bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of enhanced activity of co-integration pathways for CO2 capture and CO2 utilization
Authors: Maniarsu R.
Published: July 2022

Over the past century, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has significantly increased in our atmosphere, creating numerous catastrophic effects and environmental impacts. There are three main CO2 capture methods: (a) post-combustion, (b) pre-combustion, and (c) oxy-fuel combustion implemented to capture CO2 from significant CO2 emitting sources. Further, the captured CO2 is utilized to convert it into value-added products. The current status of potential combined CO2 capture and CO2 utilization methods provide the solution to the issues of greenhouse-gas CO2 emissions from anthropogenic activities and the ever-growing energy demand challenges. These unique approaches dramatically reduce the overall energy penalty, cost-effective, and have a low environmental impact. As of now, carbon management is more intensively shifting toward the carbon utilization for minimizing energy consumption and replacing fossil fuel with the cleaner energy sources. This paper presents an idea of co-integration pathways for CO2 capture and CO2 utilization.
Locating Female Transgression against Heteronormative Society: A Comparative Study of Three African American Novels
Authors: Jesmin U. H. Ruhina
Published: July 2022

The study attempts to locate female transgressions against a racist and homophobic society as portrayed by Ann Allen Shockley, Alice Walker and Gloria Naylor in their novels Loving Her (1974), The Color Purple (1982) and The Women of Brewster Place (1983), respectively. It applies the content-analysis method, lesbian feminist theory and intersectionality to explore the black women characters’ defiance of hetero-patriarchal culture. The novelists effectively challenge heterosexism, and advocate women’s solidarity and lesbian sexuality as acts of resistance to regulative sexual norms. The theoretical tools compare and analyse how different categorisations of race and sex are interwoven in the novels and how their intersection hinders lesbian relations and women’s solidarity. The commonality of the black lesbian characters lies in their experience of sexualised aggression as well as racial otherness. Walker’s characters, unlike Shockley’s and Naylor’s, powerfully threaten sexist, racist and homophobic society and promote universal sisterhood.
Postoperative Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone for Stage III Endometrial Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Yoo Ji Geun , Kim Jin Hwi , Kim Chan Joo , Lee Hae Nam , Song Min Jong , Park Dong Choon , Yoon Joo Hee , Kim Sang Il , Hur Soo Young , Lee Sung Jong
Published: July 2022

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of 6 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared with chemotherapy alone as postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with stage III endometrial cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage III endometrial cancer who received postoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone at 6 hospitals between January 2009 and December 2019. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for each treatment group were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. We also assessed differences in toxicity profiles between the treatment groups.

Results

A total of 133 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 80 patients (60.2%) received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 53 (39.8%) received chemotherapy alone. The PFS and OS did not differ significantly between the groups. For patients with stage IIIC endometrioid subtype, the chemoradiotherapy group had significantly longer PFS rate than did the chemotherapy alone group (log-rank test, P = .019), although there was no significant difference in the OS (log-rank test, P = .100). CRT was identified as a favorable prognostic factor for PFS in multivariate analysis (adjusted HR, .37; 95% CI, .16-.87; P = .022). Patients treated with chemoradiotherapy more frequently suffered from grade 4 neutropenia (73.8% vs 52.8%; P = .018) and grade 3 or worse thrombocytopenia (36.3% vs 9.4%; P = .001) compared with the chemotherapy alone group. There were no differences between the 2 treatment groups in the frequency of toxicity-related treatment discontinuation or dose reduction.

Conclusion

We confirmed that chemoradiotherapy yields longer progression-free survival than does chemotherapy alone for patients with stage IIIC endometrioid endometrial cancer, with an acceptable toxicity profile.
COVID-19 Hospitalization Trends in Rural Versus Urban Areas in the United States
Authors: Zhu Yi , Carroll Caitlin , Vu Khoa , Sen Soumya , Georgiou Archelle , Karaca-Mandic Pinar
Published: July 2022

Since the summer of 2020, the rate of coronavirus cases in the United States has been higher in rural areas than in urban areas, raising concerns that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will overwhelm under-resourced rural hospitals. Using data from the University of Minnesota COVID-19 Hospitalization Tracking Project and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we document disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization rates between rural and urban areas. We show that rural-urban differences in COVID-19 admission rates were minimal in the summer of 2020 but began to diverge in fall 2020. Rural areas had statistically higher hospitalization rates from September 2020 through early 2021, after which rural-urban admission rates re-converged. The insights in this article are relevant to policymakers as they consider the adequacy of hospital resources across rural and urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practice Note: Domestic Violence Advocacy and Response to Intimate Partner Homicide in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Dunne Kelly , Mathis Cherra M.
Published: July 2022

The global pandemic has changed how frontline service providers respond to domestic violence (DV). Advocates see an increase in the severity and complexity of DV cases, with COVID-19 complicating decisions of DV survivors to seek help. Domestic Violence High Risk Teams (DVHRT) include police, probation and parole officers, prosecutors, medical professionals, and DV advocates uniquely poised to respond collaboratively to increased DV case numbers and escalating risk of lethality for DV survivors. Adapting intervention and advocacy to the online sphere carries challenges but also opportunities to help DV survivors and their communities find safety.
Belief and Recall of Nicotine as Therapeutic for COVID-19 May Undermine E-Cigarette Quitting Behavior
Authors: Silver Nathan , Kierstead Elexis , Tran Bianca , Sparrock Lindsey , Vallone Donna , Schillo Barbara
Published: July 2022

We examine the proposition that misinformation about the therapeutic potential of nicotine to prevent or treat COVID-19 may lead to relapse among attempted e-cigarette quitters. A sample of N = 507 e-cigarette ever-users who reported at least one quit attempt in the past year were surveyed in June of 2021 for recall and belief in several claims about COVID-19 and nicotine. Participants who recalled and believed at least one misinformation claim were significantly more likely to have relapsed than those who did not recall or believe such claims. These differences remained robust to regression analysis adding demographic covariates and accounting for continuous measurement of recall and belief. Misinformation about e-cigarette use is reaching young adult e-cigarette users who are trying to quit. The implications of these findings merit further research to characterize potential barriers to successful e-cigarette cessation.
Long-term changes in blood metal ion levels in patients with hip resurfacing implants: implications for patient surveillance after 10 years follow-up
Authors: Reito Aleksi , Lainiala Olli , Berryman Fiona , Dunlop David J , Eskelinen Antti , Matharu Gulraj S
Published: July 2022

Background:

Studies investigating changes in blood metal ion levels during the second decade of the implant lifetime in MoM hip resurfacing patients are scarce.

Methods:

Patients implanted with either Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) or Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip resurfacings with >10 years follow-up and repeated blood metal ion measurements were identified at 2 large specialist European arthroplasty centres. After excluding patients with initial metal ion levels >7 ppb, the proportion of patients with an increase in blood metal ion levels above previously validated implant-specific thresholds (cobalt 2.15 ppb for unilateral implants, cobalt or chromium 5.5 ppb for bilateral) was assessed.

Results:

We included 2743 blood metal ion measurements from 457 BHR patients (555 hips) and 216 ASR patients (263 hips). Of patients with initial metal ion levels below implant specific thresholds, increases in cobalt or chromium level, respectively, to above these thresholds during the second decade were seen as follows: unilateral BHR (cobalt = 15.6%), unilateral ASR (cobalt = 13.8%), bilateral BHR (cobalt = 8.2%, chromium = 11.8%), bilateral ASR (cobalt = 8.5%, chromium = 4.3%). Measurement-to-measurement changes exceeding +2.15 ppb or +5.5 ppb were, however, uncommon during the second decade. Subgroup results with small diameter (<50 mm) implants were similar.

Conclusions:

We recommend less frequent blood metal ion measurements are needed (every 3 to 5 years) for hip resurfacing patients if initial values were below 7ppb.
Metagenomic Sequencing and Histology on a Chronic Wound Identified Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoma
Authors: Yang Wan-Ting , Chiang I , Tseng Chien-Hao , Cheng Chun , Lin Jyun-Hong , Liu Po-Yu , Huang Yao-Ting
Published: July 2022

Accurate diagnosis of chronic, non-healing wounds is challenging and time-consuming because it can be caused by a variety of etiologies. This brief report presents an unusual case of a chronic wound lasting for 10 months investigated by deep metagenomic sequencing. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was identified in the wound and subsequently validated by in situ hybridization. Histopathologic examination eventually revealed that the non-healing wound was due to an EBV-associated NK/T cell lymphoma. By identifying mutations across the viral genome, the virus was classified as Type I EBV and clustered with others of geographic proximity. Our results suggest that metagenomic shotgun sequencing can not only rapidly and accurately identify the presence of underlying pathogens but also provide strain-level resolution for the surveillance of viral epidemiology.
Hysteroscopic Curettage Followed by Megestrol Acetate Plus Metformin as a Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Women with Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia or Well-Differentiated Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Jing Chu-Yu , Li Sheng-Nan , Shan Bo-Er , Zhang Wei , Tian Wen-Juan , Ren Yu-Lan , Wang Hua-Ying
Published: July 2022

Background:

In reproductive-aged women, the incidence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is rising globally. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hysteroscopic curettage followed by megestrol acetate (MA) plus metformin as conservative treatment in AEH and early EEC.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied AEH and stage IA, grade 1 EEC patients treated with hysteroscopic curettage followed by MA (160 mg/d) plus metformin (1500 mg/d) from January 2010 to December 2020 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Treatment outcomes were assessed by complete response (CR) rate, recurrence rate, and pregnancy outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed via the logistic regression model.

Results:

The study included 79 patients, 31 (39.2%) with AEH and 48 (60.8%) with EEC. The medians of age (years) and follow-up time (months) were 30 and 39.5, respectively. Seventy-six patients (96.2%) finally achieved CR. The median time to CR was 3.6 (3.0-20.6) months. The CR rate after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year was 55 (69.6%), 67 (84.8%), and 72 (91.1%), respectively. Recurrence occurred in 26 (34.2%) patients. Treatment duration ⩾9 months was associated with a lower recurrence rate after CR ( P = .012). Fourteen (93.3%) of the 15 recurrent patients who received progestin re-treatment achieved CR again. Finally, 29 patients delivered live births.

Conclusions:

Hysteroscopy followed by MA plus metformin can achieve CR in short time and is overall safe. Consolidation treatment should be prolonged to decrease the recurrence rate, despite a shorter time to CR.
Pediatric Lymphedema: Study of 180 Patients Referred to a Tertiary Lymphedema Clinic
Authors: Colmant Caroline , Turpin Sophie , Lambert Raymond , Wong Nicole , Ondrejchak Sandra , Lapointe Chantal , Powell Julie , Dubois Josée , McCuaig Catherine
Published: July 2022

Background

Lymphedema is due to dysfunction of the lymphatic system. It can be primary or secondary. Pediatric lymphedema is more often primary and is a chronic disease with a heavy burden on quality of life.

Methods

Medical records of patients under 18 years of age referred between 1996 and 2021 to the specialized lymphedema clinic at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center were reviewed. Demographic data, sex, age at presentation, location of the lymphedema, clinical features, genetic testing, symptoms, complications, investigations, and treatment were collected.

Results

Of 180 referred patients, lymphedema was confirmed in 151, and 137 were primary lymphedema. Median age of apparition of primary lymphedema was 7.00 years and was significantly lower in boys than in girls. Primary congenital lymphedema was more frequent in boys (51.0%, 27.3% in girls, P = .007), and onset of primary lymphedema during adolescence was more frequent in girls (53.4%, 25.0% in boys, P = .001). Lower limbs were the most impacted (88.3%). Sixty patients had genetic testing, and 38 (63.3%) of them were discovered to have a pertinent genetic mutation. The most common mutated gene was the FLT4 gene (in 9 patients). Seven patients (5.1%) had associated extensive/central lymphatic malformation and 24 (17.6%) had a polymalformative syndrome/syndromic lymphedema.

Conclusions

Pediatric lymphedema is more frequent in girls, usually involves lower limb, and is most often sporadic, but often associated with a genetic mutation, and genetic testing should be performed.
Synergetic effect of surface connectivity and functional parameters on the friction characteristics of a sliding contact interface
Authors: Ji Jiawei , Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Yan , Jiao Yunlong , Liu Kun
Published: July 2022

The characteristics of surface morphology markedly affect the tribological properties of contact interface such as lubrication and seal performance. In present work, the synergetic effect of surface connectivity and some three-dimensional topography parameters (ISO 25178) on the friction characteristics of a sliding contact interface, based on mathematical morphology and reciprocating linear tribotesting, is explored. The results indicate that the friction properties of sliding contact interface was significantly affected by the variation of surface connectivity. The increase in connectivity index would improve the relative contact area on the isotropic surfaces and affect the distribution and storage characteristics of the fluid, while this enhancement would be blocked on the anisotropic surface and the variation of connectivity index is obviously nonlinear with a shocking feature. The friction tests confirm that the friction coefficient of sliding contact interface decreases with the increasing surface connectivity index, which is mainly related to the enhancement of lubricant storage and flow in each void region and improving the lubrication behavior.

Furthermore, the same variation law is applicable to the relationship between the functional morphology parameters and the friction property. The increasing Vvv and Sku, would contribute to a lower friction coefficient at the interface. Our work provides deep insights into regulating the tribological property of contact interfaces through surface topography control.
Foreign language anxiety in online college Spanish: Prevalence and effects on oral proficiency
Authors: Moneypenny Dianne Burke , Aldrich Rosalie S.
Published: July 2022

Higher education has seen an increase in enrollment in online (OL) language courses. This study ( n = 176) examined why students chose to enroll in OL Spanish courses and if foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) in OL classes affects overall oral proficiency. Sex differences and FLCA in online Spanish classes were also examined. Quantitative methods included an online survey and a third-party proficiency exam, Versant for Spanish Test. Findings suggest that students do not register for OL Spanish courses to avoid speaking; however, a majority of OL Spanish students appear to suffer from FLCA. These students reported being anxious about a variety of scenarios in their OL language courses including the tests, large class size, lack of understanding or remembering the course material, and making speaking mistakes. Analyses of oral proficiency coupled with the responses to the survey showed that OL FLCA negatively correlated with oral proficiency. Notably, there was no significant difference between male and female students in self-reported FLCA.
(In)visible moderation: A digital ethnography of marginalized users and content moderation on Twitch and Reddit
Authors: Thach Hibby , Mayworm Samuel , Delmonaco Daniel , Haimson Oliver
Published: July 2022

Research suggests that marginalized social media users face disproportionate content moderation and removal. However, when content is removed or accounts suspended, the processes governing content moderation are largely invisible, making assessing content moderation bias difficult. To study this bias, we conducted a digital ethnography of marginalized users on Reddit’s /r/FTM subreddit and Twitch’s “Just Chatting” and “Pools, Hot Tubs, and Beaches” categories, observing content moderation visibility in real time. We found that on Reddit, a text-based platform, platform tools make content moderation practices invisible to users, but moderators make their practices visible through communication with users. Yet on Twitch, a live chat and streaming platform, content moderation practices are visible in channel live chats, “unban appeal” streams, and “back from my ban” streams. Our ethnography shows how content moderation visibility differs in important ways between social media platforms, harming those who must see offensive content, and at other times, allowing for increased platform accountability.
An Economic Understanding of Populism: A Conceptual Framework of the Demand and the Supply Side of Populism
Authors: Benczes István , Szabó Krisztina
Published: July 2022

This article assesses progress in the economics-centred literature on populism along three key themes and develops a conceptual framework to better understand the phenomenon. On the demand side (t − 1), economics research identifies the effect of an exogenous economic shock on a marginalised segment of society and works with the economic voting hypothesis. On the supply side of populists in power (t), in the literature, populist rule is typically associated with unsustainable expansionary fiscal and monetary policies and with trade protectionism. At t  + 1, by using rational and biased belief assumptions, economists provide implicit inputs for a seemingly paradoxical question: why is a populist re-elected even if most populist policies assumably end up in Pareto inferior outcomes? This article summarises and criticises the relevant economic literature and shows that not only political science, but economics scholarship is instrumental for studying populism at all three stages.
Black & Mild: A Tutorial, After the CDC
Authors: Petteway Ryan J.
Published: July 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that smoking causes ~480,000 U.S. deaths annually. Many of these deaths are ultimately coded within “heart disease” and “cancer” deaths—the United States’ top two causes of death. These deaths represent aggregations of dozens of distinct International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. COVID-19 has also killed ~480,000 Americans annually. Yet its codes are much more limited/specific—such that COVID-19 might well be the singular leading cause of death in the United States. And yet here we are: 2+ years of pandemic and the CDC not only acting like it can’t do math, but actively clearing paths for continued disease/death. This poem, crafted as counternarrative to the superficially apolitical (re/in)actions of the CDC, enacts the public health critical race praxis principle of “disciplinary self-critique” to suggest that the CDC has indeed aligned itself with neoliberal racial capitalism in an unapologetic endorsement/enactment of necropolitics. It draws from a rich archive of Black music that thematically engages smoking as ritual, resistance, and practice of community, as well as metaphor for/of transcendence and self-love in the face of structural violence and thinly-veiled necropolitical sacrifice at the altar of neoliberal public health—an altar long-built from the blood and bones of the “sick and tired.” Or, if you prefer, the lungs and breath of the “mild.” In the face of all the resources—financial and regulatory—governmental public health uses to keep us from smoking, vaping, and getting high, apparently, it’s the CDC that is high—so high it is no longer able/willing to see the foundations of social justice that anchor our field. To view the original version of this poem, see the supplemental material section of this article online.
Real Options Applied to Consumer Goods: Maximizing Profits and Fan Welfare
Authors: Berkowitz Jason P. , Rotthoff Kurt W.
Published: July 2022

The use of pre-sale options for tickets is underutilized in sports. In this study, we show that the use of pre-sale options increases profits, but also increases consumer utility—making both parties better off. Thus, the efficiency gains and profit gains make incorporating options with advanced selling, as opposed to just advanced selling, an optimal strategy. Through this ticket pricing strategy, the organizer can realize a significant increase in profits from a separating equilibrium pricing strategy while simultaneously consumer welfare increases as fans know, with certainty, they have tickets to the game if their team participates. If these options were offered by participants instead of the organizer it also allows the participant to smooth their revenues over time.
‘As Long as It's Used for Beneficial Things’: An Investigation of non-Māori, Māori and Young People's Perceptions Regarding the Research use of the Aotearoa New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI)
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Aljawahiri Noor , Kumar Harshali , Bowden Nicholas , Milne Barry , Prictor Megan , Jordan Vanessa , Breedvelt Josefein , Shepherd Toni , Hetrick Sarah
Published: July 2022

The Aotearoa New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is a national database containing a wide range of data about people and households. There is limited information about public views regarding its use for research.

A qualitative study was undertaken to examine the views of forty individuals attending a large hospital in Auckland, including those of Māori ethnicity and young people. Semi-structured interview data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis.

Seven key themes emerged: 1) Limited knowledge about medical data held in national databases; 2) Conditional support for the use of the IDI, including for research; 3) Concerns regarding the misuse of IDI data; 4) The importance of privacy; 5) Different views regarding consent for use of data for research; 6) Desire for access to personal data and the results of research; and 7) Concerns regarding third party and commercial use. Young people and those of Māori ethnicity were more wary of data misuse than others.

Although there is reasonable support for the secondary use of public administrative data in the IDI for research, there is more work to be done to ensure ethical and culturally appropriate use of this data via improved consent privacy management processes and researcher training.
Digital Storytelling as a Method in Health Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: West Christina H. , Rieger Kendra L. , Kenny Amanda , Chooniedass Rishma , Mitchell Kim M. , Winther Klippenstein Andrea , Zaborniak Amie-Rae , Demczuk Lisa , Scott Shannon D.
Published: July 2022

Digital storytelling aims to illuminate complex narratives of health and illness when used as a method in health research. Digital stories are three to five minute videos that integrate written and narrated stories with multiple aesthetic components. There is increasing interest in digital storytelling as a research method, yet there is limited synthesized knowledge about its use. A systematic review to advance methodological understanding was warranted. Our systematic review purpose was to identify and synthesize evidence on the use, impact, and ethical considerations of digital storytelling as a method in health research. Key databases and online sources were searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies using digital storytelling. Articles with pediatric or adult populations, family members, or healthcare professionals were included. The focus was on digital storytelling in health research, where it was used as a method, at any point in the research process. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts to confirm eligibility. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the extracted narrative data. The searches yielded 7285 articles. Following the removal of duplicates and screening, 46 articles met the inclusion criteria, which predominantly used qualitative methodology. An analysis of the extracted data resulted in seven descriptive themes which provided insight into the purpose, definition, process, context, impact and ethical considerations of this method. Digital storytelling is an empowering and disruptive method that captures voice through a process-oriented, flexible approach. It is particularly effective at honouring local and cultural knowledge, and evoking change. Researchers have used consistent facilitation approaches, but theoretical inconsistency, diverse positioning in analysis, and ethical complexity remain significant challenges. These findings provide methodological insight for applying digital storytelling in future research. Systematic review protocol registration: CRD42017068002.
Towards Developing a Framework for Conducting Management Studies Using Design Research Methodology
Authors: Ebneyamini Shiva
Published: July 2022

Following trends are not limited to the fashion and beauty industry. Many researchers in papers, master’s degree thesis, and PhD dissertations prefer to solve domain questions or problems with research methodologies previously used by others in the field, mainly, case study research in operations management and technology management studies. This paper is about to stress on adding design research methodology (DRM) as a very useful and practical methodology in management studies that can meet the main aim and concern facing researchers in management studies: produce and develop practical domain knowledge which meets the rigor and relevance functions of the research. This study unlocks all the aspects of DRM and represents a methodological perspective, and sheds light on the reasoning behind why and how DRM should be used more as a methodology in management studies in general, and operations and technology management specifically.
State of the Methods: Leveraging Design Possibilities of Qualitatively Oriented Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Poth Cheryl N. , Shannon-Baker Peggy
Published: July 2022

Mixed methods (MM) research has gained wide global and disciplinary acceptance. However, MM designs that prioritize qualitative perspectives are not easily recognizable yet offer great potential for researchers. By situating the current state of qualitatively oriented mixed methods (QOMM) research and offering practical guidance, we aim to help researchers leverage design possibilities. We begin by positioning ourselves and describing some distinguishing characteristics to help researchers recognize QOMM designs. We then introduce the key features of a QOMM study and weave illustrative examples into the descriptions of six interconnected design spokes to help researchers navigate a nonlinear design process. Finally, we discuss three useful lessons we learned from our own research experiences and consider their implications to help researchers design future QOMM studies.
Strength analysis of perforated casing in ultra-deep horizontal shale wells during sublevel acidizing and hydraulic fracturing process
Authors: Zhanghua Lian , Yuheng Tuo , Qiang Zhang , Hao Yu , Yisheng Mou , Weixing Yang
Published: July 2022

In the process of sublevel acidizing and fracturing, the non-uniform load on production casing is complex, and casing failure occurs frequently, which seriously affects the next step of production, stimulation, and underground safety of the oil and gas well. Aiming at the deformation and failure problem of perforated casing in ultra-deep horizontal wells, residual strength analysis and safety evaluation of directional perforated casing under sublevel acidizing and fracturing conditions were carried out. Due to the large scale difference between the underground formation and casing and the complex geometry of the model, an indirect coupled two-step method was proposed to determine the external load of casing first and then calculate its mechanical strength. By using this method, the stress level and distribution of perforated casing in in-situ stress field of X well are determined, and the safety factor of casing is analyzed. On this basis, considering the redistribution of in-situ stress field in the sublevel acidizing and hydraulic fracturing process, the stress situations on perforated casing under different in-situ stress differences are studied, and the measures to prevent casing failure are given. The proposed calculation method can provide references for casing selection and perforation process design of ultra-deep horizontal wells.
Role of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging fusion biopsy in active surveillance of prostate cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth E. , Frye Thomas P.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Our goal is to review current literature regarding the role of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the active surveillance (AS) of prostate cancer (PCa) and identify trends in rate of reclassification of risk category, performance of fusion biopsy (FB) versus systematic biopsy (SB), and progression-free survival.

Methods:

We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and identified 121 articles. A narrative summary was performed.

Results:

Thirty-two articles were chosen to be featured in this review. SB and FB are complementary in detecting higher-grade disease in follow-up. While FB was more likely than SB to detect clinically significant disease, FB missed 6.4–11% of clinically significant disease. Imaging factors that predicted upgrading include number of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lesion density, and MRI suspicion level.

Conclusion:

Incorporating mpMRI FB in conjunction with SB should be part of contemporary AS protocols. mpMRI should additionally be used routinely for follow-up; however, mpMRI is not currently sensitive enough in detecting disease progression to replace biopsy in the surveillance protocol.
Spanish experience on the efficacy of airways clearance techniques in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) at intensive care unit: An editorial and case report
Authors: Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A , Alonso Pérez José Luis , Vinuesa Suárez Inmaculada , Corbellini Camilo , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 pandemic did not impact all countries in the same way, and in Spain, the percentage of intensive care unit (ICU) and the mortality rate patients has been very high. The present work aims to present the first case of the new Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) on March 23, 2020, in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, of a patient on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) affected by acute pneumonia which was treated by airway clearance techniques (ACT) thinking that she was not infected with COVID-19, since the first polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was negative. The subject presented septic shock, hypoxemic encephalopathy, and seizures. Right lung base consolidation and pleural effusion were visible in the echography. The thorax x-ray presented subcutaneous emphysema and pleural effusion in the right base and an alveolar-interstitial opacity pattern in the left. Bilateral crackles and rhonchus were evident in the right lung during the lung auscultation. The airway clearance protocol comprises Cough Assist (CA) and chest compressions. The variables collected were the ventilatory parameters, blood gas analysis, and thorax x-ray description. ACT protocol improves gas exchange and expands consolidated lung areas in this atypical clinical case presented. At that time, this type of treatment was not performed on patients affected by COVID-19, and the next day we found that the patient had improved, coinciding with the second PCR test, which was positive.
Sign of the times: Community engagement to refine a cardiovascular mHealth intervention through a virtual focus group series during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brewer LaPrincess C. , Cyriac Jissy , Kumbamu Ashok , Burke Lora E. , Jenkins Sarah , Hayes Sharonne N. , Jones Clarence , Cooper Lisa A. , Patten Christi A.
Published: July 2022

Background

African-Americans are underrepresented in mobile health intervention research studies which can perpetuate health inequities and the digital divide. A community-based, user-centered approach to designing mobile health interventions may increase their sociocultural relevance and effectiveness, especially with increased smartphone use during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aimed to refine an existing mobile health intervention via a virtual focus group series.

Methods

African-American community members (n = 15) from churches in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota were enrolled in a virtual (via videoconferencing), three-session focus group series over five months to refine a cardiovascular health-focused mobile health application (FAITH! [Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health!] App). Participants accessed the app via their smartphones and received a Fitbit synced to the app. Participants engaged with multimedia cardiovascular health-focused education modules, a sharing board for social networking, and diet/physical activity self-monitoring. Participant feedback on app features prompted iterative revisions to the FAITH! App. Primary outcomes were app usability (assessed via Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale range: 0–5) and user satisfaction.

Results

Participants (mean age [SD]: 56.9 [12.3] years, 86.7% female) attended a mean 2.8 focus groups (80% attended all sessions). The revised FAITH! App exceeded the goal Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale score threshold of ≥4 (mean: 4.39, range: 3.20–4.95). Participants positively rated updated app content, visual appeal, and use of social incentives to maintain engagement. Increasing user control and refinement of the moderated sharing board were identified as areas for future improvement.

Conclusions

Community-partnered, virtual focus groups can optimize usability and increase participant satisfaction of mobile health lifestyle interventions that aim to promote cardiovascular health in African-Americans.
The Association Between Salivary FGF2 and Physiological and Psychological Components of the Human Stress Response
Authors: Bryant Emma M. , Richardson Rick , Graham Bronwyn M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) is a neurotrophic protein that has been implicated as a biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders, which comprise a significant component of the global burden of disease. Research using rodents has indicated that FGF2 is part of the stress response, but whether this translates to humans has yet to be investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of FGF2 in the human stress response by examining its association with physiological and psychological processes during and following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).

Methods

Participants in the active stress experiment (N  =  87) underwent the TSST, provided saliva samples to obtain levels of cortisol and FGF2, and reported on post-event rumination related to the TSST task over the following week. Participants in the no-stress experiment (N  =  25) provided saliva samples for measurement of FGF2 and cortisol across a corresponding time period.

Results

Salivary FGF2 levels changed after the TSST and were associated with the pattern of change in salivary cortisol. Cortisol responses in the active stress condition were blunted in females (relative to males), however, sex did not interact with any other effect. FGF2 reactivity (ie, the magnitude of change over time) was not correlated with cortisol reactivity. Lower FGF2 reactivity following the TSST, but not overall FGF2 levels, or cortisol, was associated with higher fear of negative evaluation, repetitive negative thinking and post-event processing, as well as repetitive negative thinking in the week following the TSST. Participants in the no-stress experiment showed a decrease in cortisol, yet no change in their FGF2 levels.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that FGF2 is involved in the human stress response and higher levels of FGF2 reactivity may be associated with protective cognitive processes following stress exposure.
A 30-Day Adjunct Wellness Intervention for the Management of Extra-Articular Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Formative Study
Authors: Hutson Tara , Murman Nicole , Rolin Donna , Jain Rakesh , Laster Andrew J. , Cole Steven P. , Jain Saundra
Published: July 2022

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) continually fall short of treatment targets using standard drug therapies alone. There is growing evidence that emphasizing physical and mental wellness is equally crucial for improving functioning among people with RA. The purpose of this formative study is to examine the feasibility of offering the wellness-based intervention (“KickStart30”) in patients with RA. Thirteen individuals with RA on targeted immune modulators (a biologic or JAK inhibitor) enrolled in the KickStart30 program. Participants completed self-report measures of RA-specific disability (eg, pain) and other functional areas (eg, mood) in a pre- versus post- intervention design. Paired samples t-tests (and Related-Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests for non-normal distributions) detected statistically significant results for 10 of 12 measures, including reductions in pain ( M = 4.54 to M = 3.54; p  =  .025; BPI), functional disability ( M = 0.94 to M  = 0.73, p = .032 ; HAQ-II), cognitive and physical dysfunction ( M = 25.46 to M = 13.54, p < .001; CPFQ), depressive symptoms ( M  = 9.31 to M  = 5.54, p = .003; PHQ-9), anxiety ( M = 5.69 to M = 3.23, p = .005; GAD-7), insomnia ( M = 11.62 to M  = 17.32, p  = .007; Note: higher scores on the SCI indicate less insomnia), stress-related eating ( M = 75.46 to M = 84.54, p = .021; Note: higher scores on the EADES indicate less stress-related eating), along with significant increases in mindfulness ( M = 62.54 to M = 67.85, p = .040; MAAS), mental wellness ( M = 4.46 to M = 5.69; HERO), and well-being ( Md = 8.00 to Md = 5.00, p = .004; WHO-5). All significant measures had medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d). The study gives preliminary support for the possibility that the adjunct intervention may have an effect.
Investigating the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Professionals: Implications and Recommendations
Authors: Meyer Marisol L. , Louder Ceewin N. , Self Kyle J. , Nicolas Guerda
Published: July 2022

Public health crises that increase the demand for healthcare professionals (HCPs) often result in increased mental distress in HCPs. The current study investigated the specific mental health ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCPs and perceived support from their places of work. Data was collected from US-based HCPs ( N = 325) working as physicians (21.8%), nurses (26.8%), mental health professionals (MHPs; 30.5%), and allied healthcare professionals (AHPs; 20.9%) from April 2020 to April 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, using an online self-report survey. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses assessed worry, stressors, psychological functioning, and perceived support. A majority of participants expressed worry about the pandemic broadly (93%), and approximately half (50.5%) indicated that their degree of worry was moderate to extreme. Respondents worried most about the risk of infection for family and relatives. HCPs reported not having been able to enjoy daily activities (66.9%), losing sleep (43.1%), and feeling constantly under strain (66.9%), compared to usual. Most HCPs indicated a strong desire for clear communication regarding the pandemic and psychological support from their workplaces. This paper provides recommendations to support HCP mental health by both ameliorating distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as protecting the health and wellness of HCPs more generally. HCPs and institutions that employ them should seek out or provide access to mental health resources and services, engage with or provide opportunities and activities to actively address mental health, and improve communication regarding COVID-19 or other topics HCPs demonstrate interest in.
Membrane curvature and PS localize coagulation proteins to filopodia and retraction fibers of endothelial cells
Authors: Carman Christopher V. , Nikova Dessislava N. , Sakurai Yumiko , Shi Jialan , Novakovic Valerie A. , Rasmussen Jan T. , Lam Wilbur A. , Gilbert Gary E.
Published: July 2022

Prior reports indicate that the convex membrane curvature of phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing vesicles enhances formation of binding sites for factor Va and lactadherin. Yet, the relationship of convex curvature to localization of these proteins on cells remains unknown. We developed a membrane topology model, using phospholipid bilayers supported by nano-etched silica substrates, to further explore the relationship between curvature and localization of coagulation proteins. Ridge convexity corresponded to maximal curvature of physiologic membranes (radii of 10 or 30 nm) and the troughs had a variable concave curvature. The benchmark PS probe lactadherin exhibited strong differential binding to the ridges, on membranes with 4% to 15% PS. Factor Va, with a PS-binding motif homologous to lactadherin, also bound selectively to the ridges. Bound factor Va supported coincident binding of factor Xa, localizing prothrombinase complexes to the ridges. Endothelial cells responded to prothrombotic stressors and stimuli (staurosporine, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF- α]) by retracting cell margins and forming filaments and filopodia. These had a high positive curvature similar to supported membrane ridges and selectively bound lactadherin. Likewise, the retraction filaments and filopodia bound factor Va and supported assembly of prothrombinase, whereas the cell body did not. The perfusion of plasma over TNF-α–stimulated endothelia in culture dishes and engineered 3-dimensional microvessels led to fibrin deposition at cell margins, inhibited by lactadherin, without clotting of bulk plasma. Our results indicate that stressed or stimulated endothelial cells support prothrombinase activity localized to convex topological features at cell margins. These findings may relate to perivascular fibrin deposition in sepsis and inflammation.
Disparities in trial enrollment and outcomes of Hispanic adolescent and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Muffly Lori , Yin Jun , Jacobson Sawyer , Wall Anna , Quiroz Elisa , Advani Anjali S. , Luger Selina M. , Tallman Martin S. , Litzow Mark R. , Foster Matthew C. , Erba Harry P. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Larson Richard A. , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Stock Wendy
Published: July 2022

In this secondary analysis of Hispanic adolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 10403, we evaluated outcomes and geographic enrollment patterns relative to US population data. We used demographic, clinical, and survival data on AYAs enrolled on CALGB 10403 (N = 295, 2007-2012). Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries provided overall survival (OS) for US AYA ALL by ethnicity/race. North American Association of Cancer Registries provided AYA ALL incidence overall and proportion among Hispanics by US state. Of AYAs enrolled on CALGB 10403, 263 (89%) reported ethnicity/race: 45 (17%) Hispanic, 172 (65%) non-Hispanic White (NHW), 25 (10%) non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 21 (8%) other. Compared with NHWs, Hispanic and NHB patients had lower household income, and Hispanic patients were more likely to harbor high-risk CRLF2 aberrations. Relative to US estimates, where Hispanic patients represented 46% of newly diagnosed AYA ALL patients and experienced inferior OS compared with NHW (P < .001), Hispanic AYAs on CALGB 10403 did as well as NHW patients (3 year OS, 75% vs 74%; P = NS). Hispanic patients also had higher rates of protocol completion (P = .05). Enrollments on CALGB 10403 differed relative to the distribution of Hispanic AYA ALL in the United States: enrollment was highest in the Midwest; t and only 15% of enrollees were from states with a high proportion of Hispanic AYA ALL patients. In summary, Hispanic patients treated on CALGB 10403 did as well as NHWs and better than population estimates. Geographical misalignment between trial sites and disease epidemiology may partially explain the lower-than-expected enrollment of Hispanic AYA ALL patients.