bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
John Graunt F.R.S. (1620-74): The founding father of human demography, epidemiology and vital statistics
Authors: Connor Henry
Published: February 2022

John Graunt, a largely self-educated London draper, can plausibly be regarded as the founding father of demography, epidemiology and vital statistics. In his only publication, based on a pioneering analysis of the London Bills of Mortality, he replaced guesswork with reasoned estimates of population sizes and the first accurate information on male:female ratios. He quantified the extent of immigration from countryside to city and his demonstration of the ‘dying out’ of a cohort paved the way for life table analysis. His comparison of London data with rural data provided the first recognition of the ‘urban penalty’. His use of the first known tabular aggregates of health data clarified distinctions between acute diseases, which were often epidemic, and chronic illnesses which were often endemic. He quantified the high infant mortality and attempted the calculation of a case fatality rate during an epidemic of fever. He was the first to document the phenomenon of ‘excess deaths’ during epidemics. He provided a template for numerical analysis of demographic and health data and initiated the concepts of statistical association, statistical inference and population sampling. By making a novel concept intelligible to a broad audience he influenced the thinking of doctors, demographers and mathematicians.
The Public Health Importance of Flaviviruses as an Etiological Environmental Factor in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate: In silico Study
Authors: Silva Kaique Cesar de Paula , Messias Thiago Silva , Soares Simone
Published: February 2022

This in silico study aims to investigate flaviviruses as an environmental factor in the etiology of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

A scoring method with 7 topics—disease, transplacental passage, tropism, cellular damage, reported case, analysis of genome similarity, and transcriptome between virus and host, was created based on literature and in silico experimentation. Viral genomes of NCBI virus were obtained and BLAST 2.12.0 was applied for the similarity analysis, adjusted to search for only human sequences related to CL/P with the statistical threshold defined for E-value ≤1.

Flaviviruses with high potential to cause CL/P were: serotypes 2, 3, and 4 of the Dengue virus and lineage 2 of the West Nile virus, while the Yellow Fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Saint Louis encephalitis virus presented with medium potential to cause CL/P. As for the Zika virus, even strains associated with microcephaly showed only medium potential.

Dengue virus and West Nile virus presented with high potential to act as environmental factors in the etiology of CL/P.
Timing and Duration of Facial Nerve Dysfunction After Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Robin Sequence
Authors: Crowder Hannah R. , Mantilla-Rivas Esperanza , Kapoor Elina , Manrique Monica , Stein Jason , Nasser Jacob S. , Chang Taeun , Rogers Gary F. , Oh Albert K.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Collect data from craniofacial surgeons to analyze mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) protocols, and facial nerve dysfunction (FND) to characterize this common, but poorly documented complication after MDO in infants with Robin Sequence (RS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 16-question anonymous survey designed through REDCap was digitally distributed to members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and International Society of Craniofacial Surgery (ISCFS).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Demographic information, MDO perioperative variables, surgeon experience with FND after MDO for patients with RS, and the timing and duration of FND were analyzed.

Results

Eighty-four responses were collected, with 80 included for analysis. Almost two-thirds of respondent surgeons reported FND as a complication of MDO in patients with RS (51, 63.8%); 58.8% (n   =   47) transient FND and 5% (n   =   4) with permanent facial nerve palsy only. Both transient and permanent FND was documented by 13 (16.3%) respondents. Among respondents, FND was observed immediately following initial device placement/osteotomies in 45.1%, during distraction in 45.1%, during consolidation in 19.6%, and following device removal in 43.1%. Twenty-five of these respondent surgeons reported resolution of FND between 1 and 3 months (53.2%, n   =   25).

Conclusions

FND after MDO in patients with RS was noted by most respondents in this survey study. While most surgeons noted temporary FND, one-fifth reported long-term dysfunction. FND was documented most commonly following device placement/osteotomies or during active distraction. Further research should seek to establish risk factors associated with FND and identify surgical and perioperative prevention strategies
The Efficacy of Flipped Classrooms: An Investigation of the Views of an International Cohort of Teacher Educators
Authors: Morse Timothy E. , Habib Amany , Hornby Garry , Evans William
Published: February 2022

This manuscript reports the results of a pilot study that investigated the views of an international cohort of teacher educators regarding the efficacy of flipped classrooms. In particular, the study addressed an existing void in the literature pertaining to the value of flipped classrooms with respect to K-12 subgroups, including students who are culturally and linguistically diverse or manifest disabilities. Key findings from the participants’ responses to a 12-item survey were that they believed that the flipped classroom paradigm is efficacious for both elementary and high school students, as well as those who are culturally and linguistically diverse—particularly with respect to teaching complex subjects. Conversely, respondents did not believe the paradigm is appropriate for students with disabilities, and that noteworthy barriers involving a digital divide impede its use with students living in impoverished rural areas. Future research topics are discussed.
Construction of Risk Assessment Model for Venous Thromboembolism After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Chinese Single-Center Study
Authors: Yao Jianchang , Lang Yina , Su Hua , Dai Sheng , Ying Kejing
Published: February 2022

Objective

A retrospective study was carried out to construct a postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment model (RAM) applicable for Chinese colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

541 Patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery from June 2019 to May 2020 at Sir-Run-Run-Shaw Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine were enrolled in this study. Multi-factor analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of VTE. A novel RAM of VTE which we called Sir-Run-Run-Shaw VTE RAM were constructed basing on the independent risk factors. Another study cohort consisted of 287 colorectal cancer patients underwent surgery from January 2021 to June 2021was used for model evaluation.

Results

The incidence of VTE after colorectal cancer surgery was 12.0%(65/541). Among the 65 VTE Patients, DVT accounted for 92.3% (60/65) and DVT + PE accounted for 7.7% (5/65). Multi-factor analysis showed that age ≥ 69 years ( P < 0.01), preoperative plasma D-dimer ≥ 0.49 mg/L ( P = .004), stage IV of cancer ( P = .018) and transfusion ( P = .004) are independent risk factors of VTE after surgery. Sir-Run-Run-Shaw VTE RAM includes the above 4 factors, and the total score is 4 points. The score of the low, medium and high risk groups are 0, 1 and ≥2 points. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of Sir-Run-Run-Shaw VTE RAM is 0.769, while Caprini RAM is 0.656. There is statistical difference between the two risk score tables ( Z = 2.337, P = .0195).

Conclusion

A VTE RAM is constructed basing on a single center retrospective study. This score table may be applicable for Chinese patients with colorectal cancer surgery.
Benefit Profile of Thrombomodulin Alfa Combined with Antithrombin Concentrate in Patients with Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Murao Atsushi , Kato Takayuki , Yamane Tetsunobu , Honda Goichi , Eguchi Yutaka
Published: February 2022

Thrombomodulin alfa (TM-α, recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin) and antithrombin (AT) concentrate are anticoagulant agents for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A post hoc analysis using data from 1198 patients with infection-induced DIC from the post-marketing surveillance of TM-α was conducted. To identify subgroups that benefit from combination therapy, the patients were a priori stratified into four groups by a platelet (Plt) count of 50 × 103/μL and plasma AT level of 50% (groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, with high Plt/high AT, high Plt/low AT, low Plt/high AT, and low Plt/low AT, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significantly worse survival in groups 2 and 4 had than in group 1 (p = 0.0480, p < 0.0001, respectively), and multivariate analysis showed that concomitant AT concentrate was independently correlated with reduced 28-day mortality only in group 4 (hazard ratio 0.6193; 95% confidence interval, 0.3912-0.9805). The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and bleeding ADRs were not different among the groups. Patients with both severe thrombocytopenia and AT deficiency are candidates for combined anticoagulant therapy with TM-α and AT concentrate.
Investigating the efficacy of osimertinib and crizotinib in phase 3 clinical trials on anti-cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity: are real-world studies the way forward?
Authors: Kobat Hasan , Elkonaissi Islam , Foreman Emma , O’Brien Mary , Dorak Mehmet Tevfik , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen
Published: February 2022

Background.

Oncology clinical trials demonstrate the risk of cardiotoxicity but are not sufficient to reveal the true risk. In this article, we compared the incidence of cardiotoxicity of crizotinib and osimertinib from a real-world study to data reported by phase 3 clinical trials.

Methods.

Data from an ongoing real-world lung cancer study was used as a comparator. Patients were recruited retrospectively with the criteria of being diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and having received at least a course of treatment of tyrosine-kinase inhibitor and/or immune check-point inhibitor. Characteristics of the patients who developed cardiotoxicity associated with osimertinib and crizotinib in the real-world lung cancer study were analysed against the inclusion criteria of the corresponding phase 3 clinical trials. Variations of cardiotoxicity incidence among the real-world lung cancer study and clinical trials were investigated.

Results.

18%, n = 37/206, of the patients developed cardiotoxicity. QTc prolongation was the most frequently observed cardiotoxicity (n = 12/37). Osimertinib and crizotinib were the most cardiotoxic agents, each responsible for seven cases of cardiotoxicity. FLAURA, AURA3, PROFILE 1007 and PROFILE 1014 were the included clinical trials for analysis. None of the patients who developed cardiotoxicity in the real-world study would have been eligible to participate in FLAURA and PROFILE 1014 study whereas n = 4/7 and n = 5/7 patients were eligible to participate in AURA3 and PROFILE 1007 trials, respectively.

Conclusion.

Although phase 3 clinical trials play an important role in understanding the effectiveness and give insights on side-effect profiles, real-world studies can show the real risk of cardiotoxicity more accurately and realistically.
Different Surgical Approaches for treatment of isolated dissociated vertical deviation without inferior oblique overaction
Authors: Fu Licheng , Zhu Binbin , Yang Dingping , Yan Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To report the surgical results on superior rectus recession (SRR) and inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) for cases with isolated bilateral dissociated vertical deviation（DVD）without inferior oblique overaction (IOOA).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for cases with isolated bilateral DVD without IOOA who were surgically treated using either bilateral SRR (SRR group) or IOAT (IOAT group). Pre- and post-operative ocular motility, ocular alignment, amount of DVD and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

Records from 37 cases were reviewed. Preoperative levels of DVD (M ± SD) in the SRR group (N = 18) of 19.88 ± 6.72 prism diopter (PD) in the right eye and 19.54 ± 5.64 PD in the left eye, were reduced to 4.94 ± 7.26 PD and 4.11 ± 3.91 PD respectively after surgery (P＜0.0001 for both). Preoperative levels of DVD (M ± SD) in IOAT group (N = 19) of 15.89 ± 6.35 PD in the right eye and 18.58 ± 9.27 PD in the left eye, were reduced to 3.42 ± 4.49 PD and 3.42 ± 4.88 PD respectively after surgery (P＜0.0001 for both). Inferior oblique (IO) muscle function remained normal after surgery. Overall, outcomes within the SRR group revealed that 10 patients showed a complete resolution of their condition, 6 effective responses and 2 failures. In the IOAT group, 13 patients showed a complete resolution of their condition, 5 effective responses and 1 failure. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (Z = 0.48).

Conclusion

SRR and IOAT were both effective in treating isolated DVD without IOOA with similar satisfactory results obtained for both procedures.
Can bleeding in trabeculectomy be decreased? Effectiveness of brimonidine pre-treatment
Authors: Ucar Fikret , Yener Halil İbrahim
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative topical brimonidine use to maintain visibility during trabeculectomy and control intraoperative bleeding and postoperative subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Methods

The first group comprised 35 eyes of 34 patients administered brimonidine tartrate 0.15% (Brimogut, Bilim Ilac, Turkey) eye drops 6 and 3 min before surgery, and 33 eyes of 31 patients who received no medication for vasoconstriction formed the second group. Preoperative and postoperative photographs and operation video images were taken and vision analysis software used. Black-and-white images were obtained to identify the blood vessel and surface hemorrhage areas. The surface area of the hemorrhage was calculated by counting the black pixels with Image J software.

Results

There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of baseline (preoperative) eye redness (p > 0.05). In the first group, the eye redness values were 344.7 ± 19.5 pixels preoperatively and 244.1 ± 23.3 pixels at the beginning of the surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). However, no significant change was observed in the second group in eye redness (348.2 ± 17.5 pixels preoperatively and 360.7 ± 26.8 pixels at the beginning of the surgery, p > 0.05). Cautery was used for an average of 11.91 ± 1.96 s in the first group and 25.57 ± 4.66 s in the second to control intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative topical brimonidine use in trabeculectomy surgery significantly decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative subconjunctival hemorrhage and facilitated bleeding control.
Lift the Veil of Breast Cancers Using 4 or Fewer Critical Genes
Authors: Zhang Zhengjun
Published: February 2022

Known genes in the breast cancer study literature could not be confirmed whether they are vital to breast cancer formations due to lack of convincing accuracy, although they may be biologically directly related to breast cancer based on present biological knowledge. It is hoped vital genes can be identified with the highest possible accuracy, for example, 100% accuracy and convincing causal patterns beyond what has been known in breast cancer. One hope is that finding gene-gene interaction signatures and functional effects may solve the puzzle. This research uses a recently developed competing linear factor analysis method in differentially expressed gene detection to advance the study of breast cancer formation. Surprisingly, 3 genes are detected to be differentially expressed in TNBC and non-TNBC (Her2, Luminal A, Luminal B) samples with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 1 study of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC, with 54 675 genes and 265 samples). These 3 genes show a clear signature pattern of how TNBC patients can be grouped. For another TNBC study (with 54 673 genes and 66 samples), 4 genes bring the same accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Four genes are found to have the same accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 1 breast cancer study (with 54 675 genes and 121 samples), and the same 4 genes bring an accuracy of 100% sensitivity and 96.5% specificity in the fourth breast cancer study (with 60 483 genes and 1217 samples). These results show the 4-gene-based classifiers are robust and accurate. The detected genes naturally classify patients into subtypes, for example, 7 subtypes. These findings demonstrate the clearest gene-gene interaction patterns and functional effects with the smallest numbers of genes and the highest accuracy compared with findings reported in the literature. The 4 genes are considered to be essential for breast cancer studies and practice. They can provide focused, targeted researches and precision medicine for each subtype of breast cancer. New breast cancer disease types may be detected using the classified subtypes, and hence new effective therapies can be developed.
Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Hasbani Georges El , Uthman Imad , Jawad Ali SM
Published: February 2022

Since its initial description in the late 19th century, sarcoidosis has been extensively studied. Although the general mechanism of immune activation is known, many details especially in the context of disease associations are still missing. One of such associations is the musculoskeletal complications that are widely variable in terms of presentation and response to treatment. Sarcoidosis can involve the joints leading to acute and, less commonly chronic, arthritis. While acute arthritis is mostly self-resolving in nature, chronic arthritis may lead to deformity and destruction of the joint. Sarcoidosis can also involve the muscles, leading to different pathologies primarily categorized according to the clinical presentation, despite the efforts to find a new classification based on imaging, histological, and clinical findings. The bones can be directly and indirectly affected. Different types of bone lesions have been described, although around half of these patients remain asymptomatic. Osteoporosis, increased risk of fractures, hypercalcemia, and hypercalciuria are examples of the indirect effect of sarcoidosis on the bones, possibly contributed to elevated levels of calcitriol. Nevertheless, sarcoidosis can be associated with small-vessel, medium-vessel, and large vessel vasculitis, although it is frequently difficult to differentiate between the co-existence of a pure vasculitis and sarcoidosis and sarcoid vasculitis.
Thematic analysis of multiple sclerosis research by enhanced strategic diagram
Authors: Shafin Nazlahshaniza , Ismail Che Aishah Nazariah , Mustafa Mohd Zulkifli , Ghani Nurhafizah , Ahmad Asma Hayati , Othman Zahiruddin , Wijaya Adi , Zakaria Rahimah
Published: February 2022

Recent interest in multiple sclerosis research warrants literature analysis to evaluate the current state of the discipline and new research domains. This bibliometric review summarised the research trends and analysed research areas in multiple sclerosis over the last decade. The documents containing the term ‘multiple sclerosis’ in the article title were retrieved from the Scopus database. We used Harzing’s Publish or Perish and VOSviewer for citation analysis and data visualisation, respectively. We found a total of 18,003 articles published in journals in the English language between 2012 and 2021. The emerging keywords identified utilising the enhanced strategic diagram were ‘covid-19’, ‘teriflunomide’, ‘clinical trial’, ‘microglia’, ‘b cells’, ‘myelin’, ‘brain’, ‘white matter’, ‘functional connectivity’, ‘pain’, ‘employment’, ‘health-related quality of life’, ‘meta-analysis’ and ‘comorbidity’. This study demonstrates the tremendous growth of multiple sclerosis literature worldwide, which is expected to grow more than double during the next decade especially in the identified emerging topics.
Conceptual and methodological challenges in idioms of distress research: Common questions and a step-by-step guide
Authors: Weaver Lesley Jo , Krupp Karl , Madhivanan Purnima
Published: February 2022

Research premised on the construct of idioms of distress has proliferated in the last 40 years. The aim of this work is to foreground the experiential and socially adaptive functions of cultural expressions of distress around the world. Researchers who work in this field often begin from very different starting points in terms of their prior knowledge of the research context, their interest in theoretical or applied implications of their work, and the target areas of distress that they study. While this multiplicity of approaches ensures that the literature captures diverse manifestations of suffering, it also creates confusion for those who are new to the field and who may not know where to begin. This article seeks to resolve some of that confusion by identifying common conceptual challenges across the idioms of distress literature, and then providing a detailed step-by-step methodological example of an idioms of distress study in India that could be adapted for similar work in other contexts.
Mujeres abnegadas: The influence of gender expectations on the psychiatric encounter in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez Stege Alyssa Marie
Published: February 2022

Theories on the cause of mental and emotional distress contribute to illness course and treatment. The theorizing of women's experience “as problem” has been widely critiqued by feminist psychologists yet continues in clinical practice. This qualitative study reports on data collected in a psychiatric outpatient clinic in south/central Mexico on the culturally embedded causal theories of mental illness among Mexican patients, a family member or caregiver, and their psychiatrists. The author reports on the influence of gender expectations and the view of “women as problem” in Mexico. Specifically, stakeholders considered that the idea of “ mujeres abnegadas” (self-sacrificing women) was the cause of illness in female patients diagnosed with depressive or anxiety-related disorders. In the face of gendered violence and abuse, Mexican women were expected to be silent and submissive, to suppress their thoughts and feelings, and to endure (“ aguantar”) their experiences to conform to gender-based expectations, and psychiatrists expressed little hope of alleviating women's suffering. The author discusses her findings in the context of broader sociocultural factors and globalizing forces in psychological theory and practice and provides future directions to help de-pathologize patients’ distress, broaden awareness of the contextual forces that influence distress, and galvanize appropriate resources and support.
Surveillance and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for formerly incarcerated individuals
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Schneider Lesley E , LaPlant Eric G
Published: February 2022

To date, most criminal justice research on COVID-19 has examined the rapid spread within prisons. We shift the focus to reentry via in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals in central Ohio, specifically focusing on how criminal justice contact affected the pandemic experience. In doing so, we use the experience of the pandemic to build upon criminological theories regarding surveillance, including both classic theories on surveillance during incarceration as well as more recent scholarship on community surveillance, carceral citizenship, and institutional avoidance. Three findings emerged. First, participants felt that the total institution of prison “prepared” them for similar experiences such as pandemic-related isolation. Second, shifts in community supervision formatting, such as those forced by the pandemic, lessened the coercive nature of community supervision, expressed by participants as an increase in autonomy. Third, establishment of institutional connections while incarcerated alleviated institutional avoidance resulting from hyper-surveillance, specifically in the domain of healthcare, which is critical when a public health crisis strikes. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected all, this article highlights how theories of surveillance inform unique aspects of the pandemic for formerly incarcerated individuals, while providing pathways forward for reducing the impact of surveillance.
An improved NMPC-NDOB scheme for trajectory tracking of unmanned surface vessel
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Yuan Shouzheng , Zheng Linhe , Ma Yingkai , Sun Yuxin
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the trajectory-tracking problem of fully actuated unmanned surface vessels (USVs). A three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) dynamic model was used with three control variables: surge force, sway force, and yaw moment, where the model uncertainties, environmental disturbances, and actuator saturation were also considered. An improved nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) method was investigated to improve the control performance in the trajectory tracking of USVs, and a nonlinear optimization problem based on the finite horizon was developed to minimize the divergence between the actual and the reference states. Moreover, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDOB) was employed to estimate the environmental disturbance, which could enhance the robustness of the controller. Furthermore, an event-triggered mechanism was also employed to reduce the computational frequency of NMPC. Simulations of slide mode control, NMPC, and improved NMPC were performed in the trajectory-tracking control. Besides, the simulation results verified the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed improved NMPC-NDOB scheme.
Participatory Modeling: A Methodology for Engaging Stakeholder Knowledge and Participation in Social Science Research
Authors: Quimby Barbara , Beresford Melissa
Published: February 2022

Participatory modeling (PM) is an engaged research methodology for creating analog or computer-based models of complex systems, such as socio–environmental systems. Used across a range of fields, PM centers stakeholder knowledge and participation to create more internally valid models that can inform policy and increase engagement and trust between communities and research teams. The PM process also presents opportunities for knowledge co-production and eliciting cross-sectional and longitudinal data on stakeholders’ worldviews and knowledge, risk assessment, decision-making, and social learning. We present an overview of the stages for PM and how it can be used for community-based, stakeholder-engaged social science research.
Enslavement and the Foundations of Human Resource Development: Covert Learning, Consciousness Raising, and Resisting antiBlack Organizational Goals
Authors: Bohonos Jeremy W. , James-Gallaway ArCasia
Published: February 2022

Extant historical writings focused on Human Resource Development have generally centered white perspectives and have failed to substantively grapple with the historical experiences of racially minoritized people, leaving the field without an adequate foundation from which to address recent calls for racial inclusivity. This paper begins the process of addressing these concerns by analyzing autobiographical writings of Fredrick Douglass, a formerly enslaved African American. We situate this examination in both the broader historiography of U.S. enslavement and relevant HRD theory regarding race, diversity, and Black experiences in the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to initiate a discussion on the relevance of the institution of U.S. slavery to the history of HRD; we argue that studying formally enslaved people offers valuable lessons about resisting dehumanization in contemporary workplaces.
Successful thrombectomy in a pediatric patient with large vessel occlusion and COVID-19 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Pabst Lisa M. , Zyck Stephanie A. , Youssef Patrick
Published: February 2022

This is a case report of a child with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) complicated by an acute ischemic stroke with right M1 occlusion and large penumbra who underwent thrombectomy with TICI 3 recanalization. There were no complications and the patient had improvement in the pediatric NIHSS from 16 to 3 in the subsequent days. This is the first known report of successful mechanical thrombectomy performed in a pediatric patient with MIS-C associated with COVID-19.
Situating Sensitizing Concepts in the Constructivist-Critical Grounded Theory Method
Authors: Zaidi Shehr Bano
Published: February 2022

This study reimagines the use of sensitizing concepts in a grounded theory variant titled as the Constructivist-Critical Grounded Theory Method. Generally taken as one of the starting points of a research inquiry, employing sensitizing concepts is one of the initial strategies that grounded theorists (and by extension qualitative researchers) rely on; the underlying assumption being that researchers do not enter a research site tabula rasa. The approach becomes problematic when grounded theory is used in the critical paradigm. Most literature (on grounded theory or qualitative research methodology) skims over sensitizing concepts. By foregrounding the same, this paper endeavors to achieve three main objectives: it points to the oft neglected paradigmatic genesis of the device and situates it within the qualitative approach before contextualizing it in grounded theory. In doing so, a close epistemological and methodological link with in vivo codes is made; this is done by teasing out the language aspect. Finally, a reference to two broad strands in the way that sensitizing concepts are used, caps the argument; one conforms to the Blumerian version and the other one to the Bulmerian. This paper shows that the former is suitable for acritical grounded theory research, whereas the latter for critical under which Constructivist-Critical Grounded Theory falls. The paper argues for grounded theory working in the critical paradigm to enter the site with an informed theoretical perspective rather than loosely framed sensitizing concepts.
The role of antifibrotics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Liang Minrui , Matteson Eric L. , Abril Andy , Distler Jörg H.W.
Published: February 2022

The major pulmonary complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes significant morbidity and mortality and influences the natural course of disease. Recent advances in the management of arthritis have improved patient outcomes. However, exceptionally high medical needs still remain for effective therapies for the patients with ILD in RA. Better understanding of the shared and distinct pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases led to the development of novel antifibrotic agents such as nintedanib and pirfenidone. The further stratification analysis of the phase III INBUILD trial demonstrated beneficial effects of nintedanib in RA-ILD with a progressive phenotype by reducing the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) over 52 weeks by 60%. Pirfenidone is another antifibrotic agent currently under phase II clinical study (TRAIL1) aiming to evaluate its effects for RA-ILD. This review provides an overview of state-of-the-art pathogenesis and the current therapeutic options for RA-ILD, with a focus on antifibrotic strategies.
The State of Knowledge in Rural Gifted Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jung Jae Yup , Townend Geraldine , Hay Peta K. , Smith Susen R.
Published: February 2022

To outline the current state of empirical knowledge in rural gifted education, a systematic review of the international empirical literature was conducted with peer-reviewed journal articles published from 2000 to 2020. Six inclusion/exclusion criteria guided the searches that were undertaken of the ERIC and PsycINFO databases, six peer-reviewed journals in gifted education, and three peer-reviewed journals in rural education, along with the reference lists of the journal articles identified from the database and journal searches. The 103 journal articles that were eventually identified as meeting search criteria were thereafter analyzed to document key details, including the countries/regions of origin, publication outlets, authorship, approaches to data collection and analyses, and the major findings. A discussion of the key issues and trends in the identified studies, along with areas for focus in future investigations, concludes the review.
Quantitative MRI findings indicate diffuse white matter damage in Susac Syndrome
Authors: Johnson P , Chan JK , Vavasour IM , Abel S , Lee LE , Yong H , Laule C , Li DKB , Tam R , Traboulsee A , Carruthers RL , Kolind SH
Published: February 2022

Background

Susac Syndrome (SuS) is an autoimmune endotheliopathy impacting the brain, retina and cochlea that can clinically mimic multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To evaluate non-lesional white matter demyelination changes in SuS compared to MS and healthy controls (HC) using quantitative MRI.

Methods

3T MRI including myelin water imaging and diffusion basis spectrum imaging were acquired for 7 SuS, 10 MS and 10 HC participants. Non-lesional white matter was analyzed in the corpus callosum (CC) and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Groups were compared using ANCOVA with Tukey correction.

Results

SuS CC myelin water fraction (mean 0.092) was lower than MS(0.11, p = 0.01) and HC(0.11, p = 0.04). Another myelin marker, radial diffusivity, was increased in SuS CC(0.27μm2/ms) compared to HC(0.21μm2/ms, p = 0.008) and MS(0.23μm2/ms, p = 0.05). Fractional anisotropy was lower in SuS CC(0.82) than HC(0.86, p = 0.04). Fiber fraction (reflecting axons) did not differ from HC or MS. In NAWM, radial diffusivity and apparent diffusion coefficient were significantly increased in SuS compared to HC(p < 0.001 for both measures) and MS(p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

Our results provided evidence of myelin damage in SuS, particularly in the CC, and more extensive microstructural injury in NAWM, supporting the hypothesis that there are widespread microstructural changes in SuS syndrome including diffuse demyelination.
Defining Cooperative Member Activism: Evidence from Oil Palm Farmers’ Cooperatives
Authors: Saleh Norman Mohd , Mizan Muhammad Faiz Ahmad , Jamaludin Mohammad Syazwan , Abdullah Maizatulakma , Hassan Mohamat Sabri , Jaffar Romlah , Shukor Zaleha Abdul
Published: February 2022

This study provides a narrative view of the cooperative activism concept. Mutual incentives theory suggests a typology of activism: true believers, supporters’ club, loyal customers, and free riders. Insights from focus group discussions suggest that cooperative members can be divided into these four categories and distributed unevenly, with the minority and majority as true believers and free riders, respectively. Given that the majority of cooperative members remain in the free-rider category, their demand for financial return dominates and forces true believers involved in cooperative management to work toward the demutualization of cooperatives that emphasizes financial return. This study also suggests indicators to measure cooperative member activism for future research. The implication is for cooperatives to address issues related to members’ activism, such as openness to new ideas, new generation glass ceiling, improving participation, and instill belief in cooperative concept among members.
Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of root canal sealers: A review on recent studies
Authors: Özdemir Olcay , Kopac Turkan
Published: February 2022

Many types of endodontic root canal sealers have been employed for the purpose of filling voids and irregularities in root canals, as well as reducing/removing bacterial remnants/remains. Sealers are available in various formulations, and research work to find the most appropriate ones is still ongoing. Recently, many kinds of novel root canal sealers have been introduced under various commercial names. However, most sealers are known to exhibit different levels of cytotoxicity on tissues which would result in prolonged wound healing, inflammation, and bone resorption. Preferably, sealers need to have tolerable biological and physico-chemical properties along with biocompatibility. Additives promoting the biocompatibility and bioactivity of sealers are of major concern in clinical applications. The aim of this review was to compare, evaluate, and analyze comparatively the cytotoxic effects, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties of recently used root canal sealers. A comprehensive literature search was made to identify their properties involving biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. In general, the sealers reported in recent literature exhibited favorable biological features in comparison to conventional ones. They promoted better cell viability and biocompatibility. The incorporation of additives influences favorably the potential negative effects. However, it has been highlighted that there is a lack of well-designed long-term clinical applications, and more in vitro and in vivo research work would be helpful to confirm the sustainability of the sealers for further clinical practice.
Turkey and the United Arab Emirates: From Cooperation to Rivalry
Authors: Bishku Michael B.
Published: February 2022

This article will review Turkey’s political and economic relations with the United Arab Emirates from the establishment of ties upon the latter achieving independence from Britain to the present through the changing regional and international scene of the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. While Turkey did not pay much attention to the Gulf region initially, the situation changed following the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981 and Turgut Özal becoming prime minister two years later. Özal was a devout Muslim and sought to boost ties with Middle Eastern countries while reaping economic benefits, but his efforts were not as extensive as they have become under the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which came to power in 2002. The AKP regards Turkey as a leading force in promoting the interests especially of Sunni Muslims in the Middle East and the rest of the Islamic world. Despite constructive bilateral efforts at political and economic cooperation, the AKP’s connections with the Muslim Brotherhood have complicated Turkey’s relations with the UAE, as the latter has been concerned with its indigenous Islamist group al-Islah. Since the overthrow of Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi, a political rivalry has developed between the two over differing regional perspectives.
Informing Parents as Caregivers With a Symptom Assessment App Developed for Children With Cancer
Authors: Bernier Carney Katherine M. , Stegenga Kristin , Linder Lauri A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Mobile health technologies can assist children to communicate their symptom experiences in a developmentally appropriate format. However, few investigations have examined how mHealth resources may also assist parents in their caregiver role. The purpose of this study was to explore how a symptom assessment app designed for school-age children with cancer could further inform parents as caregivers. Methods: Nineteen parents (18 mothers; median 35 years old, range 26–48 years) of children (6–12 years of age) receiving cancer treatment participated in the feasibility/acceptability trial of a game-based symptom assessment app. Acceptability interviews with parents were completed after each child’s trial with the app. We completed a secondary analysis of the parent interviews using thematic analysis to examine how the app could support parents in their caregiving role. Results: Parents perceived the app to (1) elicit the child’s voice about his/her symptom experience; (2) provide a supportive and safe environment for the child to report symptoms; and (3) create an opportunity to facilitate communication between the child, parent, and clinical team. Parents expressed a willingness for their child to represent his/her experience with the app so that they could make informed decisions regarding symptom care. Discussion: Perceived benefits of the app extended to parents as they described developing further insight into their child’s cancer experience. The knowledge gained allowed parents the potential to enhance symptom communication and supportive care strategies. Future research should further evaluate how mHealth tools facilitate shared symptom management between children receiving treatment for cancer and their caregivers.
Removal of alkaline nitride from lubricating oil by modified clays
Authors: Chen Mingrong , Liu Naiwang , Shi Li , Meng Xuan
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the removal efficiency of clays in oil refining, to explore the related factors and to clarify the removal mechanism of alkaline nitride, a series of modified clays was prepared to test removal of alkaline nitride from lubricating oil. After the addition of 1 wt.% FeCl3, the removal rate of alkaline nitride increased from 33.6% to 43.3%. Furthermore, the acidity and chlorine content did not exceed acceptable levels. The testing methods of N2 adsorption–desorption, particle-size distribution, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were conducted to verify the removal mechanism. The removal rate of alkaline nitride is mainly related to the density of Lewis acid sites. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the existence of the complexation reaction. The basic nitrides were removed by chemical adsorption via Fe3+-complexation.
Effects of COVID-19 protective face masks and wearing durations on respiratory haemodynamic physiology and exhaled breath constituents
Authors: Sukul Pritam , Bartels Julia , Fuchs Patricia , Trefz Phillip , Remy Rasmus , Rührmund Leo , Kamysek Svend , Schubert Jochen K. , Miekisch Wolfram
Published: February 2022

Background

While assumed to protect against coronavirus transmission, face masks may have effects on respiratory–haemodynamic parameters. Within this pilot study, we investigated immediate and progressive effects of FFP2 and surgical masks on exhaled breath constituents and physiological attributes in 30 adults at rest.

Methods

We continuously monitored exhaled breath profiles within mask space in older (age 60–80 years) and young to middle-aged (age 20–59 years) adults over the period of 15 and 30 min by high-resolution real-time mass-spectrometry. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory and haemodynamic parameters were measured (noninvasively) simultaneously.

Results

Profound, consistent and significant (p≤0.001) changes inSpO2(≥60_FFP2-15 min: 5.8±1.3%↓, ≥60_surgical-15 min: 3.6±0.9%↓, <60_FFP2-30 min: 1.9±1.0%↓, <60_surgical-30 min: 0.9±0.6%↓) and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) (≥60_FFP2-15 min: 19.1±8.0%↑, ≥60_surgical-15 min: 11.6±7.6%↑, <60_FFP2- 30 min: 12.1±4.5%↑, <60_surgical- 30 min: 9.3±4.1%↑) indicate ascending deoxygenation and hypercarbia. Secondary changes (p≤0.005) to haemodynamic parameters (e.g.mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥60_FFP2-15 min: 9.8±10.4%↑) were found. Exhalation of bloodborne volatile metabolites,e.g.aldehydes, hemiterpene, organosulfur, short-chain fatty acids, alcohols, ketone, aromatics, nitrile and monoterpene mirrored behaviour of cardiac output, MAP,SpO2, respiratory rate andPETCO2. Exhaled humidity (e.g.≥60_FFP2-15 min: 7.1±5.8%↑) and exhaled oxygen (e.g.≥60_FFP2-15 min: 6.1±10.0%↓) changed significantly (p≤0.005) over time.

Conclusions

Breathomics allows unique physiometabolic insights into immediate and transient effects of face mask wearing. Physiological parameters and breath profiles of endogenous and/or exogenous volatile metabolites indicated putative cross-talk between transient hypoxaemia, oxidative stress, hypercarbia, vasoconstriction, altered systemic microbial activity, energy homeostasis, compartmental storage and washout. FFP2 masks had a more pronounced effect than surgical masks. Older adults were more vulnerable to FFP2 mask-induced hypercarbia, arterial oxygen decline, blood pressure fluctuations and concomitant physiological and metabolic effects.
European Respiratory Society guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults
Authors: Louis Renaud , Satia Imran , Ojanguren Inigo , Schleich Florence , Bonini Matteo , Tonia Thomy , Rigau David , ten Brinke Anne , Buhl Roland , Loukides Stelios , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Boulet Louis-Philippe , Bourdin Arnaud , Coleman Courtney , Needham Karen , Thomas Mike , Idzko Marco , Papi Alberto , Porsbjerg Celeste , Schuermans Daniel , Soriano Joan B. , Usmani Omar S.
Published: February 2022

Although asthma is very common, affecting 5–10% of the population, the diagnosis of asthma in adults remains a challenge in the real world, which results in both over- and under-diagnosis. A taskforce was set up by the European Respiratory Society to systematically review the literature on the diagnostic accuracy of tests used to diagnose asthma in adult patients and provide recommendations for clinical practice.

The taskforce defined eight Population, Index, Comparator and Outcome questions that were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The taskforce utilised the outcomes to develop an evidence-based diagnostic algorithm, with recommendations for a pragmatic guideline for everyday practice that was directed by real-life patient experiences.

The taskforce supports the initial use of spirometry followed by bronchodilator reversibility testing (if airway obstruction is present). If initial spirometry fails to show obstruction, further tests should be performed in the following order: exhaled nitric oxide fraction, peak expiratory flow variability, or, in secondary care, bronchial challenge. We present the thresholds for each test that are compatible with a diagnosis of asthma in the presence of current symptoms.

The taskforce reinforces spirometry as a priority and recognises the value of measuring blood eosinophils and serum immunoglobulin E to phenotype the patient. Measuring gas trapping by body plethysmography in patients with preserved forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio deserves further attention. The taskforce draws attention to the difficulty of making a correct diagnosis in patients already receiving inhaled corticosteroids; the comorbidities that may obscure diagnosis; the importance of phenotyping; and the necessity of considering the patient experience in the diagnostic process.