bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Forest That Walks: Digital Fieldwork and Distributions of Site
Authors: Gabrys Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Walking is a practice that often centers humans as moving and experiencing subjects. Whether on solitary rambles or in collective social and political engagements, people are central to understanding places on the move. However, multiple organisms and environments are also involved in moving practices. This article decenters human movement to ask: How does the forest walk? In a time when forest sites might also be inaccessible to multiple people who are remote from forest locations, this article further considers how digital fieldwork becomes a way to tune into moving forests and the relations they activate and sustain. Digital technologies differently constitute and mobilize environments in ways that can have consequences for how forests and people move, and for how environmental change is configured and addressed.
Walking While Aboriginal
Authors: Phillips Sandra
Published: September 2021

Walking is inherent to the experience of being Aboriginal, and for millennia and in place and along songlines and trade routes, walking went without massive disruption. Reflecting on walking while Aboriginal stirs up intergenerational memories and leaves a mystery to further explore.
From ‘sick nation’ to ‘superpower’: Anti-corruption knowledge and discourse and the construction of Indonesian national identity (1997–2019)
Authors: Pertiwi Kanti , Ainsworth Susan
Published: September 2021

Anti-corruption knowledge and discourse emerged in the mid-1990s promoted by powerful international actors and organizations, mostly targeting countries in the ‘Third World’. In this paper, we seek to decolonize this knowledge and show how it influences the construction of national identity of former colonies. Our case is a country with a reputation as one of the most corrupt in the world: Indonesia. Long celebrated in the West for its economic growth and political stability, in 1997 the Asian Financial Crisis forced Indonesia to accept financial aid from the International Monetary Fund accompanied by harsh conditions that resulted in domestic turmoil. Using discourse-historical method, we trace how national identity was constructed in The Jakarta Post from 1997 through two decades of Western-influenced corruption-related reform. Our findings show how acceptance of Western anti-corruption discourse and knowledge early on contributed to highly negative internal constructions of Indonesian national identity, but over time, this gave way both to more positive self-presentations as well as greater critique and contestation of this knowledge. Moreover, alternative rationales for anti-corruption were asserted that drew from shared understandings of Islam and Indonesia’s independence. Overall, we show how this type of internationally dominant management and organizational knowledge (MOK) colonized how Indonesia was imagined but that contestation was possible, enabled by improvements in economic circumstances. We conclude by arguing that to understand the colonizing effects of MOK, it is necessary to look at the impact of management knowledge beyond the boundaries of organizations, including at the level of national identities.
Decolonizing Arab organizational Knowledge: “Fahlawa” as a Research Practice
Authors: Yousfi Hèla
Published: September 2021

This article draws attention to how management scholars “the outsiders within” who are structurally positioned within the academies of dominant powers might negotiate the complexities of producing a locally rooted and meaningful knowledge, emancipated from the U.S. hegemony while carrying organization studies in Arab countries. Drawing upon my different ethnographic journeys as a researcher, brought up in an Arab country with a Francophone intellectual mindset and studying Arab management practices, I will discuss both the potential for and the difficulties of critical engagement with a decolonizing management research agenda. Then, and building on critical border thinking tradition, I will propose the Egyptian term “Fahlawa” as a metaphor for better describing the challenges of a decolonizing research practice that privileges contestation and perpetual bricolage over formal and universal design. Finally, I will conclude by highlighting the potential of “Fahlawa” as a survival/resistance practice to theorize what is unthought and invisible in management literature and to build situated knowledge less organized by U.S. domination.
Delivering clinical evidence-based child–parent interventions for emotional development through a digital platform: A feasibility trial
Authors: Selby Emma , Allabyrne Clare , Keenan Joseph R
Published: September 2021

As the prevalence of mental health conditions in childhood increases, there are growing concerns around the accessibility and scale of evidence-based support. However, barriers to referral, time commitment and engagement rates means recommended traditional group-based parenting programmes are unable to provide population level support at scale. The aim of this feasibility study was to establish whether a suite of purposively constructed animated films and digital resources could positively impact on parent and child outcomes in the early years. Families from a range of backgrounds ( n = 129) participated in a mixed method evaluation of the digital programme. After completing online surveys and interviews, the test group was given access to the Embers the Dragon platform for 8 weeks whilst the control group continued as usual. 98% of test group parents showed an improvement in parental response in relation to effective parenting styles. During qualitative interviews, child participants verbally recalled an increased range of emotions and coping strategies highlighted in the programme. Digital interventions can be used to support children’s emotional development independent of clinicians and may provide a solution to sustainable family psychoeducation, thereby fulfilling a preventative agenda and potentially lessening the future impact on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Higher risk of mortality in HIV-HBV co-infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa is observed at lower CD4+ cell counts
Authors: Kouamé Gérard M , Gabillard Delphine , Moh Raoul , Badje Anani , Ntakpé Jean B , Emième Arlette , Maylin Sarah , Toni Thomas d’Aquin , Ménan Hervé , Zoulim Fabien , Danel Christine , Anglaret Xavier , Eholié Serge , Lacombe Karine , Boyd Anders
Published: September 2021

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals increases the risk of overall mortality, especially when HBV DNA levels are high. The role of CD4+ cell counts in this association is poorly defined. We aimed to determine whether HIV–HBV co-infection influences changes in CD4+ cell count before and during antiretroviral therapy and whether it affects mortality risk at levels of CD4+.

Methods

2052 HIV-positive participants from Côte d’Ivoire in a randomized-control trial assessing early or deferred ART were included. HBV-status was determined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Changes in CD4+ cell levels were estimated using a mixed-effect linear model. The incidence rates of all-cause mortality were estimated at CD4+ counts ≤350, 351–500, >500/mm3 and were compared between HBV-status groups as incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results

At baseline, 190 (9%) were HBsAg-positive [135 (71%) with HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL, 55 (29%) ≥2000 IU/mL]. Follow-up was a median 58 months (IQR = 40–69). Between co-infection groups, there were no differences in CD4+ decline before ART initiation and no differences in CD4+ increase after ART initiation. After adjusting for sex, age, baseline HIV RNA level, and early/deferred ART arm, mortality rates were not significantly different between HBsAg-positive versus HBsAg-negative participants across strata of CD4+ levels. However, HBsAg-positive individuals with HBV-DNA ≥2000 IU/mL versus HBsAg-negative individuals had increased mortality rates at ≤350/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.11–9.70) and 351–500/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 4.37, 95% CI = 0.98–13.02), but not >500/mm3 (adjusted-IRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.01–4.91).

Conclusion

Despite no effect of HBV-infection on CD4+ levels, HIV-HBV co-infected individuals with high HBV replication are at higher risk of mortality when CD4+ is <500/mm3.
A qualitative exploration of autistic mothers’ experiences II: Childbirth and postnatal experiences
Authors: Hampton Sarah , Man Joyce , Allison Carrie , Aydin Ezra , Baron-Cohen Simon , Holt Rosemary
Published: September 2021

Navigating childbirth and the postnatal period may pose additional challenges for autistic people, who can face communication and sensory barriers to accessing healthcare. However, research exploring autistic experiences of parenthood is scarce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 autistic and 25 non-autistic women 2–3 months after giving birth. Interviews concerned experiences of childbirth, postnatal healthcare and parenting. Thematic analysis revealed that sensory aspects of childbirth could be challenging for autistic participants; participants highlighted the need for sensory adjustments. Autistic participants stressed the importance of clear, direct communication from professionals during the birth. During childbirth and the postnatal period, autistic participants sometimes felt that professionals lacked knowledge of autism and this could hinder receiving appropriate adjustments. Both groups reported several parenting strengths and challenges. The findings indicate ways in which childbirth and postnatal healthcare can be improved for autistic people, including sensory and communication adjustments. They also indicate a need for greater autism-related training for professionals involved in childbirth and postnatal care.

Lay abstract

Very little research has looked at how autistic people experience childbirth and the first few months of parenthood. We interviewed 21 autistic and 25 non-autistic women 2–3 months after their baby was born, to find out how they experienced giving birth and being a parent. Some autistic participants found sensory aspects of giving birth difficult, such as noise and being touched. They also wanted healthcare professionals to give them clear information while giving birth. Participants sometimes thought that healthcare professionals did not know enough about autism. Autistic and non-autistic participants both found parenthood difficult at times and autistic parents sometimes had extra difficulties, such as with planning and organising. Autistic participants also felt good at understanding their baby’s needs. This research suggests that autistic people would benefit from changes to childbirth and postnatal healthcare such as being communicated with more clearly. It also indicates that healthcare professionals should receive more training about autism.
What has changed in orthodontic patient care between the two surges of the COVID-19 pandemic? A thematic analysis
Authors: Peter Elbe , J Monisha , RM Baiju , Ani G Suja , LS Sreela , Philip George
Published: September 2021

Background and aim:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought new challenges to every specialty and orthodontics is no exception. Currently, there seems no way other than to mitigate the risk and proceed with routine orthodontic treatment. The aim of the present study was to conduct a qualitative inquiry into the coping strategies, perceptions and anticipations of orthodontic patients and the challenges faced by orthodontists.

Methods:

An in-depth telephone interview of 30 patients and/or their parents and orthodontists belonging to an Academic-based Residency Program and Private Practice was conducted regarding the challenges, opportunities and futuristic ways of coping with COVID-19. Inputs were recorded, transcripts were prepared and anonymised, and a thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

Six themes and several sub-themes emerged from the detailed interviews and their transcripts. The initial fearful situation due to COVID-19 has gradually transformed into a certain ‘new normal’ in the lives of patients and caregivers, explaining why patients started seeking orthodontic treatment as usual or even preferring to begin treatment during this period. Orthodontists in the midst of uncertainty are delivering quality care and expecting future innovations and changes to combat such pandemics.

Conclusion:

Humans can adapt to any crisis that runs over a period of time. The new insights obtained will help to plan treatment and set up practice to cope with pandemics and crises that can affect orthodontic treatment in the future.
Bipolar Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Genicular Nerves for Chronic Pain Due to Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Singh Jaspal R. , Kwon Susie S. , Schirripa Frank V. , Habibi Behnum A. , Rand Ethan
Published: September 2021

Background: The current treatments for chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA), a disabling and costly healthcare condition in the United States, vary in their level of supporting evidence. Although total knee replacement is one of the best-supported interventions, its associated risks should not be taken lightly, especially in older patients with comorbidities. Genicular nerve block with subsequent genicular nerve radiofrequency neurotomy (GN-RFN) has emerged as a promising intervention for refractory pain in knee OA. Purposes/Questions: We sought to assess the pain and functional outcomes of genicular nerve bipolar radiofrequency neurotomy (B-RFN) for the treatment of chronic pain due to knee OA. Methods: A total of 21 patients who underwent unilateral genicular nerve B-RFN after positive diagnostic genicular nerve block (50% or greater pain relief) treated between July 2018 to December 2018 were included. Pain numeric rating scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-B-RFN. Changes at each time point were compared to baseline scores using paired sample t tests. Results: At 3 months, 62% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in NRS scores and 57% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in WOMAC scores. At 6 months, 81% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in NRS scores and 67% had a greater than 50% improvement in WOMAC scores. The absolute change in mean NRS (± standard deviation) at 6 months went from 7.5 ± 1.9 to 2.5 ± 1.2. The absolute change in mean WOMAC scores at 6 months went from 46.9 ± 8.0 to 19.0 ± 6.2. Conclusion: Of 21 patients, 14 (67%) saw greater than 50% improvements in both NRS and WOMAC scores at 6 months after genicular nerve B-RFN. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the selection criteria of patients most likely to benefit from this procedure.
A fifth order WENO scheme for numerical simulation of shallow granular two-phase flow model
Authors: Rabbani Omar , Zia Saqib , Rehman Asad
Published: September 2021

In this article, a weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme is implemented to simulate two-phase shallow granular flow (TPSF) model. The flow is assumed to be incompressible and it is regarded as shallow layer of granular and liquid material. The mathematical model consists of two phases, that is, solid and liquid. Each phase has its continuity and momentum equation. The presence of the equations are coupled together involving the derivatives of unknowns which make it more challenging to solve. An efficient numerical technique is needed to tackle the numerical complexities. Our main intrigue is the numerical approximation of the above-mentioned solid-liquid model. The weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme of order 5 is utilized to handle the shock waves and contact discontinuities appear in the solution. The results are compared with the results already available in the literature by conservation element and solution element (CESE) scheme. It is observed the WENO scheme produces less errors as compared to CESE scheme and also effectively handle the shocks.
A hybrid fault-tolerant control strategy for four-wheel independent drive vehicles
Authors: Chen Ruinan , Ou Jian
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a hybrid fault-tolerant control strategy is putted forward to improve the stability of the four-wheel independent drive (4WID) electric vehicle with motor failures. To improve the handling performance of the vehicle with in-wheel motor failures, the faults of in-wheel motors are analyzed and modeled. Then, a model reference adaptive fault observer was designed to observe the faults in real-time. Based on the observation results, there are designed a model predictive control (MPC) based high-performance active fault-tolerant control (AFTC) strategy and a sliding mode control based high-robust passive fault-tolerant control (PFTC) strategy. However, the fault observation results may not always be accurately. For this circumstance, a hybrid fault-tolerant control strategy was designed to make the control method find a balance between optimality and robustness. Finally, a series of simulations are conducted on a hardware-in-loop (HIL) real-time simulator, the simulation results show that the control strategy designed in this paper is effectiveness.
Post-Market Surveillance of a Blood Glucose Test Strip Demonstrates No Evidence of Interference on Clinical Accuracy in a Large Cohort of People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Phillips Stuart , Setford Steven , Grady Mike , Liu Zuifang , Cameron Hilary
Published: September 2021

Background

Regulations and industry guidance relating to testing for interference in blood glucose monitoring (BGM) systems continue to focus on in vitro laboratory bench tests. Post-market surveillance (PMS) in a clinical setting allows for BGM accuracy assessments to evaluate the impact of real-world exposure to polypharmacy in people with diabetes. This study evaluated the OneTouch Select Plus® BGM test-strip accuracy with respect to polypharmacy using a clinical registry dataset.

Methods

Medication profiles were analysed for 1023 subjects (425 with type 1 (T1D) and 598 with type 2 diabetes (T2D)) attending 3 UK hospitals. Blood samples were analysed to determine clinical accuracy of the BGM test-strip against a laboratory comparator.

Results

538 different medications (48 diabetes and 490 non-diabetes) were recorded across the 1023 subjects. Patients took on average 6.9 ( n = 1-36) individual medications and 4.1 ( n = 1-13) unique medication classes. Clinical accuracy to EN ISO 15197:2015 criteria were met irrespective of increasing average number of individual medications, categorized from 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and >12 taken per subject (97.7%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 97.8%, and 98.4%, respectively). Clinical accuracy criteria were met across 15 classes of medication using the combined dataset (97.9%; 29784/30433). Surveillance Error Grid (SEG) analysis showed 98.7% (29959/30368) of readings presented no clinical risk. No individual class or combination of medication classes impacted clinical accuracy of the BGM test-strip.

Conclusions

Clinical performance for the test strip under assessment demonstrated no evidence of interference from over 500 prescription medications, with clinical accuracy maintained across a range of polypharmacy conditions in people with diabetes.
The Role of Human-Centered Design in Insulin Pen Innovation and the Future of Insulin Delivery
Authors: Watterson Jessica L. , August Auriel , Fourt Jesse , Brettler Talya
Published: September 2021

Insulin pens have made a dramatic impact on diabetes care, with evidence suggesting that they promote performance of self-care and reduce negative health outcomes for people with diabetes. Human-centered design (HCD), practiced by IDEO for over 40 years and together with Eli Lilly for over 15 years, has helped to design insulin pens that evolved with the needs of people with diabetes. HCD employs unique methods that help to uncover people’s needs and design with them in mind. The future of diabetes care is bright with the ongoing application of HCD methodology in this space.
Should We Trust Perceived Effort for Loading Control and Resistance Exercise Prescription After ACL Reconstruction?
Authors: Germano Maciel Daniel , Santos Cerqueira Mikhail , Gabbett Tim J. , Elsangedy Hassan Mohamed , de Brito Vieira Wouber Hérickson
Published: September 2021

Context:

The rating of perceived effort (RPE) is a common method used in clinical practice for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription during rehabilitation after rupture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It is suggested that the RPE results from the integration of the afferent feedback and corollary discharge in the motor and somatosensory cortex, and from the activation of brain areas related to emotions, affect, memory, and pain (eg, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and prefrontal cortex). Recent studies have shown that rupture and ACLR induce neural adaptations in the brain commonly associated with the RPE. Therefore, we hypothesize that RPE could be affected because of neural adaptations induced by rupture and ACLR.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

RPE could be directly altered by changes in the activation of motor cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex. These neural adaptations may be induced by indirect mechanisms, such as the afferent feedback deficit, pain, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) that patients may feel after rupture and ACLR.

Conclusion:

Using only RPE for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription in patients who had undergone ACLR could lead to under- or overdosing resistance exercise, and therefore, impair the rehabilitation process.

Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy:

3C.
The Vital Role of the School Nurse in Managing Asthma
Authors: Russell Anne F. , Nanda Anil , Bingemann Theresa A.
Published: September 2021

Since asthma is the most common noncommunicable chronic childhood disease in the United States, school nurses will encounter students with this health condition. The purpose of this article is to present the school nurse as the leader in directing the management of a student’s chronic health condition at school. This article provides a table of resources and discusses many aspects of asthma management, including utilization of the student’s asthma action plan, student-specific school accommodation needs, the importance of developing individualized healthcare plans, providing education to school staff related to asthma management and determining of the family and student knowledge level, as well as strategies to minimize exacerbations. The article also explores school nurse opportunity to advocate for emergency asthma medication access as a part of emergency preparedness. School-based asthma management can be complex and school nurses have a pivotal role in asthma management in a school.
Tenomodulin and Chondromodulin-1 Are Both Required to Maintain Biomechanical Function and Prevent Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Di Pauli von Treuheim Theodor , Torre Olivia M. , Ferreri Emily D. , Nasser Philip , Abbondandolo Angelica , Delgado Caceres Manuel , Lin Dasheng , Docheva Denitsa , Iatridis James C.
Published: September 2021

Objective

The underlying mechanisms and molecular factors influencing intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis and degeneration remain clinically relevant. Tenomodulin (Tnmd) and chondromodulin (Chm1) are antiangiogenic transmembrane glycoproteins, with cleavable C-terminus, expressed by IVD cells that are implicated in the onset of degenerative processes. We evaluate the organ-level biomechanical impact of knocking out Tnmd alone, and Tnmd and Chm1, simultaneously.

Design

Caudal (c5-8) and lumbar vertebrae (L1-4) of skeletally mature male and female 9-month-old wildtype (WT), Tnmd knockout (Tnmd−/−), and Tnmd/Chm1 double knockout (Tnmd−/−/Chm−/−) mice were used ( n = 9-13 per group). Disc height index (DHI), histomorphological changes, and axial, torsional, creep, and failure biomechanical properties were evaluated. Differences were assessed by one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni-corrected comparisons ( P < 0.05).

Results

Tnmd−/−/Chm1−/− IVDs displayed increased DHI and histomorphological scores that indicated increased IVD degeneration compared to the WT and Tnmd−/− groups. Double knockout IVDs required significantly less torque and energy to initiate torsional failure. Creep parameters were comparable between all groups, except for the slow time constant, which indicated faster outward fluid flow. Tnmd−/− IVDs lost fluid faster than the WT group, and this effect was amplified in the double knockout IVDs.

Conclusion

Knocking out Tnmd and Chm1 affects IVD fluid flow and organ-level biomechanical function and therefore may play a role in contributing to IVD degeneration. Larger effects of the Tnmd and Chm1 double knockout mice compared to the Tnmd single mutant suggest that Chm1 may play a compensatory role in the Tnmd single mutant IVDs.
Preclinical Evidence of Intra-Articular Autologous Cartilage Micrograft for Osteochondral Repair: Evaluation in a Rat Model
Authors: Desando Giovanna , Grigolo Brunella , Deangelles Pereira Florentino Álvaro , Teixeira Marcelo Weinstein , Barbagallo Federica , Naro Fabio , da Silva-Júnior Valdemiro Amaro , Soares Anísio Francisco
Published: September 2021

Objective

The search for an effective and long-lasting strategy to treat osteochondral defects (OCD) is a great challenge. Regenerative medicine launched a new era of research in orthopaedics for restoring normal tissue functions. The aim of this study was to test the healing potential of Rigenera micrografting technology in a rat model of OCD by investigating 2 cartilage donor sites.

Methods

Full-thickness OCD was bilaterally created in the knee joints of rats. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups based on the anatomical site used for micrograft collection: articular (TO) and xiphoid (XA). Micrograft was injected into the knee via an intra-articular approach. The contralateral joint served as the control. Euthanasia was performed 2 months after the set-up of OCD. Histological evaluations foresaw hematoxylin/eosin and safranin-O/fast green staining, the modified O’Driscoll score, and collagen 1A1 and 2A1 immunostaining. Kruskal-Wallis and the post hoc Dunn test were performed to evaluate differences among groups.

Results

Histological results showed defect filling in both autologous micrografts. The TO group displayed tissue repair with more hyaline-like characteristics than its control ( P < 0.01). A fibrocartilaginous aspect was instead noticed in the XA group. Immunohistochemical assessments on type 2A1 and type 1 collagens confirmed the best histological results in the TO group.

Conclusions

TO and XA groups contributed to a different extent to fill the OCD lesions. TO group provided the best histological and immunohistochemical results; therefore, it could be a promising method to treat OCD after the validation in a larger animal model.
NOESIS: Surfing the technological wave from Portugal
Authors: Marques Silva João Carlos , Pereira José Azevedo
Published: September 2021

Noesis, founded in 1995, was a Portuguese business consulting firm that provided services and solutions aimed at supporting its customers to increase competitiveness, facilitate management, reduce costs and optimize processes, having as core competencies the technological background of its founding partners. Because of the company’s tenacity and strategic focus, 11 years later, in the beginning of 2016, Noesis was a leader in the Portuguese Quality Management market for the independent provision of software testing services, according to a study from International Data Corporation. In January 2016, Noesis had more than 500 employees in its different locations: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Brussels, São Paulo, Dublin and Rotterdam, ensuring the adequate response to customer challenges in Portugal and international markets. The company’s outlook was positive, but the competition was increasing, and interest rates were expected to rise in the nearby future. Having a substantial amount of capital leveraging and two failed international ventures (Angola and Brazil), should Noesis continue to invest and grow at a fast pace or take some time to consolidate its operations?
Vortioxetine as a new frontier in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: a review and update
Authors: Adamo Daniela , Calabria Elena , Coppola Noemi , Pecoraro Giuseppe , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: September 2021

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a disabling medical condition that impairs the health-related quality-of-life of affected patients. A high prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment has frequently been reported in association with CNP, making the management of this disease complex and often multidisciplinary. Dual-acting agents such as selective serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered particularly useful in the modulation of pain and in treatment of the mood disorders frequently associated with CNP. Recent evidence suggests that the top-down inhibitory control of pain involves the engagement and enhancement of descending endogenous opioidergic, cannabinoid and serotonergic systems, with the effect of serotonin being particularly related to the receptor subtypes that are preferentially activated; indeed serotonin induces analgesia via activation of 5-HT7 receptors and hyperalgesia via activation of 5-HT3 receptors. Vortioxetine (VO) is a novel multimodal serotonergic antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action. It has been demonstrated recently in experimental and clinical studies to have efficacy on pain hypersensitivity and on mood disorders. This drug inhibits the serotonin transporter with a high affinity, antagonises the 5-HT3, 5-HT1D and 5HT7 serotonin receptors, and activates the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors. In clinical studies, VO has proved effective at a dose of 10–20 mg/daily in short- and long-term treatment of patients with chronic orofacial pain, demonstrating a higher rate of clinical response and remission, a better acceptability, safety rate and tolerability, and a lower latency of action compared with other antidepressants. In the light of these recent findings, VO may be considered as a new pharmacological treatment also in relation to various types of CNP, particularly in elderly patients with concomitant mood disorders and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the pharmacology and clinical applications of VO and to highlight its potential therapeutic properties and advantages in the management of CNP.
Entrepreneurial Alertness Research: Past and Future
Authors: Daniel Ana Dias , Adeel Shahzada , Botelho Anabela
Published: September 2021

The construct of entrepreneurial alertness has been gaining considerable interest from academics because it is at the heart of the entrepreneurial process. Consequently, there has been a substantial increase in the number of academic papers over the years. However, this is a highly fragmented field of research that aggregates contributions from researchers in the fields of economics and strategy, entrepreneurship, and psychology. Also, in recent decades, the concept of entrepreneurial alertness has been studied from different perspectives, being considered, on one hand, as cognitive capacity, a dynamic capacity or a skill of the entrepreneur and, on the other hand, as an organizational factor that affects a company’s performance and a source of competitive advantage. The analysis reveals a set of future research avenues that may contribute to the development of the entrepreneurial alertness research field.
Egypt’s ICT Reform: Adoption Decisions and Perspectives of Secondary School Teachers During COVID-19
Authors: Badran Alaa , Eid Lamiaa , Abozaied Hanan , Nagy Noha
Published: September 2021

This descriptive quantitative survey study explored the perspectives of 221 secondary school teachers from 19 Egyptian governorates on the ICT (information and communications technology) component of the 2017 education reform. Data were collected during the novel context and mandates dictated by the widespread COVID-19. The main indicators of teachers’ perspectives were adopted from Rogers’s diffusion of innovation theory, while their digital competencies were aligned with the levels of the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework. The study found that the majority of participants hold positive perspectives on the relative advantage of ICT integration, average perspectives on its complexity, and negative perspectives on its compatibility with Egypt’s education needs and main priorities. Findings further highlight the presence of multiple challenges that may affect teachers’ decision to adopt/reject the ICT reform, including the human and technological infrastructures as well as communication. The insights gained from this study may assist in understanding teachers’ level of persuasion, possible sources of social resistance, and need for effective capacity building.
ESO guideline for the management of extracranial and intracranial artery dissection
Authors: Debette Stephanie , Mazighi Mikael , Bijlenga Philippe , Pezzini Alessandro , Koga Masatoshi , Bersano Anna , Kõrv Janika , Haemmerli Julien , Canavero Isabella , Tekiela Piotr , Miwa Kaori , J Seiffge David , Schilling Sabrina , Lal Avtar , Arnold Marcel , Markus Hugh S , Engelter Stefan T , Majersik Jennifer J
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation guideline is to provide clinically useful evidence-based recommendations on the management of extracranial artery dissection (EAD) and intracranial artery dissection (IAD). EAD and IAD represent leading causes of stroke in the young, but are uncommon in the general population, thus making it challenging to conduct clinical trials and large observational studies. The guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure for European Stroke Organisation guidelines and according to GRADE methodology. Our four recommendations result from a thorough analysis of the literature comprising two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anticoagulants to antiplatelets in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and twenty-six comparative observational studies. In EAD patients with acute ischemic stroke, we recommend using intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase within 4.5 hours of onset if standard inclusion/exclusion criteria are met, and mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. We further recommend early endovascular or surgical intervention for IAD patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Based on evidence from two phase 2 RCTs that have shown no difference between the benefits and risks of anticoagulants versus antiplatelets in the acute phase of symptomatic EAD, we strongly recommend that clinicians can prescribe either option. In post-acute EAD patients with residual stenosis or dissecting aneurysms and in symptomatic IAD patients with an intracranial dissecting aneurysm and isolated headache, there is insufficient data to provide a recommendation on the benefits and risks of endovascular/surgical treatment. Finally, nine expert consensus statements, adopted by 8 to 11 of the 11 experts involved, propose guidance for clinicians when the quality of evidence was too low to provide recommendations. Some of these pertain to the management of IAD (use of IVT, endovascular treatment, and antiplatelets versus anticoagulation in IAD with ischemic stroke and use of endovascular or surgical interventions for IAD with headache only). Other expert consensus statements address the use of direct anticoagulants and dual antiplatelet therapy in EAD-related cerebral ischemia, endovascular treatment of the EAD/IAD lesion, and multidisciplinary assessment of the best therapeutic approaches in specific situations.
NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, and CRP predict the risk of cardiopulmonary outcomes in systemic sclerosis: Findings from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Authors: Jha Mayank , Wang Mianbo , Steele Russell , Baron Murray , Fritzler Marvin J ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Hudson Marie
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the independent value of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and C-reactive protein to predict onset of cardiopulmonary disease in a large, multi-center systemic sclerosis cohort followed prospectively.

Methods:

Subjects from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry with data on N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and C-reactive protein were identified. Outcomes of interest were death, systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% or medications for heart failure), pulmonary arterial hypertension by right heart catheterization, pulmonary hypertension by cardiac echocardiography (systolic pulmonary artery pressures ⩾ 45 mmHg), arrhythmias (pacemaker/implantable cardiac defibrillator or anti-arrhythmic medications), and interstitial lung disease. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were generated for each outcome.

Results:

A total of 675 subjects were included with a mean follow-up of 3.0 ± 1.8 years. Subjects were predominantly women (88.4%) with mean age of 58.2 ± 11.3 years and mean disease duration of 13.7 ± 9.1 years. One hundred and one (101, 15%) subjects died during follow-up, 37 (6.4 %) developed systolic dysfunction, 18 (2.9%) arrhythmias, 34 (5.1%) pulmonary arterial hypertension, 43 (7.3%) pulmonary hypertension, and 48 (12.3%) interstitial lung disease. In multivariate analyses, elevated levels of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and C-reactive protein were associated with increased risk of death, while elevated levels of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein were associated with increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion:

In systemic sclerosis, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and C-reactive protein have independent predictive value for death and pulmonary hypertension. A larger study would be required to determine the predictive value of these biomarkers for less common systemic sclerosis outcomes.
Comparative effectiveness of erenumab versus oral preventive medications among migraine patients: A US claims database study
Authors: Tepper Stewart J , Fang Juanzhi , Zhou Lujia , Vo Pamela , Abdrabboh Ahmad , Glassberg Mrudula , Ferraris Matias
Published: September 2021

Background:

Erenumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway, was developed specifically for preventive treatment of migraine.

Objective:

To compare the real-world effectiveness of erenumab and non-specific oral migraine preventive medication (OMPM) on acute medication usage and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among migraine patients.

Methods:

This retrospective US claims analysis included patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with migraine who initiated erenumab (May 01, 2018 and September 30, 2019) or OMPM (May 01, 2016 and October 31, 2017). Cohorts were matched 1:1 using the propensity score (PS) method with stratification. Acute medication usage, HCRU, and a composite endpoint of 1) outpatient visit with a migraine diagnosis and associated acute medication claim, 2) hospital admission with a primary migraine diagnosis, or 3) emergency room visit with a primary migraine diagnosis were assessed 6 months post-treatment initiation.

Results:

Following PS matching, both cohorts included 2,343 patients. At 6 months, erenumab was associated with significantly less acute medication usage versus OMPM, including number of types of acute medications used, number of claims per person, and proportion of patients using acute medication. HCRU and number of composite events were also significantly lower among erenumab users.

Conclusion:

Erenumab is more effective than OMPM at reducing acute medication usage and HCRU among migraine patients.

Trial registration:

N/A.
Effects of Music Self-Perception on Music Education and Nonmusic Majors’ Ensemble Participation
Authors: Herb Deanna Nicole
Published: September 2021

In this study, I examined the relationship between undergraduate music education and nonmusic education majors and their music self-perception, or how they perceived themselves as musicians. A secondary purpose of the research included investigating the relationship between music self-esteem, gender, concentration, year in school, and continued arts participation. Participants ( N = 66) were music education and nonmusic education undergraduate volunteers from one band, one chorus, and four music education classes at a large, public university in the Northeastern United States. The participants completed a shortened version of Schmitt’s Self-Esteem of Musical Ability Scale, along with questions about gender, ensemble participation, major, and instrument. Results indicated no significant difference between music self-esteem in music education majors and nonmusic education majors who participated in college ensembles. There were significant differences in music education majors’ comparison of themselves to their high school peers, self-comparisons over 1 year, and planned future ensemble participation. More years of experience in ensembles predicted higher Schmitt’s Self-Esteem of Musical Ability Scale scores.
Associations of negative life events and coping styles with sleep quality among Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ren Zheng , Zhang Xiumin , Shen Yue , Li Xiangrong , He Minfu , Shi Hong , Zhao Hanfang , Zha Shuang , Qiao Shuyin , Li Yuyu , Pu Yajiao , Fan Xinwen , Guo Xia , Liu Hongjian
Published: September 2021

Background

Limited published research has examined the relationships of negative life events and coping styles with sleep quality in Chinese junior high school students. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and to clarify the role of coping styles between negative life events and sleep quality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 3081 students was conducted in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, Southeastern China. Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were applied to assess negative life events, coping styles, and sleep quality, respectively. Descriptive analyses, independent-samples t tests, one-way analyses of variance, Pearson correlation analyses, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to analyze the data.

Results

The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 26.7%. Negative life events (B = 0.038, P < 0.001) and negative coping style (B = 0.049, P < 0.001) demonstrated a positive association with poor sleep quality, while positive coping style indicated a negative association with poor sleep quality (B = −0.029, P < 0.001). Interactions of negative life events and coping styles with sleep quality were not found (all P > 0.05). The association between negative life events and sleep quality was mediated by negative coping styles.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that poor sleep quality was common in these Chinese adolescents. Negative life events and negative coping style were associated with an increased prevalence of poor sleep quality, while the positive coping style was related to a decreased prevalence of poor sleep quality. A negative coping style mediated the association between negative life events and sleep quality.
Ischemic stroke induces cardiac dysfunction and alters transcriptome profile in mice
Authors: Chen Jie , Gong Jiahong , Chen Haili , Li Xuqing , Wang Li , Qian Xiaoli , Zhou Kecheng , Wang Ting , Jiang Songhe , Li Lei , Li Shengcun
Published: September 2021

Background

Stroke can induce cardiac dysfunction in the absence of primary cardiac disease; however, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the neurological deficits and the heart are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stroke on cardiac function and to identify the transcriptome characteristics of the heart.

Results

Stroke significantly decreased heart weight/tibia length ratio and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional areas and increased atrogin-1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase MuRF-1, indicating myocardial atrophy in MCAO-induced mouse hearts. RNA sequencing of mRNA revealed 383 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MCAO myocardium, of which 221 were downregulated and 162 upregulated. Grouping of DEGs based on biological function and quantitative PCR validation indicated that suppressed immune response and collagen synthesis and altered activity of oxidoreductase, peptidase, and endopeptidase may be involved in MCAO-induced cardiomyopathy. The DEGs were mainly distributed in the membrane or extracellular region of cardiomyocytes and acted as potential mediators of stroke-induced cardiac dysregulation involved in cardiac atrophy.

Conclusion

Stroke induced a unique transcriptome response in the myocardium and resulted in immediate cardiac atrophy and dysfunction.
Elevated tumor expression of Astroprincin (FAM171A1) is an independent marker of poor prognosis in colon cancer
Authors: Kaprio Tuomas , Lindström Alexander M. , Rasila Tiina , Saavalainen Olga , Beilmann-Lehtonen Ines , Mustonen Harri , Haglund Caj , Andersson Leif C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Several biomarkers have been suggested for improved prognostic evaluation, but few have been implemented in clinical practice. There is a need for biomarkers that predict the tumor behavior in CC and allow stratification of patients that would benefit from adjuvant therapy. We recently identified and functionally characterized a previously unknown protein that we called ASTROPRINCIN (APCN) due to its abundance in astrocytes. APCN, also annotated as FAM171A1, is found in trophoblasts of early placenta. We demonstrated that high expression levels of APCN in cancer cells induced motility and ability of invasive growth in semisolid medium.

Methods

We screened by immunohistochemistry a tissue microarray material from the tumors of 429 CC patients with clinical follow-up in a test series and 255 CC patients in a validation series.

Results

We showed that low or absent APCN expression correlates with a favorable prognosis while high APCN expression was a sign of an adverse outcome. Cox uni- and multivariable analysis revealed that elevated tumor expression of APCN constitutes a robust marker of poor prognosis independent of stage, grade, patient’s age, or gender.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that APCN is a novel independent prognostic marker in CC and could potentially select patients for more intense postoperative adjuvant treatment and follow-up.