bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a School-Based Prescription Opioid Misuse Education Program
Authors: Carson Dena C. , Lane Emelyne B.
Published: February 2022

The use of prescription opioids is a matter of concern among academics and practitioners, but there remains a lack of programming to target this issue. One program, This Is (Not) About Drugs (TINAD), is intended to address part of this need by altering youth perceptions of the risks associated prescription opioid misuse as well as heroin. This study presents results from a quasi-experimental evaluation of TINAD. Propensity score matching techniques were used to account for selection effects across treatment and comparison groups. Program participants demonstrated increases in understanding of the similarities between prescription opioids and heroin and the risks associated with prescription opioid misuse. While these results are promising, TINAD requires a more rigorous evaluation of its effectiveness.
The Age-Related Positivity Effect and Emotion Regulation: Assessing Downstream Affective Outcomes
Authors: Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika , Allard Eric S.
Published: February 2022

While substantial literature suggests that positive preferences are in the service of emotion regulation pursuits, little evidence has directly linked positivity “processes” with well-being “outcomes.” The current study examined age-related differences in negative gaze preferences and how such preferences are related to subsequent regulatory outcomes. Participants were 79 older adults and 72 younger adults. They first provided a baseline mood assessment, which was followed by a standardized emotional video clip for three minutes during which visual fixation preferences were recorded via an eye tracker. Mood was again assessed after the film, which was followed by a standardized video recovery task, and completion of a recovery mood measure. Older adults fixated less on negative portions of the emotional video clip relative to younger adults, indicative of an age-related positivity effect. The indirect effect of age on mood recovery through fixation was not supported.
Between Nationalism, Internationalism and Colonial Quadrillage: The Action Chrétienne en Orient in Mandatory Syria (1922–1946)
Authors: Bourmaud Philippe
Published: February 2022

Despite growing internationalization, national ties have remained a structural aspect of missionary and humanitarian work. This was especially true of the Interwar period in the Middle East, where colonial powers, independent states and political ideologies competed. The beginnings of the Action Chrétienne en Orient (ACO) bear witness to this: the ACO, specialized in assistance to Christian Anatolian refugees and missionary work towards Muslims, made strategic use of its national connections. It retained German and Protestant connections, while serving as a formally French broker between refugees or Protestant missionary organizations and the French colonial authority. Yet as looming independence seemed to threaten the position of Christian refugees, the ACO gradually entered the ‘colonial quadrillage’ through which France exerted guidance over voluntary organizations.
Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship in Times of Crises: The Renaissance of Entrepreneur-Focused Micro Perspectives
Authors: Newman Alexander , Obschonka Martin , Block Joern
Published: February 2022

Prior research examining the consequences of crises for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures has typically applied a macro-perspective, focussing on the impact of crises on business organisations and the strategies they adopt in times of crisis. In this editorial, we review the articles that form part of our special issue on ‘Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship in Times of Crises’, after introducing an entrepreneur-focused multi-level conceptual model. Highlighting the importance of integrating both micro- and macro-perspectives, the model facilitates our understanding as to how entrepreneurs and the organisations they run respond to unexpected crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude with implications for future research.
Role of occupational therapy in epilepsy patients after left temporal lobe surgery
Authors: Schwarz Michael , Geismar Lisa , Schneider Katrin , Kasper Burkhard S , Walther Katrin , Hamer Hajo
Published: February 2022

There is a relevant risk of psychosocial as well as cognitive impairments in epilepsy patients with resective surgery in the left temporal lobe. Surgery in the speech-dominant hemisphere can be associated with deterioration of speech related functions including verbal memory. There are only limited studies addressing the impact of occupational therapy in postoperative rehabilitation of epilepsy patients.Method: In this study, a mixed-methods design based on the grounded theory concept was administered. Seven patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy and a risk profile for postoperative cognitive decline were investigated over various time points. Neuropsychological assessments occurred before surgery, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. According to our rehabilitation concept, every patient started occupational therapy 1 month before surgery. Therapy lasted for at least 6 months after surgery. For all patients, extensive qualitative interviews with the occupational therapists and anamnestic data were analyzed.Results: In all patients, postoperative psychosocial difficulties emerged. Language and memory tests showed a decline after 6 months specifically for name retrieval. Occupational therapy was adapted to find individual solutions for the patients problems and to implement effective coping strategies.Conclusion: Cognitive training lead to consistent improvements over time. The results show that occupational therapy can be an efficient tool in the treatment of psychosocial and cognitive impairments after epilepsy surgery.
The Role of Palliative Surgery in Stage IV Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nevo Yehonatan , Morency Dominique , Kammili Anitha , Abdrabo Lina , Zullo Kyle , Almatar Saleh , Cools-Lartigue Jonathan , Ferri Lorenzo , Mueller Carmen
Published: February 2022

Background: Palliative chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma but in some patients, surgically correctable factors such as obstruction lead to intolerance of further systemic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of selective palliative surgery in incurable gastric cancer. Methods: All patients with stage IV and locally advanced unresectable gastric adenocarcinoma treated at a single centre from March 2006 to January 2019 were included. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were categorized into palliative surgery (PS) and no surgery (NS). Results: Of 666 patients with gastric cancer treated over the study period, 146 patients had stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma and 121 patients met inclusion criteria. Sites of metastases were peritoneum (55; 46%), non-regional lymph nodes (10; 8%), solid organ (17, 14%), adjacent organ invasion (4, 3.3%) and a combination of factors (32, 26%). Forty-six (38%) patients underwent palliative surgery which included anatomical gastrectomy (total, subtotal, distal or proximal, 78%) gastro-jejunal bypass and feeding jejunostomy (12%). Thirty-day post-operative complications occurred in 24 patients (52%) with one mortality (2.1%). Following surgery, 52% received systemic chemotherapy. For the PS and NS groups respectively, median overall survival was 9.1 versus 9.4 months ( p = 0.6) and median progression-free survival was 7.1 versus 6.7 months ( p = 0.2) after a follow up period of 7.3 (4.7-13.1) versus 7.8 (2.6-13.4) months ( p = 0.46). Conclusion: Targeted surgical intervention for incurable gastric cancer can be used to palliate symptoms and facilitate continuation of systemic therapy with acceptable risks and post-operative outcomes.
Adult Attachment as a Mediator of the Link Between Interpersonal Trauma and International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among College Men and Women
Authors: Sandberg David A. , Refrea Valerie
Published: February 2022

Previous research indicates that insecure attachment patterns are associated with interpersonal trauma and posttraumatic symptomatology, and that they mediate various trauma-related symptoms. However, no study to date has examined whether these patterns mediate the link between interpersonal trauma and the newly recognized diagnostic features of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), as published by the World Health Organization (2019) in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Mediators of CPTSD are important to identify because they can provide a deeper understanding of the condition’s etiology. Moreover, if amenable to clinical intervention, they can be targeted to improve treatment effectiveness. The purpose of the present study was to formally test our hypothesis that two underlying dimensions of adult attachment insecurity (i.e., attachment anxiety and avoidance) would mediate the link between interpersonal trauma and ICD-11 CPTSD symptoms. Participants were a culturally diverse sample of 169 college men and women. They completed a modified version of the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), the revised Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-R) scale, and the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Results of path analysis partially supported our hypothesis, indicating that attachment anxiety, but not avoidance, partially mediated the link between interpersonal trauma and PTSD and DSO (“Disturbances in Self-Organization”) features of CPTSD. Although longitudinal research is needed, findings suggest that attachment anxiety may contribute to the development and maintenance of CPTSD symptoms following interpersonal trauma. Clinical interventions that help individuals rework and integrate representations of attachment that involve a fear of not being able to access adequate care and protection, and a negative view of self may be particularly useful in ameliorating the symptoms of CPTSD.
Missingness analysis of manufacturing systems: A case study
Authors: Carbery Caoimhe M , Woods Roger , McAteer Cormac , Ferguson David M
Published: February 2022

Increasingly manufacturing companies are looking to use sensors to collect data from production lines to help analyse their performance. More rigorous approaches are needed to process and analyse the resulting data, particularly when considering missingness. In this paper, we present the results from a major study into missingness in Seagate’s disc head manufacturing process in Londonderry UK. Working in collaboration with company staff, a detailed approach for analysing missingness has been developed. The work shows how missing data analytics can be employed to analyse the quality of the data, identify relationships and diagnose the presence of any patterns.
Modeling and experimental study on tool-particle interaction and surface integrity in milling SiCp/Al metal matrix composites
Authors: Li Maojun , Wang Zhuoling , Li Wei , Yang Xujing
Published: February 2022

High-efficient machining of SiC particles reinforced composites is always challenging mainly due to their poor surface integrity. In this study, a two-phase finite element model including the Al alloy matrix with Johnson-Cook model and SiC particle with elastic-brittle failure model were developed. The main purpose is to comprehensively investigate particle removal mechanisms and surface integrity following simulation and experimental studies on milling SiCp/Al composites. Specifically, the distributions of residual stress along the depth direction were predicted using finite element model. Results indicated that compressive residual stress mainly appeared on the machined surface, while tensile residual stress distributed at deeper depth down to 0.02 mm. Besides, different relative positions between tool and particle induced specific particle removal modes, which eventually led to various surface defects. Higher level of cutting speed (180 m/min) and feed rate (0.09 mm/tooth) aggravated surface defects and increased the thickness of broken-SiC layer in subsurface. The simulated machined surface defects and surface residual stress correlated well with the experimental observation, and the maximum error value of cutting force was less than 15%. The proposed finite element model was efficient to predict cutting force and distribution of residual stress along the depth direction.
Economic impact of quality inspection in manufacturing: A proposal for a novel cost modeling
Authors: Verna Elisa , Genta Gianfranco , Galetto Maurizio , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: February 2022

Designing suitable quality inspections is a significant issue for manufacturing companies. In particular, performing an economic evaluation of alternative inspections is key for choosing the most appropriate, especially in the field of low-volume productions. This paper presents a cost breakdown model for assessing the economic performance of quality inspections with the aim to support designers in early inspection design phases. Unlike the main cost models developed in the scientific literature that only consider cost components related to the production process, the proposed model integrates production costs with the main cost drivers involved in the product quality-related steps, including inspection activities, pre- and after-sales reworks and unnecessary repairs due to inspection errors. Moreover, a novel performance measure providing a snapshot of profitability of product inspections – the Return On Investment of Inspections (ROII) – is presented. An application case in metal Additive Manufacturing is proposed to demonstrate the practical relevance of the model.
Optimal design of rear-seat restraint system based on new safety seat during frontal collisions
Authors: Hong Liang , Liu Gang
Published: February 2022

Owing to the narrow rear-row space of compact cars, the head of a rear-seat occupant can easily hit against the headrest or the seatback of the front seat in frontal collisions, thereby causing injuries to the occupant. A prototype design of a new safety seat is proposed to increase the safety of rear-seat occupants. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of the new safety seat and further optimise the rear-seat restraint system in 100% and 40% overlapped frontal collisions. First, a simulation model of the restraint system is developed and validated. Second, the effects of the original seat and the new safety seats with different torsional stiffness of the torsion spring on the injuries to a female rear-seat occupant are compared. Finally, the design parameters of the rear-seat restraint system are optimised globally to minimise injuries to the female rear-seat occupant. Compared with the original seat case, the head injury criterion HIC15 and thorax 3 ms resultant acceleration T3MS of the female rear-seat occupant in the new safety seat case reduce, whereas the neck injury criterion Nij increases. When the torsional stiffness of the torsion spring decreases gradually, HIC15 and T3MS decrease. The optimum torsional stiffness of the torsion spring determined via analysis is 10 N m/°. The optimal combination of the design parameters of the rear-seat restraint system is obtained. After optimisation, for the 100% overlapped collision, HIC15 and T3MS decrease by 40.20% and 5.75%, respectively, Nij decreases by 35.94% and the peak left and right femur forces ( FL and FR, respectively) decrease by 9.65% and 12.26%, respectively. For the 40% overlapped collision, HIC15 and T3MS reduce by 39.92% and 11.64%, respectively, and Nij, FL and FR decrease by 8.89%, 7.50% and 6.09%, respectively.
The stiffness variability of a silk fibroin scaffold during bone cell proliferation
Authors: Polakova Dagmar , Capek Lukas , Bartos Martin , Kejzlar Pavel , Rysova Miroslava , Martinova Lenka , Sevcu Alena
Published: February 2022

Complex assessment of gradual changes in scaffold morphology and stiffness is an essential step in bone filler development. Current approach, however, does not reflect long term cell proliferation effect as the mechanical tests are usually conducted on pristine materials without cells or cell influence on material stiffness is evaluated after one time period only. Here, biocompatible silk fibroin (SF) porous scaffolds envisioned for bone defect filling were prepared by dissolving of fibroin fibers, followed by dialysis, freeze-drying and final stabilization. Particular attention was devoted to the influence of bone cell proliferation up to 2 months on the stiffness of the material. The morphology of the material was studied in terms of its inner structure and the overall changes in the surface characteristics due to proliferation of MG 63 bone cell line. The SF scaffold stiffness significantly increased during first month followed by its decline during second month due to bone cell seeding. After 2 months, the SF scaffold was completely colonized, which resulted in a gradual decay of its structure. The length of degradation due to bone cell proliferation and mechanical behavior corresponded to the requirements set for reasonable filler material indicating that porous SF scaffolds comprise a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration.
Silymarin protects the rats against paraquat-induced acute kidney injury via Nrf2
Authors: Jia C , Zhang Z , Wang J , Nie Z
Published: February 2022

Background

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning induces severe acute kidney injury and causes extremely high rate of death. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin on PQ-induced acute kidney injury and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A rat model was established through intraperitoneal injection of PQ. Rats were administrated with saline or silymarin for 3 days. Then, survival rate, physiological parameters, and renal injury score were evaluated. The apoptosis and oxidative stress in kidney tissues were determined through hematoxylin and eosin staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Silymarin administration could significantly increase the survival rate of PQ-poisoned rats. It was found that silymarin treatment improved renal function, decreased injury score in kidney tissues, and inhibited the apoptosis and oxidative stress in PQ-induced acute kidney injury through the activating the signaling pathway of Nrf2 and promoting its nuclear translocation.

Conclusion

Silymarin exhibited a protective effect against PQ-induced kidney injury, suggesting that treatment with this flavonoid could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute kidney injury.
Measurable time is governable time: Exploring temporality and time governance in childcare social work
Authors: Hjärpe Teres
Published: February 2022

This article deals with the workings of time governance in welfare professional settings. A contribution is made to current literature by offering insights into how ‘governing by the clock’ works at the micro-level in everyday interaction and why clock time is purposeful for the operation of power in a welfare bureaucratic context. The main argument posited is that measurability and decontextualisation are characteristics of clock time, facilitating the governance of professionals’ decisions and actions, and ultimately their time use. The argument is illustrated with empirical data from ethnographic fieldwork following social workers responsible for childcare investigations in Sweden. The interaction in focus regards efforts to meet a deadline of four months to complete the investigations inscribed in the Social Services Act. As a start, the article illustrates what relational, task-oriented and clock time approaches can imply for time use and childcare investigations, with the purpose of visualising the characteristics providing advantages of clock time for governance. After that, the more concrete workings of time governance are explored in how the objectified clock time, through these characteristics, works as a resource both for subtle routine and self-governing processes, and when the operation of power is more explicit. It is demonstrated how social workers make meaning, plan and conduct childcare investigations in order to make it possible to meet the deadline, sometimes with trade-offs. The governance relies on the facticity of the objectified time frame and the high knowledge status it is assigned in participants’ interaction. The analysis demonstrates the workings when a seemingly ‘soft’ time limit gets reified and trumps other sources for professional knowledge when decisions are legitimised, sometimes with unintended consequences. By analysing social work as a profession performed at the intersection of different time rhythms, a contribution is made to research on governance and street-level bureaucrats’ dilemmas.
Collision of the COVID 19 Lockdown on Women Entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand: A Micro-level Analysis
Authors: Srinivasu Bathula , Bhatia Shilpa , Gupta Ankita
Published: February 2022

Women entrepreneurs have been facing various challenges in the sustenance of their enterprises. During the COVID-19 lockdown in India, their vulnerability doubled due to the financial distress. In the backdrop of this, the paper measures the direct and indirect impact via forward and backward linkages of women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Further, it examines their sustainability and the challenges they faced during the lockdown. The paper is based on primary data using a pre-structured questionnaire from 50 women entrepreneurs in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Analyses have been performed using principal components analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square test. The paper exhibits that both the direct and indirect impacts via forward and backward linkages have been more significant on women entrepreneurs. However, women entrepreneurs tried to sustain their business by switching towards online conduct of business, changing their promotional strategy and doing work from home. A major challenge faced by them is the lack of finance, and they relied on their previous savings to finance the expenditure.

JEL: L25, L26
Quality control concerns in relation to lamotrigine and their impact
Authors: Parker Gordon , Jenner Andrew
Published: February 2022

Objective

To pursue explanations for compromised efficacy and induction of side-effects in some generic brands of lamotrigine distributed in Australia.

Method

Bioassays of the non-generic and five generic lamotrigine tablets were undertaken (also after exposure to heat and cold), as well as assays of two generic drugs generating concerning side-effects in two patients, while enquiries were made of manufacturing companies.

Results

Mass spectrometry of the six tested products showed comparable properties and no compromising when those tablets were heated and cooled, while analyses of the products taken by the two patients reporting significant side-effects showed an increase in the peak area lamotrigine concentration.

Conclusions

We failed to identify any intrinsically compromised product in our comparison analyses of the six preparations. We consider alternate explanations for an issue leading to widespread international reporting of distinct side-effects and deaths following brand switching, with analyses of the two problematic preparations supporting a ‘faulty’ batch explanation.
The single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Maguire Paul A , Reay Rebecca E , Nolan Christopher J , Looi Jeffrey CL
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aims to explore whether the single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question (SRMHQ) may be an indicator of the need for further mental health assessment and investigation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Method

Women with GDM ( n = 159) were recruited from outpatient clinics in the Australian Capital Territory prior to a GDM information session (mean gestational age = 26, SD = 4.5). Participants were aged 20–45 (mean = 33, SD = 4.2) and completed a single-item Self-Rated Health Question (SRHQ), single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question (SRMHQ), Kessler 10-item Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), and Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), as well as demographic, psychiatric, and general health items. Multiple regression was used to explore whether there was an association between SRMHQ responses and K-10 or EDS total scores.

Results

Regression analysis revealed that the SRMHQ was a statistically significant predictor of K-10 and EDS total scores, while controlling for key potential confounders. When mental health was rated as “poor” compared to “excellent,” this was associated with an additional 12 and 9 points on K-10 and EDS total scores, respectively.

Conclusion

The SRMHQ may have a role as an indicator of the need for further mental health assessment and investigation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Cleft Lip Care
Authors: Kalmar Christopher L. , Malphrus Elizabeth L. , Kosyk Mychajlo S. , Zapatero Zachary D. , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to utilize a multicenter dataset to elucidate whether socioeconomic factors were associated with access to cleft lip surgery, treatment by higher-volume providers, and family choice for higher-volume centers.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System.

Patients

Primary cleft lip repair performed in the United States between 2010 and 2020.

Outcomes

Travel distance, hospital volume, hospital choice.

Results

During the study interval, 8954 patients underwent unilateral (78.4%, n  =  7021) or bilateral (21.6%, n  =  1933) primary cleft lip repair. Patients with unilateral cleft lip were repaired significantly earlier if they were White ( P < .001) and significantly later if they lived in an urban community ( P  =  .043). Similarly, patients with bilateral cleft lip were repaired significantly earlier if they were White ( P < .001). Patients from above-median income households ( P  =  .011) and living in urban communities ( P < .001) were significantly more likely to be treated at high-volume hospitals, whereas those living in underserved communities ( P < .001) were significantly less likely to be treated at high-volume hospitals. White patients were significantly more likely to be treated by high-volume surgeons ( P < .001). Patients with White race were significantly more likely to choose a higher-volume hospital than the one most locally available ( P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients with White race are more likely to travel farther and be treated by high-volume surgeons although at smaller hospitals. Patients from underserved areas travel significantly farther for cleft care and are treated at lower-volume hospitals. Patients in urban communities have shorter travel distances and are treated at higher-volume hospitals.
Use of a cyclical hypofractionated radiotherapy regime (‘QUAD shot’) for the treatment of feline sinonasal carcinomas
Authors: Frezoulis Petros S , Harper Aaron , Mason Sarah L
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with sinonasal carcinomas. Different protocols have been described in the literature, though a clear consensus regarding the optimal protocol is lacking. The aim of the study was to describe the tolerability, efficacy and outcome of cats treated with a cyclical hypofractionated protocol.

Methods

Cats with histologically diagnosed sinonasal carcinomas in a single institution were retrospectively included. All patients were treated with a cyclical hypofractionated protocol (‘QUAD shot’ regime). Cats were treated with 4 Gray (Gy) delivered in four fractions within 48 h, with a minimum of 6 h between two treatments, and repeated every 3–4 weeks for a total dose of 48 Gy in three cycles.

Results

Seven cats met the inclusion criteria. Nasal discharge and sneezing were the most common presenting complaints. All cats presented with advanced stage of disease with CT examination (three with modified Adams stage 3 and four with stage 4). Clinical improvement was seen in six cats. Five cats had a follow-up CT; one had a complete response, two had partial responses, one had stable disease and one had progressive disease. Two cats were still alive at the time of writing while four were euthanased owing to tumour-related causes. The median overall survival time was 460 days. The 1-year survival time was 80% and the 2-year survival time was 0%. Severe acute or late toxicity was not reported.

Conclusions and relevance

This is the first report of a cyclical hypofractionated protocol in the veterinary literature that can provide prolonged survival in cats with advanced stage sinonasal carcinoma. Its use should be considered in patients when prolonged hospitalisation can be detrimental to quality of life, while still delivering a therapeutic total dose of radiation therapy.
Analysis of tear film in cystinosis patients treated with topical viscous cysteamine hydrochloride (Cystadrops®)
Authors: Sergio Petroni , Giancarlo Iarossi , Matteo Federici , Maria De Sanctis Carlo , Gianni Petrocelli , Parrilla Rosa , Valente Paola , Luca Buzzonetti
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the tear film in infantile nephropathic cystinosis patients with corneal crystals treated with topical viscous cysteamine hydrochloride (Cystadrops®).

Methods

Ten eyes of five patients with nephropathic cystinosis aged from 10 to 35 years were included in this study. The patients were under treatment with viscous cysteamine hydrochloride formulation containing 3.8 mg/mL cysteamine (vCH 0.55%, equivalent to 0.55% CH; Cystadrops®; Recordati rare Diseases, Puteaux, France) to reduce corneal crystal density. Five age and sex matched individuals were randomly selected as control group. Tear osmolarity testing (TearLabTM) was performed to assess the in vivo osmolarity of patients under treatment and compared to control group values. Tear film break-up time (TBUT) and basic tear secretion (Schirmer test) were also assessed.

Results

Mean tear osmolarity was 294.8 mOsms/L (±10.4), with a mean absolute difference of 1.85 mOsms/L (±2.13) between the eyes. There was no statistically significant difference between the osmolarity readings of cystinosis and the control group (294.8 ± 10.4 vs 299.4 ± 6.2mOsm/L, respectively; p = 0.39). The mean TBUT was 10.2 ± 0.83 s in the study group versus 10 ± 0.7 s in controls (p = 0.62). The mean Schirmer test score was 9.2 ± 0.83 mm in the patients versus 10.2 ± 0.83 mm in the controls (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

The TearLabTM osmolarity system test showed good reliability and precision in repeated measurements. This is the first report using the TearLab osmolarity system to assess tear film in patients with cystinosis treated with vCH 0.55%. TearLabTM examination showed that the use of vCH 0.55% drops does not determine alterations of the tear film quality.
Acute Effects of Coffee on Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroidal Parameters in Young Healthy Subjects
Authors: Koçak Nurullah , Beldağlı Cihangir , Yeter Volkan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the acute effects of coffee on peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal structures using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Materials and Methods

A total of 28 healthy individuals (study group) and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured at baseline, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h, following coffee (75 mg caffeine/200 ml) intake in the study group and the same amount of water in the control group. Choroidal images were binarized to the luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and total choroidal area (TCA) using ImageJ software. Similar to the CT, the peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal vascularity indices (CVIs) were calculated at the same time points in both groups.

Results

CT and CVI measurements of four peripapillary quadrants displayed no significant difference at baseline and all-time points in both groups ( p > 0.05). In the study group, SFCT was found to be significantly lower (at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h) than the baseline measurement ( p < 0.05). Additionally, subfoveal LA, TCA, and CVI decreased in all-time points compared with baseline measurements ( p < 0.05, for all). This was not true for the subfoveal SA ( p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the respective SFCT and subfoveal CVI measurements in the control group ( p > 0.05, for all).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that peripapillary choroidal thickness and CVI did not change following a cup of coffee intake, while subfoveal CT, LA, TCA, and CVI significantly decreased for at least 4 h.
Resistance and refusal to algorithmic harms: Varieties of ‘knowledge projects’
Authors: Ganesh Maya Indira , Moss Emanuel
Published: February 2022

Industrial, academic, activist, and policy research and advocacy movements formed around resisting ‘machine bias’, promoting ‘ethical AI’, and ‘fair ML’ have discursive implications for what constitutes harm, and what resistance to algorithmic influence itself means, and is deeply connected to which actors makes epistemic claims about harm and resistance. We present a loose categorization of kinds of resistance to algorithmic systems: a dominant mode of resistance as ‘filtering up’ and being translated into design fixes by Big Tech; and advocacy and scholarship which bring a critical frame of lived experiences and scholarship around algorithmic systems as socio-technical entities. Three recent cases delve into how Big Tech responds to harms documented by marginalized groups; these highlight how harms are valued differently. Finally, we identify modes of refusal that recognize the limits of Big Tech's resistance; built on practices of feminist organizing, decoloniality, and New-Luddism, they encourage a rethinking of the place and value of technologies in mediating human social and personal life; and not just how they can deterministically ‘improve’ social relations.
One-Year First-in-Human Success for VenoValve in Treating Patients With Severe Deep Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Ulloa Jorge H. , Glickman Marc
Published: February 2022

Objective

The clinical outcomes of this first-in-human (FIH) study provide safety and performance results 1 year after implantation of the VenoValve.

Background

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is most often caused by valve failure in the venous system, which circulates blood from the lower limbs back to the heart and lungs. Severe diseases significantly influence quality of life, and current treatment options are limited. This study provides 1-year patient outcomes from 11 patients implanted with the VenoValve for treatment of severe deep venous CVI in C5 and C6 patients. Earlier results from 6-month follow-ups were previously published.

Methods

This prospective FIH study assessed the safety and performance of the VenoValve surgically implanted in 11 patients with C5 and C6 disease. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Assessments for adverse events, reflux time, disease severity, pain scores, and quality of life were reported.

Results

Implantation of VenoValve into the deep femoral vein was successful in all patients. Adverse events included 1 hematoma, 3 superficial wound infections, and 1 bleeding complication due to over-anticoagulation. One VenoValve became occluded due to patient non-compliance with anticoagulation medication. One-year clinical outcomes included significant decreases in mean reflux times (54%), and significant improvements in mean disease severity revised venous clinical severity score (56%), mean visual analog scale pain scores (76%), and Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study QOL/sym scores.

Conclusions

The promising results from this FIH study demonstrate sustained safety and effectiveness of the VenoValve at 1 year post-implantation, and support further study for its use as a novel treatment for severe, deep venous CVI caused by valvular incompetence. A pivotal, prospective, non-blinded, single-arm, multi-center study in the United States with seventy-five (75) patients is in progress to assess the safety and effectiveness of VenoValve in these patients through 30 days and 6 months. The clinical trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier: NCT04943172 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04943172?term=hancock+jaffe&draw=2&rank=1 ).
Efficacy of mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus) in isolated limb overgrowth: a systematic review
Authors: Badawy Mohamed , Ma Yangmyung , Baldrighi Carla , Oestreich Kerstin , Jester Andrea
Published: February 2022

We systematically assessed the literature on the use of sirolimus for the treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions and its various modalities of administration in PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, references of journals and grey literature using pre-trialled Medical Subject Headings terms and articles. Eleven articles were included, and 39 patients were identified for review. Sirolimus was given orally in 38 patients and topically in one patient. Sirolimus was found to be highly effective in treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions with improvement of symptoms (physical, emotional, social) reported in all but one patient. Dosage and adverse effects seemed to be closely correlated. The result of our study suggests that sirolimus should be considered as an adjuvant or first-line management in isolated limb overgrowth in prospective trials.
Developing and validating a new scale to measure the acceptability of health apps among adolescents
Authors: Chen Elizabeth , Moracco Kathryn E. , Kainz Kirsten , Muessig Kathryn E. , Tate Deborah F.
Published: February 2022

Background

The acceptability of health interventions is centrally important to achieving their desired health outcomes. The construct of acceptability of mobile health interventions among adolescents is neither well-defined nor consistently operationalized.

Objectives

Building on the theoretical framework of acceptability, these two studies developed and assessed the reliability and validity of a new scale to measure the acceptability of mobile health applications (“apps”) among adolescents.

Methods

We followed a structured scale development process including exploratory factor analyses (EFAs), confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), and employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationship between the scale and app usage. Adolescent participants used the Fooducate healthy eating app and completed the acceptability scale at baseline and one-week follow-up.

Results

EFA ( n = 182) determined that the acceptability of health apps was a multidimensional construct with six latent factors: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. CFA ( n = 161) from the second sample affirmed the six-factor structure and the unidimensional structures for each of the six subscales. However, CFA did not confirm the higher-order latent factor model suggesting that the six subscales reflect unique aspects of acceptability. SEM indicated that two of the subscales—ethicality and self-efficacy—were predictive of health app usage at one-week follow-up.

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of ethicality and self-efficacy for health app acceptability. Future research testing and adapting this new acceptability scale will enhance measurement tools in the fields of mobile health and adolescent health.
Rise of teledermatology in the COVID-19 era: A pan-world perspective
Authors: Naik Piyu Parth
Published: February 2022

Objective

During the coronavirus disease pandemic, enforced restrictions prevented face-to-face consultations for patients requiring non-emergency medical treatment. In response, there was a rise in telemedical practices, such as teledermatology. This study aimed at understanding the pan-world experiences of patients and healthcare staff who adapted to teledermatology in the coronavirus disease era.

Methods

This study made use of an online survey presented to dermatology professionals using social media and WhatsApp groups. Professionals who applied teledermatology between March and June 2020 were targeted. The survey was designed to identify respondent demographics and the preferred platforms for digital consultations. The most common diagnoses and rates of referral for further evaluation were recorded. Lastly, a platform was provided for practitioners to report their own and their patient's perspectives on the advantages and operational challenges of teledermatology. Data were collated and analyzed in Microsoft Excel.

Results

In total, 653 stakeholders participated, representing countries worldwide. Facebook and WhatsApp services were the most popular mediums of digital consultation. Diagnoses of ailments, such as acne and eczema, as well as skin-related infections, were most common. Of the cases referred for biopsy, 10 patients were subsequently diagnosed with cutaneous malignancies. Practitioners and patients not only reported personal benefit from adopting teledermatology, but also reported concerns regarding data privacy and the levels of technological literacy required.

Conclusions

Teledermatology proved an innovative clinical response to unprecedented challenges. However, further policy development and technological advancement aimed at increasing the diagnostic power of digital consultations are needed to support the continuation of teledermatology in the post-pandemic world.
“The single fish in the sea”: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Rural School Counselors Earning RAMP
Authors: Boulden Rawn , Brown Candice , Coffield Erin
Published: February 2022

Empirical scholarship exploring the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) process in rural school communities is notably lacking. In response to this gap, we conducted a phenomenological study with eight rural school counselors who successfully navigated the RAMP process. Participants shared influential reasons for pursuing RAMP, supporting factors in that work, obstacles that occurred during their RAMP pursuit, and outcomes related to earning the distinction. The findings support the need for RAMP resources geared toward school counselors working in rural settings. We discuss further implications in the article.
A Randomised Controlled Study on Epidural Morphine and Bupivacaine for Post-Operative Analgesia After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Kanna Dr Rishi , Jakkepally Dr Sridhar , Shetty Dr Ajoy P. , Rajasekaran Dr Shanmuganathan
Published: February 2022

Study design

Randomised control study.

Objective

Different parenteral analgesics are used to alleviate post-operative pain after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) but limited by their efficacy and side effects. We performed a RCT to evaluate the safety and efficacy of epidural Morphine-Bupivacaine on post-operative pain management after TLIF.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n=100) of TLIF were divided randomly into study (SG) and control groups (CG). At the end of procedure, SG (n=50) received epidural instillation of morphine 5 mg and bupivacaine .25% - 2 mL, along with 6 mL of .25% bupivacaine infiltration in the deep fascia before wound closure. The functional outcomes were assessed at regular intervals (4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 hours) with VAS, nausea and vomiting scale, Ramsay sedation scale and breakthrough analgesia needed, time to ambulation and other complications.

Results

The mean VAS score at 4 hours in SG was significantly less (1.16 ± .88) than the CG (3.32 ± 1.0) ( P = .000). This significant difference was maintained at each time point during the first 48 hours ( P < .004). Similarly, the mean NRS score in SG at 4 hours was 1.02 ± .89, and in CG 3.3 ± .69 ( P = .0000) which was maintained at all intervals of assessment till 48 hours ( P = .0137). The mean time to first ambulation was significantly less in the SG (4.46 ± 1.04 hours) than CG (11.64 ± 2.3 hours) ( P < .001). There were no drug-related complications.

Conclusion

Epidural instillation of bupivacaine and morphine is safe and enables better pain relief in the initial 48 hours which helps in early mobilisation, and enhanced functional recovery.
High School Athletes’ Health-Related Quality of Life Across Recovery After Sport-Related Concussion or Acute Ankle Injury: A Report From the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network
Authors: DiSanti Justin S. , Marshall Ashley N. , Valier Alison R. Snyder , McLeod Tamara C. Valovich
Published: February 2022

Background:

Evaluating adolescent athletes’ perceived health status after a sport-related injury can provide important direction for health promotion strategies and preparation for a successful return to play. Furthermore, comparing specific injury types regarding their impact on athletes' perspectives of their global and domain-specific health perceptions allows for a more detailed understanding of an athlete's experience while also providing avenues for targeted treatment strategies.

Purpose:

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between high school athletes who had sustained either a concussion or an acute ankle injury and compare how these injury types related to their global and domain-specific HRQOL across recovery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Electronic medical records created by athletic trainers working in 32 high school facilities were examined, and records from 1749 patients who sustained either a sport-related concussion (n = 862) or ankle sprain (n = 887) were screened for inclusion. HRQOL was assessed by self-reported scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at 2 time points after injury (T1 = 0-2 days; T2 = 11-29 days). A 2-way group by time analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in trajectories and disrupted areas of HRQOL.

Results:

Overall, 85 patient cases (46 concussion, 39 ankle sprain) fit the inclusion criteria. Each injury group exhibited improved global and domain-specific PedsQL scores between their 2 measured time points ( P < .05), indicating recovery. However, domain-specific comparisons revealed that at T2, patients who had sustained an ankle sprain reported significantly lower PedsQL physical functioning scores (78.3 ± 19.3 vs 86.2 ± 15.7 for concussion; P = .005), whereas patients who had sustained a concussion reported lower scores related to their school functioning (80.0 ± 20.0 vs 90.8 ± 12.7 for ankle sprain; P = .006).

Conclusion:

The study results indicated that in high school athletes, the trajectories and disrupted areas of HRQOL stemming from a sport-related injury may be influenced differentially when comparing concussions with ankle sprains.