bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhen-Yu , Zhang Zhen , Cao Xiao-Zhong , Feng Yun , Ren Sha-Sha
Published: October 2020

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with higher aggressiveness and mortality than hormone-positive breast cancer because of the lack of approved therapeutic targets. Patients with TNBC who attain a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have improved survival. Platinum-based agents show promising activity in TNBC; however, their use remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the role of platinum-based agents in neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with TNBC.

Methods

We performed an extensive literature search of the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the identified studies.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials with 1345 patients were included in the analysis. The addition of platinum-based agents improved pCR compared with neoadjuvant therapy based on anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide, taxanes, and fluorouracil (49.1% vs. 35.9%; OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.23–2.86). Hematological adverse events were similar in both groups, except for more thrombocytopenia in the platinum-based group (OR: 7.96, 95% CI: 3.18–19.93).

Conclusion

The addition of platinum-based agents to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved pCR rates in patients with TNBC, with a slight increase in hematological toxicities. Platinum-based agents might thus be an accessible and economically viable option in patients with TNBC.
Lung sonography can improve the specificity of determination of left-sided double-lumen tracheal tube position in both novices and experts: a randomised prospective study
Authors: Chung Jun-Young , Go YoonJu , Jang Yong Seok , Lee Bong-Jae , Seo Hyungseok
Published: October 2020

Objective

Lung sonography can be helpful to determine the position of a left-sided double-lumen tube (DLT). However, clinical experience is required for correct assessment. We investigated whether lung sonography can improve the diagnostic efficacy of determining the DLT position in novices and experts.

Methods

In this randomised prospective clinical study, 88 patients were allocated to two groups using auscultation or lung sonography for initial assessment of the DLT position. In each group, two repeated assessments were performed; the first was performed by a novice, and the second was performed by an expert. The final DLT position was confirmed by fibre-optic bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was the diagnostic efficacy (including overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity) in confirming the DLT position.

Results

In both the novices and experts, the specificity of determining the DLT position was significantly higher with lung sonography than auscultation (60.0% vs. 21.7% and 66.7% vs. 37.5%, respectively). Additionally, the predictability of an incorrect position was similar between the novices and experts using lung sonography (area under the curve of 0.665 and 0.690, respectively).

Conclusions

Lung sonography can improve the diagnostic efficacy of detecting an incorrect DLT position in both novices and experts.
Accuracy and Reliability of Soft Tissue Landmarks Using Three-Dimensional Imaging in Comparison With Two-Dimensional Cephalometrics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ali Adeeba , Chandna Anil K. , Munjal Anshul
Published: October 2020

Background:

Concerns about the accuracy and reliability of soft tissue landmarks using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging.

Objective:

The aim of the systematic review is to estimate accuracy and reliability of soft tissue landmarks with 2D imaging and 3D imaging for orthodontic diagnosis planning and treatment planning purposes.

Data Sources:

Electronic database search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase via embase.com, and the Cochrane library website.

Selection Criteria:

The data were extracted according to two protocols based on Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) critical appraisal tools. Next, levels of evidence were categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high.

Data Synthesis:

Fifty-five publications were found through database search strategies. A total of nine publications were included in this review.

Conclusion

According to the available literature, 3D imaging modalities were more accurate and reliable as compared to 2D modalities. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was considered the most reliable imaging tool for soft tissues.
COVID-19—Orthodontic Care During and After the Pandemic: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sharan Jitendra , Chanu Nameirakpam Ibemcha , Jena Ashok Kumar , Arunachalam Sivakumar , Choudhary Prabhat Kumar
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To provide comprehensive information regarding the implications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), mode of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and its effects on orthodontic care during the pandemic and post-pandemic outbreak of the disease, based on currently available literature and information.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive research for studies that focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and orthodontic care up to August 18, 2020, with no language restriction. The databases included PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19) 2020. The research was focused on presenting symptoms, disease transmission, infection control, orthodontic care, and financial implications affecting the delivery of orthodontic treatment. The research also included reports from major health policy regulatory bodies such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and major international dental and orthodontic societies and associations. The peer-reviewed publications and guidelines from the health regulatory authorities were given priority.

Results:

The latest information on the SARS-CoV-2 virus effects and orthodontic implications were arranged sequentially. The SARS-CoV-2 virus mode of transmission and its prevention were emphasized to keep the orthodontic and dental operatory safe for continuing practice.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way orthodontics is practiced. Strict infection control, near-zero aerosol production, and minimal touch dentistry are the keys to prevent contamination of orthodontic operatory. During the pandemic, only emergency orthodontic procedures could be extended to the orthodontic patient while adhering to all the regulatory guidelines. Fortunately, to date, there is no reported case of cross-transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the dental setup.
Passenger Satisfaction Scale for Public Transportation
Authors: Kökalan Özgür , Tutan Adem
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the study was to develop a scale to determine the level of passenger satisfaction in relation to public transportation. In the process of developing the scale, the draft scale was initially sent to field experts to gain their feedback. Based on this feedback, the content validity ratio for each item was calculated. The minimum value for the content validity ratio was set as 0.80 and any items with a ratio under 0.80 were deleted. A 27-item prototype form was sent to 400 participants through Google Form, and data were obtained from 315 participants who filled out the prototype form. Using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) a construct was obtained with 22 items and four factors: “Technical Satisfaction,”“Service Satisfaction,”“Comfort Satisfaction,” and “Cleanliness Satisfaction.” The relationships among the four sub-dimensions were tested and significant positive relationships were found. The EFA results were confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.88. As a result, the passenger satisfaction scale for public transportation was demonstrated to be ready for use.
Spousal Role Expectations and Marital Conflict: Perspectives of Men and Women
Authors: Ali Parveen Azam , McGarry Julie , Maqsood Aneela
Published: October 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of people across the world and is associated with a significant impact on physical and mental health of the victim. IPV often takes place within the context of marriage, where gender role expectations can play an important part in shaping attitudes towards it. While there is much research carried out to understand the phenomenon of IPV, little relates to how a husband and wife’s accounts of spousal role expectations of each other contribute to marital conflict. The issue of IPV within marriage is highly sensitive, particularly in a patriarchy such as Pakistan. The aim of this unique study was to explore the perspective of Pakistani men and women about a husband and wife’s role expectations and how fulfillment of such spousal role expectations impacts on marital conflict, and thereby IPV. Using the community setting, data for this qualitative study were collected through 41 individual interviews, including 20 from Pakistan and 21 from the UK. The findings are presented in two main themes, each containing two subthemes. The theme “provider and protector” relates to the role expectations from a husband, whereas “caretaker and household manager” relates to the role expectations of a wife. Overall, husbands and wives have numerous expectations of each other, and these expectations are shaped by gender role attitudes alongside cultural and societal norms. Unmet expectations and deviation of behavior from the perceived norms can result in the development of marital conflict which can escalate to IPV. The significance of this study lies in understanding spousal role expectations from the perspectives of husbands and wives and how unmet expectations contribute to marital conflict and IPV is important for health care professionals within family health contexts. This article provides a detailed insight of this largely hidden phenomena.
I Ruminate Therefore I Violate: The Tainted Love of Anxiously Attached and Jealous Partners
Authors: Aracı-İyiaydın Ayşegül , Toplu-Demirtaş Ezgi , Akçabozan-Kayabol Nazlı Büşra , Fincham Frank D.
Published: October 2020

Anxiously attached individuals worry about the psychological availability of their partners. Their preoccupation with unmet attachment related needs is likely accompanied by ruminative thoughts, feelings of jealousy, and dating abuse perpetration. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of gender differences in perpetrating psychological and cyber dating abuse and to explore a hypothesized serial path from anxious attachment, through rumination, and cognitive jealousy to psychological and cyber dating abuse perpetration. The sample consisted of 562 (404 women) Turkish emerging adults. The majority of the sample perpetrated at least one psychological (88.9%) and cyber (68.4%) abusive behavior over the last six months, with women perpetrating more psychological and cyber abuse. We tested a serial mediational model for each type of dating abuse, which indicated that anxious attachment was related to more rumination (brooding), cognitive jealousy, and in turn, to psychological and cyber dating abuse perpetration. We discuss the implications of our study for research, theory, and practice.
Determinants of Gender-based Violence Against Women in Spain: An Asymmetric Bayesian Model
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez José María , Dávila-Cárdenes Nancy , Gómez-Déniz Emilio
Published: October 2020

The number of fatalities in Spain due to gender-based violence has increased in recent years, with a new rise in 2019, reaching the highest figure since 2015, a year that registered a peak with 60 victims. This article analyzes a database obtained from a survey on gender violence conducted by the Spanish Centre for Sociological Research. The survey, prepared by the Government Delegation for Gender Violence, consisted of interviews with women aged over 15 years living in 858 municipalities distributed over 50 provinces in Spain. The data reveal that most of the women interviewed have not suffered any type of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. Hence, the application of standard logistic methodologies which suppose symmetric responses, can lead to a poor specification of the model, a misinterpretation of marginal effects and unidentified predictors. It seems more appropriate to consider an asymmetric link function to explain the probability of abuse (physical, sexual, or psychological). The Bayesian methodology allows the incorporation of such an asymmetric function improving the specification of the model. In this article, we compare both methodologies and prove that Bayesian asymmetric performs better results by considering several diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, this methodology detects some significative factors that are not revealed by the classical method, e.g., the partner’s nationality for sexual abuse or the women’s total number of intimate partners for psychological abuse. Bayesian asymmetric estimations reveal no significance concerning to the lowest partner’s level of education for physical abuse but if the intimate partner is currently studying this reduces the probability of sexual abuse. The woman’s level of education is not relevant to the physical, sexual, or psychological abuses suffered. Therefore, the findings may help identify economic and sociological factors not previously considered in this area and highlight policies that may be adopted or revised to help overcome this social problem.
Event-triggered asynchronous H∞ fault-tolerant control for discrete-time Markov jump system with actuator faults
Authors: Wang Ai-Min , Li Jian-Ning
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on the design of event-triggered asynchronous [Formula: see text] fault-tolerant controller for Markov jump system subject to actuator faults and external disturbances. The asynchronization phenomenon not only occurs between the controlled system and controller but also exists between the controlled system and faulty actuator, which are portrayed as two corresponding hidden Markov models. Moreover, a mode-dependent event-triggered mechanism is introduced to facilitate network resources utilization. Then, by introducing mode-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a sufficient condition is obtained to guarantee that the closed-loop system is randomly mean square stable with [Formula: see text] performance. Finally, two numerical examples are employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis scheme.
Deconstructing information literacy discourse: Peeling back the layers in higher education
Authors: Hicks Alison , Lloyd Annemaree
Published: October 2020

The discourses of information literacy practice create epistemological assumptions about how the practice should happen, who should be responsible and under what conditions instruction should be given. This paper employs a discourse analysis method (Potter, 2008) to identify discourses of information literacy and the learner from within higher education focused professional texts. Texts analysed include 4 recent English-language models of information literacy and 16 textbooks. Analysis suggests that within higher education, information literacy is shaped by 2 conflicting narratives. The outward facing narrative positions information literacy as an empowering practice that equips learners with the knowledge and skills that they need within complex and fast-paced information environments. The inward facing narrative positions learners as incompetent or as lacking the ability to operate within higher education. This deficit perception consequently threatens the sustainability of information literacy practice by reframing empowerment as a process of top-down behaviour modification. This paper represents the first in a research programme that interrogates the epistemological premises and discourses of information literacy within higher education.
Occupational stress measures of tenure-track librarians
Authors: Cameron Laura , Pierce Stephanie , Conroy Julia
Published: October 2020

This study sought to measure occupational stress levels of tenure eligible academic librarians quantitatively and explores the connections between occupational stress and institutional supports. Researchers administered the Job Stress Survey™ to 109 academic librarians in tenure eligible positions. These data were then analyzed and correlated with participants’ responses in an earlier study which measured tenure confidence and access to institutional supports. Findings showed that lack of support contributes to stress more than the pressures of the job and supports that increase librarians’ confidence do not always decrease stress.
How deliberative designs empower citizens’ voices: A case study on Ghana’s deliberative poll on agriculture and the environment
Authors: Chen Kaiping
Published: October 2020

Empowering ordinary citizens with the capacity to deliberate is a core issue in science communication. Despite growing deliberative practices in developed nations, it is significantly less understood how public deliberation can happen among populations who live with limited educational resources and poor urban infrastructure in developing countries. This article studied a case of a well-designed deliberation method, Deliberative Poll, in Tamale, Ghana. I analyzed the stimulus information video and thousands of speech acts from deliberation transcripts to examine how expertise was used and what was deliberated in public dialogue. A broad range of expertise and interests were represented. Participants had thoughtful discussions on complex policy issues and their discussion results were considered by local policymakers. This article contributes to our understanding of how to effectively foster public deliberation among populations in the Global South and measure the nuances of expertise and public reasoning on science.
FOXD2-AS1 Predicts Dismal Prognosis for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Regulates Cell Proliferation
Authors: Liang Xiaowei , Chen Zhizhao , Wu Geng
Published: October 2020

The roles of long noncoding RNA FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (FOXD2-AS1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain largely unknown. Here, the Atlas of Noncoding RNAs in Cancer online database was utilized to analyze the expression and clinical significance of FOXD2-AS1 in OSCC. Then, the cell proliferation of FOXD2-AS1-silenced OSCC cells (CAL-27) was assessed by MTT and clone formation experiments. FOXD2-AS1-coexpressed genes were enriched and analyzed via circlncRNAnet and Metascape tools. Finally, key molecules of the signal pathways of the aforementioned coexpressed genes were verified by western blotting. We found that FOXD2-AS1 was significantly highly expressed in OSCC tissues, and correlated with poor pathological grade and prognosis in patients with OSCC. Cell viability and clone formation ability were significantly inhibited after the knockdown of FOXD2-AS1. A total of 32 coexpressed genes of FOXD2-AS1 were identified, and those genes were enriched in the cell cycle. In conclusion, FOXD2-AS1 may be served as a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for OSCC.
Book review: Prem Chowdhry, Gender, Power and Identity: Essays on Masculinities in Rural North India
Authors: Bhardwaj Shivani
Published: October 2020

Prem Chowdhry, Gender, Power and Identity: Essays on Masculinities in Rural North India. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2019, 288 pages, ₹795 (Hardcover). ISBN: 978-93-5287-657-0.
Sanctuary Policy Adoptions: Assessing the Effects of Ideology and Access to Labor and Housing Markets
Authors: Vandegrift Donald , Weyand Zachary
Published: October 2020

Sanctuary policies are generally explained as the outcome of a conflict between desires for openness and restrictionist impulses. In this view, economic factors are exogenous forces that interact with ideological commitments. In contrast, we contend that some of these economic factors follow from ideological commitments and are therefore not exogenous forces. The economic factors follow from ideology because governments that choose to enact sanctuary policies also favor higher levels of land-use and labor-market regulation. We show that: (1) declines in the relative size of the non-citizen population pre-date the sanctuary policies and are confined to counties that ultimately adopt the sanctuary policies; and (2) reduced access to housing and labor markets predicts both sanctuary policy adoption and negative changes in the relative size of the non-citizen population. Thus, the outcomes from policy choices of left-of-center governments on land-use and labor-market regulation directly contravene the apparent purpose of the sanctuary policy.
Nivolumab treatment for metastatic thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Ak Naziye , Aydiner Adnan
Published: October 2020

Background

Metastatic and unresectable thymoma (T) or thymic carcinoma (TC) have limited treatment options, especially after first line.

Methods

Patients with unresectable or recurrent thymic tumors who used minimum one dose of nivolumab at any line of treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Even though nivolumab was administered 3mg/kg dosage in PRIMER study, due to toxicity and financial concerns, we used low dose regimen mostly.

Results

Among 46 unresectable and recurrent thymic epithelial tumors; 8 patients with TC (n = 3), T (n = 4) and mixt histology (n = 1) were reviewed. Three patients had myasthenia gravis history that had to be controlled before treatment. Four patients showed moderate (n = 2) or severe (n = 2) adverse events with nivolumab treatment. Interestingly, two severe adverse events were occurred at first dose even with 40 mg nivolumab and required cessation of treatment permanently. The median number of nivolumab received was four (range: 1–18). Best response was partial response. Two patients progressed at the 3rd and 5th month of treatment. Best duration of response for one patient with TC and one patient with T–B2 were 9 and 14 months, respectively. Median survival time after nivolumab was 7.4 months (range: 2–22.1).

Conclusions

After the results of the previous study could be supported by randomized prospective studies with more number of patients, nivolumab may be considered as an option in patients with thymic epithelial tumors who have received multiple line treatments. However, given the high rate of severe toxicities, there is need to find out a reliable marker to prediction patients who will derive benefit or exhibit toxicity.
Brentuximab vedotin in real life, a seven year experience in patients with refractory/relapsed CD30+ T cell lymphoma
Authors: Oberic Lucie , Delzor Faustine , Protin Caroline , Perriat Sophie , Laurent Camille , Grand Anaïs , Canonge Jean Marie , Borel Cécile , Gauthier Martin , Ysebaert Loïc , Puisset Florent
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Brentuximab vedotin (Bv) has been approved for the treatment of Refractory/Relapsed (R/R) Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas (ALCL) and cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas, but is also effective in other CD30+ malignancies. We report here the outcomes of patients with various R/R Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma (PTCL) treated with Bv in real life practice.

Method

This was a retrospective, single-center study based on medical records of patients with R/R PTCL treated either with Bv alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Results

Among 27 patients treated with Bv, neutropenia was the main serious adverse event observed in particular when Bv was used as combination treatment. The complete Response Rates (CRR) was 40.7%; it was significantly improved when Bv was used as combination treatment. The majority of eligible patients (7/10) underwent Stem Cell Transplantation. Median Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 5.2 months and 12.5 months respectively.

Conclusion

Our current study shows that Bv used in combination with chemotherapy provides a high CRR and thereby allows SCT in R/R PTCL. The use of Bv treatments in this setting warrants further investigation.
A damaged non-homogeneous Timoshenko beam model for a dam subjected to aging effects
Authors: Chiaia Bernardino , De Biagi Valerio , Placidi Luca
Published: October 2020

A hemi-variational formulation for a damaged non-homogeneous Timoshenko beam is proposed here for the purpose of fast simulation of the properties of a dam. The dam is therefore modeled as a damaged non-homogeneous Timoshenko beam embedded in 2D space. The damage evolution and the mechanics of the beam are governed both by the hemi-variational principle and by the assumption on the form of the deformation energy functional, that comprehends the dissipative part owing to damage-aging effects. In the formulation, the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition is derived and the damage, which locally decreases the stiffness (i.e., axial, bending, and shear stiffness) of the beam, becomes relevant once a measure of the elastic energy, called the normalized undamaged elastic energy, reaches a certain threshold that is constitutively prescribed ab initio. The aging effect is assumed by reducing such a threshold in the neighborhood of the bottom of the beam, where the concentration of the chemical and physical attacks is higher. As a result, we show a method for the calculation of the mechanical failure condition. In addition, we observe that, even though this threshold is assumed to decrease in a large region far from the bottom of the dam, the damage is confined at the bottom of it. Thus, we have proved that the trapezoidal shape that is used in the dam design is useful not only to decrease the state of stress in the elastic regime, but also to confine the effects of damage evolution owing to the aging effects.
Modelling and analysis of piezoelectric actuators with partially debonded adhesive layers
Authors: Hu Huan , Li Zhengwei , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

In the modelling of thin-sheet piezoelectric actuators, the bonding condition between the actuator and the host structure can place a significant influence on the behaviour of the actuator. This paper provides a comprehensive theoretical study of the electromechanical behaviour of a thin-sheet piezoelectric actuator bonded to a host structure through a partially debonded adhesive layer under in-plane electric loading. The focus is on the coupled effect of the debonding and adhesive layer on the interfacial stress. The piezoelectric actuator is characterized by a general electro-elastic Euler–Bernoulli beam model featuring both axial and bending deformation. The theoretical solution of the problem is formulated by using singular integral equations, in terms of the interfacial shear and normal stresses, which are solved by using Chebyshev polynomials. The introduction of the adhesive layer in the model changes the singular behaviour of the problem. The current singular integral equations are shown to be effective in solving for both singular and non-singular stresses. Typical examples have been provided to show the effect of the geometry and the material property on the local stress field along the interface.
Hyperammonemia Post Lung Transplantation: A Review
Authors: Leger Robert F , Silverman Matthew S , Hauck Ellen S , Guvakova Ksenia D
Published: October 2020

Hyperammonemia is the pathological accumulation of ammonia in the blood, which can occur in many different clinical settings. Most commonly in adults, hyperammonemia occurs secondary to hepatic dysfunction; however, it is also known to be associated with other pathologies, surgeries, and medications. Although less common, hyperammonemia has been described as a rare, but consistent complication of solid organ transplantation. Lung transplantation is increasingly recognized as a unique risk factor for the development of this condition, which can pose grave health risks—including long-term neurological sequelae and even death. Recent clinical findings have suggested that patients receiving lung transplantations may experience postoperative hyperammonemia at rates as high as 4.1%. A wide array of etiologies has been attributed to this condition. A growing number of case studies and investigations suggest disseminated opportunistic infection with Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma species may drive this metabolic disturbance in lung transplant recipients. Regardless of the etiology, hyperammonemia presents a severe clinical problem with reported mortality rates as high as 75%. Typical treatment regimens are multimodal and focus on 3 main avenues of management: (1) the reduction of impact on the brain through the use of neuroprotective medications and decreasing cerebral edema, (2) augmentation of mechanisms for the elimination of ammonia from the blood via hemodialysis, and (3) the diminishment of processes producing predominantly using antibiotics. The aim of this review is to detail the pathophysiology of hyperammonemia in the setting of orthotopic lung transplantation and discuss methods of identifying and managing patients with this condition.
Long-term prognostic counselling in people with multiple sclerosis using an online analytical processing tool
Authors: Kosch Ricardo , Schiffmann Insa , Daumer Martin , Lederer Christian , Scalfari Antonio , Galea Ian , Scheiderbauer Jutta , Rahn Anne , Heesen Christoph
Published: October 2020

Background:

Prognostic counselling is a sensitive issue in medicine and especially so in MS due to the highly heterogeneous disease course. However, people with MS (pwMS) seek prognostic information. The web-based ‘Evidence-Based Decision Support Tool in Multiple Sclerosis’ (EBDiMS) uses data of 717 patients from the London/Ontario cohort to calculate personalized long-term prognostic information.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effect of long-term prognostic counselling in pwMS using EBDiMS.

Methods:

Ninety consecutive pwMS were provided with personalized estimations of expected time to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 6 and 8 and time to conversion to secondary-progressive MS. Participants gave estimates on their own putative prognosis and rated the tool’s acceptability on six-step Likert-type scales.

Results:

Participants rated EBDiMS as highly understandable, interesting and relevant for patient–physician encounters, coping and therapy decisions. Although it provoked a certain degree of worry in some participants, 95% would recommend using the tool. Participants’ own prognosis estimates did not change significantly following EBDiMS.

Conclusion:

Long-term prognostic counselling using an online tool has been shown to be feasible in a clinical setting. EBDiMS provides pwMS with relevant, easy-to-understand, long-term prognostic information without causing relevant anxiety.
Latinx Students Charting Their Own STEM Pathways: How Community Cultural Wealth Informs Their STEM Identities
Authors: Rincón Blanca E. , Rodriguez Sarah
Published: October 2020

Addressing Latinx student underrepresentation in STEM requires an assets-based reimagining of STEM experiences and pathways that facilitate student success. Drawing on data from two qualitative studies of Latinx students pursuing STEM majors, findings reveal that Latinx students draw on at least six distinct forms of cultural assets to facilitate their, and at times their peers’, persistence in STEM. Latinx students then utilize these cultural assets to develop culturally grounded understandings of themselves as STEM individuals.
Conducting Mixed Methods Research Systematic Methodological Reviews: A Review of Practice and Recommendations
Authors: Howell Smith Michelle C. , Shanahan Bazis Pamela
Published: October 2020

Mixed methods research (MMR) methodologists research the use of MMR by conducting systematic methodological reviews (SMR). Unfortunately, there is little guidance on how to conduct these types of reviews. This MMR-SMR of MMR-SMRs identifies a comprehensive pool of published MMR-SMRs ( n = 80), isolating best practices that will guide future reviews thereby increasing their quality and utility to the field of MMR. We summarize our quantitative codes descriptively and integrate the qualitative themes alongside the relevant quantitative results. We contribute to the field mixed methods research by identifying potential topics for future MMR-SMR, summarizing current practices in writing MMR-SMRs, and providing recommendations to consider when publishing future MMR-SMR.
Major lower extremity amputations in a developing country: 10-Year experience at a tertiary medical center
Authors: Chahrour Mohamad A , Homsi Mouafak , Wehbe Mohammad R , Hmedeh Caroline , Hoballah Jamal J , Haddad Fady F
Published: October 2020

Background

Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is a major surgical procedure with a high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe mortality and functionality outcomes following this procedure in a developing country.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all patients undergoing LEA for non-traumatic etiology between 2007 and 2017. Medical records were used to retrieve demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative complications of identified patients. Patients were contacted to follow-up on their medical, postoperative care, and ambulatory status. Mortality and postoperative functionality rates were analyzed.

Results

The study included 78 patients. Median follow-up duration was 24 months. Hypertension (81%) and diabetes (79%) were the most common comorbidities. Mortality rates at 30 days, 1, and 5 years were 10.3, 29.2, and 65.5%, respectively. Mortality was significantly associated with age > 70 at amputation ( p = 0.042), hypertension ( p = 0.003), chronic kidney disease ( p = 0.031), and perioperative sepsis ( p = 0.01). Only 1.6% of patients were discharged into a specialized care center, and only 27% of patients were ambulatory postoperatively, although 90.5% were fitted with a prosthesis.

Conclusions

Survival following major amputation in a developing country is currently comparable to more developed regions of the world. Major discrepancy seems to exist in ambulatory status following the procedure. Discharge placement policies should be properly set, and rehabilitation centers funding should be increased. Awareness may also be warranted to educate patients and families about the value and positive impact of rehabilitation centers.
Automatic inhibition of habitual response associated with a non-target object while performing goal-directed actions
Authors: Vainio Lari
Published: October 2020

This study is devoted to investigating mechanisms that inhibit habituated response associated with affordance of a non-target while executing action directed to a target. In four experiments, a paradigm was used that required a rapid left- or right-hand response according to the direction of the target arrow presented simultaneously or in close temporal proximity to a non-target whose handle position afforded grasping with the left or right hand. In general, responding was decelerated and more erroneous when the handle position was compatible with the responding hand. This effect of response inhibition was removed when the delay between the non-target offset and target onset was longer than 200 ms, and reversed into response facilitation when the target onset was delayed for 400–600 ms. The study suggests that processes that control withholding habitual response associated with affordance of a non-target utilise response inhibition mechanisms overlapping with those involved in behavioural control of the stop-signal task. This response inhibition is triggered automatically and directly by affordance of a non-target without preceding response excitation associated with this affordance cue.
Work-related ill- and well-being among Finnish sport coaches: Exploring the relationships between job demands, job resources, burnout and work engagement
Authors: Kaski Satu S , Kinnunen Ulla
Published: October 2020

Objective

This research examined the work-related ill- and well-being of Finnish sport coaches and the associations of job demands and resources with burnout and work engagement. Our study was based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. The JD-R model proposes that job demands relate especially to burnout and job resources relate especially to work engagement.

Methods

Finnish coaches (N = 499) within top-level sports completed a questionnaire measuring burnout, work engagement, job demands and resources.

Results

The results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that burnout was explained with job demands, but also lack of job resources added the explanation rate almost equally. The most important single contributor to burnout was lack of positive challenge at work. Work engagement was explained by job resources, from which positive challenge at work together with mastery of work were the strongest contributors. In addition, decision demands contributed slightly to the explanation of work engagement.

Conclusions

The results suggest that in the work of sport coaches, job resources or lack of them are more essential than job demands to explain both burnout and work engagement.
Mitigating the vulnerability of an air-high-speed railway transportation network: From the perspective of predisruption response
Authors: Feng Xiao , He Shiwei , Chen Xuchao , Li Guangye
Published: October 2020

Both the high-speed railway and air transportation network are the backbone of the interregional transport network and cover important cities in a country. Taking cities as nodes, a comprehensive interregional transportation network consisting of high-speed railways and civil aviation can be constructed. This network undertakes a huge passenger transportation task, so the failure of this network will cause serious economic losses and even casualties. In the Air-High-Speed Railway Transportation Network (A-HSRTN), the two transport modes can operate independently and can be alternatives. The analysis of the A-HSRTN helps planners to have a more comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability of the interregional passenger transport system. Mechanical failure, extreme weather and even man-made sabotage can threaten the operation of airports and stations. Optimizing the deployment of prevention resources can avoid or reduce the loss caused by those failure events in the A-HSRTN. This paper establishes a tri-level model to optimize the deployment of prevention resource from the perspective of predisruption response. This model takes the high-speed railway and air transportation system as an integrated transportation network to assign the limited prevention resources. The model aims to minimize the travel demand that cannot be satisfied in the worst failure scenario. Taking the A-HSRTN in mainland China as an example, this paper analyzes the model performance and the defense strategy obtained by this model. These case studies demonstrate that the method and model proposed in this paper can mitigate the vulnerability of the A-HSRTN.
Adjustment of Insulin Pump Settings in Type 1 Diabetes Management: Advisor Pro Device Compared to Physicians’ Recommendations
Authors: Nimri Revital , Oron Tal , Muller Ido , Kraljevic Ivana , Alonso Montserrat Martín , Keskinen Paivi , Milicic Tanja , Oren Asaf , Christoforidis Athanasios , den Brinker Marieke , Bozzetto Lutgarda , Bolla Andrea Mario , Krcma Michal , Rabini Rosa Anna , Tabba Shadi , Smith Lizl , Vazeou Andriani , Maltoni Giulio , Giani Elisa , Atlas Eran , Phillip Moshe
Published: October 2020

Aims:

To compare insulin dose adjustments made by physicians to those made by an artificial intelligence-based decision support system, the Advisor Pro, in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using an insulin pump and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).

Methods:

This was a multinational, non-interventional study surveying 17 physicians from 11 countries. Each physician was asked to provide insulin dose adjustments for the settings of the pump including basal rate, carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios (CRs), and correction factors (CFs) for 15 data sets of pumps and SMBG of people with T1D (mean age 18.4 ± 4.8 years; eight females; mean glycated hemoglobin 8.2% ± 1.4% [66 ± 11mmol/mol]). The recommendations were compared among the physicians and between the physicians and the Advisor Pro. The study endpoint was the percentage of comparison points for which there was an agreement on the direction of insulin dose adjustments.

Results:

The percentage (mean ± SD) of agreement among the physicians on the direction of insulin pump dose adjustments was 51.8% ± 9.2%, 54.2% ± 6.4%, and 49.8% ± 11.6% for the basal, CR, and CF, respectively. The automated recommendations of the Advisor Pro on the direction of insulin dose adjustments were comparable )49.5% ± 6.4%, 55.3% ± 8.7%, and 47.6% ± 14.4% for the basal rate, CR, and CF, respectively( and noninferior to those provided by physicians. The mean absolute difference in magnitude of change between physicians was 17.1% ± 13.1%, 14.6% ± 8.4%, and 23.9% ± 18.6% for the basal, CR, and CF, respectively, and comparable to the Advisor Pro 11.7% ± 9.7%, 10.1% ± 4.5%, and 25.5% ± 19.5%, respectively, significant for basal and CR.

Conclusions:

Considerable differences in the recommendations for changes in insulin dosing were observed among physicians. Since automated recommendations by the Advisor Pro were similar to those given by physicians, it could be considered a useful tool to manage T1D.
Movement–Media Relations in the Hybrid Media System: A Case Study from the U.S. Transgender Rights Movement
Authors: Billard Thomas J.
Published: October 2020

Whereas social movement–media relations were, in the era of mass media, a dialogic relationship of mutual, albeit asymmetric, dependency between news makers and social movement organizations, the hybridization of the media system has complicated matters considerably. The dialogic tensions that drove organizations’ access to the political information environment have been supplanted by new tensions—tensions that have transformed organizations’ media work routines. Organizations must now manage tensions over the temporality of issue emergence, tensions between identity and policy knowledge as sources of expertise, tensions between emotional charge and informational novelty as criteria of newsworthiness for journalists, and tensions between policy demands and media demands in the formation of communications strategy. And these new tensions demand new work practices oriented toward addressing multiple audiences concurrently and via multiple media streams. Because the discourses of social media influence the press to such an extent, the successful management of press discourse requires both direct influence via routine media work targeting journalists and indirect influence via steering digital media discourse—the combination of which presents significant resource costs to movement organizations. This article draws on an ethnographic case study of media work in the U.S. transgender rights movement to extend theorizations of movement–media relations to account for the structuring influence of the hybrid media system, illustrating these news tensions in the context of the panic over transgender passport policy that erupted in the summer of 2018.
An evaluation of the Hear Glue Ear mobile application for children aged 2–8 years old with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Fordington Surina , Brown Tamsin Holland
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the acceptability and usability of the Hear Glue Ear mobile application to guide families and support speech and language development in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). To assess the validity of the app’s game-based hearing test to estimate changes in hearing levels between audiology appointments.

Method

This evaluation examined 60 children aged 2–8 with and without OME, attending Cambridge Community Audiology clinics. Children’s performance in the app’s hearing test was compared to their pure tone average (PTA) obtained in clinic. Children and caregivers completed questionnaires after their first interaction with the app, and after one week of using it at home. 18 clinicians completed anonymous questionnaires after trialling the app.

Results

Results from the app’s hearing test show a significant correlation with clinic PTA values ([Formula: see text]). 73.1% of caregivers supported their child using the app regularly and 85% thought it enabled them to give more accurate reports to clinicians. After one week, 87.0% of families downloaded and used the app at home, and 85.7% of these felt it provided strategies to help their child. 100% of children liked the app and 93.3% found it easy to use. 77.8% of clinicians supported patients using the app regularly.

Conclusions

Hear Glue Ear is acceptable to children, caregivers and clinicians as part of OME management. The app’s hearing test provides a valid estimate of fluctuating hearing levels. Hear Glue Ear is a free, accessible and family-centred intervention to provide trusted information and support development, as NICE guidance recommends.
The probiotic Bifidobacterium in the management of Coronavirus: A theoretical basis
Authors: Bozkurt Hüseyin S , Quigley Eamonn MM
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 is a viral pandemic that primarily manifests with respiratory distress but may also lead to symptoms and signs associated with the gastrointestinal tract. It is characteristically associated with a hyper-immune response, also referred to as a ‘cytokine storm’. Probiotics are living microorganisms that have been shown to have positive effects on immune response in man with some bacteria; some strains of Bifidobacteria, for example, possess especially potent immune modulating effects. These bacteria have the potential to ameliorate the ‘cytokine storm’ through a differential effect on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In the management of COVID-19 and other coronovirus-mediated illnesses, probiotic bacteria also have the potential to enhance vaccine efficacy.
Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi Bring CLAS to the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Turtle Craig
Published: October 2020

The Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi CLAS (Clinical Laboratory Automation System) offers a fully integrated automation solution for the clinical laboratory. CLAS incorporates walk-away automation of the mechanical steps of test tube handling, as well as a complete software interface to the laboratory information system.