bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over 12 Years Single Institutional Experience Performing Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Unresectable Liver Metastases
Authors: Carr Michael J. , Sun James , Cohen Jonathan B. , Liu Jinhong , Serdiuk Andrew A. , Stewart Stephen R. , Doobay Navin , Duclos Andrew , Seal David A. , Choi Junsung , Zager Jonathan S.
Published: December 2020

Patients with unresectable hepatic metastases, from uveal or ocular melanoma, are challenging to treat with an overall poor prognosis. Although over the past decade significant advances in systemic therapies have been made, metastatic disease to the liver, especially from uveal melanoma, continues to be a poor prognosis. Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) is a safe, viable treatment option for these patients. PHP utilizes high dose chemotherapy delivered directly to the liver while minimizing systemic exposure and can be repeated up to 6 times. Isolation of the hepatic vasculature with a double-balloon catheter allows for high concentration cytotoxic therapy to be administered with minimal systemic adverse effects. A detailed description of the multidisciplinary treatment protocol used at an institution with over 12 years of experience is discussed and recommendations are given. A dedicated team of a surgical or medical oncology, interventional radiology, anesthesiology and a perfusionist allows PHP to be repeatedly performed as a safe treatment strategy for unresectable hepatic metastases.
Understanding a Diverse Cancer Center Catchment Area: A Qualitative Needs Assessment Built on a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Reyes Clara , Thompson Beti , Briant Katherine J. , Mendoza Jason
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Quantitative approaches to the cancer incidence and mortality of a geographic region may lack understanding of the human context in the region thereby affecting how relevant cancer prevention and control activities can best be targeted to a cancer center’s catchment area.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to obtain and analyze qualitative data that described the barriers and facilitators in a cancer center’s catchment area. A further objective was to use the assessment to plan a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and control activities in the region.

METHODS:

Extensive qualitative data were gathered from 32 key informants in the 13 county catchment area. We used the Warnecke Model for Analysis of Population Health and Health Disparities to analyze the qualitative data. We coded factors affecting cancer prevention and control using a directed content analysis approach guided by the Warnecke Model.

RESULTS:

Four outcome types included fundamental barriers such as political environment and discrimination, gaps in resources, and lack of coordinated activities. Social and physical barriers included distrust, diverse language and cultures, and geographic distance. Individual barriers included lack of system negotiation, health literacy, and poverty. Biological barriers were disparate disease rates in specific groups.

CONCLUSION:

The analysis and assessment led to the creation of a catchment area wide coalition that used the results to formulate a comprehensive strategic plan to address the barriers in the region.
A novel adaptive control algorithm for the rejection of harmonics in a standard vibrator
Authors: Li Chao , Mao Chentao , Chen Zhangwei
Published: December 2020

Because of the nonlinear factors in the standard vibrators, the output waveform of the vibrators is usually distorted, especially in the low-frequency band. Traditionally, the harmonic distortion is suppressed by improved design of the vibrator and feedback control. However, these approaches can just suppress the harmonics to some extent. There are still residual harmonic components which cannot be eliminated. In this article, an adaptive control algorithm is proposed to eliminate the harmonics of the vibration calibration system by injecting harmonic components into the control input signal. Weighting vectors of the harmonic components are adaptively updated based on a modified filtered-x least mean square (MFxLMS) algorithm, which has both strong robustness and much less computational complexity. The convergence properties of the proposed MFxLMS algorithm are investigated, and it is further implemented in a real-time controller. Experimental results on a standard vibrator show excellent performances for harmonic cancellation. The harmonic distortion is close to 0% after the implementation of the proposed algorithm.
“I Get Fire Inside Me That Tells Me I’m Going to Defy.”: The Discursive Construction of Trans Masculinity in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: monakali esethu , Francis Dennis A.
Published: December 2020

This research extends our understanding of trans masculinity in South Africa. Drawing on in-depth interviews with seven trans masculine-identified individuals, we analyze the discourses that trans masculine individuals draw on to make sense of their experiences of gender and their embodiment and performance of masculinity. There are three key findings. First, we found that trans masculine people deploy competing discourses of gender to make sense of their gender performativity. Second, participants drew on discourses of sexism, genderism, and transphobia to illustrate the complexity of constructing counter-normative masculine subject positions. Finally, while trans masculine individuals discursively positioned their masculinities as caring, their constructions of masculinity simultaneously contained complicity with dominant discourses about hegemonic masculinity. The findings highlight the diversity and complexity of masculine subject positions taken up by trans masculine individuals.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the development of multiple sclerosis in clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Al-Namaeh Mashael
Published: December 2020

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) usually describes a first clinical episode that suggest multiple sclerosis. One of the signs and symptoms of CIS is Optic neuritis (ON). Several early intervention drugs are being tested in clinical trials for the early intervention in CIS patients which may lead to multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aim (1) early intervention of the CIS progression to MS delay slow down the MS progression, (2) since that ON affects 30%–70% of MS patients, the available ON intervention delay the MS progression. PubMed was used as a search engine. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effect model. For aim 1, it showed lower risk of progression to MS compared to non-treated group (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.64; 95%CI: 0.58, 0.69; p < 0.001). For aim 2, drug treated group showed lower risk of progression compared to non-treated group (RR 0.19, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.54, p < 0.002. Statistical heterogeneity was not significant in both outcomes and bias of publication was not found using inspection of funnel plot and Egger’s statistical test in both outcomes. In conclusion, early treatment should be considered in CIS patients to prevent the progression of MS. Moreover, this data shows that early intervention (Erythropoietin, Ery) of ON decreases the conversion risk to MS.
The relationships among personal accomplishment, resilience and teachers’ experience of teaching multiple school subjects role conflict
Authors: Iannucci Cassandra , Richards K Andrew R , MacPhail Ann
Published: December 2020

This study develops an understanding of the relationships among personal accomplishment, resilience, and teaching multiple school subjects role conflict (TMSS-RC) among Irish post-primary, multi-subject teachers. A theoretically informed conceptual framework was developed to explain the relationships among personal accomplishment, resilience, and the sub-domains of TMSS-RC: status conflict, schedule conflict, and energy expenditure. Participants included 259 post-primary teachers across Ireland who were responsible for teaching physical education and at least one other school subject concurrently. Participants completed a 46-item, cross-sectional survey consisting of a demographics questionnaire, the TMSS-RC scale, the personal accomplishment subscale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey, and the 10-item version of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Concurrent confirmatory factor analysis was first used to confirm the psychometric quality of the hypothesised factor structure. Results indicated that the hypothesised model was a good fit for the data. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine and verify the hypothesised relationships of the conceptual model. Results supported the model with mediation, which showed good model fit: C3(129) = 174.97, p = 0.004, χ 2/df = 1.36; root mean square error of approximation = 0.044 (90% confidence interval = 0.031, 0.057; p = 0.770), standardised root mean square residual = 0.058; non-normed fit index = 0.974; comparitive-fit index (CFI) = 0.978. Collectively, results indicate that as teachers’ levels of personal accomplishment and resilience increase, their experiences of TMSS-RC decrease. This suggests that stress as a result of teaching multiple school subjects concurrently can be reduced with an increase in teachers’ perceived levels of personal accomplishment and resiliency.
Effect of recycled aggregate concrete on the seismic behavior of DfD beam-column joints under cyclic loading
Authors: Xiao Jianzhuang , Chen Zixuan , Ding Tao , Xia Bing
Published: December 2020

The problem of environmental pollution and waste concrete generation will be alleviated if concrete structures can be designed with both recycling and reuse strategies. In this regard, this study employed recycled coarse aggregate as the structural material in a novel beam-column joint with Design for Deconstruction (DfD) connections. Two series cyclic loading tests including pre-loading and re-loading on this frame joint was undertaken and the effect of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) on structural behaviors was carefully evaluated. It is demonstrated that the DfD joint with RAC had favorable integrity and the influence of RAC was acceptable for practical application. Furthermore, the shear force model of the joint core area for RAC beam-column joint with DfD connections was put forward in this study, which showed good agreements with experimental results. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicated that the carbon emission of the beam-column joint with DfD connections made of RAC increased at construction process but would reduce the total carbon emission from the perspective of lifetime.
Comparison of data sources on alcohol problems: An exploratory exercise using surveys vs. national healthcare registers
Authors: Mäkelä Pia , Kuussaari Kristiina , Partanen Airi , Rautiainen Elina
Published: December 2020

Aims:

Both survey and healthcare register data struggle as data sources to capture the phenomenon of alcohol problems. We study a large group of people for whom survey data and two types of register data are available, and examine the overlaps of similar or related measures in the different data sources to learn about potential weaknesses in each. We also examine how register-based data on the prevalence of alcohol problems change depending on which register data are used.

Design:

We use data from the Regional Health and Wellbeing Study (ATH) of the adult Finnish population collected in 2013 and 2014 ( n = 69,441), individually linked with data on two national healthcare registers (Care Register for Health Care; Register of Primary Health Care visits) for the survey year and previous year.

Results:

The prevalence of substance-abuse-related healthcare was almost two-fold if data on outpatient primary care visits were included in addition to hospitalisations. Forty-six per cent of the survey respondents self-reporting substance-abuse-related healthcare service use were identified in the registers, and 22% of all respondents with such service use according to registers reported this in the survey. Records of substance-abuse-related healthcare service use, controlled for self-reported alcohol use and self-reported substance-abuse-related service use, were found more often for men, the middle-aged, people with basic education only, and the non-employed.

Conclusions:

The results are suggestive of underreporting in both data sources. There is an evident need to develop recording practices in the healthcare registers regarding substance use disorders.
The correlation between bowel complications and cardiac surgery
Authors: Mishra V. , Hewage S. , Islam S. , Harky A.
Published: December 2020

Although advances in knowledge and technology have improved outcomes in surgical cardiac patients over the last decade, complications following cardiac operations still remain to be potentially fatal. Gastrointestinal complications, in particular, tend to have high rates of reintervention and mortality following cardiac surgery, with ischemia and hemorrhage being two of the commonest underlying causes. The intention of this review is to identify which risk factors play important roles in predisposing patients to such complications and to gain better insight into the pathogenesis of the sequelae. Furthermore, strategies for prevention have been discussed to educate and increase awareness of how adverse cardiac surgical outcomes can be minimized.
The experiences of grandchildren who provide care for a grandparent with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Venters Sophie , Jones Christina J
Published: December 2020

Much of the research exploring the experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia has focussed on spouses and adult children. It is hypothesised that other family members at different life stages and with different family roles may experience and perceive the caregiving role differently. The objective of the current review was to explore the experiences of grandchildren who provide care to a grandparent with dementia. A systematic search of four databases identified 12 studies which met the inclusion criteria. An assessment of quality was completed for each of the included studies. Grandchildren described dementia-related changes, changes to their role and relationship with their grandparent, multiple impacts of caregiving, influences of other family relationships on caregiving and positive aspects of caregiving. Many of the included studies met most of the quality criteria for the respective methodological design; however, there was some variation in quality and sample across included studies. The review indicates that assessments and interventions to incorporate grandchildren and the wider family system may help to support family carers to continue to provide care for grandparents with dementia. The research and clinical implications and limitations of the review are also considered.
“My quiet times”: Themes of sleep health among people caring for a family member with dementia
Authors: Gibson Rosemary , Helm Amy , Breheny Mary , Gander Philippa
Published: December 2020

This research explores and represents the sleep of people caring for a family member with cognitive impairment or dementia. A thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended comments from 526 carers from a postal survey concerning sleep, health and caregiving. Themes are presented within a framework of five dimensions of sleep health. Themes of sleep duration included striking a balance between ‘achieving the hours’ whilst also sacrificing sleep to manage responsibilities. Themes of sleep efficiency included symptoms of insomnia (‘losing sleep over the situation’) and ‘sleeping on guard’ in case night-time support was required. Timing of sleep was themed as either restricted to ‘when the one I care for sleeps’ or salvaged as a luxury ‘quiet time’. Levels of alertness were represented within themes of being ‘tired all of the time’ whilst also in a state of ‘high alert’. Finally, overall sleep satisfaction ranged from themes concerning ‘sleeping fine at the moment’ to sleep being ‘a big problem’. The sleep experience of family carers is unique and often includes tensions between roles and responsibilities and their own need for sleep and well-being. Findings have implications for community support and healthcare interventions for families affected by dementia.
Norwegian Men and Women Value Similar Mate Traits in Short-Term Relationships
Authors: Mehmetoglu Mehmet , Määttänen Ilmari
Published: December 2020

Previous research has provided evidence that females are generally the more selective sex in humans. Moreover, both sexes have been found to be more selective in long-term mating compared to short-term mating. In this study, we have examined the effects of sex, mating strategy (preferred relationship length) and their interaction on mate preferences (i.e., mate selection criteria) in an egalitarian Nordic society, namely Norway. The study sample consisted of 1,000 individuals, 417 of whom were male and 583 female respondents. According to our findings, men were more selective in physical appearance, whereas women were more selective in all the other mate preferences (e.g., understanding, dominant, kind, intellectual etc.). The respondents that were seeking short-term relationships had higher preference for physical appearance, humorousness and sociability. On the other hand, the respondents that were seeking long-term relationships were more selective in most of the other mate preferences (i.e., understanding, kind, cultivated, domestic, reliable, and similar). Interestingly, no interaction effect was found between sex and mating strategy in that differences between long-term and short-term seekers in mate preferences did not change depending on sex. This suggests that men and women value the same traits in short-term relationships.
Does Issue Alignment Matter? The Electoral Cost and Reward of Agricultural Representation in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Papp Zsófia
Published: December 2020

There is plenty of evidence that legislators think that aligning with voter preferences benefits their re-election. But whether or not legislators are constrained by demand, we have limited knowledge. This article tests whether issue representation in a generally salient field affects legislators’ electoral performance. The analysis uses data from five consecutive Hungarian elections (1994–2010), and investigates the effect of agricultural interpellations on the legislators’ vote shares under varying district demand. The findings indicate that congruence between district demand and legislator action matters when the issue is of great salience, and during times of anti-party sentiments within the electorate. While more interpellations are rewarded in rural districts, MPs can lose a lot of votes by asking agricultural interpellations in an urban area. At the same time, not submitting interpellations in rural constituencies does not result in similar vote loss. The results suggest that for re-election seekers taking action is the way to go only if it is calibrated to district demand.
Awakening efficacy of a vibrotactile device in patients on home nocturnal ventilatory assistance and healthy subjects as family caregiver proxies
Authors: Attali Valerie , Lavault Sophie , Guerder Antoine , Al-Youssef Saba , Dudoignon Benjamin , Taytard Jessica , Arnulf Isabelle , Faure Morgane , Straus Christian , Similowski Thomas ,   On behalf of the BRASSARD Study Group
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to test the capacity of vibrotactile stimulation transmitted to the wrist bones by a vibrating wristband to awaken healthy individuals and patients requiring home mechanical ventilation during sleep. Healthy subjects (n = 20) and patients with central hypoventilation (CH) (Congenital Central Hypoventilation syndrome n = 7; non-genetic form of CH n = 1) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 9), underwent a full-night polysomnography while wearing the wristband. Vibrotactile alarms were triggered five times during the night at random intervals. Electroencephalographic (EEG), clinical (trunk lift) and cognitive (record the time on a sheet of paper) arousals were recorded. Cognitive arousals were observed for 94% of the alarms in the healthy group and for 66% and 63% of subjects in the CH and COPD groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The percentage of participants experiencing cognitive arousals for all alarms, was 72% for healthy subjects, 37.5% for CH patients and 33% for COPD patients (ns) (94%, 50% and 44% for clinical arousals (p < 0.01) and 100%, 63% and 44% for EEG arousals (p < 0.01)). Device acceptance was good in the majority of cases, with the exception of one CH patient and eight healthy participants. In summary this study shows that a vibrotactile stimulus is effective to induce awakenings in healthy subjects, but is less effective in patients, supporting the notion that a vibrotactile stimulus could be an effective backup to a home mechanical ventilator audio alarm for healthy family caregivers.
Thermal Processes in Bile Ducts During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Monopolar Instruments. Experimental Study Using Real-Time Intraluminal and Surface Thermography
Authors: Nechay Taras , Sazhin Alexander , Titkova Svetlana , Anurov Mikhail , Tyagunov Alexander , Sheptunov Sergey , Yakhutlov Umar , Nakhushev Rahim , Sannikov Alexander
Published: December 2020

Introduction. A significant rate of complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) occurs due to thermal injury caused by monopolar electrosurgery (MES) equipment. Most of them manifest weeks and months after surgery with the common bile duct (CBD) and large duodenal papilla strictures, some in the early postoperative period with bile leaks. Objective. To study thermal processes occurring in the lumen and on the surface of the bile ducts during monopolar coagulation in a porcine model of LC. Methods. The temperature of the bile ducts was measured using instrumentation consisted of biliary stent with temperature sensors, which was inserted in the porcine CBD, signal amplifier, and current sense transformer. Surface temperature was measured with a scientific grade thermal camera. Cholecystectomy was performed using a standard “critical view of safety” (CVS) approach with 5 mm monopolar laparoscopic instruments. Results. Application of MES caused significant tissue heating. Lateral thermal spread and the rate of tissue heating depended on the duration of energy application and the initial tissue temperature. In 5 out of 6 experiments, the intraluminal temperature rose up to the critical threshold, and the exposure time ranged from 54 to 560 seconds. A sensor positioned at the papilla site was heated in all the experiments but still below the cell damage inducing threshold. The analysis of thermographic charts revealed the presence of the “current channeling” effect and the pedicle effect. Conclusion. There is a possibility of a direct and delayed thermal injury to the bile ducts during LC.
Identifying Risk Profiles of Malignant Prostate Cancer Surgical Delay Using a Person-Centered Approach to Understand Prostate Cancer Disparities: The Constellation of Health Determinants Using Latent Class Analysis on Cancer Registry Data
Authors: Montiel Ishino Francisco A. , Rowan Claire , Das Rina , Thapa Janani , Cobran Ewan , Whiteside Martin , Williams Faustine
Published: December 2020

Surgical prostate cancer (PCa) treatment delay (TD) may increase the likelihood of recurrence of disease, and influence quality of life as well as survival disparities between Black and White men. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify risk profiles in localized, malignant PCa surgical treatment delays while assessing co-occurring social determinants of health. Profiles were identified by age, marital status, race, county of residence (non-Appalachian or Appalachian), and health insurance type (none/self-pay, public, or private) reported in the Tennessee Department of Health cancer registry from 2005 to 2015 for adults ≥18 years ( N = 18,088). We identified three risk profiles. The highest surgical delay profile (11% of the sample) with a 30% likelihood of delaying surgery >90 days were young Black men, <55 years old, living in a non-Appalachian county, and single/never married, with a high probability of having private health insurance. The medium surgical delay profile (46% of the sample) with a 21% likelihood of delay were 55–69 years old, White, married, and having private health insurance. The lowest surgical delay profile (42% of the sample) with a 14% likelihood of delay were ≥70 years with public health insurance as well as had a high probability of being White and married. We identified that even with health insurance coverage, Blacks living in non-Appalachian counties had the highest surgical delay, which was almost double that of Whites in the lowest delay profile. These disparities in PCa surgical delay may explain differences in health outcomes in Blacks who are most at-risk.
Changes in University Club Athletes’ and Non-Athlete Students’ Stress and Perceived Gains Across a Semester
Authors: Martin Eric A. , Unfried Alana , Kim Steven , Beckham George K.
Published: December 2020

To examine the relationship between club rugby participation, collegiate experiences, and perceived gains, 25 rugby players and 25 non-athlete students completed the Student-Athlete Experiences Inventory-Revised, Student-Athlete Gains Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale at the start and end of a semester. A RM-ANOVA and partial-η2 effect sizes determined if group and time differences were present. We selected variables associated with the post-scores for practical and liberal arts gains with the lasso method. Rugby players engaged in more diverse social interactions (partial-η2 = 0.091) and were more actively involved on campus (partial-η2 = 0.0914) than non-athlete students, but paradoxically had lower practical arts gains ( p < 0.0001). All students reported increasing stress levels from start to end of the semester (partial-η2 = 0.109), which contributed to decreasing practical arts gains. Students need help with stress management near semester’s end. Club rugby players should seek support services on campus to improve career preparedness.
Exploring the Relationship Between Usage of Collegiate Recreation Facilities and Academic Achievement
Authors: Das Rajeeb , Boren Shaun , Li Qichen , Dempsey Marty
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore grade point average among college students with varied usage levels of collegiate recreation (CR) facilities. Turnstile data was paired with demographic and academic data from university databases, including degree seeking status, to add a quasi-experimental component to the study (first time in college (FTIC) versus non-degree seeking students). Multinomial logistic regression analyses identified differences in grade point average for CR usage level, gender, and race/ethnicity ( p < .0001). It was determined that high CR users were 3.1 (95% CI = 2.16, 4.39) times more likely to have a high GPA (≥3.8) versus low users. Results corroborate prior evidence that high users of collegiate recreation facilities are more likely to also have high academic achievement.
Functional finishing of polyamide-6 fabrics with poly quaternary ammonium salt in presence nanometal oxides
Authors: Gad Al-Balakocy Naser , Abo El-Ola Samiha M , Mwafy Eman A , EL-Bendary Magda A
Published: December 2020

This article introduce a novel, convenient and efficient finishing approach for the creation of quaternary ammonium groups (QAGs) into polyamide-6 (PA-6) macromolecules via polymerization of vinyl monomer is named methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAETAC). The graft copolymerization reaction proceeds in the presence of nano-metal oxides TiO2, ZnO and its hybrid mixture. The finishing method of PA-6 fabrics was carried out by using pad-dry-cure technique in presence K2S2O8 as initiator. The reaction mechanism was suggested. The surface topography was studied using Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX). Evidence the chemical bonding between poly (MAETAC) and amide groups as well as the ionic interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and carboxylic end groups in the chemical structure of the PA-6 fabrics were confirmed by FT-IR. The antimicrobial activity of the finished fabrics were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The achieved antimicrobial functions on the PA-6 fabrics are durable in repeated laundering processes. Even after laundering five times the PA-6 fabrics treated with QAs/Ti NPs could still provide 32%, 80.7%, 22.6%, and 60.5%, while PA fabrics treated with QAs/Zn or QAs/(Ti+Zn) showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans before laundering, respectively. Also, it has been found that, PA-6 fabrics finished with the suggested method even after five washing cycles, displayed excellent ultraviolet protection effectiveness. The results of mechanical properties showed that this finishing approach had not destructive effect on the physical properties of the fabrics.
Clinical Data Mining With the Listening Guide: An Approach to Narrative Big Qual
Authors: Fontaine Claire M. , Baker Amy Castro , Zaghloul Tooma H. , Carlson Mae
Published: December 2020

We developed a novel approach to narrative Big Qual research that combines Carol Gilligan and Lyn Mikel Brown’s Listening Guide with Irwin Epstein’s clinical data mining. We adapted the voice-based research methodology of the Listening Guide for use with a corpus of clinical case notes drawn from an integrated data system (IDS) of a social service intervention serving families in an immigrant enclave. This methodological innovation was inspired by the insight that the Listening Guide can be used to trace and name the layering of meaning within any narrative, whether that narrative reflects the experience of an individual person or, as in this case, the community and everyday life of a social service intervention. Critically, this approach pivots on theorizing the subject as the collective of the intervention itself, as narrated by case managers, who can be understood as narrating subjects within the cultural, figured world of the intervention. In the context of a larger process and outcome evaluation, marrying these two approaches provided context, texture, and depth to supplement existing data sources like self-report survey data and participant observation, and offered a glimpse inside the “black box” of the intervention. We adapted the Guide through three readings of the clinical case notes: once for stanza structure, once inspired by the I-Poem technique but modified for these third-person narratives, and once with an eye to the contrapuntal voices of the inner and outer worlds of the intervention. As a methodological innovation this approach represents an advance in Big Qual and a promising approach to conducting narrative research on large qualitative data sets within mixed methods studies.
An analysis of media discourse on genetically modified rice in China
Authors: Zheng Quan , Zhang Zengyi
Published: December 2020

Current problems and controversies involving GM issues are not limited to scientific fields but spill over into the social context. When disagreements enter society via media outlets, social factors such as interests, resources, and values can contribute to complicating discourse about a controversial subject. Using the framework for the analysis of media discourse proposed by Carvalho, this paper examines news reports on Chinese GM rice from the dimensions of both text and context, covering the period of 2001–2015. This study shows that media may not only construct basic concepts, theme, and discursive strategies but also generate an ideological stance. This ideology constituted an influential dimension of the GM rice controversy. By following ideology consistent with the dominant position of the Chinese government, the media selectively constructed and endowed GM rice with a specific meaning in the Chinese social context, making possible the reproduction and communication of GM rice knowledge and risks to the public.
Socio-emotional competencies, socio-economic factors, and the employability process of female graduates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aloui Leila , Shams Eldin Anwar Yahia
Published: December 2020

Employability is a key concern for many stakeholders, students, graduates, universities, organisations, and national decision-making bodies. Due to its ability to influence the paths towards success, the methods and factors affecting the development of employability have gained increased attention from these agents. This study aims to investigate how socio-emotional competencies and socio-economic factors are related to the employability of female graduates. Data were collected from 102 graduates at the Tathleeth Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Bisha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Using structure modelling techniques, our findings indicate that socio-economic factors have an impact on the unemployed, whereas socio-emotional competencies impact the employed. Employability skills are shown to have an impact both on the unemployed and on socio-economic factors. Furthermore, the moderation effect of socio-emotional competencies and socio-economic factors on the relation between employability skills and employment is unsupported. Consequently, we conclude that the study’s results suggest the necessity of developing a theory of employability which investigates the conditions under which employability skills impact the employability of graduates. To this end, contextual factors must be identified so as to form the cornerstones of an adequate theory.
Caution: Rumors ahead—A case study on the debunking of false information on Twitter
Authors: Jung Anna-Katharina , Ross Björn , Stieglitz Stefan
Published: December 2020

As false information may spread rapidly on social media, a profound understanding of how it can be debunked is required. This study offers empirical insights into the development of rumors after they are debunked, the various user groups who are involved in the process, and their network structures. As crisis situations are highly sensitive to the spread of rumors, Twitter posts from during the 2017 G20 summit are examined. Tweets regarding five rumors that were debunked during this event were manually coded into the following categories: rumor, debunking message, uncertainty about rumor, uncertainty about debunking message, and others. Our findings show that rumors which are debunked early and vehemently by official sources are the most likely to be stopped. When individuals participate in the process, they typically do so by sharing uncommented media content, as opposed to contributing user-generated content. Depending on the conditions in which a rumor arises, different network structures can be found. Since some rumors are easier for individuals to verify than others, our results have implications for the priorities of journalists and official sources.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Dialogue 2.0: New Perspectives, Enduring Challenges, and Promising Directions
Authors: Jameson Jessica Katz , Lee Nicole M.
Published: December 2020

The current state of polarization evidenced in communication around race, politics, criminal justice, immigration, health care, and other critical social issues highlights the challenges of talking about our most enduring, “wicked” problems. This increased polarization has been shown to result in self-monitoring of media consumption (both traditional and social) such that people are more likely to engage with sources that support existing beliefs rather than seek information that crosses views and values. The motivation for this special issue came from an interdisciplinary symposium hosted by North Carolina State University’s Communication, Rhetoric and Digital Media (CRDM) doctoral program that took place from 28 March to 30 March 2019 and included participants from across the United States. The symposium was titled “Dialog 2.0: Social Movements, Online Communication and Transformation.” The seven articles that comprise this special issue include symposium participants along with the voices of other scholars around the world who are thinking about and investigating social media and dialogic communication. While the authors in this special issue offer different conceptions of dialogue, it is broadly conceived as communication that is inclusive of multiple voices (especially those that have been marginalized) and aimed at improving understanding rather than persuading or “winning.”
Physiological concentrations of short-chain fatty acids induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in vitro
Authors: Íñiguez-Gutiérrez Liliana , Godínez-Méndez Lucila A , Fafutis-Morris Mary , Padilla-Arellano Jorge R , Corona-Rivera Alfredo , Bueno-Topete Miriam Ruth , Rojas-Rejón Óscar A , Delgado-Rizo Vidal
Published: December 2020

Neutrophils represent the first line of host cellular defense against various pathogens. The most recently described microbicidal mechanism of these cells is the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). Currently, a wide range of chemical and biological stimuli are known to induce this response; however, the effect of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on the induction of NET is still unknown. SCFAs are produced mainly by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and are found in host tissues and blood. This study aimed to determine whether physiological levels of SCFAs can induce the formation of NET. Previously reported concentrations of SCFAs (as found in the colonic lumen and peripheral blood in postprandial and basal states) were used to stimulate the neutrophils. In order to determine the signaling pathway utilized by SCFAs, we tested the inhibition of the Free Fatty Acid 2 Receptor (FFA2R) expressed in neutrophils using CATPB, the inhibitor of FFA2R, genistein, an inhibitor of the downstream Gα/q11 proteins and DPI, an inhibitor of the NADPH oxidase complex. The SCFAs at colonic intestinal lumen concentrations were able to induce the formation of NET, and when tested at concentrations found in the peripheral blood, only acetic acid at 100 μM (fasting equivalent) and 700 μM (postprandial equivalent) was found to induce the formation of NET. The administration of the competitive inhibitor against the receptor or blockade of relevant G protein signaling and the inhibition of NADPH oxidase complex decreased NET release. SCFAs stimulate NET formation in vitro and this effect is mediated, in part, by the FFA2R.
Increasing public confidence in Romanian probation system by developing the optimal social reintegration programmes for drink-driving offenders
Authors: Buta-Duțuc Andra-Maria , Perticaș Teodora-Ștefana
Published: December 2020

The laudable evolution of the Romanian criminal punishment system from prison to non-custodial sanctions applied to drink-driving offenders is a sign of political and judicial institutional confidence, but the responsibility of becoming more and more efficient and trustworthy for the community still lies on Romanian probation. We examined the capacity of probation services in dealing with a considerably large number of drink-driving offenders and in developing specific rehabilitation programmes for them. Further on, we analysed whether there is a correspondence between the drink-driving offender’s profile and the intervention measures used. To succeed in this endeavour, we used the documentary analysis and the questionnaire method. To conclude, we noticed that the social reintegration programmes applied for drink-driving offenders in Romania generally correspond to the offender’s profile, but their application is hampered by the limited resources. Despite these impediments, the Romanian Probation System has gained the courts confidence and its position in the community has strengthened.
Effectiveness of a Manual Therapy Program as Adjuvant Treatment for School-Age Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Bayo-Tallón Vanessa , Esquirol-Caussa Jordi , Pàmias-Massana Montserrat , Planells-Keller Kalia , Cascos-Rodríguez Ana , Palao-Vidal Diego J.
Published: December 2020

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder. Common symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive functions deficit, often with comorbidities. Main treatment involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies (cognitive-behavioral therapy, psycho-pedagogical programs). Emerging non-pharmacological treatments include manual therapies (MTs) in mental health. Several MT techniques have shown effectiveness in ADHD. The objectives of this study are as follows: (a) to assess short-term effects and persistence of an MT program on neuropsychological (hyperactivity index through the Conners’ Global Index [CGI]) and neurophysiological (time–frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability [HRV]) variables in ADHD children, and (b) to test the feasibility of the design. This study was approved by the Parc Tauli Corporation Clinical Research Ethics Board (#2017311). Pilot, controlled, multidisciplinary study of eight children with ADHD randomly assigned to control group (CG; n = 4) and intervention group (IG; n = 4). Both followed multimodal treatment, and IG also received an MT program per week for 4 weeks. A physiotherapist and a psychologist analyzed short-term effects (1-week post-program) and persistence (36 weeks). Eight children (boys, 62.5%; girls, 37.5%) with an average age of 10.375 ± 0.74 years were included. Baseline HRV parameters showed basal sympathetic predominance. The MT program increased the parasympathetic activity, which was significantly maintained at 1 to 36 weeks; there were no changes in CG. One-week post-program IG showed significant CGI reduction (–7 points, p = .016*), CG without changes ( p = .41), with significant differences CG – IG ( p = .0097*), and very large effect size ( d = 2.235); 36 weeks post-program showed no effects (IG, p = .293; CG, p = .247), without differences CG – IG ( p = .369). The MT program reduced the hyperactivity index with a 1-week persistence and increased the parasympathetic activity with a 36-week persistence. More investigations are needed to generalize the outcomes. Additional research is planned to further explore the possibilities of MT in psychiatric disorders with autonomic imbalances.
Anthroposophic Medicine: A Short Monograph and Narrative Review—Foundations, Essential Characteristics, Scientific Basis, Safety, Effectiveness and Misconceptions
Authors: Bartelme Ricardo R
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Anthroposophic medicine is a form of integrative medicine that originated in Europe but is not well known in the US. It is comprehensive and heterogenous in scope and remains provocative and controversial in many academic circles. Assessment of the nature and potential contribution of anthroposophic medicine to whole person care and global health seems appropriate.

Methods

Because of the heterogenous and multifaceted character of anthroposophic medicine, a narrative review format was chosen. A Health Technology Assessment of anthroposophic medicine in 2006 was reviewed and used as a starting point. A Medline search from 2006 to July 2020 was performed using various search terms and restricted to English. Books, articles, reviews and websites were assessed for clinical relevance and interest to the general reader. Abstracts of German language articles were reviewed when available. Reference lists of articles and the author’s personal references were also consulted.

Results

The literature on anthroposophic medicine is vast, providing new ways of thinking, a holistic view of the world, and many integrating concepts useful in medicine. In the last ∼20 years there has been a growing research base and implementation of many anthroposophical concepts in the integrated care of patients. Books and articles relevant to describing the foundations, scientific status, safety, effectiveness and criticisms of anthroposophic medicine are discussed.

Discussion

An objective and comprehensive analysis of anthroposophic medicine finds it provocative, stimulating and potentially fruitful as an integrative system for whole person care, including under-recognized life processes and psychospiritual aspects of human beings. It has a legitimate, new type of scientific status as well as documented safety and effectiveness in some areas of its multimodal approach. Criticisms and controversies of anthroposophic medicine are often a result of lack of familiarity with its methods and approach and/or come from historically fixed ideas of what constitutes legitimate science.
Traumatic obturator–anterior type dislocation of the hip with an ipsilateral ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter fractures: Case report
Authors: Concha Juan Manuel , Gonzalez Humberto , Montero Andrea C , Mueses Nelsy B , Muñoz Heydy Y , Muñoz Andres F , Ordoñez Yilena M , Orozco Javier S
Published: December 2020

Anterior hip dislocation is a rare orthopedic emergency, usually following high-energy trauma. This injury is occasionally associated with acetabular fractures, femoral head fractures, or diaphyseal femoral fractures. However, the combination between the anterior hip dislocation and the ipsilateral ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter fractures is extremely rare, and very sparsely reported in the literature. This paper reports a case of an obturator type of anterior hip dislocation associated with a concomitant ipsilateral ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter fracture. The hip dislocation was reduced by closed means under general anesthesia, and the greater trochanter fracture was reduced and internally fixed with tension band in a second stage. Radiological and functional evaluation at 12 months after surgery, using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), was good.
In vivo evaluation of bending strengths and degradation rates of different magnesium pin designs for oral stapler
Authors: Li Wenjun , Yuan Fusong , Bai Jing , Cheng Junyao , Li Hongxiang , Zheng Jianqiao , Bai Wei , Lyu Peijun
Published: December 2020

Magnesium alloys have been potential biodegradable implants in the areas of bone, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and so on. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Mg–2Zn alloy degradation as a potential suture material. The study included Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in vivo. In 24 male SD rats, tests in the leg muscle were conducted using traditional surgical incision and insertion of magnesium alloys of different designs into the tissue. The material degradation topography, elemental composition, and strength of the pins were analyzed. This paper explores magnesium pins with different cross-sectional shapes and diameters to establish a suitable pin diameter and shape for use as an oral stapler, which must have a good balance of degradation rate and strength. The results showed there were good bending strengths over different degradation periods in groups with diameters of 0.8 mm and 0.5 mm, and no significantly different bending strength between the groups of triangle and round cross-section shapes with same diameter of 0.3 mm, although the degradation rate still needs to be improved.