bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Mixed-Methods Approach to Evaluate the Implementation of Violence and Bullying Prevention Programs in Schools
Authors: Salimi Nooshin , Karimi-Shahanjarin Akram , Rezapur-Shahkolai Forouzan , Hamzeh Behrooz , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Babamiri Mohammad
Published: November 2020

School violence and bullying are considered a serious concern worldwide. Evidence shows that applying the Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework could be effective in reducing school bullying. While there have been significant efforts to evaluate school-based anti-bullying interventions in the world, the implementation process and the effectiveness of this framework in reducing bullying in schools have not been previously evaluated in Iran. This mixed methods study was carried out using simultaneously a cross-sectional (900 students, 104, teachers/school executive staff, and 563 parents) and qualitative study (24 policy makers and teachers/school executive staff) to examine the implementation and effect of counseling and mental health services component of the Iranian Health Promoting School (IHPS) in 2017–2018. Results revealed that there were weaknesses in the implementation of all six elements of anti-bullying programs. A lack of any clean policy toward school violence and bullying, lack of priority set by local decision makers and principals of schools, logistical problems with providing training and supplying counseling resources, limited funding, and presence of competing issues and problems facing the schools were identified as barriers to implement violence and bullying prevention programs in schools. Results also showed that there were no significant differences between non-IHPS and IHPS in students’ bullying behaviors ( p = .228) and scores of leadership, the school environment, capacity, partnership, services and support, and evidence ( p > .05). It is essential to revise the content and how to implement anti-bullying programs in schools.
The Consequences of Faulty Policy Design: The Case of High School Expansion in Mexico
Authors: de la Cruz Orozco Ivania , Razo Ana
Published: November 2020

This article analyzes the strategies used in subnational governments to implement an education policy aimed to increase high school coverage in marginalized communities of rural Mexico. Based on in-depth interviews with responsible for administering the telebachillerato model, findings display the implications of enacting a poorly designed policy failing to match the complex realities of the communities. We observe innovative yet insufficient ways to maneuver a policy that provides scarce funding and generates tensions between levels of government. The findings contribute to the literature about implications of poor policy design and provide evidence for education policy makers working on school coverage expansion.
Developing Teacher Credibility in Urban Environments: A B.E.A.R. Necessity
Authors: Tanase Madalina F.
Published: November 2020

Teacher credibility is a prerequisite of effective instruction. A credible teacher is honest, knowledgeable, and caring. Credible teachers do the right thing when no one is watching; they are in control of the learning environment, but they do this in an enthusiastic and engaging way. Credibility takes time to develop. This study investigated ways in which urban teachers develop and maintain credibility in their classrooms. Participants were 22 secondary mathematics and science teachers in their first year of teaching. The researcher used the B.E.A.R. framework developed by Riner in 2008 to interpret the results. In this framework, B stands for believability; E stands for expertise; A stands for attractive power, and R stands for relationships. Results show that the participants developed credibility by being believable, by possessing content and pedagogical content knowledge, by being in charge of the classroom in a positive way, and by developing relationships with their students.

Credibility is a prerequisite of effective instruction, and, in some cases, it takes time to develop. A credible teacher is honest, knowledgeable, and caring. This study investigated ways in which urban teachers develop and maintain credibility in their classrooms. Participants were 22 secondary mathematics and science teachers in their first year of teaching. Results show that the participants developed credibility by being believable, by possessing content and pedagogical content knowledge, by being in charge of the classroom in a positive way, and by developing relationships with their students.
Post-mortem analysis of gunshot wounds to the head and thorax in dogs by computed tomography, radiography and forensic necropsy
Authors: Grela Małgorzata , Panasiuk-Flak Kinga , Listos Piotr , Gryzińska Magdalena , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Chagowski Wojciech , Teresiński Grzegorz
Published: November 2020

In view of the scarcity of literature data on the use of radiological imaging techniques in forensic veterinary medicine, while at the same time the number of reported crimes against animals involving the use of firearms is rising, this paper attempts to assess the usefulness of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the post-mortem diagnosis of gunshot wounds (GSW) in comparison to classic necropsy. The design of the experiment was as follows: preparation of the research material (13 dog carcasses), shooting of the material from different distances (1.5 and 12 m, plus one contact shot to the head) and using different types of ammunition, followed by X-rays and CT scans in each case to examine the injuries resulting from the shot. The final steps of the experiment were photographic documentation and autopsy by the Virchow method. In the examined material, post-traumatic bone lesions and the presence of metallic foreign bodies were successfully imaged by both radiography and CT. GSW analysis using CT provided much better data quality and some additional information. Two general conclusions can be drawn from the results of the experiment. First, damage caused by gunshots is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the muzzle of the gun to the object shot. Second, radiological examination is useful in preparing forensic veterinary opinions. Used as a complement to classic necropsy, they increase the possibility of an accurate post-mortem diagnosis of shooting victims.
What Strategies Are Hospitals Adopting to Address the Opioid Epidemic? Evidence From a National Sample of Nonprofit Hospitals
Authors: Franz Berkeley , Cronin Cory E. , Pagan Jose A.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Hospitals are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic, seeing patients who overdose or have complicated infections, but the extent of services offered or whether services are evidence-based is not known. The objective of our study was to assess the extent to which nonprofit hospitals are addressing opioid abuse, a critical public health issue, through their community benefit work and to identify which evidence-based strategies they adopt.

Methods

We reviewed community benefit documents from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2018, for a sample (N = 446) of all nonprofit hospitals in the United States. We classified hospital opioid-related strategies into 9 categories. Using logistic regression, we predicted the likelihood of hospitals adopting various strategies to address opioid abuse.

Results

Of the 446 nonprofit hospitals in our sample, 49.1% (n = 219) adopted ≥1 clinical strategy to address opioid use disorder in their community. Approximately one-quarter (26.5%; n = 118) of hospitals adopted a strategy related to treatment services for substance use disorder; 28.2% (n = 126) had ≥1 program focused on connecting patients to a primary care medical home, and 14.6% (n = 65) focused on caring for patients with opioid-related overdoses in the emergency department. We also identified factors that predicted involvement in programs that were less common than clinical strategies, but potentially effective, such as harm reduction and prescriber initiatives (both 6.3% of hospitals).

Conclusions

Evidence-based prevention and treatment require strong collaboration between health care and community institutions at all levels. Effective policy interventions may exist to encourage various types and sizes of nonprofit hospitals to adopt evidence-based interventions to address opioid abuse in their communities.
Gaps in Knowledge About COVID-19 Among US Residents Early in the Outbreak
Authors: McCormack Lauren A. , Squiers Linda , Frasier Alicia M. , Bevc Christine , Lynch Molly , Bann Carla M. , MacDonald Pia D.M.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 began to affect the United States in early 2020. This study aimed to assess the US public’s initial understanding about the disease and virus to inform public health communication efforts.

Methods

We conducted a survey of US households from February 28 through March 2, 2020, using a probability-based web-panel survey of 1021 US residents. To assess knowledge about COVID-19, we asked respondents a series of 16 true/false questions. We conducted descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses to examine differences in knowledge scores based on demographic and background characteristics.

Results

Knowledge about COVID-19 and the virus was relatively low overall at the beginning of the outbreak, with average scores of 62% on a 16-item knowledge index (ie, answers for 6 of the 16 questions were incorrect or unknown). Knowledge was especially low among people who had low education and income levels, were unemployed, were Hispanic, were non-Hispanic Black, were aged 18-24 and 35-49, indicated having “other” health insurance, and had limited exposure to information about the pandemic. Non-Hispanic Black respondents were less knowledgeable about COVID-19 and the virus at every education level compared with non-Hispanic White respondents at higher education levels. Non-Hispanic Black respondents with <high school degree were the least knowledgeable of all subgroups.

Conclusions

The findings of our study highlight the need for widespread, ongoing public health education about the virus and COVID-19, especially among certain populations. It is critical to effectively translate complex clinical and epidemiologic evidence into messages that most people can understand and act on during a pandemic, that combat misinformation about the virus and COVID-19, and that consider low levels of health literacy.
Toward an Automation of Functional Analysis Interpretation: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Cox Alison , Friedel Jonathan E.
Published: November 2020

The advent of functional analysis (FA) methodology paved the way for improved function-based behavioral interventions and ultimately client outcomes. Behavior analysts primarily rely on visual inspection to interpret FA results. However, the literature suggests interpretations may vary across raters resulting in poor interobserver agreement (IOA). To increase interpretation objectivity and address IOA issues, Hagopian et al. created visual-inspection criteria. They reported improved IOA, alongside criteria limitations. Following this, Roane et al. modified these criteria. The current project describes the first steps toward developing a decision support system to assist in FA interpretation. Specifically, we created a computer script, written in R, designed to evaluate FA data and produce an outcome (assign function) based on the Roane et al. criteria. Average agreement between experienced human raters and the computer script outcomes was 81%. We discuss criteria limitations (e.g., vague rules), study implications, and the significance of further research on this topic.
Knowledge and Practice of Burn First Aid Among Saudi Arabian Medical and Non-Medical University Students
Authors: Batais Mohammed A. , Alzahrani Sultan A. , Alzahrani Nawaf A. , Alsolimi Abdulaziz F. , Khan Anas A. , Aldossari Khaled K. , Al-Zahrani Jamaan M. , Alghamdi Talal , Almigbal Turky H.
Published: November 2020

Burns are serious injuries, resulting in high morbidity and healthcare costs. Effective first aid improves outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of first aid for burn injuries among medical and non-medical students in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study (N = 408) was conducted, in which a questionnaire was administered assessing students’ experience with burns, as well as their hypothetical responses to vignettes involving patients with burn injuries. Although most students reported having personal experience with burns, and had received some information regarding burn first aid, only about half were able to provide correct responses regarding first aid techniques, and medical students were no more accurate than non-medical students in their responses. Results suggest that members of the Saudi Arabian population may lack appropriate knowledge about burn first aid, and education and public information resources may help to remedy this problem.
Autophagy-related long non-coding RNA signature for ovarian cancer
Authors: Meng Chan , Zhou Jie-Qiong , Liao Yong-Sheng
Published: November 2020

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) affects nearly 22,000 women annually in the United States and ranks fifth in cancer deaths, largely because of being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Autophagy is the cellular process of self-degrading damaged or degenerate proteins and organelles. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNA molecules whose transcripts are greater than 200 nt but are not translated into proteins. However, just a small number of autophagy-related lncRNAs have been explored in depth.

Methods

We used RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and autophagy datasets to identify dysfunctional autophagy-related lncRNAs and provide potential useful biomarkers for OC diagnosis and prognosis.

Results

Seventeen differentially expressed lncRNAs (AC010186.3, AC006001.2, LBX2-AS1, SNHG17, AC011445.1, AC083880.1, MIR193BHG, AC025259.3, HCG14, AC007114.1, AC108673.2, USP30-AS1, AC010336.5, LINC01132, AC006333.2, LINC00665 and AC027348.1) were selected as independent prognostic factors for OC patients. Functional annotation of the data was performed through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The results suggested that the high-risk group was mainly enriched in specific tumor-related and metabolism pathways.

Conclusion

Based on the online databases, we identified novel autophagy-related lncRNAs for the prognosis of ovarian cancer.
Management of Lip Biting Using Clear Aligner/Clear Retainer
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Supriya , Chacko Tojan , Jacob Jose
Published: November 2020

Orthodontists play an important role in the management of deleterious oral habits. Lip biting has a multitude of adverse effects on the stomatognathic system. A new appliance has been suggested to manage this habit. It is efficient and has got high patient acceptability.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Derotational Distal Femoral Osteotomy in Treating Recurrent Patellar Dislocation With Increased Femoral Anteversion: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Zhang ZhiJun , Song Guanyang , Li Yue , Zheng Tong , Ni QianKun , Feng Hua , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2020

Background:

Controversy exists regarding the surgical treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) with an increased femoral anteversion angle (FAA). Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R) either alone or combined with derotational distal femoral osteotomy (DDFO) results in favorable clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of MPFL-R versus MPFL-R with DDFO in treating RPD with increased FAA (>30°).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 126 patients (135 knees) with RPD and increased FAA (>30°) were surgically treated using MPFL-R with or without DDFO and eligible for this retrospective study. These patients were allocated into 2 groups based on whether an additional DDFO was performed: the DDFO group (MPFL-R + DDFO with or without tibial tubercle transfer; n = 66) and the control group (MPFL-R with or without tibial tubercle transfer; n = 69). Pre- and postoperative patellar stability was measured using stress radiography. Patellar maltracking (J-sign) and patient-reported outcomes (Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores) were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Subgroup analysis was performed by stratifying the results in terms of the severity of preoperative patellar maltracking (low-grade vs high-grade J-sign).

Results:

A total of 135 knees (126 patients) with a mean follow-up time of 3.7 ± 1.2 years were evaluated in the present study. The rates of postoperative MPFL residual graft laxity and residual J-sign were significantly lower in the DDFO group than in the control group (6% vs 19%, P = .028; 33% vs 54%, P = .018). The DDFO group had significantly higher Kujala (82.3 vs 76.7; P = .001) and Lysholm (83.7 vs 77.7; P = .034) scores than the control group had postoperatively. For patients with a preoperative high-grade J-sign, further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the DDFO group had a significantly lower rate of MPFL residual graft laxity than the control group had (18% vs 57%; P = .029).

Conclusion:

In this retrospective study, treatment of RPD with increased femoral anteversion using MPFL-R with DDFO yielded more favorable subjective and objective outcomes than did MPFL-R without DDFO, and this circumstance was more remarkable when the patients had a preoperative high-grade J-sign.
Challenge-based learning: A ‘entrepreneurship-oriented’ teaching experience
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Elkin O , Chavarro-Miranda Fernando , Riano-Cruz Julian D
Published: November 2020

Challenge-based Learning (CBL) is a pedagogical approach that actively involves students in a realistic, problematic and meaningful situation related to their environment, which requires defining a challenge and implementing a solution for it (OIETM, 2015). The CBL methodology was applied by instructors with the support of students, part of the management programme from a Colombian university. The goal was to assess the validity of the methodology and examine solutions proposed by students to real-life problems in organisations. After assessing the challenge-based learning (CBL) it can be concluded, that a link to the entrepreneurial orientation exists. This link promotes the development of critical and constructive thinking, while encouraging students to analyse, design, develop and execute solutions for real-life problems, similar to those they will encounter as graduate students in any organisation.
A systems approach to address the impact of second victim phenomenon
Authors: Gamble Brenda , Gamble Kathleen Jean
Published: November 2020

Over the last decade, second victim phenomenon (SVP) has been identified as a serious issue for healthcare workers (HCWs). Results from a 2018 survey of Canadian HCWs demonstrated that the majority of those who responded had experienced SVP and indicated that there was a lack of support in the workplace. The overall objectives of this paper are to a) heighten the awareness about SVP and its impact on HCWs and 2) to recommend an organizational/systems approach to support HCWs as second victims. This will be accomplished by first defining SVP and its relationship to patient safety. We will apply a health geography framework which incorporates the concepts of location, place, human interaction, movement and region to demonstrate the variability across care settings and the need for a systems approach to support HCWs. A human geography approaches to SVP would allow policymakers, leadership teams and managers within a health care setting to uniquely tailor their support systems to their individual contexts, which in turn will create a workplace culture of safety that builds on the organization’s unique qualities.
An improved active learning method combing with the weight information entropy and Monte Carlo simulation of efficient structural reliability analysis
Authors: Li Jingkui , Wang Bomin , Li Zhandong , Wang Ying
Published: November 2020

A significant challenge of surrogate model-based structural reliability analysis (SRA) is to construct an accurate approximated model of the nonlinear limit state function (LSF) with high order and high dimension effectively. As one of the sequential update-strategies of design of experiment (DoE), the active learning method is more attractive in recent years due to greatly reduces the burden of reliability analysis. Although the active learning method based on information entropy learning function H and the line simulation (AK-LS) is a powerful tool of SRA, the computational burden from the iterative algorithm is still large during the learning process. In this research, an improved learning criterion, named the weight information entropy function (WH), is developed to update the DoE of Kriging-based reliability analysis. The WH learning function consists of the information entropy function and an adaptive weight function (W). Locations in the variable space and probability densities of the samples are taken accounted into the WH learning function, which is the most important difference from the H learning function. The samples that are closer to the LSF and has a greater probability density can be preferentially selected into the DoE comparing to others by changing the weight of information entropy during the learning process. The WH learning function can efficiently match the limit state function in an important domain rather than the entire variable space. Consequently, the approximated model of LSF via Kriging interpolation can be constructed more effectively. The new active learning method is developed based on Kriging model, in which WH learning function and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) are employed. Finally, several engineering examples with high non-linearity are analyzed. Results shown that the new method are very efficient when dealing with intractable problems of SRA.
Elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide discontinuation and return to normal weight
Authors: Max Blake , DeMarais Patricia
Published: November 2020

HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) are considered well tolerated with few treatment-limiting adverse effects. However, emerging data from clinical trials has identified excessive weight gain possibly due to INSTI alone or with tenofovir alafenamide as a new and possible long-term complication of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Identifying who is at greatest risk and whether the unintended weight gain is reversible remain unanswered questions. We report a return to baseline weight after switching back to tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine/efavirenz (Atripla®) in a woman who had profound weight gain due to tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/cobicistat/elvitegravir (Genvoya®).
Functional clustering methods for longitudinal data with application to electronic health records
Authors: Zeldow Bret , Flory James , Stephens-Shields Alisa , Raebel Marsha , Roy Jason A
Published: November 2020

We develop a method to estimate subject-level trajectory functions from longitudinal data. The approach can be used for patient phenotyping, feature extraction, or, as in our motivating example, outcome identification, which refers to the process of identifying disease status through patient laboratory tests rather than through diagnosis codes or prescription information. We model the joint distribution of a continuous longitudinal outcome and baseline covariates using an enriched Dirichlet process prior. This joint model decomposes into (local) semiparametric linear mixed models for the outcome given the covariates and simple (local) marginals for the covariates. The nonparametric enriched Dirichlet process prior is placed on the regression and spline coefficients, the error variance, and the parameters governing the predictor space. This leads to clustering of patients based on their outcomes and covariates. We predict the outcome at unobserved time points for subjects with data at other time points as well as for new subjects with only baseline covariates. We find improved prediction over mixed models with Dirichlet process priors when there are a large number of covariates. Our method is demonstrated with electronic health records consisting of initiators of second-generation antipsychotic medications, which are known to increase the risk of diabetes. We use our model to predict laboratory values indicative of diabetes for each individual and assess incidence of suspected diabetes from the predicted dataset.
Feminist Dialogic Pedagogical Spaces in Teacher Education: Practical Inclusivity, Eye-opening and Change
Authors: Shugurova Olga
Published: November 2020

In this reflective article, I explore a feminist dialogic pedagogy of inclusive education (IE) in the sociocultural context of my and my students’ lived experience. I ask what a feminist dialogic pedagogy means to my students. The purpose of this article therefore is to advance knowledge about a feminist dialogic pedagogy in teacher education with a focus on the formation of students’ critical consciousness of IE philosophy that is currently mandated by all Canadian provinces. My intention is to contribute to an evolving scholarship of feminist pedagogy in teacher education programmes with a grounded and creative understanding of teacher candidates’ lived experience. The article argues that feminist dialogic pedagogy creates a space of inclusion for all students. Despite and across social differences, this pedagogy leads a conscious change among students, impacting their daily lives. Consequently, students successfully achieve their academic goals because they feel critically attentive to and conscious of their situated knowledge ( Haraway, 1988 , Feminist Studies, vol. 14, pp. 575–599) in educational institutions.
Conceptual Expansion and Approaches to the Concept of Alternative Economy
Authors: Sarkar Dev Narayan , Kundu Kaushik
Published: November 2020

Researchers have emphasized upon the significance of alternative economy. Inferences from past studies, and the suggestions on the characteristics of alternative economic networks, are manifested in studies concerning multiple disciplines. The present study explores the definitional aspects and the facets of alternative economic networks. The analysis of a wide range of literature, sampled in the present study, employed a disciplined literature discovery process with Max Qualitative Data Analysis software to produce a tabulation of characteristics of “alternative economy”/“community economy”/“social economy.” Furthermore, these characteristics were studied through a statistical content analysis of relevant literature, and an importance-based classification of the characteristics was developed. Principal components analysis was used to distinguish thematic clusters within extant literature. These principal components were used to construct a definition of alternative economy. The present study subsequently analyzed the temporal evolution of the possible characteristics of alternative economy as proposed by scholars. The facets of alternative economy, thus identified, may be utilized for supplementary empirical studies in the context of alternative economic networks.
Venture Capital, Credit, and FinTech Start-Up Formation: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Kolokas Dimitrios , Vanacker Tom , Veredas David , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: November 2020

Growing FinTech entrepreneurship is a recent global phenomenon. Drawing on the national innovation systems framework, we examine how countries’ venture capital (VC) and credit markets differently affect FinTech entrepreneurship across countries. We argue that with their established and globally diffused norms and practices, VC investors—but not banks—require a critical mass of FinTech entrepreneurship in a country to more positively influence FinTech entrepreneurship. Moreover, we argue that VC and credit markets are substitutes, especially in countries with more FinTech entrepreneurship. Using quantile regressions on data from 53 countries, we find support for our hypotheses.
Endoscopic Partial Plantar Fasciotomy via 2 Medial Portals vs Mini-Open Procedure for Refractory Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Feng Shi-Ming , Song Run-Lai , Wang Ai-Guo , Sun Qing-Qing , Zhang Shu-Cai
Published: November 2020

Background:

The treatment of plantar fasciitis may require surgical intervention in patients with ineffective response to conservative treatment. There is a lack of evidence regarding the differences in clinical outcomes between the endoscopic and the mini-open procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the endoscopic partial plantar fasciotomy via 2 medial portals with mini-open partial plantar fasciotomy for treating refractory plantar fasciitis.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 62 patients with refractory plantar fasciitis from January 2015 to July 2017. Thirty-three patients received endoscopic partial plantar fasciotomy, while the other 29 received mini-open procedure by patient preference. Two medial portals were used in the endoscopic group while single mini-medial method was used in the open group. All patients were followed up for 24 months. The pain visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the calcaneodynia score (CS), and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) were employed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the 2 groups.

Results:

There was increase in the functional scores (eg, VAS, AOFAS, CS, and SF-36) in both groups recorded at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The patients in the endoscopic group had better VAS, AOFAS, CS, and SF-36 scores at 3 months after the surgery compared with those of the open group. During the 6-month follow-up, although the 2 groups showed similar VAS and AOFAS, the CS and SF-36 scores of the endoscopic group were significantly higher than those of the open group. During the 1-year and 2-year follow-ups, the endoscopic group gained equivalent VAS, AOFAS, CS, and SF-36 scores compared with those of the open group. The recurrence rate was similar in both groups. Moreover, the patients in the endoscopic group achieved earlier recovery in comparison to those in the open group.

Conclusion:

For refractory plantar fasciitis, endoscopic partial plantar fasciotomy via 2 medial portals produced better short-term and equivalent long-term subjective outcomes than the mini-open surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, comparative study.
Small RNA Sequencing to Discover Circulating MicroRNA Biomarkers of Testicular Toxicity in Dogs
Authors: Shing Jennifer C. , Schaefer Kai , Grosskurth Shaun E. , Vo Andy H. , Sharapova Tatiana , Bodié Karen , Kambara Takahito , Buck Wayne R.
Published: November 2020

Predictive indicators of testicular toxicity could improve drug development by allowing early in-life screening for this adverse effect before it becomes severe. We hypothesized that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as testicular toxicity biomarkers in dogs. Herein, we describe the results of an exploratory study conducted to discover biomarkers of drug-induced testicular injury. Following a dose-selection study using the testicular toxicant ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME), we chose a dose of 50 mg/kg/d EGME to avoid systemic toxicity and treated 2 groups of dogs (castrated, non-castrated) for 14 to 28 days. Castrated animals were used as negative controls to identify biomarkers specific for testicular toxicity because EGME can cause toxicity to organ systems in addition to the testis. Blood was collected daily during the dosing period, followed by recovery for 29 to 43 days with less frequent sampling. Dosing was well tolerated, resulting in mild-to-moderate degeneration in testes and epididymides. Global profiling of serum miRNAs at selected dosing and recovery time points was completed by small RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics data analysis using linear modeling demonstrated several circulating miRNAs that were differentially abundant during the dosing period compared with baseline and/or castrated control samples. Confirmatory reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction data in these animals was unable to detect sustained alterations of miRNAs in serum, except for 1 potential candidate cfa-miR-146b. Taken together, we report the results of a comprehensive exploratory study and suggest future directions for follow-up research to address the challenge of developing diagnostic biomarkers of testicular toxicity.
Conjunctival melanoma: Risk factors for recurrent or new tumor in 540 patients at a single ocular oncology center
Authors: Vaidya Sarangdev , Dalvin Lauren A , Yaghy Antonio , Pacheco Richard , Shields Jerry A , Lally Sara E , Shields Carol L
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To investigate risk factors for recurrent or new tumor in patients with conjunctival melanoma.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with conjunctival melanoma managed on the Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital from 1974 to 2019.

Results:

There were 540 patients with mean follow-up of 57.6 months, of whom 176 (33%) had recurrent or new tumor formation. Risk factors for recurrent or new tumor on univariate analysis included presentation at older age (OR: 1.02 [1.01–1.03] per 1-year increase in age, p = 0.002), history of prior conjunctival surgery (OR: 1.62 [1.05–2.49], p = 0.03), worse visual acuity at presentation (OR: 1.76 [1.04–2.98] per 1 log-unit increase, p = 0.04), more advanced AJCC clinical T-subcategory (OR: 1.08 [1.02–1.14] per 1 subcategory increase, p = 0.01), tumor primary location in tarsal conjunctiva (OR: 1.80 [1.09–2.98], p = 0.02), and secondary tumor involvement of the fornix (OR: 1.68 [1.06–2.65], p = 0.03), and eyelid (OR: 1.92 [1.07–3.43], p = 0.03). Risk factors on multivariate analysis using all demographics, clinical features, and tumor location included presentation at older age (OR: 1.02 [1.00–1.03], p = 0.01), history of prior conjunctival surgery (OR: 1.84 [1.16–2.94], p = 0.01), and more advanced AJCC clinical T-subcategory (OR: 1.07 [1.01–1.13] per one subcategory increase, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

On multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors of recurrent or new tumor formation following treatment of conjunctival melanoma included older age, history of prior conjunctival surgery, and advanced AJCC T-subcategory. These results suggest that earlier detection and the first surgery in conjunctival melanoma management are critical for prevention of recurrent or new tumor, and we recommend prompt referral to an experienced surgeon.
Research progress of lncRNAs in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Huang Qinying , Li Jinying
Published: November 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is known as a severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, can cause varying degrees of damage to visual acuity. The pathogenesis of DR is multifactorial and not fully understood. Many previous research studies have revealed that an aberrant level of some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may accelerate the development of DR. These lncRNAs are regulatory factors and research related to them is always underway. In this review, we will update several types of lncRNAs based on the previous studies which are related to the development of DR and discuss its potential mechanisms of action and connections. Generally, the review will help us know more about lncRNAs and provide directions for future research related to DR.
APC and AXIN2 Are Promising Biomarker Candidates for the Early Detection of Adenomas and Hyperplastic Polyps
Authors: Rezasoltani Sama , Hadizadeh Mahrooyeh , Golmohammadi Mina , Nazemalhossini-Mojarad Ehsan , Salari Sina , Rezvani Hamid , Asadzadeh-Aghdaei Hamid , Ladomery Michael , Young Chris , Anaraki Fakhrosadat , Almond Sarah , Ashrafian Bonab Maziar
Published: November 2020

Aberrant activation of the WNT/CTNNB1 pathway is notorious in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we demonstrate that the expression of specific and crucial WNT signaling pathway genes is linked to disease progression in colonic adenomatous (AP) and hyperplastic (HP) polyps in an Iranian patient population. Thus, we highlight potential gene expression profiles as candidate novel biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. From a 12-month study (2016-2017), 44 biopsy samples were collected during colonoscopy from the patients with colorectal polyps and 10 healthy subjects for normalization. Clinical and demographic data were collected in all cases, and mRNA expression of APC, CTNNB1, CDH1, AXIN1, and AXIN2 genes was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CTNNB1 and CDH1 expression levels were unaltered in AP and HP subjects, whereas mRNA expression of APC was decreased in AP contrasted with HP subjects, with a significant association between APC downregulation and polyp size. Although AXIN1 showed no changes between AP and HP groups, a significant association between AXIN1 and dysplasia grade was found. Also, significant upregulation of AXIN2 in both AP and HP subjects was detected. In summary, we have shown increased expression of AXIN2 and decreased expression of APC correlating with grade of dysplasia and polyp size. Hence, AXIN2 and APC should be explored as biomarker candidates for early detection of AP and HP polyps in CRC.
The use and quality of reporting of propensity score methods in multiple sclerosis literature: A review
Authors: Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Pellegrini Fabio , Platt Robert W , Simoneau Gabrielle , Rouette Julie , de Moor Carl
Published: November 2020

Background:

Propensity score (PS) analyses are increasingly used in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, largely owing to the greater availability of large observational cohorts and registry databases.

Objective:

To evaluate the use and quality of reporting of PS methods in the recent MS literature.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed database for articles published between January 2013 and July 2019. We restricted the search to comparative effectiveness studies of two disease-modifying therapies.

Results:

Thirty-nine studies were included in the review, with most studies (62%) published within the past 3 years. All studies reported the list of covariates used for the PS model, but only 21% of studies mentioned how those covariates were selected. Most studies used PS matching (72%), followed by PS adjustment (18%), weighting (15%), and stratification (3%), with some overlap. Most studies using matching or weighting reported checking post-PS covariate imbalance (91%), although about 45% of these studies relied on p values from various statistical tests. Only 25% of studies using matching reported calculating robust standard errors for the PS analyses.

Conclusions:

The quality of reporting of PS methods in the MS literature is sub-optimal in general, and in some cases, inappropriate methods are used.
Effects of post-discharge telemonitoring on 30-day chronic obstructive pulmonary disease readmissions and mortality
Authors: Hamadi Hanadi Y , Martinez Dayana , Xu Jing , Silvera Geoffrey A , Mallea Jorge M , Hamadi Walaa , Li Xinmei , Li Yueping , Zhao Mei
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Much attention has been focused on decreasing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospital readmissions. The US health system has struggled to meet this goal. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of telehealth services on the reduction of hospital readmission and mortality rates for COPD.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design to examine the association between hospital risk-adjusted readmission and mortality rates for COPD and hospital use of post-discharge telemonitoring (TM). Data for 777 hospitals were sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the American Hospital Association annual surveys. Propensity score matching using the kennel weights method was applied to calculate the weighted probability of being a hospital that offers post-discharge TM services.

Results

Hospitals with post-discharge TM had about 34% significantly higher odds (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.70) of 30-day COPD readmission and 33% significantly lower odds (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.50–0.90) of 30-day COPD mortality compared to hospitals without post-discharge TM services.

Discussion

Overall, hospitals that offer post-discharge TM services have seen an improvement in 30-day COPD mortality rates. However, those same hospitals have also experienced a significant increase in 30-day COPD readmissions. TM can potentially decrease mortality in patients recently admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD. The results provide further evidence that readmissions present a problematic assessment of health-care quality, as the need for readmission may or may not be directly related to the quality of care received while in hospital.
Tall trees; weak roots? A model of barriers to English language proficiency confronting displaced medical healthcare professionals
Authors: Roberts Gabriel John
Published: November 2020

Although language assessments for medical professionals in the UK are changing, there is still a need for them to demonstrate their proficiency in English before working in the National Health Service (NHS). When providing English for specific purposes (ESP) courses for retraining refugee doctors, we need to consider all the potential barriers that every language learner faces, as well as professional barriers that may challenge them as a specific group. The following article examines the linguistic (and psycholinguistic) barriers that confront this intelligent, motivated and diligent group of people, and puts forward a model that teachers, course planners and material designers may use for their English language training.
Experimental and numerical study on vortex-induced vibration of a truss girder with two decks
Authors: Fang Chen , Hu Ruijie , Tang Haojun , Li Yongle , Wang Zewen
Published: November 2020

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) depends on aerodynamic shapes of bridge girders, which should be treated carefully in the design of long-span bridges. This paper studies the VIV performance of a suspension bridge with the truss girder which contains two separated decks. Although truss girders generally show better VIV performance than box girders, significant vibrations of this type of girders occurred in the wind tunnel tests based on a large-scale sectional model. Several lock-in regions with the same vibration frequency were observed, corresponding to different shedding vortices. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out, and monitoring points were set behind different components to study the characteristics of the shed vortices. As the truss girder consists of many members, the results show that various vortices with different dominant frequencies are formed in the wake flow. The vertical VIV of the bridge is probably driven by the vortices behind or above the upper deck, which is related to the guardrails. The torsional VIV of the bridge is probably driven by the vortices behind or below the lower deck, which is related to the service road at lower wind speeds while may be related the vertical stabilizers at higher wind speeds.
Exploring the longevity advantage of doctorates in Finland and Sweden: The role of smoking- and alcohol-related causes of death
Authors: Junna Liina M. , Tarkiainen Lasse , Östergren Olof , Jasilionis Domantas , Martikainen Pekka
Published: November 2020

Aims: Tobacco smoking and alcohol use contribute to differences in life expectancy between individuals with primary, secondary and tertiary education. Less is known about the contribution of these risk factors to differences at higher levels of education. We estimate the contribution of smoking and alcohol use to the life-expectancy differences between the doctorates and the other tertiary-educated groups in Finland and in Sweden. Methods: We used total population data from Finland and Sweden from 2011 to 2015 to calculate period life expectancies at 40 years of age. We present the results by sex and educational attainment, the latter categorised as doctorate or licentiate degrees, or other tertiary. We also present an age and cause of death decomposition to assess the contribution of deaths related to smoking and alcohol. Results: In Finland, deaths related to smoking and alcohol constituted 48.6% of the 2.1-year difference in life expectancy between men with doctorate degrees and the other tertiary-educated men, and 22.9% of the 2.1-year difference between women, respectively. In Sweden, these causes account for 22.2% of the 1.9-year difference among men, and 55.7% of the 1.6-year difference among women, which in the latter case is mainly due to smoking. Conclusions: Individuals with doctorates tend to live longer than other tertiary-educated individuals. This difference can be partly attributed to alcohol consumption and smoking.
“I suppose I’ll be patching you up, as usual”: Women’s roles and normative femininity in a team-based video game
Authors: Austin Jessica
Published: November 2020

Women are often viewed as outsiders in the videogaming environment, particularly in first-person shooter games. Perceived infringement on an overwhelmingly masculine space pushes women to the margins of online team-based games, where gender norms inform the presumption that they play supportive roles that are viewed as passive and unskilled rather than actively contributing to team objectives. This study explores why women continue to play these roles, even as they are belittled, how societal expectations of women translate to the gaming space, and consequences for gender as a social structure. Findings suggest similarities to gendered labor in that women report feeling obligated to shoulder tasks that nobody else desires, much in the same way that professional work characterized as feminine is devalued. In addition, women must perform emotion work as they game by hiding their role preferences, feeling shame at fulfilling harmful gender stereotypes, and justifying their utility.
Judicial ideology in economic cases: Evidence from the General Court of the European Union
Authors: Wijtvliet Wessel , Dyevre Arthur
Published: November 2020

We contribute new empirical evidence on the influence of ideology on the behaviour of European Union judges. As votes and other common proxies for judicial preferences are unavailable, we ask 46 competition law experts to rate the ideology of 51 judges who have served on the General Court of the European Union. The average ratings are then used to explain the outcome of competition and state aid cases (N = 655). We find that, consistent with research on United States courts, the pro-business score of the panel median is a significant predictor of General Court decisions in competition and state aid cases. We find less conclusive evidence for the influence of Europhilia. While showing that attitudes towards private business may matter more than Europhilia in economic cases, our analysis also suggests that expert ratings constitute a viable and promising alternative in settings where other measurement methods are unavailable.
A reflection on living through COVID-19 as a social work professor
Authors: Karabanow Jeff
Published: November 2020

This short exposaccent is a reflective piece on my work with people experiencing homelessness in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper provides an intimate portrait of the fragility, insecurity and uncertainty of navigating social justice work during a state of emergency. As such, I attempt to provide a brief sketch of being a social work professor and practitioner during this surreal time.