bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disabling muscle of Riolan: A novel concept of orbicularis oculi myectomy for refractory benign essential blepharospasm
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Vaidya Aric , Lee Patricia Ann Lim , Kono Shinjiro , Kakizaki Hirohiko
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To examine the effectiveness of orbicularis oculi myectomy with disabling the muscle of Riolan in patients with benign essential blepharospasm refractory to botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection.

Methods:

This retrospective, observational study included 25 patients. After removal of the redundant skin and underlying orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) with or without extended OOM removal to the area of the superior orbital rim, the tarsal plate and the gray line were vertically severed at 2 points to disable the muscle of Riolan. The surgical effectiveness was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability score (FDS), and the presence or absence of necessity or enhanced effectiveness of BTX-A injection after surgery.

Results:

The symptoms improved in 23 patients (92.0%). The VAS and total FDS were significantly improved from 8.4 ± 1.7 to 4.0 ± 2.4 (reduction rate, 50.7 ± 35.6%) and from 74.6 ± 22.2 to 34.7 ± 25.3 (reduction rate, 53.4 ± 27.4%) after surgery, respectively (both, p < 0.001). Among the 23 patients whose symptoms improved after surgery, BTX-A injection was not required in 11 of them (47.8%). Among the remaining 12 patients (52.2%), the effectiveness of BTX-A was post-operatively enhanced in eight patients (34.8%). There were no serious complications, and none of the patients experienced madarosis.

Conclusion:

Disabling the muscle of Riolan is a valuable option of OOM myectomy in patients with refractory benign essential blepharospasm, without the development of serious complications, including madarosis.
Outcomes of three surgical approaches for managing ectopia lentis in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Erdogan Gurkan , Kandemir Besek Nilay , Onal Gunay Betul , Agca Alper
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To investigate the clinical outcomes of three surgical approaches for ectopia lentis in Marfan syndrome (MS) patients who had undergone crystalline lens removal with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation techniques comprising the intrascleral fixation of IOL, sutured scleral fixation of IOL, and IOL implantation with the use of a Cionni capsular tension ring (CTR).

Methods:

This is a retrospective comparative study, including 35 eyes of 21 patients who underwent the intrascleral fixation of IOL (group 1), scleral IOL fixation with the Z-suture (group 2), and IOL implantation with the use of a Cionni CTR (group 3) following crystalline lens removal. The surgical indications were as follows: no improvement in visual function after eyeglasses or contact lens application due to excessive irregular astigmatism and advanced crystalline lens decentration in which the edge of the crystalline lens came up to the optical axis, or dislocation of the crystalline lens resulting in aphakia and secondary glaucoma due to lens dislocation. The surgical outcomes and complications due to surgery were compared between the groups.

Results:

The mean age of the patients in the study was 12.3 ± 8.7 years (5–32 years). There were 10 eyes in group 1, 13 eyes in group 2, and 12 eyes in group 3. Visual acuity improved significantly in each group after surgery. Ocular residual astigmatism did not differ significantly between the groups ( p = 0.51).

Conclusion:

There were no significant differences between the three surgical approaches in the current study in terms of the postoperative results and complications.
Evolution of macular microvasculature and retinal layers alterations in patients with macula off retinal detachment after vitrectomy
Authors: Chatziralli Irini , Theodossiadis George , Chatzirallis Alexandros , Dimitriou Eleni , Parikakis Efstratios , Theodossiadis Panagiotis
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To examine the changes in retinal microvasculature in association with retinal layers’ condition in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Methods:

Participants in this study were 89 patients with macula off RRD, who were successfully treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling, in two centers. All participants underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at week 5, month 3 and month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as control data.

Results:

A statistically significant enlargement in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), accompanied with a statistically significant thinning of inner retinal layers, was noticed 5 weeks postoperatively. These changes, namely FAZ enlargement and thinning of inner retinal layers, in the operated eyes compared to the fellow eyes, remained unchanged till month 6 postoperatively. BCVA improved significantly from week 5 to months 3 and 6 postoperatively. The improvement in BCVA was associated with the gradual ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery from the first (week 5) till the last examination (month 6).

Conclusions:

The FAZ enlargement in the operated eyes was accompanied with a statistically significant thinning in the inner retinal layers. Inter-correlation of BCVA and EZ integrity was noticed.
The effect of lacrimal drainage abnormality on the surgical outcomes of congenital lacrimal fistula and vice versa
Authors: Choi Yong Min , Jang Yeonji , Kim Namju , Choung Ho-Kyung , Khwarg Sang In
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the various surgical modalities of congenital lacrimal fistula and assess the mutual effect of lacrimal fistula and lacrimal drainage abnormality on the individual surgical outcomes.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort and case-control study, 74 eyes from 63 patients with lacrimal fistula who underwent surgical management between 2000 and 2015 at three medical centers were enrolled. The data collected included sex, age, preoperative symptoms, presence of concurrent lacrimal drainage abnormality, surgical methods, and surgical outcomes. The main outcome measures were treatment outcomes based on lacrimal drainage patency and symptom improvement, surgical outcome of fistulectomy according to the presence of lacrimal drainage abnormality, and surgical outcome of lacrimal drainage abnormality according to the presence of fistula.

Results:

The mean age at the time of surgery was 9.2 (SD, ±8.8) years and the mean follow-up duration was 14.4 (SD, ±19.5) months. All eyes (37/37) with fistula without lacrimal drainage abnormality demonstrated surgical success after simple fistulectomy. Patients with concurrent lacrimal drainage abnormalities showed more frequent surgical failure than those with fistula alone ( p = 0.009). However, the presence of fistula did not affect the outcomes of surgery for lacrimal drainage abnormality ( p = 0.179).

Conclusion:

Simple fistulectomy is sufficient for sole asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic lacrimal fistula. Symptomatic fistula as well as those accompanied with lacrimal drainage abnormality underwent fistulectomy and lacrimal drainage system surgery. Patients with accompanying lacrimal drainage system abnormalities showed less favorable outcomes. Meticulous preoperative examination of the lacrimal drainage system is critical for surgical planning and prognosis prediction.
The impact of COVID-19 on primary retinopexy in preventing retinal detachment in a tertiary eye hospital emergency department
Authors: Moussa George , Samia-Aly Emma , Andreatta Walter , Lett Kim Son , Mitra Arijit , Sharma Ash , Tyagi Ajai K , Ch’ng Soon Wai
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To review the effect of COVID-19 on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) rate following primary retinopexy.

Methods:

Retrospective consecutive case series of 183 patients attending Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre undergoing primary retinopexy (cryotherapy and laser) between March 23rd to June 30th in 2019 (Group 1) and 2020 (Group 2).

Results:

In total we reviewed 183 retinopexies, 122 in Group 1 and 61 in Group 2, a reduction of 50%. In Group 2 compared to Group 1, we showed a significant difference in characteristics of patients having primary retinopexy with an increase in proportion of male patients from 50 (41.0%) to 39 (63.9%) ( p = 0.005), increase in high myopes from 1 (0.8%) to 4 (6.6%) ( p = 0.043), more slit lamp laser retinopexy from 83 (68.0%) to 52 (85.2%) ( p = 0.013) and less cryopexy from 21 (17.2%) to 2 (3.3%) ( p = 0.008). In Group 2, primary retinopexy resulted in significantly more 3-month RRD rate 1 (0.8%) to 5 (8.2%) ( p = 0.016). There were no changes in number of patients requiring further retinopexy ( p = 1.000)

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates a reduction of primary retinopexy, an increased risk for RRD following primary retinopexy and a significant shift in type of primary retinopexy performed, demographics, operator and change in characteristics of type of retinal break observed during this pandemic. This study contributes to the growing literature of the secondary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on other aspects of healthcare that is not just limited to the virus itself.
Integrated dual lag screws versus single lag screw cephalomedullary nail constructs: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Onggo James R , Nambiar Mithun , Onggo Jason D , Ambikaipalan Anuruban , Singh Parminder J , Babazadeh Sina
Published: February 2021

Background/Aim:

This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of integrated dual lag screw (IDL) cephalomedullary nails (CMN) when compared with single lag screw (SL) constructs, in the internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

Methods:

The Smith & Nephew InterTan IDL was compared with SL CMN group consisting of the Stryker Gamma-3 (G3) and Synthes Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) CMN. A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies assessing the clinical and radiological outcomes, complications and perioperative parameters of InterTan versus G3 or PFNA CMN in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures were extracted and analysed.

Results:

15 studies were included in this meta-analysis, consisting of 2643 patients. InterTan was associated with lower complication rates in terms of all-cause revisions (OR 0.34; 95% CI, 0.22–0.51; p < 0.001), cut-outs (OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17–0.51; p < 0.001), medial or lateral screw migration (OR 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06–0.65; p = 0.008) as well as persistent hip and thigh pain (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47–0.90; p = 0.008). In terms of perioperative parameters, InterTan is associated with longer operative times (MD 5.57 minutes; 95% CI, 0.37–10.78 minutes, p = 0.04) and fluoroscopy times (MD 38.89 seconds, 95% CI, 15.88–61.91 seconds; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of clinical Harris Hip Score and radiological outcomes, non-union, haematoma, femoral fractures, varus collapse, length of stay and mean intraoperative blood loss between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Integrated dual lag screw cephalomedullary nails are associated with fewer revisions and complications. However, there is insufficient data to suggest that either nail construct is associated with better functional outcomes.
Primary Tritanium acetabular components have increased rates of radiolucency associated with inferior clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up
Authors: Bingham Joshua S , Hinckley Nathaniel B , Deckey David G , Hines Jeremy , Spangehl Mark J
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Cementless fixation is the standard for acetabular fixation in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). There are various surface finishes thought to improve osteointegration, although literature regarding the long-term survival of some of these surfaces is limited. Regardless of design, primary stability is essential to allow for osteointegration. Previous studies have suggested an increased rate of radiolucency and compromised short-term functional outcomes using the Tritanium primary acetabular component (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ). The purpose of this study was to compare the primary Tritanium acetabular component to another contemporary acetabular component as a control group with an established clinical record.

Methods:

444 consecutive, primary THAs performed by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2012 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Implant survivorship and modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) were recorded for all patients at final follow-up. Radiographs were evaluated by 2 surgeons at 6 weeks, 1 year, and the most recent follow-up for evidence of radiolucency and migration. Components were considered to have evidence of radiographic lucency if they had radiolucency in 2 or more DeLee zones.

Results:

198 patients met criteria for inclusion (96 Pinnacle, 102 Tritanium). Average follow-up was 28 (12–72) months. At final follow-up 6.2% of the Pinnacle cups and 29.4% of the Tritanium cups had radiographic evidence of loosening ( p < 0.01). The average mHHS for the Tritanium group was 83.1, and 88.4 for the Pinnacle group ( p < 0.01). Radiographic evidence of loosening also correlated with a lower mHHS: 75.5 versus 86.4 ( p < 0.01). In patients that received Tritanium cups without screw fixation 44.6% showed radiographic evidence of loosening versus 8% that received screw fixation ( p < 0.01). In total, 6 patients in the Tritanium group required revision for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component.

Conclusions:

The 30% rate of radiographic loosening in the Tritanium group was significantly higher than the Pinnacle group and correlated with an inferior clinical outcome. Interestingly the use of screw augmentation was protective against radiographic evidence of loosening. This suggests that the Tritanium component may be prone to fibrous in-growth because of inadequate primary stability.
Sound insulation of a hollow concrete blocks wall made with construction and demolition waste and wood-based panels as linings
Authors: Scoczynski Ribeiro Rodrigo , Pereira de Sousa Raylton , Santos Deniz Amarilla Rosemara , Sant’Ana Luis Henrique , Avelar Márcio , Catai Rodrigo Eduardo , Matoski Adalberto
Published: February 2021

It is a well-discussed topic that Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) can be recycled and used as aggregate in the construction sector. Generally, Brazilian construction techniques are based on hollow blocks or bricks and mortars as coating systems. This paper describes the sound insulation of a masonry wall built with hollow concrete blocks and CDW as aggregates. The measurements were performed according to the reverberant chamber method. Keeping sustainability in mind instead of applying cement mortar as coating system, Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) and Wood-Wool Cement Boards (WWCB) were used and also tested as acoustical linings. The panels were directly attached on the wall with nails in the receiving room. All types of panels increased the weighted sound reduction index ([Formula: see text]). Wood-based composites can also improve the air quality because of their hygroscopic properties. In summary, sustainable wall systems were characterized according to their sound insulation properties, presented as possible substitutes for traditional masonry walls.
Does social media enhance party responsiveness? How user engagement shapes parties’ issue attention on Facebook
Authors: Ennser-Jedenastik Laurenz , Gahn Christina , Bodlos Anita , Haselmayer Martin
Published: February 2021

Representative democracy presents politicians with an information problem: How to find out what voters want? While party elites used to rely on their membership or mass surveys, social media enables them to learn about voters’ issue priorities in real time and adapt their campaign messages accordingly. Yet, we know next to nothing about how campaigns make use of these new possibilities. To narrow this gap, we use a unique data set covering every Facebook post by party leaders and party organizations in the run-up to the 2017 Austrian parliamentary election. We test the hypothesis that party actors are more likely to double down on issues that have previously generated higher levels of user engagement. We also theorize that responsiveness is conditional on major/minor party status and pre-campaign issue salience. The analysis shows that parties’ issue strategies respond to user engagement, especially major parties on low-salience issues. This represents some of the first empirical evidence on how social media can enhance parties’ issue responsiveness.
Understanding tourists’ motivations to launch a boycott on social media: A case study of the #BoycottMurree campaign in Pakistan
Authors: Yousaf Salman , Razzaq Ali , Fan Xiucheng
Published: February 2021

This research paper studies the domestic tourism destination boycott of Murree, the most popular tourist spot in Pakistan. Murree, a hill spot in the footsteps of the Himalayan mountain ranges, attracts millions of tourists from all over Pakistan every year due to its natural scenery and easy accessibility. However, weak regulation and unmanageable demand have made the local hospitality industry quixotic, prompting affiliated businesses in Murree to exploit tourists. Subsequently, the #BoycottMurree campaign was launched on social media at the beginning of 2018; this campaign gained quickly momentum, and Murree reported declines in business for the first time during the summer season of 2018. Using a netnographic case study approach of the #BoycottMurree campaign it found that the communication revolved around instrumental boycott motives and non-instrumental boycott motives. Moreover, the tourist ethnocentrism theme naturally emerged from the data, advocating anti-boycott. Overall, the results theoretically inform the literature by extrapolating tourist boycott notions in terms of domestic tourism and pointing out the ways in which domestic tourism boycotts may be different from international tourism boycotts. The results also guide domestic tourism organizations and businesses about the importance of developing competing destinations.
Psychological distress experienced by physicians and nurses at a tertiary care center in Lebanon during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Bizri Maya , Kassir Ghida , Tamim Hani , Kobeissy Firas , Hayek Samer El
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant mental health toll on healthcare workers in Lebanon. We examined pandemic-related psychological distress among healthcare workers in a tertiary care medical center. One hundred and fifty participants completed an online questionnaire. About half showed a high risk of acute distress (58.7%) on the GHQ-28, while most (89.3%) scored low/moderate stress on the PSS-10. The IES-R revealed concern for post-traumatic stress in one-third of participants, significantly in nurses ( p = 0.008) and those living with vulnerable individuals ( p = 0.030). Mental health history did not increase the risk. Our findings highlight the need for early targeted interventions during the pandemic.
Rates and prospective psychosocial correlates of pre-loss grief in cancer and dementia family members
Authors: Singer Jonathan , Shrout M. Rosie , Papa Anthony
Published: February 2021

This study examined changes in Pre-Loss Grief (PLG) among individuals whose family member has a life limiting illness and how baseline psychosocial factors predicted PLG. This two-wave study recruited family members of advanced cancer ( N = 100) and dementia ( N = 38) patients. A subsample completed 1-month follow-up (Cancer = 33; Dementia = 28). Higher caregiver burden and female participants predicted greater PLG at follow-up, accounting for baseline PLG. Family members of dementia patients (10.5%) were significantly more likely than family members of cancer patients (2.1%) to be in the “severe PLG” group. Findings demonstrate psychosocial factors related to PLG, informing interventions aimed at reducing PLG.
Embodying rhythmic properties of a foreign language through hand-clapping helps children to better pronounce words
Authors: Baills Florence , Prieto Pilar
Published: February 2021

This study tested the effects of hand-clapping to the rhythm of newly learned French words on the pronunciation of these words by 7- to 8-year-old Catalan children. In a short training experiment with a pre- and posttest design, 28 children either repeated cognate words in French (e.g. French aspirateur, Catalan aspirador ‘vacuum cleaner’) while clapping to the rhythmic structure of those words or only repeated the words. Participants’ oral productions before and after training were rated for accentedness by three French native speakers. Results showed that in both groups, participants’ pronunciation improved after training, and crucially, children in the clapping group improved significantly more than those in the non-clapping group. Additionally, an acoustic analysis of the duration of word-final vowels indicated that only children in the clapping group significantly lengthened the final vowel after training, thus producing more target-like durational patterns. Our results suggest that a brief embodied intervention based on highlighting the rhythmic structure of words through hand-clapping has the potential to enhance pronunciation in a foreign language. The implications for second language teaching of pronunciation are discussed.
Effects of the angle of attack on the aerodynamic characteristics of a streamlined box girder
Authors: Li Hao-Hong , Zhang Liang-Liang , Wu Bo , Ni Zhi-Jun , Yang Yang
Published: February 2021

This paper presents experimental and numerical approaches to systematically investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of streamlined box girder at angles of attack (AoA) of up to 12°. The effects of AoA on the pressure characteristics and total forces are first studied through wind tunnel experiments. Based on three-dimensional large-eddy simulations (3D LES), the flow topology is investigated to study the influence mechanism of AoAs. The results show that the flow topology around the section can be divided into three types: (i) completely attached flow pattern as |α| ≤ 4°; (ii) separated-reattached flow pattern as 6°≤|α|≤8°; (iii) fully separated flow pattern as |α| ≥ 10°. The combination of experimental and numerical results presents a deep understanding of the aerodynamic characteristics of a streamlined box girder and reveals the relationships between the pressure features and flow topology. The pressure characteristics and total forces are very sensitive to the flow separation and reattachment. At small AoAs, the flow attaches to the bridge section, the mean and RMS pressure, total force, as well as streamwise correlations change slightly with AoAs. Besides, the shear layer is a laminar pattern and has less impact on the span-wise correlations. Moreover, the vortices in the wake remain successive in the span-wise direction, and the Strouhal numbers are larger. On the other hand, with the increase of AoAs, large separation bubbles can be observed around the bridge section. Especially for fully separated flow pattern as |α| ≥ 10°, the shear layer no longer attaches to the bridge section and the separation bubble is longer than the section width. Accordingly, the mean and RMS pressure, total force, as well as streamwise correlations increase significantly. Besides, the shear layer is a turbulent pattern, and the turbulent fluctuations in wake become complex and less organized in the span-wise direction, then the St is lower than others.
Public-health risks from tea drinking: Fluoride exposure
Authors: Krishnankutty Nimisha , Storgaard Jensen Tina , Kjær Jeannett , Jørgensen Jan Stener , Nielsen Flemming , Grandjean Philippe
Published: February 2021

Aims:

Due to new evidence on fluoride neurotoxicity during early life, this study examined maternal exposure to fluoride through tea consumption in a low-fluoride region and measured fluoride releases from commercially available teas (tea bags and loose teas) to determine the need to limit fluoride exposure.

Methods:

Maternal urine fluoride (MUF) concentrations were measured in spot urine samples ( N=118) from first-trimester pregnant women and in prepared tea infusions made with deionised water from 33 brand teas and 57 loose-tea products, as determined by the direct method of using a fluoride-selective electrode.

Results:

The fluoride concentration in the local drinking water supplies ranged from 0.10 to 0.18 mg/L, and the creatinine-adjusted MUF ranged from 0.09 to 1.57 mg/L. Seventeen per cent of the women were daily tea drinkers, and their MUFs were higher than those with no consumption ( p=0.002). The fluoride concentration from tea bags ranged from 0.34 to 2.67 mg/L, while loose teas showed 0.72–4.50 mg/L (black), 0.56–1.58 mg/L (oolong), 1.28–1.50 mg/L (green), and 0.33–1.17 mg/L (white tea).

Conclusions:

Fluoride exposure among pregnant women increases with tea consumption, with likely risks of developmental neurotoxicity to their children. As the fluoride release from tea varies widely, the fluoride concentration should be indicated on tea packages in order to allow consumers to make informed decisions on minimising their fluoride exposure.
Web-based expert system with quick response code for beta-thalassemia management
Authors: Banjar Haneen R. , Zaher Galila F. , Almutiry Hanadi S. , Alshamarni Asma S. A , Almouhana Ghaidaa I. , Alahwal Hatem M. , Bahashwan Salem , Barefah Ahmed S. , Alnajjar Salwa A. , Alharbi Hajar M.
Published: February 2021

β-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body cannot produce hemoglobin normally. Since patients with this condition receive blood transfusions regularly, iron builds up primarily in organs such as the heart, liver and endocrine glands. Accumulation of iron in the organs necessitates chelation therapy. These patients must visit the hospital frequently to assess and follow up on their health condition. Physician intervention is required after each regular assessment to adjust the treatment. Lifelong healthcare support using a web-based expert system with a quick response code is designed for β-thalassemia management in order to deliver benefits to patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to implement a web-based expert system for β-thalassemia management in order to provide treatment recommendations and support the lifelong healthcare of patients. The system provides patient-related details, such as medical history, medicines, and appointments, in real-time. It has been also tested in real-life cases and shown to enhance β-thalassemia management.
Staying connected while physically apart: Digital communication when face-to-face interactions are limited
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hao , Gruber Jonathan , Marler Will , Hunsaker Amanda , Fuchs Jaelle , Hargittai Eszter
Published: February 2021

Theoretical and empirical work on digital media use and social connectedness has often considered face-to-face communication to be an available option. But how do various digital media uses relate to social connectedness when face-to-face communication is not, or much less, possible? Drawing on survey data from 2925 US adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find that different digital communication methods display different relationships with social connectedness under stay-at-home circumstances with limited in-person interactions outside the home. Overall, digital communication relates to lower social connectedness. In line with notions from social presence theory, especially digital media lower in social presence (e.g. email, social media, and online games, and to some extent text messaging) relate negatively to social connectedness, while this is not the case for higher social presence media (e.g. voice and video calls). Our study has implications for theorizing about digital media use and social connectedness in times when face-to-face communication is less available.
Abrasive wear behavior of Al-TiB2 and Al-TiB2-nano-graphite metal matrix composites
Authors: Poria Suswagata , Sutradhar Goutam , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with abrasive wear behavior of two different composite materials namely Al-TiB2 and Al-TiB2-nano-graphite. At the time of fabrication, ultrasonic vibration is used along with mechanical stirrer to obtain uniform dispersion of micro (TiB2) and nano (graphite) reinforcement phase. Uniform dispersion is confirmed through SEM images of cast composites. Micro-hardness values are obtained for composites and base alloy. Wear tests under two-body abrasion are performed by a tribological test apparatus where composite pins are being rubbed against a disc holding different grades of SiC abrasives: 240 grit, 320 grit and 400 grit. Operating load is varied between 10N and 30N while sliding speed and duration of sliding are kept fixed. Effects of load, reinforcing phase content and abrasive grit size on abrasive wear and friction behavior have been evaluated. Al-TiB2 composites demonstrate higher wear resistance and better friction behavior in comparison with base alloy under all operating conditions. Addition of nano-graphite phase contributes in achieving better abrasive wear and friction performance of Al-TiB2 composites. With increase in grit size, wear reduces for composites and base alloy while wear increases with load. Worn surfaces of samples and emery papers are studied using SEM micrographs and EDX maps. Wear debris at different operating conditions are studied also using SEM and EDX. Operative wear mechanisms are identified from the experimental results.
Striking the balance between professionalism and commercialism: A cross-case study on news start-ups in China
Authors: Deng Min , Yan Yan
Published: February 2021

The conflict between professionalism and commercialism has been a challenge for journalistic practice for decades. Early research on news start-ups in the West reported few possibilities to resolve this conflict. This article draws on interviews and participatory observation of four Chinese news start-ups to examine their efforts to strike the balance. Results indicate that Chinese news start-ups are hybrids of business corporations and social instruments. In this dual operational model, advertorial service is both the rational choice to ensure profits and the root of the conflict between professionalism and commercialism. News start-ups implement business innovations and editorial modifications to cope with the situation. The former expands sources of income, which relieves the economic pressure on the editorial room, while the latter enhances media credibility, which translates to profits. Hence, the Chinese model of entrepreneurial journalism suggests possible directions for rebalancing professionalism and commercialism.
Emoticons are not for everyone: The role of congruence between hotel brand positioning strategies and communication style in enhancing customers’ brand attitude and booking intention
Authors: Hegner Sabrina M , Lotze Carlotta , Beldad Ardion Daroca
Published: February 2021

Social media has become an influential communication channel, and brands are increasingly using an informal style in their social media communication. Nonetheless, despite this development, little research has addressed the influence of social media communication style on brand perceptions. Hence, this study addresses the question on how the interaction of employing different communication styles and different hotel positioning strategies affects consumers’ perceptions and booking intentions in the hotel industry. Additionally, this study explores whether the fit between communication style and hotel positioning mediates the relationship on brand attitude and booking intention. A 2x2 between-subjects full-factorial design with 336 participants was conducted. Results of the experiment show that an informal communication style can be harmful for a utilitarian positioned hotel. A perception of fit between brand positioning and communication style leads to a more favorable brand attitude and higher booking intention. Despite the tendency for brands to increasingly use an informal style in their social media communication, only little research has analyzed the impact of communication style on consumer perceptions. Furthermore, considering a hotel’s positioning represents an important moderator in this relationship.
Failure: Perspectives and prospects in marketing and consumption theory
Authors: Kjeldgaard Dannie , Nøjgaard Mikkel , Hartmann Benjamin Julien , Bode Matthias , Lindberg Frank , Mossberg Lena , Östberg Jacob
Published: February 2021

Failure is ubiquitous in popular and consumer culture. In this commentary, we interrogate discourses around failure and outline potential avenues of inquiry for the marketing and consumption theory disciplines. We begin by synthesizing how failure has hitherto been conceptualized in marketing theory. Then, we discuss how recent rethinking of failure in other disciplines can be meaningful for marketing thought, and propose a new agenda for marketing scholars for studying failure, that moves beyond studying failure as a primarily destructive phenomenon that arises predominantly in service encounters.
Travelling intimacies, translation and betrayal in a creative geography
Authors: Johnston Caleb , Pratt Geraldine
Published: February 2021

In 2019, we collaborated with German theatre artists to co-create Between Worlds: Outsourcing Dementia Care, an immersive, multi-media piece performed in Newcastle and Berlin. This performance work animated and staged our interviews conducted with the owners of and caregivers working in private care facilities recently built in northern Thailand to provide dementia care for overseas guests from across the Global North. This creation process also drew from interviews we conducted with the family members who had chosen this option for their loved ones with dementia. Incorporating elements of documentary theatre, movement and cinematic projection, Between Worlds was designed to bring audiences into an intimate space, drawing them close to the complexities of the outsourcing of dementia care in order to prompt public conversation and reflection on dementia care in both Thailand and the Global North. Here, we consider the performance of the play and the method that our theatre collaborators used to render transparent the process of translation within performance. We critically assess the outcome to question the possible betrayals implicit in creative and social science work and in the doing of cultural geography.
Contribution of pulmonary diseases to COVID-19 mortality in a diverse urban community of New York
Authors: Girardin Jean-Louis , Seixas Azizi , Ramos Cejudo Jaime , Osorio Ricardo S , Avirappattu George , Reid Marvin , Parthasarathy Sairam
Published: February 2021

We examined the relative contribution of pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and sleep apnea) to mortality risks associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) independent of other medical conditions, health risks, and sociodemographic factors. Data were derived from a large US-based case series of patients with COVID-19, captured from a quaternary academic health network covering New York City and Long Island. From March 2 to May 24, 2020, 11,512 patients who were hospitalized were tested for COVID-19, with 4,446 (38.62%) receiving a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. Among those who tested positive, 959 (21.57%) died of COVID-19-related complications at the hospital. Multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling showed mortality risks were strongly associated with greater age (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04–1.05), ethnic minority (Asians, Non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics) (HR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10–1.44), low household income (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.49), and male sex (HR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.97). Higher mortality risks were also associated with a history of COPD (HR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02–1.58), obesity (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.37), and peripheral artery disease (HR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05–1.69). Findings indicate patients with COPD had the highest odds of COVID-19 mortality compared with patients with pre-existing metabolic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Sociodemographic factors including increased age, male sex, low household income, ethnic minority status were also independently associated with greater mortality risks.
Emotional Intelligence and Aggressive Behaviors in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vega Alberto , Cabello Rosario , Megías-Robles Alberto , Gómez-Leal Raquel , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo
Published: February 2021

Adolescent aggression is a global public health with long-lasting and costly emotional, social, and economic consequences, and it is of vital importance to identify those variables that can reduce these behaviors in this population. Therefore, there is a need to establish the protective factors of aggressive behavior in adolescence. While some research has demonstrated the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and various aggressive responses in adolescence, indicating that EI—or the ability to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions—could be considered a protective factor for the development of aggressive behavior in adolescence, the strength of this effect is not clear. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between aggressive behavior and EI in adolescents and provide a reliable estimate of the relationship between both constructs through a meta-analysis. For this purpose, we searched for relevant articles in English and Spanish in Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus, obtaining 17 selectable articles based on the search terms used in research in the adolescent population. These studies provide scientific evidence of the relationship between the level of EI assessed from the three theoretical models of EI (performance-based ability model, self-report ability model, and self-report mixed model) and various aggressive responses, showing that adolescents with higher levels of EI show less aggressive behavior. Implications for interventions and guidelines for future research are discussed.
Evaluating the Impact of Medial Arterial Calcification on Outcomes of Infrageniculate Endovascular Interventions for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Skolnik Jennifer , Weiss Robert , Meyr Andrew J. , Dhanisetty Ravi , Choi Eric T. , Cunningham-Hill Matthew , Rubin Daniel , Oresanya Lawrence
Published: February 2021

Background:

Medial arterial calcification (MAC) of the tibial and pedal arteries has been associated with an increased risk of amputation among people with diabetes. Endovascular interventions on infrageniculate vessels are frequently performed with the intent of treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) and decreasing the risk of amputation in those with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate how the extent of MAC impacts outcomes of endovascular procedures in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Methods:

We identified all patients who had undergone infrageniculate angioplasty in the setting of DFU at our institution between 2009 and 2019. Subjects were assigned a MAC score based on the severity of MAC in each vessel visualized on plain radiographs of the ankle and foot. We evaluated the relationship between MAC and the primary outcome, major adverse limb event (MALE), using stratified Cox proportional modeling.

Results:

Among 99 subjects with DFU who had undergone infrageniculate angioplasty, MALE occurred in 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38%-61%) of patients within 1 year of intervention. On univariate Cox regression analysis, each 1 point increment in MAC score (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.18), the third tertile of MAC score (HR, 2.27; 95% CI 1.01-5.11), age (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99), and wound grade (HR, 5.34; 95% CI 2.17-13.14), were significantly associated with increased risk of MALE. On adjusted analysis stratified by wound grade, MAC score was found to be associated with MALE only in patients with a low wound grade.

Conclusion:

Increased severity of MAC is associated with increased risk of MALE for subjects undergoing infrageniculate angioplasty with a low wound grade. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationships of MAC, PAD, DFU, and interventions aimed at promoting healing of DFU.
Operative Time, Age, and Serum Albumin Predict Surgical Morbidity After Laparoscopic Liver Surgery
Authors: Heise Daniel , Bednarsch Jan , Kroh Andreas , Schipper Sandra , Eickhoff Roman , Lang Sven , Neumann Ulf , Ulmer Florian
Published: February 2021

Background. Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has emerged as a considerable alternative to conventional liver surgery. However, the increasing complexity of liver resection raises the incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity in a monocentric cohort of patients undergoing LLR. Methods. All consecutive patients who underwent LLR between 2015 and 2019 at our institution were analyzed for associations between complications with demographics and clinical and operative characteristics by multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results. Our cohort comprised 156 patients who underwent LLR with a mean age of 60.0 ± 14.4 years. General complications and major perioperative morbidity were observed in 19.9% and 9.6% of the patients, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified age>65 years (HR = 2.56; P = .028) and operation time>180 minutes (HR = 4.44; P = .001) as significant predictors of general complications (Clavien ≥1), while albumin<4.3 g/dl (HR = 3.66; P = .033) and also operative time (HR = 23.72; P = .003) were identified as predictors of major postoperative morbidity (Clavien ≥3). Conclusion. Surgical morbidity is based on patient- (age and preoperative albumin) and procedure-related (operative time) characteristics. Careful patient selection is key to improve postoperative outcomes after LLR.
Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula by Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment Combined with Anal Fistula Plug: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Zhang Yuru , Li Fei , Zhao Tuanjie , Cao Feng , Zheng Yamin , Li Ang
Published: February 2021

Objective. The surgical treatment of complex anal fistulae is very challenging because of the incidence of incontinence after traditional approaches. There are no studies on the role of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with anal fistula plug (AFP) in the complex anal fistulae. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of treating complex anal fistulae using VAAFT combined with AFP. Method. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized observational study. 57 consecutive patients with complex anal fistulae who had undergone the VAAFT with AFP in our hospital between April 2016 and December 2019 were included. The primary outcomes were the cure rate, recurrence rate, and Wexner incontinence scores; the secondary outcomes were surgery time, blood loss, wound healing time postoperatively, pain, and patient satisfaction. Results. All 57 patients completed the surgery and follow-up, with an average follow-up time of 28 months; 6 patients suffered with recurrence (recurrence rate: 10.5%). The average surgery time was 57.9 minutes, and the average wound healing time was 46 days. There were no severe postoperative complications, and anal sphincter function was protected in all patients. Conclusions. The treatment of complex anal fistula by VAAFT combined with AFP is safe and effective, has a high healing rate and few postoperative complications, and is a promising surgery that can effectively protect the patient’s anal sphincter function.
Mismatched Liberation Theory: A Comparative Method to Explain Increasing Female Crime Share in the United States
Authors: Wang Ting
Published: February 2021

In this paper, I propose a new theory that ascribes the increasing female crime share to unequal emancipatory advancement between women’s ideological aspirations and institutional means in modern times. Accordingly, it is proposed that an incommensurate pace in progression inflicts gender-specific deprivation on women, which increases their share of crime. The theory is tested with Uniform Crime Reporting data from 1980 to 2017 across offense types. The findings indicate that mismatched liberation increases the female share of violent and property crimes, especially for adult cohorts and among samples after 1988 when women’s ends-means gap was found to be enlarged.
Radiophobic Fear-Mongering, Misappropriation of Medical References and Dismissing Relevant Data Forms the False Stance for Advocating Against the Use of Routine and Repeat Radiography in Chiropractic and Manual Therapy
Authors: Oakley Paul A. , Harrison Deed E.
Published: February 2021

There is a faction within the chiropractic profession passionately advocating against the routine use of X-rays in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with spinal disorders (aka subluxation). These activists reiterate common false statements such as “there is no evidence” for biomechanical spine assessment by X-ray, “there are no guidelines” supporting routine imaging, and also promulgate the reiterating narrative that “X-rays are dangerous.” These arguments come in the form of recycled allopathic “red flag only” medical guidelines for spine care, opinion pieces and consensus statements. Herein, we review these common arguments and present compelling data refuting such claims. It quickly becomes evident that these statements are false. They are based on cherry-picked medical references and, most importantly, expansive evidence against this narrative continues to be ignored. Factually, there is considerable evidential support for routine use of radiological imaging in chiropractic and manual therapies for 3 main purposes: 1. To assess spinopelvic biomechanical parameters; 2. To screen for relative and absolute contraindications; 3. To reassess a patient’s progress from some forms of spine altering treatments. Finally, and most importantly, we summarize why the long-held notion of carcinogenicity from X-rays is not a valid argument.
Managing Psoriatic Arthritis With a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet: A Case Study
Authors: Lewandowska Marta , Dunbar Kate , Kassam Shireen
Published: February 2021

A 40-year-old female teacher presented to the rheumatology clinic in 2003 with nonspecific back, knees, and right ankle pain. She was subsequently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and was taking methotrexate to control her disease. Over the years, her symptoms were mostly under control. However, in 2018, after adopting a whole food plant-based diet free of added salt, oil, and sugar, she was able to stop taking methotrexate. She was discharged from the rheumatology clinic and has remained symptom-free since. The available literature on managing psoriatic arthritis with diet shows that less than 2% of patients with psoriatic arthritis are able to discontinue medication as a result of disease remission. This case report adds to support and encourages further research in the field of managing inflammatory polyarthropathies with diet and lifestyle.