bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Invasive Breast Cancer Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score on Core Needle Biopsies Influence Neoadjuvant Treatment Decision? A Descriptive Study
Authors: Nam Gahie , Singh Kamaljeet , Lopresti Mary L. , Ouseph Madhu M. , Wang Li Juan , Wang Yihong
Published: October 2021

Background:

Oncotype Dx (ODx) is a genomic assay which estimates the risk of distant recurrence and predicts adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in early stage breast cancer patients. Most ODx data is derived from excisional specimens.

Aim:

We assess the utility of ODx on core needle biopsies (CNB) and measure its impact on neoadjuvant treatment decisions, particularly in patients with clinically complicated situations.

Methods:

Consecutive ODx results on breast CNBs with invasive carcinoma from 2012-2020 at 3 tertiary care hospitals with dedicated Breast Health Centers were reviewed. Clinical indications to perform ODx on CNB were recorded through a review of patients’ electronic medical records. Clinicopathologic features, surgical or oncologic modalities and follow-up data were recorded.

Results:

Three distinct clinical indications for performing ODx on CNB in 85 ER+ invasive breast carcinomas were identified: 1) Excisions with insufficient tissue to perform ODx, 2) adjudicate neoadjuvant therapy versus primary surgical resection, and 3) select neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) versus neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). Primary surgery was selected in patients with low score RS (<18), and NET was preferred in patients with intermediate or high RS (>18). NET was preferred over NAC in patients with low RS (<18).

Conclusion:

This study shows that CNB ODx RS helps guide treatment decisions in a neoadjuvant setting along with other contributing factors such as the presence of pathogenic mutations, node positivity, patient age, and comorbidities. The use of ODx on CNB is furthermore valuable in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic for early breast cancer patients to administer effective therapy in a timely manner.
When It “Feels Like a Giant Living Room”: Implementing Peer Education at an Urban, Research-1 Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Amaro-Jiménez Carla , Nandakumar Vandana , Hungerford-Kresser Holly , Patterson Oliver , Martinez-Cosio Maria , Luken-Sutton Jennifer
Published: October 2021

We report on a qualitative research study that identifies both challenges and successes resulting from the implementation of a Peer Education program at an urban, Hispanic-serving, Tier 1 Research University. By drawing on the experiences of 29 peer educators, we demonstrate the ways that combining peer mentoring and tutoring provided benefits for those who were not only served but those who served them. Lessons learned are shared.
Self-Rehabilitation for Post-Stroke Motor Function and Activity–A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Everard Gauthier , Luc Alexandre , Doumas Ioannis , Ajana Khawla , Stoquart Gaëtan , Edwards Martin Gareth , Lejeune Thierry
Published: October 2021

Background. Due to an increasing stroke incidence, a lack of resources to implement effective rehabilitation and a significant proportion of patients with remaining impairments after treatment, there is a rise in demand for effective and prolonged rehabilitation. Development of self-rehabilitation programs provides an opportunity to meet these increasing demands.

Objective. The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of self-rehabilitation on motor outcomes, in comparison to conventional rehabilitation, among patients with stroke. The secondary aim was to assess the influence of trial location (continent), technology, time since stroke (acute/subacute vs chronic), dose (total training duration > vs ≤ 15 hours), and intervention design (self-rehabilitation in addition/substitution to conventional therapy) on effect of self-rehabilitation.

Methods. Studies were selected if participants were adults with stroke; the intervention consisted of a self-rehabilitation program defined as a tailored program where for most of the time, the patient performed rehabilitation exercises independently; the control group received conventional therapy; outcomes included motor function and activity; and the study was a randomized controlled trial with a PEDro score ≥5.

Results. Thirty-five trials were selected (2225 participants) and included in quantitative synthesis regarding motor outcomes. Trials had a median PEDro Score of 7 [6–8]. Self-rehabilitation programs were shown to be as effective as conventional therapy. Trial location, use of technology, stroke stage, and intervention design did not appear to have a significant influence on outcomes.

Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed low to moderate evidence that self-rehabilitation and conventional therapy efficacy was equally valuable for post-stroke motor function and activity.
The Motherhood Penalty—Understanding the Gendered Role of Motherhood in the Life Histories of Incarcerated South African Women
Authors: Parry Bianca R.
Published: October 2021

The number of incarcerated women in South Africa has steadily increased over the last decade. However, as a minority in the carceral population of the country, their narratives are underrepresented. An emergent body of feminist, gender responsive research has found that motherhood is central to the narratives of incarcerated women. This study endeavored to document the life histories of 17 women who are incarcerated in the largest correctional center in South Africa. The narratives of these women explicate how the gendered role of motherhood impacted on their incarceration pathways, contributing to the developing literature of justice-involved women in South Africa.
Risky Business: Increasing Fertility Knowledge of Men in the General Public Using the Mobile Health Application Infotility XY
Authors: Kruglova Katya , Gelgoot Eden Noah , Chan Peter , Lo Kirk , Rosberger Zeev , Bélanger Emilie , Kazdan Jordana , Robins Stephanie , Zelkowitz Phyllis
Published: October 2021

Male infertility presents a public health concern. As most men wish to become fathers, it is important to increase men’s awareness of infertility risk factors. We developed a mobile health application (mHealth app), Infotility XY, to promote men’s reproductive health. This study evaluates whether use of the app led to increased knowledge of infertility risk factors, and whether knowledge change was associated with participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and/or app usage. Participants were recruited between August and October 2020. Eligibility criteria included: identified as male; 18–45 years old; childless; no infertility history; able to read and write in English/French; had internet access. We assessed participants’ fertility knowledge before and after app use. App usage data were captured during the 2-week intervention period. Our sample included 49 men aged 18–45. Seventy-eight percent of participants had not previously sought fertility information. Participants viewed on average 75% of the app’s articles, and 96% of participants said the app increased their fertility knowledge. Before app use, 55% of men said they were aware of infertility risk factors, compared to 96% after app use. Men correctly identified more risk factors after app use compared to before, t(48) = 8.28, p < .001. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and amount of app usage were not associated with knowledge change. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of an mHealth app to improve men’s awareness of infertility risk factors. Given the positive relationship between male reproductive health and overall health, increased awareness of infertility risk factors may lead to men’s improved overall health.
A stabilization of the electrospun, modified polyacrylonitril with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Farhadi Fatemeh , Abbasi Marjan , Haghi Akbar K
Published: October 2021

In the present study, poly (acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate), P (AN-co-MMA), nanofibers and P (AN-co-MMA) nanofibers with Functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (F-SWCNTs) were produced by electrospinning and became stabilized. Besides, samples were evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the sample containing F-SWCNT, the amount of the heat released during stabilization reactions was lower than that with pure PAN copolymer nanofibers. This indicates that the F-SWCNTs prevent damage and sudden release of heat to the nanofibers during the stabilization process. Besides, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) greatly prevent a decrease in the diameter of the nanofibers the size of the crystals, and the arrangement of the nanofibers during the stabilization process.
Consequences of Untreated Pediatric Trigger Thumb: Case Report
Authors: Rao Vinay , Ericson Jr William B.
Published: October 2021

Pediatric trigger thumbs present a conundrum for hand surgeons. Surgery for trigger thumbs has inherent risks, such as infection, nerve injury, and the risks of anesthesia, but will reliably solve the problem. But is surgical intervention necessary? Would these cases resolve spontaneously, eventually, without intervention? If not, what are the long-term consequences of the inability to fully extend the thumb interphalangeal joint? We present a pediatric trigger thumb that was symptomatic for 22 years, with complete resolution of symptoms after surgical intervention. This report illustrates at least some pediatric trigger thumbs will not resolve without surgical intervention, but treatment, even after 21 years, can result in normal thumb motion and function.
Comparison Between Distal and Proximal Approaches for Local Corticosteroid Injection in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meshkini Mina , Fateh Hamid R. , Rahimi-Dehgolan Shahram , Azadvari Mohaddeseh , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh
Published: October 2021

Background:

The present, open-labeled study aimed to compare the distal approach (DA) for local corticosteroid injection (LCI) with the conventional proximal approach (PA) in alleviating the symptom and improving the electrodiagnostic parameters of the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods:

A total of 60 participants with nonsevere CTS were included in the present randomized controlled trial (RCT), of which 29 and 31 were assigned to the DA and PA groups, respectively. Each group received a single, landmark-guided injection of local methylprednisolone. The participants were assessed preintervention and 3 months later using the measures of visual analog scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), hand grip strength, and nerve conduction study (NCS).

Results:

Following a 3-month follow-up, both groups had significant improvements in VAS, both functional and severity subscales of BCTQ, hand grip strength, and some electrodiagnostic parameters (all P-values < .05). Moreover, the DA group had a significantly lower procedure duration than the PA group (9.80 ± 1.12 vs. 27.61 ± 1.77; P < .001).

Conclusions:

LCI using the DA should be considered a feasible, safe, and effective therapeutic method in patients with mild to moderate CTS. It had a shorter procedure duration than conventional PA, while their clinical and electrophysiological results were similar.
Toward New Understandings of a Good Life for People Experiencing Impairment: An Art- and Community-Based Research Protocol
Authors: Thomas Roanne , Egan Mary , Gifford Wendy , Grassau Pamela , King Judy , Rheault Alysson , Boulanger Josée
Published: October 2021

Almost half of all Canadians live with sensory, cognitive, or physical impairment due to injury, illness, or ageing. Yet, research investigating the complex relationship between well-being and impairment is limited. Existing research has largely rendered invisible peoples’ experiences of a good life while living with impairment. In response, researchers are calling for interdisciplinary research that integrates new paradigms. Using innovative qualitative and visual research methods, our team will work with 24 women living with impairment as a result of cancer and/or its treatments to explore how creative practices can contribute to new understandings of a good life. Participants will be invited to complete mixed-media arts workshops during which they will create artwork representing their experiences of well-being while living with impairment. After the workshops, each participant will be asked to complete an individual interview about their experiences and their creative work. Next, a rough cut of a film will be produced from the workshop recordings and participants will be invited to provide feedback at a private screening. The research will culminate in a public screening of the film and an exhibit of participants’ work. Audience members (health professionals, students, participants, and the general public) will participate in a discussion following the screening and will be asked to complete a short survey about the event. This research will enhance public understandings of what it means to live well with impairment. In addition, the research will potentially impact health practices through querying dominant biomedical paradigms focused on curative approaches and distress.
Experimental design and numerical validation of a low-cost water heater by electromagnetic induction
Authors: Aguilar-Peréz Luis A , Merino-García Jóse A , Ramírez-Crescencio Fermin , Villanueva-Fierro Ignacio , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher R
Published: October 2021

This study shows a new approach to heat water in a residential environment. An electromagnetic heating method is proposed. A steel bar inside a pipeline filled with water is heated by five arrangements of a copper coil which incites the steel bar by electromagnetic induction. Consequently, numerical simulation and experimental evaluation are compared. The outcomes evaluated two different scenarios: steady water and a water flow of 0.16 kg/s. Three rods demonstrated that current induction of 20 A at the surface of the steel bar heats at 157°C. Also, the maximum value reached is 58°C. Heating the water upon for those conditions, the proposed tankless instantaneous water heater (TIWH) reaches a temperature of 41.01°C with one rod but only reaches 37.92°C with three rods in a series configuration, in a parallel configuration, the maximum temperature reached was 28.73°C.
Individual Differences in Structure Building: Impacts on Comprehension and Learning, Theoretical Underpinnings, and Support for Less Able Structure Builders
Authors: McDaniel Mark A. , Marsh Elizabeth J. , Gouravajhala Reshma
Published: October 2021

In this article, we highlight an underappreciated individual difference: structure building. Structure building is integral to many everyday activities and involves creating coherent mental representations of conversations, texts, pictorial stories, and other events. People vary in this ability in a way not generally captured by other better known concepts and individual difference measures. Individuals with lower structure-building ability consistently perform worse on a range of comprehension and learning measures than do individuals with higher structure-building ability, both in the laboratory and in the classroom. Problems include a range of comprehension processes, including encoding factual content, inhibiting irrelevant information, and constructing a cohesive situation model of a text or conversation. Despite these problems, recent research is encouraging in that techniques to improve the learning outcomes for low-ability structure builders have been identified. We argue that the accumulated research warrants the recognition of structure building as an important individual difference in cognitive functioning and that additional theoretical work is needed to understand the underpinnings of structure-building deficits.
Validation of a visual analog scale for assessing cough severity in patients with chronic cough
Authors: Martin Nguyen Allison , Bacci Elizabeth D. , Vernon Margaret , Birring Surinder S. , Rosa Carmen La , Muccino David , Schelfhout Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Patients with chronic cough experience considerable burden. The cough severity visual analog scale (VAS) records patients’ assessment of cough severity on a 100-mm linear scale ranging from “no cough” (0 mm) to “worst cough” (100 mm). Although cough severity scales are widely used in clinical practice and research, their use in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough has not been formally validated.

Methods:

This analysis includes data from a phase 2b randomized controlled trial of the P2X3-receptor antagonist gefapixant for treatment of refractory or unexplained chronic cough (NCT02612610). Cough severity VAS scores were assessed at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, and 12. The cough severity VAS was validated using several outcomes, including the Cough Severity Diary (CSD), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), patient global impression of change (PGIC) scale, and objective cough frequency. Validation metrics included test–retest reliability, convergent and known-groups validity, responsiveness, and score interpretation (i.e., clinically meaningful change threshold).

Results:

The analysis included 253 patients (median age, 61.0 years; females, 76%). Test–retest reliability of the cough severity VAS was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.51). The cough severity VAS had acceptable convergent validity with other related measures (Pearson r of 0.53 and -0.41 for CSD and LCQ total scores, respectively; p < 0.0001 for each). Known-groups validity was supported by significant differences in mean cough severity VAS scores across severity groups defined using CSD, LCQ, and cough frequency tertiles. A large effect size was observed in patients with the greatest improvements in PGIC (Cohen d = -1.8). A ⩾ 30-mm reduction in the cough severity VAS was estimated as a clinically meaningful change threshold for clinical trials in chronic cough.

Conclusions:

The cough severity VAS is a valid and responsive measure. A cough severity VAS reduction of ⩾ 30 mm can discriminate clinically meaningful changes in chronic cough severity in clinical studies.
Mastering Metrics: The Impact of Social Media on the Routines and Values of Broadcast Journalists
Authors: Kempton Stefanie Davis , Connolly Ahern Colleen
Published: October 2021

Social media use is essential for success in today's television news industry. Broadcast journalists use social media platforms to gather and disseminate news in more efficient ways. Broadcasters are also using social media to engage with news consumers in innovative ways. This study employs a mixed-method approach to better understand how social media impacts broadcast journalists’ routines and values and explores the role of gender in broadcasters’ social media strategies. Qualitative in-depth interviews with top broadcast journalists and a social media discourse analysis of their Twitter pages produces this study's findings. Findings suggest that in many television newsrooms social media have become more important than traditional platforms like evening newscasts, and social media metrics are being used to gauge journalists’ success. Additionally, women broadcasters are disadvantaged by the current social media practices in many newsrooms. Implications are discussed.
Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Non-ICU Hospital Settings for People With Diabetes: A Scoping Review of Emerging Benefits and Issues
Authors: Clubbs Coldron Benjamin , Coates Vivien , Khamis Amjed , MacRury Sandra
Published: October 2021

Background:

Evidence indicates that poor glycemic control is associated with increased morbidity and length of stay in hospital. There are a wide range of guidelines published, which seek to ensure safe and effective inpatient glycemic control in the hospital setting. However, the implementation of these protocols is limited in practice. In particular, the feasibility of “flash” and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains untested on general wards.

Method:

Scoping Review.

Results:

If used in the general ward hospital settings, CGM and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems could lead to improved glycemic control, decreased length of stay, and reduced risk of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Potential problems include lack of experience with this technology and costs of sensors. Rapid analysis of glucose measurements can facilitate clinical decision making and therapy adjustment in the hospital setting. In addition, people with diabetes may be empowered to better self-manage their condition in hospital as they have direct access to their glucose data.

Conclusions:

More studies are required in which the feasibility, benefits and limitations of FGM and CGM in non–intensive care unit hospital settings are elucidated. We need evidence on which types of hospital wards might benefit from the introduction of this technology and the contexts in which they are less useful. We also need to identify the types of people who are most likely to find FGM and CGM useful for self-management and for which populations they have the most benefit in terms of clinical outcomes and length of stay.
Contrast-Enhanced Micro–Computed Tomography for 3D Visualization and Quantification of Glycosaminoglycans in Different Cartilage Types
Authors: Boos Manuela A. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Lamandé Shireen R. , Stok Kathryn S.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare CA4+-enhanced micro–computed tomography (microCT) of bovine articular, meniscal, nasal, and auricular cartilage, each of which possesses a different extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and structure.

Design

The diffusion kinetics of CA4+ in different native cartilage types were assessed over 20 hours. The feasibility of CA4+-enhanced microCT to visualize and quantify glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in these different tissues was tested using safranin-O staining and 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assay.

Results

The diffusion kinetics of CA4+ in auricular cartilage are significantly slower compared with all other cartilage types. Total GAG content per volume correlates to microCT attenuation with an R2 value of 0.79 for all cartilage types. Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced microCT images of spatial GAG distribution reflect safranin-O staining and highlight the differences in ECM structure, with heterogeneous regions with higher GAG concentrations highlighted by the contrast agent.

Conclusions

CA4+-enhanced microCT enables assessment of 3-dimensiona distribution and GAG content in different types of cartilage and has promise as an ex vivo diagnostic technique to monitor matrix development in different tissues over time as well as tissue-engineered constructs.
Meniscus regeneration with injectable Pluronic/PMMA-reinforced fibrin hydrogels in a rabbit segmental meniscectomy model
Authors: An Young-Hyeon , Kim Jin-A , Yim Hyun-Gu , Han Woo-Jung , Park Yong-Beom , Jin Park Hyun , Young Kim Man , Jang Jaewon , Koh Racheal H. , Kim Su-Hwan , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Ha Chul-Won
Published: October 2021

Injectable hydrogel systems are a facile approach to apply to the damaged meniscus in a minimally invasive way. We herein developed a clinically applicable and injectable semi-interpenetrated network (semi-IPN) hydrogel system based on fibrin (Fb), reinforced with Pluronic F127 (F127) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to improve the intrinsic weak mechanical properties. Through the dual-syringe device system, the hydrogel could form a gel state within about 50 s, and the increment of compressive modulus of Fb hydrogels was achieved by adding F127 from 3.0% (72.0 ± 4.3 kPa) to 10.0% (156.0 ± 9.8 kPa). The shear modulus was enhanced by adding PMMA microbeads (26.0 ± 1.1 kPa), which was higher than Fb (13.5 ± 0.5 kPa) and Fb/F127 (21.7 ± 0.8 kPa). Moreover, the addition of F127 and PMMA also delayed the rate of enzymatic biodegradation of Fb hydrogel. Finally, we confirmed that both Fb/F127 and Fb/F127/PMMA hydrogels showed accelerated tissue repair in the in vivo segmental defect of the rabbit meniscus model. In addition, the histological analysis showed that the quality of the regenerated tissues healed by Fb/F127 was particularly comparable to that of healthy tissue. The biomechanical strength of the regenerated tissues of Fb/F127 (3.50 ± 0.35 MPa) and Fb/F127/PMMA (3.59 ± 0.89 MPa) was much higher than that of Fb (0.82 ± 0.05 MPa) but inferior to that of healthy tissue (6.63 ± 1.12 MPa). These results suggest that the reinforcement of Fb hydrogel using FDA-approved synthetic biomaterials has great potential to be used clinically.
Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Perspectives on Improving Information Delivery in Hemodialysis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Priscila , Talson Melanie D. , Finlay Juli , Rossum Krista , Soroka Kaytlynn V. , McCormick Michael , Desjarlais Arlene , Vorster Hans , Fontaine George , Sass Rachelle , James Matthew , Sood Manish M. , Tong Allison , Pannu Neesh , Tennankore Karthik , Thompson Stephanie , Tonelli Marcello , Bohm Clara
Published: October 2021

Background:

Patients with kidney failure are exposed to a surfeit of new information about their disease and treatment, often resulting in ineffective communication between patients and providers. Improving the amount, timing, and individualization of information received has been identified as a priority in in-center hemodialysis care.

Objective:

To describe and explicate patient, caregiver, and health care provider perspectives regarding challenges and solutions to information transfer in clinical hemodialysis care.

Design:

In this multicenter qualitative study, we gathered perspectives of patients, their caregivers, and health care providers conducted through focus groups and interviews.

Setting:

Five Canadian hemodialysis centers: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Halifax.

Participants:

English-speaking adults receiving in-center hemodialysis for longer than 6 months, their caregivers, and hemodialysis health care providers.

Methods:

Between May 24, 2017, and August 16, 2018, data collected through focus groups and interviews with hemodialysis patients and their caregivers subsequently informed semi-structured interviews with health care providers. For this secondary analysis, data were analyzed through an inductive thematic analysis using grounded theory, to examine the data more deeply for overarching themes.

Results:

Among 82 patients/caregivers and 31 healthcare providers, 6 main themes emerged. Themes identified from patients/caregivers were (1) overwhelmed at initiation of hemodialysis care, (2) need for peer support, and (3) improving comprehension of hemodialysis processes. Themes identified from providers were (1) time constraints with patients, (2) relevance of information provided, and (3) technological innovations to improve patient engagement.

Limitations:

Findings were limited to Canadian context, English speakers, and individuals receiving hemodialysis in urban centers.

Conclusions:

Participants identified challenges and potential solutions to improve the amount, timing, and individualization of information provided regarding in-center hemodialysis care, which included peer support, technological innovations, and improved knowledge translation activities. Findings may inform the development of interventions and strategies aimed at improving information delivery to facilitate patient-centered hemodialysis care.
On the three constraints of the development of artificial intelligence: Value, liberation and responsibility
Authors: Hou Hongxia
Published: October 2021

The socialization of technology and the technicalization of society have accelerated the speed, scope and scale of human liberation from nature. In our past technological society, ‘liberation from nature’ mainly referred to people's physical strength. An intelligent society, characterized by the wide application of the internet, big data and artificial intelligence (AI), will further liberate not only people's physical strength, but also their mental power, greatly changing social forms and social operation modes, as well as people themselves. In the application of technologies and the design and manufacture of equipment on which the intelligent society depends, a new tension is formed between instrumental rationality and value rationality. While promoting the liberation of human beings, intelligent society will also cause humans to be dominated and enslaved by AI, which will lead to human alienation. Intelligent society is more in pursuit of how the invested capital and technology can multiply in the process of accumulation and circulation; meanwhile, it will ignore the moral responsibilities of relevant parties, such as researchers, manufacturers and users. In the process of developing an intelligent society, instrumental rationality should be regulated by value rationality, thus promoting the liberation of human beings and eliminating their alienation. As capital appreciation occurs, the moral responsibilities of relevant parties should be clarified.
Embedding Self-Evaluation in School Routines
Authors: McNamara Gerry , Brown Martin , Gardezi Sarah , O’Hara Joe , O’Brien Shivaun , Skerritt Craig
Published: October 2021

School self-evaluation (SSE) has emerged as a widely used approach to school evaluation in recent decades. This has occurred in the context of what is referred to as “New Public Management,” an element of which seeks to empower public institutions to make decisions locally about improving their processes and standards. Inspection regimes in many countries have developed legislative, methodological, and support mechanisms for schools to carry out SSE. This paper, by using the evolution of the SSE process in Irish education, analyses the efficacy of SSE by exploring teachers and school principals’ perceptions of both the challenges and supports concerning the integration of SSE in their schools. Results derived from this study suggest that respondents were, overall, fully aware of the support services available to them. However, support capacity challenges also emerged, in particular as it relates to data use and target setting. Importantly, it is argued that since there are striking resemblances between SSE as it has developed in Ireland and other systems, the challenges and solutions identified in this paper will have wide application in other contexts.
Methodological Considerations in the Professional Accreditation Research
Authors: Ayaya Onesmus , Pretorius Marius
Published: October 2021

This essay paper provides methodological considerations for research on turnaround management (business rescue) practitioner (BRP) accreditation. The article responds to recent BRP licensing debates and the need to enhance BRP capabilities through continuing professional development (CPD). We assess existing data collection procedures using the practice theory and demonstrate sequenced integrated data collection procedures (IDCPs) to study BRPs’ professional accreditation frameworks. We illustrate IDCPs using a research design for “how BRPs should be accredited by their professional bodies (PBs) before obtaining a practice license”. The proposed IDCPs call for the purposeful interpretation of legislative instruments governing BRP work and other multiple-party data collection techniques. The paper lays out the problems associated with using questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews to document BRP practices and the required professional capabilities. We propose a research design to illustrate the application of the IDCPs in a multiple PB occupation.
English Proficiency and Happiness: The Mediation of Income Satisfaction and Leisure Satisfaction and the Moderation of the National Economy
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Dai Ying , Liu Huimei
Published: October 2021

This study, using databases from the AsiaBarometer Surveys 2006 and 2007, empirically investigates whether and how English proficiency and happiness are linked in 14 East and Southeast Asian countries or regions. Based on the large-scale dataset of 14,811 respondents, we conducted hierarchical regression analyses and found that: (i) English proficiency is positively associated with happiness; (ii) the focal relationship is partly mediated by income and leisure satisfaction; and (iii) the focal relationship is negatively moderated by the national economy. These findings show the instrumentality of English learning in a globalized world and enrich our understanding about the influence factors of happiness, and contribute to the literature on English proficiency and happiness as well.
Evidence From the Trauma-Film Paradigm That Traumatic and Nontraumatic Memories Are Statistically Equivalent on Coherence
Authors: Taylor Andrea , Zajac Rachel , Takarangi Melanie K. T. , Garry Maryanne
Published: October 2021

There is contention in the scientific literature about the coherence of people’s memories for trauma: Sometimes, traumatic memories are rated as less coherent than nontraumatic memories; other times, they “look” very similar. But several methodological challenges invite counter-explanations that hinder the interpretation of these findings. We set out to address these challenges by adopting a trauma-film-paradigm approach to examine the coherence of traumatic and nontraumatic memories. We developed a new set of materials for the trauma-film paradigm and then used these materials to examine the relative coherence of traumatic and various nontraumatic memories. We found that traumatic memories were not only fairly coherent but also statistically equivalent to their nontraumatic counterparts. Our hope is that scientists use these materials in experiments that complement the existing autobiographical-memory literature and allow for a greater understanding of the relation between memory and dysfunction.
Trust Leadership: A Work-from-Home Scenario in IT Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rahul. P
Published: October 2021

The study covers aspects of leadership trust among the information technology (IT) employees in India, with the help of data collected from a cross section of 205 IT employees. The article has assessed leadership trust factor from the employee’s (workforce) perspective with COVID19 pandemic and work-from-home situation. The outcome of data establishes a positive relationship between leadership trust and factors such as communication, decision-making, integrity, and motivation. The study also suggests that the IT sector and its leadership have created a positive trust among the employees during the COVID-19 work-from-home scenario. Findings suggest that in areas like integrity and making decisions quickly, the IT leadership has exhibited high trust levels, while in some other areas like communication and keeping the employees motivated (inspired), there have been few minor gaps that require attention from the leadership, which could preclude the wilting of established trust between the leader and his employees.
Working from Home and Changes in Work Characteristics during COVID-19
Authors: Kaufman Gayle , Taniguchi Hiromi
Published: October 2021

A relatively high proportion of U.S. workers started working from home during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. There has been extensive tracking of employment trends, but it is less clear what kind of impact working from home during the pandemic has had on job experiences. The authors use data from the October 2020 Pew Research Center American Trends Panel. On the basis of a sample of 4,508 respondents, the authors find that working from home improves job satisfaction, flexibility over when to put in one’s work hours, work-family balance, productivity, and work hours. Working from home reduces connectedness to coworkers, job security, and opportunities for advancement. The benefits for both workers and employers of working from home may encourage working from home even after the pandemic.
Primary systemic sclerosis heart involvement: A systematic literature review and preliminary data-driven, consensus-based WSF/HFA definition
Authors: Bruni Cosimo , Buch Maya H , Furst Daniel E , De Luca Giacomo , Djokovic Aleksandra , Dumitru Raluca B , Giollo Alessandro , Polovina Marija , Steelandt Alexia , Bratis Kostantinos , Suliman Yossra Atef , Milinkovic Ivan , Baritussio Anna , Hasan Ghadeer , Xintarakou Anastasia , Isomura Yohei , Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Tofani Lorenzo , Mavrogeni Sophie , Gargani Luna , Caforio Alida LP , Tschöpe Carsten , Ristic Arsen , Klingel Karin , Plein Sven , Behr Elijah R , Allanore Yannick , Kuwana Masataka , Denton Christopher P , Khanna Dinesh , Krieg Thomas , Marcolongo Renzo , Galetti Ilaria , Zanatta Elisabetta , Tona Francesco , Seferovic Petar , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Primary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis may cause morpho-functional and electrical cardiac abnormalities and is a common cause of death. The absence of a clear definition of primary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis limits our understanding and ability to focus on clinical research. We aimed to create an expert consensus definition for primary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

A systematic literature review of cardiac involvement and manifestations in systemic sclerosis was conducted to inform an international and multi-disciplinary task force. In addition, the nominal group technique was used to derive a definition that was then subject to voting. A total of 16 clinical cases were evaluated to test face validity, feasibility, reliability and criterion validity of the newly created definition.

Results:

In total, 171 publications met eligibility criteria. Using the nominal group technique, experts added their opinion, provided statements to consider and ranked them to create the consensus definition, which received 100% agreement on face validity. A median 60(5–300) seconds was taken for the feasibility on a single case. Inter-rater agreement was moderate (mKappa (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.46–1.00) for the first round and 0.55 (0.44–1.00) for the second round) and intra-rater agreement was good (mKappa (95% CI) = 0.77 (0.47–1.00)). Criterion validity showed a 78 (73–84)% correctness versus gold standard.

Conclusion:

A preliminary primary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis consensus-based definition was created and partially validated, for use in future clinical research.
Gender, Social Change and Urbanisation in Four North Indian Clusters
Authors: Kapur Devesh , Sircar Neelanjan , Vaishnav Milan
Published: October 2021

Urbanisation in India is reshaping established social and economic patterns of behaviour in ways that scholars are struggling to analyse. This article introduces this special issue presenting new empirical research on the interconnections between gender, social change and urbanisation in India. It does so by relying on a unique dataset drawn from nearly 15,000 households across four consequential urban clusters—Dhanbad, Indore, Patna and Varanasi—in North India. The collection of articles in this issue informs new inquiries into women’s employment, women’s agency and the construction and shaping of social attitudes. Specifically, the articles disentangle the practical barriers to women’s economic empowerment, measure how employment and household dynamics shape women’s agency and explore ways in which status hierarchies and variation in access to information colour women’s social attitudes and political preferences. Collectively, they demonstrate the uneven nature of gender empowerment in the shadow of an urbanising, but highly stratified economy and society.
Charting the Identity of Shimla
Authors: Singh Samriti
Published: October 2021

Identity of a place changes due to rapid modern alterations in a city. There are various factors leading to these changes in the identity of a place. This research article investigates those factors through the physical mapping technique through the case study of the city, Shimla. The article delves into how the city of Shimla was formed as a British summer capital of India and has evolved its character and identity into a state capital.

Components of identity of a place are explored and those components are applied to find the identity of Shimla on the basis of three major nodes of the city with important government offices. The components used to find the identity of the city are—historical layers of the structures, take of social community towards them, the components of the built form of the major nodes and activities performed at the nodes. The identity of a place is investigated by integrating all the aspects of the physical components associated with the major activity nodes extracted from the history and evolution of the city. Multiple ways of looking into physical spatial components of the nodes led to define the predominant factors to form the identity of the city.
The Spanish Composer Manuel de Falla and His Eyes: The Musical Brain
Authors: García-Falgueras Alicia , Swaab Dick F
Published: October 2021

Manuel de Falla was a Spanish musician of the XIXth and XXth centuries who had international recognition likely due to his musical fusion talent. His knowledge about Spanish musical traditions gave to his early compositions a new and fresh intellectual interpretation for the typical Spanish folk music. However, in the middle of his musical career, he suffered a strange disease of his eyes named recurrent acute iridocyclitis. This eye flushing is caused by an inflammation of 2 structures of the anterior pole of the ocular globe, the iris, and the ciliary body. It is usually a symptom of another disease and it causes many psychological impairments and disabilities (severe eye pain in bright light, blurry vision, headache, stress for organization (orderliness), and depression in some cases). This soreness of his eyes had an effect over Falla’s compositions and marked an inflection point in his line of musical creations. Eyes in music have been so relevant in another composers and musicians throughout history.
Treatment of Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome using Scalp Based Flap Reconstruction: Case Report
Authors: Harrison Joshua L. , Whisonant Cees T. , Wegerif Garrett , Shahriari Shawhin R. K. , Wu Eugene
Published: October 2021

Trigeminal trophic syndrome, or trigeminal neurotrophic ulceration, is an uncommon cause of persistent or recurrent facial ulceration, paresthesia, and anesthesia following self-manipulation of the skin, most commonly affecting the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve in the ala nasi region. We present a case of a 63-year-old with chronic ulceration of the right frontoparietal scalp involving the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve following herpes zoster infection. The patient was successfully treated with a fasciocutaneous transposition flap and splitthickness skin graft; these procedures allowed us to avoid the diseased ophthalmic nerve distribution. This patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and the flap and skin graft healed without further ulceration of the involved area at 1 year follow-up.
The Impact of MDO on Airway Outcomes in Patients with Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Bruce Madeleine K. , MacIsaac Zoe , Mocharnuk Joseph , Beiriger Justin , Pfaff Miles J. , Goldstein Jesse A.
Published: October 2021

Background: Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), characterized by the triad of retrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction, remains challenging to treat and no standard treatment protocols exist. Inadequate treatment may lead to obstructive sleep apnea and necessitate more invasive airway interventions. The purpose of this study is to present the results of a single center’s treatment protocol and the postoperative effect on airway status. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with PRS treated with MDO from 2010 to 2020 was identified. Descriptive statistics and student’s t-tests were analyzed, and a P < .05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results: Eighty-eight patients met inclusion criteria (50% female, 42% with syndromic diagnoses). Mean age at MDO was 151.2 days, with an average of 51.6 ± 34.3 months of post-operative follow up. For the entire cohort, apnea hypopnea index improved significantly from an average of 33.4 pre-operatively to 8.7 post-operatively, P < .0001. Obstructive apnea hypopnea index improved significantly from 27.6 pre-operatively to 5.3 post-operatively, P < .0001. Fourteen patients (15.9%), all with syndromic diagnoses, were tracheostomy dependent preoperatively, only 3 had a tracheostomy at most recent follow up. One patient with a very complex medical history and comorbid syndromic diagnosis required a tracheostomy postoperatively and remained ventilator dependent at most recent follow up, no other patients required supplemental oxygen. Conclusion: When managed with a rigorous protocol for preoperative workup and selection, treatment of patients with symptomatic PRS with MDO demonstrates great success in improving airway status as objectively measured by supine sleep studies and by successful avoidance of tracheostomy and decannulation.
Dose Finding Study of Ibrutinib and Venetoclax in Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Portell Craig A , Wages Nolan A , Kahl Brad S. , Budde Lihua E , Chen Robert W , Cohen Jonathon B , Varhegyi Nikole E , Petroni Gina R , Williams Michael E
Published: October 2021

Relapsed Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is often treated with Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKi); however, post-BTKi relapse can be challenging. Adding venetoclax (VEN) to ibrutinib(IBR) has shown synergy in pre-clinical MCL models. Prior MCL studies of the combination report promising efficacy but have conducted limited dose finding. We sought to identify the optimal dosing combination, based on efficacy and toxicity, utilizing a continual re-assessment method of 6 combinations of IBR (280mg, 420 mg, and 560mg PO daily) and VEN (max dose of 200mg and 400mg PO daily). Eligible participants were not previously exposed to BTKi's and not high risk for Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). VEN, initiated first at 100mg, then at 20mg PO daily after a TLS event, was started prior to adding IBR and ramped-up based on the dose level. Combination treatment continued for six 28 day cycles. 35 participants were enrolled and treated. One TLS event occurred with starting dose of 100mg VEN; no TLS was seen with 20mg. The optimal dosing combination was considered to be VEN 200mg and IBR 420mg with an ORR of 93.8% (95% CI: 73.6-99.7%) and DLT incidence of 6.2% (95% CI: 0.3-26.4%). Overall response for all arms was 82.3% (28/34; 95% CI: 65.5-93.2%) with a CR rate of 42.4% (14/33; 95% CI: 25.5-60.8%). A participant was not allocated to IBR 560mg and VEN 400mg. ORR benefit was not seen with higher dosing combinations and toxicity was higer; a comparison made within the limitations of small cohorts. Resistance was seen in nearly all arms. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT02419560.