bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACADEMIC CONCERNS, REQUESTED AND RECEIVED SUPPORT AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE FOUR WEEKS FOLLOWING CONCUSSION: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Snedden Traci , Post Eric , Schmidt Christian , Brooks Alison
Published: April 2020

Background:

Even short-term cognitive challenges place adolescents at risk for successful achievement of academic success and attainment of career goals. Studies that have examined subjects receiving follow-up at a concussion or other specialty clinic have noted cognitive issues that cause learning problems upon return to the classroom. However, a gap exists specific to the types of academic concerns and needs for academic support using a prospective longitudinal design in a general sample.

Purpose:

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the scope of academic concerns, requested and received academic support over time among adolescents in the four weeks following a concussion injury. Methods: Prospective longitudinal pilot study. Adolescents, aged 13-18 years, and their parent/legal guardian were enrolled within 7 days of concussion injury using a community-based design. Academic effects, requested and received support were assessed by electronic completion of the Concussion Learning Assessment and School Survey (CLASS) of both adolescent and their parent/legal guardian at 4 time points across 28 days, each one week apart.

Results:

Overall, 37 adolescents (51.4% female, mean age: 16.4±1.4 years) and their parent/legal guardian, provided sufficient data for analysis. A decrease in the frequency of academic concerns over time was noted across the 4 weeks following injury with 37.8% (n=14) reporting challenges in one or more of their classes in the first week after their concussion, compared to 10.8% (n=4) at 28 days. A decrease in requested supports was also noted, with 48.6% (n=18) requesting some form of academic support in the first week compared to 13.5% (n=5) at 28 days. Most commonly requested supports across all time points included extra time to complete work, reduced homework, reduced or waived makeup work, and a shortened school day. Received academic support was also greatest in the first week following concussion (40.5%, n=15) and declined to 16.2% (n=6) at 28 days. Grades were reported as worse since their concussion across all time points with 18.9% reporting this concern at 14 and 21 days.

Conclusion:

High rates of academic concerns and requested supports were reported in the first week following concussion. In addition, a consistent proportion of students reported a worsening of grades and continued to report academic concerns and needs for academic support four weeks after they sustained a concussion. These pilot findings support the need for greater attention to the academic effects of concussion and related support needs in the classroom for all students.

[Table: see text][Table: see text]
EFFECTS OF SPORTS SPECIALIZATION ON LOWER EXTREMITY SAGITTAL PLANE LOADING IN ADOLESCENT MALES AND FEMALES
Authors: Goto Shiho , Hannon Joseph P. , Grondin Angellyn N. , Bothwell James M. , Garrison J. Craig
Published: April 2020

Background:

Sport specialization has been associated with increased risk of both acute and chronic lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in adolescent athletes. Repetitive movement through sport specialization has been hypothesized to increase the stress through the lower extremity, leading to injury. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in sagittal plane lower extremity loading between adolescent athletes who participate in a single sport (SS) verse those who participate multiple sports (MS).

Methods:

A cross sectional study design was used. A total 252 adolescent athletes participated in the study (Males: SS=26, Age=14.62±1.72, Ht=173.06±12.41 cm, Mass =62.47±14.72 Kg; MS=27, Age=13.52±1.72, Ht=171.61±11.20 cm, Mass =61.32±14.21 Kg Females: SS=127, Age=14.28±1.77, Ht=164.72±10.73 cm, Mass =58.29±11.17 Kg, MS=84, Age=13.62±1.41, Ht=163.22±7.67 cm, Mass =57.63±11.44 Kg). Participants were included if they were between the ages of 10 and 17, involved in high-risk sports for equal or greater than 50 hours per year, and reported no injuries in the 3 months prior to participation in the study. Joint moments of the hip, knee, and ankle were assessed at initial contact (IC) during a jump-landing (JL) task in both the dominant and non-dominant limbs. All values were normalized to the product of height and weight and averaged across three trials. Participants were grouped into SS or MS groups, then sub-grouped by gender. Separate independent t-tests were performed on each dependent variable for the dominant and non-dominant limbs in males and females to examine the differences between the groups (SS vs MS) (α = 0.05).

Results:

In the female cohort, the SS group demonstrated lesser knee flexion moments compared to the MS group on dominant side (SS=0.022 HtWt-1, MS=0.026 HtWt-1; p=0.012). The female SS group also demonstrated lesser hip extension moments (SS=0.031HtWt-1, MS=0.042 HtWt-1; p=0.022) and knee flexion moments on non-dominant side compared to that of the MS group (SS=0.023HtWt-1, MS=0.027 HtWt-1; p=0.013). There were no significant differences observed in any of the variables in male adolescents.

Conclusion:

Altered sagittal plane biomechanics were observed in female adolescents, but not in male adolescents during a JL task. The MS group had greater loading at the hip and knee joints than the SS group. Since MS has been suggested to increase the risk of lower extremity injuries, this biomechanical pattern at IC of a JL may be a profile for higher risk of lower extremity injuries. (394/400)

[Table: see text]
IS OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE TRULY A BENIGN KNEE CONDITION? A PILOT STUDY DEMONSTRATING INCREASED POSTERIOR TIBIAL SLOPE
Authors: Green Daniel W. , Sidharthan Sreetha , Schlichte Lindsay M.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a traction apophysitis caused by repetitive strain and chronic avulsion of the secondary ossification center of the tibal tuberosity from the patellar tendon.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine if OSD is associated with increased posterior tibial slope (PTS).

Methods:

A total of 40 knees with OSD and 32 control knees examined by the senior author between 2008 and 2019 were included. Patients aged 10 to 15 years old with clinical diagnosis of OSD supported by radiographic findings on lateral X-ray and MRI were eligible. Age- and sex-matched subjects with history of anterior knee pain but no evidence of OSD on clinical exam and no fragmentation of the tibial tubercle on lateral X-Ray and MRI were included in the control group. PTS was defined as the angle between the reference line and a line drawn tangent to the uppermost anterior and posterior edges of the medial tibial plateau. Measurements were carried out in duplicate on true lateral X-Rays by two blinded investigators. Interrater reliability of posterior tibial slope measurements between the two examiners was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Independent-sample student t-test was used to compare PTS in the OSD and control knees.

Results:

Mean age at time of lateral radiograph was 12.6 ± 1.6 years and 51% (37/72) of knees were male. There were no differences in age, sex, and laterality of knees between the OSD and control groups. Mean PTS was significantly higher in the OSD group (12.23º ± 3.58º) compared to the control group (8.82 º ± 2.76 º, p<0.001) (Figure 1). ICC was 0.931 (95% confidence interval, 0.890 to 0.957) for measurement of PTS between the two examiners, indicating almost perfect interrater reliability.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to identify an association between OSD and increased PTS. The clinical implications of this novel finding have not yet been elucidated. However, several studies have demonstrated that increased PTS is a risk factor for ACL injury and re-tear. It may be speculated in patients with OSD, stress from the extensor mechanism through the patellar tendon loads the anterior portion of the tibia disproportionately to the posterior segment, thereby resulting in asymmetric growth and an increased PTS.

[Figure: see text]
USE CAUTION WHEN ASSESSING PRE-OPERATIVE LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES
Authors: Schlichte Lindsay M. , Fabricant Peter D. , Goodbody Christine , Green Daniel W.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Pre- and post-operative standing hip to ankle radiography is critical for monitoring potential post-operative growth arrest and resultant length and angular deformities after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. During acquisition of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs, it is possible that patients are lacking full extension, not weight bearing comfortably, or leaning resulting in inaccurate measurements.

Purpose:

This study aims to assess both pre- and post-operative radiographic measurements to assess if the standing pre-operative x-ray is a accurate and reliable source for baseline measurements.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected pre-operative and first post-operative full-length hip-to-ankle radiographs in a cohort of skeletally immature athletes who presented with an acute ACL injury and underwent subsequent surgical reconstruction. Initially, leg length discrepancy for 25 patients was measured by 3 orthopedic surgeons (top of femoral head to center of tibial plafond). The intraclass correlation was almost perfect (ICC (2,1) = .996) therefore, 1 surgeon measured the remaining 94 radiographs. Measurements for both the injured and uninjured legs were obtained for comparison and surgeons were blinded to the injured side.

Results:

A total of 119 pediatric patients (mean age 13.4, range 7-14 years) were included (83 males and 36 females). Patient were categorized as either having ≥5mm, ≥10mm, or ≥15mm LLD on pre-operative standing x-ray. Sixty-two patients (52%) were found to have a pre-operative LLD ≥ 5mm. Forty-one (66%) of these patients tore their ACL on the limb measuring shorter. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 35 patients (56%) resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Eighteen patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 13 (72%) patients resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Five patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 15mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 4 (80%) resolved ≤5mm. All patients with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 13mm had sustained an ACL injury on the limb measuring shorter

Conclusion:

Of the pediatric ACL patients initially presenting with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm, 72% demonstrated apparent correction of their LLD on their 6 month standing x-ray. This high rate of LLD pre-operatively but not post operatively calls into question the accuracy of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs for patients after an ACL tear. Surgeons and radiology technicians should be aware of injured patients potentially lacking full extension, leaning, or not weight bearing comfortably, and should consider delaying preoperative radiographic length and alignment analysis until after the patient is able to fully straighten the injured knee and weight bear comfortably.
Agro-industrial accidents linked to length of service, operation site and confidence in employer adherence to safety rules
Authors: Koroma Emmanuel Tamba , Kangbai Jia Bainga
Published: April 2020

Background

The agriculture sector consistently ranks among the most hazardous occupational industries globally with high risk of job-related injuries, illnesses, disability, and death. In 2015, the agricultural fatal work injury rate in the United States was 22.8 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers; seven times the all-worker fatal injury rate of 3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. In this study we identified the factors that are associated with workplace accident and injuries at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company - a private international agro-industrial palm kernel oil company operating in eastern Sierra Leone.

Methods

This is a descriptive research that made use of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to collect and analyse agro-industrial occupation-related accident and injuries of workers attached to the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company, an international palm kernel oil producing and marketing company in Sierra Leone. We analyzed the responses of 100 workers at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company that are related to their work safety, adherence to work safety guidelines as well as working habit.

Results

Thirty nine (39.0%) of the workers interviewed in this study said they had been involved in some forms of occupational accident; (33.3%) of those involved in some form of occupational-related accidents have been working in the company for 3–5 years, 22.0% have been working at the company for at least 2 years; 7.7% have been working for 6–8 years (X2 = 9.88, p-value = 0.02).

Conclusion

Workers who have spent few years in the job, and those workers who have confidence that management is committed to addressing health and safety issues, believed that their working tools were in excellent condition, or agreed that they have the rights and responsibilities for an effective workplace health and safety system have decreased odds of experiencing occupational-related accidents or injury at the study site.
Secondary care specialist visits made by children and young people prescribed antidepressants in primary care: a descriptive study using the QResearch database
Authors: Jack Ruth H. , Joseph Rebecca M. , Coupland Carol , Butler Debbie , Hollis Chris , Morriss Richard , Knaggs Roger David , Cipriani Andrea , Cortese Samuele , Hippisley-Cox Julia
Published: April 2020

Background

Antidepressants may be used to manage a number of conditions in children and young people including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. UK guidelines for the treatment of depression in children and young people recommend that antidepressants should only be initiated following assessment and diagnosis by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The aim of this study was to summarise visits to mental health specialists and indications recorded around the time of antidepressant initiation in children and young people in UK primary care.

Methods

The study used linked English primary care electronic health records and Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care data. The study included 5–17-year-olds first prescribed antidepressants between January 2006 and December 2017. Records of visits to paediatric or psychiatric specialists and potential indications (from a pre-specified list) were extracted. Events were counted if recorded less than 12 months before or 6 months after the first antidepressant prescription. Results were stratified by first antidepressant type (all, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic and related antidepressants) and by age group (5–11 years, 12–17 years).

Results

In total, 33,031 5–17-year-olds were included. Of these, 12,149 (37%) had a record of visiting a paediatrician or a psychiatric specialist in the specified time window. The majority of recorded visits (7154, 22%) were to paediatricians. Of those prescribed SSRIs, 5463/22,130 (25%) had a record of visiting a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Overall, 17,972 (54%) patients had a record of at least one of the pre-specified indications. Depression was the most frequently recorded indication (12,501, 38%), followed by anxiety (4155, 13%).

Conclusions

The results suggest many children and young people are being prescribed antidepressants without the recommended involvement of a relevant specialist. These findings may justify both greater training for GPs in child and adolescent mental health and greater access to specialist care and non-pharmacological treatments. Further research is needed to explore factors that influence how and why GPs prescribe antidepressants to children and young people and the real-world practice barriers to adherence to clinical guidelines.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs17548629 in RIPK1 gene may be associated with lung cancer in a young and middle-aged Han Chinese population
Authors: Yang Shimin , Yu Fanglin , Lin Mingyan , Sun Linyi , Wei Junjie , Lai Cheng , Cai Lin , Hu Zhijian , He Fei
Published: April 2020

Background

Genetic biomarkers of lung cancer (LC) susceptibility may provide a basis for treatment and prevention. This study analyzed an association between SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the complementary region of the 3′-UTR (3′ untranslated region) of microRNAs of the gene RIPK1 (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1) and LC among an adult Han Chinese population aged younger than 60 years. Also explored the effect of regulation of the RIPK1 gene via rs17548629 and microRNA-1197 on the occurrence of LC.

Methods

RIPK1 variants (rs17548629, rs77736895) were determined in a population of 571 adults (younger than 60 years) with LC, and 609 gender- and age-matched healthy individuals. Bioinformatics methods predicted the microRNAs bound to rs17548629. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the presence of both rs17548629 and the predicted microRNA.

Results

A mutation (T) of rs17548629 was associated with an increased risk for LC in this population under the codominant and recessive genetic models. The risk of lung adenocarcinoma in rs17548629 mutant carriers was 1.769-fold higher than that of the wildtype. In vitro, the luciferase activity of co-transfected mutant psiCHECK2-RIPK1 and microRNA-1197 mimics was less than that of the group transfected with microRNA-1197 mimics only. Factorial analysis indicated interactions between microRNA-1197 mimics and genotypes of rs17548629.

Conclusion

A mutation (T) of rs17548629 may increase the risk of LC/lung adenocarcinoma in adult Han populations younger than 60 years. When carrying the T allele, rs17548629 may be the target of hsa-miR-1197. This mutation may affect transcriptional level of the RIPK1, thereby promoting the occurrence of LC.
In-vitro sonothrombolysis using thick-shelled polymer microbubbles - a comparison with thin-shelled microbubbles
Authors: Janjic Jovana , Larsson Malin K , Bjällmark Anna
Published: May 2020

Background

Vascular thrombosis can be treated pharmacologically, however, serious shortcomings such as bleeding may occur. Several studies suggest that sonothrombolysis can induce lysis of the clots using ultrasound. Moreover, intravenously injected thin-shelled microbubbles (MBs) combined with ultrasound can further improve clot lysis. Thick-shelled MBs have been used for drug delivery, targeting and multimodal imaging. However, their capability to enhance sonothrombolysis is unknown. In this study, using an in-vitro set-up, the enhancement of clot lysis using ultrasound and thick-shelled MBs was investigated. Thin-shelled MBs was used for comparison.

Method

The main components in the in-vitro set-up was a vessel mimicking phantom, a pressure mearing system and programmable ultrasound machine. Blood clots were injected and entrapped on a pore mesh in the vessel phantom. Four different protocols for ultrasound transmission and MB exposure (7 blood clots/protocol) were considered together with a control test were no MBs and ultrasound were used. For each protocol, ultrasound exposure of 20 min was used. The upstream pressure of the partially occluded mesh was continuously measured to assess clot burden. At the end of each protocol blood clots were removed from the phantom and the clot mass loss was computed.

Results

For the thick-shelled MBs no difference in clot mass loss compared with the control tests was found. A 10% increase in the clot mass loss compared with the control tests was found when using thin-shelled MBs and low pressure/long pulses ultrasound exposure. Similarly, in terms of upstream pressure over exposure time, no differences were found when using the thick-shelled MBs, whereas thin-shelled MBs showed a 15% decrease achieved within the first 4 min of ultrasound exposure.

Conclusion

No increase in clot lysis was achieved using thick-shelled MBs as demonstrated by no significant change in clot mass or upstream pressure. Although thick-shelled MBs are promising for targeting and drug delivery, they do not enhance clot lysis when considering the ultrasound sequences used in this study. On the other hand, ultrasound in combination with thin-shelled MBs can facilitate thrombolysis when applying long ultrasound pulses with low pressure.
Developing monitoring and evaluation tools for event-based surveillance: experience from Vietnam
Authors: Clara Alexey , Dao Anh T. P. , Mounts Anthony W. , Bernadotte Christina , Nguyen Huyen T. , Tran Quy M. , Tran Quang D. , Dang Tan Q. , Merali Sharifa , Balajee S. Arunmozhi , Do Trang T.
Published: April 2020

Background

In 2016–2017, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) implemented an event-based surveillance (EBS) pilot project in six provinces as part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) efforts. This manuscript describes development and design of tools for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of EBS in Vietnam.

Methods

A strategic EBS framework was developed based on the EBS implementation pilot project’s goals and objectives. The main process and outcome components were identified and included input, activities, outputs, and outcome indicators. M&E tools were developed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The tools included a supervisory checklist, a desk review tool, a key informant interview guide, a focus group discussion guide, a timeliness form, and an online acceptability survey. An evaluation team conducted field visits for assessment of EBS 5–9 months after implementation.

Results

The quantitative data collected provided evidence on the number and type of events that were being reported, the timeliness of the system, and the event-to-signal ratio. The qualitative and subjective data collected helped to increase understanding of the system’s field utility and acceptance by field staff, reasons for non-compliance with established guidelines, and other factors influencing implementation.

Conclusions

The use of M&E tools for the EBS pilot project in Vietnam provided data on signals and events reported, timeliness of reporting and response, perceptions and opinions of implementers, and fidelity of EBS implementation. These data were valuable for Vietnam’s MoH to understand the function of the EBS program, and the success and challenges of implementing this project in Vietnam.
Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in caracals (Caracal caracal) living in human-modified landscapes of South Africa
Authors: Viljoen Storme , O’Riain M. Justin , Penzhorn Barend L. , Drouilly Marine , Serieys Laurel E. K. , Cristescu Bogdan , Teichman Kristine J. , Bishop Jacqueline M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Wild carnivores living alongside humans and domestic animals are vulnerable to changes in the infectious disease dynamics in their populations. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and diversity of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of veterinary and/or zoonotic concern in wild populations of caracals (Caracal caracal) occurring in human-modified landscapes in South Africa. Using molecular techniques, we screened 57 caracal blood samples for infection by rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in three regions of South Africa: rangeland in the Central Karoo (n = 27) and Namaqualand (n = 14) as well as the urban edge of the Cape Peninsula (n = 16) of South Africa. To characterise pathogen identity, we sequenced the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from positive samples and analysed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. We also examine the diversity of potential tick vectors.

Results

All individuals tested were infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen. Pathogens included Hepatozoon felis, Babesia felis, Babesia leo and a potentially novel Babesia species. An Anaplasma species previously described in South African domestic dogs was also found in 88% of urban edge caracals. Higher rates of co-infection characterised urban edge caracals (81% vs 15% and 0% in the two rangeland populations), as well as a greater incidence of mixed infections. Host attached tick species include Haemaphysalis elliptica, an important pathogen vector among carnivore hosts.

Conclusions

This study confirms the occurrence of previously undocumented tick-borne pathogens infecting free-ranging caracals in human-modified landscapes. We identify clear differences in the pathogen profiles among our study populations and discuss the likely health costs to caracals living adjacent to urban areas.
Evaluating the consequences of health policy decisions
Authors: Nimptsch Ulrike
Published: April 2020

Uncertainty about intended and possible unintended side effects makes it important to evaluate changes following health policy decisions. A recent IJHPR article by Greenberg et al. evaluated changes in emergency department care following a directive of the Israeli Ministry of Health to limit occupancy in internal medicine wards. Over a six-year observation period, they found that one-month mortality and one-week readmissions after ED visits remained unchanged, while increases in average ED visit length, as well as increased delay time from ED admission to ward were observed. These findings help to assess the impact of the occupancy limit directive and may support future health policy decisions.

However, the study by Greenberg et al. was limited by the unavailability of diagnostic data, and this illustrates a significant issue that transcends this particular study. In many countries, policy-relevant administrative data are not sufficiently available on a timely basis. Data availability is the prerequisite for monitoring developments in patterns of care following health policy changes. Besides conducting retrospective studies, timely availability of data makes it possible to establish monitoring systems which may help decision makers assess the impact of policy changes, identify undesired developments early, and recognize changes in need or demand of health services within the population.
Inconsistency of the conventional theory of superconductivity
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: April 2020

In a process where the temperature of a type-I superconductor in a magnetic field changes, the conventional theory of superconductivity predicts that Joule heat is generated and that the final state is independent of the speed of the process. I show that these two predictions cannot be simultaneously reconciled with the laws of thermodynamics. I propose a resolution of this paradox.
Physiological Evidence That the Critical Torque Is a Phase Transition, Not a Threshold
Authors: PETHICK JAMIE , WINTER SAMANTHA L. , BURNLEY MARK
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Distinct physiological responses to exercise occur in the heavy- and severe-intensity domains, which are separated by the critical power or critical torque (CT). However, how the transition between these intensity domains actually occurs is not known. We tested the hypothesis that CT is a sudden threshold, with no gradual transition from heavy- to severe-intensity behavior within the confidence limits associated with the CT.

Methods

Twelve healthy participants performed four exhaustive severe-intensity trials for the determination of CT, and four 30-min trials in close proximity to CT (one or two SE above or below each participant’s CT estimate; CT − 2, CT − 1, CT + 1, CT + 2). Muscle O2 uptake, rectified electromyogram, and torque variability and complexity were monitored throughout each trial, and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with femoral nerve stimulation were performed before and after each trial to determine central and peripheral fatigue responses.

Results

The rates of change in fatigue-related variables, muscle O2 uptake, electromyogram amplitude, and torque complexity were significantly faster in the severe trials compared with CT − 2. For example, the fall in MVC torque was −1.5 ± 0.8 N·m·min−1 in CT − 2 versus –7.9 ± 2.5 N·m·min−1 in the lowest severe-intensity trial (P < 0.05). Individual analyses showed a low frequency of severe responses even in the circa-CT trials ostensibly above the CT, but also the rare appearance of severe-intensity responses in all circa-CT trials.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the transition between heavy- and severe-intensity exercise occurs gradually rather than suddenly.
Upstream and Downstream Impacts of College Merit-Based Financial Aid for Low-Income Students: Ser Pilo Paga in Colombia
Authors: Londoño-Vélez Juliana , Rodríguez Catherine , Sánchez Fabio
Published: April 2020

How does financial aid affect postsecondary enrollment, college choice, and student composition? We present new evidence based on a large-scale program available to high-achieving, low-income students for attending high-quality colleges in Colombia. RD estimates show financial aid eligibility raised immediate enrollment by 56.5 to 86.5 percent, depending on the complier population. This rise, driven by matriculation at private, high-quality colleges, closed the SES enrollment gap among high achievers. Moreover, a DID approach suggests enrollment of aid-ineligible students also improved because college supply expanded in response to heightened demand. With ability stratification largely replacing SES stratification, diversity increased 46 percent at private, high-quality colleges. (JEL I22, I23, I24, I26, J24, O15)
An Equilibrium Theory of Retirement Plan Design
Authors: Bubb Ryan , Warren Patrick L.
Published: April 2020

We develop an equilibrium theory of employer-sponsored retirement plan design using a behavioral contract theory approach. The operation of the labor market results in retirement plans that generally cater to, rather than correct, workers’ mistakes. Our theory provides new explanations for a range of facts about retirement plan design, including the use of employer matching contributions and the use of default contribution rates in automatic enrollment plans that lower many workers’ savings. We provide novel evidence for our theory from a sample of plans. (JEL D86, G51, J26, J32, J41)
Inconstitucionalidade da Lei de Abuso de Autoridade
Authors: Ayres Britto Ministro Carlos
Published: May 2020

Unconstitutionality In The Law Of Abuse Of Authority
Effects of antenatal nutrition counselling on dietary practices and nutritional status of pregnant women: A quasi-experimental hospital based study
Authors: Kaleem Rameeza , Adnan Muhammad , Nasir Mahnaz , Rahat Tayyaba
Published: April 2020

Objective: To assess the effects of nutrition education intervention on dietary practices and nutritional status of pregnant women.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 215 pregnant women were enrolled from Gynae OPD, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during 2017-18. Dietary practices were assessed using the usual intake form and scoring was done against food guide pyramid. Nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric measurements and biochemical estimation. In addition to nutrition counselling, each woman was prescribed with supplements commonly used during pregnancy. Dietary habits and nutritional status were reassessed after two months. The women lost to follow up were 21 (9.8%) therefore data obtained from 194 women were subjected to final analysis by using SPSS 20.

Results: The age of women ranged between 18 and 38 years. Those who never attended a school were 14.4%; poor 46.0%; and working 3.7%. The comparison between pre- and post-counselling dietary practices showed improvement in the numbers of women taking recommended portions of bread & cereals (79.4% vs. 95.9%, p = <0.001); vegetables (50.5% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.004); milk & dairy products (38.1% vs. 81.4%, p = <0.001); and a reduction in the numbers of women taking recommended portions of meat & bean (100.0% vs. 94.8%, p = 0.002). The frequency of women taking recommended diet as per food guide pyramid improved from 3.1% to 37.1%. Vitamin D status also showed improvement in the numbers of women with normal levels of serum vitamin D (7.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.079).

Conclusions: Overall, nutrition counseling showed positive effects on nutritional status of pregnant women. Thus, the nutrition counseling must be an essential part of antenatal care for all pregnant women in the setting.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1919

How to cite this:Kaleem R, Adnan M, Nasir M, Rahat T. Effects of antenatal nutrition counselling on dietary practices and nutritional status of pregnant women: A quasi-experimental hospital based study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):632-636.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.1919

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Trophic habits of the invasive crab Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards, 1834 from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)
Authors: CHAFFAI AMANI , RJIBA-BAHRI WAFA , ABIDI ASMA , DENIS FRANҪOISE , BEN SOUISSI JAMILA
Published: May 2020

Feeding habits of the invasive spider crab Libinia dubia from the Mediterranean Sea were studied in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) using the frequency of occurrence and points methods. The population was sampled at least monthly between November 2015 and October 2016. Stomach contents of 384 specimens were analysed. Results indicate that L. dubia is an herbivorous species exhibiting clear preferences for algae (ALG) and Magnoliophyta (MAG) (62.03%, 7.13 points and 59.36%, 5.3 points respectively) although Echinodermata (ECH), Porifera (POR), Cnidaria (CNI), Mollusca (MOL), Polychaeta (POL), Crustacea (CRU) and fish (FIS) were accidentally consumed along with Bryozoa (BRY), sediment (SED), and unidentifiable materials (UNM). The diversity of ALG ingested was studied in detail: Chlorophyceae were found in 87.93% of stomachs containing ALG and contributed most of points to the stomach contents (4.18 points) followed respectively by Phaeophyceae (81.03%, 2.27 points) and Rhodophyceae (40.95%, 0.68 points).Very low Vacuity Index was recorded (VI = 2.6%). Ingested items varied significantly with regard to the season (Chi-square test, χ2calculated = 87.86 > χ2theoretical = 7.81, df = 3, p < 0.05) and crab size (χ2calculated = 14.25 > χ2theoretical = 5.99, df = 2, p = 0.026). Insignificant differences were registered by studying Carapace Width-Stomach Weight (CW-SW) relationships (T-test, tcalculated < ttheoretical, p > 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test was applied so that the composition of crab diet among groups could be compared (H = 1.1, df = 3, p = 0.77).
CASAMENTO HOMOSSEXUAL: LEGALIZAÇÃO E RITUAL
Authors: Tuma Raquel Lage , Maia Carlos Eduardo Santos
Published: May 2020

Pretende-se neste trabalho apresentar uma síntese de como foi a institucionalização do matrimônio, bem como o processo da legalização do casamento entre homossexuais, no Brasil e mundo e, ainda, alguns movimentos em oposição a esta reivindicação. Também se tem como objetivo analisar como os casamentos homossexuais respaldam-se nos casamentos heterossexuais no que tange ao ritual. Como procedimento metodológico utiliza-se de estudo exploratório por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental concernente aos temas de ritual e tradição, institucionalização do casamento e, especificamente da legislação relacionada à união estável.
O PATRIMÔNIO INDUSTRIAL COMO ELEMENTO DA PAISAGEM CULTURAL E A PAISAGEM CULTURAL CONFORMANDO O PATRIMÔNIO INDUSTRIAL: UMA RELAÇÃO CONCEITUAL
Authors: Mesquita Zandor Gomes
Published: May 2020

O Patrimônio Industrial diz respeito aos resquícios do modo de produzir de uma sociedade, constituídos de seu valor histórico, tecnológico, social e arquitetônico ou científico. Ele vai além do seu aspecto estético, ressaltado pelo visível. Sua análise possibilita uma conexão com o tipo de industrialização de um período histórico, com o modo de vida da classe trabalhadora correspondente, evidencia também a coletividade que o construiu e permite entender os processos de conformação do espaço na qual essa população residia. Neste sentido, o patrimônio industrial está intimamente relacionado a paisagem cultural. Esta pode ser entendida como um produto da apropriação e transformação do homem sobre a natureza, constituindo um conjunto de significados, impressos através da linguagem, dos símbolos e traços culturais do grupo social em questão. Dotada de sentido e ancorada sobre uma base material, a paisagem se apresenta como uma importante fonte investigativa, sendo vista como uma expressão concentrada da identidade coletiva. O seu estudo expõe as dinâmicas sociais que se estabeleceram sobre o espaço, que foram caracterizadas a partir das relações que ali se desenvolveram, sendo então, um importante documento de análise. Neste sentido, estes dois conceitos interagem e a utilização em conjunto possibilita o desenvolvimento de um campo de análise. O patrimônio industrial influencia na conformação da paisagem cultural, lhe dá vida, altera suas características, e também é composto por ela, sendo influenciado pela sua estruturação. O presente trabalho buscou debater a relação destes dois conceitos, expondo elementos para o estabelecimento de um debate.
Estratégias de polidez no discurso dos professores sobre o conceito: um estudo de caso
Authors: Pelinson Fabiana
Published: May 2020

Neste estudo objetiva-se identificar e compreender o uso das estratégias de polidez utilizadas no discurso dos professores de um Colégio Estadual localizado em Curitiba (PR), especificamente quando definem o que constituem uma atitude ou comportamento preconceituoso no ambiente escolar. Com relação às técnicas de investigação, optou-se pela realização de questionários diagnósticos e do Grupo Focal como principal método de geração de dados. A análise dos dados demonstra que as estratégias de polidez utilizadas cumprem o propósito de projetar imagens positivas de si, a fim de cumprir com as expectativas de comportamento determinadas pelas normas de conduta do convívio social, sobretudo quando o indivíduo se apresenta no papel social de professor.
Uso de música para o ensino de inglês como língua estrangeira em um ambiente baseado em corpus
Authors: Delfino Maria Claudia Nunes
Published: May 2020

Poucos trabalhos lançam mão de banco de dados musicais baseados em corpora para o desenvolvimento de atividades que corroboram o ensino-aprendizagem de uma segunda língua. O objetivo desse artigo é preencher essa lacuna por meio de um corpus composto de aproximadamente 150 mil palavras, de 585 letras de música dos artistas Beatles, Bon Jovi e Maroon 5 e Bruno Mars. As análises e as investigações para a criação dos exercícios usam dimensões de variação, colocações, coligações, palavras-chave, entre outros aspectos abordados pela Linguística de Corpus. Entrevistas foram realizadas com os alunos para descobrir a percepção que eles tinham das aulas.
O conceito de "descolonialidade" e outras reflexões no campo da Linguística Aplicada: entrevista com Fernando Zolin-Vesz
Authors: Zolin-Vesz Fernando , De Araújo Everaldo Lima , Rabêlo Keyla Silva , Figueiredo Priscilla Da Silva
Published: May 2020

Fernando Zolin Vesz é professor da área de Linguística no Departamento de Letras e no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Estudos de Linguagem, na Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT). É líder do Grupo de Pesquisa Linguagens e Descolonialidades – GPLeD (UFMT/CNPq) e membro do GT de Práticas Identitárias na Linguística Aplicada da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Letras e Linguística (Anpoll). Possui graduação em Letras pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2003), mestrado em Estudos de Linguagem pela Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (2012) e doutorado em Letras e Linguística pela Universidade Federal de Goiás (2015). Tem experiência na área de Linguística Aplicada, atuando principalmente com a interface entre produção de conhecimento na área de estudos da linguagem e (des)colonialidade.Fernando Zolin, em entrevista concedida via e-mail, discute questões ligadas ao conceito de “descolonialidade”, além de apresentar outras reflexões no campo da Linguística Aplicada.
THE POTENCIAL OF USING SMARTPHONE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SECUNDARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Imwa Mphatso
Published: May 2020

This article systematically reviews the literature on the Potential of using Smartphone in teaching and learning of English Language in secondary schools. It focuses on the benefits, perceptions, challenges, and solutions towards incorporating smartphones in secondary school education. Through online research, 9 empirical and theoretical articles, case studies, and surveys defending the use of a smartphone in teaching and learning of English language in secondary schools were analyzed. The results from the study show that smartphones do have potential at improving teaching and learning of English amongst the teachers and learners in secondary schools. However, it is revealed also that there is need to establish effective pedagogical ways of using the smartphones in order to reduce indiscipline, distraction, and cases of cyberbullying.
RESENHANDO AUTORAS NEGRAS: FEMINISTAS, PLURAIS E DIASPÓRICAS
Authors: Lima da Silva Alexandra , Soanirina Ohmer Sarah
Published: May 2020

Este texto realiza um mapeamento de edições de autoras do pensamento feminista negro dos Estados Unidos e a circulação de tais livros no mercado editorial brasileiro. Procura compreender os significados do movimento de publicação de autoras negras no Brasil. O texto conclui que a emergência da autoria de mulheres negras no Brasil é um processo permeado pelas relações desiguais e pela necessidade de enfrentar lógicas heteronormativas, masculinas e eurocentradas. Resenhar obras de mulheres negras evidência um campo fértil, com repertórios plurais e diaspóricos.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections increase the risk of requiring knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wijn Stan R. W. , Rovers Maroeska M. , van Tienen Tony G. , Hannink Gerjon
Published: April 2020

Aims

Recent studies have suggested that corticosteroid injections into the knee may harm the joint resulting in cartilage loss and possibly accelerating the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with, or at risk of developing, symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee who receive intra-articular corticosteroid injections have an increased risk of requiring arthroplasty.

Methods

We used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a multicentre observational cohort study that followed 4,796 patients with, or at risk of developing, osteoarthritis of the knee on an annual basis with follow-up available up to nine years. Increased risk for symptomatic OA was defined as frequent knee symptoms (pain, aching, or stiffness) without radiological evidence of OA and two or more risk factors, while OA was defined by the presence of both femoral osteophytes and frequent symptoms in one or both knees. Missing data were imputed with multiple imputations using chained equations. Time-dependent propensity score matching was performed to match patients at the time of receving their first injection with controls. The effect of corticosteroid injections on the rate of subsequent (total and partial) knee arthroplasty was estimated using Cox proportional-hazards survival analyses.

Results

After removing patients lost to follow-up, 3,822 patients remained in the study. A total of 249 (31.3%) of the 796 patients who received corticosteroid injections, and 152 (5.0%) of the 3,026 who did not, had knee arthroplasty. In the matched cohort, Cox proportional-hazards regression resulted in a hazard ratio of 1.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37 to 1.81; p < 0.001) and each injection increased the absolute risk of arthroplasty by 9.4% at nine years’ follow-up compared with those who did not receive injections.

Conclusion

Corticosteroid injections seem to be associated with an increased risk of knee arthroplasty in patients with, or at risk of developing, symptomatic OA of the knee. These findings suggest that a conservative approach regarding the treatment of these patients with corticosteroid injections should be recommended. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):586–592.
Phase behaviors for silicon-wire multistage delayed interferometric WDM filters across a whole 300-mm silicon-on-insulator wafer
Authors: Jeong Seok-Hwan , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro
Published: April 2020

We report phase behaviors in silicon-wire multistage delayed interferometric (MDI) wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical filters on a 300-mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. In order to achieve spectrally uniform filter response and make clear the main factor for influencing spectral shape and uniformity across the SOI wafer, we fabricated

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channel MDI-type WDM filters as a device under test (DUT) by using a 193-nm ArF-immersion lithography process and formulated the analytic calculation model, which can be fully adaptable to the measured data. By analyzing the measured filter response through an iterative fitting process with our analytic calculation model, we verified that phase behaviors in the DUT were the main factor to determine filter spectral shape and crosstalk, while the wavelength-sensitive coupling ratio of directional couplers had less influence on the filter performance within a 40-nm-wide spectral range. Phase fluctuations at each delayed interferometer (DI) were calibrated to be random processes at inter-dies across the wafer. In order to sustain good spectral shape and uniformity, it is important to minimize excess phase errors at each DI. Reduction of interaction lengths and equivalent refractive index variation of the waveguides could be one of the prominent ways to further improve WDM filter performances.
Phase-controlled, second-harmonic-optimized terahertz pulse generation in nitrogen by infrared two-color laser pulses
Authors: Flender Roland , Borzsonyi Adam , Chikan Viktor
Published: April 2020

Broadband terahertz radiation can be efficiently produced by mixing laser pulses of different colors in the mid-infrared (MIR) and longwave-infrared (LWIR) spectral region. In this paper, we report on a numerical investigation of ultrashort terahertz pulse generation from plasmas created in nitrogen gas by two-color laser pulses with the fundamental laser pulse wavelength between 2.15 and 15.15 µm, in order to explore the efficiency of the terahertz pulse generation process. The results show that the electron acceleration efficiency increases monotonically with the fundamental laser pulse wavelength. The most intense terahertz pulse generation is observed at 12.30 µm with four optical-cycle laser pulses with 2.5 GW peak power. The results show that the terahertz pulse generation with a MIR laser is one order of magnitude and with a LWIR laser is two orders of magnitude more efficient than the terahertz pulse generation with Ti:Sapphire lasers using the exact same pulse parameters. The terahertz pulse generation efficiency is also known to be very sensitive to the relative phase between the components of the two-color laser pulses. One of the most useful tools to control the relative phase and optimize the terahertz pulse intensity is thin dielectric plates. It has been shown that alkaline halides and alkaline earth halides have suitable optical properties for the relative phase control for efficient terahertz pulse generation in the MIR spectral range.