bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filling the gaps in the Peruvian care continuum for HIV-infected pregnant mothers: a case–control study in metropolitan Lima-Callao, Peru
Authors: Huaman Byelca , Kitayama Ken , Bayer Angela M , Condor Daniel F , Segura Patricia , Cárcamo César P , Aral Sevgi O , Blanchard James F , García Patricia J
Published: June 2020

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) accounts for a significant proportion of new HIV infections in Peru. The purpose of this case–control study was to examine maternal and infant factors associated with MTCT in Peru from 2015 to 2016. For each biologically confirmed case infant, we randomly selected four birth year- and birth hospital-matched controls from five hospitals in Lima-Callao. Maternal and infant information were gathered from medical records. Simple conditional logistic regression was utilized to examine possible maternal and infant characteristics associated with MTCT. The rate of MTCT was 6.9% in 2015 and 2.7% in 2016. A total of 63 matched controls were identified for 18 cases. Protective factors included higher number of prenatal visits (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.94, p = 0.012) and having more children (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01–0.79, p = 0.029). Risk factors included later maternal diagnosis (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06–1.34; p = 0.001) and greater viral load at the time of maternal diagnosis (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01–1.10; p = 0.022). Our study highlights the importance of targeting early and continued prenatal care as specific areas to target to prevent gaps in the HIV treatment cascade for pregnant HIV-infected women. These strategies can ensure early screening and initiation of antiretroviral therapy to reduce MTCT rates.
What Is the Test-Retest Reliability of Common Task-Functional MRI Measures? New Empirical Evidence and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Elliott Maxwell L. , Knodt Annchen R. , Ireland David , Morris Meriwether L. , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Sison Maria L. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Hariri Ahmad R.
Published: June 2020

Identifying brain biomarkers of disease risk is a growing priority in neuroscience. The ability to identify meaningful biomarkers is limited by measurement reliability; unreliable measures are unsuitable for predicting clinical outcomes. Measuring brain activity using task functional MRI (fMRI) is a major focus of biomarker development; however, the reliability of task fMRI has not been systematically evaluated. We present converging evidence demonstrating poor reliability of task-fMRI measures. First, a meta-analysis of 90 experiments ( N = 1,008) revealed poor overall reliability—mean intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = .397. Second, the test-retest reliabilities of activity in a priori regions of interest across 11 common fMRI tasks collected by the Human Connectome Project ( N = 45) and the Dunedin Study ( N = 20) were poor (ICCs = .067–.485). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that common task-fMRI measures are not currently suitable for brain biomarker discovery or for individual-differences research. We review how this state of affairs came to be and highlight avenues for improving task-fMRI reliability.
Hallucinations and Illusions by Edmund Parish: the unlikely genesis and curious fate of a forgotten masterpiece
Authors: Blom Jan Dirk
Published: June 2020

In 1894, the German scholar Edmund Parish published his classic work Über die Trugwahrnehmung, with an expanded English edition called Hallucinations and Illusions appearing in 1897. Both versions won critical acclaim from celebrities such as Joseph Jastrow and William James, although, curiously, few others seemed to have noticed the book. After two more publications, Parish inexplicably stopped publishing. During the century that followed, it seemed as if neither he nor his work had ever existed. Now that scholars have finally started to appreciate the book, the present paper seeks to answer the questions of how it came into being, why it disappeared for so long, and who its mysterious author was.
Psychology education and the neoliberal episteme in Australia
Authors: Keast Sam
Published: June 2020

This article investigates some of the ways in which neoliberalism and mainstream psychology intersect to maintain a dominant episteme in psychology education within the Australian context. It is argued that the ubiquity and logic of neoliberalism and the philosophical inclination of mainstream psychology create a “culture of positivism” and epistemic deceit within psychology education. Some of the features of psychology as it has developed in Australia are offered to more clearly define what mainstream psychology is, before outlining the current regulatory, political, and economic forces shaping psychology education and the neoliberal university. The article concludes by proposing some of the consequences for a psychology education system that does not interrogate the origins of epistemic power and proposes that a greater focus on epistemological ethics and historical–hermeneutic elements in psychology education may offer some resistance to the neoliberal episteme.
Ocular flare-up in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus following discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Ebrahimiadib Nazanin , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid , Heidari Mostafa , Mahmoudi Alireza
Published: June 2020

In this report, we describe two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who manifested with posterior segment flare-up approximately three months after cessation of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). They were stable systemically with no history of hypertension or nephropathy at the time of referral. Our first patient presented with bilateral retinal vein occlusion, while evidence of choroidal involvement such as vascular leakage and wedge-shaped filling delay was present in indocyanine green angiography of both patients. HCQ is well known to have a role in the treatment of SLE for its immunomodulatory and antithrombotic effects. Although reports of systemic flare-up of SLE following HCQ cessation exist in the literature, this is the first report of ocular flare-up in such settings.
Impact of Foreign Ownership on Leverage: A Study of Indian Firms
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Yadav Surendra S. , Jain P. K.
Published: June 2020

Capital structure choice is a corporate decision which provides a combination of securities used to finance the investment requirements ( Myers, 2001 ). That the ownership of a firm influences its decision-making process is a well-accepted economic proposition. Due to liberalization and continuous measures initiated by the Indian government to make India more business-friendly, foreign ownership has assumed a prominence in many Indian firms. In this regard, this article aims to examine the impact of foreign ownership on the financing mix, employing the data of non-financial firms constituting the Nifty 200 index, for the period 2007–2018; the data have been extracted from Bloomberg® and Ace Equity®. Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique for empirical analysis, the study observes that there is a statistically significant negative relationship between foreign ownership and leverage.
Trade Flow of India with BRICS Countries: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Lohani Kuldeep Kumar
Published: June 2020

In this article, we tried to investigate the trade flow of India with the rest of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South African (BRICS) countries. To do this, we augmented the gravity model of trade by incorporating time-invariant variables such as per capita gross domestic product (PCGDP), distance, language, etc. We used a panel data econometric model (i.e., pooled ordinary least squares—OLS, fixed effect model) and Poisson–Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) methods. The sample size consists of BRICS countries and top merchandise export partner countries of India over the period of 2001–2016. The empirical results revealed that the traditional arguments of the gravity model in the context of India are valid. However, as distance increases, export of goods is adversely affected due to a higher trade cost. Moreover, common official language and common border positively influence trade. In addition, evidence on marginal trade creation (21% above the normal level) has been observed. The study suggests that the Indian government should negotiate trade dialogues to resolve trade barriers and market access hurdles among the BRICS countries. This will increase exports among nations. Thus, trade relationship among the BRICS members needs to be addressed on a priority basis.
Enablers to Implement Circular Initiatives in the Supply Chain: A Grey DEMATEL Method
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Haleem Abid , Khan Mohd Imran
Published: June 2020

Circular economy (CE) is impacting the contemporary supply chain via transforming the production system, delivery method and product life solutions. CE models of a supply chain are relatively new, and organizations are trying to adopt circular practices to shift towards a CE. The primary aim of this study is to identify and investigate key enablers that assist organizations in taking initiatives towards the implementation of circular practices. In order to accomplish this objective, the key enablers of circular initiatives are identified through a comprehensive review of the available literature and then finalized through experts’ opinions. This study identifies ten significant enablers of circular initiatives and evaluates them appropriately through grey DEMATEL. The adopted methodology is to develop causal relationships among the identified enablers of circular initiatives. Further, it also categorizes the enablers of circular initiatives into cause and effect groups. The findings suggest that consumer attitude, top management commitment, economic incentives, policies and legal frameworks are vital for the implementation of circular initiatives. This study identifies and analyses the enablers that are significant for the implementation of circular practices and assists the managers/policy planners who want to move towards a CE.
Part-time Brokers in Financialised Rural Land Markets: Processes, Typology and Implications
Authors: Roy V. P. Nirmal
Published: June 2020

This article aims to delineate the part-time matchmaking broker in the rural land markets of Kerala, India, in the light of financialisation of land. While the land scenario in India has garnered attention with respect to urbanisation and financialisation, few studies have analysed the processes involved in rural land markets in conjuncture with financialisation. The article maps out the actors involved in rural land markets so as to trace the role of intermediary brokers, their intricate processes of intermediation and their implications, to understand the process of mediation in the working of rural land markets. Rural land market functioning is analysed in the backdrop of a tax-evading land transfer tax system and brokers who are mainly matchmakers that augment speculative land market activity. In this scenario, the study analyses the various types of intermediaries by revealing how the ‘part-time matchmaking broker’ uses social networks to mediate speculative land purchases in a financialised rural land market regime. The article concludes by drawing attention to the rent-seeking behaviour associated with intermediaries.
The Impact of Civil Society on Governance in Lesotho
Authors: Rakhare Mphonyane , Coetzee Tania
Published: June 2020

The article acknowledges that Lesotho governance has been characterised by unstable democracy since its attainment of independence in 1966, which makes civil society and other democratic institutions unable to pursue their roles as expected. The proposed solution to overcome predicaments that Lesotho faces was to have active and vibrant democratic institutions such as civil societies, ombudsman, political parties, independent media, independent electoral commissions and the legislative, executive and judiciary. The article aims to bridge the gap by examining published literature and documentary review, which clearly elucidate how good governance can be achieved in a democratic country with the help of active democratic institutions. The article highlights the importance of active and vibrant civil society in governance and public policy. The article concludes by justifying that in deed the government of Lesotho should accept and allow participation of civil society so as to be able to realise its contribution and the important role played by it. Also, civil society in Lesotho must distance themselves from suspicions that they are political parties in disguise.
Addressing Ambiguous Loss Through Group Therapy
Authors: Romero-Lucero Leandrea
Published: June 2020

When children are placed out of the home, state child protective service departments continue to voice their desire to place these children with relatives rather than in traditional foster care. Research has shown the positive impact kinship placement can have for the child; however, there is no consistent way kinship caregivers are supported once the child is placed in their care. This article will show mental health and child welfare workers how the theory of ambiguous loss can be applied in a group format to provide support for kin guardians to address the feelings of loss they face within themselves and the children they care for.
Retrograde Drilling for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Skeletally Immature Children
Authors: Minokawa So , Yoshimura Ichiro , Kanazawa Kazuki , Hagio Tomonobu , Nagatomo Masaya , Sugino Yuki , Shibata Yozo , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: June 2020

Background:

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) involve damage to the cartilage and subchondral bone and are infrequent in children. Clinicians usually attempt nonsurgical treatment of OLTs first, and subsequently progress to surgical treatments, including retrograde drilling (RD), if the initial outcomes are insufficient. Good clinical outcomes of RD have been reported. However, the clinical outcomes of RD in skeletally immature children remain unclear, and the associated preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and CT findings and clarify the efficacy of RD for OLTs.

Methods:

From January 2015 to April 2018, RD was performed on 8 ankles in 6 skeletally immature children. The patients comprised 4 boys and 2 girls with a mean age at surgery of 11.1 years. The mean follow-up was 22.8 months. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale. Preoperative and final follow-up CT findings were used to determine the degree of healing.

Results:

The mean JSSF scale in all ankles improved from 79.4 (range, 69-90) points preoperatively to 98.4 (range, 87-100) points at final follow-up ( P < .05). In the preoperative CT findings, 3 ankles had no bone fragmentation, 4 had partial bone fragmentation, and 1 had whole fragmentation. In the final follow-up CT findings, 4 ankles demonstrated good healing, 3 were fair, and 1 was poor.

Conclusion:

The present findings suggest that RD is an effective surgical treatment for OLTs in skeletally immature children.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Factors Influencing Family Environment Reporting Concordance Among U.S. War Zone Veterans and Their Partners
Authors: LaMotte Adam D. , Pless Kaiser Anica , Lee Lewina O. , Supelana Christina , Taft Casey T. , Vasterling Jennifer J.
Published: June 2020

A key challenge in the assessment of family variables is the discrepancies that arise between reports. Although prior research has observed levels of interpartner agreement on the family environment, no studies have investigated factors that may influence agreement. In this study, war zone veterans (WZVs) and their partners ( N = 207 couples) completed assessments of the family environment. We examined interpartner agreement in relation to WZV and partner posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, WZV time away from home, and family size. More severe WZV PTSD symptoms were associated with greater interpartner agreement on family environment, whereas more severe partner PTSD symptoms were associated with reporting more negative perceptions of the family environment relative to WZV reports. Family size was associated with greater interpartner agreement. Factors associated with concordance in this study should be considered by clinicians and researchers seeking to understand and address reporting discrepancies on the family.
Examining the Item-Level Structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure: Sharpening Assessment of Psychopathy Constructs
Authors: Stanton Kasey , Brown Matthew F. D. , Watson David
Published: June 2020

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) has emerged as a widely used measure for assessing a three-trait model of disinhibition, meanness, and boldness. Building on recent psychometric work, we examined the TriPM’s item-level factor structure and correlates in both a clinically oriented community sample ( n = 700) and in undergraduates ( n = 527). Our results indicated a replicable three-factor structure generally corresponding with disinhibition, meanness, and boldness, although many items were not clear indicators of their assigned TriPM domain scales. Consequently, these dimensions may be better represented by Alternate Disinhibition (14 items), Boldness (13 items), and Meanness (8 items) domain scales. Additionally, we identified sets of items defining distinct Self-Assurance and Fearlessness dimensions within Boldness and Irresponsibility and Impulsivity dimensions within Disinhibition. We discuss these findings in the context of other recent studies examining the TriPM’s item-level structure, highlighting key future directions for sharpening measurement of the externalizing spectrum.
Safety and Efficacy of Oral Anticoagulants Therapies in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mainka Felipe F. , Ferreira Vinicius L. , Mendes Antonio M. , Marques Gustavo L. , Fernandez-Llimos Fernando , Tonin Fernanda S. , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: June 2020

Background:

Different antithrombotic treatments, from vitamin K antagonists to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are available to reduce ischemic risks in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objective: To synthetize evidence about the benefit–risk ratio of antithrombotic treatments and their combinations in patients with AF and PCI.

Methods:

A network meta-analysis and a stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) were performed including randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluate antithrombotic treatments in adults with AF and PCI. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus (updated November-2019). Outcomes compared included bleeding, stroke, and death (Prospero registration: CRD42019146813).

Results:

Five RCTs were included (11 532 patients). Vitamin K antagonists + dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with major bleeding (odds ratio: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.32-0.86]) compared to DOAC + P2Y12. No statistical differences were found among DOAC regimens for the main outcomes, including bleeding, stroke, and death. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis (SUCRA) and SMAA demonstrated edoxaban 60 mg + P2Y12 inhibitor as the worst option (28%). Apixaban 5 mg + P2Y12 inhibitor was the safest alternative (63%) in all scenarios.

Conclusions:

Insufficient evidence on the clinical superiority among anticoagulant regimens exists, although apixaban slightly stands out. Edoxaban was associated with more adverse events. To strength this evidence, well-designed, low risk of bias clinical trials are needed. Cost-minimization analyses are required to provide further information for clinical decision-making.
Exploring the Trade-Offs Local Governments Make in the Pursuit of Economic Growth and Equity
Authors: Stokan Eric , Deslatte Aaron , Hatch Megan E.
Published: June 2020

Economic development at the municipal level often necessitates that local governments make trade-offs between firm- and locality-based strategies. In recent decades, economic development researchers have described these efforts over time as exhibiting certain patterns and metaphors: as a series of waves, as embodying a type of lock-in effect, and as a policy layering process; however, the mechanisms behind these patterns remain unclear. This article draws upon 30 years of economic development policy decision making across the United States to understand what leads local governments to prioritize growth- or equity-oriented policies. We find that equity-enhancing economic development policies are more likely when local governments face less competitive pressure, have greater resource capacities, and experience greater intergovernmental involvement in the economic development planning process. Leveraging these factors can aid governments as they struggle to navigate a more sustainable path toward growth and equity.
A mechanism for balancing accuracy and scope in cross-machine black-box GPU performance modeling
Authors: Stevens James D , Klöckner Andreas
Published: June 2020

The ability to model, analyze, and predict execution time of computations is an important building block that supports numerous efforts, such as load balancing, benchmarking, job scheduling, developer-guided performance optimization, and the automation of performance tuning for high performance, parallel applications. In today’s increasingly heterogeneous computing environment, this task must be accomplished efficiently across multiple architectures, including massively parallel coprocessors like GPUs, which are increasingly prevalent in the world’s fastest supercomputers. To address this challenge, we present an approach for constructing customizable, cross-machine performance models for GPU kernels, including a mechanism to automatically and symbolically gather performance-relevant kernel operation counts, a tool for formulating mathematical models using these counts, and a customizable parameterized collection of benchmark kernels used to calibrate models to GPUs in a black-box fashion. With this approach, we empower the user to manage trade-offs between model accuracy, evaluation speed, and generalizability. A user can define their own model and customize the calibration process, making it as simple or complex as desired, and as application-targeted or general as desired. As application examples of our approach, we demonstrate both linear and nonlinear models; these examples are designed to predict execution times for multiple variants of a particular computation: two matrix-matrix multiplication variants, four discontinuous Galerkin differentiation operation variants, and two 2D five-point finite difference stencil variants. For each variant, we present accuracy results on GPUs from multiple vendors and hardware generations. We view this highly user-customizable approach as a response to a central question arising in GPU performance modeling: how can we model GPU performance in a cost-explanatory fashion while maintaining accuracy, evaluation speed, portability, and ease of use, an attribute we believe precludes approaches requiring manual collection of kernel or hardware statistics.
Bilateral focal choroidal excavations in a patient with Stargardt disease and ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Ji Marco H , Jabbehdari Sayena , Callaway Natalia F , Moshfeghi Darius M
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Focal choroidal excavation (FCE) is a concavity of the choroid detected on optical coherence tomography (OCT). It is usually idiopathic and the affected eyes are otherwise healthy with near-normal overlying retinal architecture and good visual acuity.

Purpose:

To report a case of bilateral conforming FCE in the setting of Stargardt disease and inactive ocular toxoplasmosis.

Case report:

A 20-year-old man with known history of Stargardt disease, healed toxoplasmosis, and high myopia presented to our ophthalmology department for follow-up examination and was found with bilateral FCEs not present in any of his previous examinations.

Conclusion:

FCEs have been reported in the literature in otherwise healthy eyes as well as a broad spectrum of ocular diseases. The case herein reported Stargardt disease, toxoplasmosis, and high myopia all could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of these findings. Further studies are needed to define etiologies as well as clinical significance and course of FCEs.
Comparative Analysis of Sample Extraction and Library Construction for Shotgun Metagenomics
Authors: Peng Zonghui , Zhu Xiaolong , Wang Zhijiao , Yan Xianting , Wang Guangbiao , Tang Meifang , Jiang Awei , Kristiansen Karsten
Published: June 2020

Human fecal specimens, serve as important materials, are widely used in the field of microbiome research, in which inconsistent results have been a pressing issue. The possible attribute factors have been proposed including the specimen status after preservation, extracted DNA quality, library preparation protocol, and sample DNA input. In this study, quality comparisons for shotgun metagenomics sequencing were performed between 2 DNA extraction methods for fresh and freeze-thaw samples, 2 library preparation protocols, and various sample inputs. The results indicate that Mag-Bind® Universal Metagenomics Kit (OM) outperformed DNeasy PowerSoil Kit (QP) with a higher DNA quantity. Controlling on library preparation protocol, OM detected on-average more genes than QP. For library construction comparison by controlling on the same DNA sample, KAPA Hyper Prep Kit (KH) outperformed the TruePrep DNA Library Prep Kit V2 (TP) with the higher number of detected genes number and Shannon index. No significant differences were found in taxonomy between 2 library preparation protocols using the fresh, freeze-thaw and mock community samples. No significant difference was observed between 250 and 50 ng DNA inputs for library preparation on both fresh and freeze-thaw samples. Through the preliminary study, a combined protocol is recommended for performing metagenomics studies, by using OM method plus KH protocol as well as suitable DNA quantity on either fresh or freeze-thaw samples. Our findings provide clues for potential variations from various DNA extraction methods, library protocols, and sample DNA inputs, which are critical for consistent and comprehensive profiling of the human gut microbiome.
Enabling patient-centred policy for electronic consultations: A qualitative analysis of discussions from a stakeholder meeting
Authors: Liddy Clare , Hauteclocque Jennifer , Moroz Isabella , Oppenheimer Luis , Sturge Don , Burns Katharina Kovacs , Horsley Tanya , Tuot Delphine , Keely Erin
Published: June 2020

Introduction

To support the expansion of a successful regional electronic consultation (eConsult) service, we hosted a full-day national eConsult Policy Think Tank, connecting health-services researchers, clinicians, patients and policymakers to discuss policy considerations related to eConsult. In this paper, we assess the discussion arising from the Think Tank to identify and understand the policy enablers and barriers to the national spread and scale of eConsult services across Canada.

Methods

We conducted a constant comparative thematic analysis of stakeholder discussions captured during the Think Tank held in Ottawa, Canada, on 5 December 2016. Forty-seven participants attended and debated the following topic areas: (a) delivery of services and standards; (b) payment considerations; and (c) equitable access. The meeting was recorded, and verbatim transcripts were analysed using qualitative approaches.

Results

We identified four themes affecting spread and scale of eConsult innovation from a policy perspective: (a) patient-centredness; (b) value; (c) regulation; and (d) considerations for spread and scale. Patient-centredness was viewed as a foundational principle upon which policy shifts should be guided. Active participation of patient partners transitioned the discussions and resulting recommendations from provider-centred to patient-centred thinking around the relevant policy issues, explicitly demonstrating the importance of patient involvement in healthcare policy decision making.

Discussion

eConsult was viewed as a high-value, disruptive innovation with great potential to transform access to specialists in Canada. A patient-centred approach to policy change (and not just healthcare delivery) was identified as a novel yet critical enabler to the scale and spread of eConsult across Canada.
Using eye-tracking to examine the role of first and second language glosses
Authors: Kang Hyeonah , Kweon Soo-Ok , Choi Sungmook
Published: June 2020

This study employs eye-tracking to investigate how first (L1) and second language (L2) glosses affect lexical uptake and reading behaviors in L2 learners of English. The study also explores the relationship between lexical uptake and reading behaviors as a function of gloss type. To investigate this, 81 Korean university students were asked to read a baseline passage with no gloss or the same passage with glosses in the study’s L1 (Korean) or L2 (English). Their eye movements were recorded with an eye tracker as they read, and they were subsequently asked to respond to two vocabulary tests. Analyses of eye-tracking data and vocabulary test scores revealed that the presence or absence of L1 and L2 glosses might produce differences in lexical uptake and dissimilar attentional mechanisms. For instance, the study found that L1 and L2 glosses failed to significantly enhance the acquisition of visual word forms, whereas both types of glosses were significantly effective in consolidating form–meaning associations. Additionally, correlation analyses indicated that the relationship between reading behaviors and lexical acquisition might differ depending on gloss type. Ultimately, our findings provide a more comprehensive picture of L1 and L2 gloss effects, and have significant implications for L2 pedagogy.
Resistance or appropriation?: Uptake of exercise after a nurse-led intervention to promote self-management for osteoarthritis
Authors: Morden Andrew , Ong Bie Nio , Jinks Clare , Healey Emma , Finney Andrew , Dziedzic Krysia S
Published: June 2020

The philosophical underpinning of trials of complex interventions is critiqued for not taking into account causal mechanisms that influence potential outcomes. In this article, we draw from in-depth interviews (with practice nurses and patients) and observations of practice meetings and consultations to investigate the outcomes of a complex intervention to promote self-management (in particular exercise) for osteoarthritis in primary care settings. We argue that nurses interpreted the intervention as underpinned by the need to educate rather than work with patients, and, drawing from Habermasian theory, we argue that expert medicalised knowledge (system) clashed with lay ‘lifeworld’ prerogatives in an uneven communicative arena (the consultation). In turn, the advice and instructions given to patients were not always commensurate with their ‘lifeworld’. Consequently, patients struggled to embed exercise routines into their daily lives for reasons of unsuitable locality, sense-making that ‘home’ was an inappropriate place to exercise and using embodied knowledge to test the efficacy of exercise on pain. We conclude by arguing that using Habermasian theory helped to understand reasons why the trial failed to increase exercise levels. Our findings suggest that communication styles influence the outcomes of self-management interventions, reinforce the utility of theoretically informed qualitative research embedded within trials to improve conduct and outcomes and indicate incorporating perspectives from human geography can enhance Habermas-informed research and theorising.
Loneliness, older people and a proposed social work response
Authors: Hagan Robert
Published: June 2020

This article is based upon a scoping review of literature about older people and loneliness.

Findings

Increasingly in the UK, older people’s experience of loneliness is conceptualised as a public health concern. Social workers will wish to respond appropriately to older adults reporting loneliness but may react on the basis of keenly held assumptions about loneliness in later life, with scant regard to distinct subcategorisation of the construct. Exploring what an appropriate social work response may be, this article first sets out four misconceptions related to older people’s loneliness: that older people are especially lonely, loneliness correlates with living alone, strengthening family networks is best for alleviating loneliness, and loneliness interventions should tackle the issue directly.

Applications

A proposed model is introduced regarding social work intervention, focusing upon direct assessment of needs, the maintenance of meaningful existing relationships and, if required, potential introduction of new social support avenues. Additionally, it is recognised that a separate response to long-term chronic loneliness may involve psychological work addressing cognition.
A highly efficient and stable Ni/SBA-15 catalyst for hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming
Authors: An Xia , Ren Jia , Hu Weitao , Wu Xu , Xie Xianmei
Published: June 2020

The production of hydrogen by steam reforming of ethanol was carried out on SBA-15-supported nano NiO catalyst synthesized by the equivalent-volume impregnation method with two different Ni sources (nickel nitrate and nickel sulfamate). The catalyst was characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to examine the physical and chemical properties. The activity tests were performed with the steam, with water/ethanol molar ratio ranging from 2:1 to 15:1, the N2 flow rate from 20 to 120 mL min−1 to determine the space-time, and the temperature range from 623 to 923 K on the two different Ni source catalysts. A favorable operating condition was established at 823 K using water/ethanol = 6 molar ratio and carrier gas (N2) flow of more than 50 mL min−1 for nickel nitrate source, but for nickel sulfamate source, the optimum temperature changed to 773 K and other conditions were the same as for the nickel nitrate source. After eliminating the influence of internal and external diffusion factors, an empirical power-law kinetic rate equation was derived from the experimental data. The non-linear regression method was used to estimate the kinetic parameter. The activation energy of the catalyst was then calculated, and the supported nickel nitrate and nickel sulfamate catalysts were 25.345 and 41.449 kJ mol−1, respectively, which was in agreement with the experimental and model-predicted results.
Self-rated stress and experience in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: a mixed methods study
Authors: Sundelin Runa , Bergsten Chatarina , Tornvall Per , Lyngå Patrik
Published: June 2020

Background

A relation to stress and stressful triggers is often, but not always, described in patients with Takotsubo syndrome. Few studies have focused on patients’ self-rated stress in combination with qualitative experiences of stress in Takotsubo syndrome.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe stress before and after the onset of Takotsubo syndrome.

Methods

Twenty patients were recruited from five major hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden between December 2014 and November 2018. A mixed methods design was used containing the validated questionnaire, perceived stress scale (PSS-14) filled in at baseline and at a 6 and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Qualitative interviews were made at the 6-month follow-up.

Results

Self-rated stress, measured by the perceived stress scale, showed stress levels above the cut-off value of 25, at the onset of Takotsubo syndrome (median 30.5). Stress had decreased significantly at the 12-month follow-up (median 20.5, P = 0.039) but remained high in one third of the patients. Qualitative interviews confirmed a high long-term stress and half of the patients had an acute stress trigger before the onset of Takotsubo syndrome. The qualitative interviews showed that the patients had reflected on and tried to find ways to deal with stress, but for many this was not successful.

Conclusion

Patients with Takotsubo syndrome reported long-term stress sometimes with an acute stress trigger before the onset of Takotsubo syndrome. Stress decreased over time but remained high for a considerable number of patients. Despite reflection over stress and attempts to deal with stress many were still affected after 6 months. New treatment options are needed for patients with Takotsubo syndrome.
The reliability of the Internet for patient-centred education for surgical procedures
Authors: Slinger Ca , Smillie I
Published: June 2020

Background

There is increasing use of the Internet by patients as an educational tool prior to a surgical procedure. However, the quality of information is highly variable, and it is imperative that as clinicians, we are aware of the information available to ensure that consent is valid and avoid unrealistic expectations. Our aim is to assess the quality of medical information available on the Internet related to common surgical procedures.

Methods

Analysis of the quality of patient information on 10 websites for six common surgical conditions ( n = 54 following exclusions) was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and, for readability, using the Flesch reading ease test.

Results

There was high variation in the DISCERN score from 1.34 to 4.4 (mean 2.75). Overall, poor quality of patient information is available. Consistent scoring below 55 on Flesch reading ease score suggests a reading level beyond the majority of the patient population.

Conclusion

The majority of patient-centred health education on the Internet is poor. Therefore, improved verbal and written information during consultation combined with local, national and international websites is important to meet patient’s expectations and avoid issues regarding consent.
Service Value Activities by Nurse Practitioners in Ambulatory Specialty Care
Authors: Winter Shira G. , Duderstadt Karen , Chan Garrett K. , Spetz Joanne , Stephan Linda M. , Matsuda Erin , Chapman Susan A.
Published: June 2020

The increase in nurse practitioners (NPs) in ambulatory medical and surgical specialty settings has prompted inquiry into their role and contribution to patient care. We explored the role and contribution of NPs in ambulatory specialty care through their activities outside of direct care and billable visits (referred to as service value activities), and how NPs perceive these activities enhance quality and efficiency of care, for both patients and the health care institution. This qualitative thematic analysis examined interviews from 16 NPs at a large academic medical center about their role and contribution to patient care quality and departmental efficiency beyond billable visits. Five categories of NP contribution were identified: promoting patient care continuity, promoting departmental continuity, promoting institutional historical and insider knowledge, addressing time-sensitive issues, and participating in leadership and quality improvement activities. As the role of NPs in specialty care grows and health care systems emphasize quality of care, it is appropriate to explore the quality- and efficiency-enhancing activities NPs perform in specialty care beyond direct patient care.
Analogical Framing: How Policy Comparisons Alter Political Support for Health Care Reform
Authors: Barabas Jason , Carter Benjamin , Shan Kevin
Published: June 2020

Analogies have captivated philosophers for millennia, yet their effects on modern public opinion preferences remain largely unexplored. Nevertheless, the lack of evidence as to whether analogies aid in political persuasion has not stopped politicians from using these rhetorical devices in public debates. To examine such strategic attempts to garner political support, we conducted survey experiments in the United States that featured the analogical arguments being used by Democrats and Republicans as well as some of the policy rationales that accompanied their appeals. The results revealed that analogies—especially those that also provided the underlying policy logic—increased support for individual health coverage mandates, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and even single payer national health proposals. However, we demonstrated that rebutting flawed analogies was also possible. Thus, within the health care arena, framing proposals with analogies can alter policy preferences significantly, providing a way to deliver policy rationales persuasively.
Knockdown of NCOA2 Inhibits the Growth and Progression of Gastric Cancer by Affecting the Wnt Signaling Pathway–Related Protein Expression
Authors: Lin Zhenlv , Yang Fan , Lu Dong , Sun Wenjie , Zhu Guangwei , Lan Bin
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The aim of the study is to determine the role of nuclear receptor coactivator 2 in cell proliferation and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells and to explore its possible mechanisms.

Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine NCOA2 gene expression in gastric cancer. Western blotting was used to detect Wnt signal pathways–related protein expression. Colony formation assays, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, and transwell assays were used to determine cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells. A flow cytometric apoptosis tests determine gastric cancer cell apoptosis ability after inhibition of the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 2. Subcutaneous mouse models were used to determine the gastric cancer growth and peritoneal metastasis differences after inhibition the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 2.

Results:

The expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 2 in gastric cancer cells is high ( P < .01), including lymph node metastasis, TNM staging, and gender differences in nuclear receptor coactivator 2 expression were statistically significant ( P < .01). Short interfering nuclear receptor coactivator 2 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells. Short interfering nuclear receptor coactivator 2 promotes the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Animal experiments showed that short interfering nuclear receptor coactivator 2 could inhibit the growth and invasion of gastric cancer-transplantable tumors. Knockdown of the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 2 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the gastric cancer cells.

Conclusions:

Knockdown of the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 2 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of human gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism of NOCA2 affects the Wnt signaling pathway.
Turkish Adaptation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale–Short Form
Authors: Toygar İsmail , Hançerlioğlu Sadık , Gül Selden , Utku Tülün , Şimşir Ilgın Yıldırım , Çetinkalp Şevki
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Diabetic Foot Scale–Short Form (DFS-SF). The study was cross-sectional and conducted between January and October 2019 in a diabetic foot council of a university hospital. A total of 194 diabetic foot patients participated in the study. A Patient Identification Form and DFS-SF were used for data collection. Forward and backward translations were used in language validity. Expert opinions were obtained to determine the Content Validity Index. To determine construct validity, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used. Cronbach’s α internal consistency coefficient, item-scale correlation, and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate reliability. It was found that Content Validity Index was 0.97 (0.86-1.00), the factor loading of scale varied from 0.378 to 0.982, Cronbach’s α value varied from 0.81 to 0.94, and item-total correlations were between 0.30 and 0.75. The Turkish version of the DFS-SF was found valid and reliable to measure the quality of life of diabetic foot patients.
Astrocytes Keep It Under Wraps: Reconstructing Synapses in the Latent Phase of Epileptogenesis
Authors: Klaft Zin Juan , Dulla Chris
Published: June 2020

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Development and Evaluation of Motion-activated System for Improved Chest Drainage: Bench, In Vivo Results, and Pilot Clinical Use of Technology
Authors: Karimov Jamshid H. , Dessoffy Raymond , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Okano Shinji , Idzior Laura , Lobosky Mark , Horvath David
Published: June 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate a motion-activated system (MAS) that applies motion-activated energy (vibration) to prevent chest tube clogging and maintain tube patency. We performed chest tube blood flow analysis in vitro, studied MAS effects on intraluminal clot deposition in vivo, and conducted a pilot clinical test. Background. Chest tube clogging is known to adversely contribute to postoperative cardiac surgery outcomes. Methods. The MAS was tested in vitro with a blood-filled chest tube model for device acceleration and performance. In vivo acute hemothorax studies (n = 5) were performed in healthy pigs (48.0 ± 2 kg) to evaluate the drainage in MAS versus control (no device) groups. Using a high-speed camera (FASTCAM Mini AX200, 100 mm Zeiss lens) in an additional animal study (n = 1), intraluminal whole-blood activation imaging of the chest tube (32 Fr) was made. The pilot clinical study (n = 12) consisted of up to a 30 minutes device tolerance test. Results. In vitro MAS testing suggested optimal device performance. The 2-hour in vivo evaluation showed a longer incremental drainage in the MAS group versus control. The total drainage in the MAS group was significantly higher than that in the control group (379 ± 144 mL vs 143 ± 40 mL; P = .0097), indicating tube patency. The high-speed camera images showed a characteristic intraluminal blood “swirling” pattern. Clinical data showed no discomfort with the MAS use (pleural = 4; mediastinal = 8). Conclusions. The MAS showed optimal performance at bench and better drainage profile in vivo. The clinical trial showed patients’ tolerance to the MAS and device safety.
Bridging Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Transgender Men: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dhillon Navdeep , Oliffe John L. , Kelly Mary T. , Krist Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Estimates of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and susceptibility to HPV-related cancer in transgender men (TM) are comparable to prevalence rates found in cisgender women. Regular and thorough screening for cervical cancer is equally as crucial for TM as for cisgender women; however, despite continued risk for cervical cancer in TM and associated recommendations for screening, studies indicate disparities in rates of cervical cancer screening (CCS) in TM compared to cisgender women. The current scoping review explores TM’s knowledge and experiences of CCS and barriers to screening uptake in this population. A range of barriers were identified including the need for health-care services to provide care for TM within the context of a nonbinary approach to gender identity and health. Findings synthesized from relevant research studies ( n = 15; published 2008–2019) are presented, and recommendations are drawn from these findings to inform primary health-care providers’ clinical practice and care of TM.