bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Fairness and Repeated Bullying Victimization Among High School Students
Authors: Overstreet Suzanne , Sriken Julie , Lapsey David S. , McNeeley Susan
Published: November 2022

Recent research has shown a link between fairness in terms of school rules and discipline and negative student outcomes, including delinquency, violent behavior, and victimization. The current study examines how fairness at school impacts bullying victimization—operationalized as repeated physical, psychological, or verbal victimization—among high school sophomores. We tested this hypothesis using one wave of the Educational Longitudinal Study (2002). The findings of negative binomial regression analyses indicate bullying victimization is more prevalent among students who believe that their schools are unfair. A number of student characteristics were also significantly related to experiencing bullying. Implications for policy and practice are outlined.
“You Don’t Need 55 Forms That Say the Same Thing”: The Burden on Police to Produce Extra-Institutional Knowledge
Authors: Huey Laura , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Ferguson Lorna
Published: November 2022

Central to the police role and function are the inter- and extra-institutional demands for “knowledge” on crime and frontline policing. However, this subject has failed to generate the required empirical attention. The current study thus draws on Ericson and Haggerty’s conceptualization of police as “knowledge workers” to reveal the extent to which knowledge production for other institutions remains salient and, as a latent function, burdens policing. To do so, we employ results from the analysis of two ethnographic studies of police paperwork. Results revealed significant extra-institutional information needs that have considerable effects on police work with seemingly little use-value, and a consensus that much of police paperwork represents a misplaced burden due to repetition. We conclude with a critical discussion on the policy implications of these findings.
Black Male Teacher-Coaches’ Utilization of Black Counterpublics: The Black Family, Liberatory Fantasy, and Resisting the Ontological Limitation of Blackness
Authors: Thomas Daniel J.
Published: November 2022

Drawing from a conceptual framework grounded in Black critical theories, this qualitative case study explored the youth knowledge that two Black Male social studies teacher-coaches serving in urban Catholic high schools acquired through Black counterpublics to reconceptualize the ontological limitation of Black existence. Findings demonstrated that it was within civic spaces generated within the Black family and community that participants acquired the socio-cultural knowledge to see through antiBlack forms of White projection.
Can the Slumdweller Speak? James Joyce and Mediating Dublin Slum Discourse
Authors: Woods Maxwell
Published: November 2022

The concern of this article surrounds the discourse of recent calls by elite researchers to do away with the “s-word,” to quote Mike Davis’s endorsement of Alan Mayne’s (2017) groundbreaking new study. I take issue not with their critique of the idea of the “slum,” even if others have pointed out limitations in their visions (Harris 2018), but rather in their essentialist assumption: accepting as ontological fact the pre-given existence of a geographical body identified by others as a “slum,” they only disagree that this categorization does not accurately represent the “essence” of that space. Their critical discourse may resolve issues with the particular conceptions and stereotypes associated with the term, “slum,” but it does not effectively challenge the theoretical and practical foundations on which that term rests. Against current post-slum calls for a more accurate representation of these spaces, I conclude with a call to abandon the logic underpinning both slum and post-slum discourses of the twenty-first century: the assumption of a bounded and identifiable space with “naturally” representable interests. To demonstrate this thesis, I turn to a reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922) as a means to re-orient researchers’ relationship with mediating and re-presenting the slum. This reading of Ulysses calls for researchers to embrace a diverse set of subject formations, modes of habitation, and fluid residencies that can no longer be contained within the ontologies of slum and post-slum discourses.
Coworker Narcissism: Employee Emotional and Behavioral Reactions as Moderated by Bottom-Line Mentality and Trait Competitiveness
Authors: Greenbaum Rebecca L. , Gray Truit W. , Hill Aaron D. , Lima Marcio , Royce Stephanie S. , Smales Alicia A.
Published: November 2022

We advance research on narcissism in the workplace by examining the effects of coworker narcissistic rivalry on focal employee emotional states and behavioral intentions. We rely on social function of emotions theory to explain why coworker narcissistic rivalry results in focal employee negative emotions. We then explain that the focal employee is likely to handle their negative emotions arising from coworker narcissistic rivalry differently depending on individual differences of bottom-line mentality (BLM), which captures a defensive competitive posture, or trait competitiveness, which captures an offensive competitive posture. Across three studies, our results generally support our predictions by revealing that the indirect effect of coworker narcissistic rivalry onto focal employees’ social undermining of that coworker (through focal employee negative emotions) is more strongly positive when the focal employee is higher in BLM, whereas the indirect effect of coworker narcissistic rivalry onto focal-employee-intended work-goal progress relative to the coworker (through focal employee negative emotions) is more strongly positive when the focal employee's trait competitiveness is lower.
Estimated pulse-wave velocity predicts survival in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Malik Mohsyn I , Nagpal Dave
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Arterial stiffness, measured by estimated pulse-wave velocity is a known predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, however its predictive value in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is unknown.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed at the London Health Science Centre in London, Canada between 1996–2021, totaling 255 patients requiring ECMO. Estimated pulse-wave velocity (ePWV) was calculated using an algorithm from the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration. Recorded outcomes included in-hospital death, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). For adjusted analysis, survival-to-discharge was used. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity-score matching were utilized to control for confounding.

Results

On univariate analysis, higher ePWV was significantly predictive of ischemic stroke (OR 1.676, p = 0.0002) and in-hospital death (OR 1.20, p = 0.006), but insignificant for predicting hemorrhagic stroke (OR 1.07, p = 0.710), and appeared protective for renal failure (OR 0.88 [0.78–0.99], p = 0.034) and RRT (OR 0.87, p = 0.027). On multivariate analysis and propensity-score matching, five of six models demonstrated ePWV as an independent predictor of survival-to-discharge. (OR 0.70, p = 0.00,021; OR 0.72, p = 0.0002; OR 0.87, p = 0.045; OR 0.85, p = 0.013; OR 0.57, p = 0.012)

Conclusions

ePWV is a promising marker for risk-stratification in ECMO patients. Further investigation is required to better delineate the role of arterial health assessment in disease trajectory and strengthen the validity of AS as a marker of interest in medical and surgical management.
Estimating 3D supraspinatus intramuscular fatty infiltration in older adults: a pilot study
Authors: Addona Jacqueline , Ahmed Sagheer R , Almardawi Ranyah , Garcia Zapata Leopoldo , Awan Omer A , Davis Derik L
Published: November 2022

Background

A recent report suggests that semi-quantitative two-dimensional Goutallier grade (2D-GG) correlates poorly with quantitative three-dimensional Dixon fat fraction (3D-Dixon-FF) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To determine whether the finding of poor correlation of supraspinatus 3D-Dixon-FF with 2D-GG is reproducible, and to determine the strength of the correlation of 3D-Dixon-FF with quantitative 2D Dixon fat fraction (2D-Dixon-FF).

Material and Methods

Ten adults aged ≥60 years were recruited prospectively received shoulder MRI. 2D-Dixon-FF and 3D-Dixon-FF were measured on 6-point Dixon fat fraction maps. 2D-GG was rated on T1-weighted images.

Results

The mean age of participants was 70.7 ± 3.7 years. The mean 3D-Dixon-FF was 8.3% ± 5.7%; the mean 2D-Dixon-FF was 7.3% ± 4.4%; and the mean 2D-GG was 0.9 ± 0.7. There was a strong correlation for 3D-Dixon-FF with 2D-Dixon-FF (rho = 0.90; P < 0.001) and with 2D-GG (rho = 0.73; P = 0.017). Excellent inter-observer reliability was found for Dixon fat fraction (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.946), which was good for Goutallier grade (weighted kappa = 0.634).

Conclusion

Supraspinatus 3D-Dixon-FF had a strong correlation with 2D-Dixon-FF and 2D-GG in our study population.
Predicting Spacing Factor in Hardened Concrete Using the Fresh Concrete Measurements
Authors: Nikumbh Ragini , Panchmatia Parth , Jones Christopher
Published: November 2022

Damage induced by freeze–thaw action in Portland cement concrete pavements can be minimized by ensuring the presence of a well-entrained air-void distribution within its cementitious paste. Several methods exist for assessing the air-void system in fresh concrete, principally ASTM C231-17a, ASTM C173-16, and AASHTO T 395. These methods accurately measure the fresh air content, but this alone is insufficient to assess air-void distribution parameters. ASTM C457-16 enables such an assessment but can only be performed on hardened concrete and consequently does not provide real-time assessment. Hence it was highly desirable to develop a system to accurately predict the air-void distribution properties, principally the spacing factor, of a concrete mixture, in real time, to support quality control/-assurance activities. A set of 271 observations was used to develop statistical models for predicting the spacing factor obtained by the RapidAir-based ASTM C457-16 method. The models were based on paste content and fresh concrete test measurements (predictors), for which least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis were used to select/reject variable(s). The predicted spacing factors (PSFs) obtained using these models in fresh concrete were evaluated on their ability to differentiate between a well-entrained (i.e., spacing factor <0.2 mm) and coarsely entrained (i.e., spacing factor >0.2 mm) air-void system. The PSFs from the base and final models exhibited 88.5% and 81.1% accuracy, respectively—much higher than that of the SAM number alone (48.4%). A larger fraction of the data set consisted of well-entrained spacing factor observations, which limited validation for coarsely entrained air-void systems.
Experimental investigation into the effect of main stage swirl on flow and spray characteristics inside a stratified partially premixed combustor
Authors: Zhao Qianpeng , Gao Yaping , Liu Cunxi , Mu Yong , Xu Gang , Zhu Junqiang
Published: November 2022

Lean combustion has been applied in gas turbine combustors to meet increasingly stringent regulations for pollutant emissions. As a representative low-emission technology, stratified partially premixed (SPP) combustion is capable of effectively reducing NOx emissions while still providing robust flames. In this work, the flow and spray processes inside an SPP combustor were experimentally investigated to further reveal the role of main stage swirl in flow development and fuel placement. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and Planar Mie scattering (PMie) techniques were applied to provide the velocity distributions and droplet distributions under isothermal conditions with a relative pressure drop ranging from 1% to 5%. A spray post-processing algorithm was developed to acquire the characteristic parameters of the sprays without clear boundaries. Results show that the strong swirl from the main stage leads to the radial flow of pilot air streams and dominates the formation of central toroidal recirculation zone (CTRZ). With the addition of the main stage swirl, a proper flow structure including jet zones, recirculation zones and shear layers is formed, which promotes the widening of droplet radial distribution and the increase of the spray cone angle. The spray distribution therefore transforms from a bubble shape into a cone shape. The findings and conclusions could promote the understanding of interactions between pilot and main stage swirls for stage combustors and contribute to the optimization of such SPP injectors.
Commentary on the private practice implications of the Deed of Settlement in the Honeysuckle Health – NIB Australian-Competition-Tribunal-hearing
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Galambos Gary , Pring William , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Kisely Stephen R
Published: November 2022

Objective

To provide a commentary on the implications of the Deed of Settlement in the Honeysuckle Health – nib Australian-Competition-Tribunal Hearing. This hearing has major implications in relation to the potential for a single dominant private-health-insurance buying-group to contract for medical-purchaser-provider-agreements that might limit the clinical autonomy of patients and psychiatrists.

Conclusions

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) authorised the formation of a joint buying-group for private-health-insurers in 2021 to provide collective contracting and related services to private-health-insurers and other healthcare-payers. A consequent legal challenge resulted in a Deed of Settlement on 18 July 2022 that for 5 years preserves doctor-patient autonomy in clinical decision-making, the medical gaps scheme, the transparency of contractual arrangements, and if clinical data of those insured are collected by HH-nib, it must be with the full informed consent of patients. However, there remain options for private-health-insurers to apply for formation of new buying-groups, as well as to collect data and profile the general public and insured patients using online programs. Vigilance on private-health-insurer buying-groups, and the potential for US-style managed-care is warranted.
Implementation of the Group-ESDM in a Childcare Setting Serving Under-Resourced Communities
Authors: Zitter Ashley , David Venus , Vismara Laurie A. , Sheridan Elisabeth , Fernandes Sherira , Vivanti Giacomo
Published: November 2022

This pilot feasibility study applies the RE-AIM Implementation Science Framework to examine the implementation and preliminary signals of the effectiveness of integrating the Group–Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) in an early childhood education center serving under-resourced communities. Five preschoolers diagnosed with autism, their caregivers, and teachers participated for 6 months. Standardized assessments documented improvements in adaptive, cognitive, and communication functioning for most participants. The majority of parents reported reduced daily stress and a greater ability to maintain their employment. A staff survey indicated high perceived feasibility and acceptability of the intervention along with a strong intent to continue treatment after the study concluded. Fidelity improved over time with staff integrating G-ESDM techniques at an acceptable fidelity level (>70%) by the second half of the study. Findings across all RE-AIM Implementation Science Framework domains indicate that incorporating the G-ESDM into this setting was feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial for children and their families in underserved communities.
A Review of Topical Roflumilast for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Pixley Jessica N. , Schaetzle Taylor , Feldman Steven R.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

This article reviews clinical trials to assess the efficacy, safety, and clinical application of once-daily roflumilast 0.3% cream for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Data sources:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the terms roflumilast OR Zoryve OR ARQ-151 in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases between January 2012 and October 2022. Bibliographies and the ClinicalTrials.gov website were also searched to identify further studies.

Study selection and data extraction:

Studies written in English and relevant to pharmacology, clinical trials, and safety were considered for inclusion.

Data synthesis:

In two 8-week phase III clinical trials, disease severity as assessed by a score of “clear” or “almost clear” and a 2-point improvement on Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) was 42.4% and 37.5% at week 8 in DERMIS-1 and DERMIS-2, respectively, compared to 6.1% and 6.9% in the control groups. In the 52-week phase III trial, treatment success rates for plaque psoriasis and intertriginous psoriasis were similar to the 8-week data with 45% of patients in the treatment group were evaluated as an IGA of “clear” or “almost clear” at week 52.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison to existing drugs:

Roflumilast is a new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved topical phosphodiesterase inhibitor that shows promise for the treatment of mild-severe plaque psoriasis. It is an effective and safe topical nonsteroidal alternative to currently available topical corticosteroids, but there are currently no comparative studies with other psoriasis treatments.

Conclusion:

Roflumilast is effective and safe for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and intertriginous psoriasis. Future trials should compare its efficacy and tolerability with that of the older, clinically established topical corticosteroids. Prohibitive factors may include limited patient adherence to topical treatments and cost.
Digital Platforms for the Circular Economy: Exploring Meta-Organizational Orchestration Mechanisms
Authors: Blackburn Outi , Ritala Paavo , Keränen Joona
Published: November 2022

Digital platform technology enables circular business models that facilitate the reduction, reuse, and recycling of resources and materials across large ecosystems of platform actors. However, little is currently known about the inner workings of such platforms and how they are organized. Framing these platforms as meta-organizations, this study examines the orchestration mechanisms deployed by platform owners to facilitate economic value creation with a circular business model among a large group of actors. Building on an inductive analysis of 10 European platform organizations, this study identifies five meta-organizational orchestration mechanisms and develops an empirically grounded model that explains how the focal firm orchestrates value creation with a platform-based circular business model. This study advances the existing knowledge on orchestration mechanisms in platform-based meta-organizations in a circular economy context and highlights novel implications for theory and practice.
Doing ethnomethodological ethnography. Moving between autoethnography and the phenomenon in “hybrid studies” of taiji, ballet, and yoga
Authors: Eisenmann Clemens , Mitchell Robert
Published: November 2022

Based on the authors’ ethnographies in the fields of taiji, ballet, and yoga, this article outlines and reflects the theoretical and empirical scope of what we mean by “ethnomethodological ethnography.” Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis (EM/CA) have been juxtaposed and pit against various forms of ethnography and vice versa—for example, by criticizing various theoretical underpinnings of ethnographies, viewing EM/CA as a very limited micro-sociological research method, or by critiquing (auto-)ethnography as egocentric, self-absorbed, and ill-equipped to account for the detail and sequential organization of natural occurring actions and circumstances. Contrary to such deliberations, we highlight their common interest in putting empirical social phenomena first. In getting access to and describing what social phenomena consist of, members’ competencies and detailed analysis of recorded data mutually elaborate each other. In this sense, they are potentially not only mutually inclusive but, as we shall argue, the entire field of EM/CA studies depends to some degree on actually doing ethnography. Based on our own ethnographic research, we will then zoom in on the case of taiji practice to highlight the relevance of autoethnography and evaluate how ethnographic reflections of self and body constitute and may foster “uniquely adequate” qualitative research. Ultimately, the aim is to explicate how EM/CA research policies differ from textbook oriented instructions and are better considered as praxeological respecifications of doing ethnomethodological ethnography in particular cases.
The Role of Anti-Racist Community-Partnered Praxis in Implementing Restorative Circles Within Marginalized Communities in Southern California During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Adkins-Jackson Paris B. , Vázquez Evelyn , Henry-Ala Frank K. , Ison Juliana M. , Cheney Ann , Akingbulu Josephine , Starks Christian , Slay Lindsay , Dorsey Alexander , Marmolejo Connie , Stafford Alvin , Wen James , McCauley Margaret H. , Summers Latrese , Bermudez Llendy , Cruz-Roman Zitlaly L. , Castillo Itzel , Kipke Michele D. , Brown Arleen F. ,   The STOP COVID-19 CA Vaccine Hesitancy Workgroup
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the adverse influence of structural racism and discrimination experienced by historically marginalized communities (e.g., Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, and transgender people). Structural racism contributes to trauma-induced health behaviors, increasing exposure to COVID-19 and restricting access to testing and vaccination. This intersection of multiple disadvantages has a negative impact on the mental health of these communities, and interventions addressing collective healing are needed in general and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Share, Trust, Organize, and Partner COVID-19 California Alliance (STOP COVID-19 CA), a statewide collaborative of 11 universities and 75 community partners, includes several workgroups to address gaps in COVID-19 information, vaccine trial participation, and access. One of these workgroups, the Vaccine Hesitancy Workgroup, adopted an anti-racist community-partnered praxis to implement restorative circles in historically marginalized communities to facilitate collective healing due to structural racism and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project resulted in the development of a multilevel pre-intervention restorative process to build or strengthen community–institutional partnerships when procurement of funds has been sought prior to community partnership. This article discusses this workgroup’s role in advancing health justice by providing a community-based mental health intervention to marginalized communities in Southern California while using an antiracist praxis tool to develop a successful community–institutional partnership and to live up to the vision of community-based participatory research.
Trust Black Women: Using Photovoice to Amplify the Voices of Black Women to Identify and Address Barriers to Breastfeeding in Southeast Georgia
Authors: Marshall Nandi A. , Cook Christina S.
Published: November 2022

Barriers to breastfeeding for Black mothers are well documented in the literature. Local context is crucial for understanding and addressing barriers. Our research used the photovoice method to amplify the voices of Black mothers in Chatham County, Georgia. Guided by the sociol-ecological model, this photovoice project explored and identified the social, cultural, and physical barriers to breastfeeding that the mothers experienced. Two additional themes emerged through data analysis: personal comfort with public breastfeeding and the women’s recommendations for breastfeeding support and normalization. Lack of physical spaces, lack of peer and family support, the need to overcome the stigma associated with breastfeeding, and advocating for more lactation spaces were commonly stated by the participants. These results led to the creation of a policy toolkit, a breastfeeding policy template, a proclamation to make the City of Savannah a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community, an online photobook to share the experiences of the mothers, and additional paths of dialogue to increase inclusivity and expand health equity within Chatham County.
Using consensus methods to standardise judgement-based guidelines required for player management decision-making processes: A case study in professional rugby union
Authors: Ranaweera Jayamini , Zanin Marco , Weaving Dan , Roe Gregory
Published: November 2022

Standards are pivotal for generating the evidence required to manage players in professional sport environments like rugby union. Resultantly, using a three-step qualitative approach, this study aimed to formulate a consensus as a subjective standard for evidence generation pertaining to player management. The consensus statement intended to identify evidence on peaks/troughs in player external training loads using Global Positioning System (GPS)-based information in the High-Performance Unit (HPU) of a Gallagher Premiership rugby union club. Initially, a systematic review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework was conducted to unravel the factors considered (literature-based cues) when identifying peaks/troughs in player external training loads using GPS information. Next, thematic analysis conducted on the data obtained from 7 semi-structured interviews with HPU staff highlighted that they consider 6 factors with 38 elements (practitioner-based cues) during player external training load management. Thereafter, guided by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument and by utilising selected elements representing 4/6 factors (healthy player, GPS information, longitudinal durations and practitioner judgements on information), a consensus among practitioners for identifying peaks/troughs in player external training loads was developed with the participation of five HPU members using the nominal group technique (NGT). Practitioners reached an agreement with regard to 12 indicators to subjectively identify peaks/troughs in player external training loads within the considered environment.
Stigma and determinant factors among patients with mental disorders: Institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Getnet Asmamaw , Sintayehu Bitew Mezinew , Iyasu Ashagrie Sharew , Afenigus Abebe Dilie , Haile Dessalegn , Amha Haile
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

To assess prevalence and its associated factors of perceived stigma among patients with mental disorders who had appointment for treatment at Debre Markos, Finote Selam, and Felege Hiwot Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods:

At selected hospitals in the Amhara Region, an institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 1 March 2019. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique and data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The Internalized Stigma Scale was designed to examine the stigma associated with mental disorders. The data were coded and enter into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 before being exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were used to show the strength of the association.

Results:

A total of 610 participants were participated, with a response rate of 98.6%, and 215 (35.2%) of them reported a high level of perceived stigma. Being single (adjusted odds ratio = 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.12, 3.02), accessing their medication freely (adjusted odds ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.67), having suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 3.03), having low social support (adjusted odds ratio = 5.09, 95% confidence interval: 2.95, 8.76), age 25–34 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 3.40), age 35–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–4.18), and age > 44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.67, 7.24) were revealed to be significantly associated with high perceived stigma after multivariable logistic regression analysis ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of high perceived stigma was 35.2%, which is found to be high among people who have mental disorders in this study. Being single, accessing their medication freely, having suicidal thoughts, having low social support, and being within the age of (25–34), (35–44), > 44 were all found to be significantly associated with high perceived stigma ( p < 0.05). But married, access medication by fee, have no suicidal thought, having moderate and strong social support, and young age were significantly associated with low perceived stigma.
A 71-Year-Old Man From Ecuador With a History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia and Lung Cavitation Associated With Triple Infection With Trichosporon Asahii, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Briones-Claudett Killen H. , Briones-Claudett Mónica H. , Cordova Loor Francisco Javier , Murillo Vasconez Roger Alexander , Rivera Salas Carolina del Rosario , Bajaña Huilcapi Cynthia K. , Estupinan Vargas Domenica F. , Rodriguez Garcia Stalin E. , Benitez Sólis Jaime , Briones Zamora Killen H. , Briones Marquez Diana C. , Grunauer Michelle
Published: November 2022

Unvaccinated patients with comorbidities that impair the immune function, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, are more likely to develop severe COVID-19. The COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome has raised new concerns in intensive care units globally owing to the presence of secondary fungal infections. We report the case of a 71-year-old man from Ecuador with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, severe COVID-19 pneumonia, and lung cavitation associated with triple infections with Trichosporon asahii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient with a history of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes was admitted to our hospital from a private care center with a diagnosis of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. On arrival, the patient presented with signs of hypoxemic respiratory failure. During his stay at another hospital, he had received tocilizumab and corticosteroid therapy. Therefore, intubation was performed and mechanical ventilation was initiated. The patient developed a septic shock and renal failure with a glomerular filtration rate of 27.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; therefore, two hemodiafiltration sessions were started. The bronchoalveolar lavage revealed erythematous lesions in the bronchial tree and abundant purulent secretions and erosions in the bronchial mucosa, with a cavitary lesion in the right bronchial tree. The bronchoalveolar lavage samples were used to isolate Trichosporon asahii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbapenemase class A. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) Biotyper mass spectrometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular identification were performed. This case report suggested that patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, with or without comorbidities, are more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Real World Data on Forgiveness to Uncomplete Adherence to Bictegravir/ Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Maggiolo Franco , Valenti Daniela , Teocchi Rodolfo , Comi Laura , Di Filippo Elisa , Rizzi Marco
Published: November 2022

Background: forgiveness is the ability of a given regimen to maintain complete viral suppression despite a documented imperfect adherence. We explored forgiveness of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. Methods: drug refills were used to calculate the percent day covered (PDC) as a proxy of adherence. Forgiveness was calculated as the achieved rate of a selected HIV-RNA threshold by a given level of imperfect adherence. Results: 281 adult PLWH were followed for 343 patient/years. Adherence was very high with a median of 98% (IQR 95-100%). A PDC as low as 70% was sufficient to obtain 100% and maintain virologic suppression. According to probit analysis adherence was not related to the possibility to maintain an HIV-RNA TND or < 50 copies/ml. Conclusions: Long-term success of ART needs effective regimens that are the least intrusive of the patient's lifestyle, an elevated forgiveness may be considered as an additional feature that can further improve long-term outcomes.
Comparing Clinically Applicable Behavioral and Electrophysiological Measures of Speech Detection, Discrimination, and Comprehension
Authors: Deshpande Pushkar , Brandt Christian , Debener Stefan , Neher Tobias
Published: November 2022

Effective communication requires good speech perception abilities. Speech perception can be assessed with behavioral and electrophysiological methods. Relating these two types of measures to each other can provide a basis for new clinical tests. In audiological practice, speech detection and discrimination are routinely assessed, whereas comprehension-related aspects are ignored. The current study compared behavioral and electrophysiological measures of speech detection, discrimination, and comprehension. Thirty young normal-hearing native Danish speakers participated. All measurements were carried out with digits and stationary speech-shaped noise as the stimuli. The behavioral measures included speech detection thresholds (SDTs), speech recognition thresholds (SRTs), and speech comprehension scores (i.e., response times). For the electrophysiological measures, multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were performed. N100 and P300 responses were evoked using an active auditory oddball paradigm. N400 and Late Positive Complex (LPC) responses were evoked using a paradigm based on congruent and incongruent digit triplets, with the digits presented either all acoustically or first visually (digits 1–2) and then acoustically (digit 3). While no correlations between the SDTs and SRTs and the N100 and P300 responses were found, the response times were correlated with the EEG responses to the congruent and incongruent triplets. Furthermore, significant differences between the response times (but not EEG responses) obtained with auditory and visual-then-auditory stimulus presentation were observed. This pattern of results could reflect a faster recall mechanism when the first two digits are presented visually rather than acoustically. The visual-then-auditory condition may facilitate the assessment of comprehension-related processes in hard-of-hearing individuals.
Taliban 2.0 and US National Security Policy in Afghanistan
Authors: Snider Joshua
Published: November 2022

This article examines from the point of view of the US national security policy, the causes and contexts for the US exit from Afghanistan and the factors that will influence the US policy in Afghanistan in the coming decade. It reviews the logic behind post-9/11 US ‘grand strategy’ and the evolution of the US national security policy in this period, which included the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. It examines the evolution of the US deployment and factors which complicated the US strategic objectives in Afghanistan, including the persistent tension in the US national security objectives between counter-terrorism and nation-building objectives. It argues that the US faces limited palatable options regarding its post-withdrawal Afghanistan policy and that moving forward, policy will be constrained by a mix of situational and structural variables. These include US domestic politics, the Taliban regime itself (and its relationship with ISIS-K) and the region’s geopolitical winds, notably the strategic positions of Iran, Pakistan, China and to a lesser extent Russia.
Technique of ACL Reconstruction With Autologous Quadriceps Tendon Bone Graft and Femoral Press Fit Fixation
Authors: Petersen Wolf , Ohde Julia , Karpinski Katrin , Bierke Sebastian , Häner Martin
Published: November 2022

Background:

Recently, there has been an increase in interest in the quadriceps tendon (QT) as an alternative autologous graft option for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Indication:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally mature patients (high-risk patients for re-rupture and patients with medial instability).

Technique Description:

The QT graft is harvested with a 4-cm skin incision over the superior pole of the patella. A double knife and an oscillating saw are used to obtain the QT graft with a bone block from the patella (65 mm x 10 mm graft and 15 mm bone block). Then an arthroscopy is carried out with assessment of the ACL tear and treatment of further intraarticular injuries. ACL reconstruction begins with debridement of the femoral insertion to expose the land marks. The medial portal is used for femoral tunnel drilling with the knee in more than 110° of flexion. A special portal aiming device is introduced via the anteromedial portal and a guide wire is placed in the area of the femoral anteromedial insertion. This guide wire is gradually overdrilled with various drills and dilators of increasing size. The final diameter should be 0.5 mm smaller than the diameter of the bone block of the graft to allow for press-fit fixation. Then, the tibial tunnel is drilled using a tibial drill guide leaving the tibial stump of the original ACL intact. The graft is pulled into the joint through the tibial tunnel until the bone block stops at the femoral tunnel entrance. The bone block is then pushed through the medial portal into the femoral tunnel (press-fit fixation). The tibial fixation is performed with an interference screw and optionally with an extracortical button.

Results:

Prior studies with 2 years follow-up have shown that the clinical outcomes in primary and revision ACL reconstruction were not significantly different between the use of QT grafts with femoral press-fit fixation and the use of hamstring grafts with femoral suspension fixation.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Quadriceps tendon bone autograft and femoral press-fit fixation provides an excellent alternative as a graft choice in ACL reconstruction. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Computational platform for doctor–artificial intelligence cooperation in pulmonary arterial hypertension prognostication: a pilot study
Authors: Kheyfets Vitaly O. , Sweatt Andrew J. , Gomberg-Maitland Mardi , Ivy Dunbar D. , Condliffe Robin , Kiely David G. , Lawrie Allan , Maron Bradley A. , Zamanian Roham T. , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a heterogeneous and complex pulmonary vascular disease associated with substantial morbidity. Machine-learning algorithms (used in many PAH risk calculators) can combine established parameters with thousands of circulating biomarkers to optimise PAH prognostication, but these approaches do not offer the clinician insight into what parameters drove the prognosis. The approach proposed in this study diverges from other contemporary phenotyping methods by identifying patient-specific parameters driving clinical risk.

Methods

We trained a random forest algorithm to predict 4-year survival risk in a cohort of 167 adult PAH patients evaluated at Stanford University, with 20% withheld for (internal) validation. Another cohort of 38 patients from Sheffield University were used as a secondary (external) validation. Shapley values, borrowed from game theory, were computed to rank the input parameters based on their importance to the predicted risk score for the entire trained random forest model (global importance) and for an individual patient (local importance).

Results

Between the internal and external validation cohorts, the random forest model predicted 4-year risk of death/transplant with sensitivity and specificity of 71.0–100% and 81.0–89.0%, respectively. The model reinforced the importance of established prognostic markers, but also identified novel inflammatory biomarkers that predict risk in some PAH patients.

Conclusion

These results stress the need for advancing individualised phenotyping strategies that integrate clinical and biochemical data with outcome. The computational platform presented in this study offers a critical step towards personalised medicine in which a clinician can interpret an algorithm's assessment of an individual patient.
Control of Grain Weight and Size in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by OsPUB3 Encoding a U-Box E3 Ubiquitin Ligase
Authors: Wang Shi-Lin , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Fan Ye-Yang , Huang De-Run , Yang Yao-Long , Zhuang Jie-Yun , Zhu Yu-Jun
Published: November 2022

Grain weight and size, mostly determined by grain length, width and thickness, are crucial traits affecting grain quality and yield in rice. A quantitative trait locus controlling grain length and width in rice, qGS1-35.2, was previously fine-mapped in a 57.7-kb region on the long arm of chromosome 1. In this study, OsPUB3, a gene encoding a U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, was validated as the causal gene for qGS1-35.2. The effects were confirmed firstly by using CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis and then through transgenic complementation of a Cas9-free knock-out (KO) mutant. Two homozygous KO lines were produced, each having a 1-bp insertion in OsPUB3 which caused frameshift mutation and premature termination. Compared with the recipient and a transgenic-negative control, both mutants showed significant decreases in grain weight and size. In transgenic complementation populations derived from four independent T0 plants, grain weight of transgenic-positive plants was significantly higher than transgenic-negative plants, coming with increased grain length and a less significant decrease in grain width. Based on data documented in RiceVarMap V2.0, eight haplotypes were classified according to six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in the OsPUB3 coding region of 4695 rice accessions. Significant differences on grain size traits were detected between the three major haplotypes, Hap1, Hap2 and Hap3 that jointly occupy 98.6% of the accessions. Hap3 having the largest grain weight and grain length but intermediate grain width exhibits a potential for simultaneously improving grain yield and quality. In another set of 257 indica rice cultivars tested in our study, Hap1 and Hap2 remained to be the two largest groups. Their differences on grain weight and size were significant in the background of non-functional gse5, but non-significant in the background of functional GSE5, indicating a genetic interaction between OsPUB3 and GSE5. Cloning of OsPUB3 provides a new gene resource for investigating the regulation of grain weight and size.
Combating the menace of antimicrobial resistance in Africa: a review on stewardship, surveillance and diagnostic strategies
Authors: Gulumbe Bashar Haruna , Haruna Usman Abubakar , Almazan Joseph , Ibrahim Ibrahim Haruna , Faggo Abdullahi Adamu , Bazata Abbas Yusuf
Published: November 2022

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has threatened not only our ability to deal with common infectious diseases but also the management of life-threatening complications. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a significant threat in both industrialized and developing countries alike. In Africa, though, poor clinical care, indiscriminate antibiotic use, lack of robust AMR surveillance programs, lack of proper regulations and the burden of communicable diseases are factors aggravating the problem of AMR. In order to effectively address the challenge of AMR, antimicrobial stewardship programs, solid AMR surveillance systems to monitor the trend of resistance, as well as robust, affordable and rapid diagnostic tools which generate data that informs decision-making, have been demonstrated to be effective. However, we have identified a significant knowledge gap in the area of the application of fast and affordable diagnostic tools, surveillance, and stewardship programs in Africa. Therefore, we set out to provide up-to-date information in these areas. We discussed available hospital-based stewardship initiatives in addition to the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Finally, we have reviewed the application of various phenotypic and molecular AMR detection tools in both research and routine laboratory settings in Africa, deployment challenges and the efficiency of these methods.
Global, regional, and national burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases due to alcohol use, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2019
Authors: Zhang Xiansheng , Zhang Xin , Liu Meilian , Zhu Lin , He Zhuokai
Published: November 2022

Background:

To date, no study has evaluated trends in the burden of alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study. Herein, we report on the global burden of alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases in terms of age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019, based on analysis of GBD 2019 data.

Methods:

The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to determine the trends in the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases.

Results:

From 1990 to 2019, the global age-standardized incidence rate showed an upward trend (EAPC = 0.10), whereas the global age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs showed a downward trend (EAPC = − 0.88 and − 0.89, respectively). Low-(187.08 in 2019) and low-middle (178.11 in 2019)SDI regions had much higher age-standardized DALYs. Eastern Europe saw the largest increases in the age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs. Lithuania had the largest increase in mortalities caused by alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases(EAPC = 4.61). The age-standardized mortality rates and DALYs were higher in men than in women.

Conclusion:

From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate of alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases increased globally; however, both the age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs caused by alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases showed decreasing trends. Future studies should devise preventive strategies for low and low-middle SDI regions, Eastern Europe, Lithuania, and other high-risk regions.