bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonconsensual Porn as a Form of Intimate Partner Violence: Using the Power and Control Wheel to Understand Nonconsensual Porn Perpetration in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Eaton Asia A. , Noori Sofia , Bonomi Amy , Stephens Dionne P. , Gillum Tameka L.
Published: February 2020

Over the last decade, nonconsensual porn (NCP), or the sharing of sexually explicit material without a person’s consent, has become a growing problem with potentially far-reaching adverse consequences for victims. The purpose of this article is to propose and consider a framework for advancing the field’s understanding of NCP within the context of intimate relationships including situating NCP relative to other forms of relational abuse. Specifically, we examined the extent to which NCP in intimate partner relationships was perpetrated using tactics from the Power and Control Wheel through a summative content analysis of U.S. news stories on NCP from 2012 to 2017. This analysis established that NCP has been perpetrated using all eight of the abuse metatactics in the Power and Control Wheel, with the three most common being emotional abuse, coercion and threats, and denial/blame/minimization. Treating NCP in relationships as a potential form of partner violence provides a basis on which to understand the etiology, manifestation, motives, and impact of this form of abuse and informs practitioners’ ability to design prevention efforts and engage a trauma-informed response to survivors.
The Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Preventing Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Pilot Proof-of-Principle Study
Authors: Kong Moonkyoo , Lee Seung Hyeun , Kim Jaehyo , Lee Beom-Joon , Kim Kwan-Il
Published: February 2020

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for prevention of radiation pneumonitis in patients with lung cancer. Methods: Twenty-five patients were prospectively enrolled in this study and randomized to either intervention group or control group. The patients assigned to the intervention group received 15 minutes of acupuncture treatment twice a week. The patients assigned to the control group received RT alone without acupuncture treatment. The primary endpoint was incidence of radiation pneumonitis. The secondary endpoints were FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), DLCO (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide), 6-minute walk distance, and modified Borg scale. Results: The intervention group showed lower incidences of grade 3 and grade ≥2 radiation pneumonitis than the control group (10% vs 30% for grade 3 and 50% vs 60% for grade ≥2). In the control group, mean DLCO value was decreased from 62.1% at baseline to 49.1% after RT ( P = .004). The DLCO was also decreased after RT in the intervention group, but the decrement was not statistically significant (56.7% at baseline and 50.9% after RT, P = .204). The FEV1 and 6-minute walk distance were decreased after RT in the control group. However, FEV1 and 6-minute walk distance were increased after RT in the intervention group. Conclusions: This study found that patients who received acupuncture treatment showed a lower incidence of radiation pneumonitis and a protective effect against aggravation of pulmonary function after RT in patients with lung cancer. To confirm the results of this study, well-designed randomized studies with large sample sizes will be required.
The Oldest Convent in Madrid
Authors: Sendino Consuelo , Villanueva Hortensia Chamorro , Santiago Gregorio Yáñez , Lewis Mark
Published: February 2020

The Convent of San Julián and San Antonio, almost one thousand years old, is one of the oldest buildings in Madrid (Spain) and one of Madrid’s treasures, not only because of its architecture, but also for its history and the characters linked to its walls. Although the building has undergone several refurbishments for different uses, such as church, center of studies, ecclesiastical prison, hospice, burial place, and private residence, it retains its original connection to the medieval period. We will analyze how the building (through adaptive reuse) and its inherent relationship to the surroundings have changed. The environment, an important factor, forms part of the cultural heritage and can play an important role in visitors’ perception. Finally, we will discuss how the different types of use may or may not affect the authenticity of historic buildings and their identity and the necessity of research of the building history for new repurposing as part of the conservation procedure assessment.
School leadership and whole-school support of struggling literacy learners in secondary schools
Authors: Merga Margaret K. , Roni Saiyidi Mat , Malpique Anabela
Published: February 2020

The needs of struggling literacy learners beyond the early years of schooling warrant greater attention. For struggling literacy learners to attain their academic, vocational, and social goals, schools should position literacy as a whole school priority and enhance opportunities for student literacy learning across all learning areas. However, it is not known if literacy is typically supported as a whole school commitment in contemporary secondary schools. This paper draws on survey data from the Australian nation-wide 2019 Supporting Struggling Secondary Literacy Learners (SSSLL) project. Findings suggest that many mainstream secondary school teachers do not perceive that there is a whole-school approach to support struggling literacy learners in their schools, or that there are adequate strategies and supports to meet the needs of struggling literacy learners in their schools. Findings also suggest that regardless of place, school leadership commitment to ensuring that struggling literacy learners have their literacy skills developed across all learning areas may be crucial to the realization of a supportive whole-school culture for struggling literacy learners.
qTICI: Quantitative assessment of brain tissue reperfusion on digital subtraction angiograms of acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Prasetya Haryadi , Ramos Lucas A , Epema Thabiso , Treurniet Kilian M , Emmer Bart J , van den Wijngaard Ido R , Zhang Guang , Kappelhof Manon , Berkhemer Olvert A , Yoo Albert J , Roos Yvo BEWM , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Dippel Diederik WJ , van Zwam Wim H , van der Lugt Aad , de Mol Bas AJM , Majoie Charles BLM , Bavel Ed van , Marquering Henk A ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: February 2020

Background

The Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale is an important outcome measure to evaluate the quality of endovascular stroke therapy. The TICI scale is ordinal and observer-dependent, which may result in suboptimal prediction of patient outcome and inconsistent reperfusion grading.

Aims

We present a semi-automated quantitative reperfusion measure (quantified TICI (qTICI)) using image processing techniques based on the TICI methodology.

Methods

We included patients with an intracranial proximal large vessel occlusion with complete, good quality runs of anteroposterior and lateral digital subtraction angiography from the MR CLEAN Registry. For each vessel occlusion, we identified the target downstream territory and automatically segmented the reperfused area in the target downstream territory on final digital subtraction angiography. qTICI was defined as the percentage of reperfused area in target downstream territory. The value of qTICI and extended TICI (eTICI) in predicting favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) was compared using area under receiver operating characteristics curve and binary logistic regression analysis unadjusted and adjusted for known prognostic factors.

Results

In total, 408 patients with M1 or internal carotid artery occlusion were included. The median qTICI was 78 (interquartile range 58–88) and 215 patients (53%) had an eTICI of 2C or higher. qTICI was comparable to eTICI in predicting favorable outcome with area under receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.63 vs. 0.62 (P = 0.8) and 0.87 vs. 0.86 (P = 0.87), for the unadjusted and adjusted analysis, respectively. In the adjusted regression analyses, both qTICI and eTICI were independently associated with functional outcome.

Conclusion

qTICI provides a quantitative measure of reperfusion with similar prognostic value for functional outcome to eTICI score.
Historical analogies under dispute: Reactions of Israeli Jews to analogies between the Holocaust and the plight of African asylum seekers in Israel
Authors: Ariely Gal
Published: February 2020

This article examines the characteristics that shape different public reactions to analogies of historical events while emphasizing the role of national identity. It analyzes responses by Israeli Jews to comparisons between the situation of African asylum seekers in Israel and Jews during the Holocaust via a letter written by Holocaust survivors against the proposed forced deportation of asylum seekers in 2018. A population-based survey experiment conducted during Holocaust Remembrance Day was used to evaluate whether attitudes toward the expulsion of asylum seekers were affected by the analogy. The findings showed differential responses to the analogy, including acceptance, rejection, and ambivalence, which demographic characteristics, unlike aspects of national identity, do not explain. It was also found that participation in Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations was positively related to acceptance of the analogy. The overall conclusion is that responses to historical analogy are determined more by an individual’s identity and not by demographic factors.
A systematic review of the complications of contemporary total elbow arthroplasty
Authors: Parker Phoebe , Furness Nicholas D , Evans Jonathan P , Batten Timothy , White William J , Smith Christopher D
Published: February 2020

Background

Total elbow arthroplasty is a low volume procedure. We aimed to evaluate complication rates and cumulative percentages associated with the most frequently used contemporary implants and for the commonest indications.

Methods

A systematic literature search of all studies reporting complications following total elbow arthroplasty with 12-month minimum follow-up was undertaken. Quality of studies was assessed with the Methodological-Index-for-Non-Randomised-studies criteria. British NJR data identified the most common UK prostheses and indications. The complication rates for all undesirable events contributing to patient outcome were extracted and cumulative percentages were calculated.

Results

One hundred seventeen studies were screened, 12 studies included, totalling 815 procedures. Mean follow-up was 3.8 years. The overall complication cumulative percentage was 60.7%, significantly higher than that seen in other joint arthroplasty, including a 6.5% deep infection rate. Nerve injury was comparable between implants at around 4.1%. Radiographic loosening had a cumulative rate of 17.2%. Revision for symptomatic aseptic loosening was 6.3%.

Conclusions

This is the largest systematic review of the complications of total elbow arthroplasty. Surgeons should be aware of differing complications related to their implant of choice, each having its own specific complication. Trauma as an indication appears to have an increased complication rates compared to inflammatory arthropathy. There is a lack of literature regarding the independent results of osteoarthritis as a specific indication for total elbow arthroplasty.
Considering All of the Data on Digital-Media Use and Depressive Symptoms: Response to Ophir, Lipshits-Braziler, and Rosenberg (2020)
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Joiner Thomas E. , Rogers Megan L. , Martin Gabrielle N.
Published: February 2020

We have documented increases since 2012 in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide and identified associations between digital-media use and depressive symptoms and suicide-related outcomes across two data sets: Monitoring the Future (MtF) and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Ophir, Lipshits-Braziler, and Rosenberg’s criticisms of the MtF data (this issue; pp. 374–378) are addressed by the YRBSS data, which included a measure of digital-media use in hours. Ophir et al. assumed that the displacement of nonscreen activities by screen activities occurs only at the individual level, whereas in fact, time displacement at the group or cohort level may be more important. Some discrepancies in the literature can be traced to the use of percentage variance explained; in fact, heavy (vs. light) digital-media users are considerably more likely (often twice as likely) to be depressed or low in well-being across several large data sets.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Postoperative Urinary Retention in Elective Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion Patients
Authors: Strickland Ashley R. , Usmani M. Farooq , Camacho Jael E. , Sahai Amil , Bruckner Jacob J. , Buraimoh Kendall , Koh Eugene Y. , Gelb Daniel E. , Ludwig Steven C.
Published: February 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Objectives:

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) represents a common postoperative complication of all elective surgeries. The aim of this study was to identify demographic, comorbid, and surgical factors risk factors for POUR in patients who underwent elective thoracolumbar spine fusion.

Methods:

Following institutional review board approval, patients who underwent elective primary or revision thoracic and lumbar instrumented spinal fusion in a 2-year period in tertiary and academic institution were reviewed. Sex, age, BMI, preoperative diagnosis, comorbid conditions, benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, primary or revision surgery status, narcotic use, and operative factors were collected and analyzed between patients with and without POUR.

Results:

Of the 217 patients reviewed, 54 (24.9%) developed POUR. The average age for a patient with POUR was 67 ± 9, as opposed to 59 ± 10 for those without ( P < .0001). Single-level fusions were associated with a 0% incidence of POUR, compared with 54.5% in 6 or more levels. The average hospital stay was increased by 1 day for those who had POUR (5.8 ± 3.3 vs 4.9 ± 3.9 days). There was no significant association with other demographic variables, comorbid conditions, or surgical factors.

Conclusions:

POUR was a common complication in our patient cohort, with an incidence of 24.9%. Our findings demonstrate that patients who developed POUR are significantly older and have larger constructs. Patients who developed POUR also had longer in-hospital stays. Although our study supports other findings in the spine literature, more prospective data is needed to define diagnostic criteria of POUR as well as its management.
A Theology of Interreligious Relations
Authors: Muck Terry C.
Published: February 2020

A review of volume 3, A Theology of Interreligious Relations, of Henning Wrogemann’s three-volume Intercultural Theology. This work is a textbook appropriate for courses in the theology of mission, religious pluralism, and interreligious dialogue. It focuses especially on the problems of interreligious relations, both peaceful and conflictual, from a Christian point of view.
Cytomegalovirus Retinal Necrosis With Occlusive Vasculopathy Secondary to Steroid Immunosuppression for Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Zeng Anne , Strauss Ron , Goglin Sarah E. , Gonzales John , Pawar Varun K. , Imes Richard K. , Jung Jesse J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

This case report discusses an atypical case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinal necrosis with panretinal occlusive vasculopathy in a 77-year-old man who was immunosuppressed following treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods:

A case report is presented.

Results:

Clinical examination demonstrated a central retinal artery occlusion and pale disc suspicious for arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in the right eye. Biopsy-proven GCA prompted treatment with oral prednisone. While on glucocorticoid immunosuppression, the patient suffered vision loss in the left eye from CMV-necrotizing retinitis with occlusive vasculopathy. Treatment controlled the CMV infection but tapering of his steroids resulted in worsening GCA, requiring a steroid-sparing treatment, tocilizumab.

Conclusions:

Corticosteroid immunosuppression for GCA may lead to immune dysfunction allowing for an atypical occlusive vasculitis with retinal necrosis from CMV. Early identification and treatment are essential to adjust the level of immunosuppression and consider alternate therapies to control the GCA and prevent worsening of this opportunistic infection.
Economic burden of migraine in Singapore
Authors: Ong Jonathan Jia Yuan , Patnaik Devanshi , Chan Yee Cheun , Simon Oliver , Finkelstein Eric A
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Despite the high prevalence and disabling nature of migraine, studies evaluating its economic burden in Singapore remain scant. This study aims to quantify the per capita and aggregate economic cost of episodic migraine (EM; ≤14 monthly headache days) without aura among full-time employees in Singapore.

Methods:

We administered a cross-sectional online survey to full-time employees in Singapore who met the International Classification of Headache Disorders (third edition, 2018) criteria for EM without aura. Eligible participants were classified by the frequency of monthly migraine days (MMDs): lower end episodic migraine (LEM; ≤3 MMDs) and upper end episodic migraine (UEM; 4–14 MMDs). The survey captured per capita healthcare resource utilization and lost work productivity (absenteeism and presenteeism) for each subgroup. Healthcare costs were obtained by multiplying unit costs by healthcare utilization. Finally, per capita (patient) costs of each subgroup were then imputed and multiplied by prevalence data to quantify the aggregate burden of migraine in Singapore.

Results:

Of the 606 participants who completed the survey, 81% experienced ≤3 MMDs. Total annual per capita costs were SGD4925 (USD 3620; 95% confidence interval (CI): SGD 4438–5411) and SGD14,476 (USD 10,639; 95% CI: SGD 11,908–17,045) for the LEM and UEM subgroup, respectively. Healthcare costs on average accounted for 17.6% of per capita costs, of which was driven primarily by diagnostic tests (33.6%), followed by consultations (17.1%), medications (16.7%), alternative medications (16.6%) and hospitalizations (14.8%). Lost productivity accounted for 82.4% of costs, chiefly attributable to absenteeism in the LEM group (38.2%), followed by presenteeism in the UEM group (26.0%), absenteeism in the UEM group (18.8%) and presenteeism in the LEM group (17.1%). The total cost to Singapore for EM in 2018 was approximately SGD 1 billion (USD 0.75 billion; SGD 1.00 = USD 0.74).

Conclusion:

Overall, EM imposes a substantial economic burden on society in Singapore. Total migraine cost per capita is greater in the UEM (4–14 MMDs) as compared to the LEM subgroup. Majority of the overall costs result from missed workdays and lost work productivity. Future research should determine the extent to which optimized migraine treatments could improve productivity, and by extension, mitigate the staggering costs of this disorder.
A multifocal electroretinography study to evaluate risk of developing macular hole in the fellow eye of patients suffering with unilateral macular hole
Authors: Dalan Daleena , Jaisankar Durgasri , Mani Karthiga , Madhu Abinaya , Ratra Dhanashree
Published: February 2020

Background:

Visual outcome of eyes has often been found to be unsatisfactory even after successful closure of a macular hole, owing to factors like persistent metamorphopsia, scotoma, and reduced sensitivity. Therefore, it becomes critical to evaluate and study the probability and risk of developing a macular hole in the fellow eyes of the patient. This study analyzed the multifocal electroretinographic responses to help predict the risk of macular hole development in fellow eyes.

Methods:

In total 26 fellow eyes, 26 eyes with macular hole, and 50 eyes of 25 controls were enrolled prospectively. The retinal responses from the different rings were compared in the three groups. Optical coherence tomography was done to rule out macular pathology or vitreomacular traction in the fellow eyes.

Results:

All the fellow eyes under observation showed significantly reduced mean amplitudes of retinal response densities, in all rings as compared with controls (31.45 ± 10.38 versus 48.87 ± 7.55, p = 0.00). Three of the fellow eyes developed a macular hole during the 24 months observation period. The prevalence of fellow eye involvement was 11.5%. Relative risk of developing macular hole in the fellow eye ranged from 25 to 75.

Conclusion:

All the fellow eyes, including those that did not develop a macular hole, showed significantly reduced responses on multifocal electroretinogram. This indicates that macular hole may not be a focal disease. It may have widespread functional deficit which is bilateral in nature and suggestive of a degenerative or ischemic insult.
Subglottic secretion drainage for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: an overview of systematic reviews and an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Herráiz-Adillo Ángel , Alvarez-Bueno Celia , Añón Jose Manuel , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Cavero-Redondo Iván
Published: February 2020

Although several guidelines recommend subglottic secretion drainage as a strategy for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), its use is not widespread. With the aim to assess the effectiveness of subglottic secretion drainage for preventing VAP and to improve other outcomes such as mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital, an electronic search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase was undertaken. Nine systematic reviews with meta-analysis (in the overview of reviews) and 20 randomised controlled trials (in the updated meta-analysis) were included.

In the overview of reviews, all systematic reviews with meta-analysis included found a positive effect of subglottic secretion drainage in the reduction of incidence of VAP. In the updated meta-analysis, subglottic secretion drainage significantly reduced VAP incidence (risk ratio (RR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.48–0.63; I2=0%, p=0.841) and mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.97; I2=0%, p=0.888).

This is the first study that has found a decrease of mortality associated with the use of subglottic secretion drainage. In addition, subglottic secretion drainage is an effective measure to reduce VAP incidence, despite not improving the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU and/or hospital length of stay.
Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the adsorption of atrazine in soils of the water fluctuation zone in the Three-Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Liu Yongfeng , Shu Xingquan , Fang Han , Sun Xiaojing , Pan Yuwei , Ma Limin
Published: February 2020

Background

Environmental behavior of pesticide in soils is a key current research focus. Studying the adsorption characteristics of pesticides in soils as a parameter for evaluating the risk of groundwater pollution by pesticides is commonly applied in agriculture.

Results

To provide a theoretical basis for environment risk assessment and pollution remediation, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the equilibrium of atrazine adsorption in the Three-Gorges Reservoir area were assessed and analyzed via batch experiments. Results showed that the sorption of atrazine was an exothermic and spontaneous process at temperatures of 298–318 K. Atrazine was more easily adsorbed by soils at concentrations of 0–30 mg L−1, with low-temperature adsorption being more effective than high-temperature adsorption. The adsorption of atrazine to the two assessed soils was well fitted by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorption kinetics of atrazine in soils were consistent with the quasi-second-order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion was found not to be the only control step. The monolayer adsorption occurred with non-uniform energy distribution on the soil surface, indicating that the adsorption of atrazine by the two kinds of soil was controlled by internal diffusion surface adsorption and liquid film diffusion, leading to the complexity of its adsorption kinetics. The values of standard free energy $$\Delta rG_{m}^{0}$$ΔrGm0 < 0, indicated that the adsorption of atrazine in soils was spontaneous and dominated by physical adsorption. Changes in standard enthalpy ($$\Delta {\text{r}}H_{m}^{0}$$ΔrHm0) indicated that the adsorption was exothermic.

Conclusions

Atrazine exhibited a weak adsorption capacity in both soils, indicating it is highly mobile in the soil–water environment and can easily cause groundwater pollution. Therefore, much attention should be paid to the environmental behavior of pesticide soil moisture fluctuations, potentially leading to the broad transfer and spread of pollution.
Quantifying photosynthetic performance of phytoplankton based on photosynthesis–irradiance response models
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Liu Lihua , Yin Zhikai , Wang Xingyu , Wang Shoubing , Ye Zipiao
Published: February 2020

Background

Clarifying the relationship between photosynthesis and irradiance and accurately quantifying photosynthetic performance are of importance to calculate the productivity of phytoplankton, whether in aquatic ecosystems modelling or obtaining more economical production.

Results

The photosynthetic performance of seven phytoplankton species was characterized by four typical photosynthesis–irradiance (P–I) response models. However, the differences were found between the returned values to photosynthetic characteristics by different P–I models. The saturation irradiance (Isat) was distinctly underestimated by model 1, and the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pnmax) was quite distinct from its measured values, due to the asymptotic function of the model. Models 2 and 3 lost some foundation to photosynthetic mechanisms, that the returned Isat showed significant differences with the measured data. Model 4 for higher plants could reproduce the irradiance response trends of photosynthesis well for all phytoplankton species and obtained close values to the measured data, but the fitting curves exhibited some slight deviations under the low intensity of irradiance. Different phytoplankton species showed differences in photosynthetic productivity and characteristics. Platymonas subcordiformis showed larger intrinsic quantum yield (α) and lower Isat and light compensation point (Ic) than Dunaliella salina or Isochrysis galbana. Microcystis sp., especially M. aeruginosa with the largest Pnmax and α among freshwater phytoplankton strains, exhibited more efficient light use efficiency than two species of green algae.

Conclusions

The present work will be useful both to describe the behavior of different phytoplankton in a quantitative way as well as to evaluate the flexibility and reusability of P–I models. Meanwhile we believe this research could provide important insight into the structure changes of phytoplankton communities in the aquatic ecosystems.
Help-seeking intention and associated factors towards mental illness among residents of Mertule Mariam town, East Gojam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a mixed-method study
Authors: Yeshanew Berhanu , Belete Asmare , Necho Mogesie
Published: February 2020

Background

About 76% and 85% of people in low and middle-income countries with severe mental illness did not get management because of fear of expected discrimination. Studying the intention to seek help for mental illness will, therefore, help to know their intended plan for help that would have a vital role to access patients with mental illness. Despite this, literature is limited in the area and community-based studies are scarce in Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular concerning help-seeking intention towards mental illness and its associated factors. Therefore, we assessed the pattern of intention to seek help and associated factors for mental illness among residents of Mertule Mariam town that would fill the gap in evidence and serve as baseline information for public health intervention.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to June 2017 at Mertule Mariam town. General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to assess the intention of help sought. Focus group discussion had also been employed to obtain qualitative data. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a total sample of 964 participants. Data were fed into Epi Info 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The binary logistic regression method was used and an odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was computed. Variables in multi-variable logistic regression were considered as an independent predictor of help-seeking intention to mental illness if their P value was less than 0.05.

Result

About 81.5% of respondents had the intent to seek help from healthcare workers. But 44.6% of participants had the intention to seek from traditional healers. Variables that had an association with help-seeking intention were having an idea that mental illness needs treatment (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.1–10.55), age group of 25–34 years (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.02–2.09), mild social support (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.25–2.72), and perceived severity of mental illness.

Conclusion

Community help-seeking intent for mental health problems was still inadequate. So strengthening to deliver information about mental illness through media like radio and television to advance help-seeking intention of the community was mandatory.
Comparison of T-piece and pressure support ventilation as spontaneous breathing trials in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuting , Li Hongxiang , Zhang Dong
Published: February 2020

Background

The effect of alternative spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) techniques on extubation success and other clinically important outcomes is uncertain. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to clarify the preferable SBT (T-piece or pressure support ventilation [PSV]).

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to the 31st of July 2019. We included RCTs involving adult patients (> 18 years) who underwent at least two different SBT methods. All authors reported our primary outcome of successful extubation rate and clearly compared PS versus T-piece with clinically relevant secondary outcomes (rate of reintubation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ICU and hospital mortality). Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Ten RCTs including 3165 patients were included. The results of this meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the successful extubation rate between the T-piece group and PS group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78–1.07; P = 0.27; I2 = 79%). In addition, compared with the PS group, the T-piece group showed no significant difference in the rate of reintubation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.78–1.26; P = 0.95; I2 = 5%), ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.83–1.80; P = 0.30; I2 = 0%), hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99–1.87; P = 0.06; I2 = 19%), ICU length of stay (mean difference = − 0.10; 95% CI, − 0.59 to 0.39; P = 0.69; I2 = 13%), and hospital length of stay (mean difference = − 0.82;95% CI, − 2.2 to 0.55; P = 0.24; I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

T-piece and PSV as SBTs are considered to have comparable predictive power of successful extubation in critically ill patients. The analysis of secondary outcomes also shows no significant difference in the rate of reintubation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ICU and hospital mortality between the two groups. Further randomized controlled studies of SBTs are still required.
Application of Marte Meo® counselling with people with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia and their primary carers (AMEO-FTD) – a non-randomized mixed-method feasibility study
Authors: Berwig Martin , Dinand Claudia , Becker Ursula , Halek Margareta
Published: February 2020

Background

One of the core symptoms of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is the early loss of social cognitive abilities, which has a deteriorating impact on everyday interaction and the quality of dyadic relationships. Marte Meo® (MM) counselling is a video-based intervention that aims to maintain or improve the quality of dyadic relationships. This non-randomized mixed-method study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention in practice with primary carers of persons with bvFTD as well as the feasibility of a future confirmatory trial.

Methods

A pilot effect study with a quasi-experimental, one-group, pre-post design and double pre-measurement was conducted. Data were collected at three time points (t0, t1 after 2 weeks, and t2 after 6 weeks) using videography and several measurement instruments. Between t1 and t2, each primary carer received five MM counselling sessions. The outcomes included positive and negative affect, behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD), the interpersonal abilities of the person with dementia, the sensitivity and distress of the primary carers due to BPSD, the manageability of BPSD, the personal goal attainment by means of MM counselling, and the quality of the dyadic relationships. The pilot process evaluation focused on the primary carers’ and the interventionist’s perceived benefits and perceptions of the intervention process using questionnaires and interviews.

Results

Five dyads were enrolled. Regarding the feasibility of the intervention, MM counselling seems to be appropriate and useful for the target group. Although the recruitment of persons with reliable bvFTD diagnoses was very time consuming and complex, the intervention was well accepted by the dyads, and regarding goal attainment, all carers benefited as much or even more than they expected. The study also showed that the benefits of MM counselling depend on whether the primary carer has accepted his/her relative’s dementia. Regarding the feasibility of a future confirmatory trial, certain outcomes, particularly positive affect, distress due to BPSD, and the quality of the dyadic relationship, seem to be appropriate for describing possible effects.

Conclusion

Overall, the intervention seems feasible for this target group. A future confirmatory trial should be planned as a multicentre pilot trial with an extension option.

Trial registration

DRKS00014377. Registered retrospectively on April 11, 2018.
Precision Prevention: The Current State and Future of Genomically Guided Cancer Prevention
Authors: Kassem Nawal , Stout Leigh Anne , Hunter Cynthia , Schneider Bryan , Radovich Milan
Published: February 2020

The identification of cancer-predisposing germline variants has potentially substantial clinical impact for patients and their families. Although management guidelines have been proposed for some genes, guidelines for other genes are lacking. This review focuses on the current surveillance and management guidelines for the most common hereditary cancer syndromes and discusses some of the most pivotal studies supporting the available guidelines. We also highlight the gaps in the identification of germline carriers, the cascade testing of at-risk relatives, and the challenges impeding the proper follow-up and optimal management of pathogenic germline carriers. The anticipated surge in the number of identified germline carriers, deficient management guidelines, poor cascade testing uptake, and long-term follow-up necessitate the development of multidisciplinary clinics as an obligatory step toward the improvement of cancer prevention.
Pan-Cancer Landscape Analysis Reveals Recurrent KMT2A-MAML2 Gene Fusion in Aggressive Histologic Subtypes of Thymoma
Authors: Massoth Lucas R. , Hung Yin P. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Onozato Maristela , Shah Nikunj , Severson Eric , Duncan Daniel , Gillespie Brendan J. , Williams Nathan F. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Vergilio Jo-Anne , Harkins Shannon K. , Glomski Krzysztof , Nardi Valentina , Zukerberg Lawrence R. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Louissaint Abner , Williams Erik A.
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

Thymomas are epithelial neoplasms that represent the most common thymic tumors in adults. These tumors have been shown to harbor a relatively low mutational burden. As a result, there is a lack of genetic alterations that may be used prognostically or targeted therapeutically for this disease. Here, we describe a recurrent gene rearrangement in type B2 + B3 thymomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single index case of thymoma was evaluated by an RNA-based solid fusion assay. Separately, tissues from 255,008 unique advanced cancers, including 242 thymomas, were sequenced by hybrid capture–based next-generation DNA sequencing/comprehensive genomic profiling of 186 to 406 genes, including lysine methyltransferase 2A ( KMT2A) rearrangements, and a portion were evaluated for RNA of 265 genes. We characterized molecular and clinicopathologic features of the pertinent fusion-positive patient cases.

RESULTS

We identified 11 patients with thymomas harboring a gene fusion of KMT2A and mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 2 ( MAML2). Fusion breakpoints were identified between exon 8, 9, 10, or 11 of KMT2A and exon 2 of MAML2. Fifty-five percent were men, with a median age of 48 years at surgery (range, 29-69 years). Concurrent genomic alterations were infrequent. The 11 thymomas were of B2 or B3 type histology, with 1 case showing foci of thymic carcinoma. The frequency of KMT2A- MAML2 fusion was 4% of all thymomas (10 of 242) and 6% of thymomas of B2 or B3 histology (10 of 169).

CONCLUSION

KMT2A- MAML2 represents the first recurrent fusion described in type B thymoma. The fusion seems to be specific to type B2 and B3 thymomas, the most aggressive histologic subtypes. The identification of this fusion offers insights into the biology of thymoma and may have clinical relevance for patients with disease refractory to conventional therapeutic modalities.
Potential and Limitations of the New P2Y12 Inhibitor, Cangrelor, in Preventing Heparin-Induced Platelet Aggregation During Cardiac Surgery: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Scala Emmanuelle , Gerschheimer Christiane , Gomez Francisco J. , Alberio Lorenzo , Marcucci Carlo
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND:

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can put cardiac surgery patients at a high risk of lethal complications. If anti-PF4/heparin antibodies (anti-PF4/Hep Abs) are present, 2 strategies exist to prevent intraoperative aggregation during bypass surgery: first, using an alternative anticoagulant, and second, using heparin combined with an antiaggregant. The new P2Y12 inhibitor, cangrelor, could be an attractive candidate for the latter strategy; several authors have reported its successful use. The present in vitro study evaluated cangrelor’s ability to inhibit heparin-induced platelet aggregation in the presence of anti-PF4/Hep Abs.

METHODS:

Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from 30 patients with functional anti-PF4/Hep Abs was mixed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from 5 healthy donors.

Light transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation after adding 0.5 IU·mL−1 of heparin (HIT) to the plasma, and this was compared with samples spiked with normal saline (control) and samples spiked with cangrelor 500 ng·mL−1 and heparin 0.5 IU·mL−1 (treatment). Friedman test with post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS:

Heparin 0.5 IU·mL−1 triggered aggregation in 22 of 44 PPP–PRP mixtures, with a median aggregation of 86% (interquartile range [IQR], 69–91). The median aggregation of these 22 positive samples’ respective control tests was 22% (IQR, 16–30) (P < .001). Median aggregation in the cangrelor-treated samples was 29% (IQR, 19–54) and significantly lower than the HIT samples (P < .001). Cangrelor inhibited heparin-induced aggregation by a median of 91% (IQR, 52–100). Cangrelor only reduced heparin-induced aggregation by >95% in 10 of the 22 positive samples (45%). Cangrelor inhibited heparin-induced aggregation by <50% in 5 of the 22 positive samples (22%) and by <10% in 3 samples (14%).

CONCLUSIONS:

This in vitro study found that cangrelor was an unreliable inhibitor of heparin-induced aggregation in the presence of anti-PF4/Hep Abs. We conclude that cangrelor should not be used as a standard antiaggregant for cardiac patients affected by HIT during surgery. Unless cangrelor’s efficacy in a particular patient has been confirmed in a presurgery aggregation test, other strategies should be chosen.
The treatment of resistant staphylococcal infections
Authors: John Jr Joseph
Published: February 2020

Staphylococcus aureus of the many staphylococcal species is the most common cause of both skin and soft tissue infection and severe staphylococcal infections including Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Many antibiotics are active against the staphylococci, yet over the last 40 years antibiotic resistance, particularly resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, has plagued antimicrobial therapy. The term “methicillin resistance” is a historic term and now refers to the ability of staphylococci, in particular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), to resist the action of beta-lactam antibiotics. This resistance is encoded by the mecA gene carried in a complex genetic cassette, SCCmec. Vancomycin and old antibiotics remain the keystone of treatment for resistant staphylococci. Other newer agents, and some older agents, show good activity against resistant staphylococci which are the focus of this review: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftaroline, daptomycin, fosfomycin, linezolid, dalbavancin, televancin, and omadacycline. Other agents with novel mechanisms of action are under development, for use as single anti-staphylococcal agents or for combination use to augment the action of the primary anti-staphylococcal agent. Vancomycin therapy carries specific risks, particularly renal dysfunction, but despite its foibles, vancomycin remains the standard of care for the treatment of resistant staphylococcal infections. Some clinicians implement an early switch from vancomycin at the earliest signs of renal dysfunction. The near horizon holds promise also of augmentation of both cellular and humoral responses to staphylococcal infection. Pending newer clinical trials that show clear superiority of one anti-staphylococcal agent over another or over vancomycin, it will remain to expert clinical judgment in determining antibiotic choice and duration of anti-staphylococcal therapy.
Methane emissions in triple rice cropping: patterns and a method for reduction
Authors: Oda Masato , Nguyen Huu Chiem
Published: February 2020

The Mekong Delta paddies are known as hotspots of methane emission, but these emissions are not well studied. We analyzed methane emission patterns based on monitoring data from typical triple rice cropping paddies collected over 5 years. We found that the total emissions in a crop season doubled in the second crop, tripled in the third crop, and reset after the annual natural flood of the Mekong River. The emission peaks occurred around 0 to 3 weeks after starting irrigation, then gradually decreased. This suggests that methane was generated by the soil organic matter, because the small rice plants provide little carbon for methanogenesis. In general, the main source of emitted methane is rice-derived carbon by current-season photosynthates and the emission peaks at the rice heading stage. However, the contribution of the rice-derived carbon is negligible in the hotspot paddies while total emission is high. The increase in emission levels from the first to the third crop can be explained by the accumulation of rice residue from the preceding crops, especially rice straw incorporated into the soil. The reset of emission levels after annual flood means that the rice straw is decomposed without methanogenesis in water with dissolved oxygen. Thus, the annual emission pattern shows that decomposing rice straw in paddy surface-water is an effective method to reduce methane emissions.
Comparison of human population receptive field estimates between scanners and the effect of temporal filtering
Authors: Morgan Catherine , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel
Published: February 2020

Background: Population receptive field (pRF) analysis with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an increasingly popular method for mapping visual field representations and estimating the spatial selectivity of voxels in human visual cortex. However, the multitude of experimental setups and processing methods used makes comparisons of results between studies difficult.

Methods: Here, we compared pRF maps acquired in the same three individuals using comparable scanning parameters on a 1.5 and a 3 Tesla scanner located in two different countries. We also tested the effect of low-pass filtering of the time series on pRF estimates.

Results: As expected, the signal-to-noise ratio for the 3 Tesla data was superior; critically, however, estimates of pRF size and cortical magnification did not reveal any systematic differences between the sites. Unsurprisingly, low-pass filtering enhanced goodness-of-fit, presumably by removing high-frequency noise. However, there was no substantial increase in the number of voxels containing meaningful retinotopic signals after low-pass filtering. Importantly, filtering also increased estimates of pRF size in the early visual areas which could substantially skew interpretations of spatial tuning properties.

Conclusion: Our results therefore suggest that pRF estimates are generally comparable between scanners of different field strengths, but temporal filtering should be used with caution.
How scientific research changes the Vietnamese higher education landscape: Evidence from social sciences and humanities between 2008 and 2019
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Huyen-Trang , Tran Trung , Dau The-Tung , Nguyen Thi-Song-Ha , Nguyen Thanh-Hung , Ho Manh-Toan
Published: February 2020

Background: In the context of globalization, Vietnamese universities, whose primary function is teaching, there is a need to improve research performance.

Methods: Based on SSHPA data, an exclusive database of Vietnamese social sciences and humanities researchers’ productivity, between 2008 and 2019 period, this study analyzes the research output of Vietnamese universities in the field of social sciences and humanities.

Results: Vietnamese universities have been steadily producing a high volume of publications in the 2008-2019 period, with a peak of 598 articles in 2019. Moreover, many private universities and institutions are also joining the publication race, pushing competitiveness in the country.

Conclusions: Solutions to improve both quantity and quality of Vietnamese universities’ research practice in the context of the industrial revolution 4.0 could be applying international criteria in Vietnamese higher education, developing scientific and critical thinking for general and STEM education, and promoting science communication.
Recent advances in the role of plant metabolites in shaping the root microbiome
Authors: Jacoby Richard P. , Chen Li , Schwier Melina , Koprivova Anna , Kopriva Stanislav
Published: February 2020

The last decade brought great progress in describing the repertoire of microbes associated with plants and identifying principles of their interactions. Metabolites exuded by plant roots have been considered candidates for the mechanisms by which plants shape their root microbiome. Here, we review the evidence for several plant metabolites affecting plant interaction with microbes belowground. We also discuss the development of new approaches to study the mechanisms of such interaction that will help to elucidate the metabolic networks in the rhizosphere.