bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paying for PrEP: A qualitative study of cost factors that impact pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake in the US.
Authors: Sosnowy Collette , Predmore Zachary , Dean Lorraine T , Raifman Julia , Chu Christina , Galipeau Drew , Nocka Kristen , Napoleon Siena , Chan Philip
Published: October 2022

Background

Concerns about the actual and perceived costs of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) continue to be a major barrier to uptake among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 GBMSM who presented for routine health care at a STD clinic in the northeastern United States. The cohort included GBMSM who were or were not currently taking PrEP and represented varied health care coverage and financial resources. We used a structured coding scheme to analyze transcripts and identify themes relevant to cost factors.

Results

Participants shared their perspectives about PrEP and their experiences with accessing and paying for PrEP. Our findings suggest that health care coverage or financial assistance were essential to PrEP access but were not easily accessible to all people and did not always cover all costs. Therefore, paying for PrEP had to be balanced with other life expenses. Participants had multiple sources for information about PrEP cost and assistance from clinic and pharmacy staff helped reduce burden and resolve difficulties.

Conclusion

Addressing gaps in health care coverage, providing financial support, and improving the enrollment process in a financial assistance program may improve PrEP uptake.
Review of research on environmental noise standards/policies/guidelines and measurement methodology in high-speed rail
Authors: Srivastava Sandeep , Sivasankar Govindu , Dua Gautam
Published: October 2022

Noise generated by rolling stock in High-Speed Rail (HSR) is of paramount importance from environment point of view. A lot of developments and improvements have happened in rolling stock design to reduce noise during running. There exists different standards and methodology for measurement of noise emanating from running of rolling stock at a high-speeds. This paper first discusses the basic concept of noise and then analyses various standards being followed mainly in Europe and Japan; compares them and draws inference in Indian context where the first HSR line, MAHSR (Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail) is under construction and several others are in planning stage.
Social determinants of depression in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Bergmans Rachel S. , Loewenstein Emma , Aboul-Hassan Deena , Chowdhury Tasfia , Schaefer Grace , Wegryn-Jones Riley , Xiao Lillian Z. , Yu Christine , Moore Meriah N. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle
Published: October 2022

Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence inequities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While these inequities contribute to overall disease experience, there is little consensus guiding our understanding of the psychological implications of SDOH in SLE. Given the paucity of evidence in this area, the aim of this scoping review was to systematically assess the volume and features of available research literature on associations of SDOH with depression in SLE over the past 20 years, from 1 January 2000 to 16 November 2021. We developed a search strategy for PubMed and EMBASE that included keywords for depression and lupus. After screening 2188 articles, we identified 22 original articles that met our inclusion criteria. At least one SDOH was associated with depression in two of the six studies with unadjusted estimates and 13 of the 16 studies with adjusted estimates. Results provide consistent but sparse evidence that SDOH are associated with depression in SLE. Additionally, depression epidemiology in SLE may differ from the general population such that depression risk is more similar across genders and racial/ethnic groups. More work is needed to identify the SDOH that have the greatest impact on depression and mental health among SLE patients, as well as how and when to intervene.
Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patient
Authors: Ferreira Duarte André , Taborda Filipa , Mendonça Teresa , Farinha Fátima
Published: October 2022

Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare disease that occurs in late pregnancy or early postpartum and is associated with multiple vertebral fractures. We present a case of a 34-year-old woman with a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome, who started postpartum back pain. After an ineffective response to analgesic escalation, she performed imaging exams with evidence of multiple dorsal and lumbar vertebral fractures. After an exhaustive etiological study, PLO represented the most likely diagnosis. Early diagnosis, interruption of breastfeeding, and initiation of targeted anti-osteoporotic therapy are essential for symptomatic control, increase the quality of life of these patients, and prevent new fractures in the future.
The decision-making experiences of women who legally aborted: A meta-ethnography
Authors: Fernández-Basanta Sara , Romero-González Gabriela , Coronado Carmen , Movilla-Fernández María-Jesús
Published: October 2022

Background

Abortion is one of the most common gynaecological procedures. It is related to personal, social, and economic reasons under a legal term that is recognised as a common sexual and reproductive right in most of countries. However, making the decision to abort is complex, because it is politicised and is often framed in public discourse related to moral or ethical issues beyond women’s experiences. Therefore, it is subject to medical criteria, religious evaluations, and sociological analysis.

Purpouse

The aim of this synthesis of qualitative studies was to synthesise the decision-making experiences of women who legally aborted.

Research design and method

The Noblit and Hare’s interpretive meta‐ethnography was conducted, and it was written in accordance with the eMERGe meta‐ethnography reporting guidance. Ten studies met the research objective and inclusion criteria, after a comprehensive systematic search strategy in five databases.

Findings

The metaphor “The wrestling between why and what will happen next” and three themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Forces that incite the arm wrestling; (2) Facing social stigma; and (3) Defeated by a greater rival. The metaphor provided interpretive experiences of the moral conflict experienced by women who decided to have an abortion and emerged from the confrontation of the reasons why they decided to abort and the social repercussions that making the decision entails. The result of the struggle was loneliness and vulnerability.

Conclusion

The lines of action impact policy makers, the media, and health professionals. Actions should focus on the de-stigmatisation and normalisation of abortion, the use of appropriate language, and the training and sensitisation of health professionals.
Comparing the Foreign Relations of Emirate I and Emirate II: Has Anything Changed?
Authors: Hozoori Sharif
Published: October 2022

This article explores the similarities between Afghanistan’s Emirate II and Emirate I in terms of foreign relations. It argues that since 15 August 2021, when the Taliban took over the government in Afghanistan and established Emirate II, there have not been significant changes in their foreign relations behaviour in comparison to Emirate I, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. To prove this claim, the article first examines the objectives of foreign relations of both the regimes comparatively. Subsequently, the foreign behaviour of the two regimes concerning neighbours including Pakistan and Iran will be examined. Finally, the foreign relations of Emirates I and II towards great powers like the USA and Russia are explored in detail.
Can platelet-rich plasma enhance the effect of meniscus repair? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Platelet-rich plasma and meniscus repair
Authors: Xie Yulei , Xing Qijia , Wang Shan , Yang Zhenglei , Hu Anli , Wu Qing
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can enhance the effect of meniscus repair, but some studies have suggested different views on the role of PRP.

Purpose

To determine whether PRP can enhance the effect of meniscus repair with respect to pain reduction and improved functionality and cure rate in patients with meniscus injury.

Methods

By searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, clinicaltrials.gov , and the CNKI database from their inception till December 1, 2020, we performed a meta-analysis of RCTs reporting the results of the Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the pain of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), healing rate, and adverse events. The risk of bias is assessed using Cochrane’s collaborative tools. The summary results are expressed with effect size and 95% confidence interval, and sensitivity were performed.

Results

The meta-analysis included 9 RCTs and 345 patients. In general, compared with the control group, used of PRP during meniscus surgery significantly improved the pain (SMD: -0.95, p < 0.00001,95% CI: -1.22 to -0.69, I2 = 42%) and knee joint function (SMD: 1.00, p = 0.01.95% CI: 0.22 to 1.79, I2 = 89%) of patients with meniscus injury at 6 months after treatment. However, both PRP and non-PRP showed improvements in the pain and knee joint function, with no significant difference between the groups at 1 months and beyond 12 months. The PRP enhancement technique showed benefit in improving the cure rate of meniscus repair (RR:1.44; p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 1.20–1.73). No serious adverse events were reported in any study.

Conclusion

As an enhancement program for meniscus repair, PRP is worthy of further consideration in improving the function and pain of patients during the mid-term follow-up after surgery, and PRP can further improve the healing rate of meniscus repair. However, the evidence still needs to be interpreted carefully because of the quantity and quality of the included studies.
Participatory Science Communication Through Consensus Conferences: Legitimacy Evaluations of a German Consensus Conference on Genome Editing
Authors: Dendler Leonie
Published: October 2022

Considering growing deliberative turns within and beyond science communication coupled with calls for their systematic evaluations, this paper presents a legitimacy framework to analyze a recent consensus conference on the topic of genome editing. Drawing upon participant surveys (PSs) and interviews, it confirms difficulties of this deliberative method in achieving inclusive input from across society as well as conflicts between deliberative ideals, empirical communication practice, and ensuring impact on policy making. The case calls for more experimentation with hybrid online/offline approaches while staying aware of unequally distributed deliberation abilities and the need for unifying outputs.
Robust boundary control approaches to the stabilization of the Euler–Bernoulli beam under external disturbances
Authors: Wang Yingying , Wu Wei , Wang Zhan , Lou Xuyang , Görges Daniel
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the boundary feedback control problem for the Euler–Bernoulli beam with unknown time-varying distributed load and boundary disturbance is investigated. Based on the Lagrangian–Hamiltonian mechanics, the model of the beam is derived as a partial differential equation. To suppress the external disturbance, two disturbance rejection control approaches are adopted in the control design. Firstly, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate the boundary disturbance online. Thus, the effect of the boundary disturbance can be canceled directly in the feedback loop. A time-varying function is applied in the disturbance observer to prevent an excessively large control input. Secondly, a new observer is developed to estimate the upper bound of the disturbance and a sign function is introduced to suppress the influence of the disturbance without demanding the boundedness of the derivative of the boundary disturbance. The well-posedness and the uniform boundedness of the closed-loop system are proved using the operator semigroup theory and the Lyapunov method. Numerical comparisons with existing results are made for demonstrating the advantages of the proposed approaches.
Are Reading Interventions Effective for At-Risk Readers with ADHD? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chan Elizabeth S.M. , Shero Jeffrey A. , Hand Eric D. , Cole Alissa M. , Gaye Fatou , Spiegel Jamie A. , Kofler Michael J.
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Utilizing a multi-level meta-analytic approach, this review is the first to systematically quantify the efficacy of reading interventions for school-aged children with ADHD and identify potential factors that may increase the success of reading-related interventions for these children.

Method:

18 studies (15 peer-reviewed articles, 3 dissertations) published from 1986 to 2020 ( N = 564) were meta-analyzed.

Results:

Findings revealed reading interventions are highly effective for improving reading skills based on both study-developed/curriculum-based measures ( g = 1.91) and standardized/norm-referenced achievement tests ( g = 1.11) in high-quality studies of children with rigorously-diagnosed ADHD. Reading interventions that include at least 30 hours of intervention targeting decoding/phonemic awareness meet all benchmarks to be considered a Level 1 (Well-Established) Evidence-Based Practice with Strong Research Support for children with ADHD based on clinical and special education criteria.

Conclusions:

Our findings collectively indicate that reading interventions should be the first-line treatment for reading difficulties among at-risk readers with ADHD.
The Behaviour of Serum Survivin in Patients With Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Lisboa Renata Valente , de Oliveira Fabiola Reis , Quaresma Thaise Oliveira , de Almeida Rafael Moura , Ribeiro Oliveira Rene Donizeti , Junior Paulo Louzada
Published: October 2022

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multi phenotypic, autoimmune inflammatory disease and renal involvement significantly worsens its prognosis. Apoptosis dysregulation plays a key pathogenic role. Survivin, a protein from the apoptosis inhibitors family, has been considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy and evaluated as one of the regulatory pathways in the scenario of immune-mediated disorders.

Objective:

This study aims to explore survivin behaviour in SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN), assessing its potential as a therapeutic and prognostic biomarker.

Methods:

297 SLE patients were classified based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 criteria, from 2000 to 2015. In a cross-sectional study, the serum level of survivin was measured by an ELISA test and compared between 200 SLE individuals and healthy controls. In a longitudinal cohort, 97 patients with active LN had the concentration of survinin measured, before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy.

Results:

The serum concentration of survivin was significantly lower in the SLE group than in healthy controls, regardless of concomitant NL or disease activity. The longitudinal evaluation revealed a significant reduction in survivin serum level after treatment. However, survivin rates were not able to discriminate groups that achieved remission from those that maintained nephritis activity.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that survivin levels in SLE patients are lower than in the general population. Even so, its use as a biomarker in SLE seems limited, not reflecting disease activity or response to LN treatment, as in other contexts.
Determinants of a sense of insecurity among home-dwelling older people
Authors: Knuutila Mia T. , Lehti Tuuli E. , Karppinen Helena , Kautiainen Hannu , Strandberg Timo E. , Öhman Hannareeta , Savikko Niina M. , Jansson Anu H. , Pitkälä Kaisu H.
Published: October 2022

Aims: A sense of insecurity may have an impact on older people’s well-being and their courage to engage actively in meaningful activities. Studies on a sense of insecurity among older people are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which home-dwelling older adults perceive their life as being insecure and how a sense of insecurity is associated with their health, functional status, active social engagement, well-being and perceptions of the societal treatment of older people. Methods: This study is part of the Helsinki Aging Study, a cohort study ongoing since 1989. Data were collected using a postal questionnaire that was mailed in 2019 to a random sample of home-dwelling older people ⩾75 years of age living in Helsinki ( N=2917; response rate 74%). The questionnaire inquired about the respondents’ sense of security/insecurity, and they were subcategorised into those feeling secure and those feeling insecure based on their answers. Results: Seven per cent of respondents felt insecure in their lives. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, loneliness, living alone and perceived poor societal treatment of older people were associated with a sense of insecurity, while having good self-rated health, having children and meeting friends at least weekly were associated with lower odds of insecurity. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of recognising and combating loneliness, social isolation and societal ageism in order to reduce insecurity among older people and to support their active engagement in life.
Effects of Brownian noise strength on new chiral solitary structures
Authors: Alharbi Yousef F , El-Shewy Emad K , Abdelrahman Mahmoud AE
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear Chiral Schrödinger equation (CNLSE) in two dimensions where noise term affected randomly with time. This equation characterized some edges states of fractional-Hall Effect features in quantum. The CNLSE with multiplicative noise effects is studied as dynamical system to specify the acceptable solution types and then solved by unified solver method. The presented solutions are periodic envelopes, explosive, dissipative, symmetric solitons, and blow up waves. It was confirmed that the noise factor is dominant on all the wave conversion, growing and damping of envelopes and shocks. The presented technique in this study can be easily utilized for other nonlinear equations in applied science.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 35C08, 65C20, 60H15, 35Q40, 35Q55, 35Q62
Assessing cross-cultural performance: beyond just “being there”, revisited
Authors: Caligiuri Paula , Sbaa Maha Yomn , Milosevic Mina , MacGregor-Peralta Julia , Griffith Richard
Published: October 2022

As a review of the literature, this paper highlights how three dimensions - task performance, skill development, and cross-cultural adjustment, have been used to understand cross-cultural performance. With respect to task performance, two criteria should be measured for all those working cross-culturally, including remote or virtual cross-cultural work: (1) how accurately employees read the unique contextual demands of a cross-cultural context and (2) how effectively they respond given the contextual and strategic demands of the task. Focusing on development of cross-cultural competencies as a performance goal we highlight the dimensions most important for assessment, focusing on self- and relationship management competencies. Regarding cross-cultural adjustment, we offer a more precise and nuanced approach which accounts for the person-environment fit in the context of working in cultural novelty.
K-12 school leadership perspectives from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wharton-Beck Aura , Chou Chientzu Candace , Gilbert Cornelius , Johnson Bernadeia , Beck Martin A
Published: October 2022

The 2020 global pandemic ushered in an unparalleled call to dramatically shift the focus of how school administrators responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition needed to ensure the continuity of instruction in a distance learning environment demanded a new level of urgency. The long-term impact of COVID-19 presents new leadership challenges and continues to amplify the need for change during the global health crisis. This study aimed to understand the preparedness of school administrators in the United States of America as they responded to the worldwide pandemic and their perceived opportunities and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study collected data from a survey and interviews to investigate how school leaders rose to the occasion while working through unprecedented challenges. The findings revealed several new opportunities: visionary leadership, resources to address disparities, increased community partnerships, and innovative instructional models. The challenges faced by school leaders encompassed the digital divide, staffing shortages, online instructional practices, communication with families, and staff professional development. This study offers specific implications for school leaders and educational leadership preparation programs.
The Extended Pillar Integration Process (ePIP): A Data Integration Method Allowing the Systematic Synthesis of Findings From Three Different Sources
Authors: Gauly Julia , Ulahannan Arun , Grove Amy L.
Published: October 2022

Mixed methods research requires data integration from multiple sources. Existing techniques are restricted to integrating a maximum of two data sources, do not provide step-by-step guidance or can be cumbersome where many data need to be integrated. We have solved these limitations through the development of the extended Pillar Integration Process (ePIP), a method which contributes to the field of mixed methods by being the first data integration method providing explicit steps on how to integrate data from three data sources. The ePIP provides greater transparency, validity and consistency compared to existing methods. We provide two worked examples from health sciences and automotive human factors, highlighting its value as a mixed methods integration tool.
The Efficacy of Antegrade Homodigital Neurovascular Island Flaps in Distal Fingertip Reconstruction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Castillo Tiana , Xu Joshua , Tiedgen Alexander , Graham David J. , Lawson Richard D. , Sivakumar Brahman S.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps (AHIFs) are a heterogeneous group of pedicled flaps used for reconstruction of traumatic digital detipping injuries. While numerous single-center studies have documented their use, there are no large or multicentre studies validating their efficacy, applicability, and functional outcomes. We performed a systematic review of the contemporary literature to establish the safety and functional outcomes of this technique.

Methods:

Electronic searches were performed using PubMED, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception date to October 2020, with further studies identified from study reference lists and independent searches. Relevant studies reported on complications and functional outcomes of the AHIFs, as used for digital detipping injuries. Data were then extracted and analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-seven studies published between 1974 and 2019 yielded 744 patients. Four studies provided incomplete epidemiologic data, resulting in a total of 559 patients with 584 digital injuries. Index and middle fingers were most frequently involved. Mean final 2-point discrimination (2-PD) was 4.9 mm static and 5.1 mm dynamic, with dynamic 2-PD reported in 2 studies. Mean total active motion of the digit was 200.3°. Mean time to return to work was 6.7 weeks in 10 studies. Flap survivorship was found to be 99.6% in 23 studies. Cold intolerance was the most common complication at 18%, followed by pain and hypersensitivity.

Conclusions:

Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps provide a safe and effective method of treating distal finger amputations, yielding satisfactory functional outcomes across all ages. Further studies comparing outcomes between the AHIFs and other reconstructive modalities would be useful.
Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Anti-Quorum Sensing Potential of Novel Synthetic Compounds Against Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated From Chronic Sinusitis Patients
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Asif , Shahid Muhammad , Jilani Kashif , Aslam Muhammad Aamir
Published: October 2022

Quorum sensing (QS) is a major controller of virulence and biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the research was to screen novel synthetic compounds (18) from 2 series (Pyrazole and Diene dione) for quorum sensing and biofilm inhibitory potential against resistant pathogens isolated from patients with chronic sinusitis. Most of the compounds have documented zone of inhibition against Gram positive strains Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and moderate activity against Gram negative Klebseilla pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis in comparison with standard antibiotic. Compounds Q1 and Q7 have given the maximum zone of inhibition 18 and 20 mm with MICs 0.312 mg/mL and .156 mg/mL against S aureus and E faecalis, respectively. Some compounds were equally potent at inhibiting the formation of biofilm which later established by phase contrast microscopy. Regarding quorum sensing inhibition, the tested concentration of synthetic compound UA3 0.313 mg/mL inhibited violacein production without decreasing Chromobacterium pseudoviolaceum count which was significantly lower than determined MIC’s. It was depicted from the results that selected compounds exhibited low level of cytotoxicity toward human red blood cells. Hence, these findings revealed that most novel compounds were effective antibacterial, whereas compound UA3 has shared significant anti-quorum sensing potential against Chromobacterium pseudoviolaceum.
Intraoperative calf blood pressure measurements for the detection of early lower extremity ischemia following endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Silverberg Daniel , Speter Chen , Bar Dayan Avner , Halak Moshe
Published: October 2022

Background

Access vessel complications during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain a concern and has been reported to occur in 3–10% of cases. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with intraoperative, non-invasive calf blood pressure (BP) measurements and ankle brachial indexes (ABIs) before and immediately following EVAR, in evaluating the perfusion of the lower extremities and detecting early lower extremity ischemia (LEI).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between the years 2019 and 2021. All patients had blood pressure cuffs placed on their calves prior to the procedure. Calf BP measurements and ABIs were obtained prior to and immediately after the surgery. Based on the BP measurements, patients were categorized into two groups. Group 1: patients with unchanged ABIs at the end of the procedure. Group 2: patients who experienced a decrease in ABIs at the end of the procedure (no BP obtained or decrease of ABI >0.3 from preoperative measurement). Patients in group 2 underwent exploration of the access vessel. Based on these, the positive and negative predictive values of the study were calculated.

Results

During the study period we performed 113 EVAR procedures for abdominal, thoracic, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, in which 226 femoral arteries were accessed. Mean age was 71 years and 88% were males. In 219 (97%) of the limbs, there was no change in calf BP measurements and ABIs immediately after the procedure, when compared to the preoperative measurements, and none suffered a decrease in follow up ABIs. In 7 limbs (3%), there was a decrease in the calf BP (group 2), and all underwent exploration of the femoral artery. In 5 of these, a pathology was found within the artery. The positive predictive value of the intraoperative calf BP measurement was 71%. The negative predictive value of the study was 100%.

Conclusion

Intraoperative calf BP and ABIs is a simple method to assess the lower limb perfusion and detect LEI following EVAR. The exam is particularly accurate in ruling out LEI as it has a very high negative predictive value. However, an abnormal measurement does not necessarily confirm LEI.
Cancer should not contravene the revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia
Authors: Jessen Majken L , Eiberg Jonas , Sillesen Henrik , Lawaetz Martin
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the frequency of cancer among patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) and to determine how active cancer affected outcomes after open or endovascular revascularization. In addition, we aimed to investigate all-cause mortality and cause of death in the PAD population.

Design

Observational single-centre cohort study based on a retrospective analysis of prospectively entered registry data.

Materials

All consecutive patients treated for CLTI due to PAD at a single university centre between the 1st of January 2011 and the 31st of December 2015 were included. Data from the Danish Vascular Registry (Karbase) regarding demographics, surgical procedure, and complications were linked with data from the Danish Cancer Registry and Cause of Death Registry.

Methods

The primary endpoint was major amputation-free survival. Secondary endpoints were postoperative complications within 30 days, cancer-free survival, all-cause mortality and cause of death in the cohort. Major amputation-free survival, cancer-free survival and mortality were described with Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival estimates.

Results

We included 920 patients, of which 116 (13%) were in the active cancer group at the time of revascularization. There was no difference in amputation-free survival between those with cancer (86.8% 1-year KM estimate) and those without cancer (85.2% 1-year KM estimate) ( p = 0.50). Likewise, we found no difference in 30-day postoperative complication rate. The risk of developing cancer in the included CLTI cohort was similar to the age-matched background population (6.1% vs 6.4%) ( p = 0.69). All-cause mortality was higher in CLTI patients with cancer, mainly due to cancer, compared with CLTI patients without cancer who mainly died from cardiovascular disease. Three-year KM survival estimates were 48.3% (95% CI 40.0%–58.3%) and 64.4% (95% CI 61.2%–67.8%) ( p = 0.014) for cancer and non-cancer patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Although cancer in patients with CLTI is related to higher medium- to long-term mortality, active cancer per se should not contravene revascularization, as postoperative complications and risk of amputation are not overrepresented.
Towards a democratic and fair society: Civic competences of Brazilian graduates
Authors: Bertolin Julio , Tavares Orlanda , Sin Cristina
Published: October 2022

This article analyses whether Brazilian graduates feel that their higher education programmes have contributed to the development of civic competences (ethics, critical thinking and respect for diversity), necessary to become active citizens in a democratic and fair society. The analysis considers disciplines and students’ socioeconomic and cultural background, employing official data (2014, 2015 and 2016) from the National Test of Student Performance (Enade). Findings show that students of higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to concentrate in programmes which lead to more prestigious and powerful positions in society. Curiously, it is these students who feel less confident that their degree contributed to the development of the above civic competences than their colleagues from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These findings question whether higher education fulfils its mission to promote holistic human development for all students. These competences are particularly critical for privileged students who will be better positioned professionally to tackle societal injustices.
Enhancing generalizability of stroke clinical trial results: Illustrations from upper-limb motor recovery trials
Authors: Dalton Emily J , Lannin Natasha A , Campbell Bruce CV , Churilov Leonid , Hayward Kathryn S
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Broadening eligibility criteria has been a focus to increase the generalizability of trial findings. Using upper-limb motor trials conducted early post-stroke as the illustrative domain, we sought to (1) investigate whether the published aim and conclusion statements adequately reflect the generalizability of findings and (2) explore internal validity and feasibility as constraints to achieving generalizability.

Methods:

We systematically applied a conceptual model of a trial sampling process to published literature from systematic review and prospective cross-sectional data. The eligibility criteria reported and used to exclude patients were classified by consensus as related to safety, internal validity, feasibility, or a combination thereof. Categorical data were reported as counts/proportions, and continuous data were reported as median (interquartile range (IQR)).

Results:

Thirty trials ( n = 1638 participants) were included in the published literature and 1013 patients in the prospective data set. Thirty-seven percent of trials did not describe their target population in the aim and conclusion, and 80% did not report all trial screening data. Eligibility criteria related to internal validity were the most common type reported and applied to exclude patients across both data sets. In the prospective data set, 70% of patients were excluded for more than one reason.

Conclusion:

Key information to support the generalizability of trial findings was insufficiently reported in published upper-limb motor research conducted early post-stroke. Broadening eligibility criteria alone is unlikely to sufficiently improve trial inclusivity due to internal validity constraints. Trials could achieve inclusivity through targeting multiple sub-populations, that in combination, produce clinically relevant results that are applicable to a broader population.
Preparation and characterization of antibacterial gels of galactomannan/ZnO nanocomposite in carbopol-based matrix using mesquite seeds as the biopolymer source
Authors: Bouttier-Figueroa DC , García-Valenzuela JA , Cota-Leal M , Robles-Zepeda RE , Sotelo-Lerma M
Published: October 2022

Nanocomposite gels are novel materials mainly used in the medical field for the control drug release and distribution. In this study, the effect of the concentration of galactomannan/zinc oxide nanocomposite in a polymeric Carbopol matrix to obtain a functional nanocomposite gel was studied. The swelling, thermogravimetric, rheological, and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The results indicate that there is a direct effect between the amount of the employed nanocomposite and the properties studied in the gels. In this regard, we present a formulation that demonstrates that the prepared nanocomposite gel has ideal properties to be used in the medical field as an antibacterial agent.
Invasive Yet Inevitable? Privacy Normalization Trends in Biometric Technology
Authors: Paik Sejin , Mays Kate K. , Katz James E.
Published: October 2022

As biometric technology relies on bodily, physical information, it is among the more intrusive technologies in the contemporary consumer market. Consumer products containing biometric technology are becoming more popular and normalized, yet little is known about public perceptions concerning its privacy implications, especially from the perspective of human agency. This study examines how people perceive biometric technologies in different societal contexts and via different agents in control. Our study revealed that, in large part, people’s perceptions of biometric technology are context-dependent, based on who retrieves and who benefits from the information and the situation where the data are collected. Participants were much more comfortable with more intrusive biometric technology in airport security than in a grocery store, and if it was employed to improve their health. We conclude by considering the implications of the survey for new threats to personal privacy that arise out of emerging technologies.
Transcatheter arterial embolization for bleeding from the pancreaticoduodenal artery in patients with celiac artery stenosis: A technical report
Authors: Onishi Yasuyuki , Shimizu Hironori , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Shinozuka Ken , Ohtsuru Shigeru , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: October 2022

Background

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is widely accepted as a treatment for bleeding from the pancreaticodoudenal artery (PDA) in patients with celiac artery stenosis. However, the technical aspect of TAE has not received much attention.

Purpose

To report the technical details and success rate of TAE for bleeding from the PDA in patients with CA stenosis.

Material and Methods

Between 2015 and 2021, nine TAE procedures were performed in eight patients (five women, three men; one woman underwent TAE twice). The cause of CA stenosis was compression by the median arcuate ligament in eight cases and CA dissection in one case. The cause of bleeding was flow-related aneurysm rupture in six cases. Pre-TAE CT showed a pseudoaneurysm in all cases. The technical details of TAE were recorded, and the success rate was evaluated.

Results

The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. In six cases, both the CA and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were cannulated using two parent catheters: a microcatheter advancing to the pseudoaneurysm from the CA (the CA approach) to achieve embolization and another catheter for angiography advancing from the SMA to map the vascular anatomy. In five cases, the CA approach was successfully performed after failed attempts of advancing a microcatheter from the SMA.

Conclusion

TAE is an effective treatment for bleeding from the PDA in patients with CA stenosis. Using two parent catheters, one for CA cannulation and microcatheter advancement and another for SMA cannulation and vascular mapping, may be a useful technique.
On Political Economy and its Fallacies: Why Critiques and Rethinking Matter
Authors: Patnaik Utsa
Published: October 2022

This article is the 10th anniversary lecture of Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, delivered in 2021. It provides a reflection on key issues and fallacies that lie at the origins of political economy. It is argued that, as regards the problem of knowledge production, the formulation of factually and logically incorrect theories begins with English classical political economy. Political economy as developed in England in the second half of the eighteenth century—a period which saw a rapid increase in its trade especially with its colonies of conquest, while also making the transition to factory production—proceeded on the basis of verbal and material fallacies and silences which have been reproduced in historiography and the discipline of economics to this day.
SHP-1 knockdown suppresses mitochondrial biogenesis and aggravates mitochondria-dependent apoptosis induced by all trans retinal through the STING/AMPK pathways
Authors: Zhuang Xiaonan , Ma Jun , Xu Gezhi , Sun Zhongcui
Published: October 2022

Background

Oxidative stress-caused damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) underlies the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Impaired mitochondrial biogenesis sensitizes RPE cells to mitochondrial dysfunction, energy insufficiency and death. Src-homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 is important in regulating immune responses and cell survival. However, its roles in cell survival are not always consistent. Until now, the effects of SHP-1 on RPE dysfunction, especially mitochondrial homeostasis, remain to be elucidated. We sought to clarify the effects of SHP-1 in RPE cells in response to atRAL-induced oxidative stress and determine the regulatory mechanisms involved.

Methods

In the all trans retinal (atRAL)-induced oxidative stress model, we used the vector of lentivirus to knockdown the expression of SHP-1 in ARPE-19 cells. CCK-8 assay, Annexin V/PI staining and JC-1 staining were utilized to determine the cell viability, cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. We also used immunoprecipitation to examine the ubiquitination modification of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and its interaction with SHP-1. The expression levels of mitochondrial marker, proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis, and signaling molecules involved were examined by western blotting analysis.

Results

We found that SHP-1 knockdown predisposed RPE cells to apoptosis, aggravated mitochondrial damage, and repressed mitochondrial biogenesis after treatment with atRAL. Immunofluoresent staining and immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that SHP-1 interacted with the endoplasmic reticulum-resident STING and suppressed K63-linked ubiquitination and activation of STING. Inhibition of STING with the specific antagonist H151 attenuated the effects of SHP-1 knockdown on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative damage. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway acted as the crucial downstream target of STING and was involved in the regulatory processes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SHP-1 knockdown potentiates STING overactivation and represses mitochondrial biogenesis and cell survival, at least in part by blocking the AMPK pathway in RPE cells. Therefore, restoring mitochondrial health by regulating SHP-1 in RPE cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for degenerative retinal diseases including AMD.
Research on the Pressure Regulator Effect on a Pneumatic Vibration Isolation System
Authors: Shi Yan , Xu Shaofeng , Sun Zhibo , Nie Yulong , Wang Yixuan
Published: October 2022

The pneumatic vibration isolator (PVI) plays an increasingly important role in precision manufacturing. In this paper, aiming to detect the performance of the pressure regulator in the PVI system, a PVI testing system with a pressure regulator is designed and developed. Firstly, the structure of the pneumatic spring is presented and analyzed, and the nonlinear stiffness is obtained based on the ideal gas model and material mechanics. Then, according to the working principle and continuity equations of ideal airflow, a dynamic model of the PVI system with a pressure regulator is established. Through the simulation analysis, the vibration isolation performance is improved with the efficient and precise pressure regulator. The average values of both the vibration velocity and transmission rate decrease when the vibration is set to 4, 10, 20 and 40 Hz, respectively. The experiments demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of the pressure regulator. This achievement will become an important basis for future research concerning precision manufacturing.
Quantitative analysis of transcriptome dynamics provides novel insights into developmental state transitions
Authors: Johnson Kristin , Freedman Simon , Braun Rosemary , LaBonne Carole
Published: October 2022

Background

During embryogenesis, the developmental potential of initially pluripotent cells becomes progressively restricted as they transit to lineage restricted states. The pluripotent cells of Xenopus blastula-stage embryos are an ideal system in which to study cell state transitions during developmental decision-making, as gene expression dynamics can be followed at high temporal resolution.

Results

Here we use transcriptomics to interrogate the process by which pluripotent cells transit to four different lineage-restricted states: neural progenitors, epidermis, endoderm and ventral mesoderm, providing quantitative insights into the dynamics of Waddington’s landscape. Our findings provide novel insights into why the neural progenitor state is the default lineage state for pluripotent cells and uncover novel components of lineage-specific gene regulation. These data reveal an unexpected overlap in the transcriptional responses to BMP4/7 and Activin signaling and provide mechanistic insight into how the timing of signaling inputs such as BMP are temporally controlled to ensure correct lineage decisions.

Conclusions

Together these analyses provide quantitative insights into the logic and dynamics of developmental decision making in early embryos. They also provide valuable lineage-specific time series data following the acquisition of specific lineage states during development.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of lncRNAs in sunflower endosperm
Authors: Yu Shuai , Zhang Zhichao , Li Jing , Zhu Yanbin , Yin Yanzhe , Zhang Xiaoyu , Dai Yuxin , Zhang Ao , Li Cong , Zhu Yanshu , Fan Jinjuan , Ruan Yanye , Dong Xiaomei
Published: October 2022

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as important regulators, play important roles in plant growth and development. The expression and epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs remain uncharacterized generally in plant seeds, especially in the transient endosperm of the dicotyledons.

Results

In this study, we identified 11,840 candidate lncRNAs in 12 day-after-pollination sunflower endosperm by analyzing RNA-seq data. These lncRNAs were evenly distributed in all chromosomes and had specific features that were distinct from mRNAs including tissue-specificity expression, shorter and fewer exons. By GO analysis of protein coding genes showing strong correlation with the lncRNAs, we revealed that these lncRNAs potential function in many biological processes of seed development. Additionally, genome-wide DNA methylation analyses revealed that the level of DNA methylation at the transcription start sites was negatively correlated with gene expression levels in lncRNAs. Finally, 36 imprinted lncRNAs were identified including 32 maternally expressed lncRNAs and four paternally expressed lncRNAs. In CG and CHG context, DNA methylation levels of imprinted lncRNAs in the upstream and gene body regions were slightly lower in the endosperm than that in embryo tissues, which indicated that the maternal demethylation potentially induce the paternally bias expression of imprinted lncRNAs in sunflower endosperm.

Conclusion

Our findings not only identified and characterized lncRNAs on a genome-wide scale in the development of sunflower endosperm, but also provide novel insights into the parental effects and epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs in dicotyledonous seeds.