bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Item Response Theory-Based Scoring of the South Oaks Gambling Screen–Revised Adolescents
Authors: Anselmi Pasquale , Colledani Daiana , Andreotti Alessandra , Robusto Egidio , Fabbris Luigi , Vian Paolo , Genetti Bruno , Mortali Claudia , Minutillo Adele , Mastrobattista Luisa , Pacifici Roberta
Published: May 2021

The South Oaks Gambling Screen–Revised Adolescent (SOGS-RA) is one of the most widely used screening tools for problem gambling among adolescents. In this study, item response theory was used for computing measures of problem gambling severity that took into account how much information the endorsed items provided about the presence of problem gambling. A zero-inflated mixture two-parameter logistic model was estimated on the responses of 4,404 adolescents to the South Oaks Gambling Screen–Revised Adolescent to compute the difficulty and discrimination of each item, and the problem gambling severity level (θ score) of each respondent. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the cutoff on the θ scores that best distinguished daily and nondaily gamblers. This cutoff outperformed the common cutoff defined on the sum scores in identifying daily gamblers but fell behind it in identifying nondaily gamblers. When screening adolescents to be subjected to further investigations, the cutoff on the θ scores must be preferred to that on the sum scores.
Stability analysis and control of a flywheel energy storage rotor with rotational damping and nonsynchronous damping
Authors: Wang Huiwei , Peng Huichun , Zhen Yaxin
Published: May 2021

Based on the principle of Lagrange mechanics, especially considering the effects of rotation damping and nonsynchronous damping, a radial 4-dimensional dynamic model of the flywheel bearing rotor system is proposed. Applying the Laplace eigenvalue method, the stability effects of rotational damping, nonsynchronous damping, and their coupling effects are investigated by means of root locus method. Under the control of the linear quadratic regulator, dynamical characteristics of the flywheel bearing rotor system with varied rotational damping and nonsynchronous damping are also studied. The results show that the rotation damping, nonsynchronous damping, and their coupling effects have vast and complex instability effects on high-speed flywheel bearing rotor system. However, there are three exceptions. The tiny proportional rotational damping, remaining below 12%, and the minuscule proportional co-nonsynchronous damping; the product of the nonsynchronous damping and the speed ratio below 5% both can enhance the stability of the system. Furthermore, in the situation that the counter-nonsynchronous damping is coupled with the large proportion of rotational damping, the stability of the system can also be boosted distinctly. On the other hand, the numerical experimental results show that the rotational damping and nonsynchronous damping have a beneficial effect on the flywheel system controlled by linear quadratic regulator. In addition, under the control of linear quadratic regulator, the transient dynamical behavior of the flywheel rotor system with rotational damping or co-nonsynchronous damping performed better than the flywheel rotor system with the coupled damping. The numerical simulations of the transient response of the flywheel rotor system under active control are consistent with some of the derived stability analysis results. The results about the stability analysis and the performance in vibration control give the suggestions for the instability control and fault detection of the system.
Participation in Sport, Empowerment, and Safety From Violence: Critiquing the Connections Through Women’s Experiences in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Armstrong Lynzi , Hutchison Abby
Published: May 2021

Men’s violence against women is a global issue, and in recent decades its relationship with sport has been examined. Much research has focused on male athletes as perpetrators, seeking to understand how sport may foster misogynistic behavior. However, paradoxically, recent research has also examined women’s involvement in sport as a protective factor against gendered violence. This article explores this, drawing on the perspectives of 20 women. We argue that sport was experienced in contradictory ways, and thus, positioning women’s involvement in sport as a protective factor obscures complex experiences and reinforces the narrative that women are responsible for their safety.
Safety and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors used in patients with solid and hematological malignancies. A population based retrospective analysis
Authors: Shahbar Alaa , Alshamrani Majed , Aseeri Mohammed , Alfayea Turki , Alnatsheh Abdelmajid
Published: May 2021

Background

The discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors caused a paradigm shift in cancer treatment and led to a major improvement in clinical outcomes. However, they may induce inflammatory side effects that are known as immune-related adverse effect (iRAE). This study aimed to assess the safety profile and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients.

Methods

Adult cancer patients ≥18 years who received at least one dose of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of permanent discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors due to immune-related adverse effects. The secondary endpoints were rate and type of specific organ iRAEs, interventions used to treat specific organ iRAEs, and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors due to disease progression.

Results

A total of 75 patients were included in the study with a median age of 60 years [IQR: 46-72 years]. Of 75 patients, 7 patients (9.33%) have permanently discontinued ICIs due to immune-related adverse effects. Seven iRAEs occurred in the 7 patients who have permanently discontinued ICIs. Steroids were the main treatment used for 8 patients, followed by levothyroxine for 2 patients and one patient did not receive any medication. The discontinuation rate due to disease progression was reported in 32 patients (42.66%).

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors were well tolerated in the majority of our patient population with a comparable rate of immunerelated adverse effects in comparison to the published data. Corticosteroids were fundamentally used to treat immune-related adverse effects.
Alectinib continuation during COVID 19 ‘antiviral’ treatment: Risk or benefit?
Authors: Akkus Mehmet Hadi , Kaman Omur , Dogan Mutlu
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) has led to COVID 19 pandemic a year ago and it has not been globally taken under control yet. COVID 19 tends to have poorer prognosis in cancer patients. Additionally, we have no well-established guidelines for management of these patients during pandemic, in terms of treatment of ‘cancer’ and treatment of ‘COVID 19’. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are given without any break in cancer patients to have better survival outcomes in daily routine. However, there is no well-established data to continue or delay ALK inhibitors in lung cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV2. Concomittant use of ALK inhibitors and COVID 19 antiviral treatment is a dilemma because of the lack of data in this area.

Case Report

A 47-year old female metastatic ALK positive nonsquamous cell lung cancer patient on alectinib, a second generation ALK inhibitor was diagnosed with symptomatic COVID 19. She was given favipiravir for COVID 19 while continuing alectinib. Management and outcome: The patient continued alectinib during COVID 19 antiviral treatment without any break. She tolerated ‘concomittant’ alectinib & favipiravir. She had partial remission after three months of alectinib without any dose adjustment despite active COVID 19 medication.

Discussion

To best of our knowledge, this is the first case who continued alectinib without dose adjustment during antiviral COVID-19 medication without clinically worsening. There is limited data about ‘concomittant’ use of TKIs and antiviral COVID 19 medication in the literature. There are some case reports, but they generally tended to delay or suspend TKIs during COVID 19 antiviral medication. Our case differs from them in terms of continuation of alectinib without any break or additional side effects during favipiravir for symptomatic COVID 19. We consider that our case might contribute to the literature in terms of management of cancer patients on targeted therapy during COVID 19 antiviral treatment. However, clinical trials are needed in this area.
The Effects of Home-Based Self-Care Education on Blood Pressure and Self-Care Behaviors among Middle-Aged Patients with Primary Hypertension in Iran: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Hazrati Gonbad Sara , Zakerimoghadam Masoumeh , Pashaeypoor Shahzad , Haghani Shima
Published: May 2021

Self-care education (SCE) through home visit is one of the methods with potential effects on self-care. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of home-based SCE on blood pressure and self-care behaviors among middle-aged patients with primary hypertension in Iran. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 110 middle-aged patients with hypertension recruited from public healthcare centers in the south of Tehran, Iran in September 2019. After convenience sampling, Participants were simple randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. Intervention group received a 2-month home-based SCE while control group received routine care services. Before and 2 months after the intervention, self-care behaviors were assessed using the Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE). Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0) at a significance level of less than .05. After 2 months, the posttest mean scores of self-care behaviors in medication adherence (17.42 ± 1.03 vs 14.49 ± 1.01, p = .04), physical activity (8.16 ± 0.39 vs 6.47 ± 0.52, p = .01), low-salt diet (52.51 ± 3.8 vs 35.36 ± 3.47, p = .001), and blood pressure control (3.47 ± 0.22 vs 2.42 ± 1.89, p = .001), in the intervention group were significantly greater than the control group. However, there were no significant between-group differences respecting the posttest mean scores of the weight management ( p = .06) and smoking cessation ( p = .2). Also, the mean blood pressure between the 2 groups changed after the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant. This study suggests the effectiveness of home-based SCE in significantly improving self-care behaviors among patients with hypertension. But more studies are needed to measure the effectiveness of intervention on blood pressure.

IRCT code: IRCT20190623043985N1. Registered 06/30/2019, https://fa.irct.ir/trial/40351 .
Moses on his way to the promised land: On Vygotsky’s Notebooks
Authors: Kölbl Carlos , Métraux Alexandre
Published: May 2021

The publication of a voluminous selection of notebooks from the Vygotsky Family Archive represents a major event for the Vygotsky studies. The material provided in the book turns out to be truly novel; it reaches far beyond mere compilations of existing texts, reprints, and (re-)translations. The key question we address in our contribution is: does this newly made available material have a significant impact on our understanding of Vygotsky’s life and work? We first offer a rough summary of the book’s content, then indicate what readers may expect from the Notebooks and what they will not find there; and finally, we focus on Vygotsky’s early quest for his own Jewishness and on the shift toward systemic and semiotic thinking that marks the last years of his life.
“It’s not all nice and fun”: Narrating contested illness on YouTube and Instagram
Authors: Groenevelt Irene
Published: May 2021

This empirical study draws on insights from narrative theory to tease out how women with a contested illness narrate their experiences on social media. Based on 13 months of online observations between 2017 and 2019, I analyse how a sample of eight highly active Dutch female social media users share their illness on YouTube and Instagram. In addition, I interviewed five of them. Through their online performances, the women in this study illustrate their investment in self-care practices, whilst simultaneously laying bare the limits of these practices in ensuring permanent well-being. Central to transmitting their experiences is the performance of balanced positivity; meaning that illness is dealt with in a predominantly ‘positive’ way, as well as through the occasional display of (moments of) hardship. I identify three main aspects of this performance of balanced positivity, namely: (1) appearances, (2) mindset, and (3) presence. The practice of balanced positivity is congruent with the concept of legitimacy narratives, because it allows women with a contested illness to show their efforts to cope with their condition as well as the myriad challenges that remain despite these efforts.
Promoting positive intergroup attitudes using persona dolls: A vicarious contact intervention program in Israeli kindergartens
Authors: Nasie Meytal , Ziv Margalit , Diesendruck Gil
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a vicarious contact intervention program for improving knowledge and attitudes of Jewish-Israeli secular and religious children regarding their ingroup and three outgroups: secular/religious Jews, Ethiopian-descendant Jews, and Arabs. One hundred and nine kindergartners participated in a four-week intervention, in which experimenters introduced to them four persona dolls representing the different groups. Accompanied by stories, children were exposed to the dolls’ individual and group characteristics, and to positive encounters between the dolls. A pre- and post-test battery assessed the intervention’s effects on children’s intergroup knowledge and attitudes. Findings revealed an increase in children’s knowledge of the groups, improvements in religious children’s attitudes towards Arabs, and in both secular and religious children’s willingness to sit closer to Ethiopian-descendant children. These findings highlight the potential of indirect contact for reducing intergroup bias in young children living in multicultural and conflict-ridden societies.
Philosophical pragmatism, pragmatic agency, and the treatment of evidence in social work
Authors: Garces Pablo
Published: May 2021

From the influential evidence-based practice (EBP), to the increasingly persuasive evidence-informed practice (EIP), in the last decades, the field has sought to adequately allocate scientific evidence within social work’s practice. While this development suggests a move away from positivism, it is less clear towards where. Thus, this article advances classical pragmatism as a plausible philosophy of science for the treatment of evidence to account for this transition and the way forward. Pragmatism regards humans and their contexts as part of a continuity, constantly changing each other, always becoming. As such, it challenges what counts as ‘evidence’ and demands healthy awareness and criticism of preferences and biases, whether personal or contextual, in the self and in the subjects of interest. This opens up the door to plurality, to harness practical reason to solve practical problems, turning indeterminate situations into determinate ones, thereby generating warranted assertions.
Supporting Peer Feedback on Learning Strategies: Effects on Self-Efficacy and Feedback Quality
Authors: Bürgermeister Anika , Glogger-Frey Inga , Saalbach Henrik
Published: May 2021

The study focused on supporting the distinct processes of assessment and providing feedback within a peer feedback setting in teacher education and investigates the effects on student teachers’ self-efficacy and feedback quality in a quasi-experiment. Student teachers ( n = 129) were asked to repeatedly provide peer feedback on learning strategies and were supported by a digital tool. The support was varied: support in assessment (A; realized by rubrics), in formulating the feedback (F; by providing sentence starters), in both components (A+F), or no support (Control). We conducted a 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) to measure the effect on feedback quality and 2 × 2×2 mixed ANOVAs to investigate the effects on self-efficacy. Results revealed that student teachers perceived higher self-efficacy regarding assessing learning strategies and giving feedback after repeatedly giving and receiving peer feedback. While supporting feedback-writing (F) was immediately beneficial for students’ self-efficacy, the combination (A + F) was most advantageous in the long run. In addition, feedback quality was higher when students were supported in writing the feedback. The findings show that competencies to assess and to give feedback seem to be distinct components that should be fostered individually. The developed support by the digital tool seems to be one beneficial approach here.
Videoconferenced Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients and their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report from a Clinician’s Perspective
Authors: Snyder Stella , Silva Rosangela F. , Whisenant Meagan S. , Milbury Kathrin
Published: May 2021

Background:

The acceptability of videoconferencing delivery of yoga interventions in the advanced cancer setting is relatively unexplored. The current report summarizes the challenges and solutions of the transition from an in-person (ie, face-to-face) to a videoconference intervention delivery approach in response to the Coronavirus Disease pandemic.

Method:

Participants included patient-family caregiver dyads who were enrolled in ongoing yoga trials and 2 certified yoga therapists who delivered the yoga sessions. We summarized their experiences using recordings of the yoga sessions and interventionists’ progress notes.

Results:

Out of 7 dyads participating in the parent trial, 1 declined the videoconferenced sessions. Participants were between the ages of 55 and 76 and mostly non-Hispanic White (83%). Patients were mainly male (83%), all had stage III or IV cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy. Caregivers were all female. Despite challenges in the areas of technology, location, and setting, instruction and personal connection, the overall acceptability was high among patients, caregivers, and instructors. Through this transition process, solutions to these challenges were found, which are described here.

Conclusion:

Although in-person interventions are favored by both the study participants and the interventionists, videoconference sessions were deemed acceptable. All participants had the benefit of a previous in-person experience, which was helpful and perhaps necessary for older and advanced cancer patients requiring practice modifications. In a remote setting, the assistance of caregivers seems particularly beneficial to ensure practice safety.

ClinicalTrials.gov:

NCT03948100; NCT02481349
Long-Term Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Aortic Arch Dissection Using Customized Single-Branched Fenestrated Stent-Graft
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Zhang Hao , Xia Shibo , Li Haiyan , Jing Zaiping , Lu Qingsheng
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To report outcomes of thoracic endovascular repair using customized single-branched fenestrated stent-grafts in treatment of aortic arch dissections.

Materials and Methods:

Between November 2009 and November 2011, 16 patients with aortic arch dissections underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair utilizing customized unibody single-branched fenestrated stent-graft (UBFSG) in our institution.

Results:

All 16 patients were male with mean age of 54.50 ± 11.33. The technical success rate was 100%. 30-day mortality rate was 6.25% (n = 1). The median follow-up period was 98 months (range, 0-119). During follow-up, 4 nonaorta-related deaths were recorded. Two (2) cases of left subclavian artery occlusion were observed 12 and 14 months after the operation. Two (2) patients had another successful endovascular repair in time, including one case of type Ib endoleak occurred 100 months after the operation and one case of stent-graft induced new entry tear 38 months after the operation. No stroke and migration of stent-grafts were observed.

Conclusions:

The branched fenestrated stent-graft may be an effective alternative treatment for aortic arch dissections unfit for open surgery.
The Processing of Visual Signals in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Valt Christian , Huber Dorothea , Kontaxi Sofia , Frank Joachim , Nörtemann Matthias , Stürmer Birgit
Published: May 2021

The balanced processing of the internal mental world and the external world is a crucial aspect of everyday well-being. An extensive control of the internal emotional and cognitive world that often results in an internal expression of distress is a common feature of internalizing disorders. However, how depression affects the processing of the external world is still an open question. We, therefore, tested the processing of visual signals in major depressive disorder (MDD). To this end, we recorded the electroencephalogram of 38 MDD patients and 38 controls, while they performed a response-choice task with informative feedback and a passive viewing task. MDD patients differed significantly from controls in the early information processing of visual stimuli. The vertex positive potential (VPP) evoked by feedback in the response-choice task and pictures in the passive viewing task were smaller in MDD patients than in controls. This outcome suggests that depression might subtract attentional resources from external signal processing, with potential consequences in various cognitive domains.
The CYP19A1 (TTTA)n Repeat Polymorphism May Affect the Prostate Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Lei , Liu Yanan , Liu Lijun , Shao Shixiu , Cao Yanwei , Guo Jiaming , Niu Haitao
Published: May 2021

Abnormal aromatase (CYP19A1) expression may participate in prostate cancer (PCa) carcinogenesis. However, the results of studies on the CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms and PCa are conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the associations between the CYP19A1 Arg264Cys polymorphism and the (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism and PCa. Electronic databases (PubMed, EmBase, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library) were comprehensively searched to identify eligible studies. The strength of the association between the Arg264Cys polymorphism and PCa was assessed by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygous, and heterozygous genetic models. To analyze the impact of the (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism, we sequentially took the N-repeat allele (where N equals 7,8,10,11,12, and 13) as the minor allele and the sum of all the other alleles as the major allele. The ORs and 95% CIs were calculated in the allelic model; this analysis was performed individually for each repeat number. Pooled estimates of nine studies addressing the Arg264Cys polymorphism indicated that this polymorphism was not associated with PCa risk in the overall population or in the Caucasian or Asian subgroups. The 8-repeat allele in the (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism increased PCa risk in the overall population (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.14–1.58, p = .001) and in the subgroup with population-based (PB) controls (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.13–1.74, p = .002) as well as in the subgroup using capillary electrophoresis to identify this polymorphism (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09–1.65, p = .006).The meta-analysis indicated that the CYP19A1 (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism, but not the Arg264Cys polymorphism, may affect PCa risk.
Numerical simulation for expansion of preform and optimization of preform in thermoset composites
Authors: Hou Jiatong , You Bo , Xu Jiazhong , Hu Qiaomu
Published: May 2021

The expansion of preform and the optimization of preform have become important steps in the molding process. At present, there are some questions in the expansion of thermoset composite material preform and precompression, for example, the inaccurate dimensions, cracks, and wrinkles. For the expansion of preform, the finite element inverse algorithm is used as the expansion algorithm, and then the initial solution is optimized by the arc length mapping method, the expansion of preform is realized by the iterative equation which is solved by the ABAQUS solver. The effectiveness of the expansion of preform is verified through the comparison between the finite element inverse algorithm with DYNAFORM. The optimization of the precompression process is researched in order to solved the problems of cracks and wrinkles in the integral precompression method of preform. Firstly, the precompression sequence is adjusted by the precompression method, and then the precompression direction is optimized by the genetic algorithm. Through numerical simulation, the maximum thinning rate is reduced to 13%, and the maximum thickening rate is reduced to 6%, which improve the problems of cracks and wrinkles of preform, and the effectiveness of the optimization method is verified.
Evaluating the impact of global citizenship education programmes: A synthesis of the research
Authors: Ahmed Eman I , Mohammed Amal
Published: May 2021

Given the calls to reinforce the accountability of education programmes, this review evaluated studies that evaluated K-12 global citizenship education (GCED) programmes to assess the evidence that such programmes improved the students’ global learning. There are no current reviews assessing the impact of GCED programmes in the US. The authors conducted an electronic search in the educational databases to review the studies that addressed the impact of GCED programmes between 2000 and 2019. We reviewed the abstracts based on specific criteria: 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were rejected because they did not provide the whole information about the programmes. The final 22 studies were selected because they provided the complete description about the evaluation programme of GCED. The review examined the components and the measures of the programmes, the approaches for collecting and analyzing data. The outcomes of the evaluated programmes support the claim that these programmes succeeded in improving students’ global learning. However, our analysis revealed flaws in the studies evaluating the impact of the GCED programmes.
A combined approach of convolutional neural networks and machine learning for visual fault classification in photovoltaic modules
Authors: Venkatesh Sridharan Naveen , Sugumaran Vaithiyanathan
Published: May 2021

Fault diagnosis plays a significant role in enhancing the useful lifetime, power output, and reliability of photovoltaic modules (PVM). Visual faults such as burn marks, delamination, discoloration, glass breakage, and snail trails make detection of faults difficult under harsh environmental conditions. Various researchers have made several attempts to identify visual faults in a PVM. However, much of the previous studies were centered on the identification and analysis of limited number of faults. This article presents the use of a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract image features and perform an effective classification of faults by machine learning (ML) algorithms. In contrast to the present-day work, five different fault conditions were considered in the study. The proposed solution consists of three phases, to effectively analyze various PVM defects. First, the module images are acquired using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and data augmentation is performed to generate a uniform dataset. Afterward, a pre-trained deep CNN is adopted for image feature extraction. Finally, the extracted image features are classified with the help of various ML classifiers. The final results show the effectiveness of pre-trained deep CNN and accurate performance of ML classifiers. The best-in-class ML classifier for multiple fault classification is suggested based on the performance comparison.
The impact of transverse components on 4-strand tendon repairs
Authors: Wu Ya Fang , Mao Wei Feng , Tang Jin Bo
Published: May 2021

We investigated the effects of the transverse components of a tendon core suture on tensile resistance and strength of 4-strand repairs. Forty-four pig flexor tendons were repaired with one of the following four methods: double Tsuge, U-shaped, 4-strand cross and 4-strand rectangular repairs. We recorded the number of the repaired tendons that formed a 2 mm gap between the tendon ends during cyclic loading for 20 cycles, stiffness of the tendon at the 1st and 20th cycle, gap distance at the repair site and ultimate strength of the repair at the 20th cycle. When transverse components were added to the core suture, a greater number of tendons formed a 2 mm gap during cyclic loading. The stiffness gradually decreased, and the repair site's gap distance after cyclic loading increased with the presence of transverse components of the sutures. We conclude that the core suture's transverse components negatively impact the tensile resistance of 4-strand tendon repairs.
Head shape analysis of National Football League Players
Authors: Park Gwansik , Gabler Lee F , Bailey Ann M , Dau Nathan Z , Sherwood Chris , Crandall Jeff R , Arbogast Kristy B
Published: May 2021

Understanding the size and shape variations of the head is important to the design of football helmets used to mitigate the risk of head injury. Current guidelines for selecting helmets use only the circumference of the player’s head to determine an appropriate size that may not offer the best fit and protection for every player. The goal of this study was to quantify key measurements of head shape to sufficiently characterize variability among players in the National Football League (NFL), focusing on the shape variation of the cranial region. Statistical shape analysis was performed on three-dimensional head scans of 87 contemporary NFL players to identify key features of head shape variability among the players’ heads. The principal component analysis revealed two factors that explained 87% of the head shape variance: (1) height and length of the head in the sagittal plane and (2) prominent back of the head with an oval shape in the transverse plane versus prominent forehead with a round shape. Four head shape measurements (circumference, length, breadth, and height) were then defined and quantified to describe the first two principal components. This information can facilitate improvements in the design of football helmets.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Plasty in High-Risk Young Adolescents: Revisions, Subjective Evaluation, and the Role of Surgical Timing on Meniscal Preservation
Authors: Grassi Alberto , Macchiarola Luca , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Mosca Massimilano , Caravelli Silvio , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: May 2021

Background:

In adolescents, the rate of meniscal injury at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the rate of ACL graft revision, and clinical outcomes has not yet been investigated.

Hypothesis:

In patients younger than 16 years, the rate of meniscal injuries at the time of ACL reconstruction increases with time from injury. The mid-term revision rate and reoperation rate after ACL reconstruction with hamstrings and lateral tenodesis are lower than those reported in literature for isolate ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Patients younger than 16 years who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring and lateral tenodesis, with a follow-up ≥2 years were included. The number of meniscal lesions was stratified according to the delay between injury-to-surgery (<3, 3-12, >12 months). All reoperations, Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales for pain (at rest and during activity), and return to sport were collected.

Results:

A total of 151 patients (mean age 14.8 ± 1.2 years) were included. Patients undergoing surgery at <3 months after injury had a lower meniscal injury rate (36%) than those treated at 3 to 12 months (55%) and >12 months (63%) after injury ( P = 0.04). Medial meniscal lesions were more likely to be repaired when surgery was performed <3 months after injury (91%). Subjective follow-up data were available for 132 patients, and 19 were lost to follow-up. At 6.0 ± 2.6 years, 6% of patients underwent ACL revision; 1 of 20 (5%) patients with posterior tibial slope ≥12° and 4 of 45 (9%) patients with Tegner level ≥8. Nine new meniscal procedures were performed; 19% of repaired menisci underwent meniscectomy. Good or excellent Lysholm score was reported by 88% of patients; 56% of patients with concurrent lateral meniscectomy had pain during activity, 91% returned to sport, and 79% were still participating at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Patients younger than 16 years undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months from injury had the lowest rate of meniscal injuries. ACL reconstruction with lateral tenodesis had low revision rate (6%) and good or excellent clinical outcomes in 88% of young adolescents.

Clinical Relevance:

Sport physicians should be aware that adolescent patients undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months after injury have the lowest rate of meniscal injuries; the mid-term revision rate of ACL reconstruction with lateral plasty is lower than 10% and the patients’ perceived outcomes are good with almost all patients returning to sport activity.
Is Meta-Accuracy Consistent Across Levels of Acquaintanceship?
Authors: Elsaadawy Norhan , Carlson Erika N.
Published: May 2021

Some people tend to be especially accurate about the personality impressions they make, but is meta-accuracy a consistent tendency that spans levels of acquaintanceship, or is it only observed within levels of acquaintanceship? Three studies suggested that meta-accuracy is consistent among close others but not across new acquaintances and close others. This pattern was observed for observable and unobservable traits and when accounting for people who made more consistent impressions on others (i.e., high consensus). Overall, meta-accuracy seems to be circumscribed within levels of acquaintanceship. The major implication of these results is that the mechanisms for meta-accuracy and the attributes of good meta-perceivers likely differ across levels of acquaintanceship.
An unfortunate case of acute aortic regurgitation: Isolated aortic valve prolapse following a motor vehicle accident
Authors: Raja Shariff Raja Ezman , Md Noor Julina , Amir Muhammad Abid , Ibrahim Khairul Shafiq , Kasim Sazzli
Published: May 2021

We present an unfortunate case of severe acute aortic regurgitation (AR) following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) linked to isolated aortic valve prolapse, with no evidence of aortic root disruption or other valvular pathology missed on initial presentation. A 55-year-old gentleman, with known hypertension, was brought into the emergency department following a MVA, where he sustained severe intra-thoracic injuries. A bedside transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a trileaflet aortic valve with evidence of mal-coaptation and severe AR. A computed tomography angiography of the thorax, however, failed to demonstrate evidence of dissection along the aortic root or ascending aorta. Following successful weaning off ventilatory support, the patient was discharged, but he presented back within a week with worsening dyspnoea and palpitations. Examination and investigation supported a diagnosis of acute heart failure with evident severe AR on repeat TTE. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed, revealing prolapsed right and non-coronary cusps which were not seen in previous studies but absent evidence of the aortic root, ascending and descending aorta dilatation or dissection. Valvular complications rarely occur following blunt chest wall trauma, often involving right-sided valves due to their proximity to the sternum. Although aortic valve disruption can occur following MVAs, it is often associated with trauma to the aorta. Based on our literature search, there have been only a handful of reported cases of severe acute AR due to isolated prolapse or ruptured aortic valves in the absence of aortic valve perforation, aortic root disruption or dissection and other valvular abnormalities following trauma.
Bicuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis and aortic root abscess presenting initially as splenic infarctions
Authors: Raja Shariff Raja Ezman Faridz , Zainal Abidin Hafisyatul Aiza , Kasim Sazzli
Published: May 2021

Infective endocarditis (IE) commonly complicates bicuspid aortic valve. We report an uncommon case of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) IE with aortic root abscess (ARA), presenting initially with abdominal pain due to splenic infarcts, delaying prompt diagnosis. A 38-year-old gentleman presented with fever and abdominal pain. He was treated for intra-abdominal sepsis, was started on intravenous antibiotics and had a computed tomography scan of the abdomen that revealed a large splenic infarct. The patient deteriorated, prompting further investigations, including echocardiography due to findings of a new murmur, signs of embolisation and blood cultures revealing Staphylococcus aureus. This revealed an otherwise unknown BAV with aortic valve vegetation and ARA. IE and ARA commonly affect patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and our case highlights the importance of systemic review, as IE often manifest clinically in various forms.
Endobronchial Watanabe spigot complementing prophylactic balloon blocker in the management of post-transbronchial cryobiopsy bleeding
Authors: Nyanti Larry Ellee , Kho Sze Shyang , Chan Swee Kim , Chai Chan Sin , Tie Siew Teck
Published: May 2021

Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is performed to aid diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, of which bleeding is a potentially life-threatening complication. Post-TBCB management involves temporary balloon blockade, bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) or surgery. Bronchial occlusion by endobronchial Watanabe spigot (EWS) as the definitive method of bleeding control post TBCB has not been described. A 56-year-old male underwent TBCB to aid diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. TBCB had been performed at RB4 (lateral segment of right middle lobe) with a prophylactic balloon blocker. However, prolonged bleeding was observed upon deflation of the balloon blocker. Haemostasis was secured with successful deployment of EWS into RB4, with no evidence of rebleeding in surveillance bronchoscopy and chest radiographs. EWS was kept in situ for four days and subsequently removed. The patient was discharged with good functional status. This case demonstrates that EWS placement may be considered for definitive management of low-volume post-TBCB bleeding, especially when BAE and surgical intervention are not possible.
Unique Neural Activity Patterns Among Lower Order Cortices and Shared Patterns Among Higher Order Cortices During Processing of Similar Shapes With Different Stimulus Types
Authors: Li Zhen , Shigemasu Hiroaki
Published: May 2021

We investigated the neural mechanism of the processing of three-dimensional (3D) shapes defined by disparity and perspective. We measured blood oxygenation level-dependent signals as participants viewed and classified 3D images of convex–concave shapes. According to the cue (disparity or perspective) and element type (random dots or black and white dotted lines), three types of stimuli were used: random dot stereogram, black and white dotted lines with perspective, and black and white dotted lines with binocular disparity. The blood oxygenation level-dependent images were then classified by multivoxel pattern analysis. To identify areas selective to shape, we assessed convex–concave classification accuracy with classifiers trained and tested using signals evoked by the same stimulus type (same cue and element type). To identify cortical regions with similar neural activity patterns regardless of stimulus type, we assessed the convex–concave classification accuracy of transfer classification in which classifiers were trained and tested using different stimulus types (different cues or element types). Classification accuracy using the same stimulus type was high in the early visual areas and subregions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), whereas transfer classification accuracy was high in the dorsal subregions of the IPS. These results indicate that the early visual areas process the specific features of stimuli, whereas the IPS regions perform more generalized processing of 3D shapes, independent of a specific stimulus type.
Iliopsoas hematoma in patients with COVID-19 on low-molecular-weight heparin treatment
Authors: Sottilotta Gianluca , Mangano Carmelo , Basile Rosa , Falcone Carmela , Luise Francesca , Megalizzi Demetrio , Nicolò Giovanna Maria , Oriana Vincenzo , Piromalli Angela
Published: May 2021

Patients with COVID-19 are at high risk of thromboembolic events; for this reason, the use of heparin is largely recommended but, in addition to thrombotic complications, bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity in patients with COVID-19. Idiopathic iliopsoas hematoma is a very rarely described hemorrhagic complication in patients with COVID-19. We report here two cases of iliopsoas hematoma in male patients with COVID-19 and being treated with heparin.
Dealing with measurement error in list experiments: Choosing the right control list design
Authors: Agerberg Mattias , Tannenberg Marcus
Published: May 2021

List experiments are widely used in the social sciences to elicit truthful responses to sensitive questions. Yet, the research design commonly suffers from the problem of measurement error in the form of non-strategic respondent error, where some inattentive participants might provide random responses. This type of error can result in severely biased estimates. A recently proposed solution is the use of a necessarily false placebo item to equalize the length of the treatment and control lists in order to alleviate concerns about respondent error. In this paper we show theoretically that placebo items do not in general eliminate bias caused by non-strategic respondent error. We introduce a new option, the mixed control list, and show how researchers can choose between different control list designs to minimize the problems caused by inattentive respondents. We provide researchers with practical guidance to think carefully about the bias that inattentive respondents might cause in a given application of the list experiment. We also report results from a large novel list experiment fielded to over 4900 respondents, specifically designed to illustrate our theoretical argument and recommendations.
The limited effects of partisan and consensus messaging in correcting science misperceptions
Authors: Chockalingam Vignesh , Wu Victor , Berlinski Nicolas , Chandra Zoe , Hu Amy , Jones Erik , Kramer Justin , Li Xiaoqiu Steven , Monfre Thomas , Ng Yong Sheng , Sach Madeleine , Smith-Lopez Maria , Solomon Sarah , Sosanya Andrew , Nyhan Brendan
Published: May 2021

The spread of COVID-19 misinformation highlights the need to correct misperceptions about health and science. Research on climate change suggests that informing people about a scientific consensus can reduce misinformation endorsement, but these studies often fail to isolate the effects of consensus messaging and may not translate to other issues. We therefore conduct a survey experiment comparing standard corrections with those citing a scientific consensus for three issues: COVID-19 threat, climate change threat, and vaccine efficacy. We find that consensus corrections are never more effective than standard corrections at countering misperceptions and generally fail to reduce them with only one exception. We also find that consensus corrections endorsed by co-partisans do not reduce misperceptions relative to standard corrections, while those endorsed by opposition partisans are viewed as less credible and can potentially even provoke a backfire effect. These results indicate that corrections citing a scientific consensus, including corrective messages from partisans, are less effective than previous research suggests when compared with appropriate baseline messages.
World Heritage sites on Wikipedia: Cultural heritage activism in a context of constrained agency
Authors: Marwick Ben , Smith Prema
Published: May 2021

UNESCO World Heritage sites are places of outstanding significance and often key sources of information that influence how people interact with the past today. The process of inscription on the UNESCO list is complicated and intersects with political and commercial controversies. But how well are these controversies known to the public? Wikipedia pages on these sites offer a unique dataset for insights into public understanding of heritage controversies. The unique technicity of Wikipedia, with its bot ecosystem and editing mechanics, shapes how knowledge about cultural heritage is constructed and how controversies are negotiated and communicated. In this article, we investigate the patterns of production, consumption, and spatial and temporal distributions of Wikipedia pages for World Heritage cultural sites. We find that Wikipedia provides a distinctive context for investigating how people experience and relate to the past in the present. The agency of participants is highly constrained, but distinctive, behind-the-scenes expressions of cultural heritage activism are evident. Concerns about state-like actors, violence and destruction, deal-making, etc. in the World Heritage inscription process are present, but rare on Wikipedia’s World Heritage pages. Instead, hyper-local and process issues dominate controversies on Wikipedia. We describe how this kind of research, drawing on Big Data and data science methods, contributes to digital heritage studies and also reveals its limitations.
In Search of a Better Outcome: Opting Into the Live Donor Paired Kidney Exchange Program
Authors: Vinson Amanda J. , Kiberd Bryce A. , Tennankore Karthik K.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Live donor (LD) kidney transplantation is the best option for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, this may not be the best option if a patient’s donor is older and considerably smaller in weight. Patient (A) with a less than ideal donor (Donor A) might enter into a live donor paired exchange (LDPE) program with the hopes of swapping for a better-quality organ. A second patient (B) who is in the LDPE may or may not benefit from this exchange with Donor A.

Methods:

This medical decision analysis examines the conditions that favor Patient A entering into the LDPE compared to directly accepting a kidney from their intended donor, as well as the circumstances where Patient B also benefits by accepting a lower-quality organ.

Results:

Under select circumstances, a paired exchange could benefit both Patients A and B. For example, a 30-year-old Patient A with a lower-quality donor might gain 1.201.521.84 quality adjusted life years (QALYs) by entering into a LDPE for a better-quality kidney, whereas a 60-year-old Patient B might gain 0.931.031.13 QALYs by accepting Donor A’s kidney rather than waiting longer in the LDPE. The net benefit (or loss) of entering the LDPE differs by recipient age, donor organ quality, likelihood of Patient B being transplanted in LDPE, and likelihood of Patient A finding an ideal donor in the LDPE.

Conclusion:

This study shows there are ways to increase live donor utilization and effectiveness that require further research and potentially changes to the LDPE process.