bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Mixed” Sexual Offending Against Both Children and Adults: An Empirical Comparison With Individuals Who Exclusively Offended Against Child or Adult Victims
Authors: Link Eva , Lösel Friedrich
Published: March 2021

Individuals who sexually offended against both children and adults might be particularly dangerous. However, studies on this group are rare due to methodological difficulties. We investigated adverse childhood experiences, criminological variables, and other characteristics as well as recidivism in individuals who sexually offended against mixed-aged victims (ISOMAVs) compared to individuals who exclusively offended against adults (ISOAs) or children (ISOCs). Compared to previous studies, we applied more stringent classification criteria by including only individuals with at least two past sexual offenses. Analyses revealed that ISOMAVs more often had an extensive history of sexual offending. In addition, they were more likely than ISOAs to assault males, and more likely than ISOCs to assault strangers. Violent reoffending was more common in ISOMAVs compared to ISOCs, but ISOMAVs showed no more sexual recidivism. Other findings, limitations, and implications for research and practice are discussed.
Extraction of Aural Foreign Bodies in a Rural Setting: 10-Year Review and a Novel Method to Remove Magnetic Stones
Authors: Reyes-Chicuellar Nayellin , Crossland Graeme
Published: March 2021

Background:

The external auditory canal’s unique anatomical characteristics made the presence of foreign bodies (FBs) a clinical challenge, particularly in rural settings without ready access to tertiary care and specialist intervention.

Aims:

Our study surveys the experience in aural FBs surgical management in a rural Australian tertiary center. It proposes a safe, easy, and affordable technique to remove stones from the ear canal.

Methods:

We have completed a 10-year retrospective surgical chart review, including 474 patients (52 adults and 428 children) requiring surgical management to remove aural FBs at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia. We surveyed for patient demographics, foreign-body description, complications, location, and removal attempts. We identified what factors determine the need for surgical management and propose a technique for a safe, uncomplicated, and affordable removal of stones from the ear canal after applying this method in a small subgroup.

Results:

The most common FBs requiring surgery in children were stones. A predominance in the Aboriginal population from remote communities was found, leading to a nasal bridle magnet technique to remove stones in rural settings. This method reduces the number of extraction attempts of the most frequent FB found in children’s ears, aiming to minimize complications, negative experiences, and health cost.

Conclusion:

Contrary to international literature, stones were found to be the most common FB in remote aboriginal populations. The proposed technique reduces the number of extraction attempts of the most frequent FB found in children’s ears, aiming to minimize complications, negative experiences, and health cost.
The Role of Individual and Dyadic Planning in Couples’ Daily Goal Pursuits
Authors: Katzenelenbogen Ophir , Knoll Nina , Stadler Gertraud , Bar-Kalifa Eran
Published: March 2021

Planning promotes progress toward goal achievement in a wide range of domains. To date, planning has mostly been studied as an individual process. In couples, however, the partner is likely to play an important role in planning. This study tested the effects of individual and dyadic planning on goal progress and goal-related actions. Two samples of couples ( N = 76 and N = 87) completed daily diaries over a period of 28 and 21 days. The results indicate that individual and dyadic planning fluctuate on a daily basis and support the idea that dyadic planning is predominantly used as a complementary strategy to individual planning. As expected, individual and dyadic planning were positively associated with higher levels of action control and goal progress. In Sample 2, dyadic planning was only associated with goal progress on days in which individuals felt that they were dependent upon their partners’ behaviors to achieve their goals.
Plugged In: Screen-Based Device Use Among U.S. Public School Speech-Language Pathologists and Associated Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Sauermilch Willow
Published: March 2021

School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are increasingly confronted with opportunities to use screen-based devices. In order to fully investigate how technology impacts therapeutic efficacy, it is imperative to first understand how and why SLPs utilize technology. This study explores: (a) the frequency with which SLPs use eight types of screen-based devices during direct intervention; (b) how student and SLP characteristics impact device use; and (c) the clinical rationales supporting device use. Using a self-administered, online questionnaire, 261 SLPs reported that technology use contributes to perceptions of increased clinical effectiveness. Results indicate tablets are the most frequently used device; however, student age, specific communication disorders, and service delivery model significantly impact the type and frequency of device use. Furthermore, academic materials and traditional activities continue to be the predominant format of intervention activities. Findings provide insight into how SLPs balance the allure of screen-based devices with student needs, professional characteristics, and the educational environment.
A Technology-Based Self-Monitoring Intervention for Secondary Students with High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Kumm Skip , Talbott Elizabeth , Jolivette Kristine
Published: March 2021

Secondary students with high incidence disabilities who also display disruptive behaviors struggle to be successful in general education settings. As a result, general education teachers are looking for ways to utilize technology to provide them with opportunities to implement evidence-based interventions in their classrooms. In this study, teachers used MoBeGo, an iPad application, in a single-case withdrawal design (ABAB), to implement self-monitoring in high school general education classrooms with four students who received special education services for a high incidence disability. The results of this study indicate that teachers could implement MoBeGo with fidelity to improve students’ academic engagement and appropriate behavior. Additionally, both the teachers and students rated MoBeGo as a socially valid intervention. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Zoltán Kodály gives a hand to secondary school students in recorder performance and attitudes toward music in Turkey
Authors: Gülle Alican , Akay Cenk , Uzun Nezaket Bilge
Published: March 2021

Kodály-inspired pedagogy enables students to participate effectively in a music course by engaging in active musical interactions with folk songs and melodies. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Kodály-inspired pedagogy on recorder performance and attitudes toward music of secondary school students. A quasi-experimental design was used in the study. The experimental group was taught using Kodály-inspired pedagogy and the control group using the general music teaching methods for 9 weeks. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) and content analysis were used to analyze the data. A Recorder Performance Grading Key, music course attitude scale, and open-ended questions were used to collect the data. Consequently, the findings indicated that Kodály-inspired pedagogy had a significant effect on the students’ recorder performance but the researchers could not find a significant effect on students’ attitudes toward the music course. Moreover, students in the experimental group reported improvement in their recorder performance and attitudes toward music education. The researchers recommended including information about the implementation of Kodály-inspired pedagogy in music teacher textbooks, providing in-service training for teachers to enable them to use Kodály-inspired pedagogy.
Dietary guidelines training may improve health promotion practice: Results of a controlled trial in Brazil
Authors: Tramontt Cláudia Raulino , Maia Tarsis de Mattos , Baraldi Larissa Galastri , Jaime Patricia Constante
Published: March 2021

Background:

The double burden of malnutrition points to an urgent need to develop strategies to promote healthy diets. Health professionals are key elements for health promotion and must be prepared to deal with these issues in health services.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention based on Brazilian Dietary Guidelines in the practice of multidisciplinary teams working in primary health care.

Methods:

A controlled trial comprising pre- and post-tests was conducted with four multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The intervention group received 16 hours of training on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. The professionals’ practices were evaluated by direct observation, before and after the intervention, for two months at each timepoint. Data on dietary counselling were collected using a previously validated scale. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for intragroup comparison at T0 versus T1, and the intergroup effects of the intervention were estimated by generalized linear regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval.

Results:

The regression with the interaction term between the intervention group and time showed a positive effect of the educational intervention on professionals’ practices in the intervention group in the crude and adjusted models (coefficient = 1.36 and p = 0.020). Brazilian Dietary Guidelines application significantly increased in non-nutritionist professionals’ practices ( p = 0.007) and in activities not related to nutrition ( p = 0.028) in the intervention group over time (T1-T0). No significant differences were found in the control group.

Conclusion:

The intervention proved to be effective in promoting changes in health professionals’ practices, demonstrating the strength of the strategy for dissemination of nutrition guidelines in primary health care.
Apocalypse, Authority, and Allegiance: Interpreting Symbols and Revelation in Mozambique
Authors: Howell Alan , Best Garrett
Published: March 2021

Proper interpretations of symbols of authority are important for navigating both our cultural settings and the contours of Scripture. This paper looks at the ways the Book of Revelation contrasts images of competing authoritative kings, asking the question, who is worthy of worship, Caesar or Christ? In the African Folk-Islamic context of the Makua-Metto people of Mozambique, familiar national and traditional symbols of authority provide a framework for a robust reading of John’s Apocalypse.
Resolving the cultural loneliness paradox of choice: The role of cultural norms about individual choice regarding relationships in explaining loneliness in four European countries
Authors: Heu Luzia Cassis , Hansen Nina , van Zomeren Martijn
Published: March 2021

Do cultural norms that allow individuals to choose their social relationships put them at risk for, or protect them from, loneliness? After all, more freedom to choose whom to relate to may promote that individuals can choose higher-quality relationships (which protects from loneliness), but it may also imply a higher risk of social isolation (which puts at risk for loneliness). We propose that the solution to this cultural loneliness paradox of choice is to distinguish whether more individual choice flows from cultural norms that provide more opportunities for new relationships (as implied by higher relational mobility; higher RMn), or from cultural norms that allow to leave established relationships (as implied by lower relational stability; lower RSn). Specifically, we suggest that more individual choice protects from loneliness when emerging from higher RMn (which allows to establish new higher-quality relationships), but puts at risk for loneliness when emerging from lower RSn (which increases the risk of social isolation by undermining the stability of established relationships). Findings from two cross-sectional survey studies in four European countries (Study 1: Finland, N = 237; Portugal, N = 261; Study 2: Poland, N = 242; Austria, N = 2 41) supported this line of thought: Higher RMn was consistently related to lower loneliness across all samples, and lower RSn was related to higher loneliness in two out of four samples (and either non-significantly related to higher loneliness or unrelated to it in the other two samples). We discuss the importance and implications of differentiating RMn and RSn to resolve the cultural loneliness paradox of choice.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on same-sex couples’ conflict avoidance, relational quality, and mental health
Authors: Li Yachao , Samp Jennifer A.
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the management and trajectory of same-sex relationships. This study considered the mediational role of same-sex partners’ conflict avoidance and the moderating roles of individual and contextual vulnerability factors in the face of the pandemic. Results showed that greater adverse daily life impacts and higher perceived threat of COVID-19 predicted more complaint avoidance, which in turn predicted lower relationship satisfaction and higher anxiety, depression, and substance use. Being a person of color and having higher internalized homophobia exacerbated the pandemic’s negative effects on relationship satisfaction. While moving in with partners during the pandemic was related to more complaint avoidance, lower relational satisfaction, higher relationship termination intentions, and greater mental health risks, it also buffered the negative effects of the pandemic on relational well-being. Same-sex couples are encouraged to constructively solve relational issues and actively discuss moving in decisions. More efforts should be devoted to understanding multiple pandemic-related stressors facing same-sex couples.
A comparison between laterally wedged insoles and ankle-foot orthoses for the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized cross-over trial
Authors: Schwarze Martin , Bartsch Leonie P , Block Julia , Alimusaj Merkur , Jaber Ayham , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Wolf Sebastian I
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To compare biomechanical and clinical outcome of laterally wedged insoles (LWI) and an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Design:

Single-centre, block-randomized, cross-over controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

About 39 patients with symptomatic medial knee osteoarthritis.

Interventions:

Patients started with either LWI or AFO, determined randomly, and six weeks later changed to the alternative.

Main measures:

Change in the 1st maximum of external knee adduction moment (eKAM) was assessed with gait analysis. Additional outcomes were other kinetic and kinematic changes and the patient-reported outcomes EQ-5D-5L, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), American Knee Society Clinical Rating System (AKSS), Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire – Osteoarthritis and knee pain.

Results:

Mean age (SD) of the study population was 58 (8) years, mean BMI 30 (5). Both aids significantly improved OKS (LWI P = 0.003, AFO P = 0.001), AKSS Knee Score (LWI P = 0.01, AFO P = 0.004) and EQ-5D-5L Index (LWI P = 0.001, AFO P = 0.002). AFO reduced the 1st maximum of eKAM by 18% ( P < 0.001). The LWI reduced both maxima by 6% ( P = 0.02, P = 0.03). Both AFO and LWI reduced the knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI) by 11% ( P < 0.001) and 5% ( P = 0.05) respectively. The eKAM (1st maximum) and KAAI reduction was significantly larger with AFO than with LWI ( P = 0.001, P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

AFO reduces medial knee load more than LWI. Nevertheless, no clinical superiority of either of the two aids could be shown.
A qualitative and quantitative account of patient’s experiences of ketamine and its antidepressant properties
Authors: Sumner Rachael L , Chacko Emme , McMillan Rebecca , Spriggs Meg J , Anderson Christie , Chen James , French Amelia , Jung SungHun , Rajan Akshaya , Malpas Gemma , Hay John , Ponton Rhys , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh D , Sundram Frederick
Published: March 2021

Background:

Ketamine is central to one of the most rapidly growing areas of neuroscientific research into novel treatments for depression. Limited research has indicated that the psychedelic properties of ketamine may play a role in its antidepressant effects.

Aim:

The aim of the current study was to explore the psychedelic experiences and sustained impact of ketamine in major depressive disorder.

Methods:

In the current study, ketamine (0.44 mg/kg) was administered to 32 volunteers with major depressive disorder in a crossover design with the active-placebo remifentanil, in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. The 11-dimension altered states of consciousness questionnaire and individual qualitative interviews were used to capture the acute psychedelic experience. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and further interviewing explored lasting effects. The second qualitative interview took place ⩾3 weeks post-ketamine.

Results:

Greater antidepressant response (reduction in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at 24 h) correlated with the 11-dimension altered states of consciousness dimensions: spirituality, experience of unity, and insight. The first qualitative interview revealed that all participants experienced perceptual changes. Additional themes emerged including loss of control and emotional and mood changes. The final interview showed evidence of a psychedelic afterglow, and changes to perspective on life, people, and problems, as well as changes to how participants felt about their depression and treatments.

Conclusions:

The current study provides preliminary evidence for a role of the psychedelic experience and afterglow in ketamine’s antidepressant properties. Reflexive thematic analysis provided a wealth of information on participants’ experience of the study and demonstrated the psychedelic properties of ketamine are not fully captured by commonly used questionnaires.
The Role of Pubertal Timing in the Development of Peer Victimization and Offending From Early- to Mid-Adolescence
Authors: Skoog Therése , Kapetanovic Sabina
Published: March 2021

We used latent growth curve analysis to extend research on associations between early puberty and adverse peer relations by examining the role of pubertal timing in the developmental trajectories of peer victimization and offending from early- to mid-adolescence. We made use of three-wave longitudinal data collected annually from a cohort of Swedish adolescents ( N = 1,515, 51% girls, [Formula: see text]age at T1 = 13.0 years). The results revealed negative developmental trends for peer victimization and offending. Early pubertal timing was linked to higher initial levels and a steeper decrease of peer victimization and offending. The only effect of pubertal timing that differed between the genders was that the initial level of offending was stronger for boys than girls. In conclusion, the negative impact of early pubertal timing on peer victimization and offending occurs in the early stages of adolescence and disappears thereafter.
Shared Decision Making during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Köther Anja K. , Siebenhaar Katharina U. , Alpers Georg W.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed some of the most well-developed health care systems to their limits. In many cases, this has challenged patient-centered care. We set out to examine individuals’ attitudes toward shared decision making (SDM) and to identify predictors of participation preference during the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted an online survey with a large convenience sample ( N = 1061). Our main measures of interest were participants’ generic and COVID-19–related participation preference as well as their acceptance and distress regarding a triage vignette. We also assessed anxiety, e-health literacy, and aspects of participants’ health. We conducted group comparisons and multiple linear regression analyses on participation preference as well as triage acceptance.

Results

In generic decision making, most participants expressed a strong need for information and a moderate participation preference. In the hypothetical case of COVID-19 infection, most preferred physician-led decisions. Generic participation preference was the strongest predictor of COVID-19–related participation preference, followed by age, education, and anxiety. Furthermore, both higher generic and COVID-19–related participation preferences predicted lower triage acceptance.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate potential health care recipients’ attitudes toward SDM during a severe health care crisis and emphasize that participation preference varies according to the context.
Clinical Evaluation of Bone-Anchored Intraoral Bodily Molar Distalizer
Authors: Sesham Vasu Murthy , Garipelli Naveen , Neela Praveen Kumar , Mamillapalli Pavan Kumar
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Correction of Class II has become a routine with the introduction of mini-implants.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of bone-anchored intraoral bodily molar distalizer (BAIBMD) as compared to bone-anchored pendulum appliance (BAPA).

Materials and Methods:

This split-mouth study included 11 subjects (6 boys and 5 girls) who required molar distalization. BAPA constructed on one side and BAIBMD on the other side. Both the appliances were anchored to the bone, using a single 2 × 8 mm titanium mini-screw placed in the anterior para-median region of the mid-palatal suture with its head embedded into the Nance button during construction. The force delivery mechanism on both the sides consisted of 200 g-force application, using an activated 0.032˝ titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA)[A]:Author: Please provide expansion for “TMA.” springs fabricated with respective designs and inserted into the lingual sheaths of the first molar bands. The rate, duration, and nature of tooth movement for both the sides were compared. Descriptive statistics for various parameters were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

Clinically successful distalization was achieved on both sides. No statistical difference was found in the rate of distalization. Differences in the treatment duration between the two groups were statistically significant, with less duration taken for distalization with BAPA. Statistically significant molar tipping was observed in BAPA.

Conclusion:

While both the appliances provided a similar rate of distalization, BAIBMD took more duration than BAPA but produced a predominantly translatory type of distal tooth movement.
Examining Freeway Bottleneck Features During a Mass Evacuation
Authors: Staes Brian M. , Bertini Robert L. , Menon Nikhil , Yuksel Eren
Published: March 2021

Traffic features were investigated for a bottleneck that was observed on a 30 mi northbound section of Florida’s Turnpike (SR-91) during the mass evacuation in advance of Hurricane Irma that occurred in September 2017. Radar detector data (at 1 min intervals) from the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System were utilized to determine the periods when a bottleneck was active adjacent to a service plaza along the roadway. Three distinct time periods were identified during which a bottleneck was active at the service plaza off-ramp, for a total of 27.5 h during the evacuation period. To identify and confirm each bottleneck activation and duration, and to measure the traffic flow features that characterized the bottleneck, curves of cumulative vehicle count and occupancy were utilized. Analysis of these curves revealed time periods during which excess vehicle accumulation and delay occurred between successive detector stations along the Turnpike. Results demonstrate distinct queued and free flowing traffic states between adjacent detectors in the vicinity of an off-ramp into a service plaza. The apparent bottleneck discharge features presented substantially lower flows than what would be expected for a limited access facility with high operational speeds. Findings from this paper present important considerations for evacuation planning and modeling as roadway traffic features may only present themselves during evacuations and if not accounted for may drastically reduce the precision of models and simulations.
Perioperative and oncological outcomes of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumour thrombus
Authors: Bokka Sriharsha , Manikandan Ramanitharan , Dorairajan Lalgudi Narayanan , Srivathsa K , Sreenivasan Sreerag Kodakkattil , Kalra Sidhartha , Pottakat Biju
Published: March 2021

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to report the perioperative and long-term surgical outcomes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumour thrombus (VTT).

Materials and methods:

Data of 34 patients (males = 23, females = 11) from 2009 to 2020 who underwent radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for RCC and VTT was retrospectively analysed. The parameters recorded include tumour laterality, size, level of thrombus, surgical approach, blood loss, transfusion rates, operative time, hospital stay, Clavien complications, tumour histology, follow-up duration, local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall and cancer-specific survival rates.

Results:

The extent of thrombus was level I in thirteen, level II in twelve, level III (a-1, b-2, c-1, d-2) in six and level IV in three patients respectively. Mean operative time was 320 (±145) min, mean blood loss was 1371.15 (±1020.8) ml and mean hospital stay was 9.6 (±7.4) days. Mean transfusion rate was 6.4 (±3.2) units. Three patients died within the first 30 days of surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was utilized in three patients. Median follow-up period was 58 (Range: 4–101) months. A statistically significant correlation was found between operative time ( p = 0.014) and median survival ( p = 0.003) respectively and tumour thrombosis level. Nine patients died due to metastasis, and ten due to unrelated causes. The estimated actuarial survival rates at a median of 58 months were 35.3%.

Conclusion:

An accurate preoperative assessment of the thrombus extent with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in achieving optimal surgical outcomes in patients of RCC with VTT, particularly with level III and IV thrombus.
Effect of a novel technique of posterior reconstruction of pubourethralis on ‘early’ return of continence after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP): A comparative study
Authors: Abdul Rouf Malik , Kumar Venkatesh , Agarwal Anshuman , Sharma Mahender , Rawat Suresh Kumar , Taneja Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To study the effect of a novel technique of posterior reconstruction of pubourethralis on early return of continence after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Materials and methods:

The study included 206 patients of organ confined prostate cancer managed at our centre between March 2014 and December 2018.The patients were randomly distributed into two comparable groups with respect to age, height, weight and BMI, with 100 patients in control and 106 patients in study group. After standard excision of the specimen, the posterior reconstruction in the form of Rocco stitch was done in control group while in addition to Rocco stitch pubourethralis was approximated posteriorly in midline at the proposed site of vesicourethral anastomosis in study group. Continence was defined as the need to use 0–1 pad in 24 h. The data was collected on day 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 90 and 180 after removal of catheter.

Results:

At day zero, 3,7, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days after catheter removal continence rates (⩽1 pad usage per day) were observed to be 18.8% versus 0%, 22.6% versus 0%, 50.9% versus 5%, 72.6% versus 20%, 84.9 versus 32%, 97.1% versus 83%, and 97.1% versus 91% in the study and control group respectively.

Conclusion:

Despite small number of patients in this study the results with respect to early return of continence are encouraging in the reconstruction group and there by in favour of this technique .Furthermore the technique is easily reproducible and may be seen as one more additional step to be applied in order to enhance the recovery of continence after RARP. However it is necessary to further validate the efficacy of this procedure through multicenteric controlled trials.
Erectile dysfunction pattern in patients with end stage renal disease on regular dialysis
Authors: Abdelaal Mohamed A , Abouelgreed Tamer Ali , Ibrahim Amal H , Elshater Ahmed I , Sabry Khalid M
Published: March 2021

Introductions:

Evaluating the epidemiology, pattern, and contributing factors of sexual dysfunction in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is the cornerstone in understanding and enhancing these patients’ quality of life. In this study, we aimed to identify the different patterns of erectile dysfunction (ED) among 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Materials and methods:

A single-center, cross-sectional, study was conducted on 100 patients with ESRD on hemodialysis. Patients were assessed using the International index of erectile dysfunction (IIEF) and Doppler assessment of the penis.

Results:

A total of 100 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 48.77 ± 9.66 years old. The mean erectile index was 7.10 ± 4.62; while the mean free and total testosterone were 10.07 ± 7.69 and 2.93 ± 1.4 ng/dL, respectively. Overall, 67% of the patients had abnormal hormonal levels. Concerning the penile vasculature, 71% of the patients had arterogenic importance and 19% had venous impotence. The comparative analysis demonstrated that hypertensive patients had lower erectile index ( p = 0.002). In addition, smokers had lower erectile index ( p < 0.001). There was statistical significance between normal hormonal and abnormal hormone level according to erectile index, with lower index in patients with abnormal hormonal level ( p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our findings indicate that the most common causes of ED with renal failure were hormonal disturbance, including testosterone, and prolactin. Hypertension and smoking are major contributing factors that should be managed carefully to reduce the risk of ED and improve the quality of life.
Very low risk T1a renal cell carcinoma presenting with pathological fracture caused by a solitary metastases to the contralateral arm
Authors: Sountoulides Petros , Metaxa Linda , Asouhidou Irene , Stavropoulos Marios , Calleary John
Published: March 2021

Background:

Renal Cell Carcinomas are notorious for asynchronous metastases, atypical metastatic sites and late relapses even decades after nephrectomy. It is quite rare though for RCCs to present as metastatic, solitary and symptomatic bone lesions. Even more uncommon is a solitary bone metastasis much larger that the primary tumour caused by a low risk primary T1a RCC which would have otherwise been eligible for active surveillance.

Case presentation:

An otherwise healthy 68-year-old female was seen by the orthopaedics for right shoulder and upper arm worsening pain. Imaging showed a pathological fracture caused by a 5.5 cm lytic lesion involving the coracoid process and proximal humerus. She underwent proximal humeral replacement and histology of the lesion showed metastatic RCC. Whole body CT scan revealed a primary tumour of the left kidney less than 4cm in diameter. The patient underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and diagnosis of a T1a, clear cell RCC without adverse pathological features was confirmed. She has been on systematic therapy with oral TKIs since and is free from recurrence at 12-months follow up.

Conclusions:

Even T1a RCCs without adverse pathological features can give rise to distant metastases following unpredictable patterns of spread thereby questioning the safety of active surveillance in healthy and fit patients.
The Frankfurt School and the authoritarian personality: Balance sheet of an insight
Authors: Boucher Geoff
Published: March 2021

Frankfurt School critical theory is perhaps the most significant theory of society to have developed directly from a research programme focused on the critique of political authoritarianism, as it manifested during the interwar decades of the 20th century. The Frankfurt School’s analysis of the persistent roots – and therefore the perennial nature – of what it describes as the ‘authoritarian personality’ remains influential in the analysis of authoritarian populism in the contemporary world, as evidenced by several recent studies. Yet the tendency in these studies is to reference the final formulation of the category, as expressed in Theodor Adorno and co-thinkers’ The Authoritarian Personality (1950), as if this were a theoretical readymade that can be unproblematically inserted into a measured assessment of the threat to democracy posed by current authoritarian trends. It is high time that the theoretical commitments and political stakes in the category of the authoritarian personality are re-evaluated, in light of the evolution of the Frankfurt School. In this paper, I review the classical theories of the authoritarian personality, arguing that two quite different versions of the theory – one characterological, the other psychodynamic – can be extracted from Frankfurt School research.
An elastic phenomenological material law of technical textile with a nonlinear shear behaviour
Authors: Karádi Dániel T , Sipos András A , Halász Marianna , Hliva Viktor , Hegyi Dezső
Published: March 2021

In technical textile engineering, macro-level phenomenological modelling effectively describes the material’s highly nonlinear behaviour. However, existing material laws concentrate on the normal stiffness in the orthotropic yarns and simplify the shear effect because of the two orders of magnitude difference between shear and normal stiffness. This article introduces an improved phenomenological model that includes nonlinear shear behaviour, and it determines the material parameters with a previously applied data fitting method for exponential functions. The nonlinear shear behaviour is valid for the elastic state, that is, at the service level of the loads. Time-dependent, cyclic loading or plastic behaviour is not considered.
Process parameters and mechanical properties of continuous glass fiber reinforced composites-polylactic acid by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Wang Yesong , Kong Dekun , Zhang Qing , Li Wei , Liu Jiang
Published: March 2021

This article focuses on 3D printing of continuous glass fiber reinforced composites-polylactic acid by fused deposition modeling. An innovative continuous fiber reinforced composite 3D printer and self-made continuous glass fiber reinforced filament-polylactic acid are applied to study the influences of process parameters including printing temperature, speed, layer height, and fiber volume fraction on mechanical properties of continuous glass fiber reinforced composites-polylactic acid printing samples. Tensile and three-point bending tests are carried out to explore the mechanical responses of printed samples. Experimental results show that the mechanical properties of continuous glass fiber reinforced composites-polylactic acid printing samples are better than those of polylactic acid samples. The tensile and flexural strengths of the specimens are increased by 400% and 204% when the fiber volume fractions are about 5.21% and 6.24%, respectively. The microscopic observations of the fracture surfaces of the tensile samples are also conducted to analyze the influences of layer heights on tensile strength and failure mechanism.
Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology/Canadian Association of Radiologists Best Practice Guidance for Investigation of Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Part 1: Acquisition and Safety Considerations
Authors: Nguyen Elsie T. , Hague Cameron , Manos Daria , Memauri Brett , Souza Carolina , Taylor Jana , Dennie Carole
Published: March 2021

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a well-recognized cause of circulatory system compromise and even demise which can frequently present a diagnostic challenge for the physician. The diagnostic challenge is primarily due to the frequency of indeterminate presentations as well as several other conditions which can have a similar clinical presentation. This often obliges the physician to establish a firm diagnosis due to the potentially serious outcomes related to this disease. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has increasingly cemented its role as the primary investigation tool in this clinical context and is widely accepted as the standard of care due to several desired attributes which include great accuracy, accessibility, rapid turn-around time and the ability to suggest an alternate diagnosis when APE is not the culprit. In Part 1 of this guidance document, a series of up-to-date recommendations are provided to the reader pertaining to CTPA protocol optimization (including scan range, radiation and intravenous contrast dose), safety measures including the departure from breast and gonadal shielding, population-specific scenarios (pregnancy and early post-partum) and consideration of alternate diagnostic techniques when clinically deemed appropriate.
Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology/Canadian Association of Radiologists Best Practice Guidance for Investigation of Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Part 2: Technical Issues and Interpretation Pitfalls
Authors: Nguyen Elsie T. , Hague Cameron , Manos Daria , Memauri Brett , Souza Carolina , Taylor Jana , Dennie Carole
Published: March 2021

The investigation of acute pulmonary embolism is a common task for radiologists in Canada. Technical image quality and reporting quality must be excellent; pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening disease that should not be missed but overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment should be avoided. The most frequently performed imaging investigation, computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), can be limited by poor pulmonary arterial opacification, technical artifacts and interpretative errors. Image quality can be affected by patient factors (such as body habitus, motion artifact and cardiac output), intravenous (IV) contrast protocols (including the timing, rate and volume of IV contrast administration) and common physics artifacts (including beam hardening). Mimics of acute pulmonary embolism can be seen in normal anatomic structures, disease in non-vascular structures and pulmonary artery filling defects not related to acute pulmonary emboli. Understanding these pitfalls can help mitigate error, improve diagnostic quality and optimize patient outcomes. Dual energy computed tomography holds promise to improve imaging diagnosis, particularly in clinical scenarios where routine CTPA may be problematic, including patients with impaired renal function and patients with altered cardiac anatomy.
Association of Hospital Safety Net Status With Outcomes and Resource Use for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the United States
Authors: Gandjian Matthew , Williamson Catherine , Xia Yu , Maturana Carlos , Chervu Nikhil , Verma Arjun , Tran Zachary , Sanaiha Yas , Benharash Peyman
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Safety net hospitals (SNH) have been associated with inferior surgical outcomes and increased resource use. Utilization and outcomes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a rescue modality for patients with respiratory or cardiac failure, may vary by safety net status. We hypothesized SNH to be associated with inferior outcomes and costs of ECMO in a national cohort.

Materials and Methods:

The 2008-2017 National Inpatient Sample was queried for ECMO hospitalizations and safety net hospitals were identified. Multivariable regression was used to perform risk-adjusted comparisons of mortality, complications and resource utilization at safety net and non-safety net hospitals.

Results:

Of 36,491 ECMO hospitalizations, 28.2% were at SNH. On adjusted comparison SNH was associated with increased odds of mortality (AOR: 1.23), tracheostomy use (AOR: 1.51), intracranial hemorrhage (AOR: 1.39), as well as infectious complications (AOR: 1.21, all P < .05), with NSNH as reference. SNH was also associated with increased hospitalization duration (β=+4.5 days) and hospitalization costs (β=+$32,880, all P < .01).

Conclusions:

We have found SNH to be associated with inferior survival, increased complications, and higher costs compared to NSNH. These disparate outcomes warrant further studies examining systemic and hospital-level factors that may impact outcomes and resource use of ECMO at SNH.
Public Opinion About Police Weapons and Equipment: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Wozniak Kevin H. , Drakulich Kevin M. , Calfano Brian R.
Published: March 2021

Despite debates about the “material militarization” of the police, relatively little information on mass public opinion about police weapons, equipment, and gear currently exists. We analyze data from a national, opt-in panel of survey participants to assess public opinion regarding police use of 10 different types of weapons and equipment for use in confrontations with citizens. We find that public opinion defies easy classification into “militarized” versus “routine” equipment categories. Multivariate analyses indicate that perceptions of (a) police efficacy and (b) the frequency with which officers experience physical assaults on the job are the most consistent predictors of support for a range of weapons and gear, whereas perceptions of police misconduct and bias predict opposition to some types of tools. Partisan differences in attitudes between Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are less consistent predictors than broader perceptions about policing, but the effects of partisanship that are evident are substantively large.
Computerized Cognitive Training in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Duff Kevin , Ying Jian , Suhrie Kayla R. , Dalley Bonnie C.A. , Atkinson Taylor J. , Porter Sariah M. , Dixon Ava M. , Hammers Dustin B. , Wolinsky Fredric D.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Computerized cognitive training has been successful in healthy older adults, but its efficacy has been mixed in patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Methods:

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel clinical trial, we examined the short- and long-term efficacy of a brain-plasticity computerized cognitive training in 113 participants with amnestic MCI.

Results:

Immediately after 40-hours of training, participants in the active control group who played computer games performed better than those in the experimental group on the primary cognitive outcome (p = 0.02), which was an auditory memory/attention composite score. There were no group differences on 2 secondary outcomes (global cognitive composite and rating of daily functioning). After 1 year, there was no difference between the 2 groups on primary or secondary outcomes. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusions:

Although the experimental cognitive training program did not improve outcomes in those with MCI, the short-term effects of the control group should not be dismissed, which may alter treatment recommendations for these patients.
Performance properties of WMA modified binders and asphalt mixtures containing PPA/SBR polymer blends
Authors: Babagoli Rezvan , Jalali Farhang , Khabooshani Mohammad
Published: March 2021

The performance properties of asphalt binders and mixtures can be enhanced utilizing several modifiers, including; Poly Phosphoric Acid (PPA), Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) modifiers, and Styrene–Butadiene Rubber (SBR). The current study evaluated the effect of PPA and WMA contents on rheological behavior of SBR modified binders and SMA mixtures. The modified binders were subjected to rotational viscosity, Dynamic Shear Rheometer, and Bending Beam Rheometer, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) tests. The SBR/PPA and SBR/PPA/WMA modified mixtures were subjected to Indirect tensile strength (ITS), dynamic creep, resilient modulus ( Mr), wheel track, and four-point beam fatigue (FPB) tests. To analyze the data, two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was investigated. Based on the results of the MSCR test at both stress levels, modification of base bitumen by SBR, PPA and WMA additives causes an enhance in permanent deformation performance of original bitumen. LAS test results indicated that, utilization of SBR and WMA additives improves the fatigue life of bitumen. Also, by addition of PPA, the fatigue life of SBR modified binders increases. whereas, the fatigue lives are higher than original binders ones. Based on results, utilization of SBR and PPA enhances the Mr, rutting properties, ITS, FE, and fatigue behavior of specimens. By increasing the PPA percentage, the rutting and fatigue behavior enhances. Whereas, it causes a decreases in Mr and ITS of modified mixtures. Among warm additives, sasobit has better effect on enhancing the performance of binders and mixtures.
Taxation Issues for Digital Financial Assets
Authors: Shestak Viktor , Kiseleva Alla , Kolesnikov Yuriy
Published: March 2021

The objective of the study is to determine the status of a digital financial asset and the features of its taxation in the Russian Federation and progressive countries. Currently, there are three main taxation models that are used in this area: income tax, corporate income tax, and capital gains tax. The article explores the prospects for introducing the experience of foreign countries in the Russian Federation. The possible changes that may occur in tax regulation are analyzed. The experience of leading countries in the field of legal regulation of the use of digital financial assets and the taxation of cryptocurrency transactions is analyzed. Such an analysis will allow Russia to keep pace with countries with a leading economy and at the same time increase state budget revenue through taxation of cryptocurrency transactions. The study provides an analysis of the conceptual scenarios of digital income taxation and objects of taxation in the process of cryptocurrency creation. The study critically assesses possible options for applying international standards for tax accounting of digital assets. Groups of problematic issues that arise in the tax accounting of digital assets are developed. The prospect of further research is the development of tax accounting methods for each of the established entities for the creation and circulation of digital financial assets in accordance with accounting objects.