bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception, Action, and Intrinsic Motivation in Infants’ Motor-Skill Development
Authors: Corbetta Daniela
Published: August 2021

Perception, action, and intrinsic motivation play an essential role in early development, promoting the creation and refinement of new and more complex forms of behaviors as infants try a range of sensorimotor patterns in their environment. I use the example of infants’ reaching to illustrate how goal-directed action emerges from the intersection of seemingly distinct visual and proprioceptive-tactile-motor spaces that form in the early months following birth. The intersection of these two spaces begins with a casual contingent event involving vision and action: when the hand happens to contact a target. This event, which marks the onset of reaching, provides new behavioral value, reinforces the motor action, and intrinsically motivates infants to attempt to reproduce the behavior. Subsequent repeated cycles of perception and action lead to the exploration of a range of motor responses and a progressive alignment of the visual space with the proprioceptive-tactile-motor space, ultimately fostering the selection and refinement of increasingly successful and refined reaching patterns. Extensive hands-on experience in the environment and learning about the immediate outcomes of actions play a critical role in shaping behavioral development.
Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude as Determinants of Well-being Among Indian IT Temporary Agency Workers
Authors: Alok Swati , Rajthilak R.
Published: August 2021

The growth of temporary and non-standard employment arrangements post liberalization drives temporary agency workers (TAWs), especially of the information technology (IT) sector, to be agents of their own career identities. As a result, TAWs embrace self-managed/adaptable career management approaches namely protean career (PCO) and boundaryless career (BCO) orientations for their long-term sustainability and well-being. This study investigated the direct effects of PCO and BCO on TAW’s well-being, also, their indirect effects thorough perceived employability (PE). Study participants were 246 TAWs employed by leading Indian IT recruitment agencies and deployed to work for various IT clients. Data were collected through validated questionnaire and analysed through structural equation modelling. Findings confirm direct effects of PCO and BCO on TAW well-being and partial mediation effects of PE. Thus, to boost TAWs’ well-being, organizations may consider developing their protean attitudes via employee engagement programmes, staff agencies through counselling to map workers values/interest with their assigned projects, TAWs workers themselves proactively participating in the challenging assignment at the client place.
Mesectodermal Leiomyoma of the Ciliary Body: A Unique Variant of Leiomyoma with Myogenic and Neurogenic Histological Features
Authors: Inamori Osamu , Fukuoka Hideki , Nagamine Michiko , Sotozono Chie , Konishi Eiichi
Published: August 2021

Mesectodermal leiomyoma of the ciliary body is a rare benign tumor, showing both neurogenic and myogenic characteristics. This tumor typically shows predilection for women of reproductive age. Because it is almost impossible to clinically distinguish this tumor from malignant melanoma, unnecessary eye enucleations have been unfortunately performed. Herein, we report a case of mesectodermal leiomyoma of the ciliary body in a young Japanese woman. She was referred to our hospital due to a slow-growing mass in her left iris. A malignant tumor could not be clinically ruled out and surgery with intraoperative pathology consultation was performed. Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis was a benign tumor with neurogenic features, and a simple excision of the tumor was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed of diffuse growth of spindle cells with fibrillary indistinctive cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical examination showed diffuse positive staining of α-smooth muscle actin, h-caldesmon, calponin, and CD56. Scattered tumor cells were weakly positive for desmin. Neither melanocytic markers nor neural markers except for CD56 were positive. We diagnosed this tumor as mesectodermal leiomyoma. Mesectodermal leiomyoma is rare and often misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma. To avoid overtreatment, a correct preoperative diagnosis is essential.
Impact of Reticulated Platelets on Platelet Reactivity in Neonates
Authors: Tesfamariam Belay
Published: August 2021

Neonatal megakaryopoiesis and platelet turnover form a developmentally unique pattern by generating a pool of newly released reticulated platelets from the bone marrow into the circulation. Reticulated platelets are more reactive and hyperaggregable compared to mature platelets, due to their high residual mRNA content, large size, increased expression of platelet surface receptors, and degranulation. The proportion of reticulated platelets in neonates is higher compared to that in adults. Due to the emergence of an uninhibited platelet subpopulation, the newly formed reticulated platelet pool is inherently hyporesponsive to antiplatelets. An elevated population of reticulated platelets is often associated with increased platelet reactivity and is inversely related to high on-treatment platelet reactivity, which can contribute to ischemia. Measurements of the reticulated platelet subpopulation could be a useful indicator of increased tendency for platelet aggregation. Future research is anticipated to define the distinct functional properties of newly formed reticulated or immature platelets in neonates, as well as determine the impact of enhanced platelet turnover and high residual platelet reactivity on the response to antiplatelet agents.
Use of docetaxel in low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: A systematic review and assessment of subgroup analyses
Authors: Gil-Sierra Manuel David , Alegre-del Rey Emilio Jesus , Alarcon de la Lastra-Romero Catalina , Sánchez-Hidalgo Marina
Published: August 2021

Background

Use of docetaxel in low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer presents considerable controversy. There is literature suggesting lack of benefit for low-volume of metastases.

Objective

The study aims to develop a systematic review and methodological assessment of subset analysis about use of docetaxel in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer regarding volume of metastatic disease.

Methods

A systematic review in the Pubmed® database was conducted up to 25 September 2020. A reference tracking was also developed. Randomised clinical trials with subgroup analysis according volume of metastatic disease for overall survival were selected. Two methodologies were used. One of them considered statistical interaction of subsets ( p(i) < 0.1), pre-specification, biological plausibility and consistency among subset results of similar randomised clinical trials. The second methodology was a two-part validated tool: preliminary questions to discard subset analysis without minimal relevance and a checklist The checklist provides recommendations for applicability of subgroup analysis in clinical practice.

Results

A total of 31 results were found in systematic reviews in the Pubmed® database. One result was identified in the reference tracking. Of the total of 32 results, four randomised clinical trials were included in the study. About first methodology, statistical interaction among subgroups was obtained in one randomised clinical trial. Subgroup analysis was pre-specified in two randomised clinical trials. Biological plausibility was reasonable. No external consistency among results of subgroup analyses in randomised clinical trials was observed. Preliminary questions of second methodology rejected applicability of subgroup analysis in three randomised clinical trials. A ‘null’ recommendation for applicability of subset results was obtained in the remaining randomised clinical trial.

Conclusions

Patients with low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer would benefit from docetaxel therapy. No consistent differences for overall survival were observed in subgroup analyses regarding volume of metastatic disease.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of venlafaxine to treat behavioural disorders in cats: a pilot study
Authors: Metz Delphine , Medam Tiphaine , Masson Sylvia
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Venlafaxine, a specific inhibitor of both noradrenaline and serotonin, is commonly used in human medicine to treat depression, anxiety and social phobia. Its formulation in small granules renders it interesting to test on cats, which are usually reluctant to take medication. Venlafaxine was administered at 1 mg/kg for 60 days, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol, to cats aged ⩾6 months exhibiting aggressiveness, fear or house-soiling.

Methods

After one cat’s withdrawal, 21 cats were included in the study: 11 in the venlafaxine group and 10 in the placebo group. Three consultations were conducted, on day 0, day 30 and day 60. Each visit consisted of (1) veterinarian- and owner-based scoring of the cat’s behavioural improvement; (2) scoring of the cat’s compliance with removal from its carrier and compliance with manipulation; and (3) owner scoring of the ease of administration and recording of the potential adverse effects of the treatment.

Results

Improvement was significantly higher in the venlafaxine group; as early as day 30, according to the veterinarian scoring, and at day 60, according to both the veterinarian and owner scoring. In contrast, neither the removal nor the manipulation scores were significantly different between the two treatment groups. Venlafaxine seemed to improve all three studied signs, as early as day 30 for fear and aggressiveness, and at day 60 for house-soiling. The adverse effects of venlafaxine were limited to drowsiness in one cat. All cats tolerated the treatment well during the 60-day period.

Conclusions and relevance

These results suggest that venlafaxine is efficient in treating several behavioural problems and is easy to administer. More studies should be conducted to explore its effects at different dosages on specific diagnoses.
‘In the end you adapt to anything’: Responses to narratives of resilience and entrepreneurship in post-recession Spain
Authors: Oliva Mercè , Pérez-Latorre Óliver , Besalú Reinald
Published: August 2021

Resilience – the ability to bounce back from hardship – is a concept that has become popular during the years of economic crisis and post-recession. Contemporary citizens are expected to be flexible, have a positive attitude and take care of themselves in a context of heightened inequality and precarity. The objective of this article is to analyze how citizens in post-recession Spain respond to media representations that prescribe these values. Eight focus groups were held with middle- and working-class men and women (a total of 62 participants) who discussed four short stories written by the researchers, which condensed the main concepts found in media narratives studied previously (including TV series, reality TV, advertisements, video games and celebrity culture). The results of our analysis show that participants tended to praise change and adaptability. The ‘complacent citizen’, who seeks security and refuses to adapt to the current precarious and unstable environments, emerges as a ‘bad citizen’, and security and stability are pathologized. There were differences between the middle- and working-class groups: while the former clearly adhered to the neoliberal discourse that sees flexibility and self-improvement as a moral obligation, the latter showed a more ambivalent response to these discourses.
Behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete columns subjected to axial compressive load
Authors: Ma Kaize , Ma Yudong , Xing Guohua , Liu Boquan
Published: August 2021

A constitutive model of confined ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) was developed based on the theoretical and regression analyses. This constitutive model could be applied to finite element analysis (FEA) according to the comparison of plastic damage analysis and load–displacement curves. A total of 25 stirrup-confined UHPC columns were created through FEA modeling. The variables included stirrup spacing, stirrup configuration, steel fiber volume, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio. The load–displacement curves and the plastic damage region of the UHPC columns were illustrated and analyzed. Moreover, parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of the aforementioned parameters. The improvement in the bearing capacity and ductility of the UHPC columns resulting from the reduction in stirrup spacing and increase in steel fiber volume indicated that the columns were significantly influenced by the stirrup spacing, stirrup configuration, and steel fiber volume.
Older adults’ experiences of being at a senior summer camp—A phenomenographic study
Authors: Wallroth Veronika , Larsson Kjerstin , Schröder Agneta
Published: August 2021

Senior summer camps are arranged by more and more municipalities in Sweden with the purpose of creating a place where older adults can meet and mitigate their social isolation. The aim of the study is to understand, from their own point of view, how the participants experienced senior summer camp. A phenomenographic approach was used to surface the older adults’ experiences and analyze the data. Three descriptive categories evolved: “A pleasant environment to be in”, “Something to do for everyone” and “Breaking one’s loneliness”. Findings from this study suggest that just getting away, not having to cook, seeing and experiencing something else, and having company when eating food or doing activities meant a lot to the participants, who all have different experiences of loneliness. Knowing that other people were lonely made the participants at the senior summer camp realize that they were not to blame for their loneliness.
Intimacy as Inquiry: Collaborative Reading and Writing With Deleuze and Guattari
Authors: Bittinger Ryan , Clarke David A. G. , Erb Jess , Hauser Holt , Wyatt Jonathan
Published: August 2021

This article performs the becoming intimacy of a reading (and, later, writing) group who met once a month for 2 years to discuss Deleuze and Guattari’s A Thousand Plateaus. Through this collaborative piece, we explore the question of intimacy as both a form of activism and a mode of inquiry. We ask, “Where is activism as we subvert the hierarchy of academia by meeting as an assemblage of differing perspectives and positions in the university?” Furthermore, we ask, “What does the intimacy that occurred, that is occurring, do for both inquiry and activism?.” This article contains two sets of writing from our monthly meetings that we offered as performative conference texts. We contend that it is affect that brings our theorizing to life, and transfers it meaningfully between each other. We are affected by Deleuze and Guattari, by A Thousand Plateaus, and by how we form linkages with our lives to these bodies. Intimacy is what sustains and gives life to our collective inquiry, without which our affect might be more constrained. The complexity of the becoming of “intimacy as inquiry” becomes twofold, as it is not only a becoming of intimacy, love, and care for those in our assemblage but also a reterritorialization of the act of inquiry. Through the act of disrupting power structures in the group of “We 5,” the act of writing and presenting this work in an academic context pushes against the striated spaces that exist in the academy, that course through the milieu we occupy, and provides the means and necessity for reterritorializing the epistemic space. “Epistemic intimacy,” then, becomes a manifestation of engaging with the inquiry process and embodies an active resistance to the business transaction that the act of inquiry has become in the neoliberal development of the academy.
Value of Personalized Dementia-Specific Quality of Life Scales: An Explorative Study in 3 European Countries
Authors: Hendriks Iris , Demetrio Raquel , Meiland Franka J. M. , Chattat Rabih , Szcześniak Dorota , Rymaszewska Joanna , Ettema Teake P. , Evans Shirley B. , Brooker Dawn , Evans Simon C. , Atkinson Teresa , Farina Elisabetta , Saibene Francesca L. , Gerritsen Debby L. , Dröes Rose-Marie
Published: August 2021

Measuring Quality of Life (QOL) can be difficult due to its individual character. To explore the value of personalized QOL measurement for people with dementia, personalized versions of two dementia-specific QOL scales (Dementia quality of Life (DQoL) and Quaility of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD)) were constructed. This study investigated whether the personalized measures are more valid to detect variations in QOL than their standard versions for people with mild to moderate dementia, with sufficient internal consistency. Moreover, the relationship between the personalized QOL measures and severity of dementia was investigated. Finally, the study explored the differences between countries regarding the personalized overall QOL and differences in the importance of QOL domains. This explorative one-group design study used baseline data from the MEETINGDEM study into the implementation of the Meeting Centres Support Programme in Italy, Poland and the UK. The personalized versions of the DQoL and QoL-AD were reliable, but not more valid than their standard versions. No relationship between severity of dementia and personalized QOL was found. While no differences were found between countries for the overall QOL score, some QOL domains were valued differently: people with dementia from the UK rated self-esteem, mood, physical health, energy level and the ability to do chores around the house significantly less important than people from Italy and Poland. The personalized versions of the DQoL and QoL-AD may offer dementia care practice important insights into what domains contribute most to an individual’s QOL.
The Effectiveness of Client-Centered Intervention With Telerehabilitation Method After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Torpil Berkan , Kaya Özgür
Published: August 2021

There is known to be a decrease in quality of life and perceived occupational performance and satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was planned to examine the effectiveness of a client-centered (CC) intervention with the telerehabilitation (TR) method on the quality of life, perceived occupational performance, and satisfaction after TKA. A total of 38 patients who had undergone TKA were randomly assigned to the CC and control groups. A 12-day intervention program was applied to the CC group. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were applied before and after intervention. The 12-day intervention showed a strong effect on all parameters in the CC group ( p<.001). In the postintervention comparisons, a significant difference was found in favor of the CC group ( p < .001). CC interventions with the TR method can be used in post-TKA interventions.
Surgical Technique and Outcomes of Reconstruction for Blauth Type III Thumb Hypoplasia
Authors: Chughtai Morad , McConaghy Kara , Bui Xem , Kwiecien Grzegorz J. , Seitz William H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Historically, amputation and pollicization has been the recommended surgical treatment for Blauth type III hypoplastic thumbs. However, due to aesthetic objections or cultural preferences, some parents seek out alternative surgical options. The present study describes a nontraditional technique that preserves and augments the hypoplastic thumb.

Methods

Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with Blauth type III hypoplastic thumbs who underwent thumb reconstruction at our institution from 2008 to 2018. The reconstruction procedure involved toe phalanx transfer, staged tendon transfers, and lengthening as needed. Motion was assessed categorically as ability to flex, extend, or oppose the thumb. Functionality was assessed as ability to pinch and grasp with the surgical hand. Patient- or parent-reported improvement in thumb function was also recorded.

Results

Of the 13 patients, 100% could flex, extend, and oppose the thumb to some degree. Eleven patients (85%) had functional one-handed grasp, and 9 (69%) had a functional pinch. Eleven patients (85%) reported no functional limitations of the operative hand. Thirteen patients (100%) reported improvement in hand function after surgery as compared to pre-operatively. There were 2 minor complications (15%), both of which resolved after intervention. No patients experienced donor-site morbidity.

Conclusions

Reconstruction of Blauth III thumbs is a nontraditional technique that allows for digit retention by salvaging the hypoplastic thumb. In the present study, the majority of patients had functional thumbs and all reported postoperative improvement. Overall, our results suggest that reconstruction is a viable surgical option for Blauth III hypoplastic thumbs.
WhatsApp disruptions in Brazil: A content analysis of user and news media responses, 2015–2018
Authors: Pereira Gabriel , Bueno Bojczuk Camargo Iago , Parks Lisa
Published: August 2021

Brazilians have adopted WhatsApp as a national media and communication infrastructure over the past several years, although it is controlled by its private US-based owner, Facebook. This article explores the diverse, contentious and influential roles the app played in the country during disruptions to its use from 2015 to 2018. Using content analysis, we critically engage with user-generated memes and news media coverage responding to these disruptions. In these cases, Brazilians self-reflexively questioned the app’s role in their everyday lives and country, reassessing what it means to rely on a national infrastructure owned by an unaccountable global media conglomerate.
How Twitter drives the global news agenda: Tweets from Brazil, Russia, India, China, the UK and US and online discourse about the 2016 US presidential election
Authors: O’Boyle Jane , Pardun Carol J
Published: August 2021

A manual content analysis compares 6019 Twitter comments from six countries during the 2016 US presidential election. Twitter comments were positive about Trump and negative about Clinton in Russia, the US and also in India and China. In the UK and Brazil, Twitter comments were largely negative about both candidates. Twitter sources for Clinton comments were more frequently from journalists and news companies, and still more negative than positive in tone. Topics on Twitter varied from those in mainstream news media. This foundational study expands communications research on social media, as well as political communications and international distinctions.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for Graves’ disease in pregnancy
Authors: Lumchee Matthew , Yue Mimi , Laurie Josephine , Morton Adam
Published: August 2021

Graves’ disease in pregnancy may be associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal complications, which are proportionate to the severity of hyperthyroidism. Optimal management is detailed preconception counselling, achievement of an euthyroid state prior to conception, and close monitoring of thyroid function and thyroid-stimulating antibodies together with judicious use of anti-thyroid medications during pregnancy. A case of Graves’ disease in pregnancy, complicated by pancytopenia, with a deterioration in thyroid function following cessation of thionamide therapy is described here. Therapeutic plasma exchange was subsequently used to achieve rapid control prior to thyroidectomy. Therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism where thionamides are ineffective or contraindicated, as a bridge to definitive management.
Comparison of cost-effectiveness and postoperative outcomes following integration of a stiff shaft glidewire into percutaneous nephrolithotripsy
Authors: Valadon Crystal , Abedali Zain A. , Nottingham Charles U. , Large Tim , Krambeck Amy E.
Published: August 2021

Aims:

To analyze the cost effectiveness of integrating a stiff shaft glidewire (SSGW) in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) relative to standard technique (ST). This is prudent because healthcare providers are experiencing increased pressure to improve procedure-related cost containment.

Methods:

ST for PCNL at our institution involves a hydrophilic glidewire during initial percutaneous access and then two new stiff shaft wires. The SSGW is a hydrophilic wire used for initial access and the remainder of the procedure. We collected operating room (OR) costs for all primary, unilateral PCNL cases over a 5-month period during which ST for PCNL was used at a single institution with a single surgeon and compared with a 6-month period during which a SSGW was used. Mean costs for each period were then compared along with stone-free rates and complications.

Results:

We included 17 total cases in the ST group and 22 in the SSGW group. The average operating room supply cost for the ST group was $1937.32 and $1559.39 in the SSGW group. The net difference of $377.93 represents a nearly 20% decrease in cost. This difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.031). There was no difference in postoperative stone-free rates (82.4% versus 86.4%, p = 1.0, respectively) or complications (23.5% versus 13.6%, p = 0.677, respectively) between ST and SSGW groups.

Conclusion:

Transitioning to a SSGW has reduced OR supply cost by reducing the number of supplies required. The change in wire did not affect stone-free rates or complications.
Spanish riders law and the right to be informed about the algorithm
Authors: Todolí-Signes Adrián
Published: August 2021

The Spanish Government has introduced a regulation which establishes: i) the presumption of employment in digital delivery platforms, and ii) the right of workers’ representatives to be informed about the parameters, rules and instructions on which the algorithms that may have an impact on working conditions are based. This article describes the new law and analyses the novelty of this regulation and its expected impact. The main conclusion is that with this law the Spanish legislator is seeking to clarify that the new technological options – digital algorithms and platforms – are simply the means of performing an economic activity and therefore people who render services within their scope should be considered as employees.
Training health workers at scale in Nigeria to fight COVID-19 using the InStrat COVID-19 tutorial app: an e-health interventional study
Authors: Otu Akaninyene , Okuzu Okey , Effa Emmanuel , Ebenso Bassey , Ameh Soter , Nihalani Nrip , Onwusaka Obiageli , Tawose Tomisin , Olayinka Adebola , Walley John
Published: August 2021

Background:

Health worker training is an essential component of epidemic control; rapid delivery of such training is possible in low-middle income countries with digital platforms.

Methods:

Based on prior experience with the Ebola outbreak, we developed and deployed a bespoke InStrat COVID-19 tutorial app, to deliver accurate and regularly updated information about COVID-19 to frontline health workers and epidemic response officers across 25 states of Nigeria. The potential effectiveness of this app in training frontline health workers was assessed through online pre- and post-tests and a survey.

Results:

A total of 1051 health workers from 25 states across Nigeria undertook the e-learning on the InStrat COVID-19 training app. Of these, 627 (57%) completed both the pre- and post-tests in addition to completing the training modules. Overall, there were statistically significant differences between pre- and post-tests knowledge scores (54 increasing to 74). There were also differences in the subcategories of sex, region and cadre. There were higher post-test scores in males compared with females, younger versus older and southern compared with northern Nigeria. A total of 65 (50%) of the participants reported that the app increased their understanding of COVID-19, while 69 (53%) stated that they had applied the knowledge and skills learnt at work. Overall, the functionality and usability of the app were satisfactory.

Conclusion:

Capacity building for epidemic control using e-health applications is potentially effective, can be delivered at minimal cost and service disruption and can serve as a tool for capacity building in similar contexts.
Evaluation of an E-Learning Tool for Augmented Acoustics in Music Education
Authors: Klanjscek Neva , David Lisa , Frank Matthias
Published: August 2021

Augmented Practice Room is an e-learning tool, developed by the project team, that allows music students to practice in different acoustical environments while remaining physically in their classroom or at home. Music teachers and students from violin, ‘cello, piano, clarinet, guitar, and pop-singing classes have collaborated in testing it for a semester and giving the authors continuous feedback. In this exploratory phase, we used methods such as group discussion and semi-structured diary, with the purpose to gather as many different perspectives and reactions from participants as possible. The analysis of the collected data showed that the tool was in general positively perceived and considered useful. In particular, results merged into a four-dimensional model that describes the impact of the tool on practice: musical expressiveness, level of attention or arousal, instrument-specific technical issues, and emotional state.
Preoperative and intraoperative factors contributing to patient satisfaction after bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Inui Hiroshi , Taketomi Shuji , Yamagami Ryota , Kono Kenichi , Kawaguchi Kohei , Tanaka Sakae
Published: August 2021

Background:

One of the causes of dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is abnormal knee kinematics. A newly designed bi-cruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA system has been developed to produce close-to-normal kinematics because of its anatomic tibiofemoral articular geometry and cam-post mechanism. Although BCS TKA is expected to improve patient satisfaction, no reports have described the appropriate technique or soft tissue handling required to achieve excellent satisfaction with BCS TKA. This study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of patient satisfaction after BCS TKA.

Methods:

Altogether, we studied 113 knees with primary varus knee osteoarthritis that underwent BCS TKA with a navigation system. Preoperative parameters including Knee Society Score and patient-reported scores [the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)] and intraoperative parameters including coronal, sagittal and axial alignment and joint laxity in each compartment that affected patient satisfaction was evaluated. Satisfaction score was evaluated with use of the 2011 Knee Society Scoring system. The multivariate regression analysis included age and preoperative and intraoperative parameters that correlated with satisfaction scores in the univariate analysis ( P < 0.05).

Results:

The mean satisfaction score was 28.2 ± 6.1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the predictors of patient satisfaction were a preoperative high KOOS score for activities of daily living ( P < 0.001), male sex ( P = 0.005), older age ( P = 0.027), and minimal medial joint laxity during flexion ( P = 0.031).

Conclusion:

When performing BCS TKA, surgeons should pay attention to maintaining proper stability of the medial compartment, especially during flexion.
Constraints and Adjustments in the US–Yemeni Relations
Authors: Abadi Jacob
Published: August 2021

This article analyzes the course of US–Yemeni relations from the 1940s to the present and aims to explain the reasons for the twists and turns in bilateral relations. It argues that the US government never developed a unique “Yemen policy” and that its attitude toward that country was determined largely by its ties with Saudi Arabia. Yemen began to loom large in US foreign policy in the early 1960s when Egyptian President Gamal Abd al-Nasser intervened on behalf of the Republicans who staged a coup against the Royal imamate regime, which relied on Saudi support. The article shows that President John Kennedy looked favorably on the new Republican regime in Yemen despite the robust relations that existed between the United Statesand Saudi Arabia. In addition, it argues that despite the war in Yemen, which lasted from 1962 to 1970 and caused instability in this region, this country did not loom large in US foreign policy. This was largely due to the British presence in south Yemen and especially in the port of Aden, which lasted until 1967. The article shows how the British withdrawal from Aden increased Yemen’s value in the eyes of US policymakers, but even then, no effort was made to fashion a unique policy toward this country. In addition, the article demonstrates how Washington’s attitude changed in 1969 when the country was divided into North Yemen, which tended to regard the Soviet Union as its protector and South Yemen, which continued to rely on US aid. And lastly, the article traces US–Yemeni relations from 1990, when the country reunited, until the present. It demonstrates how the bilateral relations were affected by the superpowers’ rivalry during the Cold War, the fight against terrorism, and disagreement between the Republican and the Democratic parties in the United States.
What Determines the Geography of Entrepreneurship? A Comparative Study Between Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia
Authors: Madzikanda Beverlley , Li Cai , Dabuo Francis Tang
Published: August 2021

There is a clear disparity between different regions of the world regarding the type and number of entrepreneurs. These differences are most prominent between low-income regions like Africa and middle- to high-income regions such as South-East Asia. Thirty years ago, Asian and African countries were at similar stages of development, but today their difference in entrepreneurship and economic development is massive, which makes them intriguing cases to compare. To investigate the extent of this and explain why it happens, this study identifies the main influences on entrepreneurial activity, according to entrepreneurship ecosystem (EE) theory and knowledge spillover theory. Making use of multivariate analysis of variance, the most prominent factors responsible for the difference in entrepreneurship capacity in the regions were found to be technology development, political situation and the quality of public institutions. South-East Asia provides these to a sufficient degree thereby giving rise to a healthy EE, while Africa’s ability to build this infrastructure is still in its embryonic stage. This study’s efficacy is to inform on possible policies that low- and middle-income nations can follow to build entrepreneurship in their current economic situations, as well as to expand EE theory in the underexplored context of developing countries.
Multilayer network structure and city size: A cross-sectional analysis of global cities to detect the correlation between street and terrain
Authors: George Jeeno Soa , Paul Saikat Kumar , Dhawale Richa
Published: August 2021

The high share of impermeable surfaces in cities modifies the terrain characteristics that facilitate natural water flow and balance. The street network, an impervious surface on its own, is also the impetus for developing other impervious surfaces by facilitating access. The purpose of this work is to assess the interconnectedness between the underlying structural lines of the terrain and the street network for making informed decisions on locating green infrastructure to maintain water balance. For this purpose, the work measures the spatio-structural similarity between the co-located networks, assesses the variation of the measure with city size and relation to an indicator of water balance. Cross-sectional analysis is performed across a large sample of cities of varying sizes to extract generalized patterns of spatial structure and variations to size. The larger cities have low index values of spatio-structural similarity ranging between –0.2 and 0.2. The low index values for larger cities relate to the emergence of small-world properties in large street networks for functional efficiency and large street networks' web-like shape. Next, the paper identifies two zones based on the interconnectedness of the roads and the terrain. The spatial extent of a zone based on points where the arterial road intersects higher orders of drainage channels and ridgelines is associated with the number of above-normal wet conditions (SPEI ≥ 2.0) with the r-value of –0.30 at a p-value of 0.05. In summary, spatial statistics on spatial network data are helpful to extract trends inherent in the multi-layered network structure of cities to provide informed solutions. The policymakers and planners can use the spatial co-location patterns between street and terrain to make data-driven decisions to locate interventions for a nature-based resilient city.
Peer-focused prison reentry programs: Which peer characteristics matter most?
Authors: Matthews Esther
Published: August 2021

Over the past two decades, recidivism rates have remained relatively stable, leading practitioners to explore innovative reentry solutions. One reentry model, based on the concept of peer mentorship, has received renewed attention. Unfortunately, little is known about which peer characteristics make mentors most effective in a prison setting. This study uses participant observation and semi-structured interviews, embedded with survey questions, to understand which “peer” characteristics prison staff, peer mentors, and mentees perceive as the most important. Analysis of survey data also suggests that a history of incarceration is perceived as the most important characteristic for peer mentors in a reentry context. Additionally, the qualitative analysis reveals that mentors need to be perceived as credible to be effective role models for reentry. This credibility was almost exclusively linked to a lived experience of incarceration. Peer mentorship remains a viable option for improving reentry outcomes, but hiring the appropriate, credible peers is essential for effective implementation.
Concentrating in a Loud Crowd: Sonographer Perceptions of Policies to Limit Distractions in Obstetric Sonography Examinations
Authors: Frey April , Lijewski Virginia , Straub Heather
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective was to identify sonographer perceptions of distractions and policies for improving obstetric sonography examinations (OBUS).

Materials and Methods

A survey, with closed- and open-ended questions, was sent to OBUS practicing members of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS). Descriptive analyses, including frequency distributions overall and by various groups, were performed. Chi-square analyses were used to examine the relationships between categorical variables, including level of perceived distraction, and concordance with policies.

Results

Of the 3525 accessed e-mails, 807 responses were eligible for analysis. Over half (62%) of the respondents reported no observer policy. Sonographers reported strong agreement with observer policies and desired limits on observers. Policy disagreement themes included number of observers, children observers, patient satisfaction, and patient truthfulness. Most sonographers reported existence of (85%) and strong agreement (97%) with recording policies. Disagreements centered around the strictness of policies, policy enforcement and notification, distraction of recording, medico-legal issues, and finding anomalies while being recorded.

Conclusion

Discrepancies existed between policies regarding observers and recording in OBUS. Sonographers both desired and agreed with protocols to limit distractions. However, there were concerns regarding stringency, notification, and enforcement of policies. Further research is needed to determine if policies help limit distractions during OBUS.
Increased efficacy of dual proinflammatory cytokine blockade on acute GVHD while maintaining GVT effects
Authors: Khuat Lam T. , Vick Logan V. , Dunai Cordelia , Collins Craig P. , More Shyam K. , Le Catherine T. , Pai Chien-Chun Steven , Stoffel Kevin M. , Maverakis Emanual , Canter Robert J. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Longo Dan L. , Abedi Mehrdad , Choi Eunju , Blazar Bruce R. , Dave Maneesh , Murphy William J.
Published: August 2021

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains a potential curative option for treating a variety of hematologic diseases, but acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain major barriers limiting efficacy. Acute gut GVHD occurs with marked increases in proinflammatory cytokines (including TNF and IL-6), which we recently demonstrated was exacerbated in obesity resulting in severe gastrointestinal pathology. Given the pleiotropic and overlapping effects of these 2 cytokines, we assessed the impact of dual TNF and IL-6R blockade on GVHD as well as graft-versus tumor (GVT) effects in different mouse GVHD models. Early administration of combined blockade resulted in greater protection and survival from acute gut GVHD compared with single blockade regimens and even development of later chronic skin GVHD. Importantly, double cytokine blockade preserved GVT effects reinforcing that GVT and GVHD can be delineated and may result in greater efficacy in allo-HSCT.
The age of the bone marrow microenvironment influences B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia progression via CXCR5-CXCL13
Authors: Zanetti Costanza , Kumar Rahul , Ender Joscha , Godavarthy Parimala S. , Hartmann Mark , Hey Joschka , Breuer Kersten , Weissenberger Eva S. , Minciacchi Valentina R. , Karantanou Christina , Gu Zhaohui , Roberts Kathryn G. , Metzler Markus , Stock Wendy , Mullighan Charles G. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Filmann Natalie , Bankov Katrin , Hartmann Sylvia , Hasserjian Robert P. , Cousins Antony F. , Halsey Christina , Plass Christoph , Lipka Daniel B. , Krause Daniela S.
Published: August 2021

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) occurs most commonly in children, whereas chronic myeloid leukemia is more frequent in adults. The myeloid bias of hematopoiesis in elderly individuals has been considered causative, but the age of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) may be contributory. Using various murine models of B-ALL in young vs old mice, we recapitulated B-ALL preponderance in children vs adults. We showed differential effects of young vs old BM macrophages on B-ALL cell function. Molecular profiling using RNA- and ATAC-sequencing revealed pronounced differences in young vs old BMM-derived macrophages and enrichment for gene sets associated with inflammation. In concordance with the role of C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL) 13 for disease-associated B-cell chemoattraction, we found CXCL13 to be highly expressed in young macrophages on a translational compared with a transcriptional level. Inhibition of CXCL13 in BM macrophages impaired leukemia cell migration and decreased the proliferation of cocultured B-ALL cells, whereas recombinant CXCL13 increased pAKT and B-ALL cell expansion. Pretreatment of B-ALL–initiating cells with CXCL13 accelerated B-ALL progression. Deficiency of Cxcr5, the receptor for CXCL13, on B-ALL–initiating cells prolonged murine survival, whereas high expression of CXCR5 in pediatric B-ALL may predict central nervous system relapse. CXCL13 staining was increased in bone sections from pediatric compared with adult patients with B-ALL. Taken together, our study shows that the age of the BMM and, in particular, BM macrophages influence the leukemia phenotype. The CXCR5-CXCL13 axis may act as prognostic marker and an attractive novel target for the treatment of B-ALL.
Metastasis of breast cancer to bladder
Authors: Hadhri Asma , Abidi Rim , Mahjoub Najet , Mousli Alia , Mahjoubi Khalil , Boujelbene Nadia , Nasr Chiraz
Published: August 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, and most breast cancer related deaths are due to metastasis. Urinary bladder metastasis from breast cancer is rarely reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 77-year-old female with history of left breast cancer, who presented a thickening of the bladder wall at pelvic ultrasound. Biopsy confirmed that the origin was lobular carcinoma of breast origin. The patient received chemotherapy, but the clinical course of the patient was very aggressive and she died one year later.

Conclusion

Bladder metastasis from breast cancer is rare, but the literature reveals an increase in such occurrence over the last few years. Pathologic diagnosis relies on immunohistochemical studies. Chemotherapy and hormonal treatment represent the standard therapy, with radiotherapy being used only to control bladder bleeding. The prognosis is usually poor.
Who are engaging in the nano-specific partner expert groups? An analysis of partner expert groups vs. expert groups
Authors: Clausen Lauge Peter Westergaard , Nielsen Maria Bille , Hansen Steffen Foss
Published: August 2021

Background

Consultation with partner expert groups (PEGs) is an important step in updating guidance under European chemical legislation concerning nanomaterials. Here, we briefly review the differences between PEGs and the broader use of expert groups in general, and scrutinise the five closed - and one ongoing-nano-specific PEGs to investigate stakeholder composition, level of engagement and the extent to which stakeholder comments resulted in revisions being implemented in ECHA’s draft guidance.

Results

Thirty-six different stakeholders were identified as having been involved in the closed PEG consultations, and an additional nine are currently involved in an ongoing PEG. For the closed PEG consultations, industry and trade associations (I&Ts) and member or associated member states (MSCAs) were the most represented groups, accounting for 15 and 13 members, respectively, whereas non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and European Union bodies (EUB) accounted for four members each. Interestingly, Academia was not represented. A total of 2700 comments were provided to ECHA’s draft guidance updates. Of these, MSCAs, I&Ts, EUB and NGOs accounted for 924, 876, 771 and 126 comments, of which 678, 494, 547 and 70 were adopted by ECHA, respectively. Eight stakeholders did not provide a comment.

Conclusions

Even though EGs and PEGs are not fully comparable, we find that they hold many similarities. The nano-specific PEGs are influenced by a few very active stakeholders that have the time, resources and motivation to engage extensively while some stakeholder groups are partly or completely missing. We recommend that ECHA provides funding opportunities for less resourceful stakeholders, in order to minimise the effects of scarce funding on engagement. Furthermore, we recommend broadening the list of accredited stakeholder organisations, thereby allowing for more diversity among stakeholders involved, e.g. Academia, and that ECHA provides a justification for inclusion of the PEG members.