical frameworks to account for complex interactions of social-ecological factors; and 3) build upon existing community assets to improve health in this vulnerable population.
Neighborhood Environment and Child Health in Immigrant Families: Using Nationally Representative Individual, Family, and Community Datasets
Authors: Choi Jeong-Kyun , Kelley Megan , Wang Dan , Kerby Hannah
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

This study aimed to examine neighborhood effects on the physical and socioemotional health of children from immigrant families, after controlling for parents’ demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and health care issues.

Design:

Pooled cross-sectional data were merged with community profiles.

Setting:

The United States in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Participants:

10,399 children from immigrant families in the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Surveys and the U.S. Census Data.

Measures:

Both objective and subjective measures of neighborhood environments were assessed, including neighborhood physical disorder, socioeconomic status, demographic composition, community resources, and social trust.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics, logistic regression models.

Results:

About half of the sampled children were male (51%); 68% were white; 56% were of Hispanic; and 34% were school-aged. Three neighborhood factors—neighborhood trust, area-level poverty rate, and the presence of primary care physician—were identified as significant predictors for child health outcomes. Foreign-born population, green space, and food desert were not significant. At the individual level, parents’ racial and ethnic minority status, non-marital status, and healthcare issues were found to be risk factors. Families’ financial resources and parental education were identified as protective factors of socioemotional health.

Conclusion:

Intervention approaches to build on neighborhood trust may have broad potential to improve child outcomes. Programs focusing on immigrant families with children in high poverty neighborhoods should be a high priority.
Virtual Group Visits: Hope for Improving Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mirsky Jacob B. , Thorndike Anne N.
Published: April 2021

As health care systems respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, new virtual care approaches are emerging for health promotion and chronic disease management. Virtual group visits (VGVs) supporting a healthy lifestyle, adapted from the well-established shared medical appointment (SMA) model, hold promise as a primary care delivery tool for preventing and managing chronic disease. In order to establish VGVs as standard of care, evidence for clinical effectiveness, financial sustainability, and access for vulnerable populations is needed. In the future, VGVs could improve the quality and reach of chronic disease prevention and management strategies.
The Influence of Holder Pasteurization on the Diversity of the Human Milk Bacterial Microbiota Using High-Throughput DNA Sequencing
Authors: García-González Igrid , Corona-Cervantes Karina , Hernández-Quiroz Fernando , Villalobos-Flores Loan Edel , Galván-Rodríguez Flor , Romano Marta Catalina , Miranda-Brito Carolina , Piña-Escobedo Alberto , Borquez-Arreortúa Francisco Guillermo , Rangel-Calvillo Martín Noé , García-Mena Jaime
Published: April 2021

Background

Human milk is the best food for infants; however, when breastfeeding is not possible, pasteurized milk from human milk banks is the best alternative. Little has been reported about variations in the bacterial microbiota composition of human milk after pasteurization.

Research aim

To characterize and compare the bacterial microbiota composition and diversity within human milk among Mexican mothers before and after the Holder pasteurization process.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational, and comparative design was used. The effect of the pasteurization process on the bacterial composition and diversity of human milk samples of donors ( N = 42) from a public milk bank was assessed before and after pasteurization by high throughput deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing of V3-16S rRNA gene libraries. Sequencing data were examined using the Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology software and Phyloseq in R environment.

Results

A varied community of bacteria was found in both raw and pasteurized human milk. The bacterial diversity of the milk samples was increased by the pasteurization, where some thermoduric bacteria of the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were more abundant. The source tracker analysis indicated that at most 1.0% of bacteria may have come from another source, showing the safety of the process used to treat milk samples.

Conclusion

The pasteurization process increased the bacterial diversity. We selected taxa capable of surviving the process, which could proliferate after the treatment without being a risk for infants.
Modeling of cutting parameters in turning of PEEK composite using artificial neural networks and adaptive-neural fuzzy inference systems
Authors: Özden Gökçe , Öteyaka Mustafa Özgür , Cabrera Francisco Mata
Published: April 2021

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and its composites are commonly used in the industry. Materials with PEEK are widely used in aeronautical, automotive, mechanical, medical, robotic and biomechanical applications due to superior properties, such as high-temperature work, better chemical resistance, lightweight, good absorbance of energy and high strength. To enhance the tribological and mechanical properties of unreinforced PEEK, short fibers are added to the matrix. In this study, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and the Adaptive-Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) are employed to predict the cutting forces during the machining operation of unreinforced and reinforced PEEK with30 v/v% carbon fiber and 30 v/v% glass fiber machining. The cutting speed, feed rate, material type, and cutting tools are defined as input parameters, and the cutting force is defined as the system output. The experimental results and test results that are predicted using the ANN and ANFIS models are compared in terms of the coefficient of determination ( R2) and mean absolute percentage error. The test results reveal that the ANFIS and ANN models provide good prediction accuracy and are convenient for predicting the cutting forces in the turning operation of PEEK.
Career Exploration and Decision-Making Learning Experiences (CEDLE) Scales: Validation Among Chinese Vocational College Students
Authors: Zhou Yingwen , Xu Guoqing
Published: April 2021

This research aimed to conduct a validation study of a Chinese version of the Career Exploration and Decision-Making Learning Experiences (CEDLE) scales among 2,372 Chinese vocational college students. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the CEDLE among 625 samples. We obtained both a four-factor model and a five-factor model. Study 2 examined the structure of the CEDLE among 1,747 students, and the results demonstrate the superiority of the five-factor model. A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement invariance for the gender groups. The Chinese version of the CEDLE had excellent reliability values from .80 to .88, and the findings demonstrated that the Chinese CEDLE was a valid and reliable measure of self-efficacy-related learning experiences. This study contributes to the literature on prior learning experiences regarding students’ career behavior by providing evidence of the applicability of the CEDLE-Chinese version.
Patient and provider characteristics associated with retention in HIV medical care and viral suppression among in care patients in Hawaii
Authors: Li Fenfang , McCormick Timothy J , Katz Alan R , Whiticar Peter M , Wasserman Glenn M
Published: April 2021

The percentages of retention in care and viral suppression among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States from 2015 to 2018 were far below the 2020 national goals. This study aims to examine disparities in retention in care and viral suppression. The study population included PLWH diagnosed through 2016, residing in Hawaii at year-end 2016 and 2017, and who were in care in 2017 defined as having ≥1 CD4/viral load tests in 2017. Care providers were categorized as “very frequent” (≥50 patients), “frequent” (25–49 patients), “occasional” (10–24 patients), and “infrequent” (<10 patients). Among the 1752 patients included, 28.0% were not retained in care in 2017 (i.e., <2 CD4/VL tests performed at least 3 months apart), of whom 89.2% had only a single viral load test. Patients receiving care from the “infrequent” group of providers were less likely to be retained in care (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.33, 0.69) or virally suppressed (aOR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.63), than patients receiving care from the “very frequent” group of providers. Percentages of three-year (2016–2018) in care and viral suppression were lowest among patients receiving care from “infrequent” care providers. Patients <45 years old were less likely to be retained in care (aOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.41, 0.68) or be virally suppressed (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.40, 0.86) than those 45 years or older. Patients of multiple races were less likely to be virally suppressed than whites (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.64). Establishing a long-term relationship with an experienced HIV provider appears beneficial to achieve sustainable viral suppression and provision of uninterrupted HIV medical care.
Influence of a bearing-wastewater phenolic compound (3,4-dimethylphenol, 3,4-DMP) treatment on Ca2+ homeostasis and its related cytotoxicity in human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Cheng K-J , Liang W-Z
Published: April 2021

A lot of phenolic compounds are widespread in industrial effluents and they are considerable environmental pollutants. Being a compound commercially available, the effect of a bearing-wastewater phenolic compound 3,4-dimethylphenol (3,4-DMP) on Ca2+ homeostasis and its related physiology has not been explored in cultured human kidney cell models. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 3,4-DMP on [Ca2+]i and viability in HK-2 human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells. In terms of Ca2+ signaling, 3,4-DMP (5–100 μM) induced [Ca2+]i rises only in HK-2 cells and Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by 40%. In Ca2+-containing medium, 3,4-DMP-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 20% by a modulator of store-operated Ca2+ channels (2-APB), and by a PKC activator (PMA) and inhibitor (GF109203X). Moreover, 3,4-DMP-induced Mn2+ influx suggesting of Ca2+ entry. In Ca2+-free medium, inhibition of PLC with U73122 abolished 3,4-DMP-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Furthermore, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished 3,4-DMP-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with 3,4-DMP abolished thapsigargin-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Regarding to cell viability, 3,4-DMP (60–140 μM) killed cells in a concentration-dependent fashion in HK-2 cells. Chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM partially reversed cytotoxicity of 3,4-DMP. Collectively, our data suggest that in HK-2 cells, 3,4-DMP-induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry and PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. 3,4-DMP also caused cytotoxicity that was linked to preceding [Ca2+]i rises. Our findings provide new insight into the cytotoxic effects of 3,4-DMP and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.
Musical preferences of teenagers and adults: Evidence from a Spanish-speaking sample
Authors: Soares-Quadros João F. , Sá Lucas G. Cardoso de , Román-Torres Carmen M.
Published: April 2021

Music consumption is widely recognized as an important facet of everyday life, and the use of algorithms by online streaming services to suggest songs has aroused a growing scientific interest in how musical preferences are structured. However, existing studies have failed to include Latin genres of music. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a measure to assess the musical preferences of Spanish-speaking teenagers and adults. To do this, two independent studies were developed ( N1 = 312 Spanish teenagers; N2 = 345 Spanish-speaking adults) using an instrument based on a theoretical structure consisting of 20 musical genres, which reflects the MUSIC model. The results indicated the exclusion of reggaetón for both groups, and confirmed the proposed theory of five dimensions of musical preferences: (a) Intense: emphasis on low sounds and use of electronic instruments; (b) Sophisticated: complex musical structure, dissonant harmonies, and melodies that explore unconventional patterns and diversified rhythms; (c) Contemporary: striking rhythm, emphasis on percussion and electronic instruments, versatility in the prosodic construction of lyrics, and often linked to themes such as inequality and social injustice; (d) Moving: strong connection to dance, especially partner dances, with strong potential for socialization; (e) Unpretentious: music with strong cultural roots specific to the research context. In conclusion, the Scale for Musical Preferences Assessment proved to be an effective instrument for assessing the musical preferences of teenagers and adults, presenting a standard structure for both groups, although there were differences in their perception of musical genres.