bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Maxillary Osteotomy on Speech in Cleft Lip and Palate: Instrumental Outcomes of Velopharyngeal Function
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , Tuomainen Jyrki , Hay Norman , Mars Michael , Suchak Archna , Sell Debbie A.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To investigate the effect of maxillary osteotomy on velopharyngeal function in cleft lip and palate (CLP) using instrumental measures.

Design:

A prospective study.

Participants:

A consecutive series of 20 patients with CLP undergoing maxillary osteotomy by a single surgeon were seen at 0 to 3 months presurgery (T1), 3 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) post-surgery.

Interventions:

Nasalance was measured on the Nasometer II 6400. For videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy data, visual perceptual ratings, for example, palatal lift angle (PLAn), and quantitative ratiometric measurements, for example, closure ratio (CRa), were made using a validated methodology and computer software. Reliability studies were undertaken for all instrumental measures.

Main Outcome Measures:

Repeated measures analysis of variance (with time at 3 levels) for nasalance and each velar parameter. Planned comparisons across pairs of time points (T1-T2, T1-T3, and T2-T3) including effect sizes.

Results:

A significant difference over time was found for nasalance ( P = .001) and planned comparisons across pairs of time points were significant between T1 and T2 ( P = .008), T1 and T3 ( P = .002), but not between T2 and T3 ( P = .459) providing evidence that maxillary osteotomy can impact on nasalance adversely and that the changes seen are permanent and stable. There were also significant differences over time for PLAn ( P = .012) and CRa ( P = −.059) and planned comparisons for both velar parameters reflected similar findings to those of nasalance.

Conclusions:

Maxillary osteotomy can adversely affect velopharyngeal function in patients with CLP. The study provides evidence for a much earlier post-surgery review even as early as 3 months after surgery.
Sociodemographic Predictors of Patient Age at Time of Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Authors: Lynn Jeremy V. , Ranganathan Kavitha , Bageris Matthew H. , Luby Alexandra O. , Tursak Hailey R. , Hart-Johnson Tami , Blackwood R. Alexander , Buchman Steven R.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To identify the impact of sociodemographic and health variables on the age at which patients undergo cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, and primary speech evaluation.

Design:

A retrospective, noninterventional quality assessment, and quality improvement study was designed.

Setting:

This institutional study was performed at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI.

Patients:

All patients born between 2011 and 2014 who received surgical cleft repair, excluded those who were adopted (n = 165).

Main Outcome Measure:

The age at which patients undergo cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, and primary speech evaluation.

Results:

Cleft lip repair was performed significantly later for patients identifying as Asian (18 weeks, P = .01), patients with Child Protective Services contact (19 weeks, P = .01), patients with a significant comorbidity (14 weeks, P = .02), and patients who underwent preliminary lip adhesion surgery (19 weeks, P < .01). Cleft palate repair was performed significantly later for patients identifying racially as Asian (19 weeks, P = .03) and other (22 weeks, P = .03). Preliminary speech and language evaluation were performed significantly later for patients identifying as black (55 weeks, P = .03) and patients diagnosed with an isolated cleft lip (71 weeks, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Timing of cleft lip, cleft palate repair, and primary speech and language evaluation are subject to variation which may be predicted by clinically accessible factors. By identifying race, Child Protective Services contact, and care variables as significant predictors of increased patient age at time of intervention, multidisciplinary cleft care teams can proactively allocate patient support resources.
Factors Associated With Media Addiction in Korean Elementary School Children
Authors: Bae Eunjeong , Choi Eun Kyoung , Lee Hyejung , Kim Heejung
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of media addiction and its associated factors in elementary school children based on the problem behavior theory. This cross-sectional study was a secondary data analysis using national data from the 10th Panel Study on Korean Children 2017, which included 1,078 families of third-grade students (8–9 years of age). Descriptive statistics were used to examine the prevalence of media addiction, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with media addiction. Prevalence of media addiction was 22.91% in this sample. Media addiction was significantly associated with general characteristics (gender, education level of mother, and time spent without parents), socialization (media use time), factors in the personal system (happiness), and factors in the perceived-environment system (parenting style). More comprehensive, tailored education may prevent elementary school children’s media addiction. In addition, parents should participate in media addiction education with their children.
Tofacitinib for treatment in immune-mediated myocarditis: The first reported cases
Authors: Liu Yun , Jiang Lindi
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in advanced cancer. Despite favorable benefits, the use of ICI is accompanied by various side effects, which are inflammatory side effects potentially affecting any organ. Among which myocarditis is the most severe and has a relatively high mortality. However, there is no effective treatments, and many patients respond poorly to glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is urgent to explore effective treatments.

Cases report

Here we describe two patients with metastatic cancer who developed immune-mediated myocarditis after receiving anti-programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 antibody. The main clinical manifestations are dyspnea. All patients had an elevation of cardiac enzyme, a variety of atypical electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). All our patients underwent cardiac MRI (CMRI) and suggested typical features of myocarditis, including myocardial oedema and delayed enhancement. Management and outcome: All patients were treated promptly with glucocorticoids, followed by other immunosuppressive treatments include plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). However, no significant improvement was observed and we then administered tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily to treat the refractory myocarditis and the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. All patients recovered and were discharged. No major adverse reaction was reported during tofacitinib therapy.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world of patients with ICI-associated myocarditis treated with oral tofacitinib. Our results can at least provide a new option for clinical treatment of refractory myocarditis or other immune-related adverse events.
Breastfeeding in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia during tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Terao Ryuta , Nii Mitsumaro , Asai Hiroko , Nohara Fumikatsu , Okamoto Toshio , Nagaya Ken , Azuma Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Although imatinib is the first-line of therapy for Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), in Japan, it is recommended by the manufacturer that lactating women treated with imatinib mesylate for CML should discontinue breastfeeding their infants.

Case

A 32-year-old pregnant patient was diagnosed with Ph-positive CML at 13 weeks of gestation. She received imatinib (400 mg/day) after 28 weeks of gestation. A female infant was delivered at a gestational age of 35 weeks and 3/7 days after preterm premature rupture of membranes. It was decided to feed only colostrum to the infant and formula feeding was done subsequently because of the risk of the transfer of imatinib to breast milk. The milk/plasma (M/P) ratio and the relative infant dose (RID) for imatinib were calculated to be 0.35 and 1.4%, respectively at 5 days of life. Moreover, the serum level of imatinib in the child of age 5 days was 27 ng/mL, which was much lower than the target trough value for CML (1000 ng/mL).

Conclusion

The M/P ratio and RID values for maternally administered imatinib were within the safe range for breastfeeding, as reported in previous studies. In addition, it was found that the serum concentration of imatinib in the child was relatively low during short-term breastfeeding.
Utilization of quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) in gluten-free pasta formulation: Effects on nutritional and sensory properties
Authors: Demir Berat , Bilgiçli Nermin
Published: August 2020

In this study, raw and germinated quinoa seed flour was utilized in gluten-free pasta formulation. Rice:corn semolina (50:50) blend was used in gluten-free pasta as a control group. Quinoa flours were replaced with rice:corn semolina blend at different (0–30%) ratios in gluten-free pasta formulation. Guar gum (3%) was also used to tolerate structural defects caused by gluten deficiency. Trials were conducted according to (2 × 4) × 2 factorial design. Color values, cooking properties, and chemical and sensory attributes of gluten-free pasta samples were determined. Quinoa flour type and quinoa flour addition ratio factors significantly (p < 0.05) affected the L*, a* color values and all of the cooking properties of the gluten-free pasta samples. Utilization of germinated quinoa flour in gluten-free pasta revealed lower water uptake, volume increase, firmness, and higher cooking loss values than that of raw quinoa flour. Quinoa flour especially improved the mean values of protein, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity from 8.1%, 0.7 mg GAE/g, and 13.4%, up to 12.7%, 1.5 mg GAE/g, and 28.8%, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) increment was observed in Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, and Z content of the gluten-free pasta and all addition ratios of quinoa flour. As a result, increasing amount of quinoa flour enriched the nutritional composition of gluten-free pasta but high utilization ratio resulted in slight sensory losses.
Developmental Trajectories of Tobacco/Nicotine and Cannabis Use and Patterns of Product Co-use in Young Adulthood
Authors: Dunbar Michael S , Davis Jordan P , Tucker Joan S , Seelam Rachana , Shih Regina A , D’Amico Elizabeth J
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Concurrent co-use of tobacco/nicotine and cannabis (T/C) products is common among young people and may increase risks for negative health and psychosocial outcomes, but little is known about developmental patterns of T/C co-use. This study aimed to identify distinct trajectory classes of concurrent T/C co-use from ages 16 to 21 and compare groups on T/C co-use behaviors in young adulthood.

Methods:

Participants (n = 2497) reported T/C use on annual online surveys from 2015 to 2019 (ages 16-22). We used parallel process growth mixture models to model simultaneous trajectories of past-month cigarette, e-cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and cannabis use and identify latent classes of T/C trajectories. Classes were then compared on types and number of T/C products used and types of T/C co-use in young adulthood.

Results:

Models revealed 4 T/C classes: Low/No T/C Use, Early Concurrent T/C Co-use, Late Concurrent T/C Co-use, and Tobacco Quitters/Cannabis Maintainers. Compared to other classes, the Early Concurrent T/C Co-use group—individuals with rapid progression to concurrent T/C co-use during adolescence—were more likely to report poly-tobacco use, poly-cannabis use, same-occasion sequential T/C co-use and T/C co-administration (ie, mixing T/C) of both combustible and vaping products in young adulthood.

Conclusion:

Early progression to concurrent T/C co-use in adolescence is prospectively linked to poly-product use and co-use of T/C products in young adulthood. Prevention efforts targeting co-use of T/C products in adolescence may help to reduce riskier patterns of T/C use and co-use in young adulthood.
Experience of Information Provision at the Stroke Unit From the Perspective of Relatives to Stroke Survivors
Authors: Kristensson Linda , Björkdahl Ann
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Stroke not only affects the stroke survivor, it also significantly affects their families. Given the important supportive role that relatives of stroke survivor have, they should receive information that helps them plan and cope with the new situation. The objective of the study was to explore how relatives to stroke survivors perceived the information provided by the stroke unit.

Methods:

This qualitative study was based on extensive semi-structured interviews with an inductive approach. A heterogeneous convenience sample of relatives to stroke survivor (n=14) was selected. Qualitative content analysis served to analyze the transcribed interview texts.

Results:

The content analysis yielded four categories, each with 2–3 subcategories. The overall theme was “to be acknowledged or not”: it encompassed the underlying meaning and the relationships between the categories. The four categories were as follows: shifting information needs; striving for information; lacking of continuity and structure; and taking part and being acknowledged.

Conclusions:

The study highlighted that the relatives of stroke survivors have a strong need for information and showed that the relatives experienced that they did not always feel satisfactorily informed and supported by the healthcare professionals in the stroke unit. A challenge for the healthcare professionals was to be able to give the right information at the right time and in the appropriate way. The study also showed that when the relatives were acknowledged and invited to participate in the rehabilitation process, they were less anxious of the discharge.
Non-linear stability analysis of two-layered porous journal bearings with velocity slip and percolation effect of additives of coupled-stress lubricant
Authors: Some Shitendu , Guha Sisir K
Published: August 2020

In this paper a non-linear stability analysis of the two-layered porous journal bearing under coupled-stress lubricant has been presented with velocity slip phenomenon and additive’s percolation effect. In this non-linear transient analysis, system stability is determined by tracing the locus of the journal center and various trajectories of journal center locus have been represented in graphical form for different operating conditions. Furthermore, stability characteristics in respect of critical mass parameter and whirl ratio have been studied under various parametric conditions and a comparison between the linear and non-linear stability analysis have been demonstrated. To acquire the non-dimensional pressure values, non-dimensional transient Reynolds equation has been solved and with these pressure values, bearing load carrying capacity are derived. Fourth order Runge-Kutta method is used to solve the second order equations of motion for journal bearing system to obtain the stability characteristics. Results of this analysis may be helpful for designing such bearings.
Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for high-risk pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pozzi Matteo , Metge Augustin , Martelin Anthony , Giroudon Caroline , Lanier Demma Justine , Koffel Catherine , Fornier William , Chiari Pascal , Fellahi Jean Luc , Obadia Jean Francois , Armoiry Xavier
Published: August 2020

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) requires hemodynamic and respiratory support along with reperfusion strategies. Recently updated European guidelines assign a low class of recommendation to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for high-risk PE. This systematic review assessed clinical outcomes after ECMO in high-risk PE. We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from January 2000 to April 2020. Efficacy outcomes included in-hospital survival with good neurological outcome and survival at follow-up. Safety outcomes included lower limb ischemia and hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Where possible (absence of high heterogeneity), meta-analyses of outcomes were undertaken using a random-effects model. We included 16 uncontrolled case-series (533 participants). In-hospital survival with good neurological outcome ranged between 50% and 95% while overall survival at follow-up ranged from 35% to 95%, both with a major degree of heterogeneity (I2 > 70%). The prevalence of lower limb ischemia was 8% (95% CI 3% to 15%). The prevalence of stroke (either hemorrhagic or ischemic) was 11% (95% CI 3% to 23%), with notable heterogeneity (I² = 63.35%). Based on currently available literature, it is not possible to draw definite conclusions on the usefulness of ECMO for high-risk PE. Prospective, multicenter, large-scale studies or nationwide registries are needed to best define the role of ECMO for high-risk PE. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42019136282.
Intuitive eating and body appreciation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ramos Mariana Herzog , Silva Julia Marcelino , De Oliveira Thayná Ariane Venturini , da Silva Batista Jussara , Cattafesta Monica , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani , Soares Fabíola Lacerda Pires
Published: August 2020

Our objective was to explore the socio-demographic, clinical, and nutritional factors of body appreciation in type 2 diabetics. This is a cross-sectional observational study with 179 adults and older adults (60 ± 10 years old). Most of the sample was female ( n = 133; 74.3%). Through logistic regression analysis, it was observed that being perceived as overweight was associated with a 91.6% lower chance of being satisfied with one’s body. Trusting hunger and satiety cues doubled the chances of body satisfaction. Thus, eating more intuitively, attending to the signs of hunger and satiety, is associated with greater body satisfaction in type 2 diabetics.
What’s in a name: The politics of queer on campus
Authors: O’Riordan Kate , Webb Sharon
Published: August 2020

This paper draws upon oral history interviews and archival work carried out to examine the history of the LGBTQ+ student society at the University of Sussex. It reflects upon the significance of the Society’s name change over time (from GaySoc in the 1970s to its contemporary formation as the LGBTQ+ Society) and considers the role of the Society and its members as an active political and sociable group, concerned with a broad range of political and social justice movements, both on campus and across wider society, locally and nationally. It demonstrates how the experience of student societies relates to individual and group identity and how they help shape national and international politics. It looks at how the groups were positioned as political through their location and in relation to activism beyond LGBTQ+ issues and the University.
Willed ambiguity: An exploratory study of sexual misconduct affecting sexual minority male university students in Canada
Authors: Namaste Viviane , Gaspar Mark , Lavoie Sylvain , McClelland Alexander , Sims Emily , Tigchelaar Alex , Dietzel Christopher , Drummond JD
Published: August 2020

We offer exploratory reflections on the matter of sexual misconduct affecting sexuality minority male students by males in positions of authority in the university, based on interviews with eight sexual violence service providers and five men across Canada with lived experience, as well as information gathered through our recruitment work. Data were interpreted using thematic analysis. Our results indicate that there is a need to think through the specificity of sexual misconduct involving men in university settings. Several dynamics operate to perpetuate a willed ambiguity on this issue that allow abuses of power to go unchecked. These include difficulties in having a conversation on this topic, the sexualization of gay male culture, gender dynamics among gay men, ‘queer’ justifications, risks of social isolation, and financial precarity.
Communication styles between family carers and children with leukaemia in occupied Palestinian territory
Authors: Atout Maha M , Carter Bernie
Published: August 2020

This study explores the experience of communication regarding the care of children with cancer, from the perspective of family carers, children and health professionals in occupied Palestinian territory. This study employed an ethnographic collective qualitative case study approach, which was applied in one oncology unit in a Palestinian hospital. Participant observation and semi-structured interviews were used. This study only reports the findings of the interviews with the participating family carers. Fifteen interviews were conducted with family carers ( n = 14 children), namely mothers ( n = 7), grandmothers ( n = 7) and a father ( n = 1). The findings reveal that styles of information were given to children by their family carers: minimal/practical information, gradual information, false information, reassuring information and several sources of information. The term cancer was avoided in the discussion of the disease to ameliorate the negative effect of this term, which is considered taboo in the studied culture. Despite the recent trend emphasising the importance of parents communicating openly with their children with cancer, the findings of this study suggest that such open communication is not accepted by all parents. Hence, a case-by-case strategy could be adopted to treat each child in a way that is individual to that child and their culture.
A four-dimensional model of Asian American stereotypes
Authors: Bu Wen , Borgida Eugene
Published: August 2020

The content of the Asian American model minority stereotype is important for understanding how Asian American individuals are perceived. Existing theories about stereotype content may not capture the unique historical and cultural context that could affect perceptions of Asian American individuals. We have identified a more differentiated underlying structure with four dimensions—warmth, competence, self-centeredness, and submissiveness—that differ in their rated typicality and desirability for Asian and White Americans. We then developed the 16-item Asian American Stereotypes Scale to measure perceptions of Asian Americans on these four dimensions. Ratings on the different dimensions predict unique variance in attitudes toward Asian Americans and other minority groups, contact with Asians or Asian Americans, perceptions of size of the Asian American population, and system justification. The four-dimensional model and the Asian American Stereotypes Scale allow us to predict and examine the unique impacts of Asian American stereotypes in a way that differs from more general models.
Influence of rib parameters on mechanical properties and bond behavior in concrete of fiber-reinforced polymer rebar
Authors: Zhang Pu , Zhang Shuangquan , Gao Danying , Dong Fang , Liu Ye , Zhao Jun , Sheikh Shamim A
Published: August 2020

Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer rebar and bond behavior between the fiber-reinforced polymer rebar and concrete are highly related to rib parameters, including rib depth and rib spacing. Therefore, rib parameters should be taken into account when fiber-reinforced polymer bars are used as the structure reinforcement. In this article, the tensile properties of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer rebars with different rib depths and rib spacings are tested. The influences of different rib depths and rib spacings on the bond behavior between glass-fiber-reinforced polymer rebar and concrete are investigated by pull-out test. Experimental results show that the rib depth has a distinctive effect on the ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and ultimate elongation of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer rebar. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer rebar with shallow rib are remarkably higher than those of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer bars with deep rib. However, compared with the glass-fiber-reinforced polymer bars with shallow rib, the glass-fiber-reinforced polymer bars with deep rib contribute larger bond strength with concrete. Besides, the bond strength and basic anchorage length are predicted by taking rib depth and rib spacing into account. A modified Bertero–Popov–Eligehausen model is adopted to simulate the bond stress–slip behavior, and the ascending branch of bond stress–slip curve expressed by rib depth and rib spacing is also proposed. The calculated results are in good agreement with the test ones.
Overcoming non-take-up of rights: A realist evaluation of Integrated Rights-Practices
Authors: Boost Didier , Raeymaeckers Peter , Hermans Koen , Elloukmani Sara
Published: August 2020

In contemporary welfare states, the non-take-up of rights is a pervasive and considerable problem. Yet, our empirical and theoretical understanding of this phenomenon is still rather limited. In this context, the historical role of social work practice in bridging between citizens and the welfare state cannot be overlooked. To adequately tackle non-take-up, there is an urgency for usable knowledge that is oriented towards practice. In this article, we address this issue by studying Integrated Rights-Practices that focus on overcoming non-take-up through proactive, outreaching, generalist and relation-based interventions. We conducted a qualitative realist evaluation (n = 18) with the intention to explain how and why these interventions provide an answer to the determinants of non-take-up.

Findings

We argue that the aforementioned guidelines – referring to the ‘who’, ‘where’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of social interventions – are not to be considered separate strategies, but should rather be understood as synergistic, jointly activating 10 generative mechanisms that overcome the information, process and social costs associated to non-take-up.

Applications

This article makes both a methodological and theoretical contribution. First, the potential of realist evaluation has convincingly been advocated for by different authors in social work academia, but empirical examples have been lacking hitherto. Second, the identified mechanisms and interventions can provide inspiration to develop similar practices to tackle non-take-up in other welfare regimes and contexts.
When good art is bad: Educating the critical viewer
Authors: D’Olimpio Laura
Published: August 2020

There is a debate within philosophy of literature as to whether narrative artworks should be judged morally, for their ethical value, meaning and impact. On one side you have the aesthetes, defenders of aestheticism, who deny the ethical value of an artwork can be taken into consideration when judging the work’s overall aesthetic value. Richard Posner backs artists such as Oscar Wilde who famously wrote, ‘there is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all’. On the other side of the debate are proponents of ethical criticism such as Martha Nussbaum, Wayne Booth, Noël Carroll and Mary Devereaux. This article examines the educational implications of each position and ultimately defends the importance of moral education alongside aesthetic education. Given artworks are powerful vehicles for moral sentiments and meaning, it is important that viewers are taught to engage critically with art’s ethical features as well as aesthetic features. In this way, educational concerns pose a challenge to the position of aestheticism.
Integrating real-time multi-resolution scanning and machine learning for Conformal Robotic 3D Printing in Architecture
Authors: Nicholas Paul , Rossi Gabriella , Williams Ella , Bennett Michael , Schork Tim
Published: August 2020

Robotic 3D printing applications are rapidly growing in architecture, where they enable the introduction of new materials and bespoke geometries. However, current approaches remain limited to printing on top of a flat build bed. This limits robotic 3D printing’s impact as a sustainable technology: opportunities to customize or enhance existing elements, or to utilize complex material behaviour are missed. This paper addresses the potentials of conformal 3D printing and presents a novel and robust workflow for printing onto unknown and arbitrarily shaped 3D substrates. The workflow combines dual-resolution Robotic Scanning, Neural Network prediction and printing of PETG plastic. This integrated approach offers the advantage of responding directly to unknown geometries through automated performance design customization. This paper firstly contextualizes the work within the current state of the art of conformal printing. We then describe our methodology and the design experiment we have used to test it. We lastly describe the key findings, potentials and limitations of the work, as well as the next steps in this research.
Comparing Social Network Structures Generated through Sociometric and Ethnographic Methods
Authors: Ready Elspeth , Habecker Patrick , Abadie Roberto , Dávila-Torres Carmen A. , Rivera-Villegas Angélica , Khan Bilal , Dombrowski Kirk
Published: August 2020

Social connections between individuals are often an important source of information for both quantitative and qualitative anthropological research. Here, we seek to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of sociometric and ethnographic representations of social connections. We do this by comparing network data collected using a sociometric technique (a name generator) with a network drawn by project ethnographers representing their understanding of social structure in the study population. We find many similarities in the two networks, but they offer somewhat different perspectives into the local social structure. Although the ethnographic network is shaped by the ethnographers’ deeper knowledge of a subset of network members, individuals with high degree (but not betweenness) in the sociometric network are generally present in the ethnographic network. The ethnographers’ interpretation of the factors that lead to high degree centrality in the network is broadly accurate. However, the sociometric network is characterized by a high level of transitivity not seen in the ethnographic network. We consider the importance of the differences we observe for ethnographic practice.
Structural Competency in Conflict Zones: Challenging Depoliticization in Israel
Authors: Orr Zvika , Unger Shifra
Published: August 2020

Structural competency is the trained ability to discern and acknowledge how health care outcomes are shaped by larger political, social, economic, policy, and legal forces and structures. Although structural competency has become an increasingly known framework for training and teaching, especially in the United States, it has usually not been used in nursing and nursing education. Moreover, very little is known about how to implement structural competency programs in conflict zones. Due to depoliticization that often prevails in both the higher education system and the health care system, the political conflict and the structural violence that significantly impact people’s health are rarely discussed in these systems. This article examines the potential contribution of structural competency training programs for nurses and nursing students in conflict areas by analyzing a program that has emphasized the impact of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on the health of Jerusalem’s Palestinian residents. The article explains how this program has challenged the denial and silencing of conflict-related sociopolitical issues. At the same time, this program has created heated disagreements and friction. We suggest that structural competency training programs that are adapted to the political context in question may help nurses become organic intellectual leaders and agents of social change for those whose voices are not heard.
Review on the fatigue properties of 3D woven fiber/epoxy composites: testing and modelling strategies
Authors: Ma Zhenyu , Zhang Pingze , Zhu Jianxun
Published: August 2020

3D woven fiber/epoxy composites as structural components have attracted great attention in the industrial and civil fields due to high resistance to debonding or delamination. Structural components are often subjected to the conditions of cyclic loading, which detrimentally affect the service-life and damage tolerance. In this research, the fatigue properties of 3D woven fiber/epoxy structural composites were discussed, where 3D woven fabrics were embedded in epoxy matrix to enhance their mechanical properties. 3D woven fabrics were classified by the geometrical structures of repeat vertical and inclined units. Based on the testing method, the fatigue properties of corresponding composites have been reviewed. The influence of the internal and external parameters on the fatigue properties were investigated by using various observation methods, and the failure modes were also analyzed. The theorical prediction models were reviewed according to testing method, and future trends and challenges were discussed. The critical review can provide valuable ideas and guidance for future fatigue studies in 3D woven composites.
Challenges for a Cancer Center in the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Epidemic
Authors: Wang Xiao Shan , Zeng Ming
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is sweeping through China, posing the greatest ever threat to its public health and economy. As a tertiary cancer center in Southwest China, we formulated and implemented an anti-infection protocol to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 in our department.

Methods:

The anti-infection protocol divided patients into 3 categories, namely outpatients, inpatients, and patients receiving radiation therapy at our cancer center, and each category had a distinct anti-infection protocol to minimize the risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 transmission. In each category, the patients were classified into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups. Each risk group was managed differently. A survey of patient volume changes prior to and during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak was performed.

Results:

We carried out the anti-infection protocol at our cancer center during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. We found that the total volume of both outpatient visits and inpatient treatment declined significantly depending on the conditions of each group. Radiation therapy and palliative service had the lowest and highest volume reductions at 58.3% and 100%, respectively. The decline in outpatient volumes was higher than the decline in inpatient treatment services (78.8% vs 71.8%). There was no Coronavirus disease 2019 cross-infection at our center, or Coronavirus disease 2019–related injury or death. The anti-infection protocol measures continue to be taken at the hospital even today but they have been modified depending on the prevalent local conditions.

Conclusions:

Challenges from the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic remain in our community. The anti-infection protocol implemented at our cancer center has been effective in preventing cross-infection. Whether our anti-infection protocol experience can be applied to curb the spread of the infection in other parts of the world remains to be tested.
Prognostic Factors in Patients With Osteosarcoma With the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database
Authors: Fu Peng , Shi Yu , Chen Gang , Fan Yaohua , Gu Yanhong , Gao Zhenzhen
Published: August 2020

Background:

Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone tumor, and this study aimed to assess the clinicopathologic features and prognoses of osteosarcoma patients.

Methods:

Clinicopathologic and survival data of 1025 patients between 2010 and 2016, 230 between 2008 and 2009 were downloaded and analyzed from the SEER database. Patients’ survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis; prognostic factors were assessed using the Cox regression hazards model. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were estimated with nomogram. Competitive risk models were used to identify prognostic risk factors related to endpoint events of osteosarcoma patients.

Results:

Overall, 722 samples were obtained from the extremities, 134 from the axial bones, and 119 from the cranial and mandible in SEER (2010-2016 cohort). After the preliminary diagnosis, the median survival time of patients with osteosarcoma was 39 months, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 87.3%, 67.2%, and 58.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). The competitive risk model revealed no competitive risks of the endpoint event.

Conclusion:

Our study found out the prognostic factors in patients with Osteosarcoma by Cox regression hazards model, after that, nomogram was established to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, which may help oncologists to understand the highly malignant tumor.
Ultrasound Devices to Treat Chronic Wounds: The Current Level of Evidence
Authors: Kotronis Georgios , Vas Prashanth R. J.
Published: August 2020

Chronic wounds cause considerable morbidity and utilize significant health care resources. In addition to addressing wound etiology and treating infection, regular debridement is a key component of wound care with a proven ability to accelerate healing. In this regard, a significant innovation in wound care has been the development of ultrasound debridement technology. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current evidence behind the technology with an emphasis on noncontact low-frequency (NCLF) ultrasound. A number of studies, especially those evaluating NCLF technology, have demonstrated the potential of ultrasound debridement to effectively remove devitalized tissue, control bioburden, alleviate pain, and expedite healing. However, most of the studies are underpowered, involve heterogeneous ulcer types, and demonstrate significant methodological limitations making comparison between studies difficult; there is a paucity of data on cost-effectiveness. Future clinical trials on ultrasound debridement technology must address the design issues prevalent in current studies, and report on clinically relevant endpoints before adoption into best-practice algorithms can be recommended.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Is Helpful for Survival Improvement in Patients With Multiple Myeloma in Taiwan: A Nationwide Retrospective Matched-Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Chia-Yu , Wu Mei-Yao , Kuo Yu-Hung , Tou Sio-Ian , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: August 2020

Aim of the Study:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that Chinese herbal medicine is beneficial for survival improvement in patients with multiple myeloma.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a 1:1 propensity score–matched cohort study to analyze patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012, through the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients who received Chinese herbal medicine therapy from the initial date of diagnosis of multiple myeloma to December 31, 2012, were included in the Chinese herbal medicine group. Patients who were not treated with Chinese herbal medicine during the same interval were categorized in the non-Chinese herbal medicine group. A Cox regression model was used to adjust for sex, age, comorbidities, and drug use. Hazard ratios were also compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 312 patients were identified after 1:1 propensity score matching. The patients had similar basic characteristics. A better survival status was found in the Chinese herbal medicine cohort (log-rank test, P < .0001). Finally, 49 patients in the Chinese herbal medicine cohort and 96 patients in the non-Chinese herbal medicine cohort died (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.35, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.51). The effect of survival improvement from Chinese herbal medicine in patients with multiple myeloma could be observed when prescriptions had the duration of ≥30 days.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that patients with multiple myeloma could benefit from Chinese herbal medicine treatment, which could improve the survival rate in Taiwan. The findings offer important ideas for further study.
Alternative splicing of leptin receptor overlapping transcript in osteosarcoma
Authors: Rothzerg Emel , Ho Xuan D , Xu Jiake , Wood David , Märtson Aare , Maasalu Katre , Kõks Sulev
Published: August 2020

Alternative splicing of RNA is an essential mechanism that increases proteomic diversity in eukaryotic cells. Aberrant alternative splicing is often associated with various human diseases, including cancer. We conducted whole-transcriptome analysis of 18 osteosarcoma bone samples (paired normal—tumor biopsies). Using RNA-seq, we identified statistically significant (FDR <0.05) 26 differentially expressed transcript variants of leptin receptor overlapping transcript ( LEPROT) gene. Some of the transcripts were overexpressed in normal cells, whereas others were overexpressed in tumor cells. The function of LEPROT is not completely understood. Herein, we highlight a possible association between OS and aberrant alternative splicing events and its interaction with the expression of LEPROT. We also discuss the role of LEPROT in regulating growth hormone and its receptor, and the relationship with initiation and progression of OS. This research study may help to understand the association of alternative splicing mechanism in OS and in tumorigenesis more generally. Further, LEPROT gene can also be considered as a potential biomarker of osteosarcoma.

Impact statement

Osteosarcoma (OS, also known as osteogenic sarcoma) is the most common primary malignancy of bone in children and adolescents. The molecular mechanisms of OS are extremely complicated and its molecular mediators remain to be elucidated. We sequenced total RNA from 18 OS bone samples (paired normal—tumor biopsies). We found statistically significant (FDR <0.05) 26 differentially expressed transcript variants of LEPROT gene with different expressions in normal and tumor samples. These findings contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of OS development and provide encouragement to pursue further research.
Measuring Differential Volume Using the Subtraction Tool for Three-Dimensional Breast Volumetry: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Jeon Faith Hyun Kyung , Griffin Michelle , Almadori Aurora , Varghese Jajini , Bogan Stephanie , Younis Ibby , Mosahebi Ash , Butler Peter E.
Published: August 2020

Background. Three-dimensional (3D) photography provides a promising means of breast volumetry. Sources of error using a single-captured surface to calculate breast volume include inaccurate designation of breast boundaries and prediction of the invisible chest wall generated by computer software. An alternative approach is to measure differential volume using subtraction of 2 captured surfaces. Objectives. To explore 3D breast volumetry using the subtraction of superimposed images to calculate differential volume. To assess optimal patient positioning for accurate volumetric assessment. Methods. Known volumes of breast enhancers simulated volumetric changes to the breast (n = 12). 3D photographs were taken (3dMDtorso) with the subject positioned upright at 90° and posteriorly inclined at 30°. Patient position, breathing, distance and camera calibration were standardised. Volumetric analysis was performed using 3dMDvultus software. Results. A statistically significant difference was found between actual volume and measured volumes with subjects positioned at 90° ( P < .05). No statistical difference was found at 30° ( P = .078), but subsequent Bland–Altman analysis showed evidence of proportional bias ( P < .05). There was good correlation between measured and actual volumes in both positions (r = .77 and r = .85, respectively). Univariate analyses showed breast enhancer volumes of 195 mL and 295 mL to incur bias. The coefficient of variation was 5.76% for single observer analysis. Conclusion. Positioning the subject at a 30° posterior incline provides more accurate results from better exposure of the inferior breast. The subtraction tool is a novel method of measuring differential volume. Future studies should explore methodology for application into the clinical setting.
The Radial Stapler Facilitates Lung-Conserving Wedge Resections
Authors: Makey Ian A. , El-Sayed Ahmed Magdy M. , Jacob Samuel
Published: August 2020

Objective

To test whether use of the radial stapler facilitates lung-conserving wedge resections compared to the linear stapler.

Methods

A video-assisted thoracoscopic simulation lab was established to compare wedge resections performed only with linear staplers to wedge resections performed with the option of a radial stapler. Preserved sheep lungs were used. The target was a 0.5 cm mark on an ovoid surface of the lung equidistant from all edges. Seven fully trained cardiothoracic surgeons participated. They were instructed to obtain at least a 1 cm margin in all directions from the mark. The surgeons were allowed to work from only 2 preassigned ports. Each resected specimen was weighed. The resection margin was the shortest distance measured from the edge of the mark to the staple line. The mass-to-margin ratio was defined as the mass of the specimen divided by the length of the margin. The results were analyzed using a t-test for 2 independent means.

Results

The 17 radial resections demonstrated a significantly better mass-to-margin ratio (3.31 [SD = 1.19]) compared to the 11 linear resections (4.75 [SD = 1.32], t[26] = 3, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

In a thoracoscopic simulation, the option of a radial stapler allowed for a better mass-to-margin resection of a small target from a broad surface of the lung than a linear stapler-only option.
Interactive genetic algorithm based on typical style for clothing customization
Authors: Zhu Xinjuan , Li Xuefei , Chen Yifan , Liu Jingwei , Zhao Xueqing , Wu Xiaojun
Published: August 2020

Companies find it extremely difficult to predict consumers’ needs and requirements, since the spiritual significance of clothing is getting more and more attention. However, most current clothing customization platforms only allow customers to retrieve previous design components from the database and recombine them together, ignoring the customer’s personalized design requirements. In view of the above issues, an intelligent design approach of personalized customized clothing based on typical style and interactive genetic algorithm is proposed in this article. It could generate new fashion styles according to simple customer evolution. The binary coding scheme of suit coat style is presented. And an automatic suit coat design system based on interactive genetic algorithm is developed, in which 10 typical suit coats are selected as the initial population. The experimental results show that the system can alleviate customers’ fatigue and speed up convergence compared with the classic interactive genetic algorithm design, and the designed styles can better meet customers’ preferences.