bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who knew? The misleading specificity of “double-blind” and what to do about it
Authors: Lang Thomas A. , Stroup Donna F.
Published: August 2020

Background

In randomized trials, the term “double-blind” (and its derivatives, single- and triple-blind, fully blind, and partially blind or masked) has no standard or widely accepted definition. Agreement about which groups are blinded is poor, and authors using these terms often do not identify which groups were blinded, despite specific reporting guidelines to the contrary. Nevertheless, many readers assume—incorrectly—that they know which groups are blinded. Thus, the term is ambiguous at best, misleading at worst, and, in either case, interferes with the accurate reporting, interpretation, and evaluation of randomized trials. The problems with the terms have been thoroughly documented in the literature, and many authors have recommended that they be abandoned.

Proposal

We and our co-signers suggest eliminating the use of adjectives that modify “blinding” in randomized trials; a trial would be described as either blinded or unblinded. We also propose that authors report in a standard table which groups or individuals were blinded, what they were blinded to, how blinding was implemented, and whether blinding was maintained. Individuals with dual responsibilities, such as caregiving and data collecting, would also be identified. If blinding was compromised, authors should describe the potential implications of the loss of blinding on interpreting the results.

Conclusion

“Double blind” and its derivatives are terms with little to recommend their continued use. Eliminating the use of adjectives that impart a false specificity to the term would reduce misinterpretations, and recommending that authors report who was blinded to what and how in a standard table would require them to be specific about which groups and individuals were blinded.
Correction to: A nurse-led health coaching intervention for stroke survivors and their family caregivers in hospital to home transition care in Chongqing, China: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Shuanglan , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Chamberlain Diane
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The effect of regular aerobic exercise on sleep quality and fatigue among female student dormitory residents
Authors: Ezati Maryam , Keshavarz Maryam , Barandouzi Zahra Amirkhanzadeh , Montazeri Ali
Published: August 2020

Background

Emerging research shows a high prevalence of fatigue and sleep problems among university students. The present study evaluates the effects of regular aerobic exercise on sleep quality and fatigue level among female students (ages 18–26) who reside in dormitories.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study involving 67 participants consisted of one experimental group (i.e., assigned aerobic exercise) and one control group (i.e., not assigned aerobic exercise). Participants in the experimental group received three one-hour sessions aerobic exercise weekly ranging from mild to moderate intensity for eight-week. Sleep quality and fatigue level were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and standard Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), respectively. These variables were assessed at baseline, week four, and week eight of the study.

Results

After four and 8 weeks of the intervention, participants in the aerobic group showed improvement in the score of sleep quality (p < 0.001 andp < 0.0001, respectively) and its components (except for sleep duration after 4 weeks intervention). Also, aerobic exercise resulted in a significant reduction of the total score of fatigue and its dimensions in weeks four and eight, compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Four-week aerobic exercise with mild intensity had no significant effect on sleep duration. Conversely, intensified aerobic exercise for 8 weeks influenced all components of sleep quality.

Trial registration

The study was registered on 6/2/2015 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with numberIRCT201412282324N15.
Association of glial and neuronal degeneration markers with Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid profile and cognitive functions
Authors: Teitsdottir Unnur D. , Jonsdottir Maria K. , Lund Sigrun H. , Darreh-Shori Taher , Snaedal Jon , Petersen Petur H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Neuroinflammation has gained increasing attention as a potential contributing factor in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to examine the association of selected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammatory and neuronal degeneration markers with signature CSF AD profile and cognitive functions among subjects at the symptomatic pre- and early dementia stages.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 52 subjects were selected from an Icelandic memory clinic cohort. Subjects were classified as having AD (n = 28, age = 70, 39% female, Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] = 27) or non-AD (n = 24, age = 67, 33% female, MMSE = 28) profile based on the ratio between CSF total-tau (T-tau) and amyloid-β1–42 (Aβ42) values (cut-off point chosen as 0.52). Novel CSF biomarkers included neurofilament light (NFL), YKL-40, S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Subjects underwent neuropsychological assessment for evaluation of different cognitive domains, including verbal episodic memory, non-verbal episodic memory, language, processing speed, and executive functions.

Results

Accuracy coefficient for distinguishing between the two CSF profiles was calculated for each CSF marker and test. Novel CSF markers performed poorly (area under curve [AUC] coefficients ranging from 0.61 to 0.64) compared to tests reflecting verbal episodic memory, which all performed fair (AUC > 70). LASSO regression with a stability approach was applied for the selection of CSF markers and demographic variables predicting performance on each cognitive domain, both among all subjects and only those with a CSF AD profile. Relationships between CSF markers and cognitive domains, where the CSF marker reached stability selection criteria of > 75%, were visualized with scatter plots. Before calculations of corresponding Pearson’s correlations coefficients, composite scores for cognitive domains were adjusted for age and education. GFAP correlated with executive functions (r = − 0.37, p = 0.01) overall, while GFAP correlated with processing speed (r = − 0.68, p < 0.001) and NFL with verbal episodic memory (r = − 0.43, p = 0.02) among subjects with a CSF AD profile.

Conclusions

The novel CSF markers NFL and GFAP show potential as markers for cognitive decline among individuals with core AD pathology at the symptomatic pre- and early stages of dementia.
Multimodality approach to the nipple-areolar complex: a pictorial review and diagnostic algorithm
Authors: del Riego Javier , Pitarch Mireia , Codina Clara , Nebot Laura , Andreu Francisco J. , Aparicio Oscar , Medina Alexandra , Martín Amaya
Published: August 2020

The anatomic and histologic characteristics of the nipple-areolar complex make this breast region special. The nipple-areolar complex can be affected by abnormal development and a wide spectrum of pathological conditions, many of which have unspecific clinical and radiological presentations that can present a challenge for radiologists. The nipple-areolar complex requires a specific imaging workup in which a multimodal approach is essential. Radiologists need to know the different imaging modalities used to study the nipple-areolar complex, as well as their advantages and limitations. It is essential to get acquainted with the acquisition technique for each modality and the spectrum of findings for the different conditions. This review describes and illustrates a combined clinical and radiological approach to evaluate the nipple-areolar complex, emphasizing the findings for the normal morphology, developmental abnormalities, and the most common benign and malignant diseases that can affect this region. We also present a diagnostic algorithm that enables a rapid, practical approach to diagnosing condition involving the nipple-areolar complex.
Ciliary body suturing using intraocular irrigation for traumatic cyclodialysis: two case reports
Authors: Nagashima Taishi , Kohmoto Ryohsuke , Fukumoto Masanori , Oosuka Shou , Sato Takaki , Kobayashi Takatoshi , Kida Teruyo , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: August 2020

Background

We report two cases (two eyes) of traumatic cyclodialysis with prolonged decrease of intraocular pressure that were successfully treated with surgery by ciliary body suturing using intraocular irrigation.

Case presentation

This study involved a 17-year-old Japanese boy (patient 1) and a 31-year-old Japanese man (patient 2) in whom cyclodialysis was sustained in one eye after blunt-force ocular trauma from a thrown ball. Because the hypotony maculopathy in both patients did not resolve after conservative treatment, ciliary body suturing was performed. Briefly, a 25-gauge trocar intraocular irrigation needle for vitrectomy was inserted into the vitreous cavity of the injured eye. A lamellar scleral flap was then made, and an incision was created on the sclera while maintaining intraocular pressure. Next, the detached ciliary body was sutured to the sclera under direct vision. The intraocular fluid at the site of cyclodialysis was then rapidly drained from the scleral wound because of elevated intraocular pressure in the vitreous cavity, and the ciliary body was visually recognized through the scleral wound under direct vision, thus allowing a stable suture fixation of the ciliary body to the sclera. Postoperatively, the treated eye in both cases showed improvement of intraocular pressure and visual function.

Conclusions

The surgical method described in this report was found to be effective for draining intraocular fluid at the site of cyclodialysis and for performing a stable suture fixation of the ciliary body to the sclera through the scleral wound under direct vision, and it should be considered advantageous for avoiding intraoperative bleeding and suturing in a blinded manner.
A comprehensive DNA panel next generation sequencing approach supporting diagnostics and therapy prediction in neurooncology
Authors: Lorenz Julia , Rothhammer-Hampl Tanja , Zoubaa Saida , Bumes Elisabeth , Pukrop Tobias , Kölbl Oliver , Corbacioglu Selim , Schmidt Nils O. , Proescholdt Martin , Hau Peter , Riemenschneider Markus J.
Published: August 2020

Recent updates in the classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors have increased the need for molecular testing. Assessment of multiple alterations in parallel, complex combinations of gene sequence and chromosomal changes, as well as therapy prediction by identification of actionable mutations are the major challenges. We here report on a customized next generation sequencing (NGS)-based DNA panel assay that combines diagnostic and predictive testing and -as a comprehensive approach- allows for simultaneous single nucleotide variant (SNP) / small insertion/deletion (InDel), copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) detection. We analyzed formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA from a total of 104 patients with CNS tumors. After amplicon capture-based library preparation, sequencing was performed on the relatively cost-efficient Illiumina MiniSeq platform and evaluated with freely available bioinformatical tools. 57 genes for exonic SNP/InDel calling (19 of those in intronic regions for CNV analysis), 3 chromosomal arms and 4 entire chromosomes for CNV and LOH analysis were covered. Results were extensively validated. Our approach yielded high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. It led to refined diagnoses in a relevant number of analyzed cases, reliably enabled complex subclassifications (e.g. for medulloblastomas) and identified actionable targets for clinical use. Thus, our single-platform approach is an efficient and powerful tool to comprehensively support molecular testing in neurooncology. Future functionality is guaranteed as novel upcoming biomarkers can be easily incorporated in a modular panel design.
A realistic phantom of the human head for PET-MRI
Authors: Harries Johanna , Jochimsen Thies H. , Scholz Thomas , Schlender Tina , Barthel Henryk , Sabri Osama , Sattler Bernhard
Published: August 2020

Background

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (PET-MRI) is a unique hybrid imaging modality mainly used in oncology and neurology. The MRI-based attenuation correction (MRAC) is crucial for correct quantification of PET data. A suitable phantom to validate quantitative results in PET-MRI is currently missing. In particular, the correction of attenuation due to bone is usually not verified by commonly available phantoms. The aim of this work was, thus, the development of such a phantom and to explore whether such a phantom might be used to validate MRACs.

Method

Various materials were investigated for their attenuation and MR properties. For the substitution of bone, water-saturated gypsum plaster was used. The attenuation of 511 keV annihilation photons was regulated by addition of iodine. Adipose tissue was imitated by silicone and brain tissue by agarose gel, respectively. The practicability with respect to the comparison of MRACs was checked as follows: A small flask inserted into the phantom and a large spherical phantom (serving as a reference with negligible error in MRAC) were filled with the very same activity concentration. The activity concentration was measured and compared using clinical protocols on PET-MRI and different built-in and offline MRACs. The same measurements were carried out using PET-CT for comparison.

Results

The phantom imitates the human head in sufficient detail. All tissue types including bone were detected as such so that the phantom-based comparison of the quantification accuracy of PET-MRI was possible. Quantitatively, the activity concentration in the brain, which was determined using different MRACs, showed a deviation of about 5% on average and a maximum deviation of 11% compared to the spherical phantom. For PET-CT, the deviation was 5%.

Conclusions

The comparatively small error in quantification indicates that it is possible to construct a brain PET-MRI phantom that leads to MR-based attenuation-corrected images with reasonable accuracy.
β-Catenin: oncogenic role and therapeutic target in cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Bingqi , Li Xianping , Liu Lei , Wang Min
Published: August 2020

Cervical cancer is a common and fatal malignancy of the female reproductive system. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary causal agent for cervical cancer, but HPV infection alone is insufficient to cause the disease. Actually, most HPV infections are sub-clinical and cleared spontaneously by the host immune system; very few persist and eventually develop into cervical cancer. Therefore, other host or environmental alterations could also contribute to the malignant phenotype. One of the candidate co-factors is the β-catenin protein, a pivotal component of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. β-Catenin mainly implicates two major cellular activities: cell–cell adhesion and signal transduction. Recent studies have indicated that an imbalance in the structural and signaling properties of β-catenin leads to various cancers, such as cervical cancer. In this review, we will systematically summarize the role of β-catenin in cervical cancer and provide new insights into therapeutic strategies.
Clinical feasibility and benefits of a tapered, sand-blasted, and acid-etched surfaced tissue-level dental implant
Authors: Sodnom-Ish Buyanbileg , Eo Mi Young , Nguyen Truc Thi Hoang , Kim Myung-Joo , Kim Soung Min
Published: August 2020

Background

It has been 50 years since Brånemark first introduced the concept of osseointegration. Since then, numerous ongoing research, developments, and optimization of implant properties have been conducted. Despite the high survival and success rates of dental implants, failures still occur in a small number of patients that are being rehabilitated by implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival and success rate of the Stella® implants that incorporate sand-blasted and acid-etched (S&E) surface treatment and tapered body design to confirm their clinical feasibility and benefits after placement.

Methods

We reviewed 61 partially and fully edentulous patients who underwent a tapered, S&E surfaced tissue-level implant placement between May 2013 and February 2016 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Patient characteristics and treatment results were collected, and records of dental implants were analyzed clinically and radiologically.

Results

A total of 105 implant fixtures were placed in these patients. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 63.7 years with a range of 31 to 88 years. In total, 4.0-mm and 4.5-mm diameter implants were the most frequently used dental implants (40%, 49%) in this study. Implants 8.5 mm in length were predominantly used (60%). Seventy dental implants were placed in the mandible (70%), and only one dental implant was placed in the maxillary anterior region. At the end of the 5-year observation period, the success rate of the Stella® implants was 98.1%. Among the 105 implants placed, 2 were considered to be failures. Summarizing the clinical and radiographic results, the remaining 103 implants were considered successfully integrated.

Conclusion

The overall success rate was 98.1%. The tapered, S&E surfaced tissue-level implant system exhibited great performance in a variety of clinical situations including failed implant sites that enabled predictable and successful treatment outcomes. The effectives of a tapered design of tissue level, not a parallel design, are shown in this clinical report.
Patients’ experiences of Parkinson’s disease: a qualitative study in glucocerebrosidase and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bonner N. , Bozzi S. , Morgan L. , Mason B. , Peterschmitt M. J. , Fischer T. Z. , Arbuckle R. , Reaney M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Approximately 7–10% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients carry a GBA (Glucocerebrosidase) mutation (GBA-PD patients), which may influence the disease’s clinical course.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the patient experience of GBA-PD and identify the most important symptoms and impacts to inform clinical trial measurement strategies.

Methods

Twenty PD patients (n = 15 GBA-PD; n = 5 idiopathic-PD) participated in qualitative interviews which explored concepts spontaneously reported or identified through a literature review. Telephone interviews with five expert clinicians included discussion of a preliminary conceptual model derived from literature. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results

Thirty symptoms reported by patients were categorized as motor, non-motor, and cognitive/psychiatric. Tremor (n = 13), memory loss (n = 13), rigidity/stiffness (n = 11), and speech problems (n = 11) were considered the most important and impactful symptoms by GBA-PD patients, although other symptoms were also relevant to the majority of patients. Key impacts included: sleep disturbances (n = 13), handwriting changes (n = 13), reduced social interaction (n = 12), dyskinesia (n = 10), depressed mood (n = 9), and fear of falling (n = 8). Key symptoms and impacts reported by GBA-PD patients were consistent with those reported by idiopathic-PD patients. Clinician interview results supported the patient findings, although some clinicians indicated that cognitive/psychiatric symptoms may present earlier in GBA-PD patients. The concepts emerging from the research informed updates to a conceptual model of GBA-PD patients’ disease experience.

Conclusions

The findings provide in-depth understanding of the patient experience of GBA-PD. The findings confirm that the concepts relevant to assess in GBA-PD are consistent with those relevant to assess in idiopathic-PD; however, greater consideration of cognitive/psychiatric symptoms may be warranted in GBA-PD populations.
Use of rituximab in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Boyeva Veronika , Alabsi Hatim , Seidman Michael A. , Paterson Ryan , Kur Jason , Chen Luke Y. C. , Chang Silvia D. , Carruthers Mollie
Published: August 2020

Background

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue in the retroperitoneum. The majority of RPF cases are due to idiopathic or IgG4-related disease. Recent studies on IgG4-related disease have shown rituximab to be an effective treatment. The current first-line treatment for idiopathic RPF (iRPF) is glucocorticoid therapy. Relapse rates vary widely in the literature, and DMARDs remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab in idiopathic RPF by quantifying changes in iRPF diameter on imaging pre- and post-rituximab therapy and response by lab parameters in 10 iRPF patients.

Methods

We selected 10 patients diagnosed with iRPF and previously treated with rituximab (1000 mg) in two doses approximately 2 weeks apart. Pre- and post-therapy contrast enhanced cross-sectional abdomen and pelvis imaging were compared. In all patients, the thickest portion of the peri-aortic disease was measured in the axial and coronal planes. The presence of acute or long standing back pressure related renal findings were documented. Details of clinical visits including patient demographics and laboratory evaluations were collected pre- and post-therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The RPF diameter around the aorta before and after therapy decreased from a mean of 15.9 ± 4.9 mm to 10.6 ± 6.1 mm, respectively (p < 0.01). The craniocaudal iRPF mean length decreased from 108.6 mm ± 40.4 mm to 90.6 mm ± 45.9 mm (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

A comparison of pre and post-rituximab imaging studies revealed a statistically significant decrease in iRPF diameter following treatment with rituximab.
Assessment of job satisfaction, work-related strain, and perceived stress in nurses working in different departments in the same hospital: a survey study
Authors: Erdoğan Cem , Doğan Sibel , Çakmak Rumeysa , Kizilaslan Deniz , Hizarci Burcu , Karaaslan Pelin , Öz Hüseyin
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether working at ICU, inpatient services, or the operating room creates differences in job satisfaction (JS), work-related strain (WRS), and perceived stress (PS) of nurses.

Research methodology

The study data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The data collection tools utilized in the study included a questionnaire form consisting of 19 questions.

Work-Related Strain Inventory (WRSI), Short-Form Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (SF-MSQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used.

Results

Across all groups, the mean scores of SF-MSQ were statistically significantly the lowest in the groups of nurses, who were not economically satisfied with their salaries at all, who reported that they did not do their dream jobs and that they were not fond of their jobs.

The mean scores of WRSI were statistically significantly the lowest across all groups in the groups of nurses.

The mean PSS scores were statistically significantly the lowest across all compared groups in the groups of nurses, who commute to work by their private cars.

Conclusion

Hospital management and nursing services should address the overtime working conditions of nurses and provide satisfactory wage improvements.
Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of the anti-inflammatory effect of 2,3-disubstituted quinazoline-4(1H)-one
Authors: Ghodge Bhimrao , Kshirsagar Ajay , Navghare Vijay
Published: August 2020

Background

Quinazolin-4(1H)-one nucleus has attracted the attention of medicinal chemists due to their clinical uses. Modification of quinazolinone ring for the development of pharmaceutical and clinical compound for its anti-inflammatory potential.

Results

In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds was performed by using egg albumin protein denaturation assay, while in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma pouch model.

In the present study, we synthesized a new series of 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives and evaluated their in vivo, in vitro anti-inflammatory effect. Their chemical structures are confirmed by FTIR, 1HNMR, and mass spectrum. Among all the synthesized compounds, G1 and G3 exhibit the significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting release of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandin, histamine, and serotonin. in both in vivo and in vitro models as compared to compound G2.

Conclusion

These synthesized compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting prostaglandins and COX enzymes. So, all test compounds may be used for both inflammation as well as inflammation-induced cancer therapy. Future various screening method related with inflammation and inflammation-induced cancer needs to be evaluated pre-clinically and clinically.
Normal active range of motion of lower extremity joints of the healthy young adults in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Abu El Kasem Shimaa T. , Aly Sobhy M. , Kamel Ehab M. , Hussein Hisham M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Range of motion (ROM) can be considered as one of the most commonly measured variables in musculoskeletal health care. When interpreting ROM, a common method is to compare obtained ROM values to normative data. So the current study aimed to establish (1) normative active ROM (AROM) values for lower extremity joints in young Egyptian adults, (2) compare the AROM between dominant and non-dominant lower extremity joints, and (3) compare between the values of AROM of lower extremity joints in both genders.

Results

Pairedt-test demonstrated that there was statistical but not a clinical difference between the dominant and non-dominant ROM values of the lower extremity joints. Unpairedt-test revealed that there was statistical but not a clinical difference between male and female ROM values of lower extremity joints.

Conclusions

This study summarized normative data of Egyptian young adults; there were statistical but not a clinical difference between dominant and none dominant lower extremity joints in AROM and between males and females.
Increased Body Mass Index Is Associated With A Nondilutional Reduction in Antimüllerian Hormone
Authors: Jaswa Eleni Greenwood , Rios Julie S , Cedars Marcelle I , Santoro Nanette F , Pavone Mary Ellen G , Legro Richard S , Huddleston Heather G
Published: August 2020

Context

Controversy exists regarding if and how body mass index (BMI) impacts antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Understanding the BMI-AMH relationship has critical implications for clinical interpretation of laboratory values and could illuminate underlying ovarian physiology.

Objective

To test the hypotheses that (1) BMI is associated with reduced AMH in PCOS and ovulatory controls (OVAs) and (2) the reduction in AMH is not accounted for by dilutional effects.

Design/Setting

Multicenter cohort.

Participants

Women aged 25 to 40 years from 2 clinical populations: 640 with PCOS, 921 women as OVAs.

Main Outcome Measures

Ovarian reserve indices: AMH, antral follicle count (AFC), and AMH to AFC ratio (AMH/AFC) as a marker of per-follicle AMH production.

Results

In both cohorts, increasing BMI and waist circumference were associated with reductions in AMH and AMH/AFC, after adjusting for age, race, smoking, and site in multivariate regression models. Increasing BMI was associated with reduced AFC in PCOS but not OVAs. Body surface area (BSA), which unlike BMI is strongly proportional to plasma volume, was added to investigate a potential dilutive effect of body size on AMH concentrations. After controlling for BSA, BMI retained independent associations with AMH in both cohorts; BSA no longer associated with AMH.

Conclusions

In an adjusted analysis, BMI, but not BSA, was associated with reduced AMH; these data do not support a role for hemodilution in mediating the relationship between increased body size and reduced AMH. Decreased AMH production by the follicle unit may be responsible for reduced AMH with increasing BMI.
States of Crisis, Flags of Convenience
Authors: Jobson Ryan Cecil
Published: August 2020

This essay serves as an introduction to the special section “States of Crisis.” Principally a meditation on political and ecological crisis in the Caribbean, this introduction revisits two concurrent events—the devastation of The Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian, and the arrival of the first oil production vessel in Guyanese territorial waters—and probes the contradictions between the extractive imperative of economic nationalism and the existential threat of Caribbean extinction. Engaging “flags of convenience” as a practice of merchant ship registration and a metaphor for the ideal of postcolonial sovereignty, this essay considers how climate crisis demands a refusal of the state form as the limit to a regional political horizon and a rejection of nationalist historiography as a basis for the project of Caribbean criticism.
The Infrastructures of Liberation at the End of the World
Authors: Welcome Leniqueca A.
Published: August 2020

Looking ethnographically at the 2018 flooding of Greenvale Park, Trinidad, and in conversation with disasters and their aftershocks throughout the region, this essay explores the entanglements of crisis, loss, and liberation. Drawing on the grassroot responses to recent not-so-natural crisis events as evidence, it shows that repetitive states of coconstituted ecological and political-economic devastation create vivid spaces of loss that make clear to the affected that repeating states of dystopia cannot be ruptured by the reiteration of the past political visions of nation-states. Finally, the essay suggests that our apocalyptic present makes the case for an abolitionist praxis to intentionally end this world that singularly values Man2/homo oeconomicus to save ourselves as a species.
Debt, Crisis, and Resurgence in Puerto Rico
Authors: Garriga-López Adriana María
Published: August 2020

This essay addresses the epistemic limits of crisis as a trope for thinking about the future of Puerto Rico in the context of fiscal austerity programs and the combined effects of multiple disasters. Small-scale agriculture and mutual aid offer models of resistance to US colonialism as the underlying power structure reinforcing debt and political subservience. What can be perceived or accomplished outside the self-perpetuating frame of crisis? This essay sketches the contours of a different approach, one that considers what Puerto Ricans owe to each other as well as accounts for those debts owed to Puerto Ricans that will likely never be paid.
The association between carotid calcium on dental panoramic radiographs and coronary calcium score on chest computerized tomography
Authors: Carasso Shemy , Porat Ben Amy Dalit , Issawy Mariana , Kusniec Fabio , Ghanim Diab , Sudarsky Doron , Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Kinany Wadi , Shmuel Chen , Abu El-Naaj Imad , Kachel Erez , Amir Offer
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Coronary artery calcium measured by CT predicts future coronary events. Similarly, carotid artery calcium on dental panoramic radiographs has been associated with increased cardiovascular events. Pre-procedural assessment of candidates for valve replacement in our institution includes panoramic radiographs and chest tomography. We aimed to assess the association of carotid calcium on panoramic radiographs with coronary artery calcium on chest tomography.

Methods:

Paired pre-procedural panoramic radiographs and chest tomography scans were done in 177 consecutive patients between October 2016 and October 2017. Carotid calcium was quantified using NIH’s ImageJ. Coronary artery calcium was quantified by the Agatston score using Philips Intellispace portal, v. 8.0.1.20640.

Results:

Carotid calcium maximal intensity, area and perimeter were higher among patients with high coronary artery calcium. Non-zero carotid calcium was found in half of patients with high coronary artery calcium, doubling prevalence of low coronary artery calcium.

Conclusion:

Carotid calcium identified in panoramic radiographs was associated with high coronary artery calcium. Awareness of carotid calcium recognized by dental practitioners in low-cost, low radiation and commonly done panoramic radiographs may be useful to identify patients at risk of coronary disease with potential future cardiovascular events.
Case Report: Sigmoid volvulus associated with a torsion of an ovarian cyst
Authors: Zenaidi Hakim , Ben Ismail Imen , Karma Kamel , Rekik Fatma , Khanchel Fatma , Zoghlami Ayoub
Published: August 2020

Sigmoid volvulus is a life-threatening condition rarely seen in young adults. However, adnexal torsion is one of the top causes of gynecological emergencies, with prevalence increasing with the presence of an ovarian cyst. The association of sigmoid volvulus and adnexal torsion is exceptional. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department for abdominal pain evolving for six hours, associated with gas and fecal matter obstruction. Clinical examination showed a restless patient with tachycardia and distended abdomen with severe tenderness in the left iliac fossa. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed dilated large bowel loops showing bird beak-like narrowing of the sigmoid colon and whirl sign, suggestive of sigmoid volvulus with bowel wall compromise associated with left adnexal torsion secondary to a large pelvic mass. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy. Exploration showed a torsion of the left adnexa secondary to a large cyst of the left ovary, carrying the sigmoid colon with it, which produces a volvulus of the sigmoid colon with 720° anticlockwise rotation. A sigmoid colectomy and Hartmann’s procedure associated with a left adnexectomy were performed. Although rare, the occurrence of a volvulus of the sigmoid in the young woman must be suggestive of torsion of the adnexa. Surgical management must be prompt, allowing both the ovary and the sigmoid to be saved.
The Use of Augmented Virtuality As an Immersive Educational Technology in the Framework of Specialized Education of Schoolchildren
Authors: Grinshkun A.
Published: August 2020

This article discusses the interim results of research under the RFBR project No. 19-29-14153 "Fundamentals of transformation of the content and methods of general education as a result of the use of the technology of augmented virtuality by students (on the example of teaching computer science)", which analyzed the technology of augmented reality in relation to other immersive technologies, real and virtual educational materials, as well as significant features of specialized school education. The article highlights various approaches to supplementing the virtual space with real objects, as well as the areas of their application in the framework of teaching schoolchildren at the profile level.
Communicative Culture of Teachers and Parents As a Condition for the Upbringing of Freedom in Children's Behavior
Authors: Arnautova E. , Vorob'eva I. , Rychagova Elena
Published: August 2020

This article emphasizes the correlation between the communicative culture of adults (teachers and parents) and cultivation of freedom in preschool children’s behavior. The first part of the article is devoted to the pedagogical approaches to development of preschool children's communicative ways of speech communication. Among the methods of dialogical speech development there are communicative games, verbal didactic games with pair interaction and problematic situations. The communicative content of these games is realized through the child's implementation of certain game rules, which are perceived as rules of communication. This part discovers the effectiveness of playing out communicative situations as a method to master children’s culture of communication with their peers. The relations of full-fledged communication and cooperation require a significant renewal of children's life organization in kindergarten, and conditions for free communication, without any instructions, for the emancipation of the child's and the adult's personalities.

The article shows the possibilities of children’s artistic activity for their dialogical communication with peers and teacher. It considers the features of organizing creative artistic activities when children create their own product (drawing, modeling, application, DIY) and wonder the opinion of other people – adults and children. This discussion differs from everyday dialogue in its content, since it has an artistic focus on the perception of art and creative activity. It is shown that communication during joint creativity of children arises due to an objective situation and a desire of children to cooperate, co-creation and empathy.

The final part of the article is related to the content of experimental work to support the communicative culture of teachers and parents as the first transmitters of healthy communication experience to children. It examines domestic and foreign communication models that are most effective in working with teachers and parents of preschool children. The important elements of communication are explained accompanied by examples. Such support includes not only the level of verbal communication, but also a certain type of contact between an adult and a child: emotional, motional, gaming.
Genetically modified foods: construction and validation of a questionnaire to ascertain the knowledge, opinion and training of physicians and nutritionists
Authors: Vieira Isabella Ribeiro de Figueiredo , Brandão Teresa , Pinto Elisabete , Silva Margarida
Published: August 2020

Introdução: Alimentos geneticamente modificados (AGM) entraram recentemente no mercado europeu. Essa decisão política gerou polêmica social devido ao debate sobre os riscos reais à saúde e ao meio ambiente. Diante dessa realidade, profissionais da saúde, como médicos e nutricionistas, desempenham papel fundamental na decodificação dessa nova tecnologia de alimentos. Portanto, é relevante um diagnóstico da realidade pessoal, profissional e das necessidades de treinamento desses especialistas em relação ao AGM. Objetivos: Construir e validar um questionário para caracterizar as necessidades de conhecimento, opinião e treinamento de nutricionistas e médicos sobre alimentos geneticamente modificados. Método: o questionário foi implementado on-line em 2016, com um total de 526 respondentes. Foram aplicadas estratégias de validação por meio de análise semântica, análise de consistência interna e análise fatorial exploratória. Resultados e Discussão: O questionário foi validado, apresentando confiabilidade baseada no coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,76. Foram extraídos 17 fatores, organizados em quatro temas: opinião, formação, conhecimento e realidade pessoal / profissional. Este artigo destaca a importância dos procedimentos estatísticos na validação de questionários. Conclusão: O questionário pode ser implementado como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico para verificar a realidade dos profissionais de saúde (médicos e nutricionistas, em particular) que lidam com os desafios da introdução de alimentos transgênicos na dieta alimentar humana.
Sustentabilidade: utilização de vegetais na forma integral ou de partes alimentícias não convencionais para elaboração de farinhas
Authors: Ramos Raíssa Vieira Ribeiro , De Oliveira Rodolfo Mantovany , Teixeira Natali Silva , De Souza Monica Mano Vieira , Manhães Luciana Ribeiro Trajano , Lima Elaine Cristina De Souza
Published: August 2020

Introdução: O desperdício é um grande problema enfrentado pelo Brasil, em função dos hábitos alimentares, sendo o aproveitamento de cascas de frutas, folhas e talos de hortaliças ainda baixo. Sabe-se, no entanto, que a utilização dessas partes tradicionalmente não aproveitadas pode contribuir para a produção de alimentos mais saudáveis, nutritivos e com menor impacto negativo para o meio ambiente. Objetivo: Aproveitar os vegetais na sua forma integral ou de suas partes alimentícias não convencionais, e caracterizar as farinhas obtidas, com vistas à alimentação humana. Métodos: As farinhas foram obtidas de banana verdes (casca e polpa), casca de tangerina, casca e polpa de berinjela e bagaço de uva oriundo da produção de suco de uva, que foram secas em estufa ventilada a 40°C por 48 horas. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Resultados: As farinhas apresentaram alto teor de fibras (17,7 a 48,94 g/100g) e compostos fenólicos (778,81 a 2708,11 mg EAG/100g), e baixo teor de lipídeos (0,70 a 3,40 g/100g). Para a quantidade de proteínas, a farinha de berinjela foi a que mais se destacou (13,81 g/100g), podendo ser uma alternativa aos indivíduos que não consomem produtos de origem animal. Conclusões: Todas as farinhas são seguras do ponto de vista microbiológico, de acordo com a legislação vigente, e portanto, podem ser utilizadas na alimentação humana para aumentar o aporte de nutrientes e diminuir os impactos da poluição, contribuindo para a manutenção do meio ambiente e gerando renda.
Década de Ação em Nutrição: reflexões sobre a conjuntura brasileira
Authors: Pedraza Dixis Figueroa , Lins Anahi , Santos Eduarda , Oliveira Maria
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Fazer uma reflexão sobre a conjuntura brasileira relacionada à Década de Ação em Nutrição. Métodos: Ensaio desenvolvido por meio de pesquisa teórica de base bibliográfica. Resultados: A Agenda 2030 surgiu como alternativa para discutir maneiras de melhorar o quadro de necessidades humanas e as condições do meio ambiente de maneira sustentável. A nutrição tem papel de destaque nesse sentido, sendo ao menos 12 dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) relacionados ao estado nutricional. Nesse contexto, a Década de Ação em Nutrição está permeada em seis dos 17 ODS e focada no segundo que visa acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e nutricional, melhorar a nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável. Como signatário da Década de Ação em Nutrição, o Brasil declarou, por meio de seis pilares, seu acordo internacional com a melhoria da qualidade da alimentação da sua população e com a promoção de um sistema alimentar sustentável. Este ensaio destaca os pilares segundo e terceiro, que enfocam a importância da cobertura universal de ações em nutrição nos sistemas de saúde e da proteção social. Realiza-se uma reflexão acerca da incorporação das ações de nutrição no sistema de saúde brasileiro e da relevância do Programa Bolsa Família na proteção social de grupos vulneráveis no país. Conclusão: Verifica-se como desafios a atuação do nutricionista, o trabalho interdisciplinar e a capacitação dos profissionais de saúde na implantação das ações de alimentação e nutrição nos serviços de saúde. Destaca-se a necessidade de mudanças estruturais no Programa Bolsa Família.
Consumo alimentar de indivíduos com ortorexia e sua relação com nível de atividade física
Authors: Dos Santos Stefany Keppler , D'avila Helen Freitas , Alves Fernanda Donner
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Comparar o consumo alimentar entre indivíduos identificados com e sem ortorexia, e suas diferenças em relação ao nível de atividade física. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 59 indivíduos adultos (30 mulheres e 29 homens), com idade entre 18 e 50 anos, de ambos os sexos. Os participantes foram avaliados e divididos segundo nível e tipo de atividade física (fisicamente ativos: > 150min de exercício por semana). A presença de ortorexia foi avaliada pelo questionário ORTO-15, e o consumo alimentar avaliado por recordatório habitual de um dia. A análise estatística foi feita por teste t Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, para comparação entre os grupos com e sem ortorexia. A comparação dos dados descritos como frequências absolutas e percentuais foi realizada por qui-quadrado. Resultados: A média de idade dos indivíduos avaliados foi de 31, 2 ± 8,9 anos. Houve prevalência de ortorexia de 78%, sendo maior nos indivíduos fisicamente ativos (86% vs 65%; p=0,05). Indivíduos com ortorexia consumiam mais proteínas em relação às gramas por dia, por kg, percentual do valor energético total e kcal (p<0,05); e tinham um consumo mais baixo de carboidratos em relação ao percentual do valor energético total (p<0,05), em comparação aos sem ortorexia. Esse padrão se manteve significativo apenas dentro do grupo fisicamente ativo. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a ortorexia pode estar associada à prática de exercício físico e a um comportamento alimentar com maior consumo de proteínas e baixo em carboidratos.
Positive psychology: kindness and its role within mental health nursing
Authors: Macfarlane Jan
Published: August 2020

This is the seventh article in a series that explores the meaning of positive psychology and the importance of applying the latest related research findings for the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It will focus on positive psychology interventions that consider how we can carry out more acts of kindness to others while experiencing their uplifting effect through contemporary use in the field of mental health nursing. It will explain what the terms mean and report on neurological changes when they are practised. Finally, it emphasises the importance of effective leadership in how the application of kindness can benefit the individual, the organisation and the client. The practical tasks provided in the boxes throughout the article will help the reader identify what kindness means for them and understand how to further develop their transferability through evidence–based, user-friendly exercises.
Metode Biblioterapi Islam Untuk Pengembangan Karakter Tanggung Jawab Pada Mahasiswa
Authors: Shofiah Vivik
Published: August 2020

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh metode biblioterapi Islam dalam meningkatkan karakter tanggung jawab pada mahasiswa. Subjek dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 11 mahasiswa fakultas psikologi UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau yang terbagi menjadi enam (6) mahasiswa menjadi kelompok eksperimen dan lima (5) mahasiswa menjadi kelompok kontrol. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain nonequivalent control group design. Data penelitian diperoleh dengan menggunakan skala karakter tanggung jawab dan di analisis dengan menghitung rerata gain skor kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol. Berdasarkan uji hiptesis diperoleh hasil bahwa rerata gain skor pada kelompok eksperimen (-7,14) lebih tinggi dibanding dengan kelompok kontrol (-0,58). Artinya metode biblioterapi islam berpengaruh terhadap pengembangan karakter tanggung jawab pada mahasiswa. Kata Kunci : biblioterapi islam, karakter, tanggung jawab.
Studi Eksplorasi Keberfungsian Full Day School Bagi Orangtua dan Anak pada SDIT Muhammadiyah 019 Bangkinang Kampar
Authors: Ratnani Indah Puji , Unthe Ricca Angreini
Published: August 2020

ABSTRAKSekolah full day menjadi sesuatu yang menarik perhatian masyarakat, terutama bagi orangtua. Sistem full day school menawarkan berbagai macam keuntungan bagi orangtua yang bekerja namun tetap menginginkan anak mendapatkan pendidikan maksimal. Kenyataanya, tidak semua anak merasakan dampak positif dan kenyamanan dari sistem full day yang diberlakukan tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui  keberfungsian Full Day School Bagi Orangtua dan Anak Pada SDIT  Muhammadiyah 019 Bangkinang Kampar yang memiliki kelas Tahfiz sebagai program unggulan. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Data diperoleh dari hasil wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah satu orang kepala sekolah, tiga orang guru, dua puluh wali murid dan dua puluh lima siswa kelas tahfiz. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa anak dan orang tua sama-sama merasakan manfaat dari full day school. Anak merasakan perasaan senang dan bahagia. Orang tua merasakan perubahan akhlak dan prestasi akademik anak semakin baik setelah mengikuti full day school. Keyword : Full day School, Orangtua, anak, SD IT