bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of an allogenic and a xenogenic bone substitute material with injectable platelet-rich fibrin – A comparative in vitro study
Authors: Kyyak Solomiya , Blatt Sebastian , Pabst Andreas , Thiem Daniel , Al-Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer W
Published: April 2020

The aim of the in vitro study was a comparison of an allogenic (ABSM) and a xenogenic bone substitute material (XBSM) with and without injectable platelet-rich fibrin (ABSM-i-PRF & XBSM-i-PRF) on cell characteristics of human osteoblasts (HOB). Here, ABSM and XBSM (+ i-PRF = test; - i-PRF = control) were incubated with HOB for 3, 7 and 10 days. HOB viability, migration, proliferation and differentiation (RT-PCR on alkaline phosphatase (AP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and osteonectin (OCN)) were measured and compared between groups. At day 3, an increased viability, migration and proliferation was seen for ABSM-i-PRF. For viability and proliferation (days 7 and 10) and for migration (day 10), ABSM-i-PRF/XBSM-i-PRF showed higher values compared to ABSM/XBSM with maximum values for ABSM-i-PRF and minimum values for XBSM. At days 3 and 7, the highest expression of AP was detected in ABSM-i-PRF/XBSM-i-PRF when compared to ABSM/XBSM, whereas at day 10, AP expression levels were elevated in ABSM-i-PRF/ABSM. The highest BMP-2 expression was seen in ABSM-i-PRF whereas OCN expression showed higher levels in ABSM-i-PRF/XBSM-i-PRF at days 3 and 7 with lowest expression for ABSM. Later on, elevated OC levels were detected for ABSM-i-PRF only. In conclusion, i-PRF in combination with ABSM enhances HOB activity when compared to XBSM-i-PRF or untreated BSM in vitro. Therefore, addition of i-PRF to ABSM and – to a lower extent – to XBSM may influence osteoblast activity in vivo.
Systematic reviews of empirical literature on bioethical topics: Results from a meta-review
Authors: Mertz Marcel , Nobile Hélène , Kahrass Hannes
Published: April 2020

Background

In bioethics, especially nursing ethics, systematic reviews are increasingly popular. The overall aim of a systematic review is to provide an overview of the published discussions on a specific topic. While a meta-review on systematic reviews on normative bioethical literature has already been performed, there is no equivalent for systematic reviews of empirical literature on ethical topics.

Objective

This meta-review aims to present the general trends and characteristics of systematic reviews of empirical bioethical literature and to evaluate their reporting quality.

Research design

Literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar. Qualitative content analysis and quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the systematic reviews. Characteristics of systematic reviews were extracted and quantitatively analyzed. The reporting quality was measured using an adapted PRISMA checklist.

Findings

Seventy-six reviews were selected for analysis. Most reviews came from the field of nursing (next to bioethics and medicine). Selected systematic reviews investigated issues related to clinical ethics (50%), followed by research ethics (36%) and public health ethics or organizational ethics (14%). In all, 72% of the systematic reviews included authors’ ethical reflections on the findings and 59% provided ethical recommendations. Despite the heterogeneous reporting of the reviews, reviews using PRISMA tended to score better regarding reporting quality.

Discussion

The heterogeneity currently observed is due both to the interdisciplinary nature of nursing ethics and bioethics, and to the emerging nature of systematic review methods in these fields. These results confirm the findings of our previous review of systematic reviews on normative literature, thereby highlighting a recurring methodological gap in systematic reviews of bioethical literature. This also indicates the need to develop more robust methodological standards.

Conclusion

Through its extensive overview of the characteristics of systematic reviews of empirical literature on ethical topics, this meta-review is expected to inform further discussions on minimal standards and reporting guidelines.
The Role of Dystrophin Gene Mutations in Neuropsychological Domains of DMD Boys: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tyagi Rahul , Podder Vivek , Arvind Harshita , Mohanty Manju , Anand Akshay
Published: April 2020

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscular dystrophy of pediatric population coupled with other secondary comorbidities including mental retardation and neuropsychological impairments. Mutation location in the dystrophin gene, have been associated with neuropsychological functioning in DMD.

Purpose: We investigated temporal changes in the neuropsychological functioning of DMD subjects, hitherto understudied.

Methods: Subjects with suspected DMD were enrolled according to the ethical guidelines. Genetic confirmation by Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification was carried out to identify pathogenic deletion or duplication in dystrophin gene. Intellectual and neuropsychological functioning was assessed by using standardized batteries. Investigated neuropsychological domains included visual, verbal and working memory, selective and sustained attention, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and visuo-constructive and visuo-spatial abilities. The assessments were carried out at baseline and followed for one time point in 30 cases.

Result: The follow-up assessment revealed that neuropsychological functioning did not worsen with time. Improvements were seen in block designing task ( p = 0.050), serial positioning primacy effect ( p = 0.002), Stroop incongruent task ( p = 0.006), visual long-term memory ( p = 0.003) and attention ( p = 0.001). DMD cases with mutation location affecting short dystrophin isoform (Dp140) also showed improvement in these domains.

Conclusion: No temporal alterations were found in DMD subjects, though improvements in few domains were observed. Neuropsychological rehabilitation may be useful in improving the quality of life in DMD subjects.
Health Disparities Among Transgender Adults in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyemin , Operario Don , van den Berg Jacob J. , Yi Horim , Choo Sungsub , Kim Seung-Sup
Published: April 2020

This study aims to identify health disparities among transgender adults in South Korea (hereafter Korea), where they widely experience social stigma. We assessed prevalence of nine health indicators using a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 255 Korean transgender adults in 2017. Standardized prevalence ratios of these indicators were estimated using four nationally representative surveys in Korea that included the same health measures. Overall, transgender adults had a significantly higher risk of adverse health outcomes than the general population in Korea. Specifically, disparities in mental health outcomes between transgender adults and the general population were statistically significant. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 6.44 and 9.71 times higher among transgender adults than women and men in the general population, respectively. For suicidal ideation, transgender adults reported 6.49 and 18.83 times greater risk than women and men in the general population, respectively. Our findings indicate that Korean transgender adults are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes than the general population.
Ceci n’est pas un Capital Markets Union: Re-establishing EU-led financialization
Authors: Haerter Nina
Published: April 2020

In the 11 years since the outbreak of the financial crisis, the EU has introduced many policy initiatives directed at the financial sector, the most recent one being the Capital Markets Union. The official aim is to integrate Europe’s financial markets, fulfilling decades-old wishes for a Single Market for capital. Some scholars have already voiced concerns about different elements of Capital Markets Union since its inception in 2015, but the extent to which this critique was generalizable remained unclear. Through an analysis of policy documents and interview data inspired by the ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be?’-approach, this paper reveals two common threads among the many Capital Markets Union proposals, which are not explicitly acknowledged: a reduction of prudential rules and various forms of incentivizing financial products with public funds. It is therefore argued that Capital Markets Union is not a market integration project (as its name and official narrative suggest), as much as it is the re-establishment of EU-led financialization, following a long tradition of asymmetrical integration in the Union.
Race and Ethnicity and Satisfaction With Communication in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chuang Elizabeth , Fiter Ryan J. , Sanon Omar C. , Wang Ann , Hope Aluko A. , Schechter Clyde B. , Gong Michelle N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Racial and ethnic minority patients receive poorer quality end-of-life (EoL) care compared with white patients. Differences in quality of communication (QOC) with clinicians may contribute to these disparities. We measured differences in satisfaction with communication in the intensive care unit (ICU) by race and ethnicity.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional survey of family members of patients in ICUs of an academic medical center serving a diverse urban population using The Family Satisfaction with the ICU (FS-ICU) and QOC scales.

Results:

One hundred surveys were completed (18.8% white, non-Hispanic; 34.4% black, non-Hispanic; 31.3% Hispanic; 15.6% other race/ethnicity). Mean FS-ICU score was 84.2 (standard deviation [SD] 20.5) for white patients, 83.3 (SD 16.2) for black patients, 82.7 (SD 17.8) for Hispanic or Latino patients, and 80.9 (SD 18.8) for patients with other race/ethnicity (Kruskal-Wallis, P = .92). Differences remained insignificant when controlling for patient and respondent characteristics. The QOC scale was not scored due to nonresponse levels on questions about EoL communication.

Conclusions:

Uniformly high ratings may have been influenced by avoidance of EoL discussion. This study is inconclusive regarding whether QOC influences disparities in EoL care since quality of EoL communication was not captured.
Trends in the delivery of care to oncology patients in the United States: Emphasis on the role pharmacists on the healthcare team
Authors: Ignoffo Robert J , Knapp Katherine K , Seung Amy , Brown Victoria , Hough Shannon , Rieband Grazyna , Dang Thu Oanh , Palumbo Alison , Urmanski Angela
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify trends in oncology care that allow one to forecast workforce supply and demand, the training and skills needed by the oncology pharmacist for the likely future of oncology care.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with experienced oncology pharmacists in leadership roles at 20 organizations balanced by geographic region and type of practice site (academic or community/ambulatory). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and theme identification.

Results

Practice sites differed widely in numbers of patient visits, practitioner/patient ratios, residency program presence, and other structural features. Despite this, the majority reported an expectation of growth in cancer patients, oncology physicians, oncology pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, oncology nurses, and advanced practice practitioners in the next two to five years. Fifty percent of sites currently support Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) oncology residencies. At least 50% reported routine pharmacist involvement in 12 clinical functions. More future involvement was predicted for immunotherapy (80%) and oral oncolytic therapy (90%). Interprofessional involvement was reported for a broad variety of practice-related committees and patient education teams. Limited pharmacist involvement in credentialing, quality measurement, and value-based reimbursement systems was found.

Conclusion

Anticipated increases in demand for oncology pharmacists strongly suggest the need for more PGY2 oncology residency programs and on-the-job oncology training programs. Oncology pharmacists are currently involved in many clinical and administrative functions including multidisciplinary management. While a core set of clinical functions has been identified, oncology pharmacists must prepare for the increased use of oral oncology agents and immunotherapy. Pharmacist involvement in value-based reimbursement and other data-based quality outcome measurements should be increased to optimize involvement in team-based patient care.
Epidemiology and Patient Distribution of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal SCC in Canada
Authors: Ghazawi Feras M. , Lu Jessica , Savin Evgeny , Zubarev Andrei , Chauvin Peter , Sasseville Denis , Zeitouni Anthony , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: April 2020

Background

Oral cavity cancers (OCCs) and oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) continue to be a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide requiring the shared effort of numerous specialists. Tobacco and alcohol consumption have long been identified as risk factors for both OCC and OPC. In addition, human papilloma virus (HPV) is gaining its position as the main causal agent for OPC.

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of OCC and OPC in Canada.

Methods

Data pertaining to the year of diagnosis, the patient’s sex, age at the time of diagnosis, province/territory, city and postal code of oral cavity, and oropharyngeal malignancies diagnosed during 1992-2010 were extracted from the Canadian Cancer Registry and Le Registre Québécois du Cancer.

Results

In total, 21 685 OCC cases and 15 965 OPC cases were identified from 1992 to 2010. Of those, 84.97% were oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 88.10% were oropharyngeal SCCs, and both had a significant male predominance. While oral cavity SCC incidence stabilized over the study period, oropharyngeal SCC continued to increase. Oral cavity SCC incidence increased with age, while oropharyngeal SCC incidence peaked in the 50- to 59-year age group. Detailed geographic distribution analysis of patients at the provincial/territorial, city, and postal code levels identified several patient clusters.

Conclusions

This work highlights important epidemiological differences in trends between oral and oropharyngeal cancers, identifies high-incidence postal codes for each malignancy, and correlates incidence/mortality with known risk factors including alcohol/tobacco use and HPV infections, therefore providing a comprehensive understanding of epidemiology for these cancers in Canada.
The effects of electoral anticipation on portfolio allocation
Authors: Saijo Harunobu
Published: April 2020

Whereas much of the existing literature on coalition formation has focused on the disparity between Gamsonian payoffs and the outcomes of bargaining models, dangers of ministerial drift, party ideal points, issue salience/emphasis, and negotiation complexity, very little has been said on the role of the way public opinion affects political behavior via expectation of future electoral returns. Following the logic of “issue yield,” this article argues that politicians allocate ministerial portfolios according to the distribution of public opinion in the hopes of obtaining better returns in subsequent elections and find compelling evidence linking public opinion with portfolio allocation.
Operational modal analysis using symbolic regression for a nonlinear vibration system
Authors: Jiang Xuchu , Jiang Feng
Published: April 2020

The existence of nonlinearity is an inevitable frequent occurrence that should be considered to accurately identify the modal parameters of a vibration system using operational modal analysis. A problem is that the traditional operational modal analysis method based on the linear modal theory is not applicable to modal parameter identification of vibration systems with nonlinearity. A solution is as follows: this paper is aimed at solving the problem by proposing a new operational modal analysis method to carry out modal parameter identification for a nonlinear vibration system. The new operational modal analysis method, based on the forced response and symbolic regression method without assuming any pre-existing information and only using mathematical symbols, is introduced to solve the problem by automatically searching for the expression structure and modal parameters of a system in nonlinear normal modes. The simulation result of a three-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear system reveals the high accuracy of the proposed operational modal analysis method in extracting the modal parameters. Then, a rod fastening rotor model is considered, and the capability of the proposed operational modal analysis method to precisely extract its modal parameters is further evaluated.
Exploring dynamic capabilities in open business models: The case of a public–private sector partnership
Authors: Coombes Philip H , Nicholson John
Published: April 2020

The case explores and offers insight into the boundary-spanning dynamic capabilities evidenced by the entrepreneurial CEO of a private-sector family-owned firm from the sensing, seizing and transforming/reconfiguring perspectives during the opportunity identification, evaluation and pursuit of the co-creation of a public–private sector partnership in collaboration with the CEO of a public-sector firm. This partnership, which is situated in a city-region in the North of England, is seen through the lens of an open business model whereby value is co-created and captured outside the boundary of a single firm, and which involves significant financial uncertainty being assigned from the public to the private sector.
The Need for Psychological Rehabilitation in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Patel Anahli , Chernyak Yelena
Published: April 2020

Transplant recipients have significant psychosocial stressors due to unique posttransplant sequela that results in an increased incidence of psychopathology. Posttransplant psychological interventions, especially in lung transplant recipients, are understudied, as the focus of prior research has emphasized pretransplant interventions. However, posttransplant psychological stability affects medical outcomes. The importance of posttransplant psychological intervention is highlighted. Recommendations exist which call for attention to specific psychological domains in the posttransplant recovery period and highlight the impact of psychological rehabilitation on overall wellness and success in recovery. A novel psychological rehabilitation intervention is outlined as a response to posttransplant intervention recommendations to demonstrate implementation.
Palliative Care in Heart Transplantation
Authors: Owen Melissa I. , Braun Lynne T. , Hamilton Rebekah J. , Grady Kathleen L. , Gary Rebecca A. , Quest Tammie E.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this article is to describe palliative care incorporation within the care of heart transplant patients. Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that includes symptom management and goal setting to improve patients’ quality of life. Palliative care is designed to be used with patients who have chronic illness that impacts quality of life and should be incorporated early in the disease. All providers have a responsibility to be knowledgeable in palliative care approaches and to know when to refer a patient for specialty palliative care services. This article will describe palliative care, research study findings, and current professional guideline recommendations for patients. The article also describes challenges and barriers to the use of palliative care in heart transplant patients and strategies to address these challenges and barriers.
Addressing Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia Through STAR-VA Implementation: Do Outcomes Vary by Behavior Type?
Authors: Jedele Jenefer M. , Curyto Kim , Ludwin Brian M. , Karel Michele J.
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

The STAR-VA program in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers (CLCs, nursing home settings) trains teams to implement a psychosocial intervention with residents with behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD).

Methods:

Across 71 CLCs, 302 residents selected as training cases had target behaviors categorized into one of 5 types: physically aggressive (PA), physically nonaggressive, verbally aggressive, verbally nonaggressive, and behavior deficit (BD).

Results:

Across all groups, there were significant declines in team-rated behavior frequency (36%) and severity (44%), agitation (10%), distress behaviors (42%), depression (17%), and anxiety (20%). The magnitude of changes varied across behavior category. For example, those with a PA target behavior experienced a greater percentage decline in agitation and distress behavior scores, and those with a BD target behavior experienced a greater percentage decline in depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions:

STAR-VA, a multicomponent intervention, is generally effective across various types of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
Signal to Noise Ratio as a Cross-Platform Metric for Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Gharia Asmaysinh , Papageorgiou Efthymios P. , Giverts Simeon , Park Catherine , Anwar Mekhail
Published: April 2020

Real-time molecular imaging to guide curative cancer surgeries is critical to ensure removal of all tumor cells; however, visualization of microscopic tumor foci remains challenging. Wide variation in both imager instrumentation and molecular labeling agents demands a common metric conveying the ability of a system to identify tumor cells. Microscopic disease, comprised of a small number of tumor cells, has a signal on par with the background, making the use of signal (or tumor) to background ratio inapplicable in this critical regime. Therefore, a metric that incorporates the ability to subtract out background, evaluating the signal itself relative to the sources of uncertainty, or noise is required. Here we introduce the signal to noise ratio (SNR) to characterize the ultimate sensitivity of an imaging system and optimize factors such as pixel size. Variation in the background (noise) is due to electronic sources, optical sources, and spatial sources (heterogeneity in tumor marker expression, fluorophore binding, and diffusion). Here, we investigate the impact of these noise sources and ways to limit its effect on SNR. We use empirical tumor and noise measurements to procedurally generate tumor images and run a Monte Carlo simulation of microscopic disease imaging to optimize parameters such as pixel size.
Research on inverse simulation of physical training process based on wireless sensor network
Authors: Rouxia Chu , Xiaodong Chen , Shifang Tao , Donghai Yang
Published: April 2020

In order to improve the control ability of the human body in the process of physical training, it is necessary to carry out the inverse simulation analysis of the physical training process and establish the process control model of the physical training. The complex problem of high-dimensional spatial motion planning involved in physical training is decomposed into a series of sub-problems in low-dimensional space, and the inertial attitude parameter fusion is carried out according to the position and pose state of the human body in the end of the workspace during the process of physical training. The design of sensor node and base station in the system can realize real-time collection of motion parameters of motion collectors. The multi-dimensional control of physical training process is carried out by fuzzy constraint and inverse integral control, and the attitude parameters of human body are adjusted by means of mechanical analysis model and inertial parameter analysis method. The simulation results show that the inversion simulation control has better convergence, higher control quality, and better inverse simulation performance in the process of physical training, which can effectively guide physical training and improve the effect of physical training.
Adolescents are delayed at inferring complex social intentions in others, but not basic (false) beliefs: An eye-movement investigation
Authors: Symeonidou Irine , Dumontheil Iroise , Ferguson Heather J , Breheny Richard
Published: April 2020

Most developmental research on Theory of Mind (ToM)—our ability to infer the beliefs, intentions, and desires of others—has focused on the preschool years. This is unsurprising as it was previously thought that ToM skills are developed between the ages of 2 and 7 years. Over the last couple of decades however, studies have provided evidence for significant structural and functional changes in the brain areas involved in ToM (the “social brain”) not only during childhood but also during adolescence. Importantly, some of these findings suggest that the use of ToM shows a prolonged development through middle childhood and adolescence. Although evidence from previous studies suggests a protracted development of ToM, the factors that constrain performance during middle childhood and adolescence are only just beginning to be explored. In this article, we report two visual-world eye-tracking studies that focus on the timecourse of predictive inferences. We establish that when the complexity of ToM inferences are at a level which is comparable with standard change-of-location false-belief tasks, then adolescents and adults generate predictions for other agents’ behaviour in the same timecourse. However, when inferences are socially more complex, requiring inferences about higher order mental states, adolescents generate predictive gaze bias at a marked delay relative to adults. Importantly, our results demonstrate that these developmental differences go beyond differences in executive functions (inhibitory control or working memory) and point to distinct expectations between groups and greater uncertainty when predicting actions based on conflicting desires.
Australian female athlete perceptions of the challenges associated with training and competing when menstrual symptoms are present
Authors: Armour Mike , Parry Kelly A , Steel Kylie , Smith Caroline A
Published: April 2020

Coaches consider various competencies (e.g. conditioning, nutrition, skills and tactics), when planning sessions, though rarely the impact of menstruation on the efficacy of training and competition performance for athletes. Given the impact menstrual symptoms can have on athletes, the management strategies that athletes may use to minimise any potential impact, and the mechanisms that provide barriers to greater coach athlete interaction require investigation and consideration. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the strategies used by athletes to manage menstrual symptoms and the role coaches played in this process. An anonymous, 36-item questionnaire was developed and hosted on Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square statistics were used to analyse the data. One hundred and twenty-four valid responses from Australian athletes 16–45, with a mean age of 29 years, were received. Period pain (82%) and pre-menstrual symptoms (83%) were commonly reported and contributed to fatigue and to perceived reductions in performance during or just prior to the period (50.0% in training, 58.7% on ‘game day’). Contraceptive use was reported by 42% of athletes. Those reporting heavy menstrual bleeding (29.7%) were more likely to report increased fatigue (relative risk 1.6, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.32). Over three-quarters of athletes reported neither they nor their coaches altered training due to the menstrual cycle. Most athletes (76%) did not discuss menstruation with their coaches. Given the perceived negative impact on performance and potential risks with contraceptive usage during adolescence, coaches, trainers and athletes need to have a more open dialogue around the menstrual cycle.
Polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Oh Soo , Khan Rabeet , Ziada Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a monogenic, hereditary disorder of the kidneys that leads to fluid-filled cysts within the renal tubes. It is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal failure. There are two types, the more common autosomal dominant (ADPKD) and the rarer autosomal recessive (ARPKD). ADPKD mostly presents in adulthood, whereas ARPKD is usually detected during antenatal screening or as a neonate. This article will focus on key points to understand and consider for the holistic management of PKD.
Data and Information Literacy: A Fundamental Nursing Competency
Authors: Bergren Martha Dewey , Maughan Erin D.
Published: April 2020

Nurses in the 21st-century are expected to be data and information literate and proficient in data management. Nurses graduating from baccalaureate programs must be able to use computers and information systems and apply data and evidence to inform practice. Those competencies are also essential for the entire nursing workforce. That puts the onus on school nurses, school nurse supervisors, school districts, and state affiliates to take responsibility for comprehensive data and information literacy professional development. Fortunately, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) has anticipated the needs of the membership. NASN included data and information capacity building as a part of The National School Health Data Set: Every Student Counts!, a national standardized data set and data collection initiative.
The Role of the School Nurse in Creating a Vape-Free School
Authors: Blume Lisa Frey , Lines Shannon
Published: April 2020

Electronic, or “e”-cigarette use has been adopted by an alarming number of teens in recent years. E-cigarettes are neither legal for youth nor considered safe for use by youth. E-cigarette companies have targeted youth in their marketing strategies and developed appealing flavors with high nicotine content to ensure dependence on their products. Schools lack adequate resources and capacity to address e-cigarette use, relying mostly on punitive sanctions for what is essentially a health issue. School nurses can help their districts and schools by navigating appropriate consequences for vaping, providing accurate information and education, providing cessation resources, advocating for student support, and informing stakeholders on population health strategies to prevent initiation and reduce youth e-cigarette use.
Taking Stock of Reality: Biased Perceptions of the Costs of Romantic Partners’ Sacrifices
Authors: Visserman Mariko L. , Righetti Francesca , Muise Amy , Impett Emily A. , Joel Samantha , Van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: April 2020

When romantic partners sacrifice their own self-interest to benefit the relationship, the sacrificer or recipient may—for various reasons—be biased in how they perceive the costs that the sacrificer incurs. In Study 1, romantic couples ( N = 125) rated their own and their partner’s costs after a conversation about a sacrifice in the laboratory, followed by extensive experience sampling in their natural environment. In Study 2, a preregistered experiment, individuals ( N = 775) imagined a scenario in which they, their partner, or an unknown person sacrificed and rated the associated costs and benefits. Both studies demonstrated a consistent discrepancy between perceptions of own and partner sacrifice, driven primarily by people underestimating their own sacrifice costs and overestimating the benefits (Study 2). Results across studies showed that this underestimation bias helps people to feel better and feel more satisfied in the relationship when giving up their own goals and preferences for the relationship.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer in men with cardiovascular disease: Analysis from the Veterans Exercise Testing Study
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Chan Khin , Chen Zhongming , Myers Jonathan
Published: April 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease and cancer share similar risk factors and are the leading causes of death worldwide. This study aimed to assess the association between cardiorespiratory fitness, cancer incidence and cancer mortality in men with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Baseline cardiorespiratory fitness (treadmill exercise test) was assessed in 565 men aged 58.9 ± 17 with documented cardiovascular disease and free from any malignancy. Cox multivariable hazard models, population attributable fraction and exposure impact number were analyzed in model accounting for competing events for cancer outcomes.

Results

Mean cardiorespiratory fitness was 7.6 ± 3.4 metabolic equivalents. During a 12.0 ± 7.5 year follow-up, 147 participants developed any type of cancer, 70 died from cancer, and five died from causes other than cancer as competing events. Compared to low cardiorespiratory fitness (<5 metabolic equivalents), moderate (5–10 metabolic equivalents) and high cardiorespiratory fitness (>10 metabolic equivalents) were associated with 50% (0.50, 95% confidence interval (0.27–0.91)) and 68% (0.32 (0.11–0.88)) reduced risks for cancer mortality (p trend = 0.026), respectively. Survival time was longer among individuals with moderate (20.8 (19.7–22) years) and high (24.9 (23–26.7) years) compared to low cardiorespiratory fitness (17.2 (15.1–19.3) years), p < 0.001. Population attributable fraction and exposure impact number for cancer mortality were 13% (4.1–17.7) and 10.8 (5.1–56.4), p = 0.01, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness was not associated with cancer incidence.

Conclusion

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was independently associated with lower risk of cancer mortality and extended survival time in men with cardiovascular disease, although it was not associated with cancer incidence. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness through supervised exercise rehabilitation programs could potentially serve as a cost-effective public-health strategy for secondary prevention and survivorship in men with cardiovascular disease.
Alkaptonuric ochronosis of the carotid artery
Authors: Shah Anand , Son Andrew , Salehi Payam
Published: April 2020

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal-recessive metabolic disorder of tyrosine degradation which results in elevated levels of circulating homogentisic acid. Ochronosis occurs when homogentisic acid polymerizes and deposits in connective tissue. Ochronotic lesions in the carotid arteries have not been described. In this report, we describe a 65-year-old man with alkaptonuria, with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, who underwent an uneventful carotid endarterectomy for an asymptomatic high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. Histology revealed homogentisic acid deposits as black-brownish areas in the intima. He was noted to have an impressive heavily brown-black pigmented discoloration of the carotid plaque. Cardiovascular involvement is a rare consequence of alkaptonuria and is manifested by pigment deposition at the areas influenced by shear stress and turbulence.
Infectious mononucleosis complicated by peritonsillar abscess and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: A case report
Authors: Yaxley Kaspar L
Published: April 2020

An unusual case of infectious mononucleosis complicated by both peritonsillar abscess and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is reported. The patient was diagnosed with Epstein–Barr virus infection early in the disease course by her primary care doctor. She subsequently developed a peritonsillar abscess requiring hospitalisation. Recovery was complicated by the development of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. However, resolution was achieved over the course of approximately 1 year, via conservative measures including graded exercise therapy, without resorting to pharmacotherapy.
Data-Driven Identification of Skills for the Future: 21st-Century Skills for the 21st-Century Workforce
Authors: Vista Alvin
Published: April 2020

The world is rapidly changing, and the systemic shifts have the potential to affect the nature of work. To prepare the workforce, it is crucial to develop the skills that will be necessary for the unpredictable landscape of the future. Before these skills can be developed, however, they have to be identified and quantified through some form of valuation. It is important that the approach to skills valuation is empirically defensible. This article presents an approach to skills valuation that focuses on the extent to which a skill facilitates occupational transitions as its measure of value. This valuation metric is then developed using a graph-theoretic approach. Results show that this valuation reflects skills-importance that aligns with existing skills valuation in the literature. Limitations of this approach and its potential extensions are discussed.
Innovation at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Empowering Rickshaw Pullers
Authors: Sharma Shalaghya , Singh Anjani K. , Singh Amarendra Pratap
Published: April 2020

This case presents the innovative approach adopted by a for-profit social enterprise through utilization of technology, changed processes and improved business models to deliver the desired social impact. It also highlights the various challenges that the social entrepreneur faced and how the bottom of the pyramid was uplifted through success of this new social entrepreneurial venture. The case study is based on an interview conducted with the founder and managing director of SMV Wheels Pvt. Ltd. An exploratory schedule was prepared, and the researchers tried to develop an understanding of the business model deployed, challenges faced, competencies needed and strategic decisions made by the social entrepreneur that helped it in becoming sustainable.

The challenges highlighted in the case study were lack of trust of beneficiaries, stakeholder scepticism, funding the business, testing the business model, need to retain self-motivation, handling family opposition and building a team. Moreover, with the use of technology, the traditional rickshaw was converted into a lightweight, technologically superior and cost-effective model; the health hazards were minimized; and the product became accessible with small weekly payments.

Dilemma

How to alleviate the daily struggle of the rickshaw pullers who perform labour-intensive work with meagre income? Their children lacked access to schools, no nutritious food was available, many rickshaw pullers consumed alcohol on a regular basis, domestic violence was prevalent, they were unable to afford good healthcare and suffered from diseases such as tuberculosis. What could be done for them? Theory: New product launch. Product and process innovations. Type of the Case: Problem solving and applied. Protagonist: Present.

Options

Redesign the rickshaw as a lightweight vehicle requiring less effort to pull. Strengthen supply side and easy access to bank financing, revenue sharing from advertisements.

Discussions and Case Questions

How to further optimize economic and social value creation? What steps can reduce the cost of a rickshaw while making it robust but lightweight? Perhaps a community of networks of rickshaw pullers in different towns can give critical mass to better negotiate with the vendors. What can be done for the welfare of the dependents of the rickshaw pullers?
Biomineralization of 2304 duplex stainless steel with surface modification by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Hammood Ali Sabea
Published: April 2020

A hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating on 2304 duplex stainless steel (DSS) through an electrophoretic deposition process has been investigated in this work. The deposition voltage was 30 V with a time of 2 min. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses were used for the microstructural and chemical examination of coatings, respectively. The Ca to P ratio for the nano HAp coating on 2304 DSS has been determined as equal to 1.642. It was observed from X-ray diffraction patterns that HAp nanoparticles were successfully combined into the substrate. The corrosion behavior of all samples was tested in simulated body fluid using a potentiodynamic polarization study. A homogeneous structure with a thin crack-free layer was obtained. Moreover, the porosity of this coating was very low leading to a high corrosion resistance, thus promoting good biocompatibility.
State Anxiety Is Related to Cortisol Response During Cognitive Testing for Older Adults
Authors: Pearman Ann , Neupert Shevaun D. , Hughes MacKenzie L.
Published: April 2020

Cognitive testing situations can be stressful for both younger and older adults, but threats of cognitive evaluation may be particularly salient among anxious older individuals as they tend to be more concerned than younger adults about their cognitive abilities and age-related cognitive decline. We examined age-related differences in the effect of anxiety on cortisol responses during cognitive testing in a sample of 27 younger ( M = 19.8) and 29 older ( M = 71.2) adults. Older adults with higher anxiety also had higher during-task cortisol (suggesting higher reactivity to testing) than older adults with lower anxiety and young adults. There was no effect of anxiety on cortisol for younger adults. Simultaneously examining subjective (state anxiety) and physiological (cortisol response) indicators of threat during cognitive testing appears to be especially important for older adults with higher state anxiety. The results are important for understanding cortisol reactivity, particularly in older adults. Researchers who administer cognitive tests to older adults and clinicians who work with older adults with cognitive concerns and/or anxiety may want to consider how they present their material.
Patient Reports of Night Noise in Hospitals Are Associated With Unplanned Readmissions Among Older Adults
Authors: Kemp Kyle A , Quan Hude , Fairie Paul , Santana Maria J
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Sleep disturbance is a key contributor to posthospital syndrome; a transient period of vulnerability following discharge from hospital. We sought to examine the relationship between patient-reported hospital quietness at night, via a validated survey, and unplanned hospital readmissions among hospitalized seniors (ages 65 and older) in Alberta, Canada.

Design:

Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of survey responses, linked with administrative inpatient records.

Setting:

Using the Canadian Patient Experiences Survey—Inpatient Care and Discharge Abstract Database, patients aged 65 and older, and living with one or more chronic conditions were identified.

Participants:

Of all, 25 674 respondents discharged from hospital between April 2014 and December 2017.

Main Outcome Measure:

All-cause, unplanned readmission within 30 or 90 days (yes vs no).

Results:

Approximately half (50.5%) of the respondents reported that the area around their room was always quiet at night. Eight (8.1%) percent of respondents (2066) were readmitted within 30 days (2241 total readmissions), while 15.6% (4000) were readmitted within 90 days (5070 total readmissions). When controlling for a variety of demographic and clinical factors, patients not reporting “always” to the survey question regarding hospital quietness at night had slightly greater odds of readmission within 30 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-1.45) and 90 days (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate a clear association between patient-reported hospital quietness at night and subsequent readmission within the first 30 and 90 days following discharge. Efforts to minimize hospital noise, particularly at night, may help promote a restful environment, while reducing readmissions among older patients living with chronic conditions.
Reclaiming authenticity: The spaces and scales of national sincerity
Authors: Jones Rhys , Royles Elin
Published: April 2020

At present, there seems to be somewhat of a paradox between critical academic and more political and popular understandings of authenticity. At one level, the notion of authenticity has become passé, almost a dirty word, for critical social theorists and human geographers: being something that reflects, at best, naïve, or at worst, essentialist and exclusionary ways of thinking. At the same time, we are in the middle of a period during which notions of authenticity have never been as prominent within political and public debate. In this paper, we develop the notion of sincerity as a way of enabling a more progressive interpretation of authenticity. We illustrate the value of this approach through a case study of the identities and cultures promoted within the education system in Wales. We witness here an emphasis on a negotiated sense of Welsh identity and one that is sensitive to difference, in spatial and scalar contexts. We conclude the paper by suggesting that the notion of sincerity might provide critical social scientists with a potential way of developing a more progressive and inclusive understanding of authenticity.
Effective and Humane Restoration of Prisoners With Special Reference to India
Authors: Jain K. S. Rekh Raj
Published: April 2020

The tail-end of the criminal justice system is the prison. In the era of mass incarceration a question arises how can a prisoner be restored to live a successful life after incarceration? The architecture of restoration of prisoners to begin the movement the prisoner placed under the authority of prison officials.

Restoration is not a soft option, as many prisoners find it extremely difficult to face up to the impact of their crimes. The entire prison environment and the stakeholders of the prison department shall be involved in the restorative process.

Restoration is the shift from retribution and vengeance to a more human approach. Hence restorative processes shall focus on physical, behavioral, emotional and restoration of dignity. The transition from prison to re-integration into the society after being incarcerated for number of years is the most difficult task for the prisoner. Therefore perseverance of restoration in prisons shall be a continuous process which would be a great investment to everyone.

Research and studies across the world reveals that the scale of victimization among the prisons is very high and at time most devasting and India is not an exception. Adoption of restorative restoration approaches and practices in prison setting will not only successfully navigate reentry both into the family and society but also a realistic future and an effectiveness and positive impact outside the prison world. If prison officials want to reduce recidivism it is vital that they ensure effective and humane restoration of prisoners.

This paper takes the stock of the current context and aims to bring greater clarity pertinent to the thematic area of concerns regarding effective and humane restoration of prisoners with special reference to India.
Sonographer’s Role in the Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Dialysis Fistula Pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Gaspard Ashley
Published: April 2020

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation, in an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) undergoing hemodialysis, can occur as a result of frequent venipunctures and can lead to a weakened vessel wall. Since many dialysis patients’ lives depend on their weekly hemodialysis sessions, complications that result from dialysis require treatment. A PSA can be a life-threatening complication, especially for these patients. Sonography has been demonstrated to be a useful modality of choice in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of a PSA. The sonographic appearance of a PSA using gray-scale, color, and spectral Doppler can play a significant role in ruling out other diagnoses. A case study is presented of a dialysis-dependent patient who developed a PSA in his dialysis access site. Sonography played a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up for this specific case. Due to the risks involved with these patients, there is an essential need for sonographers to be competent in performing these examinations. Evaluation of the AVF to check for patency and a thorough assessment of the PSA are required.