bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A six-week inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise improves respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Jui-Fang , Kuo Nai-Ying , Fang Teng-Pei , Chen Jui-O , Lu Hung-I , Lin Hui-Ling
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To compare the postoperative outcomes of inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise, along with standard care, on lung cancer patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Design:

A parallel-group, single-blind randomized clinical trial

Setting:

Thoracic surgery ward and outpatient clinic in a teaching hospital

Subjects:

Overall 63 patients underwent VATS were randomly assigned to a triaging (TG, n = 32) or control group (CG, n = 31). A total of 54 patients (TG, n = 26; CG, n = 28) completed the study.

Intervention:

TG: six-week threshold inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise. CG: standard care.

Main measures:

Maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) lung expansion volume, and 6-min walking test (6MWT) were performed on the day of chest tube removal (baseline), and 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

The TG showed significant improvement in PImax at week 6 (71.6 ± 34.9 vs. 94.3 ± 32.8 cmH2O, P = 0.018), PEmax at week 2 (70.9 ± 24.3 vs. 90.9 ± 28.2 cmH2O, P = 0.015) and week 12 (76.1 ± 20.2 vs. 98.6 ± 35.3 cmH2O, P = 0.012), the lung expansion volume at week 2 (1080 ± 433 vs 1457 ± 624 mL, P = 0.02) and week 12 (1200 ± 387 vs 1885 ± 678 mL, P < 0.001), in addition to the 6MWT at week 2 (332 ± 78 vs 412 ± 74 m, P = 0.002), week 6 (360 ± 70 vs 419 ± 60 m, P = 0.007) and week 12 (360 ± 58 vs 402 ± 65 m, P = 0.036).

Conclusion:

A six weeks of inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise had improved respiratory muscle strength and aerobic exercise postoperatively in lung cancer patients after VATS as early as 2 weeks.
Perspectives of bereaved partners of lung cancer patients on the role of mindfulness in dying and grieving: A qualitative study
Authors: Schellekens Melanie PJ , van den Hurk Desiree GM , Jansen Ellen TM , van der Lee Marije L , Prins Judith B , van der Drift Miep A , Speckens Anne EM
Published: December 2020

Background:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to reduce psychological distress in cancer patients but not their partners. Whether MBSR can support patients and partners in coping with the dying and grieving process is less well examined.

Aim:

We aimed to gain more insight in the role of mindfulness in the dying and grieving process from the perspective of the partner after the patient’s death.

Design:

As part of a pilot study or subsequent randomized controlled trial, partners had participated together with the patient in MBSR. After the patient’s death partners were invited for qualitative in-depth interviews. Data from the interviews was analyzed using the grounded theory approach.

Setting/participants:

Interviews were conducted with 11 partners in their homes, on average 11 months after the patient’s death (SD = 7.8).

Results:

Mindfulness helped couples to allow and regulate difficult thoughts and feelings, which in turn helped them to accept the patient’s impending death. It also facilitated them to enjoy things together and communicate more openly. For a few couples, however, participation was physically too burdensome or emotionally too confrontational. During the partners’ grieving process, mindfulness helped allowing difficult thoughts and feelings, and taking the time to grieve, which helped them to take good care of themselves, giving them faith in the future.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that MBSR can facilitate lung cancer patients and their partners in accepting the forthcoming death and openly communicating about this, which can support a peaceful death and healthy grieving process.
Dopaminergic neuromodulation has no detectable effect on visual-cue induced haemodynamic response function in the visual cortex: A double-blind, placebo-controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Manoliu Andrei , Sladky Ronald , Scherpiet Sigrid , Jäncke Lutz , Kirschner Matthias , Haugg Amelie , Bolsinger Julia , Kraehenmann Rainer , Stämpfli Philipp , Scharnowski Frank , Herwig Uwe , Seifritz Erich , Brühl Annette B
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute dopamine agonistic and antagonistic manipulation on the visual-cue induced blood oxygen level-dependent signal response in healthy volunteers. Seventeen healthy volunteers in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design received either a dopamine antagonist, agonist or placebo and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging. Using classical inference and Bayesian statistics, we found no effect of dopaminergic modulation on properties of visual-cue induced blood oxygen level-dependent signals in the visual cortex, particularly on distinct properties of the haemodynamic response function (amplitude, time-to-peak and width). Dopamine-related effects modulating the neurovascular coupling in the visual cortex might be negligible when measured via functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Rare asymptomatic giant cerebral cavernous malformation in adults: two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Wang Zhen , Hu Junwen , Wang Chun
Published: December 2020

Cavernous malformations are benign vascular malformations. Giant cavernous malformations are very rare. All reported cases have been symptomatic because of the large size and compression of the surrounding brain tissue. We report two asymptomatic cases of giant cavernous malformation that were both misdiagnosed as neoplasms because of their atypical presentations. The first case was a 54-year-old man whose computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed an inhomogeneous lesion of 6 cm diameter and mild enhancement in the left frontal lobe. A left lateral supraorbital and transcortical approach was applied and the lesion was completely removed. The second case was a 36-year-old man with an irregular large mass in the parasellar region. Craniopharyngioma was suspected and gross total resection was performed. Post-surgical pathological analyses confirmed the diagnoses as cavernous malformations. Both patients recovered uneventfully. The rare asymptomatic giant cavernous malformations reported here in adults had benign behavior for this specific disease entity. The different clinical characteristics of ordinary cavernous malformation and adult and pediatric giant cavernous malformation imply complex and distinct genetic backgrounds. Concerns should be raised when considering giant cavernous malformation as a differential diagnosis for atypical large lesions. Surgical resection is recommended as the primary treatment option.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among dental health care professionals: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Srivastava Kumar Chandan , Shrivastava Deepti , Sghaireen Mohammed Ghazi , Alsharari Abdalkarem Fedgash , Alduraywish Abdulrahman Abdulwahab , Al-Johani Khalid , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khader Yousef , Alzarea Bader Kureyem
Published: December 2020

Objectives

With the increasing severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is essential that dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are prepared. The study aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among DHCPs in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. A validated and reliable questionnaire was developed that comprised 44 questions. Using Qualtrics survey software, DHCPs working in different settings were approached across five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia.

Results

A total of 318 respondents voluntarily participated in the survey. Most DHCPs showed a moderate level of knowledge (51.6%), a positive attitude (92.1%) and adequate practice standards (86.5%). We found that 94.7% of DHCPs had an adequate overall level of KAP. DHCPs with a doctorate significantly outscored DHCPs with other educational levels with respect to knowledge and practice. Older (51–60 years) DHCPs reported significantly more knowledge than younger DHCPs.

Conclusion

DHCPs displayed an average level of knowledge that needs to be enhanced through continuing education programmes. However, they showed a positive attitude and an acceptable level of practice, as they were abiding by guidelines issued from various international and national health agencies.
Understanding Young Commuters’ Mode Choice Decision to Use Private Car or Public Transport from an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Ahmed Farhana , Catchpole John , Edirisinghe Thiruni
Published: December 2020

The research examines young commuters’ (age 18–25 years) decision-making process in choosing a mode to commute. The study presented here characterized young commuters’ travel decisions in relation to choosing to use a private car or public transportation for commuting travel. To contribute to greater understanding, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to investigate commuting mode choice, particularly from a social-psychological perspective. Disaggregated travel data was collected from an in-depth survey of young commuters ( n = 3171) who lived in inner and metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Respondents were clustered based on their usual commuting mode (private car or public transportation). The questionnaire was designed to capture information on young commuters’ attitudes toward their commuting mode, social environment, and travel behavior. Linear regression analysis and binary logistic regression were used to predict intention to choose a commuting mode and the actual mode choice, respectively. Results suggest that young commuters who used a private car held a positive attitude toward the mode. On the contrary, public transportation users had few positive beliefs about commuting by public transportation. Convenience and flexibility were the most valued advantages that the private car offers as a commuting mode. For public transportation users, reliability of the commuting mode was more important than other factors, but they did not agree that public transportation provides reliability. The paper includes a discussion on how the implications of these results can influence government policies and strategies in an effort to increase commuting by public transportation.
Development of Maximum Weaving Length Model Based on HCM 2016
Authors: Kashani Ali , Shirgir Behrooz
Published: December 2020

Weaving segments are among the most important segments in any kind of facility. One of their key features is their maximum length (Lwmax), which determines the performance of the facility as a weaving or separate merge and diverge segments. Based on an equation in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2016), only two variables VR (volume ratio) and Nwl (number of weaving lanes) influence this length. However, certain cases can be found in which traffic conditions are different but Nwl and VR values are equal. In this study, three separate weaving segments in Tehran, Iran were used and their data were collected to further analyze the influence of the traffic parameters. Calibration of field data was performed using GEH values of freeways and ramps for simulation and field traffic volumes. The simulation was therefore used on the basis of different traffic and geometric parameters, and the effects of these parameters on Lwmax were carefully observed. There were 184 simulated scenarios in Aimsun using data collected from the three weaving segments in Tehran plus simulation. In these scenarios, two geometric parameters (Nwl and Lwmax) and four traffic parameters were considered variable. It was found that for Nwl = 2 the accepted regression model containing three new variables has an R2 value equal to 0.95, and for Nwl = 3 two of the three variables were used for the model produced with an R2 value equal to 0.7.
Railway Fastener Defects Detection under Various Illumination Conditions using Fuzzy C-Means Part Model
Authors: He Biao , Luo Jianqiao , Ou Yang , Xiong Ying , Li Bailin
Published: December 2020

To ensure the safe operation of railways, computer vision and pattern recognition technology have been gradually applied to the routine inspection of railway track infrastructure. Rails are fixed to sleepers by railway fasteners, which are important components in railway track systems, and completely missing and partially worn railway fasteners may cause major accidents and train derailments. Because the acquisition of track images is carried out in the real world at any time of the day, the acquired track images have large illumination changes, and the fasteners in the images have slight deformations. To solve these problems, a fuzzy c-means part model (FCMPM) is proposed in this paper. The fastener part model is divided according to the fastener shape and solved by the fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm using the simplified and improved histogram of oriented gradients as the low-level feature. The part score is calculated based on the part’s deformation and then is seamlessly incorporated with cascade detection to determine whether the fastener has defects or not. The experimental results from the fastener defect detection show that the proposed FCMPM algorithm achieves good performance when analysing the collected fastener images and can meet the requirements of fastener defect detection for actual railway lines.
Experimental determination of the evolution of the incident heat flux received by a combustible during a cone calorimeter test: Influence of the flame irradiance
Authors: Hermouet Fabien , Guillaume Éric , Rogaume Thomas , Richard Franck , El Houssami Mohamad
Published: December 2020

The decomposition kinetic of polymeric materials in a cone calorimeter strongly depends on the irradiance level imposed at the sample’s surface. Indeed, even if the irradiance level is supposed to be kept constant during cone calorimeter test, the amount of heat flux which is emitted by the flame can greatly increase the total heat flux received by the material. Analytical treatment on recently obtained results of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene’s mass loss rate with controlled atmosphere cone calorimeter has shown that the differences observed between well-ventilated and inert environments can be attributed to the impact of the flame. This observation has brought the necessity to determine the impact of the flaming process on the material thermal decomposition. To do so, series of experiments have been devised, based on the insertion of a heat fluxmeter within the matrix of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material, during cone calorimeter tests in order to measure the flame heat flux as a function of the decomposition and the combustion processes.
Impact of Sources of Strengths on Coping and Safety of Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Sabri Bushra , Avignon Karissa , Murray Sarah , Njie-Carr Veronica P. S. , Young Anna Marie , Noor-Oshiro Amelia , Arscott Joyell , Messing Jill , Campbell Jacquelyn C.
Published: December 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a national and international public health and human rights concern. Immigrant women are disproportionately affected by IPV that includes homicides. This study explored the perspectives of survivors of IPV, who are immigrants to the United States, regarding their sources of strength that enhance their safety and promote coping in abusive relationships. Data for this qualitative study were collected from ethnically diverse immigrant women residing in Massachusetts, Arizona, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York, Minnesota, and California, using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Eighty-three in-depth interviews were conducted with adult immigrant survivors of IPV who self-identified as Asian ( n = 30), Latina ( n = 30), and African ( n = 23). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Women identified both external (e.g., community support, support from social service agencies) and internal (e.g., optimism, faith, beliefs) sources of strength. The study highlights how these sources can adequately address needs of survivors and offers areas for improvement in services for survivors. The findings are informative for practitioners serving immigrant survivors of IPV in legal, social service, and physical and mental health settings.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis in HIV-infected patients: are intravenous immunoglobulins really necessary in this subgroup?
Authors: Mancinelli María Clara , Feola Hernán , Alessandro Agustina Mariel D’ , Verea María Alejandra
Published: December 2020

The spectrum of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is the most severe form of cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs. We report a case of a HIV-positive man with TEN who presented a very good response to a single dose of intravenous immunoglobulins and a short pulse of corticosteroids, together with intensive supportive care. Although the largest study on the management of this type of patients reported to date suggests a scheme of three doses of intravenous immunoglobulins together with glucocorticoids, we implemented a single dose of immunoglobulins due to lack of availability.
Joint effects of alcohol and stimulant use disorders on self-reported sexually transmitted infections in a prospective study of Cambodian female entertainment and sex workers
Authors: Evans Jennifer L , Couture Marie-Claude , Carrico Adam , Stein Ellen S , Muth Sokunny , Phou Maly , Aynar Len , Song Ngak , Chhit Sophal , Neak Yuthea , Maher Lisa , Page Kimberly
Published: December 2020

Female entertainment and sex workers (FESW) have high rates of alcohol and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use, increasing risk for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI), and other negative outcomes. A prospective cohort of 1,198 FESW in a HIV/ATS use prevention intervention in Cambodia was assessed for alcohol and stimulant use disorders (AUD and SUD) using the Alcohol and Substance Use Involvement (ASSIST) scale. STI history was measured by self-report at baseline and at quarterly follow-up visits. Participants were asked if they had been diagnosed with an STI by a medical provider in the past 3 months. Marginal structural models were used to estimate joint effects of AUD and SUD on recent STI. At baseline, one-in-four screened AUD positive and 7% screened positive for SUD. At 18-months, 26% reported ≥1 recent STI. Accounting for time-varying and other known confounders, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for recent STI associated with AUD alone and SUD alone were 2.8 (95% CI:1.5–5.1) and 3.5 (95% CI:1.1–11.3), respectively. The AOR for joint effects of AUD and SUD was 5.7 (95% CI:2.2–15.2). AUD and SUD are independently and jointly associated with greater odds of STI among Cambodian FESW. Further research is critical for understanding how AUD and SUD potentiate biological and behavioural pathways that influence STI acquisition and to inform HIV risk-reduction interventions in FESW.
Intimate partner violence and factors associated with sexually transmitted infections among Thai women attending gynecology clinics
Authors: Thananowan Nanthana , Vongsirimas Nopporn , Rachapromma Porntip
Published: December 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are significant public health problems worldwide. However, most research on this association and risk of STIs has been conducted in Western countries and may not be generalizable to women living in different contexts, such as Thailand. We aimed to examine prevalence of IPV and identify factors associated with STIs among Thai women. Participants were patients aged 15–49 years attending two gynecology clinics at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Data were collected through an anonymous structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, IPV, childhood abuse (CA), sexual risk behaviors, alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and self-reported STI diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with STI diagnosis. Among 400 participants, 84 (21%) had ever experienced at least one type of IPV in the past year. IPV, CA, age at first sex, multiple sexual partners, and alcohol use were significantly associated with STI-positive. Women who reported IPV (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.11–6.28), experienced CA (OR = 5.59, 95% CI = 1.08–28.99), and had multiple sexual partners (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.08–1.79) were significantly more likely to have an STI. Incorporation of IPV screening into general STIs screening is needed for this population to prevent and decrease IPV and STI consequences. Further research is also needed to understand the pathways linking IPV and STI risk to optimize the design of effective prevention interventions.
Systemic lupus erythematosus-related acute pancreatitis
Authors: Dima Alina , Balaban Daniel Vasile , Jurcut Ciprian , Jinga Mariana
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune pathology that can involve any organ. Lupus-related acute pancreatitis (AP) is, together with lupus mesenteric vasculitis, an important cause of SLE-induced acute abdominal pain.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the terms “Pancreatitis” and “Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic” on PubMed/Medline and Web of Science from January 2007 to January 2020. Clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, and treatment principles in SLE-related AP are presented in this review.

Results

Mainly retrospective reports were identified. The reported incidence of SLE-associated AP ranges from 0.9 to more than 5% of patients. A total of 264 SLE patients were found in the selected research, with a net female predominance (sex ratio 9:1) and mean age of 31.4 years. Abdominal pain was virtually present in all cases. AP occurrence was more frequent in SLE patients with short disease duration, high activity scores, and multiorgan involvement. The AP definition was based on currently available guidelines and after exclusion of any other known causes (including iatrogenic, i.e. drugs), a diagnosis of “idiopathic” SLE-related AP might be sustained. Management is difficult, as there is no standardized therapeutic approach. Of note, glucocorticoid use remains still controversial as, especially for high doses, subsequent pancreatic injury may occur. Monitoring serum lipase levels after high dose steroids might be considered. One study reported beneficial prognostic effect of plasma exchange. Moreover, AP in SLE might raise awareness about macrophage activation syndrome association. Mortality up to one third of AP cases in SLE was reported.

Conclusion

The SLE-related AP is a rare, but severe, life-threatening complication. Corticosteroids must be used with caution. Plasma exchange could be considered in selected cases.
Central serous chorioretinopathy and antiphospholipid syndrome: Three cases report
Authors: Billoir Paul , Michon Adrien , Darnige Luc
Published: December 2020

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity, with persistently presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). We report three cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) associated with APS.
Understanding the Life Cycles of Entrepreneurial Teams and Their Ventures: An Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Patzelt Holger , Preller Rebecca , Breugst Nicola
Published: December 2020

While research on entrepreneurial teams has flourished over the past two decades, it has mainly taken a static perspective, neglecting the developments both teams and their ventures undergo over time. To address this issue, we develop a “double life cycle framework” covering entrepreneurial teams’ formation, collaboration, and dissolution phases as well as potential nonlinear sequences of these phases. While this team life cycle is embedded in the venture life cycle, both life cycles can progress independently. We offer research suggestions on entrepreneurial team formation, collaboration, and dissolution in each venture phase, highlighting the role of entrepreneurial teams in advancing their ventures.
“Continuing the Connection” or “Carrying On”? A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of How Widows Explain the Physical Health Outcomes After Spousal Loss
Authors: Majid Umair , Ennis Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

The experience of losing a loved one can have profound effects on physical and psychological well-being, and previous research has reported an increased risk of mortality after spousal loss. This qualitative evidence synthesis reviewed 16 studies on the perspectives of widows who experienced adverse physical health outcomes after spousal loss. This review examines how widows described or explained the physical health outcomes after losing their spouse. We found that widows implicitly associated the physical health outcomes they experienced with losing their spouse. They described that losing their spouse exacerbated preexisting illness and led to new disease conditions such as heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, acute urinary retention, shingles, and impaired mobility. While these physical health outcomes limited widows’ ability to come to terms with their loss, widows in multiple studies prioritized the emotional and mental consequences associated with grief over any physical health outcomes they experienced. Furthermore, since the deceased spouse performed caregiving responsibilities, the surviving spouse experienced a shift from caregiving to self-management of their preexisting medical condition. In situations where widows were unable to meet their own health needs, they experienced an intensification of their own illness. Given these findings, we consider the relationship between widows’ meaning-making and physical and clinical outcomes. We discuss how meaning-making can contribute to severe emotional, mental, and physical health outcomes after a traumatic event such as spousal loss.
Familial and Parental Ethnic Socialization Within Majority, Minority, and Multiracial Groups
Authors: Truong Arthur , Tram Jane M. , Wojda Kayla , Anderson Danielle M.
Published: December 2020

As ethnic diversity grows within the United States, so does the need for understanding ethnic identity (EI), which develops through ethnic socialization (ES). In a family context, this is known as familial ethnic socialization (FES), whereas parental ethnic socialization (PES) refers to ethnically socializing one’s children. This study explores differences and similarities in EI, FES, and PES between ethnic majority, minority, and multiracial groups. It also introduces PES as an emerging construct in EI research.
Siege Mentality in the 2020 Pandemic: Building Family Resilience
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: December 2020

This literature-based article utilizes “siege” theory to describe the emotional pressures that families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying an understanding of siege theory, counselors can better assist families in responding to the uncertainties and duration of this concern. To support families’ struggles to make sense of this threat, narrative counseling can assist families to sort the confusing dominant narratives being presented and author a narrative that honors family coping, resilience, and determination. Finally, the article offers ramifications for future research with families to begin to generate a model of coping in these uncertain times.
Occurrence and enterotoxin gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from retail chicken meat
Authors: Savariraj Wilfred Ruban , Ravindran Narendra Babu , Kannan Porteen , Rao Veluru Appa
Published: December 2020

The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and enterotoxin gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 120 chicken meat marketed in retail outlets of Chennai, India. It was observed that total of 120 meat samples collected from different retail outlets, 66.67% (80/120) of the samples were positive for the presence of S. aureus based on biochemical characterization and species specific PCR based on thermonuclease gene ( nuc). Enterotoxin gene profiling of the isolates for 9 genes ( sea- sej) revealed that 52.50% (42/80) of the isolates in the present study were enterotoxigenic harboring either one or more gene. It was evident that majority of the isolates harbored seb, followed by seg, sei, sec, sed and sej either alone or in combination. None of the isolates harbored sea, see and seh either alone or in combination. The results of the study clearly indicated higher prevalence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus in retail meat marketed in Chennai, India indicating the potential of retail chicken meat to act as vehicle for food borne intoxication and a major public health threat.
OCT angiography analysis in acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: The importance of segmentation
Authors: Rougier Marie-Benedicte , Gattoussi Sarra , Le-Goff Melanie , Korobelnik Jean Francois
Published: December 2020

Background:

In non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) shows changes in peripapillary vascularization. However, the presence of an optic disc edema may induce artifacts that prevent visualizing the peripapillary network. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peripapillary vascularization in acute NAION using swept-source OCTA algorithms allowing segmenting only the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 15 eyes with acute NAION of 15 patients. The optic nerve head was imaged using swept-source OCTA. Morphological and quantitative analyzes were performed. The capillary flux index (CFI), defined as the total weighted area of perfused vasculature per unit area, and the capillary perfusion density (CPD), defined as the total area of perfused microvasculature per unit area, were quantified. Each NAION eye was compared to the unaffected fellow eye using a Wilcoxon test for matched samples.

Results:

After segmentation at the RNFL, the morphological analysis showed less vascular dropout and more vascular tortuosity than the analysis of a larger segmentation. The quantitative analysis showed that the mean CFI and the CFI in the four quadrants were significantly higher in NAION eyes compared to healthy eyes ( p = 0.0002 and p < 0.01). The mean CPD and the CFD in the inferior quadrant were lower in NAION eyes ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.0054, respectively).

Discussion:

The RNFL segmentation allowed better visualizing the peripapillary network because the edema related darkening was reduced. The increased CFI suggests an autoregulatory phenomenon to compensate the ischemic process at the ciliary vasculature.
Retinal vascular tortuosity: Mechanisms and measurements
Authors: Vilela Manuel AP , Amaral Carlos EV , Ferreira Maria Angélica T
Published: December 2020

Retinal vessel tortuosity has been used in the diagnosis and management of different clinical situations. Notwithstanding, basic concepts, standards and tools of measurement, reliable normative data and clinical applications have many gaps or points of divergence. In this review we discuss triggering causes of retinal vessel tortuosity and resources used to assess and quantify it, as well as current limitations.
Optical coherence tomography biomarkers for visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Karasavvidou Evdoxia-Maria , Panos Georgios D , Koronis Spyridon , Kozobolis Vassilios P , Tranos Paris G
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the correlation between outer and inner retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers and visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and identify which of them may be predictive of visual function.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was conducted that included patients diagnosed with iERM. Spectral domain OCT images were obtained and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. The association of OCT parameters with best corrected visual acuity was analyzed.

Results:

Charts of 97 eyes of 97 patients were reviewed. Central foveal thickness, maximal retinal thickness (MRT), photoreceptor outer segment length, outer foveal thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex thickening, inner retinal thickness and inner retinal layer irregularity index were among the major outcome measures. OCT scans were also assessed for the presence of cotton ball sign, ellipsoid zone disruption, ectopic inner foveal layer, disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid (SRF) and epimacular membrane rip. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant association between all the aforementioned parameters with worse vision, except for cotton ball sign and SRF. Multivariate analysis found that MRT and severe DRIL were strongly correlated with worse vision ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

MRT and severe DRIL should be considered as negative prognostic factors for visual acuity.
Outcome after Hybrid Outflow Interventions for Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia
Authors: Serna Santos J. , Söderström M. , Helminen R. , Aho P. , Halmesmäki K. , Venermo M.
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims:

Because chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is often associated with multilevel arterial disease, it usually requires revascularization at different sites of the limb vasculature. We aim to assess the outcome of the hybrid interventions including open surgical revascularization together with outflow segment percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Material and Methods:

This study included all hybrid outflow-PTA interventions (n = 80) on patients suffering from CLTI performed in Helsinki University Hospital between 2003 and 2015. Follow-up ended on 31 December 2019. Patient data were prospectively collected into our vascular registry and scrutinized retrospectively. Thirty-one patients (39%) suffered from rest pain (Rutherford category IV) and 49 patients (61%) had ischemic ulcers (Rutherford category V–VI). The most common open surgical procedure was femoral endarterectomy (n = 63, 79%) and the most common endovascular procedure was superficial femoral artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 65, 81%). Mean follow-up time was 56 months (range: 4 days–183 months).

Results:

Limb salvage was at 30 days—92%, at 1 year—91%, and at 5 and 10 years—86%. Survival and amputation-free survival were at 30 days—93% and 86%, at 1 year—80% and 76%, at 5 years—51% and 48%, and at 10 years—21% and 21%. Wound healing at 3, 6, and 12 months was 48%, 71%, and 87%. Freedom from target lesion revascularization was at 30 days—97%, at 1 year—88%, at 5 years—72%, and at 10 years—66%.

Conclusion:

Hybrid outflow revascularization is an important tool in the vascular surgeon’s armamentarium for treatment of patients with multilevel arterial disease causing chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
Against economy–culture dualism: an argument from raced economies
Authors: Kaplan Jessica
Published: December 2020

In this article, I argue that a mistaken economy–culture dualism underlies the pitting of identity politics against class. I propose we be ‘non-dualists’ instead, viewing economic distributions and cultural representations as importantly co-constitutive, since this non-dualism lets us best theorise the intersections of injustices like class and race. I argue that the most sophisticated dualist attempt to transcend class versus identity debates – Nancy Fraser’s ‘perspectival dualism’ – inadvertently instantiates ‘methodological whiteness’ and struggles to illuminate the intersections of race and class, overlooking how culturally specific representations and understandings importantly constitute economic structures and distributions. Jodi Dean’s contemporary restaging of the class versus identity debate, I suggest, repeats some of Fraser’s dualist missteps. To end, I propose a non-dualist approach which understands the economy as an ideological objectification of certain practices – an objectification which naturalises relations of raced, classed and gendered domination. Building on social reproduction currents of thought, I suggest a counter-hegemonic understanding of the economy – one informed by anti-racist, feminist and socialist rethinkings of what constitutes labour and who constitutes the ‘public’ of the economy’s imaginaries of public value.
Response transformations for random effect and variance component models
Authors: Almohaimeed Amani , Einbeck Jochen
Published: December 2020

Random effect models have been popularly used as a mainstream statistical technique over several decades; and the same can be said for response transformation models such as the Box–Cox transformation. The latter aims at ensuring that the assumptions of normality and of homoscedasticity of the response distribution are fulfilled, which are essential conditions for inference based on a linear model or a linear mixed model. However, methodology for response transformation and simultaneous inclusion of random effects has been developed and implemented only scarcely, and is so far restricted to Gaussian random effects. We develop such methodology, thereby not requiring parametric assumptions on the distribution of the random effects. This is achieved by extending the ‘Nonparametric Maximum Likelihood’ towards a ‘Nonparametric profile maximum likelihood’ technique, allowing to deal with overdispersion as well as two-level data scenarios.
The Power of Aha! On Stimulating and Guiding Students towards Self-Awareness and Critical Reflection while Teaching about Personality Psychology and Gender Stereotypes
Authors: Hakelind Camilla , Steinvall Anders , Deutschmann Mats
Published: December 2020

This qualitative study introduces a pedagogic design which addresses the challenging task of teaching and learning self-awareness and critical reflection in the teaching of psychology. The context of the study was a course in personality psychology for first year students, and the topic of interest was how the perception of personality is affected by gender stereotypes. The pedagogic design included the recording of a mixed-sex dialogue, which was then digitally altered for pitch and timbre producing two gender-switched versions of one single recording. Students were divided into two groups who listened to one of the two different voice alterations, and were given the task to rate the personality traits of male or female sounding versions of the same character. In the subsequent debriefing seminar, students were presented with the data from their ratings. These results were then used as a reference point for inter-group discussion, and later students were also asked to reflect over the activity individually in writing. A thematic analysis of their written answers indicates that this pedagogic setup, in combination with guided reflection, can be helpful to challenge students’ own assumptions, aiding self-awareness and critical reflection related to stereotyping.
Blind to the future: Exploring the contingent effect of managerial hubris on strategic foresight
Authors: Li Anran , Sullivan Bilian Ni
Published: December 2020

Extending research on the role of managerial cognition in strategic decision-making, in this study, we examine the relationship between managerial hubris and strategic foresight. Building on the information-processing model, we argue that managerial hubris leads to a reduced level of strategic foresight due to biases in attending to information as well as encoding and processing information. We further argue that R&D capability moderates the impact in ways depending on the levels of R&D human and physical capital resources available. Furthermore, industry concentration weakens the main negative impact. Using a new and unique two-wave survey of about 500 firms across provinces of China, in combination with an archival data set, we find general support for our propositions in two studies. Our research has important implications for understanding the role of cognitive biases in managerial decision-making in strategic management.
Academic Psychological Capital: A Novel Approach to Freshmen Retention
Authors: Sweet Johanna , Swayze Susan
Published: December 2020

Psychological capital (PsyCap) is uniquely positioned at the intersection between student and academic institution. College administrators should look to psychological capital, beyond just student performance, for retention efforts in the financial management of the institution. The psychological capital and retention of four cohorts of freshmen at a small liberal arts residential college in the Southeast region of the United States were analyzed. The findings indicate that psychological capital, hope, and self-efficacy are predictors of freshmen to sophomore retention. Psychological capital impacts student performance, peer-group and faculty interactions, and should be considered as a method to manage dropout decision per Tinto’s (1975) Institutional Departure Model. Psychological capital development initiatives should be incorporated into orientation and in freshmen core curriculum as a method to retain students.
Development of bacterial cellulose nanocomposites: An overview of the synthesis of bacterial cellulose nanocomposites with metallic and metallic-oxide nanoparticles by different methods and techniques for biomedical applications
Authors: Wasim Muhammad , Mushtaq Muhammad , Khan Saif Ullah , Farooq Amjad , Naeem Muhammad Awais , Khan Muhammad Rafique , Salam Abdul , Wei Qufu
Published: December 2020

Bacterial cellulose is the three-dimensional network structure of nanofibers. The bacterial cellulose materials have outstanding characteristics of high surface area and high crystallinity (84%–89%). It has greater compatibility with the degree of polymerization and has excellent mechanical properties. The water-holding capacity of bacterial cellulose (over 100 ti) makes it stand out from other cellulose materials. This is because bacterial cellulose has high purity due to a lack of lignin and hemicellulose. Bacterial cellulose is considered as a non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic, and highly biocompatible material, which has broad appeal in the medical field and has attracted widespread attention. The proposed review summarizes the microbial effects of enlisting bacterial strains with carbon sources, and culture media on bacterial cellulose production. In addition, it provides a variety of physical and chemical methods that can be used to modify bacterial cellulose with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles; like the common structure of zinc oxide/bacterial cellulose represent antibacterial characteristics against C.freundii, S.aureus, E.coli, and P.aeruginosa with 90.9%, 94.3%, 90.0%, and 87.4% strength respectively. The wound healing properties of such metallic oxide structure with bacterial cellulose presents the characteristics, which confirms its application in 66% of strength, especially for bionic designs for medical applications, including wound healing and artificial skin, vascular and neurosurgical covering materials, dural prosthesis, arterial stent coating, cartilage, bone repair grafts, and biomedicines. Because of the further exposure of value-added medical material application, our review ends with challenges and perspectives in the production of bacterial cellulose nanocomposite.
Effect of SALL4 on the Proliferation, Invasion and Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Chong , Yao Fan , Mao Xiaoyun , Li Wanming , Chen Hang
Published: December 2020

Objective:

We aimed to identify the expression of Sal-like 4 (SALL4) in breast cancer tissues and to explore the role of this gene in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer cells.

Methods:

A total of 62 paired breast cancer and noncancerous tissue samples were obtained from patients with breast cancer. SALL4 expression patterns and their association with clinicopathological characteristics were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunochemistry in breast cancer tissues. After the knockdown of SALL4 by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), the proliferative, invasive, and apoptotic abilities of MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-468 cells (breast cancer cell lines) were measured by colony formation and CCK-8 assays, wound healing and transwell assays, and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results:

SALL4 expression was higher in breast cancer tissues than that in the paired noncancerous tissues, and increased SALL4 expression in tumor tissues was closely related to tumor size and lymphatic metastasis. Furthermore, functional experiments revealed that SALL4 knockdown inhibited the cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1phase and apoptosis, and decreased the ability of migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Additionally, our study first demonstrated that SALL4 played a critical role in modulating the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells via the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the expression of SALL4 is upregulated in breast cancer, and this upregulation is involved in the regulation of cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. Hence, SALL4 may be a promising target for diagnosis and therapy in patients with breast cancer.
How Taiwan’s Precautionary Approach Contained COVID-19
Authors: Lo Ming-Cheng M.
Published: December 2020

Taiwan’s success to date at containing COVID-19 reveals some of the structural and cultural reasons for its community resilience. This article shares some of the country’s successes, which may also be worthy lessons for the rest of the world.
People with Disabilities During COVID-19
Authors: Dobransky Kerry , Hargittai Eszter
Published: December 2020

Amid a crisis that has limited access to basic needs for everyone, relatively little attention has focused on the experiences of people with disabilities (PWD). In this piece, the authors compare the experiences of people with disabilities with those without during the coronavirus pandemic to highlight how this marginalized status is reflected in their concerns and fears.
COVID-19, Agency, and Communities of Color
Authors: Firat Rengin B.
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 cases are unevenly distributed, disproportionately affecting persons of color. This article briefly explains what agentic values are and how they help improve people’s health outcomes in systematically oppressed groups and categories. It also focuses on how COVID-19 might be posing an additional challenge to under-served communities by depleting this important mental resource and what we can do about it.