bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Social Isolation, Multimorbidity and Multiple Role Demands Among Middle-Age Adults Based on the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wister Andrew V. , Li Lun , Mitchell Barbara A.
Published: October 2021

Given the increasing complexity and fluidity of parenting, caregiving, and paid work patterns, in tandem with an increased risk of multimorbidity in mid-life, this study examines the relationship between these three concurrent roles and social isolation among middle-aged persons across multimorbidity statuses. Drawing upon life course theory, we applied linear mixed models to analyze 29,847 middle-aged participants from two waves of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Findings reveal that participants experience greater social isolation over time, albeit the difference is extremely small. Among participants without multimorbidity, holding multiple roles is associated with lower social isolation. For those with multimorbidity, being employed full-time and providing intensive care are associated with social isolation. The occurrence of multiple roles demonstrates unique associations with social isolation among those with and without multimorbidity over time. Future research should study multimorbidity as a salient contextual variable. Moreover, enhanced support is needed for multimorbid middle-aged individuals with different role demands.
Objective Assessment of Aerosolization During Transnasal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matos Sophia , Sharma Arun , Crosby Dana
Published: October 2021

Objective

The goal of this systematic review is to assimilate the literature on objective assessment of particulate aerosolization during transnasal endoscopic procedures.

Data Sources

PubMed and hand‐searched articles.

Review Methods

The PubMed electronic database was searched using Medical Subject Headings and free‐text search terms relating to aerosolization and transnasal endoscopic procedures from inception to November 16, 2020. References were hand‐searched to identify additional publications for consideration. Inclusion in the systematic review required quantification of aerosol generation during clinic transnasal endoscopic procedures. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and flowchart were followed during the systematic review.

Results

Eight of 900 studies met criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Five studies tested nasal endoscopy with mixed findings on the risk of aerosol generation during this procedure. Two studies assessed flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and also reported mixed findings. Breathing, sneezing, speech, and spray anesthetic/decongestants were found to consistently increase aerosol generation above baseline. A number of studies tested new and general mitigation strategies and were found to be effective in decreasing aerosol generation.

Conclusions

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has informed many considerations regarding patient and provider safety. It is valuable to understand the risk during outpatient otolaryngology procedures through the quantification of aerosolization. There are several effective methods to control aerosolization during these procedures. The findings of this systematic review will inform appropriate precautions to protect against spread of infectious agents by aerosolization.
Intraductal Fragmentation in Sialolithiasis Using Pneumatic Lithotripsy: Initial Experience and Results
Authors: Koch Michael , Schapher Mirco , Sievert Matti , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Iro Heinrich
Published: October 2021

Objective

To report initial experience in using a pneumatic lithotripter to treat salivary stones.

Study Design

Level IV retrospective study.

Setting

University hospital and tertiary referral center.

Methods

A pneumatic lithotripter was used to treat salivary stones after these were diagnosed. Probes with diameters of 0.7 mm were used. Total fragmentation was intended in all stones. Stone fragments were removed using several instruments in serial sialendoscopies to achieve complete stone clearance.

Results

A total of 62 patients with 77 stones were treated. Forty‐three submandibular stones were treated in 34 patients, and 34 parotid stones were treated in 28 patients. An operating pressure of 2.5 bar and a single frequency mode were used. Complete fragmentation was achieved in all but one of the treated stones in both glands (98.7%). Among the patients, 90.32% became stone free and 100% symptom free. Multiple stones were treated in 24.19% of the patients, and multimodal therapy was also carried out in 24.19%. All of the glands were preserved.

Conclusions

The pneumatic lithotripter proved to be effective in the treatment of sialolithiasis. Stone size, location, and the gland involved were important clinical factors. The device was sufficient to achieve success without any increased risk for complications in the patients or damage to the sialendoscopes.
Emergence of teleradiology, PACS, and other radiology IT solutions in Acta Radiologica
Authors: Reponen Jarmo , Niinimäki Jaakko
Published: October 2021

For this historical review, we searched a database containing all the articles published in Acta Radiologica during its 100-year history to find those on the use of information technology (IT) in radiology. After reading the full texts, we selected the presented articles according to major radiology IT domains such as teleradiology, picture archiving and communication systems, image processing, image analysis, and computer-aided diagnostics in order to describe the development as it appeared in the journal. Publications generally follow IT megatrends, but because the contents of Acta Radiologica are mainly clinically oriented, some technology achievements appear later than they do in journals discussing mainly imaging informatics topics.
The Connection Between Deception Detection and Financial Exploitation of Older (vs. Young) Adults
Authors: Gunderson Christopher A. , ten Brinke Leanne
Published: October 2021

Although poor deception detection accuracy is thought to be an important risk factor for fraud among older adults, this link has not been explicitly studied. Using a cross-sectional design, older and young adults viewed and made judgments of real, high-stakes truths and lies with financial consequences. Older (vs. young) adults exhibited a greater truth bias when evaluating individuals pleading for help in finding a missing relative, which was associated with greater donations to deceptive pleaders. However, all participants were highly vulnerable to fraud. Future research should consider both risk and protective factors affecting financial fraud across the lifespan.
Sources et données pour l’analyse des réseaux sociaux
Authors: Bès Marie-Pierre , Favre Guillaume , Lemercier Claire
Published: October 2021

Sources and data for social network analysis. Social network analysis (SNA) is becoming more and more widespread in several scientific disciplines as a method for processing social, economic, geographic, historical, digital, etc. data. Visualizations of graphs, communities and other ties are multiplying. However, there is a risk that SNA users may lose sight of the conditions under which their data are produced and thereby over-interpret or under-interpret the results. This article provides a guide to the different types of sources of network data, and the pitfalls and choices encountered in the process of producing network data. The first part provides an overview of these pitfalls and choices, and the second part focuses on the specifics of each source of data. Based on the authors’ experience in training network researchers, the article proposes a review of controlled ways of producing network data from this array of sources.
Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Between 7 Days and 28 Days Albendazole Monotherapy in the Treatment of Single-Lesion Neurocysticercosis in Children
Authors: Johnson Nameirakpam , Saini Arushi Gahlot , Malhi Prahbhjot , Khandelwal Niranjan , Singhi Pratibha
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

The objective was to compare the long-term clinical, radiological, and cognitive outcomes in children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis who received 7 or 28 days of albendazole therapy.

Methodology:

This observational study conducted over 1 year included (1) consecutive children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis who received 7 or 28 days of albendazole therapy in the acute state and (2) completed follow-up for at least 5 years. Seizure recurrence, resolution of lesions, cognition (Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children), behavior, and school performance (National Initiative for Children Healthcare Quality Vanderbilt Assessment Scale) were assessed.

Results:

Group A (albendazole for 7 days) comprised 55 children, and group B (albendazole for 28 days) included 48 children. The mean age at the time of diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was 6.6 ± 1.8 years; the mean age at the time of assessment for the study was 13.2 ± 1.2 years. Focal-onset seizures were the most common clinical presentation (58.3%). The majority of lesions were ring-shaped (92.3%) or colloidal (58.2%), with perilesional edema (89.3%). In the long-term follow-up, radiological resolution of the lesions was comparable in both groups. Complete resolution was seen in 52.7% receiving 7 days and 54.2% receiving 28 days albendazole. Seizures recurred in 20% receiving 7 days and 20.8% receiving 28 days albendazole. Overall, a low intelligence quotient (IQ < 70) was seen in 55.3% cases, “somewhat problematic” school performance in 12%, and behavioral abnormalities were present in 20% of the cases. The results were comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Seizure control, radiological resolution of lesion, school performance, cognitive and behavioral outcomes in the long term are comparable in children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis who have received albendazole cysticidal therapy for 7 days and 28 days. Recurrence of seizure is seen with both regimens in the long term, necessitating regular follow-up and discussion regarding the risk of recurrence before a withdrawal of anticonvulsant therapy.
Effect of modeling sidewalls on tire vibration and noise
Authors: Mohammadi Somaye , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: October 2021

Low-noise tire design demands the potent model, which regards accessible parameters in the design process before manufacturing a tire. Unlike most previous analytical models that integrated tire treadband with sidewalls with an assumption of identical properties, this research segregates them. The separation clarifies the effects of each tire part on vibration and noise individually, which has not been presented in previous publications and is noteworthy in design. The model is developed considering three connected plates, describing treadband and sidewalls, on an elastic foundation derived from vibro-acoustic coupling inside the tire. Natural frequencies are determined by the Galerkin method using modes shapes satisfying all boundary conditions. The vibration response of a tire rolling on the road is then formulated utilizing Green’s function and convolution integral. Eventually, vibrational tire noise is calculated by the boundary element method. Comparing the proposed model with the repeatedly used integrated plate model has indicated the dissimilarity of treadband and sidewall responses with a difference of 1.4 dB(A) in total noise level. Moreover, implemented parametric study based on a small central composite design has revealed their parameters’ distinct influences on generated noise. For instance, increment in treadband thickness reduces sound level, while decreasing sidewall thickness effectively leads to noise reduction. So, the proposed model is worth employing instead of the previous overused integrated model to predict and reduce tire noise.
Energy efficiency cycle and the export-oriented economic growth style in China
Authors: Sheng Pengfei , Wei Haohao , Lou Chunjie
Published: October 2021

Few studies addressed the relationship between the energy efficiency cycle and the export-oriented economic growth style, and our work aimed to contribute this research in the literature using China's dataset during 1985–2018. Results of the autoregressive-distributed-lag model there were two cycles in China's energy efficiency, and the first ranged from 1989 to 2002 while the second was over the period 2003–2012. Meanwhile, the estimations suggested that a 1% export increase was linked to a 0.107% increase in energy efficiency in the long run. However, the export was significantly and negatively associated with the short-run fluctuation of energy efficiency. As a result, the statistical simulation confirmed that export would raise the fluctuation range of energy efficiency.
Inhibitory Control of Information in Memory Across Domains
Authors: Bajo M. Teresa , Gómez-Ariza Carlos J. , Marful Alejandra
Published: October 2021

Knowledge in memory is vast and not always relevant to the task at hand. Recent views suggest that the human cognitive system has evolved so that it includes goal-driven control mechanisms to regulate the level of activation of specific pieces of knowledge and make distracting or unwanted information in memory less accessible. This operation is primarily directed to facilitate the use of task-relevant knowledge. However, these control processes may also have side effects on performance in a variety of situations when the task at hand partly relies on access to suppressed information. In this article, we show that various types of information to be used in a variety of different contexts (problem solving, decision making based on personal information, language production) may be the target of inhibitory control. We also show that the control process may leave a behavioral signature if suppressed information turns out to be relevant shortly after being suppressed.
A Midsummer Night’s Gene: The familial Neurological Illness of Felix Mendelssohn
Authors: Cersonsky Tess EK , Roth Julie
Published: October 2021

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1805–1847) is widely regarded as one of the musical geniuses of the Romantic period. A prodigy akin to Mozart, Mendelssohn composed piano works, symphonies, and concertos at an early age but died young, at 38. His death has been attributed to neurological disease, but the mystery of his diagnosis is amplified by the fact that his sisters died under similar circumstances, including the renowned composer, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. Mendelssohn died after years of suffering from headaches, earaches, and mood disturbances. In the final year of his life, his acute decline was marked by stepwise, progressive neurologic deficits: gait disturbance, loss of sensation in the hands, partial paralysis, and, finally, loss of consciousness. The similar pattern of disease within his family suggests an underlying genetic link, though this may be multifactorial in nature. We present a thorough, posthumous differential diagnosis for Mendelssohn's illness, given his medical history, the familial pattern, and hints from within his music. Possible diagnoses include ruptured cerebral aneurysm with resultant subarachnoid hemorrhage, familial cerebral cavernous malformation, and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Continued research into Mendelssohn's life may yield more information about his illness, death, and possibly true diagnosis.
Recommendations for Teacher Education Programs to Prepare Practitioners for Diverse Urban Schools
Authors: Scott LaRon A. , Evans Imani , Berry Risha
Published: October 2021

The focus of this article is to provide teacher education programs with recommendations for meeting the educational needs of students with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD) and learning disabilities (LD) in urban communities. Recommendations include preparing preservice special education teacher educators to effectively implement culturally responsive approaches. The article outlines critical features of teacher education programs that can be modified using culturally responsive approaches to design field experiences and collaboration between schools and teacher education programs to meet the distinctive needs of students in urban environments. Teacher education program leaders can incorporate and use the recommendations to modify programs so that preservice special education teacher educators can be better prepared to be inclusive of all learners and meet their diverse needs.
Remote Schooling Supports for Linguistically Diverse Parents of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Cioè-Peña María
Published: October 2021

Remote schooling has increased in prevalence. Although remote schooling may feel novel, remote and online educational requirements have been consistent parts of the educational landscape for years. Remote schooling increases learning opportunities within the home, magnifying the need for home–school collaborations to support the academic and socio-emotional development of marginalized learners in urban settings, particularly multiply marginalized learners such as students classified as English learners who also have a high incidence disability (e.g., learning disability, speech and language impairment, autism spectrum disorder). Much policy and practice around remote schooling centers on ensuring students have access to devices and technology; little consideration is given to what happens after devices are distributed, especially within culturally and linguistically diverse households. This paper explores considerations to be made before, during, and after engaging in remote schooling, whether it is for short- or long-term use, to ensure that students who are dually classified are not digitally excluded during remote schooling.
Crimes Against Animal Production: Exploring the use of Media Archives
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Abraham Jonatan , Lundqvist Peter
Published: October 2021

Swedish media have revealed an increase in crimes against animal production (CAAP) in the last decade. We investigate the nature of such crimes (especially against mink, pig, and rabbit farms), with a focus on those crimes whose suspects are animal rights groups by utilizing data from media archives from 2009 to 2019. Newspaper articles show that while vandalism and trespassing are often committed against mink farms, property crimes occur more often against pig and rabbit farms. Because there are indications that crime suspects are not a homogeneous group and express different motivations to commit CAAP, a multipronged approach is needed to prevent CAAP. The use of newspaper articles from media archives has proven to be successful for obtaining a general perspective of CAAP, but it is limited for capturing crime incidence or for investigating CAAP spatiotemporal nature when using geographical information systems. The automated usage of digital media archives should be further explored and critically assessed in future research in criminology.
The Use of Twitter by Police Officers in Urban and Rural Contexts in Sweden
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Solymosi Reka , Müller Oskar
Published: October 2021

The aim of this article is to investigate the nature of information sharing via Twitter by police officers. We examine the content of Tweets in urban and rural contexts using a sample of 20 police-related Twitter accounts, comparing official and personal accounts active in Southern Sweden. Exploratory data analysis and in-depth content analysis of a sample of Tweets compose the underlying methodology. We find a distinct pattern of consistency in the content of the information shared via the official police accounts compared to the personal accounts, regardless of if they are from urban or rural areas. However, some urban–rural differences were observed between official and personal accounts regarding public engagement, operationalized as likes and Retweets. The study calls for a discussion of new models of police engagement using social media by a society that is increasingly shaped by the internet.
Liquefied Thrombus Mimicking an Endoleak on Duplex Ultrasound
Authors: Necas Martin , Ferrar David
Published: October 2021

Conventional duplex ultrasound is a well-established imaging modality for the surveillance of endovascular aortic repair. A unique case of liquefied thrombus mimicking an endoleak on color and spectral Doppler ultrasound is presented. Contrast computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were used to further assess the patient and exclude an endoleak.
Long-Wave Infrared Imaging for Intraoperative Cancer Detection—What is the True Temperature of a Cancer?
Authors: Vaughn Stephanie , Ruthazer Robin , Rosenblatt Andrew , Jenkins Roger L , Sorcini Andrea P , Schnelldorfer Thomas
Published: October 2021

Background

During cancer operations, the cancer itself is often hard to delineate—buried beneath healthy tissue and lacking discernable differences from the surrounding healthy organ. Long-wave infrared, or thermal, imaging poses a unique solution to this problem, allowing for the real-time label-free visualization of temperature deviations within the depth of tissues. The current study evaluated this technology for intraoperative cancer detection.

Methods

In this diagnostic study, patients with gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and renal cancers underwent long-wave infrared imaging of the malignancy during routine operations.

Results

It was found that 74% were clearly identifiable as hypothermic anomalies. The average temperature difference was 2.4°C (range 0.7 to 5.0) relative to the surrounding tissue. Cancers as deep as 3.3 cm from the surgical surface were visualized. Yet, 79% of the images had clinically relevant false positive signals [median 3 per image (range 0 to 10)] establishing an accuracy of 47%. Analysis suggests that the degree of temperature difference was primarily determined by features within the cancer and not peritumoral changes in the surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

These findings provide important information on the unexpected hypothermal properties of intra-abdominal cancers, directions for future use of intraoperative long-wave infrared imaging, and new knowledge about the in vivo thermal energy expenditure of cancers and peritumoral tissue.
Predicting the Molecular Mechanism of Shenling Baizhu San in Treating Convalescent Patients With COVID-19 Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lu Li , Liu YiWen , Yang AiXia , Yang Yanfang
Published: October 2021

Objective: Shenling Baizhu San (SBS) was selected as the regimen for the treatment of COVID-19 in Guangdong Province. It is mainly used for the convalescent treatment of COVID-19 patients with deficiency of both lung and spleen. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of SBS in the treatment of COVID-19 through network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. Methods: The targets of active components of SBS were collected through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and ETCM databases. Using the Genecards, TTD, OMIM and other databases, the targets of COVID-19 were determined. The next step was to use a string database to build a protein–protein interactions (PPI) network between proteins, and use David database to perform gene ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on core targets. Then we used Cytoscape software to construct the active ingredients-core target-signaling pathway network, and finally the active ingredients of SBS were molecularly docked with the core targets to predict the mechanism of SBS in the treatment of COVID-19. Results: A total of 177 active compounds, 43 core targets and 58 signaling pathways were selected. Molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of the top six active components and the targets were all less than −5 kcal/MOL. Conclusion: The potential mechanism of action of SBS in the treatment of COVID-19 may be associated with the regulation of genes co-expressed with IL6, DPP4, PTGS2, PTGS1 and TNF.
Parties and policy: Convergence of pledges by Congress and the BJP in India 2009–2019
Authors: Sarangi Prakash
Published: October 2021

This article is an attempt to assess the extent of convergence in the policies of two major national political parties in India – Congress and the BJP – by examining their electoral pledges as expressed in their manifestoes during the last three general elections. We assumed that political parties take a stand on various policies to influence the opinion of the electorate. We arrive at the following conclusions. (1) Both the parties tend to respond to the needs of the marginalized – most of whom happen to be located at the median points of electorally salient policies. (2) Many of their promises in the areas of welfare policy are almost identical. The two parties hardly contradict each other on any of the major policies. (3) The beneficiaries of welfare policies tend to vote for a party that is formulating a favourable policy and is providing good governance. There is new trend in political representation in India. The needs and expectations of citizens are emerging as the primary determinants in the policy formulation of political parties.
Farmers–Herdsmen Conflict, Cattle Rustling, and Banditry: The Dialectics of Insecurity in Anka and Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Bashir , Abdullahi Mustapaha Muhammad
Published: October 2021

The study examined farmers–herdsmen conflict, cattle rustling, and banditry in Anka and Maradun local government area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study examined the influence of farmers–herdsmen conflicts on cattle rustling and banditry, and vice versa. Exploratory research was employed; focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII)were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The data generated were transcribed and recorded verbatim (word-for-word account of verbal interview) and they were converted into written form. Data were enumerated and thematic analysis and categorization were provided. Secondary data were sourced from internet and relevant books. This study adopted the environmental resources scarcity and frustration-aggression theory. The findings of the study revealed that farmers–herdsmen conflict precipitates the acts of cattle rustling and banditry. It also revealed that conversely cattle rustling and banditry contributed to the farmers–herdsmen conflict in the local government area of Zamfara State. The study discovered that the synthesis of farmers–herdsmen conflicts, cattle rustling, and banditry pose serious threat to the safety and security of the people. The researchers recommended that there should be an introduction of grazing reserves equipped with adequate social amenities and that there should be policies capable of enhancing herders’ transformation from traditional to the modern method of animal husbandry. They also suggested that various factors responsible for farmers–herdsmen conflict, cattle rustling, and banditry should be properly managed by traditional and religious leaders. The findings corroborate the gaps which the researchers intended to fill
COVID-19 Information, Demand and Willingness to Pay for Protective Gear in the UK
Authors: Oreffice Sonia , Quintana-Domeque Climent
Published: October 2021

In the first month of the UK first lockdown, we studied the demand and willingness to pay (WTP) for hand sanitizer gel, disposable face masks and disposable gloves, and how information on tested people and coronavirus deaths explains the demand and WTP for these products. The specific hypotheses to test and concrete questions to study were pre-registered in AsPredicted (#38962) on 10 April 2020, and an online survey was launched in Prolific on a sample of the UK general population representative by age, sex and ethnicity on 11 April 2020. We find that there is a demand for these products, estimate the average WTP for them, and show that the provision of information affected the demand (and WTP) for disposable face masks. Providing information on the numbers of coronavirus cumulative tested people and coronavirus cumulative deaths increases the stated demand for disposable face masks by about 8 percentage points [95% CI: 0.8, 15.1] and 11 percentage points [95% CI: 3.7, 18.2], respectively.

JEL Classifications: C99, D12, I12, I18
Hair Cortisol and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Mental Disorder
Authors: Claire Buchan M. , Whitney Sydney , Leatherdale Scott T. , Mielke John G. , Gonzalez Andrea , Ferro Mark A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Children living with mental disorder are at risk for lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to their peers. While evidence suggests that cortisol dysregulation is implicated in the onset of mental disorder, the extent to which cortisol is associated with HRQoL is largely unknown. Further, it remains unknown how comorbid physical illness may alter this relationship. This study examined whether the presence of a comorbid physical illness moderated the association between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and HRQoL among children with mental disorder.

Methods

One-hundred children (4-17 years) receiving care from a pediatric hospital were recruited. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to measure mental disorder and the KIDSCREEN-27 to assess HRQoL. Cortisol extracted from children's hair was assayed using high-sensitivity ELISA. Multiple regression analyses tested the association between HCC and HRQoL.

Results

Presence of a physical illness was found to moderate the relationship between HCC and HRQoL in the domain of peers and social support [comorbidity: β = −0.57 (−0.97, −0.17); no comorbidity: β = 0.22 (−0.11, 0.55)].

Conclusion

The association between HCC and HRQoL in children with mental disorder is moderated by the presence of a physical illness, such that in children with comorbid physical and mental disorder, elevated HCC is associated with lower HRQoL. Approaches that reduce stress in these children may help promote optimal well-being. More research investigating physiological stress and psychosocial outcomes in children with mental disorder, particularly those with comorbid physical illness, is needed.
The Failings of Conventional Mediation Analysis and a Design-Based Alternative
Authors: Bullock John G. , Green Donald P.
Published: October 2021

Scholars routinely test mediation claims by using some form of measurement-of-mediation analysis whereby outcomes are regressed on treatments and mediators to assess direct and indirect effects. Indeed, it is rare for an issue of any leading journal of social or personality psychology not to include such an analysis. Statisticians have for decades criticized this method on the grounds that it relies on implausible assumptions, but these criticisms have been largely ignored. After presenting examples and simulations that dramatize the weaknesses of the measurement-of-mediation approach, we suggest that scholars instead use an approach that is rooted in experimental design. We propose implicit-mediation analysis, which adds and subtracts features of the treatment in ways that implicate some mediators and not others. We illustrate the approach with examples from recently published articles, explain the differences between the approach and other experimental approaches to mediation, and formalize the assumptions and statistical procedures that allow researchers to learn from experiments that encourage changes in mediators.
‘Artificial intelligence in Barrett’s Esophagus’
Authors: Hamade Nour , Sharma Prateek
Published: October 2021

Despite advances in endoscopic imaging modalities, there are still significant miss rates of dysplasia and cancer in Barrett’s esophagus. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool that may potentially be a useful adjunct to the endoscopist in detecting subtle dysplasia and cancer. Studies have shown AI systems have a sensitivity of more than 90% and specificity of more than 80% in detecting Barrett’s related dysplasia and cancer. Beyond visual detection and diagnosis, AI may also prove to be useful in quality control, streamlining clinical work, documentation, and lessening the administrative load on physicians. Research in this area is advancing at a rapid rate, and as the field expands, regulations and guidelines will need to be put into place to better regulate the growth and use of AI. This review provides an overview of the present and future role of AI in Barrett’s esophagus.
Hemodynamic Changes in Umbilical Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery With Oligohydramnios in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Jabeen Zara , Bacha Raham , Zain-ul-Hassan  , Fatima Mehreen , Manzoor Iqra , Ramzan Iqra , Iyaz Maida
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the hemodynamic changes in the umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) with oligohydramnios, during third trimester of pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was done in a perinatal ultrasound center, over a 9-month period. The participant sample size was 64, and all of the women were conveniently consented and selected for the study. All individuals were referred for obstetrical sonography in the third trimester, with oligohydramnios. All fetal anomalies, such as a neural tube defect, dwarfism, an abdominal wall defect, were excluded from the study.

Results:

The mean systolic to diastolic (S/D) ratio for the UA was 3.01, within a range of 1.49 to 5.60 (± 0.79 SD). The mean pulsatility index (PI), of the UA, was 1.11, within a range of 0.41 to 5.51 cm (± 0.64 SD). The mean resistive index (RI) of the UA was 0.66, within a range of 0.33 to 1.25 cm (± 0.13 SD). The mean S/D ratio of the MCA was 5.68, within a range of 2.05 to 26.10 (± 3.10 SD). The mean PI of the MCA was 1.67 within a range of 0.75 to 2.55 cm (± 0.45 SD). The mean resistive index (RI), of the UA, was 0.82 within a range of 0.51 to 1.77 cm (± 0.82 SD).

Conclusion:

The Doppler indices may rise as pregnancy advances, especially in fetuses with oligohydramnios. In these types of patients, the flow within the MCA may decrease, with an increase in the gestational age. Consequently, it appears that oligohydramnios may lead to vascular remodeling of the UA and MCA.
Experimental study and comparative numerical modeling of creep behavior of white oak wood with various distributions of earlywood vessel belt
Authors: Hou Junfeng , Jiang Yingqiu , Yin Yeqiao , Zhang Weigang , Chen Haili , Yu Youming , Jiang Zhihong
Published: October 2021

Many researches have been conducted to investigate creep behavior of wood; however, the effects of structure on wood creep behavior remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of existence and distribution of earlywood vessel belt on creep behavior of white oak (Quercus alba L.) wood were investigated by dynamic thermal mechanical analyzer (DMA) with double cantilever bending in this study. Besides, a comparative numerical modeling simulation on strain curves of white oak specimens was completed using Burger and Five-parameter model. Results revealed that instantaneous strain and 45-min strain of specimens decreased with increase in the distance between earlywood vessel belt and stress acting surface obviously. Additionally, instantaneous strain and 45-min strain of specimens remarkably increased with increase in temperature from 20 to 80 °C. An obvious bending creep behavior was observed with increase in temperature from 20 to 80 °C. Both Burger and Five-parameter model can effectively simulate the creep behavior of white oak specimens with R2 values greater than 0.90. Furthermore, Five-parameter model illustrated a better fitting effect than Burger model in the final creep stage due to the introduction of a non-linear creep strain growth expression. It concluded that creep behavior of white oak wood strongly depends on the existence and distribution of earlywood vessel belt.
Is intraoperative neuromonitoring effective in hip and pelvis orthopedic and trauma surgery? A systematic review
Authors: Murena Luigi , Colin Giulia , Dussi Micol , Canton Gianluca
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Sciatic nerve injury is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication in hip and pelvis surgery. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) was applied since the seventies in neurosurgery and spine surgery. Nowadays, IONM has gained popularity in other surgical specialities including orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Aim of this systematic review is to resume the literature evidences about the effectiveness of intraoperative monitoring of sciatic nerve during pelvic and hip surgery.

Methods

Two reviewers (GC and MD) independently identified studies by a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar from inception of database to 10 January 2021. Inclusion criteria were: (a) English written papers, (b) use of any type of intraoperative nerve monitoring during traumatic or elective pelvic and hip surgery, (c) comparison of the outcomes between patients who underwent nerve monitoring and patient who underwent standard procedures, (d) all study types including case reports. The present review was conducted in accordance with the 2009 PRISMA statement.

Results

The literature search produced 224 papers from PubMed and 594 from Google Scholar, with a total amount of 818 papers. The two reviewer excluded 683 papers by title or duplicates. Of the 135 remaining, 72 were excluded after reading the abstract, and 31 by reading the full text. Thus, 32 papers were finally included in the review.

Conclusions

The use of IONM during hip and pelvis surgery is debated. The review results are insufficient to support the routine use of IONM in hip and pelvis surgery. The different IONM techniques have peculiar advantages and disadvantages and differences in sensitivity and specificity without clear evidence of superiority for any. Results from different studies and different interventions are often in contrast. However, there is general agreement in recognizing a role for IONM to define the critical maneuvers, positions or pathologies that could lead to sciatic nerve intraoperative damage.

Level of evidence

Level 2.
Evaluation of the implementation of multidisciplinary fast-track program for acute geriatric hip fractures at a University Hospital in resource-limited settings
Authors: Sura-amonrattana Unchana , Tharmviboonsri Theerawoot , Unnanuntana Aasis , Tantigate Direk , Srinonprasert Varalak
Published: October 2021

Background

Hip fractures are common among frail, older people and associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including death. Timely and appropriate care by a multidisciplinary team may improve outcomes. Implementing a team to jointly deliver the service in resource-limited settings is challenging, particularly on the effectiveness of patient outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study to compare outcomes of hip fracture patients aged 65 or older admitted at Siriraj hospital before and after implementation of the Fast-track program for Acute Geriatric Hip Fractures. The primary outcome was the incidence of medical complications. The secondary outcomes were time to surgery, factors related to the occurrence of various complications, in-hospital mortality, and mortality at month 3, month 6 and month 12 after the operation.

Results

Three hundred two patients were enrolled from the Siriraj hospital’s database from October 2016 to October 2018; 151 patients in each group with a mean age of 80 years were analyzed. Clinical parameters were similar between groups except the Fast-track group comprising more patients with dementia (37.1% VS 23.8%, p < 0.012). In the Fast-track group, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients underwent surgery within 72-h (80.3% VS 44.7%, p < 0.001) and the length of stay was significantly shorter (11 days (8–17) VS 13 days (9–18), p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in medical complications. Stratified analysis by dementia status showed a trend in delirium reduction in both patients with dementia and without dementia groups, and a pressure injury reduction among patients with dementia after the program was implemented but without statistical significance. There was no significant difference in mortality.

Conclusions

The implementation of a multidisciplinary team for hip fracture patients is feasible in resource-limited setting. In the Fast-track program, time to surgery was reduced and the length of stay was shortened. Other outcome benefits were not shown, which may be due to incomplete uptake of all involved disciplines.
Prevalence and pattern of refractive error and visual impairment among schoolchildren: the Lhasa childhood eye study
Authors: Cui Jiantao , Fu Jing , Li Lei , Chen Weiwei , Meng Zhaojun , Su Han , Yao Yao , Dai Wei
Published: October 2021

Background

Early and effective ocular screening may help to eliminate treatable eye disorders. The Lhasa Childhood Eye Study (LCES) revealed the particular prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment in grade one schoolchildren (starting age of 6 years old) in Lhasa.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional part of school-based cohort study. One thousand nine hundred forty-three children were enrolled (median age, 6.78 years, range, 5.89 to 10.32). Each child underwent general and ocular examinations, including logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity, cycloplegic autorefraction, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy evaluation. Multivariate and correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between refractive error with gender and ethnics.

Results

The prevalence of visual impairment (logMAR visual acuity ≥0.3 in the better-seeing eye) of uncorrected, presenting and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 12.2, 11.7 and 2.7%, respectively. Refractive error presented in 177 (78.0%) out of 227 children with bilateral visual impairment. Myopia (spherical equivalent refractor [SER] ≤ − 0.50 diopter [D] in either eye) was present in 4.7% children when measured after cycloplegic autorefraction. Hyperopia (SER ≥ + 2.00 D) affected 12.1% children. Hyperopia was significantly associated with female gender (P<0.001). Astigmatism (cylinder value ≤ − 0.75 D) was present in 44.8% children. In multivariate regression and correlation analysis, SER had no significant difference between ethnic groups.

Conclusion

The Lhasa Childhood Eye Study is the first school-based cohort study to reveal the prevalence and pattern of refractive error and visual impairment in Lhasa. Effective strategies such as corrective spectacles should be considered to alleviate treatable visual impairment.
The “self” in pain: high levels of schema-enmeshment worsen fibromyalgia impact
Authors: Paschali Myrella , Lazaridou Asimina , Vilsmark Eric S. , Lee Jeungchan , Berry Michael , Grahl Arvina , Anzolin Alessandra , Loggia Marco , Napadow Vitaly , Edwards Robert R.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Chronic pain can have detrimental effects on quality of life and a profound impact on one’s identity. The Pictorial Representation of Illness- and Self-Measure (PRISM), is a visual tool designed to measure the self-illness separation (SIS) that represents the degree of schema-enmeshment (i.e., the degree to which the self-schema and the illness-schema come to overlap). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between schema-enmeshment and pain-related outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 114 patients with fibromyalgia completed self-report assessments of pain catastrophizing, pain severity and interference, impact of symptoms, anxiety, and depression. SIS was assessed using an iPad version of PRISM. Mediation analyses evaluated the mediating role of schema-enmeshment on the association between pain catastrophizing and fibromyalgia impact.

Results

A higher degree of schema-enmeshment was associated with greater pain catastrophizing, pain severity and interference, impact of symptoms, and depression. Moreover, a mediation analysis revealed that schema-enmeshment significantly mediated the association between pain catastrophizing and fibromyalgia impact (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that schema-enmeshment is associated with greater intrusiveness of chronic pain on everyday life, thereby posing significant limitations on the emotional and physical well-being of fibromyalgia patients. Schema-enmeshment also appears to partly account for the deleterious effect of pain catastrophizing on disease impact. The PRISM is a simple tool that may uniquely capture the extent to which chronic pain and illness infiltrates and affects one’s self-concept.
Lipidomic profiling reveals distinct differences in plasma lipid composition in overweight or obese adolescent students
Authors: Yin Ruili , Wang Xiaojing , Li Kun , Yu Ke , Yang Longyan
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The relationship between dyslipidemia and obesity has been widely reported, but the global lipid profiles associated with the development of obesity still need to be clarified. An investigation into the association between the lipidomic plasma profile and adolescent obesity may provide new insights into the development of obesity.

Methods

Mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography was applied to detect the global lipidome in the fasting plasma from 90 Chinese adolescents, including 34 obese adolescents, 26 overweight adolescents, and 30 adolescents with a normal body mass index (BMI). All participants underwent anthropometric measurements by using InBody. Clinical biochemical indicators were measured by Cobas Elecsys.

Results

Both qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed a gradual change in plasma lipid features among obese students, exhibiting characteristics close to overweight students, but differing significantly from normal students. Compared with normal and overweight students, levels of triglyceride (TG), 18-hydroxycortisol, isohumulinone A, and 11-dihydro-12-norneoquassin were up-regulated in the obese group, while phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysoPC (LPC), lysoPE (LPE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were significantly down-regulated in the obese group. Then, we conducted Venn diagrams and selected 8 significant metabolites from the 3 paired comparisons. Most of the selected features were significantly correlated with the anthropometric measurements.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated evidence for a relationship between the eight significant metabolites with obese adolescents. These lipid features may provide a basis for evaluating risk and monitoring the development of obesity.
Glycemic control and neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus treated using glyburide, metformin, or insulin: a pairwise and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Dan-Qing , Xu Guan-Xin , Teng Xin-Yuan , Xu Jing-Wei , Tang Liang-Fang , Feng Chun , Rao Jin-Peng , Jin Min , Wang Li-Quan
Published: October 2021

Aims

We aimed to assess the comparative efficiency and safety of the use of glyburide, metformin, and insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials that compared glyburide, metformin, and insulin in GDM. Data regarding glycemic control and neonatal safety were collected and analyzed in pairwise and network meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 4533 individuals from 23 trials were included. Compared with glyburide, metformin reduced 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2HPG) to a greater extent (standard mean difference (SMD) 0.18; 95% credible interval (CI) 0.01, 0.34). There were significantly lower prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia (risk difference (RD) − 0.07; 95%CI − 0.11, − 0.02) and preeclampsia (RD − 0.03; 95%CI − 0.06, 0) in the metformin group than in the insulin group. The metformin group had significantly lower birth weight (SMD − 0.17; 95%CI − 0.25, − 0.08) and maternal weight gain (SMD − 0.61; 95%CI − 0.86,− 0.35) compared with the insulin group. Network meta-analysis suggested that metformin had the highest probability of successfully controlling glycemia and preventing neonatal complications.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis suggests that metformin may be as effective as insulin for glycemic control and is the most promising drug for the prevention of neonatal and maternal complications.