bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Reading Outcomes in Response to a Comprehensive Reading Curriculum for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Conner Carlin , Allor Jill H. , Al Otaiba Stephanie , Yovanoff Paul , LeJeune Lauren
Published: November 2022

This study examined the response of two students in the Southwestern United States with autism spectrum disorder and IQ in the intellectual disability range to a comprehensive, text-based reading intervention. The intervention, Friends on the Block, includes multiple strands of literacy providing explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, high-frequency irregular or temporarily irregular words, decoding, vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension. Multiple supports for students with intensive needs are embedded within the intervention, such as specially designed multi-criteria books, extensive scaffolding, and intensive cumulative review. Teachers customize the program to address the varying needs of students. We used single-case multiple baselines across levels of instruction design to assess growth on a measure of reading (words read correctly). Results indicated a positive, functional relation between reading intervention and word reading. Both students also demonstrated modest growth on measures of phonemic awareness, letter–sound knowledge, and word identification from pre- to post-intervention.
The Exploration of a Low-Intensity Paraprofessional-Delivered Peer Training in Inclusive High School Classrooms
Authors: Chung Yun-Ching , Douglas Karen H.
Published: November 2022

Social competence is an essential skill that can be promoted in inclusive high school classrooms. For high school students with developmental disabilities, peer-mediated interventions have shown promise for increasing social communication with feasible implementation. This study focused on increasing the appropriate peer interactions of three high school students with autism or intellectual disabilities in inclusive general education classrooms. We used a single-case multiple probe design to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-intensity peer-mediated intervention delivered by a paraprofessional to six peer partners. Our visual analysis of the data resulted in determining a functional relation between the intervention and students’ appropriate peer interactions. The peer partners and educators found the goals, procedures, and outcomes to be beneficial, important, and practical. We also discuss the implications, limitations, and ideas for future research.
Who can organize and exercise effective resistance? A southern criminology perspective on the victimology of state crime
Authors: Weis Valeria Vegh
Published: November 2022

More than 75 million people were killed in wars, dictatorships and civil conflicts in the 20th century alone. To date, states and international organizations have been regarded as the reliable entities for addressing these atrocities. However, these agencies are often perpetrators (or bystanders) that even deny their crimes. Based on a southern criminology approach, the article examines whether challenging atrocities becomes more feasible if organizations led by the victim-survivors themselves take precedence over established state-based or international entities. The key hypothesis is that the degree of effective resistance is directly related to the degree of victims’ involvement in the process. Moreover, this article will go beyond the state of the art (based on victim participation) by advocating a victim-driven model, where victims’ networks play a leading role that is independent from the state and international organizations.
Health inspector ratings of Asian restaurants during the early COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cherng Hua-Yu Sebastian , Moreno Martha , Liu Jia-Lin
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the restaurant industry, with Asian restaurants having perhaps suffered the most, as many reported business losses well before shelter-in-place orders were announced. Media outlets argue that this decline in business reflects biases that are linked to the China- and food-related origin of COVID-19. However, discrimination against Asian Americans and their cuisine is not new, as it is rooted in a long and history of assimilation and racism. Overlooked in this body of literature, as well as in conversations on the impacts of COVID-19 on Asian restaurants, is the role of how government institutions shape these biases against a cuisine that has hundreds of years of history in the US yet remains distinctly ‘foreign’. In this study, we use 3-years of New York City restaurant health inspection data to examine trends in citation scores before and after the onset of the news of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a synthetic control approach, we find that Asian restaurants uniquely received more citations after news of the pandemic became pervasive in the US. We end by discussing the implications of this finding for the history of Asian cuisine in the US, theoretical frameworks to understand assimilation, and the restaurant industry.
Complete Endovascular Reconstruction of the Canine Ascending Aorta, Aortic Arch, and Supra-Aortic Vessels by Implanting a New Unibody Outer Double-Branched Stent-Graft
Authors: Li Weixiao , Li Qiang , Li Jun , Cui Mingzhe , Xu Rutao , Zhai Shuiting , Li Tianxiao , Chen Jiangbo , Zhao Wenli
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

We evaluated the feasibility and safety of using a new unibody outer double-branched stent-graft system to reconstruct the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels.

Materials and methods:

The outer-branched stent-graft was a unibody design. The branched stent-graft consisted of a main stent-graft and 2 branches. The introducer system included a tri-channel catheter, 2 detachable sleeves, a front fixing device, a constraining wire, and a curved outer sheath. The branched stent-graft was loaded into the introducer system. Ten adult mongrel dogs underwent general anesthesia, and the branched stent-grafts were deployed into the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels by the introducer system. All animals were followed up for 3 months. At the end of the follow-up period, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to observe the patency of the branched stent-grafts.

Results:

The mean operation time was 142.7±13.7 minutes. The mean fluoroscopy time was 20.73±2.22 minutes. The mean dosage of contrast agent was 95.9±8.7 mL. During the operation, the tri-channel catheters successfully paralleled the wires in the aorta. All 10 branched stent-grafts were successfully implanted into the canine ascending aorta and aortic arch. There were no symptoms of cerebral embolization and no incision infection during the follow-up period. Computed tomographic angiography and specimens showed that the branched stent-grafts and native vessels were patent, the inner surfaces of the branched stent-grafts were covered by neointima, and there was no retrograde aortic dissection in the ascending aorta.

Conclusions:

This animal research demonstrated that the unibody outer double-branched stent-graft system could be applied to reconstruct the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels.

Clinical Impact

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has been the main treatment method for aortic aneurysms or dissections involving the descending thoracic aorta. However, the aortic arch and ascending aorta remain the last segments of the aorta without a validated and routinely used endovascular option. In this research, we designed a new unibody outer branched stent-graft system to reconstruct the distal ascending aorta, aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels. The unibody outer branched stent-graft system could be applied to treat aortic pathologies which involve the middle and distal proximal ascending aorta, aortic arch and proximal descending aorta.
Sex on the Brain: Reproductive Comorbidities in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Carpenter Jenna C. , Lignani Gabriele
Published: November 2022

[Box: see text]
Potential Benefit of Vitamin D Supplementation in COVID-19
Authors: Stafford Andrea , White Nicole D.
Published: November 2022

Vitamin D is an important nutrient in the body that plays a vital role in immune system function. Several epidemiologic studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are found in a large percentage of COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure and that vitamin D levels may predict mortality in COVID-19 infection. Based on these findings, vitamin D supplementation may be an effective approach to preventing and/or treating COVID-19. Potential underlying mechanisms and clinical trial data evaluating the impact of supplementation in humans are described below.
Transradial embolization of a life-threatening tooth extraction socket hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Colasurdo Marco , Edhayan Gautam , Rossi Nicholas A , Coblens Orly M , Raghuram Karthikram
Published: November 2022

Embolization of oral hemorrhages due to tooth extraction, although rare, has been previously described.1–4 In this video we present a unique case in which a life-threatening tooth extraction hemorrhage was incontrollable with local compression or surgical cauterization. The patient underwent emergent transradial coil embolization5 of the posterior lateral nasal branches of the sphenopalatine artery. However, the patient returned 11 days later with a lower volume bleed at the original site. Computed tomography angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm at the orthognathic surgery crater retrogradely recanalized through the greater palatine arcade. Surgical options were deemed too invasive, and the decision was made to attempt percutaneous direct puncture embolization. This was unsuccessful and repeat embolization with Onyx was performed through the contralateral greater palatine artery. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms.
Methyltransferase-like 3 modulates visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in YTHDC1-dependent manner
Authors: Lin Wei , Liu Yuan , Zhou Yifei , Lin Mengying , Liu Congxu , Tang Ying , Wu Bin , Lin Chun
Published: November 2022

Background: Accumulating evidence shows that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modulators contribute to the process of chronic pain. However, the exact mechanisms of m6A writers involved in visceral hypersensitivity of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain unclear. This article aimed to reveal a new mechanism for the progression of IBS. Methods: The IBS-like model was established by neonatal colorectal distention (CRD). The relationship between m6A and circKcnk9 was analyzed by bioinformatics, immunofluorescence and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Visceral hypersensitivity was assessed based on the electromyography (EMG) response of the abdominal external oblique muscle to CRD. In vivo and in vitro studies (including EMG stereotactic infusion, Western blot and qRT-PCR) were utilized to explore the biological functions of related indicators. The bioinformatics, RIP experiments and RNA pull-down assays were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Results: We identified that neonatal CRD increased the level of the m6A via methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in the hippocampal neurons. Subsequently, knockdown of METTL3 could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-like rats. By contrast, overexpression of METTL3 could induce visceral hypersensitivity and activate hippocampal neurons in control rats. Moreover, YTHDC1, the only m6A-associated protein predicted by bioinformatics to bind to circKcnk9, modulated visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in an m6A-dependent manner. Notably, FISH data suggested that the increased nuclear staining of circKcnk9 caused by siYTHDC1 could be recovered by overexpression of YTHDC1 wild type (WT) but not YTHDC1 negative control (NC) in PC12 cells. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a new regulatory mechanism in progress of IBS, that is, METTL3 modulates visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in YTHDC1-dependent manner.
Week-to-week variations of internal and external intensity measures in professional women volleyball players
Authors: Lima Ricardo , Gracinda Ana , Silva Bruno , Silva Ana Filipa , Pereira Joel , Silva Rui Miguel , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to analyze the relationship between weekly variations in ACWR, training monotony (TM), training strain (TS), s-RPE and the number of jumps; and (ii) to explore the association between tests based on the external and internal training intensity (TI) measures across weeks. An observational cohort study was conducted. Ten female elite volleyball players (two setters, three middle-blockers, three outside hitters, and two opposites) of a first Division Portuguese team (24.1  ±  6.12 years old; 66.48  ±  6.85 kg; and 175.4  ±  6.52 cm) participated in this study. Players were monitored for external and internal TI measures. The correlation coefficients between internal and external TI measures were determined using Pearson's r. The results showed a moderate relationship between weekly variations of ACWR, TM, TS, s-RPE, and the number of jumps. Additionally, a moderate association between external and internal TI measures were detected. In conclusion, s-RPE seems to be a more sensible measure than the number of jumps, since its percentage of variation was higher.
Global differences in current strength and conditioning practice within soccer
Authors: McQuilliam Stephen J , Clark David R , Erskine Robert M , Brownlee Thomas E
Published: November 2022

Differences exist between top-tier soccer leagues (e.g. anthropometry and match demands), which may influence strength and conditioning (S&C) practice. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether current S&C practice in men's and women's (first team and academy) squads differed between global regions. A total of 170 participants, involved in the delivery of S&C support at their soccer club (based on South America (SA), the USA, the UK, or other European countries (EUR)), completed a survey examining their S&C methods. The survey comprised six sections: (i) academic qualifications and S&C coaching experience; and their preferred methods for (ii) physical testing; (iii) strength and power development; (iv) plyometric training; (v) speed development; and (vi) periodization. Coaches in EUR conducted fewer formal S&C sessions, placed less importance on free-weight resistance training (RT), and performed less speed and plyometric training compared to coaches in other global regions (all p < 0.05). While coaches working with UK squads devoted more time to physical development than those in EUR, they regarded bodyweight training as the most important RT modality in comparison to USA and SA, who prioritized free-weight RT. Finally, SA academy players are introduced to formal S&C later (∼14 years old) than those in the UK (∼12 years old, p = 0.002). However, it is reasonable to suggest that the S&C practice of coaches in the USA and SA align better with scientific guidelines for strength and power development in soccer, with emphasis on free-weight RT alongside regular sprint and plyometric training, compared to coaches in the UK and EUR.
Effects of contextual and tactical dimensions on the creation of goal-scoring opportunities in U12 and U13 elite Spanish soccer teams
Authors: González-Rodenas Joaquín , Martínez López Adrián , Pérez Gay Roberto
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper was to describe the interactive effects of contextual and tactical dimensions on the creation of goal-scoring opportunities (GSO) in youth elite Spanish soccer, according to the type of possession. A total of 1730 team possessions from 24 qualifying matches of the official Spanish LaLiga Promises U12 and U13 soccer-7 tournaments were analyzed. For the analysis, team possessions were grouped into recoveries and restarts, according to the type of possession start. The study evaluated ten contextual and tactical dimensions by observational methodology. For recoveries, the multilevel binary regression models revealed significant effects of dimensions such as match status, initial field zone, initial penetration, type of attack, number of dribbles and number of passes on the creation of GSO. However, for restarts, only dimensions such as initial penetration, number of dribbles and possession width presented significant effects on the creation of GSO. In conclusion, the effects of different contextual and tactical dimensions in youth soccer teams seem to depend on whether the start of the team possession is a transition or a restart, regardless of the age category. These findings are useful for soccer coaches and analysts, which can help them understand the key dimensions in the design of training sessions in youth soccer teams.
Path reachability including distance-constrained detours
Authors: Sasabe Masahiro , Otani Miyu , Hara Takanori , Kasahara Shoji
Published: November 2022

When nodes and/or links are down in a network, the network may not function normally. Most of the existing work focuses on the reachability between two nodes along a path, that is, path reliability, and that through arbitrary paths, that is, network reliability. However, in case of wireless multi-hop networks and road networks, it may be inefficient or difficult to recalculate a path from the source to the destination when a failure occurs at an intermediate link in the path. In such cases, we can expect that the reachability between two nodes will improve by taking a detour from the entry of the failure link (i.e. failure point) to the destination without traversing the failure link. Since the detour may also increase the communication/travel delay, in this paper, we propose a new path metric (i.e. path reachability including distance-constrained detours), which consists of the conventional path reachability and the reachability along distance-constrained detours under arbitrary link failures in the original path. We first prove the two important characteristics: (1) the proposed metric is exactly the same as the network reliability in case of no distance constraint and (2) it is upper bounded by the diameter constrained network reliability. Through numerical results using a grid network and more realistic networks (i.e. wireless networks and a road network), we show the fundamental characteristics of the proposed metric and analyze the goodness of several representative paths in terms of the proposed metric as well as the conventional metrics (i.e. path length and path reachability).
Combination of anti-glycopeptidolipid-core IgA antibody and clinical features for diagnosing potential nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease in routine practice
Authors: Iwasaki Takuya , Yamaguchi Fumihiro , Hayashi Makoto , Kobayashi Hitoshi , Hirata Kento , Miyo Kenta , Kondo Chika , Kanzaki Mamiko , Tei Kazusawa , Abe Takashi , Sakakura Shunsuke , Inoue Daisuke , Yamazaki Yohei , Tateno Hidetsugu , Yokoe Takuya , Shikama Yusuke
Published: November 2022

Background:

The anti- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) antibody test measures levels of IgA antibody against the glycopeptidolipid (GPL) core in the bacterial cell walls and is a useful clinical indicator of nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, it is not currently possible to diagnose the disease using anti-MAC antibodies alone.

Objectives:

The study aim was to assess the efficacy of the combination of anti-MAC antibodies and clinical findings for diagnosing potential NTM-PD.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 938 patients tested using the anti-MAC antibody. NTM-PD was diagnosed by multiple positive cultures of the same species in sputum samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the clinical factors related to NTM-PD.

Results:

Overall, 19.6% (184/938) of participants were diagnosed with NTM-PD. In multivariate analysis, positive anti-MAC antibodies, low body mass index, absence of malignancy, and cavity-forming lung lesions were significantly associated with NTM-PD at diagnosis. The positive rates of the anti-MAC antibody test were 79.4% (135/170) for MAC and 55.6% (5/9) for Mycobacterium abscessus complex, respectively.

Conclusions:

Bronchoscopic examinations should be performed especially in certain types of individuals from whom sputum samples cannot be obtained. Anti-MAC antibodies are also positive in patients other than those harboring MAC, but the rate may be low because of the different components in GPLs.
Analysis and Classification of Music-Induced States of Sadness
Authors: Herdson Oliver , Eerola Tuomas , Javadi Amir-Homayoun
Published: November 2022

The enjoyment and pleasure derived from sad music has sparked fascination among researchers due to its seemingly paradoxical nature in producing positive affect. Research is yet to develop a comprehensive understanding of this “paradox.” Contradictory findings have resulted in a great variability within the literature, meaning results and interpretations can be difficult to derive. Consequently, this review collated the current literature, seeking to utilize the variability in the findings to propose a model of differential sad states, providing a means for past and future findings to be interpreted. The proposed model is based on theoretical understanding, as such it requires full empirical support. Comparisons to alternative models, theoretical, clinical, and cognitive implications, as well as future directions are discussed.
Endovascular treatment for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke with low ASPECTS: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Safouris Apostolos , Palaiodimou Lina , Szikora István , Kargiotis Odysseas , Magoufis George , Psychogios Klearchos , Paraskevas Georgios , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Brountzos Elias , Nardai Sándor , Goyal Nitin , De Sousa Diana Aguiar , Strbian Daniel , Caso Valeria , Alexandrov Andrei , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: November 2022

Background:

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) 0–5 has not yet proven safe and effective by clinical trials.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess whether EVT in AIS patients presenting with low ASPECTS is beneficial.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Data sources and Methods:

We have searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of articles published until 28 May 2022 with the aim to calculate (1) modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 0–3 at 3 months, (2) mRS score 0–2 at 3 months, (3) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and (3) mortality at 3 months.

Results:

Overall, 24 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising a total of 2539 AIS patients with ASPECTS 0–5 treated with EVT. The pooled proportion of EVT-treated patients achieving mRS 0–3 at 3 months was calculated at 38.4%. The pooled proportion of EVT-treated patients achieving mRS 0–2 at 3 months was 25.7%. Regarding safety outcomes, sICH occurred in 12.8% of patients. The 3-month pooled mortality was 30%. In pairwise meta-analysis, patients treated with EVT had a higher likelihood of achieving mRS 0–3 at 3 months compared with patients treated with best medical therapy (BMT, OR: 2.41). sICH occurred more frequently in EVT-treated patients compared with the BMT-treated patients (OR: 2.30). Mortality at 3 months was not different between the two treatment groups (OR: 0.71).

Conclusion:

EVT may be beneficial for AIS patients with low baseline ASPECTS despite an increased risk for sICH. Further data from randomized-controlled clinical trials are needed to elucidate the role of EVT in this subgroup of AIS patients.

Registration:

The protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews PROSPERO; Registration Number: CRD42022334417.
Sarcopenia and bone health: new acquisitions for a firm liaison
Authors: Tarantino Umberto , Greggi Chiara , Visconti Virginia Veronica , Cariati Ida , Bonanni Roberto , Gasperini Beatrice , Nardone Italo , Gasbarra Elena , Iundusi Riccardo
Published: November 2022

Osteosarcopenia (OS) is a newly defined condition represented by the simultaneous presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia, the main age-related diseases. The simultaneous coexistence of the two phenotypes derives from the close connection of the main target tissues involved in their pathogenesis: bone and muscle. These two actors constitute the bone–muscle unit, which communicates through a biochemical and mechanical crosstalk which involves multiple factors. Altered pattern of molecular pathways leads to an impairment of both the functionality of the tissue itself and the communication with the complementary tissue, composing the OS pathogenesis. Recent advances in the genetics field have provided the opportunity to delve deeper into the complex biological and molecular mechanisms underlying OS. Unfortunately, there are still many gaps in our understanding of these pathways, but it has proven essential to apply strategies such as exercise and nutritional intervention to counteract OS. New therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target bone and muscle tissue are limited, but recently new targets for the development of dual-action drug therapies have been identified. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the latest scientific evidence associated with OS, a complex disorder that will pave the way for future research aimed at understanding the bone–muscle-associated pathogenetic mechanisms.
School Management Teams in the Face of Inclusion: Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: López-López María Carmen , Romero-López María Asunción , Hinojosa-Pareja Eva Francisca
Published: November 2022

This study analyses teachers’ opinions concerning the actions taken by management teams in favor of policies which address inclusion in compulsory education schools in Granada (Spain). This is quantitative research in which the LIE-Q-Teaching Team has been used. Two hundred forty-three teachers participated in this study which involved a descriptive and inferential analysis. Results show that the actions promoting inclusion mainly relate to the management of teaching-learning processes and professional development. Results also reveal that there are significant differences based on the ownership of the school, its educational level and the socio-economic status of the area in which it is located.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation and its effects on cognition and the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Ainsley Ryan Yan Bin , Yau Chun En , Mai Aaron Shengting , Tan Weiling Amanda , Ong Bernard Soon Yang , Yam Natalie Elizabeth , Ho Cyrus Su Hui
Published: November 2022

Background:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that is hypothesised to alter cortical excitability and brain electrical activity, modulating functional connectivity within the brain. Several trials have demonstrated its potential in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

Objectives:

To study the efficacy of TACS in ameliorating symptoms of depression and schizophrenia in patients and its effects on cognition in patients and healthy subjects compared to sham stimulation.

Design:

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data Sources and Methods:

This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42022331149) is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to March 2022. Only randomised-controlled trials were included.

Results:

A total of 12 randomised-controlled trials are reviewed for meta-analysis, with three randomised-controlled trials reporting only effects on cognition in psychiatric and cognitively impaired patients, three trials on cognition in healthy subjects, one trial on cognition in both patients and healthy subjects, one trial on only depression, two on both cognition and depression in patients and two on schizophrenia symptoms. No studies were at significant risk of bias. For cognition, TACS showed significant improvement [positive standardised mean differences (SMD) denoting improvement] over sham stimulation in those with psychiatric disorders with an SMD of 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14, 1.06). Similarly, among patients with depression, an SMD of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.10, 2.18) was found significantly favouring TACS over sham stimulation. Two studies assessed the effect of TACS on schizophrenia symptoms with mixed results.

Conclusion:

TACS has shown promise in ameliorating symptoms of both schizophrenia and depression in patients. TACS also improves cognition in both patients and healthy subjects. However, these findings are limited by the sample size of included studies, and future studies may be required to better our understanding of the potential of TACS.

Registration:

PROSPERO (CRD42022331149)
Audiovisual interaction with rate-varying signals
Authors: Yi Long , Sekuler Robert
Published: November 2022

A task-irrelevant, amplitude-modulating sound influences perception of a size-modulating visual stimulus. To probe the limits of this audiovisual interaction we vary the second temporal derivative of object size and of sound amplitude. In the study’s first phase subjects see a visual stimulus size-modulating with [Formula: see text]0, 0, or <0, and judge each one’s rate as increasing, constant, or decreasing. Visual stimuli are accompanied by a steady, non-modulated auditory stimulus. The novel combination of multiple stimuli and multi-alternative responses allows subjects’ similarity space to be estimated from the stimulus-response confusion matrix. In the study’s second phase, rate-varying visual stimuli are presented in concert with auditory stimuli whose second derivative also varied. Subjects identified each visual stimuli as one of the three types, while trying to ignore the accompanying sound. Unlike some previous results with [Formula: see text] fixed at 0, performance benefits relatively little when visual and auditory stimuli share the same directional change in modulation. However, performance does drop when visual and auditory stimului differ in their directions of rate change. Our task’s computational demands may make it particularly vulnerable to the effects of a dynamic task-irrelevant stimulus.
A Dynamic-Maturational Framework for the Study of Psychosis and Attachment Theory
Authors: Jack Alexander H. , Wilson Stephanie
Published: November 2022

Attachment theory has been used to explain the origin of psychotic phenomena. In this article we critically evaluate dominant models and assessment measures of attachment in the study of psychosis. We identify four problems aligning to current theory and assessment: (1) the reliability and/or validity of assessment tools, (2) the failure of current approaches to differentiate between psychotic and non-psychotic cases within attachment classifications, (3) the absence of an integrated conceptual framework and (4) poor clinical utility. We propose the Dynamic-Maturational Model (DMM) of Attachment and Adaptation as an integrative framework with potential explanatory power to address these problems. The DMM is a model of human adaptation, based in attachment theory and integrative of systems theory, psychodynamic psychology, cognitive neuroscience, ethology and behaviourism. We review the present state of knowledge about attachment and psychosis and consider a broader array of empirical information (e.g. cognitive, affective and somatic) to highlight how future investigations and therapeutic intervention might be reconceptualised advantageously within a DMM framework.
Vancomycin area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration and trough level concordance–evaluation on an urban health unit
Authors: Chen Maggie , Lee Colin , Gnyra Michelle , Wong Michelle
Published: November 2022

Background:

A vancomycin AUC/MIC (area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) of 400–600 mg•h/L is associated with improved clinical outcomes for the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Currently, there are still limited studies evaluating the relationship between vancomycin trough and AUC.

Objectives:

To evaluate the correlation between vancomycin trough and AUC/MIC and determine if trough-guided monitoring is an adequate predictor of AUC/MIC in the Urban Health population at St Paul’s Hospital.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of 29 patients from November 2019 to February 2021. Patient demographics and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. The two-level equation-based approach was used to calculate AUC/MIC. The proportion of AUC/MIC values within target (400–600 mg•h/L) despite subtherapeutic troughs, and the proportion of AUC/MIC values supratherapeutic when trough is within target (15–20 mg/L) were the primary endpoints.

Main Results:

Fifty-seven sets of levels were collected and 75% of vancomycin troughs and AUC24 were found to be discordant. When trough was 10–14.9 mg/L, AUC24 was > 400 mg•h/L in 94% of cases and when trough was 15–20 mg/L, AUC24 was > 600 mg•h/L in 69% of cases. There was a moderate correlation between vancomycin trough and AUC24h ( R2 = 0.57; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

A vancomycin trough between 15 and 20 mg/L may result in an AUC/MIC greater than necessary for clinical efficacy. Considering these findings and the practical concerns of AUC-guided monitoring, a modest reduction in target troughs to prevent vancomycin toxicity warrants clinical consideration and further evaluation.
The lost intrauterine levonorgestrel-releasing system in women with adenomyosis: A case report
Authors: Gunardi Eka Rusdianto , Suastika Arresta Vitasatria , Nuzullita Mitari , Fadila Nur Fitri , Anjani Gita Puspita , Pingkan Trifonia
Published: November 2022

The intrauterine device (IUD) is one type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method available. The objective of this article was to report the case of a symptomatic partial expulsion of IUD. A 41-year-old woman presented herself to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital with the chief complaint of pelvic pain. She had been using intrauterine levonorgestrel-releasing system for the last 4 years as her adenomyosis treatment. On ultrasound examination, there was no IUD visualized. A pelvic x-ray imaging with Copper-T IUD as a marker was done and suspected IUD displacement. The IUD was then removed successfully.
Pelvic hydatid cyst presentation as an ovarian torsion: A rare case report
Authors: seifi Solmaz , Shadman Atefeh , Mardi Afrouz , Moradi asl Eslam
Published: November 2022

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a global prevalence, especially in the Mediterranean region. We encountered a 37-year-old woman referred to the emergency department complaining of severe abdominal pain and spotting. After the emergency ultrasound, she underwent laparotomy with the diagnosis of missed ovarian torsion and was diagnosed as a hydatid cyst. We were prompted to report this case regarding the rarity of this cyst and its presentation.
Do they really care? Social desirability bias in attitudes towards corruption
Authors: Breitenstein Sofia , Anduiza Eva , Muñoz Jordi
Published: November 2022

Direct estimates based on election returns show that corruption is mildly punished at the polls. A large majority of survey respondents, however, often tend to state that they do not like corruption and will not support corrupt politicians. This has been interpreted as a product of social desirability bias: interviewees prefer to report socially accepted attitudes (rejection of corruption) instead of truthful responses (intention to vote for their preferred candidates regardless of malfeasance). We test to what extent this is the case by using a list experiment that allows interviewees to be questioned in an unobtrusive way, removing the possible effects of social desirability. Our results show that the great majority of respondents report intentions to electorally punish allegedly corrupt candidates even when asked in an unobtrusive way. We discuss the implications of this finding for the limited electoral accountability of corruption.
Aiming at the good life in the datafied world: A co-productionist framework of ethics
Authors: Boenig-Liptsin Margarita
Published: November 2022

This article proposes an ethical framework to navigate life in the datafied world that combines the relational ethics approach of the philosopher Paul Ricoeur with the idiom of co-production from the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Mainstream data and computing ethics approaches, which tend to view ethics itself as a technology to produce particular outcomes, fail to adequately consider the context of the datafied world for ethics. The datafied world is a condition in which data and computing technologies form the ineluctable infrastructure for daily life, structuring social order, forming power relations, and supporting visions of desirable futures. I argue that the datafied world is not just a background upon which ethics unfolds, rather it demands a novel framework for ethics that understands the contexts of data and computing technologies and their consequences for human action. The idiom of co-production suggests how action gets tied to visions of the good in the datafied world. In particular, it draws attention to the evolution of these actions in the identities, institutions, representations, and discourses of the social world, creating specific forms of life and meaning in datafied societies.
Establishing therapeutic and supportive relationships throughout delivery of a school-based group parenting program via telehealth: Exploring causal pathways
Authors: Drabarek Dorothy , Hammond Rebecca , Mitchell Michelle , Colton Hannah , Dean John , Stirling Kimberley , Wainwright Leonie , Davies Suzanne , Haarsma Sharon , Puckett Cherie , McCann Darya , Blaydon Danielle , Zandberg Daniel , Harris Jessica , Martiniuk Alexandra
Published: November 2022

Background

Access to specialised early intervention mental health services for children, including group counselling for parents/carers, is still a challenge in non-metropolitan areas of Australia.

Aim

To gain understanding of the acceptability of a school-based targeted parenting group program delivered via telehealth by exploring the experiences of parents/carers, clinicians and school staff, and asking what works, how, why and in what circumstances.

Methods

Caregivers, clinicians and school staff involved in the delivery of a mental health program via telehealth into primary schools in two rural Local Health Districts (LHDs) in southern New South Wales (NSW) were invited to participate in interviews and/or focus group discussions. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted with reference to realist theory.

Findings

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 caregivers, five semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with school staff from six participating schools, and three focus groups with seven clinicians who delivered the intervention. We found that the intervention and micro contexts interacted to influence acceptability by initiating or enhancing cohesion among caregivers, establishing channels of communication between caregivers and teachers, and connection between caregivers and clinicians despite geographic distance. Several adaptations were made to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between caregivers and clinicians.

Conclusion

Relationships crucial to the success of delivering psychological group counselling were established. Regional community contexts can facilitate acceptability of parenting group counselling delivered into schools via telehealth. Implementation of the program was flexible enough to allow clinicians to adjust their approach and materials to better suit the telehealth modality.
Background Music and Cognitive Task Performance: A Systematic Review of Task, Music, and Population Impact
Authors: Cheah Yiting , Wong Hoo Keat , Spitzer Michael , Coutinho Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Research on the effect of background music (BgM) on cognitive task performance is marked by inconsistent methods and inconclusive findings. In order to provide clarity to this area, we performed a systematic review on the impact of BgM on performances in a variety of tasks whilst considering the contributions of various task, music, and population characteristics. Following the PRISMA and SWiM protocols, we identified 95 articles (154 experiments) that comprise cognitive tasks across six different cognitive domains—memory; language; thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving; inhibition; attention and processing speed. Extracted data were synthesized using vote counting based (solely) on the direction of effects and analyzed using a sign test analysis. Overall, our results demonstrate a general detrimental effect of BgM on memory and language-related tasks, and a tendency for BgM with lyrics to be more detrimental than instrumental BgM. Only one positive effect (of instrumental BgM) was found; and in most cases, we did not find any effect of BgM on task performance. We also identified a general detrimental impact of BgM towards difficult (but not easy) tasks; and towards introverts (but not extraverts). Taken together, our results show that task, music, and population-specific analyses are all necessary when studying the effects of BgM on cognitive task performance. They also call attention to the necessity to control for task difficulty as well as individual differences (especially level of extraversion) in empirical studies. Finally, our results also demonstrate that many areas remain understudied and therefore a lot more work still needs to be done to gain a comprehensive understanding of how BgM impacts cognitive task performance.
Influence of Pelvic Rotation on Lower Extremity Kinematics, Elbow Varus Torque, and Ball Velocity in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Dowling Brittany , Knapik Derrick M. , Luera Micheal J. , Garrigues Grant E. , Nicholson Gregory P. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Early pelvic rotation has been associated with decreased throwing arm kinetics in college baseball pitchers, though professional pitchers have yet to be examined.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of pelvic rotation on trunk, pelvis and lower extremity kinematics, as well as throwing arm kinetics and pitch velocity in professional baseball pitchers.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Data were analyzed for 157 professional baseball pitchers throwing fastballs using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). Pitchers were divided into an open pelvis (rotated toward target; n = 78) and a closed pelvis (n = 79) group based on pelvic rotation at foot contact. Variables of interest were compared between the groups using t tests and 2-way analysis of variance, while Spearman correlation was used to measure relationships between the variables of interest.

Results:

Pitchers in the open group had a longer stride length (81% ± 5% vs 77% ± 5% body height; P < .01, d = 0.74), greater lead knee flexion (49° ± 6° vs 47° ± 10°; P = .043, d = 0.33), faster peak knee extension velocity (424°/s ± 158°/s vs 325°/s ± 142 °/s; P < .01, d = 0.66), and faster ball velocity (39.1 ± 1.7 m/s vs 38.4 ± 2.1 m/s; P = .029, d = 0.35) compared with those in the closed group. There was no significant difference in elbow varus torque between the 2 groups (open: 87.8 ± 14.7 N·m, closed: 90.5 ± 17.2 N·m; P = .311). There were moderate negative relationships between pelvic rotation at foot contact and stride length ( r S = -0.385, P < .001), lead knee extension ( r S = -0.429, P < .001), and peak lead knee extension velocity ( r S = -0.359, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Professional pitchers who landed with an open pelvis demonstrated longer stride length, greater lead knee extension, faster lead knee velocity, and faster ball velocity compared with pitchers with a closed pelvis at foot contact. This increase in segment velocities and ball velocity was not associated with an increase in elbow varus torque and displays a potentially efficient method in which pitchers can increase ball velocity without an increase in elbow varus torque.

Clinical Relevance:

Instructing pitchers to rotate their pelvis toward the target at foot contact may allow pitchers to transfer momentum up the kinetic chain more efficiently, while producing greater ball velocity and limiting the torque sustained at the elbow.
The Case of the Rare Malformation and Rare Variant: An Infant with a Self-Embolized Torcular Dural Sinus Malformation and a Concomitant Prothrombin Variant
Authors: Miller Roxanne M , Zarka Anthony , Ahmad Samiya F
Published: November 2022

Torcular dural sinus malformations (tDSMs) can occur in the brain during prenatal development. These rare vascular malformations occur in less than 1% of the population but can lead to a poor prognosis secondary to congestive heart failure and hydrocephalus. Many tDSM cases require surgical embolization or coiling to return normal cerebral blood flow and prevent mortality and morbidity. We describe the first case of spontaneous self-embolization of a large torcular dural sinus malformation, possibly due to hypercoagulability from a comorbid prothrombin gene variant. Despite a grim prognosis at birth, the child is alive and thriving at age 3, with only mild speech delay.
How Do Sociologists Know What They Know? An Examination of Sociology Textbooks for Evidence of Sociological and Scientific Thinking
Authors: Medley-Rath Stephanie
Published: November 2022

The American Sociological Association recommends that instructors and departments infuse research methods instruction throughout the curriculum (i.e., beyond research methods courses). Sociology textbooks are widely used instructional components and are essential to examine how research instruction extends beyond chapters and courses on research methods. The author uses qualitative content analysis of 27 textbooks for introductory courses ( n = 19) and intermediate elective courses ( n = 8) to uncover how textbooks illuminate the process of how sociologists know what they know (i.e., do research). Overall, textbooks model asociological and unscientific thinking by using false equivalence practices, reinforcing commonsense explanations, and relying on shortcuts to scientific credibility, among other means. Textbooks describe society using basic descriptive statistical data but provide little explanation of how scholars gather or analyze data or draw conclusions about data. These results suggest that textbooks have gaps in their ability to support research methods instruction throughout the sociology curriculum.