bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Malaysia: Consensus on Treatment Patterns, Health Care Utilization and Cost
Authors: Nair Harikrishna K. R. , Norlizah P. , Mariam MN. , Alsagoff Syed A L , Ming Long Kam , Anantha KR , Liew Ngoh Chin , Ali Husien Nizam
Published: March 2022

Healthcare resource utilization for Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in Malaysia needs to be clarified. This modified Delphi panel study aimed to describe the clinical pathways for diabetic foot ulcer in Malaysia and to define the healthcare resources used and their costs. A systematic review of the literature was carried out on the management of diabetic foot ulcer in Malaysia. A modified Delphi panel involving 7 local experts was organized to validate the statements, in order to arrive at a consensus on the resources used for the treatment of DFU patients in Malaysia and their costs. A Markov model was then used to estimate the financial burden of DFU patients in Malaysia.The total cost per patient per annum was MYR 5981 in public and MYR 8581 in private setting. In the public setting, outpatient visits costs represent 50% of the overall cost, followed by medical devices which represent 38% of total costs. In the private setting, as in the public, outpatient visits and devices contribute the most to overall costs with 51% and 21%, respectively. However, hospital inpatient costs are higher in private setting and represent 14% of the total costs versus 5% in public setting.These findings may prove useful for clinicians and decision makers in understanding the economic implications of managing DFUs in Malaysia and the need for innovative therapies to reduce the burden for patients but also for the society.
A security detection approach based on autonomy-oriented user sensor in social recommendation network
Authors: Wan Shanshan , Liu Ying
Published: March 2022

User social network-based recommender system has achieved significant performance in current recommendation fields. However, the characteristic of openness brings great hidden dangers to the security of recommender systems. Shilling attackers can change the recommendations by foraging user relationships. Most shilling attack detection approaches depend on the explicit user historical data to locate shilling attackers. Some important features such as information propagation and social feedback of users in social networks have not been noticed. We propose a security detection method based on autonomy-oriented user sensor (AOUSD) to identify shilling attackers. Specifically, (1) the user is simulated as a social sensor with autonomous capabilities, (2) the user interaction model is built based on information propagation, information feedback and information disappearance mechanisms of social sensors, and a user dynamic knowledge graph is formed by considering the variable time function, (3) hierarchical clustering method is used to generate preliminary suspicious candidate groups and graph community detection clustering method is applied on the dynamic knowledge graph to detect the attackers. Then, AOUSD is first simulated on NetLogo and it is compared with other algorithms based on the Amazon data. The results prove the advantages of AOUSD in the efficiency and accuracy on shilling attack detection.
Qualitative Methodology Innovation That Promotes Educational Success of Children of Immigrant Families in Disadvantaged Contexts
Authors: Valls Rosa , Serradell Olga , Campdepadrós Roger , de Botton Lena
Published: March 2022

Most of the qualitative research aimed at diagnosing the educational performance of children of immigrant families in disadvantaged contexts does not address how such research can contribute to social impact. However, some research oriented to social impact has collected evidence of achieving improvement in schools implementing actions to promote educational success. This study is a qualitative meta-analysis of a line of research aimed at social impact to contribute to enhancing the educational success of children of immigrant families. Within the framework of this research line, the analysis focuses on three research projects, from the Spanish Research, Development and Innovation plans. These three research projects have analysed 23 case studies of schools in different disadvantaged contexts of Spain from 2009 to 2017. The main findings show that these research focused on social impact and included in their methodologies a category related to the improvement of educational achievement. Including the category of improvement of educational achievement allows qualitative research to obtain evidence of whether the educational actions implemented in those schools contribute to the educational success of children of immigrant families.
Practical steps to identifying the research risk of pragmatic trials
Authors: Kim Scott YH , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pragmatic randomized clinical trials that compare two or more purportedly “within the standard of care” interventions attempt to provide real-world evidence for policy and practice decisions. There is considerable debate regarding their research risk status, which in turn could lead to debates about appropriate consent requirements. Yet no practical guidance for identifying the research risks of pragmatic randomized clinical trials is available.

Methods:

We developed a practical, four-step process for identifying and evaluating the research risk of pragmatic trials that can be applied to those pragmatic randomized clinical trials that compare two or more “standard of care” or “accepted” interventions.

Results:

Using a variety of examples of standard of care pragmatic randomized clinical trials (ranging from trials comparing: insurance coverage conditions, patient reminders for health screens, intensive care unit procedures, post-stroke interventions, and drugs for life-threatening conditions), we illustrate in a four-step process how any pragmatic randomized clinical trial purportedly comparing standard interventions can be evaluated for their research risks.

Conclusion:

Although determining the risk status of a standard of care pragmatic randomized clinical trial is only one necessary element in the ethical oversight of such pragmatic randomized clinical trials, it is a central element. Our four-step process of pragmatic randomized clinical trial risk determination provides a practical, transparent, and systematic approach with likely low risk of bias.
The effects of instructional leadership, teacher responsibility and procedural justice climate on professional learning communities: A cross-level moderated mediation examination
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Hallinger Philip
Published: March 2022

Prior research has established principal leadership as a key factor in enhancing professional learning communities. However, researchers are only beginning to make progress in identifying the means and ‘paths’ through which school leaders contribute to professional learning communities. This study tested a multilevel, moderated mediation model of the processes linking instructional leadership and professional learning communities in China where professional learning communities have long been embedded in the culture of schools. In this study, ‘teacher responsibility’ was proposed as a mediator and procedural justice climate as a moderator of the relationship between principal leadership and teacher professional learning communities. The results based on the analysis of responses from 3374 teachers revealed significant direct and indirect effects of instructional leadership on the professional learning communities via teacher responsibility. Procedural justice climate significantly moderated the effects of instructional leadership on both teacher responsibility and professional learning communities. The positive effects of instructional leadership were strengthened when the procedural justice climate was higher.
The effects of partial wrist denervation in wrist osteoarthritis: patient-reported outcomes and objective function
Authors: Swärd Elin M. , Franko Mikael Andersson , Wilcke Maria K.
Published: March 2022

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to analyse the effect of partial wrist denervation on patient-reported outcomes, quality of life and objective function in symptomatic wrist osteoarthritis during the first year after surgery. Sixty consecutive patients underwent an anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy during 2018–2020. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, EuroQol-5D-3L, pain at rest and on load, and objective function were assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the effect on the outcome variables. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and pain scores improved significantly postoperatively with no decline over time, but no patient reported outcome measure reached the minimal clinically important difference. Quality of life, strength and range of motion did not improve. We found no complications. Seventeen patients needed further surgery during the study period. More studies are needed to evaluate whether denervation is truly effective or not.

Level of evidence: II
Comment: Can We Model What an Emotion Is? Comment on Suri & Gross (2022)
Authors: Lench Heather C. , Reed Noah T.
Published: March 2022

The question “what is emotion?” has long been at the core of theoretical debates. The IAC-E is a useful framework for understanding relationships among responses in emotional situations. However, this approach cannot address the nature of emotion. Researchers determine what counts as emotion in the IAC-E, and this decision impacts the relationships detected and inferences made. The assumptions of researchers about emotion change the output. Further, the model is not theoretically agnostic and is best suited to examine emotion perception/knowledge, as in the simulations presented. According to some theories, experienced emotion is qualitatively different than situations that involve perceiving others' emotion or semantic knowledge. Addressing the nature of emotion requires empirical examination of the assumptions made in each theory.
Gender does not impact clinical outcomes following SLAP repair
Authors: Markus Danielle H , Hurley Eoghan T , Lorentz Nathan , Colasanti Christopher A , Campbell Kirk A , Carter Cordelia W , Strauss Eric J
Published: March 2022

Background

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether pain, function, satisfaction, return to play (RTP), or psychological readiness to RTP differ between sexes post-operatively following SLAP repair.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a SLAP tear was performed. The American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo surgery again, revisions, and return to play (RTP) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared between male and female patients.

Results

Our study included 169 patients treated with SLAP repair, 133 of them male (78.7%) and 36 of them female (21.3%), with an average age of 32.3 ± 8.3 and 33.4 ± 6.8 respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 years. At final follow up, there was no difference between treatment groups in any of the functional outcome measures assessed ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

There is no difference in clinical outcomes, function, satisfaction, or revision procedures in mid- to long-term follow-up after SLAP repair between male and female patients. This data is useful in the preoperative counselling of patients undergoing arthroscopic management of symptomatic superior labral pathology.

Level of evidence

III
Validation of the Moral Reasoning Questionnaire against Rasch Measurement Theory
Authors: Lim Lyndon , Chapman Elaine
Published: March 2022

To support teachers in facilitating students’ moral reasoning development as specified within the Singapore Ministry of Education Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, the Moral Reasoning Questionnaire (MRQ) was developed and underwent preliminary validation. Based upon expert reviews, cognitive interviews and a classical test theory-based factor analytic approach, the development and preliminary validation found evidence (i.e., content appropriateness, response processes and internal structure) to support the validity and reliability of the MRQ. This study aims to extend the validation by examining the purported MRQ items and scale at a deeper level on the Rasch Measurement Theory, given that it is the only model that presents appropriate properties of interval measurement on a log-linear scale. The Rasch analysis found anomalies including differential item functioning and disordered thresholds in the initial set of items. Upon remediation and a second Rasch analysis, the MRQ responses were consistent with that expressed by the Rasch model (i.e., an item with an endorsability higher than what a respondent would tend to endorse would have a lower probability of being endorsed than an item exhibiting an endorsability below what that respondent would tend to endorse) and hence, there was sufficient evidence to support measurement invariance, and that MRQ scores could be concluded to characterise persons invariantly across a continuum.
Properties of the Nasal Cartilage, from Development to Adulthood: A Scoping Review
Authors: Baddam Pranidhi , Bayona-Rodriguez Francy , Campbell Sandra M. , El-Hakim Hamdy , Graf Daniel
Published: March 2022

Objective

Nasal septum cartilage is a hyaline cartilage that provides structural support to the nasal cavity and midface. Currently, information on its cellular and mechanical properties is widely dispersed and has often been inferred from studies conducted on other cartilage types such as the knee. A detailed understanding of nasal cartilage properties is important for several biological, clinical, and engineering disciplines. The objectives of this scoping review are to (1) consolidate actual existing knowledge on nasal cartilage properties and (2) identify gaps of knowledge and research questions requiring future investigations.

Design

This scoping review incorporated articles identified using PROSPERO, Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), WOS BIOSIS, WOS Core Collection, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Following the screening process, 86 articles were considered. Articles were categorized into three groups: growth, extracellular matrix, and mechanical properties.

Results

Most articles investigated growth properties followed by extracellular matrix and mechanical properties. NSC cartilage is not uniform. Nasal cartilage growth varies with age and location. Similarly, extracellular matrix composition and mechanical properties are location-specific within the NSC. Moreover, most articles included in the review investigate these properties in isolation and only very few articles demonstrate the interrelationship between multiple cartilage properties.

Conclusions

This scoping review presents a first comprehensive description of research on NSC properties with a focus on NSC growth, extracellular matrix and mechanical properties. It additionally identifies the needs (1) to understand how these various cartilage properties intersect and (2) for more granular, standardized assessment protocols to describe NSC.
Associations between bone mineral density and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Peiyu , Yang Liu , Xu Qingwen , Zeng Yidi , Yu Yipin , Peng Qinghua , Liang Hao
Published: March 2022

Background:

The studies about the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary arterial calcification (CAC) were still controversial. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between BMD and CAC.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Google scholar and Cochrane library for observational studies. We pooled odds ratio (OR) or correlation coefficient, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the studies. Continuous data were pooled by mean difference (MD). Sub-group analysis was applied to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots for publication bias was also performed.

Results:

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled ORs for the prevalence of CAC in patients with low BMD versus patients with normal BMD was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.11 - 4.02, P = 0.02). The data pooled for comparing CAC score of low BMD and normal BMD patients is 33.77 (95% CI: 23.77 - 43.77, p = 0.000). The pooled ORs of multivariate logistic regression to predict the association were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.92 - 1.10, p = 0.95, age-adjusted), and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86 - 1.05, p = 0.33, multivariable-adjusted). Cohort category and BMD assessment method were the main sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

Low BMD is associated with higher prevalence and severity of CAC, especially in postmenopausal women. But the relation is not significant after adjusting age and other confounding variables. Low BMD and CAC may be two independent processes with aging. More large-scale studies with high-quality design are still needed to increase the understanding of them.
What’s not to like? Enhancing women’s body satisfaction by means of an evaluative conditioning procedure with positive social feedback
Authors: Masselman Irina , de Jong Peter J , Glashouwer Klaske A
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of a negative body image among women is high. Because of its serious consequences for individuals’ mental health, there is an urgent need to improve current body image interventions. Recent studies using evaluative conditioning to strengthen the association between women’s body and positive (social) stimuli have shown promising results. In two experimental studies, we tested whether incorporating more age appropriate positive social stimuli as unconditioned stimuli (USs) can strengthen the conditioning procedure as a means to enhance women’s body satisfaction. In the experimental condition, participants’ body pictures were systematically followed by the Facebook like-button and youthful smiling faces (study 1, experimental condition: n = 68; control condition: n = 67) or positive Emojis (study 2, experimental condition: n = 64; control condition: n = 67). The results indicated that neither conditioning procedure enhanced participants’ body satisfaction more than a control procedure, and in both studies, there was no valence transfer from the positive USs to the body pictures. Thus, incorporation of age appropriate USs did not result in the anticipated conditioning effects. These findings challenge the utility of current evaluative conditioning procedures as an intervention technique to address a negative body image.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: A real-world evidence study of the perceived benefits of Canesten®
Authors: Zhang Lei , De Salvo Raffaella , Ehret Andreas , Young Kimberley , Trapp Sonja
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is common in women, causing discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. Canesten® is an established over-the-counter brand. Its clotrimazole/fluconazole-based products, available in a variety of different formulations, have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of women with thrush/vaginal yeast infection in randomized trials. This real-world evidence study, conducted in the United Kingdom and Canada, aimed to provide consumer-important information on the benefits of Canesten, collecting retrospective information from consumers about their recent experience with the product.

Methods:

Eligible participants were female, aged 18–60 years, and had experienced at least one episode of vaginal thrush (United Kingdom)/vaginal yeast infection (Canada) during the previous 6 months for which they had used at least one of the six Canesten products. Participants completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on the speed of onset of symptom relief, impact on quality of life, and product attributes/satisfaction.

Results:

Over 90% of respondents reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life after starting treatment with a Canesten product. Improvements in symptoms within 4 h of the first time of use were perceived by 42% of consumers; 76%–88% reported symptomatic relief within 1 day. The perceived general speed of onset of symptomatic relief with a Canesten oral product (1–2 days) was slightly longer than that with a Canesten topical/intra-vaginal product (⩽1 day). Most users of Canesten single (90%) and dual product treatments (95%) reported that the products started to work from the first application. Women experiencing both internal and external symptoms of thrush/vaginal yeast infection reported Canesten dual product formulations to provide faster symptomatic relief than single product treatments. Over 90% of respondents were satisfied with their use of a Canesten product.

Conclusion:

Canesten was found by consumers to offer rapid relief of the symptoms of thrush/vaginal yeast infection with improvements in quality of life. Consumer satisfaction was high.
A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms
Authors: Alemanni Matteo , de Salvo Raffaella , Moroni Barbara , Ehret Andreas
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Geffer effervescent granules (active ingredients: metoclopramide, dimethicone, and sodium bicarbonate) is an established over-the-counter medication available in Italy for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity (pain and/or heartburn) when accompanied by slowing of gastric transit, nausea, aerophagia, and bloating, all symptoms that can occur in functional dyspepsia and can negatively impact individuals’ quality of life. The aim of this observational study was to explore the perceived benefits of, and consumer experience with, Geffer effervescent granules used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders suggestive of functional dyspepsia under real-life conditions in Italy.

Methods:

Adults (aged 35–65 years) experiencing symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia/indigestion at least once a month and who had used Geffer effervescent granules within the previous 6 months completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on symptom relief (speed of onset and duration) and quality of life.

Results:

Geffer effervescent granules provided rapid onset of symptom relief, with 21% of respondents perceiving an effect within 10 min and 88% reporting an improvement in overall symptoms within 30 min. A similarly rapid onset of complete resolution of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness symptoms was reported by 65%–83% of respondents; 50%–59% of respondents were free from such symptoms for more than 3 h or until the next meal. Most participants (92%) reported that their quality of life improved when taking Geffer effervescent granules to treat hyperacidity symptoms. Overall, 95% of the respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of Geffer effervescent granules on overall symptom relief.

Conclusions:

In Italian consumers with digestive disorders likely due to functional dyspepsia, Geffer effervescent granules was associated with rapid, complete, and durable relief of symptoms of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness; an improvement in quality of life; and a high level of consumer satisfaction.
Utilisation of anatomic grading of nerve-spare during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to prognosticate erectile function recovery
Authors: Yao Henry H , Bazo Alvaro , Ball Kathryn , Terry Timothy R , Walton Thomas J
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To determine if a precise 5-point nerve-spare (NS) scoring system at the time of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) correlates with post-operative erectile function recovery (EFR).

Patients and methods:

From 2014 to 2018, 277 patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon. NS quality was recorded as: grade 1, non-NS; grade 2, <50%; grade 3, 50%; grade 4, 75%; grade 5, ⩾95%. EFR rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’s chi-square test at 3–24 months, grouped based on the degree of NS: 1 = bilateral full NS (grade 5); 2 = bilateral NS with one good NS (⩾grade 4); 3 = unilateral good NS; 4 = incremental NS (grade 3); 5 = partial neurovascular bundle (NVB) resection (grade 2); 6 = complete NVB resection (grade 1).

Results:

At 24 months, EFR defined as Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score ⩾17 was 75%, 55%, 41%, 23%, 12% and 0% for groups 1–6, respectively ( p = 0.001). EFR defined as spontaneous erection sufficient for intercourse with or without PDE5i was 60%, 58%, 40%, 33%, 0% and 11% for groups 1–6, respectively ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

A precise anatomic NS scoring system at RARP allows good prognostication of EFR, which may inform patient counselling and erectile dysfunction management.

Level of evidence:

4
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate: Pathological and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Sharma Pranav , Ajjikuttira Aiyapa Aruna , McLean Kate , Shepherd Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Level of evidence: IV
Comparing the long-term clinical and economic impact of ofatumumab versus dimethyl fumarate and glatiramer acetate in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A cost-consequence analysis from a societal perspective in Germany
Authors: Koeditz Dominik , Frensch Juergen , Bierbaum Martin , Ness Nils-Henning , Ettle Benjamin , Vudumula Umakanth , Gudala Kapil , Adlard Nicholas , Tiwari Santosh , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: March 2022

Background

Evidence suggests that early highly efficacious therapy in relapsing multiple sclerosis is superior to escalation strategies.

Objective

A cost-consequence analysis simulated different treatment scenarios with ofatumumab (OMB), dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and glatiramer acetate (GA): immediate OMB initiation as first treatment, early switch to OMB after 1 year on DMF/GA, late switch after 5 years or no switch.

Methods

An EDSS-based Markov model with a 10-year time horizon was applied. Cycle transitions included EDSS progression, improvement or stabilization, treatment discontinuation, relapse or death. Input data were extracted from OMB trials, a network meta-analysis, published literature, and publicly available sources.

Results

The late switch compared to the immediate OMB scenario resulted in a lower proportion of patients with EDSS 0–3 (Δ − 7.5% DMF; Δ − 10.3% GA), more relapses (Δ + 0.72 DMF; Δ + 1.23 GA) and lower employment rates (Δ − 4.0% DMF; Δ − 5.6% GA). The same applies to late versus early switches. No switch scenarios resulted in worse outcomes. Higher drug acquisition costs in the immediate OMB and early switch scenarios were almost compensated by lower costs for patient care and productivity loss.

Conclusion

Immediate OMB treatment and an early switch improves clinical and productivity outcomes while remaining almost cost neutral compared to late or no switches.
What Makes a Good Citizen Online? The Emergence of Discursive Citizenship Norms in Social Media Environments
Authors: Gagrčin Emilija , Porten-Cheé Pablo , Leißner Laura , Emmer Martin , Jørring Louise
Published: March 2022

The importance of citizenship norms—shared understandings of how citizens ought to participate in society—has been discussed at length in the past two decades, particularly in conversations around changing notions of citizenship in the digital age. Yet, most studies have gravitated between the two poles of dutiful and self-actualizing citizenship. In this study, we explore which citizenship norms people express related to their political participation in social media environments and which affordances and experiences in social media environments shape these norms. Through interviews and focus group discussions, we found that citizenship norms emerge in response to positive and negative experiences in social media environments. We found three groups of norms that are distinctive to the networked environments of social media: individual information care, discourse care, and considered contribution. These can serve as conceptual frames for understanding the normative underpinnings of discursive participation in social media environments from the perspective of ordinary citizens.
Digital Nomads and the Covid-19 Pandemic: Narratives About Relocation in a Time of Lockdowns and Reduced Mobility
Authors: Ehn Karine , Jorge Ana , Marques-Pita Manuel
Published: March 2022

Digital nomads (DNs) are independent professionals who rely heavily on digital media and communications, are not bound to the constraints imposed by traditional organizations, and prioritize variables such as cheaper living costs when deciding where to live. Communication technologies enable the emergence of this digital lifestyle that is characterized by high mobility, self-efficacy, location-independent resource-sharing, and minimalism. The immediate outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic created an unprecedented space for debate between the DN community and the mainstream. On the one hand, the mainstream recognized the adaptive advantages of location independence and working remotely; on the other, DNs realized that one of their most fundamental values—the freedom to move—could become compromised by stringent border regulations forcing them to reassess nomadism. This article draws on risk society theories, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and self-actualization, to approach this problem. We Analyzed content produced by DN creators on YouTube, focusing on risk perceptions and arguments about the choice of staying nomad, compared with the alternative, that is, going back “home” seeking safety: (1) we found that most creators upheld core DN values, rather than shifting to fear-based or risk-control narratives driven by the effects of the pandemic. The narratives circulated in the videos thus contributed to reinforce the community’s values related to self-actualization, in a time of crisis; (2) as a group, the creators we studied were not biased to one option (keep moving or go home) and rather offered strong arguments to support either choice.
Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation versus transarterial chemoembolization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gou Haoxian , Liu Shenglu , Zhu Gang , Peng Yisheng , Li Xinkai , Yang Xiaoli , He Kai
Published: March 2022

Background

Both transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are effective methods for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC). Thus far, it is unclear which method is more satisfactory in short- and long-term survival benefits.

Purpose

To compare the overall survival (OS) and complications of TACE and RFA used for the management of RHCC.

Material and Methods

A literature search was carried out using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and, Embase databases, and Google Scholar, keywords including “RHCC,” “TACEC,” and “RFA” with a cutoff date of 30 April 2021. Used Review Manager software was to calculate short- and long-term OS. The clinical outcomes are major complications and complete response (CR).

Results

Finally, nine clinical trials met the research standard, including 1326 subjects, of which 518 received RFA and 808 received TACE. The analysis showed that patients who underwent RFA had significantly higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS (OR1-year = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–2.91, p = .002; OR3-year = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.30–2.08, p <.0001; OR5-year = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.34–7.72, p=.009). Besides, the patients who chose RFA had an obvious higher rate of CR than those receiving TACE (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 1.73–658.24, p = .002). However, the major complications were consistency between these two groups.

Conclusion

Our study discovered that RFA had greater CR and incidence in both the short-term and long-term OS than TACE. In addition, obvious difference was not found in major complications in these two methods.
(Re)fractional narrative inquiry: A methodological adaptation for exploring stories
Authors: Guthrie Kate
Published: March 2022

Narrative inquiry is relational inquiry in which inquirers come alongside the living, telling, re-living, and re-telling of stories . In this article, I present how I adapted narrative inquiry to explore parent perspectives of their gifted adolescent daughters’ experiences of belonging. At the time, I was conducting this study as part of my doctoral dissertation work and as a novice researcher, I struggled with (1) gaining access by a school district to interview adolescent students, (2) believing I could relationally come alongside adolescents as an outsider, and (3) questioning their developmental ability to think reflectively about their stories of belonging. Ultimately, I had to rethink my narrative inquiry approach. Here in this article, I share how I re-conceptualized my methodological approach as (re)fractional narrative inquiry to better understand gifted girls’ experiences from the perspectives of those who have relationally lived alongside them. I also present the context and methods of the study, provide a sample of co-negotiated narratives, discuss justifications of my inquiry, and conclude with reflections and evaluations of my adaptations.
Applied hybrid single-case experiments published between 2016 and 2020: A systematic review
Authors: Tanious René , Onghena Patrick
Published: March 2022

Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) are frequently used research designs in psychology, (special) education, and related fields. Hybrid designs are formed by combining two or more of the basic SCED forms (i.e. phase designs, alternation designs, multiple baseline designs, and changing criterion designs). Hybrid designs have the potential to tackle complex research questions and increase internal validity, but relatively little is known about their use in actual research practice. Therefore, we systematically reviewed SCED hybrid designs published between 2016 and 2020. The systematic review of 67 studies indicates that a hybrid of phase designs and multiple baseline designs is most popular. Hybrid designs are most frequently analyzed by means of visual analysis paired with descriptive statistics. Randomization in the study design is common only for one particular kind of hybrid design. Examples of hybrid studies reveal that these designs are particularly popular in educational research. We compare some of the results of the systematic review to those obtained by Hammond and Gast, Shadish and Sullivan, and Tanious and Onghena. Finally, we discuss the results of the present systematic review in light of the need for specific guidelines for hybrid designs, including analytical methods, design specific randomization and reporting, and the need for terminological clarification.
The ecology of human behavior: A network perspective
Authors: Quintana Rafael
Published: March 2022

There is a broad agreement that some of the most relevant problems in the social and behavioral sciences are fundamentally structural, and as a consequence require structural explanations. Yet researchers disagree on what a structural explanation is, and what are the specific questions that can only be answered through a structural lens. In this study, I shed some light on the nature of structural explanations by distinguishing between three types of structural questions related to structural proximity, structural cohesion and structural importance. In addition, I show how graphical methods can be used to answer these questions. In particular, I argue that structure learning algorithms can help us gain some understanding regarding causal structures, and network science can help us understand the organization of these structures. I provide an empirical application of these methods using a nationally representative dataset with a wide range of factors related to child development.
Emotion mapping: Exploring creative methods to understand the psychology of long-term injury
Authors: Goldman Aura , Gervis Misia , Griffiths Michael
Published: March 2022

This methodological study details the effectiveness of emotion mapping as a method to explore the lived experiences of professional male athletes ( n = 9) with a long-term injury. This represents the first use of emotion mapping to garner phenomenal knowledge on long-term injury within a sport psychology context, and as such is a departure from traditional approaches in this field. Following an orientation meeting, each participant was asked to produce an emotion map in the privacy of their home of two critical spaces occupied during their rehabilitation. Using video conferencing software, they were then asked to narrate their map, to facilitate understanding of their lived experiences of injury. Overall, the method was found to be efficacious in supporting existing literature on injury and revealing previously unknown aspects of long-term injury. In particular, the study provided phenomenal knowledge that was previously absent. As such, recommendations are made for the use of emotion mapping both as an effective research technique, and as a therapeutic tool.
Effects of School-Based Educational Program on Backpack Carrying Behavior in Teenage Students
Authors: NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Ziapour Arash , Mehedi Nafiul , Jamshidi Ahmad Rreza , Gahvareh Rohallah
Published: March 2022

One of the most serious issues is the growing prevalence of backaches among adolescent students as a result of carrying backpacks. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an education program (remedial information) on the school backpack carrying habits of adolescent students. The study sample consisted of 138 adolescent students aged 12 to 16 from 4 schools who were randomly assigned to either the experimental (N = 69) or control (N = 69) groups. The experimental group was subjected to a 6-week education program consisting of 6 sessions, whereas the control group received no educational intervention. During the pre-test and 3 months after the intervention, participants completed a questionnaire. The results (healthy items) were as follows: (1) carry as little as possible, (2) carry a school backpack on both shoulders, and (3) use lockers or something similar. After a 3-month follow-up, healthy items in the experimental group improved, but no significant changes were observed in the control group. When compared to the baseline, the experimental group’s healthy backpack usage habits improved significantly at the post-test ( P = .001). The current study’s findings show that school-based education interventions on backpack behaviors improve the school-bag carrying habits of adolescent students.
An Extension of the Integrated Model of Intercultural Communication Competence (IMICC) with Religiosity: An International Students’ Perspective
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Umar
Published: March 2022

This study aims to extend and further test the integrated model of intercultural communication competence (IMICC) on a cultural context of Malaysia. Since previous researchers have pointed out the need to address religion during intercultural encounters; this study adopted IMICC, expanded it with religiosity, and tested it in Malaysian context. International students from multiple countries were considered as respondents. In this study, direct effects of empathy, sensation seeking, and ethnocentrism on intercultural communication competence (ICC) were addressed. In addition, moderating effect of religiosity and mediating effects of attitude toward other cultures (ATOC) and motivation to engage in intercultural communication (MTEIIC) on ICC were also examined. The findings show that empathy, sensation seeking, and ATOC directly influenced ICC. Findings empirically justified the moderating effect of religiosity and mediating effect of ATOC. The inclusion of religiosity into IMICC adds valuable theoretical insights. This study reconfirms the culture-general nature of variables and IMICC.
Design of Care Decision Support System Based on Home-Based Behavior of Elderly: A Design Science Study
Authors: Kong Dong , Wang Yanli , Sun Kai
Published: March 2022

With the development of Information Technology and Internet of Things, using unobtrusive sensors to monitor the home-based behavior of the elderly, and assisting the care givers to make care decisions based on this data plays an important role in ensuring the health and safety of the elderly living alone. Adopting the Design Science Approach, this study designs, implements, and evaluates a care decision support system based on home-based behavior of elderly. This system preprocesses the behavior data collected by sensors and divides it into Instantaneous Behavior data and Continuous Behavior data. Adopting Multivariate Gaussian Model and Topic Model, this system automatically provides the visualized results of overall analysis, baseline analysis, and long-term analysis. It can assist caregivers in finding early signs threatening elderly’s health and safety, and making care decisions. Three caregivers with more than 1-year relevant experience participates in the evaluation, and the results indicate that the system designed in this paper has more support effectiveness. This system provides a more effective tool of supporting caregivers making decisions for elderly living alone.
The Influence of Lean Management Practices on Process Effectiveness: A Quantitative Study in a Public Institution
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Feltrin Thiago Schirmer , Pissutti Matheus , Ercolani Luciano Dibi
Published: March 2022

The applicability of Lean practices has been growing in the most different types of organizations, including public ones. Considering the growing need for better and more effective management systems, the objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of Lean practices on process effectiveness. A literature review was carried out to find Lean practices applicable to the public sector organizations and to outline the hypotheses of the work. The method of work consists of a survey, whose data collection was conducted through a questionnaire. The population of the study was composed by all the administrative servants of a public institution in Brazil. A valid sample of 997 answers was obtained from the studied institution. The data analysis was carried out by means of descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and multiple regression. The results allow identifying a positive influence of four Lean practices on the effectiveness of processes, which are: “Continuous improvement,” “Long-term thinking,” “Leadership support,” and “Focus on the final user.” The results also showed the influence of some dummy variables, such as “time in the public service” and “being head of sector.” As a conclusion of this work, it can be stated that Lean practices act as a basis for the effectiveness of processes and may optimize operational and administrative activities in public organizations.
Does Surgical Treatment Affect the Degree of Anxiety or Depression in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy?
Authors: Tachibana Naohiro , Doi Toru , Nakajima Koji , Nakamoto Hideki , Miyahara Junya , Nagata Kosei , Nakarai Hiroyuki , Tozawa Keiichiro , Ohtomo Nozomu , Sakamoto Ryuji , Kato So , Taniguchi Yuki , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Tanaka Sakae , Oshima Yasushi
Published: March 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Preoperative mental state has been reported as one of the factors affecting the surgical outcomes of spine surgery, but few studies have examined in detail how patients’ mental state is affected by spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) whether surgery improves preoperative depression and anxiety in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Methods

We investigated patient-reported outcomes (Mental Component Summary, Physical Component Summary of SF-12 Health Survey, and EQ-5D, Neck Disability Index, JOACMEQ, satisfaction with treatment) and HADS one year after surgery, comparing them before and after surgery between April 2017 and February 2020. Among the cases diagnosed as preoperative anxiety and depression, we additionally compared the patient-reported outcomes based on the presence or absence of postoperative improvement in mental state, having also investigated the correlation between patient-reported outcomes and HADS for sub-analysis.

Results

Among the 99 patients eligible for inclusion in the present study, we found that patient-reported outcomes and the HADS scores improved significantly after surgery. There was a moderate correlation between the amount of change in HADS-D score before and after surgery and the amount of change in NDI (moderate, r = .41), NRS of neck (moderate, r = .46), and JOACMEQ (cervical spine function; moderate, r = .43, upper extremity function; moderate, r = .41, QOL; moderate, r = .41).

Conclusions

We found that surgical treatment for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy may improve postoperative anxiety and depression as well as other patient-reported outcomes.
Entrepreneurial Success: Key Challenges Faced by Malaysian Women Entrepreneurs in the Aged Care Industry
Authors: Noor Shaista , Isa Filzah Md , Shafiq Ali
Published: March 2022

Women entrepreneurship is on the rise in Malaysia due to government support. However, financial, sociocultural, environmental, and individual factors handicap women’s entrepreneurial success in Malaysia. Even though women’s personality attributes such as tenderness, empathy, patience, and care fit with the need of the aged care industry, their involvement in this industry is minimal when compared to other businesses. The entry of Malaysian women as an aging care center operator may help the Malaysian government overcome the looming challenge of the aging population. This study investigates the challenges women entrepreneurs face in achieving entrepreneurial success in the aged care industry. Ten women entrepreneurs who were running aged care centers in Malaysia were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gather data, and Saldaña (2018) structured inductive data analysis methodology was used to analyze the data. A success model for women entrepreneurs in the service industry is proposed by identifying women entrepreneurs’ critical challenges in the aged care industry. Despite many challenges, the centers are still sustainable and depict women entrepreneurs’ potential to excel in this industry. This carries implications for the industry, policymakers, investors, and society. The present study proposes a business model for women entrepreneurs, a novel contribution to the mainstream literature.
What Drives People to Adopt Grocery Apps? The Moderating Role of Household Size
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Bhatnagar Shakti Bodh , Biswas Wendrila , Khatua Ajay Kumar
Published: March 2022

With the advancement of information technology, varied important applications have eventually brought a change in the people’s lifestyle. Moreover, smartphones gave a new face with the emergence of mobile apps. Grocery apps are one of such applications that have created customized and finest shopping experiences for consumers today. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the underlying factors influencing a consumer’s behavioral intention (BI) to adopt and accept the technology (i.e., grocery apps). The unique constructs have been derived from potential models of technology acceptance. The paper investigated the effects and relationships of such factors in adoption of grocery apps and its actual usage. Thus, a general adoption model was evolved that provided a comprehensive understanding of the consumers’ intention to adopt the grocery apps and identify the level of its acceptance. Based on the insights from prior research, a new model has been developed. 440 respondents have provided their valuable responses. The research findings revealed that household size significantly moderates the relationship between BI and actual use (AU).