bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Variations in the Oral Microbiomes of Youths with Severe Periodontitis
Authors: Zhao Ya-Qiong , Zhou Ying-Hui , Zhao Jie , Feng Yao , Gao Zheng-Rong , Ye Qin , Liu Qiong , Chen Yun , Zhang Shao-Hui , Tan Li , Dusenge Marie Aimee , Hu Jing , Feng Yun-Zhi , Yan Fei , Guo Yue
Published: October 2021

Objective. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of microbial etiology caused primarily by dysbiosis of the oral microbiota. Our aim was to compare variations in the composition of the oral microbiomes of youths with severe periodontitis according to gender. Methods. Subgingival plaque samples collected from 17 patients with severe periodontitis (11 males and 6 females) were split for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The composition, α-diversity, and β-diversity of the patients’ oral microbiomes were compared between the males and the females. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was used to analyze the specific taxa enriched in the two groups. Functional profiles (KEGG pathways) were obtained using PICRUSt based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. Results. The Chao1 index and phylogenetic diversity whole tree were significantly higher in males than in females. The Simpson and Shannon indices were not significantly different between the two groups. β-Diversity suggested that the samples were reasonably divided into groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test based on the relative abundance of species, combined with the LEfSe analysis showed that the dominant bacteria in males were Pseudomonas and Papillibacter, whereas the dominant bacteria in women were Fusobacteriales and Tannerella. KEGG analysis predicted that the variation in the oral microbiome may be related to the immune system in women, whereas immune system diseases were the dominant pathway in men. Conclusion. We found sex-specific differences in the oral microbiome in a sample of youths with severe periodontitis. The differences may be related to changes in immune homeostasis and lead to a better understanding of periodontitis.
[Retracted] Wearable Product Design for Intelligent Monitoring of Basketball Training Posture Based on Image Processing
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sun Yangjie , Wang Meng , Pu Yan
Published: October 2021

The algorithms of wearable image processing technology equipment have certain versatility and can be widely used in popular fields such as medical treatment, factories, drone development, human‐computer interaction, virtual reality, and physical education. In order to deeply study the monitoring effect of smart wearable products based on the image processing technology on basketball training postures, this article uses the product manual comparison method, data collection method, and equipment development method to collect samples and analyze and develop intelligent monitoring equipment, streamlined algorithm. And it integrated and developed a wearable product that can monitor athletes’ training posture in real time during basketball training. After the product was researched, the training program of the product was used for low‐handed dribbling. The first training lasted for 3 minutes and 10 seconds, and the second training lasted for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. The prototype and manual dribbles were studied in these two cases. The results showed that the prototype reminded the participants 31 times, while the coach only reminded them 13 times due to the large number of people. By comparing the satisfaction scores of the fitness software and the products developed in this article, the score ranges from 1 to 5 points, which is very consistent with the score of 5, and it is very inconsistent with the score of 1. Through the trial of this scene, positive information was obtained. The evaluation of the prototype is generally above that of the fitness software. The number of people eager to use the prototype again is 10 times more than that of the fitness software. These data are from the first combination chart and the third combination chart. The corresponding explanations and experimental methods will be introduced in the description of these two combination charts later. The prototype can widely cater to the public’s sport preferences. It is basically realized that starting from the image processing technology, a smart monitoring wearable product with high evaluation and good effect has been designed.
Polyethylene Glycol Loxenatide (PEX-168) Reduces Body Weight and Blood Glucose in Simple Obese Mice
Authors: Wu Yuting , Guo Zeyuan , Wang Junlu , Wang Yong , Wang Daorong , Li Ying , Zhu Lihua , Sun Xiaofang
Published: October 2021

Background. At present, there is a lack of drug treatment for obese patients, so it is needed to find a drug that is effective and has few side effects to treat obesity. PEX-168 is a novel long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for T2DM. It improves blood glucose with fewer side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PEX-168 on blood glucose and body weight of mice with simple obesity. Methods. Thirty healthy and 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n = 6) and obesity model group (n = 24). The obesity model mice were randomly divided into a high-fat diet group (HF) and intervention groups with different doses of PEX-168 (0.03 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg). Each group includes 6 mice. Body weight, food intake, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were evaluated after intraperitoneal injection, and the intervention was performed weekly for 12 weeks. Fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured at the 12th week. Results. Compared with HF, the food intake of mice in the intervention groups decreased transiently, but there was no difference between different doses (

P
>
0.05

). The body weight of mice in the middle and high dose of PEX-168 intervention groups decreased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The administration of PEX-168 can effectively improve the blood glucose of obese mice, the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

), but there was no difference between different doses (

P
>
0.05

). At the 10th week, the incidence of transient hypoglycemia was 67% and 50% in the middle- and high-dose groups, respectively. The levels of serum FINS in the intervention groups were significantly lower than those in the HF group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

), but there was no difference between different doses (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusions. PEX-168 showed significant improvement in the FBG and FINS levels of simple obese mice. Middle and high doses of PEX-168 could reduce the weight of simple obese mice, but there was a certain risk of hypoglycemia.
Maternal Hyperoxygenation Testing in Fetuses with Hypoplastic Left-Heart Syndrome: Association with Postnatal Atrial Septal Restriction
Authors: Mardy Christopher , Kaplinski Michelle , Peng Lynn , Blumenfeld Yair J. , Kwiatkowski David M. , Tacy Theresa A. , Maskatia Shiraz A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: In fetuses with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome (HLHS), maternal hyperoxygenation (MHO) may aid risk stratification. We hypothesized that pulmonary vein (Pvein) velocity time integral (VTI) change with MHO would more reliably identify neonates who undergo emergent atrial septoplasty (EAS) than changes in pulmonary arterial pulsatility index (PA PI). Methods: Fetuses with HLHS who underwent MHO testing at our institution between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Data were reviewed in a blinded, retrospective manner. Pvein VTI ratio (prograde:retrograde) was calculated. The primary outcome was neonatal EAS. Results: Twenty-seven HLHS fetuses underwent MHO, and 5 (19%) underwent EAS. Without MHO, a Pvein VTI ratio <3 conferred 60% sensitivity and 100% specificity for EAS. With MHO, a Pvein VTI ratio <6.5 conferred 100% sensitivity and specificity. For an intermediate group of fetuses with a baseline Pvein VTI ratio 3–7, the ratio decrease with MHO conferred 100% sensitivity and specificity. Compared to the Pvein VTI ratio, PA PI was less accurate in identifying EAS neonates. Discussion/Conclusion: Addition of MHO appears to improve the diagnostic ability of the Pvein VTI ratio to identify HLHS fetuses who undergo EAS. The Pvein VTI ratio change may more accurately identify fetuses who undergo EAS than change in PA PI and has less interobserver variability.
Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily Improved Each IPSS Subscore, QOL, and Nocturia in Elderly BPH Patients over 70 Years Old in a Real-World Clinical Setting
Authors: Kuno Takahira , Tamura Kenji , Fukuhara Hideo , Fukata Satoshi , Ashida Shingo , Karashima Takashi , Sawada Kohji , Yasuda Masaharu , Watanabe Hironobu , Komatsu Fumito , Kuroiwa Hajime , Saito Motoaki , Inoue Keiji
Published: October 2021

Objective: No reports have evaluated the treatment effects of tadalafil by age group in a positive, noninterventional observational study of Japanese men. The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment effects of tadalafil by age group in a positive, noninterventional observational study of Japanese men. We therefore divided patients into 2 groups about the age of 70 years and investigated the treatment effects of tadalafil regarding voiding and storage functions by age group. Methods: Changes from baseline in each parameter (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], quality of life [QOL] score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS], and residual urine volume) at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after initiating tadalafil for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients were compared between groups (50–69 years vs. ≥70 years). In addition, side effects of tadalafil were investigated by age group. Results: In the 50–69 years group, significant improvements from baseline were seen in IPSS total and QOL score for all time points. In addition, significant improvements in IPSS storage subscore from baseline were observed at the 4- and 24-week time points. In the ≥70 years group, significant improvements from baseline were seen in IPSS total, IPSS voiding and storage subscores, and QOL score at each time point. Conclusions: Tadalafil 5 mg once daily appeared effective in clinical settings for elderly BPH patients even over 70 years old.
Coadministration of Melatonin and Insulin Improves Diabetes-Induced Impairment of Rat Kidney Function
Authors: Hajam Younis Ahmad , Rai Seema , Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu R. , Brown Gregory M. , Reiter Russel J. , Cardinali Daniel P.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin and insulin coadministration in diabetes-induced renal injury in rats. Research Design and Methods: Diabetes was achieved by giving streptozotocin (15 mg/kg) for 6 consecutive days. The diabetic condition was confirmed by assessing the blood glucose level; animals having blood glucose levels above 250 mg were considered as diabetic. Following the confirmation, animals were randomly divided into different experimental groups, viz group I served as the control (CON), group II diabetic (D), group III D+melatonin (MEL), group IV D+insulin (INS), group V D+MEL+INS, group VI D+glibenclamide (GB), group VII CON+MEL, group VIII CON+INS, and group IX CON+GB. Following the completion of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected via a retro-orbital puncture, and kidneys were harvested. Diabetic rats exhibited a significant increment in blood glucose and biochemical indexes of renal injury (tubular disruption, swollen glomeruli with loss of glomerular spaces, and distortion of the endothelial lining) including augmented levels of serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, Na+, and K+, and inhibition/suppression of the activity of glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and GSH-S-transferase in the renal cortex. Results: By examining thiobarbiturate reactive substances, reduced GSH, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity in the renal cortex of control and diabetic rats, it was documented that treatment with melatonin or insulin alone or in combination showed a significant ad integrum recovery of GSH-dependent antioxidative enzymatic activities. Melatonin and insulin coadministration caused greater reductions in circulating tumor necrosis factor-α, tumor growth factor-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels in diabetic rats, whereas IL-10 levels increased, as compared to each treatment alone. Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in the expression of both MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor genes. Melatonin or insulin treatment alone or in combination resulted in significant restoration of the relative expression of both melatonin receptors in the renal cortex. Conclusion: The coadministration of exogenous melatonin and insulin abolished many of the deleterious effects of type 1 diabetes on rat renal function.
Two Cases of Angiosarcoma with Persistent Unilateral Eyelid Swelling
Authors: Sakisaka Shinzo , Tanabe Mika , Imayama Shuhei , Zeze Nahoko , Yamana Kanako , Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: October 2021

Angiosarcoma is a widely known neoplasm with one of the poorest prognoses; however, such cases are rarely observed by the ophthalmologists in clinical practice. The tumor commonly develops on the face and scalp and may cause eyelid swelling. We present 2 such cases. Case 1 was an 82-year-old woman who presented with indulated swelling of the right eyelid that extended to the upper forehead. Biopsy revealed a poorly circumscribed tumor infiltrated throughout the dermis and fat tissue, exhibiting both angiomatous and solid patterns. Immunohistochemistry showed CD31(−) and D2-40/podoplanin(+), suggesting angiosarcoma. The patient had multiple lung metastases and died 14 months later. Case 2 was a 77-year-old man who presented with swelling of the left eyelid, and erythema on the left temporal skin developed ulcerated nodules. Biopsy showed proliferated tumor cells in a sheet form, extensively throughout the dermis. Angiosarcoma was preferred based on immunohistochemistry: CD31(+), CD34(+), and D2-40(−). The patient was treated with electron beam therapy and chemotherapy and died after 13 months. It would be difficult for an ophthalmologist to suspect such a rare neoplasm only from swelling of the eyelids. However, angiosarcoma should be considered if the swelling spreads steadily from a head rash with a nodule or ulcer nearby.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Social Decision-making: An EEG Investigation of a Modified Ultimatum Game
Authors: Moore Matthew , Katsumi Yuta , Dolcos Sanda , Dolcos Florin
Published: October 2021

Cooperation behaviors during social decision-making have been shown to be sensitive to manipulations of context. However, it remains unclear how aspects of context in dynamic social interactions, such as observed nonverbal behaviors, may modulate cooperation decisions and the associated neural mechanisms. In this study, participants responded to offers from proposers to split $10 in an Ultimatum Game following observation of proposer approach (friendly) or avoidance (nonfriendly) behaviors, displayed by dynamic whole-body animated avatars, or following a nonsocial interaction control condition. As expected, behavioral results showed that participants tended to have greater acceptance rates for unfair offers following observed nonverbal social interactions with proposers compared with control, suggesting an enhancing effect of social interactions on cooperative decisions. ERP results showed greater N1 and N2 responses at the beginning of social interaction conditions compared with control, and greater sustained and late positivity responses for observed approach and avoidance proposer behaviors compared with control. Event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) results showed differential sensitivity within theta, alpha, and beta bands during observation of social interactions and offers that was associated with subsequent decision behaviors. Together, these results point to the impact of proposers' nonverbal behaviors on subsequent cooperation decisions at both behavioral and neural levels. The ERP and ERSP findings suggest modulated attention, monitoring, and processing of biological motion during the observed nonverbal social interactions, influencing the participants' responses to offers. These findings shed light on electrophysiological correlates of response to observed social interactions that predict subsequent social decisions.
Value-Biased Competition in the Auditory System of the Brain
Authors: Kim Andy J. , Grégoire Laurent , Anderson Brian A.
Published: October 2021

Attentional capture by previously reward-associated stimuli has predominantly been measured in the visual domain. Recently, behavioral studies of value-driven attention have demonstrated involuntary attentional capture by previously reward-associated sounds, emulating behavioral findings within the visual domain and suggesting a common mechanism of attentional capture by value across sensory modalities. However, the neural correlates of the modulatory role of learned value on the processing of auditory information has not been examined. Here, we conducted a neuroimaging study on human participants using a previously established behavioral paradigm that measures value-driven attention in an auditory target identification task. We replicate behavioral findings of both voluntary prioritization and involuntary attentional capture by previously reward-associated sounds. When task-relevant, the selective processing of high-value sounds is supported by reduced activation in the dorsal attention network of the visual system (FEF, intraparietal sulcus, right middle frontal gyrus), implicating cross-modal processes of biased competition. When task-irrelevant, in contrast, high-value sounds evoke elevated activation in posterior parietal cortex and are represented with greater fidelity in the auditory cortex. Our findings reveal two distinct mechanisms of prioritizing reward-related auditory signals, with voluntary and involuntary modes of orienting that are differently manifested in biased competition.
Lessons Learned from a Study on Distractions in Virtual Learning Environments: Reliability, Ecological Validity, and an Elusive Social Component
Authors: Tärning Betty , Ternblad Eva-Maria , Haake Magnus , Gulz Agneta , Nirme Jens
Published: October 2021

Virtual Reality has long been proposed to combine the reliability of controlled laboratory settings with the ecological validity of real life. While the technological development steadily pushes towards even more realistic renderings of the real world—the elusiveness of social and emotional elements gradually becomes more evident. This is not the least true for behavioral studies in rich sociocultural contexts. This article examines the outcomes of a study on distractions, taking place in a socially rich context—the classroom. The study made use of a Virtual Reality environment simulating a junior high school lesson, where the Distraction condition consisted of peers watching nonrelevant content on their laptops. In the control condition these laptops were closed. No significant distraction effects were found, neither on learning nor behavior. Given the strong support in the literature for such effects, the study design, including technical aspects, is scrutinized and discussed. We specifically highlight the difficulty of simulating a social relationship between the participant and agents in VR, which in this case makes the distraction stimulus significantly weaker. It is argued that the distraction effect of nearby peers’ laptop use relies (partly) on shared attention with social agents with an established social relation and common interests.
What Constitutes Failure? The Influence of Public Interests in Securing Accountability in Triple Helix Initiatives
Authors: Thomasson Anna , Wigren-Kristoferson Caroline , Scheller Christin
Published: October 2021

The focus of this article is to examine a specific case of a failing regional innovation system (RIS). Our study focuses on a specific project that was conducted in a triple helix constellation where public actors occupy the centre of the triple helix constellation. By examining and interpreting this single case, we aim to illustrate the consequences that result from uncertainty over who the triple helix constellation is accountable to as well as the consequences that has for the overall assessment of the outcome of the triple helix. We show how the overall initiative constituted a failure, but when one considers the activities that were organized and implemented by the RIS, then it is problematic to define it as a failure. This leads us to the conclusion that we should evaluate RIS from different perspectives and on different levels, and we need to consider the time dimension in our evaluation.
Vertical Vortex Development in Hurricane Michael (2018) during Rapid Intensification
Authors: DesRosiers Alexander J. , Bell Michael M. , Cha Ting-Yu
Published: October 2021

The landfall of Hurricane Michael (2018) at category-5 intensity occurred after rapid intensification (RI) spanning much of the storm’s lifetime. Four Hurricane Hunter aircraft missions observed the RI period with tail Doppler radar (TDR). Data from each of the 14 aircraft passes through the storm were quality controlled via a combination of interactive and machine-learning techniques. TDR data from each pass were synthesized using the Spline Analysis at Mesoscale Utilizing Radar and Aircraft Instrumentation (SAMURAI) variational wind retrieval technique to yield three-dimensional kinematic fields of the storm to examine inner-core processes during RI. Vorticity and angular momentum increased and concentrated in the eyewall region. A vorticity budget analysis indicates that the tendencies became more axisymmetric over time. In this study, we focus in particular on how the eyewall vorticity tower builds vertically into the upper levels. Horizontal vorticity associated with the vertical gradient of tangential wind was tilted into the vertical by the eyewall updraft to yield a positive vertical vorticity tendency inward atop the existing vorticity tower, which is further developed locally upward and outward along the sloped eyewall through advection and stretching. Observed maintenance of thermal wind balance from a thermodynamic retrieval shows evidence of a strengthening warm core, which aided in lowering surface pressure and further contributed to the efficient intensification in the latter stages of this RI event.
Quasi-Biweekly Extensions of the Monsoon Winds and the Philippines Diurnal Cycle
Authors: Natoli Michael B. , Maloney Eric D.
Published: October 2021

The impact of quasi-biweekly variability in the monsoon southwesterly winds on the precipitation diurnal cycle in the Philippines is examined using CMORPH precipitation, ERA5 data, and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) fields. Both a case study during the 2018 Propagation of Intraseasonal Tropical Oscillations (PISTON) field campaign and a 23-yr composite analysis are used to understand the effect of the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) on the diurnal cycle. QBWO events in the west Pacific, identified with an extended EOF index, bring increases in moisture, cloudiness, and westerly winds to the Philippines. Such events are associated with significant variability in daily mean precipitation and the diurnal cycle. It is shown that the modulation of the diurnal cycle by the QBWO is remarkably similar to that by the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO). The diurnal cycle reaches maximum amplitude on the western side of the Philippines on days with average to above-average moisture, sufficient insolation, and weakly offshore prevailing wind. This occurs during the transition period from suppressed to active large-scale convection for both the QBWO and BSISO. Westerly monsoon surges associated with QBWO variability generally exhibit active precipitation over the South China Sea (SCS), but a depressed diurnal cycle. These results highlight that modes of large-scale convective variability in the tropics can have a similar impact on the diurnal cycle if they influence the local-scale environmental background state similarly.
Post-Trauma Follow-up Phone Call Shows Lower Readmission Rates for Patients Discharged From Emergency Department Compared to Inpatient Stay
Authors: Hoyos Juan Pablo , Alaniz Leonardo , Llerenas Miguel , Mendoza Rosemarie , Tay Erika , Barrios Cristobal
Published: October 2021

Background

Studies show follow-up phone calls decrease readmission rates (RR) in trauma patients and social vulnerabilities may play a role as well. Minimal literature exists comparing RR of trauma patients who required an inpatient stay to those whose treatment was limited to the Emergency Department (ED), as they are at high risk of recidivism. We hypothesized post-trauma follow-up calls would show higher RR for ED patients than those requiring inpatient stay, as well as potentially differing outcomes for minorities.

Study Design

A retrospective analysis from 2019-2020 of 1328 trauma patients from UCI Medical Center, discharged from inpatient facilities or the ED. A questionnaire script read by a nurse practitioner to patients via phone call following discharge. Data associated with readmission were captured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, controlling for patient factors including severity of injury.

Results

Patients discharged from the ED were 47.4% less likely to be readmitted than those who required an inpatient stay ( P < .01). However, ED patients were 88.7% less likely to receive a prescription than inpatient stay patients ( P < .01). No difference between ED and inpatient discharge contact rates was noted ( P < .99). Furthermore, no difference in readmission rates was noted for minorities.

Conclusion

Post-trauma follow-up calls showed lower RR for index ED visit patients than those requiring inpatient stay, contrary to expectations. However, ED visit patients were also less likely to receive/fill prescriptions compared to those requiring inpatient stay. Ongoing analysis is warranted to further validate and improve follow-up call programs to ensure equitable health care.
From Seminary to University in Quebec: de la théologie aux études religieuses
Authors: Mossière Géraldine
Published: October 2021

In his book From Seminary to University: An Institutional History of the Study of Religion in Canada, Aaron Hughes offers a comprehensive portrait of the historical construction of the study of religion in Canada. While Hughes explains in-depth the social, political and historical conditions of production of knowledge on religion as an academic domain in provinces of Protestant heritage, his contribution is less thorough regarding the development of this academic field in the province of Quebec. In this article, I depict how the creation of institutions of knowledge in Quebec hinged around the Catholic hegemony that lasted since the inception of the colony, namely among faculties of theologies that framed main historical universities. I also argue that this heritage has shaped the ongoing construction of the study of religion as an epistemological issue between Catholic theologians and religious studies scholars.
Breaking the Cabinet’s Glass Ceiling: The Gendered Effect of Political Experience in Presidential Democracies
Authors: Lee Don S. , McClean Charles T.
Published: October 2021

Do ministers face gender discrimination in their career paths after entering presidential cabinets? Departing from past studies, which find little evidence of gender discrimination in more established democracies in Europe and the Americas, we argue that political experience can have a gendered effect on cabinet careers in newer democracies outside the West. Using fixed effects and matching designs, we analyze original data on the careers of 1,374 ministers from all major presidential democracies in Asia. Investigating the patterns of “cabinet promotions,” where ministers transfer from their initial cabinet appointment to a higher-prestige post, we confirm the null direct effect of gender in this new context. However, we also find important gender differences based on political experience, which helps women’s upward mobility in cabinets more than men. The finding that pathways to higher office differ by gender adds to our understanding of women’s representation in society.
Inequalities in Older age and Primary Health Care Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gao Qian , Prina A. Matthew , Ma Yuteng , Aceituno David , Mayston Rosie
Published: October 2021

The objective of this research was to systematically review and synthesize quantitative studies that assessed the association between socioeconomic inequalities and primary health care (PHC) utilization among older people living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Six databases were searched, including Embase, Medline, Psych Info, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CNKI, to identify eligible studies. A narrative synthesis approach was used for evidence synthesis. A total of 20 eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this systematic review. The indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) identified included income level, education, employment/occupation, and health insurance. Most studies reported that higher income, higher educational levels and enrollment in health insurance plans were associated with increased PHC utilization. Several studies suggested that people who were unemployed and economically inactive in older age or who had worked in formal sectors were more likely to use PHC. Our findings suggest a pro-rich phenomenon of PHC utilization in older people living in LMICs, with results varying by indicators of SES and study settings.
Development and Testing of an Algorithm to Prevent Medical Device–Related Pressure Injuries
Authors: Seong Yeong-Mi , Lee Hyejin , Seo Ji Min
Published: October 2021

We developed and tested the effectiveness of an algorithm to prevent medical device–related pressure injuries in intensive care unit patients. It was developed in four stages: literature review and analysis of medical records; preliminary algorithm development; validation of the preliminary algorithm by experts in two rounds; and practical feasibility verification of the revised algorithm by 109 intensive care unit nurses. To verify the algorithm’s effectiveness, we compared the incidence of medical device–related pressure injuries between 324 patients without algorithm application (control group) and 312 patients with algorithm application (experimental group). The outcomes were skin inspection of the medical device attachment, pressure injury evaluation, and implementation of pressure injury-preventive nursing care, based on the medical device type. The incidence rates were 1.46 per 100 devices (control group) and 1.19 per 100 devices (experimental group). Since there was no homogeneity in the previous score of the Braden scale in the experimental and control groups, the results regarding the incidence of pressure damage after applying the algorithm should be interpreted with care. Applying this algorithm was a safe intervention that helped prevent medical device–related pressure injuries in this population.
Association between multimorbidity and mortality in a cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in Scotland
Authors: Agrawal Utkarsh , Azcoaga-Lorenzo Amaya , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Vasileiou Eleftheria , Henery Paul , Simpson Colin R , Stock Sarah J , Shah Syed Ahmar , Robertson Chris , Woolhouse Mark , Ritchie Lewis D , Shiekh Aziz , Harrison Ewen M , Docherty Annemarie B , McCowan Colin
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We investigated the association between multimorbidity among patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and their subsequent risk of mortality. We also explored the interaction between the presence of multimorbidity and the requirement for an individual to shield due to the presence of specific conditions and its association with mortality.

Design

We created a cohort of patients hospitalised in Scotland due to COVID-19 during the first wave (between 28 February 2020 and 22 September 2020) of the pandemic. We identified the level of multimorbidity for the patient on admission and used logistic regression to analyse the association between multimorbidity and risk of mortality among patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Participants

Patients hospitalised due to COVID-19.

Main outcome measures

Mortality as recorded on National Records of Scotland death certificate and being coded for COVID-19 on the death certificate or death within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test.

Results

Almost 58% of patients admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 had multimorbidity. Adjusting for confounding factors of age, sex, social class and presence in the shielding group, multimorbidity was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95%CI 1.26–1.75). The presence of multimorbidity and presence in the shielding patients list were independently associated with mortality but there was no multiplicative effect of having both (adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95%CI 0.64–1.29).

Conclusions

Multimorbidity is an independent risk factor of mortality among individuals who were hospitalised due to COVID-19. Individuals with multimorbidity could be prioritised when making preventive policies, for example, by expanding shielding advice to this group and prioritising them for vaccination.
Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal—benefit of the early surgical management
Authors: Peřina Vojtěch , Salzman Richard , Treglerová Jana
Published: October 2021

Background: Antiresorptive drugs are widely used to reduce bone mineral loss in patients with osteoporosis and to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic cancers and multiple myeloma (MM). Both the bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab typically used in this indication were shown to be effective and relatively safe. Obviously, this medication could have some adverse effects; one of them is osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal. Only sporadic cases of external auditory canal osteonecrosis have been published yet. Here, we provide a case of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal successfully treated surgically in the early stage of the disease.

Case report: A 68-year-old patient with breast cancer underwent comprehensive oncological treatment, including denosumab administration. She was diagnosed with osteonecroses in the jaw and ear canal. The necrotic bones in both regions were resected with primary wound closure. Both affected sites healed well with no signs of necrosis recurrence.

Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal is a rare but probably underdiagnosed complication of antiresorptive medication. It has a negative impact on patient quality of life if left untreated. Early surgical treatment appears to be effective. The authors highlight several similarities with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Therefore, an analogous disease staging and treatment rationale is suggested.
An Empirical Investigation of Violence Against Women in the NFL
Authors: Gotberg Krystyna , Wiersma-Mosley Jacquelyn D.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine violence against women (VAW) in the National Football League (NFL). Since Ray Rice assaulted his partner on video, VAW by NFL players has received more public attention. However, there is little empirical research that examines VAW in the NFL and player suspensions compared to other violations. Data come from a public list of 176 NFL players known to have violated NFL policies from 2010–2019. Four major types of violations were found: VAW included sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence; general violent behaviors included assault or battery; drug-related offenses included substance abuse, alcohol, driving under the influence (DUI's), illegal drugs, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs); and minor sports-related infractions included issues such as missing a team meeting. The average number of game suspensions was 4.08 for VAW offenses, 1.75 for general violent offenses, 4.05 for drug-related offenses and 1.88 for minor infractions. We found no differences in the number of game suspensions for drug-related offenses compared to VAW; general violent offenses had even fewer suspensions. These numbers are contradictory to the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy of a 6-game suspension without pay for VAW and general violence.
When Non-Compliance Carries the Day: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Employment Program for the Severely Mentally Ill
Authors: Martini Alberto , Rettore Enrico , Barbetta Gian Paolo , Sandrolini Fabio
Published: October 2021

Mental disease is increasing worldwide and people who suffer from it show lower employment rates and lower earnings. Various approaches have been tried to increase the employment rate of people with mental disease. In the US, empirical studies show that individual placement and support(IPS)—a rapid transition to the job market, with some external assistance—is effective in increasing the employment rate of the mentally ill. Europe lacks such evidence. The study assesses the impact of an IPS-like program undertaken in Italy on the employment rate of people with severe mental illness. The analysis is based on a RCT that tests whether offering people with severe mental illness the support of a “job coach” increases their chances of being employed. Moreover, using a battery of tests—one of which is made available by the RCT itself—we show that the large non-compliance with the protocol showed by the RCT is ignorable. This motivates estimating the impact of carrying out a traineeship during the experimental period on employment using non-experimental methods. The study finds that the availability of a coach boosts the patients’ chances of finding a traineeship during the experimental period; moreover, undertaking a traineeship almost doubles the likelihood of being at work one year later.

JEL CODES: J78, J48, J38
Kommerell's diverticulum of retroesophageal aberrant brachiocephalic artery with right aortic arch in an adult
Authors: Mori Otohime , Fujiwara Keiichi , Yoshizawa Kosuke , Maeda Toshi , Sakazaki Hisanori
Published: October 2021

A retroesophageal aberrant brachiocephalic artery is a very rare congenital aortic arch anomaly. We herein presented a 29-year-old man with right aortic arch, retroesophageal aberrant left brachiocephalic artery, left ligamentum arteriosus, and absent left internal carotid artery. Graft replacement of the descending aorta and anatomical reconstruction of left brachiocephalic artery was successfully performed using a midline sternotomy approach without blood transfusion. We discuss the surgical management for Kommerell's diverticulum.
Separating the effect of attachment figure-domain units in IPPA-R using the correlated trait and correlated method minus one model
Authors: Sun Qiwu , Wang Chiachih D. C. , Du Shizhong , Biderman Michael D. , Jiang Guangrong
Published: October 2021

Using the correlated trait and correlated method minus one model (CT-C(M-1)), this study separated trait effects and trait method-specific effects of attachment figure-domain units in the IPPA-R. The model fit of the proposed model was examined and compared with those of other alternative models using a sample of 1290 adolescents from China. Results indicated that models specifying attachment domains across relationships as methods fitted data better than models specifying attachment domains across relationships as traits in the CT-C(M-1) model. In addition, the factor representing attachment-with-mother was found to significantly predict anxiety, stress, and social efficacy, whereas the attachment-with-father factor was a significant predictor of social self-efficacy, both of which supported the differential functioning of mother and father. Results suggest that the CT-C(M-1) model is a promising approach to separate the unique contributions of different attachment figures and relationship attachment domain-specific effect measured by IPPA-R.
Dangerous vulnerability: Simultaneous prohibition and coercion in Palestinian-Israeli single mothers’ relationships with men
Authors: Lavee Einat , Meler Tal , Shamshoum Madlen
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study is to broaden understanding of how vulnerability is shaped more by social, cultural, and religious institutions than by individual life circumstances, exploring the case of Palestinian-Israeli single mothers’ relationships with men. Research often determines the vulnerability of a group, such as women migrants from an ethnic minority, by specific demographic characteristics. This common assumption has been challenged by calls to understand vulnerability as social processes intersecting with the action of the state and other social institutions. The study provides a nuanced examination of the social processes through which Palestinian-Israeli single mothers are simultaneously forbidden from and coerced into having relationships with men, drawing on a systematic analysis of data from semi-structured, in-depth interviews of 36 Palestinian-Israeli single mothers. The analysis exposed several mechanisms which forbid single mothers from having relationships with men, alongside mechanisms that permit, often even coerce, such relationships. These mechanisms are embedded in interrelated structural factors—massive differences in gender power relations, vast gender economic disparities, inability of most single mothers to support their families independently, and state policy of non-intervention in domestic affairs of ethnic minorities, and create a state of “dangerous vulnerability.”
Ethnic identity commitment and socioemotional well-being among Latinx-origin college students: The influence of maternal and peer relationships
Authors: Hachem Zeinab A. , Toro Rosa I.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

Considerable research has noted the association between ethnic identity commitment, which refers to a positive affirmation, sense of belonging and heightened level of engagement to one’s ethnic group, and indices of well-being, but less is known in terms of factors that can explain this link.

Research Design:

The current study explored the relationship between ethnic identity commitment and indices of well-being, the mediating role of social relationships, and the moderating roles of gender and immigrant generation status.

Study Sample:

A sample of 707 Latinx college students (79% female, 21% male,  M age = 19.08 years,  SD age = 1.17,  Range: 17.00–25.00) reported on ethnic identity commitment, maternal and peer relationship quality, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and anxiety.

Results:

Results suggested that ethnic identity commitment was positively associated with socioemotional well-being. Although both types of relationships were significant mediators on their own, maternal relationship quality had a greater influence. Furthermore, gender and immigrant generation status were not significant moderators of these indirect effects.

Conclusions:

Findings indicate that committing to one’s ethnic identity enhances socioemotional well-being. They also demonstrate the complex interplay of social relationships and the enduring influence of maternal relationships during early adulthood. Results support the development of efforts geared toward facilitating ethnic identity commitment as well as leveraging the impact of social relationships in a manner that supports Latinx individuals.
Information extraction using a mixed method analysis of social media data: A case study of the police shooting during the anti-Sterlite protests at Thoothukudi, India
Authors: Karmegam Dhivya , Mappillairaju Bagavandas
Published: October 2021

During unexpected social events, information extracted from social media content posted by the people could play a crucial role in understanding the public opinion about the event. In this study, a mixed method procedure, which combines automated and human-based methods, is proposed to mine information from tweets to understand people's thoughts toward an unexpected turn of events. The proposed framework was applied on tweets posted regarding the police shooting to disperse protesters during the anti-Sterlite protests on May 22, 2018, at Thoothukudi in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The tweets were analyzed in two ways: (i) sentiment classification with automated computational methods and (ii) qualitatively examining the context of the expressed sentiments. In the case of anti-Sterlite protests, people expressed mixed emotions toward the protests for the closure of the Sterlite plant. A large negative sentiment toward the police shooting could be gleaned from the tweets. Analyzing tweets by the proposed method provides clear insights regarding the incident, which in turn will aid in planning an emergency response.
Decision tree analysis for evaluating disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhu Lifen , Jiang Jiahui , Wang Lijuan , Ni Wanmao
Published: October 2021

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory synovitis. We developed a new disease activity evaluation system using important cytokines to help doctors better evaluate disease activity in patients with RA.

Methods

Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of seven cytokines. Then, the results were analyzed using an R language decision tree.

Results

The levels of six cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, were significantly different between the active disease and remission stages. Decision tree analysis of the six cytokines with statistical significance identified two judgment rules for the remission stage and three judgment rules for the active disease stage.

Conclusion

We proposed the use of the decision tree method to analyze cytokine levels in patients with RA and obtain a more intuitive and objective RA disease activity scoring system. This method revealed the relationships of IL-6 and TNF-α levels with inflammatory characteristics in patients with RA, which can help predict disease activity.
Characteristics of Heavy Vehicle Discretionary Lane Changing Based on Trajectory Data
Authors: Li Gen , Ma Jianxiao , Yang Zhen
Published: October 2021

A comprehensive analysis of the motivations, gap acceptance, duration, and speed adjustment of heavy vehicle lane changes (LC) is conducted in this paper. An rich data set containing 433 discretionary LC trajectories of heavy vehicles is used in this study and the data set is divided into two data sets based on the LC direction (LC to the left lane [LCLL] and LC to the right lane [LCRL]) for comparison. It is seen that LCLL and LCRL have significantly different motivations, which also results in different gap acceptance behavior. However, the LC direction does not significantly influence the LC duration. The navigation speed significantly influences the LC duration of heavy vehicles and the LC duration will decrease with the increase of speed, indicating the substantial impact of traffic conditions on LC duration. An obvious speed synchronization phenomenon is found in the process of LCLL, which is not the case in LCRL. The results of this study highlight the distinct characteristics of the LC of heavy vehicles and produce a better understanding of the lane-changing behaviors of heavy vehicles. The fitted distributions of LC duration and further investigation into gap acceptance behaviors may be used for microscopic traffic simulation and auto driving.