bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of post-uveitic epiretinal membranes
Authors: Coassin Marco , Mori Tommaso , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Sborgia Giancarlo , De Maria Michele , Carlà Matteo Mario , Di Zazzo Antonio , Fontana Luigi , Cimino Luca
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Previous reports described unfavorable visual outcomes after surgery for uveitic macular pucker. Our goal was to demonstrate that patients with history of uveitis may benefit from vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane if executed under appropriate circumstances.

Methods:

We performed pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling in patients with post-uveitic macular pucker who did not show signs of ocular inflammation for at least 3 months after the suspension of immunosuppressive therapy. Visual acuity, central macular thickness at OCT, ocular inflammation, and complications were recorded.

Results:

Twenty-six eyes were operated. Mean duration of follow-up was 67 months. Visual acuity significantly improved from 20/80 to 20/40 after surgery. Vision increased in 20 (77%), remained stable in 4 (15%), and decreased in 2 (8%) eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity ameliorated by at least 2 ETDRS lines in 14 eyes (54%). Contingency analysis did not show any statistical difference among the different types of uveitis ( p = 0.46). Mean central foveal thickness improved postoperatively (428 ± 104 vs 328 ± 130 microns; p = 0.017).

Conclusion:

Patients with uveitic epiretinal membrane benefit from vitrectomy with membranectomy if operated when intraocular inflammation had subsided.
The cold eye irrigation BSS solution used during phacoemulsification reduces post-surgery patients discomfort preventing the inflammation
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , Bergandi Loredana , Oliverio Giovanni William , Rechichi Miguel , Acri Giuseppe , Perroni Pietro , Silvagno Francesca , Aragona Pasquale
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess whether the intraoperative use of the cold eye irrigation balanced salt solution (BSS) could have a protective effect in preventing the anterior chamber flare and conjunctival hyperemia and, thus, in reducing patients discomfort after phacoemulsification.

Materials and methods:

About 214 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into: patients whose eye were irrigated with BSS at ~ 20°C (Group 1) and patients whose eye were irrigated with BSS at 2.7°C (Group 2). Anterior chamber flare, visual analogue score and conjunctival hyperemia were evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 30 days after surgery.

Results:

In patients of Group 2 the anterior chamber flare, the visual analogue score and the conjunctival hyperemia, used as parameters to evaluated clinical inflammation, at 1 day after surgery were significantly lower than those in Group 1 who received BSS solution at operating room temperature ( p < 0.001), while at day 3, 5, and 30 there were not any significant differences.

Conclusion:

Our study provided evidence supporting the efficacy of the treatment with cold irrigation solution on reduction of anterior chamber flare, pain and conjunctival hyperemia already at 1 day after phacoemulsification, suggesting that cooling procedure was fully effective at controlling early post-operative inflammation.
How to perform a percutaneous coronary intervention, when no conventional arterial access site is available: A case report
Authors: Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Uppal Lipi , Kasinadhuni Ganesh , Revaiah Pruthvi C , Palanivel Rajan , Lal Anupam
Published: May 2021

Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. The presence of concomitant peripheral artery disease increases the risks of cardiovascular events along with limiting the arterial access for coronary intervention. Invasive management of such cases includes either alternate site access or combined peripheral and coronary revascularization. We hereby report a patient of the infrarenal abdominal aorta and bilateral subclavian arterial occlusion, who presented with acute coronary syndrome. To perform the percutaneous coronary intervention, we first performed the endovascular stenting of occluded aortoiliac disease, followed by stenting of the right coronary artery. We had discussed the limitation of arterial access to perform PCI in such a situation.
Culturally responsive and meaningful music education: Multimodality, meaning-making, and communication in diverse learning contexts
Authors: Barton Georgina , Riddle Stewart
Published: May 2021

Music is learned and taught in multiple ways dependent on the socio-cultural contexts in which learning occurs. The processes employed by music teachers have been extensively explored by music educators and ethnomusicologists in a range of contexts, although there has been limited research into which modes are most predominantly used in different socio-cultural contexts. Further, it is unknown how students make meaning in these different contexts. This article presents three distinct music learning and teaching contexts—Carnatic music, instrumental music in Australian schools, and online music learning. Using a socio-cultural semiotic tool to identify musical modes, this article examines the ensembles of modes used during music learning events and considers how this knowledge may improve the learning and teaching of music for all students, particularly those whose culture and language differs from the majority of the population. It aims to identify how students make meaning in learning contexts through distinct modes of communication. Findings demonstrated that different “ensembles of modes” were used in diverse learning contexts and that these approaches were influenced by socio-cultural contexts. It is important for teachers to understand that varied combinations of modes of communication are possible because students may find learning more meaningful when related to their own personal frames of reference. Without this knowledge, music learning and teaching practices may continue to privilege some modes over others.
‘Hello, this is Martha’: Interaction dynamics of live scambaiting on Twitch
Authors: Ross Andrew S , Logi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

The growth of the Internet has seen the emergence of elaborate examples of cybercrime in the form of ‘scams’. Alongside this, a resistance has also developed, with ‘scambaiters’ engaging in complex and deceptive scenarios to waste scammers’ time and educate others about online scams. This has been facilitated by the evolution of new media platforms inclusive of the live stream video-sharing site Twitch, where scambaiters take part in interactions with scammers in real time in front of large audiences. Such platforms present significant potential for diverse interaction and participation roles that move beyond those of other sites and audiovisual media. Scambaiting texts thus present a valuable opportunity to explore the complex interactive affordances of live stream video-sharing platforms. In this article, we aim to map an interactional framework for live-streamed video-sharing platforms by analysing a scambait call by the scambaiter ‘Kitboga’ on Twitch. The results show that the platform of Twitch and the novel context of a live-streamed scambait call offer new insights into online interaction within the context of emerging digital genres.
Lipid profiles in users of combustible and electronic cigarettes
Authors: Majid Sana , Keith Rachel J , Fetterman Jessica L , Weisbrod Robert M. , Nystoriak Jessica , Wilson Tabitha , Stokes Andrew C , Blaha Michael J , Srivastava Sanjay , Robertson Rose Marie , Bhatnagar Aruni , Hamburg Naomi M
Published: May 2021

Electronic cigarette use has especially risen among adolescents and young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles in chronic combustible cigarette and electronic cigarette users. We evaluated participants aged 21 to 45 ( n = 525, mean age 31 ± 7 years, 45% women) without established cardiovascular disease or risk factors who were combustible cigarette users ( n = 290), electronic cigarette users ( n = 131; 65 sole users and 66 dual users), or never users ( n = 104). In the first wave of enrollment (2014–2017), electronic cigarette users reported their products as first, second and third generation devices (e-cig users) and were all largely current (i.e., dual) or former (sole) combustible cigarette users, whereas in the second wave of enrollment (2019–2020), electronic cigarette users all reported pod-based device use (pod users) and included more sole users who were never smokers. In multivariable-adjusted analyses comparing to never users, both sole e-cig users and combustible cigarette users had higher glucose and triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Dual e-cig users showed higher triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lower HDL cholesterol compared to never users. In contrast, pod users (both sole and dual) had lipid profiles and glucose levels similar to never users. Overall, users of early generation electronic cigarettes display adverse metabolic profiles. In contrast, pod-based electronic cigarette users have similar lipid profiles to never users. Future studies are needed to understand the cumulative effects of electronic cigarette use on cardiometabolic health.
‘It’s always difficult when it’s family. . . whereas when you’re talking to a therapist. . .’: Parents’ views of cognitive-behaviour therapy for depressed adolescents
Authors: Schlimm Katharina , Loades Maria , Hards Emily , Reynolds Shirley , Parkinson Monika , Midgley Nick
Published: May 2021

Background:

Parents are key to helping their adolescent child access psychological therapy for mental health problems such as depression. However, little is known about how parents experience their child’s psychological therapy. We aimed to explore parents’ experiences of their adolescent child’s cognitive behaviour therapy for depression.

Method:

We applied Thematic Analysis (TA) to qualitative data from in-depth interviews with parents ( N = 16) whose adolescent child was randomly allocated to CBT in a large multisite RCT for adolescent depression (the IMPACT trial). Interviews were conducted at the end of treatment.

Results:

We generated two main themes: parents’ perceptions of the adolescent’s journey through therapy, and parents’ perceptions of the therapeutic setting and process. Each included four sub-themes. Parents talked about key factors that impacted on their child’s progress through treatment, including the adolescent’s readiness for therapy and the adolescent-therapist relationship.

Conclusion:

Parents’ insights confirm the foundations of what is considered good clinical practice of CBT for adolescent depression, including tailoring therapy to the adolescent, and establishing a strong adolescent-therapist relationship. Parents recognised that, for CBT to be helpful, their child had to be willing to engage in therapy and able to develop a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Fatigue reliability evaluation of aging prestressed concrete bridge accounting for stochastic traffic loading and resistance degradation
Authors: Luo Yuan , Zheng Hui , Zhang Haiping , Liu Yang
Published: May 2021

Fatigue damage accumulation is a critical factor resulting in the failure of prestressed concrete (PC) bridges. The fatigue damage is usually caused by the coupled effect of cyclic vehicle loading and environmental corrosion. This study investigated probabilistic fatigue damage on aging PC bridges considering both stochastic traffic loading and corrosion. A stochastic traffic model was derived based on long-term monitoring data aiming to simulate fatigue stress spectra of critical rebar. The effect of cracks on the fatigue stress spectra was investigated in order to model the fatigue stress state more realistically. A three-stage traffic growth model was established based on traffic volume histories of three highways in China. A fatigue limit state function considering traffic growth and corrosion effect was deduced for fatigue reliability assessment of PC bridges. Numerical results show that the stress amplitude of rebar considering cracks is 1.53 times greater than the rebar with no-cracks, resulting in a decrease of fatigue life by 68 years. In addition, the three-stage traffic growth models lead to 25 years shorter fatigue life than the one considering a linear traffic growth model. Finally, the corrosion effect results in a fatigue life of 44 years. The numerical results provide a theoretical basis for fatigue life estimation and maintenance of aging PC bridges.
Lone not lonely: Conceptualising the lone consumer servicescape through speciality coffee
Authors: McCamley Claire , Morland Leigh
Published: May 2021

This article explores the lone consumer experience in the context of speciality coffee, resulting in the conceptualisation of the lone consumer servicescape. The lone consumer is conceptualised as a consumption collective, with its own innate characteristics, behaviours and requirements that can be viewed through physical, social and symbolic aspects of servicescape. Through utilising freewriting, the research captures self-reported experiences of lone consumers of speciality coffee. Data derived from 54 respondents is analysed thematically to determine the dimensions of lone consumption. Findings reveal a lone consumption servicescape that combines spatiality, materiality and aesthetic, symbolic discourse and parasocial interactions, mediated by the lone consumer’s self-reflection. Lone consumption, in this context, is acknowledged as a sought after and fulfilling experience but one which requires both a conducive environment and self-awareness to utilise it.
Locating inclusion within the OECD’s assessment of global competence: An inclusive future through PISA 2018?
Authors: Cobb Donella , Couch Daniel
Published: May 2021

In 2018, Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) introduced an assessment of global competence to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values to create “an inclusive and sustainable world” (OECD, 2018 : 1). Throughout this article, we take the OECD seriously at their claims around inclusion. We look critically at the global competence framework to ask what PISA means by inclusion and trouble the idea that inclusion can function effectively within a global standardized assessment. We put Bernstein’s ( 2000 ) notion of recontextualization to work to demonstrate how inclusion takes on new meaning as it moves between each iteration of the global competence framework. We show how this recontextualization re-orientates inclusion from a social justice imperative toward supporting young people’s inclusion into a globalized market economy.
Answering the Call for Title V Data: A Success Skills Intervention to Increase Retention at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Authors: Espinoza Penelope , Genna Gaspare M.
Published: May 2021

Research has yielded much evidence that investing in postsecondary interventions increases retention and success for Hispanic/Latinx undergraduates. This study examines one such intervention, funded by Title V and implemented at a large public Hispanic-Serving Institution, developed to improve semester-to-semester retention. Faculty and peer mentors facilitated a set of workshops for probationary students and students in a core university course that connected self-regulatory skills for college success to those for career success. Students participating in the workshop intervention were compared to a control group of students who did not participate. Findings showed that in comparison to the control group, students in the intervention had higher retention rates, regardless of probationary status or student classification, along with higher rates among students with lower GPAs. Implications of the study are discussed in relation to “servingness” at HSIs.
Universities as Catalysts for COVID-19 Vaccination: A Call to Action
Authors: Thompson Amy , Hancher-Rauch Heidi , Blavos Alexis , Early Jody , Brookins-Fisher Jodi
Published: May 2021

Universities have the ability to be a strong community collaborator in mitigating the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and ensuring that vaccination becomes a community norm. With their in-house expertise, ability to increase the reach of a message, and potential for vaccinating a large number of people, universities can be at the forefront of leading our country back to prepandemic times. This article discusses how universities can collaborate with communities to ensure mass vaccination, as well as give strategies to increase immunization rates on campus and beyond.
“I’m Neither a Slut, Nor Am I Gonna Be Shamed”: Sexual Violence, Feminist Anger, and Teen TV’s New Heroine
Authors: Brüning Kristina
Published: May 2021

This article interrogates the representation of feminism and feminists in contemporary US teen drama series. Focusing on Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Charmed, I explore the racialized affective dimensions of female protagonists’ reactions to sexual violence. Textual analysis of the function of female anger—its causes, expression, and consequences—in sexual violence storylines signals the emergence of a new feminist figure within teen drama: the joykill, a postfeminist and postracial version of Sara Ahmed’s feminist killjoy. In these series, anger sparked by sexual violence incites female solidarity and culminates in utopian scenarios of feminist success. This new, celebratory representation of feminists and feminism as a unifying force visually centers diversity, while the intersections between sexism and racism in experiences of sexual violence remain unexplored within storytelling. Despite its intersectional look, this hollowly diverse feminism is thus racialized as white.
Ultrasound Therapy, Chemotherapy and Their Combination for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lopez William , Nguyen Nhu , Cao Jessica , Eddow Christine , Shung K. Kirk , Lee Nan Sook , Chow Mosses S. S.
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Its current treatment includes various physical and chemical approaches for the localized and advanced prostate cancer [e.g. metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)]. Although many new drugs are now available for prostate cancer, none is suitable for local treatment that can reduce adverse effects often associated with the current physical treatment. Of the drugs approved by FDA for mCRPC, the best mean improvement in overall survival is only about 4.8 months. Therefore, there is a need for improved treatment approaches for prostate cancer, especially drug-resistant cancer.

Ultrasound therapy represents a useful new physical approach for the drug-resistant cancer treatment by facilitating the entry of the related chemotherapy drug into the target cancer cells. There are two versions of ultrasound: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS). HIFU has been a promising treatment option for prostate cancer due to its noninvasiveness and various biological effects on cancer tissue. It has been approved for the treatment of cancer and in recent years there have been numerous findings suggesting HIFU can reduce cancer cell viability and possibly reverse the spread of cancerous tumors. LIPUS is currently being studied as an alternative treatment option for prostate cancer. Preliminary studies have found LIPUS to reduce cancer cell viability without the side effects seen in HIFU. Reversible cell membrane damage caused by LIPUS could allow increased uptake of anticancer drugs, enhancing cytotoxicity and death of cancer cells. In this way, a low dose of anticancer drug is more effective toward cancer cells while there is less damage to normal cells. The combination of LIPUS with certain chemotherapeutic agents can be an exciting physical-chemical combination therapy for prostate cancer. This review will focus on this topic as well as the clinical use of HIFU to provide an understanding of their current use and future potential role for prostate cancer therapy.
When symmetric and curved visual contour meet intentional instructions: Hedonic value and preference
Authors: Chuquichambi Erick G , Corradi Guido B , Munar Enric , Rosselló-Mir Jaume
Published: May 2021

Symmetry and contour take part in shaping visual preference. However, less is known about their combined contribution to preference. We examined the hedonic tone and preference triggered by the interaction of symmetry and contour. Symmetric/curved, symmetric/sharp-angled, asymmetric/curved, and asymmetric/sharp-angled stimuli were presented in an implicit and explicit task. The implicit task consisted of an affective stimulus–response compatibility task where participants matched the stimuli with positive and negative valence response cues. The explicit task recorded liking ratings from the same stimuli. We used instructed mindset to induce participants to focus on symmetry or contour in different parts of the experimental session. We found an implicit compatibility of symmetry and curvature with positive hedonic tone. Explicit results showed preference for symmetry and curvature. In both tasks, symmetry and curvature showed a cumulative interaction, with a larger contribution of symmetry to the overall effect. While symmetric and asymmetric stimuli contributed to the implicit positive valence of symmetry, the effect of curvature was mainly caused by inclination towards curved contours rather than rejection of sharp-angled contours. We did not find any correlation between implicit and explicit measures, suggesting that they may involve different cognitive processing.
The sequence form of accounting for atrocity
Authors: Shepard Meredith Kimenyi
Published: May 2021

Discussions of aesthetic representations of mass atrocity have tended to focus on a particular form—the atrocity allegory—that figures a collective horror through the narrative of an individual protagonist. This essay outlines some of the limits of the atrocity allegory and then examines an alternative form of denoting collective horror, the sequence, through two examples of sequential representation of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: Juliane Okot Bitek’s poetry collection 100 Days and Wangechi Mutu’s photography essay #100Days. I argue that the sequence offers a radically different method of conceptualizing mass violence than the atrocity allegory by forcing the audience to confront multiple, intimate portraits of loss in quick succession. Unlike the allegory, the sequence does not require the audience to extrapolate from the singular to the collective, as the plurality of sequencing performs that link between individual and collective on its own. I furthermore suggest that the atrocity sequence inspires collaboration and activism by inviting audiences to continue the sequence in a new form where the original work ends, a continuation made possible by the sequence form’s resistance to closure.
Stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of short- and mid-term results
Authors: Liu Eva Y , Kord Dorsa , Yee Nicholas J , Horner Nolan S , Al Mana Latifah , Leroux Timothy , Alolabi Bashar , Khan Moin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is used to treat rotator cuff deficient arthropathies, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. It has several advantages over the stemmed implant including preservation of bone stock, reduced surgical time, and easier revision.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL to retrieve all relevant studies evaluating stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Results

The literature search identified 1993 studies out of which 7 studies were included in this review; 324 patients underwent stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with a weighted mean age of 74.1 (SD = 8.6, range = 38 to 93) years and a weighted mean follow-up time of 44 (SD = 6.6, range = 3 to 95) months. The included studies reported significant improvements in range of motion and functional scores comparable to stemmed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The weight mean flexion and abduction was (135 ± 12)° and (131 ± 12)° post-operatively, respectively. The weighted mean constant score increased from (26.7 ± 5.2) Patients (pts) to (63.0 ± 8.0) pts post-operatively. Overall complication and revision rate were 12.3% and 5.2%.

Conclusion

Early and mid-term results indicate stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has similar clinical outcomes to stemmed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There was no radiological evidence of humeral loosening at the latest follow-up.
Exfoliated graphene-alkaline lignin-PEDOT: PSS composite as a transparent conductive electrode
Authors: Badri Muhammad Ashraf Saiful , Noor Noor Far’ain Md , Zain Ahmad Rifqi Md , MatSalleh Muhamad , Aziz Tengku Hasnan Tengku Abdul
Published: May 2021

In this work, we report a graphene-alkaline lignin-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate composite as a transparent conductive electrode for indium tin oxide-free optoelectronic devices. The composite was prepared by dispersing exfoliated graphene-alkaline lignin into aqueous poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. The effect of graphene concentration on the electrical and optical properties of graphene-alkaline lignin-poly(3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate was studied. The graphene-alkaline lignin-poly(3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate thin films exhibit excellent electrical conductivity and high transparency properties. The electrical conductivity is further increased by 1.9 ± 0.01 × 103 times when graphene content was augmented in the composites; however, the optical transparency was reduced due to the high optical absorbance of graphene. In this condition, the conductivity and optical transparency are as high as (4.19 ± 0.01) × 103 S/cm and 94.2%, respectively. This achievement is attributed to the organization of higher ordered network between conductive exfoliated graphene and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) chains that induced a better conducting channel for charge transportation. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) chains act as a bridge connecting the graphene flakes, which, in turn, facilitate the movement of hole charges between them.
Scrub Typhus Masquerading as Limbic Encephalitis
Authors: Biswas Subhrajyoti , Ghosh Ritwik , Roy Dipayan , Ray Adrija , De Kaustav , Biswas Subrata , Naga Dinabandhu , Benito-León Julián
Published: May 2021

Scrub typhus, an acute febrile infectious disease prevalent in the ‘tsutsugamushi triangle’, is a mite-born rickettsial zoonosis, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The clinical presentation is protean and involves multiple organ systems of the body, including central and peripheral nervous systems. We report a 22-year-old previously healthy Indian woman who presented with clinical (confusion, excessive sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction and focal seizures) and neuroimaging features of limbic encephalitis. After exclusion of common infectious, autoimmune and paraneoplastic causes, she was diagnosed with scrub typhus associated encephalitis, which responded to doxycycline and azithromycin therapy.
Enhanced Extracellular Matrix Breakdown Characterizes the Early Distraction Phase of Canine Knee Joint Distraction
Authors: Teunissen Michelle , Miranda Bedate Alberto , Coeleveld Katja , Riemers Frank M. , Meij Björn P. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Mastbergen Simon C.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Joint distraction triggers intrinsic cartilage repair in animal models of osteoarthritis (OA), corroborating observations in human OA patients treated with joint distraction. The present study explores the still largely elusive mechanism initiating this repair process.

Design

Unilateral OA was induced in the knee joint of 8 dogs using the groove model; the contralateral joint served as a control. After 10 weeks, 4 animals received joint distraction, the other 4 serving as OA controls. Halfway the distraction period (after 4 weeks of a standard 8-week distraction treatment), all animals were euthanized, and joint tissues were collected. A targeted quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed of commonly involved processes including matrix catabolism/anabolism, inflammation, and known signaling pathways in OA. In addition, cartilage changes were determined on tissue sections using the canine OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) histopathology score and collagen type II (COL2A1) immunostaining.

Results

Midway distraction, the distracted OA joint showed an upregulation of proteolytic genes, for example, ADAMTS5, MMP9, MMP13, compared to OA alone and the healthy joints, which correlated with an increased OARSI score. Additionally, genes of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Notch pathway, and markers associated with progenitor cells were increased.

Conclusions

Joint distraction initiates both catabolic and anabolic transcriptional responses. The enhanced turnover, and thereby renewal of the matrix, could be the key to the cartilage repair observed in the months after joint distraction.
Single institution early clinical experience with the Scepter Mini balloon catheter
Authors: White Timothy G , Shah Kevin A , Turpin Justin , Dehdashti Amir R , Link Thomas , Katz Jeffrey M , Woo Henry H
Published: May 2021

Background

The use of liquid embolic agents in the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous (dAVFs) fistulas and brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has become common practice. The use of dual lumen balloon microcatheters has greatly improved the efficacy of liquid embolization. The purpose of this series is to discuss our early experience with the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon microcatheter.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent embolization with the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon at a single institution. Technical details and procedural complications were recorded for each case.

Results

In total, 10 Scepter Mini dual lumen balloon microcatheters were used in nine patients. All patients except two were treated for AVMs. Technical success was achieved in all but one case where one balloon had to be discarded due to precipitation of the tantalum powder. Average vessel diameter where the balloon was inflated was 1.1 mm (0.8–2.4 mm). It provided flow arrest in 100% of cases with no cases of reflux of embolic material. Balloon “jump back” was found to occur in 44.4% (4/9) of cases. Seven out of nine cases used Onyx, and two cases used n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Conclusions

The Scepter Mini is a new dual lumen balloon ideal for distal access and can be used for embolization with liquid embolic agents with a high degree of technical success. Its great benefit is the immediate and safe flow arrest of distal vasculature upon balloon inflation. One important consideration for effective embolization is early identification of balloon jump back.
Accuracy and reliability of PBV ASPECTS, CBV ASPECTS and NCCT ASPECTS in acute ischaemic stroke: a matched-pair analysis
Authors: Potreck Arne , Falbesaner Alina , Seker Fatih , Weyland Charlotte S , Mundiyanapurath Sibu , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Pfaff Johannes AR
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

To investigate the reliability and accuracy of Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores (ASPECTS) derived from flatpanel detector computed tomography pooled blood volume maps compared to non-contrast computed tomography and multidetector computed tomography perfusion cerebral blood volume maps.

Methods

ASPECTS from pooled blood volume maps were evaluated retrospectively by two experienced readers for 37 consecutive patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 occlusion who underwent flatpanel detector computed tomography perfusion imaging before mechanical thrombectomy between November 2016 and February 2019. For comparison with ASPECTS from non-contrast computed tomography and cerebral blood volume maps, a matched-pair analysis according to pre-stroke modified Rankin scale, age, stroke severity, site of occlusion, time from stroke onset to imaging and final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) was performed in a separate group of patients who underwent multimodal computed tomography prior to mechanical thrombectomy between June 2015 and February 2019. Follow-up ASPECTS were derived from either non-contrast computed tomography or from magnetic resonance imaging (in seven patients) one day after mechanical thrombectomy.

Results

Interrater agreement was best for non-contrast computed tomography ASPECTS (w-kappa = 0.74, vs. w-kappa = 0.63 for cerebral blood volume ASPECTS and w-kappa = 0.53 for pooled blood volume ASPECTS). Also, accuracy, defined as correlation between acute and follow-up ASPECTS, was best for non-contrast computed tomography ASPECTS (Spearman ρ = 0.86 (0.65–0.97), P < 0.001), while it was lower and comparable for pooled blood volume ASPECTS (ρ = 0.58 (0.32–0.79), P < 0.001) and cerebral blood volume ASPECTS (ρ = 0.52 (0.17–0.80), P = 0.001). It was noteworthy that cases of relevant infarct overestimation by two or more ASPECTS regions (compared to follow-up imaging) were observed for both acute pooled blood volume and cerebral blood volume ASPECTS but occurred more often for acute pooled blood volume ASPECTS (25% vs. 5%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Non-contrast computed tomography ASPECTS outperformed both pooled blood volume ASPECTS and cerebral blood volume ASPECTS in accuracy and reliability. Importantly, relevant infarct overestimation was observed more often in pooled blood volume ASPECTS than cerebral blood volume ASPECTS, limiting its present clinical applicability for acute stroke imaging.
Checking the integrity of eyes in prone position: A novel application of video laryngoscopes
Authors: Gerber Daniel , Eberle Balthasar , Erdoes Gabor
Published: May 2021

Perioperative visual loss is a rare but severe complication after surgery in prone position. One of several mechanisms is direct ophthalmic compression. This can be avoided through optimal positioning and padding of the head, but position and integrity of the eyes need to be checked at regular intervals. We describe the use of a conventional video laryngoscope during vascular surgery in prone position as a simple solution for intermittent monitoring of external integrity of the eyes and size of the pupils. This requires no additional material and allows documentation of the findings. Our method might reduce complications and improve patient outcome.
An arm and a leg: A case of rheumatoid vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Ghadiali Jay , Talwar Aditya , Ligon Colin
Published: May 2021

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare extra-articular complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common manifestation is cutaneous; however, it can manifest in various organ systems and is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is challenging, and there are no validated diagnostic or classification criteria. Most cases should be confirmed with tissue biopsy when possible given the severity of disease and the extent of immunosuppression required to treat this condition. We report the case of a 54-year-old white woman with long-standing, uncontrolled, and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with a history of elevated anticardiolipin IgG and IgM antibodies who presented with acute stenosis of her left femoral artery which ultimately required a left above-the-knee amputation. Histopathology revealed findings consistent with vasculitis and thrombosis, and subsequent imaging revealed multifocal arterial and venous thromboses. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and was treated with high-dose glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and warfarin. Rheumatoid vasculitis is a rare but devastating complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and vigilance for this condition must be maintained, especially in patients with long-standing, seropositive disease.
Advance Care Planning interventions for older people with early-stage dementia: A scoping review
Authors: Tetrault Annika , Nyback Maj-Helen , Vaartio-Rajalin Heli , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: May 2021

Advance Care Planning can be used to engage people with dementia in decision-making about future care. The current study aims to advance the state of knowledge about Advance Care Planning interventions aimed at older people with early-stage dementia and to describe the effects of various interventions as well as the feedback on the interventions from this patient group and their family caregivers. The study is reported in accordance with PRISMA for scoping reviews. The search for studies and reports included electronic databases, websites, books, and reference lists. Data from the selected studies, including publication year, title, purpose, study population, intervention, methods, and results, were extracted. Six full-text articles were identified as suitable for inclusion. The six interventions had differing approaches. A supportive structure was helpful for both people with dementia and family caregivers. The feeling of being listened to and engaged in the care planning seems to be of most importance, not the intervention design itself.
Migrant Remitting as Transnational Practice: Moldovans in Italy and Czechia
Authors: Bailey Adrian J. , Drbohlav Dušan , Dzúrová Dagmara
Published: May 2021

We examine the relationship between the social practice of migrant remitting and the transnational field connecting Moldova with Italy and Czechia. Using data from a harmonized migrant survey, we estimate ordinal regression models and distinguish two remitting practices. Family remitting is organized around a set of routinized activities and communications that support the survival needs of families, while civil remitting contributes to the long-term development of civil society. These practices are associated with ongoing engagements with the transnational field and differentiated by duration overseas and legal status. Our findings confirm the importance of studying the transnational context of remitting and suggest that migration-development policy should recognize remittances as long-term social practices rather than transactions.
Effects of Information Delivery Intervention for the Family of Patients Undergoing Surgery on Emergency in South Korea
Authors: Kim SeYoon , Jeong Daun , Ryu Mi-Hye , Sok Sohyune R.
Published: May 2021

The family of emergency surgery patients experience psychological pressure due to the uncertainty of the surgery. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of information delivery intervention provided by an operation theater nurse on anxiety and satisfaction levels of the family of emergency surgery patients. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design is used. A total of 60 participants were included in the study as the family of patients undergoing emergency surgery within 6 hr in the emergency room of K hospital in Seoul, Korea (intervention: n = 30, control: n = 30). The information delivery intervention consisted of information on the operating room environment and surgery progress. The tools included the Anxiety scale to examine the anxiety levels and Perioperative Family Needs Questionnaire (PFNQ) to measure family satisfaction levels. Participants in the intervention group had a lower anxiety level ( p < .001) and higher family satisfaction with the intervention ( p < .001) than that of the control group. The information delivery intervention provided by an operation theater nurse was effective. It decreased the anxiety level and increased the satisfaction for the family member of emergency surgery patients. These findings can be used as clinical evidence to explore nursing interventions or strategies for the patient’s family during an emergency surgery.
Teaching Anxiety and Foreign Language Anxiety Among Chinese College English Teachers
Authors: Liu Meihua , Wu Bin
Published: May 2021

This study explored teaching anxiety and teacher foreign language anxiety (FLA) in 151 Chinese college English teachers in relation to their individual characteristics. Analyses of data collected from mixed-form questionnaires revealed the following major findings: (a) Major causes for teaching anxiety were concern about classroom teaching, research, other work and promotion, and interest and confidence in teaching, and major sources for teacher FLA were apprehension of speaking English, fear of negative outcomes, and confidence in English competence; (b) the participants of various backgrounds suffered from varying degrees of teaching anxiety and teacher FLA; (c) gender, age, educational level, English proficiency, and experience of visiting/studying in English-speaking countries significantly affected the participants’ teaching anxiety and teacher FLA levels; and (d) anxiety seriously affected the participants’ work and life. Evidently, anxiety is an important issue faced by university language teachers and needs to be further researched and seriously handled.
Does Governance in Information Technology Matter When It Comes to Organizational Performance in Pakistani Public Sector Organizations? Mediating Effect of Innovation
Authors: Ali Amanat , Iqbal Shahid , Haider Syed Arslan , Tehseen Shehnaz , Anwar Bilal , Sohail Mariam , Rehman Khalid
Published: May 2021

Information technology governance (ITG) is recognized as a vital organizational ability to exploit opportunities for innovation and enhance organizational performance. However, the potential of ITG for public sector innovation and performance has not been fully grasped in Pakistani public sector organizations (PakPSOs). This study has presented an explanatory model to investigate the mediating effect of innovation in the relationship between ITG and organizational performance in PakPSOs. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)–based hierarchical component modeling approach has applied to analyze the model by taking sample data from 97 PakPSOs. The results revealed that ITG positively affected innovation and organizational performance. Innovation positively affected organizational performance. Innovation partially mediated the relationship between ITG and organizational performance. The study corroborates the strategic use of information technology (IT) to enhance innovation and organizational performance in this context. The study contributes to the existing knowledge base through a new theoretical model and promotes academic rigor. The results are also significant for the practice as they can help to achieve organizational performance in terms of operational efficiency, transparency in costs and results, planning and decision making, performance monitoring and control, and collaboration and synergy. The other countries operating in a similar environment can also take the benefit of this study.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Stress, Substance Use, and Mental Health Among Postsecondary Students
Authors: Patterson Zachary R. , Gabrys Robert L. , Prowse Rebecca K. , Abizaid Alfonso B. , Hellemans Kim G. C. , McQuaid Robyn J.
Published: May 2021

Emerging adults, including post-secondary education students, are disproportionately affected by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed with which society moved in attempt to minimize the spread of the virus left many students with uncertainty and concern about their health, mental health, and academic futures. Considering that post-secondary students are a population at risk, it is important to determine how students respond in the face of the pandemic, and what coping mechanisms or supports will result in improved mental health outcomes. This knowledge will be helpful for post-secondary institutions to understand how COVID-19 has influenced the health and well-being of their students, and may facilitate the implementation of strategies to support their students. This narrative review explores evidence on how COVID-19 has impacted students with the overall goal to provide a set of recommendations to post-secondary institutions to help meet the evolving needs of this population.
Characterizing Typologies of Polytraumatization: A Replication and Extension Study Examining Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology in an Urban Population
Authors: Mekawi Yara , Kuzyk Eva , Dixon H. Drew , McKenna Brooke , Camacho Luisa , de Andino Ana Martinez , Stevens Jennifer , Michopolous Vasiliki , Powers Abigail
Published: May 2021

A person-centered approach to examining trauma has uncovered typologies of polytraumatization that are differentially associated with psychopathology. However, previous research is limited by narrow conceptualizations of trauma, limited distal outcomes, and underrepresentation of racially marginalized groups. To address these gaps, we used latent profile analysis to uncover distinct polytraumatization typologies and examine four symptom-based (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, aggression, and substance abuse) and two behavior-based (self-harm, jail counts) outcomes in a sample of adults with low socioeconomic resources ( N = 7,426, 94% African American). The models were indicated by 19 traumatic experiences (e.g., accident, sexual assault, witnessing/experiencing violence). The best fitting model uncovered five classes: minimal trauma, physical abuse, violence exposure, sexual abuse, and polytrauma. Classes characterized by significant and varied trauma were higher on both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, whereas those characterized by specific types of trauma were higher on only one type of psychopathology. Implications for the assessment and treatment of trauma-related disorders are discussed.
Indirect Lumbar Decompression Combined With or Without Additional Direct Posterior Decompression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Manzur Mustfa K. , Samuel Andre M. , Morse Kyle W. , Shafi Karim A. , Gatto Bridget Jivanelli , Gang Catherine Himo , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: May 2021

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Objective:

Indirect decompression via lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) can ameliorate central and foraminal lumbar stenosis. In severe central stenosis, additional posterior direct decompression is utilized. The aim of this review is to synthesize existing literature on these 2 techniques and identify significant differences in outcomes between isolated indirect decompression via LLIF and combined indirect decompression supplemented with direct posterior decompression.

Methods:

A database search algorithm was utilized to query MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE to identify literature reporting adult decompression study groups that involved an oblique or lateral fusion approach through September 2020. Improvement in outcomes measures and complication rates were pooled and tested for significance.

Results:

A total of 110 publications were assessed with 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including 557 patients and 1008 levels. Mean age was 63.1 years with BMI of 27.5 kg/m2. For the combined indirect and direct decompression cohort, lumbar lordosis (LL) increased 133.9%, from 22.8o to 48.7o, while the indirect decompression cohort LL increased 8.9%, from 41.9o to 45.5o. Difference in LL improvement between cohorts was insignificant ( P > .05). Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) decreased from 36.5 to 19.4 in the combined indirect and direct decompression cohort, and from 44.4 to 23.1 in the indirect decompression cohort. ODI reduction was insignificant ( P = .053).

Conclusions:

Prior studies of both indirect decompression as well as combined indirect and direct decompression of lumbar spine stenosis are limited by small samples, heterogeneous populations, and lack of direct comparisons. Both procedures result in improved function and pain postoperatively with direct decompression restoring more lordosis in patients with worse preoperative alignment.