bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L2 proficiency predicts inhibitory ability in L1-dominant speakers
Authors: Hui Nga-Yan , Yuan Mingyu , Fong Manson Cheuk-Man , Wang William Shi-yuan
Published: April 2020

Aims and Objectives:

Bilinguals reportedly perform better in tasks that require the suppression of interference because of the constant practice in linguistic inhibition. However, previous literature was largely based on comparisons of pure monolinguals and balanced bilinguals. Those in between the two extremes were rarely examined. This project aimed at studying whether the population who primarily speak in a first language with a different level of second language proficiency also enjoy bilingual advantage.

Methodology:

Twelve monolingual and 38 bilingual Hong Kong older adults were recruited to perform the Stroop task and the second language (English) proficiency tests. The subjects were all frequent first language (Cantonese) speakers with various levels of second language proficiency.

Data and Analysis:

Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to identify the relationship between inhibition ability (Stroop score) and demographic and language background variables (including proficiency in and frequency of exposure to their second language).

Findings:

Both correlation and multiple regression analysis showed that the subjects with higher proficiency in a second language performed significantly better in the Stroop task. The results suggested that higher second language proficiency leads to higher difficulty in suppressing it, thus the training of inhibition is more effective.

Originality:

This study expanded the literature on bilingual advantage from a dichotomous comparison between monolingual and bilingual to the more continuous spectrum of bilinguals with different levels of second language proficiency. This study aimed at showing a fuller picture of bilingualism in the world.

Significance/Implications:

This study proposed that with high proficiency in a second language, frequent first language speakers could also enjoy cognitive advantages brought by bilingualism. Our study provides further evidence for the bilingual advantage hypothesis.
A preliminary evaluation of a client-centred prompting tool for supporting everyday activities in individuals with mild to moderate levels of cognitive impairment due to dementia
Authors: Harris Nigel , Boyd Hazel , Evans Nina , Cheston Richard , Noonan Krist , Ingram Thomas , Jarvis Aron , Ridgers Jessica
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Technology-based prompting has the potential to support people with dementia to complete multistep tasks in the home. However, these devices can be complex to use. This paper reports a feasibility trial of a personalised touchscreen digital prompter designed for home use. Methodology: A tablet-based prompter suitable for people living with dementia was developed, along with a detailed guidance manual. Carers loaded instructions for completing the task onto the prompter, and the person with dementia then used the tablet independently to complete a task. Eleven couples used the prompter ‘out-of-the-box’ with no support other than a guidance manual.

Results

The majority of participants with dementia could follow the steps on the prompter, and carers were able to breakdown and load tasks onto the prompter. Eight couples used the prompter successfully to complete goals that they had identified in advance. These included preparing simple snacks and using a TV remote control. Successfully achieving goals was associated with more frequent use of the prompting screen on more days, but not higher levels of editing or previewing of tasks.

Conclusion

The study provides the preliminary evidence that family caregivers can use a touchscreen tablet, software and manual package to identify specific tasks and break these down into steps and that people living with dementia can then follow the prompts to complete the tasks. This potentially represents an important advance in dementia care. Further testing is required to establish efficacy and to identify any factors that impact on outcomes.
Children’s moral rights and UK school exclusions
Authors: Tillson John , Oxley Laura
Published: April 2020

This article argues that uses of exclusion by schools in the United Kingdom (UK) often violate children’s moral rights. It contends that while exclusion is not inherently incompatible with children’s moral rights, current practice must be reformed to align with them. It concludes that as a non-punitive preventive measure, there may be certain circumstances in schools where it is necessary to exclude a child in order to safeguard the weighty interests of others in the school community. However, reform is needed to ensure that exclusion is a measure of last resort, unjust discrimination is eliminated, appropriate and timely alternative provision is available, cultures of listening are developed, and blanket policies are removed. The argument is framed in terms of children’s weighty interests as identified in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The moral bearing of these interests on UK schools is defended, and an overview of exclusion practices commonly used in UK schools is provided. Finally, the extent to which the use of exclusion in UK schools might violate the moral rights of the child is considered by evaluating empirically informed arguments for and against such policies couched in terms of interests identified in the Convention.
What makes a response to schoolroom wrongs permissible?
Authors: Coverdale Helen Brown
Published: April 2020

Howard’s moral fortification theory of criminal punishment lends itself to justifying correction for children in schools that is supportive. There are good reasons to include other students in the learning opportunity occasioned by doing right in response to wrong, which need not exploit the wrongdoing student as a mere means. Care ethics can facilitate restorative and problem-solving approaches to correction. However, there are overriding reasons against doing so when this stigmatises the wrongdoing student, since this inhibits their learning. Responses that avoidably stigmatise students impermissibly undermine both the developmental ethos of education, and students’ recognition and respect for each other as equals.
IL-25/IL-33/TSLP contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Do alveolar epithelial cells and (myo)fibroblasts matter?
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Jinglan , Dai Huaping
Published: April 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a relentless fibrotic disease with largely unknown etiologies. Currently, the crosstalk between alveolar epithelial cells and lung-resident mesenchymal cells (especially [myo]fibroblasts) is considered to be the central pathogenesis to initiate and propagate the fibrotic process. Unfortunately, the master switch hidden in the profibrotic milieu that mediates pathogenic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions is still not well elucidated. Thus, the definite treatment target that can block and cure idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is now lacking. Based on the previous studies, we proposed the notion that epithelium-derived triple type 2 cytokines, i.e. interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are important pro-fibrotic mediators in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via two possible mechanisms: (1) paracrine pathway: directly acting on (myo)fibroblast. There may exist a structural and functional axis of (IL-25/IL-33/TSLP)+alveolar epithelial cells-(IL-25R/IL-33R/TSLPR)+(myo)fibroblasts in fibroblastic foci of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. The crosstalk between alveolar epithelium and the adjacent mesenchymal compartment is well established by the binding of IL-25/IL-33/TSLP expressed on alveolar epithelial cells with their corresponding receptors (i.e. IL-17BR/sT2L/TSLPR) expressed on (myo)fibroblasts; (2) autocrine pathway: directly acting on alveolar epithelial cells. Alveolar epithelial cells may act as both cellular sources and targets of IL-25/IL-33/TSLP. Autocrine IL-25/IL-33/TSLP causes salient injury and phenotypic changes of alveolar epithelial cells. Thus, epithelium-derived IL-25/IL-33/TSLP may be the novel promising treatment target for the cure of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Impact statement

We suggest a novel modality in terms of IL-25/IL-33/TSLP’s pro-fibrotic role in IPF. First, IL-25/IL-33/TSLP fully activates (myo)fibroblasts in fibroblastic foci (FF) in a paracrine-dependent manner. (IL-25/IL-33/TSLP)+alveolar epithelial cells-(IL-25R/IL-33R/TSLPR)+(myo)fibroblasts axis may contribute greatly to the abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk and lung fibrosis. Second, IL-25/IL-33/TSLP causes significant injury and phenotypic changes of alveolar epithelial cells in an autocrine-dependent manner. By acting directly on the two most important cells in the fibrotic process, i.e. alveolar epithelial cells and (myo)fibroblasts, we support the notion that biological therapies targeting IL-25/IL-33/TSLP will shed new light on the cure of IPF patients.
Is Resting-State EEG Longitudinally Associated With Recovery of Clinical Neurological Impairments Early Poststroke? A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Saes Mique , Zandvliet Sarah B. , Andringa Aukje S. , Daffertshofer Andreas , Twisk Jos W. R. , Meskers Carel G. M. , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Kwakkel Gert
Published: April 2020

Background. The time course of cortical activation and its relation with clinical measures may elucidate mechanisms underlying spontaneous neurobiological recovery after stroke. Objective. We aimed to investigate (1) the time course of cortical activation as revealed by EEG-based spectral characteristics during awake rest and (2) the development of these spectral characteristics in relation to global neurological and upper-limb motor recovery in the first 6 months poststroke. Methods. Resting-state EEG was measured serially in 41 patients after a first-ever ischemic stroke, within 3 and at 5, 12, and 26 weeks poststroke. We computed the brain symmetry index (BSI) and directional BSI (BSIdir) over different frequency bands (1-25 Hz, delta, theta) and delta/alpha ratio (DAR). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the upper extremity (FM-UE) were determined as clinical reflections of spontaneous neurobiological recovery. Longitudinal changes in spectral characteristics and within- and between-subject associations with NIHSS and FM-UE were analyzed with linear mixed models. Results. Spectral characteristics showed a gradual normalization over time, within and beyond 12 weeks poststroke. Significant within- and between-subject associations with NIHSS were found for DAR of the affected hemisphere (DARAH) and BSIdirdelta. BSIdirdelta also demonstrated significant within- and between-subject associations with FM-UE. Conclusions. Changes in spectral characteristics are not restricted to the time window of recovery of clinical neurological impairments. The present study suggests that decreasing DARAH and BSIdirdelta reflect improvement of global neurological impairments, whereas BSIdirdelta was also specifically associated with upper-limb motor recovery early poststroke.
Cognitively Challenging Agility Boot Camp Program for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson Disease
Authors: King Laurie A. , Mancini Martina , Smulders Katrijn , Harker Graham , Lapidus Jodi A. , Ramsey Katrina , Carlson-Kuhta Patricia , Fling Brett W. , Nutt John G. , Peterson Daniel S. , Horak Fay B.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. It is well documented that freezing of gait (FoG) episodes occur in situations that are mentally challenging, such as dual tasks, consistent with less automatic control of gait in people with Parkinson disease (PD) and FoG. However, most physical rehabilitation does not include such challenges. The purpose was to determine (1) feasibility of a cognitively challenging Agility Boot Camp–Cognitive (ABC-C) program and (2) effects of this intervention on FoG, dual-task cost, balance, executive function, and functional connectivity. Methods. A total of 46 people with PD and FoG enrolled in this randomized crossover trial. Each participant had 6 weeks of ABC-C and Education interventions. Outcome measures were the following: FoG, perceived and objective measures; dual-task cost on gait; balance; executive function; and right supplementary motor area (SMA)–pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) functional connectivity. Effect sizes were calculated. Results. ABC-C had high compliance (90%), with a 24% dropout rate. Improvements after exercise, revealed by moderate and large effect sizes, were observed for subject perception of FoG after exercise, dual-task cost on gait speed, balance, cognition (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease–Cognition), and SMA-PPN connectivity. Conclusions. The ABC-C for people with PD and FoG is a feasible exercise program that has potential to improve FoG, balance, dual-task cost, executive function, and brain connectivity. The study provided effect sizes to help design future studies with more participants and longer duration to fully determine the potential to improve FoG.
Incidence and risk factors for stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Dawson Luke P , Cole Justin A , Lancefield Terase F , Ajani Andrew E , Andrianopoulos Nick , Thrift Amanda G , Clark David J , Brennan Angela L , Freeman Melanie , O'Brien Jessica , Sebastian Martin , Chan William , Shaw James A , Dinh Diem , Reid Christopher M , Duffy Stephen J ,   on behalf of the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) Investigators, CCRE Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
Published: April 2020

Background

Stroke rates and risk factors may change as percutaneous coronary intervention practice evolves and no data are available comparing stroke incidence after percutaneous coronary intervention to the general population.

Aims

This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for inpatient and subsequent stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention with comparison to age-matched controls.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected from 22,618 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005–2015). The cohort was compared to the North-East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study population-based cohort (1997–1999) and predefined variables assessed for association with inpatient or outpatient stroke.

Results

Inpatient stroke occurred in 0.33% (65.3% ischemic, 28.0% haemorrhagic, and 6.7% cause unknown), while outpatient stroke occurred in 0.55%. Inpatient and outpatient stroke were associated with higher rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular outcomes ( p < 0.0001) and mortality ( p < 0.0001), as well as 12-month mortality ( p < 0.0001). Factors independently associated with inpatient stroke were renal impairment, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, previous stroke, left ventricular ejection fraction 30–45%, and female sex, while those associated with outpatient stroke were previous stroke, chronic lung disease, previous myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, female sex, and older age. Compared to the age-standardized population-based cohort, stroke rates in the 12 months following discharge were higher for percutaneous coronary intervention patients <65 years old, but lower for percutaneous coronary intervention patients ≥65 years old.

Conclusions

Risk of inpatient stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be largely associated with clinical status at presentation, while outpatient stroke relates more to age and chronic disease. Compared to the general population, outpatient stroke rates following percutaneous coronary intervention are higher for younger, but not older, patients.
Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing
Authors: Burns P , Van Der Meer R
Published: April 2020

Aims:

With rising rates of mental health disorders being reported globally, it is imperative that we investigate economical and accessible ways to increase relaxation and reduce stress. While there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence as to the positive effects of domestic crafts on mental wellbeing, there is little empirical research in this area. As such, we aimed to explore perceived links between crochet and wellbeing.

Methods:

An online survey was developed and piloted, based on an existing tool that explored knitting and wellbeing. The final survey was promoted through social media, over a 6-week period, resulting in valid responses from 8391 individuals.

Results:

Most respondents were female (99.1%), aged between 41 and 60 years (49.5%) and living in 87 different countries. Many respondents reported crocheting for between 1 and 5 years (42.6%). The three most frequent reasons reported for crocheting were: to be creative (82.1%), to relax (78.5%) and for a sense of accomplishment (75.2%). Respondents reported that crochet made them feel calmer (89.5%), happier (82%) and more useful (74.7%). There was a significant improvement in reported scores for mood before crocheting (M = 4.19, SD = 1.07) and mood after crocheting (M = 5.78, SD = 0.82); z = −69.86, p < .001, r = −0.56. Content analysis of free-text responses identified five major themes: (1) health benefits, (2) process of crochet, (3) personal connection, (4) crochet as contribution and (5) online crochet communities.

Conclusion:

The data suggests that crochet offers positive benefits for personal wellbeing with many respondents actively using crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain. Crochet is a relatively low-cost, portable activity that can be easily learnt and seems to convey all of the positive benefits provided by knitting. This research suggests that crochet can play a role in promoting positive wellbeing in the general population, adding to the social prescribing evidence base.
Engaging the School Community in a Nutrition and Physical Activity Program: The Role of the 21st-Century School Nurse
Authors: Bejster Mallory , Cygan Heide , Stock Jenness , Ashworth Jon
Published: April 2020

Childhood obesity is an important public health issue that can affect child health and academic outcomes. Schools are essential in promoting healthy childhood behaviors through the implementation of programs that reach the whole school community. School nurses can play a key role in designing, implementing, and evaluating feasible strategies, including school-based nutrition and physical activity messaging programs, that meet school-specific needs. This article will explain how school nurses can utilize principles of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™ to design programs that engage the whole school community while addressing implementation barriers.
Influence of Number Location on the SNARC Effect: Evidence From the Processing of Rotated Traditional Chinese Numerical Words
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Zhu Xiaotong , Jiang Yingjie
Published: April 2020

Studies have widely captured the spatial-numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect in the processing of various types of numbers in which small numbers are responded to faster with the left hand than with the right hand and larger numbers are responded to faster with the right hand than with the left hand. Although a few studies have explored Arabic numbers to further investigate the influence of number location on the SNARC effect, it remains unclear whether the influence of number location on the SNARC effect is moderated by numerical semantic processing difficulty and the task performed. This study explored traditional Chinese numerical words and rotated them to certain angles, which can increase numerical semantic processing difficulty, to further investigate the influence of the stimulus–response compatibility effect and Simon effect on the SNARC effect in a space classification task (Experiment 1), numerical magnitude classification task (Experiment 2), numerical parity classification task (Experiment 3), and color classification task (Experiment 4). The results indicated that (a) the stimulus–response compatibility effect, not the SNARC effect, prevailed in the numerical space classification task; (b) the SNARC effect, not the Simon effect, prevailed in the numerical magnitude and parity classification task; and (c) the Simon effect and the SNARC effect coexisted in the color classification task. These results suggested that the influence of number location on the SNARC effect was moderated by the task performed. Implications for the theory of the SNARC effect and Simon effect are discussed.
From Offline to Online: Challenges and Opportunities for Entrepreneurship Education Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liguori Eric , Winkler Christoph
Published: April 2020

Without question, the global spread of COVID-19 poses a challenge to the higher education landscape at a magnitude we have not seen since the emergence of technology supported and online instruction. The impact of this hits entrepreneurship education classrooms especially hard. Thus, in this editorial, we discuss how the pandemic is impacting entrepreneurship education globally and call for additional scholarship and the development of additional resources for online entrepreneurship education.
Perioperative Dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Jones James Harvey , Aldwinckle Robin
Published: April 2020

Background

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide in the elderly. Various medications can provide effective anesthesia and analgesia for cataract surgery, but undesirable side effects limit the utility of each medication or combination of medications. Dexmedetomidine may serve as an anesthesia adjunct for outpatient cataract surgery in the elderly.

Methods

Searches were conducted in Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed for randomized clinical trials investigating the use of dexmedetomidine in adult patients undergoing outpatient, or ambulatory, cataract surgery with sedation and topical or peribulbar block. Ninety-nine publications were identified, of which 15 trials satisfied the inclusion criteria. A total of 914 patients were included in this review. The following data were collected: American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) physical status and age of study patients; method of blinding and randomization; medication doses and routes of administration; and intraoperative levels of sedation. We also recorded statistically significant differences between dexmedetomidine and other study medications or placebo with respect to the following outcomes: hemodynamic and respiratory parameters; pain; sedation; post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV); discharge from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery times; patient satisfaction; surgeon satisfaction; and effects on intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results

Hypotension with or without bradycardia was reported following bolus doses of dexmedetomidine ranging from 0.5–1.0 mcg/kg with or without a continuous dexmedetomidine infusion. Delayed PACU discharge times were associated with the use of dexmedetomidine, but no clear association was identified between delayed recovery and higher levels of intraoperative sedation. Better analgesia and higher patient satisfaction were commonly reported with dexmedetomidine as well as reductions in IOP.

Conclusions

Overall, this review demonstrates better analgesia, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced IOP with dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery when compared to traditional sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids. These benefits of dexmedetomidine, however, must be weighed against relative cardiovascular depression and delayed PACU discharge or recovery times. Therefore, the utility of dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery should be considered on a patient-by-patient basis.
Upper limb dimensions in adults presenting for elective surgery – implications for blood pressure measurement
Authors: Chow Christopher , Ceglowski Peter , Lehane Katie , Pelecanos Anita , Wren Kellie , Eley Victoria A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Arm conicity is associated with non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurement error and may be avoided by using finger cuffs. Predicting arm conicity may help decisions regarding NIBP measurement techniques.

Methods

We obtained upper limb measurements of adults presenting to the Pre-Anesthetic Clinic to determine: the suitability of arm and finger cuff sizes; the best anthropometric predictor of arm conicity based on the right arm slant angle; the incidence of a right arm slant angle < 83 degrees. Right mid-arm circumference (MAC) was compared to recommended cuff sizes and finger circumference compared to available cuffs. Slant angle was calculated from the measurements obtained. Linear regression was used to determine the better predictor of right arm slant angle. Correlation coefficients were calculated and R2 values compared.

Results

Four hundred fifty-four patients participated and 453 had cone-shaped arms. One participant (0.2, 95% CI 0.0–1.2) had a MAC outside the recommended cuff range. Twenty-five participants (5.5, 95% CI 3.6–8.0) had a middle finger circumference greater than the largest ClearSight™ cuff. Body mass index (BMI), weight and right MAC all had low to moderate correlation with right arm slant angle (r = − 0.49, − 0.39, − 0.48, all p < 0.001) and regression revealed R2 values of 0.24, 0.15 and 0.23. Six participants (1.3, 95% CI 0.5–2.9) had a slant angle < 83 degrees.

Conclusion

Current NIBP equipment caters for most patients, based on the traditional measure of MAC. The utility of finger cuffs is limited by cuff size. BMI and right MAC showed the most promise in predicting arm conicity.
Social-emotional problems among Swedish three-year-olds: an Item Response Theory analysis of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional
Authors: Vaezghasemi Masoud , Eurenius Eva , Ivarsson Anneli , Richter Sundberg Linda , Silfverdal Sven-Arne , Lindkvist Marie
Published: April 2020

Background

There is enough evidence to believe that young children’s social-emotional problems can have a long-term effect if extra support is not given early. Therefore, early identification of such problems and any differences between boys and girls are of importance. We utilized the 36-month interval of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) among 3-year-olds aiming: 1) to report the normative values of social-emotional problems for Swedish boys and girls; 2) to identify ASQ:SE items that are most commonly endorsed by children with high level of social-emotional problems (high score on ASQ:SE); 3) to assess whether certain ASQ:SE items differ between boys and girls at the same level of social-emotional problems; and 4) to examine whether ASQ:SE performs well in identifying children with high level of social-emotional problems (high score on ASQ:SE).

Method

During 2014–2017, data were collected from 7179 three-year-old children (boys = 3719, girls = 3460) through Child Health Care in the Region Västerbotten in the northern part of Sweden. Unidimensionality was assessed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis and goodness-of-fit was reported. Item Response Theory was used to answer the aims of the study.

Results

Items regarding interest in sexual words, too little sleep, disinterest in things around, unhappiness and self-injury were more commonly endorsed by children with high levels of social-emotional problems, as reported by their parents. For the same level of social-emotional problem, girls were more likely to demonstrate difficulties in occupying themselves, clinging behaviour and repetitive behaviour. On the other hand, boys were more likely to score high in items regarding destruction of things on purpose, difficulty to name friends and to express feelings. We have also found that the ASQ:SE is suitable for identifying children with high level of social-emotional problems.

Conclusion

The salient point of our study was to increase knowledge about Swedish children’s social-emotional problems at 3-years of age based on the psychometric characteristics of the ASQ:SE using Item Response Theory model. The gender differences as well as those items that occurred at high levels of social-emotional problems should be of concern for everyday practice in Child Health Care.
Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio has a superior prognostic value in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: a comparison study
Authors: Huang Jia-Bao , Chen Yu-Si , Ji Hong-Yan , Xie Wei-Ming , Jiang Jie , Ran Lu-Sen , Zhang Cun-Tai , Quan Xiao-Qing
Published: April 2020

Background

The importance of the lipid-related biomarkers has been implicated in the pathological process and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our work was conducted to discuss and compare the predictive ability of the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (NHR) with other existing prognostic indices, for instance, the monocyte to HDL-C ratio (MHR) and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to HDL-C ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C) in elderly patients with AMI.

Methods

Our population was 528 consecutive elderly AMI patients (65–85 years) who were enrolled from Tongji Hospital and grouped according to the cutoff points which were depicted by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted with the survival data from the follow-up to investigate the difference between cutoff point-determined groups. Moreover, we assessed the impact of NHR, MHR, LDL-C/HDL-C on the long-term mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction (RMI) with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Mean duration of follow-up was 673.85 ± 14.32 days (median 679.50 days). According to ROC curve analysis, NHR ≥ 5.74, MHR ≥ 0.67, LDL-C/HDL-C ≥ 3.57 were regarded as high-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis resulted that the high-NHR, high-MHR and high-LDL-C/HDL-C groups presented higher mortality and RMI rate than the corresponding low-risk groups in predicting the long-term clinical outcomes (log-rank test: allP < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, compared with MHR and LDL-C/HDL-C, only NHR was still recognized as a latent predictor for long-term mortality (harzard ratio [HR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 3.75,P = 0.044) and long-term RMI (HR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.04 to 4.79,P = 0.040). Furthermore, the positive correlation between NHR and Gensini score (r = 0.15,P < 0.001) indicated that NHR was relevant to the severity of coronary artery to some extent.

Conclusions

NHR, a novel laboratory marker, might be a predictor of the long-term clinical outcomes of elderly patients with AMI, which was superior to MHR and LDL-C/HDL-C.
Predicting clothing behaviors of Generation Y men through self-esteem and body dissatisfaction
Authors: Sung Jihyun , Yan Ruoh-Nan
Published: April 2020

This study investigated how various dimensions of body dissatisfaction of men in Generation Y (i.e., body dissatisfaction-weight, body dissatisfaction-muscles, and body dissatisfaction-height) influenced their clothing related behavioral responses, including clothing image avoidance and clothing purchase behavior. Self-esteem was included as a predictor variable for the three dimensions of body dissatisfaction. Data were collected through an online survey from heterosexual Generation Y men. Results indicated that self-esteem negatively influenced the three dimensions of body dissatisfaction differently; only the body dissatisfaction-weight dimension influenced men’s clothing image avoidance and clothing purchase behavior, when controlling for body dissatisfaction-muscles and body dissatisfaction-height. The findings were discussed, and implications were provided in the current study.
Updating the diagnostic criteria of COVID-19 “suspected case” and “confirmed case” is necessary
Authors:   for the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Novel Coronavirus Management and Research Team, Wang Yun-Yun , Jin Ying-Hui , Ren Xue-Qun , Li Yi-Rong , Zhang Xiao-Chun , Zeng Xian-Tao , Wang Xing-Huan
Published: April 2020

On 6 February 2020, our team had published a rapid advice guideline for diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection, and this guideline provided our experience and make well reference for fighting against this pandemic worldwide. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease, our awareness and knowledge are gradually increasing based on the ongoing research findings and clinical practice experience; hence, the strategies of diagnosis and treatment are also continually updated. In this letter, we answered one comment on our guideline and provided the newest diagnostic criteria of “suspected case” and “confirmed case” according to the latest Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for COVID-19 (seventh version) that issued by the National Health Committee of the People’s Republic of China.
Primary stratification and identification of suspected Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from clinical perspective by a simple scoring proposal
Authors: Zhou Ting-Ting , Wei Feng-Xian
Published: April 2020

In this Commentary, we would like to comment on the article titled “A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infected pneumonia (standard version)” as a featured article in Military Medical Research. In the guideline, except for “confirmed cases”, “suspected cases”, “close contact” and “suspicious exposure” were defined by clinical perspective based on epidemiological risk, clinical symptoms and auxiliary examination. Combined with our experience, we introduced a simple scoring proposal additionally based on not only CT imaging as strongly recommended by the guideline but also blood routine test, especially for primary screening of such patients in the out-patient department.
Exploring the views of stakeholders about the feasibility of carrying out a randomised controlled trial of Individual Placement and Support for people unemployed with chronic pain based in primary care (the InSTEP study)
Authors: Holmes Michelle M. , Stanescu Sabina C. , Linaker Catherine , Price Catherine , Maguire Nick , Fraser Simon , Cooper Cyrus , Walker-Bone Karen
Published: April 2020

Background

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a model of vocational rehabilitation originally developed to help people with severe mental illness obtain and maintain employment. Work disability is common amongst people with chronic pain conditions, yet few effective interventions exist. As part of mixed-methods feasibility research and as a forerunner to a pilot trial (In STEP), we investigated the barriers and facilitators to carrying out a future randomised controlled trial of IPS set in primary care amongst people unemployed with chronic pain.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with: unemployed people with health conditions receiving IPS (clients), Employment Support Workers (ESWs) delivering IPS for people with chronic health conditions and primary healthcare professionals. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed with field notes using thematic analysis.

Results

All stakeholders generally viewed a future trial of IPS positively and deemed both the intervention and treatment as usual acceptable. Themes that emerged regarding potential barriers were recruitment, the importance of recruiting people voluntarily who wanted to return to work and were motivated to do so and giving them agency in the process; a need for additional training and support of the ESWs; and a risk of over-burdening participants with paperwork. Regarding facilitators however, the themes were offering the intervention early after unemployment, the importance of relationship and continuity with the ESWs and that an employment intervention could bring a range of health benefits.

Conclusions

All stakeholders thought that a randomised trial was potentially feasible and highlighted some potential advantages of participation.

Trial registration

Study no ISRCTN30094062
Patient engagement with antibiotic messaging in secondary care: a qualitative feasibility study of the ‘review and revise’ experience
Authors: Mowbray Fiona , Sivyer Katy , Santillo Marta , Jones Nicola , Peto Tim E. A. , Walker A. Sarah , Llewelyn Martin J. , Yardley Lucy
Published: April 2020

Background

We aimed to investigate and optimise the acceptability and usefulness of a patient leaflet about antibiotic prescribing decisions made during hospitalisation, and to explore individual patient experiences and preferences regarding the process of antibiotic prescription ‘review and revise’ which is a key strategy to minimise antibiotic overuse in hospitals.

Methods

In this qualitative study, run within the feasibility study of a large, cluster-randomised stepped wedge trial of 36 hospital organisations, a series of semi-structured, think-aloud telephone interviews were conducted and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Fifteen adult patients who had experienced a recent acute medical hospital admission during which they had been prescribed antimicrobials and offered a patient leaflet about antibiotic prescribing were recruited to the study.

Results

Participants reacted positively to the leaflet, reporting that it was both an accessible and important source of information which struck the appropriate balance between informing and reassuring. Participants all valued open communication with clinicians, and were keen to be involved in antibiotic prescribing decisions, with individuals reporting positive experiences regarding antibiotic prescription changes or stopping. Many participants had prior experience or knowledge of antibiotics and resistance, and generally welcomed efforts to reduce antibiotic usage. Overall, there was a feeling that healthcare professionals (HCPs) are trusted experts providing the most appropriate treatment for individual patient conditions.

Conclusions

This study offers novel insights into how patients within secondary care are likely to respond to messages advocating a reduction in the use of antibiotics through the ‘review and revise’ approach. Due to the level of trust that patients place in their care provider, encouraging HCPs within secondary care to engage patients with greater communication and information provision could provide great advantages in the drive to reduce antibiotic use. It may also be beneficial for HCPs to view patient experiences as cumulative events that have the potential to impact future behaviour around antibiotic use. Finally, pre-testing messages about antibiotic prescribing and resistance is vital to dispelling any misconceptions either around effectiveness of treatment for patients, or perceptions of how messages may be received.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12674243 (10 April 2017),
Can admission lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 predict the symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Authors: Ding Chen-Yu , Wang Fang-Yu , Cai Han-Pei , Chen Xiao-Yong , Zheng Shu-Fa , Yu Liang-Hong , Lin Yuan-Xiang , Lin Zhang-Ya , Kang De-Zhi
Published: April 2020

Background

Inflammation has been believed to be related to the development of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). A potential biomarker for vascular inflammation that is well recognized is the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). However, whether Lp-PLA2 can predict the occurrence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (SCV) in aSAH patients is still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the value of Lp-PLA2 for predicting SCV in patients with aSAH.

Methods

Between March 2017 and April 2018, we evaluated 128 consecutive aSAH patients who were admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Their Lp-PLA2 level was obtained within 24 h of the initial bleeding. Factors might be related to SCV were analyzed.

Results

Compared to patients without SCV, those with SCV (9.4%, 12/128) had significantly higher Lp-PLA2 level. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that worse modified Fisher grade (OR = 10.08, 95% CI = 2.04–49.86, P = 0.005) and higher Lp-PLA2 level (OR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.33–3.30, P = 0.021) were significantly associated with SCV, even after adjustment for confounders. Based on the best threshold, Lp-PLA2 had a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 51.7% for predicting SCV, as shown by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In the poor World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade patient sub-group, patients with Lp-PLA2 > 200 μg/L had significantly higher SCV rate than that of patients having Lp-PLA2 ≤ 200 μg/L.

Conclusion

The admission Lp-PLA2 level might be a helpful predictor for SCV in aSAH.
The Impacts of Mathematics Instructional Strategy on Students with Autism: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Siregar Nur Choiro , Rosli Roslinda , Maat Siti Mistima , Alias Aliza , Toran Hasnah , Mottan Kannamah , Nor Siti Muhibah
Published: April 2020

Mathematics is one of the most challenging subjects for many students. A similar problem is faced by special needs students, such as students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Various instructional strategies are implemented by specialists to help ASD students understand mathematics in schools. To explore the impacts of an instructional strategy of mathematics on ASD students, the authors conducted a review of literature from 2011 to 2017 using various databases including ProQuest Digital Dissertations and Theses Full Text, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. A total of 39 articles were found. Most of the instructional strategy aimed to assist ASD students in solving mathematics problems. The implications of the study are also discussed in this literature review, which indicates that teachers need to use the appropriate instructional strategy to meet the needs of students with ASD and maximize their mathematics learning outcomes in schools.
The Effect of SSCS Learning Model on Reflective Thinking Skills and Problem Solving Ability
Authors: Yasin Muhamad , Fakhri Jamal , Siswadi Siswadi , Faelasofi Rahma , Safi’i Ahmad , Supriadi Nanang , Syazali Muhamad , Wekke Ismail Suardi
Published: April 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of the application of the Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) learning model to the mathematical reflective thinking skills and the students' mathematical problem-solving abilities. This research is a type of Quasi-Experimental Design research with a 2x2 factorial research design. Data collection techniques in this study in the form of documentation and tests at Private school in Bandar Lampung with 28 students of experiment classes and 28 students of control classes. Data analysis techniques used are the normality test and homogeneity test. Testing the hypothesis in this study using the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) test. Based on the results of the study, The calculation of the MANOVA test, it was concluded that there was an influence on the application of the SSCS learning model to students' mathematical reflective thinking skills. The application of the SSCS learning model to the mathematical reflective thinking ability has an influence percentage of 91.9%. The application of the SSCS learning model to mathematical reflective thinking skills and mathematical problem solving abilities has a relatively high level of effectiveness.
The Effect of Metacognitive-Based Contextual Learning Model on Fifth-Grade Students’ Problem-Solving and Mathematical Communication Skills
Authors: Ahdhianto Erif , Marsigit Marsigit , Haryanto Haryanto , Santi Novi Nitya
Published: April 2020

Problem-solving and mathematical communication are essential skills needed by students in learning mathematics. However, empirical evidence reports that students’ skills are less satisfying. Thus, this study aims to improve students’ problem-solving and mathematical communication skills using a Metacognitive-Based Contextual Learning (MBCL) model. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was used in this study. The participants were 204 fifth-grade students; consisting of experimental (n = 102) and control (n = 102) groups selected using convenience sampling. This study was conducted in four Indonesian elementary schools in the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The Problem-Solving Skills Test (PSST) and Mathematical Communication Skills Test (MCST) were used as pre- and post-tests. In order to analyze the data, one-way ANOVA was used at the 0.05 significance level. The results showed that students in the experimental group had higher post-test scores than the control group in terms of problem-solving and mathematical communication skills. It can be concluded that the MBCL effectively promotes fifth-grade students’ problem-solving and mathematical communication skills. Therefore, it is suggested that MBCL should be used more frequently in primary school mathematics to further improve students’ problem-solving and mathematical communication skills.
Rescaling education policy: central–local relations and the politics of scale in England and Sweden
Authors: Naumann Ingela K. , Crouch Colin
Published: April 2020

Governments worldwide have sought to introduce greater choice and competition as mechanisms to improve the quality of education provision and outcomes. However, there is considerable cross-national variation in education policy, particularly regarding the role of local government. To explain such differences, this article focuses on recent reforms in compulsory education in England and Sweden. It shows that although governments in both countries have advocated choice, competition and participation, education reform has led to the centralisation of school governance in England but decentralisation in Sweden. Drawing on the concept of ‘scalecraft’ as a specific form of ‘statecraft’, it argues that these differences in the rescaling of education policy reflect different conceptions of central–local relations and the role of local government. More broadly, the article shows how national governments strategically use scalar reorganisation (scalecraft) to support broader political goals (statecraft), contributing to a better understanding of the spatial dimensions of public policy reform.
Efficiency enhancement of quantum dot–phosphor hybrid white-light-emitting diodes using a centrifugation-based quasi-horizontal separation structure
Authors: Li Zongtao , Zheng Jialong , Li Jiasheng , Zhan Wanting , Tang Yong
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a centrifugation-based quasi-horizontal separation (c-HS) structure is proposed to enhance the QD light extraction of QD–phosphor hybrid white LEDs (WLEDs), effectively suppressing the backscattered loss from phosphor at the top region of the QD layer. Results indicate that a large centrifugation speed and dispensing mass of the QD layer is more beneficial to reducing the local density of phosphor at the top region, realizing quasi-horizontal separation between phosphor and QDs. Moreover, WLEDs with c-HS structure and conventional vertically layered packaging reference structure were compared at different correlated color temperatures (CCT). The radiant power and luminous flux achieved by the c-HS structure were 13.6% and 10.8%, respectively, higher than the reference structure at a typical warm white color of ∼4000 K. Consequently, this study can provide a new perspective on designing the separation structure for QD–phosphor hybrid WLEDs considering the backscattering loss of QD light.