bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex in the Shadow of Child Sexual Abuse: The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Post-Traumatic Sexuality (PT-SEX) Scale
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Lassri Dana
Published: August 2022

Sexual-related post-traumatic stress symptoms (sexual-related PTSS) refers to the traumatic reactions that are replicated during sexual activity among survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). However, the construct of sexual-related PTSS have been adapted from clinical work with survivors, and research with limited examination of the scales themselves. Given this gap, the current study offers the development of a new measure (PT-SEX) that examines sexual-related PTSS. The study was conducted online, among two convenience samples of women survivors of CSA (study 1 included 451 women and study 2 included 330 women). Six reliable PT-SEX factors emerged from Study 1: Dissociation during sex, intrusiveness during sex, shame and guilt in regard to sexual aspects, pleasing the other during sex, interpersonal distress, and hypervigilance during sex. Study 2 revealed survivors of CSA had significantly higher sexual-related PTSS levels as compared to participants without such a history. Also, post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual-related PTSS made unique and unshared contributions to the observed data, including sexual self-esteem, sexual motives, relationship satisfaction, compulsive sexual behavior, and mental health. CSA significantly moderated the associations between sexual-related PTSS and sexual self-esteem, sexual motivations of self-affirmation and coping, and depression and anxiety. Findings from the current study show that over time, the trauma of CSA seems to be implicated in survivors’ sexual experience. As sexual difficulties are accompanied by sexual-related PTSS, these symptoms are unlikely to resolve by trauma-focused therapy and must be actively targeted in therapy.
Innovation Districts and Community Building: An Effective Strategy for Community Economic Development?
Authors: Kayanan Carla Maria , Drucker Joshua , Renski Henry
Published: August 2022

Innovation districts are being advocated for their potential to create or revitalize communities, produce neighborhoods with housing near work, and benefit surrounding communities by creating jobs for a wide range of skill sets. However, these aspirations are often mismatched with the application of innovation districts. Analyzing four innovation districts (Boston, Detroit, St. Louis, and San Diego), we demonstrate how the direction of innovation district development determines whether community goals are realized. Promoting innovation involves prioritizing high-skilled workers. When real estate development takes center stage, market demands become the focus. The construction of high-end housing, entertainment, and retail amenities may leave affordable housing options for lower-skilled workers as secondary considerations. Surging real estate prices within and around an innovation district can eventually push out long-standing residents, further negating the innovation district as a space for a diversity of people, ages, resources, and amenities.
Surface stress distribution of thin-walled spherical pure iron component after turning process
Authors: Zheng Meng , Guo Qiang , Kong Jinxing , Sun Yuwen
Published: August 2022

There is still gap for predicting the residual stress distribution of machined surface for curved components effectively in academic research. In order to obtain the spatial distribution of surface residual stress for such workpieces, a new approach which considering three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model at sample points and corresponding mapping techniques is proposed. The machining of curved component is equivalent to turning of a series of continuous points. According to the idea of discrete method, regular cutting positions are chosen. A 3D FE model is then established for predicting residual stress profile in these fixed turning positions according to the real cutting parameters. These simulated stress profiles act as the given information for stress field construction. For any point in the stress layer area, the stresses are acquired by using linear interpolation of the stress information and then transformed into the global system. Relevant mathematical algorithms are developed for mapping predicted residual stresses into the target component by secondary development of the Abaqus software. Its innovation lies in that the non-uniformity of spatial stress field which is caused by changing machining-parameters and tool-workpiece contact is modeled. The spatial distribution of surface stresses for a turned spherical component made of pure iron are given as an example and analyzed in detail. The analysis shows that cutting and feeding stresses on the spherical surface first increase rapidly, then slowly increase along the generatrix. Moreover, predicted residual stresses are in accordance with the X-ray diffraction measured ones, which confirms the reliability of the developed model to predict stress distribution of curved components after turning process.
Effect of balance valve on exhaust pulse energy of a heavy-duty diesel engine equipped an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine
Authors: Jin Jianjiao , Pan Jianfeng , Cao Tianyi
Published: August 2022

The exhaust pulse energy of engine is capable of driving the asymmetric twin-scroll turbine to run complicatedly in a wider flow range, which significantly causes more difficulty of an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine to match a diesel engine. In the present study, It was initially analyzed that an engine exhaust pulse energy of an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine with a balance valve. First, a pulsating flow model of asymmetric twin-scroll turbine was built to decouple the operation states of the small and large scroll turbines. Second, the experiments of asymmetric twin-scroll turbine were performed on a turbine test rig and an engine performance stand to determine the operation rules of turbine flow parameter, turbine efficiency, blade speed ratio, as well as turbine available energy. Asthe balance valve opens, the flow parameter of twin-scroll would perform more broadly around the swallow capacity curves of equal admission. Moreover, the fully-opened balance valve would make the exhaust pulse strength at the small and large scroll inlets sharply degrade by about 25% and 21%, the cycle turbine efficiency enhance by nearly 3%, the turbine available energy and BSFC degrade by about 8.15% and 2.9% at 800 rpm full load engine condition; At 1100 rpm full load engine condition, the exhaust pulse strength at the small and large scroll inlets only degraded by about 7.2% and 5.8%, the cycle turbine efficiency enhanced by about 4%, the turbine available energy and BSFC improved by about 3.7% and 2.1%. Lastly, this study delved into the distributions of the balance valve opening rate and the pulse strength at the small and large scroll inlets at full engine map.
Investigation of the cyclic dynamics in the misfire and partial burn regime in a dilute spark-ignition engine and the role of the residual
Authors: Stiffler Rachel , Drallmeier James
Published: August 2022

This study compares the cycle-to-cycle dynamics in heat release between the misfire and partial burn regime in a highly lean-operated spark-ignition engine. The cyclic dynamics in these two regimes are generally deterministic as misfires and partial burns are often followed by a higher-energy cycle due to the feed-forward mechanism present in the residual gases. Both short and long-term patterns are investigated by converting the sequences into association rules. Using association rules, as opposed to symbol sequencing, allowed additional insight into the differences in the dynamics when operating in each regime. The influence of the residual amount and residual temperature on the next-cycle dynamics is also investigated using association rules. Results show there exists similar short-term dynamics between the misfire and partial burn regime. Results also indicate the residual amount impacts the next cycle more than the residual gas temperature. Understanding of the differences in the dynamics between the misfire and partial burn regime and how the residual plays a role could impact the control method used.
The Golden Age Is Behind Us: How the Status Quo Impacts the Evaluation of Technology
Authors: Smiley Adam H. , Fisher Matthew
Published: August 2022

New technology invariably provokes concerns over potential societal impacts. Even as risks often fail to materialize, the fear continues. The current research explored the psychological underpinnings of this pattern. Across four studies ( N = 2,454 adults recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk), we found evidence for the role of status quo thinking in evaluating technology. In Study 1, we experimentally manipulated the reported age of unfamiliar technology and found that people evaluate it more favorably when it is described as originating before (vs. after) their birth. In Studies 2 through 4, participants’ age at the time of invention strongly predicts attitudes toward a wide range of real-world technologies. Finally, we found that individual differences in status-quo-based decision-making moderated evaluations of technology. These studies provide insight into how people respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape.
Equilibrium point, exponential stability and synchronization of numerical fractional-order shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with piecewise feature
Authors: Luo Huan , Zhang Tianwei
Published: August 2022

In recent years, exponential Euler difference methods for first-order semi-linear differential equations have been developed rapidly, and various exponential Euler difference methods have become a very important research topic. For fractional-order shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with time lags, this article first establishes a new difference method named Mittag-Leffler Euler difference, which includes exponential Euler difference. Second, the existence of unique global bounded solution and equilibrium point, exponential stability and synchronization of the derived difference model are investigated. Compared with the classical fractional-order Euler difference method, the Mittag-Leffler discrete shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks can better describe and maintain the dynamic properties of the corresponding continuous-time models. More importantly, it opens up a new way to study discrete-time fractional-order systems and establishes a set of theory and methods to study Mittag-Leffler discrete neural networks.
Prefatory data analysis approach to synthetically generated pneumatic actuator data set
Authors: Mahalingam Priyadarshini , Kalpana D , Sendhilkumar S , Thyagarajan T
Published: August 2022

This article illustrates the importance of exploratory data analysis as the key step in the data validation process and also for further model development. Descriptive statistics is performed by applying the exploratory data analysis approach to a data set that is derived from the simulink library of a benchmark industrial actuator process provided by the Development and Application of Methods for Actuator Diagnosis in Industrial Control Systems research group. In this work, the data set is synthetically generated from an actuator model by simulating it under different fault conditions. The exploratory data analysis is performed as an initial investigation on the data set to reveal the anomalies and patterns for making suitable assumptions and test hypothesis to develop more accurate models. The raw data are visualised using different visualisation techniques to find patterns and behaviours. The data distribution, class distribution, feature correlation and presence of outliers are revealed through data visualisation. Data processing is performed to transform the data, and treat outliers and missing values in the data set. The treated data set after performing data processing is visually confirmed using appropriate visualisation techniques. The inferences from the visualisation methods are validated quantitatively with statistical results to support the exploratory data analysis. Data profiling is dealt with by collecting the metadata on the Development and Application of Methods for Actuator Diagnosis in Industrial Control Systems data set and aids in enhancing the data set quality and content to procure accurate predictive models employed to foresee the actuator performance.
The state of municipal energy transitions: Multi-scalar constraints and enablers of Europe’s post-carbon energy ambitions
Authors: Traill Helen , Cumbers Andrew
Published: August 2022

There is increasing enthusiasm at urban and municipal scales for leading sustainability transitions, amid higher level endorsement and even expectation of such leadership. Yet this downscaling of responsibility for transition requires a greater critical focus. It raises questions of how evenly spread the capacity to lead on this is, and how it relates to the complex and differentiated multi-scalar governance structures and political landscapes within which municipal actors are situated. This article draws upon evidence from a mixed methods comparative and multi-scalar analysis across Europe exploring the different pressures and potential that exist for municipalities. Our central aim is to critically interrogate what municipalities are doing to achieve a post-carbon energy transition beyond lofty aspirations. Departing from the tendency to focus on paradigmatic success stories, our research on the different conditions affecting municipalities across the continent suggests that the focus so far on case studies and techno-social solutions is insufficient for considering the broader geographical patterns and multi-scalar tensions of transition. Our findings suggest that while municipalities are alive to the opportunities to lead on sustainability transitions, we need a clearer understanding of the ways that policy and politics at national and international scales shape political capacities for action. There are clear limits to independent municipal action, particularly without more supportive interventions at higher scales. The increased urgency for sustainability transitions requires far more multi-scalar and trans-local coordination than that exists at present, although the building blocks of such work may be beginning to emerge.
Universities Need a Social License to Operate and Grow: Reflecting on the University-Community Engagement of two Transnational Universities
Authors: Chen Chen , Vanclay Frank
Published: August 2022

Transnational higher education is big business. However, it is unclear what transnational universities must do to behave in a responsible way or to gain a social licence to operate. Examining the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), we discuss what universities could do to gain approval from host communities. They have to meet home and host country regulations, and the expectations of local communities and other stakeholders. Consideration of their social licence and of the negative and positive social impacts they create will contribute to their reputation and ability to access local knowledge. To earn a social licence to operate and grow, universities must understand and respond to their local context, share benefits with local communities, and have effective community engagement practices. In the universities we studied, there was limited information provided to community stakeholders and poor stakeholder engagement. However, high levels of trust from residents existed, partly because of the good reputation of universities generally.
‘Beyond my Control’: Dealing with the Existential Uncertainty of Cancer in Online Texts
Authors: Kvaale Kaja , Lian Olaug S. , Bondevik Hilde
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we explore how existential aspects of being diagnosed and living with cancer are shared in stories that are publicly communicated online. Through a narrative analysis of online texts and blogs, we explore how people deal with their cancer experiences, how cultural norms about illness are expressed in their stories and why they write and publish their stories online. We found that the writers described cancer diagnosis as a defining moment in their lives. They portrayed it as a crisis that was followed by unpredictability, doubt, grief and loss, fitting with the term ‘existential uncertainty’. Writing and sharing their stories online, connecting with others and staying positive were ways of dealing with this uncertainty. These naturally occurring data offer insights into phenomena that are not easily accessed in a clinical setting; moreover, they provide unique insights into the cultural norms in which online illness narratives are embedded.
Animation Education Program Applied to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients Effect on Patient Care Results: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yayla Ayşegül , Menevşe Şeymanur
Published: August 2022

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric surgical methods used in obesity treatment. As in every surgical operation, patients may face problems after the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. No study has been found in our country to investigate the effect of animation education applied to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients on patient care results. This study investigated the effect of animation education developed for respiratory rehabilitation among sleeve gastrectomy patients on patient care results. This is a randomized controlled study. A total of 66 patients who were going to have sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into two groups each including 33 participants. The intervention group was provided with animation education. The control group received routine face-to-face education. Postoperative risk of respiratory complications, presence of dyspnea, nausea, and vomiting, frequency of postoperative respiratory exercises, and satisfaction with postoperative respiratory education were examined. Patients’ pain and sleep quality were examined 1 day before the surgery and on the postoperative first and fifth days. The mean postoperative fifth-day pain score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. The mean sleep score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The early postoperative problems were less in the experimental group and all patients were satisfied with the animated respiratory education. The animation education developed for respiratory rehabilitation among sleeve gastrectomy patients promoted patient care results. Bariatric surgery nurses can use animation as an innovative education method to increase participation of patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery in health education and to improve patient care results.
Examination of Current Anxiety Problems with School Engagement and Volunteer and Paid Work among U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Gregory Kayleigh A. , Vidourek Rebecca A. , King Keith A. , Merianos Ashley L.
Published: August 2022

This study examined the relationships between current anxiety problems and school engagement, community service or volunteer work, and paid work among U.S. adolescents. The 2018–2019 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset was analyzed and included 24,609 adolescents ages 12–17 years. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyzes. A total of 12.6% of adolescents had healthcare provider-confirmed current anxiety problems. Adolescents with current anxiety were at decreased odds of engaging in school (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.29, 0.41) and participating in community service or volunteer work (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.59, 0.86) compared to adolescents without current anxiety. Adolescents with current anxiety were at increased odds of participating in paid work (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.38). This study reports that U.S. adolescents with anxiety were less likely to engage in school and participate in community service or volunteer work, but were more likely to participate in paid work compared to their peers without anxiety. Results should inform future interventions targeting adolescents.
Retrospective Comparison of Midterm Survivorship, Radiographic, and Clinical Outcomes of the INBONE II and Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty Systems
Authors: Rajan Lavan , Kim Jaeyoung , Cronin Samantha , Cororaton Agnes , Day Jonathan , Gagne Oliver , Henry Jensen , Deland Jonathan , Demetracopoulos Constantine , Ellis Scott J.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Prior studies on the INBONE II and Salto Talaris total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) systems have reported promising outcomes for both implants. This retrospective study aimed to compare the midterm differences between INBONE II and Salto Talaris TAA.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2015, a total of 44 INBONE II consecutive cases and 85 Salto Talaris consecutive cases had minimum 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up. Preoperative and midterm survivorship, postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and radiographic measures including tibiotalar alignment (TTA), medial distal tibial angle (MDTA), and sagittal tibial angle (STA) were compared.

Results:

Survivorship to revision was 97.6% (95% CI, 93.1%-100%) for the INBONE II group and 97% (95% CI, 93%-100%) for the Salto Talaris group ( P = .93). Survivorship to reoperation was significantly different: 95.5% for the INBONE II and 76.4% for Salto Talaris ( P = .021). Postoperative FAOS pain ( P = .01), symptoms ( P = .004), and sports activity ( P = .02) scores were significantly higher in the INBONE II group. The INBONE group had greater preoperative deformity (varus TTA P < .001, valgus TTA P = .02, valgus MDTA P = .005).

Conclusion:

Although both implants had similar longevity and postoperative alignment, the INBONE II resulted in greater clinical improvement and fewer reoperations than the Salto Talaris at midterm follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Dual Approach to Talar Dome Increases Access for Fracture Care Without Osteotomy
Authors: Campbell Megan L. , Lenz Amy L. , Peterson Andrew C. , DeKeyser Graham J. , Haller Justin M. , O’Neill Dillon C.
Published: August 2022

Background:

There is no consensus surgical treatment algorithm for talar body fractures, with authors recommending both soft tissue–only and osteotomy-based approaches. This study evaluates talar dome access via dual approaches to the talar dome through anterolateral transligamentous (ATL) and modified posteromedial (mPM) approaches.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric legs (5 matched pairs) were included. An mPM approach, between flexor hallucis longus and Achilles tendon, and an ATL approach, utilizing the anterolateral interval with transection of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament, were performed on each specimen. Order of approach was alternated within each pair. Accessible dome surface area (DSA) was outlined by drilling with a 1.6-mm Kirschner wire at the visualized talar dome margin both with and without 4 mm of tibiotalar distraction using an external fixator. Specimens were analyzed by computed tomography (CT). Primary outcome was accessible DSA. Student t tests compared DSA accessed by different exposure methods.

Results:

An initial mPM approach exposed 25.6% and 33.6% of DSA without and with distraction ( P = .002). An initial ATL approach accessed 47.0% and 58.1% of DSA without and with distraction, respectively ( P = .003). Accessibility via dual approaches was 71.7% and 93% of DSA without and with distraction with an initial ATL approach and 71.3% and 87.5% of DSA without and with distraction with an initial mPM approach ( P = .96 and .37, respectively). The central talar dome was inaccessible in an almond-shaped area, tapered at the medial and lateral ends. Anterior, lateral, and posterior articular margins were able to be fully exposed, often with overlapping exposure between posterior and anterior approaches, with distraction reliably improving lateral visualization.

Conclusion:

Dual approaches provided access to greater than 70% and 85% of talar DSA without and with distraction, respectively. Order of approach did not significantly affect exposure and thus should be determined by surgeon discretion. These results may promote soft tissue–only treatment strategies in talar body fracture care with an extensile exposure of the talar dome surface. Careful preoperative planning optimizes the advantages of this approach.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Television News, Political Comedy, Party, and Political Knowledge in Global Warming Belief: Evidence From a Large-Scale Panel Survey
Authors: Meirick Patrick C.
Published: August 2022

Secondary analysis of panel data found, after controlling for prior belief and many covariates, that 2011 Fox News viewing was negatively related to belief in global warming in 2016 and 2019, while MSNBC, broadcast news, and political comedy viewing in 2016 and CNN in 2019 had positive relationships. Partisan belief gaps in 2016 widened with CNN viewing and narrowed with viewing broadcast news, Fox News (especially with higher knowledge) and MSNBC (especially with lower knowledge), while political comedy viewing was associated both with wider (with lower knowledge) and narrower gaps (with higher knowledge). Implications for practice and theory are discussed.
Ocular toxicity following carboplatin chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumour of the bladder
Authors: Ng Jia , Sadiq Muhayman , Mansoor Qasim
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Carboplatin is a commonly used platinum analogue chemotherapeutic agent that is similar to cisplatin but is known to be better tolerated. This case report outlines a case of ocular toxicity following carboplatin chemotherapy used for the management of a neuroendocrine tumour of the bladder.

Case report

A 70-year-old man with a history of neuroendocrine bladder cancer underwent chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide. He presented 4 weeks following his fourth chemotherapy cycle with a 1-week history of right eye blurriness. The patient had suffered a similar episode 2 weeks following his third chemotherapy cycle in his left eye. Carboplatin-induced ocular toxicity was suspected and his vision remained stable following cessation of carboplatin chemotherapy.

Discussion

Current literature on carboplatin-induced ocular toxicity remains scanty, however, previous cases have reported symptoms beginning 5 days to 2 weeks following carboplatin use. Visual disturbance in the form of altered colour vision, blind spot, blurred vision and metamorphopsia have been reported by previous literature. This case report emphasised a case of bilateral sequential blurring of vision following carboplatin chemotherapy.

Conclusion

It remains critical for ophthalmologists and oncologists to look out for ocular side effects of chemotherapy due to its devastating effects.
Safety, Feasibility and Economic Analysis of Same Day Discharge Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Hyasat Kais , Femia Giuseppe , Alzuhairi Karam , Ha Andrew , Kamand Joseph , Hasche Edmund , Rajaratnam Rohan , Lo Sidney , Almafragy Hamid , Liou Kevin , Chiha Joseph , Asrress Kaleab
Published: August 2022

Background:

Advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has made the possibility of facilitating same day discharge (SDD) of patients undergoing intervention. We sought to investigate the feasibility, safety and economic impact of such a service.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected data on all patients undergoing outpatient PCI at our institution over a 12-month period. We included in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE), vascular complications, acute kidney injury and any re-hospitalisations. We analysed the cost effectiveness of SDD compared to overnight admission post PCI and staged PCI following diagnostic angiography.

Results:

A total of 147 patients undergoing PCI with 129 patients deemed suitable for SDD (88%). Mean age was 65.7 years. Most patients had type C lesions (60.3%); including 4 chronic total occlusions (CTOs). At 30-day follow-up there were no MACE events (0%). There were 10 (7.8%) re-hospitalisations of which majority (70%) were non cardiac presentations. We also included cost analysis for an elective PCI with SDD, which equated to $2090 per patient (total of $269 610 for cohort). Elective PCI with an overnight admission was $4440 per patient (total of $572 760 for cohort), an additional $2350 per patient (total $303 150). Total cost of an angiogram followed by a staged PCI with an overnight stay was $4700 per patient (total $606 300).

Conclusion:

SDD is safe and feasible in the majority of patients that have elective coronary angiography that require PCI. SDD leads to a significant reduction in total cost and hospital stay of patients undergoing elective PCI.
Soundtrapped? Socio-material perspectives on collaborative teaching within the music classroom
Authors: Holdhus Kari , Christophersen Catharina , Partti Heidi
Published: August 2022

This article draws on a classroom project to explore the complexities of collaborative teaching within the music classroom, where a professional team collaborated to facilitate digital music-making at a lower secondary school in Norway during a student teacher practicum placement. The collaborative team, including in-service and pre-service teachers, researchers, and a professional musician, facilitated a composing project by means of the digital audio workstation (DAW) Soundtrap. The purpose was to shed light on the complexity and emergence of the collaborative music project; how material, structural, and educational conditions impacted the process; and the pre-service music teachers’ ways of handling a complex situation. The study was theoretically guided by a socio-material perspective, more specifically by complexity theory, and an abductive analysis was performed. In keeping with the nonlinearity and complex causality of socio-materialism and complexity theory, the researchers created three reflexive viewpoints: emergence, enabling constraints, and entanglements. The results show that technological and technical issues permeated the classroom work, making it difficult to separate social and material aspects of the project. Awareness of the entanglement of social, institutional, historical, and material dimensions of education thus can provide a useful framework for emerging music teachers’ professional development. In this way, our findings support the claim that music teacher education should aim at helping pre-service teachers prepare for encounters with complex and versatile educational situations.
Measuring coping in multiple sclerosis: The Coping Index-MS
Authors: Young Carolyn A , Mills Roger J , Langdon Dawn , Rog David J , Sharrack Basil , Kalra Seema , Majeed Tahir , Footit David , Harrower Tim , Nicholas Richard S , Ford Helen L , Woolmore John , Johnstone Clare , Thorpe John , Paling David , Ellis Cathy , Hanneman C Oliver , Tennant Alan
Published: August 2022

Background:

Coping in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage stresses imposed by the illness. Existing generic and disease-specific coping scales do not meet modern guidelines for scale development and cannot produce interval-level metrics to allow for change scores.

Objective:

The main aim of this study was to develop a brief patient-reported outcome measure for coping in MS, capable of interval-level measurement.

Methods:

Qualitative work in 43 people with MS leads to a draft scale which was administered to 5747 participants, with longitudinal collection in 2290. A calibration sample of 1000 subjects split into development and validation sets was used to generate three scales consistent with Rasch model expectations.

Results:

The total Coping Index-MS (CI-MS-T), CI-MS-Internal (CI-MS-I) and CI-MS-External (CI-MS-E) cover total, internal and externally focused coping. All three scales are capable of interval-level measurement. Trajectory analysis of 9000 questionnaires showed two trajectories in CI-MS-T: Group 1 showed a low level of coping with slight decline over 40 months, while Group 2 had a better and stable level of coping due to improving CI-MS-I which compensated for the deteriorating CI-MS-E over time. CI-MS-T < 30 identified group membership at baseline.

Conclusion:

The CI-MS-T, CI-MS-I and CI-MS-E, comprising 20 items, provide interval-level measurement and are free-for-use in not-for-profit settings.
Progressive motor impairment from “critical” demyelinating lesions of the cervicomedullary junction
Authors: Jackson-Tarlton Caitlin S , Flanagan Eoin P , Messina Steven Anthony , Barakat Benan , Ahmad Rowaid , Kantarci Orhun H , Weinshenker Brian G , Keegan B Mark
Published: August 2022

Background:

Progressive motor impairment anatomically associated with a “critical” lesion has been described in primary demyelinating disease. Most “critical” lesions occur within the spinal cord.

Objective:

To describe the clinical and radiological features of “critical” lesions of the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ).

Methods:

Observational study on people presenting with a CMJ lesion associated with primary demyelinating disease-related progressive motor impairment. Clinical data were extracted by chart review. Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance images were reviewed to characterize the CMJ lesion and determine additional demyelination burden.

Results:

Forty-one people were included: 29 (71%) had progression from onset and 12 (29%) had a relapse onset (secondary progressive) course. Most had progressive hemiparesis (21 (51%)) or progressive quadriparesis (15 (37%)) with a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 5.5 (2.0–8.5) at last follow-up. No “critical” CMJ lesion enhanced; most were bilateral (25 (61%)). Brain magnetic resonance images were otherwise normal in 16 (39%) or with a restricted demyelination burden in 15 (37%). Cervical and thoracic cord MRIs were without additional lesions in 25 (61%) and 22/37 (59%), respectively.

Conclusion:

CMJ “critical” lesions can correlate with progressive motor impairment even with few or no additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. Lesion location is an important determinant of progressive motor impairment in demyelinating disease.
Use of follow-on disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis: Consensus recommendations
Authors: Brownlee Wallace J , Wolf Christian , Hartung Hans-Peter , Dingermann Theo , Anshasi Nadia , Clark Richard AC , Trojano Maria , Selmaj Krzysztof , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Tur Carmen , Wuerfel Jens , Dallmann Gabriele , Witte Julian , Sintzel Martina , Bobrovnikova Olga , Cohen Jeffrey A
Published: August 2022

Background:

As patents for multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies expire, follow-on disease-modifying treatments (FO-DMTs) become available at reduced cost. Concerns exist that cheaper FO-DMTs are used simply to reduce healthcare costs. However, the well-being of people with MS should take priority.

Objectives:

To identify best practices for FO-DMT development and use by agreeing on principles and consensus statements through appraisal of published evidence.

Methods:

Following a systematic review, we formulated five overarching principles and 13 consensus statements. Principles and statements were voted on by a multidisciplinary panel from 17 European countries, Argentina, Canada and the United States.

Results:

All principles and statements were endorsed by >80% of panellists. In brief, FO-DMTs approved within highly regulated areas can be considered effective and safe as their reference products; FO-DMTs can be evaluated case by case and do not always require Phase III trials; long-term pharmacovigilance and transparency are needed; there is lack of evidence for multiple- and cross-switching among FO-DMTs; and education is needed to address remaining concerns.

Conclusion:

Published data support the use of FO-DMTs in MS. The consensus may aid shared decision-making. While our consensus focused on Europe, the results may contribute to enhanced quality standards for FO-DMTs use elsewhere.
Party organisation and the party-delegate style of representation
Authors: Close Caroline , Legein Thomas , Little Conor
Published: August 2022

Politicians perceive their representative role in a variety of ways: as a delegate of their party, a delegate of voters, or a trustee who exercises their mandate independent of any external principal. Existing research finds that the tendency to adopt a specific style of representation depends on system-level institutions and individuals’ political experience and profile. The influence of the party organisational context remains little understood. This study contributes to filling this gap by examining the effects of parties’ resources and intra-party distribution of power on the prevalence of party delegates among their candidates. Drawing on data from the Comparative Candidates Survey (CCS) and the Political Party Database (PPDB) we find that party organisation shapes representation in a way that has not previously been demonstrated: parties with more resources and parties in which members have the final say in candidate selection have a higher proportion of party delegates among their candidates. This demonstrates the centrality of party organisation to representation.
Conducting caregiver focus groups on autism in the context of an international research collaboration: Logistical and methodological lessons learned in South Africa
Authors: Guler Jessy , Stewart Kearsley A , de Vries Petrus J , Seris Noleen , Shabalala Nokuthula , Franz Lauren
Published: August 2022

Most autism research has been conducted in high-income countries, with participants typically from White, upper-middle-income families. Given the disparities experienced by autistic individuals living in underserved communities globally, there is a critical need for research to include individuals from culturally, linguistically, socioeconomically, and geographically diverse backgrounds to understand their unique needs. Qualitative research has the potential to describe the “lived experience” of families historically underrepresented in the autism literature. Here we describe the logistical and methodological challenges of conducting focus group discussions with 22 caregivers of young autistic children living in Cape Town, South Africa. Logistical challenges included (1) recruitment, (2) response rate, and (3) resource access. Methodological challenges included (1) participant background and experiences, (2) interpersonal dynamics, and (3) research ethics. We present recommendations based on lessons learned to reduce these challenges and improve rigorous qualitative research practices in similar low-resource contexts.

Lay abstract

Most of the autism research to date has been conducted in high-income countries, with children and families typically from White, upper-middle-income backgrounds. However, we know there are significant inequalities that exist which influence how autistic individuals from diverse, underserved communities can access services they need. As many of these individuals have not been included in the majority of autism research to date, there is much we do not know about these individuals’ life experiences, which are critically needed to better inform the development and implementation of care for families from historically underrepresented groups. In this article, we describe the research process we took to conduct focus group discussions with 22 caregivers of young autistic children living in Cape Town, South Africa. We specifically describe the lessons we learned in implementing these focus groups and provide recommendations aimed at how to best reduce logistical and methodological challenges moving forward to improve research conducted in similar low-resource contexts.
Uneasy self-promotion and tactics of patience: Finnish MPs’ ambivalent feelings about personalised politics on social media
Authors: Mannevuo Mona
Published: August 2022

This article examines Finnish politicians’ ambivalent attachments to social media – specifically Facebook and Twitter – in candidate-centred, personalised politics. The analysis draws on 20 semi-structured interviews with members of parliament (MPs) to investigate the tactics of adaptation and adjustment politicians develop in a work setting that precludes digital detox. To investigate the MPs’ contradictory feelings, the analysis builds on cultural and media theory to contextualise the porous border between the personal and the political that exists on social media. The analysis revolves around four interconnected themes: uneasiness of self-promotion, Facebook’s ordinariness, Twitter as a necessary evil, and tactics of patience MPs utilise when they encounter various forms of online harassment. The article suggests that in parliamentary research, social media should be considered an ambivalent social glue that holds things together rather than merely a platform for self-promotion.
Blood culture positivity in patients with acute appendicitis: A propensity score–matched prospective cohort study
Authors: Sula Sami , Han Tatu , Marttila Harri , Haijanen Jussi , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Sippola Suvi , Grönroos Juha , Hakanen Antti J. , Salminen Paulina
Published: August 2022

Background and objective:

The prevalence of bacteremia in acute appendicitis is unknown. We aimed to assess prevalence and predictive factors of bacteremia in adult patients with appendicitis.

Methods:

In this prospective propensity score–matched cohort study, patients were recruited as part of one single-center prospective observational study assessing appendicitis microbiology in concurrence with two randomized controlled trials on non-operative treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. All patients evaluated for enrollment in these three trials between April 2017 and December 2018 with both a confirmed diagnosis of appendicitis and available blood culture on admission were included in this study. Potential predictive factors of bacteremia (age, sex, body mass index (BMI), body temperature, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, comorbidities, symptom duration, and appendicitis severity) were assessed. Prevalence of bacteremia was determined by all available blood cultures followed by propensity score matching using sex, age, BMI, CRP, leukocyte count, and body temperature of the patients without available blood culture.

Results:

Out of the 815 patients with appendicitis, 271 patients had available blood culture and the prevalence of bacteremia was 12% (n = 33). Based on propensity score estimation, the prevalence of bacteremia in the whole prospective appendicitis cohort was 11.1%. Bacteremia was significantly more frequent in complicated acute appendicitis (15%; 29/189) compared with uncomplicated acute appendicitis (5%; 4/82) (p = 0.015). Male sex (p = 0.024) and higher body temperature (p = 0.0044) were associated with bacteremia.

Conclusions:

Estimated prevalence of bacteremia in patients with acute appendicitis was 11.1%. Complicated appendicitis, male sex, and higher body temperature were associated with bacteremia in acute appendicitis.
National clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease: 2021 recommendations from the Danish Surgical Society
Authors: Shabanzadeh Daniel Mønsted , Christensen Dorthe Wiinholdt , Ewertsen Caroline , Friis-Andersen Hans , Helgstrand Frederik , Nannestad Jørgensen Lars , Kirkegaard-Klitbo Anders , Larsen Anders Christian , Ljungdalh Jonas Sanberg , Nordblad Schmidt Palle , Therkildsen Rikke , Vilmann Peter , Vogt Jes Sefland , Sørensen Lars Tue
Published: August 2022

Background and objective:

Gallstones are highly prevalent, and more than 9000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in Denmark. The aim of this guideline was to improve the clinical course of patients with gallstone disease including a subgroup of high-risk patients. Outcomes included reduction of complications, readmissions, and need for additional interventions in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease, acute cholecystitis, and common bile duct stones (CBDS).

Methods:

An interdisciplinary group of clinicians developed the guideline according to the GRADE methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were primarily included. Non-RCTs were included if RCTs could not answer the clinical questions. Recommendations were strong or weak depending on effect estimates, quality of evidence, and patient preferences.

Results:

For patients with acute cholecystitis, acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended (16 RCTs, strong recommendation). Gallbladder drainage may be used as an interval procedure before a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with temporary contraindications to surgery and severe acute cholecystitis (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). High-risk patients are suggested to undergo acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy instead of drainage (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). For patients with CBDS, a one-step procedure with simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBDS removal by laparoscopy or endoscopy is recommended (22 RCTs, strong recommendation). In high-risk patients with CBDS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is suggested to be included in the treatment (6 RCTs, weak recommendation). For diagnosis of CBDS, the use of magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound prior to surgical treatment is recommended (8 RCTs, strong recommendation). For patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease, observation is suggested as an alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2 RCTs, weak recommendation).

Conclusions:

Seven recommendations, four weak and three strong, for treating patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were developed. Studies for treatment of high-risk patients are few and more are needed.

Endorsement:

The Danish Surgical Society.
Toward an integrated framework for misinformation and correction sharing: A systematic review across domains
Authors: Yu Wenting , Payton Brett , Sun Mengru , Jia Wufan , Huang Guanxiong
Published: August 2022

Although misinformation and correction sharing is a topic that spans various domains and disciplines, the ultimate aim of such research is to better understand how to reduce misinformation sharing while motivating correction sharing in an increasingly decentralized and dispersed informational landscape. This review aims to (a) provide a systematic and structured overview of empirical studies on both misinformation sharing and correction sharing, as differentiated phenomenon, by examining article elements such as theoretical lenses, methodologies, topics of research, and (b) collect and organize factors predicting both misinformation sharing and correction sharing into an integrated model, which provides the foundation for an interdisciplinary framework of misinformation sharing and correction sharing. A total of 64 relevant empirical articles published before October 2021 were identified for analysis. Finally, a discussion regarding the academic and practical implications of this study, and gaps in the literature aim to provide direction for future research.
Team satisfaction, identity, and trust: a comparison of face-to-face and virtual student teams
Authors: Mayfield Clifton O , Valenti Alix
Published: August 2022

Our study explores the differences in the experiences and attitudes of students assigned to student teams in online courses versus face-to-face courses. The study was administered to 320 students in 14 sections (eight online and six face-to-face) of a graduate-level course. The results demonstrate that student ratings of team trust, team satisfaction, and team identity as assessed mid-semester are lower in online courses than face-to-face courses. As the semester progressed, these course modality differences in student perceptions of team trust and satisfaction diminished. However, feelings of team identity remained lower in online courses than in face-to-face courses through to the end of the semester. Implications for online instruction and recommendations for future research are offered.