bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content Validation of Clinician-Reported Items for a Severity Measure for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Saldaris Jacinta , Weisenberg Judith , Pestana-Knight Elia , Marsh Eric D. , Suter Bernhard , Rajaraman Rajsekar , Heidary Gena , Olson Heather E. , Devinsky Orrin , Price Dana , Jacoby Peter , Leonard Helen , Benke Tim A. , Demarest Scott , Downs Jenny
Published: August 2021

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) results in early-onset seizures and severe developmental impairments. A CDD clinical severity assessment (CCSA) was previously developed with clinician and parent-report items to capture information on a range of domains. Consistent with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, content validation is the first step in evaluating the psychometric properties of an outcome measure. The aim of this study was to validate the content of the clinician-reported items in the CCSA (CCSA-Clinician). Eight neurologists leading the USA CDD Center of Excellence clinics were interviewed using the “think aloud” technique to critique 26 clinician-reported items. Common themes were aggregated, and a literature search of related assessments informed item modifications. The clinicians then participated in 2 consensus meetings to review themes and finalize the items. A consensus was achieved for the content of the CCSA-Clinician. Eight of the original items were omitted, 11 items were added, and the remaining 18 items were revised. The final 29 items were classified into 2 domains: functioning and neurologic impairments. This study enabled refinement of the CCSA-Clinician and provided evidence for its content validity. This preliminary validation is essential before field testing and further validation, in order to advance the instrument toward clinical trial readiness.
Defending or Remaining Passive as a Bystander of School Bullying in Sweden: The Role of Moral Disengagement and Antibullying Class Norms
Authors: Thornberg Robert , Pozzoli Tiziana , Gini Gianluca
Published: August 2021

The overall aim of the present study was to examine whether moral disengagement and perceptions of antibullying class norms at individual level and at class level were associated with defending and passive bystanding in school bullying among school-age children. More specifically, we investigated the extent to which moral disengagement would contribute to explain defending and passive bystanding, after controlling for sex and perceptions of antibullying class norms at individual level and at class level. A total of 789 Swedish students (aged 10-14) from 40 middle school classes filled out a self-report survey. The findings revealed that girls and students who were less prone to morally disengage, and who perceived that their classmates endorsed more antibullying norms, were more likely to defend victimized peers. Students who were more inclined to morally disengage and perceive that classmates do not condemn bullying were more likely to act as passive bystanders. In addition, classes with higher levels of antibullying class norms were more likely to show higher rates of defending and lower rates of passive bystanding compared to the other classes. The findings suggest that schools and teachers need to develop educational strategies, methods, and efforts designed to make students aware of moral disengagement and to reduce their likelihood of morally disengaging in bullying situations. The present findings also point to the importance of teachers establishing class rules against bullying together with the students.
Measuring the Burden of Intimate Partner Violence by Sex and Sexual Identity: Results From a Random Sample in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Yakubovich Alexa R. , Heron Jon , Metheny Nicholas , Gesink Dionne , O’Campo Patricia
Published: August 2021

Debates on how sex, gender, and sexual identity relate to intimate partner violence (IPV) are longstanding. Yet the role that measurement plays in how we understand the distribution of IPV has been understudied. We investigated whether people respond differently to IPV items by sex and sexual identity and the implications this has for understanding differences in IPV burdens. Our sample was 2,412 randomly selected residents of Toronto, Canada, from the Neighborhood Effects on Health and Well-being (NEHW) study. IPV was measured using short forms of the Physical and Nonphysical Partner Abuse Scales (20 items). We evaluated the psychometric properties of this measure by sex and sexual identity. We examined whether experiences of IPV differed by sex and sexual identity (accounting for age and neighborhood clustering) and the impacts of accounting for latent structure and measurement variance. We identified differential item functioning by sex for six items, mostly related to nonphysical IPV (e.g., partner jealousy). Males had higher probabilities of reporting five of the six items compared to females with the same latent IPV scores. Being female and identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual were positively associated with experiencing IPV. However, the association between female sex and IPV was underestimated when response bias was not accounted for and outcomes were dichotomized as “any IPV.” Common practices of assuming measurement invariance and dichotomizing IPV can underestimate the association between sex or gender and IPV. Researchers should continue to attend to gender-based and intersectional differences in IPV but test for measurement invariance prior to comparing groups and analyze scale (as opposed to binary) measures to account for chronicity or intensity.
Revisiting Values and Self-Esteem: A Large-Scale Study in the United States
Authors: Du Hongfei , Götz Friedrich M. , Chen Anli , Rentfrow Peter J.
Published: August 2021

Person-culture fit perspectives posit that individuals have higher self-esteem when their values match the values of the sociocultural environment in which they live. The current study tested this hypothesis by examining the associations between value congruence and self-esteem in a large-scale sample in the United States ( N = 48,563). Multilevel response surface analyses revealed no evidence of value congruence effects on self-esteem, such that the agreement between individual- and state-level values did not positively predict self-esteem for any of the 10 basic values. Instead, we found positive (stimulation, security) and negative (conformity) linear associations between individual-level values and self-esteem. We also found positive curvilinear relationships between individual-level achievement and tradition values and self-esteem, and negative curvilinear relationships between individual-level self-direction, hedonism, power, benevolence, and universalism values and self-esteem. In addition, state-level values moderated the relationship between values and self-esteem for tradition, universalism, and conformity values. In federal states with stronger endorsement of tradition values, individuals’ tradition values were more positively associated with self-esteem. In contrast, in states with stronger endorsement of universalism values, individuals’ universalism values were more negatively associated with self-esteem. Lastly, individuals’ conformity values were negatively associated with self-esteem, particularly in states with weaker endorsement of conformity values.
The Impact of Continuous Infusion Compared to Intravenous Bolus Administration of Pantoprazole on Length of Intensive Care Unit Stay in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Callaway Katelynn , Lakkad Mrinmayee , Painter Jacob T , Dayer Lindsey , Oswalt Allison K
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To determine if intravenous (IV) bolus pantoprazole increases intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay compared to IV infusion pantoprazole for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in critically ill patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the ICU with GI bleeds. Patients treated with IV pantoprazole from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 were analyzed in the continuous infusion group, and patients treated from March 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019 were analyzed in the bolus only group. Patients with pregnancy, variceal bleeds, or lower GI bleeds were excluded. Intensive care unit length of stay was compared between the two cohorts using the Mann Whitney U test. Adjusted analysis was conducted using the generalized linear model with gamma log link to estimate the effect of type of infusion on ICU length of stay. Results: A total of 145 patients were included in the analysis, with 72 patients in the continuous infusion group and 73 patients in the bolus only group. The median ICU length of stay was 70.5 hours for continuous infusion and 64 hours for bolus only pantoprazole ( P-value = .577). In the adjusted analysis, there was no difference in ICU length of stay between the continuous infusion and bolus only groups (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, .76–1.47). Conclusion: Intensive care unit length of stay was not prolonged with the use of IV bolus only compared to continuous infusion pantoprazole. Intravenous bolus only pantoprazole may be used in critically ill patients for treatment of upper GI bleeding.
The prognostic value of red cell distribution width for in-hospital mortality in patients with methanol poisoning
Authors: Arslan Barış , Akdağ Devrim , Ünlü Nurdan , Arslan Ali , Açık Vedat
Published: August 2021

Aim

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a numerical measure of variability in the size of circulating erythrocytes and is routinely reported as a component of a complete blood count panel. It has been shown that higher RDW is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in several types of intoxication. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of RDW for in-hospital mortality and need of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with methanol poisoning.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with methanol poisoning was performed using data from Adana City Training and Research Hospital obtained between January 2019 and January 2020. Patients’ demographics, clinical features, the time elapsed between ingestion and presentation, the treatment applied, blood gas analysis, laboratory measures including RDW on admission, and clinical outcome were obtained.

Results

A total of 42 patients with methanol poisoning were included in the study with a mean age of 45 ± 11 years. The overall mortality was 21.4%. Values of RDW on admission were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. The area under the receiver operating curve of RDW was 0.778 (95% CI: 0.567–0.988) for predicting in-hospital mortality and 0.762 (95% CI: 0.592–0.932) for predicting mechanical ventilator requirement.

Conclusion

This study suggests that increased RDW on the first admission is associated with mortality and with mechanical ventilator requirement in patients with methanol poisoning.
A micromechanics-based constitutive model for nanocrystalline shape memory alloys incorporating grain size effects
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Dui Guansuo , Zheng Yicong
Published: August 2021

A micromechanics-based model is developed to capture the grain-size dependent superelasticity of nanocrystalline shape memory alloys (SMAs). Grain-size effects are incorporated in the proposed model through definition of dissipative length scale and energetic length scale parameters. In this paper, nanocrystalline SMAs are considered as two-phase composites consisting of the grain-core phase and the grain-boundary phase. Based on the Gibbs free energy including the spatial gradient of the martensite volume fraction, a new transformation function determining the evolution law for transformation strain is derived. Using micromechanical averaging techniques, the grain-size-dependent superelastic behavior of nanocrystalline SMAs can be described. The internal length scales are calibrated using experimental results from published literature. In addition, model validation is performed by comparing the model predictions with the corresponding experimental data on nanostructured NiTi polycrystalline SMA. Finally, effects of the internal length scales on the critical stresses for forward and reverse transformations, the hysteresis loop area (transformation dissipation energy), and the strain hardening are investigated.
Experimental analysis of the feasibility of deep slide monitoring with low-cost piezoelectric diaphragms-based EMI technique
Authors: Wu Jianchao , Yao Yunsheng , Yang Gang , Yu Min , Li Weijie
Published: August 2021

Slope instability, especially the soil slope instability, is a common occurrence in mountainous areas. It poses a huge threat to people’s lives and properties under the slope body. Effective slope monitoring techniques can provide detailed information and precursor about the real-time deformation, which is of great importance to provide early warning to the public. In this paper, a novel electromechanical impedance (EMI)-based slope deep slide monitoring bar (DSMB) was proposed. The main purpose was to investigate the application of the EMI technique for deep slide detection. In this study, a small soil slope specimen with a DSMB embedded inside it was fabricated in laboratory. To verify the practicality of the low-cost piezoelectric diaphragms (commonly known as buzzers), four conventional lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patches and four buzzers were bonded onto the front surface and back surface of the bar at specific positions, respectively. The slope specimen was then subjected to a horizontal thrust to initiate an interlayer slide along the slip surface. The whole process was monitored with a precision impedance analyzer by measuring the admittance of these transducers at specific sliding displacement. In order to reduce the error and increase the reliability, the experiment was repeated three times under the same conditions. It was concluded that the conventional PZT patches and buzzers have similar sensitivities to interlayer slide damage. The results indicate that both the severity and sliding location could be identified via the two metrics including root mean square deviation (RMSD) and correlation coefficient deviation (CCD). The experimental results verify the feasibility and practicality of using novel and low-cost piezoelectric diaphragm-based EMI technique to detect the deep slide in soil slope.
Expansion of chronic MS lesions is associated with an increase of radial diffusivity in periplaque white matter
Authors: Klistorner Samuel , Barnett Michael H , Yiannikas Con , Barton Joshua , Parratt John , You Yuyi , Graham Stuart L , Klistorner Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background:

Expansion of chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion is associated with slow-burning inflammation at lesion rim. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to expansion are not fully understood.

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between diffusivity markers of demyelination and axonal loss in perilesional white matter and lesion expansion in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

Methods:

T1, FLAIR and diffusion tensor images were acquired from 30 patients. Novel single-streamline technique was used to estimate diffusivity in lesions, perilesional white matter and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

Results:

Significant association was found between baseline periplaque radial diffusivity (RD) and subsequent lesion expansion. Conversely, periplaque axial diffusivity (AD) did not correlate with lesion growth. Baseline RD (but not AD) in periplaque white matter of expanding lesions was significantly higher compared with non-expanding lesions. Correlation between increase of both RD and AD in the periplaque area during follow-up period and lesion expansion was noticeably stronger for RD. Increase of RD in periplaque area was also much higher compared to AD. There was significant increase of AD and RD in the periplaque area of expanding, but not in non-expanding, lesions.

Conclusion:

Periplaque demyelination is likely to be an initial step in a process of lesion expansion and, as such, potentially represents a suitable target for remyelinating therapies.
Hosting annual international sporting events and tourism: Formula 1, golf or tennis?
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Wu Howei , Yeung Matthew
Published: August 2021

Hosting sports events to attract international tourists is a common policy practised by many host governments. Hosting mega-sports events like the Olympics is said to leave a legacy that could impact the attractiveness of a country/city in the long term. However, the opportunity to host these mega-events is limited and expensive. This study considers the economic impact of hosting annual international sporting events, specifically the extent to which Formula 1, ATP Tennis and PGA Golf can attract international tourists. Using monthly data from 1998 to 2018, we show that the effect differs from one sport to another within a country and the same sport across countries. Hosting the Formula 1 is most effective for Canada but has no significant impact in Australia and the United Kingdom. ATP Tennis and PGA Golf have a significant impact on at least two countries. Policy-makers must consider carefully the sport that gives the best bang-for-the-buck.
Application of the information-motivation-behavioral-skills model to validate a cognitive and behavioral intervention scale for tuberculosis patients in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Sariem Comfort Nanbam , Dapar Maxwell Patrick , Jimam Nanloh Samuel , Aguiyi John Chinyere
Published: August 2021

Psychometric scales can be used to assess the cognition of and behavior toward tuberculosis (TB) disease and anti-TB medicines in TB patients by applying the Information-Motivation-Behavioral-Skills model. This study validated a psychometric scale from the responses of 115 TB patients using principal component (PCA) and reliability analyses. The Cronbach’s-alpha was 0.864. The PCA identified 21 factors, with eigenvalues greater than one. Six factors, with factor loading >0.5 had more than two items loaded to a factor. Twenty-five items validated from six factors suggest that the scale can be used for cognitive and behavioral assessment and interventions in tuberculosis patients.
Some evidence of a time-varying thermal perception
Authors: Vellei Marika , O’Brien William , Martinez Simon , Le Dréau Jérôme
Published: August 2021

Recent research suggests that a time-varying indoor thermal environment can lead to energy savings and contribute to boost buildings' energy flexibility. However, thermal comfort standardization has so far considered thermal comfort criteria as constant throughout the day. In general, very little attention has been given to the ‘ time of day' variable in the context of thermal comfort research. In this paper, we show some evidence of a time-varying thermal perception by using: (1) data from about 10,000 connected Canadian thermostats made available as part of the ‘ Donate Your Data' dataset and (2) about 22,000 samples of complete (objective + ‘ right-here-right-now' subjective) thermal comfort field data from the ASHRAE I and SCATs datasets. We observe that occupants prefer colder thermal conditions at 14:00 and progressively warmer ones in the rest of the day, indistinctively in the morning and evening. Neutral temperature differences between 08:00 and 14:00 and 14:00 and 20:00 are estimated to be of the order of 2°C. We hypothesize that the human circadian rhythm is the cause of this difference. Nevertheless, the results of this study are only based on observational data. Thermal comfort experiments in controlled environmental chambers are required to confirm these findings and to better elucidate the effects of light and circadian timing and their interaction on thermal perception.
Four practices for conducting feminist participatory action research with young women
Authors: Shimei Nour , Lavie-Ajayi Maya
Published: August 2021

While there has been an increase in action research explicitly defined as feminist in orientation, there has not been sufficient discussion on the actual translation of feminist theory into research practices. The aim of this article is to contribute to the growing body of knowledge labelled Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) by articulating specific research practices for conducting research with young women who are negotiating social injustice and marginalization. We define and describe four research practices: 1. coalescing into a group; 2. encouraging the shared ownership of the research process and its outcomes; 3. developing multiple centres of power; and 4. promoting interdependency. We illustrate these principles with specific examples from an FPAR study that explored how social workers in Israel can best support girls and young women in situations of distress. We explored this question with a group of young women who were active partners in the research process. We conclude the article by underscoring the linkage between these four practices and feminist theory.
Drawing Fields: Prototyping public space with semi-autonomous robots
Authors: Herrmann Erik W , Bigham Ashley
Published: August 2021

This paper is a concise report of Drawing Fields, a temporary performance venue on the campus of Ragdale, a nonprofit artists’ community just north of Chicago. Drawing Fields utilizes GPS-controlled field marking robots to draw site-specific, building-scale drawings on the Ragdale campus. Each drawing in the series explores a different theme with Drawing Fields 1 probing robotic kinetics, Drawing Fields 2 delineating socially-distanced zones for a scattered audience, and Drawing Fields 3 saturating the campus with colorful patterns. The report discusses the project implementation and includes a brief discussion of the project’s cultural, ecological and technological resonances.
Texting as an Advising Communication Tool: A Case Study of Receptivity and Resistance
Authors: Tippetts Megan , Davis Bobbi , Zick Cathleen D.
Published: August 2021

Texting has been identified as a tool that has the potential to enhance informational exchanges between academic advisors and students. We use focus group and survey data from a recent texting intervention to assess student and advisor receptivity to texting as a new mode of communication. The data reveal that most students immediately saw the benefits of this new tool. In contrast, advisors initially were very skeptical of its value. They raised concerns about having a voice in the content of the messages and the time commitment that would be needed to respond to students’ texts. Over time, this feedback led to modifications in the texting protocol and, in turn, advisors came to view texting as an important mechanism for improving communication with students. Our study ends with a discussion of texting best practices within the context of academic advising.
A modified whale optimization algorithm for parameter estimation of software reliability growth models
Authors: Lu Kezhong , Ma Zongmin
Published: August 2021

Software reliability growth models are nonlinear in nature, so it is difficult to estimate the proper parameters. An estimation method based on a modified whale optimization algorithm in which parameters are estimated is discussed in this paper. The whale optimization algorithm is a new swarm intelligence optimization algorithm. This algorithm is not perfect enough. Based on the analysis of whale optimization algorithm, we point out the disadvantages of whale optimization algorithm, and propose a modified whale optimization algorithm algorithm from four aspects: choice regarding the dimension, exploration control, encircling prey modified, and candidate solution selection. The experimental results based on 34 benchmark functions demonstrate that the proposed modified whale optimization algorithm has better accuracy. The modified whale optimization algorithm is used to predict software reliability by predicting the faults during the software testing process using software faults’ historical data. The proposed modified whale optimization algorithm shows significant advantages in handling a variety of modeling problems such as the exponential model, power model, delayed s-shaped model, and modified sigmoid model. Experimental results show that the fitting accuracy of the modified sigmoid model model is minimal on three data sets. The modified whale optimization algorithm with the modified sigmoid model can provide a better estimate of the software faults.
A New Taxonomy for Technology-Enabled Diabetes Self-Management Interventions: Results of an Umbrella Review
Authors: Greenwood Deborah A. , Litchman Michelle L. , Isaacs Diana , Blanchette Julia E. , Dickinson Jane K. , Hughes Allyson , Colicchio Vanessa D. , Ye Jiancheng , Yehl Kirsten , Todd Andrew , Peeples Malinda M.
Published: August 2021

Background:

A 2017 umbrella review defined the technology-enabled self-management (TES) feedback loop associated with a significant reduction in A1C. The purpose of this 2021 review was to develop a taxonomy of intervention attributes in technology-enabled interventions; review recent, high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses to determine if the TES framework was described and if elements contribute to improved diabetes outcomes; and to identify gaps in the literature.

Methods:

We identified key technology attributes needed to describe the active ingredients of TES interventions. We searched multiple databases for English language reviews published between April 2017 and April 2020, focused on PwD (population) receiving diabetes care and education (intervention) using technology-enabled self-management (comparator) in a randomized controlled trial, that impact glycemic, behavioral/psychosocial, and other diabetes self-management outcomes. AMSTAR-2 guidelines were used to assess 50 studies for methodological quality including risk of bias.

Results:

The TES Taxonomy was developed to standardize the description of technology-enabled interventions; and ensure research uses the taxonomy for replication and evaluation. Of the 26 included reviews, most evaluated smartphones, mobile applications, texting, internet, and telehealth. Twenty-one meta-analyses with the TES feedback loop significantly lowered A1C.

Conclusions:

Technology-enabled diabetes self-management interventions continue to be associated with improved clinical outcomes. The ongoing rapid adoption and engagement of technology makes it important to focus on uniform measures for behavioral/psychosocial outcomes to highlight healthy coping. Using the TES Taxonomy as a standard approach to describe technology-enabled interventions will support understanding of the impact technology has on diabetes outcomes.
Multicenter Evaluation Study Comparing a New Factory-Calibrated Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System to Existing Flash Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Ji Linong , Guo Lixin , Zhang Junqing , Li Yufeng , Chen Zhiyan
Published: August 2021

This study reports a clinical evaluation of AiDEX CGM system featuring a 14-day sensor, real-time glucose monitoring and factory-calibration. A multicenter, prospective, masked clinical study was conducted at with a total of 120 participants. Each participant wore 4 studied sensors and had one in-clinic visit for venous blood reference tests. 40 out of the 120 participants wore additional Abbott Libre sensors and performed at least 7 capillary BG tests daily for additional reference and comparison. Continuous glucose error grid analysis (CG-EGA) showed that AiDEX and Abbott Libre had good agreement with venous blood glucose, with 98.69% and 98.96% accurate readings, respectively. Overall MARD of AiDEX CGM systems was 9.08% when compared to venous blood reference and 10.1% when compared to finger capillary BG reference.
Screening and in vitro antiviral assessment of small molecules against fluorescent protein-expressing Bunyamwera virus in a cell-based assay using high-content imaging
Authors: ter Horst Sebastiaan , Chiu Winston , Neyts Johan , Rocha-Pereira Joana
Published: August 2021

Many species of the order Bunyavirales contain potentially fatal viruses that lack effective medical countermeasures and are therefore collectively a major public health threat. Here, we describe a cell-based assay using Bunyamwera virus (BUNV)-mCherry to identify and characterize new antiviral molecules against bunyaviruses. BUNV is the type species for the genus Orthobunyavirus and has been reported to cause mild symptoms in humans, such as fever, joint pain, and rash. One major benefit of using our fluorescence-based assay over classical CPE-based assays is the fact that the antiviral effect of the tested compounds and their effect on the cell viability can be determined within the same assay well. For that reason, this type of assay could significantly advance our preclinical efforts towards finding new antiviral molecules against bunyaviruses.
Biopreservation of living tissue engineered nerve grafts
Authors: Shultz Robert B , Katiyar Kritika S , Laimo Franco A , Burrell Justin C , Browne Kevin D , Ali Zarina S , Cullen Daniel K
Published: August 2021

Tissue engineered nerve grafts (TENGs) built from living neurons and aligned axon tracts offer a revolutionary new approach as “living scaffolds” to bridge major peripheral nerve defects. Clinical application, however, necessitates sufficient shelf-life to allow for shipping from manufacturing facility to clinic as well as storage until use. Here, hypothermic storage in commercially available hibernation media is explored as a potential biopreservation strategy for TENGs. After up to 28 days of refrigeration at 4℃, TENGs maintain viability and structure in vitro. Following transplantation into 1 cm rat sciatic defects, biopreserved TENGs routinely survive and persist for at least 2 weeks and recapitulate pro-regenerative mechanisms of fresh TENGs, including the ability to recruit regenerating host tissue into the graft and extend neurites beyond the margins of the graft. The protocols and timelines established here serve as important foundational work for the manufacturing, storage, and translation of other neuron-based tissue engineered therapeutics.
Knowledge and involvement of husbands in the reproductive rights of women in Harar, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Aminu , Alemayehu Tadesse , Desalew Assefa , Debela Adera , Sema Alekaw , Belay Yalelet , Dessie Yadeta
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Reproductive rights violations are a serious public health concern worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 38.83% of victims live. Understanding the status of husbands’ knowledge and involvement helps to establish important programs and interventions. However, there are limited data related to husbands’ roles in women’s reproductive rights in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess husbands’ knowledge and involvement in women’s reproductive rights and their associated factors in Harar, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 611 husbands in March 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS Version 22. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to examine the factors associated with the outcome variable using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The levels of husbands’ knowledge and involvement were 48.3% and 40.1%, respectively. Social media utilization (adjusted odds ratio = 4.97, 95% confidence interval = 2.79–8.85), partners’ discussion (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.60–3.39), and type of facility: hospital (adjusted odds ratio = 3.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–8.36) and health post (adjusted odds ratio = 2.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–6.94) were factors associated with knowledge of husbands. Likewise, the experience of using reproductive services (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.52–3.03), partner discussion (adjusted odds ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.35–2.82), social media utilization (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–2.89), and age 40–49 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–3.32) were factors associated with husbands’ involvement.

Conclusion:

Less than half of the husbands were knowledgeable and involved in executing partners’ reproductive rights. Promoting and creating effective media utilization is important for creating awareness of reproductive rights. Moreover, working on reproductive health service utilization, women empowerment, and making open discussions between partners are crucial to increase the knowledge and involvement of husbands.
Apremilast monotherapy for palmoplantar pustulosis: Report of three cases
Authors: Marovt Maruška , Marko Pij B
Published: August 2021

Palmoplantar pustulosis or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis is chronic skin conditions, characterised by eruptions of sterile pustules on an erythematosquamous background. High-quality data on the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis are limited, and none is accepted as being effective in general. Apremilast is a small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We report three cases of palmoplantar pustulosis treated with apremilast monotherapy. Our three cases, as well as previous reports, demonstrate the potential for apremilast to be beneficial for a subset of patients with palmoplantar pustulosis or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis.
What is the “lite” in “alt-lite?” The discourse of white vulnerability and dominance among YouTube’s reactionaries
Authors: Ma Cindy
Published: August 2021

This article examines the discourse of “alt-lite” YouTube personalities in a North American context, with a focus on how whiteness is understood and represented. It argues that, despite their self-presentation as color-blind conservatives, these figures are firmly embedded within white supremacist ideology. A qualitative approach to content analysis is adopted to excavate the logics underlying these videos and to highlight the rhetorical tools at work. By framing themselves as the vulnerable targets of progressive movements, “alt-lite” personalities have helped to revive and legitimize a discourse of white victimhood. Their videos emphasize the historic dominance of “white culture” while bemoaning the current and future vulnerability of white people in a politically correct, social-justice-oriented world. Ultimately, the article argues that “alt-lite” figures are united by a set of mitigating rhetorical strategies, which are used to temper and obfuscate their reactionary views. These strategies include performatively aligning with one minority group to denigrate another; highlighting personal relationships with non-white people and knowledge of non-white cultures; embracing a color-blind worldview purportedly rooted in the civil rights movement; and maintaining ironic distance when espousing more overtly hateful racial stereotypes. The adoption of these strategies by right-wing micro-celebrities should not deter scholars and civil society groups from acknowledging when those same figures traffic in white supremacist rhetoric.
Antithrombotics in Patients With a Femoral Neck Fracture: Evaluating Daily Practice in an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: van Rijckevorsel Veronique A. J. I. M. , Roukema Gert R. , Klem Taco M. A. L. , Kuijper Tjallingius M. , de Jong Louis
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Geriatric hip fracture patients are characterized by frailty due to multiple comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, in which the use of antithrombotics is frequent. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of antithrombotics on perioperative care and patient outcomes after hip hemiarthroplasty following current guidelines.

Materials and Methods

This observational cohort study included all consecutively admitted patients with a femoral neck fracture requiring hip hemiarthroplasty between January 1st 2010, and May 16th 2016, in two level II trauma teaching hospitals. Patients with multiple trauma injuries were excluded.

Results

In total, n = 907 patients (68% female (n = 615), median age 84 years) were included of which n = 142 used a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and n = 213 used antiplatelet (AP) therapy. Both were associated with more packed cell supplementation (.4 ± 1.1 units and .3 ± .8 units vs .2 ± .6 units, P < .001 and P = .03, respectively). VKA was associated with more hematomas compared no antithrombotics (23% vs 11%, P = .001). VKA had a longer time to surgery compared to no antithrombotics and AP (24 hours vs 19 and 20 hours, P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) and longer admission duration (9 days vs 7 days P < .001. There were no differences in 30 day mortality nor in 1-year mortality rates.

Discussion

All modifiable causes for deep SSI, such as hematomas, should be prevented in acute hip fracture surgery. Since antithrombotics are associated with hematomas, an optimal handling in perioperative setting is necessary.

Conclusion

VKA was associated with longer time to surgery, more hematomas, and longer admission duration. VKA and AP were associated with more packed cell supplementation.
Abusive Supervision and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior: The Mediating Role of Status Challenge and the Moderating Role of Leader–Member Exchange
Authors: Xiong Guanxing , Huang Huadong , Ma Yingyi , Liang Cuiqi , Wang Haixia
Published: August 2021

Unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) refers to unethical behavior that employees engage in to benefit their organization. Although UPB has received great attention from management scholars, little research has tested the influence of negative and destructive behavior from supervisors, such as abusive supervision, on UPB. Using conservation of resources theory, this study examines when and how abusive supervision affects UPB. Data were obtained from Chinese enterprises, and 368 time-tagged questionnaires were analyzed to test the moderated mediation model. Results revealed that abusive supervision positively influences UPB and that status challenge mediated this relation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of status challenge was moderated by leader–member exchange (LMX). Specifically, this effect was stronger when LMX was high. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings, and propose future research directions.
Hollow Visceral Myopathy, a Rare Gastrointestinal Disorder: A Case Report and Short Review
Authors: Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Batth Arshdeep , Batth Jaspreet , Wani Farah , Singh Jagmeet , Kichloo Asim
Published: August 2021

Hollow visceral myopathy (HVM) is described as impaired intestinal function and motility in the absence of mechanical obstruction. In this case report, we describe a unique case of an 18-year-old female who presented to the hospital with complaints of persistent nausea, vomiting, inability to tolerate oral feeds, and substantial weight loss for 2 months. After appropriate investigations, a diagnosis of gastroparesis was established. The patient was started on metoclopramide, which led to significant symptomatic improvement, and she was eventually discharged home. One month after discharge, she presented to the hospital with symptoms similar to her initial presentation. After further laboratory and radiological investigation, she was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Over the next month, the patient was given an extensive trial of multiple prokinetic agents such as mirtazapine, ondansetron, pyridostigmine, octreotide, and promethazine, but she failed to show clinical improvement. Due to failure of medical therapy, a nasojejunal feeding tube was placed for enteral nutrition. However, the patient reported worsening of her symptoms despite slow feeding rates; hence, a decision was made to start the patient on total parenteral nutrition and transfer her to a larger tertiary center for higher level of care. At the tertiary hospital, the patient was continued on total parenteral nutrition and underwent extensive evaluation. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with HVM after a laparoscopic full-thickness intestinal biopsy showed histopathological evidence of the disease. She underwent isolated small intestine transplant, which led to significant improvement of her symptoms and was eventually discharged home. The patient continues to be symptom-free and follows up with Gastroenterology and Transplant Surgery regularly. This case report highlights a rare clinical condition, HVM, as a potential diagnosis in patients with clinical features of intestinal obstruction without mechanical obstruction.
Sequential Changes in Posterior Shoulder Muscle Elasticity After Throwing as Assessed via Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Yamaura Kohei , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Nishimoto Hanako , Kataoka Takeshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Mukohara Shintaro , Niikura Takahiro , Kokubu Takeshi , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: August 2021

Background:

Improvements in ultrasound diagnostic equipment and techniques can enable muscle stiffness to be measured quantitatively as muscle elasticity using ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE), where high muscle elasticity values represent muscle stiffness.

Purpose:

To use USWE to analyze the sequential changes in muscle elasticity in the posterior shoulder before and after pitching.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The authors evaluated 14 baseball players who had played in high school or college at an intermediate level. The elasticity of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus (ISP), middle trapezius, lower trapezius (LT), rhomboideus, and serratus anterior muscles of the throwing shoulder was measured using USWE at 3 time points: before, immediately after, and 24 hours after a throwing session of 100 pitches. The authors analyzed the sequential changes in the mean elasticity values of the respective muscles at the 3 time points.

Results:

The mean elasticity values before, immediately after, and 24 hours after throwing were as follows: supraspinatus: 32.9, 53.4, 43.8 kPa; ISP: 22.7, 44.8, 43.7 kPa; middle trapezius: 45.1, 70.3, 59.9 kPa; LT: 32.8, 45.5, 46.5 kPa; rhomboideus: 29.1, 47.5, 38.8 kPa; and serratus anterior: 19.2, 36.9, 26.5 kPa, respectively. The mean elasticity values for all tested muscles were significantly higher immediately after throwing compared with before throwing ( P ≤ .0086 for all), and elasticity values in the ISP and LT remained significantly higher 24 hours after throwing compared with before throwing ( P ≤ .019 for both).

Conclusion:

The study results indicated that pitching significantly increased ISP and LT muscle elasticity even after 24 hours.
A Novel Shorthand Approach to Knee Bone Age Using MRI: A Validation and Reliability Study
Authors: Meza Blake C. , LaValva Scott M. , Aoyama Julien T. , DeFrancesco Christopher J. , Striano Brendan M. , Carey James L. , Nguyen Jie C. , Ganley Theodore J.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Bone-age determination remains a difficult process. An atlas for bone age has been created from knee-ossification patterns on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thereby avoiding the need for radiographs and associated costs, radiation exposure, and clinical inefficiency. Shorthand methods for bone age can be less time-consuming and require less extensive training as compared with conventional methods.

Purpose:

To create and validate a novel shorthand algorithm for bone age based on knee MRIs that could correlate with conventional hand bone age and demonstrate reliability across medical trainees.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Included in this study were adolescent patients who underwent both knee MRI and hand bone age radiographs within 90 days between 2009 and 2018. A stepwise algorithm for predicting bone age using knee MRI was developed separately for male and female patients, and 7 raters at varying levels of training used the algorithm to determine the bone age for each MRI. The shorthand algorithm was validated using Spearman rho ( rS) to correlate each rater’s predicted MRI bone age with the recorded Greulich and Pyle (G&P) hand bone age. Interrater and intrarater reliability were also calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results:

A total of 38 patients (44.7% female) underwent imaging at a mean age of 12.8 years (range, 9.3-15.7 years). Shorthand knee MRI bone age scores were strongly correlated with G&P hand bone age ( rS = 0.83; P < .001). The shorthand algorithm was a valid predictor of G&P hand bone age regardless of level of training, as medical students ( rS = 0.75), residents ( rS = 0.81), and attending physicians ( rS = 0.84) performed similarly. The interrater reliability of our shorthand algorithm was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88), indicating good to excellent interobserver agreement. Respondents also demonstrated consistency, with 6 of 7 raters demonstrating excellent intrarater reliability (median ICC, 0.86 [range, 0.68-0.96]).

Conclusion:

This shorthand algorithm is a consistent, reliable, and valid way to determine skeletal maturity using knee MRI in patients aged 9 to 16 years and can be utilized across different levels of orthopaedic and radiographic expertise. This method is readily applicable in a clinical setting and may reduce the need for routine hand bone age radiographs.
Migration Policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Aarthi S. V. , Sahu Mrutuyanjaya
Published: August 2021

International labor migration is the unique reality of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Despite seemingly open migration policies and reforms, the GCC states recently engaged in international and domestic policies to manage the migrant population better. Considering the dependency of Gulf states on migrant labor and the constant increase in migration to these states, this article aims to understand the policies pertaining to the presence, conditions of residence, integration, and socioeconomic rights of the migrant labor force. After an overview of migration trends and patterns in the GCC states, the article examines the migration policy framework that regulates and governs migration in the GCC. It also highlights the recent reforms and initiatives taken by the GCC states and a few sending countries which have impacted the migration flows, migrant rights, and development benefits of migration. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on policy challenges and provides recommendations as a way forward.
Chief Executive Officers’ Perceptions of Collective Organizational Engagement and Patient Experience in Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Lunn Mary Lynn , Ellinger Andrea D , Nimon Kim F , Halbesleben Jonathon RB
Published: August 2021

The concept of employee engagement has garnered considerable attention in acute care hospitals because of the many positive benefits that research has found when clinicians are individually engaged. However, limited, if any, research has examined the effects of engaging all hospital employees (including housekeeping, cafeteria, and admissions staff) in a collective manner and how this may impact patient experience, an important measure of hospital performance. Therefore, this quantitative online survey-based study examines the association between 60 chief executive officers' (CEOs') perceptions of the collective organizational engagement (COE) of all hospital employees and patient experience. A summary measure of the US Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey scores was used to assess patient experience at each of the 60 hospitals represented in the study. A multiple linear regression model was tested using structural equation modeling. The findings of the research suggest that CEOs' perceptions of COE explain a significant amount of variability in patient experience at acute care hospitals. Practical implications for CEOs and other hospital leaders are provided that discuss how COE can be used as an organizational capability to influence organizational performance.