bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polythiophene/graphene/zinc tungstate nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization, DC electrical conductivity and cigarette smoke sensing application
Authors: Husain Ahmad , Ahmad Sharique , Mohammad Faiz
Published: June 2020

Herein, we are reporting the synthesis and characterization of polythiophene (PTh) and its novel nanocomposites with zinc tungstate (ZT) and graphene/zinc tungstate (G/ZT) hybrid for Direct current (DC) electrical conductivity based cigarette smoke sensing at room temperature. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used for the characterization of the as-prepared materials. The results showed that the DC electrical conductivity and sensing performance of PTh significantly improved by incorporation of ZT and G/ZT into it. PTh/G/ZT-3 (i.e. PTh/G/ZT nanocomposite containing 15 wt% G/ZT) was found to be the best sensor in terms of sensing response (81.5%) and reversibility (90.55%) along with the most stable semiconductor under isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions. Sensing response of PTh/G/ZT-3 was also tested in the exposure to various components of cigarette smoke (namely ammonia, carbon dioxide, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, toluene, phenol) and the highest sensing response was observed in the exposure to ammonia. The significant increase in conductivity of PTh/G/ZT nanocomposites was explained by the transfer of polarons from PTh to graphene, that is, creation of a hole in graphene where they achieved rapid mobility along with the extended π-conjugated system. Finally, a sensing mechanism was proposed through adsorption–desorption of cigarette smoke on the surface of PTh/G/ZT where electronic interactions between polarons of PTh and various components of cigarette smoke (mainly ammonia and ethanol) affected the change in DC electrical conductivity.
Pharmaceutical Market and Drug Price Policy in India
Authors: Motkuri Venkatanarayana , Mishra Rudra Narayan
Published: June 2020

Drug prices and cost of healthcare are two major concerns globally. This entails to examine the structure and performance of domestic pharmaceutical industry and Indian market’s pricing policy of drugs. This article contributes to the debate around regulation of drug prices in India from the perspectives of the healthcare of the poor and affordability.
Emerging Challenges and Threats for Dental Health Care Sector Attributable to COVID-19: Tale of a Developing Country
Authors: Pethani Asma Sadruddin , Allana Raheel Rehman , Hussain Mehmood
Published: June 2020

Prevention and control of infection in dentistry is an essential matter that has gained immense attention in recent years. There exist a lack of scientific data about the cross-transmission and its associated risk, especially in the dental health care setting of Pakistan. This article will evaluate the emerging challenges and threats for the dental community in Pakistan attributable to the COVID-19 outbreak. There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the state- and institutional-level of infection prevention and control (IPC) policies and practices. In addition, not much is known about the development, implementation, and monitoring of IPC policies and its challenges.
Contested feelings: Mapping emotional journeys of LGBTI rights and reforms
Authors: Raj Senthorun
Published: June 2020

This reflection explores how emotion shapes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights and law reforms. Drawing on case studies from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the author maps how disgust regulates sexuality, hate manifests in hate crime penalties, anger arises in anti-discrimination measures, fear polices refugee law, anxiety shapes trans children’s access to medical transition, pity and compassion inhibit intersex autonomy, and love enables marriage equality. Legal scholars, activists, lawyers, and judges need to take emotion seriously to better address the pressing challenges facing LGBTI people.
Mental health service provision in rural Australia: a regional town–city comparison of two continuing care teams
Authors: Matta Gabrielle , Longhitano Calogero , Husodo Cortney , McDermott Brett
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The primary aims were to compare the characteristics and health outcomes of consumers entering a regional mental health service compared with a city service.

Method:

A retrospective audit was undertaken of consumers aged 18 and over from a regional town and city mental health service. Consumer demographics, diagnoses and outcomes were compared between the two services. The data analysis plan utilised descriptive statistics. For between-clinic comparisons, relevant inferential statistics was used.

Results:

Regional service patients had a significantly greater proportion of substance use disorder diagnoses. Outcome rating scales were higher (worse) for regional consumers. There was significantly less overall service utilisation for regional service consumers including shorter duration of episodes of care, less hospitalisations and less people treated under the Mental Health Act.

Conclusions:

There were a broader range of patient presentations in the regional town. Regional practitioners may specifically need more training and skills in treating substance use disorders.
The struggle for gender diversity
Authors: Gardner Sally M , Komesaroff Paul A
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Contradictory social policies and attitudes about gender diversity raise questions about how we should understand the current status of the historical ‘heterosexual’ gender regime.

Conclusion:

Drawing on the work of the feminist philosopher and psychoanalyst Luce Irigaray, this essay argues that sexual difference is the irreducible starting point for all meaning, sense, morality and affect.
Causes of swine polyserositis in a high-density breeding area in Italy
Authors: Salogni Cristian , Lazzaro Massimiliano , Giovannini Stefano , Vitale Nicoletta , Boniotti Maria Beatrice , Pozzi Paolo , Pasquali Paolo , Alborali Giovanni Loris
Published: June 2020

We assessed the causes of polyserositis in pigs, categorized by causative agents and ages of animals affected. In a 3-y study, 246 pigs from 80 different farms with recurrent problems of polyserositis, in a high-density breeding area, were submitted for autopsy; 154 pigs with typical fibrinous serosal lesions were sampled for further bacterial and viral investigation. The most common gross lesions were pleuritis and pericarditis (141 of 154; 92%). The animals most affected were weaned pigs (139 of 154; 90%). Haemophilus parasuis and Mycoplasma hyorhinis were the most common bacteria detected and were present at the same rate (85 of 154; 55%). Other bacteria isolated were Streptococcus sp. (44 of 154; 29%), Pasteurella multocida (21 of 154; 14%), Escherichia coli (19 of 154; 12%), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (7 of 154; 5%), and Trueperella pyogenes (4 of 154; 3%). Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV; 119 of 154; 77%) predominated among the viruses detected, followed, with lesser prevalence, by porcine circovirus 2 (40 of 154; 26%) and swine influenza A virus (19 of 154; 12%). Bacterial coinfection and coinfection of bacteria and viruses were common (128 of 154; 83%). A strong positive correlation was found between coinfection by H. parasuis and M. hyorhinis and also by H. parasuis with PRRSV.
Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality of Interpreting Services to Refugee Women in New Zealand
Authors: Shrestha-Ranjit Jagamaya , Payne Deborah , Koziol-McLain Jane , Crezee Ineke , Manias Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

A significant number of people have been displaced from their country of origin and become refugees. Good health is essential for refugees to actively engage and take up opportunities within the society in their host countries. However, negotiating a new and unfamiliar health system hinders refugees’ ability to access and make use of the available health services. Communication difficulties due to language barriers are the most commonly cited challenges faced by refugees in accessing and utilizing health services post-resettlement. In this study, we aimed to examine effectiveness of interpreting services for refugee women in New Zealand. Data were collected through three sources: focus groups with Bhutanese women, focus group with Bhutanese men, and individual interviews with health professionals. The findings of this study reveal inadequacies and constraints in the provision of a socioculturally and linguistically effective interpreting service to Bhutanese women and provide evidence for recommendations to address these inadequacies.
Representation Matters: Integrating Books With Characters With Autism in the Classroom
Authors: Barrio Brenda L. , Hsiao Yun-Ju , Kelley Jane E. , Cardon Teresa A.
Published: June 2020

Increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has come with an increase in books that depict individuals with ASD. However, media representation of disabilities could be misguided. To integrate literature in the classroom that helps students better understand the population of ASD, carefully choosing quality books (e.g., narrative fiction) with authentic depictions that do not perpetuate negative stereotypes is essential. The tools and criteria presented for educators help them evaluate and select books for their classrooms or as recommendations to others. The article includes a set of guidelines that help educators facilitate proper consideration for representations of characters with ASD, including the essential and more profound components of their strengths with a positive view of diversity in mind.
Predictors of Quality of Life in Young Adults Diagnosed With Cancer
Authors: McKie Charmaine A. , Laiyemo Adeyinka O.
Published: June 2020

A cross-section correlational study was conducted to evaluate the overall quality of life in young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer, and the impact of health-related and non-health-related factors on their quality of life. Fifty-six AYA cancer survivors were recruited to elicit the impact of biological function (cancer type and comorbidity), symptoms, functional status, general perception of health status, gender, and characteristics of the environment on quality of life. Participants experienced higher than average quality of life. Symptoms, functional status, and general perception of health status were significant predictors of quality of life in this group of AYAs diagnosed with cancer. In delivering quality cancer care, nurses must be able to thoroughly assess symptom status, AYA cancer survivors’ perception of their health status, and functioning in order to implement supportive measures to help improve their quality of life.
Lefamulin: The First Systemic Pleuromutilin Antibiotic
Authors: Chahine Elias B. , Sucher Allana J.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, microbiology, efficacy, and safety of lefamulin.

Data Sources:

A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar (2010 to end-April 2020) with the search terms BC-3781 and lefamulin. Other resources included abstracts presented at recent conferences, prescribing information, and the manufacturer’s and Food and Drug Administration websites.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All relevant English-language articles of studies assessing the efficacy and safety of lefamulin were included.

Data Synthesis:

Lefamulin is a pleuromutilin antibiotic with activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and atypical bacteria. Lefamulin, given at the dose of 150 mg intravenously or 600 mg orally on an empty stomach every 12 hours for 5 to 7 days, was proven noninferior to moxifloxacin for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Common adverse reactions include injection site reactions, hepatic enzyme elevation, gastrointestinal upset, hypokalemia, insomnia, and headache. Lefamulin is associated with QT prolongation, and concomitant use with CYP3A substrates that prolong the QT interval is contraindicated. Lefamulin may cause fetal harm.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Lefamulin is a novel antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action. It represents an alternative option to β-lactams and macrolides in the treatment of adults with CABP and an alternative option to amoxicillin and doxycycline in the outpatient setting given the rise in resistance to macrolides and safety concerns with fluoroquinolones. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may limit the tolerability of the oral formulation.

Conclusions:

Lefamulin is the first systemic pleuromutilin antibiotic that has proven safe and effective for adults with CABP.
Initial Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the Limited Prosocial Emotions Questionnaire (LPEQ)
Authors: Castagna Peter J. , Babinski Dara E. , Pearl Amanda M. , Waxmonsky James G. , Waschbusch Daniel A.
Published: June 2020

Callous–unemotional traits, which include lack of remorse or guilt, callousness/lack of empathy, unconcern about performance, and shallow/deficient affect, were included as a specifier of conduct disorder in the current (fifth) edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders under the rubric Limited Prosocial Emotions (LPEs). The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a new rating scale, the Limited Prosocial Emotions Questionnaire (LPEQ). Caregivers ( n = 1,050) of children ( Mage = 8.42, SD = 2.31) completed the LPEQ and other measures. Results provide support for a single factor model of the LPEQ, with measurement invariance supported across child and informant sex. Both the reliability and validity of the LPEQ as a measure of LPEs were also well supported. Children identified with LPE had significantly greater average impairment and need for treatment relative to children without LPE. Children with conduct problems (i.e., conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder), as well those without conduct problems, had significantly more impairment if they were identified as having LPE. Our findings fit with the mounting evidence of the clinical utility of assessing LPEs in children. Future research should look to replicate our findings in clinical samples of youth.
Embedded WAIS-IV Detection Strategies and Feigned Cognitive Impairment: An Investigation of Malingered ADHD
Authors: Rogers Richard , Velsor Sarah F. , Donnelly John W. , Dean Brittney
Published: June 2020

Malingered attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be strongly motivated on college campuses by recreational use of ADHD medications and to obtain unwarranted academic accommodations. Rather than rely on face-valid (easily faked) ADHD checklists, the study focused on the more complex Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth edition (WAIS-IV; Wechsler, 2008). However, the current literature has not yet investigated well-defined detection strategies for feigned WAIS-IV presentations. Using aprioristic standards, four different detection strategies from the feigning literature were adapted to certain WAIS-IV subscales. For example, significantly below-chance performance was applied to visual puzzles. Using a between-subjects simulation design, 74 undergraduate simulators were compared with archival data on 73 outpatients diagnosed with ADHD at a university psychology clinic. Very large effect sizes (Cohen’s ds from 1.66 to 1.90) differentiated between genuine and feigned ADHD. Two strategies (significantly below-chance performance and floor effect) showed strong promise if cross-validated for other feigning presentations. The study concluded with clinical considerations and future avenues for research.
Design of adaptive optimal robust control for two-flexible-link manipulators in the presence of matched uncertainties
Authors: Shafei Hamid Reza , Bahrami Mohsen , Talebi Heidar Ali
Published: June 2020

This study uses a comprehensive control approach to deal with the trajectory tracking problem of a two-flexible-link manipulator subjected to model uncertainties. Because the control inputs of two-flexible-link manipulators are less than their state variables, the proposed controller should be able to tackle the stated challenge. Practically speaking, there is only a single control signal for each joint, which can be used to suppress link deflections and control joint trajectories. To achieve this objective, a novel optimal robust control scheme, with an updated gain under the adaptive law, has been developed in this work for the first time. In this regard, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode control approach is used as the robust controller and a control Lyapunov function is used as the optimal control law, to benefit from the advantages of both methods. To systematically deal with system uncertainties, an adaptive law is used to update the gain of nonsingular terminal sliding mode control. The advantage of this approach over the existing methods is that it not only can robustly and stably control an uncertain nonlinear system against external disturbances but also can optimally solve a quadratic cost function (e.g. minimization of control effort). The Lyapunov stability theory has been applied to verify the stability of the proposed approach. Moreover, to show the superiority of this method, the computer simulation results of the proposed method have been compared with those of an adaptive sliding mode control scheme. This comparison shows that the presented approach is capable of optimizing the control inputs while achieving the stability of the examined two-flexible-link manipulator in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Predictors of increased melphalan exposure correlate with overall survival, nonrelapse mortality, and toxicities in patients undergoing reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation with fludarabine and melphalan
Authors: Sweiss Karen , Calip Gregory Sampang , Holden Jaime , Lewkowski Paulina , Mialik Iryna , Johnson Jeremy , Galvin John P , Rondelli Damiano , Patel Pritesh
Published: June 2020

The reduced-intensity conditioning regimen, fludarabine and melphalan 140 mg/m2 (FM140), is widely adopted in practice. Pharmacokinetic studies report 10-fold interpatient variability in melphalan exposure. We identified low hemoglobin (Hb) and/or creatinine clearance (CrCl), determinants of melphalan pharmacokinetic, as strong predictors of outcomes after high-dose melphalan and autologous transplant. We hypothesized that these variables could predict for outcomes after FM140. Overall survival was shorter in patients with a lower Hb (113 vs. 2536 days; p = 0.004), due to an increased rate of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) ( p = 0.0005). Overall survival was also worse in patients with lower CrCl (75 vs. 317 days; p = 0.003), with a significantly worse nonrelapse mortality ( p = 0.0023). In a multivariate analysis, a higher Hb and CrCl predicted for better overall survival ( p = 0.017). In patients with a lower Hb, the median duration of hospitalization ( p = 0.02) and the mean duration of diarrhea ( p = 0.008) were longer. In patients with a lower CrCl, the median duration of hospitalization ( p = 0.06) and the mean duration of diarrhea ( p = 0.0009) longer, and the rate of infection was higher ( p = 0.02). We show for the first time that Hb and CrCl represent important determinants of outcomes after FM140, suggesting that pharmacokinetic-directed dosing may be beneficial in achieving optimal outcomes.
Lack of everolimus diffusion in pleural fluid during pleural progression of breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Vaury Célia , Macaire Pauline , Goirand Françoise , Coudert Bruno , Guérard Pascal , Schmitt Antonin
Published: June 2020

Background

We report here a case where no everolimus pleural diffusion was evidenced at the same time of pleural progression of a metastatic breast cancer treated with everolimus and exemestane.

Case description

A 69-year-old woman was diagnosed in October 2006 with stage III invasive ductal breast adenocarcinoma. After nine months of everolimus and exemestane treatment, she presented with a pleural progression. Everolimus concentration was measured in blood and in pleural fluid. Residual blood concentration was at 9.1 ng/mL, while no everolimus was observed in the pleural fluid.

Management and outcome

Due to inefficacy of everolimus in this patient, she was switched to palbociclib and fulvestrant.

Conclusion

Everolimus seems to have a poor diffusion in the pleural fluid.
Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Neurotrophins in an MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Animal Model: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Cho Hyeyoung , Kang Kyoungah
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of environmental enrichment (EE) on neurotrophin expression in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD was induced via intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Male mice ( N = 42) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, MPTP + standard condition (SC), and MPTP + EE. The groups were raised separately for 28 days. On Day 21 they received 1 injection (20 mg/kg MPTP or saline for MPTP and control groups, respectively) every 2 hr for a total of 4 injections. Animals were sacrificed 7 days after the final injection and their brains were immediately removed. Neurotrophins and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels were measured. The BCL-2/Bax ratio significantly increased in the MPTP + EE compared to the MPTP + SC group. Nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA level was upregulated (but not significantly) in the MPTP + EE compared to the MPTP + SC group. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression significantly increased in the MPTP + EE compared to the MPTP + SC group. Finally, expressions of proNGF and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) were significantly downregulated in the MPTP + EE compared to the MPTP + SC group. Results confirm that EE has neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons via suppression of activation of the p75NTR-mediated signaling pathway through the binding of proNGF and p75NTR. Findings suggest that use of EE as a therapeutic intervention would promote healthy aging by facilitating recovery following brain injury and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Results of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) in diabetic macular edema patients: Early versus late switch
Authors: Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Rodríguez-Leor Ramón , Almazán Elena , Lugo Francisco , Casado-Lopez Esther , Arias Luis , Ruiz-Moreno José M
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To assess the functional and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant Ozurdex® in eyes with diabetic macular edema that did not adequately respond to vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective, and real-life case series study conducted on consecutive diabetic macular edema patients who underwent treatment with one or more dexamethasone implant injections and were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Subjects were divided into three groups: I—naïve patients, II—previously treated eyes that received three intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors injections before the study (early switch), and III—previously treated eyes that received >3 intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors injections before the study (late switch). Primary endpoints were best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness at month 12.

Results

A total of 129 eyes (21 naïve and 108 previously treated, Group II: 32 and Group III: 76) were included. At month 12, best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.27 ± 0.23 and 0.31 ± 0.22 at baseline to 0.36 ± 0.25 and 0.37 ± 0.23 at month 12 in naïve and previously treated eyes, respectively, and p = 0.0063 and 0.0060, respectively. Central retinal thickness, in naïve and previously treated eyes, was significantly reduced from 483.0 ± 143.4 and 431.3 ± 115.5 µm, at baseline, to 278.8 ± 72.1 and 269.3 ± 66.2 µm, at month 12, respectively, and p < 0.0001 each, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement was significantly greater in both absolute and percentage values, p = 0.0393 and 0.0118, respectively, in Group II than in Group III.

Conclusion

In eyes with insufficient response to antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, switching to dexamethasone at the time to 3-monthly antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors injections provided better functional outcomes than those that received >3 antivascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors injections.
Manual deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty after partial unintentional full-thickness trephination
Authors: Sarnicola Enrica , Sarnicola Caterina , Cheung Albert Y , Panico Edoardo , Panico Claudio , Sarnicola Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe a surgical technique to perform deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) despite inadvertent full thickness trephination in one quadrant.

Methods:

Case report of a 19-year-old boy who underwent DALK for visually significant post-infectious stromal scar in his left eye. An unintentional full thickness trephination occurred in the upper-nasal quadrant at the beginning of the surgery. After suturing the perforated area, manual DALK was performed, and an air bubble was left in the anterior chamber. Evaluated outcomes included best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), residual recipient bed thickness, endothelial cell count (ECC), graft clarity, rejection, and presence/absence of double anterior chamber.

Results:

The surgery was completed without any further complications. No double anterior chamber or Urrets–Zavalia syndrome was observed on the first postoperative day. Mean residual recipient bed thickness was 72 μm and regular. ECC was 2446 cell/mm2. BSCVA at 18 months of follow-up was 0.9. There were no episodes of rejection, and the graft remained clear at the last follow-up (4 years).

Conclusion:

Inadvertent partial full thickness trephination of the recipient cornea is a largely preventable but possible complication during DALK. Penetrating keratoplasty conversion can be avoided by performing a manual dissection DALK.
Comparison between bovine carotid artery graft and polytetrafluoroethylene graft for haemodialysis vascular access: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kostakis Ioannis D , Loukopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2020

Background:

There is a renewed interest in using bovine carotid artery grafts for haemodialysis vascular access after recent advances in conduit manufacturing and endovascular management of access-related complications. Our aim was to summarize the results of the recent studies comparing bovine carotid artery grafts with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts as vascular access for haemodialysis.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted for original articles comparing bovine carotid artery with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for haemodialysis vascular access published between January 2000 and December 2019 searching the databases of Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Results:

Four studies were included (one prospective randomized controlled trial and three retrospective studies) with 676 patients in total (bovine carotid artery: 395, polytetrafluoroethylene: 281). There was lower graft infection rate per patient-year in bovine carotid artery grafts (mean difference: −0.03, p < 0.0001). Bovine carotid artery grafts required fewer interventions per patient-year to maintain or restore patency (mean difference: −0.81, p = 0.002). No significant difference was detected regarding pseudoaneurysm formation (p = 0.24), steal syndrome (p = 0.11) or patency rates (primary: 1 year: p = 0.15, 2 years: p = 0.69; primary assisted: 1 year: p = 0.18, 2 years: p = 0.54; secondary: 1 year: p = 0.22, 2 years: p = 0.17).

Conclusion:

Bovine carotid artery and polytetrafluoroethylene grafts have similar short-term and long-term outcomes, with a possible advantage of bovine carotid artery grafts concerning graft infections and number of required interventions. Thus, bovine carotid artery grafts can be a useful alternative modality for haemodialysis vascular access.
Clinical Features, Therapeutic Trends, and Outcome of Giant Prolactinomas: A Single-Center Experience Over a 12-Year Period
Authors: Almalki Mussa H , Aljohani Naji , Alzahrani Saad , Almohareb Ohoud , Ahmad Maswood M , Alrashed Abdullah A , Alshahrani Fahad , Mahmood Buhary Badurudeen
Published: June 2020

Background:

Management of giant prolactinomas presents a different challenge than the management of traditional prolactinomas.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to report the largest long-term single-center study of giant prolactinomas to analyze their clinical features; define epidemiological characteristics, comorbidities, complications, treatment outcomes; and to demonstrate our experience with long-term cabergoline (CAB) treatment of these giant tumors.

Methods:

A retrospective case study and clinical review of patients presenting with giant prolactinomas in the pituitary clinic at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the period between 2006 and 2018 were included in the study. Of the charts reviewed, 33 patients (24 men; 9 women) with age of diagnosis between 18 and 63 years (mean = 37.21 years) met the selection criteria for giant prolactinomas.

Result:

The most common presenting features include headache (87.8%), visual defects (69.7%), and hypogonadism (51.5%). The baseline means serum prolactin (PRL) level was extremely high for both sexes (95 615.03 nmol/L), which eventually decreased by as much as 95.4% after CAB treatment. Serum PRL concentrations completely normalized in 11 patients and significantly reduced in 22 patients. The mean tumor volume at baseline was 42.87 cm3, whereas the mean posttreatment tumor volume was 3.42 cm3 (no residual tumor in 2 patients, while in others, it ranged from 0.11 to 16.7 cm3) at the last follow-up visit. The mean change in tumor volume was 88.84%. Tumor volume decreased by an average of 92% for men and 80.4% for women. One patient had no tumor size change with CAB (3.5 mg thrice a week) or radiotherapy and required surgery. The response rate (remission after medical therapy alone) in this series was 84.84%.

Conclusions:

Findings reinforce results from our previous study that CAB provides dramatic clinical improvements with an excellent safety profile. The CAB should, therefore, be considered as the primary therapy for giant prolactinomas.
Children’s perspectives and attitudes towards Fortnite ‘addiction’
Authors: Carter Marcus , Moore Kyle , Mavoa Jane , gaspard luke , Horst Heather
Published: June 2020

Playing digital games is increasingly pathologized as an addiction or a disorder, but there is limited research into the impact of game addiction discourse on children who play digital games. In this article, we present results from a study into the digital play of twenty-four 9–14-year-olds, attending to our participants’ perspectives and attitudes towards ‘game addiction’ and how it interacts with their play and identity. Focused primarily on the online multiplayer first-person shooter game Fortnite, we examine how children encounter and attempt to negotiate game addiction discourse and demonstrate how the discourse in and of itself produces challenges for young people whose interests and passions revolve around games. This article subsequently discusses how the discursive frameworks that are perpetuated in the media around ‘problematic play’ need to incorporate and be inclusive of the child’s right to play, and the relevance of our findings to the study of media panic and children’s critical media literacies.
The change of the Spanish tourist model: From the Sun and Sand to the Security and Sand
Authors: Nurmatov Ruslan , Fernandez Xose Luis , Coto Millán Pedro Pablo
Published: June 2020

There is evidence of specialisation in tourism destinations, but also a lack of literature regarding its impact on tourism regional performance. This study aims to contribute to the analysis of the determinants of tourism performance. To this end, the efficiency of 17 Spanish regions has been estimated by meta-frontier data envelopment analysis techniques over the 2008–2018 period. In the second stage, we adopt the bootstrapping method proposed by Simar and Wilson to measure the impact of explanatory factors on tourism efficiency. The results suggest that regions specialised in tourism may achieve higher efficiency levels. However, there is evidence of a catching-up process in the tourism technology of the Spanish regions over the last 10 years. Results also suggest that sand (kilometres of beaches) and insecurity are the key drivers of tourism efficiency. Moreover, natural attractions is the factor that most positively influences efficiency in non-specialised regions.
VFR travel interactions through the lens of the host
Authors: Backer Elisa , Erol Günay , Düşmezkalender Ebru
Published: June 2020

Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel is a substantial segment of tourism globally. In many countries, VFR travel represents a large proportion of visitor movement. The size of the segment is often underestimated because official data only reveal VFR by purpose of visit or VFR by accommodation, contributing to the underestimation of the size of VFR travel. Similarly, there is a lack of research that considers the role of the VFR host in VFR travel which results in a lack of understanding. Clearly, the role of the host is critical in VFR travel and it is what centrally defines VFR. This study contributes to the research in VFR travel through providing research related to hosting VFRs. Of note, this study was undertaken in Turkey, which makes a significant contribution to scholarship given the lack of research that has been undertaken outside of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, which are the areas in which VFR travel research has dominated. This study determined the profiles and characteristics of 423 VFR travellers to Nevsehir, Turkey, and their hosts. Accordingly, this study provides a significant contribution to the scholarship of tourism by providing rich data on an area of tourism (hosting VFRs) that had to date, been overlooked.
Tourist attitudes to mega-event sponsors: Where does patriotism fit?
Authors: Chang Ching-Hung , King Brian EM , Shu Shih-Tung
Published: June 2020

The sponsoring of mega-events enables organizations to capitalize on the power of sport to stimulate passionate brand identifications among attendees. However, a critical issue that has not been addressed by scholars is whether the effects of sponsoring mega-events such as the Olympics by a foreign brand will resemble the equivalent sponsorship by a domestic counterpart. In particular, few scholars have investigated attendee perceptions of congruities between event sponsor and self-sponsor brand favorability emanating from an overseas country with where there are longstanding tensions and from home. This study investigated attendees at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, a city with a long history of patriotic nationalism directed against Japan. The researchers identify that self-domestic sponsor congruity mediates the impact of patriotism among domestic attendees on their favorability toward domestic brands. Self-foreign sponsor congruity moderates the impact of event liking on favorability, even in the case of sponsors from a country with hostile connotations. The study has managerial implications for targeting and localization strategies by sponsor brands both domestic and overseas. It is proposed that foreign brand sponsors of mega-events should pursue local brand adaption through the incorporation local narratives with which residents can identify.
The (De)materialization of Criminal Bodies in Forensic DNA Phenotyping
Authors: Granja Rafaela , Machado Helena , Queirós Filipa
Published: June 2020

Forensic DNA phenotyping is a genetic technology that might be used in criminal investigations. Based on DNA samples of the human body found at crime scenes, it allows to infer externally visible characteristics (such as eye, hair and skin colour) and continental-based biogeographical ancestry. By indicating the probable visible appearance of a criminal suspect, forensic DNA phenotyping allows to narrow down the focus of a criminal investigation. In this article, drawing on interviews with forensic geneticists, we explore how their narratives translate contemporary focus on criminal molecularized bodies. We propose the concept of (de)materialization to approach three aspects of the forensic geneticists’ views. The first regards considering bodies as mutable entities. The second relates to socially contingent meanings attributed to bodies. The third regards to controversies surrounding data reliability. By reflecting upon the (de)materialization of criminal bodies, forensic geneticists juxtapose the defence and unsettling of forensic DNA phenotyping claims.
State of Ohio v. Ross Compton: Internet-enabled medical device data introduced as evidence of arson and insurance fraud
Authors: Maras Marie-Helen , Wandt Adam Scott
Published: June 2020

The data generated by Internet of Things devices is increasingly being introduced as evidence in court. The first US case involving the introduction of medical data from a pacemaker as evidence of arson and insurance fraud was State of Ohio v Compton. The purpose of this article is three-fold. First, the article explores this case, looking in particular at the facts of the case and the charges brought against the defendant. Second, the article critically examines the decision of the trial court judge during the suppression hearing for the evidence from the pacemaker. In this hearing, the judge ruled that the search and seizure did not violate the Fourth Amendment rights of the defendant and allowed the pacemaker data to be entered as evidence against him. Third, the article considers the implications of this decision for future cases involving Internet-of-Things (IoT) medical data. Ultimately, the constitutional protections of IoT medical device data and the circumstances under which the data from these devices will be collected and used as evidence, are issues that currently demand the attention of legal and digital forensics professionals and warrant public debate.
Thermal performance of a novel heating bed system integrated with a stack effect tunnel
Authors: Luo Xilian , Lei Shilin , Yu Chuck Wah , Gu Zhaolin
Published: June 2020

The traditional widely used Chinese Kang heating system has been gradually becoming obsolete, due to the coal or wood burning emission that causes poor indoor air quality. In the interest to preserve the rural life, this study evaluated the performance of a retrofitted traditional Kang heating system with the use of alternative clean energy in a rural-dwelling in Xi'an, China. An air source heat pump (ASHP) was applied to drive the heating bed system, and an indoor stack effect tunnel was incorporated to induce the stack effect and to enhance the heating efficiency. A series of experiments were carried out by varying the exhaust tunnel height and heating mode. The system was shown to have produced significant improvement of the indoor air temperature and satisfied the Chinese standard, GB/T 50824–2013 for rural buildings. For the same mean outdoor temperature, when the stack effect tunnel height was extended from 1.0 m to 1.5 m, a 9.3% improvement in the heat release was obtained. When the heating mode changes from a single flue bottom surface heating to the combined flue bottom and vertical tunnel's lateral surface heating, the enhancement was 43.9%. The system would provide a sustainable way to renovate, upgrade and preserve the traditional Kang system with a use of a cleaner energy source.
Effects of visual exposure to wood on human affective states, physiological arousal and cognitive performance: A systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Lipovac Dean , Burnard Michael D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Bringing features of nature indoors can positively influence indicators of human stress. Since wood is a natural material, it may produce similar benefits. The objective of the review was to (1) examine the influence of visual (real or virtual) contact with either real or imitated indoor wooden surfaces on certain stress indicators, that is affective, physiological or cognitive performance outcomes (compared to non-wooden surfaces) and to (2) assess the methodological quality of the reviewed studies.

Method

We conducted a systematic literature search for English articles on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central and Google Scholar on 6 August 2019. The results of the eligible studies were synthesized narratively in light of the identified methodological shortcomings.

Results

We reviewed nine studies with 386 participants in total. Studies with longer exposure times to wood generally observed improved affective states and decreased physiological arousal in wooden settings, but the results are not entirely clear-cut. We discuss several methodological issues uncovered in the reviewed studies and provide guidelines for future robust research.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that visual wood exposure may improve certain indicators of human stress, but additional research is needed to confirm the existing findings.
Is sexting bad for adolescent girls’ psychological well-being? A longitudinal assessment in middle to late adolescence
Authors: Burić Jakov , Garcia Justin R , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: June 2020

Sexting, the digital transmission of sexual messages and images, has become a topic of increased interest and concern. Drawing largely on cross-sectional studies, the literature on associations between sexting and psychosocial outcomes remains inconsistent. The current longitudinal study investigated associations between adolescent girls’ sexting and two indicators of psychological well-being: symptoms of depression/anxiety and self-esteem. Responses were collected from a panel sample of 859 female Croatian secondary-school students over a 20-month period, across five classroom-based data collection points. Multi-domain latent growth curve modeling indicated that sexting dynamics were unrelated to changes in psychological well-being. Adverse family environment and, to a lesser extent, participants’ peer conformism were related to more frequent sexting and lower levels of psychological well-being. Our findings support the notion that in general adolescent girls’ sexting may be a (non-pathological) part of sexual development during middle to late adolescence in today’s digital age.
Penal welfarism ‘gone global’? Comparing international criminal justice to The Culture of Control
Authors: Lohne Kjersti
Published: June 2020

With the consolidation of a cosmopolitan field of international criminal justice, penality has ‘gone global’. In spite of the abundance of doctrinal legal analysis, human rights studies, and transitional justice studies, there are few analytic attempts to engage with the working assumptions, cultural commitments, and dominant mentalities that give shape to international criminal justice as a penal field. Based on ethnographic observations, interviews with key actors, and critical reading of international criminal justice scholarship, this article compares the cosmopolitan penality of international criminal justice to that of late modern, domestic, penality. Using David Garland’s The Culture of Control as an analytic yardstick, it argues that international criminal justice both resembles and departs from ‘the national’. For example, whilst the cosmopolitan penality relies upon retributive justifications, it makes no appeal to harsh penal sanctions; nor is it concerned with the rehabilitation of prisoners. Rather, it is an expressive and humanitarian form of justice where the victim takes central stage – as the embodiment of a suffering humanity. Moreover, there is a remarkable faith in the transformative effects of international criminal justice, resembling a form of penal welfarism ‘gone global’. As national capacity building and penal development has become intrinsic to the project of international criminal justice, the article shows how the global dimension of the power to punish is based on a moralization of politics.
Analytical dynamic modeling of Delta robot with experimental verification
Authors: Asadi Farshid , Heydari Ali
Published: June 2020

In this paper, an explicit dynamic model of Delta robot is obtained analytically. The main contribution of this work is that, unlike existing prior work, the final dynamics model is given directly in the form of [Formula: see text], with explicit expressions for M, C and G. This is of great importance, since many advanced control techniques like Optimal Control need dynamic model in an explicit form, i.e. time derivative of state vector given explicitly in terms of the states and control vectors. To this goal, first, velocity and acceleration analysis is done by differentiating robot's geometrical loops directly. Then, Jacobian matrices are calculated to have kinematic relations in a more compact form. After that, principle of virtual work is implemented to derive the dynamic equations. In this part, Jacobian matrices are substituted into dynamic model. This is unlike other referenced works on Delta robot dynamics that need to continue the derivation in symbolic software or derive the model implicitly. Using Jacobians, dramatically simplifies the final explicit dynamic model. Therefore, the final dynamic equations are calculated in a straightforward manner without any use of symbolic calculation software. After all, the presented model is verified with an experimental setup. The model shows good accuracy in terms of torque prediction.
Odontogenic keratocyst: An incidental finding during an orthodontic examination
Authors: Hameed Othman , Gwilliam Jamie , Whaites Eric
Published: June 2020

For all orthodontic patients, a detailed clinical examination is essential to obtain the correct diagnosis before the formulation of an orthodontic treatment plan. Additional information may be required from radiographs in order to supplement this clinical examination. While orthodontists principally prescribe dental panoramic tomographs for orthodontic patients to confirm the presence, position and morphology of unerupted teeth, the absence or presence of disease within the supporting structures may be overlooked. This case report presents one such instance where the pre-orthodontic radiographic examination of a young male patient revealed the presence of an asymptomatic odontogenic keratocyst in the right posterior body of the mandible.

This case report discusses how this incidental finding was diagnosed, managed and how its surgical treatment subsequently affected the orthodontic management of the patient. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of undertaking a thorough and systematic approach when analysing any prescribed radiographs, in order to reduce the risk of overlooking any evidence of underlying disease.
Systematic creation of a city’s visual communication: logo design based on the phoenix flower in Tainan City, Taiwan
Authors: Hsun Wang Po , Jie Gu
Published: June 2020

This study considers the urban branding of Tainan City, Taiwan. It explores how the city’s image continues its historical cultural milieu through the creation of a visual identity from the phoenix flower. The study analyzes a selection of logos used by organizations in the city, and the semiotic significance of organizational logos. From a sample of 67 logos, the form and content of the visual symbols are interpreted via morphological, content, and semiotic analyses. The logos are also categorized based on the following design features: pervasive symbols, cultural elements, typeface design, industrial embodiment, human body, decorative aids, and graphic design enhancement. Research indicates that Tainan uses the phoenix flower shape for design expression in logos, but because of a lack of uniformity in design norms, the logos are inconsistent. Therefore, standardization of the phoenix flower design used within the city environment would assist the Tainan city branding.