bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Non‐compliance in the EU Differentiated Integration: The Case of Transport and Infrastructure Obligations under the EU‐Ukraine Association Agreement
Authors: Rabinovych Maryna , Egert Oleksandra
Published: June 2022

External differentiated integration constellations, such as the EU Association Agreements (AAs) with Eastern Neighbours, require third states to conduct extensive regulatory approximation with EU rules. Nevertheless, compliance in EU external differentiation remains under‐researched. In this vein, the article explains (non)‐compliance in EU external differentiated integration through the prism of an integrated approach to compliance that brings together the enforcement and management perspectives. The research is based on the case study of Ukraine's fulfillment of its transport‐ and infrastructure‐related obligations under the EU‐Ukraine AA. It is found that Ukraine's low compliance rates stem from an array of factors attributable to both of the applied perspectives. The study testifies to the complementarity of the enforcement and management approaches in the research of compliance in EU external differentiated integration and points out the need for the Commission to combine ‘carrots‐and‐sticks’ approach with consultations and capacity‐building to strengthen Eastern Neighbours' compliance with AAs norms.
Predicting the risk of dental implant loss using deep learning
Authors: Huang Nannan , Liu Peng , Yan Youlong , Xu Ling , Huang Yuanding , Fu Gang , Lan Yiqing , Yang Sheng , Song Jinlin , Li Yuzhou
Published: June 2022

Aim

To investigate the feasibility of predicting dental implant loss risk with deep learning (DL) based on preoperative cone‐beam computed tomography.

Materials and Methods

Six hundred and three patients who underwent implant surgery (279 high‐risk patients who did and 324 low‐risk patients who did not experience implant loss within 5 years) between January 2012 and January 2020 were enrolled. Three models, a logistic regression clinical model (CM) based on clinical features, a DL model based on radiography features, and an integrated model (IM) developed by combining CM with DL, were developed to predict the 5‐year implant loss risk. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the model performance. Time to implant loss was considered for both groups, and Kaplan–Meier curves were created and compared by the log‐rank test.

Results

The IM exhibited the best performance in predicting implant loss risk (AUC = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.95), followed by the DL model (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.92) and the CM (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI 0.63–0.79).

Conclusions

Our study offers preliminary evidence that both the DL model and the IM performed well in predicting implant fate within 5 years and thus may greatly facilitate implant practitioners in assessing preoperative risks.
Encouraging sun protection early in life: from a successful prevention programme in children to the identification of psychological barriers in adolescents
Authors: Stockfleth E. , Revol O.
Published: June 2022

Children and adolescents have high rates of sunburn and high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and are therefore at risk of developing skin cancer in later life. Minimizing UVR exposure in childhood and adolescence may be the most important component of skin cancer prevention efforts. Thus, age‐adapted prevention campaigns, targeting children, adolescents and caregivers, are needed to change sun protection behaviour among individuals in these age groups. In the first part of this review, we describe the ‘SunPass’ programme, which was initiated in Germany in 2010 as the first nationwide educational intervention for sun safety designed to teach kindergarten children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Implemented in 55 kindergartens, this programme has been shown to be effective at improving sun protection behaviour (P < 0.001) and hat use (P = 0.029) among kindergarten children, as well as at improving shade practices and increasing demand for protective clothing (P < 0.001). Up to 40 000 children, 50 000 parents/grandparents and 2500 kindergarten caregivers took part in the SunPass programme in Germany from 2019 to June 2021. The programme has also been adapted and implemented in several other European countries and could be readily adapted for use elsewhere. In the second part of this review, we discuss the specific challenges faced by adolescents and consider how these issues may impact their sun protection behaviour. Adolescents have difficulties suppressing responses to reward‐related cues and projecting themselves into the future. They also place a lot of importance on social acceptance and cosmetic appearance, and their higher risk of depression, addiction and impulsivity make them vulnerable to tanning addiction. These specificities need to be acknowledged by dermatologists, so they can adapt their therapeutic relationship and develop effective sun protection interventions for this generation.
Impact of off‐label use regulations on patient care in dermatology – a prospective study of cost‐coverage applications filed by tertiary dermatology clinics throughout Germany
Authors: Werner R.N. , Pennitz A. , Eisert L. , Schmidle P. , Zink A. , Abraham S. , Schäkel K. , Wolff I. , Goebeler M. , Plange J. , Sollfrank L. , Zielbauer S. , Koll P. , Amschler K. , Müller V. , Nast A.
Published: June 2022

Background

In dermatology, a medical speciality with a relatively high number of rare diseases, physicians often have to resort to off‐label treatment options. To avoid claims, physicians in Germany can file a cost‐coverage request (off‐label application, OL‐A).

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the extent to which the current regulations affect patient care.

Material and methods

Prospective cohort study among tertiary dermatology clinics throughout Germany, consecutively including OL‐As (05/2019–09/2020) and assessing the follow‐up correspondence. We modelled regressions to assess factors associated with cost‐coverage decisions and the time needed by health insurers to process the OL‐As.

Results

Thirteen clinics provided data on 121 OL‐As, two of which applied for on‐label treatments. Of the remaining 119 OL‐As, 70 (58.8%) were immediately approved and 44 (37.0%) rejected. Including cases with one or more appeals, 87 of 119 OL‐As (73.1%) were finally approved and 26 (21.9%) rejected. There was an association of the final approval rate with (1) the class of medication/treatment, with approval rates being significantly lower for JAK inhibitors than for biologics (OR 0.16, 95%‐CI: 0.03–0.82); (2) German state, with approval rates being lower in eastern than in western states (OR 0.30, 95%‐CI 0.12–0.76); and (3) cost of the intervention (no linear trend). However, none of these predictors was significant in our multiple logistic regression models. The median health insurer's processing time (first response) was 29 days (IQR 22–38). Our analyses showed no evidence of an association with the predictors we assessed. In cases approved, the median time from the decision to file an OL‐A to the actual initiation of the treatment was 65.5 days (IQR 51–92).

Conclusions

Our study points to substantial delays and inequalities in the provision of timely health care for dermatological patients with rare diseases, often involving treatments for which there is no adequate approved therapy.
Beds without Rooms: Sleeping Rough
Authors: Dincer Demet
Published: June 2022

The sleep environment is considered one of the most private spaces for humans, primarily linked to a home. As the main actant of the sleep environment, a bed is usually associated with a comfortable private space: the bedroom. However, when the sleep environment is outside and visible to the public gaze, its function evolves into an urban role. This essay focuses on “beds” out of place, offering a differentiated recognition of rough sleepers. A rough sleeper's bed, as a symbolic reference to the materials placed in the public space, becomes an active part of urban life, a node where new interactions occur. Together with images of discarded mattresses left for public disposal and juxtaposed with the data based on sleep studies, this essay invokes the tension between the public and private domains of sleep. The visual images represent the discomfort of a publicly exposed bed, narrating the rough sleepers’ experience: sleeping without the benefit of privacy or security.
Screw‐retained surgical guide for implant placement in terminal dentition patients with existing implants
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , De Souza Andre , Kudara Yukio , Basha Vince , Bokhary Abdullah , Sinada Naif , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: June 2022

For patients with existing implants in need of additional implant placement, the use of the existing implants for guide fixation seems to be a logical alternative. Current options for the fabrication of surgical guides involve creating surgical guides that are mucosa‐borne and/or retained by fixation pins. Since these existing techniques involve inherent inaccuracies, the fabrication of surgical guides that are screw‐retained at the implant‐ or abutment‐level would eliminate the introduction of those same fundamental inaccuracies. The purpose of the present technical report is to illustrate a step‐by‐step digitally planned guided implant placement protocol for terminal dentition patients with salvageable existing implants requiring full‐arch implant rehabilitation. The advantages of this protocol include enhancing the accuracy of guided implant placement with screw‐retention versus the traditional mucosa‐ or fixation pin support. Thus, this simplifies the transition from failing teeth to implants by ensuring that fixed provisionalization serves both functional and esthetic requirements. This protocol can also predictably reduce chairside time and adjustments at the surgical implant placement appointment.
GEOCHEMISTRY AND CARBON ISOTOPE CHARACTERISTICS OF ASSOCIATED GASES FROM OILFIELDS IN THE NW GREATER CAUCASUS, RUSSIA
Authors: Oblasov N. V. , Goncharov I. V. , Derduga A. V. , Kunitsyna I. V.
Published: June 2022

The NW Greater Caucasus and surrounding areas have a long history of petroleum production dating back to the mid‐19th century. However the origin of the oil and gas is still a matter of debate. This paper focusses on a study area to the north of the western Greater Caucasus covering the West and East Kuban Basins and neighbouring structural highs where oil and natural gas occur in reservoir units of Neogene, Paleogene, Cretaceous and Jurassic ages. The study is based on the results of organic geochemical and stable carbon isotope analyses of 21 samples of associated gases from 16 oil fields. The gas samples' compositions were investigated together with the δ13C values of C1 to C5 alkanes. Twenty of the gas samples were of thermogenic origin and one was mixed (thermogenic and secondary microbial). δ13C values for CH4 for all the gas samples varied over a wide range from ‐62.3 to ‐30.0 ‰, indicating major variations in the thermal maturity of the respective source rocks.

In a previous study, three genetic types of oil were identified in the study area and are referred to here as Types 1, 2 and 3. Gaseous hydrocarbons associated with Type 1 oils were generated by source rocks in the Middle Eocene Kuma Formation and the Oligocene (lower) part of the Maikop Group which are inferred to have been deposited in anoxic, deep‐marine conditions. C2–C5 alkanes in gases associated with Type 1 oils have the lowest (most negative) δ13C values of the samples studied, and the lowest iso‐butane: n‐butane and iso‐pentane: n‐pentane ratios. These gas samples were recovered from wells in oilfields located in the south and SE of the West Kuban Basin, in the Akhtyrskaya fault zone which extends along the northern flank of the Greater Caucasus foldbelt.

Higher δ13C values of C2–C5 alkanes were found in gas samples associated with Type 2 oils which were recovered from wells in the central West Kuban Basin. The associated source rocks are interpreted to have been deposited in weakly oxidizing subaqueous conditions and to contain mainly marine organic matter but with an input of higher land plant material. The precise age and stratigraphic identity of the source rocks is unresolved but they may comprise the Upper Oligocene – Lower Miocene (middle and upper) part of the Maikop Group.

In gases associated with Type 3 oils, δ13C values of ethane to pentane are similar to those of gases associated with Type 2 oils. These gases were recovered from wells in oilfields located on the Adygeya Swell which divides the southern East and West Kuban Basins and from the Armavir‐Nevinnomyssk Swell to the north. The precise source of these gases and oils is not known but the oils are probably older than Late Cretaceous on account of the absence of oleanane.
Integration of hotspot identification, gap analysis, and niche modeling supports the conservation of Chinese threatened higher plants
Authors: Xue Tian‐Tian , Yang Xu‐Dong , Liu Qin , Qin Fei , Zhang Wen‐Di , Janssens Steven B. , Yu Sheng‐Xiang
Published: June 2022

A significant fraction of higher plants in China are threatened due to dramatic landscape transformation and increasing climate change. However, the conservation effectiveness of threatened higher plants (THPs) and their response to climate change are still underexplored to date. Based on the latest list of THPs in China, we obtained 102 593 occurrence records with latitude and longitude for 3858 THPs. By integrating the distribution patterns of three biodiversity indexes (i.e., species richness, species complementarity, and weighted endemism) and 10 plant categories, we identified hotspots for THPs and calculated the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves. We then selected 1959 THPs to project the shift of species richness and range sizes under climate change (representative concentration pathway [RCP] 2.6 and RCP 8.5). In total, 16 hotspot areas covering 7.38% of Chinese land area and containing 91.73% of THPs were identified. Current nature reserves protected 35.05% of hotspots, 73.07% of all THPs, and 56.64% of narrow‐ranged species. By the 2070s, the species richness of THPs were predicted to decrease in Southeast and Central China, and 42.42% (RCP 2.6) and 51.40% (RCP 8.5) of the 1959 THPs would confront habitat contraction. Future conservation efforts should focus on the conservation gaps and carry out targeted conservation for THPs with narrow distribution range. In order to cope with climate change, the hotspots with relatively low species loss can serve as important areas to contain current species diversity and the areas with high species gain offer opportunities for ex‐situ conservation of THPs.
p53 gene delivery via a recombinant Salmonella enterica Typhimurium leads to human bladder carcinoma cell death in vitro
Authors: Pérez Jorge G. , Módolo D.G. , Jaimes-Florez Y.P. , Fávaro W.J. , de Jesus M.B. , Brocchi M.
Published: June 2022

Numerous studies have attempted to restore the function of the tumour suppressor p53 as an anti-cancer strategy through gene delivery. However, most studies employed non-bacterial vectors to deliver p53. Various facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria have been proposed as vectors because of their intrinsic tumour targeting ability and anti-tumour activity. Salmonella enterica Typhimurium is the most studied bacterial vector in anti-cancer therapy. We used the previously designed χ11218 strain of S. enterica Typhimurium, displaying regulated delayed lysis, as a vector for delivering p53 to human bladder carcinoma cells, restoring wild-type p53 protein function. We cloned p53 into pYA4545 (containing a eukaryotic expression system) to generate the χ11218 pYA4545p53 strain. Cloning of p53 did not affect the growth or interfere with the invasive and replicative capacity of χ11218 bacteria in tumour cells. Human bladder carcinoma cells (expressing mutated p53) transfected with pYA4545p53 showed a significant increase in the expression of p53 protein. We demonstrated that p53 supplied by χ11218 significantly decreased the viability of human bladder cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrates the applicability of the attenuated χ11218 strain as a vector for DNA plasmids expressing tumour suppressor genes.
Shift work and the risk for metabolic syndrome among healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sooriyaarachchi Piumika , Jayawardena Ranil , Pavey Toby , King Neil A.
Published: June 2022

Shift work, defined as work occurring outside typical daytime working hours, is associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to several biological and environmental changes. The MetS refers to the clustering of several known cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature on the association between shift work and the risk of MetS in employees of the health sector. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using appropriate keywords for studies published before September 1, 2021. Eligible studies were those that compared the prevalence of MetS between day and shift healthcare workers; had a cross‐sectional, case–control, or cohort study design; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratios or relative risks with 95% confidence intervals; and articles in English. The Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tool was used for quality analysis. Risk for MetS and related measures of effect size were retrieved from studies for meta‐analysis. Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review and meta‐analysis. Sample sizes ranged from 42 to 738, and the age range of subjects was between 18 and 65 years. Ten studies demonstrated high methodological quality, while two studies were of average quality. Ten out of 12 studies in the review demonstrated a higher risk in shift workers for developing MetS than day workers. The pooled OR of MetS in shift workers based on 12 studies was 2.17 (95% CI = 1.31–3.60, P = 0.003; I2 = 82%, P < 0.001). Shift workers exhibited more than a twofold increase in the chance of developing MetS in comparison with day workers.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients Operated for Achilles Tendon Rupture in Shanghai
Authors: Teng Zhao‐lin , Cao Sheng‐xuan , Ma Xin , Wang Xu , Huang Jia‐Zhang , Zhang Chao , Geng Xiang
Published: June 2022

Objective

To reflect the potential epidemiological characteristics of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture in Shanghai, China, which has been rarely reported before.

Methods

This work is a descriptive epidemiology study. A total of 302 cases of AT rupture admitted to our department between 01/2013 and 02/2020 are analyzed according to telephone follow‐up and medical records. Male to female ratio is 10.3 and the average age is 37.5 years. The record of each case includes age, gender, Body mass index (BMI), quinolone use, corticoid exposure and related medical history/comorbidities. If the case is sports‐related (SR), details including kind of sports, intensity of exercise, exercise time before rupture, specific action that causes rupture and situation of warm‐up are collected. Two independent sample t‐tests and Pearson chi‐square tests are used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 252 ruptures are SR. Male to female ratio is 15.6 in SR cases. Most SR ruptures occur in patients aged 25–39 years. Ball games are major sports responsible for rupture: basketball in 95 (37.7%), badminton in 68 (27.0%) and soccer in 62 (24.6%). Acceleration and running start is the specific action that cause most (37.7%) ruptures. AT cases are observed in 91 patients with warm‐up and 161 without preparation before exercise. As a result, more ruptures happened within 10 min' sports in 161 unprepared (22.4%) than in 91 prepared (5.5%) cases. In SR cases, 107 and 145 cases are observed on weekends and weekdays. Of the 302 total cases, 64 are associated with Achilles tendinopathy. Frequently reported factors such as quinolone use and corticoid exposure are found only in two and 11 of all cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Middle‐aged males are common victims of AT rupture in Shanghai. Sports including basketball, badminton, soccer and actions involving in sudden and severe contraction of AT cause most ruptures. Warm‐up before exercise reduces rupture in short time. Factors such as quinolone, corticoid and Achilles tendonitis still need attention.
Extensive Spinal Epidural Abscess Resulting in Complete Paraplegia Treated by Selective Laminectomies and Irrigation
Authors: Xu Tongshuai , Du Yukun , Guo Jianwei , Li Jianyi , Shao Cheng , Shi Changfang , Ren Xianfeng , Xi Yongming
Published: June 2022

Background

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon clinical entity that is often subject to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. Untreated disease leads to compression of the spinal cord, resulting in devastating complications.

Case Presentation

A 56‐year‐old man visited our hospital for progressive lower back and lower extremity pain of several days' duration. Significant pyrexia (39.5°C) and elevated C‐reactive protein (89.2 mg/L) were detected during admission, but no positive neurological examination findings were observed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pyogenic discitis at L3–4. Despite the administration of directed antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, culminating in complete paraplegia secondary to an extensive SEA from L4 to C7. Emergency spinal decompression surgery was canceled due to his poor clinical condition and refusal of informed consent. After further deterioration, he consented to two‐level selective laminectomies and irrigation.

Conclusions

In contrast with prior case reports, this case illustrates the natural history of an extensive SEA during conservative and late surgical treatment. Early diagnosis and timely surgical decompression are of great importance for extensive SEA.
Inborn errors of immunity caused by defects in the DNA damage response pathways: Importance of minimizing treatment‐related genotoxicity
Authors: Fournier Benjamin , Mahlaoui Nizar , Moshous Despina , de Villartay Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2022

Several primary immunodeficiencies are caused by defects in the general DNA repair machinery as exemplified by the T‐B‐ radiosensitive SCID condition owing to impaired resolution of programmed DNA double‐strand breaks introduced by RAG1/2 during V(D)J recombination. The genome instability generally associated with these conditions results in an increased propensity to develop malignancies requiring genotoxic‐based anti‐cancer treatments. Moreover, the extent of immune deficiency often calls for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a definitive treatment, also requiring genotoxic‐based conditioning regimen prior to transplantation. In both cases, the underlying general DNA repair defect may result in catastrophic iatrogenic consequences. It is, therefore, of paramount importance to assess the functionality of the DNA repair apparatus prior to any genotoxic treatment when the exact molecular cause of the disease is unknown. For this purpose, two simple assays can be used on patients derived peripheral blood lymphocytes: (1) the PROMIDISα biomarker, based on the next‐generation sequencing analysis of the TCRα repertoire, will highlight specific signatures of DNA repair deficiencies; (2) direct analysis of the sensitivity of peripheral lymphocytes to ionizing radiation will formally identify patients at risk to develop toxicity toward genotoxic‐based treatments.
Influence of cross‐sectional area and fat infiltration of paraspinal muscles on analgesic efficacy of epidural steroid injection in elderly patients
Authors: Kim Hee Jung , Rho Miribi , Yoon Kyung Bong , Jo Minju , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Shin Hyung
Published: June 2022

Background

An assessment of paraspinal muscle degeneration based on magnetic resonance imaging has been used to investigate both sarcopenia and myosteatosis. The morphologic changes in cross‐sectional area and fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles can affect pain outcomes after epidural steroid injection.

Methods

Patients ≥65 years of age who underwent fluoroscopy‐guided lumbar epidural steroid injections were enrolled. Good analgesia was defined as ≥50% reduction in pain score at 4 weeks after injection. Cross‐sectional area and grade of fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles on magnetic resonance images at the level of L3–L4 disc were measured. Patient demographics, pain‐related factors, clinical factors, and paraspinal muscle measurements were compared between good and poor analgesia groups. The factors associated with pain outcomes after injection were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 245 patients consisting of 149 and 96 patients in the good and poor analgesia groups, respectively, fully satisfied the study criteria for analysis. Patients of older age, opioid use, and high‐grade foraminal stenosis were frequently observed in the poor analgesia group. The grade of fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles was significantly higher in the poor analgesia group (Grade 2, 20.8% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001), and this result was predominantly observed in female patients. However, there was no difference in the muscle cross‐sectional area between the two groups (18.29 ± 3.16 vs. 18.59 ± 3.03 cm2/m2, p = 0.460). The percentage of patients with good analgesia decreased as the grade of fat infiltration increased (Grade 0 = 75.0%, Grade 1 = 65.8%, Grade 2 = 43.0%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preinjection opioid use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.926, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.084–3.422, p = 0.025], moderate to severe foraminal stenosis (aOR = 2.859, 95% CI = 1.371–5.965, p = 0.005), and high‐grade fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles (aOR = 4.258, 95% CI = 1.805–10.043, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with poor analgesia after injection.

Conclusion

High fat infiltration of the paraspinal muscles at the mid‐lumbar region appeared to be an independent factor associated with poor analgesia after epidural steroid injection in elderly patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal disease receiving conservative care. However, the cross‐sectional area of the paraspinal muscles was not associated with pain relief after injection.
Monitoring plant water status via static uniaxial compression of the leaf lamina
Authors: Fuenzalida Tomás I. , Binks Oliver , Bryant Callum J. , Wolfe Joe , Ball Marilyn C.
Published: June 2022

Turgor pressure is an essential, but difficult to measure indicator of plant water status. Turgor has been quantified by localized compression of cells or tissues, but a simple method to perform these measurements is lacking. We hypothesized that changes in leaf turgidity can be monitored by uniaxially compressing the leaf lamina and measuring the mechanical stress under a constrained thickness (stress relaxation) and that changes in leaf water content can be monitored by measuring the leaf thickness under constant mechanical stress. Using a simple, custom‐built leaf squeeze‐flow rheometer, we performed different compression tests on leaves from 13 plant species. The mechanical stress measured during stress relaxation was correlated with leaf bulk turgor pressure (R2 > 0.95) and thus with balancing pressure (R2 > 0.94); the leaf thickness measured under constant mechanical stress was correlated with relative water content (R2 > 0.74). The coefficients of these relationships were related to the leaf bulk osmotic pressure at the turgor‐loss point. An idealized average‐cell model suggests that, under isothermal conditions, the stationary bulk modulus during compression is largely determined by the bulk osmotic pressure. Our study presents an inexpensive, accessible and automatable method to monitor plant water status noninvasively.
Successful use of telemedicine for evaluation of infantile hemangiomas during the early COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kittler Nicole W. , Frieden Ilona J. , Abuabara Katrina , Siegel Dawn H. , Horii Kimberly A. , Mathes Erin F. , Blei Francine , Haggstrom Anita N. , Streicher Jenna L. , Metry Denise W. , Garzon Maria C. , Morel Kimberly D. , Lauren Christine T. , Hogeling Marcia , Fernandez Faith Esteban , Baselga Eulalia , Tollefson Megha M. , Newell Brandon D. , McCuaig Catherine C. , Mancini Anthony J. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Becker Emily M. , Cossio Maria L. , Shah Sonal D.
Published: June 2022

Background/Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted a rapid expansion in the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to assess the experiences of hemangioma specialists utilizing telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas (IH), including perceived effectiveness of different modalities and barriers to care delivery.

Methods

Multicenter cross‐sectional study asking providers to describe their experiences using telemedicine for initial evaluation of IH from March to September 2020.

Results

The study included 281 patients from 15 medical centers internationally. Median time from referral to evaluation was 17 days. Median physician confidence in performing evaluations via telemedicine was 95.0 (IQR 90.0–100.0). Most evaluations were performed via video communication with photographs or audio communication with photographs; when not initially available, photographs were requested in 51.4%. Providers preferred follow‐up modalities that included photographs.

Conclusions

Physicians with extensive expertise in managing IH are confident in their abilities to assess and manage IH via telemedicine including initiating treatment in patients without risk factors for beta‐blocker therapy. There was a preference for hybrid modalities that included photographs. The data suggest that telemedicine can be effective for managing IH and may decrease wait times and improve specialist reach to underserved areas.
The effects of school‐based management on Indian government schools
Authors: Guha Panchali
Published: June 2022

India institutionalized school‐based management in 2009 by requiring all government schools to constitute school management committees, primarily staffed by parents, that would make decisions on school‐related issues. This article utilizes school‐level panel data from the state of Uttar Pradesh and uses a matched difference‐in‐difference estimation methodology to examine the effect of this policy on the provision of basic school infrastructure and services in government schools. It finds evidence that the policy resulted in improving the provision of libraries and medical checkups for students.
Recent Transformation of Marginal Rural Areas in the Sudetes Mountains in Poland—Drivers and Effects of Changes in Perception of their Inhabitants☆
Authors: Kajdanek Katarzyna , Latocha Agnieszka , Sikorski Dominik , Tomczak Przemysław , Szmytkie Robert , Miodońska Paulina
Published: June 2022

The study aims to analyze inhabitants' perceptions vis‐a‐vis the actual demographic, economic, functional, and land use transformation taking place in the peripheral area of Kłodzko County in the Sudetes Mountains in southwestern Poland. Recently, new socio‐economic processes can be observed in the region, suggesting a revival after a period of stagnation. It employs qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews and observation, and quantitative data from an online survey. Findings on inhabitants' perception are discussed against evidence from diverse statistical databases based on the literature. Results show that changes to physical built environment are most perceived, but tourism is seen as the main positive driver. The most acute negative change is depopulation, which is also considered to have a damaging effect on the transformation. The results show some disparities in perceptions across different socio‐demographic and spatially defined categories of inhabitants, as well as ambiguity of assessment of rural transformations that are interpreted in relation to the socio‐economic context of interviewees. The study contributes to discussion on perceived and actual change in rural areas by pointing to patterns of perception. It provides social feedback on changes and depicts collective attitudes towards rural revival—knowledge that is necessary to formulate policies tailored to site‐specific preconditions.
Intersectionality in pandemic youth suicide attempt trends
Authors: McCoy Katherine , Kohlbeck Sara
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in increased distress at a societal level, with youth and young people bearing a disproportionate burden. A series of recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports has highlighted emergency department (ED) visit rates for suicide attempts among youth ages 12–25 during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study expands those analyses by adding race and ethnicity to the examination of suspected suicide attempts among youth.

Methods

This study uses National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) data for Wisconsin from hospitals that consistently reported ED visits between the study period of January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. Suspected suicide attempt visits were identified using the CDC‐developed suicide attempt query.

Results

During the study period, there were 8915 ED visits for suicide attempts by children and youth ages 12–25 in Wisconsin's NSSP system. We confirm gendered patterns of ED visit rates for suspected suicide attempts among youth that were first noted in studies using a non‐representative national dataset. Large and significant 2019 vs. 2021 increases were noted for Black females ages 12–17 (79% increase) and White non‐Hispanic females ages 12–17 (58%), but no significant change for Hispanic females ages 12–17. Black females ages 18–25 had high and relatively stable rates throughout this period.
How voter distributions, issue ownership, and position influence party emphasis
Authors: Williams Christopher J. , Ishiyama John
Published: June 2022

Background

Research regarding party behavior has often be understood through one of two models, (1) the Downsian proximity model, which supposes parties will change positions in order to be most competitive, and (2) the issue salience model, which understands parties to emphasize issues on which it is more competitive.

Objectives

This study produces a theoretical framework explaining why parties, specifically in a two‐party system, emphasize one issue dimension over others. We argue that voter distributions differ across issue dimensions and take one of four general forms: (1) unimodal symmetrical, (2) bimodal symmetrical, (3) unimodal asymmetrical, and (4) bimodal asymmetrical. These distributions determine the nature of an issue dimension as approximating valence or positional. Combined with a party's issue ownership or positional advantage, this determines whether a party emphasizes an issue. An issue owner is expected to emphasize unimodal symmetrical issues, parties with positional advantage are expected to emphasize bimodal asymmetrical issues, and no party should emphasize a bimodal symmetrical issue. The decision to emphasize a unimodal asymmetrical issue is dependent upon whether the issue owner and the party with positional advantage are the same and the long‐versus short‐term electoral strategy of a party.

Methods

Data to test this theoretical approach do not yet exist. This theoretical framework is designed to apply to a two‐party system. In order to properly test the above expectations, we would need data regarding the distribution of voters along different issue dimensions, as well as the emphases placed on issues by parties. These data must be specific to a two‐party system.

Conclusion

This theory attempted to build a synthesized theory of party behavior based on the Downsian proximity model and the issue salience model. This theory helps explain what issues parties will seek to contest, and which issues become politicized. However, this framework can be extended to explain many questions regarding polarization, party behavior, electoral strategy and political contestation.
Electoral incentives make politicians respond to voter preferences: Evidence from a survey experiment with members of Parliament in Belgium
Authors: Soontjens Karolin , Sevenans Julie
Published: June 2022

Background

Research shows that there is variation in how responsive individual politicians are to voter preferences. One explanation, it is commonly argued, lies in politicians' varying electoral motivations.

Methods

We test this assumption in a survey‐embedded experiment in which Belgian Members of parliament were asked what position they would take on a policy proposal after a random half of them had been shown real survey data indicating that their party voters were in favor of this policy.

Results

We find that politicians who feel unsure about their re‐election adapt their behavior more to be in line with the preferences of voters than confident politicians. Moreover, the anticipation of electoral accountability fosters responsiveness; the more politicians anticipate to be held accountable on Election Day for what they do and say, the more they respond to voter preferences.

Conclusion

These ideas are not new, yet we are the first to isolate them empirically and demonstrate their individual‐level foundations.
Internet and firms’ exports and imports: Firm level evidence from China
Authors: Li Bing , Li Linyue , Li Rou , Yue Yunsong
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the impact of the Internet on Chinese firms' export and import performance by using China's industrial enterprise and customs data and adopting a propensity score matching difference‐in‐differences method (PSM‐DID). The empirical results show that utilising the Internet has positive effects on firms' exports and imports; however, the effects are mainly concentrated in the first 2–3 years. The positive effect on exports is larger than on domestic sales; thus, the Internet increases export intensity. Further, we investigate the effects of the Internet on the three margins of Chinese exports. First, we borrow the multi‐product multi‐destination firm exporting theory developed by Bernard et al. (The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 126, 2011, 1271) and find that the Internet improves not only the extensive margin between firms, but also the within‐firm extensive margin. We then investigate the effects of the Internet on product quality and find that the Internet has a negative effect since Chinese firms export more products to developing countries than to other countries, where the requirements for product quality are relatively low. Our findings empirically justify the ‘Internet Plus’ strategy proposed by the Chinese government with regard to international trade.
Global REACH 2018: increased adrenergic restraint of blood flow preserves coupling of oxygen delivery and demand during exercise at high‐altitude
Authors: Hansen Alexander B. , Moralez Gilbert , Amin Sachin B. , Hofstätter Florian , Simpson Lydia L. , Gasho Christopher , Tymko Michael M. , Ainslie Philip N. , Lawley Justin S. , Hearon Christopher M.
Published: June 2022

Chronic exposure to hypoxia (high‐altitude, HA; >4000 m) attenuates the vasodilatory response to exercise and is associated with a persistent increase in basal sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). The mechanism(s) responsible for the reduced vasodilatation and exercise hyperaemia at HA remains unknown. We hypothesized that heightened adrenergic signalling restrains skeletal muscle blood flow during handgrip exercise in lowlanders acclimatizing to HA. We tested nine adult males (n = 9) at sea‐level (SL; 344 m) and following 21–28 days at HA (∼4300 m). Forearm blood flow (FBF; duplex ultrasonography), mean arterial pressure (MAP; brachial artery catheter), forearm vascular conductance (FVC; FBF/MAP), and arterial and venous blood sampling (O2 delivery () and uptake ()) were measured at rest and during graded rhythmic handgrip exercise (5%, 15% and 25% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction; MVC) before and after local α‐ and β‐adrenergic blockade (intra‐arterial phentolamine and propranolol). HA reduced ΔFBF (25% MVC: SL: 138.3 ± 47.6 vs. HA: 113.4 ± 37.1 ml min−1; P = 0.022) and Δ (25% MVC: SL: 20.3 ± 7.5 vs. HA: 14.3 ± 6.2 ml min−1; P = 0.014) during exercise. Local adrenoreceptor blockade at HA restored FBF during exercise (25% MVC: SLα–β blockade: 164.1 ± 71.7 vs. HAα–β blockade: 185.4 ± 66.6 ml min−1; P = 0.947) but resulted in an exaggerated relationship between and (/ slope: SL: 1.32; HA: slope: 1.86; P = 0.037). These results indicate that tonic adrenergic signalling restrains exercise hyperaemia in lowlanders acclimatizing to HA. The increase in adrenergic restraint is necessary to match oxygen delivery to demand and prevent over perfusion of contracting muscle at HA.

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Key points

In exercising skeletal muscle, local vasodilatory signalling and sympathetic vasoconstriction integrate to match oxygen delivery to demand and maintain arterial blood pressure.

Exposure to chronic hypoxia (altitude, >4000 m) causes a persistent increase in sympathetic nervous system activity that is associated with impaired functional capacity and diminished vasodilatation during exercise.

In healthy male lowlanders exposed to chronic hypoxia (21–28 days; ∼4300 m), local adrenoreceptor blockade (combined α‐ and β‐adrenergic blockade) restored skeletal muscle blood flow during handgrip exercise.

However, removal of tonic adrenergic restraint at high altitude caused an excessive rise in blood flow and subsequently oxygen delivery for any given metabolic demand.

This investigation is the first to identify greater adrenergic restraint of blood flow during acclimatization to high altitude and provides evidence of a functional role for this adaptive response in regulating oxygen delivery and demand.
Crisis de la (noción de) Literatura: reflexiones en torno a una inestabilidad histórica (desde el pensamiento francés contemporáneo)
Authors: Waldegaray Marta
Published: June 2022

Existió en nuestras sociedades un verdadero culto por la Literatura. Reaccionando contra este culto, se ha desarrollado en las últimas décadas una indiferencia, si no un desprecio, por una Literatura que ha ido perdiendo no solo su capital simbólico, sino también su visibilidad y por lo tanto también su derecho a existir. Este artículo vuelve sobre estos aspectos para interrogarlos desde un enfoque cultural e histórico. Centrándose en las controversias dadas en el ámbito académico francés contemporáneo, traza la aparición histórica de tal fenómeno y los discursos críticos contemporáneos sobre el debilitamiento de una cierta idea de lo literario que se confunde a menudo con el fin de la Literatura.
“Oro y papel son la misma cosa”: dinero y ficción en el Brasil de fines del siglo XIX
Authors: Mertehikian Lucas
Published: June 2022

Este ensayo estudia los efectos culturales de la difusión del papel moneda en Brasil hacia fines del siglo XIX. Primero, indago sobre las tensiones que el papel moneda pone en escena a través del análisis de un escándalo político ocurrido en Río de Janeiro en 1900, alrededor de un billete de dos mil reales. Segundo, ofrezco una lectura de “Anedota pecuniária”, un cuento de Machado de Assis incluido en Histórias sem data (1884). Mi objetivo es examinar la relación entre el funcionamiento del papel moneda y la economía del crédito, y los mecanismos narrativos de la ficción literaria.
Multiple layers of aluminum silicate and silicon dioxide deposited by room-temperature atomic layer deposition for enhanced cation sorption
Authors: Saito Takeru , Yoshida Kazuki , Saito Kentaro , Miura Masanori , Kanomata Kensaku , Ahmmad Bashir , Kubota Shigeru , Hirose Fumihiko
Published: June 2022

Multiple layers of aluminum silicate and SiO2 are deposited at room temperature (RT) by repeating a combination of aluminum-silicate atomic layer deposition (ALD) and a plural number of SiO2 ALDs. The RT-ALD is performed by using precursors of tris(dimethylamino)silane and trimethyl aluminum (TMA). The oxidizing gas is plasma excited humidified Ar. A cross-sectional transmission electron microscope and angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest that aluminum from the TMA molecule is diffused to SiO2 to form an aluminum silicate layer with the Al rich surface at RT. The deposited film shows an enhanced Na sorption in an NaCl aqueous solution of 10 mM, compared with the pure aluminum silicate layer without the SiO2 layer. It is assumed that the bond formation of Al–O–Al in the aluminum silicate film is suppressed by limiting the thickness of the aluminum silicate layer. Multiple films are also applicable for Cs and K ion sorption. The effects of the multiple layers on the ion sorptivity are discussed in the paper.
Mass spectral imaging showing the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria's effect on the Brachypodium awn
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Komorek Rachel , Zhu Zihua , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Wenli , Jansson Janet , Jansson Christer , Yu Xiao-Ying
Published: June 2022

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the host plant surface play a key role in biological control and pathogenic response in plant functions and growth. However, it is difficult to elucidate the PGPR effect on plants. Such information is important in biomass production and conversion. Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), a genomics model for bioenergy and native grasses, was selected as a C3 plant model; and the Gram-negative Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 (P.) and Gram-positive Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus A6 (A.) were chosen as representative PGPR strains. The PGPRs were introduced to the Brachypodium seed's awn prior to germination, and their possible effects on the seeding and growth were studied using different modes of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) measurements, including a high mass-resolution spectral collection and delayed image extraction. We observed key plant metabolic products and biomarkers, such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and auxin indole-3-acetic acid in the Brachypodium awns. Furthermore, principal component analysis and two-dimensional imaging analysis reveal that the Brachypodium awns are sensitive to the PGPR, leading to chemical composition and morphology changes on the awn surface. Our results show that ToF-SIMS can be an effective tool to probe cell-to-cell interactions at the biointerface. This work provides a new approach to studying the PGPR effects on awn and shows its potential for the research of plant growth in the future.
Using a Person-Centered Approach to Facilitate a Male Amateur Distance Runner’s Personal Growth
Authors: Davis Joe R. , McCarthy Paul J.
Published: June 2022

This case study analyzes, synthesizes, and tests a person-centered approach by a trainee sport and exercise psychologist working with a male amateur distance runner. The aim of applying a person-centered approach was to enhance the athlete’s understanding of himself, enable him to make sense of his experience, and facilitate personal growth. This case study explores the client’s change process and how developing the quality of the relationship allowed him to share his true thoughts and feelings and move towards his authentic self. The trainee describes the theoretical framework that guided the consultancy; reflects on the experiences of exhibiting empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence; and discusses the challenges with implementing the approach. The case study reflects on and evaluates the support service, so that the practitioner could learn from this experience and enhance service delivery as he moves toward the end of his formal training.