bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing PARP-1 binding protein Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion via Suppressing UBE2C in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells
Authors: Ji Li , Piao Lianhua , Gu Xiaofeng , Xiao Feng , Hua Qingquan , Wu Jian
Published: December 2022

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with a 2 per 100 000 incidence rate in the world. Overall survival (OS) of patients in stage I–II disease is around 80%, whereas OS of patients in stage III-IVB disease drops to 60%, implying the importance of diagnosis to reduce NPC mortality. However, more than 70% patients of NPC were diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and IV) in clinics, and it definitely contributes to little substantial improvement in the 5-year survival rates although NPC is sensitive to radio-and chemotherapy. Hence, development of novel biomarkers and targetable genes in NPC is eagerly awaited.

Methods

We had analyzed the dataset GSE12452 and found hundreds of genes trans-activated in NPC. Among them, this study focused on PARP-1 binding protein (PARPBP) whose overexpression was also validated in GSE13597 and GSE53819 datasets.

Results

Knockdown of PARPBP significantly reduced cell viability in NPC and also identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes including 377 downregulated and 518 upregulated genes in HONE-1 cells with stably knockdown PARPBP. Furthermore, PARPBP might promote cell migration and invasion in NPC through positive regulation of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2C (UBE2C).

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the aberrant expression of PARPBP in NPC, and imply its importance in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis which further opens up the possibility of PARPBP as a novel diagnostic biomarker for NPC therapy.
Greed: What Is It Good for?
Authors: Hoyer Karlijn , Zeelenberg Marcel , Breugelmans Seger M.
Published: December 2022

What is greed good for? Greed is ubiquitous, suggesting that it must have some benefits, but it is also often condemned. In a representative sample of the Dutch population ( N = 2,367, 51.3% female, Mage = 54.06, SD = 17.90), we examined two questions. First, inspired by Eriksson et al., we studied whether greedy people generate more personal and household income (economic outcomes), have more sexual partners, longer relationships, and more offspring (evolutionary outcomes), and are more satisfied in life (psychological outcomes). We found that greedy individuals had higher economic outcomes, mixed evolutionary outcomes, and lower psychological outcomes. Second, we compared greed and self-interest. We found that they differed in terms of economic outcomes, and partly in terms of evolutionary outcomes, but that they were similar in terms of psychological outcomes. This research provides insights into what greed is and does. Directions for further research are discussed.
Looking the Part: Stereotypicality in Appearance Among White Professionals Predicts Leadership Attainment and Perceived Leadership Suitability
Authors: Williams Melissa J. , Wade James B. , Nwadei Tosen , Swaminathan Anand , Harrison C. Keith , Bukstein Scott
Published: December 2022

This project explores the effects of racial phenotypic stereotypicality, or the degree to which a person’s appearance is perceived as typical of their racial group, on leadership outcomes. Building on research showing that people hold an image of the ideal leader as a White person, we propose that looking more typically White may facilitate leadership attainment. In Study 1, which used a sample of American college football coaches ( N = 1,106), White (vs. Black) coaches were more likely to occupy leadership roles. Furthermore, within race, stereotypicality positively predicted occupying a leadership or head-coach role among White professionals (and negatively predicted occupying a head-coach role among Black professionals). Study 2 elucidated a possible mechanism by showing a causal effect of stereotypicality on perceived suitability for leadership among Whites. These findings advance theorizing on the White–leader link and have implications for the ability of people of color to access lucrative professional roles.
Feasibility of RESTORE: An online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to improve palliative care staff wellbeing
Authors: Finucane Anne M , Hulbert-Williams Nicholas J , Swash Brooke , Spiller Juliet A , Wright Brigid , Milton Libby , Gillanders David
Published: December 2022

Background:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which uses behavioural psychology, values, acceptance and mindfulness techniques to improve mental health and wellbeing. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is efficacious in treating stress, anxiety and depression in a broad range of settings including occupational contexts where emotional labour is high. This approach could help palliative care staff to manage work-related stress and promote wellbeing.

Aim:

To develop, and feasibility test, an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to improve wellbeing of palliative care staff.

Design:

A single-arm feasibility trial of an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy based intervention for staff, consisting of three online facilitated group workshops and five online individual self-directed learning modules. Data was collected via online questionnaire at four time-points and online focus groups at follow-up.

Setting/participants:

Participants were recruited from Marie Curie hospice and nursing services in Scotland.

Results:

Twenty five staff commenced and 23 completed the intervention (93%). Fifteen participated in focus groups. Twelve (48%) completed questionnaires at follow-up. Participants found the intervention enjoyable, informative and beneficial. There was preliminary evidence for improvements in psychological flexibility (Cohen’s d = 0.7) and mental wellbeing (Cohen’s d = 0.49) between baseline and follow-up, but minimal change in perceived stress, burnout or compassion satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for wellbeing is acceptable to palliative care staff and feasible to implement using Microsoft Teams in a palliative care setting. Incorporating ways to promote long-term maintenance of behaviour changes, and strategies to optimise data collection at follow-up are key considerations for future intervention refinement and evaluation.
Researching Compassionate Communities: Identifying theoretical frameworks to evaluate the complex processes behind public health palliative care initiatives
Authors: Bakelants Hanne , Vanderstichelen Steven , Chambaere Kenneth , Van Droogenbroeck Filip , De Donder Liesbeth , Deliens Luc , Dury Sarah , Cohen Joachim
Published: December 2022

Background:

Compassionate Communities have been put forward as a new model for community-based palliative care to positively impact the health and wellbeing of those experiencing challenges of serious illness, death, dying, and loss. Despite the growing international movement to develop these public health initiatives to end-of-life care, only a handful of initiatives have undergone some form of evaluation.

Aim:

To provide guidance on designing evaluation research by identifying theoretical frameworks to understand the development, implementation, and underlying mechanisms of Compassionate Communities.

Methods:

To identify suitable theoretical frameworks for the study of Compassionate Communities, we applied two steps. The first step examined the characteristics of Compassionate Communities and translated them into assessment criteria for the selection of theoretical frameworks. The second step consisted of applying the identified assessment criteria to a list of widely used and highly cited theoretical frameworks.

Results:

Three well-established theoretical frameworks were identified as being most suitable to study the development, implementation, and underlying mechanisms of Compassionate Communities: The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework (i-PARIHS), and the Extended Normalization Process Theory (ENPT).

Conclusions:

The article supports and encourages the use of theoretical frameworks to evaluate the complex processes behind public health palliative care initiatives. The complementary use of two determinant frameworks and an implementation theory provides theoretical grounding to gain rich insights into the emergent and shifting interplays between agency, social processes, and contextual factors that shape the development and implementation of Compassionate Communities.
Automatic detection of active and inactive multiple sclerosis plaques using the Bayesian approach in susceptibility-weighted imaging
Authors: Afkandeh Rezvan , Irannejad Maziar , Abedi Iraj , Rabbani Masoud
Published: December 2022

Background

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is efficient in detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques and evaluating the level of disease activity.

Purpose

To automatically detect active and inactive MS plaques in SWI images using a Bayesian approach.

Material and Methods

A 1.5-T scanner was used to evaluate 147 patients with MS. The area of the plaques along with their active or inactive status were automatically identified using a Bayesian approach. Plaques were given an orange color if they were active and a blue color if they were inactive, based on the preset signal intensity.

Results

Experimental findings show that the proposed method has a high accuracy rate of 91% and a sensitivity rate of 76% for identifying the type and area of plaques. Inactive plaques were properly identified in 87% of cases, and active plaques in 76% of cases. The Kappa analysis revealed an 80% agreement between expert diagnoses based on contrast-enhanced and FLAIR images and Bayesian inferences in SWI.

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrated that the proposed method has good accuracy for identifying the MS plaque area as well as for identifying the types of active or inactive plaques in SWI. Therefore, it might be helpful to use the proposed method as a supplemental tool to accelerate the specialist's diagnosis.
Gendered Racism, Coping, and Traumatic Stress Among Black Women: The Moderating Roles of the Strong Black Woman Schema and Womanist Attitudes
Authors: Moody Anahvia T. , Lewis Jioni A. , Owens Gina P.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between gendered racism, coping strategies, the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema, womanist attitudes, and traumatic stress symptoms among Black women. Specifically, this study utilized an intersectionality framework to test the link between gendered racism and traumatic stress as mediated by coping strategies (detachment, internalization, drug/alcohol use, education/advocacy, and resistance), and moderated by two aspects of Black women’s identity (SBW schema and womanist attitudes). Participants were 185 Black women from across the United States who completed an online survey. Results from a mediation analysis indicated that disengagement coping (detachment and drug/alcohol use) significantly mediated the gendered racism-traumatic stress link. In addition, the SBW schema moderated the gendered racism-detachment coping link, such that this association was stronger at high levels of SBW schema. Results from the moderated mediation analyses were not significant, though SBW schema was associated with greater disengagement coping (internalization and detachment) and womanist attitudes was associated with greater engagement coping (education/advocacy and resistance). These findings highlight the importance of understanding how Black women cope with gendered racism as well as internalized beliefs that may be beneficial or harmful.
Personal Relative Deprivation Increases Men's (but Not Women's) Hostile Sexism: The Mediating Role of Sense of Control
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Xijing , Li Yi’an , Zhang Yue , Lei Qiao
Published: December 2022

Hostile sexism is a blatant and explicit form of sexism consisting of antagonistic attitudes toward women. We hypothesized that men's personal relative deprivation, a subjectively perceived disadvantage, would predict their hostile sexism toward women. In addition, we expected that, if this effect occurs, a sense of control would act as a mediator. Five studies ( N = 1352) confirmed these hypotheses. Study 1 showed that personal relative deprivation predicted hostile sexism only for men, but not for women among Chinese college students. In addition, we observed the effect of personal relative deprivation only on hostile sexism, but not on benevolent sexism. Study 2, which employed participants from the United States, directly replicated the findings of Study 1. Studies 3 and 4 further showed that a sense of control acted as a mediator in this process. As such, increased hostile sexism attitude (Study 3) and hostile sexism behavior (Study 4) predicted by personal relative deprivation could result from a reduced sense of control. Study 5 further provided causal evidence that a temporarily induced state of personal relative deprivation resulted in a higher level of hostile sexism via a reduced sense of control. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for relative deprivation, gender inequality, and interventions.
Postconflict Sexual and Reproductive Health and Justice, Gendered Well-being, and Long-term Development
Authors: Olmsted Jennifer C. , Killian Caitlin
Published: December 2022

Sexual and reproductive health and justice (SRHJ) is key to gender equality and an important component of any long-term development strategy for countries emerging from conflict and civil war. Girls and women are vulnerable to various sexual and reproductive risks, which are exacerbated in conflict contexts and can have both short- and long-term economic implications for them, their families, and their communities. Yet neoliberalism and patriarchal power structures prevent women’s economic well-being from being a priority when postconflict policies are designed. Applying a gender lens to postconflict policies, we illustrate why addressing reproductive justice in postconflict contexts is both a gender justice issue and a macroeconomic imperative, as well as providing concrete policy recommendations, including the imposition of a global arms tax, to fund postconflict SRHJ priorities.

JEL Classification: O2, I1, B54
Assessed Numeracy Skills and Skill Use of Adults With Learning Disabilities in PIAAC
Authors: Patterson Margaret Becker
Published: December 2022

Adults with learning disabilities (LD) face educational and employment challenges and may also have other disabilities and health conditions. Little is known about these adults’ numeracy skills and how they use numeracy at work or home. The article’s objective was to investigate numeracy skills and skill use for U.S. adults with LD. The author conducted descriptive and regression analyses of the data from the 2012/2014/2017 U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Findings are presented on assessed numeracy skills and skill use, relationships of use and skills, and skill use among seven groups of adults with LD. Compared with the general population, adults with LD have lower mean numeracy scores. Skill use at home adds to the variance explained in numeracy skills, which suggests that using numeracy skills matters in gaining skills. Knowing the relationships of assessed numeracy skills with skill use helps educators implement strategies to support adult program completion. Implications of findings are discussed for adult educators and policymakers.
Histopathological Results of Mouth Lesions in Dogs and Cats from Colombia
Authors: Muñoz-Duque Julián D. , Duque-Arias Santiago , Correa-Valencia Nathalia M.
Published: December 2022

Mouth-related neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions are commonly found in dogs and cats, and their diagnosis and classification are important for treatment planning and prognosis. This retrospective study analyzed mouth-related lesions in dogs and cats between 2000-2019 from the animal pathology laboratory of the Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. A total of 640 mouth-related lesions affecting 572 dogs (89.4%) and 68 cats (10.6%) were reviewed. Lesions were classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. The average age for neoplastic lesions was 8.6 years in dogs and 6.4 years in cats, while for non-neoplastic lesions the average age was 7.7 years for dogs and 5 years for cats. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods according to year and source of report, demographic information for the animal, location of the lesion, and diagnosis. Tissue origin and behavior were variables considered for neoplastic lesions. Melanoma was the most common neoplasia in dogs and squamous cell carcinoma was most common in cats. The most frequent non-neoplastic lesion in dogs was gingival hyperplasia, while in cats the inflammatory lesions showed a wide range of morphological diagnoses. This study described many pathological lesions affecting the oral cavity for both dogs and cats and provides useful epidemiological data for both pathologists and clinicians.
Optimization of biodiesel production process for mixed nonedible oil (processed dairy waste, mahua oil, and castor oil) using response surface methodology
Authors: Balamurugan Samraj , Seenivasan Durairaj , Rai Ravi , Agrawal Abhishek
Published: December 2022

The fossil fuel-based energy supply represents dominant role in the developing countries like India. The extensive utilization of fuel in the industrial sector and transportation sector brings down the available fuel resources and also ensues environmental and health issues. Biodiesel is one of the major replacements for fossil fuel since it is renewable and green fuel. The current study perceives from futuristic notion and that has resulted in a mixture of nonedible oil feedstock in the use of biodiesel production by mixing castor oil (CO), mahua oil (MO), processed dairy waste (PWD) in equal volume. Five-level three-parameter design of experiment is proposed to optimize transesterification reaction parameters to achieve higher biodiesel yield (fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion). The response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was used to predict optimal transesterification reaction parameters such as percentage of catalyst utilization, reaction temperature, and methanol-to-oil molar ratio. Based on the RSM-CCD result, the optimum transesterification reaction parameters of the proposed mixed oil were found to be 2.82 wt% of catalyst utilization, 63.93°C reaction temperature, and 7.86:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio with maximum yield of 95.9135% and experimentally 94.0%. The fuel properties were measured as per ASTM D6751 standards and results disclosed that the prepared nonedible mixed oil is an effective feedstock for biodiesel production. This research work aimed to dwindle the dependency on crude oil and thereby ameliorating the energy security in a constructive and eco-friendly method. Hence, this work also reports the biodiesel production cost from the proposed novel mixed nonedible oil.
Sector Specific Determinants of Foreign Portfolio Investment Inflows in India: A Panel ARDL Approach
Authors: Hussain Manowar , Goswami Bhaskar
Published: December 2022

This article investigates the factors that influence foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows to various sectors in India from February 2012 to July 2020. We find evidence that in the short-run FPI inflows in India have a significant positive relationship with the index of industrial production (IIP), foreign direct investment (FDI) and market capitalization (MC) while a significant negative relationship with the US dollars exchange rate (DEXR) and real effective exchange rate (REER). The results of the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach show that sectoral FPI inflows to the various sector in India have a significant negative relationship with interest rate differential (IRD), MC and the US DEXR in the long run. However, in the long run, it has a significant positive relationship with international liquidity (IL) and REER. In addition, we observe that for all sectors the interest rate differential boosts FPI inflows in India except for new economy sectors. The policy prescription of the study points toward the creation of a conducive investment climate to encourage foreign portfolio investors.
Evaluation of Youth Empowerment Projects From an Educators’ Perspective
Authors: Sala-Torrent Mireia , Planas-Lladó Anna , Soler-Masó Pere , Gómez Cayetano
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This article focuses on the evaluation of youth empowerment projects from the perspective of the educators themselves. Method: HEBE Rubric (collects quantitative and qualitative data) was applied to 20 youth projects. The selection of projects was based on intentional sampling. Results: The results show that the projects focus on some youth empowerment dimensions to the detriment of others. The most important dimensions are responsibility and self-sufficiency. There is also evidence of more work from the individual perspective of empowerment than from the community perspective, and from a perspective that is more internal to the project than in relation to the context. Discussion: Important educational work is carried out in the projects analyzed, according to the educators themselves. It would be interesting to reinforce the educational work carried out by these projects with activities and strategies that facilitate contact, openness, and educational work with the community.
Educating Learning Assistants as Facilitators: Design Challenges and Experiences of Practice
Authors: Veine Sven , Anderson Martha K. , Skancke Lars B. , Wallin Patric
Published: December 2022

Background: Facilitation can be used to support experiential learning in higher education but can be a resource-intensive approach. One solution to compensate for this may be to educate learning assistants (LAs) as facilitators. Purpose: This article presents a facilitator education program where LAs receive facilitator training to facilitate other students’ interdisciplinary teamwork processes and explores experiences that the facilitators gain from this program and from working as a facilitator. Methodology/Approach: An analysis of the facilitator education program and a set of reflective accounts from the student facilitators led to three main findings. Findings/Conclusions: (1) The facilitator education—both useful and inadequate, (2) facilitation and the facilitator role—different and demanding, and (3) the LA's job—great, but potentially overwhelming. Implications: With limited practice, thorough training, and follow-up, LAs can be used as facilitators, and thus, contribute as experiential educators in higher education.
Comparison of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Screening Predictive Value in the Intensive Care Unit and General Ward
Authors: Buckley Mitchell S. , Kobic Emir , Yerondopoulos Melanie , Sharif Atefeh S. , Benanti Grace E. , Meckel Jordan , Puebla Neira Daniel , Boettcher Stormmy R. , Khan Abdul A. , McNierney Dakota A. , MacLaren Robert
Published: December 2022

Background:

The clinical utility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal screening appears promising for antimicrobial stewardship programs. However, a paucity of data remains on the diagnostic performance of culture-based MRSA screen in the intensive care unit (ICU) for pneumonia and bacteremia.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare the predictive value of culture-based MRSA nasal screening for pneumonia and bacteremia in ICU and general ward patients.

Methods:

This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted over a 23-month period. Adult patients with MRSA nasal screening ≤48 hours of collecting a respiratory and/or blood culture with concurrent initiation of anti-MRSA therapy were included. The primary endpoint was to compare the negative predictive value (NPV) associated with culture-based MRSA nasal screening between ICU and general ward patients with suspected pneumonia.

Results:

A total of 5106 patients representing the ICU (n = 2515) and general ward (n = 2591) were evaluated. The NPV of the MRSA nares for suspected pneumonia was not significantly different between ICU and general ward patient populations (98.3% and 97.6%, respectively; P = 0.41). The MRSA nares screening tool also had a high NPV for suspected bacteremia in ICU (99.8%) and general ward groups (99.7%) ( P = 0.56). The overall positive MRSA nares rates in the ICU and general ward patient populations were 9.1% and 8.2%, respectively ( P = 0.283). Moreover, MRSA-positive respiratory and blood cultures among ICU patients were 5.8% and 0.8%, respectively.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Our findings support the routine use of MRSA nasal screening using the culture-based method in ICU patients with pneumonia. Further research on the clinical performance for MRSA bacteremia in the ICU is warranted.
Working Together: Leveraging Teacher Study Groups to Improve Social and Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Authors: Benner Gregory J. , Rock Marcia L. , Strycker Lisa A. , Lee Erica O. , Bailey Pamela , Virgin Ashley S.
Published: December 2022

Teachers of students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may face obstacles and feel isolated when implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) programming with students. The teacher study group (TSG) offers an effective way to overcome barriers and improve SEL. These groups provide a gathering space for teachers to investigate problems of practice, celebrate points of pride, and strengthen professional learning in a focused area. In this article, we summarize existing research on SEL and TSGs and describe available SEL programs that incorporate TSGs. We provide an example of SEL-focused TSGs in practice, offering guidance and tips for early elementary school teachers—and the administrators who support them—who work with students with or at risk for EBD.
Profiles of Childhood Victimization as Predictors of Sexual Aggression and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Ray Travis N. , Parkhill Michele R.
Published: December 2022

The study utilized a latent profile analysis to evaluate distinct combinations of men's childhood victimization experiences and their communal predictive ability for sexual aggression (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Men living in the United States ( N = 399) completed assessments of emotional, physical, and sexual childhood victimization, as well as SA and IPV toward women. The results indicated that members of profiles characterized by moderate to high frequencies of childhood victimization—especially sexual victimization—were at increased risk of SA and IPV perpetration. Contrary to expectations, adult- versus peer-perpetrated victimization did not appear to substantially alter risk of perpetration.
Assessing the Impact of Ferry Transit on Urban Crime
Authors: Weber Bryan , Cappellari Paolo
Published: December 2022

In 2017, over a dozen ferry stations were introduced across the NYC region on multiple dates, serving roughly 10,000 customers per day. We measure a negative association between these stations and crime reduction, a significant decline of 11 crimes per week (11%) at a one-mile radius around the stations, and about 1 crime per week (32%) over the extremely narrow base of crime at the station itself. We also find no evidence of crime displacement. This study first utilized a traditional difference-in-differences methodology, but we also used a new tool, the causal random forest. Both methodologies are compared and contrasted with an eye toward user understanding. The results of our analysis are consistent and coherent across all the different methodologies, with the causal random forest finding more pronounced effects by taking into account two major factors: the propensity of the regions for treatment, and the interaction between elements of interest.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT), Comorbid Psychopathology, and Functional Impairment in College Students: The Clinical Utility of SCT Subfactors
Authors: Nelson Jason M. , Lovett Benjamin J.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) has been proposed to be either its own distinct disorder or a transdiagnostic process.

Objective:

To examine SCT within ADHD (and its specific presentations) and internalizing disorders and its relationship with functional impairment, particularly when considered from a multidimensional perspective.

Method:

Undergraduate students (N = 2,806) completed self-report scales measuring SCT, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. The SCT scale consisted of three subfactors identified in prior research.

Results:

Students with internalizing disorders were equally as likely as those with ADHD to report clinically significant SCT, and having multiple other disorders predicted especially high levels of SCT symptoms. Only sleepy/sluggish symptoms incrementally predicted impairment.

Conclusions:

These findings provide more support for SCT as a transdiagnostic process than as a distinct disorder. All areas of SCT symptoms are associated with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, but the sleepy/sluggish symptoms may be uniquely associated with problems in everyday living.
Anti-Vegf therapy leads to an improvement in grade of retinal pigment epithelium alterations on single layer retinal pigment epithelium map in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Saxena Sandeep , Singh Malvika , Chaubey Anupriya , Mohan Akshay , De Somnath , Kaur Apjit , Gilhotra Jagjit S , Meyer Carsten H , Akduman Levent
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a positive linear association with proliferation of RPE. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) based improvement in grades of topographic retinal pigment epithelium alterations (RPE-A), were evaluated after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, in diabetic macular edema (DME), for the first time.

Methods

A tertiary care center-based, prospective study. Forty-four consecutive patients, 40–65 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with DME, were administered three doses of anti-VEGF therapy at monthly intervals. Pre- and post-intervention SD-OCT was done and central sub field thickness (CST), cube average thickness (CAT) and topographic grades of RPE-A were assessed using single layer RPE map (SL-RPE) as; Grade 0: No alterations, Grade 1: Alteration in two quadrants, Grade 2: Alteration in more than two quadrants.

Results

CST decreased from 354.2 ± 16.0 µm pre-intervention to 233.2 ± 7.9 µm post-intervention. CAT reduced from 340.6 ± 6.5 µm pre-intervention to 274.1 ± 5.1 µm post-intervention. Significant improvement in grades of RPE-A pre- v/s post-intervention were observed. (Grade 0: 0 v/s 39; Grade 1: 17 v/s 3; Grade 2: 27 v/s 2) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Anti-VEGF therapy is associated with an improvement in grades of RPE-A in DME. The study was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2019/03/018135).
Perspectives and performance changes of parents in aural–oral rehabilitation: From in-person to telepractice
Authors: Chen Pei-Hua , Yu Ya-Chu , Tsai Yi-Shin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has reinforced the necessity and importance of telepractice. Although studies suggest frameworks to facilitate telepractice implementation, how parents learn related therapeutic skills via telepractice remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives and performance changes of parents with children enrolled in aural–oral rehabilitation who transition from in-person sessions to telepractice.

Methods

A total of 456 parents were enrolled in an aural–oral rehabilitation program with different online session formats [telepractice ( n = 392), consultation ( n = 23), and hybrid ( n = 41)] during the pandemic. The Parental Teaching Skil Scale and the Parental Behavioral Skills Scale were used to examine parent performance changes before and during the lockdown. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents.

Results

Parents who scored higher in in-person courses were more likely to enrol in telepractice and make steady progress. Parents who participated in hybrid sessions tended to score lower on Parental Teaching Skill Scale before lockdown and reported that the dual-track, parallel learning method provided them with a set amount of time to discuss teaching difficulties with their therapists without being disturbed by their children. Parents who attended the consultation sessions scored higher on Parental Behavioral Skills Scale than on Parental Teaching Skill Scale during the in-person courses.

Discussion

Parents who continued online courses during the lockdown showed consistent and significant gains in most skills related to aural–oral rehabilitation, regardless of session format. Moreover, parents who scored better on Parental Behavioral Skills Scale than in Parental Teaching Skill Scale during in-person courses tended to request consultation sessions during the lockdown.
Telehealth utilization and patient satisfaction in an ambulatory movement disorders center during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mishra Shubhendu , Dhuna Nikhil , Lancki Nicola , Yeh Chen , Larson Danielle N
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Studies suggest that patients are satisfied with telehealth in ambulatory settings. However, tele-neurology satisfaction data are limited by a small sample size and COVID-19-era data is not specific to movement disorders clinics. In this prospective observational study, telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic was assessed, and patient satisfaction was compared between telehealth and in-person visits in an outpatient movement disorders center.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years who completed an appointment at Northwestern's Movement Disorders Clinic were invited to complete a post-visit Medallia survey. The primary outcomes of the survey were likelihood to recommend (LTR) provider, LTR location, and ‘spent enough time,’ on a 0–10 scale. Responses were categorized into in-person vs. telehealth groups.

Results

Telehealth utilization significantly increased from a pre-COVID timeframe rate of 0.3% (Nov 2019 to Feb 2020) to 39.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 through April 2021) ( p-value < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 621 patients responded to the post-visit Medallia survey (response rate = 30%), including 365 in-person and 256 telehealth visits. No significant differences were observed between in-person and telehealth encounters in LTR provider ( p = 0.892), LTR location ( p = 0.659), and time spent ( p = 0.395). Additional subgroup multivariable analysis did not support differences in satisfaction between different age groups.

Discussion

With its large sample size, our study demonstrates that in the setting of increased TH utilization in movement disorders clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients reported similar satisfaction with telehealth compared to in-person visits. This study supports the utility of telehealth to provide specialized neurologic clinic care.
Parent perspectives on young children’s changing digital practices: Insights from Covid-19
Authors: Lewis Kate L , Howard Steven J , Verenikina Irina , Kervin Lisa K
Published: December 2022

Young children’s use of digital technologies has presented challenges for parents, particularly in response to an increased reliance on digital resources during the Covid-19 pandemic. This mixed-methods study explored young children’s digital practices within the context of their families and homes. Although this study was originally planned, the timing of data collection meant that it was uniquely positioned to capture parent perspectives as the pandemic and first lockdown was unfolding in Australia. Data was collected through questionnaire ( N = 101) and semistructured interview ( n = 20) about status and change in children’s digital practices, and parents’ rules and flexibility in governing these experiences. Quantitative findings suggested children’s frequency and duration of digital device use trended upwards during lockdown, and parents were more flexible in their rules about the amount of screen time, as well as when and where children could use digital devices. Qualitative results suggested that, more than a temporary and situational change, for many parents, exposure to new ways of engaging with digital technologies facilitated a shift in their perceptions, leading to greater consideration of quality in their choices for their children. This study highlights the influential role of parents in shaping children’s digital experiences. Understanding their perceptions, as well as children’s current and shifting digital practices in the home, is important for informing efforts and guidance for supporting young children’s safe and effective use of digital technologies.
Key considerations in the week-to-week forecasting of individual match actions in football
Authors: He Qixiang , Komar John , Kee Ying Hwa
Published: December 2022

Short-term forecasting of performance in football is crucial in week-to-week decision making. The current study presented novel contributions regarding the considerations that should be accounted for in the prediction of match actions performed in competitive matches. First, the study examined whether the quantity and recency of training data used to build a prediction model significantly influenced predictive accuracy. Three prediction models were built with the exponential moving weighted average (EMWA) method, each differing in the quantity of training data used (three, five, and seven preceding match days). Next, the study examined if contextual constraints, such as type of match action being predicted, playing position, or player age, significantly influenced predictive accuracy. Match action data from players in the top five European leagues were collected from the 2014/2015 to the 2019/2020 seasons. The model trained using less but more recent data (three preceding match days) demonstrated the greatest accuracy. Next, within the offensive and defensive phases, match actions differed significantly in predictive accuracy. Lastly, significant differences were found in prediction accuracy between playing positions, whereby actions associated with the primary task of the playing position were more accurately predicted. These findings suggest that in the forecasting of individual match actions, practitioners should seek to train the prediction model using more recent data, instead of including as much data as possible. Furthermore, contextual constraints such as the type of action and playing position of the player must be keenly considered.
The AMLO Voter: Affective Polarization and the Rise of the Left in Mexico
Authors: Castro Cornejo Rodrigo
Published: December 2022

What prompted so many voters in Mexico to abandon the traditional parties and support MORENA and its candidate, Andrés Manuel López Obrador? This research relies on data from Mexico's National Electoral Study (2018). The results show that support for López Obrador is strongly associated with affective polarization and the perception that the PRI and PAN represented the same political alternative. In turn, retrospective evaluations and ideology were not associated with López Obrador's victory. This research note contributes to our understanding of Mexico's historical elections as well as to the broader literature on the Latin American left. The success of the political left in Mexico is not rooted on voters’ programmatic preferences. Similar to the decay of mainstream political parties in other Latin American countries, in 2018, Mexican voters rejected the mainstream political establishment by supporting Lopez Obrador's third bid for the Presidency.
Evaluation of Insulin Lispro Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Over 10 Days of Continuous Insulin Infusion in People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Garhyan Parag , Pratt Edward , Klein Oliver , Famulla Susanne , Zijlstra Eric , Lalonde Amy , Swinney Monica , Kazda Christof , Dassau Eyal
Published: December 2022

Background:

We evaluated the effect of meloxicam on insulin lispro pharmacokinetics and glucose pharmacodynamics over 10 days of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) at one infusion site in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Method:

This phase 1, randomized, double-blind, single-center, two-way crossover study enrolled adults with T1D for ≥1 year on stable CSII for ≥3 months. Participants randomly received U100 insulin lispro and LY900027 (U100 insulin lispro + 0.25 mg/mL meloxicam). Primary end points were area under the insulin lispro curve from 0 to 5 hours (AUCIns.0-5h) after bolus administration prior to a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) and maximum observed concentration of insulin lispro (CIns.max) on days 5, 7, and 10, versus day 3 (baseline).

Results:

A total of 20 participants were randomized. Insulin absorption was accelerated for insulin lispro and LY900027 from days 1 to 7. The AUCIns.0-5h was significantly lower on day 10 versus day 3 for LY900027 (−19%) and insulin lispro (−14%); the AUCIns.0-5h did not differ significantly between treatments. The CIns.max increased with LY900027 and insulin lispro (by ~14%-23% and ~16%-51%) on days 5, 7, and 10 versus day 3. The CIns.max of LY900027 was ~14%-23% lower than insulin lispro CIns.max on days 7 and 10 ( P ≤ .0805). Accelerated insulin absorption and a modest loss of total insulin exposure led to a loss of MMTT glycemic control at later time points.

Conclusions:

The pharmacokinetics of insulin changed over catheter wear time even when an anti-inflammatory agent was present. Postprandial glycemic control was adversely affected by the accelerated insulin absorption and decreased insulin exposure.
Short-term Glycemic Variability and Its Association With Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Psoma Ourania , Makris Marios , Tselepis Alexandros , Tsimihodimos Vasilis
Published: December 2022

The introduction of continuous glucose monitoring inaugurated a new era in clinical practice by shifting the characterization of glycemic control from HbA1c to novel metrics. The one that gained widespread attention over the past decades was glycemic variability (GV), which typically refers to peaks and nadirs of blood glucose measured over a given time interval. GV can be dichotomized into two main categories: short-term and long-term. Short-term GV reflects within-day and between-day glycemic oscillations, and its contribution to diabetic complications remains an enigma. In this review, we summarize the available data about short-term GV and its possible association with both microvascular and macrovascular complications, evaluating different pathogenic mechanisms and demonstrating nonpharmaceutical, as well as pharmaceutical, therapeutic interventions.
Predictive factors on caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment
Authors: Lee Mijung , Williams Ishan C.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Informal caregivers, mostly family members or friends, have often been required to engage in medical/nursing tasks and to navigate complex healthcare systems. It is unclear whether those activities impact caregiver burden. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine predictive factors of caregiver burden in consideration of healthcare-related factors (caregivers’ perception of performing medical/nursing tasks, care coordination, and number of hospitalizations).

Methods

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data taken from the Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 was conducted. Data were collected by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Self-identified caregivers (n = 304) who provided care for individuals with cognitive impairment (ICI), and who were living in the community were participants in the study.

Results

The overall model explained 38.4% of the variance in caregiver burden (F = 20.48, p < 0.001). When examining each factor, perceived difficulty in medical/nursing tasks (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) was the most influential factor, followed by caregivers’ physical health (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), income (β = −0.13, p = 0.01), and level of the care coordination (β = 0.12, p = 0.02).

Discussion

Although caregivers’ involvement in healthcare-related activities for ICI is necessary, this involvement has a considerable impact on caregiver burden. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of caregiver burden related to healthcare-related activities. Moreover, researchers should develop interventions and community services to decrease caregivers’ difficulty in performing their roles.
Long-term effects of political violence on political trust: Evidence from the case of the Gwangju Massacre in South Korea, 1980
Authors: Song Esther E.
Published: December 2022

What are the long-term effects of authoritarian repression on political trust in a post-democratization context? Using the Gwangju Massacre in South Korea as a case study, this article finds that indirect and direct experience of state-perpetrated violence of the critical-period cohort—who were aged 17–25 during the incident—can have long-term negative effects on trust levels towards the government. Difference-in-difference analysis of national survey data collected in 2008 and 2012 reveals that experience with violence has long-term negative consequences on government trust. Results are robust even when including significant covariates of institutional theories and cultural theories, such as interpersonal trust, evaluation of government performance, as well as satisfaction with the economy. Drawing from memory studies, this article argues that the effects are due to collective memory formed during the critical period.
Alumolukrahnite, CaCu2+Al(AsO4)2(OH)(H2O), the aluminium analogue of lukrahnite from the Jote mine, Copiapó Province, Chile
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Mills Stuart J. , Nash Barbara P. , Dini Maurizio , Donoso Arturo A. Molina
Published: December 2022

The new mineral alumolukrahnite (IMA2022–059), CaCu2+Al(AsO4)2(OH)(H2O), was found at the Jote mine, Copiapó Province, Chile, where it is a secondary alteration phase associated with conichalcite, coronadite, gypsum, olivenite, pharmacosiderite, rruffite and scorodite. Alumolukrahnite occurs as crude diamond-shaped tablets up to ~0.1 mm, intergrown in crude spherical aggregates. Crystals are apple green and transparent to translucent, with vitreous lustre and a white streak. The Mohs hardness is 3½. The mineral is brittle with irregular fracture and no cleavage. The calculated density is 4.094 g cm–3. Optically, alumolukrahnite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.73(1), β = 1.74(1) and γ = 1.76(1) (white light). The empirical formula, determined from electron microprobe analyses, is Ca1.01(Cu0.92Zn0.13)Σ1.05(Al0.96Fe0.01)Σ0.97(As0.985O4)2(OH)0.88(H2O)1.12. Alumolukrahnite is triclinic, P$\bar{1}$, a = 5.343(5), b = 5.501(5), c = 7.329(5) Å, α = 67.72(2), β = 69.06(2), γ = 69.42(2)°, V = 180.3(3) Å3 and Z = 1. Alumolukrahnite is a member of the tsumcorite group and is the Al analogue of lukrahnite.