bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemic morality-in-action: Accounting for social action during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ekberg Katie , Ekberg Stuart , Weinglass Lara , Danby Susan
Published: June 2021

Global health pandemics (such as COVID-19) can result in rapid changes to sanctionable behaviour, impacting society and culture in a multitude of ways. This study examined how pandemic culture and accompanying moral order was produced within and through social interaction during the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Australia. The data consisted of a corpus of 29 video-recorded paediatric palliative care consultations and were analysed using conversation analysis. Analysis showed how adherence to pandemic rules became morally expected, and moral concerns about actual or potential violations to these rules became relevant in and through social interaction during this period. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a natural experiment for how accountable actions and a moral order are negotiated in and through our social interactions when our taken-for-granted ‘natural facts of life’ change in response to a global public health crisis.
Disability Policies and Management in Bolivia: Changes and Challenges
Authors: García-Domingo M. , Fuentes V. , De La Fuente Robles Y. M. , Muyor J.
Published: June 2021

The Plurinational State of Bolivia has experienced significant social changes with a growing commitment toward policies that favor vulnerable populations. Acknowledging movements led by people with disabilities to promote progress in social policies is a crucial task. The public sector has responded to the demands and needs of this population through recognition and promotion of their rights. Nevertheless, to ensure progress, we must support the voices of the stakeholders and promote their participation in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and the real needs and demands of people with disabilities in Bolivia. To this end, in this study, we gathered statements of key informants, using a focus group technique. The results of the data analysis indicate an increase in social awareness and recognition of the needs of this collective and the importance of their full inclusion in society. However, there is a distortion in the application of certain assistance and inclusion policies in favor of people with disabilities because these policies do not have their intended impact.
The Experts’ Advice: Prevention and Responsibility in German Media and Scientific Discourses on Dementia
Authors: Petersen Niklas , Schicktanz Silke
Published: June 2021

In the absence of effective pharmacological therapy options, the focus of dementia and Alzheimer’s research has shifted from treatment and care to risk prediction, early detection, and prevention. Public health communication and media coverage regarding dementia emphasize the individual responsibility for dementia risk management. Focusing on the social and moral implications of the new understanding and public representation of dementia, we present an analysis of medical science, nursing science, and media discourses in Germany between 2014 and 2019. We show which notions of dementia and prevention characterize the medical and nursing science debates regarding dementia and how scientific knowledge is transferred into media discourses on dementia. We further discuss how dementia risk communication interacts with contemporary social and health policies and in what ways current dementia discourses are associated with a (self-)responsibilization of cognitive aging.
Ubrogepant: An Oral Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonist for Abortive Migraine Treatment
Authors: Nedd Madell , Garland Scott , Falk Nathan , Wilk Ashley
Published: June 2021

Objective

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of ubrogepant as an abortive migraine treatment.

Data Sources

A literature search of MEDLINE and PubMed was performed (January 2006 through May 2021) using the following search terms: ubrogepant, calcitonin gene related peptide, and abortive migraine therapy.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Relevant studies evaluating ubrogepant’s pharmacology, efficacy, and safety in humans for the treatment of migraine were considered

Data Synthesis

Ubrogepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the acute treatment of migraine via data from ACHIEVE I and II. From ACHIEVE I, ubrogepant demonstrated superiority to placebo in freedom from migraine pain at 2 hours postdose (50-mg dose: odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.25-2.66; 100-mg dose: OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.41-2.95) and freedom from most bothersome symptom (MBS; 50-mg dose: OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.27-2.28; 100-mg dose: OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.22-2.17). ACHIEVE II trial demonstrated efficacy of ubrogepant 50 mg compared with placebo (2-hour pain freedom: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.14-2.29; 2-hour MBS freedom: OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.25-2.20).

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Ubrogepant is a viable option for patients who are unable to tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or triptan therapy because of ineffective relief or contraindications that limit use.

Conclusions

Ubrogepant is a well-tolerated effective abortive migraine treatment that bridges a gap in therapy for many patients who previously could not tolerate other first-line treatments.
The Impact of Coronal Plane Deformity on Ankle Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty
Authors: Johnson Michael D. , Shofer Jane B. , Hansen Sigvard T. , Ledoux William R. , Sangeorzan Bruce J.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Ankle coronal plane deformity represents a complex 3-dimensional problem, and comparative data are lacking to guide treatment recommendations for optimal treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis with concomitant coronal plane deformity.

Methods:

In total, 224 patients treated for end-stage ankle arthritis were enrolled in an observational trial. Of 112 patients followed more than 2 years, 48 patients (19 arthrodesis, 29 arthroplasty) had coronal plane deformity and were compared to 64 patients without coronal plane deformity (18 arthrodesis, 46 arthroplasty) defined as greater than 10 degrees of varus or valgus. The arthroplasty implants used had different internal constraints to intracomponent coronal plane tilting. Patients completed Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (MFA) and SF-36 preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. Measures included change in SF-36 and MFA, as well as compared reoperation rates and pain scales.

Results:

For the groups with coronal plane ankle deformity, the median for the arthrodesis group was 19.0 degrees and the median for the arthroplasty group was 16.9 degrees. In the deformity cohort during the follow-up period, we had 7 major reoperations: 2 in the arthrodesis group and 5 in the arthroplasty group, all with the less constrained implant design. MFA, vitality, and social function of the SF-36 improved for all groups. Patients without preoperative deformities had greater improvement with fusion or replacement at both 2 and 3 years. There was no difference in improvement between those patients with coronal deformity who received arthroplasty vs arthrodesis.

Conclusion:

Patients with and without coronal plane deformity may benefit from ankle arthroplasty and arthrodesis, although greater improvements may be expected in those without preoperative deformity. In this study, at final follow-up of 3 years, overall we found no meaningful difference in patient-reported outcomes between the patients with preoperative coronal plane deformities whether they had a fusion or a replacement as treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, comparative study.
Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Peroneus Brevis Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft
Authors: Chrea Bopha , Eble Stephanie K. , Day Jonathan , Hansen Oliver B. , Ellis Scott J. , O’Malley Martin J. , Drakos Mark C.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Peroneal tendon injuries are a common cause of lateral ankle pain and instability. While the use of hamstring autograft has been proposed as a viable surgical option for peroneus brevis reconstruction, reported outcomes with this technique are limited in the literature. We present patient-reported and clinical outcomes for patients who underwent peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft.

Methods:

Thirty-one patients were retrospectively identified who underwent a procedure including peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft for peroneal tendinopathy between February 2016 and May 2019. All patients who had a peroneus brevis reconstruction were included, and all concomitant procedures were noted. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys were prospectively collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively (mean, 24.3; range, 12-52.7) months. Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications and reoperations.

Results:

When evaluating pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome surveys (n = 26; 84%), on average, patients reported improvement in every PROMIS domain evaluated, with significant improvement in Physical Function (+5.99; P = .006), Pain Interference (–8.11; P < .001), Pain Intensity (–9.02; P < .001), and Global Physical Health (+7.29; P = .001). Three patients reported persistent pain at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively, of whom 2 required reoperation. No patient reported persistent pain or discomfort at the harvest site of the hamstring autograft.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing peroneus brevis reconstruction with hamstring autograft experienced clinically significant improvement in patient-reported and clinical outcomes. Few postoperative complications were observed, and patients reported improvements across all patient-reported outcome domains, with significant improvements for pain and function domains. Reconstruction with hamstring autograft represents a viable surgical option in the setting of peroneal tendinitis or tears.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
“We All Get Raped”: Sexual Violence Against Latin American Women in Migratory Transit in Mexico
Authors: Soria-Escalante Hada , Alday-Santiago Alejandra , Alday-Santiago Erika , Limón-Rodríguez Natalia , Manzanares-Melendres Pamela , Tena-Castro Adriana
Published: June 2021

The article addresses some forms of sexual violence suffered by Latin American women during migratory transit through Mexico. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative–phenomenological interviews were conducted with 10 women in different stages of major transmigration states. The findings demonstrate the ubiquity of sexual violence during the migration. Five themes were identified: (a) The migration dimension of “being a woman”; (b) Recognition of contextual factors associated with the migratory process: “Intermediaries, road, shelters and sisterhood”; (c) The costs of migration: Abuse, discrimination, and persecution: “Criminal groups, physical violence, and “La Bestia”; (d) Triggers and supports: “Escape and future expectations”; and (e) God as a support.
The (im)possibilities of praxis in online health and physical education teacher education
Authors: Luguetti Carla , Enright Eimear , Hynes Jack , Bishara Jeffrey Anthony
Published: June 2021

Over the past three decades, a body of research has highlighted the benefits and challenges of what might collectively be referred to as critical pedagogical approaches to Health and Physical Education Teacher Education (HPETE). This research shows that praxis facilitated through critical pedagogies can challenge dominant accountability regimes in HPETE, by animating the discourse of democracy and interrogating and denaturalizing the conditions of oppression. The aim of this study was to explore the (im)possibilities of praxis when the lead author attempted to transition to online teaching. Theoretically, we are guided by the work of bell hooks, and specifically her ‘engaged pedagogy’. Participatory action research framed this study. Participants included the lead author (a teacher educator), a critical friend, and two additional teacher educators. Data collected included: (a) lead researcher observations; (b) collaborative group meetings between the lead author and the two other teacher educators; (c) meetings between the lead author and the critical friend; (d) teacher educator focus group; and (e) artefacts. Findings are discussed under two themes. First, building relationships as a foundation to cultivating a learning community; this theme relates to the challenges and facilitators to getting to know our ‘faceless students’ and building an interactive relationship with them in an online environment. The second theme constructed from the data was commitment to a process of self-actualization that promotes teachers’ and students’ wellbeing; under this theme we describe and interrogate how mutual participation, vulnerability and risk taking were cultivated in challenging university and pedagogical contexts.
Motivational languaging intervention for L2 learners: The differential effect of individual and group writing
Authors: Kim Yoon-Kyoung , Kim Tae-Young
Published: June 2021

This study aims to enhance second language (L2) learners’ motivation and facilitate successful L2 learning by using motivational languaging, an intervention that encourages learners to reflect on, and externalize, their L2-speaking, competent future self-concepts by writing or speaking about them. Two types of effective languaging activities were developed: individual and group writing. Participants were 264 Grade 10 high school students, divided into three groups: one control group and two experimental groups. Using activity workbooks, the first experimental group engaged in ‘individual writing’ guided by a series of questions in their workbooks (e.g. reasons for learning English and their ideal images of using English). The second experimental group carried out ‘group writing’, including group discussions and writing of group members’ opinions. The activities were conducted in the participants’ first language, Korean, for 30–40 minutes once a week for six weeks. The results indicated, in the two experimental groups, that the participants’ L2 learning motivation was enhanced, including the ideal L2 self. When observing the changes in the influence of motivation on motivated L2 learning behavior and English proficiency, meaningful increases were only found in the individual writing group, with the ideal L2 self showing more powerful impact on the two criterion measures after the activities.
Who wants technocrats? A comparative study of citizen attitudes in nine young and consolidated democracies
Authors: Chiru Mihail , Enyedi Zsolt
Published: June 2021

Technocratic cabinets and expert, non-political ministers appointed in otherwise partisan cabinets have become a common reality in recent decades in young and older democracies, but we know little about how citizens see this change and what values, perceptions and experiences drive their attitudes towards technocratic government. The article explores the latter topic by drawing on recent comparative survey data from nine countries, both young and consolidated democracies from Europe and Latin America. Two individual-level characteristics trigger particularly strong support for the replacement of politicians with experts: low political efficacy and authoritarian values. They are complemented by a third, somewhat weaker factor: corruption perception. At the macro level, technocracy appeals to citizens of countries where the quality of democracy is deficient and where technocratic cabinets are a part of historical legacy. Surprisingly, civic activism and, partially, satisfaction with democracy enhance technocratic orientation, indicating such attitudes are not expressions of alienation or depoliticisation.
Destination labels for historic villages: The impact on perception, experience, and satisfaction
Authors: Chirieleison Cecilia , Montrone Alessandro , Scrucca Luca
Published: June 2021

Many historic villages are trying to exploit the appeal of cultural heritage, an authentic atmosphere, and beautiful landscapes to emerge as rural tourism destinations. This study investigated the capacity of destination certifications and labels to positively influence tourists’ perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction from the perspective of destination competitiveness. As a case study, we selected an Italian village which was awarded the label of one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to investigate differences in the ratings of tourists who were or were not aware of the label. The results suggested that the label could provide a significant competitive advantage to tourism in historic villages. Indeed, tourists who were aware of the label were more likely to rate their experience higher in terms of authenticity, personal involvement, and memorability. They also reported higher overall satisfaction and re-visit intentions. A relationship between tourists’ awareness of the label and the likelihood of a positive quality rating emerged only for those attributes strictly related with the main focus of the label. The findings of this study have important policy implications for historic villages’ tourism development.
Childrens’ and young adults’ perspectives of having a parent with dementia diagnosis: A scoping review
Authors: Grundberg Åke , Sandberg Jonas , Craftman Åsa G
Published: June 2021

Background

Dementia is a key health issue worldwide. In Sweden, as in other European countries, most persons with dementia live in domestic settings and are often cared for by their family members. This scoping review aims to describe the perspectives of children and young adults with a parent diagnosed with dementia. Young family members may be alone and without support despite their high level of care burden.

Design and methods

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO) were used to search for English-language articles focusing on children and young adults between the ages of 6 and 34 who have a parent diagnosed with dementia. A thematic synthesis of the included articles was performed.

Findings

Sixteen original published qualitative studies were identified. These studies were categorised based on information about the authors, year of publication, study location, participants, aim of the study, data collection, analysis and main findings. Five main analytical themes were identified: (1) children and young adults identify changes in their parents’ behaviour and personality, (2) children and young adults experience changed roles and relationships within the family, (3) children and young adults need to cope with an uncertain future, (4) children and young adults relate changes in their parent to their own mixed emotions and (5) children and young adults need help and seek it out but experience inadequate support.

Conclusions

The children and young adults in the included studies seem to provide significant levels of care and support to their affected parent, which may affect their own health, social relations, community participation, employment, education, finances and sense of security. This means that it is important for health care systems and social services to identify barriers to these young family members’ access to relevant care and support for themselves.
The worry conversation: A loosening technology
Authors: Knudsen Hanne
Published: June 2021

Worry conversations (in Danish, bekymringssamtale) and other network meetings are normally described as offering integrated solutions to complex problems by connecting a variety of views and resources. Adopting a systems-theoretical approach, this article suggests that worry conversations can be better understood if viewed as a loosening technology. Based on a case study, the article presents the hypothesis that worry conversations and network meetings can connect normally disconnected views and knowledge, and, more importantly, disconnect elements normally connected. By disconnecting observations made in a school context from the education system, schools can invite other organisations and function systems to turn what is vaguely formulated as a worry into a problem in their own systems. This increases connectivity, but also the risk that the worry will fail to be specified as a problem and the talk to develop into decisions.
‘All Things to All People’: 1 Corinthians, Ethnic Flexibility, and Social Identity Theory
Authors: Porter Christopher A. , Rosner Brian S.
Published: June 2021

Since Judge’s pioneering 1960 monograph on social engagement in early Christian groups there have been a host of further sociological and social-psychological engagements with ancient texts. One relative newcomer to the biblical research discipline is the socio-cognitive engagement of Social Identity Theory (SIT) and its attendant approaches. This article traces how Social Identity Theory has been applied to the biblical texts, using 1 Corinthians as an exemplary case. We trace the development of social approaches to 1 Corinthians from Theissen’s early engagements through to the current applications of SIT to the text. This is followed by a broad overview of the theory and approaches, along with a brief survey of its application to biblical research, and then 1 Corinthians. Finally, we utilize 1 Cor. 9.19-23 for a brief demonstration of the analytical utility of SIT within the social context of the epistle.
How Does Ethnic Identity Relate to Adjustment for Minoritized Students? A Two-Site Comparison of Large Public Universities
Authors: Batyrshina Aygul N. , Anistranski Joseph A. , Bradford Brown B.
Published: June 2021

Research suggests that achieved ethnic identity has positive implications for the adjustment of Adolescents of Color. However, researchers know very little about whether (or how) the impact of achieved ethnic identity extends into college years. To explore this, our study examined the effects of ethnic identity on both social and academic adjustment of Students of Color at two large public research universities with distinct enrollment characteristics. Using multiple group analyses, we tested and confirmed the developmental significance of Phinney’s conceptualization of achieved ethnic identity. In both university contexts, achieved ethnic identity related to academic adjustment for Students of Color. We found no differences in regression paths between the two institutional contexts, supporting the assertion that achieved ethnic identity plays a prominent role in student success for minoritized students across college contexts. Our study extends Phinney’s theory of ethnic identity development to the study of college adjustment.
Enhancing the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to olaparib via microRNA-20b-mediated cyclin D1 targeting
Authors: Zhong Qian , Xiong Ying , Ling Chen , Qian Yanping , Zhao Xia , Yang Hanshuo
Published: June 2021

We previously reported that cyclin D1 silencing interferes with RAD51 accumulation and increases the sensitivity of BRCA1 wild-type ovarian cancer cells to olaparib. However, the mechanisms associated with cyclin D1 overexpression in ovarian cancer are not fully understood. TargetScan predicted the potential binding sites for microRNA-20b (miR-20b) and the 3′-untranslated region of cyclin D1 mRNA; thus, we used luciferase reporter assay to verify those binding sites. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to examine the relationship between miR-20b and progression-free survival of ovarian cancer patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas ( n = 367) dataset. In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-20b on cyclin D1 expression, cell cycle and response to olaparib. A peritoneal cavity metastasis model of ovarian cancer was established to determine the effect of miR-20b on the sensitivity of olaparib. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate molecular mechanisms. In this work, we demonstrated that miR-20b down-regulates cyclin D1, increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to olaparib, reduces the expression of RAD51, and induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Ovarian cancer patients with higher expression of miR-20b had significantly longer progression-free survival. These results indicate that miR-20b may be a potential clinical indicator for the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to olaparib and the survival of ovarian cancer patients. Our findings suggest that miR-20b may have therapeutic value in combination with olaparib treatment for ovarian cancer.
Reactions to Recommendations and Evidence About Prostate Cancer Screening Among White and Black Male Veterans
Authors: Danan Elisheva R. , White Katie M. , Wilt Timothy J. , Partin Melissa R.
Published: June 2021

U.S. clinical guidelines recommend that prior to screening for prostate cancer with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), men should have an informed discussion about the potential benefits and harms of screening. Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men. To understand how White and Black men reacted to a draft educational pamphlet about the benefits and harms of PSA screening, we conducted race-specific focus groups at a midwestern VA medical center in 2013 and 2015. White and Black men who had been previously screened reviewed the draft pamphlet using a semistructured focus group facilitator guide. Forty-four men, ages 55–81, participated in four White and two Black focus groups. Three universal themes were: low baseline familiarity with prostate cancer, surprise and resistance to the recommendations not to test routinely, and negative emotions in response to ambiguity. Discussions of benefits and harms of screening, as well as intentions for exercising personal agency in prevention and screening, diverged between White and Black focus groups. Discussion in White groups highlighted the potential benefits of screening, minimized the harms, and emphasized personal choice in screening decisions. Participants in Black groups devoted almost no discussion to benefits, considered harms significant, and emphasized personal and collective responsibility for preventing cancer through diet, exercise, and alternative medicine. Discussion in Black groups also included the role of racism and discrimination in healthcare and medical research. These findings contribute to our understanding of how men’s varied perspectives and life experiences affect their responses to prostate cancer screening information.
Methodological Bricolage and COVID-19: An Illustration From Innovative, Novel, and Adaptive Environmental Behavior Change Research
Authors: Bueddefeld Jill , Murphy Michelle , Ostrem Julie , Halpenny Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

This article explores innovative and novel research methods and adaptive approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine visitor learning and proenvironmental behavior. We present a mixed methods study that used a methodological bricolage approach to field-based data collection. The pandemic limited our ability to carry out the original study design. Quickly pivoting, the study was adapted to an explanatory sequential design with a survey, an interpretive video, naturalistic observations, personal meaning maps, interviews and a new method: comprehension assessments. This resulted in data collection that maintained trustworthiness and rigor, while remaining flexible to changing protocols. This article contributes to the field of mixed methods research by demonstrating the application of methodological bricolage in visitor research during catastrophic social change.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Digital Diaries as a Means to Study Patient Pathways: Experiences With a Study of Hypertension in the Philippines
Authors: Mendoza Jhaki , Seguin Maureen L. , Lasco Gideon , Palileo-Villanueva Lia M. , Amit Arianna , Renedo Alicia , McKee Martin , Palafox Benjamin , Balabanova Dina
Published: June 2021

The rise of digital mobile communications has made possible novel research methods that can provide a better understanding of patients’ experience of non-communicable diseases. This study explores the opportunities and challenges in employing “digital diaries” via mobile phones to track the lived experiences of people with hypertension in the Philippines. Following in-depth interviews, 40 hypertensive adults were invited to submit digital diaries over 12 months. Mobile phones were found to be an efficient way of reaching participants, although it was difficult to collect in-depth narratives about their experiences using the medium beyond nominal responses about symptoms and treatment. Possible explanations include the asymptomatic nature of hypertension, which limited the participants’ experiences of the illness, as well as the platform itself, which our mostly-elderly, low-income participants may not be comfortable with. Despite these challenges, “digital diaries” hold potential for the study of other chronic conditions, provided that researchers engage in extensive co-production with participants to understand their preferences. Researchers also need more training in the use of these methods appropriately as part of a suite of methods for capturing the experience of people living with chronic illness.
Boundary disputes: New approaches to the interaction between sport and politics in the postwar years
Authors: Kaal Harm
Published: June 2021

Although often framed as politics ultimate ‘other’, it is hard to ignore that sport and the political are intimately connected. Historians, however, have up until now hardly reflected on the nature of this connection in the postwar years, on how the politicisation of sport has actually taken shape, and how actors and institutions have delineated, navigated, and crossed the boundaries between the two. This article tackles these questions through an analysis of three vectors of politicisation: political communication, struggles over the use of space, and governance and policy making. Based on a discussion of recent work at the intersection of political history, sport history, political science, geography, and communication studies, the article unearths the relationship between sport and personalised modes of political representation, explores the role of sport spaces as sites of community building and conflict, and the instrumentalisation of sport in policy schemes of the welfare state. It shows how policy schemes and governance arrangements drew sport into the orbit of the state; maps the various actors and institutions at the intersection of sport and politics, ranging from local residents’ groups to international non-governmental organisations; and highlights the gendered, exclusionary nature of new, popular forms of political communication through sport. All in all, the article makes the case for sport as a highly relevant field to engage with for those who are interested in the postwar history of political power, representation, communication, and governance.
An efficient technique to solve coupled–time fractional Boussinesq–Burger equation using fractional decomposition method
Authors: Alrawashdeh Mahmoud S , Bani-Issa Shifaa
Published: June 2021

For this work, a novel numerical approach is proposed to obtain solution for the class of coupled time-fractional Boussinesq–Burger equations which is a nonlinear system. This system under consideration is endowed with Caputo time-fractional derivative. By means of the natural decomposition approach, approximate solutions of the proposed nonlinear fractional system are obtained where the exact solutions are presented in the classical case of fractional order at [Formula: see text]. Some numerical examples are given to support the theoretical framework and to point out the role and the effectiveness of the intended method. Our results clearly show the approximate analytical solutions eventually will converge quickly to the already known exact solutions.

AMS Classification: 35A22, 35C05, 35C10, 35R11, 44A30.
A role for gut microbiota in early-life stress-induced widespread muscle pain in the adult rat
Authors: Green Paul G , Alvarez Pedro , Levine Jon D
Published: June 2021

Adult rats that experienced neonatal limited bedding (NLB), a form of early-life stress, experience persistent muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. Since there is a growing recognition that the gut microbiome regulates pain and nociception, and that early-life stress produces a long-lasting impact on the gut microbiome, we tested the hypothesis that persistent muscle hyperalgesia seen in adult NLB rats could be ameliorated by interventions that modify the gut microbiome. Adult NLB rats received probiotics, either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (10 billion CFU/150 ml) or De Simone Formulation (DSF) (112.5 billion CFU/150 ml mixture of 8 bacterial species), in their drinking water, or non-absorbable antibiotics, rifaximin or neomycin, admixed with cookie dough, to provide 50 mg/kg. Mechanical nociceptive threshold in the gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated before and at several time points after administration of probiotics or antibiotics. Adult NLB rats fed probiotics L. Rhamnosus or DSF, antibiotics, as well as rats fed non-absorbable antibiotics rifaximin or neomycin, had markedly attenuated muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. We hypothesize that persistent skeletal muscle hyperalgesia produced by NLB stress may be, at least in part, due to a contribution of the gut microbiome, and that modulation of gut microbiome using probiotics or non-absorbable antibiotics, may be novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Florid cystitis cystica et glandularis causing irreversible renal injury
Authors: Bhana Kerisha , Lazarus John , Kesner Ken , John Jeff
Published: June 2021

Cystitis cystica et glandularis (CCEG) is widely believed to be innocuous and self-limiting. We report a case of a 32-year-old male patient who was found to have gross bilateral hydroureter and hydronephrosis and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 3 ml/min/1.73 m2. Cystoscopy revealed extensive cystic and nodular lesions involving most of the bladder urothelium, which proved to be CCEG on histopathological analysis. Retrograde and anterograde stents could not be inserted due to obstruction of the ureters at the level of the vesicoureteric junction. Percutaneous nephrostomies were subsequently inserted. Although there was evidence of improvement of the CCEG on follow-up cystoscopy, no improvement of renal function, despite decompression with percutaneous nephrostomies, was seen. He was subsequently placed on the waiting list for a renal transplant. We believe this to be the only known case reported of florid CCEG obstructing the upper urinary tracts bilaterally, causing irreversible renal injury.
Low-order modeling of high-altitude relight of jet engine combustors
Authors: de Oliveira Pedro M , Sitte Michael P , Zedda Marco , Giusti Andrea , Mastorakos Epaminondas
Published: June 2021

A physics-based, low-order ignition model is used to assess the ignition performance of a kerosene-fueled gas-turbine combustor under high-altitude relight conditions. The ignition model used in this study is based on the motion of virtual flame particles and their extinction according to a Karlovitz number criterion, and a stochastic procedure is used to account for the effects of spray polydispersity on the flame’s extinction behavior. The effects of large droplets arising from poor fuel atomization at sub-idle conditions are then investigated in the context of the model parameters and the combustor’s ignition behavior. For that, a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulation of the cold flow in the combustor was performed and used as an input for the ignition model. Ignition was possible with a Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of 50 μm, and was enhanced by increasing the spark volume. Although doubling the spark volume at larger SMDs (75 and 100 μm) resulted in the suppression of short-mode failure events, ignition was not achieved due to a reduction of the effective flammable volume in the combustor. Overall, a lower ignition probability is obtained when using the stochastic procedure for the spray, which is to be expected due to the additional detrimental effects associated with poor spray atomisation and high polydispersity.
Osimertinib rechallenge under steroid protection following osimertinib-induced pneumonitis: three case studies
Authors: Bickert Christiane , Kahnert Kathrin , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Götschke Jeremias , Syunyaeva Zulfiya , Behr Jürgen , Tufman Amanda
Published: June 2021

Osimertinib is a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor that became the preferred first-line treatment option for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Drug-induced pneumonitis is known to occur with osimertinib. In case of severe pneumonitis, discontinuation of treatment and therapy with corticosteroids is recommended, and a treatment switch is usually performed. We herein report the treatment course in three patients who were rechallenged with osimertinib under steroid protection following an osimertinib-induced pneumonitis. All our patients were initially re-exposed to a lower dose of osimertinib. Two patients were successfully rechallenged under prednisolone protection. The third patient, who was initially retreated with osimertinib without steroid protection, suffered from a recurrent pneumonitis, and was later rechallenged successfully under steroid protection. Our case series indicates that rechallenge with osimertinib following recovery from osimertinib-induced pneumonitis allows a successful rechallenge in individual cases when alternative treatment options are lacking. Concomitant steroids appear to protect against flares of pneumonitis during rechallenge.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Affects Hip and Knee Biomechanics During Landing
Authors: Taylor Jeffrey B. , Wright Elena S. , Waxman Justin P. , Schmitz Randy J. , Groves James D. , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) has been linked to lower extremity biomechanics that place an athlete at higher risk for injury. Whether reduced DFROM during dynamic movements is due to restrictions in joint motion or underutilization of available ankle DFROM motion is unclear.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that both lesser total ankle DFROM and underutilization of available motion would lead to high-risk biomechanics (ie, greater knee abduction, reduced knee flexion).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Nineteen active female athletes (age, 20.0 ± 1.3 years; height, 1.61 ± 0.06 m; mass, 67.0 ± 10.7 kg) participated. Maximal ankle DFROM (clinical measure of ankle DFROM [DF-CLIN]) was measured in a weightbearing position with the knee flexed. Lower extremity biomechanics were measured during a drop vertical jump with 3-dimensional motion and force plate analysis. The percent of available DFROM used during landing (DF-%USED) was calculated as the peak DFROM observed during landing divided by DF-CLIN. Univariate linear regressions were performed to identify whether DF-CLIN or DF-%USED predicted knee and hip biomechanics commonly associated with injury risk.

Results:

For every 1.0° less of DF-CLIN, there was a 1.0° decrease in hip flexion excursion ( r2 = 0.21, P = 0.05), 1.2° decrease in peak knee flexion angles ( r2 = 0.37, P = 0.01), 0.9° decrease in knee flexion excursion ( r2 = 0.40, P = 0.004), 0.002 N·m·N−1·cm−1 decrease in hip extensor work ( r2 = 0.28, P = 0.02), and 0.001 N·m·N−1·cm−1 decrease in knee extensor work ( r2 = 0.21, P = 0.05). For every 10% less of DF-%USED, there was a 3.2° increase in peak knee abduction angles ( r2 = 0.26, P = 0.03) and 0.01 N·m·N−1·cm−1 lesser knee extensor work ( r2 = 0.25, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Lower levels of both ankle DFROM and DF-%USED are associated with biomechanics that are considered to be associated with a higher risk of sustaining injury.

Clinical Relevance:

While total ankle DFROM can predict some aberrant movement patterns, underutilization of available ankle DFROM can also lead to higher risk movement strategies. In addition to joint specific mobility training, clinicians should incorporate biomechanical interventions and technique feedback to promote the utilization of available motion.
Comparison of Sinonasal Histopathological Changes in Biological Treatment of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ho Jacqueline , Alvarado Raquel , Rimmer Janet , Sewell William A. , Walter Sophie , Earls Peter , Campbell Raewyn G. , Sacks Raymond , Kalish Larry H. , Harvey Richard J
Published: June 2021

Background

Biologic therapies such as mepolizumab and benralizumab are currently utilised in the treatment of eosinophilic asthma, and are emerging in the management of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS). These biologics inhibit the interaction of IL-5 with its receptor, thus impairing cytokine signalling and eosinophil inflammation. Mepolizumab does so by targeting IL-5, whereas benralizumab targets the α chain of the IL-5 receptor. This study compares the sinonasal tissue response to anti-IL-5 biologic therapies in patients with eCRS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of adult eCRS patients who had completed at least 2 cycles of biologic therapy and underwent endoscopic sinus surgery as part of their management were included. Sinonasal mucosal tissue biopsies were obtained intraoperatively and assessed with structured histopathological examination. Comparisons of tissue histopathology outcomes following treatment with mepolizumab or benralizumab were performed.

Results

18 patients (age 49.6 ± 14.2 years, 47% female, 100% co-morbid asthma) were included in this study, comprising 10 patients managed with mepolizumab and 8 patients managed with benralizumab. Even after mepolizumab, the tissue had predominantly eosinophilic inflammation compared to benralizumab (90% v 0%, p < 0.01), which demonstrated a greater lymphoplasmacytic inflammation (10% v 75%, χ2(2) = 14.53, p < 0.01). Compared with benralizumab, mepolizumab had increased tissue eosinophil count (100% v 37.5% >10 eosinophils/HPF, τb = −8.47, p < 0.001) and more severe subepithelial oedema (80% v 37.5% severe, τb = −2.37, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Tissue histopathologic outcomes reflect the differing mechanism of action of mepolizumab and benralizumab in eCRS. Further analysis at the tissue level will provide further information to guide application of mAbs in type 2 inflammatory diseases.
Evaluation of postoperative outcomes in patients following multi-level surgical reconstructions with the use Avive™ soft tissue membrane on nerve after traumatic injury of the upper extremity and lower extremity
Authors: Cox Cameron T , Suryavanshi Joash R , Osemwengie Bradley O , Rosqvist Sterling , Blue Matthew , McKee Desirae , MacKay Brendan J
Published: June 2021

Background:

Treatment of patients with traumatic axonotmesis presents challenges. Processed human umbilical cord membrane has been recently developed with improved handling and resorption time compared to other amniotic membrane wraps, and may be beneficial in nerve reconstruction. This study evaluates postoperative outcomes after traumatic peripheral nerve injury after placement of commercially available processed human umbilical cord membrane.

Methods:

We performed a prospective, single-center pilot study of patients undergoing multi-level surgical reconstruction for exposed, non-transected peripheral nerve. Functional outcomes including pain, range of motion, pinch and grip strength, and the QuickDASH and SF-36 patient-reported outcome measures were recorded, when possible, at the 1-week and 3, 6, and 9 months postop visit. One-tailed paired t-tests were performed to evaluate outcome improvement at final follow-up.

Results:

Twenty patients had processed human umbilical cord membrane placement without surgical complications. Mean follow-up was 7.5 months (range: 3–10 months) and mean age was 39 years (range: 15–65). Twelve (67%) patients were male, and the majority of placement sites were in the upper extremity (85%). Mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score was significantly reduced at most recent follow-up, as were QuickDASH scores. All patients had improved functional outcomes at the 9-month follow-up, and SF-36 outcomes at 9 months showed improvement across all dimensions.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that processed human umbilical cord membrane may be a useful adjunct in nerve surgery with noted improvements in postoperative function, pain, and patient-reported outcome measures. Future studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes after traumatic nerve injury treated with processed human umbilical cord membrane.
Transfer learning for topic labeling: Analysis of the UK House of Commons speeches 1935–2014
Authors: Béchara Hannah , Herzog Alexander , Jankin Slava , John Peter
Published: June 2021

Topic models are widely used in natural language processing, allowing researchers to estimate the underlying themes in a collection of documents. Most topic models require the additional step of attaching meaningful labels to estimated topics, a process that is not scalable, suffers from human bias, and is difficult to replicate. We present a transfer topic labeling method that seeks to remedy these problems, using domain-specific codebooks as the knowledge base to automatically label estimated topics. We demonstrate our approach with a large-scale topic model analysis of the complete corpus of UK House of Commons speeches from 1935 to 2014, using the coding instructions of the Comparative Agendas Project to label topics. We evaluated our results using human expert coding and compared our approach with more current state-of-the-art neural methods. Our approach was simple to implement, compared favorably to expert judgments, and outperformed the neural networks model for a majority of the topics we estimated.
Electronic Cigarette Use Is Not Associated with COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Jose Thulasee , Croghan Ivana T. , Hays J. Taylor , Schroeder Darrell R. , Warner David O.
Published: June 2021

This analysis tested the hypothesis that current e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients seeking medical care. E-cigarette and conventional cigarette use were ascertained using a novel electronic health record tool, and COVID-19 diagnosis was ascertained by a validated institutional registry. Logistic regression models were fit to assess whether current e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis. A total of 69,264 patients who were over the age of 12 years, smoked cigarettes or vaped, and were sought medical care at Mayo Clinic between September 15, 2019 and November 30, 2020 were included. The average age was 51.5 years, 62.1% were females and 86.3% were white; 11.1% were currently smoking cigarettes or using e-cigarettes and 5.1% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Patients who used only e-cigarettes were not more likely to have a COVID-19 diagnosis (OR 0.93 [0.69-1.25], P = .628), whereas those who used only cigarettes had a decreased risk (OR 0.43 [0.35-0.53], P < .001). The OR for dual users fell between these 2 values (OR 0.67 [0.49-0.92], P = .013). Although e-cigarettes have the well-documented potential for harm, they do not appear to increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This result suggests the hypothesis that any beneficial effects of conventional cigarette smoking on susceptibility are not mediated by nicotine.