bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABO Blood Group and Risk of Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Oyama Hiroki , Nakai Yousuke , Tada Minoru , Koh Hideo , Tateishi Keisuke , Arita Junichi , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Ijichi Hideaki , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Kogure Hirofumi , Mizuno Suguru , Morikawa Teppei , Saito Kei , Saito Tomotaka , Sato Tatsuya , Takagi Kaoru , Takahara Naminatsu , Takahashi Ryota , Tanaka Atsushi , Tanaka Mariko , Ushiku Tetsuo , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: March 2021

Background:

ABO blood group has been associated with risks of various malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. No study has evaluated the association of ABO blood group with incidence of pancreatic carcinogenesis during follow-up of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN).

Methods:

Among 3,164 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cysts at the University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan) from 1994 through 2019, we identified 1,815 patients with IPMN with available data on ABO blood group. We studied the association of ABO blood group with incidence of pancreatic carcinoma, overall and by carcinoma types [IPMN-derived carcinoma or concomitant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)]. Utilizing competing-risks proportional hazards models, we estimated subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) for incidence of pancreatic carcinoma with adjustment for potential confounders, including cyst characteristics.

Results:

During 11,518 person-years of follow-up, we identified 97 patients diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma (53 with IPMN-derived carcinoma and 44 with concomitant PDAC). Compared with patients with blood group O, patients with blood groups A, B, and AB had multivariable SHRs (95% confidence intervals) for pancreatic carcinoma of 2.25 (1.25–4.07; P = 0.007), 2.09 (1.08–4.05; P = 0.028), and 1.17 (0.43–3.19; P = 0.76), respectively. We observed no differential association of ABO blood group with pancreatic carcinoma incidence by carcinoma types.

Conclusions:

In this large long-term study, patients with IPMN with blood group A or B appeared to be at higher risk of pancreatic carcinoma compared with those with blood group O.

Impact:

ABO blood group can be a biomarker for pancreatic cancer risk among patients with IPMNs.
Prospective Analyses of Lifestyle Factors Related to Energy Balance and Ovarian Cancer Risk by Infiltration of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Sasamoto Naoko , Wang Tianyi , Townsend Mary K. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Eliassen A. Heather , Song Mingyang , Terry Kathryn L. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Harris Holly R.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Lifestyle factors related to energy balance have been associated with ovarian cancer risk and influence the tumor immune microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). However, no studies have assessed whether these factors differentially impact ovarian cancer risk by TAM densities.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective analysis in the Nurses' Health Studies to examine the associations of physical activity, sitting time, and a food-based empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer risk by TAM density assessed by immunohistochemistry. We considered density of CD68 (marker of total TAMs) and CD163 (marker of pro-carcinogenic M2-type TAMs), and their ratios. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of exposures with risk of ovarian tumors with high versus low TAMs, including analyses stratified by body mass index.

Results:

Analyses included 312 incident ovarian cancer cases with TAM measurements. Physical activity, sitting time, and EDIP score were not differentially associated with ovarian cancer risk by TAM densities (Pheterogeneity > 0.05). Among overweight and obese women, higher EDIP score was associated with increased risk of CD163 low-density tumors (HR comparing extreme tertiles, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.88–2.80; Ptrend = 0.01), but not CD163 high-density tumors (comparable HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.73–1.86; Ptrend = 0.24), though this difference was not statistically significant (Pheterogeneity = 0.22).

Conclusions:

We did not observe differential associations between lifestyle factors and ovarian cancer risk by TAM densities.

Impact:

Future investigations examining the interplay between other ovarian cancer risk factors and the tumor immune microenvironment may help provide insight into ovarian cancer etiology.
Resistance to Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Dimers Is Associated with SLFN11 Downregulation and Can Be Reversed through Inhibition of ATR
Authors: Mao Shenlan , Chaerkady Raghothama , Yu Wen , D’Angelo Gina , Garcia Andrew , Chen Hong , Barrett Allison M. , Phipps Sandrina , Fleming Ryan , Hess Sonja , Koopmann Jens-Oliver , Dimasi Nazzareno , Wilson Susan , Pugh Kathryn , Cook Kimberly , Masterson Luke A. , Gao Changshou , Wu Herren , Herbst Ronald , Howard Philip W. , Tice David A. , Cobbold Mark , Harper Jay
Published: March 2021

Resistance to antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) has been observed in both preclinical models and clinical studies. However, mechanisms of resistance to pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD)-conjugated ADCs have not been well characterized and thus, this study was designed to investigate development of resistance to PBD dimer warheads and PBD-conjugated ADCs. We established a PBD-resistant cell line, 361-PBDr, by treating human breast cancer MDA-MB-361 cells with gradually increasing concentrations of SG3199, the PBD dimer released from the PBD drug-linker tesirine. 361-PBDr cells were over 20-fold less sensitive to SG3199 compared with parental cells and were cross-resistant to other PBD warhead and ADCs conjugated with PBDs. Proteomic profiling revealed that downregulation of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase, sensitizing cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, was associated with PBD resistance. Confirmatory studies demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of SLFN11 in multiple tumor cell lines conferred reduced sensitivity to SG3199 and PBD-conjugated ADCs. Treatment with EPZ011989, an EZH2 inhibitor, derepressed SLFN11 expression in 361-PBDr and other SLFN11-deficient tumor cells, and increased sensitivity to PBD and PBD-conjugated ADCs, indicating that the suppression of SLFN11 expression is associated with histone methylation as reported. Moreover, we demonstrated that combining an ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) inhibitor, AZD6738, with SG3199 or PBD-based ADCs led to synergistic cytotoxicity in either resistant 361-PBDr cells or cells that SLFN11 was knocked down via siRNA. Collectively, these data provide insights into potential development of resistance to PBDs and PBD-conjugated ADCs, and more importantly, inform strategy development to overcome such resistance.
Targeting Radiation-Resistant Prostate Cancer Stem Cells by B7-H3 CAR T Cells
Authors: Zhang Yida , He Lile , Sadagopan Ananthan , Ma Tao , Dotti Gianpietro , Wang Yufeng , Zheng Hui , Gao Xin , Wang Dian , DeLeo Albert B. , Fan Song , Sun Ruochuan , Yu Ling , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Gongxian , Ferrone Soldano , Wang Xinhui
Published: March 2021

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key treatment for prostate cancer. However, RT resistance can contribute to treatment failure. Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are radioresistant. We recently found that fractionated irradiation (FIR) upregulates expression of the immune checkpoint B7-H3 (CD276) on PCSCs and bulk cells in each prostate cancer cell line tested. These findings prompted us to investigate whether B7-H3 targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, which may abrogate function of an immune checkpoint and mediate lysis of targeted cells, can target RT-resistant PCSCs in vitro and in vivo. B7-H3 expression is naturally higher on PCSCs than bulk prostate cancer cells and cytotoxicity of B7-H3 CAR T cells to PCSCs is more potent than to bulk prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, FIR significantly upregulates B7-H3 expression on PCSCs and bulk prostate cancer cells. The duration of FIR or single-dose irradiation-induced further upregulation of B7-H3 on bulk prostate cancer cells and PCSCs lasts for up to 3 days. B7-H3 CAR T-cell cytotoxicity against FIR-resistant PCSCs at a low effector to target ratio of 1:1 was assessed by flow cytometry and sphere formation assays. Further upregulation of B7-H3 expression by FIR made PCSCs even more sensitive to B7-H3 CAR T-cell–mediated killing. Consequently, the FIR and B7-H3 CAR T-cell therapy combination is much more effective than FIR or CAR T cells alone in growth inhibition of hormone-insensitive prostate cancer xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Our work provides a sound basis for further development of this unique combinatorial model of RT and B7-H3 CAR T-cell therapy for prostate cancer.

Significance:

We demonstrate that FIR significantly upregulates B7-H3 expression by RT-resistant PCSCs and bulk cells; cytotoxicity of B7-H3 CAR T cells to FIR-treated PCSCs is potent and results in significantly improved antitumor efficacy in mice.
Very High Coronary Artery Calcium (≥1000) and Association With Cardiovascular Disease Events, Non–Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes, and Mortality
Authors: Peng Allison W. , Dardari Zeina A. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Dzaye Omar , Obisesan Olufunmilayo H. , Iftekhar Uddin S.M. , Nasir Khurram , Blankstein Ron , Budoff Matthew J. , Bødtker Mortensen Martin , Joshi Parag H. , Page John , Blaha Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Background:

There are limited data on the unique cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-CVD, and mortality risks of primary prevention individuals with very high coronary artery calcium (CAC; ≥1000), especially compared with rates observed in secondary prevention populations.

Methods:

Our study population consisted of 6814 ethnically diverse individuals 45 to 84 years of age who were free of known CVD from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), a prospective, observational, community-based cohort. Mean follow-up time was 13.6±4.4 years. Hazard ratios of CAC ≥1000 were compared with both CAC 0 and CAC 400 to 999 for CVD, non-CVD, and mortality outcomes with the use of Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for age, sex, and traditional risk factors. Using a sex-adjusted logarithmic model, we calculated event rates in MESA as a function of CAC and compared them with those observed in the placebo group of stable secondary prevention patients in the FOURIER clinical trial (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk).

Results:

Compared with CAC 400 to 999, those with CAC ≥1000 (n=257) had a greater mean number of coronary vessels with CAC (3.4±0.5), greater total area of CAC (586.5±275.2 mm
2
), similar CAC density, and more extensive extracoronary calcification. After full adjustment, CAC ≥1000 demonstrated a 4.71- (3.63–6.11), 7.57- (5.50–10.42), 4.86-(3.32–7.11), and 1.94-fold (1.57–2.41) increased risk for all CVD events, all coronary heart disease events, hard coronary heart disease events, and all-cause mortality, respectively, compared with CAC 0 and a 1.65- (1.25–2.16), 1.66- (1.22–2.25), 1.51- (1.03–2.23), and 1.34-fold (1.05–1.71) increased risk compared with CAC 400 to 999. With increasing CAC, hazard ratios increased for all event types, with no apparent upper CAC threshold. CAC ≥1000 was associated with a 1.95- (1.57–2.41) and 1.43-fold (1.12–1.83) increased risk for a first non-CVD event compared with CAC 0 and CAC 400 to 999, respectively. CAC 1000 corresponded to an annualized 3-point major adverse cardiovascular event rate of 3.4 per 100 person-years, similar to that of the total FOURIER population (3.3) and higher than those of the lower-risk FOURIER subgroups.

Conclusions:

Individuals with very high CAC (≥1000) are a unique population at substantially higher risk for CVD events, non-CVD outcomes, and mortality than those with lower CAC, with 3-point major adverse cardiovascular event rates similar to those of a stable treated secondary prevention population. Future guidelines should consider a less distinct stratification algorithm between primary and secondary prevention patients in guiding aggressive preventive pharmacotherapy.
The Role of Sensory Qualities in Renaissance Natural History: The Case of Mattioli’s Herbal
Authors: Strnadová Lucie
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to show how sensory qualities were used to identify, observe, and describe plants in the sixteenth century. Mattioli’s herbal is an example of Renaissance natural history, which was based on Dioscorides’ classical text. Each step of constructing a chapter of the herbal required a different approach to sensory qualities. The identification of the plants described by Dioscorides called for detailed philological work and a good knowledge of the meaning of each term used for tastes, smells or colours. Descriptions were compared with living plants, while all plant parts and their properties had to be thoroughly examined. Taste was an important tool in establishing an affinity of a new plant with a plant from Dioscorides’ text, because gustatory qualities were regarded as closely related to plant nature. Visual qualities such as shape and colour were then especially useful in distinguishing varieties of particular plants.
Ecological and socio-economic assessment of Kenyan coastal fisheries: the case of Malindi-Ungwana Bay artisanal fisheries versus semi-industrial bottom trawling
Authors: Munga Cosmas Nzaka , Kimani Edward , Vanreusel Ann
Published: March 2021

This study explores and describes the status of the fisheries resources in the Malindi-Ungwana Bay, Kenya. In addition to shrimp bottom trawling, the bay also supports a variety of artisanal fishing techniques with associated resource-use conflict experienced for quite some time until a ban on bottom trawling was imposed. This study therefore, focuses on a before and after the trawling ban effect on shrimp populations and finfish bycatch distribution and abundance, and the characterisation of artisanal finfish catches in terms of catch composition, catch-per-unit-effort, and mean trophic level by vessel-gear categories. Apart from providing the current status of exploitation level of the fisheries resources, the scientific information generated from this study is also useful for the revision of the shrimp fishery management plan that was formulated with inadequate scientific and background information during the six year bottom trawling ban in the bay.
Land conflicts and the livelihood of Pastoral Maasai Women in Kilosadistrict of Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Massoi Lucy Willy
Published: March 2021

This summary of my PhD thesis analyses conflicts around land in relation to pastoral Maasai women livelihoods in Tanzania. Issues of pastoralism and land use conflicts in Tanzania are well documented in literature. However, a gendered analysis of conflicts around land in relation to land reforms (changes in the use and ownership of, and access to land and land resources), prolonged climate variability and change, and food insecurity, hardly exists in the literature. Of particular concern is the rudimentary analysis of these conflicts as it relates to pastoral Maasai women, the primary and secondary users of land in pastoral livelihoods. Data analysed in this report were collected in Kilosa district, located in Morogoro, Tanzania, one of the renowned hotspots for pastoral-farmer conflicts in Tanzania. Within Kilosa, data were collect in pastoral Maasai settlements [villages] of Twatwatwa, Kiduhi, Ngaiti, and Mabwegere, and pastoral Maasai women were central focus. Through ethnographic research methods namely focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observations, I have found that vulnerabilities to conflicts around land are gender differentiated, and that pastoral Maasai women experience climate change, food insecurity, and land reforms differently from men. An overall conclusion in this report is that, conflicts around land in Kilosa are intricate in nature and cannot be analysed from a single narrative, and pastoral Maasai women by virtue of their specific gender roles and the gender relations are hit hard. I therefore argue that, (1) for secure land reforms, the political, economic, and social structures through which land access is mediated must also be reformed; (2) there should be a holistic conflict mitigation approach and strategies in resolving conflict around land in Kilosa. The ap¬proaches should focus at engaging pastoralists and pastoralist women in particular, and their institutions and making them an integral part of the solutions. (3) Decisions dealing with climate change mitigation strategies such as the Kilosa eviction of 2009 should also involve pastoralist women whose livelihood depends directly and/or indirectly on climate sensitive resources; (4) the introduction of forage crops production [such as grasses and legumes] in Kilosa is imperative. This will assist in increasing pasture production, which eventually will boost livestock produc¬tion [livestock, the main preferred food source among the pastoral Maasai]. Equally, availability of forage crops within pastoralists reach reduces unplanned herd mobility, and at the same time lessens challenges that pastoralist women face in their responsibilities as default food managers.
Influence of reconciliation programmes on the reconciliation attitudes of war-affected adolescents in Northern Uganda
Authors: Alipanga Benjamin , De Schryver Maarten , Neema Stella , Broekaert Eric , Derluyn Ilse
Published: March 2021

Whether post-conflict reconciliation programmes are able to change hostile behaviours is not known. This study sought to assess the influence of reconciliation programmes on the reconciliation attitudes of war-affected adolescents in two communities in Northern Uganda. Four hundred and forty five adolescents within two communities, one with and the other without interventions were assessed for exposure to war-related and daily stressors and place of residence using hierarchical regression analysis to predict reconciliation attitudes. Adolescents in the non-intervention community recorded more positive and also more negative reconciliation attitudes; exposure to daily and war-related stressors was more positively associated with increasing reconciliation attitudes among adolescents in the non-intervention than those in the intervention community. Overall the programmes recorded limited impact on reconciliation attitudes, perhaps due to the pervasive adverse social situation of the people. Conclusion: there is a need for multi-pronged, collaborative programme efforts targeting holistic recovery programmes with focus on changing negative reconciliation attitudes.
António Vieira: A Jesuit Missionary to the Portuguese Jews of Amsterdam
Authors: Muhana Adma
Published: March 2021

Between the years 1646 and 1648, António Vieira maintained close contact with the Portuguese-Jewish community of Amsterdam, in particular with Menasseh ben Israel, a rabbi of Portuguese-converso origin. Under interrogation by the Inquisition, Vieira characterized this period of his life as the one in which he began to elaborate his messianic thesis of the so-called Fifth Empire. Unlike ben Israel, however, Vieira maintained that the Fifth Empire would arrive when the Jews recognized Christ as the messiah. Moreover, commanded by a Portuguese emperor-king, these Fifth Empire Christianized Jews would have their own political state, king, and cultural ceremonies. Always a missionary, Vieira argued that Jews would convert to the Catholic faith without the use of force as long as their idiosyncratic expectations were accepted, much like the Asian peoples and Indians of the New World, who, despite having been converted by the Jesuits, maintained some of their customs, beliefs, and institutions.
Assessing the Impact of Individual Characteristics and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Provinces of Milan and Lodi
Authors: Consolazio David , Murtas Rossella , Tunesi Sara , Gervasi Federico , Benassi David , Russo Antonio Giampiero
Published: March 2021

Social inequalities in health are known to be influenced by the socioeconomic status of the territory in which people live. In the context of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study is aimed at assessing the role of 5 area-level indicators in shaping the risk of contagion in the provinces of Milan and Lodi (Lombardy, Italy), namely: educational disadvantage, unemployment, housing crowding, mobility, and population density. The study area includes the municipalities at the origin of the first Italian epidemic outbreak. Data on COVID-19 patients from the Integrated Datawarehouse for COVID Analysis in Milan were used and matched with aggregate-level data from the National Institute of Statistics Italy (Istat). Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between the census block-level predictors and COVID-19 infection, independently of age, sex, country of birth, and preexisting health conditions. All the variables were significantly associated with the outcome, with different effects before and after the lockdown and according to the province of residence. This suggests a pattern of socioeconomic inequalities in the outbreak, which should be taken into account in the eventuality of future epidemics to contain their spread and its related disparities.
A comparison of dyadic and social network assessments of peer influence
Authors: DeLay Dawn , Laursen Brett , Kiuru Noona , Rogers Adam , Kindermann Thomas , Nurmi Jari-Erik
Published: March 2021

The present study compares two methods for assessing peer influence: the longitudinal actor–partner interdependence model (L-APIM) and the longitudinal social network analysis (L-SNA) Model. The data were drawn from 1,995 (49% girls and 51% boys) third grade students ( M age = 9.68 years). From this sample, L-APIM ( n = 206 indistinguishable dyads and n = 187 distinguishable dyads) and L-SNA ( n = 1,024 total network members) subsamples were created. Students completed peer nominations and objective assessments of mathematical reasoning in the spring of the third and fourth grades. Patterns of statistical significance differed across analyses. Stable distinguishable and indistinguishable L-APIM dyadic analyses identified reciprocated friend influence such that friends with similar levels of mathematical reasoning influenced one another and friends with higher math reasoning influenced friends with lower math reasoning. L-SNA models with an influence parameter (i.e., average reciprocated alter) comparable to that assessed in L-APIM analyses failed to detect influence effects. Influence effects did emerge, however, with the addition of another, different social network influence parameter (i.e., average alter influence effect). The diverging results may be attributed to differences in the sensitivity of the analyses, their ability to account for structural confounds with selection and influence, the samples included in the analyses, and the relative strength of influence in reciprocated best as opposed to other friendships.
Clinical Techniques and Technology: Vestibular Telemetry
Authors: Phillips John S. , Newman Jacob L. , Cox Stephen J.
Published: March 2021

When a patient presents to a clinician with dizziness, it can be difficult for the patient to describe their symptoms in a clear manner, and clinical examination often yields entirely normal results. Ideally, it would be favorable to measure key physiological parameters during their episodes of dizziness. From a clinical perspective, this would allow a more timely and more accurate diagnosis. From a research perspective, it would allow a greater understanding of how the vestibular system malfunctions as a consequence of vestibular disease. The authors of this report have been funded by the UK Medical Research Council to develop and test a novel technology to measure, record, and analyze key physiological parameters provided by the dizzy individual during an episode of dizziness while active in the community. We provide the context to evolving work in this field, the outcome of preliminary studies, and a consideration of future opportunities.
Contrast medium protocols in routine chest CT: a survey study
Authors: Henning Mette Karen , Aaløkken Trond Mogens , Johansen Safora
Published: March 2021

Background

Administration of contrast medium (CM) is an important image quality factor in computed tomography (CT) of the chest. There is no clear evidence or guidelines on CM strategies for chest CT, thus a consensus approach is needed.

Purpose

To survey the potential impact on differences in chest CT protocols, with emphasis on strategies for the administration of CM.

Material and Methods

A total of 170 respondents were included in this survey, which used two different approaches: (i) an online survey was sent to the members of the European Society of Thoracic Imaging (ESTI); and (ii) an email requesting a copy of their CT protocol was sent to all hospitals in Norway, and university hospitals in Sweden and Denmark. The survey focused on factors affecting CM protocols and enhancement in chest CT.

Results

The overall response rate was 24% (n = 170): 76% of the respondents used a CM concentration of ≥350 mgI/mL; 52% of the respondents used a fixed CM volume strategy. Fixed strategies for injection rate and delay were also the most common approach, practiced by 73% and 57% of the respondents, respectively. The fixed delay was in the range of 20–90 s. Of the respondents, 56% used flexible tube potential strategies (kV).

Conclusion

The chest CT protocols and CM administration strategies employed by the respondents vary widely, affecting the image quality. The results of this study underline the need for further research and consensus guidelines related to chest CT.
Establishing and Satisfying Thermal Requirements for Drilled Shaft Concrete Based on Durability Considerations
Authors: Boeckmann Andrew Z. , El-tayash Zakaria , Erik Loehr J.
Published: March 2021

Some U.S. transportation agencies have recently applied mass concrete provisions to drilled shafts, imposing limits on maximum temperatures and maximum temperature differentials. On one hand, temperatures commonly observed in large-diameter drilled shafts have been observed to cause delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and thermal cracking in above-ground concrete elements. On the other, the reinforcement and confinement unique to drilled shafts should provide resistance to thermal cracking, and the provisions that have been applied are based on dated practices for above-ground concrete. This paper establishes a rational procedure for design of drilled shafts for durability requirements in response to hydration temperatures, which addresses both DEF and thermal cracking. DEF is addressed through maximum temperature differential limitations that are based on concrete mix design parameters. Thermal cracking is addressed through calculations that explicitly consider the thermo-mechanical response of concrete for predicted temperatures. Results from application of the procedure indicate consideration of DEF and thermal cracking potential for drilled shafts is prudent, but provisions that have been applied to date are overly restrictive in many circumstances, particularly the commonly adopted 35°F maximum temperature differential provision.
Political Ideology Modifies the Effect of Glass Cliff Candidacies on Election Outcomes for Women in American State Legislative Races (2011–2016)
Authors: Robinson Sarah L. , Kulich Clara , Aelenei Cristina , Iacoviello Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Research on glass cliff political candidacies shows that compared to men, women are more likely to run for office in districts where they are likely to lose. We examined if party differences in whether female candidates face these worse conditions in the United States could account for persistent and growing party and state variation in women’s representation. Using election data from 2011 to 2016, we compared Republican versus Democratic candidacies at the state legislative level. We found that women in both parties faced glass cliffs in House races, but not in the Senate. For Republican women, glass cliff conditions accounted for worse election outcomes, but Democratic women were more likely to win when these conditions were considered. Variation in party by state measures of glass cliff effects were also found to explain state variation in women’s office holding. We found that for Democrats, more women win when more women run, but for Republicans, more women win only when the seats they face are more winnable. These results point to the role of polarized traditional versus progressive political ideologies in structuring the motives which underlie glass cliff conditions for women in politics, suggesting that practical solutions be tailored to party. To overcome the growing gap in women’s representation, current efforts to increase the quantity of women running would be complemented by a focus on improving the quality of contests they face, with Republican women most likely to benefit. Further research attending to the multiple sources of variation which impact gendered election outcomes can inform more targeted solutions for advancing equality. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684321992046
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Provides Useful Diagnostic Information Following Equivocal Ultrasound in Children With Suspected Appendicitis
Authors: Komanchuk Jelena , Martin Dori-Ann , Killam Rory , Eccles Robin , Brindle Mary E. , Khanafer Ijab , Joffe Ari R. , Blackwood Jaime , Yu Weiming , Gupta Priya , Sethi Sanjay , Moorjani Vijay , Thompson Graham
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

In Canada, ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for children with suspected appendicitis, yet equivocal studies are common. Magnetic resonance imaging provides promise as an adjunct imaging strategy. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of children with suspected appendicitis and equivocal ultrasound where magnetic resonance imaging determined a diagnosis.

Methods:

A prospective consecutive cohort of children aged 5-17 years presenting to a tertiary pediatric Emergency Department with suspected appendicitis were enrolled. Participants underwent diagnostic and management strategies according to our local suspected appendicitis pathway, followed by magnetic resonance (Siemens Avanto 1.5 Tesla) imaging. Sub-specialty pediatric radiologists reported all images.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 101 children with suspected appendicitis. The mean age was 11.9 (SD 3.4) years and median Pediatric Appendicitis Score was 6 [IQR 4,8]. Ultrasonography was completed in 98/101 (97.0%). Of 53/98 (54.1%) with equivocal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging provided further diagnostic information in 41 (77.4%; 10 positive, 31 negative; 12 remained equivocal). Secondary findings of appendicitis on magnetic resonance imaging in children with equivocal ultrasound included abdominal free fluid (24, 45.3%), peri-appendiceal fluid (12, 22.6%), intraluminal appendiceal fluid (9, 17.0%), fat stranding (8, 15.1%), appendicolith (2, 3.8%), and peri-appendiceal abscess (1, 1.9%). The observed agreement between magnetic resonance imaging results and final diagnosis was 94.9% (kappa = 0.89).
Embedding an Advanced Pharmacy Technician in an Adult Specialty Pulmonary Clinic to Complete Prior Authorizations Improves Efficiency and Provider Satisfaction
Authors: Jones Emily M. , Francart Suzanne J. , Amerine Lindsey B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a clinic embedded Medication Assistance Program (MAP) specialist on the prescription benefit prior authorization (PA) process and provider satisfaction in an adult pulmonary clinic.

Methods:

In this mixed methods study, a retrospective cohort analysis was done to determine the turnaround time for the PA process from initial referral to approval or final denial in an adult pulmonary clinic. Additionally, a pre- and post-implementation survey to providers was conducted to assess provider satisfaction and perceptions around the prescription benefit PA process. The first study aim assessed PA efficiency by summarizing PA approval rate and PA turnaround time using descriptive statistics. Any prescriptions written by a clinic provider requiring a PA during the timeframe of June 2018 through August 2018 were included. The second study aim assessed change in provider satisfaction, analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

The MAP specialist completed 110 PAs over 3 months for 110 unique patients. Median turnaround time was 3 hours, with 76% of PAs approved in less than 24 hours. Initial approval rate was 82.7%, and overall approval rate following the appeals process was 87.3%. A significant difference between the pre- and post-survey responses were identified in 2 of the 17 questions.

Conclusion:

Implementation of a clinic embedded MAP specialist to complete PAs demonstrated an efficient process while also improving provider satisfaction.
Medication Therapy Management for Texas MediCAID Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—A Pilot Study
Authors: Nduaguba Sabina , Barner Jamie C. , Makhinova Tatiana , Roberson Kim
Published: March 2021

Background:

Pharmacists can play an important role in providing medication therapy management (MTM) services, which focus on appropriate medication use. This pilot study aimed to describe pharmacists’ MTM service provision, results/outcomes of pharmacists’ recommendations and resolution/acceptance rate among patients with high-risk asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:

This was a prospective descriptive study of MTM services provided by community pharmacists to Texas Medicaid patients (5-63 years) with “high risk” asthma or COPD. Patients received in-person and telephone consultations that included medication review, asthma control test assessment, and education on adherence and proper medication/device use. Data extracted from MTM software was used to describe: reasons for MTM services, type of pharmacists’ interventions, outcomes of pharmacists’ recommendations and acceptance rate.

Results:

Twenty-eight pharmacists provided 139 MTM interventions with 63 patients (2.2 interventions per patient). The most frequent intervention reason was complex drug therapy (53.2%), underuse of medication (8.6%), need for drug therapy (8.6%), new or changed prescription therapy (6.5%), and administration technique (5.0%). The resolution rate was 77.7%. Patient and prescriber, respectively, refused recommendation in 12% and 6% of the interventions. Outcomes included comprehensive medication review (46.7%), improved adherence (6.5%), therapeutic success (6.5%), improved administration technique (5.0%), and initiation of new therapy (5.0%).

Conclusion:

Through the provision of MTM, pharmacists were able to identify and intervene with medication-related problems. These interventions are instrumental in helping patients better manage their asthma/COPD. The high resolution rate was encouraging. Larger scale studies are needed to assess clinical and economic outcomes.
Cultural sustainability: A perspective from independent libraries in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Loach Kirsten , Rowley Jennifer
Published: March 2021

As organisations that collect and maintain cultural artefacts, independent libraries make important contributions to cultural sustainability. Surfacing and elaborating on these contributions has the potential to establish their value to wider sustainable development agendas. However, sustainability policy and research across the gallery, library, archive and museum sectors tends to focus on environmental, social and economic concerns. The small number of studies that do consider cultural sustainability tend to focus on the role of galleries, libraries, archives and museums in heritage preservation, without consideration of their role in sustaining culture through the three other key areas of preserving and promoting cultural identity, cultural diversity and cultural vitality. In addition, previous studies do not consider the role of culture in enabling sustainability at an organisational level. Complementing previous research on the relationship between museums and cultural sustainability (conducted in Australia, Cyprus and Romania), this study seeks to expand understanding of the relationship between galleries, libraries, archives and museums and cultural sustainability in the context of the independent library sectors in the United Kingdom and the United States. Semi-structured interviews conducted with professionals from independent libraries in both countries employed a card-based game method to explore the key areas of cultural sustainability in which their organisations can contribute. Interviews also explored the challenges associated with achieving organisational sustainability, together with the organisational values that impact the sustainability of independent libraries. The research identifies a series of supportive and conflicting relationships between the contributions that independent libraries make to each of the four key areas of cultural sustainability, as well as the organisational values that can inhibit or assist organisational sustainability. Resulting in a framework to assist in the management of internal organisational sustainability and contributions to external cultural sustainability agendas in independent libraries, it provides a new perspective to support understanding of the relationship between galleries, libraries, archives and museums and cultural sustainability.
Serum Adenosine Deaminase as a Useful Marker to Estimate Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Yu Ming , Zhou Hanyun , Li Qingan , Ding Juan , Shuai Hongxia , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2021

We investigated the association between serum adenosine deaminase and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The cross-sectional study included 459 patients with T2DM, the clinical and laboratory tests were performed, and all T2DM patients were separated into the 3 groups based on the tertile of serum adenosine deaminase levels. In the baseline data, the CAC score had statistically significant differences between the 3 groups (p < 0.001). Serum adenosine deaminase levels were positively correlated with CAC score in T2DM patients (r = 0.355, p < 0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum adenosine deaminase was independent positively correlated with CAC score in T2DM patients (r = 0.255, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that area under curve was 0.750 to identify T2DM patients with CAC. Serum adenosine deaminase levels are correlated with CAC scores in T2DM patients, clinically, serum adenosine deaminase should be considered as an underlying marker to determine the severity of atherosclerosis in T2DM patients.
Pulmonary Histopathology Findings in Patients With STAT3 Gain of Function Syndrome
Authors: Cortes-Santiago Nahir , Forbes Lisa , Vogel Tiphanie P , Silva-Carmona Manuel , Hicks John , Guillerman R Paul , Thatayatikom Akaluck , Patel Kalyani
Published: March 2021

Introduction and Aim

Multiorgan autoimmunity and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are reported in patients with STAT3 GOF syndrome.

Results

We present lung histopathology findings in 3 such children, two of whom underwent wedge biopsies with adequate diagnostic material. Wedge biopsies showed interstitial cellular expansion with linear and nodular aggregates of CD8 positive T lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes; consistent with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia pattern (LIP). CD4+ T cells and CD20+ B cells were present but infrequent in the interstitium. FOXP3 cells ranged from 0-5%. Focal interstitial and intraalveolar histiocytes were also seen. Neutrophils and eosinophils were rare/absent. Non-occlusive peribronchial lymphoid aggregates showed equal T and B cells; likely reactive in nature. Pulmonary vessels appeared normal without vasculitis or hypertensive change. There was no interstitial or subepithelial fibrosis or organizing pneumonia. Interlobular septa and visceral pleura were unremarkable.

Conclusion

Children with multi-system autoimmune disorders with ILD should be investigated for STAT3 GOF syndrome. Lung wedge biopsies are more informative than transbronchial biopsies, if a tissue sampling is indicated. CD8 dominant T cell inflammation seems to be a key driver of ILD. Although interstitial fibrosis was not seen in our small sample, longer follow up is needed to understand the natural history.
Association between educational level and smoking cessation in an 11-year follow-up study of a national health survey
Authors: Ruokolainen Otto , Härkänen Tommi , Lahti Jouni , Haukkala Ari , Heliövaara Markku , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: March 2021

Aims: There is a lack of longitudinal, population-based studies on the association between education and smoking cessation. A more thorough examination of this association is needed to address inequalities in smoking. Methods: The longitudinal Health 2000 Survey and Health 2011 Survey, representing the Finnish population aged ⩾30 years, were analysed. Of the 1352 baseline daily smokers, 945 (70%) provided a smoking status at the follow-up. The analytic sample size was 884 (excluding the follow-up occasional smokers). Self-reported questionnaire data and measurements (e.g. plasma cotinine) from the baseline were utilised. The outcome variable was smoking cessation at the follow-up, and the main explanatory variable was education. Logistic regression was the main method for statistical analyses. All of the analyses accounted for the sampling design. Results: At the follow-up, 28% of the baseline daily smokers had quit smoking. An adjusted regression model showed that highly educated respondents had a higher likelihood of quitting smoking compared with those with basic education. Controlling for demographic and health-related variables had a modest effect on this association. Higher scores for plasma cotinine, symptoms of depression and heavy alcohol use were associated with a lower likelihood of quitting smoking. The association between education and smoking cessation was weaker for women than it was for men. Conclusions: High education is associated with smoking cessation among the general adult population, especially among men. A higher plasma cotinine level is strongly associated with continued smoking among both sexes. Background variables only modestly affected the association between education and smoking cessation.
LSVT LOUD® Applied to an Adult With Cerebral Palsy: Acoustic Findings
Authors: Moya-Galé Gemma , Galgano Jessica , Ferrone Carol , Chang Younghwa M. , Ramig Lorraine A.
Published: March 2021

A 36-year-old female with severe spastic dysarthria participated in this study. She received 4 weeks of individual, intensive voice-focused treatment. Voice recordings were conducted at three baseline points, immediately posttreatment, and at a 4-month follow-up. The primary outcome variables were selected acoustic measures of vocal function: sound pressure level (SPL), mean fundamental frequency (F0), maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), and maximum phonation frequency range (MPFR). Significant pre-to-posttreatment changes ( p < .05) were found for most acoustic variables. All acoustic gains, except for MPFR, were maintained at the 4-month follow-up. The significant posttreatment changes in the majority of the acoustic measures analyzed suggest that intensive voice-focused treatment may have the potential to improve vocal function in adults with severe spastic dysarthria secondary to cerebral palsy (CP). Evidence-based treatment options for voice disorders in adults with CP are limited. Results emphasize the need for more studies with this population.
How Power Affects Emotional Communication During Relationship Conflicts: The Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness
Authors: Alonso-Ferres María , Righetti Francesca , Valor-Segura Inmaculada , Expósito Francisca
Published: March 2021

Prior research indicated that lack of power leads to emotional suppression and low emotional expression during conflicts among strangers. However, little is known about how power affects emotional inhibition in close relationships, where partners are highly interdependent, and achieving one’s goals greatly depends on their partner’s cooperation. In three studies among romantic couples (total N = 994), we examined whether (a) power is related to emotional inhibition during conflicts, (b) perceived partner responsiveness moderates this effect and, (c) which conflict-resolution responses are subsequently enacted. Findings consistently showed that powerless individuals were more likely to inhibit their emotions and consequently to use passive responses during conflicts. However, this only occurred when they perceived lack of responsiveness from their partner. If the partner was perceived as responsive (i.e., showed care, validation, and understanding), power was not related to emotional inhibition and passive resolutions. The importance of partner’s responses in relation to power asymmetry is discussed.
A Panel Evaluation of the Changes in the General Public’s Social-Media-Following of United States’ Public Health Departments during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khokhar Areej , Spaulding Aaron , Niazi Zuhair , Ailawadhi Sikander , Manochakian Rami , Chanan-khan Asher , Niazi Shehzad , Sher Taimur
Published: March 2021

Importance:

Social media is widely used by various segments of society. Its role as a tool of communication by the Public Health Departments in the U.S. remains unknown.

Objective:

To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media following of the Public Health Departments of the 50 States of the U.S.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Data were collected by visiting the Public Health Department web page for each social media platform. State-level demographics were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention was utilized to collect information regarding the Governance of each State’s Public Health Department. Health rankings were collected from “America’s Health Rankings” 2019 Annual report from the United Health Foundation. The U.S. News and World Report Education Rankings were utilized to provide information regarding the public education of each State.

Exposure:

Data were pulled on 3 separate dates: first on March 5th (baseline and pre-national emergency declaration (NED) for COVID-19), March 18th (week following NED), and March 25th (2 weeks after NED). In addition, a variable identifying the total change across platforms was also created. All data were collected at the State level.

Main Outcome:

Overall, the social media following of the state Public Health Departments was very low. There was a significant increase in the public interest in following the Public Health Departments during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

With the declaration of National Emergency, there was a 150% increase in overall public following of the State Public Health Departments in the U.S. The increase was most noted in the Midwest and South regions of the U.S. The overall following in the pandemic “hotspots,” such as New York, California, and Florida, was significantly lower. Interesting correlations were noted between various demographic variables, health, and education ranking of the States and the social media following of their Health Departments.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Social media following of Public Health Departments across all States of the U.S. was very low. Though, the social media following significantly increased during the early course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it still remains low. Significant opportunity exists for Public Health Departments to improve social media use to engage the public better.