bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panchayati Raj and Rural Health Care Delivery System in Karnataka
Authors: Nanjunda D. C.
Published: March 2020

It is commonly opined that decentralisation through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) can help in creating greater accountability in the Indian healthcare system. Health decentralisation is specially meant for peoples’ participation, increased transparency and a higher degree of accountability to provide comprehensive and quality health services at the grassroots level. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) visualises the provision of decentralised healthcare at the grassroots level. However, this scheme has some lacunas in reaching the needy, especially in the rural parts of India because of an ineffective and non-participatory role of PRIs in decision making. This has been ascribed to a malfunction in creating healthcare awareness and making the procedures complicated and chaotic for the local Panchayats.

The article is based on the Indian Council of Medical Research-funded study in the state of Karnataka. It seeks to find out how PRIs are managing the public healthcare system and its success and failure through a qualitative study. The study has shown that some amount of caution is needed in devolving requisite powers to the PRIs within the NRHM. The coordination between Public Health Institute officials and those of PRIs is completely absent and most of the PRI members do not even know about various health schemes.
Explaining Support for Political Violence: Grievance and Perceived Opportunity
Authors: Dyrstad Karin , Hillesund Solveig
Published: March 2020

What explains support for violence against the state? The surge in survey-based studies in (former) conflict areas has improved our understanding of the determinants of armed conflict. Yet, the potential interaction between grievances and political opportunity structure has received little attention in microlevel studies. Integrating common arguments from the civil war literature with the political behavior tradition, this article argues that perceived political efficacy, a central component of the political opportunity structure, moderates the association between individual and group grievance and people’s support for political violence. It represents a first individual-level test of the argument that perceived political opportunity structure and grievances combine to explain internal armed conflict. Using original survey data from Guatemala, Nepal, and Northern Ireland (2016), we find robust empirical evidence that support for violence increases with perceived grievance and decreases with political efficacy; and some evidence of an interaction between the two.
Invention Questions for Intercultural Understanding: Situating Regulatory Medical Narratives as Narrative Forms
Authors: DeTora Lisa , Klein Michael J.
Published: March 2020

Patient safety narratives are a globally mandated format for representing individual patient experiences, and they include peer-reviewed case reports and narrative medicine. The authors show how the humanistic values described by Carolyn Miller in 1979 could enhance or contribute to international health and medical communication in relation to such narratives. They do so by expanding on twenty-first century work by Bowdon and Scott to provide a framework for considering how narrative competence and narrative humility may allow technical communicators to strengthen their practices within technical communication and the rhetorics of health and science by examining an individual problem within its broader, intercultural contexts.
Local and Lymph Node Relapse of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Toumi Nabil , Ennouri Sana , Charfeddine Ilhem , Daoud Jamel , Khanfir Afef
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

The study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as the therapeutic results in patients with locoregional (LR) relapse after treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with local and/or regional recurrent NPC over 13 years (2003-2015).

Results:

Twenty-five patients were treated for local or/and local–regional recurrence of NPC. The rate of LR relapse was 7.2%. The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 13.9 years. The median time to relapse was 25 months. The recurrence was nasopharyngeal in 17 patients, nasopharyngeal and neck lymph nodes in 7 patients, and neck lymph nodes in 1 patient. Fifteen relapsed patients had a locally advanced disease (rT3-rT4). Patients who had initially T1 or T2 tumor had a locally advanced relapsed disease (rT3rT4) in 27.3% and patients whose disease was initially classified as T3 or T4 had a locally advanced relapsed disease (rT3T4) in 85.7% ( P = .005, Fisher test). Twelve patients had chemotherapy after relapse. Chemotherapy was followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in 3 patients and by radiotherapy (RT) in 4 patients. Nine patients had concurrent chemoradiotherapy and 1 patient had exclusive RT. The overall survival (OS) at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years was, respectively, 58%, 18%, and 10%. The OS was significantly higher in patients with good performance status at the time of relapse (World Health Organization = 1; P = .01) and in patients with late relapse (after 2 years; P = .03).

Conclusions:

Locoregional relapse rate in our study was 7.2%. Locoregional reirradiation was the mainstay treatment modality in relapsed NPC. Relapsed NPC had a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 18%. The OS was significantly higher in patients with good performance status and in patients with late relapse (after 2 years).
Links Between International Factor Flows and Labor Standards in Malaysia: Findings from a Stakeholder Survey
Authors: Devadason Evelyn S.
Published: March 2020

This article identifies the dilution of key aspects of labor standards and establishes their systematic links with the global integration of the Malaysian economy through capital and labor inflows. The approach taken in this article is that investors and migrants, may, serve as channels of (lower) labor rights. For this purpose, the study consolidates information through interviews conducted with trade unions, activist groups and non-governmental organizations. The findings suggest that migrants have influenced and lowered the labor rights for the unskilled group. Since migrants have little information about their rights, they are directed into the secondary labor market with insecure and exploitative jobs. They have therefore become a preferred source of employment, “naturally” relegating the unskilled locals into contractual jobs with minimal to no work entitlements.
What kind of populism? Tone and targets in the Twitter discourse of French and American presidential candidates
Authors: Maurer Peter , Diehl Trevor
Published: March 2020

Insurgent candidates from across the political spectrum are increasingly turning to social media to directly engage the public. Social media offer a platform that favours affect and personality, both key components of populist-style rhetoric, a label that is often attached to politicians outside the political establishment. Despite noteworthy exceptions, few cross-national studies of high-profile candidates’ use of social media exist, and even less is known about how candidates representing various political ideologies employ affect alongside populism. To advance the state-of-the-art, this study examines the sentiment and rhetorical targets of attack in the Twitter feeds ( N = 25,825 tweets) of six presidential candidates in the United States and French election campaigns of 2016 and 2017. Employing dictionary-based quantitative analysis, the study finds variation among the candidates’ rhetoric in terms of how they employ populist themes, affect and ideology. The findings suggest that scholars should consider a more nuanced approach to populism in late-modern democracies.
Household Purchasing Productivity: Concept and Consequences
Authors: Shaw Eric H. , Pirog Stephen F. , Hall Justin R.
Published: March 2020

To provide a logically coherent explanation for the high correlations found between a nation’s economic affluence and overall subjective wellbeing, this research takes a micro-macro systems approach. We extend the standard micro theoretical model of the household, by separating purchasing from home production. This separation allows analysis of the opportunity costs in trading-off time and money (as in make or buy decisions) for various household processes. By expanding the household model, a formula is derived to empirically test the relationship between aggregate household income and aggregate household purchasing productivity.

The data, although rudimentary, support the hypothesis that growing economic affluence results in greater purchasing productivity. That is, aggregate household demand for marketing output increases more than proportionally to the purchasing time inputs to acquire it; and this increase in household purchasing productivity affords the option of trading off money for time (less make, more buy). Increasing purchasing productivity provides greater opportunities for household satisfaction, ceteris paribus, by freeing up time in household production; thereby providing more time and/or greater quality sensory data input into the consumption process to create satisfaction. Conversely, falling economic affluence has the reverse effect. It results in declining purchasing productivity and the necessity of trading off time for money (more make, less buy). Consequently, reduced opportunity for household satisfaction because of less time and/or lesser quality sensory characteristics input into the consuming process. Thus household purchasing productivity, which explicates the trade-off between make (or time) in home production versus buy (or money) in household purchasing, we argue, provides the linkage to explain a nation’s standard of living and potential happiness.
Investigation of Tack Coat Bond Damage Mechanism in Asphalt Surfaced Pavements under Dynamic Truck Loads
Authors: Estaji Mostafa , Coleri Erdem , Wruck Blaine
Published: March 2020

Bonding created by the tack coat allows the pavement system to carry heavy truck loads as a monolithic structure and improves the structural integrity. In Oregon and throughout the U.S.A., CSS-1H is the most commonly used tack coat type. However, field observations have revealed that new engineered tack coats, although more expensive, outperform the conventional types in relation to shear resistance. In this study, the impact of these new engineered emulsions on in-situ bond performance was quantified by laboratory testing and numerical modeling. Bonding damage performance of all tack coats was experimentally determined by using direct shear tests. Full-scale moving truck load models were developed and calibrated using the load-displacement parameters obtained from the laboratory shear tests. The impact of adverse construction conditions, such as dust, rain, and tack coat coverage, on tack coat bond damage under heavy truck loads was determined. It was concluded that the presence of dust had relatively the lowest contribution to shear damage. Rain during construction had the highest impact on the damage behavior and tack coat application on a wet surface increases the potential for damage by 20.1%. A 50% coverage of tack coat during construction resulted in 12.8% higher damage levels compared with 100% tack coat coverage of the surface area. Moving load models for heavy trucks caused 2.44 times more bonding damage at the bonded interface compared with the damage created by smaller trucks (F450).
Evaluating the Effects of Connected Vehicle Weather and Work Zone Warnings on Truck Drivers’ Workload and Distraction using Eye Glance Behavior
Authors: Raddaoui Omar , Ahmed Mohamed M.
Published: March 2020

This study acts in support of the Wyoming Department of Transport (WYDOT) connected vehicle pilot efforts in the deployment of effective, safe, and user-centered connected vehicle (CV) applications and human machine interface (HMI) displays. This study sought to quantify the workload demands and distraction introduced by the pilot’s spot weather impact warning (SWIW) and work zone warning (WZW) applications on professional truck drivers. Using driving simulator experimentation and eye-tracking technology, the effects of exposure to the CV warnings on the participants’ glance behavior were quantified. The study revealed that the weather notifications did not invoke any notable workload or distraction to the participants. Conversely, the WZWs deteriorated the participants’ roadway scanning behavior and brought about prolonged off-road glances, and therefore could carry adverse safety impacts to drivers in real-life conditions. This was largely attributed to the fact that, unlike the weather notifications, the WZW application appeared to have over-communicated information to the participants during a short time window and under difficult driving conditions and resulted in a relatively cluttered HMI. In light of these findings, WYDOT, the leading pilot stakeholder, is amending the design of the WZW application in such a way that message flow rate is reduced and only necessary information is displayed. All in all, the methodology applied in this study was effective in uncovering the overall effects of exposure to CV warnings and therefore could be useful for evaluating workload and distraction in the context of emergent advanced driver assistance systems.
Cerebral oxygenation improvement is associated with hemoglobin increase after hemodialysis initiation
Authors: Ito Kiyonori , Ookawara Susumu , Ueda Yuichiro , Miyazawa Haruhisa , Uchida Takayuki , Kofuji Masaya , Hayasaka Hideyuki , Minato Saori , Kaneko Shohei , Mutsuyoshi Yuko , Yanai Katsunori , Ishii Hiroki , Matsuyama Momoko , Kitano Taisuke , Shindo Mitsutoshi , Aomatsu Akinori , Hirai Keiji , Hoshino Taro , Tabei Kaoru , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Near-infrared spectroscopy has been used to measure the regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the brain, and decreases in cerebral rSO2 have been reported to lead to cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, reports about the association between changes in cerebral oxygenation and clinical parameters at hemodialysis initiation, including hemoglobin level, are lacking.

Methods:

This study included 33 patients at the hemodialysis initiation phase. Cerebral rSO2 was monitored using an INVOS 5100C. Included patients were assessed twice (at hemodialysis initiation and 42.7 ± 20.8 days after the first measurement), and changes in cerebral rSO2 were compared with changes in clinical parameters.

Results:

Cerebral rSO2 at the second measurement significantly increased compared with that at hemodialysis initiation (57.2 ± 6.8% vs 54.4 ± 8.8%, p < 0.05). Changes in cerebral rSO2 represented a significant correlation with changes in hemoglobin level, pulse rate, and serum albumin level. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed using significant factors in simple linear regression analysis. Changes in hemoglobin (standardized coefficient: 0.37) and serum albumin (standardized coefficient: 0.45) levels were identified as independent factors influencing the changes in cerebral rSO2.

Conclusion:

Cerebral rSO2 was low in the presence of low hemoglobin levels at hemodialysis initiation and improved in response to hemoglobin increase in addition to changes in serum albumin levels. Attention should be paid to changes in hemoglobin levels even at hemodialysis initiation to prevent the deterioration of cerebral oxygenation, and this might contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Effect of Religiosity and Moral Identity Internalization on Prosocial Behaviour
Authors: Kaur Sukhamjit
Published: March 2020

The main aim of the present research was to study the religiosity and moral identity internalization as effective variables of prosocial behaviour. Sample consisted of 400 emerging adults (females) in the age range of 18–24. All participants completed questionnaire measures, namely religiosity scale (Bhushan, 1970), moral identity inventory (Aquino & Reed, 2002, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83, 1423–1440) and prosocial personality battery (Penner, Fritzsche, Craiger & Friefeld, 1995, Advances in Personality Assessment (vol. 10, pp. 147–184). Hillsdale, NJ: Lea). The data were subjected to 2 × 2 analysis of variance. The results of ANOVA clearly revealed that highly religious people are more responsible socially, exhibit higher empathic concern, are more able to take others perspective, have higher prosocial moral reasoning capabilities, are more helpful, altruistic and demonstrate a high level of other oriented empathy. High moral identity internalization leads to socially responsible behaviour, along with higher empathic concern and perspective-taking abilities. Individuals with high level of moral identity were found capable to use prosocial moral reasoning, and they also exhibited higher levels of other oriented empathy. Religiosity and moral identity internalization interacted with each other to produce a combined effect on mutual concern moral reasoning.
The Future of Farming: To What End and For What Purpose?
Authors: Tyagi Bharat Bhushan , Kumar Richa
Published: March 2020

In this conversation, Bharat Bhushan Tyagiji, national award winning farmer from western Uttar Pradesh, and social anthropologist Richa Kumar, together attempt to analyse the alternative perspective of Tyagiji on the current crisis of farming in India, especially Punjab. Unlike typical alternative perspectives that uncritically glorify ‘tradition’, romanticise nature, and dismiss science and machines, Tyagiji’s views are refreshingly different. His focus is on the present; he is not enamoured by tradition or by so-called traditional knowledge. At the same time, he seeks to put science back in its place—within a larger discourse and appreciation of the knowledge of living in this world with meaning and purpose. He argues for working with scientific knowledge rather than dismissing it entirely, and he wants to use technology as part of a system that also centrally values human labour. But before we can change agriculture, he argues, we have to first contend with questions of how we want to live, and what we want to value. This conversation is a small contribution towards helping us think through some of these vexing questions in the context of the future of farming.
Constructing Alternative Socio-technical Worlds: Re-imagining RRI through SRI in India
Authors: Prasad C Shambu
Published: March 2020

While Responsible Research and Innovation has the potential for democratising the governance of research and innovation, translating it in the Global South would need dialogues and engaging with the plural knowledge systems and ongoing experiments on innovation at the margins that seek to construct alternatives. Entrenched power relations in the South do not allow for public dialogues that allows for society to engage with, if not speak back, to scientists in co-creating newer knowledge. Through the case study of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological innovation that arose outside the formal research establishment, we show how vulnerable farming communities can proactively co-create alternatives to existing dilemmas in Indian agriculture. Re-imaging RRI in India, we suggest, requires closer attention to the role of civil society organisations in creating innovation spaces through informal and heterogeneous networks of social learning. Networks, we suggest, allow for better expression of creative dissent that could open newer vistas and alternative framing of knowledge. The RRI agenda is thus incomplete without an engagement with the politics of knowledge, and scientific controversies reveal technological lock-ins that hinders alternative framings and pathways.
Consensus or Contestation: Reflections on Governance of Innovation in a Context of Heterogeneous Knowledges
Authors: Valkenburg Govert
Published: March 2020

Governance of innovation needs to cater in a democratic way for heterogeneity of knowledges. Many initiatives in the democratisation of innovation aspire to some sort of consensus among relevant actors. However, consensus tends to silence dissenting voices, typically those of marginalised groups. In situations of high epistemic and epistemological diversity, this problem can be expected to aggravate. Against consensus-seeking theories of deliberative democracy, Chantal Mouffe has proposed the aspiration to grant the possibility of contestation. While one central principle in many theories of democracy is that it should never silence dissenting or minority positions, Mouffe elevates contestation, rather than the pursuit of consensus, to be the linchpin of democracy. I will explore what a contestation-oriented view of democratisation could mean in the case of governing innovation, specifically in the case of biogasification of rice straw. The latter is commonly presented as a potentially beneficial use of rice straw, which is currently considered waste and (illegally) burned by farmers on the Indian countryside. However, our research has shown that this view indeed unduly suppresses valuable yet marginalised knowledges. Lessons for frameworks such as Responsible Research and Innovation, and particularly an alternative to the dominant aim of democratising innovation through deliberation, will be drawn.
Does not it matter? Widening of the derogation for Services of General Interests
Authors: Bartha Ildikó , Horváth Tamás M.
Published: March 2020

The scope of derogation possibilities for Services of General Interests in the EU internal market has been widened by legislators for more than fifteen years. The process is also supported by the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. State aid and other influential instruments are allowed to derogate from internal market and competition rules while their roles are heavily discussed in the circumstances of free market economy. Are these solutions leading to new regimes in European integration? This study aims at reconstructing the sense of this process in its details. This analytical study is based on comparative legal investigations applying qualitative and quantitative methods.
The Longitudinal Parallel Process Analysis of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Symptom Clusters, and Cognitive Function in Children With Leukemia
Authors: Hooke Mary C. , Hatch Daniel , Hockenberry Marilyn J. , Whitman Susan , Moore Ida , Montgomery David , Marano Kari , Mitby Pauline , Scheurer Michael E. , Taylor Olga , Pan Wei
Published: March 2020

Background: During treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), children report co-occurring symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain, nausea, and depression as a symptom cluster. Central nervous system–directed ALL therapies also put children at risk for cognitive impairments. Cancer therapies can cause an increase in oxidative stress, which may contribute to treatment-related symptoms. This study examined the longitudinal relationships between biomarkers of oxidative stress in the cerebrospinal fluid, the Childhood Cancer Symptom Cluster–Leukemia (CCSC-L), and cognition, in children over the first year of ALL treatment. Methods: Glutathione (GSH) biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured in cerebrospinal fluid collected during treatment lumbar punctures. GSH biomarkers, symptoms, and cognitive function of 132 children aged 3 to 18 years were evaluated at four time points during the first year of leukemia treatment. Participants, 7 years and older, completed self-report measures, and parents reported for younger children. Cognitive function measurements for all participants were completed by parents. A longitudinal parallel-process model was used to explore the influence of the initial measurement and the subsequent change over four time points of the GSH biomarkers on the CCSC-L and cognition. Results: GSH biomarkers increased over the four time points indicating decreasing oxidative stress. When GSH biomarkers were higher (less oxidative stress) at the initial measurement, the CCSC-L severity was lower, cognition was better, and cognition improved over the four measurements. Screening children for high levels of oxidative stress would be a foundation for future intervention studies to address symptom distress and cognitive impairments.
Simultaneous energy harvesting and vibration attenuation in piezo-embedded negative stiffness metamaterial
Authors: Dwivedi Ankur , Banerjee Arnab , Bhattacharya Bishakh
Published: March 2020

Mechanical metamaterials are uniquely engineered form of periodically arranged unit cells that exhibit interesting frequency-dependent physical properties like negative effective mass, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. These extreme engineering properties are beyond the natural properties of a material, which can modulate the propagation of wave. In this article, a mechanical realization of one of these uncommon properties called negative stiffness is emulated through analytical simulation. Wave propagation in metamaterials is contingent on frequency, which in turn results in transmission and attenuation bands. Simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting can be executed by embedding energy harvesting smart material within the resonating units of the metamaterial. However, this needs careful design studies to outline the range of parameters. In this work, first, the band structure of a piezo-embedded negative stiffness metamaterial is studied using generalized Bloch’s theorem. Subsequently, harvested power along with the transmissibility is computed for a chain of finite number of metamaterial units by using backward substitution method. The results of the parametric studies elucidate that piezo-embedded negative stiffness metamaterial can enhance the performance in terms of vibration attenuation and harvested energy.
Outcomes Associated With Resuming Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Following Admission for a Gastrointestinal Bleed
Authors: Valanejad Sara M. , Davis Kyle A. , Nisly Sarah A.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) carry a lower bleeding risk compared with warfarin, gastrointestinal bleeds (GIB) are a known complication. There are limited data observing outcomes associated with resuming DOACs following a GIB.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate practice patterns and clinical outcomes of patients admitted with an index GIB while receiving DOAC therapy.

Methods:

This retrospective, single-system study included adult patients receiving DOAC therapy prior to admission and hospitalized with an index GIB between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2018. Patient exclusion criteria were a history of immune thrombocytopenia purpura or inflammatory bowel disease; discharge to hospice; leaving against medical advice; or death during hospitalization. The primary objective was 90-day readmission for a recurrent GIB.

Results:

There were 57 patients included for analysis; 37 patients had DOAC therapy held >7 days, 18 patients resumed DOAC therapy within 7 days, and 2 patients switched to warfarin. The majority of patients received rivaroxaban (59.6%) prior to admission for atrial fibrillation (71.9%), were admitted with a major GIB (66.7%), and required a blood transfusion (61.4%). The rates of recurrent GIB were 2.5% (n = 1) and 5.6% (n = 1) for those who had their DOAC held and resumed, respectively ( P = 0.83). Mortality within 12 months of discharge occurred in 4 patients (10.8%) who had their DOAC held and 4 patients (22.2%) who resumed DOAC therapy ( P = 0.28).

Conclusion and Relevance:

Resuming anticoagulation within 7 days of admission for an index GIB was not associated with a recurrent GIB within 90 days of discharge.
Effect on Overall Health Status With Weightbearing at 2 Weeks vs 6 Weeks After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures
Authors: Schubert Jonathon , Lambers Kaj T. A. , Kimber Cheryl , Denk Katharina , Cho Matthew , Doornberg Job N. , Jaarsma Ruurd L.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Ongoing controversy exists on postoperative weightbearing status after open reduction and internal fixation of an ankle fracture. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare patient-based and physician-based outcomes after early weightbearing at 2 vs 6 weeks postoperatively.

Methods:

Fifty patients with unstable rotational-type ankle fractures were treated operatively with subsequent immobilization in a below-the-knee cast for 2 weeks and were then randomly allocated to 2 groups. The first group had early weightbearing at 2 weeks postoperation and the second group at 6 weeks postoperation. Follow-up included subjective and objective evaluations performed at 2, 6, 12, and 26 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome was the patient-based general health status as measured with the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scoring system. Secondary outcome was the Olerud and Molander ankle score. Power analysis revealed a study group of 50 patients was needed to show a clinically relevant effect size of 10 points in both EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS) score and Olerud and Molander score.

Results:

Patients in the early weightbearing group had higher mean EQ-5D VAS scores at a 6-week follow-up ( P = .014) of 77 ± 14 compared to 66 ± 15 for late mobilization. No difference was found at other follow-up points or between groups for physician-based outcome measures. At 26 weeks postoperatively, mean Olerud and Molander ankle scores were similar at 84 ± 16 and 81 ± 17 for mobilization at 2 and 6 weeks postoperation, respectively.

Conclusion:

Early weightbearing after operative fixation of rotational-type ankle fractures had a clinically relevant and statistically significant benefit in patient-based general health status, as quantified with EQ-5D VAS scores, at 6 weeks postoperation. These results contribute to our understanding of early weightbearing and may encourage consideration of weightbearing at 2 weeks postoperatively in standard protocols.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I, prospective randomized controlled trial.
Nuclear Medicine for the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Authors: Serino Joseph , Kunze Kyle N. , Jacobsen Stephen K. , Morash Joel G. , Holmes George B. , Lin Johnny , Lee Simon , Hamid Kamran S. , Bohl Daniel D.
Published: March 2020

Nuclear medicine has been widely applied as a diagnostic tool for orthopedic foot and ankle pathology. Although its indications have diminished with improvements in and the availability of magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine still has a significant and valuable role. The present article offers a comprehensive and current review of the most common nuclear imaging modalities for the orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Methods discussed include bone scintigraphy, gallium citrate scintigraphy, labeled-leukocyte scintigraphy, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We review the indications and utility of these techniques as they pertain to specific foot and ankle conditions, including osteomyelitis, stress fractures, talar osteochondral lesions, complex regional pain syndrome, oncology, plantar fasciitis, and the painful total ankle arthroplasty. We conclude with a discussion of our approach to nuclear medicine with illustrative cases.

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Massive hemoptysis following cannulation of right internal jugular vein for insertion of cuffed hemodialysis catheter: A rare complication of central venous catheterization
Authors: Ghoddusi Johari Hamed , Lashkarizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Mardani Parviz , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: March 2020

Here we report an extremely rare presentation of internal jugular vein catheterization, presenting as massive hemoptysis which was noted during right internal jugular vein cuffed hemodialysis catheter insertion of a 39-year-old man known-case of End-Stage Renal Disease. Chest roentgenogram and computerized tomography scan showed pleural effusion and misplacement of the tip of hemodialysis catheter in the posterior mediastinum causing possible damage to the right main bronchus. After chest tube insertion and removing the misplaced hemodialysis catheter, a proper cuffed catheter was inserted and the patient was discharged with an uneventful post-op course.
Phylogenetic Relationship Among Brackishwater Vibrio Species
Authors: Ashok Kumar J , Vinaya Kumar K , Avunje S , Akhil V , Ashok S , Kumar Sujeet , Sivamani B , Grover Monendra , Rai Anil , Alavandi SV , Vijayan KK
Published: March 2020

Vibriosis is regarded as an important disease of penaeid shrimps affecting larvae in hatcheries. Among the Vibrio species, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio furnissii, Vibrio campbellii, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio anguillarum are often associated with diseases in finfish and shellfish of brackishwater ecosystem. Accurate species differentiating methods for the organisms present in an ecosystem are required for precise classification of the species and to take steps for their management. Conventional methods like 16s rRNA phylogeny and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) have often failed to correctly identify Vibrio species. This has necessitated a comprehensive investigation on methodologies available to distinguish Vibrio species associated with brackishwater aquaculture system. To achieve this, 35 whole genomes belonging to 7 Vibrio species were subjected to phylogenetic analysis based on 16s rRNA gene, MLST genes, single-copy orthologous genes, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, genome-based similarity indices like average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) were computed as confirmatory tests to verify the phylogenetic relations. There were some misclassifications occurred regarding phylogenetic relations based on 16s rRNA genes and MLST genes, while phylogeny with single-copy orthologous genes produced accurate species-level clustering. Study reveals that the species identification based on whole genome-based estimates or genome-wide variants are more precise than the ones done with single or subset of genes.
Prescription Drug Misuse: Taking a Lifespan Perspective
Authors: Schepis Ty S , Klare Dalton L , Ford Jason A , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: March 2020

Prescription drug misuse (PDM), or medication use without a prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber, is a notable public health concern, especially in the United States. Accumulating research has characterized PDM prevalence and processes, but age-based or lifespan changes in PDM are understudied. Given age-based differences in the medical or developmental concerns that often underlie PDM, it is likely that PDM varies by age. This review summarizes the literature on PDM across the lifespan, examining lifespan changes in prevalence, sources, motives and correlates for opioid, stimulant, and tranquilizer/sedative (or benzodiazepine) PDM. In all, prevalence rates, sources and motives vary considerably by age group, with fewer age-based differences in correlates or risk factors. PDM prevalence rates tend to decline with aging, with greater use of physician sources and greater endorsement of self-treatment motives in older groups. Recreational motives (such as to get high) tend to peak in young adulthood, with greater use of peer sources or purchases to obtain medication for PDM in younger groups. PDM co-occurs with other substance use and psychopathology, including suicidality, across age groups. The evidence for lifespan variation in PDM is strongest for opioid PDM, with a need for more research on tranquilizer/sedative and stimulant PDM. The current literature is limited by the few studies of lifespan changes in PDM within a single sample, a lack of longitudinal research, little research addressing PDM in the context of polysubstance use, and little research on minority groups, such as sexual and gender minorities.
Chinese cinema and Australian audiences: an exploratory study
Authors: Talmacs Nicole
Published: March 2020

Since Wanda’s acquisition of Hoyts Group in 2015, and Australia’s signing of the Film Co-production Treaty with China in 2008, Chinese cinema has gained access to mainstream Australian cinemas more than ever before. To date, these films have struggled to cross over into the mainstream (that is, attract non-diasporic audiences). Drawing on film screenings of a selection of both Chinese and Chinese-foreign co-productions recently theatrically released in major cities in Australia, this article finds Chinese and Chinese-foreign co-produced cinema will likely continue to lack appeal among non-Chinese Australian audiences. Concerningly, exposure to contemporary Chinese cinema was found to negatively impact willingness to watch Chinese cinema again, and in some cases, worsen impressions of China and Chinese society.
Availability and utilization of support services for South African male caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease in low-income communities
Authors: Mahomed Aqeela , Pretorius Chrisma
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of male caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease, by ascertaining the availability and utilization of Alzheimer’s disease-related resources in low-income communities in the Western Cape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 adult males who were familial caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. They were recruited via purposeful sampling methods. Thematic analysis of the data generated four major themes, namely Awareness, Knowledge and Education; Caregivers who do not use services; Caregivers who use services and Service needs identified by male caregivers. Predominant findings were that male caregivers in lower income communities do not make use of formal Alzheimer’s disease-related services – albeit being aware of them – because they do not perceive a need for its utilization. Instead, male caregivers prefer assistance in the form of respite care in the home environment to relieve and assist them with household needs. The role of culture may have a substantial influence on these patterns of help-seeking behavior due to the emphasis on a collective approach to caregiving using wider, informal social networks. Needs that were identified by the male caregivers in this study included the general awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, access to information regarding service provision, psychoeducation and affordable services within improved care facilities for low-income communities. The findings of this study suggest a starting point for the needs that should be prioritized to facilitate culturally appropriate service use amongst male caregivers in similar settings.
Monocyte count and the risk for acute exacerbation of fibrosing interstitial lung disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kawamura Kodai , Ichikado Kazuya , Anan Keisuke , Yasuda Yuko , Sekido Yuko , Suga Moritaka , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Sakagami Takuro
Published: March 2020

Recent studies have suggested that an increased peripheral monocyte count predicts a poor outcome in fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the association between an increased monocyte count and acute exacerbations (AEs) of fibrosing ILD remains to be elucidated. Our retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the impact of peripheral monocyte count on AEs of fibrosing ILD. We analyzed the electronic medical records of 122 consecutive patients with fibrosing ILD and no prior history of an AE, who were treated with anti-fibrotic agents from August 2015 to December 2018. We determined their peripheral monocyte counts at anti-fibrotic agent initiation and performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of time-to-first AE after anti-fibrotic agent initiation to assess the impact of monocyte count on AEs of fibrosing ILD. Twenty-six patients developed an AE during the follow-up period, and there was an increased monocyte count at anti-fibrotic agent initiation in these patients compared to those who did not develop an AE. There was also a significantly shorter time-to-first AE of fibrosing ILD in patients with a higher absolute monocyte count. Subgroup analyses indicated similar results regardless of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnoses. This association was independently significant after adjusting for the severity of the fibrosing ILD. Using our results, we developed a simple scoring system consisting of two factors—monocyte count (<>380 µL−1) and ILD-gender, age, physiology score (<>4 points). Our findings suggest that the absolute monocyte count is an independent significant risk factor for AE in patients with fibrosing ILD. Our simple scoring system may be a predictor for AEs of fibrosing ILD, although further studies are needed to verify our findings.
Effects of bi-particle-sized shear thickening fluid on rheological behaviors and stab resistance of Kevlar fabrics
Authors: Zhang Xiayun , Li Ting-Ting , Peng Hao-Kai , Wang Zhike , Huo Junli , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the shear-thickening fluids(STFs) are prepared by 0.5 µm and 12 nm silica particles. The STFs rheological properties and the performance of stab resistance are studied. SiO2 particles with two sizes (12 nm and 0.5 µm) are mixed at different weight ratios to form shear thickening fluids and its rheological behaviors are tested. Next, the quasi-static spike and knife stab resistances, dynamic impact strength, and yarn pull-out of shear thickening fluid-impregnated Kevlar fabrics are tested. The investigation showed that the micro- and nano-sized particles of silica are present in the compound shear thickening fluid, and the rheological behavior was positively improved. Regardless of whether shear thickening fluid is composed of mono-sized or binary particle-sized SiO2 particles, the presence of shear thickening fluids can significantly strengthen Kevlar fabrics in terms of the quasi-static spike and knife stab resistances, dynamic impact strength, and promote the friction force of inter-yarn. In particular, shear thickening fluid-impregnated Kevlar fabrics have better performances when being composed of 12 nm and 0.5 µm SiO2 particles at ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 than when being made of only micro-sized or nano-sized particles.
Evolutionary game–based trajectory design algorithm for mobile sink in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Bencan Gong , Panpan Dong , Peng Chen , Dong Ren
Published: March 2020

In wireless sensor networks, if sink node is stationary, the nodes close to sink will deplete energy faster than those in other areas. The unbalanced energy consumption among the nodes will lead to the energy hole problem, which shortens the network lifetime. To solve the problem, evolutionary game–based trajectory design algorithm for mobile sink in wireless sensor networks is proposed in this article. In evolutionary game model, the average residual energy of each cluster, average intra-cluster energy consumption, and average inter-cluster energy consumption are used to design utility function. The sink will select the cluster with more utility value as its new location and move to the cluster head which has the largest residual energy and the shortest distance to other cluster heads. The simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively balance network load, reduce network energy consumption, prolong the network lifetime, and increase the number of data packets that sink receives.
“They Eat What They Eat, I Eat What I Eat”: Examining the Perspectives and Experiences of African Americans Who Adopt Plant-Based Diets
Authors: Botchway Marian , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Crimarco Anthony , Wilson Mary J. , Davey Marty , Wilcox Sara , Frongillo Edward A.
Published: March 2020

Adopting a plant-rich or plant-based diet is one of the major recommendations for addressing obesity, overweight, and related health conditions in the United States. Currently, research on African Americans’ food choices in the context of plant-based diets is limited. The primary aim of this study was to understand food-related experiences and perceptions of African Americans who were participating in the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) study, a culturally tailored dietary intervention focused on increasing the consumption of plant-based foods. The roles of gender and ethnicity were also examined to identify how eating patterns were chosen or maintained. Twenty-one African American adults in South Carolina, who were randomly assigned to either a vegan diet (n = 11) or a low-fat omnivorous diet (n = 10) in the NEW Soul study, completed one-on-one, qualitative interviews. Emerging themes included awareness, being in control, and identity. The study revealed that access to social support and coping strategies for addressing negative comments about plant-based food choices may be important components to include in future nutrition interventions focused on African Americans.
Evaluation and management of measurable residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Abou Dalle Iman , Jabbour Elias , Short Nicholas J.
Published: March 2020

With standard chemotherapy regimens for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, approximately 90% of patients achieve complete remission. However, up to half of patients have persistent minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) not recognized by routine microscopy, which constitutes the leading determinant of relapse. Many studies in pediatric and adult populations have demonstrated that achievement of MRD negativity after induction chemotherapy or during consolidation is associated with significantly better long-term outcomes, and MRD status constitutes an independently prognostic marker, often superseding other conventional risk factors. Persistence of MRD after intensive chemotherapy is indicative of treatment refractoriness and warrants alternative therapeutic approaches including allogeneic stem cell transplantation, blinatumomab, or investigational therapies such as inotuzumab ozogamicin or chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Furthermore, the incorporation of novel monoclonal antibodies or potent BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as ponatinib into frontline treatment may have the advantage of achieving higher rates of MRD negativity while minimizing chemotherapy-related toxicities. Many studies are therefore ongoing to determine whether this strategy can improve cure rates without the need for allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Patient-reported outcome measures in systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease for clinical practice and clinical trials
Authors: Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Scholand Mary Beth , Lammi Matthew R. , Russell Anne-Marie
Published: March 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive vasculopathic, fibrosing autoimmune condition, portending significant mortality; wherein interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of death. Although lacking a definitive cure, therapeutics for (SSc-ILD) that stave progression exist with further promising primary and adjuvant compounds in development, as well as interventions to reduce symptom burden and increase quality of life. To date, there has been a significant but varied history related to systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease trial design and endpoint designation. This is especially true of endpoints measuring patient-reported perceptions of efficacy and tolerability. This article describes the underpinnings and complexity of the science, methodology, and current state of patient-reported outcome measures used in (SSc-ILD) systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease in clinical practice and trials.