bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Compliance and population characteristics of patients referred to the McGill Cancer Nutrition-Rehabilitation Program (CNRP)
Authors: Dalzell M. A. , Kreisman H. , Dobson S. , Kasymjanova G. , Roudaia E. , Agulnik J. S. , Small D. , MacDonald N.
Published: April 2020

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Background: Few studies focus on exercise in advanced NSCLC. We evaluated compliance with exercise prescription in stages 3/4 NSCLC. Methods: Patients (pts) referred to the CNRP, a multidisciplinary clinic, for weight/functional loss were evaluated for participation in a supervised exercise program. Compliance with exercise was scored as 0 (refused/home exercise), 1 (<6 sessions in 2 mo), and 2 (≥ 6 sessions in 2 mo). Gender, age, PS, stage, CRP, weight loss, and quality of life [Edmonton Syptom Assessment Scale (ESAS)] were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival from the time of exercise prescription was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results: 168 pts were referred to the CNRP from April 2002 to September 2005. 92/168 (54%) were prescribed exercise. Of the 76 remaining pts, 3 (4%) refused, and 6 (8%) were on an exercise trial. Others were excluded due to bone metastasis/severe pain (50 pts, 66%), cardiovascular instability (13 pts, 17%) or poor PS (4 pts, 5%). Of the 92 who were prescribed exercise, the compliance score was 0 in 38 (41%), 1 in 37 (40%) and 2 in 17(19%). There were no significant differences in gender, age, PS, stage, ESAS, and weight loss at the time of referral among the three compliance groups. Most pts (15/17) with a compliance score of 2 were referred prior to or during initial treatment, whereas those with compliance scores of 0 and 1 were referred later in the course of treatment. Compliance with exercise correlated with survival (p<0.001). The median survival from time of exercise prescription for pts with a compliance score of 2 was 22 mo (95%CI 13.4,30.2); compared with 5 mo (95%CI 3.7,5.6) and 7 mo (95%CI 2.5,11.5) for those with compliance scores of 0 and 1 respectively. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion: A select group of advanced NSCLC pts can exercise safely at a moderate-high level. Those referred earlier tended to be more compliant, and their longer survival may reflect a lead time bias. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate efficacy of exercise in newly diagnosed NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Assessment of Knowledge and Screening in Oral, Breast, and Cervical Cancer in the Population of the Northeast Region of India
Authors: Oswal Kunal , Kanodia Rishav , Pradhan Akash , Nadkar Umakant , Avhad Mahendra , Venkataramanan Ramachandran , Sethuraman Lakshman , Caduff Carlo , Purushotham Arnie
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

The burden of cancer is increasing globally, with poor outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality in patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Lack of awareness of the risk factors, symptoms, and signs of common cancers in addition to inadequate cancer prevention programs at the community level are a major hindrance to the early detection of cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the North East Region (NER) of India, with a sample population of 1,400 participants from Assam (n = 1,000), Meghalaya (n = 200), and Nagaland (n = 200). The questionnaire developed for the study consisted of sociodemographic profile, knowledge about cancer (oral, breast, and cervical), its warning signs, risk factors, and attitude toward cancer screening. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 13.0.

RESULTS

Among all the participants, 59% had heard about oral cancer, 50% about breast cancer, and 31% about cervical cancer. A limited understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and signs was reported for oral cancer (45%), breast cancer (54%), and cervical cancer (63%). A total of 34% of participants were aware of cancer screening. Among those who were aware of cancer screening, only six people had undergone any form of cancer screening, and 71% cited media as the major source of information.

CONCLUSION

The level of cancer awareness is low in the NER. A multipronged approach is needed with assistance from government and nongovernment organizations for training, providing adequate human resources and equipment, and developing cancer screening infrastructure. This needs to be coupled with mass media communication and interpersonal communication through frontline health workers.
Establishing a Cancer Registry in a Resource-Constrained Region: Process Experience From Ghana
Authors: Yarney Joel , Ohene Oti Naomi O. , Calys-Tagoe Benedict N. L. , Gyasi Richard K. , Agyeman Duah Isaac , Akoto-Aidoo Charles , McGuire Valerie , Hsing Julianna C. , Parkin Max , Tettey Yao , Hsing Ann W.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

In a review of cancer incidence across continents (GLOBOCAN 2012), data sources from Ghana were classified as Frequencies, the lowest classification for inclusion, signifying the worst data quality for inclusion in the analysis. Recognizing this deficiency, the establishment of a population-based cancer registry was proposed as part of a broader cancer control plan.

METHODS

The registry was examined under the following headings: policy, data source, and administrative structure; external support and training; and definition of geographic coverage.

RESULTS

The registry was set up based on the Ghana policy document on the strategy for cancer control. The paradigm shift ensured subscription to one data collection software (CanReg 5) in the country. The current approach consists of trained registrars based in the registry who conduct active data abstraction at the departments and units of the hospital and pathologic services. To ensure good governance, an administrative structure was created, including an advisory board, a technical committee, and registry staff. External support for the establishment of the Accra Cancer Registry has come mainly from Stanford University and the African Cancer Registry Network, in collaboration with the University of Ghana. Unlike previous attempts, this registry has a well-defined population made up of nine municipal districts.

CONCLUSION

The Accra Cancer Registry was established as a result of the lessons learned from failed previous attempts and aim to provide a model for setting up other cancer registries in Ghana. It will eventually be the focal point where all the national data can be collated.
Effectiveness of Dulaglutide in the Real World and in Special Populations of Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Morieri Mario Luca , Frison Vera , Rigato Mauro , D’Ambrosio Michele , Tadiotto Federica , Paccagnella Agostino , Simioni Natalino , Lapolla Annunziata , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: April 2020

Context

In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-RA) dulaglutide reduced HbA1c and body weight, but generalizability of such findings to real-world T2D patients is challenging.

Objective

We evaluated effectiveness of dulaglutide in routine clinical practice, especially in subgroups of patient that are underrepresented in RCTs.

Design

Retrospective multicenter study.

Setting

Diabetes outpatient clinics.

Patients and intervention

All consecutive patients who initiated dulaglutide between 2015 and 2018.

Main outcome measures

Changes in HbA1c and body weight were assessed up to 30 months after baseline. Effectiveness was analyzed in patient subgroups according to: prior use of GLP-1RA, persistence on treatment and dose, age, sex, disease duration, renal function, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or concomitant use of insulin or sulphonylurea.

Results

From a background population of 83,116 patients, 2084 initiated dulaglutide (15.3% switching from another GLP-1RA), 1307 of whom had at least 1 follow-up visit. Overall, dulaglutide reduced HbA1c by 1.0% and body weight by 2.9 kg at the end of observation. These effects were more pronounced in GLP-1RA-naïve patients and in those with shorter disease duration. Improvement in HbA1c was highly significant and consistent across all subgroups, including those aged ≥ 75 years, nonobese, or with chronic kidney disease. Body weight declined in all subgroups and significantly more with the 1.5-mg versus 0.75-mg dose.

Conclusions

In real-world T2D patients, effectiveness of dulaglutide on HbA1c and body weight reduction was highly consistent and significant even in subgroups of patients poorly represented in RCTs.
Androgen Action in Adipose Tissue and the Brain are Key Mediators in the Development of PCOS Traits in a Mouse Model
Authors: Cox Madeleine J , Edwards Melissa C , Rodriguez Paris Valentina , Aflatounian Ali , Ledger William L , Gilchrist Robert B , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Handelsman David J , Walters Kirsty A
Published: April 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic abnormalities. Despite PCOS being the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age, the etiology of PCOS is poorly understood, so there is no cure and symptomatic treatment is suboptimal. Hyperandrogenism is the most consistent feature observed in PCOS patients, and recently aberrant neuroendocrine signaling and adipose tissue function have been proposed as playing a role in the development of PCOS. To investigate the role of adipose tissue and the brain as key sites for androgen receptor (AR)-mediated development of PCOS, we combined a white and brown adipose and brain-specific AR knockout (AdBARKO) mouse model with a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced mouse model of PCOS. As expected, in wildtype (WT) control females, DHT exposure induced the reproductive PCOS traits of cycle irregularity, ovulatory dysfunction, and reduced follicle health, whereas in AdBARKO females, DHT did not produce the reproductive features of PCOS. The metabolic PCOS characteristics of increased adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and hepatic steatosis induced by DHT in WT females were not evident in DHT-treated AdBARKO females, which displayed normal white adipose tissue weight and no adipocyte hypertrophy or liver steatosis. Dihydrotestosterone treatment induced increased fasting glucose levels in both WT and AdBARKO females. These findings demonstrate that adipose tissue and the brain are key loci of androgen-mediated actions involved in the developmental origins of PCOS. These data support targeting adipocyte and neuroendocrine AR-driven pathways in the future development of novel therapeutic strategies for PCOS.
Meeting report – the Microtubules, Motors, Transport and Trafficking (M2T2) 2019 meeting
Authors: Ananthanarayanan Vaishnavi , Mylavarapu Sivaram V. S.
Published: April 2020

The Molecular Motors, Transport and Trafficking (M2T2) meeting serves as a platform for both Indian and global scientists working on the cytoskeleton, cytoskeletal motors and membrane trafficking to gather and discuss the latest developments in the field. The 2019 edition of the meeting, held from 18–20 October at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar, India and organised by Mahak Sharma (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali) and Anindya Ghosh Roy (NBRC), was witness to stimulating research on a range of topics related to the cytoskeleton, including cytoskeletal organization, motor protein function and regulation, mechanical forces and vesicular transport, and trafficking in health and disease.
Improved scan method for dental imaging using multidetector computed tomography: a phantom study
Authors: Sakai Yuki , Okamura Kazutoshi , Kitamoto Erina , Kami Yukiko N , Shirasaka Takashi , Mikayama Ryoji , Tatsumi Masato , Kondo Masatoshi , Kato Toyoyuki , Yoshiura Kazunori
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

This study aimed to propose an improved scan method to shorten irradiation time and reduce radiation exposure.

Methods:

The maxilla of a human head CT phantom and a Catphan phantom were used for qualitative and quantitative assessment, respectively. The phantoms were scanned by a 160-row multidetector CT scanner using volumetric and helical scanning. In volumetric scanning, the tube current varied from 120 to 60 to 30 to 20 mA with a tube voltage of 120 kV. Images were reconstructed with a bone kernel using iterative reconstruction (IR) and filtered back projection. As a reference protocol, helical scanning was performed using our clinical setting with 120 kV. Two dental radiologists independently graded the quality of dental images using a 4-point scale (4, superior to reference; 1, unacceptable). For the quantitative assessment, we assessed the system performance from each scan.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the image quality of volumetric scanning using the 60 mA protocol reconstructed with IR and that of the reference (3.08 and 3.00, p = 0.3388). The system performance values at 1.0 cycles/mm of volumetric scanning and 60 mA protocol reconstructed with IR and reference were 0.0038 and 0.0041, respectively. The effective dose of volumetric scanning using the 60 mA protocol was 51.8 µSv, which is a 64.2% reduction to that of the reference.

Conclusions:

We proposed an improved scan method resulting in a 64.2% reduction of radiation dose with one-fourth of irradiation time by combining volumetric scanning and IR technique in multidetector CT.
Frequency and Awareness of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases among University Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rahamathulla Mohamudha Parveen , M Mohemmed Sha
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. This study has evaluated the frequency of the risk factors of NCDs and its awareness among students in a University in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 female students of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Wadi Al Dawaser, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out for a duration of six months, from August 2019 to January 2020. Standard self-administered questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were used for data collection, analysed through SPSS version 20.0.

Results: The mean age of the students was 20.6 years. The results showed that 64.7% of students were physically inactive, 52.4% spend more than two hours watching TV. The intake of adequate amount of fruits (14%) and vegetables (6.8%) was very little.  Junk food was consumed >11 times per week by 37.1%. The prevalence of overweight and severe obesity was 25.9% and 5.1% respectively. Blood sugar analysis showed 1.1% had pre-diabetes and 0.8% had diabetes. About 56.2% of students had no knowledge about NCDs and their risk factors.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of risk factors for NCDs was found among students. Awareness programs about healthy lifestyle practices; periodic screening of school and college students at regular intervals with appropriate advice are warranted to control the rising epidemic of NCDs.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2400

How to cite this:Rahamathulla MP, Sha MM. Frequency and Awareness of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases among University Students in Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):740-745. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2400

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Bio-electrosprayed human neural stem cells are viable and maintain their differentiation potential
Authors: Helenes González Citlali , Jayasinghe Suwan N. , Ferretti Patrizia
Published: April 2020

Background: Bio-electrospray (BES) is a jet-based delivery system driven by an electric field that has the ability to form micro to nano-sized droplets. It holds great potential as a tissue engineering tool as it can be used to place cells into specific patterns. As the human central nervous system (CNS) cannot be studied in vivo at the cellular and molecular level, in vitro CNS models are needed. Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) are the CNS building block as they can generate both neurones and glial cells.

Methods: Here we assessed for the first time how hNSCs respond to BES. To this purpose, different hNSC lines were sprayed at 10 kV and their ability to survive, grow and differentiate was assessed at different time points.

Results: BES induced only a small and transient decrease in hNSC metabolic activity, from which cells recovered by day 6, and no significant increase in cell death was observed, as assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, bio-electrosprayed hNSCs differentiated as efficiently as controls into neurones, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes as shown by morphological, protein and gene expression analysis.

Conclusions: This study highlights the robustness of hNSCs and identifies BES as a suitable technology that could be developed for the direct deposition of these cells in specific locations and configurations.
In silico identification of vaccine targets for 2019-nCoV
Authors: Lee Chloe H. , Koohy Hashem
Published: April 2020

Background: The newly identified coronavirus known as 2019-nCoV has posed a serious global health threat. According to the latest report (18-February-2020), it has infected more than 72,000 people globally and led to deaths of more than 1,016 people in China.

Methods: The 2019 novel coronavirus proteome was aligned to a curated database of viral immunogenic peptides. The immunogenicity of detected peptides and their binding potential to HLA alleles was predicted by immunogenicity predictive models and NetMHCpan 4.0.

Results: We report in silico identification of a comprehensive list of immunogenic peptides that can be used as potential targets for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) vaccine development. First, we found 28 nCoV peptides identical to Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS CoV) that have previously been characterized immunogenic by T cell assays. Second, we identified 48 nCoV peptides having a high degree of similarity with immunogenic peptides deposited in The Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). Lastly, we conducted a de novo search of 2019-nCoV 9-mer peptides that i) bind to common HLA alleles in Chinese and European population and ii) have T Cell Receptor (TCR) recognition potential by positional weight matrices and a recently developed immunogenicity algorithm, iPred, and identified in total 63 peptides with a high immunogenicity potential.

Conclusions: Given the limited time and resources to develop vaccine and treatments for 2019-nCoV, our work provides a shortlist of candidates for experimental validation and thus can accelerate development pipeline.
Development and validation of the English version of the Moral Growth Mindset measure
Authors: Han Hyemin , Dawson Kelsie J. , Choi YeEun Rachel , Choi Youn-Jeng , Glenn Andrea L.
Published: April 2020

Background: Moral Growth Mindset (MGM) is a belief about whether one can become a morally better person through efforts. Prior research showed that MGM is positively associated with promotion of moral motivation among adolescents and young adults. We developed and tested the English version of the MGM measure in this study with data collected from college student participants.

Methods: In Study 1, we tested the reliability and validity of the MGM measure with two-wave data (N = 212, Age mean = 24.18 years, SD = 7.82 years). In Study 2, we retested the construct validity of the MGM measure once again and its association with other moral and positive psychological indicators to test its convergent and discriminant validity (N = 275, Age mean = 22.02 years, SD = 6.34 years).

Results: We found that the MGM measure was reliable and valid from Study 1. In Study 2, the results indicated that the MGM was well correlated with other moral and positive psychological indicators as expected.

Conclusions: We developed and validated the English version of the MGM measure in the present study. The results from studies 1 and 2 supported the reliability and validity of the MGM measure. Given these, we found that the English version of the MGM measure can well measure one’s MGM as we intended.
Implementation barriers for mHealth for non-communicable diseases management in low and middle income countries: a scoping review and field-based views from implementers
Authors: van Olmen Josefien , Erwin Erica , García-Ulloa Ana Cristina , Meessen Bruno , Miranda J. Jaime , Bobrow Kirsty , Iwelunmore Juliet , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Obiezu Umeh Chisom , Smith Carter , Harding Chris , Kumar Pratap , Gonzales Clicerio , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio , Yeates Karen
Published: April 2020

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has been hailed as a potential gamechanger for non-communicable disease (NCD) management, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Individual studies illustrate barriers to implementation and scale-up, but an overview of implementation issues for NCD mHealth interventions in LMIC is lacking. This paper explores implementation issues from two perspectives: information in published papers and field-based knowledge by people working in this field.

Methods: Through a scoping review publications on mHealth interventions for NCDs in LMIC were identified and assessed with the WHO mHealth Evidence Reporting and Assessment (mERA) tool. A two-stage web-based survey on implementation barriers was performed within a NCD research network and through two online platforms on mHealth targeting researchers and implementors.

Results: 16 studies were included in the scoping review. Short Message Service (SMS) messaging was the main implementation tool. Most studies focused on patient-centered outcomes. Most studies did not report on process measures and on contextual conditions influencing implementation decisions. Few publications reported on implementation barriers. The websurvey included twelve projects and the responses revealed additional information, especially on practical barriers related to the patients’ characteristics, low demand, technical requirements, integration with health services and with the wider context. Many interventions used low-cost software and devices with limited capacity that not allowed linkage with routine data or patient records, which incurred fragmented delivery and increased workload.

Conclusion: Text messaging is a dominant mHealth tool for patient-directed of quality improvement interventions in LMIC. Publications report little on implementation barriers, while a questionnaire among implementors reveals significant barriers and strategies to address them. This information is relevant for decisions on scale-up of mHealth in the domain of NCD. Further knowledge should be gathered on implementation issues, and the conditions that allow universal coverage.
Lack of change in CA1 dendritic spine density or clustering in rats following training on a radial-arm maze task
Authors: Craig Emma , Dillingham Christopher M. , Milczarek Michal M. , Phillips Heather M. , Davies Moira , Perry James C. , Vann Seralynne D.
Published: April 2020

Background: Neuronal plasticity is thought to underlie learning and memory formation. The density of dendritic spines in the CA1 region of the hippocampus has been repeatedly linked to mnemonic processes. Both the number and spatial location of the spines, in terms of proximity to nearest neighbour, have been implicated in memory formation. To examine how spatial training impacts synaptic structure in the hippocampus, Lister-Hooded rats were trained on a hippocampal-dependent spatial task in the radial-arm maze. 

Methods: One group of rats were trained on a hippocampal-dependent spatial task in the radial arm maze. Two further control groups were included: a yoked group which received the same sensorimotor stimulation in the radial-maze but without a memory load, and home-cage controls. At the end of behavioural training, the brains underwent Golgi staining. Spines on CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites were imaged and quantitatively assessed to provide measures of density and distance from nearest neighbour. 

Results: There was no difference across behavioural groups either in terms of spine density or in the clustering of dendritic spines.

Conclusions: Spatial learning is not always accompanied by changes in either the density or clustering of dendritic spines on the basal arbour of CA1 pyramidal neurons when assessed using Golgi imaging.
Family history of cardiovascular disease and risk of premature coronary heart disease: A matched case-control study
Authors: Chacko Manas , Sarma P. Sankara , Harikrishnan Sivadasanpillai , Zachariah Geevar , Jeemon Panniyammakal
Published: April 2020

Background: Self-reported family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an independent risk factor for future coronary heart disease (CHD) events. However, inclusion of family history of CVD in the traditional risk scores failed to improve risk prediction of CHD. It is proposed that family history of CVD may substantially increase the risk of CHD among younger individuals.

Methods: We conducted a matched case-control study with 170 hospital-based premature CHD patients (<55 years in men and <65 years in women) from a tertiary care centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and age and sex matched community-based controls in 1:1 ratio. Conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent association of family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature CHD. We estimated McNemar's odds ratios and their 95 percent confidence intervals.

Results: The prevalence of any family history of CVD and CHD in the control population was 24% and 21%, respectively. The family history of CVD was independently associated with premature CHD (odds ratio (OR) = 9.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7–17.3). There was a dose-response relationship between family history and premature CHD as the risk increased linearly with increase in number of affected family members.

Conclusions: Family history of CVD is an independent risk factor for premature CHD. The risk of premature CHD increases linearly with increase in number of affected family members. Collecting family history beyond parental history of CVD is important for risk stratification. Targeting young individuals with family history of CVD for intensive risk reduction interventions may help to prevent future events.
Case Report: Co-existence of sarcoidosis and Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Poudel Jiwan , Risal Ujjwol , Sigdel Keshav Raj , Paudyal Buddhi Prasad , Adhikari Sudeep , Basnyat Buddha
Published: April 2020

Takayasu arteritis is a rare systemic large vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its branches. Sarcoidosis, too, is an inflammatory disease. Both entities are granulomatous conditions with a question of possible linkquestionable association in their etiopathogenesis. Only a few cases of their coexistence have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, no such cases have been reported from Nepal. We report a Nepalese woman who presented with non-productive cough, progressive shortness of breath and chest tightness of 3 years duration. She had a history of recurrent bilateral granulomatous uveitis over the previous 3 years. Examination revealed clubbing of digits, absent pulses over the left radial, ulnar and brachial arteries, and a weak pulse over the right arm including the bilateral carotid arteries. Pulmonary function test showed restrictive pattern, a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest revealed findings suggestive of pulmonary sarcoidosis. A CT aortogram suggested large vessel vasculitis. Bronchoscopy with biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation, negative for malignancy and tuberculosis. She was hence, diagnosed with co-existing Takayasu arteritis and sarcoidosis, and treated with Prednisolone 60 mg once daily with dramatic improvement over 4 days and was discharged stable on domiciliary oxygen. She is currently on azathioprine 50 mg, prednisolone 10 mg without the need for supplemental oxygen. This case report highlights the importance of a proper physical examination as a guide to the use of modern technology in making a correct diagnosis. Furthermore, in countries where tuberculosis is endemic, it should always come as the most important differential diagnosis of granulomatous inflammation.
Mini-Plate and Screw Fixation Technique for Comminuted Flexor Digitorum Profundus Avulsion Fracture
Authors: Choi Hye Yeon , Kim Jeong Hwan , Noh Young Ju
Published: April 2020

Avulsion fracture of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is relatively rare fracture at the distal phalangeal base than avulsion fracture of terminal extensor tendon. Terminal extensor avulsion fracture, known as bony mallet finger, could be successfully treated by closed reduction and pinning, such as extension block technique. However, most of FDP avulsion fracture, known as Jersey’s finger, needed open reduction, because of the proximal migration of fracture fragment and difficulty of pin fixation. Up to date, most of FDP avulsion fractures were treated by open reduction and fixation by pull-out suture or suture anchor technique. We report a case of comminuted FDP avulsion fracture, successfully treated by open reduction and mini-plate and screw fixation technique.
Venous Aneurysm in Superficial Venous Palmar Arch: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Sehun , Park Hyun Soo , Moon Bong Soo
Published: April 2020

Venous aneurysms in the upper limbs are a rare disease and are often misdiagnosed as benign tumors of soft tissues. Conservative treatment is considered in the absence of symptoms caused by venous aneurysms. However, if symptoms are present, surgical resection or vascular ligation of venous aneurysm may be necessary. A 56-year-old woman with no specific medical history and traumatic history of hand developed tenderness and radiation pain due to the palmar mass of her left hand and was diagnosed as venous aneurysm. After resection and ligation of venous aneurysm, patient's symptoms disappeared and there was no recurrence. Careful examination of the mass causing the symptom is necessary and the possibility of venous aneurysm should be considered.
Treatment of Radial Nerve Palsy Associated with Humeral Shaft Fracture
Authors: Han Soo-Hong , Cho Jin-Woo , Ryu Han-Seung
Published: April 2020

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture is divided into primary paralysis immediately after injury and secondary paralysis after reduction or surgery. There are conflicting opinions about the timing and necessity of early neuro-exploration for patient with primary paralysis. The main cause of radial nerve injury is nerve contusion and it has high natural recovery rate without any treatment on nerves. However, if the nerve is damaged, early neuro-exploration is needed to increase the possibility of full recovery, prevent secondary nerve damage by the bone or scar tissue and predict prognosis. Through this, there is an advantage to plan future treatment. Based on the study of these patients, when internal fixation is indicated, early surgical exploration of the radial nerve should be considered to minimize poor prognosis and conflict with the patient.
Bitewing Radiography for Caries Diagnosis in Children: When and Why?
Authors: Timms Laura , Deery Chris , Chadwick Barbara , Drage Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Untreated dental caries affects children in the UK, with significant burden to the child, family and health service. High quality bitewing radiography is more effective than clinical observation alone at detecting proximal caries in children. Accurate diagnosis before cavitation allows preventive rather than operative management. Research has demonstrated that most children find bitewing radiography acceptable. It is therefore vital that bitewing radiographs of children are taken as per national guidance in general practice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Timely and high quality bitewing radiography is required for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in children.
Tooth autotransplantation part 4: Alternative treatment options
Authors: Barber Sophy , Al-Khayatt Ahmed , Houghton Nadine
Published: April 2020

Tooth autotransplantation is a versatile and successful technique if used in suitable cases; however, it is not always the optimal treatment choice. This article will explore alternative treatment strategies for managing failing or missing teeth, including methods for managing the bone, orthodontic options and techniques for tooth replacement. These methods may be considered as an adjunct to tooth transplantation, or an alternative, if transplantation is not deemed appropriate. Indications for alternative treatments are discussed with illustrations from treated cases.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: A number of approaches are available for managing failing or missing teeth and are dependent on the clinical situation. It is important for dental specialists to understand these options and to work collaboratively to determine the best option for patients on an individual basis.
Laser depilation as adjuvant therapy in prevention of recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease: initial experience of a district general hospital in the UK
Authors: Liyanage ASD , Woods Y , Javed MA , Deftly C , Shaban H , Kalaiselvan R , Rajaganeshan R
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Pilonidal disease is a chronic condition involving the sacrococcygeal area. It can have a significant impact on quality of life, social activities and occupation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. However, laser depilation has been proposed as an adjunct to surgery and has shown improved results in some studies. We present our experience of laser depilation in the treatment of pilonidal disease in a district general hospital setting in the UK.

Materials and methods

A prospectively maintained database of all consecutive patients who received laser depilation after elective surgery for pilonidal disease was analysed. Patients were offered a minimum of two sessions of laser depilation. The primary outcome measure was disease recurrence. Evidence of new symptoms or signs of pilonidal disease after one year from the latest surgical intervention was defined as recurrent disease. Data are presented as medians with interquartile ranges.

Results

A total of 64 patients underwent laser depilation after elective surgery between 1 June 2013 and 1 June 2018; 57 were eligible for final analysis. Sixty-five per cent of patients received six or more sessions of laser treatment. There were no short- or long-term complications related to laser depilation. Patients who had more than two sessions of laser depilation showed an improved recurrence rate. Overall, recurrence rate in our series was 12% at a median follow-up of 172 weeks.

Conclusion

Laser depilation is a safe and effective adjunct to surgery in minimising the recurrence of pilonidal disease. Patients with primary pilonidal disease and those who are undergoing minimally invasive surgery may also benefit from adjuvant laser depilation. Further high-quality control trials are required to assess its efficacy and safety.
Labour mobility in transnational Europe: between depletion, mitigation and citizenship entitlements harm
Authors: Plomien Ania , Schwartz Gregory
Published: April 2020

This article examines how transnational labour mobility in uneven and combined Europe has emerged as a critical response to the problems of capitalist production and social reproduction. Analysing the interconnected mobilities of labour between Ukraine, Poland and the UK in the food production, care provision and housing construction sectors, the article examines how states benefit from lower unemployment and reduced labour shortages, employers profit from qualified and reliable workers, and households gain access to jobs and incomes. It argues that transnational labour mobility is constitutive of the inherently interdependent production–reproduction processes. In this constellation, transnational labour mobility becomes a form of mitigation of depletion through social reproduction. However, it further argues that such a mitigation strategy is unbalanced and unsustainable as its costs and benefits are unequally distributed, forestalling resource inflows that could attenuate outflows. Therefore, harms – in particular, the harm to citizenship entitlements – emerge despite labour mobility mitigating depletion.
Application of a cubic phase plate to a reflecting telescope for extension of depth of field
Authors: Lee Chi-Feng , Lee Cheng-Chung
Published: April 2020

Wavefront coding is an accepted technique to extend the depth of field in incoherent optical systems. We present the design of a reflecting telescope with wavefront coding by employing a cubic phase plate (CPP). We propose a method to reduce the CPP size by changing its position from the aperture stop to a secondary mirror without varying the point-spread function, which is insensitive to defocusing. This change in position reduces the diameter by almost three orders and increases the third-order coefficients of the

x
y

polynomial surface by two orders, thus easing manufacturing.
Assessment of broad usability of a simple analytic model for passively Q-switched lasers with Cr:YAG saturable absorbers
Authors: Pirzio Federico , Rubens Negri Jacopo , Pizzurro Sara , Piccinini Enrico , Agnesi Antonio
Published: April 2020

Analytic approximations for key parameters of passively

Q

-switched (PQS) lasers, such as pulse energy and duration, were developed and widely tested in particular for microchip lasers with semiconductor saturable absorbers. However, the same approach can be readily extended to PQS lasers using Cr:YAG as the saturable absorber, including excited-state absorption (ESA) in the model. ESA causes a reduction of pulse energy and an increase in pulse duration. Interestingly, performances of many previously reported PQS lasers using Cr:YAG, from microchips to more powerful multi-millijoule lasers, are correctly predicted by this simple model. Unlike energy estimation, which is intrinsically robust, pulse width requires a more careful evaluation of the influence of the ratio (total linear loss)/(saturable loss) as a correction of the asymptotic result.
Importance of substrates for the visibility of "dark" plasmonic modes
Authors: Fiedler Saskia , Raza Søren , Ai Ruoqi , Wang Jianfang , Busch Kurt , Stenger Nicolas , Mortensen N. Asger , Wolff Christian
Published: April 2020

Dark plasmonic modes have interesting properties, including longer lifetimes and narrower linewidths than their radiative counterpart, and little to no radiative losses. However, they have not been extensively studied yet due to their optical inaccessibility. In this work, we systematically investigated the dark radial breathing modes (RBMs) in monocrystalline gold nanodisks, specifically their outcoupling behavior into the far-field by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. Increasing the substrate thickness resulted in an up to 4-fold enhanced visibility. This is attributed to breaking the mirror symmetry by the high-index substrate, creating an effective dipole moment. Furthermore, the resonance energy of the dark RMBs can be easily tuned by varying the nanodisk diameter, making them promising candidates for nanophotonic applications.
1-to-100-micron surface height full-field 3D topography by use of the external reflectance versus height conversion method
Authors: Chiu Ming-Hung , Fan Kai-Hsiang , Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Li Wang-Yang
Published: April 2020

We propose “the external reflectance versus height conversion (ERHC) method” for measuring the full-field three-dimensional surface topography of a sample height from one micron to 100 micrometers. It is similar to the camera method, capturing images reflected and/or not from a prism by using a lens and a CCD. The reflectance of a point in the image can be converted to the height of the point. The method can obtain large-area full-field real-time three-dimensional measurement results and has the advantages of simple operation, low cost, and easy assembly. The measurement area is in the range of a few square millimeters for each time. The lateral and vertical resolutions are 2 and 0.1 micrometers, respectively, and the error is about 1% compared with the confocal microscope.
The pedagogy of a prison and community music programme: Spaces for conflict and safety
Authors: Henley Jennie , Parks Jude
Published: April 2020

Using theoretical concepts taken from the field of human geography to analyse the conflictual elements within music programmes, this paper presents new empirical research that unpacks the complex pedagogy employed by community musicians with the aim of beginning to address two recent criticisms of community music scholarship: a) community musicians only report positive outcomes and b) community musicians are not interested in scholarly analyses of their work.

We begin with a review of literature presenting positive findings and discuss the methodological challenges of community music research. We introduce the key geographical concepts used to analyse the empirical data. After a presentation and discussion of facilitation pedagogy, we finish by suggesting that understanding the work of the community musician through geographical concepts provides a new way to analyse and theorize how a community music facilitator works, thus acknowledging the conflictual element of such work that is often tacit in research.
‘It’s much harder than I thought’: Facilitating a singing group for people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Forbes Melissa , Bartlett Irene
Published: April 2020

A university-based, international research project investigating the effects of regular singing group activities for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) provided a unique opportunity to capture the lived experience of three facilitators of Australian-based singing groups. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected via facilitators’ reflective journals of singing group activities together with their oral reports at a symposium at the conclusion of the larger research project. Data analysis revealed the skills and attributes described by the three facilitators and the challenges they experienced. Results indicate that targeted skills training around a knowledge of voice function and awareness of the physical and emotional challenges faced by people with PD could assist facilitators to develop best practice interventions.
Adaptation, translation and indeterminacy in Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up: Towards a third space of representation
Authors: Besnard-Scott Laurence
Published: April 2020

Michelangelo Antonioni’s films are rarely associated with translation and adaptation. Yet, his work consistently explores the very essence of images, their ambiguous relation to reality and the deceptive nature of perception. It is a cinema of uncertainty par excellence, thus of translation; at least, a conception of translation (and adaptation) that does not solely rely on principles of faithfulness, transparency and systematic semiotics. This article thus proposes to look at one of Antonioni’s most compelling films, Blow-Up, through the prism of indeterminacy. Drawing upon Gilles Deleuze’s time-image to present the film as a hermeneutic event that opens up a third space of representation, this article examines the indeterminacy at the heart of Blow-Up on two levels. As a film adaptation, it first considers how Antonioni visually translates the indeterminacy of Julio Cortázar’s short story. This preliminary reading then leads to a sustained attempt at exploring Blow-Up’s filmic landscape, with the view to show how the indeterminacy running through Antonioni’s aesthetics becomes itself a form of translation.
Getting in touch with our inner sadistic, bloodthirsty child: Adapting Game of Thrones for the adult colouring book market
Authors: Mizsei-Ward Rachel
Published: April 2020

Adult colouring books have become a permanent fixture in shops across the globe. These books began as a way of marketing illustrators’ work but have expanded to become part of the media franchising industry. This article will explore the two licensed colouring books created for Game of Thrones and the news media response to them. This response is varied, with much criticism of this kind of licensed product which appears to exist as potentially unimaginative Christmas presents. It will explore how these colouring books act as both an adaptation and how they are an important part of the modern media franchising industry. This kind of product is considered as an important way to keep licensed properties in the public eye, particularly when they are in between television seasons. When it comes to Game of Thrones colouring books there are a number of common themes in news media, such as the idea that colouring such images is not a route to mindfulness, and that these books act as a substitute for the ‘real thing’.
The ‘insectuous’ brothers: Karel Čapek’s and Jan Švankmajer’s avantgardism(s) and the limits of humanism
Authors: Vichnar David
Published: April 2020

Jan Švankmajer’s recent Insect (Hmyz, 2018) is a work of film adaptation which functions as both an homage to Karel (and Josef) Čapek’s problematic avant-gardism and critique of some of the Čapek brothers’ own compromises during the production of their play, From the Life of the Insects (Ze života hmyzu, 1922). In the light of Švankmajer’s homage and critique, the article revisits Čapek’s avant-gardism and seeks to recuperate some of the more radical, and easily overlooked, aspects in Čapek’s work in the early 1920s. It goes on to discuss Švankmajer’s own career of multiple film adaptations, before concluding with a critical evaluation of his latest (and arguably last) Čapek-inspired film, read within the context of Švankmajer’s liberational cinematic project.
Scaping the border: On black migrant geographic agency in gamescapes
Authors: Fubara-Manuel Irene
Published: April 2020

Biometric technologies deployed at the border virtualize this space in such a manner that frontiers and their lines of demarcation are inscribed onto bodies of migrants. This disappearance of the border as a geographic zone, as addressed in critical border studies, has incited multiple theories. Among these is the theory of borderscapes in which, the suffix ‘-scape’, meaning ‘to shape’, accounts for the hegemonic and counter-hegemonic processes of building national frontiers. This article addresses gamescapes – the designed virtual environment of video games – as a zone in which migrants can perform artistic interventions and enact their mobility within borders. The author positions her walking simulator game Dreams of Disguise: Errantry (2018) as one of such gamescapes. Through the analysis of the game, this article addresses the implications of purposeful movement through the virtual border for black migrants.
0451
Authors: Mullen Mark
Published: April 2020

Review of: 0451

Prey, Arkane Studios (2017)

Bethesda Softworks, PC 29.99 USD via Steam
Tribeca Belfast and the on-screen regeneration of Northern Ireland
Authors: Baker Stephen
Published: April 2020

This article looks at media representations of the projected regeneration of Northern Ireland, paying particular attention to a recent promotional film made to elicit support for the redevelopment of a part of Belfast’s city centre. Commissioned by Castlebrooke Investments, ‘Tribeca Belfast’ offers a future prospectus of the city that is as superficial as it is bland. It is, however, illustrative of two influential ideas and strategies that took flight at the end of the Cold War and the ‘triumph of capitalism’. One seeks peace through the application of neo-liberal nostrums; the other combines brand theory with state-craft in pursuit of global competitiveness. Both propose models of citizenship that are politically benign, either preferring middle class solipsism or demanding brand loyalty. In Castlebrooke’s projection of a future Belfast, this translates into a city peopled by a mobile professional class, waited upon and entertained by servile locals. But such a sterile vision is inimical to building peace and political progress because it underestimates and downplays the significance of marginalized groups who through their activism and expressions of solidarity can lay better claim to the ‘heart and soul’ of Belfast evoked by Castlebrooke.