bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Increased Activities of the Forearm Muscles Due to Anti-Vibration Gloves: Construct Validity of a Refined Methodology
Authors: Yao Yumeng , Rakheja Subhash , Larivière Christian , Marcotte Pierre
Published: September 2020

Objective

The primary aim was to test the construct validity of a surface electromyography (EMG) measurement protocol, indirectly assessing the effects of anti-vibration (AV) gloves on activities of the forearm muscles.

Background

AV gloves impose a relatively higher grip demand and thus a higher risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, activities of the forearm muscles should be considered when assessing AV glove performance.

Method

Effects of AV gloves on activities of the forearm muscles (ECR: extensor carpi radialis longus; ED: extensor digitorum; FCR: flexor carpi radialis; FDS: flexor digitorum superficialis) were measured via EMG, while gripping a handle with two grip force levels. Fifteen subjects participated with 11 glove conditions, including one with bare hand.

Results

Activities of ECR, FCR, mean of ECR and FCR (ECR_FCR), and mean of all four muscles were sensitive to wearing gloves. Compared with bare hand, combined ECR_FCR activities increased by 22%–78% (mean = 48%, SD = 28%) with gloves. The correlation coefficient ( r) of ECR_FCR activities with glove thickness and manual dexterity scores were 0.74 ( p < .05) and 0.90 ( p < .001), respectively.

Conclusions

A refined EMG methodology was the most sensitive to AV gloves with specific forearm muscles (ECR and FCR) and the 50-N handgrip force. Its construct validity was further substantiated by correlations with glove thickness and manual dexterity.

Application

Assessment of the effect of AV gloves on activities of the forearm muscles can yield design guidance for AV gloves to reduce grip exertion by the gloved hand.
Patient experience of an integrated care model in a family practice clinic & FQHC
Authors: Koehler Aubry N , Sudano Laura E , Ip Edward , Davis Stephen W , Marion Gail S , Kirk Julienne K
Published: September 2020

In order to investigate the patient experience of integrated behavioral health care in primary care settings, we implemented a patient cohort model from a combined site sample (N = 727) consisting of a family practice clinic and a Federally Qualified Health Center. Patient experience was measured using 12 questions from a validated measure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems (CAHPS®), Home and Community Based Services version, and six additional questions about interactions with an integrated behavioral health care team. We assessed bivariate relationships between satisfaction with integration and the clinic practice and self-reported physical health or self-reported mental/emotional health. We also utilized multiple regression to evaluate this relationship. Our analyses showed a statistically significant and small to moderate direct correlation between patients’ self-reported health (both physical and mental/emotional health) and their ratings of the practice as a whole (p = .0003), such that patients who rated their physical and/or mental/emotional health as better were more likely to rate their overall satisfaction with the practice higher. The results of this study suggest that primary care patients with only mild to moderate health conditions (physical and/or mental/emotional) may experience greater satisfaction with integrated behavioral health care than patients with multiple and/or severe health conditions. In contrast, patients with multiple and/or severe health conditions may experience lower satisfaction with integrated behavioral health care and may be better served through higher levels of care.
The State Owes Us: Social Exclusion and Collective Actions of China’s Bereaved Parents
Authors: Chen Ying , Chen Chih-Jou Jay
Published: September 2020

China’s one-child policy has come to an end, but its ramifications continue. This article explores the issue of bereaved parents who lost their only child as an unintended consequence of the one-child policy and provides a social and political analysis of their suffering and resistance. Chinese social institutions and cultural norms traditionally discriminate against bereaved parents, excluding them from social support and social relations. As a result, bereaved parents often cut ties with their extended families, networks, and other social relations; they are stigmatized, marginalized, and isolated. However, through the internet and social media, these parents have begun forging new social relations and associations among themselves. They mobilize collective protests fueled by shared grief and the moral appeal of their patriotic sacrifice for the state, demanding official government recognition and compensation for their losses. This article treats bereavement as a subject of analysis and shows how state power shapes or even damages people’s everyday lives in a specific family-centered cultural context.
A comparative analysis of four activated clotting time measurement devices in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Li Han , Serrick Cyril , Rao Vivek , Yip Paul M
Published: September 2020

Background:

In cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), heparin anticoagulation is monitored by point-of-care measurement of activated clotting time (ACT). The objective of this study was to compare four ACT systems in cardiac surgery in terms of their reproducibility, agreement and potential clinical impact at relevant medical decision points.

Methods:

The study included 40 cardiac surgery patients. Samples were taken at five time points before (T1), after heparinization for CPB (T2, T3, T4), and after heparin reversal (T5). The reproducibility, correlation, and differences in ACT values were assessed with two devices from each of the four ACT systems: Instrumentation Laboratory Hemochron Elite (Hmch), Medtronic HMS Plus (HMS), Abbott i-STAT, and Helena Abrazo. Subrange analyses were performed for low ACT values (results from T1, T5) and high ACT values (results from T2, T3, T4).

Results:

Within-system analysis showed strong linear correlation between paired measurements (R = 0.968-0.993). However, Hmch showed poorer reproducibility with highest proportion of values that exceed a difference of 10% and highest overall standard error of 74 seconds across the measurement range compared to that of the others (range 39-47 seconds, respectively). For inter-system comparison, using Hmch as reference, ACTs were strongly correlated as follows: HMS (R = 0.938), i-STAT (R = 0.911), and Abrazo (R = 0.911). Agreement analysis in the high ACT range showed HMS tended to have higher ACT values with +11% bias over Hmch, whereas i-STAT (–8% bias) and Abrazo (–13% bias) tended to underestimate. Post-protamine ACT results were dependent on device type where Hmch yielded highest post-protamine ACT (+13% higher than baseline) compared to –16% for HMS, –10% for iSTAT and 0% for Abrazo.

Conclusions:

Each device had individual reproducibility and biases, which may impact peri-operative heparin management. Careful validation must be undertaken when adopting a different method as decision limits would be affected. Clinicians should also be cautious using ACT as the only indicator for full heparin reversal.
Anti-PD-1, anti-VEGF, and temozolomide therapy in a patient with recurrent glioblastoma: a case report
Authors: Chen Can , Zuo Wenwei , Yang Pan , Zhang Yanling
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients suffering from postoperative recurrent glioblastoma have an extremely unfavorable outcome because there are no proven therapeutic options. The median overall survival for those with relapsed glioblastoma after surgery is only 7.5 months. Case presentation: Between March 2015 and October 2019, a 44-year-old female patient with recurrent glioblastoma was treated by our medical team. After several failed rounds of therapy, the patient was subsequently treated with the anti-programmed death (PD)-1 antibody nivolumab, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab, and cytotoxic agent temozolomide.

Results

The patient showed a sustainable complete response to the regimen. To date, there have been no serious toxic side effects. As of October 2019 (the last follow-up), the patient has been in complete remission for 17 months since recurrence.

Conclusion

The experience of this complicated case indicates the possible application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis agents, and cytotoxic reagents for recurrent glioblastoma. The administration of this three-agent regimen appears safe and effective. However, further clinical trials are warranted.
Knowledge and skills for accessing agricultural information by rural farmers in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Fidelugwuowo Ugonna B.
Published: September 2020

Rural farmers make up the majority of crop producers in any developing economy. Their level of access to agricultural information stems from the knowledge and skills they possess. This article aims to identify the sources of agricultural information and the level of knowledge and skills rural farmers possess for accessing such information in South-East Nigeria. A structured interview schedule and focus group discussions were used to collect relevant data. The method of analysis involves frequency counts, percentages and means. The study reveals that 41.7% of the respondents were between the ages of 41 and 50, while 62.6% were married, 84.8% were Christians and 29.8% had no formal education. The major source of agricultural information was through friends and co-workers, while the knowledge and skills they possessed for accessing agricultural information were generally low. The work provides an objective framework and measure of the existing competencies, and identifies the need for further skills acquisition.
Using Only Numeric Labels Instead of Verbal Labels: Stripping Rating Scales to Their Bare Minimum in Web Surveys
Authors: Gummer Tobias , Kunz Tanja
Published: September 2020

With the increasing use of smartphones in web surveys, considerable efforts have been devoted to reduce the amount of screen space taken up by questions. An emerging stream of research in this area is aimed at optimizing the design elements of rating scales. One suggestion that has been made is to completely abandon verbal labels and use only numeric labels instead. This approach deliberately shifts the task of scale interpretation to the respondents and reduces the information given to them with an intention to reduce their response burden while still preserving the scale meaning. Following prior research, and by drawing on the established model of the cognitive response process, we critically tested these assumptions. Based on a web survey experiment, we found that omitting verbal labels and using only numeric labels instead pushed respondents to focus their responses on the endpoints of a rating scale. Moreover, drawing on response time paradata, we showed that their response burden was not reduced when presented with only numeric labels; quite the opposite was the case, especially when respondents answered the scale with only numeric labels for the first time, which seemed to entail additional cognitive effort. Based on our findings, we advise against using only numeric labels for rating scales in web surveys.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Delirium in Elderly Surgical Patients: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Chunmei , Tu Hankun , Jie Zhixuan , Zhou Xinkai , Li Chaoyang
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on delirium in elderly surgical patients.

Data Sources:

The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched (January 1, 2000, to February 4, 2020) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

RCTs without language restrictions were included if delirium incidence was assessed in elderly surgical patients receiving dexmedetomidine. Intervention and basic information were extracted.

Data Synthesis:

21 studies were included. Dexmedetomidine reduced delirium occurrence (risk ratio [RR] = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.67) in elderly surgical patients with sufficient evidence from trial sequential analysis. Dexmedetomidine did not prevent delirium incidence for cardiac surgery (RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.44 to 1.15) with insufficient evidence. Dexmedetomidine decreased mortality incidence (RR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.89), shortened the length of intensive care unit (ICU; standard mean difference [SMD] = −0.46) and hospital stays (SMD = −0.41), and increased bradycardia incidence (RR = 1.60).

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review revealed that dexmedetomidine could reduce delirium incidence for elderly noncardiac surgical patients, and the effect of dexmedetomidine on delirium for elderly cardiac surgical patients needs further studies to guide clinicians.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine reduced delirium incidence in elderly surgical patients. The efficacy of dexmedetomidine on delirium for elderly cardiac surgical patients warrants further studies. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine was associated with an increased bradycardia incidence, shorter length of ICU/hospital stays, and a lower incidence of mortality.
Completing College Writing Assignments on Mobile Phones: Comparing Students’ Attitudes and Engagement Across Disciplines and Age
Authors: Yaros Ronald A. , Misak John
Published: September 2020

Large variations in mobile users, mobile devices, and course content make generalizations about mobile learning difficult. Prior to the international pandemic that forced more virtual and mobile instruction, this exploratory study measured how students in one journalism and one English composition course at two universities responded to completing writing assignments using only their phones. Although pre and post differences in student attitudes and engagement between the writing courses were insignificant, further analyses of age differences (freshman vs seniors) revealed significant variance. These results suggest only a 3-year time span could determine how much students embrace mobile assignments.
Resisting Covert Persuasion in Digital News: Comparing Inoculation and Reactance in the Processing of Native Advertising Disclosures and in Article Engagement Intentions
Authors: Amazeen Michelle A.
Published: September 2020

An online experiment ( N = 931) assessing recognition of and responses to native advertising sought to explore how disclosures affect behavioral intent in digital news contexts. Findings suggest that resistance to persuasive attempts conferred by native advertising disclosures is explained by both inoculation and reactance processes and demonstrates how a simple, or generic, disclosure can inoculate people against a type of message (covert advertising mimicking authentic journalism) rather than the content of the message. Furthermore, the attenuating effect of a simple disclosure on behavioral intent is fully and serially mediated through advertising recognition, increased perception of threat to freedom, and increased reactance.
Has Covid-19 Gone Viral? An Overview of Research by Subject Area
Authors: Ruiz-Real José Luis , Nievas-Soriano Bruno José , Uribe-Toril Juan
Published: September 2020

When a pandemic outbreak occurs, it seems logical that related scientific production should increase substantially; however, it is important to recognize its interdisciplinary usefulness to find a solution to the problem. The main aim of this research is to analyse the main keywords of the scientific research about COVID-19, by subject area. To discover the influence of certain terms and their transferability, synergies, and future trends, a cluster analysis of the keywords was performed. The results show that Health Sciences dominate the publications with 88.23% of the total volume. As expected, the largest volume of research was dedicated to medical aspects of the disease, like experimental treatments, its physiopathology, or its respiratory syndrome. However, other fields, like Social Sciences (6.07%), Technology (2.68%), Physical Sciences (1.95%), and Arts and Humanities (1.08%), also played an important role in research on COVID-19.
A simplified FEM analysis on the static performance of aerostatic journal bearings with orifice restrictor
Authors: Cui Hailong , Gong Weiwei , Zheng Yueqing , Li Yifei , Wang Wei , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: September 2020

This paper puts forward a simplified FEM based on MATLAB PDE tool to investigate the static performance of aerostatic journal bearings. The pressure distribution equation is transformed into a standard elliptic equation, the boundary conditions and coefficients of the transformed equation are also confirmed by contrasting it with the standard elliptic equation. Then the effects of bearings structural parameters and external supply pressure on the film pressure distribution, load capacity and static stiffness are studied. The film pressure distribution changes significantly with the eccentricity ratio, and an eccentricity range corresponding to the optimal stiffness is also confirmed. Finally, an experimental platform with reversal structure is applied to reduce the measurement error, the maximum relative error between the results of simulation and experimental result is 11.54%.
Effect of a hybrid teaching games for understanding/sport education unit on elementary students’ self-determined motivation in physical education
Authors: Gil-Arias Alexander , Harvey Stephen , García-Herreros Francisco , González-Víllora Sixto , Práxedes Alba , Moreno Alberto
Published: September 2020

As an alternative to the direct instructional model, Metzler proposed a range of pedagogical models that include second generation models such as teaching games for understanding (TGfU) and sport education (SE). These pedagogical models have key design features that can promote high levels of autonomous motivation for both boys and girls. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to investigate the motivational outcomes of elementary boys and girls as they participated in an invasion game unit through two pedagogical models: a hybrid TGfU/SE unit or a direct instruction unit. Participants were 292 elementary school students (mean age = 10.41, standard deviation age = 0.49), who were taught through a hybrid TGfU/SE unit or a more traditional teacher-centred format within a pre-intervention/post-intervention quasi-experimental design. The hybrid unit was designed according to the characteristics of SE, while learning tasks were designed to integrate the pedagogical principles of TGfU. A 2 (pedagogical model) × 2 (test-time) × 2 (gender) multivariate analysis of variance was performed to detect between-groups and within-group differences. Significant differences in student motivation were observed for both boys and girls who participated in the hybrid TGfU/SE unit in both analyses across all motivational outcomes. Despite the existence of social stereotypes in terms of physical activity, teachers’ use of hybrid TGfU/SE units promotes an autonomy-supportive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment where all students, regardless of their gender and/or content focus of the unit and have opportunities to increase their engagement, enjoyment, and social interactions within physical education lessons.
Coping strategies as mediators in the relation between perceived social support and job burnout among Chinese firefighters
Authors: Huang Qi , An Yuanyuan , Li Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

Perceived social support is a known factor in preventing job burnout in many professions. However, the influence of coping strategies on perceived social support and job burnout remains unclear. The current study investigated firefighters using data from a two-wave study to fill this gap in knowledge. Chinese firefighters ( N = 340) participated in the study for 3-months. Results indicated that perceived social support at baseline predicted job burnout at the 3-month follow-up through coping strategies. We concluded that perceived social support acts through positive coping strategies to reduce job burnout in Chinese firefighters.
Labor-force participation and working patterns among women and men who have survived cancer: A descriptive 9-year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Brusletto Birgit , Nielsen Roy A. , Engan Harald , Oldervoll Line , Ihlebæk Camilla M. , Mjøsund Nina Helen , Torp Steffen
Published: September 2020

Aims:

Our aim was to investigate labor-force participation, working hours, job changes, and education over 9 years among persons who have survived more than 10 years after cancer, and compare it to controls.

Methods:

Register data on 2629 persons who survived cancer were stratified by gender and compared to data on 5258 matched controls. Persons who survived cancer were aged 30–50 when diagnosed with cancer and had a work contract prior to diagnosis. Descriptive analysis and t-tests were performed.

Results:

The proportion of female persons who survived cancer in the labor force was reduced from 100% to 83.9% during follow-up, demonstrating a significant difference compared to controls for each year measured. The proportion of male persons who survived cancer dropped from 100% to 84.8%, but was only significantly different compared to controls in 2 years. The proportion of female persons who had survived cancer who worked full-time was lower in all years compared to both controls and male persons who survived cancer; in turn, male persons who had survived cancer worked full-time less than male controls. The proportion of female persons who had survived cancer who worked less than 20 hours per week increased compared to controls. The frequency of change of employer was higher among female persons who survived cancer compared to controls for some years, but no significant differences between male persons who survived cancer and controls were found. Female persons who survived cancer were in education more often than male persons who survived cancer.

Conclusions:

Persons who survived cancer experienced reduced labor-force participation and working hours 9 years after diagnosis, and the reduction was more pronounced for women than for men. Working patterns were also different between genders and between persons who survived cancer and controls.
Making time in digital societies: Considering the interplay of media, data, and temporalities—An introduction to the special issue
Authors: Lohmeier Christine , Kaun Anne , Pentzold Christian
Published: September 2020

The text reflects on conceptualizations of media and time, and it introduces the articles of the special issue on the “Mediatization of time.”
Anticipatory news infrastructures: Seeing journalism’s expectations of future publics in its sociotechnical systems
Authors: Ananny Mike , Finn Megan
Published: September 2020

To understand news rhythms, scholars have primarily studied how the rituals and routines of news organizations align with the practices and expectations of audiences. The rhythms of today’s networked press, though, are set not only by journalists and consumers but also by largely invisible digital infrastructures: software, data, and technologies from outside newsrooms that are increasingly intertwined with journalistic work. Here, we argue that the rhythms of the contemporary, networked press live in the materials, practices, and values of hybrid, time-setting sociotechnical systems, a new concept we call anticipatory news infrastructure. We explicate this concept through a typology of sociotechnical dynamics, showing how the networked press is poised to sense events, structure journalistic work, predict and commodify traffic, architect audience relations, and categorize content. We argue that these infrastructures anticipate possible public life, thus creating anticipation publics through their largely invisible power to shape expectations of journalists and audiences alike.
The secret life of pet Instagram accounts: Joy, resistance, and commodification in the Internet’s cute economy
Authors: Maddox Jessica
Published: September 2020

A popular sentiment is that the Internet is for cute animal photos, but little has explored the visual cultures of pets and social media. The relationship between pets and social media is particularly prominent on Instagram, where pet owners often run Instagram accounts on behalf of their pets. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 23 individuals who run Instagram accounts for their pets, I discuss three dimensions of pet photos and social media: how individuals use pet Instagram accounts to curate a “fur baby” self-representation, the unspoken politics to sharing pet photographs online, and how individuals hope they provide followers joy. While joy and pet Instagram accounts are not solutions to the Internet’s problems, they do indicate how individuals work in ways to make platforms habitable. However, this joy is far from uncomplicated, as cultural dynamics of the Internet’s cute economy may problematize relationships between people, their pets, and their followers.
Development of 3D boundary element method for the simulation of acoustic metamaterials/metasurfaces in mean flow for aerospace applications
Authors: Bashir Imran , Carley Michael
Published: September 2020

Low-cost airlines have significantly increased air transport, thus an increase in aviation noise. Therefore, predicting aircraft noise is an important component for designing an aircraft to reduce its impact on environmental noise along with the cost of testing and certification. The aim of this work is to develop a three-dimensional Boundary Element Method (BEM), which can predict the sound propagation and scattering over metamaterials and metasurfaces in mean flow. A methodology for the implementation of metamaterials and metasurfaces in BEM as an impedance patch is presented here. A three-dimensional BEM named as BEM3D has been developed to solve the aero-acoustics problems, which incorporates the Fast Multipole Method to solve large scale acoustics problems, Taylor’s transformation to account for uniform and non-uniform mean flow, impedance and non-local boundary conditions for the implementation of metamaterials. To validate BEM3D, the predictions have been benchmarked against the Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and experimental data. It has been concluded that for no flow case BEM3D gives identical acoustics potential values against benchmarked FEM (COMSOL) predictions. For Mach number of 0.1, the BEM3D and FEM (COMSOL) predictions show small differences. The difference between BEM3D and FEM (COMSOL) predictions increases further for higher Mach number of 0.2 and 0.3. The increase in difference with Mach number is because Taylor’s Transformation gives an approximate solution for the boundary integral equation. Nevertheless, it has been concluded that Taylor’s transformation gives reasonable predictions for low Mach number of up to 0.3. BEM3D predictions have been validated against experimental data on a flat plate and a duct. Very good agreement has been found between the measured data and BEM3D predictions for sound propagation without and with the mean flow at low Mach number.
Ambient vibrations for the assessment of the strengthening intervention of a masonry barrel vault
Authors: Di Primio Alice , Fiorini Noemi , Spina Daniele , Valente Claudio , Vasta Marcello
Published: September 2020

Vibration-based structural monitoring is a fundamental tool to assess the conditions of existing structures, in their real operating state. In particular, as concerns masonry buildings, although a large part of the Italian and European historical heritage is composed of vaulted structures, comparatively few papers in the literature are targeted to the study of the dynamic behavior of vaulted systems. The present work focuses on the application of vibration-based structural monitoring to a barrel vault of the Bussi Castle, located in Pescara, Italy, which suffered some damages as a consequence of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. Ambient vibration tests were carried out in the damaged state and after repair and strengthening of the vault for evaluating its dynamic behavior in both states. In either conditions, the modal parameters of the vault were identified using operational modal analysis techniques. The comparison of the modes in the two states, carried out with Modal Assurance Criterion index, clearly indicates an enhancement of dynamic behavior of the consolidated vault. In particular, a new index named Modal Symmetry Index is introduced. The index is based on a proper ratio between mode shapes to evaluate the improvement of the structural symmetry after the restoration interventions. The results confirm the effectiveness of the devised index to evaluate the strengthening interventions and, the potential of the structural monitoring to control the behavior of damaged vaulted masonry systems.
Downregulation of miR-499a-5p Predicts a Poor Prognosis of Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Restrains the Tumorigenesis by Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor 9
Authors: Zhao Lihong , Jiang Ping , Zheng Hong , Chen Panfeng , Yang Min
Published: September 2020

The aberrant expression of microRNA is an important regulator in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, we found that miR-499a-5p was notably downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Decreased miR-499a-5p expression was associated with larger tumor size and higher TNM stage. Non-small cell lung cancer patients with low expression of miR-499a-5p exhibited a worse overall survival rate compared with those patients with high expression of miR-499a-5p. Ectopic expression of miR-499a-5p significantly suppressed non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and colony formation, and hampered cell cycle at G0/G1 phase in vitro. Conversely, knockdown of miR-499a-5p promoted non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced cell cycle at S phase. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that overexpression of miR-499a-5p inhibited the tumor formation in a nude mouse xenograft model. Mechanistic studies showed that fibroblast growth factor 9 was a direct target gene of miR-499a-5p. miR-499a-5p directly bound to fibroblast growth factor 9 mRNA 3’-UTR, therefore led to the reduction in fibroblast growth factor 9 protein expression. Finally, rescue experiments confirmed that silencing of fibroblast growth factor 9 partially reversed the phenotypes of miR-499a-5p knockdown on non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that downregulation of miR-499a-5p predicts a worse prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and restrains the tumorigenesis by targeting fibroblast growth factor 9. These findings may provide valuable clues for the future development of therapeutic strategies against this cancer.
Employing Indigenous Methodologies to Understand Women’s Perceptions of HIV, Health, and Well-being in Quebec, Canada
Authors: O’Brien Nadia , Martin Carrie , Peltier Doris , Kaida Angela , Becker Marissa , Bourassa Carrie , Gervais Laverne , Bruce Sharon , Loutfy Mona , de Pokomandy Alexandra
Published: September 2020

Guided by an Indigenous Methodology and a participatory research approach, we explored the experiences and priorities of Indigenous women living in Quebec regarding HIV prevention and care, overall health, and well-being. We drew from our research process to identify recommendations for conducting research with Indigenous women. These lessons include: (1) incorporating culturally adapted methods (e.g., sharing circles, arts, ceremony) facilitated participants’ safety and comfort; (2) conducting numerous workshops was valuable in building trust; and (3) validating findings with participants was essential to ensuring that the knowledge, experiences, and priorities of Indigenous women were respected. Our research findings regarding the care needs and priorities of women emphasize the importance of peer-led groups, culturally rooted healing strategies, accessible harm reduction, and social supports. Participatory research, led by members of the communities concerned, imbues the research with local knowledge and wisdom, which ensures the relevance of the research, the appropriateness of its conduct, and enables its overall success.
Symptoms and Clinical Findings in Primary Headache Syndrome Versus Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sharbel Daniel D. , Owen Harry C. , Yelverton Joshua C. , Li Mingsi , Holmes Thomas , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: September 2020

Background

Primary headache syndrome (PHS) patients frequently present to otolaryngologists with sinonasal complaints and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) due to symptomatic overlap. In this study, we compare demographic, subjective, and objective clinical findings of patients with PHS versus CRS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients presenting to a single tertiary care Rhinology clinic from December 2011—July 2017. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT) scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were obtained. Lund-MacKay CT scores were calculated, if available. Requirement of headache specialist management was compared between PHS and CRS groups. Patients with both CRS and PHS (CRScPHS) that required headache specialist management were compared to patients with CRS without PHS (CRSsPHS) and patients with PHS alone using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were carried out to determine significant diagnostic thresholds.

Results

One-hundred four PHS patients and 130 CRS patients were included. PHS patients (72.1%) were more likely than CRS patients to require headache specialist management (6.9%, p<0.0001). CRSsPHS patients had significantly higher Nasal domain scores compared to PHS patients ( p = 0.042) but not compared to CRScPHS patients ( p>0.99). CRScPHS ( p = 0.0003) and PHS ( p<0.0001) subgroups of patients had significantly higher Aural/Facial domain scores compared to CRSsPHS patients. PHS patients also had significantly higher Sleep domains scores compared to CRSsPHS patients ( p<0.0001). Both CRScPHS and CRSsPHS subgroups had significantly higher nasal endoscopy scores ( p<0.0001) and CT scores ( p = 0.04 & p<0.0001, respectively) compared to the PHS group. Aural/Facial domain score of 4, nasal endoscopy score of 4, and CT score of 2 were found to be reliable diagnostic thresholds for absence of CRS.

Conclusions

The SNOT-22 may be used to distinguish PHS from CRS based upon the Aural/Facial and Sleep domains. Patients with CRS have more severe Nasal domain scores and worse objective endoscopy and CT findings.
Diabetes patient’s pharmacovigilance knowledge and risk perception: the influence of being part of a patient organisation
Authors: Matos Cristiano , van Hunsel Florence , Tavares Ribeiro Rogério , Nascimento do Ó Dulce , Raposo João Filipe
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The aim was to assess the perception of risk for developing adverse drug reaction (ADRs) and knowledge, attitudes and opinions regarding pharmacovigilance in diabetic patients, and to investigate the effect of being a member of a patient organisation for diabetes on these factors, in comparison with other patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study looking for patients’ risk perception of experiencing ADRs. Diabetes patients followed at the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP) were included, together with two comparison groups (patients with and without diabetes). Kruskal-Wallis followed by post hoc Dunn’s multiple-comparison test were used to compare patients’ groups.

Results:

A total of 314 patients participated in the survey (104 followed at APDP, 106 with diabetes not followed at APDP and 104 without diabetes diagnosis that used chronic medication). APDP patients presented higher risk perception scores for medicines related to their disease compared with two groups. Those patients affirmed that doctors explained possible ADRs on medication to them, and showed higher intention to report ADRs in the future if serious or unexpected.

Conclusions:

Patients with diabetes showed greater understanding of ADRs and higher need to report them than patients without diabetes. They would like to have more information about general ADRs related to anti-diabetic medication and present higher intention to acquire information on how and when to report compared with non-diabetic patients. Patients followed in APDP presented higher score of risk perception, which could be influenced by the presence of the diabetes disease in the patients’ life, by their previous experiences using medicines, but also by information received from the patient organisation. The two groups of patients with diabetes have different experiences of the disease, but both present higher perception of side effects related with medicines they use respectively in their diabetes type. Hence, patient organisations are well positioned to be a source where patients can obtain reliable information, changing their attitudes and perceptions about the disease and drug treatments.
Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status of school children in government elementary schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Zeleke , Hassen Derartu , Debalke Serkadis , Tiruneh Abebaw , Asres Yaregal , Chelkeba Legesse , Zemene Endalew , Belachew Tefera
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children.

Methods:

School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results:

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–8.0). T. trichiura infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children.

Conclusion:

Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, T. trichiura was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.
The Gender of Sports News: Horizontal Segregation and Marginalization of Female Journalists in the Swiss Press
Authors: Schoch Lucie
Published: September 2020

This study analyzes the allocation of sport news among female and male journalists in the francophone Swiss daily press. Relying on both quantitative content analysis and qualitative data collected through interviews with female and male sports journalists, it identifies a horizontal segregation within sports newsrooms. An overwhelmingly greater number of male journalists cover the most prestigious subjects and produce greater numbers of technical match reports, taking on what are considered to be the “hardest” news stories. Women are restricted to covering less prestigious sports, women’s sports, and tend to be allocated “soft” stories to report. This article undertakes an in-depth discussion of the gendered nature of this task allocation, exploring the way it affects female and male journalists’ careers.
Arthroscopic Bankart repair with knotless suture anchors: A comparison of the permanent and absorbable types
Authors: Algarni Abdulrahman D
Published: September 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) using two types of knotless suture anchors (KSAs) in patients with post-traumatic recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability (AGHI).

Methods:

Thirty-two patients underwent an ABR using KSAs: a permanent KSA (PushLock) and an absorbable counterpart (BioKnotless). There were 16 patients in each group. Pre-and post-operative assessment for shoulder function using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant–Murley scores, recurrence of instability, post-operative limitation of external rotation (ER) and ability to return to pre-injury level were recorded in both groups.

Results:

Both groups displayed significant improvements in functional scores ( p < 0.0001) without a significant difference between the groups. Of the 32 patients, 9.4% had recurrence of instability (one re-dislocation in group 1 and two symptomatic subluxations in group 2). Return to pre-injury level occurred in 87.5% and 81.3% of group 1 and group 2, respectively. There was 2° to 3° loss of ER after ABR in both groups; the difference between the groups was not significant ( p = 0.45).

Conclusion:

ABR for recurrent AGHI using a permanent or absorbable KSA offers comparable successful outcomes; no significant statistical difference was found.
Potential Contributions of Clinical and Community Testing in Identifying Persons with Undiagnosed HIV Infection in the United States
Authors: Kahn James G. , Bendavid Eran , Dietz Patricia M. , Hutchinson Angela , Horvath Hacsi , McCabe Devon , Wolitski Richard J.
Published: September 2020

Background:

An estimated 166,155 individuals in the United States have undiagnosed HIV infection. We modeled the numbers of HIV-infected individuals who could be diagnosed in clinical and community settings by broadly implementing HIV screening guidelines.

Setting:

United States.

Methods:

We modeled testing for general population (once lifetime) and high-risk populations (annual): men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and high-risk heterosexuals. We used published data on HIV infections, HIV testing, engagement in clinical care, and risk status disclosure.

Results:

In clinical settings, about 76 million never-tested low-risk and 2.6 million high-risk individuals would be tested, yielding 36,000 and 55,000 HIV diagnoses, respectively. In community settings, 30 million low-risk and 4.4 million high-risk individuals would be tested, yielding 75,000 HIV diagnoses.

Conclusion:

HIV testing in clinical and community settings diagnoses similar numbers of individuals. Lifetime and risk-based testing are both needed to substantially reduce undiagnosed HIV.
Evaluating the Telehealth Experience of Patients With COVID-19 Symptoms: Recommendations on Best Practices
Authors: Khairat Saif , Pillai Malvika , Edson Barbara , Gianforcaro Robert
Published: September 2020

Positive patient experiences are associated with illness recovery and adherence to medication. To evaluate the virtual care experience for patients with COVID-19 symptoms as their chief complaints. We conducted a cross-sectional study of the first cohort of patients with COVID-19 symptoms in a virtual clinic. The main end points of this study were visit volume, wait times, visit duration, patient diagnosis, prescriptions received, and satisfaction. Of the 1139 total virtual visits, 212 (24.6%) patients had COVID-19 symptoms. The average wait time (SD) for all visits was 75.5 (121.6) minutes. The average visit duration for visits was 10.5 (4.9) minutes. The highest volume of virtual visits was on Saturdays (39), and the lowest volume was on Friday (19). Patients experienced shorter wait times (SD) on the weekdays 67.1 (106.8) minutes compared to 90.3 (142.6) minutes on the weekends. The most common diagnoses for patients with COVID-19 symptoms were upper respiratory infection. Patient wait times for a telehealth visit varied depending on the time and day of appointment. Long wait times were a major drawback in the patient experience. Based on patient-reported experience, we proposed a list of general, provider, and patient telehealth best practices.
What regions of Chinese characters are crucial for recognition? A web-based study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Reilly Ronan
Published: September 2020

The study involves approximately 250 Chinese university students from eight institutions to determine what parts of a representative sample of Chinese characters are crucial to their correct identification. A web-based experimental platform was used to present 102 simplified characters to participants. The characters were partially obscured using a Gaussian blurring technique. The direction of maximum blur could either be from top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right, or right to left. Participants were asked to identify the blurred character and type its pinyin. Overall, participants correctly identified 88% of characters. The effects of all forms of blurring on correct recognition were correlated with character structures. Phonetic radicals seem to be more sensitive to the blurring than semantic radicals, while the radical transparency and radical frequency also plays a role in the recognition accuracy. The blurring conditions that impacted most significantly on correct recognition were top to bottom and bottom to top, which caused, respectively, the upper and lower parts of the character to be obscured.
Sequential response-driven bortezomib-based therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Basset Marco , Milani Paolo , Nuvolone Mario , Benigna Francesca , Rodigari Lara , Foli Andrea , Merlini Giampaolo , Palladini Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is highly effective in selected patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Bortezomib, preceding or following ASCT, improves responses. Satisfactory responses, including at least a partial response, very good partial response (VGPR) with organ response, or complete response, can be observed after induction therapy alone. We report 139 patients treated upfront with cyclophosphamide/bortezomib/dexamethasone (CyBorD), followed by ASCT only if response was unsatisfactory. Only 1 treatment-related death was observed. After CyBorD, hematologic response (HR) rate was 68% (VGPR or better, 51%), with 45% satisfactory responses. Transplant was performed in 55 (40%) subjects and resulted in an 80% HR rate (65% ≥ VGPR). Five-year survival was 86% and 84% in patients treated with ASCT or CyBorD alone, respectively (P = .438). Also, 6- and 12- month landmark analyses did not show differences in survival. Duration of response was not different in the 2 groups (60 vs 49 months; P = .670). Twenty-one (15%) patients with an unsatisfactory response to CyBorD could not undergo ASCT because of ineligibility or refusal; instead, they received rescue chemotherapy, with HR in 38% of cases and 51% 5-year survival. This sequential response-driven approach, offering ASCT to patients who do not attain satisfactory response to upfront CyBorD, is very safe and effective in AL amyloidosis.