bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computerized Simple Reaction Time and Balance in Nondemented Parkinson’s Patients
Authors: Arroyo-Ferrer Aida , Andreo Jorge , Periáñez José A. , Ríos-Lago Marcos , Lubrini Genny , Herreros-Rodríguez Jaime , García-Caldentey Juan , Romero Juan Pablo
Published: July 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients are known to suffer from subtle cognitive and balance deficits from the early stages although they usually manifest in advanced stages. Postural instability (PI) has been correlated with slower information processing speed. Simple reaction time (SRT) tasks can be used to measure the speed of information processing. The main objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of SRT as a valid predictor of balance in PD, thus providing a simple and complementary assessment method. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 52 PD patients without dementia who were evaluated for balance using the pull test (PT) maneuver and Biodex® limits of stability (LOS). In addition, a reaction time task was used to measure processing speed. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The performance of SRT tasks was correlated with the evaluation of LOS% and PT, suggesting that the SRT may be a predictor of balance performance. Longer reaction time and poorer postural stability were also associated with disease duration but not with age. Conclusions: Poor performance in a simple reaction task can predict altered PI and can complement staging and evaluation in PD patients.
Combined Astigmatic Arcuate Keratotomy with Descemet Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Bijon Jacques , Petrelli Myrsini , Salmon Basile , Hashemi Kattayoon , Kymionis George D.
Published: July 2021

We report the results of simultaneous astigmatic arcuate keratotomy (AK) and Descemet automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). A 55-year-old patient with a history of high myopia was referred for the management of bullous keratopathy secondary to an anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). IOL explantation through a 5.5-mm corneal incision, cataract extraction, and posterior chamber IOL implantation, combined with DSAEK, were performed. Postoperatively, increased astigmatism up to 2.0 diopters (Dpt) was observed, attributed to the large corneal incision, and remained stable, despite suture removal at 3 months. One year postoperatively, the graft showed signs of progressive endothelial dysfunction. A combined procedure of astigmatic AK and DSAEK was thus performed. After 6 months, topographic astigmatism was significantly reduced to 0.5 Dpt and best-corrected visual acuity increased. In conclusion, simultaneous astigmatic AK and DSAEK could be an effective combination for treating patients with well-documented pre-existing astigmatism and endothelial decompensation.
Der Blick auf die Komorbiditäten zeigt auch die Versorgungsqualität
Authors: Aringer Martin
Published: July 2021

Background: In contrast to other chronic rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, comorbidities in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and their impact on disease outcomes are less well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities and their association with disease activity and functional impairment in a large population-based cohort of patients with axSpA. Methods: A random sample of patients with axSpA, stratified by age and sex, was drawn from health insurance data. Patients in the sample received a survey on demographic, socioeconomic, and disease-related parameters. Comorbidities were defined using the Elixhauser coding algorithms excluding rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular diseases and including osteoporosis and fibromyalgia, resulting in a set of 32 comorbidities. The prevalence of comorbidities in the axSpA patients and their pharmacological treatment were examined. Multivariable linear regression models were calculated to determine the association of comorbidities with disease activity and functional status. Results: A total of 1776 axSpA patients were included in the ana­lyses (response, 47%; mean age, 56 years; 46% female). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, depression, and chronic pulmonary disorders. The number of comorbidities was significantly associated with both the BASDAI and BASFI: β (95% CI) = 0.17 (0.09–0.24) and 0.24 (0.15–0.32), respectively. When analysed separately, hypertension, depression, and chronic pulmonary disease were comorbidities with a significant and independent association with BASFI, while for BASDAI, such an association was found for depression and chronic pulmonary disease only. Conclusions: Comorbidities are common in axSpA patients and are associated with higher disease activity and higher levels of functional impairment. Higher disease activity and higher levels of functional impairment might be indicators of severe disease resulting in the development of comorbidities.
Racismo en Cuba: un análisis desde el número 2/2017 de la revista El Mar y la Montaña, en Guantánamo
Authors: Maturell Ruiz Mariurka , Smith Lisandro René Duvergel
Published: July 2021

Analizar las narrativas de las publicaciones sobre racismos y discriminación racial en el número 2/2017 de la Revista El Mar y la Montaña de Guantánamo desvenda la pertinencia y actualidad de estos debates en Cuba. De igual manera, las publicaciones en la revista nos aproximan a las brechas ocultas y/o poco exploradas del tema racial en la realidad social cubana, a través de los temas: la subversión anticubana; el pensamiento y discurso afrofeminista; el debate en torno al término afrocubano/a; la presencia africana; las cuestiones raciales en la cultura Rastafari y los avances y retrocesos en la lucha antirracista.  El tema racial, en Cuba, aún causa inconvenientes y provoca posicionamiento acalorados, como consecuencia de la invisibilidad que se creó, por décadas, alrededor de este. Esto se debe, entre otras razones, a un idealismo revolucionario que dio por resuelto “el problema racial”, al concebirse una política de igualdad social que desde el punto de vista clasista otorgaba los mismo derechos y deberes sin distinción de raza o género a todas las personas. Partiendo de estas cuestiones se indaga en las categorías racismo y discriminación racial, a través, del análisis de las publicaciones del número 2/2017 de la Revista El Mar y la Montaña. Para ello se utilizó el método Análisis de Contenidos.
O anarquismo peruano e o nascimento do “comunismo Inca”
Authors: Gomez Muller Alfredo
Published: July 2021

O anarquismo e o marxismo constituem nas três primeiras décadas do século 20 duas importantes correntes de pensamento crítico e dois projetos de emancipação que defendem a igualdade e a justiça social. Paradoxalmente, ambas as correntes manifestam preconceitos culturais e étnicos associados ao eurocentrismo, que reproduzem esquemas de dominação colonial. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar e analisar os primeiros elementos da crítica ao eurocentrismo no pensamento anarquista peruano na década de 1910, e sua influência na crítica social da época. Conclui-se que os anarquistas foram os pioneiros nesta crítica, que será retomada na década seguinte por José Carlos Mariátegui.
Gordofobia na moda plus size
Authors: Jimenez Maria Luisa Jimenez
Published: July 2021

Publicado em 2019, o livro De gorda a plus size: a moda do tamanho grande propõe um desvendamento acerca dos corpos gordos femininos e a moda plus size como estratégia biopolítica. O livro propõe uma discussão sobre os significados contidos nos discursos sociais sobre o corpo feminino gordo e nos discursos midiáticos de marcas de moda que produzem tamanhos grandes. A leitura nos permite entender como os discursos de poder são construídos, a partir da preferência pela mulher magra, denunciando o estigma da gordofobia nesse cenário: a indústria da moda.
A pesquisa sobre as masculinidades no campo da comunicação: estado da arte de teses e dissertações na base Capes entre 1999 e 2018
Authors: Postinguel Danilo
Published: July 2021

O presente estado da arte de teses e dissertações no campo da comunicação buscou dimensionar as pesquisas sobre o universo da masculinidade. Por meio do levantamento, observamos que o principal gradiente interpretativo mobilizado por essas investigações buscava analisar os enfrentamentos, no universo midiático-comunicacional, da visibilidade de masculinidades, compreendendo os regimes e jogos aí implicados.
Comunicação financeira no ecossistema virtual: informalidade, polifonia e humor no canal Me poupe! no YouTube
Authors: Maio Ana Maria Dantas de , Silva Marcelo Pereira da
Published: July 2021

O ecossistema midiático digital tornou-se ribalta para a pesquisa em comunicação organizacional em virtude de transformações sociotécnicas, comunicativas e econômicas que alteram percepções e ressignificam cognições. Pela análise de discurso de tradição francesa, estudou-se o audiovisual “6 lições do coronavírus que eu nunca vou esquecer”, do canal Me Poupe! Nele, Nathalia Arcuri subverte a linguagem tradicional da educação financeira, adotando discurso polifônico que constitui sentidos de generalização, informalidade e humor. Infere-se que o dispositivo de enunciação provoca coenunciadores a decifrá-lo.
Abordagem comunicacional da estratégia nas organizações
Authors: Terossi Karen
Published: July 2021

Reflexões teóricas e práticas, experiências, casos e caminhos para a comunicação estratégica são apresentados no livro “Comunicação estratégica e integrada: visão de renomados autores de 5 países”, que reúne textos de pesquisadores e profissionais atuantes nessa área, do Brasil, México, Chile, Espanha e Portugal. E apesar das diferentes escolhas e caminhos apontados, os autores possuem em comum a busca por uma abordagem comunicacional da questão da estratégia nas organizações. Isso significa, em essência, posicionar o ser humano e o paradigma relacional no centro da gestão da comunicação organizacional.
A “Nihilist Philosophy?”
Authors: Gaitanidis Ioannis
Published: July 2021

Contrary to other European countries, where Buddhism has been studied since at least the 19th century, this paper shows that there are no known direct channels of transmission of Japanese Buddhism between Japan and Greece. Connections have, however, been made through other European countries, where, for example, Italy continues to play a major role. Moreover, these transmissions have taken a very long time to spread beyond the immediate circle of one or two key figures, because such traditions have been met with suspicion by the larger population, which remains influenced by a Christian Orthodox outlook. The establishment of Zen meditation centers in today’s urban centers, however, shows that the legal and official protections from which the Greek Church continues to benefit are not a reflection of devout sentiment among the population. This paper illustrates that under Greece’s conservative Orthodox climate, Japanese Buddhism has become simultaneously “Japanese culture” and a philosophy open to “all religions.”
The freshwater molluscs of Serbia: Annotated checklist with remarks on distribution and protection status
Authors: MARKOVIĆ VANJA , GOJŠINA VUKAŠIN , NOVAKOVIĆ BORIS , BOŽANIĆ MILENKA , STOJANOVIĆ KATARINA , KARAN-ŽNIDARŠIČ TAMARA , ŽIVIĆ IVANA
Published: July 2021

We present a checklist of 86 valid freshwater mollusc species of Serbia (65 gastropods and 21 bivalves) belonging to 19 families (15 gastropods and four bivalves). The list is based on our latest research and includes data from published sources and personal communications. The most diverse family among gastropods is Planorbidae (16 species), while Sphaeriidae are most diverse within the bivalves (10 species). Ten species are local endemics (all of them gastropods), while eight are introduced species (three gastropods and five bivalves). The Danube River and its smaller tributaries harbour the most diverse gastropod community, with a total of 61 species (41 gastropods and 20 bivalves). The snail Theodoxus transversalis (Pfeiffer, 1828) and the bivalve Unio crassus Philipson, 1788 are listed as EN (endangered) on the global (IUCN) level, while the snail Plagigeyeria gladilini Kuščer, 1937 and the bivalves Pseudanodonta complanata (Rossmässler, 1835) and Sphaerium rivicola (Lamarck, 1818) are considered as VU (vulnerable) species. Of those IUCN taxa, only U. crassus is listed as protected on the national level (along with 12 mostly local endemic gastropod species). In comparison with the previous checklist of gastropods by Karaman & Karaman (2007), a total of seven species are added here: Belgrandiella serbica Glöer 2008, Bythinella istoka Glöer & Pešić 2014, B. nonveilleri Glöer 2008, B. pesterica Glöer 2008, Acroloxus lacustris (Linnaeus, 1758), Melanoides tuberculata (O.F. Müller, 1774) and Armiger crista (Linnaeus, 1758). In view of global and regional trends in taxonomy, ecology and invasive biology, an even richer diversity of the Serbian freshwater malocofauna can be expected.
Successful Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in a Single-Surgeon Bariatric Practice
Authors: Lo Hung-Chieh
Published: July 2021

The feasibility and safety of unselectively applying an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in a low-volume bariatric unit were determined. Retrospectively, review patients undergoing bariatric surgeries between 2015 and 2018 were included, and those receiving non-primary procedures or with BMI <32.5 kg/m2 were excluded. Demographics and 30-day outcomes were collected and compared between the ERAS (2017-2018) and control (2015-2016) groups. 62 (40.8%) were treated before and 90 (59.2%) were treated after ERAS. No differences in baseline demographics, except ERAS group had more Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures (58.9% vs. 12.9%). A markedly reduced operation time (101 min vs. 147 min) and shortened length of stay (2.6 days vs. 3.3 days) were observed with no increment of ER visits, readmissions (1.1% vs. 4.8%), or total complications between the groups (5.5% vs. 9.7%). Unselective ERAS implementation in low-volume units is feasible and safe, with significantly reduced operation times and shortened LOS without increased complications.
Enhanced Fluorescence in a Scattering Medium
Authors: Giauque Nathan A. , Flowerday Callum E. , Goates Steven R.
Published: July 2021

Often only small amounts of sample are available for spectroscopic analytical determinations. This work investigates the enhancement of signal in columns packed with silica particles. We propose that silica particles cause the light to scatter through the column, effectively increasing optical path length. Packed columns are shown to be effective with fluorescence spectroscopy, but results were inconclusive with absorbance spectroscopy.
Environmental Standards in the BRICS: An Analysis of Vehicular Pollution
Authors: Meena Krishnendra
Published: July 2021

Since its inception, the BRICS has received attention as a geopolitical challenger to the already established institutions of the Global North. BRICS members have also been vocal on issues concerning global environment. Brazil, India, China and South Africa have raised important issues at international conferences on Climate Change. The article looks at the specific issue of vehicular pollution in the BRICS countries. Vehicular pollution standards already in existence through the United Nations Environment Programme and the most cited and practised standards of the European Union remain the yardstick to be followed around the world. The article looks at the standards set up by the individual BRICS countries. Subsequently efforts of the BRICS as a group are explored through their joint statements. The article argues that despite important players in global vehicle market, the BRICS as a grouping has not been able to formulate any viable alternative standards for vehicular emissions.
Social disorganization and police arrest trajectories
Authors: Wong Ivan T , Worrall John L
Published: July 2021

Prior police decision-making research is limited by (1) its emphasis on individual and organizational predictors and (2) cross-sectional designs, which fail to account for the time-varying aspects of police activities and the factors explaining them. Using group-based trajectory modeling, this study tested the ability of social disorganization theory to explain arrest activity at the Census block group level in Dallas, Texas. Social disorganization variables helped predict certain arrest trajectories, but not all of them. Specifically, socio-economic status was significant in low and medium arrest trajectory groups. An interaction between racial heterogeneity and family disruption was also significant in the medium arrest trajectory group. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Characterising the English school stock using a unified national on-site survey and energy database
Authors: Hong Sung Min , Godoy-Shimizu Daniel , Schwartz Yair , Korolija Ivan , Mavrogianni Anna , Mumovic Dejan
Published: July 2021

The recent commitment towards a net-zero target by 2050 will require considerable improvement to the UK’s building stock. Accounting for over 10% of the services energy consumption of the United Kingdom, the education sector will play an important role. This study aims to improve the understanding of English primary and secondary schools, using national on-site survey data with several large-scale disaggregate data sources. Property Data Survey Programme (PDSP) data on 18,970 schools collected between 2012 and 2014, Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and school census data from the same period were linked and processed to form a unified schools dataset. Statistical analyses were undertaken on 10,392 schools, with a focus on energy performance, and the relationship to several building and system characteristics. The analyses may point to the possibility of assessing operational energy use of schools in a more disaggregate manner. New datasets with detailed and accurate disaggregate information on characteristics of buildings, such as those used in this study, provide opportunities to develop more robust models of the building stock. Such data would provide an opportunity to identify pathways for reducing carbon emissions effectively and provide lessons for other organisations seeking to achieve significant reductions for achieving climate change goals.

Practical Application: Outputs from this study are expected to benefit researchers in various organisations to establish a basis for typical buildings and their performance, facilities managers to assess the operational energy efficiency of school buildings, and relevant public bodies to make informed decisions on improving energy efficiency of the school stock.
Publications about Women, Science, and Engineering: Use of Sex and Gender in Titles over a Forty-six-year Period
Authors: Fox Mary Frank , Rueda Diana Roldan , Sonnert Gerhard , Nabors Amanda , Bartel Sarah
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on key features of the use of sex and gender in titles of articles about women, science, and engineering over an important forty-six-year period (1965–2010). The focus is theoretically and empirically consequential. Theoretically, the paper addresses science as a critical case that connects femininity/masculinity to social stratification; and the use of sex and gender as an enduring, analytical issue that reveals perspectives on hierarchies of femininity/masculinity. Empirically, this article identifies the emergence, development, and stabilization of published articles about women, science, and engineering that use sex and gender in their titles. The distinctive method involves search, retrieval, and review of 23,430 articles, using intercoder reliabilities for inclusion/exclusion. This results in a uniquely specified and comprehensive set of articles on our subject and the identification of titles with sex and gender. Findings point to (1) the growth of gender titles, (2) their increase in every field, (3) differing concentrations of sex and gender titles in journals, (4) a span of telling topic areas, and (5) higher citation rates of gender, compared to sex, titles. Broader implications appear in reasons for the growth of gender titles, meanings of topic areas that occur, insights into social inequalities and science policies, and emerging complexities of nonbinary categories of sex/gender.
A novel model of home-based, patient-tailored and mobile application-guided cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cai Cheng , Bao Zhipeng , Wu Nan , Wu Fengming , Sun Guozhen , Yang Gang , Chen Minglong
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation in patients who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Design:

Single-centre, prospective, assessment-blinded, randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Domiciliary rehabilitation with support from a tertiary care hospital.

Subjects:

One hundred patients who underwent ablation for atrial fibrillation were recruited.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly allocated to a 12-week standard rehabilitation treatment (control group) or a comprehensive, domiciliary, mobile application-guided and tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation program (intervention group) in a 1:1 fashion.

Main outcome measures:

The primary endpoint was the improvement in VO2peak. The secondary outcomes included adherence, physical activity, beliefs related to cardiovascular disease and exercise self-efficacy.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients completed follow-up. The mean VO2peak increased significantly in both the intervention group ( n = 49) (baseline vs 12 weeks: 19.1 ± 4.7 vs 27.3 ± 5.6 ml/(min kg), P < 0.01) and the control group ( n = 48) (baseline vs 12 weeks: 18.7 ± 4.9 vs 22.9 ± 6.3 ml/(min kg), P < 0.01). The results of the between-group analysis of aerobic capacity were significantly in favour of the intervention group. During the 12-week program, patients in the intervention group exhibited better adherence than those in the control group. Moreover, self-reported physical activity improved more in the intervention group than in the control group, as did the beliefs related to cardiovascular disease and exercise self-efficacy (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Our domiciliary, mobile application-guided and tele-monitored cardiac rehabilitation program could lead to a more significant improvements in physical fitness, adherence and health beliefs than standard cardiac rehabilitation in patients who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Automatic Traffic Queue-End Identification using Location-Based Waze User Reports
Authors: Liu Yuandong , Zhang Zhihua , Han Lee D. , Brakewood Candace
Published: July 2021

Traffic queues, especially queues caused by non-recurrent events such as incidents, are unexpected to high-speed drivers approaching the end of queue (EOQ) and become safety concerns. Though the topic has been extensively studied, the identification of EOQ has been limited by the spatial-temporal resolution of traditional data sources. This study explores the potential of location-based crowdsourced data, specifically Waze user reports. It presents a dynamic clustering algorithm that can group the location-based reports in real time and identify the spatial-temporal extent of congestion as well as the EOQ. The algorithm is a spatial-temporal extension of the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm for real-time streaming data with an adaptive threshold selection procedure. The proposed method was tested with 34 traffic congestion cases in the Knoxville,Tennessee area of the United States. It is demonstrated that the algorithm can effectively detect spatial-temporal extent of congestion based on Waze report clusters and identify EOQ in real-time. The Waze report-based detection are compared to the detection based on roadside sensor data. The results are promising: The EOQ identification time of Waze is similar to the EOQ detection time of traffic sensor data, with only 1.1 min difference on average. In addition, Waze generates 1.9 EOQ detection points every mile, compared to 1.8 detection points generated by traffic sensor data, suggesting the two data sources are comparable in respect of reporting frequency. The results indicate that Waze is a valuable complementary source for EOQ detection where no traffic sensors are installed.
Perceptions of Arguments in Support of Policies to Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Among Low-Income White, Black and Latinx Parents of Young Children
Authors: Cannon Julie S. , Farkouh Elizabeth K. , Winett Liana B. , Dorfman Lori , Ramírez A. Susana , Lazar Spencer , Niederdeppe Jeff
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To test for racial/ethnic differences in perceived argument strength in favor of structural interventions to curb childhood obesity among lower-income parents of young children.

Design:

Cross-sectional, self-report.

Setting:

Online research panel, national sample of 1485 US adults in Fall 2019.

Participants:

Parents of children (age 0-5 years) with an annual income <$40,000, stratified by White, Black and/or Latinx race/ethnicity.

Measures:

SSB consumption, policy support, and strength of arguments in favor of marketing restrictions and a penny-per-ounce tax.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics, multivariable OLS models.

Results:

Race/ethnicity was not a significant predictor of the perceived strength of a composite of marketing arguments (pBlack = 0.07; pLatinx = 0.10), however it was a significant predictor of the perceived strength of tax arguments (pBlack = 0.01; pLatinx = 0.01). Perceptions of strength of 12 of 35 discrete SSB tax arguments differed by race/ethnicity (p < .05). Arguments regarding industry targeting of Black children (marketing: pBlack < .001; pLatinx = .001; tax: pBlack < .001; pLatinx = .001), were particularly demonstrative of this difference. In contrast, arguments that these policies would provide support for parents (marketing: pBlack = 0.20; pLatinx = 0.84) and communities (tax: pBlack = 0.24; pLatinx = 0.58) were seen as strong arguments across groups.

Conclusions:

Black and Hispanic/Latinx parents may be more prepared to move toward SSB policy support than white parents. Emphasizing community benefits of policy may be effective in moving constituents toward policy support across groups.
Virtual homologation of high-speed trains in railway tunnels: A new iterative numerical approach for train-tunnel pressure signature
Authors: Brambilla Elia , Schito Paolo , Somaschini Claudio , Rocchi Daniele
Published: July 2021

Large overpressures can be produced when a high-speed train enters and crosses a railway tunnel. Predicting them is important since, in critical conditions, pressure variations may be dangerous for train structures and for passengers’ health and comfort. European regulations impose pressure thresholds which trains must comply with in order to be homologated for travelling through tunnels. Currently, full-scale tests are required to demonstrate respect of these prescriptions. In this work, a procedure for calculating the pressure variations inside the tunnel based on 3 D steady CFD simulations and a 1 D compressible fluid-dynamics model is proposed, to be used both as a design tool and for virtual homologation of new rolling stock. Results of a large experimental campaign performed on the Italian high-speed line are used to set-up the proposed methodology and to validate it. Different train geometries, tunnel crossing speeds and tunnel initial air conditions are considered.
Factors associated with increased suicidality risk following referral for isotretinoin commencement
Authors: Lappas Andreas S , Edwards Suarez Lori , Tzanetakou Vassiliki , Morton Sally , Schofield Chris , Christodoulou Nikos G
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To establish whether there is a significant change in suicidality risk following psychiatric assessment for commencement of isotretinoin and identify factors that underpin any potential risk change.

Method:

Retrospective cohort study. Suicidality risk was defined as a combination of the following: (i) actual/intended self-harm and/or attempted/completed suicide, and (ii) increased service utilisation associated with suicidal ideation/behaviour. All patients referred to Psychiatry for assessment prior to commencement of isotretinoin between 2014 and 2019 were examined. Inclusion criteria: >16 years of age, assessed for commencement of isotretinoin, complete clinical records. Data were collected by reviewing the Electronic Patient Records. Fifty-seven patients were eligible. We employed descriptive statistics, parametric/non-parametric/normality tests and logistic regression analysis, using socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as independent parameters, and suicidality risk as the dependent parameter.

Results:

Actual/intended self-harm/attempted suicide decreased significantly following assessment without significant change in service utilisation. Female gender, absence of protective factors and assessment by Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry were linked to increased suicidality risk, after controlling for age, ethnicity, recommendation for isotretinoin, and substance misuse.

Conclusions:

Psychiatric assessment is helpful before commencing isotretinoin. Female gender, and absence of ongoing psychopharmacological and/or psychological intervention and/or regular psychiatric follow-up predict increased suicidality risk among patients assessed for prescription of isotretinoin.
Treatment outcomes of photodynamic therapy and findings predicting treatment success in pachychoroid-associated neovascularization
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Yanık Özge , Batıoğlu Figen , Özmert Emin
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To investigate the treatment outcomes and predictive factors affecting treatment success of half-fluence photodynamic therapy (hf-PDT) in pachychoroid-associated neovascularization (PNV).

Methods:

Twenty-four eyes of 23 PNV patients who underwent hf-PDT were included in this study. The results of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography imaging were analyzed. The total choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA) were measured using ImageJ software. Baseline characteristics of the eyes showing complete response (group 1) and the eyes with partial response or unresponsive to hf-PDT (group 2) were compared.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 54.2±9.6 years. The mean follow-up time after hf-PDT was 20.7 ± 13.6 months. Three months after hf-PDT, the subretinal fluid had completely regressed in 18 eyes (75.0%), partial resolution was observed in 3 eyes (12.5%), and 3 eyes (12.5%) were unresponsive to hf-PDT. When the baseline characteristics before hf-PDT were evaluated between the groups, the mean central choroidal thickness (411.5 ± 115.1 µm vs 284.8 ± 69.4 µm), the mean CA (1.082 ± 0.315 mm2 vs 0.795 ± 0.242 mm2) and the mean LA (0.795 ± 0.234 mm2 vs 0.578 ± 0.200 mm2) was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 ( p = 0.019, p = 0.018, p = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion:

Hf-PDT is an effective treatment method usually providing total resolution of subretinal fluid in PNV cases. A high baseline central choroidal thickness and large luminal area may be positive predictive factors in terms of full anatomical response to hf-PDT. It may be possible to plan a more effective treatment strategy by keeping these factors in mind.
Pre-Operative Embolisation of an Aberrant Pharyngeal Arterial Branch Arising From the Internal Carotid Artery and Contributing Significantly to the Supply of a Large Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Dolan Steven G. , Surda Pavol , Sabharwal Tarun
Published: July 2021

Preoperative embolisation of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) is a well-established treatment that reduces intraoperative blood loss and improves surgical outcomes. While the bulk of arterial supply to the tumour is derived from the external carotid system, some degree of contribution from the internal carotid artery (ICA) is common. ICA branch embolisation in this setting has previously been avoided due to concerns over ischaemic neurological complications, possibly contributing to the increased intraoperative blood loss observed in patients with tumours with ICA supply. There is a marked paucity of reports of embolisation of ICA branches supplying JNA in the medical literature. We present a case of successful embolisation of an aberrant pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery arising from the proximal cervical ICA, which was making a significant contribution to tumour blood supply in a male adolescent with a very large JNA.
Preliminary testing of a patient decision aid for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bansback* Nick , Chiu* Judy A , Metcalfe Rebecca , Lapointe Emmanuelle , Schabas Alice , Lenzen Marilyn , Traboulsee Anthony , Lynd* Larry D , Carruthers Robert
Published: July 2021

Background

Multiple first-line disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are available for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), each with different characteristics. We developed an interactive patient decision aid (PtDA) to promote informed shared decision-making (SDM).

Objective

To test the preliminary effectiveness of the PtDA in participants with RRMS.

Methods

Knowledge, and decisional conflict were measured pre- and post- implementation of the PtDA, SDM after the consultation, and 6-month treatment patterns were observed. Differences in scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Qualitative interviews with patients and neurologists were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

52 participants were recruited: most were female (81%), 40 years of age or younger (62%), and had experienced MS for less than 5 years (56%). After participants used the PtDA, there was a significant improvement in decisional conflict (change = 1.00; p < 0.001) and knowledge (change = 2.15, p < 0.001). Nearly all patients wanted SDM, and 25 (56%) reported this occurred in their consult. Qualitative results suggested the PtDA supported both patients and neurologists in making decisions.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that PtDA use helps RRMS patients and their clinician select a DMT. Future studies will assess the feasibility of implementation and the impact of the PtDA on timely DMT initiation and longer-term adherence.
Stage Whispering: Tumblr Hashtags Beyond Categorization
Authors: Brett Ingrid , Maslen Sarah
Published: July 2021

Scholarly attention to hashtagging on social media sites has focused on their catagorization affordances. Grounded in the literature on online identity, this article examines how Tumblr users tactically use hashtagging architecture for publicity and privacy in self-expression. The analysis is based on Tumblr posts and their corresponding hashtags, combined with text-based, synchronous interviews with users. We find that participants use hashtags as a form of intimate expression, offering “secret whisper” spaces. Participants acknowledged a distinction between these spaces of intimacy and the more conventional space of the post. Extending on Goffman’s dramaturgical approach, we argue that this intimacy practice is a form of stage whispering, which is neither front- nor backstage, but implies and assumes intimacy while on the stage, as an actor might imply and assume intimacy stage whispering to her audience.
A Probe Into Chinese Doctoral Students’ Researcher Identity: A Volunteer-Employed Photography Study
Authors: Xu Xing
Published: July 2021

Researcher identity has been widely studied as central to doctoral education. However, little is known about students’ emic conceptualization of what represents researcher identity based on their lived experience. Using a sample of 24 Chinese doctoral students in Australia, this study adopts volunteer-employed photography (VEP) to facilitate the participants’ delineation of their researcher identity. Findings reveal that researcher identity is indexed at three levels: belonging as being, doing as becoming, and limited limitlessness. It presents itself as a complex formulating process in which dichotomous, yet mutually constitutive, forces collide and merge. This study concretizes perceptions about the notion of researcher identity through photographs and corresponding revelatory dialogues in relation to people, objects, feelings, phenomena, and relationships. Some insights on visual research methodology are also discussed.
‘Party in the street’: The partisan politics of space
Authors: Jenkins David , Ram Lipin
Published: July 2021

Public space is often understood as an important ‘node’ of the public sphere. Typically, theorists of public space argue that it is through the trust, civility and openness to others which citizens cultivate within a democracy’s public spaces, that they learn how to relate to one another as fellow members of a shared polity. However, such theorizing fails to articulate how these democratic comportments learned within public spaces relate to the public sphere’s purported role in holding state power to account. In this paper, we examine the ways in which what we call ‘partisan interventions’ into public space can correct for this gap. Using the example of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), we argue that the ways in which CPIM partisans actively cultivate sites of historical regional importance – such as in the village of Kayyur – should be understood as an aspect of the party’s more general concern to present itself to citizens as an agent both capable and worthy of wielding state power. Drawing on histories of supreme partisan contribution and sacrifice, the party influences the ideational background – in competition with other parties – against which it stakes its claims to democratic legitimacy. In contrast to those theorizations of public space that celebrate its separateness from the institutions of formal democratic politics and the state more broadly, the CPIM’s partisan interventions demonstrate how parties’ locations at the intersections of the state and civil society can connect the public sphere to its task of holding state power to account, thereby bringing the explicitly political questions of democratic legitimacy into the everyday spaces of a political community.
Time-varying associations between COVID-19 case incidence and community-level sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility risk factors in Massachusetts
Authors: Tieskens Koen F. , Patil Prasad , Levy Jonathan I. , Brochu Paige , Lane Kevin J. , Fabian M. Patricia , Carnes Fei , Haley Beth M. , Spangler Keith R. , Leibler Jessica H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Associations between community-level risk factors and COVID-19 incidence have been used to identify vulnerable subpopulations and target interventions, but the variability of these associations over time remains largely unknown. We evaluated variability in the associations between community-level predictors and COVID-19 case incidence in 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts from March to October 2020.

Methods

Using publicly available sociodemographic, occupational, environmental, and mobility datasets, we developed mixed-effect, adjusted Poisson regression models to depict associations between these variables and town-level COVID-19 case incidence data across five distinct time periods from March to October 2020. We examined town-level demographic variables, including population proportions by race, ethnicity, and age, as well as factors related to occupation, housing density, economic vulnerability, air pollution (PM2.5), and institutional facilities. We calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) associated with these predictors and compared these values across the multiple time periods to assess variability in the observed associations over time.

Results

Associations between key predictor variables and town-level incidence varied across the five time periods. We observed reductions over time in the association with percentage of Black residents (IRR = 1.12 [95%CI: 1.12–1.13]) in early spring, IRR = 1.01 [95%CI: 1.00–1.01] in early fall) and COVID-19 incidence. The association with number of long-term care facility beds per capita also decreased over time (IRR = 1.28 [95%CI: 1.26–1.31] in spring, IRR = 1.07 [95%CI: 1.05–1.09] in fall). Controlling for other factors, towns with higher percentages of essential workers experienced elevated incidences of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic (e.g., IRR = 1.30 [95%CI: 1.27–1.33] in spring, IRR = 1.20 [95%CI: 1.17–1.22] in fall). Towns with higher proportions of Latinx residents also had sustained elevated incidence over time (IRR = 1.19 [95%CI: 1.18–1.21] in spring, IRR = 1.14 [95%CI: 1.13–1.15] in fall).

Conclusions

Town-level COVID-19 risk factors varied with time in this study. In Massachusetts, racial (but not ethnic) disparities in COVID-19 incidence may have decreased across the first 8 months of the pandemic, perhaps indicating greater success in risk mitigation in selected communities. Our approach can be used to evaluate effectiveness of public health interventions and target specific mitigation efforts on the community level.
Engagement in perinatal depression treatment: a qualitative study of barriers across and within racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Iturralde Esti , Hsiao Crystal A. , Nkemere Linda , Kubo Ai , Sterling Stacy A. , Flanagan Tracy , Avalos Lyndsay A.
Published: July 2021

Background

To better understand previously observed racial/ethnic disparities in perinatal depression treatment rates we examined care engagement factors across and within race/ethnicity.

Methods

Obstetric patients and women’s health clinician experts from a large healthcare system participated in this qualitative study. We conducted focus groups with 30 pregnant or postpartum women of Asian, Black, Latina, and White race/ethnicity with positive depression screens. Nine clinician experts in perinatal depression (obstetric, mental health, and primary care providers) were interviewed. A semi-structured format elicited treatment barriers, cultural factors, and helpful strategies. Discussion transcripts were coded using a general inductive approach with themes mapped to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) theoretical framework.

Results

Treatment barriers included social stigma, difficulties recognizing one’s own depression, low understanding of treatment options, and lack of time for treatment. Distinct factors emerged for non-White women including culturally specific messages discouraging treatment, low social support, trauma history, and difficulty taking time off from work for treatment. Clinician factors included knowledge and skill handling perinatal depression, cultural competencies, and language barriers. Participants recommended better integration of mental health treatment with obstetric care, greater treatment convenience (e.g., telemedicine), and programmatic attention to cultural factors and social determinants of health.

Conclusions

Women from diverse backgrounds with perinatal depression encounter individual-level, social, and clinician-related barriers to treatment engagement, necessitating care strategies that reduce stigma, offer convenience, and attend to cultural and economic factors. Our findings suggest the importance of intervention and policy approaches effecting change at multiple levels to increase perinatal depression treatment engagement.
Women with multiple gestations have an increased risk of development of hypertension in the future
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Jung Un Suk , Kim Ho Yeon , Lee Soo Bin , Kim Minjeong , Ahn Ki-Hoon , Han Sung Won , Hong Soon-Cheol , Kim Hai-Joong , Kim Younghan , Oh Min-Jeong
Published: July 2021

Background

Multiple gestations are associated with an increased incidence of preeclampsia. However, there exists no evidence for an association between multiple gestations and development of hypertension(HTN) later in life. This study aimed to determine whether multiple gestations are associated with HTN beyond the peripartum period.

Methods

In this retrospective nationwide population-based study, women who delivered a baby between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, and underwent a national health screening examination within one year prior to their pregnancy were included. Subsequently, we tracked the occurrence of HTN during follow-up until December 31, 2015, using International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision codes.

Results

Among 362,821 women who gave birth during the study period, 4,944 (1.36%) women had multiple gestations. The cumulative incidence of HTN was higher in multiple gestations group compared with singleton group (5.95% vs. 3.78%, p < 0.01, respectively). On the Cox proportional hazards models, the risk of HTN was increased in women with multiple gestations (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19, 1.54) compared with those with singleton after adjustment for age, primiparity, preeclampsia, atrial fibrillation, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, high total cholesterol, abnormal liver function test, regular exercise, and smoking status.

Conclusions

Multiple gestations are associated with an increased risk of HTN later in life. Therefore, guidelines for the management of high-risk patients after delivery should be established.
Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids
Authors: Zhu Ce , Yuan Chao , Ren Qidi , Wei Fangqiao , Yu Shunlan , Sun Xiangyu , Zheng Shuguo
Published: July 2021

Background

Steroid hormone test for saliva was a promising area of research, however the impact of different collection methods on salivary steroids was underexplored so far. This study was designed to compare the effects of different collection methods (unstimulated or stimulated by chewing paraffin, forepart or midstream) on salivary flow rate, concentrations and secretion rates of steroids in saliva.

Methods

Whole-saliva samples were collected from 10 systemically and orally healthy participants, whose forepart and midstream segments of saliva were collected under unstimulated and stimulated conditions, with the salivary flow rate of each sample recorded. The concentrations and secretion rates of salivary steroids including testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone were measured by ELISA, with the multiple of change calculated.

Results

The results indicated mechanical stimulation used in collection of saliva samples could affect concentrations and secretion rates of steroids, whereas forepart and midstream segments had little differences in levels of salivary steroids, which effects could be partly influenced by individual specificity. The asynchronism in change of secretion rate of steroids with that of salivary flow rate might play an important role during this course.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we suggested to use the same collection method throughout one analytical study on salivary steroids or in longitudinal observations to ensure the comparability of the saliva samples collected.