bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-pharmacological integrative therapies for chronic cancer pain
Authors: Katta Maanya Rajasree , Valisekka Sai Sudha , Agarwal Pahel , Hameed Maha , Shivam Swadha , Kaur Jasneet , Prasad Sakshi , Bethineedi Lakshmi Deepak , Lavu Diti Vinuthna , Katamreddy Yamini
Published: May 2022

Objective

Chronic pain is one of the most detrimental symptoms exhibited by cancer patients, being an indication for opioid therapy in up to half of the patients’ receiving chemotherapy and in 90% of advanced cases. Various successful non-pharmacological integrative therapy options have been explored and implemented to improve the quality of life in these patients. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms implicated; assessment tools used for cancer pain and summarize current evidence on non-pharmacological approaches in the treatment of chronic cancer pain.

Data sources

A review of the literature was conducted using a combination of MeSH keywords including “Chronic cancer pain,” “Assessment,” “Non-pharmacological management,” and “Integrative therapy.”

Data summary

Data on the approach and assessment of chronic cancer pain as well as non-pharmacological integrative options have been displayed with the help of figures and tables. Of note, non-pharmacological integrative management was divided into three subcategories; physical therapy (involving exercise, acupuncture, massage, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation), psychosocial therapy (e.g. mindful practices, supportive therapy), and herbal supplementation.

Conclusions

The use of non-pharmacological integrative therapy in the management of chronic cancer pain has been grossly underestimated and must be considered before or as an adjuvant of other treatment regimens to ensure appropriate care.
Private Readerly Experiences of Presence: Why They Matter
Authors: Mackey Margaret
Published: May 2022

This article draws on Philip Barnard's model of the interactions between theory and practice, between basic and applied research, to investigate the paradox of reading as an experience both private and public. It uses internal reader experience as a starting point for exploration, evoking the concept of a readerly sense of presence as a selection criterion. Investigating chapters in two novels for young readers, Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) by Philip Pullman and The Moffats by Eleanor Estes, and drawing on cognitive models of reading, it analyzes the textual constructs that set up a potential for the kind of enactive resonance that enables (though does not mandate) a sense of presence. It investigates the methodological implications of an enhanced sense of reading as a non-reproducible experience and considers the policy and pedagogical implications of not restricting public concepts of reading to what can be readily measured or repeated.
Perceptions of opinion poll credibility: The role of partisan bias
Authors: Dawson Stephen
Published: May 2022

What determines the credibility of opinion polls, and for whom? Opinion polls assessing voting intention are an increasingly prominent aspect of pre-election media discourse, yet they often vary in terms of their estimations, who conducted the poll, and where the poll is ultimately published. This research note considers the determinants of pre-election poll credibility when citizens are exposed to conflicting polls, contributing to a growing field which considers the subjectivity with which partisan-relevant information is perceived in polarised contexts. Using a conjoint analysis in Turkey, this paper produces strong evidence that polls are perceived differently across partisan lines. Whereas government supporters rely almost exclusively on a poll’s result, opposition supporters place considerably more weight on the media source when determining poll credibility.
On the dynamics of Zoom fatigue
Authors: Aagaard Jesper
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has made videoconferencing tools an essential part of our lives as these tools are what allowed us to keep in touch in a time of social distancing. Having said that, however, many people have found virtual interactions to be surprisingly exhausting. This has given rise to the concept of Zoom fatigue. The purpose of this article is to explore the dynamics that give rise to this peculiar phenomenon. The article first discusses the concept of Zoom fatigue and critiques the brain-centrism of current explanations. It then proposes a more embodied approach to interaction, discusses the mediating role of technology in videoconferencing, and proceeds to presents a list of five videoconferencing dynamics that may induce Zoom fatigue: Awkward turn-taking, inhibited spontaneity, restricted motility, lack of eye contact and increased self-awareness. Finally, it is argued that these dynamics should make us temper our collective expectations about the hybrid future.
Tea tourism: Designation of origin brand image, destination image, and visit intention
Authors: Liang Shao-Hua , Lai Ivan Ka Wai
Published: May 2022

In line with the concept of brand association, a famous Designation of Origin (DO) brand image may influence the non-visitor perception of the destination image, but there is little research on this topic. This study investigates the effect of the DO brand image on destination image and non-visitor visiting intention toward a tea culture tourism destination. A systematic survey was conducted in Guangdong, China. The results of 311 valid samples show that all four dimensions (feature, value, functional, and affective) of the DO brand image have a significant positive impact on destination image, but only two cognitive dimensions (feature and functional) of the DO brand image directly influence visiting intention. Therefore, this study confirms that destination image mediates the relationship between DO brand image and tourists’ visit intention. This study contributes to destination image research by linking DO brand and destination image to promote a tourist destination. It also provides implications to tea culture tourism research by integrating a measurement scale of tea image and recommending the practices of tea culture tourism.
The role of environmental knowledge and interest on perceived value and satisfaction
Authors: Tkaczynski Aaron , Xie Jinghua , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn R
Published: May 2022

This study examines the interplay between whale watchers’ knowledge and interest in protecting the environment on the perceived value and satisfaction of their whale watching experience. Despite an emphasis on examining 1) environmental insights into protecting the environment employed by tourists and tourism stakeholders; and 2) evaluating tourists’ perceived value and satisfaction in the literature, it is unknown if whale watchers’ knowledge and interest in protecting the environment influences their evaluation of a whale watching experience. To assess the relationships between these constructs, 1024 self-administered surveys were collected on three whale watching vessels within one Australian whale watching destination. Ordinary least square and logit regression determined that whale watchers’ interest in protecting the environment and perceived value and satisfaction with their whale watching experience was high. Whale watchers’ knowledge of protecting the environment was an insignificant predictor of perceived value and satisfaction. Conversely, whale watchers’ interest in protecting the environment was a significant predictor of perceived quality and emotional value. Perceived value mediated whale watchers’ interest in protecting the environment and satisfaction. To remain competitive whilst also protecting the environment, tourism stakeholders (e.g. Destination Marketing Organizations, whale watching operators) need to further market whale watching experiences to whale watchers in the targeted segment emphasizing environmental protection appeal. This study has provided several theoretical and practical contributions while future research opportunities are also outlined.
Differences in self-perception and social gender status in children with gender incongruence
Authors: van der Vaart Lindsey R , Verveen Anouk , Bos Henny MW , van Rooij Floor B , Steensma Thomas D
Published: May 2022

Background: Gender incongruent children report lower self-perception compared to the norm population. This study explored differences in self-perception between children living in their gender role assigned at birth and children living in their experienced gender role.

Method: The self-perception questionnaire was administered to 312 children referred to the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria ‘Amsterdam UMC’. Social transition status was determined by parental interviews. 2 (social transition) by 2 (sex assigned at birth) ANCOVA’s were conducted.

Results: Children living in their assigned gender role reported comparable self-perception to children living in their experienced gender role. Birth assigned girls living in their assigned gender role reported poorer self-perception on ‘athletic competence’, compared to girls living in their experienced gender role. Birth assigned boys living in their assigned gender role reported poorer on ‘scholastic competence’ and ‘behavioral conduct’ compared to boys living in their experienced gender role.

Conclusions: Social transition did not show to affect self-perception. Self-perception was poorer for birth assigned boys living in their experienced gender role. For birth assigned girls this was reversed. Future studies should give more insight in the role of social transitions in relation to child development and focus on other aspects related to self-perception.
Improving hosts’ pre-interaction capabilities for sustainability based on Airbnb host content emergence characteristics
Authors: Wang Bo , Jin Xin , Qu Chuang
Published: May 2022

The sharing of accommodation as a sustainable environmental solution for the lodging market is prevalent all over the world. However, the rapid expansion and low occupancy rate could be due to the accommodation hosts’ lack of attention to the pre-interaction content while reducing their carbon footprint, which have caused a significant impact on guests’ decision-making and prevented sharing accommodation. To improve the host pre-interaction capabilities and achieve the environmentally friendly potential of sharing accommodation, this research aims to explore the host expression characteristics including important topics and keywords of host pre-interaction content from a symbolic interaction perspective. Conducting the latent Dirichlet allocation machine learning model, keywords clustering characteristics emerged as main topics based on 38,814 listings from Airbnb in Beijing. The result of investigating the features in these topics and the word distribution in three types of properties shows that in a homogenous accommodation community, hosts who make the pre-interaction have more orders than those who do not. At the same time, the focus of hosts on expressing explicit and abundant topic symbols can effectively increase the attractiveness of their listings. However, accommodation hosts who just post a long text but do not emphasize listing key topics would not convince guests to use the accommodation. A variety of practical implications of findings has been discussed for sharing accommodation practitioners to answer the challenge of sustainability.
Networking down: Networks, innovation, and relational labor in digital book publishing
Authors: Larson Christine , Ready Elspeth
Published: May 2022

While management and network scholars have long asked why some groups adapt to innovation more readily than others, such questions have been surprisingly absent in studies of new media production. We offer a network analytical framework which relates producers’ informal networks to their capacity to adopt digital innovations. Through a network ethnography of 4264 romance writers, we find that established authors who reversed traditional advice patterns, by seeking advice from inexperienced newcomers rather than experienced peers, were more likely to adopt digital self-publishing. By linking the concept of relational labor to network structures, we demonstrate the value of “networking down” in a digitally disrupted cultural industry—a surprising finding in a business where networking up, to powerful actors, has seemed critical for success. We argue that strategic relational labor by established content creators facilitates adaptation to digital conditions and provides some measure of protection against precarity in a changing landscape.
The influence of nasal deviation on the perception of maxillary dental centreline and smile aesthetics
Authors: Grimes Karl , Fleming Padhraig S , Sharma Pratik K
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To assess the impact of nasal deviation on the perception of the maxillary dental centreline position as judged by orthodontists, dentists and laypersons.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Participants:

Three groups of raters comprising 30 orthodontists, 30 dentists and 30 laypersons.

Methods:

A frontal photograph of a smiling white woman was captured and digitally manipulated with varying degrees of nasal deviation and dental centreline (DC) position in increments of 1.5 mm and 3 mm to the right and left. Three rater groups assessed the attractiveness of images using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Multiple regression analysis was undertaken, and images were compared using the Tukey HSD method.

Results:

Using a mixed linear model, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was estimated in the range of 69%–86%, indicating good inter-rater reliability. The interaction between image rating and nasal position ( P < 0.001), DC position ( P < 0.001) and the relationship between nose and DC position ( P < 0.001) were found to be statistically significant with symmetrical upper midline and nasal tip position, both considered to be most aesthetically pleasing. Image rating was not influenced by rater group type ( P = 0.995), age ( P = 0.983) or sex ( P = 0.476).

Conclusion:

There was a preference for a central and coincident nose and maxillary DC position uniformly across the rater groups. Deviations of the nose, DC and their interactions negatively impacted on perceived smile aesthetics with increasing extent and opposing direction of deviations rated progressively more unaesthetic. No differences were observed between orthodontists, general dental practitioners and lay people with respect to perceived impact on smile aesthetics.
“It made me feel like it was okay to be wrong”: Student experiences with ungrading
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an interpretative phenomenological analysis study of students’ experiences with ungrading in the form of reflection-based self-evaluation in a college course. In the landscape of student evaluation, ungrading strategies respond to the limitations of traditional grading systems, particularly with respect to cultivating in-demand skills and capacities, such as adaptability, creative thinking, and self-management. Through in-depth interviews with eight students, this study reports on four experiential themes that characterize the switch to ungrading: de-gamification, or unsettling the “gamified” nature of evaluation in the traditional grading system; time to think and reflect, creating space for review and the deepening of learning; rich communication, or continual feedback between teacher and student; and learning community, in which students felt like they were part of a team effort rather than siloed individuals. Considerations for further research, as well as implementation of ungrading in other courses, are discussed.
Perceived and unmet needs for health and social services among families coping with dementia in China: A descriptive study
Authors: Sun Tongda , Jia Rangcheng , Clarke Jodie-Ann , Zhu Mingze , Dobbs Debra , Di Yuntong , Dong Xiaoxin , Meng Hongdao
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To describe the perceived and unmet needs for health and social services and their relative importance among families coping with dementia in urban China.

Methods

We used data from a cross-sectional survey conducted between 2018 and 2019 in two cities in eastern China. Trained staff conducted structured interviews of family caregivers of people living with dementia at home to obtain individual characteristics as well as types of service needs of families coping with dementia. Service needs and utilization in 24 types of services across five domains (daily living, medical/nursing, rehabilitation, mental health, and other) were examined. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics of the dyads and the ranking of services based on the percentage of respondents with perceived/unmet needs.

Results

A total of 170 (87.6%) family caregivers completed the interviews. The mean age of the care recipient was 77.2 years (range: 60–102) and 65.3% were female. The mean age of family caregivers was 58.4 years (range: 28–90), and 57.1% were female. The top five services used by the care recipients were: primary care, medication management, housekeeping, activities of daily living assistance, and adult day service. The five services with the most unmet needs were: legal assistance (42.7%), hospice care (44.7%), respiratory secretion management (expectoration) (57.6%), life enrichment activities (65.4%), and companion care (67.0%). Except for transportation and dressing/grooming, working and nonworking caregivers reported similar relative importance of service needs.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that people living with dementia and their family require a wide range of services and supports to live in the community. Future research and policy efforts should target the unmet needs of families to improve dementia care in the community and promote aging-in-place.
High Impact for Whom? A Qualitative Analysis of Organization Concerns About the Transition to High-Impact Prevention Policy
Authors: Reid Miranda J. , Tetteh Emmanuel K. , Ingaiza Lucy M. , Bradley Cory D. , Dolcini M. Margaret , McKay Virginia R.
Published: May 2022

HIV represents a significant health burden in the United States. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stopped recommending many once-promoted interventions as part of a shift from one HIV intervention policy, Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI), to another, High Impact Prevention (HIP). Twenty-nine staff members from 10 organizations were interviewed to explore how organizations reacted to this shift. Three major themes emerged: (1) Personal experience, community assessment, and epidemiological evidence influenced organizations’ perceptions of efficacy and preference for earlier interventions. (2) Organizations were concerned that HIP interventions were not a good fit for their priority populations. (3) Organizations were frustrated with the top-down approach by the CDC prioritizing HIP interventions over earlier interventions. These results indicate that organizations continue to see value in and provide DEBI interventions. In addition, a more participatory process incorporating qualitative evidence and organizations’ experiences may be necessary to achieve widespread de-implementation of DEBI interventions.
A Methodological and Practical Guide to Study Peripheral Voices in Qualitative Research
Authors: López-Deflory Camelia , Perron Amélie , Miró-Bonet Margalida
Published: May 2022

The selection of the voices that make up a qualitative research project is of great importance since the knowledge gained about a certain object of study depends on it. Qualitative researchers focus on the voices around which the purposes of their research explicitly revolve. However, they do not customarily pay attention to peripheral voices, which are primordial to understanding the complexity of the phenomenon studied. In this article, we fill in the literature gap regarding the inclusion of peripheral voices as participants in qualitative research. We develop a five-stage methodological and practical guide to identify who the peripheral voices are, how to plan their approach, how to listen to them and how to analyze their narratives. We illustrate its practical application using the results of doctoral research focused on the construction of the nurse’s status in healthcare organizations. We conclude by discussing the potential of their inclusion in qualitative research.
Risk factors for readmission after open abdominal aortic aneurysms repair and its outcome in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Nasif Abdullah , Ren Gang , Ahmed Amin Mohamed , Mahmoud Ali , Nazzal Munier , Osman Mohamed , Ahmed Ayman
Published: May 2022

Objective

Readmission after vascular procedures is a burden to hospitals and the Medicare system. Therefore, identifying risk factors leading to readmission is vital. We examined the frequency of and risk factors for 30-day readmission after open aneurysm repair (OAR) and explored post-operative outcomes with special attention for those with preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Patients who underwent OAR were identified in the National Readmission Database (2016–2018). Demographic information and comorbidities were collected. Patients readmitted within 30 days after their index hospitalization were identified and compared to patients without readmission records.

Results

A total of 5090 patients underwent OAR during the study timeframe with 488 patients (9.6%) were readmitted within 30 days. Females were more readmitted than males (F = 11.1% vs M = 9.0%, P < 0.001). Readmitted patients had more comorbidities (median ECI 12, P < 0.05), were on Medicare (73.7%, P < 0.001), had higher surgery admission cost ($146,844, P < 0.001), longer length of stay (8 days, P < 0.001), and were discharged to a lower level care facility (62.7%, P < 0.001). Comorbidities that predisposed patients for readmission include: peripheral arterial disease (OR 2.15, P < 0.01), asthma (OR 1.87, P < 0.01), chronic heart failure (OR 1.74, P < 0.05). On readmission visit, acute renal failure (23.8%) was the most common diagnosis, while intestinal surgery (13.7%) was the most common procedure. Patients with CKD ( n = 968, 18.9% of total population) had double the mortality rate compared to non-CKD patients on surgery admission (10.4%, P < 0.001) and readmission (10.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Certain factors were noted to increase readmission rate, special attention need to be paid when dealing with such group of patients requiring OAR. Vascular surgeons should meticulously weigh benefits and risks when considering OAR in patients with CKD who are not a candidate for endovascular repair, and optimize their kidney function before considering such approach.
A survey of ultrasound Quality Assurance implementation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dudley Nicholas John , Woolley Darren James , Stevenson Maryla Anna
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

In England, Quality Assurance is a legal requirement, regulated by the Care Quality Commission; equipment in use may exhibit only minor deterioration. There is evidence that a significant number of ultrasound transducers in use exhibit major faults and this may lead to suboptimal imaging in a large number of examinations. There is limited evidence suggesting that the uptake of Quality Assurance in the United Kingdom is low; the aim of this study was to gather more information on current Quality Assurance practice.

Methods:

A questionnaire to establish the level of Quality Assurance in place in National Health Service Hospital Trusts in the United Kingdom was sent by email to 170 National Health Service Chief Executives.

Results:

There were 60 responses to the survey from individual National Health Service organisations, only four respondents (7%) indicating that no Quality Assurance was performed in their organisation. Twenty-three percent of respondents conducted only annual Quality Assurance. Eighteen percent of respondents conducted only user Quality Assurance.

Conclusion:

In the worst case, if no non-respondents had a Quality Assurance programme, only 33% of National Health Service Trusts in the United Kingdom have a Quality Assurance programme. The true figure will be between 33% and 93%. Annual Quality Assurance alone is insufficient to detect faults in a timely manner and user Quality Assurance alone may not detect more subtle faults. It is easy and straightforward for ultrasound users to perform Quality Assurance every day, in the form of a rapid visual inspection and uniformity assessment before every use.
Ultrasound diagnosis of syndromic cases with vascular malformations and soft tissue overgrowth: A rare case of CLOVES syndrome
Authors: Rana Abhilasha , Sethy Abhilash , Krishnan Venkatram , Aggarwal Archana
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Syndromes associated with vascular malformation and soft tissue overgrowth in the paediatric population present with multiple soft tissue swellings. Ultrasound is the initial investigation of choice for paediatric soft tissue swellings. Ultrasound evaluation can accurately assess the nature of vascular malformations and pattern of lipomatous hypertrophy in areas of soft tissue overgrowth to facilitate early diagnosis of such syndromes.

Case Report:

Here, we report a case of CLOVES (congenital lipomatous overgrowth (CLO), vascular malformations (V), epidermal nevi (E), and spinal/skeletal anomalies/scoliosis (S)) syndrome in a 6-year-old girl referred for evaluation of soft tissue swellings. CLOVES syndrome is a rare overgrowth syndrome in the paediatric population which presents with multiple soft tissue swellings. The ultrasound and clinical features of the syndrome have been illustrated to help radiologists accurately diagnose this rare syndrome based on detailed ultrasound and clinical evaluation.

Discussion:

Radiological features of CLOVES syndrome and differentiating ultrasound features of other such syndromes have been described in detail. A systematic stepwise approach to diagnosing complex syndromic associations of vascular malformations with lipomatous overgrowth has been proposed. Role of ultrasound in the management, Wilms tumour screening and follow-up of CLOVES syndrome have also been discussed.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis and management of complex syndromes presenting with soft tissue swelling in the paediatric population. It also aids in the differentiation of such syndromes, tumour screening, guided sclerotherapy and follow-up of vascular lesions encountered in such syndromes.
Complicated appendicitis in an adult patient
Authors: Babington Emmanuel Abiola
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Appendicitis is a common cause for emergency operations in the western part of the world, mostly affecting children and young adults. Ultrasound in well-trained hands is an effective imaging tool in making this diagnosis; however, this does not come without its challenges and potential complications.

Case report:

This is a case of a 19-year-old male with one-day history of severe pain in the right iliac fossa; blood results showed raised inflammatory markers. Ultrasound revealed a large abnormal loop of bowel containing heterogeneously echogenic contents, and two large appendicoliths at the base and fundus, with the presence of free fluid in the right iliac fossa and oedema in the adjacent mesentery. Laparoscopic appendectomy confirmed the presence of severe appendicitis with generalised peritonitis and appendicolith. Histology revealed gangrenous appendicitis with perforation in two places.

Discussion:

This case demonstrates that making a diagnosis of an inflamed appendix alone on ultrasound is not enough, and conducting a detailed assessment of the inflamed appendix and its surrounding anatomy is essential so that all the associated findings can be reported to aid in the patient management, reduce hospital stay and improve overall diagnosis and prognosis.
Support needs of older people with intellectual disabilities: An exploratory study among psychologists in the Netherlands
Authors: Thalen Marloes , van Oorsouw Wietske MWJ , Volkers Karin M , Embregts Petri JCM
Published: May 2022

Background: Information regarding the common-daily support needs of older people with intellectual disabilities remains scarce, despite the necessity of such knowledge to the provision of adequate support. This exploratory study aims to identify the most important support needs. Method: A mixed-method design was conducted, in which 11 semi-structured interviews were held with psychologists to gain insight into the support needs of older people with intellectual disabilities. Results: The data provide an overview of the support needs of older people with intellectual disabilities in all quality-of-life (QoL) domains. Physical well-being, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships and self-determination were identified as the most important domains for older people with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study may guide the development of a specific training for support staff and constitute a valuable contribution to raising awareness among support staff concerning the broad range of support needs existing among older people with intellectual disabilities.
(Extra) ordinary parenting: Parents of children with disabilities in the context of disability stigma and pride
Authors: Niedbalski Jakub
Published: May 2022

Introduction/background

The research focuses primarily on how parents construct images of themselves and their children that diverge from the narrative of disability as a life tragedy and focus on emphasizing dignity and self-esteem.

Methods

The research was qualitative. A technique of an unstructured interview conducted with parents of people with intellectual disabilities was used to collect data. The analysis and interpretation were based on the procedures of the grounded theory.

Results and conclusion

Parents talk about their children as a source of pride, pointing to positive social experiences, social relationships and interactions in the public sphere. At the same time, parents emphasized the painful and exhausting experience of dealing with various types of institutions, thus highlighting the negative role of stigma in their lives and those of their children. Parents resisted framing their children’s 'deficits' and their own lives in terms of mere tragedy or misfortune.
Understanding the Magnitude of Psychological Differences Between Women and Men Requires Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Authors: Eagly Alice H. , Revelle William
Published: May 2022

Whether women and men are psychologically very similar or quite different is a contentious issue in psychological science. This article clarifies this issue by demonstrating that larger and smaller sex/gender differences can reflect differing ways of organizing the same data. For single psychological constructs, larger differences emerge from averaging multiple indicators that differ by sex/gender to produce scales of a construct’s overall typicality for women versus men. For example, averaging self-ratings on personality traits more typical of women or men yields much larger sex/gender differences on measures of the femininity and masculinity of personality. Sex/gender differences on such broad-gauge, thematic variables are large relative to differences on their component indicators. This increased effect magnitude for aggregated scales reflects gains in both their reliability and validity as indicators of sex/gender. In addition, in psychological domains such as vocational interests that are composed of many variables, at least some of which differ by sex/gender, the multivariate distance between women and men is typically larger than the differences on the component variables. These analyses encourage recognition of the interdependence of sex/gender similarity and difference in psychological data.
Analysing the melancholy of Nordic Noir as stimmung: Affective world-building inThe Bridge
Authors: Siem Josefine B
Published: May 2022

Scholars of crime fiction continuously discuss what Nordic Noir series have in common, arguing that it is a genre, a brand and a style respectively. Instead, this article explores Nordic Noir as an atmosphere, observed through the concept of stimmung, and argues that affective world-building in TV-series should be analysed beyond matters of style and narrative. Based on an analysis of The Bridge (2011–2018), the article discusses the aesthetic and critical potentialities of attuning oneself to the melancholic world of Nordic Noir and demonstrates that the affective quality of a series impacts how its themes can be read.
Real-world outcomes of adjuvant gemcitabine versus gemcitabine plus capecitabine for resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kang Sora , Yoo Changhoon , Lee So Heun , Oh Dongwook , Song Tae Jun , Lee Sang Soo , Jeong Jae Ho , Park Do Hyun , Seo Dong Wan , Park Jin-hong , Hwang Dae Wook , Song Ki Byung , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Woohyung , Kwak Bong Jun , Hong Sarang , Chang Heung-Moon , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Kim Kyu-pyo , Kim Song Cheol
Published: May 2022

Background:

Adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment after curative-intent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The phase-3 ESPAC-4 trial demonstrated significantly improved overall survival (OS) with Gemcitabine plus capecitabine (GemCap) over Gemcitabine (Gem) in Europe. We conducted a retrospective efficacy and safety evaluation of GemCap versus Gem in an Asian population.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis included 292 patients with PDAC who received adjuvant Gem or GemCap after curative resection between January 2017 and December 2020 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

Results:

Adjuvant Gem and GemCap were administered to 161 (55.1%) and 131 (44.8%) patients, respectively. The Gem group had significantly older patients (median 66 versus 63 years, p = 0.001); otherwise, the groups had similar baseline characteristics. With median follow-up durations of 39.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 36.9–45.0] and 39.4 (95% CI, 34.7–41.6) months in the Gem and GemCap groups, the median OS was 36.8 (95% CI, 29.7–43.5) and 46.1 (95% CI, 31.5–not reached) months in the Gem and GemCap groups, respectively [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0; p = 0.07). The median recurrence-free survival was 14.3 (95% CI, 12.9–17.7) and 17.0 (95% CI, 13.3–28.2) months, respectively ( p = 0.5). Hand-foot skin reactions (any grade, 15.3% versus 0.6%; p < 0.001), neutropenia (78.6% versus 67.7%, p = 0.04) and thrombocytopenia (30.5% versus 20.5%, p = 0.04) were more common in the GemCap group. Multivariate analysis revealed adjuvant GemCap – compared with Gem – to be significantly associated with better OS (adjusted HR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9; p = 0.01). Otherwise, moderate or poor histological grade, lymph node positivity, positive resection margin, and elevated CA 19-9 (>median) were significantly associated with worse OS.

Conclusions:

Adjuvant GemCap showed the consistent clinical outcomes with the ESPAC-4 trial. As mFOLFIRINOX is the new standard treatment for medically fit patients with resected PDAC, further evaluation of optimal adjuvant chemotherapy in daily practice is warranted.
In Vivo Study of the Inflammatory Tissue Response Surrounding a Novel Extended-Wear Kink-Resistant Insulin Infusion Set Prototype Compared With a Commercial Control Over Two Weeks of Wear Time
Authors: Kastner Jasmin R. , Eisler Gabriella , Torjman Marc C. , Khalf Abdurizzagh , Diaz David , Dinesen Alek R. , Loeum Channy , Strasma Paul J. , Joseph Jeffrey I
Published: May 2022

Background:

Infusion set function remains the limiting factor of insulin pump therapy due to nonmetabolic complications. Here, we tested an investigational extended-wear infusion set prototype with a soft, angled, wire-reinforced cannula with three additional side holes, and compared failure mechanisms and tissue response with a commercial Teflon control.

Methods:

A total of 48 Teflon and 48 prototype infusion sets were inserted subcutaneously every other day for 14 days in 12 swine and infused with dilute insulin. After two weeks, tissue around cannulas was excised, and occlusions, leaks, and kinks were determined. Tissue was processed and stained to assess the total area of inflammation (TAI) and the inflammatory layer thickness (ILT) around the cannulas. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact, analysis of variance-general linear model, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc tests.

Results:

On average, the TAI surrounding the investigational cannula was 52.6% smaller than around the commercial control. The ILT was 66.3% smaller around investigational cannulas. Kinks occurred in 2.1% (investigational) vs 32.4% (commercial) cannulas ( P < .001). There was no difference in occlusion alarms and leaks onto skin.

Conclusions:

The data suggest that the infusion set prototype elicits less inflammation over an extended wear time and is resistant to kinking, compared with a commercial Teflon device. This is consistent with previously published data on the impact of cannula material/angle on the inflammatory tissue response. We highlight the following important aspects of infusion set design: (1) secure skin adhesion, (2) reliable cannula insertion, (3) automatic removal of the stylet, (4) cannula material/design that resists kinking, and (5) minimization of local tissue inflammation.
Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Managing Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Laursen Sisse H. , Boel Lise , Udsen Flemming W. , Secher Pernille H. , Andersen Jonas D. , Vestergaard Peter , Hejlesen Ole K. , Hangaard Stine
Published: May 2022

Background:

Strict monitoring of blood glucose during pregnancy is essential for ensuring optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes. Telemedicine could be a promising solution for supporting diabetes management; however, an updated meta-analysis is warranted. This study assesses the effects of telemedicine solutions for managing gestational and pregestational diabetes.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL were searched up to October 14, 2020. All randomized trials assessing the effects of telemedicine in managing diabetes in pregnancy relative to any comparator without the use of telemedicine were included. The primary outcome was infant birth weight. A meta-analysis comparing the mean difference (MD) in birth weight across studies was applied, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The revised Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results:

From a total of 18 studies, ten (totaling 899 participants) were used to calculate the effect on infant birth weight. The results nonsignificantly favored the control (MD of 19.34 g; [95% confidence interval, CI −47.8; 86.47]), with moderate effect certainty. Heterogeneity was moderate ( I2 = 37.39%). Statistically significant secondary outcomes included differences in two-hour glucose tolerance postpartum (gestational diabetes; two studies: standardized mean difference 9.62 mg/dL [95% CI: 1.95; 17.28]) that favored the control (GRADE level, very low) and risk of shoulder dystocia (four studies: log odds −1.34 [95% CI: −2.61; −0.08]) that favored telemedicine (GRADE, low).

Conclusions:

No evidence was found to support telemedicine as an alternative to usual care when considering maternal and fetal outcomes. However, further research is needed, including economic evaluations.
The Influence of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Psychosocial Outcomes in Insulin-Using Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Soriano Emily C. , Polonsky William H.
Published: May 2022

Background:

To examine the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) on psychosocial outcomes in adults with insulin-using type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods:

A total of 174 insulin-using adults with T2D completed questionnaires assessing diabetes distress, hypoglycemic confidence, hypoglycemic fear, device-related emotional burden, and device-related trust before and after a six-month trial of rtCGM. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was assessed at the same time points; impaired hypoglycemic awareness (IAH) was assessed at baseline. Change in psychosocial outcomes was examined with t tests, then modeled as a function of baseline HbA1c and IAH and simultaneous change in HbA1c in multiple regression analyses.

Results:

Respondents were predominantly male (57.5%) and non-Hispanic white (67.8%). Significant improvement over the trial was observed in hypoglycemic fear ( P = .031), hypoglycemic confidence ( P < .001), diabetes distress ( P < .001), and device-related emotional burden ( P < .001). Impaired hypoglycemic awareness at baseline predicted greater improvement in hypoglycemic fear ( P = .002), hypoglycemic confidence ( P = .003), diabetes distress ( P = .013), and device-related emotional burden ( P < .001). Higher baseline HbA1c was linked with greater improvement in hypoglycemic fear ( P = .030); HbA1c change over the trial was positively associated with change in diabetes distress ( P = .010) and device-related emotional burden ( P = .003).

Conclusions:

Introduction of rtCGM in adults with insulin-using T2D was associated with significant improvements in diabetes-related psychosocial outcomes over six months. Gains were significantly greater among participants reporting IAH and those with higher HbA1c at baseline, thus providing the first evidence regarding which users might more likely benefit.
People With Diabetes and Caregivers Prefer Rescue Glucagon Treatment With a Wider Storage Temperature Range and a Nasal Administration, When Efficacy is Similar: A Discrete Choice Experiment in Spain
Authors: Mitchell Beth D. , Rentz Anne M. , Kummer Shannon , Yan Yu , Heidenreich Sebastian , Krucien Nicolas , Artime Esther , Osumili Beatrice , Rubio Miriam , Gelhorn Heather L.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Conventional injectable glucagon (IG) and nasal glucagon (NG), both having similar efficacy, are two options for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in Spain. This study elicited the effect of changes in key attributes on preferences for NG and IG medication profiles of people with diabetes and caregivers in Spain.

Methods:

The relative attribute importance (RAI) that participants placed on glucagon preparation, preparation and administration time, delivery method, recovery time, device size, storage temperature, and headache risk was estimated from an online discrete choice experiment. In addition, patients and caregivers were presented with NG and IG profiles that included rates of successful administration; the proportion of participants choosing each profile was summarized.

Results:

The analysis included 276 adults with diabetes (65% type 1) and 270 caregivers (49% type 1). Overall mean age was 40 years; 51% were female. The most important attributes were storage temperature (RAI [95% confidence interval] = 27.3% [22.9-32.2]) and delivery method (17.4% [13.1-21.9]). Headache risk (16.2% [11.8-20.7]), time to prepare and administer (14.5% [10.1-18.8]), glucagon preparation (11.4% [6.8-15.8]), recovery time (8.9% [4.3-13.3]), and device size (4.3% [0.3-8.8]) were also relevant. When comparing medication profiles, significantly more participants (78%) preferred NG over IG profiles ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Adults with diabetes and caregivers prefer a glucagon treatment with a higher rate of successful administration, wider storage temperature, and nasal delivery method, when efficacy is similar. Participants favored NG over conventional IG as a rescue medication for severe hypoglycemia. This information may help decision-making by payers and treatment discussions between health care professionals and patients.
Ultrafiltration Process Yield Study on Aqueous Solution of Total Ginsenosides
Authors: Li Dekun , Li Zhi , Peng Fei , Su Xiao Q. , Zhang Lei , Cai Yiting , Ju Aichun
Published: May 2022

Ultrafiltration membrane separation is a technology used to separate large and small molecules in solution by using the principle of membrane screening. This technology can retain the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine extract, remove macromolecular impurities and endotoxin, and meet the requirements of high quality, high efficiency, and low pollution in the modern production of traditional Chinese medicine. The study investigated the impact of 100 KDa molecular weight prepared from different ultrafiltration membrane on the ginsenosides ingredient composition of ginsenosides Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rf, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg2, ginsenoside Rc, ginsenoside Rb2, ginsenoside Rb3, ginsenoside Rd and ginsenoside Rg3. Changes in retention rates were compared by the component changes in high-performance liquid chromatography in the volume concentrates, par volume of water constant volume diafiltration and 50% ethanol constant volume diafiltration ultrafiltration process. The results demonstrate that the 100 K cellulose ultrafiltration membrane was used for ginsenosides ultrafiltration. The yield and retention were superior to those of the polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane with the same molecular weight cutoffs.
Intimal hyperplasia detection after aneurysm treatment by flow diversion using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging
Authors: Russo Riccardo , Mistretta Francesco , Bergui Mauro , Morana Giovanni
Published: May 2022

In-stent caliber reduction due to neo-intimal hyperplasia (NIH) is an underestimated event that may follow flow diverter stent (FDS) implantation. Although mostly asymptomatic, this vascular reaction is a well-known risk factor for delayed ischemic strokes. Here we report on the contribution of magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (MR-VWI), performed on a 1.5 T scanner, to detect in-stent stenosis and mural inflammation in a 40-year-old woman with cerebral aneurysm previously treated with FDS and presenting with motor disturbances on follow-up. Digital subtraction angiography and cone-beam CT confirmed 1.5 T MRVWI findings, highlighting the potential value of this non-invasive imaging technique in investigating and detecting NIH.
Association of dynamic susceptibility contrast- and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging parameters with molecular marker status in lower-grade gliomas: A retrospective study
Authors: Ahn Sung Hee , Ahn Sung Soo , Park Yae Won , Park Chae Jung , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Molecular marker status is clinically relevant for treatment planning and predicting the prognosis of gliomas. This study aimed to assess whether quantitative imaging parameters from dynamic susceptibility contrast- (DSC-) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict the molecular marker status of lower-grade gliomas (LGGs).

Materials and methods

Overall, 132 patients with LGGs who underwent DSC- and DCE-MRI were retrospectively enrolled. Statuses of relevant molecular markers including isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (IDH), 1p19q codeletion, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were collected. For each molecular marker, age, tumor diameter and location, and DSC- and DCE-MRI parameters, including the normalized cerebral blood volume (nCBV), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate transfer coefficient (Kep), extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve), and plasma volume fraction (Vp), were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The nCBV was significantly lower in LGGs with IDH mutation ( p = .001) and TERT mutation ( p = .027) than those without these mutations. Ktrans ( p = .034), Ve ( p = .023), and Vp ( p = .044) values were significantly lower in MGMT methylated LGGs than in MGMT unmethylated LGGs. Perfusion parameters were not significantly associated with EGFR amplification and 1p19q codeletion. Young age ( p < .001) and small diameter ( p = .001) were significantly associated with IDH mutation. The nCBV was independently associated with IDH status (AUC, 0.817; 95% CI: 0.739–0.894).

Conclusions

DSC- and DCE-MRI parameters demonstrated correlations with molecular markers of LGGs. Especially, the nCBV can be helpful in predicting the IDH mutation status.