bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Change from within: Community social workers as local policy actors
Authors: Gilboa Chen , Weiss-Gal Idit 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPolicy practice (PP) refers to the on-the-job activities of social workers (SWs) intended to influence the design of public policies. Despite the importance attributed to this type of practice within social work, there is limited empirical knowledge on how SWs actually engage in PP and what explains it. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by examining the engagement of eighteen Israeli local government community SWs who engaged in PP to affect their localities’ policies. The study employed a qualitative method and used semi-structured interviews. The policy issues addressed were diverse, with policies for children and adults with disabilities, for physical infrastructures and for community development prominent. The participants employed foundational strategies, such as cultivating personal and professional relationships with officials in the municipality’s hierarchy, and targeted strategies such as organising meetings between high-level officials and residents. Motivational, facilitating and opportunity factors can explain the engagement in PP. Our main conclusion is that local government community SWs who decided to be policy actors and create change from within adopted a ‘collaborative institutional policy practice’, which is based primarily on internal, collaborative and consensual strategies.
Treatment of acute kidney injury in cancer patients
Authors: Braet Pauline , Sartò Giulia Vanessa Re , Pirovano Marta , Sprangers Ben , Cosmai Laura 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Acute kidney injury (AKI), either of pre-renal, renal or post-renal origin, is an important complication in cancer patients, resulting in worse prognosis, withdrawal from effective oncological treatments, longer hospitalizations and increased costs. The aim of this article is to provide a literature review of general and cause-specific treatment strategies for AKI, providing a helpful guide for clinical practice. We propose to classify AKI as patient-related, cancer-related and treatment-related in order to optimize therapeutic interventions. In the setting of patient-related causes, proper assessment of hydration status and avoidance of concomitant nephrotoxic medications is key. Cancer-related causes mainly encompass urinary compression/obstruction, direct tumoural kidney involvement and cancer-induced hypercalcaemia. Rapid recognition and specific treatment can potentially restore renal function. Finally, a pre-treatment comprehensive evaluation of risks and benefits of each treatment should always be performed to identify patients at high risk of treatment-related renal damage and allow the implementation of preventive measures without losing the potentialities of the oncological treatment. Considering the complexity of this field, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary with the goal of reducing the incidence of AKI in cancer patients and improving patient outcomes. The overriding research goal in this area is to gather higher quality data from international collaborative studies.
Non-invasive imaging as the cornerstone of cardiovascular precision medicine
Authors: Achenbach Stephan , Fuchs Friedrich , Goncalves Alexandra , Kaiser-Albers Claudia , Ali Ziad A , Bengel Frank M , Dimmeler Stefanie , Fayad Zahi A , Mebazaa Alexandre , Meder Benjamin , Narula Jagat , Shah Amil , Sharma Sanjay , Voigt Jens-Uwe , Plein Sven 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
To provide an overview of the role of cardiovascular (CV) imaging in facilitating and advancing the field of precision medicine in CV disease.

Methods and results
Non-invasive CV imaging is essential to accurately and efficiently phenotype patients with heart disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). Various modalities, such as echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac computed tomography (CT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and invasive coronary angiography, and in some cases a combination, can be required to provide sufficient information for diagnosis and management. Taking CAD as an example, imaging is essential for the detection and functional assessment of coronary stenoses, as well as for the quantification of cardiac function and ischaemic myocardial damage. Furthermore, imaging may detect and quantify coronary atherosclerosis, potentially identify plaques at increased risk of rupture, and guide coronary interventions. In patients with HF, imaging helps identify specific aetiologies, quantify damage, and assess its impact on cardiac function. Imaging plays a central role in individualizing diagnosis and management and to determine the optimal treatment for each patient to increase the likelihood of response and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusions
Advances in all imaging techniques continue to improve accuracy, sensitivity, and standardization of functional and prognostic assessments, and identify established and novel therapeutic targets. Combining imaging with artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer algorithms, as well as with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches, will become state of the art in the future to understand pathologies of CAD and HF, and in the development of new, targeted therapies.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived left ventricular intraventricular pressure gradients among patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Vos Jacqueline L , Leiner Tim , van Dijk Arie P J , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Alenezi Fawaz , Rodwell Laura , van der Wegen Constantijn T P M , Post Marco C , Driessen Mieke M P , Nijveldt Robin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (pPH) affects left ventricular (LV) function by ventricular interdependence. Since LV ejection fraction (EF) is commonly preserved, LV dysfunction should be assessed with more sensitive techniques. Left atrial (LA) strain and estimation of LV intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) may be valuable in detecting subtle changes in LV mechanics; however, the value of these techniques in pPH is unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate LA strain and LV-IVPGs from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) cines in pPH patients.

Methods and results
In this cross-sectional study, 31 pPH patients and 22 healthy volunteers underwent CMR imaging. Feature-tracking LA strain was measured on four- and two-chamber cines. LV-IVPGs (from apex–base) are computed from a formulation using the myocardial movement and velocity of the reconstructed 3D-LV (derived from long-axis cines using feature-tracking). Systolic function, both LV EF and systolic ejection IVPG, was preserved in pPH patients. Compared to healthy volunteers, diastolic function was impaired in pPH patients, depicted by (i) lower LA reservoir (36 ± 7% vs. 26 ± 9%, P &lt; 0.001) and conduit strain (26 ± 6% vs. 15 ± 8%, P &lt; 0.001) and (ii) impaired diastolic suction (−9.1 ± 3.0 vs. ‒6.4 ± 4.4, P = 0.02) and E-wave decelerative IVPG (8.9 ± 2.6 vs. 5.7 ± 3.1, P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, 11 pPH patients (35%) showed reversal of IVPG at systolic–diastolic transition compared to none of the healthy volunteers (P = 0.002).

Conclusions
pPH impacts LV function by altering diastolic function, demonstrated by an impairment of LA phasic function and LV-IVPG analysis. These parameters could therefore potentially be used as early markers for LV functional decline in pPH patients.
Objectively measured physical activity in patients with heart failure: a sub-analysis from the HF-Wii study
Authors: Klompstra Leonie , Jaarsma Tiny , Piepoli Massimo F , Ben Gal Tuvia , Evangelista Lorraine , Strömberg Anna , Bäck Maria 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Physical activity (PA) is important in patients with heart failure (HF) to improve health outcomes. The adherence to PA is low, and therefore, novel approaches are necessary to increase PA. We aimed to determine the difference in PA in patients with HF who have access to exergaming compared to patients who received motivational support and to explored predictors of a clinically relevant change in non-sedentary time between baseline and 3 months.

Methods and results
In total, 64 patients (mean age 69 ± 9 years, 27% female) wore an accelerometer 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention. Data were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Patients spent 9 h and 43 min (±1 h 23 min) during waking hours sedentary. There were no significant differences in PA between patients who received an exergame intervention or motivational support. In total, 30 of 64 patients achieved a clinically relevant increase in non-sedentary time. Having grandchildren [odds ratio (OR) 7.43 P = 0.03], recent diagnosis of HF (OR 0.93 P = 0.02), and higher social motivation (OR 2.31 P = 0.03) were independent predictors of a clinically relevant increase of non-sedentary time.

Conclusion
Clinicians should encourage their patients to engage in alternative approaches to improve PA and reduce sedentary habits. Future exergaming interventions should target individuals with chronic HF who have low social motivation and a low level of light PA that may benefit most from exergaming. Also (non-familial), intergenerational interaction is important to enabling patients in supporting patients in becoming more active.
Family Caregivers in Rural Appalachia Caring for Older Relatives With Dementia: Predictors of Service Use
Authors: Savla Jyoti , Roberto Karen A , Blieszner Rosemary , Knight Aubrey L 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Residents of rural Appalachia tend to experience poorer health and greater economic distress than rural dwellers elsewhere in the United States. Although family is the first line of support for older adults needing care, it is unclear whether dementia caregivers in Appalachia assume these care responsibilities because of strong informal networks that support them in their caregiving role, underresourced formal services for persons with dementia, or culture-based reluctance to accept help from outsiders. This research examines how rural residents of Appalachia manage the care of relatives with dementia.

Research Design and Methods
The study was grounded in the Andersen Behavioral Model, supplemented with culturally relevant variables. Family caregivers from rural Appalachian counties in Virginia caring for community-dwelling relatives with dementia participated in a structured phone interview (N = 163). Generalized structural equation models were estimated, with predisposing, need, and enabling variables as predictors. Use of support services (e.g., meal delivery) and personal services (e.g., home health nurse) by family caregivers to care for the person with dementia were the dependent variables, and caregiver’s rural community identity and attitude toward services were moderators.

Results
Approximately half the sample utilized at least one support service and one personal service. Predisposing and need factors predicted the use of support services, whereas predisposing, need, and enabling factors predicted personal services. Caregivers who strongly identified with their cultural roots were less likely to use personal services unless they held a generally positive view of formal services.

Discussion and Implications
Although the extent of needs and the caregiver’s economic situation were essential influences on formal service utilization, the main drivers were the caregiver’s identification with rural Appalachian culture and attitude toward services. Findings point to within-group heterogeneity that requires differential approaches to delivery of community-based services accounting for varying attitudes, preferences, and family resources.
Does Computer Use Improve Older Adults’ Cognitive Functioning? Evidence From the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management Trial
Authors: Zhang Shenghao , Boot Walter R , Charness Neil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Numerous longitudinal studies suggest that technology use in late adulthood is associated with cognitive benefits. Using data from a randomized controlled trial, the current study examined whether computer use improves cognition in older adults with little to no previous computer experience.

Research Design and Methods
This study used data from the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) trial. Community-dwelling older adults with little previous computer experience (MAge = 76.15) were randomly assigned to learn and use a computer (the PRISM system, n = 150) or interact with parallel content delivered in a nondigital format (paper binder, n = 150) for 12 months. Objective and subjective cognitive outcomes were measured before (pretest) and after the intervention (posttest). Latent change score models and Bayesian analysis of variances were used to examine cognitive change at the ability and individual measure level.

Results
Computer training and use for 12 months did not lead to cognitive improvements at the ability level. Strong evidence against cognitive benefits at the individual measure level was also observed.

Discussion and Implications
Casual computer use does not provide enough cognitive stimulation to improve cognition in late adulthood. Cognitive benefits observed in longitudinal studies may be mediated by other factors or influenced by confounding variables.
Exploring Challenges and Strategies in Partnering With Community-Based Organizations to Advance Intervention Development and Implementation With Older Adults
Authors: Nkimbeng Manka , Han Hae-Ra , Szanton Sarah L , Alexander Kamila A , Davey-Rothwell Melissa , Giger Jarod T , Gitlin Laura N , Joo Jin Hui , Koeuth Sokha , Marx Katherine A , Mingo Chivon A , Samuel Laura J , Taylor Janiece L , Wenzel Jennifer , Parisi Jeanine M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Minoritized older adults face multiple health inequities and disparities, but are less likely to benefit from evidence-based health care interventions. With the increasing diversity of the U.S. aging population, there is a great promise for gerontology researchers to partner with racial/ethnic minority organizations and underrepresented communities to develop and implement evidence-based health interventions. Community-Based Participatory Research and Implementation Science offer guidance and strategies for researchers to develop and sustain community partnerships. However, researchers partnering with community organizations continue to face challenges in these collaborations, study outcomes, and sustainability. This may be especially true for those junior in their career trajectory or new to community-engaged research. The purpose of this forum article is to detail critical challenges that can affect gerontology researcher–community partnerships and relationships from the perspective of researchers. Seven challenges (pre- or mid-intervention design, implementation, and postimplementation phases) described within the Equity-focused Implementation Research for health programs framework are identified and discussed. Potential solutions are also presented. Planning for potential obstacles of the researcher–community partnerships can inform innovative solutions that will facilitate successful partnerships, thereby promoting the advancement of collaborative research between academic institutions and community organizations to improve older adult health outcomes.
A new method for estimating length-dependent capture modes in gillnets: a case study in the Danish cod (Gadus morhua) fishery
Authors: Savina Esther , Herrmann Bent , Frandsen Rikke P , Krag Ludvig A 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Gillnets are used world-wide for harvesting groundfish and pelagic species at sea and in freshwater. Little consideration has been given to how fish are caught in gillnets, even though the capture mode provides valuable information for understanding gear catchability. This paper describes a new method of estimating the length-dependent fish capture modes in gillnets. Using this method, we investigated the length-dependent capture modes for cod (Gadus morhua) in commercial monofilament nylon gillnets. Cod is a target species for several fisheries in the Northern Atlantic. This is the first time the capture mode was formally related to fish size with a direct representation of the experimental observations. The results demonstrated that gillnets are clearly designed for gilling. However, capture modes were size dependent, with small fish being caught by the mouth and larger fish by the maxillary. The application of the method is relevant when used by gear technologists to evaluate different gear characteristics to improve size or species selectivity. Changing the hanging ratio, for instance, or replacing nylon twine by thicker biodegradable material may considerably change the capture modes and their effect on gear efficiency.
Long-term follow-up of thoracoscopic ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Harlaar Niels , Oudeman Maurice A , Trines Serge A , de Ruiter Gijsbert S , Mertens Bart J , Khan Muchtair , Klautz Robert J M , Zeppenfeld Katja , Tjon Andrew , Braun Jerry , van Brakel Thomas J 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Catheter ablation of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) remains challenging, with suboptimal success rates obtained following multiple procedures. Thoracoscopic ablation has shown effective at creating transmural lesions around the pulmonary veins and box; however, long-term rhythm follow-up data are lacking. This study aims, for the first time, to assess the long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic pulmonary vein and box ablation in LSPAF.

METHODS
Rhythm follow-up consisted of continuous rhythm monitoring using implanted loop recorders or 24-h Holter recordings. Rhythm status and touch-up interventions were assessed up to 5 years.

RESULTS
Seventy-seven patients with symptomatic LSPAF underwent thoracoscopic ablation in 2 centres. Freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 5 years was 50% following a single thoracoscopic procedure and 68% allowing endocardial touch-up procedures (performed in 21% of patients). The mean atrial fibrillation burden in patients with continuous monitoring was reduced from 100% preoperatively to 0.1% at the end of the blanking period and 8.0% during the second year. Antiarrhythmic drug use decreased from 49.4% preoperative to 12.1% and 14.3% at 2 and 5 years, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Continuous rhythm monitoring resulted in higher recurrence detection rates compared to 24-h Holter monitoring at 2-year follow-up (hazard ratio: 6.5, P = 0.003), with comparable recurrence rates at 5-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
Thoracoscopic pulmonary vein and box isolation are effective in long-term restoration of sinus rhythm in LSPAF, especially when complemented by endocardial touch-up procedures, as demonstrated by the 68% freedom rate at 5 years. Continuous rhythm monitoring revealed earlier, but not more numerous documentation of recurrences at 5-year follow-up.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy decreases disease burden in patients with medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Tung Roderick , Ferguson Mark K 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Thoracic sympathectomy has been shown to be effective in reducing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks and ventricular tachycardia recurrence in patients with channelopathies, but the evidence supporting its use for refractory ventricular arrhythmias in patients without channelopathies is limited. This is a single-centre cohort study of bilateral R1–R4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy for medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias.

METHODS
Clinical information was examined for all bilateral thoracoscopic R1–R4 sympathectomies for ventricular arrhythmias at our institution from 2016 through 2020.

RESULTS
Thirteen patients underwent bilateral thoracoscopic R1–R4 sympathectomy. All patients had prior ICD implant. Patients had a recent history of multiple ICD discharges (12/13), catheter ablation (10/13) and cardiac arrest (3/13). Ten patients were urgently operated on following transfer to our centre for sustained ventricular tachycardia. Seven patients had ventricular tachycardia ablations preoperatively during the same admission. Five patients were in intensive care immediately preoperatively, with 3 requiring mechanical ventilation. Three patients suffered in-hospital mortality. Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated 73% overall survival at 24-month follow-up. Among the 10 patients who survived to discharge, all were alive at a median follow-up of 8.7 months (interquartile range 0.6–26.7 months). Six of 10 patients had no further ICD discharges. Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated 27% ICD shock-free survival at 24 months follow-up for all patients. Three of 10 patients had additional ablations, while 2 patients underwent cardiac transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective option for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia refractory to pharmacotherapy and catheter ablation.
Equivariant Log Concavity and Representation Stability
Authors: Matherne Jacob P , Miyata Dane , Proudfoot Nicholas , Ramos Eric 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe expand upon the notion of equivariant log concavity and make equivariant log concavity conjectures for Orlik–Solomon algebras of matroids, Cordovil algebras of oriented matroids, and Orlik–Terao algebras of hyperplane arrangements. In the case of the Coxeter arrangement for the Lie algebra $\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{l}_n$, we exploit the theory of representation stability to give computer-assisted proofs of these conjectures in low degree.
Expected Rates of Select Adverse Events After Immunization for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Safety Monitoring
Authors: Abara Winston E , Gee Julianne , Delorey Mark , Tun Ye , Mu Yi , Shay David K , Shimabukuro Tom 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Using meta-analytic methods, we calculated expected rates of 20 potential adverse events of special interest (AESI) that would occur after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination within 1-, 7-, and 42-day intervals without causal associations. Based on these expected rates, if 10 000 000 persons are vaccinated, (1) 0.5, 3.7, and 22.5 Guillain-Barre syndrome cases, (2) 0.3, 2.4, and 14.3 myopericarditis cases, (3) and 236.5, 1655.5, and 9932.8 all-cause deaths would occur coincidentally within 1, 7, and 42 days postvaccination, respectively. Expected rates of potential AESI can contextualize events associated temporally with immunization, aid in safety signal detection, guide COVID-19 vaccine health communications, and inform COVID-19 vaccine benefit-risk assessments.