bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Digital Responsibility in Service Firms and Their Ecosystems
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Kunz Werner H. , Hartley Nicole , Tarbit James
Published: October 2022

Digitization, artificial intelligence, and service robots carry serious ethical, privacy, and fairness risks. Using the lens of corporate digital responsibility (CDR), we examine these risks and their mitigation in service firms and make five contributions. First, we show that CDR is critical in service contexts because of the vast streams of customer data involved and digital service technology’s omnipresence, opacity, and complexity. Second, we synthesize the ethics, privacy, and fairness literature using the CDR data and technology life-cycle perspective to understand better the nature of these risks in a service context. Third, to provide insights on the origins of these risks, we examine the digital service ecosystem and the related flows of money, service, data, insights, and technologies. Fourth, we deduct that the underlying causes of CDR issues are trade-offs between good CDR practices and organizational objectives (e.g., profit opportunities versus CDR risks) and introduce the CDR calculus to capture this. We also conclude that regulation will need to step in when a firm’s CDR calculus becomes so negative that good CDR is unlikely. Finally, we advance a set of strategies, tools, and practices service firms can use to manage these trade-offs and build a strong CDR culture.
Visual acuity and blur: An extended depth-of-focus model
Authors: Arba Mosquera Samuel
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This article proposes a simple model that describes the quantitative relationship between visual acuity and defocus (as in defocus curves) in the presence of higher-order aberrations (HOA).

Methods

The basis model for describing the relationship between visual acuity and blur was taken from Blendowske as a starting point to develop an extended model applicable to defocus curves. The basis of Blendowskes’s data is extended by incorporating effects induced by HOA. Aberrometric refractive errors are transformed into a single blur quantity b, also termed dioptric distance, which serves as an input in both models. The possible influence of the axes of asymmetric aberrations and the pupil size is not included.

Results

The extended model has been used to generate reference data for a bi-aspheric multifocal correction profile for presbyopia. It provides reference data similar to what has been reported in the literature for that particular profile.

Conclusions

The model proposed in this article can be used to determine depth-of-focus effects associated with the presence of HOA. The extended model seems to provide a valid description for defocus curves. Actual uncertainties in experimental data on unaided visual acuity, especially the frequent lack of information on pupil diameter, prevent meaningful numerical comparison and the refinement of both models. However, theoretical arguments are provided in support of the extended model.
Parties’ group appeals across time, countries, and communication channels—examining appeals to social groups via the Parties’ Group Appeals Dataset
Authors: Dolinsky Alona O
Published: October 2022

While policy appeals receive the bulk of scholars’ attention, recent studies show that group appeals are prevalent in parties' election campaign materials to voters over time. Yet, few studies to date focus on group appeals as a distinct concept, and little data is available to support longitudinal and cross-national examinations. Aiming to better understand group-based appeals’ role in political processes, this article introduces new and unique data using a concise definition of group appeals, contributing to this growing literature. The Parties’ Group Appeals Dataset (PGAD) provides text-as-data from manual analyses of 69 parties' names, 249 manifestos, and 2772 print campaign advertisements in Israel and the Netherlands between 1977 and 2015, offering one of the first opportunities to compare parties' group appeals over time, between countries, and across communication channels.
Judgmental Adjustments of Algorithmic Hotel Occupancy Forecasts: Does User Override Frequency Impact Accuracy at Different Time Horizons?
Authors: Koupriouchina Larissa , van der Rest Jean-Pierre , Schwartz Zvi
Published: October 2022

Judgmental adjustments of algorithmic predictions with the aim of improving demand forecast accuracy are a common revenue management practice. While empirical evidence on the impact of these user overrides is growing, little research attention has been given to the time horizon and the frequency in which these adjustments take place. Utilizing a multilevel regression model for repeated measures, 20,081,973 forecasts comprising seven different time horizons were analyzed. Data were collected from 1752 hotels of different hotel types belonging to 232 hotel chains in seven geographical regions. We find that the accuracy of algorithmic computer forecasts improves as time nears the date of stay and that the number of user overrides impacts this accuracy. The effect of the override frequency depends on the type of the forecasted demand and on the presence of special events. A higher number of user overrides is beneficial for group segment, but damaging for the transient segment. During special events periods, override frequency enhances accuracy.
A Creative Conversation for Re-imagining Creative Visual Methods with Children and Young People in Pandemic Times and Beyond
Authors: Ptolomey Amanda M , Nelson Elizabeth L
Published: October 2022

In this project we forward insights about the importance of being in ‘the room where it happens’ – creating tactility and togetherness in the research encounter – for research with children and young people in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Created in response to the intense uptake of digital methods catalysed by COVID-19, in this project we productively re-imagine moments from our creative visual research with children and young people from before the COVID-19 pandemic. This re-imagining began early in 2020 and has continued to evolve, incorporating our shifting perspectives and ‘thinking with’ the scholarship of leading creative methodologists. The creative output is in the form of a ‘Prezine’ which is our concept and is a portmanteau bringing together ‘Prezi’ a presentation tool, and ‘zine’. The Prezine charts our creative conversation, moving between four connected rhizomes of thinking about creative research with children and young people: ‘the room where it happens’, being in the encounter, spaces for the unexpected, and what we are calling ‘methodological alchemy’. The Prezine documents our experiment in thinking about research futures where we openly and creatively explore the process of making this reflective resource about research ‘becomings’.
Positive + negative is not equal to zero: Use of negative ionisation as analyte identity confirmation tool in LC-ESI-MS analysis
Authors: Zapata Ernesto , Leito Ivo , Herodes Koit
Published: October 2022

In this study the use of negative electrospray ionisation mode as a confirmation tool for identifying derivatized amino acids using LC-ESI-MS, was evaluated. The derivatization reagent was based on azobenzene N-hydroxysuccinimide carbamate. The results indicate that even though negative ionisation mode produced less intense peaks, the ratio of peak area of quantifier ion (obtained in positive mode) to the qualifier (or identifier) ion measured in negative mode meets the requirements established by two prominent validation guidelines: SANTE/11312/2021 and 2002/657/EC. Therefore, the use of product ions obtained via negative transitions as qualifier ions, while using product ions from positive transitions as quantifier ions is a fruitful approach that widens the choice of transitions to choose from for obtaining suitable qualifier ions. This methodology was applied to the LC-ESI-MS/MS determination of amino acids in different beverages (tomato juice, watermelon juice, kvass).
Does participation in non-formal adult education matter for individual subjective well-being as a multidimensional functioning?
Authors: Boyadjieva Pepka , Ilieva-Trichkova Petya
Published: October 2022

The article synthesizes ideas from the capability approach, the embeddedness approach, and Nancy Fraser’s three-dimensional scale of justice and develops a theoretical framework for understanding subjective well-being (SWB) as a positive functioning. It also proposes an instrument for measuring SWB and its relationship with participation in non-formal adult education. Using data from the European Social Survey, carried out in 2012, for 24 European countries and applying multilevel linear models for the analysis, the study finds evidence for a positive association between participation in non-formal adult education and SWB. The results show that differences in the SWB among people who have participated in non-formal adult education and those who have not are higher for those who have no higher education and are unemployed than for those who have higher education and paid work. This study also reveals that when people live in countries with better economic and democratic development and a more individualistic culture, the differences in their SWB by participating in non-formal adult education are smaller than when they live in countries with worse economic and democratic development and a more collectivistic culture.
A comprehensive review on facemask manufacturing, testing, and its environmental impacts
Authors: Khan Junaid , E Netnapa , Mariatti M , Vilay V , Todo M
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is currently the biggest threat to human lives due to its rapid transmission rate causing severe damage to human health and economy. The transmission of viral diseases can be minimized at its early stages with proper planning and preventive practices. The use of facemask has proved to be most effective measure to curb the spread of virus along with social distancing and good hygiene practices. This necessitates more research on facemask technology to increase its filtration efficiencies and proper disposal, which can be accelerated with knowledge of the current manufacturing process and recent research in this field. This review article provides an overview of the importance of facemask, fundamentals of nonwoven fabrics, and its manufacturing process. It also covers topics related to recent research reported for improved facemask efficiencies and testing methods to evaluate the performance of facemask. The plastic waste associated with the facemask and measures to minimize its effect are also briefly described. A systematic understanding is given in order to trigger future research in this field to ensure that we are well equipped for any future pandemic.
A mixture of ordered probit models with endogenous switching between two latent classes
Authors: Huismans Jochem , Nijenhuis Jan Willem , Sirchenko Andrei
Published: October 2022

Ordinal responses can be generated, in a cross-sectional context, by different unobserved classes of population or, in a time-series context, by different latent regimes. We introduce a new command, swopit, that fits a mixture of ordered probit models with exogenous or endogenous switching between two latent classes (regimes). Switching is endogenous if unobservables in the classassignment model are correlated with unobservables in the outcome models. We provide a battery of postestimation commands; assess via Monte Carlo experiments the finite-sample performance of the maximum likelihood estimator of the parameters, probabilities, and their standard errors (both the asymptotic and bootstrap ones); and apply the new command to model the monetary policy interest rates.
Bunching estimation of elasticities using Stata
Authors: Bertanha Marinho , McCallum Andrew H. , Payne Alexis , Seegert Nathan
Published: October 2022

Typical censoring models have mass points at the upper or lower tails, or at both tails, of an otherwise continuous outcome distribution. In contrast, we consider a censoring model with a mass point in the interior of the outcome distribution. We refer to this mass point as “bunching” and use it to estimate model parameters. For example, economic theory suggests that, for increasing marginal income tax rates, many taxpayers will report income exactly at the threshold where the tax rate increases. This translates into a censoring model with bunching at the threshold. The size of this mass point of taxpayers can be used to estimate an elasticity parameter that summarizes taxpayers’ responses to taxes. In this article, we introduce the command bunching, which implements new nonparametric and semiparametric identification methods for estimating elasticities developed by Bertanha, McCallum, and Seegert (2021, Technical Report 2021-002, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System). These methods rely on weaker assumptions than what are currently made in the literature and result in meaningfully different estimates of the elasticity.
Flexible parametric survival analysis with multiple timescales: Estimation and implementation using stmt
Authors: Bower Hannah , Andersson Therese M.-L. , Crowther Michael J. , Lambert Paul C.
Published: October 2022

In this article, we describe methodology that allows for multiple timescales using flexible parametric survival models without the need for time splitting. When one fits flexible parametric survival models on the log-hazard scale, numerical integration is required in the log likelihood to fit the model. The use of numerical integration allows incorporation of arbitrary functions of time into the model and hence lends itself to the inclusion of multiple timescales in an appealing way. We describe and exemplify these methods and show how to use the command stmt , which implements these methods, alongside its postestimation commands.
The inverse hyperbolic sine transformation and retransformed marginal effects
Authors: Norton Edward C.
Published: October 2022

In this article, I show how to calculate consistent marginal effects on the original scale of the outcome variable in Stata after estimating a linear regression with a dependent variable that has been transformed by the inverse hyperbolic sine function. The method uses a nonparametric retransformation of the error term and accounts for any scaling of the dependent variable. The inverse hyperbolic sine function is not invariant to scaling, which is known to shift marginal effects between those from an untransformed dependent variable to those of a logtransformed dependent variable, when all observations are positive.
Creating a Safe Space for Peaceful Coexistence Through National Sporting Events in South Sudan
Authors: Furukawa Mitsuaki
Published: October 2022

Even after gaining independence, South Sudan has experienced repeated outbreaks of conflict. Under these circumstances, national sports events have been held under the theme of “Peace and Social Cohesion.” This paper aims to verify the role that national sporting events play in promoting social capital among the athletes who participated in the event. The finding of the paper shows that by creating a safe space for peaceful coexistence during the sporting event, athletes were able to overcome their anxiety toward other ethnic groups, and through their interactions with other athletes, develop mutual respect and friendships. This, in turn, led to a reduction of their prejudice toward other ethnic groups and to greater trust and networks among athletes. As the paper suggests, sports events may help to promote social capital for ethnic reconciliation by providing a safe space for peaceful coexistence in South Sudan.
Reinforced tensile strength and wettability of nanofibrous electrospun cellulose acetate by coating with waterborne polyurethane and graphene oxide
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Park So Hyun
Published: October 2022

Nanotechnology has made biocompatible nanofibers grow in the healthcare industry. Herein, a cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun membrane was characterized by nanofibers of 438 (nm) in diameter between virus and bacteria, pore areas of 36.3%, and a pore size of 395 ± 263 (nm). This structure led to excellent air-water transfer through pore connectivity, contributing to sufficient wettability, air permeability, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The air permeability of pristine CA membranes became predictable through multiple linear regression, based on the correlation to thickness, bulk density (Pearson’s coefficients: 0.754, −0.538). Nonetheless, the tensile strength of the pristine CA needed to be reinforced by spray coating with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and graphene oxide (GO). The WPU/GO 6:1 (v/v) ratio was optimal due to the increase in ultimate tensile stress to 132.96% due to a synergy of GO’s covalent bonds with WPU’s hard segments and elongation at break to 113.40% from WPU polyols. The WPU/GO 6:1 coated CA membrane possessed still comparable air permeability (36.53 l/m2/s), and WVTR (5736 g/m2/day). Its rapid wetting transition from the Cassie-Baxter’s to Wenzel’s state was attributed to GO’s hydrophilic functional groups. These achievements in reinforcement of tensile strength and wettability would pave the way for filtration, and wound dressing.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on improved VMD-adaptive wavelet threshold joint noise reduction
Authors: Ma Jinghua , Li Honglei , Tang Baoping , Wang Jingshu , Zou Zheng , Zhang Mingde
Published: October 2022

Due to the fault vibration signal of the rolling bearing is greatly interfered by the background noise, the fault features are easily submerged and result in a low fault diagnosis accuracy. A novel fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing is proposed based on improved VMD-adaptive wavelet threshold combined with noise reduction in this paper. Firstly, the modal components are obtained based on VMD decomposition; Secondly, the dual determination criteria of sample entropy and correlation coefficient are constructed to filter the components; Subsequently, an adaptive wavelet thresholding function is proposed, and quadratic noise reduction is applied to mixed IMFs, which in turn reconstructs each component to achieve joint noise reduction. Finally, based on traditional machine learning and deep learning diagnosis methods, the features of noise reduction signals are extracted to realize fault diagnosis. By verifying and analyzing the simulated signal with the measured signal, noise components, the expression of fault characteristics, and the accuracy of fault diagnosis are eliminated, enhanced, and improved.
Patient activation and its association with health indices among patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Haj Ola , Lipkin Miri , Kopylov Uri , Sigalit Sina , Magnezi Racheli
Published: October 2022

Background:

Patient activation refers to patients’ independence in daily activities, involvement in the therapeutic process, and ability to manage their health. This study examined the association between the activation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its effect on health indices.

Objectives:

To evaluate the association between the activation of patients with IBD measured by patient activation measure (PAM-13) questionnaire with disease activity and quality of life in IBD.

Design:

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods:

This study included patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) followed at a large medical center in Israel, who were recruited during routine visits. They answered weekly questionnaires using a mobile smartphone application that included clinical and emotional disease parameters, including IBD control, quality of life [short IBD quality of life questionnaire (SIBDQ)], patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS-10) and PAM-13. Additional clinical parameters were collected from electronic medical records.

Results:

Among 201 patients (113 females) who responded to the questionnaires, 152 (75.6%) had CD and 49 (24.4%) UC. For PAM-13, 158 (79%) patients were at PAM-13 levels 3–4 (mean score: 68.5, range: 60.0–73.1) and 43 (21%) were at levels 1–2 (mean score: 45.2, range: 40.9–49.9). PAM-13 levels were correlated with IBD control ( r = 0.19, p = 0.023), SIBDQ ( r = 0.20, p = 0.010), and PROMIS-10 score ( r = 0.24, p = 0.017).

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate the importance of patient activation and engagement in IBD. Knowledge of patient activation may enable caregivers to predict levels of self-care and the likelihood of compliance with health behavior recommendations.
Going Beyond Traits: Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Skills Matter for Adolescents’ Success
Authors: Soto Christopher J. , Napolitano Christopher M. , Sewell Madison N. , Yoon Hee Jun , Roberts Brent W.
Published: October 2022

The present research addresses three key questions about social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills. First, how do SEB skills relate with the Big Five traits and Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) core competencies? Second, how do SEB skills relate with consequential outcomes in adolescence? Third, do SEB skills provide incremental validity beyond personality traits? Results from a diverse sample of high school students ( N = 897) indicate that SEB skills converge with the Big Five traits and CASEL competencies in expected and conceptually meaningful ways. Analyses of self-reported and school-reported outcomes extend SEB skills’ nomological network by showing that they predict academic achievement and engagement, occupational interests, social relationships, civic engagement, and well-being. Finally, tests of incremental validity indicate that SEB skills provide unique information beyond personality traits and that this information matters for predicting outcomes during adolescence. These findings advance our understanding of the nature, correlates, and consequences of SEB skills.
Health care professional perspectives on discharging hospitalized patients with injection drug use-associated infections
Authors: Moore Nichole , Kohut Michael , Stoddard Henry , Burris Debra , Chessa Frank , Sikka Monica K. , Solomon Daniel , Kershaw Colleen M. , Eaton Ellen , Hutchinson Rebecca , Fairfield Kathleen M. , Stopka Thomas J. , Friedmann Peter , Thakarar Kinna
Published: October 2022

Background:

Patients with injection drug use (IDU)-associated infections traditionally experience prolonged hospitalizations, which often result in negative experiences and bad outcomes. Harm reduction approaches that value patient autonomy and shared decision-making regarding outpatient treatment options may improve outcomes. We sought to identify health care professionals (HCPs) perspectives on the barriers to offering four different options to hospitalized people who use drugs (PWUD): long-term hospitalization, oral antibiotics, long-acting antibiotics at an infusion center, and outpatient parenteral antibiotics.

Methods:

We recruited HCPs ( n = 19) from a single tertiary care center in Portland, Maine. We interviewed HCPs involved with discharge decision-making and other HCPs involved in the specialized care of PWUD. Semi-structured interviews elicited lead HCP values, preferences, and concerns about presenting outpatient antimicrobial treatment options to PWUD, while support HCPs provided contextual information. We used the iterative categorization approach to code and thematically analyze transcripts.

Results:

HCPs were willing to present outpatient treatment options for patients with IDU-associated infections, yet several factors contributed to reluctance. First, insufficient resources, such as transportation, may make these options impractical. However, HCPs may be unaware of existing community resources or viable treatment options. They also may believe the hospital protects patients, and that discharging patients into the community exposes them to structural harms. Some HCPs are concerned that patients with substance use disorder will not make ‘good’ decisions regarding outpatient antimicrobial options. Finally, there is uncertainty about how responsibility for offering outpatient treatment is shared across changing care teams.

Conclusion:

HCPs perceive many barriers to offering outpatient care for people with IDU-associated infections, but with appropriate interventions to address their concerns, may be open to considering more options. This study provides important insights and contextual information that can help inform specific harm reduction interventions aimed at improving care of people with IDU-associated infections.
Atogepant for the prevention of episodic migraine in adults
Authors: Switzer Maranda Paige , Robinson Joseph Edward , Joyner Kayla Rena , Morgan Kelsey Woods
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Atogepant is a newly approved medication for the prevention of migraine. This review aims to discuss the efficacy, safety, cost, and place in therapy of atogepant.

Methods:

The authors performed a systematic search for sources, including articles, abstracts, and poster presentations. Queried databases were the National Institute of Health, US National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials, PubMed, European PMC, and the Cochrane Library. Search terms included atogepant, QULIPTA™, AGN-241689, MK-803, and N02CD07. Full-text, English language, randomized-controlled trials from 1 February 2012 to 1 February 2022 were included in the review. Additional relevant prescribing information, abstracts, and articles identified through the search were considered for inclusion in this review. A total of 193 database entries were evaluated for inclusion in this narrative review. Three articles representing two randomized controlled trials were reviewed.

Results and conclusions:

Atogepant, a small-molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, is a daily oral treatment for migraine prevention. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, atogepant decreased mean monthly migraine days (MMD) over 12 weeks in patients with episodic migraine. Major treatment-related adverse effects include nausea and constipation. Long-term placebo-controlled efficacy and safety studies, chronic migraine studies, and studies in patients that failed more than two classes of preventive therapies are still pending. Atogepant represents one of many novel therapies for the prevention of migraine. To date, no head-to-head comparisons of atogepant versus other agents indicated for migraine prevention have been published. Atogepant offers patients an alternative therapy to injectable or infusion monoclonal antibody treatments and offers an alternative to non-specific migraine medications that are associated with poor tolerability. Due to its high cost and narrower therapeutic indications, atogepant may be reserved for a small subset of migraineurs who prefer oral therapy.
States of computing: On government organization and artificial intelligence in Canada
Authors: Lepage-Richer Théo , McKelvey Fenwick
Published: October 2022

With technologies like machine learning and data analytics being deployed as privileged means to improve how contemporary bureaucracies work, many governments around the world have turned to artificial intelligence as a tool of statecraft. In that context, our paper uses Canada as a critical case to investigate the relationship between ideals of good government and good technology. We do so through not one, but two Trudeaus—celebrity Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2015—…) and his equally famous father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1968–1979, 1980–1984). Both shared a similar interest in new ideas and practices of both intelligent government and artificial intelligence. Influenced by Marshall McLuhan and his media theory, Pierre Elliott Trudeau deployed new communication technologies to restore centralized control in an otherwise decentralized state. Partly successful, he left his son with an informationally inclined political legacy, which decades later animated Justin Trudeau's own turn toward Big Data and artificial intelligence. Compared with one another, these two visions for both government and artificial intelligence illustrate the broader tensions between cybernetic and neoliberal approaches to government, which inform how new technologies are conceived of, and adopted, as political ones. As this article argues, Canada offers a paradigmatic case for how artificial intelligence is as much shaped by theories of government as by investments and innovations in computing research, which together delimit the contours of intelligence by defining which technical systems, people, and organizations come to be recognized as its privileged bearers.
Constructing and Deconstructing the Modern Hero in The Dark Knight Trilogy
Authors: Yılmaz Göral Erinç , Fundalar Serkan
Published: October 2022

This article aims to reveal the various representations of modernity and postmodernity in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Across all three movies, it is asserted that Batman’s values correspond to modernity specifically in terms of his self-reflexive construction of the hero persona and his relationship with Gotham city. Furthermore, the way in which the villains confront Batman in a deconstructionist manner corresponds to the postmodern critique of modern values and constructs. What continues to make Batman a hero are precisely said to be his efforts and belief in modern values, both in his personal and social construction, despite facing endless accusations throughout the movies.
Assessing Global Competence Within Teacher Education Programs. How to Design and Create a Set of Rubrics With a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Parmigiani Davide , Jones Sarah-Louise , Silvaggio Chiara , Nicchia Elisabetta , Ambrosini Asia , Pario Myrna , Pedevilla Andrea , Sardi Ilaria
Published: October 2022

In today’s world, Global Competence represents a fundamental disposition for teachers who must be able to teach effectively in classrooms with students from diverse backgrounds and manage multiple learning contexts. For these reasons, it is necessary to set up educational activities during initial teacher education programs aimed at developing and assessing preservice teachers’ ability to be Global Competent. This study was aimed at designing and creating a set of rubrics that can be used by either teacher educators or preservice teachers, in this case, as a self-assessment instrument. The research design was based on a modified Delphi method composed of five rounds to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A panel of 31 experts was involved in an iterative process until a consensus among the experts was reached. The rubrics can be employed in several contexts and situations such as: before and after an international experience, during or after a simulation or a workshop based on intercultural and real-world situations.
Photodynamic therapy for the successful management of cyclosporine-related gum hypertrophy: A novel therapeutic option
Authors: Casu Cinzia , Murgia Martina Salvatorina , Orrù Germano , Scano Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Background:

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is associated with the intake of three classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. It is clinically characterized by hyperplasia of the gingival connective tissue which appears edematous, bloody, and purplish-red in color. In more severe cases, drug-induced gingival hyperplasia negatively affects the patient’s quality of life, making it difficult to eat and practice good oral hygiene. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth therapy is controversial and, in fact, no studies in the literature highlight a well-defined therapeutic protocol. The therapies that are described provide primarily for non-surgical periodontal treatment and second-line surgical treatment. The aim of this work is to highlight a case of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia which was completely resolved thanks to photodynamic therapy which is completely free from side effects.

Design and Methods:

Photodynamic therapy was performed on an 18 year-old female patient with LEDs at a power of 450–470 nm and 5500 mW/cm2 + 7500 mW/cm2, combined with a Curcuma longa-based photosensitizer. A single session was performed, with applications of approximately 30 s for each interdental papilla.

Results:

The patient improved markedly after only one cycle of PDT. There was an absence of clinically detectable inflammation, edema, and rubor of the involved dental papillae. At the 4, 6, and 12 week follow-ups there were no recurrences.

Conclusions:

This case report highlights the first case of drug-induced gingival hypertrophy entirely treated with photodynamic therapy to be described in the literature. Therefore, although it is only a case report, this therapy which is free from side effects should be investigated as an alternative to current therapies.
Lower Extremity Stress Fractures in the National Basketball Association, 2013-2014 Through 2018-2019
Authors: Rizzi Andrew M. , Baker Hayden P. , Lee Cody S. , Athiviraham Aravind
Published: October 2022

Background:

Players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are at risk for lower extremity stress fractures, partly because of the sport’s high-intensity demand on the lower body.

Purpose:

To provide insight on the identification and management of potential risk factors associated with lower extremity stress fractures in NBA athletes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted using the NBA electronic medical record database for all players who were on an NBA roster for ≥1 game from the 2013-2014 through 2018-2019 seasons. Player characteristics, games missed, and treatment methodology were independently analyzed. Results were presented as incidence per 1000 player-games.

Results:

There were 22 stress fractures identified in 20 NBA players over the course of 6 years, with an average of 3.67 stress fractures per year and an incidence of 0.12 stress fractures per 1000 player-games. Most stress fractures occurred in the foot (17/22), and 45% (10/22) of stress fractures were treated surgically, with the most common site of operation being the navicular. On average, approximately 37 games and 243 days were missed per stress fracture injury. There was no significant difference in time to return to play between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively versus nonoperatively (269.2 vs 243.8 days; P = .82).

Conclusion:

The overall incidence of stress fractures in NBA players was 0.12 per 1000 player-games, and a high percentage of players returned to NBA activity after the injury. There was a relatively even distribution between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively and nonoperatively. When comparing high-risk stress fractures treated operatively to ones treated nonoperatively, no significant difference in average time to return to play in the NBA was found.
Experientially based narrative instruction: A neurocognitive perspective
Authors: Israelsen-Augenstein Megan , Gillam Sandi , Mecham Jamie , Ashcroft Hailey
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a personal narrative intervention based on neurocognitive principles and experientially based learning for improving the personal narrative language abilities of a school-age child with Down's syndrome.

Method

A single-case design using contemporary statistical techniques was employed to complete this study. The participant was 8 years 8 months at the time of the study and he participated in a 14-week personal narrative intervention. Personal narrative samples were collected at the beginning of each intervention session prior to instruction. Narrative samples were scored for narrative quality, language productivity, and lexical diversity.

Results

As a result of the intervention, the participant demonstrated moderate-significant increases in narrative abilities for narrative quality, language productivity, and lexical diversity.

Conclusions

The use of a personal narrative based on neurocognitive principles and experientially based learning may be feasible for improving the personal narrative language abilities of school-age children with Down's syndrome.
Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Using Double Femoral Fixation With Adjustable Loop Cortical Suspension and Interference Screw
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas I. , Therrien Erik , Marx Robert G. , Stuart Michael J. , Levy Bruce A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee is a complex anatomic region of the knee comprising the popliteus tendon, the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and the fibular collateral ligament (FCL). Treatment of PLC injuries is based on the degree of varus and rotational instability on preoperative examination and is recommended in grade 3 injuries.1,6

Technique Description:

The key concept of this new surgical technique is to use adjustable loop cortical suspensory fixation implants for initial femoral fixation of the popliteus and the FCL grafts. This allows for individual tensioning of the grafts prior to definitive fixation with an interference screw. An anatomic fibular tunnel is initially created, followed by popliteus and FCL anatomic femoral socket drilling. A TightRope RT implant is attached to the popliteus end of the graft and secured through a bone tunnel on the medial femoral cortex initially. The popliteus end of the graft is then pulled into the femoral socket before tunneling the graft through the fibular tunnel. A second TightRope RT implant is secured to the FCL end of the graft before securing it to the medial femoral cortex through a bone tunnel and pulling the graft into the drilled femoral socket. An interference screw is first used to secure the graft at the fibular tunnel. The knee is then taken to 60° where the TightRope device is used to remove residual creep and optimize final tensioning prior to final fixation with interference screw in femoral socket. With the knee at 30° of flexion, neutral rotation, and slight valgus, the same steps are repeated for FCL graft. A posterolateral capsular shift is completed for additional stability.

Results:

Residual posterolateral corner instability or failure after reconstruction surgery has been reported in 6% to 9.4% of surgical reconstruction case.2,3,5 The use of cortical suspensory devices in PLC reconstructions allows independent dialing of optimal graft tension for both the popliteus and FCL reconstruction before final interference screw fixation, therefore presumably limiting any residual creep and allowing for a double femoral fixation of the graft.

Discussion:

We describe a novel technique for posterolateral corner reconstruction which allows for optimal and individual tensioning of the structures of the posterolateral corner. Given the technique still uses well-described and validated graft choices and anatomic landmarks for reconstruction, we expect this new technique to allow for similar if not improved outcomes when compared with current gold standard.4
Opportunities for Creativity in Beginning Band Method Books
Authors: Scherer Alec D. , Regier Bradley J.
Published: October 2022

Method books serve as a key curricular resource in beginning band classrooms. Previous examinations of beginning band method books focused primarily on performance technique and pedagogy; however, a curriculum with a singular emphasis on performance will not meet all elements of the 2014 National Core Arts Standards. Therefore, we analyzed 16 beginning band method books for exercises that included creative activities such as compose, arrange, and improvise. Results indicated that 2.53% ( n = 66) of the total exercises ( N = 2,612) contained creative activities. The most frequently identified creative activity instruction type was improvise ( n = 31, 44.93%), followed by compose ( n = 27, 39.13%), and arrange ( n = 11, 15.94%). These data provide insight into the degree to which beginning band method books contain exercises that include creative activities, specific activity types, and instructional directives, and may support inservice music educators and fine arts administrators in selecting method books.
Sorption of Congo Red anionic dye on natural hydrotalcite and stichtite: kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Nestroinaia Olga V. , Ryltsova Irina G. , Yaprintsev Maksim N. , Nakisko Evgeniya Yu. , Seliverstov Evgeniy S. , Lebedeva Olga E.
Published: October 2022

The sorption properties of two layered minerals of the hydrotalcite supergroup – hydrotalcite and stichtite – were investigated with the aim of determining their kinetic parameters of sorption and their adsorption isotherm type. Pristine hydrotalcite and stichtite were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive Х-ray analysis and laser diffraction analysis of the particle-size distribution. The ‘memory effect’ of the sorbents was examined after calcination at 650°C. Slight indications of reconstructed hydrotalcite were observed, while the stichtite dehydration–rehydration cycle was irreversible. The hydrotalcite and stichtite were used to remove Congo Red from the aqueous solution. The pseudo-second order kinetic model described the process adequately. Mixed external and internal diffusion was confirmed for both minerals. The sorption of Congo Red on stichtite fits the Langmuir model. Stichtite demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 2.5 mmol g–1 at 35°C. Increasing temperature increased the adsorption rate of Congo Red on stichtite but did not affect the adsorption rate constant for hydrotalcite.
Clinical assessment of balance and functional impairments in people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Núñez-Cortés Rodrigo , Padilla-Acevedo Paloma , Vergara-Peña Franchesca , Mollà-Casanova Sara , Espinoza-Bravo Claudia , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Cruz-Montecinos Carlos
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the balance and functional capacity between stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patientsversushealthy controls using clinical tests. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase and Web of Science was conducted from inception to 21 January 2022. Studies reporting the association between COPD status and balance or functional capacity using clinical tests were included. Two independent reviewers examined the titles and abstracts, extracted the data using a standardised form, and assessed the risk of bias of the included articles. A total of 27 studies with 2420 individuals with stable COPD were included. Overall, the risk of bias in the included studies was low to moderate. The meta-analysis showed a higher history of falls in individuals with COPD (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.25–2.02). Furthermore, an overall effect in favour of the healthy controls was observed in the Timed Up and Go (mean difference: 2.61 s, 95% CI 1.79–3.43), Berg Balance Scale (mean difference: −6.57 points, 95% CI −8.31 to −4.83), static balance tests (standardised mean difference: −1.36, 95% CI −2.10 to −0.62) and the 6-min walk test (mean difference: −148.21 m, 95% CI −219.37 to −77.39). In conclusion, individuals with stable COPD have worse balance and functional capacity compared to healthy controls. These results may guide clinicians to elaborate on therapeutic strategies focused on screening of balance and functional impairments. This is in addition to generating rehabilitation guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of falling in people with COPD.
Interferon-γ release assay screening in biologics: safe and reliable, but not perfect
Authors: Cafferkey John , Padayachee Yorissa , Kostich Sophia , Kumar Kartik , Jewell Paul , Patel Mikin , Chavda Aneeka , Cox Alison , Park Mirae , Russell Georgina , Coleman Meg , Martin Laura , Kon Onn Min
Published: October 2022

Background

Systemic biologic agents can increase the risk of re-activation of latent tuberculosis (TB). Prior to initiation, screening for latent TB using an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) is recommended. There is concern that false-negative IGRAs may be more likely in this context.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of IGRAs, specifically T-SPOT.TB, results and outcomes of patients already on or due to start biologics identifies the rate of TB re-activation in a low TB incidence setting. Additionally, we estimate the negative predictive value (NPV) of IGRAs in this population.

Results

Patients on biologics were more likely to have a negative IGRA result than patients not on biologics. There was no statistically significant change in conversion or reversion rates between groups. Of 9263 patients on biologics, 19 developed active TB after starting biologics at an incidence rate of 55.1 per 100 000 patient-years. This occurred despite screening in half of the 16 patients for whom we were able to review medical records. Most drugs implicated were known to be high risk, although rituximab and natalizumab were being taken by five patients and one patient, respectively. The T-SPOT.TB NPV was 99.20% and dropped only slightly to 99.17% when we simulated an approach where all borderline IGRA results were regarded as being negative.

Conclusions

Negative IGRA results confer a low risk of subsequent active TB in patients on biologics in a low TB incidence setting. However, continued awareness is needed given that a number of active TB cases will have had a prior negative result.
The use of lung ultrasound in COVID-19
Authors: Blazic Ivana , Cogliati Chiara , Flor Nicola , Frija Guy , Kawooya Michael , Umbrello Michele , Ali Sam , Baranne Marie-Laure , Cho Young-Jae , Pitcher Richard , Vollmer Ivan , van Deventer Emilie , del Rosario Perez Maria
Published: October 2022

This review article addresses the role of lung ultrasound in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for diagnosis and disease management. As a simple imaging procedure, lung ultrasound contributes to the early identification of patients with clinical conditions suggestive of COVID-19, supports decisions about hospital admission and informs therapeutic strategy. It can be performed in various clinical settings (primary care facilities, emergency departments, hospital wards, intensive care units), but also in outpatient settings using portable devices.

The article describes typical lung ultrasound findings for COVID-19 pneumonia (interstitial pattern, pleural abnormalities and consolidations), as one component of COVID-19 diagnostic workup that otherwise includes clinical and laboratory evaluation. Advantages and limitations of lung ultrasound use in COVID-19 are described, along with equipment requirements and training needs. To infer on the use of lung ultrasound in different regions, a literature search was performed using key words “COVID-19”, “lung ultrasound” and “imaging”.

Lung ultrasound is a noninvasive, rapid and reproducible procedure; can be performed at the point of care; requires simple sterilisation; and involves non-ionising radiation, allowing repeated exams on the same patient, with special benefit in children and pregnant women. However, physical proximity between the patient and the ultrasound operator is a limitation in the current pandemic context, emphasising the need to implement specific infection prevention and control measures.

Availability of qualified staff adequately trained to perform lung ultrasound remains a major barrier to lung ultrasound utilisation. Training, advocacy and awareness rising can help build up capacities of local providers to facilitate lung ultrasound use for COVID-19 management, in particular in low- and middle-income countries.