bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of DOM in Asturian (‘Dialectu Vaqueiru’)
Authors: Esteban Avelino Corral
Published: June 2020

The present paper explores Differential Object Marking in a variety of Asturian (Western Iberian Romance) spoken in western Asturias (northwestern Spain). This ancestral form of speech stands out from Central Asturian and especially from Standard Spanish. For a number of reasons, ranging from profound changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, morphology and information structure to slight but very relevant effects on syntax. The main goal of this study is to examine the special marking of direct objects in order to find out what triggers the distribution of Differential Object Marking in this variety. To this aim, this paper will examine, from a variationist perspective, the influence of a number of semantic and discourse-pragmatic parameters on the marking of direct objects in this Western Asturian language as well as in Standard Spanish
1
and Central Asturian (which is generally considered the normative variety of Asturian). The results obtained from this comparison will allow us to outline the differences between these three varieties in terms of object marking, shedding more light on the origin and function of Differential Object Marking in Spanish.
Isostenosmylus ammirabilis sp. nov., a remarkable new species of lance lacewing (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) from the Colombian Andes
Authors: ARDILA-CAMACHO ADRIAN , MARTINS CALEB CALIFRE , NORIEGA JORGE ARI
Published: June 2020

Isostenosmylus Krüger, 1913 is the richest genus of Osmylidae of the Neotropical region, with 17 described species so far, which are distributed mainly in the Andean region and in the South of Brazil and Paraguay. A new remarkable Colombian species of Isostenosmylus—I. ammirabilis sp. nov.—is herein described and illustrated. DNA barcode of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for this species is also provided. Taxonomic keys for the genus are updated.
Two Gamispatulus Thatcher & Boger, 1984 (Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) from Schizodon intermedius Garavello & Britski (Actinopterygii: Anostomidae), with description of a new species
Authors: NARCISO RODRIGO B. , DA SILVA REINALDO JOSÉ
Published: June 2020

A parasitological survey of fishes from two tributaries (Veados and Paranapananema Rivers) of the Jurumirim Reservoir, Upper Paranapanema River, São Paulo State, Brazil, was carried out a during a sampling survey in 2011 and 2012. Several ectoparasitic copepods were found inside the nostrils of the freshwater anostomid fish, Schizodon intermedius Garavello & Britski, 1990. The morphological analysis of the copepod specimens indicated that they represent two species of the ergasilid genus Gamispatulus Thatcher & Boeger, 1984: Gamispatulus schizodontis Thatcher & Boeger, 1984 (type species) and an undescribed species, Gamispatulus ferrilongus n. sp., which are described herein. The present specimens of G. schizodontis agree in several respects with its original description; however, some differences were found regarding the morphology of mouthparts and the ornamentation of legs and antennules. These differences were not sufficient to propose a new species for this genus. However, it could indicate the need for reassessment of the type material to have a more complete representation of this species. Gamispatulus ferrilongus n. sp. shares several similarities with its congener G. schizodontis but the new species can be readily distinguished from its congener in having a unique combination of diagnostic features including: a long rostral spine with tip extending up to half of cephalothorax, simple retrostylets (lacking adjacent spatulate processes), and dorsal surface of genital double-somite with 2 rounded processes (anterior and posterior) on both lateral margins. A host-parasite list for all vaigamid genera and species is included.
Discovery of a new intertidal species, Amblopusa vancouverensis from Vancouver Island, Canada with notes on Amblopusa brevipes Casey (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: YOO IN-SEONG , AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: June 2020

Amblopusa vancouverensis Yoo & Ahn, sp. nov. is described from Vancouver Island, Canada. The new species is compared with closely related species, A. brevipes Casey. Amblopusa brevipes is redescribed and the taxonomic characters of mouthparts and genitalia of both sexes are discussed and illustrated. New distributional record of A. brevipes for Agattu Island (the Aleutian Islands) is provided.
Getting Away With Murder? A Review of the ‘Rough Sex Defence’
Authors: Bows Hannah , Herring Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Several high-profile murders of women killed during alleged consensual sex ‘gone wrong’ have led to widespread calls for reform to prevent the use of what has been termed the ‘rough sex defence’. Concerns about the use of this ‘defence’ are located within broader concerns about the high rates of domestic abuse and fatal violence against women. Lobbyists, campaign groups and members of parliament have drawn attention to the increase in this ‘defence’ featuring in criminal cases in England and Wales and have consequently proposed two amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill (2020), namely a statutory prohibition of consent as a defence to actual bodily or more serious harm, including death, and introducing additional scrutiny in charging decisions by requiring the Director of Public Prosecutions to authorise charges of manslaughter (rather than murder) in cases involving rough sex/sadomasochism (SM). This article provides a critical analysis of the use of rough sex/SM in female homicide cases and proposed legal reforms and concludes that the proposed reforms would fail to capture many of the ‘rough sex’ cases that have come before the courts in recent years and may not have the intended effect. We consider potential alternative approaches.
Consumer Search and Filtering on Online Retail Platforms
Authors: Jiang Baojun , Zou Tianxin
Published: June 2020

This article examines how the consumer’s search cost and filtering on a retail platform affect the platform, the third-party sellers, and the consumers. The authors show that, given the platform’s percentage referral fee, a lower search cost can either increase or decrease the platform’s profit. By contrast, if the platform optimally adjusts its referral fee, a lower search cost will increase the platform’s profit. As the consumer’s search cost decreases, if the platform’s demand elasticity increases significantly, the platform should reduce its fee, potentially resulting in an all-win outcome for the platform, the sellers, and the consumers; otherwise, a lower search cost will increase the platform’s optimal fee percentage, potentially leading to higher equilibrium retail prices. Furthermore, the availability of filtering on the platform will in expectation induce consumers to search fewer products but buy products with higher match values, and filtering can either increase or decrease equilibrium retail prices. When filtering reveals only a small amount of the products’ match-value variations, it will benefit the platform, the sellers, and the consumers. This article shows that the effects of filtering and those of a decrease in search cost are qualitatively different.
Ending gender violence: An antiracist intersectional agenda for churches
Authors: West Traci C.
Published: June 2020

Churches can do better than offering hypocritical messages about tolerating gender-based intimate abuse and violence in family, church, and community life. Churches need culturally disruptive approaches that enable them to address this abuse and violence more consistently and systemically. Influential heteropatriarchal church values that promote deceptive theological generalizations about the inescapability of human suffering and sinfulness can merge with resonant values given expression in broader social and political practices that breed tolerance for the targeting of certain social groups for stigma and exclusion. This dynamic merger can inform our cultural understandings of gender, sexuality, and power in a manner that hinders our capacity to address the root causes of gender violence. For instance, the duplicitous ethos and practices of churches regarding gender-based intimate abuse and violence can mirror white supremacist denial that is also prevalent in US culture. Churches can, however, also play a unique role in helping to withdraw their own and other communal supports for the abuse and violence. Developing an antiracist approach can aid in producing the Christian moral imagination needed to awaken from a tolerance of everyday traumatic consequences for those who experience intimate violence and abuse or the ongoing threat of it, especially the most socially marginal community members.
County-Level Differences in Support for Recreational Cannabis on the Ballot
Authors: Beltz Lindsey , Mosher Clayton , Schwartz Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Cannabis is traversing an extraordinary journey from an illicit substance to a legal one, due in part to an unprecedented wave of bottom-up law reform through successful citizen ballot initiatives. Yet, even in states that have legalized recreational cannabis, there is substantial geographic variability in support of cannabis legalization. Geographic variability in voter support for cannabis legalization is impactful (e.g., county moratoriums/bans) yet poorly understood. This paper demonstrates the consequences of county-level population demographics, sociopolitical factors, and community differences in experience with criminalization of cannabis possession for understanding county-level variation in support of recreational cannabis law reform on (un)successful ballot measures in California (2010), Colorado (2012), Washington (2012), and Oregon (2014). OLS regression analyses of nearly 200 counties indicate that differences in racial and ethnic composition (% Black, Hispanic), political affiliation (% Republican), past criminalization, gender composition, and higher education level of residents all predict county-level variation in support for liberalization of cannabis law. Stronger Republican political leanings and/or higher percentages of Black or Hispanic residents were associated with reduced support, whereas higher education, male sex composition, and greater past criminalization were associated with increased support for cannabis legalization across counties. Religiosity and rurality were inconsequential as predictors of county-level voting patterns favoring recreational cannabis. The substantial geographic variability in voter support for cannabis legalization has significant implications for policy implementation and effectiveness.
A Meta-Analysis Integrating 25 Years of Diversity Climate Research
Authors: Holmes Oscar , Jiang Kaifeng , Avery Derek R. , McKay Patrick F. , Oh In-Sue , Tillman C. Justice
Published: June 2020

Extant diversity climate research has been based primarily upon the Interactional Model of Cultural Diversity (IMCD). While prior research has supported the beneficial effects of prodiversity climates (i.e., work environments that employees view as fair and socially integrative of all personnel) on worker attitudes and behaviors, less is known about the potential boundary conditions of diversity climate-outcome relationships. To address this concern, we conducted a meta-analysis of diversity climate using 109 independent samples from 94 studies. Meta-analytic results indicate that diversity climate–outcome relationships are moderated by climate measure type, outcome type, demographic diversity, climate strength, and measurement source. These findings show that diversity climate is more strongly related to outcomes when measured as inclusion climate (vs. diversity climate), for attitudinal outcomes compared to performance and withdrawal criteria, when work contexts are more racially and ethnically diverse, when personnel exhibit stronger versus weaker agreement in their diversity climate perceptions, and when diversity climate and outcome data are collected from the same source versus different sources. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are noted and discussed.
Multiparametric Approach with Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Mri, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Mrs of The Breast in Assessment of Suspicious Breast Lesions
Authors: Abd Elsalam SM , Said AH , Sarah MH
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Breast cancer is the most invasive malignant tumour in females worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer death in females after lung cancer. In Egypt, cancer breast is the first common site of tumours among females (32%) and the second common tumour site in both sexes. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of quantitative parameters derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with ultrasound +/- conventional mammography in differentiating suspicious breast masses (BI-RADS III and IV) and to suggest the most accurate imaging combination for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer breast.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 40 patients with suspicious breast lesions detected by clinical examination, ultrasound+/- mammography . Dynamic MRI study was performed using 1.5T MRI. Lesions were analyzed regarding their morphology, kinetic curve pattern, ADC value and tCho peak measurement. The results of each MRI parameter were correlated to histo-pathology.

Results:

In this study sensitivity of sono-mammography was 70% and its specificity was 66.6%. According to using MRI sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 80% by using morphological and curve patterns. As regarding MRS sensitivity was 50% and specificity was 86.7%. Regarding sensitivity of ADC was 90%while its specificity was 93%. The cut off ADC value was 0.95 x 10−3 mm2/s. By using MRI with additive modalities (ADC and MRS) sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 93%.

Conclusion:

In comparison with MRI, sonomammography alone lack both sensitivity and specificity in detection of breast lesions in suspicious cases. MRI with additive modalities (ADC and MRS) is the best imaging modality in detection of malignant cases and exclusion of benign cases.
Is it the Time to Implement the Routine Use of Distress Thermometer Among Egyptian Cancer Patients?
Authors: Abdel Aziz N , Elgohary GH , Khallaf S , Mohamed S , Abozeed W , Nabeeh O , Alhawary M , Khalid S , Abdel - Warith A
Published: June 2020

Background:

Emotional distress is common among cancer patients (25-30 %), as a result of the serious diagnosis and suffering from aggressive treatment. This may negatively affect their participation in treatment, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. To best of our knowledge, it has not been studied before in Egypt, this study aims to implement the distress thermometer in Egyptian cancer patients as a screening tool for the distress and its associated factors.

Methods:

The Arabic version of DT that has been recently validated was used in this study to screen patients. Egyptian Patients diagnosed with different types of hematological malignancies and solid cancers who were following at three Oncology Centers (South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University Hospital, and Mansura University Oncology department) were recruited. All Patients were asked to rate their distress in the past week on an 11-point visual analog scale ranging from 0 (no distress) to 10 (extreme distress), then, they were asked to fill in the Problem List (PL), to check whether or not they had any of the problems listed during the previous 7 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the significant problems correlated with the patient distress at a cut-off score of 4.

Results:

A total of 550 patients agreed to participate. The mean age was 51.3 (18–85) years. Different types of solid and hematological malignancies were included; the most common three types were breast cancer (32.7 %), gastrointestinal cancer (23%), and hematological malignancies (15.5 %). The patients’ average DT score was 3.7. The most frequent problems were fatigue (49%), worry (47%), fear (44 %), and pain (42%). The univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the DT at Cut – off the value of 4 and transportation, dealing with children, depression, fears, sadness, sleep, loss of usual activity, and fatigue. Multivariate analysis confirmed the transportation, depression, fears, sadness, sleep and fatigue as independent factors for such distress.

Conclusion:

Egyptian cancer patients are suffering from significant distress at a cut value of 4. We recommend the involvement of the psycho-oncology service for all cancer patients at the time of diagnosis.
Clinicopathologic Parameters and Survival Data in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients in Correlation with Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes, Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor 1 Expression
Authors: Njenga JM , El-Gowily A , Arafat WO , Abdalla D , Rostom YA
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The constantly evolving nature of breast cancer (BC) makes it paramount to identify and evaluate more biomarkers that may have a predictive and prognostic value. We explored the relationship between the androgen receptor (AR), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and clinicopathologic variables and survival in BC.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study, we collected clinical and pathological data of 105 BC patients who had been treated at Alexandria Main University Hospitals from January 2010 to December 2016. These patients’ formalin fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were retrieved and analyzed for AR and IGF-1R expression immunohistochemically; TILs were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Chi square and Kaplan Meier curves were used to study the correlation between the three biomarkers and clinicopathologic parameters and survival respectively.

Results:

59% and 51.4% of patients were AR and IGF-1R positive respectively. AR immunoreactivity correlated with a tumour size less than 5 centimeters (p=0.001), presence of carcinoma in situ (p=0.008), negative Her 2 status (p=0.007) and negative lymphovascular invasion (p<0.001). Negative AR expression predicted a longer disease free survival (p=0.017). A positive IGF-1R was associated with carcinoma in situ (p<0.001) and negative extra-nodal extension (p=0.042) but no impact on the disease free survival (p=0.227). A high TIL expression was associated with a tumour size less than 5 centimeters (p=0.005), invasive lobular carcinoma (p=0.006), carcinoma in situ (p=0.047), negative LVI (p<0.001) and longer survival. A positive AR expression was associated with a positive IGF-1R expression (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

AR, IGF-1R and TILs correlate differently with various clinicopathologic variables used in BC; in addition they all have a prognostic value. The two receptors are a promising target in BC. More clinical studies are required to further confirm the utility of these three biomarkers.
CXCR4 and RIF1 Overexpression Induces Resistance of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer to Cisplatin
Authors: Abd El Aziz Lamiss Mohamed , Abd El Aziz Dareen Mohamed , Elkady Assama , Elanwar Noha
Published: June 2020

The chemoresistance of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a major problem Thus, the search for novel biomarkers associated with cisplatin sensitivity is overwhelming. Previous studies have shown that chemokine receptor (CXCR4) is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis and distant metastases and replication regulatory timing factor (RIF1) is responsible for repair of double strand DNA breaks.

This study, thus, aimed to identify the correlation between CXCR4 and RIF1 overexpression and cisplatin sensitivity in EOC.

Patients and methods:

Fifty five EOC patients were recruited to assess chemosensitivity of EOC to cisplatin based chemotherapy in Oncology Department, Tanta University Hospitals.

Results:

The results showed that patients with a higher CXCR4 and RIF1 expression exhibited a significantly lower chemosensitivity, worse overall survival and a poorer progression-free survival. The only prognostic associated with overall survival was CXCR4.
Role of PET/CT in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ali Z.A. , Abdullah M.S. , Houseni M.M. , Hashem D.H.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) is widely used in the initial staging, evaluation of the therapeutic response, and detection of recurrent disease. However, with the increasing use of FDG PET/CT, sites of increased activity have been occasionally discovered in unexpected locations which may not correlate with the patient’s clinical history or the expected spread of the primary malignancy. The aim of this study is to detect the diagnostic value of PET/CT in breast cancer patients; comparing PET/CT performance with that of contrast enhanced CT in diagnosis of breast cancer and distant metastasis.

Material and Methods:

A prospective study carried out at National liver institute –Menoufia University from January 2016 to December 2017. It included 30 female patients. All patients had pathologically confirmed breast cancer. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT examination. Patients fasting for about 6 hours before study, then 370–550 MBq of 18F-FDG was injected. Approximately after 60 min from injection, PET/CT scans were performed. Following PET imaging, volumetric contrast enhanced CT scanning was performed from skull base to mid-thigh on the same PET/CT machine. Images were reconstructed and viewed on workstation.

Results:

The study included 30 female patients with breast cancer, mean age: 53.56 years ±10.64 (SD), age range: 33-73years. Detection of contralateral breast affection in 2 patients (6.7%) and distant metastasis were seen on PET/CT. Sites of distant metastasis included: bone (n=12), axillary lymph nodes (n=11), cervical lymph nodes (n=6), mediastinal lymph nodes (n=12), abdominal lymph nodes (n=8), liver (n=5), lung (n=11) and other visceral sites metastasis (n=9).PET/CT detected breast lesions with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95.4%. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of CT alone were 81.2% and 90.4% respectively.

Conclusion:

PET/CT has superiority over CT alone in detecting breast lesions and distant metastases.
Beyond the subject–object binary: Towards cosmopolitan knowledge
Authors: Neilson David
Published: June 2020

Rather than distinguishing, as Held’s (2020) article does, between “subjective” and “objective” forms of knowledge, this commentary makes the counter argument that the subject–object relation is an integral feature of all forms of knowledge, which can be more usefully distinguished according to differences in the form of the subject–object relation. I specifically differentiate the subject–object relation of Western social science from those of everyday knowledge and non-Western forms of knowledge. Western social science’s epistemological violence to other(ed) forms of knowledge is enabled, this commentary argues, by the false assumption that it is a subject-less objectivity while other forms of knowledge are subjective. The alternative epistemological subject position introduced here contrasts the epistemic imperialism of Western social science with a cosmopolitan vision of a dynamic global knowledge driven by the constructive articulation of differently limited knowledge forms. I then discuss this paper’s epistemological subject position in relation to class and intersectionality theory.
Psychologists and other folks: Comments on psychology as a science in between self-knowledge and otherness
Authors: Wide Sverre
Published: June 2020

Barbara Held (2020) discusses the claim that mainstream psychology tends to exert epistemic violence on so-called “othered” groups. Held shows, however, (a) that the idea of different epistemologies underpinning some such arguments is a difficult matter, (b) that folk notions (and theories) sometimes hailed as an antidote to the alleged othering might themselves at times be oppressive, and (c) that so-called mainstream psychology in fact can well serve progressive and critical purposes. Thus, Held problematizes the distinction made between psychology about (from above) and psychology of and from (from below); that is, she finds the distinction unconvincing and rather problematic as it stands. Yet, she does not seem to wish to do away with it all together. In this comment, I relate her discussion to a wider scientific debate on othering, and, by way of an ending, offer an alternative metaphor: psychology from the flank.
Pluralism as an antidote to epistemic violence in psychological research
Authors: Novis-Deutsch Nurit
Published: June 2020

The debate on objectivist versus relativist epistemologies in psychology and their relation to “othering” should consider a third stance that espouses epistemic pluralism. In order to understand the human experience, we must simultaneously explore the universal–humanistic, cultural, and idiographic aspects of the individual. Each of these aspects entails a different epistemic stance (objective, intersubjective, and subjective) and each assigns different meanings to “othering.” In addition, a pragmatic epistemology that posits “progressivism” as its sole agenda risks the epistemic violence of discounting other sets of values and moral foundations that matter to many (often othered) people. Additional steps are needed in order to truly diversify psychological study.
Nonparametric hyperrectangular tolerance and prediction regions for setting multivariate reference regions in laboratory medicine
Authors: Young Derek S , Mathew Thomas
Published: June 2020

Reference regions are widely used in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine to interpret the results of biochemical or physiological tests of patients. There are well-established methods in the literature for reference limits for univariate measurements; however, limited methods are available for the construction of multivariate reference regions, since traditional multivariate statistical regions (e.g. confidence, prediction, and tolerance regions) are not constructed based on a hyperrectangular geometry. The present work addresses this problem by developing multivariate hyperrectangular nonparametric tolerance regions for setting the reference regions. The approach utilizes statistical data depth to determine which points to trim and then the extremes of the trimmed dataset are used as the faces of the hyperrectangular region. Also presented is a strategy for determining the number of points to trim based on previously established asymptotic results. An extensive coverage study shows the favorable performance of the proposed procedure for moderate to large sample sizes. The procedure is applied to obtain reference regions for addressing two important clinical problems: (1) assessing kidney function in adolescents and (2) characterizing insulin-like growth factor concentrations in the serum of adults.
Parametric modal analysis of an induced-strain actuated wing-like plate for pitch and heave coupling response
Authors: Hauris Francis , Bilgen Onur
Published: June 2020

This article investigates the feasibility of a plate-like flapping wing with varying geometric and boundary conditions actuated by surface-bonded piezoelectric material devices. The most influential structural parameters that vary dynamic response and heave–pitch mode coupling are investigated. An analytically and experimentally validated dynamic finite element model is developed to analyze the structure. A parametric analysis is conducted by varying critical geometric parameters and boundary conditions, such as aspect ratio, actuator position, actuator angle, clamp size, and position; substrate thickness variation; and substrate-to-actuator-thickness ratio. Response metrics representing heave and pitch motions are taken as longitudinal curvature and lateral slope, respectively—the surface regression analysis and results leading to these choices are presented. Maximum longitudinal curvature and lateral slope amplitudes and phase shifts are reported for key parameter choices. Longitudinal curvature to lateral slope coupling is achieved with the introduction of a leading edge stiffener to the otherwise uniform thickness plate. Conditions and parameters that lead to and influence heave–pitch coupling are presented and discussed in detail. This article presents a unique approach to flapping mode of flight compared to the literature. The article proposes a purely induced-strain actuation approach rather than the typical “mechanisms” based approach.
Real-World Experience With Apremilast in the Treatment of Adults With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Québec: A Claims-Based Analysis of Drug Utilization and Healthcare Resource Utilization
Authors: Poulin Yves , Beauchemin Catherine , Royer Catherine , Gaudreau Anne-Julie , Yim Clarabella , Liu Fei Fei , Lachaine Jean
Published: June 2020

Background

In Québec, targeted biologic therapies for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis are restricted to patients who have not responded to phototherapy or conventional systemic treatment, primarily due to high drug costs. Apremilast, an oral treatment for plaque psoriasis, was added to the Québec provincial health insurance plan (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec; RAMQ) formulary in 2015, making this the only province in Canada with public drug plan reimbursement for apremilast.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe patients’ characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and associated costs and to measure real-world budget impact of using apremilast before biologics in plaque psoriasis.

Methods

This study was performed using RAMQ drug claims and medical services data. Patients diagnosed with psoriasis between January 2015 and December 2017 were identified. Medical services and prescription claims were categorized as all-cause and psoriasis-related. Using RAMQ database estimates, a 3-year budget impact analysis was developed comparing treatment cost with and without the addition of apremilast to the formulary.

Results

In all, 540 patients were identified (apremilast: n = 92; biologics: n = 448). Comorbidity burden and treatment persistence and adherence were comparable between apremilast and biologic users. The year following the index date, all-cause HCRU was lower for apremilast versus biologic users (CAN$19 763 vs CAN$28 025; P < .01), mainly driven by drug cost. Using apremilast before biologics resulted in an estimated RAMQ net savings of CAN$49 290 (2015), CAN$746 856 (2016), and CAN$1 216 512 (2017), and a total savings of CAN$2 012 658 since apremilast’s addition to the formulary.

Conclusion

Adding apremilast to the drug formulary of other Canadian provinces could result in significant healthcare savings.
A Fraserian theory of anti-discrimination law
Authors: Mc Manus Alberto R Coddou
Published: June 2020

To be part of progressive political projects, anti-discrimination law needs to be critical of its role in contemporary societies, where it is faced with processes of modernisation that push towards social/political disintegration and systemic/market integration. This article attempts to locate anti-discrimination law within a theory of social/political emancipation, in order to understand both its strengths and limits. In that regard, it uses elements and insights from Nancy Fraser’s critical theory to argue that anti-discrimination law is an anti-misrecognition device that operates within an interimbrication of different spheres: culture, economy and politics. In societies facing complex and systemic challenges, anti-discrimination law constitutes an interesting case of non-reformist reform. Indeed, anti-discrimination law can be a first step, with the materials we have at hand, towards elaborating progressive political projects that could reinforce the current struggles for human emancipation and alter the terrain upon which later struggles will be mounted.
The European Court of Justice and the march towards substantive equality in European Union anti-discrimination law
Authors: De Vos Marc
Published: June 2020

European Union (EU) anti-discrimination law has developed under a mostly formal, procedural Aristotelian approach to equality, driven by seminal European case law and incorporated into a body of EU non-discrimination directives. The academic literature has criticized this approach as formalistic and static (Formal equality, non-discrimination and European Union (EU) law section). Against this backdrop, this article explores how the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) embraces substantive equality dimensions of non-discrimination. It documents standout cases supporting substantive equality in direct and indirect discrimination (Direct discrimination is less formal than meets the eye and Indirect discrimination is substantive at heart sections). It explores how the CJEU has promoted substantive equality in cases of non-discriminatory differential treatment (Compulsory differential treatment makes formal equality substantive section) and through positive action or discrimination (Positive action can become substantive positive discrimination section). It unearths a wider scope for substantive positive discrimination when constructed as a limitation of, rather than an exception to, formal equality (Substantive positive discrimination can limit formal equality section). It frames the evolution towards substantive equality in the broader fundamental rights context that has become the EU law context, as applied in seminal CJEU cases (Formal anti-discrimination supports and reflects overall substantive equality section). It shows how formal EU equality law has always supported substantive equality and has gradually been mobilized to further substantive equality aims, redefining piecemeal the overarching purpose of EU equality law in the process while increasing concerns of transparency and legitimacy (Conclusion: pragmatism, discretion and legitimacy section).
Methodology for analysis of heavy vehicle trafficability in deformable soils
Authors: Lopes Elias Dias Rossi , Pinto André Flora Alves , Valentim Moisés Xavier Guimarães , Peixoto Pedro Siciliano , Rodrigues Gustavo Simão , Costa Neto Ricardo Teixeira da
Published: June 2020

Heavy vehicles have a wide range of applicability in our daily lives: buses, commercial trucks, and even defense vehicles are important to transport people and goods and provide protection. However, this field is not widely covered by the scientific literature in many aspects regarding their dynamic behavior, as most works tend to focus on personal vehicles (cars). This article elaborates on heavy vehicle trafficability on many different terrains or their capacity to operate in those soils, using an analysis based on the Wong–Reece method with deformable soil–rigid tire approximation. It also develops a dynamic model, using MATLAB SimulinkTM software, to show how heavy vehicle performance both kinematically and dynamically is influenced by the soil. To test both models, a numerical case study was conducted, using common parameters for wheeled heavy vehicles as inputs for the dynamic. Results indicate that heavy vehicles are often incapable of operating in highly deformable soils, sinking deeply into the ground; the soil also affects heavily the vehicle maximum velocity and gear from almost [Formula: see text] km/h in Greenville Loam soil to less than [Formula: see text] km/h in Upland Sandy Loam soil.
Theater Translation Research Methodologies
Authors: Glynn Dominic
Published: June 2020

Theater translation is an emerging area of research. However, to date, there has been no detailed consideration of the type of methodologies required to conduct such research. This article examines methods and practices in both theater and translation studies in order to discuss their applicability to study theater translation specifically. It categorizes existing research into output-oriented and process-oriented elaborating the specificities of each. The methods include comparative analysis of the translated texts with their source texts and production reviews. This article also outlines ethical issues in conducting research into theater translation.
Albertans for Health Research Network: Form, Fit, and Function
Authors: Rasiah Jananee , Manafò Elizabeth , Krawec Kiara , Nielssen Ingrid , Amirav Israel , Macphail Emily CM , Lavigne Lise-Anne , Asis Sheila
Published: June 2020

The patient engagement (PE) platform staff of Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support for People and Patient Oriented Research Trials Unit developed a patient-powered PE network called Albertans for Health Research Network (AB4HR); an enhanced tool to better connect patient partners and researchers online. AB4HR was developed in response to an identified need—a user-friendly online forum for both patient partners and researchers to access, so that they can better work together, as partners, in health research. We codesigned AB4HR and identified ways to improve the form, fit, and function of an existing registry through discussion groups with patient partners and researchers. We found 3 main themes derived from the perspective shared by patient partners and researchers. Patient partners and researchers agreed that the existing registry provides a forum to connect with one another in an easy, low-barrier way. However, there were opportunities for improvement with AB4HR, including possibilities for greater interaction between patient partners and researchers to promote more collaborative partnerships.
“An Expanded Window of Understanding a Changed Everyday Life”—Experiences From Patients With Long-Term Conditions After Attending Group Learning Sessions
Authors: Lindblad Anna , Hedberg Berith , Nygårdh Annette , Petersson Christina
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Health education programs using group learning sessions for patients with long-term conditions have been tested, but not evaluated. In order to evaluate such sessions, the purpose was to explore experiences from patients with long-term conditions after participating in group learning sessions.

Methods:

A descriptive design based on qualitative content analysis was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 patients with different long-term conditions, and participants were asked about their experiences after taking part in the group learning sessions.

Results:

Sharing experiences with one another gave them opportunities for learning. Patients described a metaphorical “expanded window,” which opens in the group learning sessions; comparable to encounters during regular visits to health care providers. The nature of the learning environment that follows the educational model, together with describing lived experiences, allowed patients to share capability and resources, which was found to be foundational.

Conclusions:

The health education program as a format was important for shared learning. The facilitator can support the learning by structuring the format, but most essential was sharing experiences that facilitated each patient’s learning that can aid the support of individual self-management.
Intimate partner violence among postpartum women at a teaching hospital in Nigeria’s Federal Capital City: pattern and materno-fetal outcomes
Authors: Akaba Godwin O. , Abdullahi Habiba I.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Intimate partner violence is an important public health and human rights issue. Previous studies have considered intimate partner violence in pregnancy mainly among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics thereby missing out a few who may encounter this problem in late pregnancy or just before delivery. This study had the objective of ascertaining the prevalence, pattern of intimate partner violence, and associated materno-fetal outcomes.

Method:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January 2017 and June 2017 among postpartum mothers at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital just before being discharged home. The abuse assessment score was adapted and used to interview women regarding possible intimate partner violence experiences within the past 1 year and during the pregnancy after obtaining written consent.

Results:

Out of 349 postpartum women interviewed, 102/349 (29.2%) experienced intimate partner violence in the past 1 year, while 18/349 (5.2%) of intimate partner violence occurred in the index pregnancy. Sexual partners were the main perpetuators of intimate partner violence, 67/102 (65.7%), while 35/102 (34.3%) were by someone else other than their sexual partners. Among those abused in the current pregnancy, 10/18 (55.6%) were abused once and the remaining 8/18 (44.4%) were abused more than once. Intimate partner violence was associated with higher chances of cesarean section ( p = 0.001), increased risk of lesser birth weight babies ( p = 0.014), and maternal complications in pregnancy ( p = 0.030).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of intimate partner violence in pregnancy in Abuja is high with associated poor materno-fetal outcomes. Enforcing existing legislations and screening for intimate partner violence during routine antenatal care may help reduce its prevalence and ensure a positive pregnancy experience for Nigerian women.
Patterns of salivary microbiota injury and oral mucositis in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shouval Roni , Eshel Adi , Dubovski Bar , Kuperman Amir A. , Danylesko Ivetta , Fein Joshua A. , Fried Shalev , Geva Mika , Kouniavski Elizaveta , Neuman Hadar , Armon-Omer Ayelet , Shahien Radi , Muller Efrat , Noecker Cecilia , Borenstein Elhanan , Louzoun Yoram , Nagler Arnon , Koren Omry
Published: June 2020

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common debilitating dose-limiting toxicity of cancer treatment, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We hypothesized that the oral microbiome is disturbed during allogeneic HSCT, partially accounting for the variability in OM severity. Using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis, metabolomic profiling, and computational methods, we characterized the behavior of the salivary microbiome and metabolome of 184 patients pre- and post-HSCT. Transplantation was associated with a decrease in oral α diversity in all patients. In contrast to the gut microbiome, an association with overall survival was not detected. Among 135 patients given methotrexate for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis pre-HSCT, Kingella and Atopobium abundance correlated with future development of severe OM. Posttransplant, Methylobacterium species were significantly enriched in patients with severe OM. Moreover, the oral microbiome and metabolome of severe OM patients underwent distinct changes post-HSCT, compared with patients with no or mild OM. Changes in specific metabolites were well explained by microbial composition, and the common metabolic pathway was the polyamines pathway, which is essential for epithelial homeostasis. Together, our findings suggest that salivary microbial composition and metabolites are associated with the development of OM, offering new insights on pathophysiology and potential avenues of intervention.
A community-based, sport-led programme to increase physical activity in an area of deprivation: a qualitative case study
Authors: Garner-Purkis Aphra , Alageel Samah , Burgess Caroline , Gulliford Martin
Published: June 2020

Background

Engaging in physical activity is essential for maintaining mental and physical health but a high proportion of adults are inactive, especially in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. We evaluated a novel exercise referral scheme funded by Sport England and run by a social enterprise in an area of socioeconomic deprivation in inner London. This study aimed to examine the experiences of participants and staff and to identify barriers and facilitators of implementation and participation in this and potentially similar projects.

Methods

Thirty-five semi-structured interviews with project participants (N = 25) and staff members involved with the project (N = 10) were conducted based at one centre in London in 2017/2018. The interview schedule was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data was analysed using the Framework method and NVivo software.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: ‘Not like your regular gym’, Individual journeys and Practical aspects of the scheme. Study participants regarded the environment of the project centre as friendly and sociable. The project differed from a commercial gym by offering free or subsidised membership and the participation of people of all sizes and abilities. Classes were provided free of charge and this, together with mentor support, facilitated participation and continuation in the project. Participants reported changes not only in their physical activity level, but also in their physical and mental health. Additionally, their families’ lifestyle changes were reported. Difficulties of accessing the project included lack of awareness of the project and lack of engagement from key referring groups.

Conclusions

Providing free or subsidised classes incorporating individualised assessment, follow-up and support appeared to facilitate engagement in physical activity among socioeconomically deprived populations. The supportive social context of the centre was a major facilitator. Differing levels of abilities and health status among participants call for special attention. Increasing community and referrer awareness of available exercise referral schemes and enhancing communication between sources of referrals and project staff may help to address access issues.
“Clinical comparison of bond failure rate between two types of mandibular canine-canine bonded orthodontic retainers- a randomized clinical trial”
Authors: Nagani Nasreen Iqbal , Ahmed Imtiaz , Tanveer Faiqa , Khursheed Hafiza Marium , Farooqui Waqas Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Background

Bonded retainers are widely used as they are esthetically pleasing, easily acceptable, provide greater stability, compliance free and causes no soft tissue irritation and speech problems. Though, fracture and bond failure are their shortcomings. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the number of bond failures and type of failure pattern between two types of mandibular canine-canine bonded retainers.

Methods

Total 60 subjects were recruited initially and were assessed for eligibility, out of which 6 were excluded and 2 were lost to follow up. They were randomly divided into two groups. Fiber reinforced composite (FRC) retainers were inserted in group 1 subjects while group 2 subjects received multistranded stainless steel (MSW) retainers. The subjects were recalled after every 3 months over a period of 1 year. Bond failure rate and failure pattern based on adhesive remnant index were evaluated at each visit. The bond failure rate and failure pattern were compared between the two retainers by using Chi-square test.

Results

The bond failure rates were 42.94% for FRC retainer and 31.41% for MSW retainer. Hence, total number of bond failures in both retainers were 37.17%. The difference of bond failure between two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Type “0” failure pattern was detected commonly with both types of retainers (p <  0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that multistranded stainless steel wire retainer is a superior option to be used for fixed lingual retention in mandibular arch as it exhibited lower bond failure as compared to fiber reinforced composite retainer. Adhesive failure is the most common type of bond failure observed with both types of fixed retainers.

Trial registration

ID NCT03881813 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/); March 19, 2019, retrospective registration.