bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Parent and Toddler Training Project for Visually Impaired and Blind Multihandicapped Children
Authors: Klein B. , Van Hasselt V.B. , Trefelner M. , Sandstrom D.J. , Brandt-Snyder P.
Published: June 2020

Numerous clinical reports have shown that many families with visually impaired or blind multihandicapped children have problems of social and emotional adjustment and that the development of seriously handicapped children is enhanced by early intervention. This article describes the Parent and Toddler Training (PATT) Project—research-based early intervention program—that serves visually impaired and blind multihandicapped infants and toddlers and their families. The purpose of this project is to 1) increase the social responsiveness of handicapped infants, 2) implement a psychoeducational intervention program to develop adequate parenting skills, 3) initiate specific treatment approaches with parents to reduce psychological distress and improve the quality of family life, and 4) collect quantifiable data that permit the assessment of the progress of all participants.
Training Pragmatic Language Skills through Alternate Strategies with a Blind Multiply Handicapped Child
Authors: Evans C.J. , Johnson C.J.
Published: June 2020

A blind multiply handicapped preschool child was taught to respond appropriately to two adjacency pair types. Where Question - Answer and Comment - Acknowledgement. Training involved teaching manual searching behavior as an alternate strategy for visual searching in response to “where” questions. Echolalic responses to comments initially served only a turn-taking function but, through explicit modification, gradually evolved into more appropriate and communicative responses. The blind child's appropriate responses to trained adjacency pair types increased significantly over the 14-week treatment period. The success of this program augers well for future efforts to develop communication-based interventions that incorporate the alternate language acquisition strategies available to blind children.
Spatial Task Performance: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McLinden D.J.
Published: June 2020

The literature which compared spatial task performance of blind and sighted subjects was analyzed using a meta-analytic approach. Effect sizes were computed for comparisons between early versus late onset visually impaired subjects, early onset versus sighted, late onset versus sighted, and mixed onset versus sighted. The results are based on 47 studies that analyzed the spatial task performance of 1,289 sighted subjects, 691 early onset subjects, 183 late onset, and 657 mixed onset. The early onset group generally showed poorer performance in comparisons with either the late onset or the sighted groups. Comparisons involving the mixed onset group showed inconsistent results. This finding is discussed in light of the need to more exactly specify the variable of age of onset. The findings from this study synthesize the past research efforts in this field. Suggestions for a future research agenda include a shift toward examining within group differences among visually impaired persons.
Adolescent Physical Fitness: A Comparative Study
Authors: Short F.X. , Winnick J.P.
Published: June 2020

This study compares the physical fitness of 283 segregated resident (SR), 64 segregated nonresident (SN), and 137 integrated (IN) visually impaired subjects aged 10 to 17 years. Subjects were considered visually impaired if they met criteria for either partial sightedness or legal blindness. All subjects were administered the UNIQUE Physical Fitness Test. Test items included sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfolds, sum of right and left hand grip strength, sit and reach, sit-ups, 50-yard dash, and long distance run. Data were analyzed using multivariate ( p< .05) and univariate (p< .01) ANCOVA techniques. Educational environment, age, and gender served as independent variables, and severity of visual impairment served as the sole covariate. Results indicated that educational environment was a significant factor on four of the six items in the battery. Findings suggest that the physical fitness status of visually impaired adolescents may be influenced by their educational environment.
Model Kitchen Design for the Low Vision Elderly Community
Authors: Null R.L.
Published: June 2020

This article addresses characteristics of elderly persons with vision impairment, presenting arguments for creating responsive rehabilitation environments for this rapidly increasing population. A multidisciplinary team approach to training facility design is recounted and specific design criteria are outlined.
Acquired Monocular Disability
Authors: Schein J.D.
Published: June 2020

This paper addresses the handicapping effects of acquired monocular impairment. The author stresses the importance of informing professionals about monocular impairment and encourages them to pursue rehabilitation programs for their clients. The nature of monocular impairment from the standpoint of sensory psychology is also examined. Data are presented fixing the degree of disability in economic, psychological, and social contexts, explicating the group statistics with case reports.
A Home-Based Orientation and Mobility Program for Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Joffee E.
Published: June 2020

This article describes the development and implementation of a home-based orientation and mobility (O&M) program for blind and visually impaired infants and toddlers. A model for the attainment of functional O&M was devised for the program and used as a guide to planning lessons and activities. The parents were taught to structure the home environment to encourage the development of their children's mobility, and their needs and fears were dealt with by fostering the development of a parents’ support group. Because of the demands of scheduling and the limited availability of O&M specialists, it was difficult to deliver services. In light of the problems that were encountered, the author proposes an alternate service delivery model that would utilize the O&M specialist as a resource to parents and early intervention programs.
Secondary Task as a Measure of Mental Effort: A Reappraisal
Authors: Clark-Carter D.D. , Heyes A.D. , Howarth C.I.
Published: June 2020

Secondary tasks have been seen as a useful measure of the mental effort required by blind pedestrians during independent travel. A comparison is reported of secondary task performance and walking speed for routes of varying complexity. The expected relationship between route complexity and worsening of performance on the secondary task was found. However, reference to the data on gait showed that secondary task performance was only detrimentally affected when the subject contacted obstacles, whereas walking speed was reduced on the more complex routes even when the subject was not in contact with obstacles. Thus, the relationship between secondary task performance and route complexity would appear to be not so much an effect of mental overburdening as it is a result of disorientation.
Vibrotactile Stimulation: An Educational Program for Spatial Concept Development
Authors: Miletic G. , Hughes B. , Bach-y-Rita P.
Published: June 2020

The potential of vibrotactile stimulation to enrich the perceptual world of congenitally and early blinded children was evaluated through an educational program developed to introduce spatial concepts typically associated with visual perception. The vibrotactile device used was a modified Optacon of Telesensory Systems, Incorporated. The program was evaluated using 30 blind children, ranging in age from 8 to 14 years, who possessed no more than minimal light perception. It has been suggested that vibrotactile stimulation is perceptually informative and could serve congenitally and early blinded children as a potential basis for an extended understanding of three-dimensional space.
Identification of Blind and Visually Impaired Persons in Sri Lanka
Authors: Munasinghe T. , Campbell L. F. , Harary J. , Sloan N. L. , Texley R.
Published: June 2020

A study using three techniques to identify blind and visually impaired people was conducted by Helen Keller International in Sri Lanka during February and March of 1987. These techniques are compared to the validating supervisor identification of people who are blind or have low vision. The alternative identification methods evaluated were: 1) utilizing key informants from the surveyed communities; 2) utilizing students from local schools; and 3) conducting a house-to-house survey in study villages. The ability to correctly determine those truly blind or with low vision and the comparative cost of each method were also evaluated.
Bringing Imagery into the World of Visual Impairment
Authors: Wagner-Lampl A. , Oliver G.W.
Published: June 2020

The paper describes several processes of adaptation in work with both congenitally and adventitiously blind persons. The authors discuss imagery in terms of helping the client make psychosocial changes necessary to improve mental attitudes and to return to the mainstream. Two basic types of imagery are presented: 1) voluntary imagery—a conscious process, and 2) involuntary imagery, occurring spontaneously.
Delayed Manifestations of Congenital Rubella
Authors: O'Dea A.F. , Mayhall C.A.
Published: June 2020

As children born with congenital rubella syndrome during the 1960s reach young adulthood, professionals are seeing additional manifestations of the syndrome. Manifestations include changes in hearing status, ocular pathology (i.e., glaucoma, cataracts), vascular problems, and endocrine disorders (i.e., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease). Several possibilities have been suggested for the delayed appearance of these further manifestations. The virus's ability to establish persistent infections is suggested, as is the possibility of an autoimmune response to the virus. In view of the fact that delayed manifestations of congenital rubella syndrome have been discovered, the necessity for medical follow-through is apparent. Medical follow-through is required not only for the continuation of informative research, but to safeguard the potential development of every individual with this syndrome.
Meeting the Unique Educational Needs of Visually Impaired Pupils through Appropriate Placement
Authors: Curry S.A. , Hatlen P.H.
Published: June 2020

A preoccupation with educating visually impaired students in the “least restrictive environment” often overshadows the need to place these students in environments where all their educational needs will be met. Appropriate placement of a visually impaired student is dependent on a thorough assessment of the student in all areas of potential need, a determination of that student's instructional needs, and the preparation of goals and objectives to meet those needs. The amount of specialist intervention necessary to meet the many unique needs of visually impaired students in preparation for adult living is graphically depicted.
Camping Vacations for the Whole Family
Authors: Elder L. , Reihl D.
Published: June 2020

Family members who have visual impairments or other disabilities have a special need for learning how to develop and use learned leisure skills. This article emphasizes the importance of vacationing as a family. A parent-training workshop was developed, planned and implemented at The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) in Baltimore, Maryland, to demonstrate how to plan for an outdoor camping family vacation. Targeted needs, objectives, suggestions for implementing a similar workshop, as well as a detailed example of our workshop will be discussed.
Water Misting: Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in a Multiply Handicapped, Visually Impaired Child
Authors: Fehr A. , Beckwith B.E.
Published: June 2020

A water mist was employed as a punisher to reduce head hitting in a multiply handicapped, visually impaired child. A multiple baseline across four situations (lunch, breakfast, industrial arts class, and residential hall) was used to evaluate the effects of water misting on head hitting as well as on appropriate behaviors. The results indicated that water mist alone was effective in reducing the frequency of head hits during meals, but that the other two situations required the addition of primary reinforcers or stimulus control or both to reduce the frequency of head hitting. These results suggest a need to consider the setting and task requirements in evaluating a mild punisher to reduce self-injurious behavior.
Client Satisfaction with a Recreation Program in a Blind Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Mancil R.M. , Kuyk T.K.
Published: June 2020

Client satisfaction with the recreation program at a blind rehabilitation center and views toward various aspects of recreation in general were assessed by questionnaire. The results showed that clients were highly satisfied with the center's recreation program and viewed recreation as an important aspect of blind rehabilitation. A significant change was found in their views about the appropriateness of various recreational activities for participation by visually impaired persons. Compared to pre-rehabilitation activity levels, post-rehabilitation clients planned to increase their number of recreational activities.
Enhancing Self-Concept in Students with Visual Handicaps
Authors: Obiakor F.E. , Stile S.W.
Published: June 2020

The global perception that a person with a visual impairment has a “low” self-concept because of the inability to see and to form visual concepts is not altogether supported by research. In many instances, self-concept research on the blind population has proceeded from vague definitions of the construct, with instruments that lack specificity in scoring and interpreting results. The authors report a recent study in which the Student's Self-Assessment Inventory: Visually Impaired Form was used. Results demonstrate the area-specific nature of self-concept in the visually impaired student. This finding provides guidelines for classroom personnel to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) to enhance self-concepts for such students.
Validation of the Spanish Version of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire: Usefulness as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
Authors: Delgado-Vargas Beatriz , Acle-Cervera Leticia , Narciso López Gianmarco
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an increasing health problem, the diagnosis of which is generally delayed due to long waiting lists for the tests used to identify it. Therefore, tools that help on classifying patients at higher risk of suffering this syndrome have been developed.

Methods:

One hundred ninety-three consecutive patients, with and without OSAS, filled in the Spanish version of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in Hospital Universitario de Torrejón (Spain). Polysomnographies were performed to diagnose the presence and severity of the OSAS. Statistics analysis of the demographic characteristics of the sample and the questionnaire results was performed.

Results:

Most patients were male (73%) and the mean age was 50.4 years (ranging from 19-77 years). Cronbach α coefficient in the sample was 0.8072. A statistically significant difference was noted in the questionnaire scores between patients with OSAS and those without the syndrome.

Conclusions:

The Spanish version of the STOP-Bang questionnaire possess a good internal consistency that allows us to rely on it as a screening tool for patients with OSAS. In our sample, a difference in the questionnaire score was appreciated between patients with and without the syndrome, which strongly supports the utility of the questionnaire for its purpose.
Temperature Measurements of the Semicircular Canal During Green Laser Irradiation of the Canal: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nogaki Taketoshi , Nomura Yasuya , Shimatani Yuichi , Kobayashi Hitome
Published: June 2020

Background:

Laser irradiation of the semicircular canal (SCC) is a good treatment for intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. However, there were few reports on the temperature changes during laser irradiation.

Objective:

To measure the internal temperature of the SCC and vestibule during green laser irradiation of the SCC and investigate morphologic changes using human temporal bones.

Methods:

After the lateral SCC was blue-lined, a thermocouple was inserted into the SCC through a hole made in the canal wall. Another thermocouple was inserted into the vestibule through the oval window. Green laser was irradiated to the lateral canal wall. After the irradiation, the tissues were inspected as paraffin using HE staining.

Result:

The internal temperature of the SCC rose from 33 ° to 52 °C by a single laser irradiation of 1.5 W × 2 seconds and 82 °C by a single laser irradiation of 1.7 W × 3 seconds to the canal wall with a black spot. Continuous laser irradiation of 1.5 W × 3 seconds, 10 times resulted in a temperature rise of 92 °C from 33 °C. Throughout the whole experiments, temperatures within the vestibule were unchanged. Histopathology showed that the irradiated areas of the lateral canal wall were partially deficient with or without carbonization after single irradiation. By continuous laser irradiations, the SCC bony wall showed a peroration of 40 µm in diameter with carbonized edges.

Conclusions:

Green laser irradiation of the SCC produced char formation with perforation in the canal wall. High temperatures within the SCC were recorded for a short period of less than 30 seconds. However, the vestibule didn’t show temperature changes.
Outcome of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in SCUBA Divers
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Cavel Oren , Yahav Oron , Tsur Nir , Handzel Ophir
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Good Eustachian tube (ET) function is necessary in order to equalize middle ear (ME) pressure with ambient pressures and avoid barotrauma among divers. Since placement of ventilation tubes is not compatible with diving, balloon eustachian tuboplasty is a potential surgical solution for divers with ET dysfunction (ETD). This is the first report of the outcome of balloon tuboplasty for ETD among divers.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of medical records and clinical examinations of adult divers treated in a single tertiary medical center.

Results:

Four male divers (age range 21-71 years, 5 ETs) underwent balloon tuboplasty for ETD. None had identifiable risk factors for ETD. Symptom duration ranged from 2 to 5 years and was restricted to diving in 3 patients. The most common symptom was difficulties in equalizing air pressure during descent and ascent, followed by aural fullness and hearing loss. The validated Hebrew version of ETD-7 questionnaire (ETDQ-7H) results were normal in 3 ears and pathological (2.9 and 3.3) in 2 ears. The averaged postoperative ETDQ-7H score was 1.2 points, significantly better than the preoperative score ( P < .05). While diving, pressure-equalizing sensation improved in all ears.

Conclusion:

Balloon eustachian tuboplasty is a safe method for treating diving-induced baro-challenge ETD. This procedure can improve symptoms and enable the patient to resume diving.
Old Bonds, New Ties: Contextualizing Family Transitions in Re-partnerships, Remarriage and Stepfamilies in Asia
Authors: Balachandran Lavanya , Jean Yeung Wei-Jun
Published: June 2020

The continued emphasis on a decontextualized nuclear family in Asia has often obscured experiences of re-partnered individuals and stepfamilies, wherein transitions including couple dissolution and remarriage or cohabitation have had particular implications for family well-being and social mobility. The eight papers in this special issue expand scholarship beyond acknowledging the increasing prevalence of re-partnership and stepfamilies seeking to facilitate cross-cultural comparisons within the region, and between Asia and the West where notable advancements have been made in theorising diverse family processes. The pertinence of extended family ties and the cultural pressures of collectivism advance shared perspectives of re-partnership and stepfamily formation across East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. At the same time, drawing from quantitative and qualitative methodologies, these papers direct attention to the heterogeneity in re-partnership pathways where broader social categories such as class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and historicity differentially intersect across national and socio-political contexts.
Drawing on repeat test takers to study test preparation practices and their links to score gains
Authors: Knoch Ute , Huisman Annemiek , Elder Cathie , Kong Xiaoxiao , McKenna Angela
Published: June 2020

A key concern of washback research in language testing is with the value of test preparation for facilitating learning and improving test performance. Although test takers may draw on a wide range of preparation activities, the majority of research studies examining test preparation have taken place in classroom settings, leaving self-access approaches largely unexamined. The aim of the current study was to (a) explore possible links between self-access test preparation activities and improved test performance and (b) examine how repeat test takers adjust their test preparation activities from test sitting to test sitting while preparing for the Pearson Test of English (Academic). The study involved the collection and analysis of interviews from 60 recent repeat test takers. The interview data were coded for themes and sub-themes and analyzed for the kind of test preparation activities in which learners engaged, and how these changed over time. The interviews showed that the test takers were strategic in their preparation, by changing their approaches depending on their previous test results. The largest number of significant improvements was identified for speaking, where test takers engaged in a variety of strategies, some of which were construct-irrelevant. The findings are discussed in relation to test validity and washback.
Nightmare Distress, Beliefs about Nightmares, and Personality
Authors: Schredl Michael
Published: June 2020

A variety of factors contribute to nightmare distress; in addition to nightmare frequency also beliefs about nightmares can be associated with heightened nightmare distress. The study investigated the personality correlates of beliefs about nightmares and whether these beliefs mediate the relationship between gender, neuroticism, and nightmare distress. Overall, 1214 persons (716 women, 498 men) completed the dream questions and the Big Five Personality Inventory online. The beliefs about nightmares scale was related to neuroticism and openness to experience. However, the regression analysis indicated that a variety of factors like beliefs about nightmares, gender, neuroticism, and agreeableness contributed to nightmare distress independently from nightmare frequency. Given the marked influence of beliefs about nightmares on nightmare distress, it would be very interesting to study the effect of psycho-education presenting modern etiological models of nightmares on nightmare distress.
Management of life-threatening aortoesophageal fistula: experiences learned from eight patients
Authors: Chen Chengshi , Kim Jong Woo , Shin Ji Hoon , Kwon Yohan , Kim Jinoo , Lee In Joon
Published: June 2020

Background

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal condition causing massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Purpose

To report our experiences in the management of life-threatening AEF.

Material and Methods

A total of eight patients (seven men, one woman; mean age = 59.4 years; age range = 43‒76 years) presenting with AEF between 2005 and 2018 were recruited from three different Korean hospitals. The medical records of these patients were reviewed for patient demographics, clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and outcomes.

Results

Two patients died as a result of massive hemorrhage before endovascular or surgical treatment could be undertaken. Of the six patients who were treated, five underwent endovascular interventions: embolization of the fistula using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and subsequent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in two patients; TEVAR alone in two patients; and NBCA embolization alone in one patient. Among them, three patients who received TEVAR with or without NBCA embolization in a timely fashion recovered and were discharged. One patient who received delayed TEVAR died of disseminated intravascular coagulation, and one who received NBCA embolization alone died of hemorrhagic shock, both dying within three days of treatment. The remaining patient who underwent surgical aortic repair is alive after 13 years.

Conclusion

Rapid identification and surgical treatment are necessary to increase the likelihood of survival, if emergency surgery is feasible. TEVAR in a timely fashion facilitates hemodynamic stabilization by rapidly controlling hemorrhage and saves the patient’s life.
Brucellar reproductive system injury: A retrospective study of 22 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Zhou Yan , Xie Songsong , Zheng Rongjiong , Dai Qinqi , Xu Zheng , Zuo Weize , Ding Jianbing , Zhang Yuexin
Published: June 2020

Objective

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 22 patients with Brucella-induced reproductive system injury.

Methods

We assessed 22 patients with reproductive system injury between 2010 and 2018 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.

Results

The disease is predominant in men. Male patients had orchitis, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, and urethral stricture, while female patients had vaginitis and cervicitis. Some patients had laboratory abnormalities and liver injury. Patients received combination therapy of rifampicin and doxycycline. Doxycycline combined with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin was administered to patients with rifampicin intolerance. All patients had received antibiotic therapy for at least 6 weeks. One patient was lost to follow-up, one patient relapsed because of osteoarthropathy, and one patient had dysuria resulting from chronic prostatitis. The clinical symptoms resolved in the other patients, and the overall patient prognosis was good.

Conclusion

Clinicians should pay attention to brucellosis-induced reproductive system damage. The two-drug regimen of rifampicin+doxycycline is recommended for these patients. Doxycycline combined with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin should be used in patients with brucellosis-induced reproductive system damage who have rifampicin intolerance. The treatment course should be at least 6 weeks.
Burden of vertigo at home: Risks for patients with vertigo
Authors: Kimura Yuri , Tsunoda Atsunobu , Tanaka Kumiko , Anzai Takashi , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Tsunoda Reiko , Terasaki Omi
Published: June 2020

Objective

We aimed to clarify the burden of vertigo in patients’ homes.

Methods

This was a questionnaire survey among patients with vestibular vertigo. Four main questions were prepared. Q1: Where did you first notice vertigo? Q2: Where have you had the most difficulty with vertigo in your home? Q3: Where do you have difficulty at present? Q4: What household equipment have you used as a countermeasure to prevent further problems with vertigo?

Results

Sixty patients completed the questionnaire. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was most common among respondents, followed by Ménière’s disease. Q1: Most patients with BPPV first noticed vertigo in the bedroom; patients with other diseases first noticed vertigo in the living room. Q2: Both groups previously had the most difficulty with vertigo in the same locations as in Q1; these differences were significant between Q1 and Q2. Q3: Both groups had the most difficulty on stairs. Q4: Handrails were the most often used equipment for vertigo in both groups. There was no significant difference between Q3 and Q4.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that the locations of risks differ among patients with vestibular disorders. Handrails were considered the most important equipment to prevent problems with vertigo.
Natural compounds attenuate heavy metal-induced PC12 cell damage
Authors: Yang Lina , Shen Keshu , Ji Dongping
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate the neuroprotective effects of six natural compounds (caffeine, gallic acid, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG], L-ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol [Vitamin E] on heavy metal-induced cell damage in rat PC12 cells.

Methods

In this in vitro experiment, rat PC12 cells were exposed to four heavy metals (CdCl2, HgCl2, CoCl2 and PbCl2) at different concentrations and cell apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress were assessed with and without the addition of the six natural compounds.

Results

The metals decreased cell viability but the natural compounds attenuated their effects on apoptosis, necrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mitochondrial protein changes were involved in the regulation.

Conclusion

Overall, the natural compounds did provide protection against the metal-induced PC12 cell damage. These data suggest that natural compounds may have therapeutic potential against metal-induced neurodegenerative disease.
Comparison of plasma exchange, double plasma molecular adsorption system, and their combination in treating acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Guo Xiju , Wu Fengqing , Guo Weibo , Zhang Jiachang , Yang Yan , Lu Yajing , Yin Congbo , Fan Hongxing , Xu Juan , Liao Mingmei
Published: June 2020

Objective

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of nonbiological artificial liver (NBAL) support, particularly short-term (28-day) survival rates, in patients who underwent treatment using double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS), plasma exchange (PE), or combined PE+DPMAS, in addition to comprehensive physical treatment for different stages of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 135 patients with ACLF who received NBAL treatment between November 2015 and February 2019. The patients were categorized into PE, DPMAS, and PE+DPMAS groups. Short-term effectiveness of treatment was assessed and compared based on selected clinical findings, laboratory parameters, and liver function markers.

Results

Coagulation function improved significantly in all groups after treatment. In the PE and PE+DPMAS groups, prothrombin time decreased to different degrees, whereas plasma thromboplastin antecedent increased significantly after treatment. White blood cell counts increased and platelet counts decreased in all groups after treatment. The model for end-stage liver disease score, Child–Pugh grade, systematic inflammatory syndrome score, and sepsis-related organ failure score decreased in all three groups after treatment.

Conclusions

PE, DPMAS, and PE+DPMAS improved disease indicators in all patients with ACLF. The combined treatment improved the short-term effectiveness of treatment, especially in patients with mild ACLF.
Investigation of Highway Stormwater Management Pond Capacity for Flood Detention and Water Quality Treatment Retention via Remote Sensing Data and Conventional Topographic Survey
Authors: Li Houng
Published: June 2020

Stormwater management ponds are common best management practice (BMP) and green infrastructure (GI) for flood attenuation and water quality treatment in highway projects. Originally designed to provide storage volume for flood detention, stormwater ponds today often employ additional retention volume at pond bottom in a hope to improve water quality via sedimentation and other pollutant-removal mechanisms. It is commonly assumed that sediment accumulation and topographic variations (such as erosion, channelization, and in-pond plant growth and decay) over time often decrease the capacity of stormwater ponds. However, differences between design capacities and field capacities over time have never been verified and quantitatively analyzed before. This study presents such analysis using conventional topographic survey techniques and remote sensing data (topographic light detection and ranging digital elevation model [LIDAR DEM]) for 10 highway stormwater ponds along Interstate Highway-95 (I-95) systems in Baltimore City, Cecil County, and Harford County, Maryland, United States, with facility service life ranging from 14 to 26 years (1990–2015). Data derived from LIDAR DEM were compared with those from topographic survey; the LIDAR DEM data appear to be effective in measuring flood detention capacities and identifying silted ponds, but not in estimating the remaining retention volume for water quality treatment. Data from topographic survey indicate that the total volume in the ponds was relatively unchanged compared with the design, with increases in some instances. The increase typically occurred at the pond’s upper stages. Nonetheless, the water quality treatment capacity at pond bottom (wet pool volume) was drastically less (up to 100% of the design). As current maintenance practice of stormwater ponds relies heavily on visual inspection, the storage volume variations are often overlooked. As such, the findings prompt uncertainty on the long-term effectiveness of watershed implementation plan and models in the Chesapeake Bay watersheds, as many of them depend on wet pool volume design in BMP and GI.
Combined Correction of Tibial Torsion and Tibial Tuberosity–Trochlear Groove Distance by Supratuberositary Torsional Osteotomy of the Tibia
Authors: Jud Lukas , Singh Sarvpreet , Tondelli Timo , Fürnstahl Philipp , Fucentese Sandro F. , Vlachopoulos Lazaros
Published: June 2020

Background:

Increased external tibial torsion and tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance (TTTG) affect patellofemoral instability and can be corrected by tibial rotational osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer. Thus far, less attention has been paid to the combined correction of tibial torsion and TTTG by supratuberositary osteotomy.

Purpose:

To quantify the effect of a supratuberositary torsional osteotomy on TTTG.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Seven patients who underwent supratuberositary osteotomy to treat patellofemoral instability and an additional 13 patients with increased TTTG were included (N = 20). With 3-dimensional (3D) surface models, supratuberositary rotational osteotomies were simulated with predefined degrees of rotation. Concomitant 3D TTTG was measured by a novel and validated measurement method. In addition, all operated patients underwent 2-dimensional (2D) radiographic evaluation with pre- and postoperative computed tomography data. Absolute differences among simulated, predicted, and achieved postoperative corrections were compared.

Results:

A total of 500 supratuberositary osteotomies were simulated. The linear regression estimate yielded a change of −0.68 mm (95% CI, −0.72 to −0.63; P < .0001) in 3D TTTG per degree of tibial rotation, and 2D and 3D TTTG measurements in the operated patients were comparable in pre- and postoperative measurements (preoperative, 19.8 ± 2.5 mm and 20.0 ± 2.4 mm; postoperative, 13.6 ± 3.8 mm and 14.6 ± 3.4 mm, respectively). Postoperative 2D TTTG deviated in absolute terms from predicted (regression) and simulated TTTG by 1.4 ± 1.0 mm and 1.5 ± 0.6 mm. Inter- and intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) for radiological and simulated measurements ranged between 0.883 and 0.996 and were almost perfect.

Conclusion:

In supratuberositary osteotomy, TTTG changes by −0.68 mm per degree of internal tibial rotation. The absolute mean difference between postoperative predicted TTTG and 2D TTTG was only 1.4 mm. Thus, TTTG correction can be successfully predicted by the degree of tibial rotation.

Clinical Relevance:

TTTG correction can be successfully predicted by the degree of tibial rotation. Therefore, in selected cases, tibial torsional deformity and TTTG can be corrected by 1 osteotomy. However, isolated rotations have been performed, and unintended translational movements during tibial rotation may alter the postoperative results.
Explaining Victimization Experienced by Latinas: A Test of Target Congruence Theory
Authors: Zavala Egbert
Published: June 2020

A small but growing number of studies have begun testing the core propositions of target congruence theory. While these studies have provided modest support, no study to date has applied it to victimization experienced by Latinas. This is somewhat surprising, given that some of the theory’s theoretical constructs may be especially pertinent to this study population. Using data collected from the Sexual Assault Among Latinas (SALAS) study, results from logistic regression analyses showed that a target’s vulnerability, gratifiability, and antagonism modestly predicted victimization. Specifically, Latinas high in Latino orientation reported lower victimization, whereas Latinas high in masculinity traits were more likely to report victimization, while measures that captured antagonism, such as anger, were also found to be significant.
Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles administered during pregnancy on depression-like behavior in forced swimming and tail suspension tests in offspring mice
Authors: Tarlan Mitra , Sajedianfard Javad , Fathi Mazyar
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Applications of engineered nanoparticles are rapidly increasing. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are used in many products including those produced by pigment and cosmetic manufacturers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal exposure during pregnancy to TiO2 NPs on depressive-like behavior in the first and second generation offspring.

Materials and Methods:

Forty female albino mice were placed into four groups for 2 weeks. Fertile males were then added to each cage by a ratio of two males to five females. After detection of pregnancy, the mice were transferred to separate cages. The study groups were divided into four groups: the first group, served as control, did not receive any treatment; the second group received injections of normal saline; groups 3 and 4 received, respectively, 50 and 100 µl of TiO2 NP solution injections subcutaneously on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after mating. Behavioral tests were conducted on postnatal days 21 and 40.

Findings:

Subcutaneous injection of 50 and 100 µl of TiO2 NPs significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test (TST). No significant difference was observed in measured variables between groups receiving 50 and 100 µl of TiO2 NPs. No significant difference was also found between male and female offspring. Depression-like behavior increased in the second generation of mice in the forced swim test and TST.

Conclusion:

Prenatal exposure of mothers to TiO2 NPs would increase depression-like behavior in neonatal mice.
Suicidal Behaviors Among Nurses in Canada
Authors: Stelnicki Andrea M. , Jamshidi Laleh , Angehrn Andréanne , Nicholas Carleton R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Nurses are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events, experience high rates of burnout, and may be at an elevated risk of death by suicide. Few studies have assessed for suicidal behaviors among Canadian nurses, and factors that may increase risk for suicidal behaviors are unknown.

Purpose

The current study was designed to assess past-year and lifetime suicidal behavior (i.e., ideation, plans, and attempts) using a large sample of Canadian nurses.

Method

Participants ( n =  3969; 94.3% women) completed an online survey including measures of suicidal behavior and symptoms of mental disorders.

Results

Considerable proportions of participants reported past-year and/or lifetime suicidal ideation (10.5%, 33.0%), plans (4.6%, 17.0%), and attempts (0.7%, 8.0%), considerably higher than general population estimates. Significant differences were identified across age groups, years of service, marital status, regional location, and nursing type (e.g., registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses). Participants who screened positive for almost all measured mental disorders had significantly higher rates of suicidal behavior.

Conclusions

The results necessitate further research to evaluate risk factors contributing to suicidal behavior in Canadian nurses and methods to decrease the risk (e.g., developing effective monitoring and prevention measures).
Molecular-Targeted Therapy for Childhood Brain Tumors: A Moving Target
Authors: Packer Roger J. , Kilburn Lindsay
Published: June 2020

Molecular-targeted therapy is an attractive therapeutic approach for childhood brain tumors. Unfortunately, with some notable exceptions, such treatment has not yet made a major impact on survival or for that matter quality-of-life for children with brain tumors. Limitations include the specificity of any single agent to inhibit the target, the presence of multiple genetic abnormalities within a tumor, the likely presence of escape mechanisms and the frequent use of molecular-targeted therapies in relatively biologically unselected patient populations. Despite these limitations, the MEK inhibitors and the BRAF V600E inhibitors have already demonstrated efficacy and are being compared to standard therapy in trials of treatment-naïve patients. There is also great enthusiasm for molecular-targeted therapies that target selective gene fusions. Given the plasticity of epigenetic changes, the targeting of epigenetic aberrations is also a promising avenue of therapy. Because molecular-targeted therapies frequently target genes and pathways that are critical in normal brain development, the acute, subacute long-term sequelae of molecular-targeted therapies need to be carefully monitored.
Continuation of Opioid Therapy at Transitions of Care in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Witcraft Emily J. , Gonzales Jeffrey P. , Seung Hyunuk , Watt Ian , Tata Asha L. , Yeung Siu Yan Amy , Heavner Mojdeh S. , Qato Danya M. , Gulati Mangla S. , Millstein Leah S.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Opioids are one of the high-risk medication classes that are administered to critically ill patients during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. However, little attention has been given to inpatient opioid prescribing practices, especially in critically ill patients. The purpose of our study was to characterize opioid prescribing practices across 2 transitions of care during an inpatient hospital stay: medical ICU (MICU)/intermediate care unit (IMC) to floor and floor to hospital discharge and identify potential patient-specific factors that impact opioid continuation.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating opioid-naive adult patients with new opioid therapy initiated in MICU/IMC at a tertiary care academic medical center from December 1, 2016, to November 30, 2017. Opioid continuation rate was assessed twice: transition 1 (MICU/IMC to floor) and transition 2 (floor to hospital discharge).

Results:

In total, 112 opioid-naive patients with initial opioid administration in the MICU/IMC were included. Opioid therapy was continued in 56.1% (37/66) at transition 1 and 56.8% of patients (21/37) at transition 2. Patients with opioids continued at transition 1 had a longer hospital length of stay compared to those not continued on opioids, 22 (interquartile range [IQR] 11-36) vs 8 (IQR 6-14; P = .0004). Among the patients continued on opioids at hospital discharge, intubation during hospital stay and cumulative opioid dosage were greater than those not continued on opioids (17 [80.9%] vs 7 [43.8%], P = .019; and 3482 mcg [IQR 1690-9530] vs 732.5 mcg [IQR 187.5-1360.9], P = .0018, respectively).

Conclusions:

Opioid-naive patients receiving opioid therapy in the MICU/IMC had a continuation rate of >56% during transitions of care, including hospital discharge. Factors that contributed to the continuation of opioids at transitions of care included longer hospital length of stay, intubation, and cumulative hospital opioid dosage. These findings may help to provide health systems with guidance on targeted opioid stewardship programs.
“It’s Complicated Because We’re Only Sixteen”: A Framework for Understanding Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosures to Peers
Authors: Manay Natalia , Collin-Vézina Delphine , Alaggia Ramona , McElvaney Rosaleen
Published: June 2020

The process of disclosing childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is very difficult for young people. Researchers have consistently found that young people disclose CSA to other youth at much higher rates than to familiar adults or authorities and indicate that CSA remains largely unknown to adults. However, no study to date has focused exclusively on understanding the process of youth-directed disclosures from young people’s perspectives. Using grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study aimed to understand the process of CSA disclosures to peers based on interviews with 30 young people from Canada and Ireland who have experienced CSA. The findings reflect the iterative and dialogical nature of the peer disclosure process and provide a framework for youth-directed disclosures that is centered on the theme of uncertainty. An underlying sense of uncertainty permeated the entire disclosure experience as participants’ narratives reflected six stages that were interrelated in a cyclical process: experiencing internal conflict, needing to tell and choosing to confide in peers, expecting emotional support from peers, gradual telling and making sense of the abuse, burden on peers, and assessing peer responses and further disclosures. In addition, this model was not static, as with time, participants reinterpreted their peers’ responses. The presented framework is consistent with previous conceptualizations of CSA disclosures, but the focus on youth-directed disclosures from the perspective of young people also allowed for a model that explains processes that are unique to peer disclosures. Practice and policy implications as well as limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Collective Sensemaking Around COVID-19: Experiences, Concerns, and Agendas for our Rapidly Changing Organizational Lives
Authors: Stephens Keri K. , Jahn Jody L. S. , Fox Stephanie , Charoensap-Kelly Piyawan , Mitra Rahul , Sutton Jeannette , Waters Eric D. , Xie Bo , Meisenbach Rebecca J.
Published: June 2020

Uncertainty is at the forefront of many crises, disasters, and emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different in this regard. In this forum, we, as a group of organizational communication scholars currently living in North America, engage in sensemaking and sensegiving around this pandemic to help process and share some of the academic uncertainties and opportunities relevant to organizational scholars. We begin by reflexively making sense of our own experiences with adjusting to new ways of working during the onset of the pandemic, including uncomfortable realizations around privilege, positionality, race, and ethnicity. We then discuss key concerns about how organizations and organizing practices are responding to this extreme uncertainty. Finally, we offer thoughts on the future of work and organizing informed by COVID-19, along with a list of research practice considerations and potentially generative research questions. Thus, this forum invites you to reflect on your own experiences and suggests future directions for research amidst and after a cosmology event.