bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistemologies of digital journalism and the study of misinformation
Authors: Ekström Mats , Lewis Seth C. , Westlund Oscar
Published: January 2020

Journalists’ epistemological activities—presumed to provide factual and reliable public information—have made journalism one of the most influential knowledge-producing institutions in society. However, changes—both slow and sudden—related to the digitization of news media and the diffusion of misinformation are challenging the social role and authority of journalism. This special issue advances research in two emerging sub-fields: (1) epistemologies of digital journalism and (2) the study of misinformation. This editorial presents an introduction to the sub-fields and a summary of the nine papers included in the special issue.
Journalistic epistemology and digital news circulation: Infrastructure, circulation practices, and epistemic contests
Authors: Carlson Matt
Published: January 2020

The digital media environment provokes many questions about the state of journalism as a knowledge producing practice. As a means to better assess how changing digital news practices connect to journalists’ epistemic authority, this article combines Ekström’s emphasis on journalistic epistemology as a social practice of knowledge production with Bødker’s conceptualization of circulation both as a form of information transmission and as a site for producing shared meanings about journalism. To develop a model for analyzing the epistemic consequences of digital news circulation, three components of circulation are explored: infrastructure, circulation practices, and epistemic contests. These components consider, respectively, the materiality of digital media, various usage patterns that arise, and public struggles over what news as a form of knowledge ought to look like and who should produce it.
Social epistemology as a new paradigm for journalism and media studies
Authors: Godler Yigal , Reich Zvi , Miller Boaz
Published: January 2020

Journalism and media studies lack robust theoretical concepts for studying journalistic knowledge generation. More specifically, conceptual challenges attend the emergence of big data and algorithmic sources of journalistic knowledge. A family of frameworks apt to this challenge is provided by “social epistemology”: a young philosophical field which regards society’s participation in knowledge generation as inevitable. Social epistemology offers the best of both worlds for journalists and media scholars: a thorough familiarity with biases and failures of obtaining knowledge, and a strong orientation toward best practices in the realm of knowledge-acquisition and truth-seeking. This article articulates the lessons of social epistemology for two central nodes of knowledge-acquisition in contemporary journalism: human-mediated knowledge and technology-mediated knowledge.
Commentary: Digitization, climate change, and the potential for online workshops
Authors: Ekstrom Mats , Lewis Seth C. , Waldenström Amanda , Westlund Oscar
Published: January 2020

A key activity in the formation of this Special Issue of New Media & Society was the organizing of an online workshop: “Truth, facts, and fake: The shifting epistemologies of news in a digital age.” The event was an experiment in exploring the possibilities of organizing conferences in ways that are more sustainable in terms of climate, time, and money, and in seeing whether the exchange of ideas could be improved by moving beyond conventional in-person approaches. Such conferences are rare despite advancements in digitization and despite the many problems surrounding climate change that call into question the sustainability of frequent international air travel. This commentary presents the platform used (which is now available and free for others to use), our experiences from the conference, and our reflections on the importance of taking the scientific conclusions on climate change seriously also in the organization of our own research activities.
The pains of being unauthorized in the Netherlands
Authors: Kox Mieke , Boone Miranda , Staring Richard
Published: January 2020

Ethnographic fieldwork amongst 105 unauthorized migrants in the Netherlands shows that unauthorized migrants suffer from the pains of being unauthorized. These migrants feel punished and are severely hurt by – amongst others – the deprivation of healthy and secure living conditions, social and geographical mobility and citizenship. These migrants’ pains are caused by current restrictive migration controls, something the Dutch authorities could and should be aware of given previous research that provides similar insights. While the Dutch authorities do provide – the legally required – provisions for unauthorized migrants, we argue on the basis of Hayes’ proximity model that these authorities accept the collateral consequences of (possibly) being subjected to migration controls and purposely inflict these pains on unauthorized migrants. This means that migration control is not only experienced as punishment by those subjected to it, but that it is also intended to punish. The current system of migration control has as such expanded the reach of penal power. This implies that ‘punishment and society’ scholarship should also look beyond the borders of nation-states and criminal laws in order to understand contemporary punishment.
Between the state and the market: An analysis of TASS’ fall and rise
Authors: Vartanova Elena , Vyrkovsky Andrei
Published: January 2020

The transformation of Russian news agencies has not previously attracted much academic attention outside Russia, although it provides an interesting case for the study of state–media relations and the growth of digital media technologies. This article explores how TASS, as a state-owned news agency, has been able to retain its position as a domestic and international provider of news in competition with other state- and privately owned agencies in Russia. It uses a case-study approach, employing in-depth elite interviews together with existing research, news sources, professional databases and marketing reports. The particular focus is on management issues and on the technological challenges affecting TASS’ strategic actions and ongoing operations. We analyse (1) the historical development of TASS, (2) its role as a national and international agency, (3) its relations with the state and (4) its move to a B2C model. The article concludes that state financial support, combined with the strong managerial decisions taken by new executives, have restored TASS’ strong position in Russia’s highly competitive news market after the agency’s significant decline in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The celebrified columnist and opinion spectacle: Journalism’s changing place in networked public spheres
Authors: Usher Bethany
Published: January 2020

The professional practices of journalists have transformed. Dynamics of self-branding, celebrification and audience interactivity now govern modes of production on and beyond social media. Persona construction and performance in networked media environments increases visibility and reach, with followers, clicks, shares and likes, the markers of professional success. While British newspapers have a long tradition of high-profile columnists from across media and political spheres, the complexities of networked practices as part of globalised news and politics have transformed structure and agency. Lines are blurred between ‘social media influencer’, ‘celebrity’, ‘journalist’ and ‘political activist’ and this comparative case study uses mixed methods to analyse the work of two leading figures who embody such changes. First, it highlights how production practices intertwine the multimedia techniques of digital-first microcelebrities with the newsgathering methods and discourses of print and broadcast journalism. Second, it examines how performances negotiate displays of authenticity, authority and ‘attack’ to construct self-identities and political commentaries that resonate with followers/audiences and then channel them towards action. Finally, it demonstrates that their work reflects the hallmarks of spectacle and considers commercial and political purposes and impacts on journalism’s place in deliberative democracies.
Tourism practices and experience value creation: The case of a themed attraction restaurant
Authors: Sørensen Flemming , Fuglsang Lars , Sundbo Jon , Jensen Jens Friis
Published: January 2020

This article uses practice theory to analyse experience value creation in an innovative tourism setting characterised by high interdependence between tourism actors. The theory is applied in a case- and action-oriented study of a themed restaurant in a medieval re-enactment centre. It exemplifies how integration of a restaurant into a specific attraction theme provides opportunities for experience value co-creation through tourism practices. It also illustrates how integration can cause co-destruction of experience value. The action-oriented part of the study included a workshop, interviews and other communication with relevant actors. It aimed to sustain a change of practices, providing solutions to issues of value-co-destruction found in the case study. The article theorises and illustrates the complexity of experience value creation in complex tourist settings and suggests how a practice theory approach to innovation may lead to value creation in tourism and be a powerful tool for tourism managers.
A dementia-friendly church: How can the African American church support families affected by dementia?
Authors: Epps Fayron , Heidbreder Virginia , Alexander Karah , Tomlinson Audrey , Freeman Valencia , Williams Nancy
Published: January 2020

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is affecting the African American community at alarming rates, as African Americans have a greater risk of dementia than other races. The African American church has traditionally been a safe haven where families go for support and healing. However, many churches are not equipped to support families living with dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore ways African American churches can be dementia-friendly to support families affected by dementia. A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data from 12 African American community stakeholders. Participants were inclusive of caregivers, church leaders, community members, and service providers. During the semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to share characteristics of a dementia-friendly church. Thematic analysis was performed using data from interviews, researcher’s journal, and field notes. Responses described a dementia-friendly church as (a) resourceful; (b) welcoming and friendly; (c) inclusive and comfortable; (d) understanding and accepting; and (e) c oncerned about personal well-being. This study has wide implications not only for African American churches and families, but also for families living with dementia outside of African American faith communities. These findings allow for faith leaders and churches to begin the process of becoming dementia-friendly, thus enabling congregations, communities, and persons with dementia to continue living in meaningful ways. In conclusion, churches are a source of religious support and provide access to resources for families in difficult times. Thus, it is imperative for African American churches to explore ways to best support and meet the needs of families living with dementia.
Understanding material assistance in the Children and Young Persons Act 1963: Idealism and classical liberalism in England and Wales
Authors: Grover Chris
Published: January 2020

Drawing upon data held at the UK’s National Archives, this article focuses upon the introduction of Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, which allowed local authorities in England and Wales to offer material assistance to families in order to prevent children being received into care or to facilitate their return from care to their families. To understand this development, the article frames its analysis in debates about the nature of the intellectual basis of post-WWII social welfare policy in Britain. Locating Section 1 support in idealist thought, the article argues that it should be understood as continuing classical liberal concerns with responsibility, self-sufficiency, and independence and constraining the size and scope of the state.
An empirical evaluation of three-dimensional pie charts with individually extruded sectors in a geovisualization context
Authors: Schnürer Raimund , Ritzi Martin , Çöltekin Arzu , Sieber René
Published: January 2020

This study compares participants’ performance in extracting information from three-dimensional pie charts with individually extruded sectors in a single map frame against two-dimensional pie and bar charts in adjacent map frames. Specifically, we examine the response accuracy and response times of 181 adults who were asked to (1) identify the highest magnitude, (2) estimate a proportion, (3) perform both at the same time, and (4) solve a map-related task using the two chart setups. For each task, charts were shown on backgrounds with increasing visual complexity: a blank, a borders-only, and a choropleth map. Furthermore, we tested whether participants’ performance improved through additional practice with the two chart types. We did not observe any differences in participants’ aggregated response accuracy or response times between the tested three-dimensional and two-dimensional chart types for the (1) highest magnitude task and (2) proportion task. However, participants solved the (3) combination task with two-dimensional pie and bar charts on a blank background more accurately and were faster in fulfilling the (4) spatial task with three-dimensional pie charts. The first difference, however, leveled for participants who gained more practice and who accomplished the combination task on maps with higher visual complexity, whereas the second difference persisted even for more trained subjects.
Online structural state assessment for aerospace composite structures using an acousto-ultrasonics-based multi-damage index identification approach
Authors: Si Liang , Li Zongfeng
Published: January 2020

The development of aerospace manufacturing has promoted the application of lightweight composite materials into aerospace structures. Although the aerospace composite structures possess numerous advantages, invisible internal structural damage such as delaminations induced by various external factors can significantly reduce the mechanical affordability, safety, and life-cycle of the structure. Therefore, it is of great significance to monitor and assess the health state and predict accurately the lifetime of aerospace composite structures. An acousto-ultrasonics-based multi-damage index identification approach is thus proposed in this study to identify and quantify possible multiple damage in thin-walled aerospace composite structures. In this approach, two indices for damage quantification were proposed: the energy and phase divergence indices. The energy index defines the reflected energy resulting from damage, and the phase divergence index defines the instantaneous phase variation of propagating waves due to damage. The two damage indices are obtained through the developed mode decomposition and spectral element analysis using sensor response signals collected by a transducer array placed onto the examined structure. Through a series of relevant experimental tests on the fabricated laminated composite panels with/without damage, the proposed acousto-ultrasonics-based multi-damage index identification approach was validated. The developed damage indices are competent to evaluate a structural health state in terms of damage quantification, and all of the validation results fell well in the prospected ranges. Moreover, it shows a linear and consistent trend between the variation of two damage indices and damage extents. Based on the particular relation, the linear regressive prediction functions were established separately regarding the two damage indices. They can be used to assess a structural health state due to the damage growth in real time. The proposed multi-damage index identification approach demonstrates its potential to serve as an online assessment tool to be aware of the reliability condition of a composite structure.
Effects of Family Violence Exposure on Adolescent Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Supol Meu , Satyen Lata , Ghayour-Minaie Matin , Toumbourou John W.
Published: January 2020

Millions of children are exposed to family violence around the world; however, the effects on adolescent academic achievement are poorly understood. Using a systematic search and review methodology, we synthesized studies that quantitatively examined the effects of exposure to family violence on academic achievement among adolescents. We searched for peer-reviewed, English-language articles in nine online databases. Thirteen studies that examined adolescents were included, where family violence exposure was the independent variable and academic achievement was the dependent variable. Of those, nine studies identified significant, direct, and negative effects of family violence exposure on adolescent academic achievement, and a further two identified significant, indirect, and negative effects. We found reasonable evidence showing that adolescents’ academic achievement is negatively affected by exposure to family violence. Our review findings indicate the importance of implementing prevention strategies to reduce children’s exposure to family violence, and intervention for those who have been exposed to it. Future research should further examine the moderating and mediating mechanisms by which family violence exposure affects academic achievement.
Sexual Health Services in Schools: A Successful Community Collaborative
Authors: McCann Heather , Moore Michele J. , Barr Elissa M. , Wilson Kristina
Published: January 2020

School-based health centers (SBHCs) are an essential part of a comprehensive approach to address the health needs of youth. SBHCs that provide sexual health services (SHS) show promising results in improving reproductive health outcomes among youth. Despite the positive impact SBHCs can have, few school districts have SBHCs, and even fewer provide SHS. This article describes a successful 5-year project to provide SHS through SBHCs in a large county in the southeast United States. A community collaborative, including the schools, health department, community agencies and a local university, was created to address the project goals and objectives. Various steps were taken to plan for the SBHCs, including documenting community support for SHS offered through SBHCs, identifying school sites for SBHCs, and the process for offering pregnancy, STD (sexually transmitted disease), and HIV testing, treatment, and referrals. Protocols for clinic flow, testing, staffing, training, and student recruitment were developed. The staff at the SBHCs were successful in recruiting students to attend educational sessions and to receive testing and treatment. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Lessons learned about the importance of the partnership’s collaboration, using recommended clinic protocol, ensuring clear communication with school staff, and employing youth friendly recruitment and clinic practices are shared.
Retinal neurovascular responses to transcorneal electrical stimulation measured with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Su Xiaofan , Zheng Hao , Li Qian , Sun Pengcheng , Zhou Meixuan , Li Heng , Guo Jiahui , Chai Xinyu , Zhou Chuanqing
Published: January 2020

Noninvasive transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a potential strategy to facilitate visual restoration and promote retinal cell survival for certain retinal and optic nerve diseases owing to its neuroprotective effects. However, the neurovascular responses of retinal neurons evoked by TES have not been completely determined. To investigate this issue, we utilized a custom-designed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to record the retinal neural and vascular responses under TES in vivo simultaneously. Significant increases of both positive and negative intrinsic optical signal (IOS) changes were recorded in all three segmented retinal layers, which mainly related to neural activities. However, the changes of TES-induced retinal vascular responses, including blood velocity, cross-sectional area of vessel, and blood flow, were not significant. It suggests that TES mainly elicited neural responses in retina, while no significant vascular responses were evoked. Our results provide experimental evidence to the mechanism of retinal neurovascular coupling under TES. Additionally, the present study also suggests that SD-OCT could be utilized as a promoting method to explore neurovascular responses under retinal stimulation in clinical treatment and technology.

Impact statement

Noninvasive transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as an effective treatment for certain retinal and optic nerve diseases owing to its neuroprotective effects. However, the retinal neurovascular responses evoked by TES have not been completely determined. To investigate this issue, we utilized a custom-designed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to record the retinal neural and vascular responses evoked by TES in vivo simultaneously. The present study suggested that TES mainly elicited neural responses in retina, while no significant vascular responses were evoked. Our results provide experimental evidence to the mechanism of retinal neurovascular coupling evoked by TES. Additionally, the present study also suggests that SD-OCT could be utilized as a promoting method to explore neurovascular responses under retinal electrical stimulation.
Buy national campaigns: Patriotic shopping and the capitalist nation state
Authors: Kühschelm Oliver
Published: January 2020

Since the eighteenth century, but with increased dynamism in the twentieth century, calls on consumers to buy national products have proliferated all around the world. This article discusses which historical constellations have given rise to the demand for patriotic shopping. Each case raises the question whether the demand was voiced within the framework of a broad national movement with political, cultural, and economic goals or was rather a case of business interest groups attempting to increase sales. These are not mutually exclusive alternatives: calls to buy national have often entailed an element of both. However, some have more the character of a movement beyond the immediate control of business groups, while others are just a promotional campaign. All in all, the demand for nationally minded consumption has mostly sought to establish business as deserving the solidarity of citizens. It has also displayed a patriarchal and authoritarian bent. But have such exhortations produced the desired effect? It is doubtful that any buy national campaign or movement has fundamentally changed the shopping patterns of consumers, at least if we discount physical violence and short-term success. Yet the call for patriotic consumption has often prepared the discursive ground for protectionist measures. As an effort to promote consent, they have tied into the hegemonic project of the capitalist nation state.
A genetic ant colony algorithm-based driving cycle generation approach for testing driving range of battery electric vehicle
Authors: Shi Qin , Liu Bingjiao , Guan Qingsheng , He Lin , Qiu Duoyang
Published: January 2020

In this article, an approach of driving cycle generation for battery electric vehicle is proposed based on genetic ant colony algorithm. The real-world traffic information is utilized to build up a local driving cycle database, in which definitions of the short trip and kinematic characteristic parameters are discussed to describe the driving cycle. A method of principal component analysis is taken as a preprocessor for reducing the dimension of driving cycle data. And then, genetic ant colony algorithm is used to classify the type of short trips and generate the driving cycle. The experimental results on board indicate that, compared with the Economic Commission for Europe driving cycle, the error of driving range and characteristic parameters tested by genetic ant colony driving cycle are reduced by 18.1% and 18.3%, respectively. Therefore, genetic ant colony driving cycle is a good candidate to test driving range of battery electric vehicle.
Regulating of cell cycle progression by the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1/miR-324-5p/ROCK1 axis in laryngeal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Liu Feifei , Xiao Yang , Ma Lijing , Wang Jun
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the function of long non-coding RNA ANRIL (CDKN2B-AS1) in laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC), and to explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods:

The expression levels of CDKN2B-AS1 in LSCC tissues and cell lines (Tu177, HN4, AMC-HN-8 and NP69) were determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). AMC-HN-8 cells were then transfected with siRNAs of CDKN2B-AS1. The effects of CDKN2B-AS1 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptotic protein were determined by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were employed to verify the targets of CDKN2B-AS1. The miR-324-5p mimics or miR-324-5p inhibitor and ROCK1 over-expression plasmids were also transfected into AMC-HN-8 cells for further analysis.

Results:

CDKN2B-AS1 was upregulated in LSCC tissues, and the upregulation of CDKN2B-AS1 was correlated with overall survival, advanced clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis. In AMC-HN-8 cells, the knockdown of CDKN2B-AS1 by siRNA inhibited cell viability, blocked cell cycle in G1 phase, and increased the expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21), cleaved caspase3, and cleaved PPoly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1. Results of dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-324-5p could bind to CDKN2B-AS1 or Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). Finally, over-expression of ROCK1 in AMC-HN-8 cells revised the inhibitory effect of CDKN2B-AS1 siRNA on cell growth.

Discussion:

The upregulation of CDKN2B-AS1 was correlated with overall survival, advanced clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis and promoted LSCC cell growth via miR-324-5p/ROCK1 axis.
A force-control scheme for biped robots to walk over uneven terrain including partial footholds
Authors: Sygulla Felix , Rixen Daniel
Published: January 2020

The robustness of biped walking in unknown and uneven terrains is still a major challenge in research. Traversing such environments is usually solved through vision-based reasoning on footholds and feedback loops—such as ground force control. Uncertain terrains are still traversed slowly to keep inaccuracies in the perceived environment model low. In this article, we present a ground force-control scheme that allows for fast traversal of uneven terrain—including unplanned partial footholds—without using vision-based data. The approach is composed of an early-contact method, direct force control with an adaptive contact model, and a strategy to adapt the center of mass height based on contact force data. The proposed method enables the humanoid robot Lola to walk over a complex uneven terrain with 6 cm variation in ground height at a walking speed of 0.5 m/s. We consider our work a general improvement on the robustness to terrain uncertainties caused by inaccurate or even lacking information on the environment.
A practical chlorination of tert-butyl esters with PCl3 generating acid chlorides
Authors: Wu Xiaofang , Zhou Lei , Yang Ruoqi , Guo Fengzhe , Tang Zi-Long , Xiao Jing
Published: January 2020

For the first time, using PCl3, a range of tert-butyl esters is chlorinated successfully, allowing access of both aromatic acid chlorides and aliphatic acid chlorides in good yields. The method features simple reaction conditions and wide substrate scope. Various tert-butyl esters including aryl esters, alkenyl esters, and alkyl esters were tolerated well in the reaction. A plausible mechanism is proposed.
Synthesis and biological activity of 2-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylthio)-4-methylthiazol-5-yl]-N-phenylacetamide derivatives as antimalarial and cytotoxic agents
Authors: Rámirez Hegira , Rodrigues Juan R , Mijares Michael R , De Sanctis Juan B , Charris Jaime E
Published: January 2020

A novel series of 2-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylthio)-4-methylthiazol-5-yl]- N-phenylacetamide derivatives is synthesized via substitution with 2-mercapto-4-methyl-5-thiazoleacetic acid at position 4 of 4,7-dichloroquinoline to obtain an intermediate acetic acid derivative. The chemical behavior of these reactants was investigated using different reaction conditions to optimize the nucleophilic substitution at position 4. The final compounds are prepared using a modified version of the Steglich esterification reaction between the acetic acid intermediate 3 and different anilines. The structures are confirmed by infrared, 1H, 13C, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer 135°, Correlated Spectroscopy, heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy and (Long range HETCOR using three BIRD pulses) FLOCK-NMR spectral studies, and by elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds are tested in vitro and in vivo for their potential antimalarial and anticancer activities, with derivative 11 being the most promising candidate.
Justice and journalism during transitions
Authors: Stremlau Nicole
Published: January 2020

Since the collapse of the Somali state in the early 1990s, the country has been one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Many have been killed with impunity and the majority of those that have been killed where the perpetrator is known have been connected to political groups, including a range of actors such as government forces, parastatals including the Islamist group, Al-Shabaab and businessmen. The lines between such authorities are often blurred. While the targeting and assassination of journalists is certainly one key aspect of potential transitional justice process, it is not the only one. This article explores the variety of ways that journalists contribute and participate in violence and how transitional justice processes must grapple with these nuances and complexities. Drawing on examples from other countries, including South Africa and the former Yugoslavia, the article reflects on the different ways that media intersects with transitional justice processes in Somalia.
Clinical outcomes of unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures treated with a locking plate system: a prospective study
Authors: Katayama Takeshi , Furuta Kazuhiko , Ono Hiroshi , Omokawa Shohei
Published: January 2020

We prospectively assessed clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation in treating unstable fractures in 11 metacarpals, 15 proximal phalanges, and eight middle phalanges in 34 consecutive patients from October 2011 to December 2016. Median length of follow-up was 14 months (range 12–24). The motion of finger joints, bony union, and complication rates were recorded. The median postoperative range of motion of the two interphalangeal joints and the metacarpophalangeal joint was 82% of the contralateral hands. Fractures in the three locations had significantly different recovery of the finger motion, with the best recovery for the metacarpal fractures. Closer distance between the plate edge and joint line was associated with a more limited range of the finger motion. The clinical outcomes approached an acceptable level at final follow-up. Finger stiffness is unavoidable after locking plate fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures even with early hand therapy, with stiffness occurring in 10 out of 34 cases at the time of final follow-up 1 year after surgery.

Level of evidence: II
Redo endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: technical aspects and short-term outcomes
Authors: Boškoski Ivo , Pontecorvi Valerio , Gallo Camilla , Bove Vincenzo , Laterza Lucrezia , Costamagna Guido
Published: January 2020

Background:

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a restrictive endoscopic bariatric procedure providing promising results. In this short case series, we analyze the technical aspects and short-term outcomes of the redo ESG.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was done on a prospective database of all patients that were selected by a multidisciplinary team that underwent ESG between March 2017 and May 2019. Patients that underwent a redo ESG because of a progressive loss of satiety, weight regain, or insufficient weight loss due to high baseline body mass index were included. Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL), and the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) questionnaire were evaluated during follow-up.

Results:

A total of 120 ESG procedures were performed with mean %EWL of 44.4% (± 19.5), mean %TBWL of 18.3% (± 6.7), and mean BAROS of 4.5 (± 1.7) at 12 months. Of those, four patients that underwent a redo ESG were identified. A total of three of them had a redo ESG after 12 months from the first ESG, whereas one of them had a redo ESG after 7 months. During the second procedure, old threads were removed with scissors and new stitches were positioned following a triangular pattern and avoiding overlap with the previous stitches. No adverse events were reported during the redo ESG. Six month follow-up was available for three patients, mean %EWL and %TBWL were 44.2% and 20.4%, respectively; BAROS questionnaire mean score was 6.3. One patient had only 1 month follow-up with a mean %EWL and %TBWL of 33.3% and 12.2%, respectively; BAROS questionnaire reported score was 6. All included patients reported excellent satiety feeling after redo ESG.

Conclusions:

The redo ESG short-term outcomes are completely satisfying in terms of safety and efficacy. The need to perform a redo ESG should not be considered as a failure of the previous procedure, but it can be considered as a second step of the endoscopic treatment strategy.
Intrathecal nusinersen administration in adult spinal muscular atrophy patients with complex spinal anatomy
Authors: Cordts Isabell , Lingor Paul , Friedrich Benjamin , Pernpeintner Verena , Zimmer Claus , Deschauer Marcus , Maegerlein Christian
Published: January 2020

Background:

Intrathecal administration of nusinersen in adult spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients presents challenges owing to severe scoliosis and previous spinal surgery with metal implantation. In patients with a complex spinal situation, the potential risks of the intrathecal administration may lead to delayed treatment initiation.

Methods:

In this study, we analyzed 53 CT-guided lumbar punctures of 11 adult nonambulatory SMA type 2 and 3 patients. All patients had scoliosis and six patients had previously undergone metal implantation.

Results:

Drug administration was successful in 100% of the patients and none of the patients opted for treatment discontinuation. Complete osseous fusion precluded conventional posterior interlaminar access in eight lumbar punctures in four patients, which required alternative routes including transforaminal punctures and translaminar drilling. Median duration of all lumbar punctures was 9 min and median radiation exposure was 100 mGy* cm. The most common adverse event was post-lumbar puncture syndrome that occurred in five lumbar punctures (9.4%).

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that nusinersen can be successfully, safely, and rapidly administered in adult SMA patients with complex spinal conditions and suggest the translaminar drilling technique as an alternative delivery route. Therefore, intrathecal nusinersen treatment should not be withheld from patients because of severe spine deformities, however, drug efficacy in adult SMA patients needs to be investigated in further studies.
Khorana score and thromboembolic risk in stage II–III colorectal cancer patients: a post hoc analysis from the adjuvant TOSCA trial
Authors: Barni Sandro , Rosati Gerardo , Lonardi Sara , Pella Nicoletta , Banzi Maria , Zampino Maria G. , Dotti Katia F. , Rimassa Lorenza , Marchetti Paolo , Maiello Evaristo , Artioli Fabrizio , Ferrari Daris , Labianca Roberto , Bidoli Paolo , Zaniboni Alberto , Sobrero Alberto , Iaffaioli Vincenzo , De Placido Sabino , Frassineti Gian Luca , Ciarlo Andrea , Buonadonna Angela , Silvestris Nicola , Piazza Elena , Pavesi Lorenzo , Moroni Mauro , Clerico Mario , Aglietta Massimo , Giordani Paolo , Galli Francesca , Galli Fabio , Petrelli Fausto
Published: January 2020

Background:

The risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) during adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is unknown. We aim to evaluate if the Khorana score (KS) can predict this risk, and if it represents a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) through a post hoc analysis of the phase III TOSCA trial of different durations (3- versus 6-months) of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:

A logistic regression model was used to test the associations between the risk of VTE and the KS. The results are expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). To assess the effect of the KS on OS, multivariable analyses using Cox regression models were performed. The results are expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI.

Results:

Among 1380 CRC patients with available data, the VTE risk ( n = 72 events: 5.2%) was similar in the two duration arms (5.5% versus 4.9%), with 0.2% of patients belonging to the high-risk KS group. Rates of VTE were similar in the low- and intermediate-risk groups (4.8% versus 6.4%). KS did not represent an independent predictive factor for VTE occurrence. Chemotherapy duration was not associated with VTE risk. In addition, KS was not prognostic for OS in multivariate analysis (HR: 0.92, 95% CI, 0.63–1.36; p = 0.6835).

Conclusions:

The use of the KS did not predict VTEs in a low–moderate thromboembolic risk population as CRC. These data did not support the use of KS to predict VTE during adjuvant chemotherapy, and suggest that other risk assessment models should be researched.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of 8-Hydroxygenistein
Authors: Shao Jin , Zhao Tong , Ma Hui-Ping , Jia Zheng-Ping , Jing Lin-Lin
Published: January 2020

It was reported that 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG) was synthesized by methylation, bromination, methoxylation, and demethylation using cheap and readily available biochanin A as raw material. All synthesized products were structurally confirmed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C-NMR. In addition, we examined the antioxidant capacity of 8-OHG using 6 different methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical (ABTS) scavenging, nitric oxide radical (NO) scavenging, superoxide radical (O2 −•) scavenging, reducing power assay, and total antioxidant activity using ascorbic acid (VC) as a positive control. Compared with VC, 8-OHG exhibited higher total antioxidant activity and stronger scavenging activity on ABTS, NO, and O2 −•. These results indicate that 8-OHG is an excellent antioxidant agent and may be effective in preventing damage induced by free radical.
Clinical applications for out-of-office blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Zhu Hailan , Zheng Haoxiao , Liu Xinyue , Mai Weiyi , Huang Yuli
Published: January 2020

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases as well as the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Efficient screening and accurate blood pressure (BP) monitoring are the basic methods of detection and management. However, with developments in electronic technology, BP measurement and monitoring are no longer limited to the physician’s office. Epidemiological and clinical studies have documented strong evidence for the efficacy of out-of-office BP monitoring in multiple fields for managing hypertension and CVD. This review discusses applications for out-of-office BP monitoring, including home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), based on recent epidemiological data and clinical studies regarding the following factors: the detection of abnormal BP phenotypes, namely, white coat hypertension and masked hypertension; stronger ability to determine the prognosis for target organ damage and mortality; better BP control; screening for hypotension; and unique approaches to identifying circadian BP patterns and BP variability.
Impact of the WampServer application in Blended learning considering data science, machine learning, and neural networks
Authors: Salas-Rueda Ricardo-Adán
Published: January 2020

This quantitative research aims to analyze the impact of the WampServer application in Blended learning during the educational process of computing through data science, machine learning, and neural networks. WampServer is a free application that allows the creation of websites considering the use of the database. This research proposes the use of Blended learning in the Development of applications subject in order to facilitate the teaching–learning process in the Database unit. The students discuss and reflect the concepts on the database in the classroom and carry out various school activities on the construction of websites at home through the use of the WampServer application. The sample consists of 28 students who took the Development of applications subject during the 2016 school year. The results of machine learning (linear regression) with 50, 60, and 70% of training indicate that the use of PHP, HTML, and SQL languages in the WampServer application positively influences the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming. Data science identifies six predictive models about the use of WampServer in the educational process of computing. On the other hand, neural networks determine the factors that influence the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming. This research recommends the incorporation of the WampServer application in the school activities related to the computer field to create new educational spaces and facilitate the teaching–learning process. Teachers can transform the educational context through the organization and realization of creative activities inside and outside the classroom. Finally, the use of WampServer in Blended learning allows creating new spaces for teaching and learning of computer science because this application favors the assimilation of knowledge and development of skills on web programming.
Self-preservation comes at a cost: Why British National Health Service paramedics might be choosing a healthier, but poorer, retirement
Authors: Roy Deborah , Weyman Andrew K , Nolan Peter
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

To explore and portray the perspectives of National Health Service Ambulance personnel related to the latest rise in the National Health Service occupational pension age.

Methods:

Data gathering took the form of 35 in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was used to characterise and articulate key concepts and meanings. The analysis applied interpretive techniques, as views expressed were from personal experiences, and allowed for an in-depth analysis of shared meanings.

Results:

The themes reported captured the desire of many Ambulance personnel to exit their employment well in advance of their retirement age, despite satisfaction gained from patient care. This early exit is being driven by increased worry that the work demands of the job are unsustainable, especially for older workers, as clinical responsibilities increase and their social support diminishes. Also, Ambulance personnel feel betrayed by their employers, because their retirement is being delayed further by another change in their pensionable age.

Conclusion:

There is an increased orientation for ‘living for today’ and indications of a willingness to sacrifice salary and pension income in order to protect their health in older age, which has implications for long-term financial and general well-being in retirement.
Effects of range of motion on muscle development during resistance training interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Schoenfeld Brad J , Grgic Jozo
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature as to the effects of performing exercise with a full versus partial range of motion (ROM) during dynamic, longitudinal resistance training (RT) programs on changes in muscle hypertrophy. Based on the available literature, we aimed to draw evidence-based recommendations for RT prescription. Six studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria: four of these studies involved RT for the lower limbs while the other two focused on the upper extremities. The total combined sample of the studies was n = 135, which comprised 127 men and 8 women. The methodological quality of all included studies was deemed to be “excellent” based on the modified PEDro scale. When assessing the current body of literature, it can be inferred that performing RT through a full ROM confers beneficial effects on hypertrophy of the lower body musculature versus training with a partial ROM. Alternatively, research on the effects of ROM for the upper limbs is limited and conflicting, precluding the ability to draw strong practical inferences. No study to date has investigated how ROM influences muscle growth of the trunk musculature. Finally, some evidence indicates that the response to variations in ROM may be muscle-specific; however, this hypothesis also warrants further study.
Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for tumors in a solitary kidney
Authors: Abedali Zain A , Monn M Francesca , Cleveland Brent E , Sulek Jay , Bahler Clinton D , Koch Michael O , Bihrle Richard , Masterson Timothy A , Gardner Thomas A , Boris Ronald S , Sundaram Chandru P
Published: January 2020

Introduction and objective:

Traditionally, patients with renal masses in solitary kidneys were managed with an open partial nephrectomy. With improving techniques, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy in the setting of a solitary kidney is increasingly utilized. The objective of this study was to compare open partial nephrectomy and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy outcomes in solitary kidney patients.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 536 total patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between 2004–2016 was performed. Of these patients, 23 had a renal mass in a solitary kidney. Patient demographics, perioperative values, and surgical outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics to compare open partial nephrectomy to robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy.

Results:

Of the 23 patients in the cohort, 52% ( n=12) underwent open partial nephrectomy and 48% ( n=11) underwent robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. Patient characteristics were not significantly different. The mean (standard deviation) nephrometry score was 6.9 (1.8) for open partial nephrectomy and 6.1 (1.9) for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy ( p=0.290). The mean (standard deviation) pre-operative creatinine was 1.2 (0.3) in open partial nephrectomy and 1.5 (0.4) in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, which did not reach statistical significance ( p=0.110). No difference in postoperative kidney function, Clavien grade 3 or higher complication rate, blood loss, or hospitalization length was noted.

Conclusion:

Although traditionally patients with a tumor in a solitary kidney are counseled to undergo open partial nephrectomy, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is a safe alternative with no decrease in postoperative renal function when compared with a similar cohort of patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy in a solitary kidney.

Level of evidence:

Level II