bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Momentum Effect in the Merging Market: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Sher , Wahid Fazale , Rahim Aftab , Ali Arshad , Ahmad Ahtasham
Published: April 2021

The momentum effect has been extensively studied in previous studies. However, this topic has received scarce attention in Pakistan’s stock market. We investigate the influence of momentum strategies on the stock returns by utilizing the capital assets pricing model (CAPM), Carhart four-factor model, 25 momentum strategies and by employing 466 firms’ data from Pakistan stock markets over the period from 2009 to 2017. The results suggest the inexistence of momentum effects in the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The CAPM can explain the momentum profit of 6/1 and 9/1 strategies. The results of the Carhart four-factor model reveals a positive and significant relationship between portfolios’ return and market and value premium. Conversely, there is a negative and significant relationship between portfolios’ return and size and momentum factor. For momentum strategies, 3 out of 25 zero-cost portfolios are positive and statistically significant, confirming a momentum effect. However, with 6 and 9 months of formation period and 1 month of the holding period (6/1; 9/1), the portfolios generate a significantly high return. This study contributes new knowledge to the momentum literature, providing new perspectives to understand the momentum effect in an emerging market like Pakistan.
Portfolio of Carry Trade Using Indian Rupees
Authors: Ranjana Jyoti , Barai Parama
Published: April 2021

In this study, we have considered the portfolio of carry trade along with bond and equity. The interior point method and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II have been used for optimization. The criteria for the portfolio are the weighted sum of risk and return, utility maximization, diversification ratio and Rao’s quadratic entropy. We find that the interior point method with weighted sum of risk and return gives the best result.
Preventing Opioid-Related Harms in the Construction Industry
Authors: Roelofs Cora , Rodman Christopher , Rinehart Richard , Cain Chris Trahan
Published: April 2021

The construction sector has been hit hard by the opioid crisis. We describe CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training’s recent efforts to address the challenges of opioid use in the construction industry. With support and guidance from the North America's Building Trades Unions Opioid Task Force, CPWR undertook three projects to promote prevention and best practices for struggling construction workers. The first project focused on recommendations for communications that reframe stigmatizing narratives into effective messages about prevention solutions. The second project refined and distributed a one-hour construction worker opioid hazard awareness training module. The third project assessed opportunities and barriers for the expansion and improvement of existing union peer support programs to support workers through treatment and recovery. Additional resources, such as opioid hazard tool box talks, to help reverse the impact on the sector are also described.
A Conceptual and Large-Scale Empirical Examination of the Welcoming Empowerment Monitoring Approach (WEMA) for School Safety and Substance Use Reduction
Authors: Astor Ron Avi , Benbenishty Rami , Watson Kate R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

Research shows that many evidence-based school programs are not sustained after the demonstration period is complete. This article outlines the Welcoming Empowerment Monitoring Approach and builds on data at each school—to address school safety and reduce substance use.

Method:

The study used California Healthy Kids Survey data across 145 schools in Southern California at five points in time over an 8-year period.

Results:

From project inception through 3 years after the project completed, all manifestations of school victimization dropped and were sustained. Lifetime alcohol and marijuana use also declined for all students during the overall period assessed.

Discussion:

Schools, districts, and regions tailored interventions according to each school’s and region’s specific needs. Combinations of ground-up solutions, evidence-based programs, building internal capacity, and connecting the school to resources helped reduce victimization and substance use.
Usefulness of high definition sialoendoscope for evaluation of lacrimal drainage system in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Gupta Nishi , Singla Poonam , Ganesh Suma
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

Sialoendoscope was used as a dacryoendoscope, high- definition images of the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) were captured and its performance in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is reported.

Methods:

Nasal endoscopy was done as the first in all the cases using a 0°, 2.7 mm nasal endoscope (Karl Stroz Tutlingan Germany). This was followed by Dacryoendoscopy (DEN) of the lacrimal drainage system from puncta till the valve of Hasner. DEN was performed under general anaesthesia in 26 children (including 17 primary and 9 failed probing cases). All cases were examined using 0.8 mm sialoendoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) with fibreoptic light transmission with a side port for irrigation.

Results:

We were able to obtain high-definition images of canaliculi, lacrimal sac, sac duct junction, proximal, mid and distal segments of nasolacrimal duct in all the children with CNLDO. In 17 primary cases 16 had distal membranous obstruction and I case had proximal canalicular obstruction. In nine children with history of failed probing, five had membranous obstruction, two had dacryoliths, two had NLD malformation at different levels. An overall success rate of 88.4% was achieved.

Conclusion:

Sialoendoscope can be used as high-definition dacryoendoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic use in CNLDO. Useful information can be obtained on dacryoendoscopy in complex CNLDO cases.
Complete Radiological Response of Recurrent Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma to Pembrolizumab and Mitotane
Authors: Alam Walid , Bouferraa Youssef , Haibe Yolla , Shamseddine Ali
Published: April 2021

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Treatment options for ACC are limited, with resection the main intervention. Most cases present in late metastatic cases, and data regarding effective therapies is limited. We report a case of ACC in a 40-year-old woman with history of ACC postadrenalectomy, who presented with recurrent metastatic ACC in the left perinephric space. She was started on pembrolizumab which was added to her mitotane maintenance therapy. Complete radiological response was achieved after 4 cycles of pembrolizumab. As far as we know, this is the first case to achieve complete radiological response with mitotane and pembrolizumab in recurrent metastatic ACC, with negative prognostic markers and no prior radiotherapy. As our findings are in the setting of one clinical case, we suggest the need to perform a trial to assess the benefit of combining mitotane and pembrolizumab in treating metastatic ACC.
From Doppler to duplex: A personal early history of the vascular laboratory
Authors: Zierler R Eugene
Published: April 2021

In the mid-1970s, a group of clinicians and bioengineers at the University of Washington, under the direction of Dr D Eugene Strandness, Jr, built a prototype duplex scanner that combined B-mode imaging and pulsed Doppler flow detection in a single instrument. At that time, I was a general surgery resident with an interest in vascular disease, and arrangements were made for me to spend a year in the Strandness laboratory. The prototype duplex system was just being completed when I arrived in 1978, and I immediately became involved in a series of validation studies in which patients with carotid disease were scanned and spectral waveform parameters were correlated with independently read contrast arteriograms. This work resulted in the University of Washington duplex criteria for carotid artery disease, which have been widely adopted and modified. Subsequent advances in ultrasound technology expanded the applications of duplex scanning to the peripheral arteries and veins, as well as the abdominal vessels. In 1984, I joined Dr Strandness on the faculty in the Department of Surgery at the University of Washington where I have remained throughout my career. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many important developments, described in this article, that have helped to make the vascular laboratory the essential clinical resource that it is today.
The terrain of thingworlds: Central objects and asymmetry in material culture systems
Authors: Lucas Gavin , Robb John
Published: April 2021

Material culture forms a relational system of distributed reality – a thingworld. But how do we get beyond simply saying that all material culture is meaningful and entangled to understanding the internal structure of such systems? Is it a flat terrain among co-equal things? Or are some objects more important than others, as we might intuitively suppose? And if so, why? This article presents an initial discussion of the problem. Using vignettes from two thingworlds – one from early modern Iceland, one from Neolithic Europe– the authors discuss what were the central material things in each, and for what reasons. This suggests that objects may be systemically central in different ways, for instance things which connect and mediate relationships of different kinds, things which are non-substitutable, and things which span multiple roles and contexts.
About the importance of vision screening by teachers in schools: A study from Tanzania
Authors: Wilhelmsen Gunvor Birkeland , Felder Marion
Published: April 2021

Intact visual functions are necessary for children to reach their academic potential. In the absence of vision screening, children may have unnoticed vision disturbances and academic challenges may be attributed to other problems, such as learning or cognitive disabilities. Visual problems are detrimental to educational achievement if they are not recognised. This has lifelong consequences for the individual child but also for the wider society as educational and economic advances are stifled. Few teachers are aware how vision influences reading and learning. Tanzanian teachers went through a CPD-course to learn about vision sensory qualities and ocular motor functions and were trained in vision testing. Building on theory of vision qualities and viewing conditions in class, the teachers practised vision functions assessment. Under the supervision of vision scientists, pupils in standard 5 ( n = 104) were tested with standardised methods. The data shows that there is a clear connection between the different sensory and ocular motor skills and that problems in one vision area influence other vision areas. Nearly 50% of the pupils had disturbances in one or more of the vision functions tested. In addition, the light conditions were challenging. When teachers learn about vision qualities and their impact on reading and learning, they understand why some pupils have reading problems, reduced motivation, disturbed self-esteem and problems with concentration. With these insights, more pupils can be helped to reach their potential.
Cannabis use and associated factors among 15–16-year-old adolescents in Estonia 2003–2019: Results from cross-sectional ESPAD surveys
Authors: Tamson Merili , Vorobjov Sigrid , Sokurova Diana , Pärna Kersti
Published: April 2021

Aims:

(1) To describe the time trends of monthly cannabis use and (2) to analyse the association between the trends of monthly cannabis use and trends of different explanatory factors among adolescents in Estonia in 2003–2019.

Methods:

Nationally representative data from five waves of the cross-sectional European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) among 15–16-year-old adolescents ( n = 11,348) in Estonia were analysed. Tests for trends were used to assess significant changes in monthly cannabis use and explanatory variables over time. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between monthly cannabis use and perceived easiness of getting cannabis, perceived health risk of cannabis use, parental factors, risk behaviours, and leisure time activities. The model included interaction terms between the study year and each explanatory variable. Gender-adjusted odds ratios ( OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results:

Monthly cannabis use increased from 5.3% in 2003 to 7.7% in 2015 and thereafter decreased to 6.6% in 2019 among adolescents in Estonia ( P = 0.007). The association between monthly cannabis use and alcohol use was significant over the study period and the interaction of alcohol use with study year indicated significantly increased effect of alcohol use over time ( P = 0.038). The association between monthly cannabis use and perceived easiness of obtaining cannabis, perceived low health risk from cannabis use and smoking was significant, but remained unchanged over the study period. The relationship between monthly cannabis use and low parental control was significant in two last study years but did not show any changes over time.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study demonstrate the need for the implementation of multi-component substance use prevention programmes among adolescents in Estonia that also pay attention to the factors associated with the cannabis use.
Doing research into Indigenous issues being non-Indigenous
Authors: Skille Eivind Å
Published: April 2021

Based on research into Indigenous people and sport, this article discusses the opportunities and challenges for a non-Indigenous researcher to study Indigenous issues. The author shares personal experiences from research into Sámi sport (Sámi are the Indigenous people of the North Calotte) and compares these with the literature relating to post-colonial methodologies. It concludes with some overarching elements to take into consideration when researching Indigenous peoples: reflection including critical self-reflection (as in any qualitative research); reciprocity, including respect, dialogue and that the research must benefit the Indigenous people under study and in general; and awareness about the heterogeneity within Indigenous groups and consciousness about the interface between researcher and Indigenous peoples. Given the heterogeneity, the interfaces vary.
Towards a Model of Leader Character Development: Insights From Anatomy and Music Therapy
Authors: Crossan Mary , Ellis Cassandra , Crossan Corey
Published: April 2021

Leader character has emerged as a critical foundation for leadership. In spite of the view that leader character can be developed, there has been limited holistic attention to what it takes to develop character. Character requires conscious development, and that conscious development not only requires an understanding of what character is, but how the anatomy of character enables and inhibits character development and expression. By anatomy, we refer to the four underlying anatomical systems—physiology, affect, behavior, and cognition (PABC)—that function independently, and in an interrelated manner, to support the development of character. For illustration, we offer the practice of listening to music as a means to develop character, highlighting the links between the PABC systems and character development.
The Evolution of Orthopaedics in Greece: From Ancient Heritage to Modern Times
Authors: Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Savvidou Olga D. , Vlachaki Asimina , Igoumenou Vasilios G. , Vlasis Konstantinos , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: April 2021

Greece, one of the oldest civilizations of the world, fundamentally contributed to the establishment and evolution of medicine and surgery. Undoubtedly, the foundations of the orthopaedic science are dated back to antiquity. The journey of the orthopaedic art was inaugurated with the poems of Homer and incarcerated through the practices of Hippocrates and Galen. Their deep knowledge of the musculoskeletal conditions and their treatment was generously bequeathed to humanity. This heritage acted as the catalyst for the establishment of orthopaedics in the modern Greek era. In this article, we tried to illustrate the evolution of the orthopaedic art in Greece from antiquity to modern times, reviewing the available evidence from scientific articles, books, historical manuscripts, old newspapers, and biographies. We summarize the most important events, and we identify the pioneers that shaped this new surgical branch, creating the modern Greek orthopaedic discipline.
Use of Tumescent Anesthesia in Surgical Excision of Gynecomastia
Authors: Mohan Amitabh , Rangwala Murtuza , Rajendran Nagamahendran
Published: April 2021

Background. Gynecomastia, benign enlargement of the male breast is the most common breast pathology amongst males. The most widely used modality of treatment is liposuction under general anesthesia. To date however there is no published study that specifically addresses to use tumescent anesthesia & use of tranexamic acid in it for excision of gynecomastia. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of tumescent anesthesia in surgical excision of gynecomastia. Methods. A 4-year study with 100 patients of gynecomastia aged 14 to 47 years were enrolled with follow up for 3 months. All patients were given tumescence anesthesia in each breast comprising subcutaneous infiltration of 500 ml RL, 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine, 30 ml 2% lignocaine, 1 mg adrenaline & 1 gm tranexamic acid. Breast tissue was excised in each breast by a single infraareolar incision & patients were assessed for intra-op pain and post-op pain by using numeric rating scale (NRS). Results. Bilateral presentation was there in 69 patients and 31 unilateral with 4 recurrent cases. Size of gland excised were 12-14 cms in 53 cases, 15-18 cms in 38 & 19-20 cms in 9 patients. Average surgical time required for each breast was 30 minutes. Intraoperative pain NRS-0 for 66, NRS-1 for 31 & NRS-5 for 03 patients. Postoperative pain for first eight hours was NRS-0 for 69 and NRS-1 for 31 patients. Conclusion. Tumescent anaesthesia for surgical excision of gynecomastia using a periareolar incision is a minimally invasive bloodless and painless technique in which ductal and stromal tissue can be removed resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction. In todays covid era it avoids the use of general anesthesia and electrocautery.
Engagement With the Gurus of Gaming Culture: Parasocial Relationships to Let’s Players
Authors: Kreissl Julian , Possler Daniel , Klimmt Christoph
Published: April 2021

Let’s Players have emerged as a successful class of entertainers in the YouTube® universe. Most of their broadcasts not only relate to video games and gaming but also feature elements of talk shows and other modes of personality entertainment, including star–fan interaction through social media channels. Hence, they represent focal points of reference for gamers and important manifestations of contemporary gaming culture. The present contribution applies the concept of parasocial relationships (PSR) to examine how dimensional compositions and formation dynamics of audience engagement with Let’s Players are affected by the specific conditions of digital online media environments. Findings from an online survey indicate that PSR with popular Let’s Players are composed partially similar to “conventional” stars, but seem to rest more on interactive responsiveness and less on idolizing “larger-than-life” characters. Implications for PSR theory in hybrid mass/online communication settings and for digital gaming culture are discussed.
A Beam Projection-Based Modified Gamma Analysis Scheme for Clinically Interpretable Pre-Treatment Dose Verification
Authors: Wang Yiling , Yin Gang , Wang Jie , Zhao Yue , Liu Min , Lang Jinyi
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

To investigate a novel gamma analysis system for dose verification results in terms of clinical significance.

Methods and Materials:

The modified scheme redefined the computational domain of the conventional gamma analysis with the projections of beams and the regions of interest (ROI). We retrospectively studied 6 patients with the conventional and the modified gamma analysis schemes while compared their performances. The cold spots ratio of the planning target volume (PTV) and the hot spots ratio of the organs at risk (OAR) were also computed by the modified scheme to assess the clinical significance.

Results:

The result of the gamma passing rate in the modified method was conformable to that in the conventional method with a cut-off threshold of 5%. The cold spots ratio of PTV and hot spots ratio of OAR were able to be evaluated by the modified scheme. For an introduced 7.1% dose error, the discrimination ratio in gamma passing rate of the conventional method was lower than 2%, while it was improved to 5% by the modified method.

Conclusions:

The modified gamma analysis scheme had a comparable quality as the conventional scheme in terms of dose inspection. Besides, it could improve the clinical significance of the QA result and provide the assessment for ROI-specific discrepancy. The modified scheme could also be conveniently integrated into the conventional dose verification process, benefiting the less developed regions where high-end 3D dose verification devices are not affordable.
Mothers’ experience of Intensive Interaction
Authors: Berridge Samantha , Hutchinson Nick
Published: April 2021

There is limited research into parents’ experiences of Intensive Interaction. Despite this, there are parents who use it and may hold unique experiences. Exploring this could provide insight into how to support parents using Intensive Interaction. Six mothers, who used Intensive Interaction with their children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, were interviewed. Results were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The analysis yielded 10 subordinate themes which were organised into 4 superordinate themes: ‘The Connection’, ‘Bittersweet’, ‘Fighting for Support’ and ‘Challenging Underlying Low Expectations & Stigma’. Intensive Interaction was found to help some mothers feel connected with their child; they appeared to indicate that accessing timely support with Intensive Interaction was beneficial. Intensive Interaction was also perceived to challenge assumptions and stigma, but these factors were also perceived to be potential barriers to using the approach.
Systemic administration of a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist reduces mechanical allodynia and suppresses the immune response to surgery in a rat model of persistent post-incisional hypersensitivity
Authors: Arora Vipin , Morado-Urbina Carlos Eduardo , Gwak Young S , Parker Renee A , Kittel Carol A , Munoz-Islas Enriqueta , Miguel Jimenez-Andrade Juan , Romero-Sandoval E. Alfonso , Eisenach James C , Peters Christopher M
Published: April 2021

Beta 2 adrenergic receptor (β2 AR) activation in the central and peripheral nervous system has been implicated in nociceptive processing in acute and chronic pain settings with anti-inflammatory and anti-allodynic effects of β2-AR mimetics reported in several pain states. In the current study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of the β2-AR agonist clenbuterol in a rat model of persistent postsurgical hypersensitivity induced by disruption of descending noradrenergic signaling in rats with plantar incision. We used growth curve modeling of ipsilateral mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds following incision to examine effects of treatment on postoperative trajectories. Depletion of spinal noradrenergic neurons delayed recovery of hypersensitivity following incision evident as a flattened slope compared to non-depleted rats (-1.8 g/day with 95% CI -2.4 to -1.085, p < 0.0001). Chronic administration of clenbuterol reduced mechanical hypersensitivity evident as a greater initial intercept in noradrenergic depleted (6.2 g with 95% CI 1.6 to 10.8, p = 0.013) and non-depleted rats (5.4 g with 95% CI 1.2 to 9.6, p = 0.018) with plantar incision compared to vehicle treated rats. Despite a persistent reduction in mechanical hypersensitivity, clenbuterol did not alter the slope of recovery when modeled over several days (p = 0.053) or five weeks in depleted rats (p = 0.64). Systemic clenbuterol suppressed the enhanced microglial activation in depleted rats and reduced the density of macrophage at the site of incision. Direct spinal infusion of clenbuterol failed to reduce mechanical hypersensitivity in depleted rats with incision suggesting that beneficial effects of β2-AR stimulation in this model are largely peripherally mediated. Lastly, we examined β2-AR distribution in the spinal cord and skin using in-situ hybridization and IHC. These data add to our understanding of the role of β2-ARs in the nervous system on hypersensitivity after surgical incision and extend previously observed anti-inflammatory actions of β2-AR agonists to models of surgical injury.
Changes in selected locomotor skills of young runners after one athletic season: Influence of sex and age
Authors: Rodriguez-Negro Josune , Llodio Iñaki , Castillo Daniel , Romaratezabala Estibaliz , Yanci Javier
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present research was to describe the changes in the locomotor competence [i.e. sprint, change of direction ability (CODA) and jump capacity] of young runners from an athletic training school after one season, according to runners’ sex and age. Two hundred and forty-one young runners from an athletic training school were divided by sex (boys, n = 107, and girls, n = 134) and age [under 8 years old (U8, n = 70), under 10 years old (U10, n = 68), under 12 years old (U12, n = 45), under 14 years old (U14, n = 39) and under 16 years old (U16, n = 19)]. At the start of the training season (PRE) and at the end of the season (POST), the runners performed different tests in order to assess their locomotor competence. The results showed that boys and girls improved their performance during the season in the 5 m sprint ( p = 0.000, ES = -0.58 to -0.74) and horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ) ( p = 0.000, ES = 0.51 to 1.02), and decreased it in the 15 m sprint test ( p = 0.011 or p = 0.006, ES = 0.27 to 0.31), and only girls improved in change of direction ability (CODA) ( p = 0.000, ES = -0.22 to -0.27). In addition, with respect to age categories, all groups improved their performance in the HCMJ ( p = 0.000 - 0.005, ES > 0.40) and the 5 m sprint tests ( p = 0.000 - 0.002, ES = -0.68 to -1.24). Although in the 505 test no group improved its result ( p = 0.184 - 0.314, ES = -0.25 to 0.01), the U8 and U10 groups improved in the modified agility test (MAT) ( p = 0.000 or p = 0.003, ES = -0.38 to -0.41). In conclusion, there are differences in the changes in the locomotor competence according to runners’ sex and age, so perhaps age- and sex-dependent specialization in training is necessary.
Pregnancy complicated by neurological and neurosurgical conditions – The evidence regarding mode of delivery
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: April 2021

Neurological and neurosurgical conditions complicating pregnancy may precipitate considerable concern regarding the risk of complications, and uncertainty regarding the preferred mode of delivery and anaesthesia. Caesarean section is known to be associated with significantly increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes compared with vaginal delivery in healthy pregnancy. Nevertheless, a common perception exists among the general population and some health professionals that caesarean section is safer for the mother and baby in high-risk pregnancies. This manuscript examines the literature regarding the risks and outcomes related to mode of delivery in pregnancy complicated by disorders of the central nervous system. With the exception of women with raised intracranial pressure, and some women with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, the available evidence suggests that the mode of delivery should be based upon obstetric indications.
The importance of maternal pregnancy vitamin D for offspring bone health: learnings from the MAVIDOS trial
Authors: Moon Rebecca J. , Curtis Elizabeth M. , Woolford Stephen J. , Ashai Shanze , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C.
Published: April 2021

Optimisation of skeletal mineralisation in childhood is important to reduce childhood fracture and the long-term risk of osteoporosis and fracture in later life. One approach to achieving this is antenatal vitamin D supplementation. The Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study is a randomised placebo-controlled trial, the aim of which was to assess the effect of antenatal vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day cholecalciferol) on offspring bone mass at birth. The study has since extended the follow up into childhood and diversified to assess demographic, lifestyle and genetic factors that determine the biochemical response to antenatal vitamin D supplementation, and to understand the mechanisms underpinning the effects of vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development, including epigenetics. The demonstration of positive effects of maternal pregnancy vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development and the delineation of underlying biological mechanisms inform clinical care and future public-health policies.
Teaching Ethnography/ically: Entanglements of Knowing/Being/Doing in a Doctoral Research Course
Authors: Botelho Maria José , Felis Margaret
Published: April 2021

Since the 1970s and 1980s numerous books and articles on the processes and procedures of qualitative research are published each year, ranging from accounts of different traditions, methodologies, and methods to comprehensive treatments of single approaches or specialized research practices. A small corpus of literature exists on the teaching of qualitative inquiry with the teaching of ethnography rarely considered. The primary focus in these research literatures on methodology and how to do research promotes a divide between epistemology and methodology (Eisenhart & Jurow, 2011). Drawing on feminist poststructuralist and posthumanist theoretical tools this article examines the pedagogical practices and the entanglements they produce in a research course on ethnography in education for doctoral students. Through collective memory work among five faculty members and one graduate teaching assistant, we offer a historical overview and design of the yearlong course within a doctoral program in language, literacy, and culture and, through writing and diffractive reading as analysis, offer commentary on the entanglements of hanging out and hanging loose, going through thick and thin, and disturbing knowledge/power dynamics. This collective remembering and analytical work demonstrates that students’ understanding of ethnographic research as epistemological-methodological-ontological practice as the entanglements produce new knowing/doing/being.
An epidemiological investigation of the 2019 suspected pertussis outbreak in northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Semeeh Omoleke , Getachew Biniam , Taofik Yusuf , Surajudeen Lukman , Hassan Assad , Nagudale Bello
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

In 2019, we investigated the profile of the cases and controls and the determinants of pertussis transmission in Kebbi State, Northwestern Nigeria, to inform better immunization and surveillance strategies.

Methods:

Community-based unmatched case–control study and review of the 2019 pertussis routine surveillance data in the affected settlements in the state were conducted. A total of 52 suspected cases of pertussis and 107 control from two local government areas in Kebbi State were recruited. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The highest attack rate was observed among between 1- and 4-year age group followed by children less than 1-year old, and the least attack rate was among those above 15 years. The overall attack rate and the case fatality rate were 2.10% and 0.10%, respectively. A higher attack rate was observed among women, whereas the case fatality rate was more among males. From the community survey, we observed that the cases were less likely to have pertussis vaccination history (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.74) compared with the controls. Knowing pertussis prevention methods were found protective for pertussis transmission (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.04–0.45).

Conclusion:

This study showed the vulnerability of children under 5 years, especially under 1 year, to vaccine-preventable diseases in rural populations, where “real” immunization coverage is sub-optimal, and the dominant socio-demographic factors are supportive of disease transmission. We found immunization and knowledge of the preventive measures to be protective against pertussis outbreaks. Therefore, routine immunization services must be intensified to improve coverage and prevent future pertussis outbreak(s).
Post COVID-19 MSSA pneumonia
Authors: Chaudhry Bilal , Alekseyev Kirill , Didenko Lidiya , Malek Andrew , Ryklin Gennadiy
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified at the end of 2019 as a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. By February 2020, this virus quickly spread, becoming a global pandemic. The spectrum of symptomatic infection severity can range from mild, severe, and critical disease. Many correlated comorbidities were established, including smoking, socioeconomic background, gender (male prevalence), hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. In an extensive literature search, post-COVID-19 necrotizing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia with pneumothorax has not been recorded. We present a case about a 62-year-old male who presented with symptoms of COVID-19 with many underlying comorbidities, including hypertension and hyperlipidemia. He was on ventilatory support during his first week in the hospital and then received supplemental oxygenation as he recovered from his COVID-19 pneumonia. Nearly a month and a half after his initial presentation, he quickly decompensated and was started on supplemental oxygen and the necessary treatments. It was then, with the aid of lab work and imaging, that we determined that he had developed necrotizing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia with pneumothorax. He was adequately treated, and once he was stable, he was discharged home and was told to continue his therapy.
Analysis of JAK2 V617F mutation in Tunisian patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Chadi Soumaya , Dhaouadi Tarak , Sfar Imen , Baccouche Hela , Nabli Rym , Ben Romdhane Neila , Ben Abdallah Taïeb , Gorgi Yousr
Published: April 2021

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of the JAK2 V617F mutation in Tunisian patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and to look for possible associations with diseases’ presentation. In this context, JAK2 V617F polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing in 213 MPN patients (109 with polycythemia vera (PV), 93 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and 11 with primary myelofibrosis (PMF)), 77 unclassified patients with thrombosis (UPT) and 95 healthy control subjects. The JAK2 V617F mutant allele was present by either PCR-RFLP or direct sequencing in 158 (74.17%) MPN patients while all UPT and controls were negative. Besides, the JAK2 V617F mutation was significantly more frequent in patients with PV 98 (89.9%) than in ET 54 (58.1%) and PMF 6 (54.5%) groups, p < 0.001. Analytic results in MPN patients showed significant associations between the JAK2 SNP and both hemoglobin levels (16.29 ± 3 vs 13.01 ± 3.65) and hematocrit (52.99 ± 8.34 vs 45.37 ± 10.94), p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively. In addition, in the ET subgroup thrombosis was significantly more frequent in patients carrying the V617F mutation (16, (29.6%) vs 3, (7.7%)), p = 0.01. In ET patients, the V617F mutation seems to be predictive of thrombosis occurrence.
Analysis of Risk Factors in COVID-19 Adult Mortality in Russia
Authors: Kirillov Youri , Timofeev Sergei , Avdalyan Ashot , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Gridin Leonid , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objective

Epidemiological data obtained during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic suggests that COVID-19 mortality has specific age and gender associations. However, limited epidemiological studies explored specific populational risk factors, including comorbidities, and patient clinical characteristics. The main aim of our retrospective cohort study was to analyze associations between age, gender, and comorbidities in deceased COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to assess significant risk factors in adult patients deceased from COVID-19 infection by evaluating Electronic Medical Records and post-mortem analysis in COVID-19 patients deceased between April 2020 to October 2020. All patients underwent post-mortem evaluation along with medical history analysis, including data on disease duration, hospitalization, and clinical peculiarities.

Results

Medical records of 1487 COVID-19 patients revealed that the prevalence of males was higher (by 23%) than females; the median age for males was 71 years of age whereas for females it was 78. The most prevalent comorbid pathologies were: hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Males are at significantly increased risk of lethal outcome, even in younger age groups, with comorbid conditions.

Conclusion

The study concluded that comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer are the most important risk factors for comorbid mortality in COVID-19 patients. In addition to lung damage, multiple organ dysfunctions may be a crucial reason for COVID-19 induced death. Special precautions, such as early hospitalization, increased monitoring, and preventative tactics should be taken for at-risk patients.
Writing Apprehension Among English as a Foreign Language Postgraduate Students
Authors: Qadir Sarkawt Muhammad , Bensen Bostanci Hanife , Kurt Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Although many studies have investigated writing apprehension among students of different education levels during the last decades, several of its aspects have remained uninvestigated in different contexts. One of these contexts is North Cyprus. For this reason, this study aimed to measure the level of writing apprehension experienced by English as a foreign language (EFL) postgraduate students at this particular context when writing in English. The study also tried to explain whether variables such as age, gender, academic level, and socioeconomic status were correlated with writing apprehension. To achieve these aims, the researchers adopted Daly and Miller’s questionnaire called Writing Apprehension Test. A total of 37 EFL postgraduate students belonging to different ages, genders, academic levels, and socioeconomic statuses took part in the study. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS program to reveal whether there was a significant correlation between the aforementioned variables. Mean scores, standard deviations, Pearson correlation, frequencies, and percentages were employed to reveal the results. The study demonstrated that, though almost nearly half of the students were highly apprehensive, the majority of them experienced a moderate level of apprehension when writing in English and the relationship between writing apprehension levels and the variables was not statistically significant, that is, the results showed that age, gender, academic level, and socioeconomic status did not have any influence on writing apprehension.
Viewing Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescence Through a Developmental Neuroscience Lens: The Impact of Neural Sensitivity to Socioaffective Pain and Reward
Authors: Cummings Logan R. , Mattfeld Aaron T. , Pettit Jeremy W. , McMakin Dana L.
Published: April 2021

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)—deliberate self-harm without the intent to die—is a high-risk and impairing behavior associated with long-term morbidity and mortality risks. The prevalence of NSSI escalates in adolescence, indicating a sensitive developmental period for the emergence of this behavior. Neurobiological, interpersonal, and affective processes leading to NSSI have been proposed. However, the link between neurodevelopment and the emergence of NSSI in adolescence remains unclear. Therefore, in this review, we integrate a diverse literature of human and animal studies that have examined features of NSSI and identify two neurodevelopmental mechanisms that increase risk of NSSI in adolescence: sensitivity to socioaffective pain and reward. We propose a two-step process in which neurodevelopmental sensitivity exacerbates socioaffective risk pathways leading to the onset of NSSI and strengthens the maintenance of self-harm in adolescence. We discuss implications of this theoretical framework for improving prevention and intervention strategies by capitalizing on developmental sensitivity in potentiating mechanisms.
The 50 Most Cited Articles in Meniscal Injury Research
Authors: Damodar Dhanur , Plotsker Ethan , Greif Dylan , Rizzo Michael G. , Baraga Michael G. , Kaplan Lee D.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Meniscal injuries are among the most common orthopaedic injuries, with a significant volume of published literature.

Purpose:

To perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that appropriately evaluates the 50 most cited articles in meniscal research.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

We performed a keyword search of the ISI Web of Knowledge database and then pared the results down to the 50 most cited articles using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted included title, first author, citation count, year of publication, topic, journal, article type, country of origin, and level of evidence. Correlation coefficients were calculated between publication date and citation density and between publication date and raw citation count.

Results:

The 50 most cited articles were published from 1975 to 2013. The mean number of citations was 258.24 (range, 163-926; median, 225). The majority of articles were published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (19%), the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (12%), and Arthritis & Rheumatology (14%). Most articles focused on either the anatomy and biomechanics of meniscal injury or on prevention and physical rehabilitation (12 papers each).

Conclusion:

The most popular fields of meniscal research involved anatomy/biomechanics and prevention/rehabilitation, and both are areas that will likely increase the probability of an article’s being highly cited in the future. This study provided a quality selection of the most cited articles on meniscal injury and may provide a foundation for both beginner and senior clinician readers for further discussion and research.
The Challenges of Intersectionality in the Lives of Older Adults Living in Rural Areas with Limited Financial Resources
Authors: Cohen Adrienne
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to use intersectionality to better understand the challenges of having the combined statuses of being an older adult, living in a rural area and having limited financial resources. Eight focus groups and 38 individual interviews were conducted in southern Georgia. Participants included program participants and staff, community members, and community leaders. Thematic analysis was done using verbatim transcripts from focus groups and interviews. Results demonstrate that the multiplicative and intersecting statuses of the study population create challenges in the areas of transportation, health care, food, and housing. The challenges of these intersectional statuses limit access to services in ways that each individual status did not, thereby compounding challenges. While previous literature describes the challenges of one or two of these statuses, this work explores the multiplicative effects of the combination of the three statuses using intersectionality. Programmatic and policy recommendations and implications are discussed.
Variation in medical management and neurosurgical treatment of patients with supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Sondag Lotte , Jacobs Floor AE , Schreuder Floris HBM , Boogaarts Jeroen D , Peter Vandertop W , Dammers Ruben , Klijn Catharina JM
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The role of surgery in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) remains controversial. This leads to variation in the percentage of patients who are treated with surgery between countries.

Patients and methods

We sent an online survey to all neurosurgeons (n = 140) and to a sample of neurologists (n = 378) in Dutch hospitals, with questions on management in supratentorial sICH in general, and on treatment in six patients, to explore current variation in medical and neurosurgical management. We assessed patient and haemorrhage characteristics influencing treatment decisions.

Results

Twenty-nine (21%) neurosurgeons and 92 (24%) neurologists responded. Prior to surgery, neurosurgeons would more frequently administer platelet-transfusion in patients on clopidogrel (64% versus 13%; p = 0.000) or acetylsalicylic acid (61% versus 11%; p = 0.000) than neurologists. In the cases, neurosurgeons and neurologists were similar in their choice for surgery as initial treatment (24% and 31%; p = 0.12), however variation existed amongst physicians in specific cases. Neurosurgeons preferred craniotomy with haematoma evacuation (74%) above minimally-invasive techniques (5%). Age, Glasgow Coma Scale score and ICH location were important factors influencing decisions on treatment for neurosurgeons and neurologists. 69% of neurosurgeons and 80% of neurologists would randomise patients in a trial evaluating the effect of minimally-invasive surgery on functional outcome.

Discussion

Our results reflect the lack of evidence about the right treatment strategy in patients with sICH.

Conclusion

New high quality evidence is needed to guide treatment decisions for patients with ICH. The willingness to randomise patients into a clinical trial on minimally-invasive surgery, contributes to the feasibility of such studies in the future.
Maternal obesity and developmental programming of neuropsychiatric disorders: An inflammatory hypothesis
Authors: Davis Jonathan , Mire Erik
Published: April 2021

Maternal obesity is associated with the development of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. Comparison between maternal immune activation and maternal obesity reveals similarities in associated impairments and maternal cytokine profile. Here, we present a summary of recent evidence describing how inflammatory processes contribute towards the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring of obese mothers. This includes discussion on how maternal cytokine levels, fatty acids and placental inflammation may interact with foetal neurodevelopment through changes to microglial behaviour and epigenetic modification. We also propose an exosome-mediated mechanism for the disruption of brain development under maternal obesity and discuss potential intervention strategies.
Buckling and postbuckling of architectured materials: A review of methods for lattice structures and metal foams
Authors: Völlmecke Christina , Todt Melanie , Yiatros Stylianos
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in manufacturing and material science have given rise to numerous architectured materials (archimats), which are tailored for multifunctionality and improved performance. Specifically, lattice structures and metal foams are usually lightweight optimized structural morphologies, which are prone to non-linear instability phenomena, leading to collapse or to a different stable state. This article offers an extensive review of analytical, numerical and experimental methods for investigating buckling and postbuckling in such materials. In terms of analytical modelling, linear elastic and geometrically non-linear models are presented. In numerical analysis, discrete and continuum models are presented, highlighting how numerical modelling can inform design of such materials and finally, experimental methods across different scales are reported, highlighting their merits, depending on the aim of the investigation.