bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUMB3Rs Revisited: Long-Term Impacts of Reimagining Service Learning
Authors: Anderson Karen L. , Pierce Margaret E. , McNamara Kathleen M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Despite an extensive literature-base documenting strong outcomes for undergraduates engaged in service learning, few studies have investigated whether, and to what degree, these outcomes extend beyond the semester(s) undergraduates are actually engaged in service learning. Purpose: This study addresses this gap by following up with undergraduates who participated in an innovative service-learning project as part of their teacher preparation program. Our goal was to investigate the impact their participation has on their practice as teachers of mathematics (postgraduation). Methodology/Approach: Project participants (PPs) and matched controls (MCs) were surveyed using Qualtrics, a web-based survey tool. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Findings/Conclusions: Results indicate robust differences between PPs and the MCs self-reported descriptions of their current classroom practices, with the data confirming that participation in reimagined service learning has the potential to affect undergraduates’ beliefs, practices, and global mindsets postgraduation—while employed as classroom teachers of mathematics. Implications: Findings suggest that engagement in innovative service-learning projects, as part of undergraduate teacher preparation programs, has the potential to help early career teachers: transform their ideas about teaching and learning, move beyond traditional ideas of what mathematics looks like, and to embrace reform-based instructional methods.
CD10-Negative Primary Breast Follicular Lymphoma: A Rare Case of Primary Breast Lymphoma With an Atypical Immunophenotype Mimicking Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Authors: Miura Sakiko , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Sawada Terumasa , Ishida Taiki , Usuki Kensuke , Morikawa Teppei
Published: November 2020

In this article, we report the case of a 78-year-old woman who consulted our hospital for a right breast mass detected on mammography during her cancer screening. Biopsy specimens showed atypical lymphocytic infiltration with a follicle-like growth pattern, suggesting a follicular lymphoma (FL). Immunohistochemically, the atypical lymphoid cells were diffusely and strongly positive for CD20, BCL2, and BCL6, but negative for CD10. IGH- BCL2 translocation was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, leading to the diagnosis of primary breast FL. The most important differential diagnosis of this case was marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), which usually shows a CD10−/BCL2+ immunophenotype and is one of the common histological types in primary breast lymphomas. FLs with an atypical immunophenotype exist in a certain percentage of patients. Therefore, FL is considered to be a heterogeneous entity. It is important to distinguish FL from MZL in primary breast lymphomas because FLs may have a worse prognosis than MZLs.
Electricity-structure-fluid coupled modelling and experiment of underwater flexible structure with partially distributed macro fiber composites
Authors: Lou Junqiang , Chen Tehuan , Yang Yiling , Xu Chao , Chen Hairong , Ma Jianqiang , Cui Yuguo , Li Guoping
Published: November 2020

Dynamic oscillating behavior of the flexible structure immerged in viscous fluids has attracted growing attention and been widely used in various practical applications. A general electricity-structure-fluid coupled model for the forced dynamic responses of a cantilever immersed in fluids, with partially distributed macro fiber composite, is proposed in this paper. Based on the classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the first mass-normalized mode shape of the cantilever with partially bonded macro fiber composite is determined using assumed mode method. The attachment of the macro fiber composite actuators stiffens the macro fiber composite-bonded portion of the cantilever. The established mode shape matches perfectly with experimental results. Considering the macro fiber composite actuator as a set of representative elements connected in parallel, the internally actuation moment provided by the macro fiber composite actuators is obtained. The hydrodynamic load caused by the surrounding fluids, decomposed into the added mass and hydrodynamic damping parts, is also added to the theoretical model in the frequency-domain form. The predicted in-air and underwater dynamic behaviors of the flexible beam are consistent with the experimental results at different auction levels. Thus, the obtained general electricity-structure-fluid coupled model can be used to predict the forced dynamic responses of flexible structure with partially bonded actuators immersed in fluids.
Counting sleep: Ambiguity, aspirational control and the politics of digital self-tracking at work
Authors: Elmholdt Kasper Trolle , Elmholdt Claus , Haahr Lars
Published: November 2020

Existing perspectives on normative and aspirational control have undertheorised how digital technologies such as digital self-tracking might alter what kinds of control is possible in the workplace. This article remedies this lack by studying the affordances of digital self-tracking in the workplace. Empirically, we draw on a case study of digital sleeptracking in relation to a well-being initiative in a private energy company, Encorp. Our analysis reveals how digital self-tracking affords body visibility and remote management but also creates affordance opacity and an ambiguous space of autonomy and control. We theorise how digital self-tracking in the workplace both enables new forms of aspirational control, and creates ambiguity and new limits to control. We conclude by discussing challenges and opportunities for future research on digital self-tracking in the workplace.
Organizing degrowth: The ontological politics of enacting degrowth in OMS
Authors: Vandeventer James Scott , Lloveras Javier
Published: November 2020

As degrowth notions begin to gain traction within business schools and organization and management studies (OMS), this paper draws on Science and Technology Studies to interrogate the ontological politics of enacting degrowth in this relatively new context. We argue that the ‘degrowth multiple’ is a boundary object which takes on different forms as it circulates among different epistemic communities and within their respective boundaries, institutional arrangements, practices, and agendas. We investigate this empirically to elucidate how degrowth is being enacted within the OMS epistemic apparatus, revealing three sets of practices characterizing extant OMS-degrowth engagements: stabilizations, reconfigurations, and projections. These motivate a subsequent discussion of the ontological politics unfolding through degrowth performances in OMS, its transformations (t)herein, and degrowth’s wider enrollment within the OMS epistemic apparatus. We thus contribute a reflexive intervention to organizing degrowth such that it remains a politically actionable concept across multiple contexts, and avoids becoming uncritically black-boxed, fetishized, and/or diluted by diverging cross-boundary enactments.
Harnessing the musician advantage: Short-term musical training affects non-native cue weighting of linguistic pitch
Authors: Wiener Seth , Bradley Evan D.
Published: November 2020

Lexical tone languages like Mandarin Chinese require listeners to discriminate among different pitch patterns. A syllable spoken with a rising pitch (e.g. bí ‘nose’) carries a different meaning than the same syllable spoken with a falling pitch (e.g. bì ‘arm’). For native speakers (L1) of a non-tonal language, accurate perception of tones in a second language (L2) is notoriously difficult. Musicians, however, have typically shown an aptitude for lexical tone learning due to the unique perceptual demands of music. This study tested whether musical effects can be exploited to improve linguistic abilities in the general population. A pre-test, 8-week training, post-test design was used to measure L1 English participants’ sensitivity to tone. Individual Differences Scaling was used to measure participants’ weighting of pitch height and movement cues. Participants took part in classroom Mandarin learning only (+L2), musical ear training only (+Music), or classroom learning combined with musical training (+L2+Music). An L1 Mandarin group served as a baseline. At pre-test, mean sensitivity to tone and multidimensional scaling results were similar across all three L1 English groups. After training, all three L1 English groups improved in mean sensitivity, though only the +L2+Music group did so at a significant rate. Multidimensional scaling revealed that all groups increased their weighting of the more informative pitch movement cue at roughly equal rates. Short-term musical training thus affected change in cue weighting of linguistic pitch in a manner comparable to that occurring after a semester of L2 classroom learning. When combined with classroom learning, short-term musical training resulted in even greater sensitivity to pitch movement cues. These results contribute to models of music-language interaction and suggest that focused application of non-linguistic acoustic training can improve phonetic perception in ways that are relevant to language learning.
Embedded English verbs in Arabic-English code-switching in Egypt
Authors: Kniaź Małgorzata , Zawrotna Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Aims:

This study provides new insights into Arabic-English code-switching with particular reference to verb insertion. It aims to identify (1) patterns of English verb insertion into Arabic; (2) factors affecting them. We offer an alternative to previous studies’ conclusions regarding a supposed lack of English verbs integrated morphologically into Arabic, which is claimed to result from incongruence between Arabic and English verb systems.

Methodology:

We employ the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model and the 4-M model.

Data and analysis:

The data comprise 14,414 clauses obtained from interviews with students at the American University in Cairo. Data were analyzed quantitatively.

Findings:

Most (80.17%) of inserted verbs were inflected with Arabic tense, gender, and number prefixes showing morphological integration into Arabic. We distinguished four recurrent patterns in verb insertion: (1) complete morphological integration in the present tense; (2) incomplete assimilation of forms requiring the use of the plural suffix -u; (3) lack of morphological integration in the past tense; and (4) lack of suffixation of Arabic clitics to English verbs.

Originality:

This is the first study focusing on verb insertion in Arabic-English code-switching based on empirical data collected in Egypt. It offers different findings on verb patterns and their explanation compared with other quantitative studies based on the MLF model. We propose to look beyond incongruence between Arabic and English as a factor determining verb patterns to include linguistic convention. Thus, we hypothesize that verb insertion might be controlled by linguistic norms accepted and perpetuated in a given speech community.

Significance:

Contrary to previous claims, our results show that patterns of verb insertion in Arabic-English code-switching are consistent with the MLF model. Hence, the study contributes evidence for the MLF model and its explanatory value.
Rationing health and social goods during pandemics: Guidance for Ghanaian decision makers
Authors: Laar Amos , DeBruin Debra , Ofori-Asenso Richard , Laar Matilda Essandoh , Redman Barbara , Caplan Arthur
Published: November 2020

Healthcare rationing during pandemics has been widely discussed in global bioethics literature. However, existing scenarios and analyses have focused on high income countries, except for very few disease areas such as HIV treatment where some analyses related to African countries exist. We argue that the lack of scholastic discourse, and by extension, professional and democratic engagement on the subject constitute an unacceptable ethical omission. Not only have African governments failed to develop robust ethical plans for pandemics, ethicists in this region have been unable to ignite public discourse on rationing. Therefore, we aim to initiate a debate on how rationing health and social goods could be done ethically in Ghana during the current and future pandemics.

The paper discusses and critiques some moral considerations (utilitarian, equity, equal worth, urgent need, and the prioritarian principles) for rationing and their relevance in the Ghanaian context. This contribution may facilitate ethical decision-making during the current (COVID-19) pandemic - in Ghana and other African settings where hardly any rationing guidelines exist
Assessment of nurses’ ethical performance from the perspective of mothers and nurses in pediatric wards of beast hospital, Hamadan, 2019
Authors: Shadi Danial , Bashiri Saba , Mezerji Naser Mohammad Gholi , Tehrani Tayebeh Hasan
Published: November 2020

Background and aim

Difficult moral situations assume more critical importance in pediatric wards since children are more vulnerable than adults. Given that professional ethics is a substantial part of children treatment, the present study was conducted to determine the ethical performance of nurses from the perspective of mothers and nurses in the pediatric wards of Be'esat Hospital in Hamadan.

Materials and methods

The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 58 nurses and 263 mothers of children referred to the pediatric wards of Be'esat Hospital in Hamadan in 2019. The study samples were randomly selected. Data collection tools included the demographic form and Ethical Performance Assessment Questionnaire developed by Beykmirza et al. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software version 23using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

As evidenced by the obtained results, the mean ethical performance of nurses from the perspective of nurses and mothers were reported as 86.72 ± 6.397 and 69.92 ± 18.09. From the mothers' viewpoint, 27%, 39.2%, and 33.8% of nurses had weak, moderate and good levels of performance, respectively. On the other hand, from the nurses' perspective, 24.6% and 75.4% of nurses had moderate and good levels of performance, respectively. The obtained results were indicative of a statistically significant difference between the performance score as reported by mothers and nurses (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering that the majority of mothers rated the ethical performance of nurses as weak and moderate, it is suggested that professional ethical principles be implemented in the form of Retraining programs in an attempt to improve the ethical performance of nurses.
The Seriousness of Play: Johan Huizinga and Carl Schmitt on Play and the Political
Authors: Lambrow Alexander
Published: November 2020

This article addresses the political dimensions of Johan Huizinga’s seminal work Homo Ludens: A study of the play element in culture (1938). More than just a foundational text in academic ludology, this text positioned itself as a polemic against the right-wing political discourse going on in contemporaneous Nazi Germany, represented chiefly by Carl Schmitt. Through his concept of play, Huizinga hoped to resolve what he perceived to be the confusion of play and seriousness among a group of reactionary theorists narrowly focused on the Schmittian Ernstfall, the “serious case” of inimical violence. This article analyzes the usage of the concepts of “play” and “seriousness” in Huizinga’s and Schmitt’s respective corpuses and, finally, places their work in dialogue in order to understand the difficulties involved in defining play as unserious and unpolitical.
The Price of Playing Through Pain: The Link Between Physical and Behavioral Health in Former NFL Athletes
Authors: Bush Evelyn , Cupery Tim , Turner Robert W. , Sonnega Amanda , Weir David , Whitfield Keith E. , Jackson James S.
Published: November 2020

Over the past decade, media outlets have drawn attention to some of the health consequences of playing in the National Football League (NFL), including how wear-and-tear and injuries accumulated during athletes’ playing years can affect their physical, emotional, and behavioral health after retirement from professional sports. Through a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional telephone survey of former NFL athletes, this study estimated logistic regression models to assess the relationship between several forms of physical pain and anger attacks, controlling for binge drinking, signs of depression, functional limitations, NFL career duration, religious service attendance, and demographic characteristics (age, marital status, race, education, income, and wealth). The analytic sample included 1030 former NFL players. Neck pain, lower back pain, headaches/migraines, and the number of sites of pain were positively and significantly related to anger attacks. There was no significant association between joint pain and anger attacks. NFL career duration was negatively associated with anger attacks, as was religious service attendance. Future research should focus on factors that protect against affective aggression in former professional athletes and how protective factors can be adapted to the broader population.
A Systematic Review of Treatment Interventions for Metacarpal Shaft Fractures in Adults
Authors: Taha Rowa H. M. , Grindlay Douglas , Deshmukh Sandeep , Montgomery Alan , Davis Tim R. C. , Karantana Alexia
Published: November 2020

Metacarpal shaft fractures are common hand injuries that predominantly affect younger patients. There is wide variability in their treatment with no consensus on best practice. We performed a systematic review to assess the breadth and quality of available evidence supporting different treatment modalities for metacarpal shaft fractures of the finger digits in adults. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 1600 records were identified; 7 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included. No randomized controlled trials directly comparing surgery with nonsurgical treatment were found. One retrospective study compared nonsurgical with surgical treatment, whereas 6 compared surgical or nonsurgical treatments. Considerable heterogeneity between studies along with a high or critical risk of bias restricts direct comparison and conclusions. There is a lack of high-quality evidence to guide treatment, supporting the need for well-designed, multicenter trials to identify the most effective and cost-efficient treatment for metacarpal shaft fractures in adults.
Restorative youth detention: The way forward?
Authors: Doolin Katherine
Published: November 2020

This article explores a range of normative, conceptual and practical issues that arise from utilising restorative justice with young people in custody in England and Wales, and considers the appropriateness of doing so within the coercive and oppressive space that prison occupies. It is suggested that, while there are some clear benefits for victims and offenders, there is a need to proceed with caution. This is because children who are incarcerated are particularly vulnerable in addition to simply their age owing to the resilience required to survive a penal system that can be isolating and dangerous, as well as their often complex needs, and difficult life histories. This is also because there is a need to ensure that the process adheres to the ethos of restorative justice, and does not divert attention from the current problems within the youth secure estate or the pressing need to continue reducing child imprisonment.
High grade sarcoma presenting as multifocal recurrent seromas after inguinal hernia repair: A case report
Authors: Muir Lorne D , Woelfle Joshua D , Schowinsky Jeffrey , Wilky Breelyn A
Published: November 2020

In this report, we describe a 54-year-old male with cystic retroperitoneal sarcoma extending through the inguinal canal. Patient initially underwent inguinal hernia repair with mesh placement for suspected cord lipoma, after which he developed recurrent loculated retroperitoneal fluid collections refractory to multiple attempts at drain placement and laparotomy. Twenty-nine months after initial surgery, patient was referred to our institution on suspicion of malignancy. Pathology of resections taken during subsequent laparotomy showed foci of malignant cells interspersed throughout reactive proliferations. Follow-up immunohistochemistry confirmed high-grade sarcoma, likely atypical liposarcoma, but was unable to definitively establish subtype. Despite en bloc resection and gemcitabine/docetaxel chemotherapy, local progression continued, and patient was enrolled in clinical trials of doxorubicin with dual immune checkpoint blockade. This case suggests that sarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal or inguinal mass unresponsive to treatment; and highlights the difficulty of subtyping and managing cystic retroperitoneal sarcoma.
Use of the TIDieR checklist to describe an online structured education programme for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Poduval Shoba , Ross Jamie , Pal Kingshuk , Newhouse Nicola , Hamilton Fiona , Murray Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aim of structured education for type 2 diabetes is to improve knowledge, skills and confidence in self-management. It is recommended in the UK for everyone who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We developed an on-line programme called HeLP-Diabetes: Starting Out to address poor uptake of face-to-face structured education. The aim of this paper is to describe the intervention in line with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication guide, which calls for better reporting of interventions.

Methods

The Template for Intervention Description and Replication guide provided the item headings for the description. These included the theoretical underpinning, materials, procedures, providers, and mode of delivery.

Results

The programme was developed to meet NICE requirements for structured education and therefore followed a structured curriculum with four sessions covering content such as what diabetes is and how it is treated, possible complications, and how lifestyle changes can improve health. Content was delivered in text, images and video, and behaviour change techniques, self-assessment and feedback were used to help people target key health behaviours. The programme was delivered entirely online, but the team were available for support via telephone. Email feedback and reminders were sent.

Conclusions

The TIDieR checklist allowed us to provide a clear structure for the description of the intervention. However, it could not capture the full complexity of the programme, and intervention developers considering using it in the future may find that it needs to be adapted to make it more specific to their intervention.
What are the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding concussion of primary care physicians and family resident physicians in rural communities?
Authors: Galbraith Heather , Quesnele Jairus , Kenrick-Rochon Shannon , Grenier Sylvain , Baldisera Tara
Published: November 2020

Background

Primary care physicians and family medicine resident physicians report continued gaps in knowledge when diagnosing and managing pediatric patients with concussion.

Methods

A cross-sectional electronic survey of 130 primary care physicians and family medicine resident physicians in the Northeastern Ontario Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Descriptive statistics, chi-squared Fisher exact tests, were used to compare physicians versus resident physicians with two-tailed p < 0.05 (with 95% confidence intervals).

Results

With a 48% response rate, when treating concussions 44% of providers either did not use any specific clinical practice guideline, standardized assessment tool, could not recall the source of a specific tool/guideline or omitted answering the question. However, 61% of all respondents would refer some or all concussion patients to a specialist for treatment. At least 41% of providers indicated they lacked access to a ‘Provider Decision Support Tool’ specific to concussion, and 88% of the 25 providers were without access to discharge instructions.

Conclusion

Similar to other jurisdictions, Northeastern Ontario primary care physicians and family medicine resident physicians report gaps in knowledge for both diagnosis and management of pediatric concussion. Consequently, they did not use current guidelines or best practices to guide management.
The Use of Mobile-technologies to Deliver Integrative Medicine During and Beyond the COVID-19 World Pandemic
Authors: Narayanan Santhosshi , Lopez Gabriel , Liu Wenli , Cohen Alessandro , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic has catalyzed the use of tele-medicine technologies in health care, especially in cancer. The recent relaxation of guidelines has enabled rapid expansion of these platforms many have been seeking for years. We review the advantages and challenges of delivering integrative oncology care using telemedicine. The article concludes with recommendations for areas that need to be addressed so that future practice can consider a hybrid model.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dental Patients Toward Cross-Infection and Economic Implications in View of Covid-19: An Online Survey
Authors: Bains Rhythm , Tikku Aseem P. , Bains Vivek Kumar , Verma Promila
Published: November 2020

Aim:

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the patients regarding cross-infection in dental clinics in view of COVID-19, and its economic implications.

Materials and Methods:

The present study is a cross-sectional online survey done using Google Forms tool which was shared amongst 501 participants via e-mail and various social media platforms. It consisted of 42 structured questions regarding sociodemographics (seven questions), knowledge of COVID-19 (seven questions), practices regarding COVID-19 preventive methods (five questions), knowledge regarding cross-infection in dental clinics (nine questions), attitudes toward infection in dental clinics, and increased cost of treatment due to added disinfection protocols (14 questions). All the associations were tested using the chi-square test and with the P-value set at <.05. The significance level was taken as α = 0.05; therefore, a difference or association with P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. The linear regression model was used to relate demographics with the knowledge attitude practices items, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results:

A total of 478 responses were assessed. 92.2% of the respondents had high knowledge regarding COVID-19, and only 48.1% had a high knowledge score regarding infection control in dental clinics. The respondents exhibited high scores for practice related to COVID-19 (83.9%) and attitude toward infection control in dental clinics (91.9%). Using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, knowledge attitude practices variables showed a significant correlation amongst each other ( P < .001). Only 60% responded that extra infection control protocols will increase the treatment charges, and approximately 30% responded that they will not pay or were not sure of paying the extra charges. The proportion of respondents who were agreeing about paying the increase cost were independent of age ( P = .226), gender ( P = .328), education ( P = .085), and profession ( P = .121).

Conclusion:

A significant percentage of patients today have a lot of knowledge of COVID-19. Also, they have higher expectations than before from their dental health care providers regarding infection control.
The Challenges of Treating Female Soccer Players With ACL Injuries: Hamstring Versus Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autograft
Authors: Britt Elise , Ouillette Ryan , Edmonds Eric , Chambers Henry , Johnson Kristina , Bastrom Tracey , Pennock Andrew
Published: November 2020

Background:

Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in female soccer players, the optimal graft option for ACL reconstruction is currently unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare the outcomes of female soccer players after ACL reconstruction using either hamstring tendon autograft or bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in clinical outcome scores, return to sport, or retear rates between BTB and hamstring grafts in our study cohort.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of all skeletally mature adolescent female soccer players who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using either hamstring tendon or BTB autograft between 2013 and 2016. Demographic, injury, and surgical variables were documented. Outcome measures included the Lysholm score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Tegner activity score, and visual analog scales for pain and for satisfaction, as well as ability to return to sport.

Results:

Overall, 90 female soccer players met the inclusion criteria, of whom 79% (41 BTB and 30 hamstring) were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up or had a graft failure before the follow-up. The BTB group had a lower body mass index (mean ± SD, 23 ± 3 vs 25 ± 4; P = .02) and shorter postoperative follow-up time in months (mean ± SD, 37.4 vs 46.1; P ≤ .001); otherwise, no differences in demographic, injury, or surgical variables between groups were noted. Regarding outcome measures, the BTB group achieved a higher Tegner score (6.0 vs 4.2; P = .004), and there was no other difference between groups. Of the patients who did not return to soccer, 44.7% reported fear as the reason. Of the patients who did return to soccer, 31.9% sustained another ACL injury (retear or contralateral tear), with no differences in reinjury rates based on graft selection.

Conclusion:

Adolescent female soccer players undergoing ACL reconstruction had relatively high satisfaction and outcome scores independent of autograft choice. Notwithstanding, patients and families need to be counseled that less than half of patients will return to their preinjury level of sport and, if an athlete attempts to return, there is a high risk of further ACL injury.
Effect of Achilles Tendon Rupture on Player Performance and Longevity in National Basketball Association Players
Authors: Khalil Lafi S. , Jildeh Toufic R. , Tramer Joseph S. , Abbas Muhammad J. , Hessburg Luke , Mehran Nima , Okoroha Kelechi R.
Published: November 2020

Background:

National Basketball Association (NBA) players who return to sport (RTS) after Achilles tendon rupture have been reported to have poor outcomes.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of Achilles tendon ruptures on player performance and career longevity in NBA athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

NBA players who sustained Achilles tendon ruptures between 1970 and 2019 were identified using publicly available resources and were matched 1:1 to a healthy control group by age, position, height, and body mass index. Demographic characteristics, player utilization (games and minutes), and performance efficiency rating (PER) were documented for all athletes. The season of Achilles tendon rupture was set as the index year, and statistical analysis compared postindex versus preindex data both acutely and in the long term. Percentages relative to preoperative values were calculated to compare the injured and control groups in a standardized fashion.

Results:

Of 47 players, 34 (72.3%) with Achilles tendon ruptures returned to play at the NBA level after surgical intervention. A total of 7 players were excluded from the study. No differences were found in demographic characteristics or PER (2 years before injury) between the remaining 27 players and matched controls. The injured players had significantly shorter careers compared with control players (3.1 ± 2.3 vs 5.8 ± 3.5 seasons, respectively; P < .05). Injured players demonstrated significant declines in games per season (GPS), minutes per game (MPG), and PER at 1 year and 3 years after RTS compared with preindex baseline ( P < .05). Injured players, compared with control players, had reduced relative percentages of games started (GS) (50% vs 125%, respectively), MPG (83% vs 103%), and PER (80% vs 96%) at 1 year after return ( P < .05), but reductions at extended 3-year follow-up were seen only in GPS (71% vs 91%) and GS (39% vs 99%) ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Our study found that 72.3% of NBA players returned to play after Achilles tendon repair, but they had shorter careers compared with uninjured controls. Players returning from Achilles tendon repairs had decreased game utilization and performance at all time points relative to their individual preindex baseline. However, for the injured players when compared with controls, game utilization but not performance was found to be decreased at 3-year follow-up.
The Influences of Social Status and Organizational Justice on Employee Voice: A Case of Customer Care Workers
Authors: Kim Heewon , Kiura Mary
Published: November 2020

Employee voice plays a critical role in facilitating positive organizational change and development. This study seeks to identify the antecedents of challenging promotive voice, which indicates constructive challenge geared toward improvement. Specifically, we investigate the influences of formal, informal, and self-perceived status as well as the effects of interpersonal and procedural justice. The results demonstrate that: (a) informal status such as age was positively associated with challenging promotive voice; (b) self-perceived status was positively linked to challenging promotive voice; (c) both interpersonal and procedural justice increased challenging promotive voice; and (d) interpersonal justice moderated the relationship between self-perceived status and challenging promotive voice such that the effect of status was less pronounced when perceptions of interpersonal justice was higher. The findings highlight the significance of structural influences on voice behavior, calling for further research on status disparities, organizational justice climate, and employee engagement.
An atypical presentation of multidermatomal herpes zoster: a case report
Authors: Alhayyas Mohammed , Chaudhry Mehmood , Berdouk Sabrina
Published: November 2020

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) also known as shingles is a common dermatological pathology seen in the emergency department. Multidermatomal involvement is an uncommon presentation and usually is linked to immunocompromised individuals. However, it is rarely reported in the immunocompetent population.

Case presentation

We report a 30-year-old Emirati male complaining of low-grade fever for 3 days, sore throat and an uncomfortable pruritic erythematous rash over his chest and back for 2 days. He was treated the day preceding his presentation in another facility for a presumed allergic reaction after taking ibuprofen. On physical examination, he was found to have exudative tonsillitis and influenza and was treated for both and discharged. He returned to the emergency department reporting increasing pain and was referred to be seen in the dermatology clinic where a biopsy was obtained, and he was discharged with a steroid topical cream. Fourteen days later, he returned to the clinic reporting crusting of the rash; the biopsy results were positive for herpes zoster. The diagnosis of multidermatomal herpes zoster was made, and he was then treated with antivirals.

Conclusions

Herpes zoster can present with atypical manifestations. Multidermatomal HZ is a rare dermatological manifestation in the immunocompetent adult. It is characterised by a rash spread over two or more adjacent dermatomes. This case highlights the challenging diagnosis of this dermatological presentation.
Air in the right ventricle and vein after basilar skull fracture: a case report
Authors: Kai Hiroki , Hirose Tomoya , Nishiura Takaya , Noma Takashi , Ogawa Yoshihito , Yamada Tomoki , Nakae Haruhiko , Mizushima Yasuaki
Published: November 2020

Background

Air in the venous system may cause vascular air embolism, which is a potentially life-threatening event. The presence of air in venous system after basilar skull fracture is very rare.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man fell from a truck bed and suffered head and neck trauma. On hospital arrival, his consciousness was clear and his vital signs were stable. His chief complaint was pain in the back of his head and neck. Head CT showed traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in the right frontal area and basilar skull fracture of the occipital bone. Whole body CT showed pneumocephalus and air in the jugular vein and right ventricle. The patient was placed in the supine position in a state of absolute rest to prevent vascular air embolism and was treated conservatively. On hospital day 3, CT was reperformed, revealing disappearance of air in the right ventricle and decreased air in the veins of the head and neck. On hospital day 4, the air in the veins disappeared completely on CT. He did not experience vascular air embolism after increasing of his activity level (e.g., raising his head on hospital day 3 and standing and walking alone on day 5). He was discharged 34 days after admission without sequelae.

Conclusions

Head trauma patients with basilar skull fracture might develop vascular air embolism if physicians fail to detect air in the venous system on hospital arrival. A high degree of suspicion regarding air in venous system or heart is required when patients present with such injuries.
Attitude and perception of urology by fifth-year (GEMPIII) students at the end of their mixed block rotation at Wits Medical School
Authors: Tshiala Alain Kabongo , Haffejee Mohamed , Nel Marietha
Published: November 2020

Background

This University Medical School offers a 6-year MBBCh programme, of which the fifth year consists of seven blocks of 6 weeks each of which 2 weeks are mixed rotations in specialities such as ophthalmology, ear–nose–throat and urology. The purpose of the study was to assess the current urology knowledge and skills confidence amongst undergraduate medical students regarding urological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, in order to evaluate the current curriculum for possible need of improvement.

Methods

This was a qualitative survey of 250 fifth-year medical students from September 2019 to February 2020. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire consisting of two parts: The first component covered the students perceptions of the urology rotation, and the second component contained the students self-evaluations. The aim of the study was to evaluate students perceptions of the current urology curriculum and to assess the possible need for improvement in urological knowledge and skill.

Results

Of 250 (100%) voluntary participants, 159 (63.6%) were female and 91(36.4%) were male. The majority of students considered their urology knowledge on lithiasis/stone disease and erectile dysfunction sufficient and were comfortable with male catheterisation. Voiding dysfunction, paediatric urology and uro-oncology were the subjects students commonly expressed a deficit in. There was a statistical significant difference in females having a more positive attitude to urology, than males (p = 0.02). No statistical significant difference in attitude to urology was found between students who rotated in one center opposed to students who rotated in another center. Indeed, the majority of students had a negative attitude to urology at the end of the mixed block rotations regardless of the training location. Unattractivity and lack of knowledge were the most common reasons for not choosing urology as a career.

Conclusion

The study reveals a need for improvement in basic urological knowledge and skills during the mixed block rotation. A more practical curriculum, taking into account: bedside teachings, attendance of urological clinics and more exposure to urological patients, are some suggestions to be considered in improving the urological educational curriculum.
Highly diversified core promoters in the human genome and their effects on gene expression and disease predisposition
Authors: Gupta Hemant , Chandratre Khyati , Sinha Siddharth , Huang Teng , Wu Xiaobing , Cui Jian , Zhang Michael Q. , Wang San Ming
Published: November 2020

Background

Core promoter controls transcription initiation. However, little is known for core promoter diversity in the human genome and its relationship with diseases. We hypothesized that as a functional important component in the genome, the core promoter in the human genome could be under evolutionary selection, as reflected by its highly diversification in order to adjust gene expression for better adaptation to the different environment.

Results

Applying the “Exome-based Variant Detection in Core-promoters” method, we analyzed human core-promoter diversity by using the 2682 exome data sets of 25 worldwide human populations sequenced by the 1000 Genome Project. Collectively, we identified 31,996 variants in the core promoter region (− 100 to + 100) of 12,509 human genes (https://dbhcpd.fhs.um.edu.mo). Analyzing the rich variation data identified highly ethnic-specific patterns of core promoter variation between different ethnic populations, the genes with highly variable core promoters, the motifs affected by the variants, and their involved functional pathways. eQTL test revealed that 12% of core promoter variants can significantly alter gene expression level. Comparison with GWAS data we located 163 variants as the GWAS identified traits associated with multiple diseases, half of these variants can alter gene expression.

Conclusion

Data from our study reals the highly diversified nature of core promoter in the human genome, and highlights that core promoter variation could play important roles not only in gene expression regulation but also in disease predisposition.
Deep sampling and pooled amplicon sequencing reveals hidden genic variation in heterogeneous rye accessions
Authors: Hawliczek Anna , Bolibok Leszek , Tofil Katarzyna , Borzęcka Ewa , Jankowicz-Cieślak Joanna , Gawroński Piotr , Kral Adam , Till Bradley J. , Bolibok-Brągoszewska Hanna
Published: November 2020

Background

Loss of genetic variation negatively impacts breeding efforts and food security. Genebanks house over 7 million accessions representing vast allelic diversity that is a resource for sustainable breeding. Discovery of DNA variations is an important step in the efficient use of these resources. While technologies have improved and costs dropped, it remains impractical to consider resequencing millions of accessions. Candidate genes are known for most agronomic traits, providing a list of high priority targets. Heterogeneity in seed stocks means that multiple samples from an accession need to be evaluated to recover available alleles.

To address this we developed a pooled amplicon sequencing approach and applied it to the out-crossing cereal rye(Secale cerealeL.).

Results

Using the amplicon sequencing approach 95 rye accessions of different improvement status and worldwide origin, each represented by a pooled sample comprising DNA of 96 individual plants, were evaluated for sequence variation in six candidate genes with significant functions on biotic and abiotic stress resistance, and seed quality. Seventy-four predicted deleterious variants were identified using multiple algorithms. Rare variants were recovered including those found only in a low percentage of seed.

Conclusions

We conclude that this approach provides a rapid and flexible method for evaluating stock heterogeneity, probing allele diversity, and recovering previously hidden variation.

A large extent of within-population heterogeneity revealed in the study provides an important point for consideration during rye germplasm conservation and utilization efforts.
Predictive efficacy of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for long-term prognosis in new onset acute coronary syndrome: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Yi , Xu Yanan , Wang Jun , Zhai Xueqin , Jiang Haibing
Published: November 2020

Background

Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of coronary artery diseases (CADs), including acute coronary syndrome. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a novel marker of the pro-inflammatory state. We aimed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the NLR for the prognosis of patients with new-onset ACS.

Methods

We retrospectively included consecutive patients with new-onset ACS treated with emergency coronary angiography. NLR was measured at baseline and analyzed by tertiles. The severity of coronary lesions was evaluated by the Gensini score. Correlations of NLR with the severity of CAD and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular diseases (MACEs) during follow-up were determined.

Results

Overall, 737 patients were included. The NLR was positively correlated with the severity of coronary lesions as assessed by Gensini score (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period (mean, 43.49 ± 23.97 months), 65 MACEs occurred. No significant association was detected between baseline NLR and the risk of MACEs during follow-up by either Kaplan–Meier or Cox regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a higher NLR was independently associated with coronary lesion severity as measured by the Gensini score (1st tertile vs. 3rd tertile hazard ratio [HR]: 0.527, P < 0.001, and 2nd tertile vs. 3rd tertile HR: 0.474, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

The NLR may be associated with coronary disease severity at baseline but is not associated with adverse outcomes in patients with new-onset ACS.

Ethics Approval Number

2019XE0208