bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of Doppler ultrasound in early detection of diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Venables Heather Kilgour , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Adu-Bredu Theophilus Kofi
Published: December 2020

The diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease can be delayed by limitations of primary biomarkers, which are microalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate. A number of Doppler ultrasound studies have associated an increase in intrarenal vascular resistance with the disease, which makes ultrasound a potential adjunct tool for early diagnosis. However, there is inadequate evidence to establish the effectiveness of including Doppler ultrasound in the diagnostic process. This systematic review was therefore conducted to determine the value of using Doppler ultrasound in early detection of diabetic kidney disease. Electronic literature searches were carried out in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE. All published prospective studies with records of intrarenal Doppler ultrasound, microalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate were obtained, and their relationship as parameters for diabetic kidney disease assessed. The meta-analysis of Doppler ultrasound versus albuminuria shows insignificant statistical difference between high resistive index of ≥ 0.7 and albuminuria, with the resistive index being the favoured parameter on the forest plot, making Doppler ultrasound highly comparable with albuminuria for the detection of diabetic kidney disease. Again, there was a significant statistical difference between high intrarenal resistive index of ≥ 0.7 and low estimated glomerular filtration rate of  < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with the resistive index being the favoured parameter on the forest plot, making Doppler ultrasound a superior parameter compared with estimated glomerular filtration rate for early detection of diabetic kidney disease.
Plastic changes in amygdala subregions by voluntary running contribute to exercise-induced hypoalgesia in neuropathic pain model mice
Authors: Kami Katsuya , Tajima Fumihiro , Senba Emiko
Published: December 2020

Physical exercise has been established as a low-cost, safe, and effective way to manage chronic pain, but exact mechanisms underlying such exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) are not fully understood. Since a growing body of evidence implicated the amygdala (Amyg) as a critical node in emotional affective aspects of chronic pain, we hypothesized that the Amyg may play important roles to produce EIH effects. Here, using partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) model mice, we investigated the effects of voluntary running (VR) on the basal amygdala (BA) and the central nuclei of amygdala (CeA). The present study indicated that VR significantly improved heat hyperalgesia which was exacerbated in PSL-Sedentary mice, and that a significant positive correlation was detected between total running distances after PSL-surgery and thermal withdrawal latency. The number of activated glutamate (Glu) neurons in the medal BA (medBA) was significantly increased in PSL-Runner mice, while those were increased in the lateral BA in sedentary mice. Furthermore, in all subdivisions of the CeA, the number of activated gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons was dramatically increased in PSL-Sedentary mice, but these numbers were significantly decreased in PSL-Runner mice. In addition, a tracer experiment demonstrated a marked increase in activated Glu neurons in the medBA projecting into the nucleus accumbens lateral shell in runner mice. Thus, our results suggest that VR may not only produce suppression of the negative emotion such as fear and anxiety closely related with pain chronification, but also promote pleasant emotion and hypoalgesia. Therefore, we conclude that EIH effects may be produced, at least in part, via such plastic changes in the Amyg.
Perceived stress, self-compassion and job burnout in nurses: the moderating role of self-compassion
Authors: Abdollahi Abbas , Taheri Azadeh , Allen Kelly A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Job burnout is more prevalent among nurses than other medical team members and may have adverse effects on the mental and physical health of both nurses and their patients.

Aims

To evaluate the associations between job burnout as a dependent variable with perceived stress and self-compassion as independent variables, and test the buffering role of self-compassion in the link between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling method. A total of 150 nurses from four hospitals in Tehran, Iran participated in this study and completed three questionnaires, namely the Perceived Stress Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory.

Results

Partial least square-structural equation modelling showed greater levels of perceived stress associated with greater levels of job burnout (β = 0.795, p < 0.001), and greater levels of self-compassion associated with lower levels of job burnout (β = –0.512, p < 0.001) in nurses. The results of the interaction-moderation analysis showed that self-compassion diminished the effect of perceived stress on job burnout in nurses.

Conclusions

The results of this study not only showed a significant association between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses, but also increased our understanding about the buffering role of self-compassion in the link between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses.
Contact Tracing: A Memory Task With Consequences for Public Health
Authors: Garry Maryanne , Hope Lorraine , Zajac Rachel , Verrall Ayesha J. , Robertson Jamie M.
Published: December 2020

In the battle for control of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), we have few weapons. Yet contact tracing is among the most powerful. Contact tracing is the process by which public-health officials identify people, or contacts, who have been exposed to a person infected with a pathogen or another hazard. For all its power, though, contact tracing yields a variable level of success. One reason is that contact tracing’s ability to break the chain of transmission is only as effective as the proportion of contacts who are actually traced. In part, this proportion turns on the quality of the information that infected people provide, which makes human memory a crucial part of the efficacy of contact tracing. Yet the fallibilities of memory, and the challenges associated with gathering reliable information from memory, have been grossly underestimated by those charged with gathering it. We review the research on witnesses and investigative interviewing, identifying interrelated challenges that parallel those in contact tracing, as well as approaches for addressing those challenges.
An expedient, one-pot, stepwise sequential approach for the regioselective synthesis of pyrazolines
Authors: Ganesan Suresh , Sarangapani Muniraj , Doble Mukesh
Published: December 2020

An efficient approach for the synthesis of pyrazoline/pyrazole-tethered pyridinyl methanones is described via a one-pot, stepwise, sequential methodology using chalcones and pyridine-4-carbohydrazide as substrates through a Michael addition followed by cyclization. The reaction proceeds via a catalyst-, solvent-, work-up-, and column-chromatography-free method under melt conditions to provide the pyrazolines in short reaction times with high atom efficiency.
The effect of the Video Assistant Referee on referee’s decisions in the Spanish LaLiga
Authors: Lago-Peñas C , Gómez MA , Pollard R
Published: December 2020

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was officially introduced into Association Football (Soccer) regulations in 2018. The aim of this study was to examine how the implementation of this technology has modified the play in elite soccer. The sample consists of all 760 matches played in the Spanish LaLiga during the seasons before and after the implementation of the VAR system. The following variables were recorded for each match and half: Fouls, Goals, Oﬀsides, Penalties, Playing time, Red cards and Yellow cards. Match statistics were retrieved from the website of “Whoscored” ( www.whoscored.com ). A Mann-Whitney U test and Generalized linear model were used to compare seasons before and after the implementation of VAR. Overall, the findings of the present study showed that the VAR system does not dramatically change the play in elite soccer. Nevertheless: (i) there was a significant decrease in the number of offside after the implementation of VAR; (ii) there was a slight increase in the number of minutes added to the playing time in the first and second half and the full game; and (iii) in most of 70% of all matches, the checks of the match-changing incidents did not lead to review. Moreover, the impact of the VAR system on the game decreases with VAR-only reviews, where the final decision was only based on the communication with the VAR, compared to matches with on-field reviews, where the main referee reviewed the footage on a monitor near the pitch. These findings suggest that to reduce time-wasting and speed up the match, the number of on-field reviews should be reduced.
Absolute reliability and validity of the OptoGaitTM system to measure spatiotemporal gait parameters during running
Authors: García-Pinillos Felipe , Latorre-Román Pedro A , Chicano-Gutiérrez Jose M , Ruiz-Malagón Emilio J , Párraga-Montilla Juan A , Roche-Seruendo Luis E
Published: December 2020

The biomechanics of walking and running, in both ground and treadmill conditions, have been extensively analysed and important differences have been reported. Despite some previous studies having examined the validity and reliability of the OptoGait™ system for measuring gait characteristics during walking, no previous works have determined the reliability and validity of this system while running on a treadmill. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the absolute reliability (within-subject variation) and evaluate the concurrent validity of the OptoGait™ system for measuring spatiotemporal variables while running at a comfortable speed by comparing data with a highly accurate system of measuring those parameters (i.e. video analysis at 1000 Hz). Forty-nine endurance runners performed a running protocol on a treadmill at a comfortable speed. Two systems were used to collect data: OptoGait™ system and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated as a measure of absolute reliability. The OptoGait™ system reported a CV range between 2.2% and 11.4% for spatiotemporal parameters, while the video analysis showed a CV range between 0.02% and 9.9%. To determine concurrent validity, intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) and pairwise comparisons of means (t-test) were calculated between data from both systems. Although the paired t-test demonstrated significant differences between systems, a high level of agreement (ICC > 0.89) was obtained in spatiotemporal parameters between systems. When compared to a high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz, the results indicate that the OptoGait™ system is a reliable and valid tool to measure spatiotemporal gait characteristics while running on a treadmill at a comfortable speed.
Reinhold Niebuhr and the Christian realist pendulum
Authors: Paipais Vassilios
Published: December 2020

Reinhold Niebuhr is widely acknowledged as the father of Christian realism and a staunch critic of pacifism. In a famous exchange with his brother H. Richard in The Christian Century, Niebuhr defended the necessity of entering the fray of battle to combat evil as opposed to opting for non-violent detachment that ultimately usurps God’s authority to decide on final matters. Niebuhr, however, never endorsed an aggressive Just War doctrine. Striving to reconcile the Christian command of love with the harsh realities of power resulting from universal sinfulness, Niebuhr emphasised the necessity of negotiating the distance between the two extremes of a pendulum swinging from Christian pacifism to the endorsement of interventionist policies. Rather than this being an expression of the ambiguity of his moral convictions, this paper argues that it is a product of his sensitivity to applying contextual moral and political judgement as an exercise of theological responsibility.
The efficacy of vitamin E in reducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Abdel-Maboud Mohamed , Menshawy Amr , Menshawy Esraa , Emara Amany , Alshandidy Mohamed , Eid Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Background:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to 30% of the population. Clinical trials have questioned the role of vitamin E in the treatment of NAFLD with or without other interventions, with still no firm conclusion reached. This study aims to examine the efficiency of vitamin E alone or combined in the management of NAFLD.

Methods:

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid, EBSCO host, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the role of vitamin E alone or combined in NAFLD patients. Extracted manuscripts reported data on biochemical, histological, anthropometric, and metabolic outcomes. Baseline characteristics, settings, dosage, and frequency were also collected.

Research:

A total of 1317 patients from 15 RCTs were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Vitamin E was superior at improving alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), NAFLD activity score (NAS), and fibrosis in short- and long-term follow up in the adult population, and long-term follow up in the pediatric population. Improvements in metabolic outcomes were best noticed in pediatric patients. Results from multiple regression models showed a significant association between ALT-AST levels and vitamin E dose. AST levels had a significant effect on NAS, and patients with a baseline AST > 50 IU/l showed more promising results. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) were strongly associated with changes in NAS.

Conclusion:

Current evidence affirms that vitamin E – whether alone or combined – improves biochemical and histological outcomes in adults and pediatric patients.
Neurofilament light chain level in plasma extracellular vesicles and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chung Chen-Chih , Chan Lung , Chen Jia-Hung , Bamodu Oluwaseun Adebayo , Hong Chien-Tai
Published: December 2020

Background:

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is essential for axonal maintenance and reflects neuronal damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, secreted by cells into the blood, are emerging as novel biomedical research platforms of physiological and pathological processes. The present study investigated the possible association between plasma EV NfL and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods:

One hundred and sixteen patients with mild to moderate PD and 46 non-PD, neurological controls were recruited, and their clinical motor symptoms and cognitive function were evaluated. Plasma EVs were isolated using an exoEasy kit, and immunomagnetic reduction assay was used to assess EV NfL level. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The isolated plasma EVs were validated according to size and the presence of specific surface markers. Compared with the neurological control group, the levels of plasma EV NfL in patients with PD were not significantly different (PD: 9.42 ± 3.89, control: 9.53 ± 3.62 pg/mL plasma, p = 0.71). On the other hand, plasma EV NfL in patients with PD trendwise correlated with the severity of akinetic rigidity ( p = 0.05). PD patients with optimal EV NfL (lowest quartile) had 6.66 ± 2.08 lower Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III score after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration.

Conclusion:

Plasma EV NfL levels did not distinguish patients with PD from the neurological control group. The possible correlation between plasma EV NfL with the severity of motor symptoms within the PD patients, especially with akinetic rigidity, was noted. Further clinical validation of the blood EV NfL by a longitudinal follow-up study of PD patients is warranted.
COVID-19 and cerebrovascular diseases: a comprehensive overview
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Palaiodimou Lina , Zand Ramin , Lioutas Vasileios Arsenios , Krogias Christos , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Sharma Vijay K. , Shahjouei Shima , Baracchini Claudio , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Gournellis Rossetos , Sfikakis Petros P. , Sandset Else Charlotte , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: December 2020

Neurological manifestations are not uncommon during infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A clear association has been reported between cerebrovascular disease and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, whether this association is causal or incidental is still unknown. In this narrative review, we sought to present the possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease, describe the stroke syndromes and their prognosis and discuss several clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics that may aid in the prompt recognition of cerebrovascular disease during COVID-19. A systematic literature search was conducted, and relevant information was abstracted. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor dysregulation, uncontrollable immune reaction and inflammation, coagulopathy, COVID-19-associated cardiac injury with subsequent cardio-embolism, complications due to critical illness and prolonged hospitalization can all contribute as potential etiopathogenic mechanisms leading to diverse cerebrovascular clinical manifestations. Acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis have been described in case reports and cohorts of COVID-19 patients with a prevalence ranging between 0.5% and 5%. SARS-CoV-2-positive stroke patients have higher mortality rates, worse functional outcomes at discharge and longer duration of hospitalization as compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative stroke patients in different cohort studies. Specific demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics may be used as ‘red flags’ to alarm clinicians in recognizing COVID-19-related stroke.
Reasons behind flu vaccine acceptance and suggested interventions to promote flu vaccination acceptance among healthcare workers
Authors: Santangelo Omar Enzo , Cedrone Fabrizio , Gentile Leandro , Provenzano Sandro , Dallagiacoma Giulia , Armetta Francesco , Gianfredi Vincenza
Published: December 2020

The flu vaccination rate is still too low, both among healthcare providers (HCPs) and among health sciences university students. This study aims to assess the reasons of past and future flu vaccination acceptance among health sciences university students, and second, to identify what interventions would be helpful to foster acceptance of the flu vaccination among HCPs. A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed, using a validated questionnaire administered to health sciences students enrolled in 14 Italian universities. A multivariable logistic regression model was used. A total of 3131 questionnaires were collected. The statement that mandatory vaccination is required to increase adhesions to vaccinations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25–1.97), being in favour of this obligation (aOR = 7.91; 95% CI = 2.50–25.02) and considering themselves as people at risk of infection (aOR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.46–2.64), are associated with having received the vaccination in the past flu season; on the other hand, planning to be vaccinated for the next season to avoid infecting patients is protective (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.38–0.70). This study shows which beliefs are associated with having joined the previous vaccination campaign in a large sample of HCPs. The acceptance of vaccination is an outcome behaviour resulting from a complex decision-making process. In order to implement coverage of the influenza vaccination in HCPs, it is necessary to implement awareness campaigns and provide specific information for this category of workers.
Using a nurse-initiated bedside tool to decrease inappropriate testing for Clostridioides difficile in hospital settings
Authors: Lenz Amy , Davis Genevieve , Asmar Hoda , Nahapetian Arby , Dingilian John , Nathan Ramesh V
Published: December 2020

Overdiagnosis of Clostridioides difficile ( C. difficile) is associated with increased hospital length of stay, antibiotic overuse, unnecessary infection prevention efforts and excess costs. This study evaluated a paper-based bedside C. difficile screening tool on the number of C. difficile laboratory tests performed and number of C. difficile infection (CDI) diagnoses. Nurses used the tool to determine whether stool should be sent for C. difficile testing. The tool provided indications for stool testing. We collected data on the number of C. difficile stool tests performed and CDI diagnoses for nine months before (PreT) and after (PostT) tool implementation in the hospital. We found a 31% reduction in the mean monthly number of C. difficile tests performed (37 PreT to 25 PostT) and a 56% reduction in CDI diagnoses (19 PreT to 8 PostT). This study demonstrates the success of using nurses and a bedside tool to decrease inappropriate C. difficile testing. This intervention has implications for patient management, infection prevention and cost containment. This low-cost paper-based tool may be helpful for the 25% of hospitals in the USA not using clinical decision support in their electronic health record (EHR), as well as for hospitals outside the United States who may not have access to EHRs.
Antitumor activity and efficacy of shorter versus longer duration of anthracycline-taxane neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage II–III HER2-negative breast cancer: a 10-year, retrospective analysis
Authors: Lobefaro Riccardo , Zattarin Emma , Nichetti Federico , Prisciandaro Michele , Ligorio Francesca , Brambilla Marta , Sepe Pierangela , Corti Francesca , Peverelli Giorgia , Ottini Arianna , Beninato Teresa , Mazzeo Laura , Rea Carmen G. , Mariani Gabriella , de Braud Filippo , Bianchi Giulia V. , Vernieri Claudio , Capri Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Background:

Neoadjuvant anthracycline-taxane-based chemotherapy (ChT) is a standard of care treatment option for stage II–III breast cancer (BC) patients. However, the optimal duration of neoadjuvant ChT has been poorly investigated so far.

Material and methods:

We retrospectively retrieved clinical data of patients with stage II–III human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) BC who were treated between October 2007 and January 2018 with neoadjuvant AT (doxorubicin-paclitaxel) for three cycles followed by CMF (cyclophosphamide-methotrexate-5-fluorouracil) for three cycles (cohort A) or with four AT cycles followed by four CMF cycles (cohort B). The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of neoadjuvant ChT duration (cohort A versus cohort B) on pathological complete response (pCR) rates, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

Of 209 HER2– BC patients included, 62 had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and 147 had hormone receptor-positive (HR+) BC. Median age was 48 years (range 30–74 years). A total of 111 patients belonged to cohort A and 98 patients belonged to cohort B. pCR was detected in 29 (13.9%) patients, 25 (40.3%) of whom had TNBC and four (2.7%) had HR+ HER2– BC. Patients achieving pCR had significantly longer DFS and OS, with statistical significance reached only in patients with TNBC. We found no differences between cohort A and cohort B in terms of pCR rates (15.3% versus 12.2%; p = 0.55), DFS ( p = 0.49) or OS ( p = 0.94). The incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events was similar in cohort A versus cohort B as well (22.5% versus 19.4%; p = 0.54).

Conclusion:

Shorter duration of neoadjuvant anthracycline-taxane ChT was not associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with stage II–III BC. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether the duration of neoadjuvant anthracycline-taxane-based ChT can be reduced in specific patient subgroups without negatively affecting clinical outcomes.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Effect of Mentha spp. Grown in Estonia
Authors: Kapp Karmen , Püssa Tõnu , Orav Anne , Roasto Mati , Raal Ain , Vuorela Pia , Vuorela Heikki , Tammela Päivi
Published: December 2020

Mentha spp. are used in the food and pharmaceutical industry; the plants are characterized by natural interspecies hybridization. In this study, knowledge of the chemical composition of Mentha spp. was broadened by focusing on plants grown in a geographically small region of Estonia. The antibacterial activity of Mentha spp. essential oils and water extracts was evaluated. Polyphenolic water extracts of M. × villosa Huds., M. × suaveolens Ehrh., and M. × gracilis Sole were tested for the first time on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Leaves of cultivated and wild-grown plants ( n = 33) were collected. The microdistilled essential oil composition reflected the diversity within the genus Mentha. Determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS), major compounds were cis-piperitone oxide, carvone, linalool, menthol, and menthofuran. Based on high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-MS/MS analyses of the water extracts, no species-specific polyphenolic compounds could be proposed. Abundant polyphenols were rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, and eriocitrin. Essential oils exhibited antibacterial activity on E. coli and S. aureus by the broth dilution method. Water extracts showed activity only against S. aureus. This study supports the use of Mentha spp. as health-promoting ingredients in food. However, further studies are still needed to widen the knowledge of the chemical composition of these plants.
Sentiment, Confidence and Uncertainty: The Case of Tourism and Leisure Stocks
Authors: Aharon David Y.
Published: December 2020

This study tests the possible effect of sentiment on the performance of the tourism and leisure (T&L) industry. Using a portfolio consisting of U.S. publicly traded firms, we reveal that the Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) and the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) are perhaps better candidates for capturing a contemporaneous relationship or making predictions about the performance of the T&L stocks than the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPU) or the Volatility Index (VIX). Macroeconomic variables have a limited contribution to the establishment of contemporaneous relationships and none of them is suitable for making predictions, which underscores the importance of addressing and paying attention to the issue of sentiment. Our results are robust using different empirical procedures such as ordinary least squares (OLS), GARCH, and quantile regressions. The findings may have important implications for policy makers at both the state and firm levels in light of increased uncertainty periods such as the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the Older Athlete
Authors: Best Matthew J. , Zikria Bashir A. , Wilckens John H.
Published: December 2020

Context:

Older adults are remaining active longer and continuing during later stages of life to participate in sports and activities that involve pivoting on 1 foot. The rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is increasing in people older than 40 years of age, which has caused a concomitant increase in the rate of surgical reconstruction.

Evidence Acquisition:

We searched the PubMed database for articles published in English between January 1980 and January 2018 using the terms anterior cruciate ligament injury, ACL injury, ACL tear, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, ACLR, older, older athlete, and elderly.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Nonoperative treatment with activity modification and physical therapy may be an appropriate option for nonathletes older than 40 years of age with physically low-demand lifestyles. For patients with injuries that are unresponsive to nonoperative treatment or athletes participating in physically demanding activities, ACL reconstruction can improve function and facilitate return to sports. When evaluating whether a patient is a candidate for surgery, numerous variables should be considered, such as timing, graft choice, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

Outcomes of ACL reconstruction in older athletes are similar to those of younger patients. To date, published evidence is inadequate to determine the long-term effects of nonoperative and operative treatment as well as the role of ACL reconstruction in the development of osteoarthritis in the older athlete.
Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life Assessment After Septoplasty With Turbinoplasty: Correlation Between Subjective Scales
Authors: Corredor-Rojas Gloria , García-Chabur María A. , Castellanos Juliana , Moreno Sergio , Pinzón Martin , Peñaranda Augusto
Published: December 2020

Background

Assessment of nasal obstruction is imprecise due to a low correlation between findings on the physical examination and objective measures with the severity of symptoms reported by the patient even after septoplasty with turbinoplasty is performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of subjective scales, and the correlation between them for the evaluation of nasal obstruction after surgery.

Objective

To assess the impact of undergoing septoplasty with turbinoplasty to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms and the quality of life in a mid-term period by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent a septoplasty with turbinoplasty due to nasal septodeviation and secondary nasal obstructive symptoms at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Three scales were used to measure the outcomes one year after surgery: VAS (0–10), NOSE (0–100), and GBI (−100 to 100).

Results

Data from 56 patients (21 females, mean age 37.5 years of age, SD 12.13) was collected. The results showed that 75% of the patients had a post-surgical NOSE score below 50 and a VAS score below 6. Regarding the GBI scale, 75% of the patients improved in their quality of life. An inverse proportional correlation was found between the NOSE and GBI scales (rho = −0.3682) (95% CI −0.579 to –0.111), and there was a directly proportional correlation between the NOSE and VAS scales (rho = 0.7440) (95% CI 0.595 to 0.844).

Conclusion

Subjective measures suggest there was an improvement in nasal obstructive symptoms and quality of life after surgery. Non-anatomical causes such as rhinitis can be confounding factors to consider in subsequent studies. VAS stands out as a possible interchangeable scale with NOSE to measure nasal obstruction in these patients.
Exploring the Future of Universities Through Experimental Foresight
Authors: Woodgate Derek , Veigl Helga
Published: December 2020

Throughout 2018/2019, The Futures Lab, Inc. (TFL) was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive foresight study on the potential futures for universities in Norway. For the most part, the project followed the full, TFL comprehensive six-stage foresight process and a number of customized approaches that leveraged the specificities of the Norwegian Education System. The foresight project covered two future time horizons, namely 2025 to 2030 and 2031 to 2040. Rather than focus here on the Future of the University project itself, this paper considers five experimental foresight methods that produced an extra edge to the creative inputs to this project and delivered some unexpected and critical insights that became decisive platforms and framing cues for the ultimate seven futures scenarios that were delivered, and for which strategies and action plans were created. The term experimental foresight is interpreted as freeform thinking, testing the boundaries, incorporating unorthodox, disparate approaches, tools, artifacts and environment, and real-time improvization, it is about testing new techniques and repurposing and updating older ones. Experimental foresight is closely allied with and some would claim often indistinguishable from experiential futures, which has become prominent within foresight. We distinguish the two insomuch that experiential refers to the way the foresight is conducted, whereas experimental is what is conducted. The paper describes the five experimental foresight methods and techniques based upon theory, practice and proprietary development processes, reflecting various approaches to creative thinking. The paper outlines the design and architecture of each method as well as how it was applied to the Future of the University project, the outcomes, values and benefits. Where appropriate examples of the outcomes have been used to explain or underpin the purpose and benefits of the method under discussion. The methods selected are always harmonized with the more linear, mathematical and modeling applied in the practice of foresight.
Income More Reliably Predicts Frequent Than Intense Happiness
Authors: Jachimowicz Jon M. , Mo Ruo , Greenberg Adam Eric , Jeronimus Bertus , Whillans Ashley V.
Published: December 2020

There is widespread consensus that income and subjective well-being are linked, but when and why they are connected is subject to ongoing debate. We draw on prior research that distinguishes between the frequency and intensity of happiness to suggest that higher income is more consistently linked to how frequently individuals experience happiness than how intensely happy each episode is. This occurs in part because lower-income individuals spend more time engaged in passive leisure activities, reducing the frequency but not the intensity of positive affect. Notably, we demonstrate that only happiness frequency underlies the relationship between income and life satisfaction. Data from an experience sampling study ( N = 394 participants, 34,958 daily responses), a preregistered cross-sectional study ( N = 1,553), and a day reconstruction study ( N = 13,437) provide empirical evidence for these ideas. Together, this research provides conceptual and empirical clarity into how income is related to happiness.
Acute heart failure – The ‘real’ Malaysian experience: An observational study from a single non-cardiac centre
Authors: Raja Shariff Raja Ezman , Kasim Sazzli , Borhan Marisa Khatijah , Yusoff Mohd Rahal
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular care in Malaysia adopts a ‘spoke-and-hub’ model, leaving the majority of acute heart failure (AHF) care to non-cardiac centres. Granular data on AHF care are essential and yet remain scarce.

Objectives:

This study aimed to illustrate the baseline characteristics, management and outcome of AHF patients.

Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 1307 AHF patients admitted between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016.

Results:

The younger and Malay-predominant population reflects the distribution of ischaemic heart disease in Malaysia, highlighting the need to tackle metabolic risks factors. The majority are precipitated by ischaemia (61.8%). Common co-morbidities include hypertension (70.9%), coronary artery disease (57.8%) and diabetes (62.2%). The majority were of New York Heart Association Class II (31.9%) and Class III (25.6%). A total of 14.5% required inotropes and vasopressors, 12.9% required intravenous nitrates and 8.6% required dialysis. A further 4.9% of patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 25.9% required non-invasive ventilation. Readmission and mortality were extremely high in our population. Short inpatient stays, restricting optimisation of medication, and gaps in the provision of coronary intervention and stress testing are possible contributing factors. When compared to global and regional registries, disparities were noted specifically surrounding mortality rate and optimum use of guideline-directed medical therapy.

Conclusion:

Although smaller and single centred, our study provides a unique insight into a pure Malaysian-only cohort from a hospital with no cardiology services in-house, which is more reflective of the majority of hospitals in Malaysia, unlike previous studies and registries.
Online engagement as a multimodal discursive practice: The case of Dubai Cares’ Facebook page
Authors: Ben Moussa Mohamed , Benmessaoud Sanaa
Published: December 2020

The paper examines the role of social media platforms in public relations engagement, focusing on the case of a leading non-profit organization in the UAE, namely Dubai Cares. Drawing on multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA), the paper analyses the textual, paratextual, and visual modes of communication deployed by the organization, and investigates their role as (multimodal) discursive practices in constructing engagement and shaping power relations between the organizations and its publics. A key finding of the paper is that Dubai Cares’ online public relations efforts to promote its international recognition and legitimacy often come at the expense of addressing multiple power differentials between the organization and its stakeholders. The paper demonstrates how approaching engagement as a multimodal discourse, where power relations are at play, helps transcend the limitations of instrumental interpretations of the notion of engagement, thus obscuring its inherent discursive and social dimension.
Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 epidemic: A modelling study
Authors: Awaidy Salah Al , Mahomed Ozayr
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 epidemic in Oman.

Methods:

Data were retrieved from published national surveillance data between 24 February and 30 June 2020. To show the impact of the Government introduced public health intervention early in the epidemic, we used a simple disease-transmission model equation of the 2019-n CoV epidemic.

Results:

From all confirmed cases, the rates of intensive care unit admission were 4.56% (1824). We estimated an R0 of 3.11 with no intervention would result in nearly the entire population of Oman being infected within 65 days. A reduction of the R0 to 1.51 provided an estimated 89,056 confirmed cases, with 167 deaths or 0.4% mortality by June 30 with a requirement of 4052 intensive care unit beds. The current scenario (24 February to 30 June 2020) indicates an R0 of 1.41, resulting in 40,070 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 176 deaths and 69% of confirmed cases recovered.

Conclusion:

In early implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, an intensive lockdown has had a profound impact on the mitigation of a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in Oman.
Use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to determine the area of ileum with poor blood flow during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with complete intracorporeal urinary diversion
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Tanabe Kenji , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The utility of Firefly mode, a technology using near-infrared imaging, used with the intravenous injection of indocyanine green, and which is available as an optional feature for the Da Vinci surgical platform has recently been explored. We herein describe a case in which we detected the ileum with inadequate blood flow using Firefly mode during the processing of the robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion.

Presentation of the case:

A 75-year-old woman diagnosed as having invasive bladder cancer underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with complete intracorporeal urinary diversion using a Da Vinci Xi surgical system. We used Firefly mode after injection of indocyanine green during the processing of the intracorporeal digestive restoration, which resulted in providing intraoperative visual assessment of blood flow to the ileum, allowing us to detect intestine with inadequate blood flow which was not so obvious under the normal visible light mode. We resected the ileum with poor blood flow and reanastomosed the residual small bowel. The patient was released from the hospital only with minor complications.

Conclusion:

Firefly mode, used with indocyanine green has a potential to be a useful tool that may facilitate robotic surgery including robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion.

Level of evidence:

5 (case report)
Multispecies entanglements in the virosphere: Rethinking the Anthropocene in light of the 2019 coronavirus outbreak
Authors: Aronsson Anne , Holm Fynn
Published: December 2020

In this essay, we reevaluate the 2019 outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from the perspective of multispecies entanglements. It is argued that anthropogenic alterations in the biosphere will most likely accelerate the rate of multispecies pandemics in the Anthropocene. Using a textual analysis approach of anthropological and historical sources on the example of coronaviruses and live animal markets in China, we trace how the virosphere of wild animals from tropical regions comes into contact with the virosphere of humans and farmed animals in highly industrialized landscapes. We suggest that adopting a multispecies perspective on viruses can allow them to be understood as living processes that interact with other species in a realm called the virosphere. The rate at which novel infectious diseases are transmitted by bacteria and viruses has increased in recent decades. We argue that this is caused by side effects of the Anthropocene, such as deforestation, the surge in population growth and density, and anthropogenic climate change, which give rise to an increased number of unusual encounters between humans, nonhuman companion species, and wild animals. In this way, the virospheres of host organisms, which were formerly partly isolated, are allowed to converge and freely exchange infectious diseases, leading to a more homogenized virosphere. As anthropogenic alterations are set to continue in the future, we suggest that multispecies pandemics will likely increase in the following decades.
Patient centricity: Alienating patients from their own decisions is subjugation
Authors: Gill Michael
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to scope patient centricity as being more than patient-clinician interactions and to raise a number of challenges. Patient centricity 1 is about listening to and working with patients from the ill-informed to the well informed. The concept does not attempt to isolate or overturn clinical expertise but rather, add a useful dimension which promotes trust and self-care. There are many examples of patients and clinicians working together, making shared decisions and promoting self-care to varying degrees. These examples, however, are isolated like spring desert flowers with many disappearing.

Patient centricity requires the sharing of patient data and the right to correct errors. This requires an approach where the clinician gives up some authority in favour of increased equity and trust. Patient centricity, patient centred approaches and patient pathways are all about involving the patient in decisions, collaborating with the patient as a partner and about addressing the inequality of power between clinician and patient. Where there is a lack of patient centricity unfortunate events can occur across the industry.

Clinicians, patients and the health industry are working together better and there are a number of notable success. In many ways patient centricity has only just started to emerge as a permanent feature.
Designing of an Expert system for the management of Seafarer’s health
Authors: Battineni Gopi , Amenta Francesco
Published: December 2020

In general merchant ships do not have medical facilities on board. When seafarer got sickness or accident, either ship captain or officers who are in charge will assist them, but these people do not have enough medical knowledge. To overcome this, we developed a Seafarer Health Expert System (SHES) that can facilitate telemedical services in an emergency. A comprehensive analysis of seafarers’ medical issues that were conducted from medical records of patients assisted on board ships by the International Radio Medical Center (C.I.R.M.), Italy. Data mining techniques are involved to manage epidemiological data analysis in a two-phase setup. In the first phase, the common pathologies that occurred onboard were analyzed, later a detailed questionnaire for each medical problem was developed to provide precise symptomatic information to the onshore doctor. In this paper, we mainly highlighted the SHES framework, design flow, and functionality. Besides, nine designing policies and three actors with separate working panels were clearly described. The proposed system is easy and simple to operate for anyone of no computer experience and create medical requests for the fast delivery of symptomatic information to an onshore doctor.
Beliefs About Medicine and Glycemic Control Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Khdour Maher R. , Awadallah Heba B. , Alnadi Mustafa A. , Al-Hamed Doaa H.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

To examine the mean differences between patient beliefs about medicine with reference to adherence and glycemic control.

Methods:

This study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire-based approach. Adherence to medication was measured with the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale (MGLS); glycemic control as the last HbA1c test value; and beliefs about medicine with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ).

Results:

According to MGLS scale, 220 (57.9%) of the diabetic patients were classified as high adherent to their medications and 160 (42.1%) were classified as low adherent. Patients had strong believes in their medication, the mean necessity score was significantly outweighed the mean concerns score (17.7 vs 14.4; P < .001). Low adherent patients had significantly more concerns about long term effect of medications (14.4 vs 13.8; P < .008). No significant mean differences were found between glycemic controlled and uncontrolled group regarding necessity or concern domains.

Conclusion:

Assessing beliefs about medicine is crucial for recognizing patients at risk of low adherence, which offers a way to help patients with diabetes to achieve a better glycemic control.
Exploring the Functions of Sakura Performance Art in West Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Mustika I Wayan
Published: December 2020

One of the traditional forms of performing arts in Lampung is Sakura. Although a considerable amount of research on Sakura performance art has been done and despite the importance of Sakura performance art, but to my knowledge no researcher has studied about the holistic understanding of this performance art in terms of its functions. This study is qualitative in nature in which the data were collected through observations, audio-recorded interviews, documents, and artifacts which were descriptively analyzed and interpreted. This study was conducted through intense and prolonged contact with informants in natural setting in four villages (Kenali, Kegeringan, Canggu, and Kuta Besi villages) in Batu Brak District, Liwa, West Lampung Regency as Sakura performance art cannot be found anywhere else. The key informants were purposively selected to take part in this study, including traditional Lampung elders, Sakura artists, and cultural experts from the four villages. Based on the results and discussion, it can be stated that the function of Sakura performance art was initially as a means of worship for harvest festival and village safety. Today, however, it has several functions such as a means of socialization, social solidarity, entertainment, and aesthetic presentation. Finally, some implications for the preservation of the Sakura performance art and recommendations for future research are also discussed.