bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of maternal serum free β-hCG following whole blood sample transit: First trimester Down’s syndrome screening in Scotland
Authors: Ballantyne Angela , Rashid Lorna , Pattenden Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Background

Maternal serum free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (free β-hCG) is used as a biomarker in first trimester screening for fetal Down’s syndrome. Production of free β-hCG can occur in vitro in a time- and temperature-dependent manner; thus, the current Scottish screening protocol states samples must be received by the laboratory within 72 h. To assess the validity of the protocol, an audit was conducted to determine the impact of transit time on maternal serum free β-hCG multiple of median (MoM) values in the Scottish screened population.

Methods

Corrected MoM values from antenatal screening carried out over one year (April 2017 to March 2018) were stratified according to sample transit time and compared. To investigate possible environmental temperature effects, the data were split according to season and maternal serum free β-hCG concentrations from summer and winter compared.

Results

Of the 28,368 samples included in the study, 24,368 were received on the day of phlebotomy or after one day in transit. Only 1.5% of samples were received after 3 days in transit. The difference in maternal serum free β-hCG MoM values due to transit time was not significant. No statistical difference was found between maternal serum free β-hCG concentrations from samples collected in summer and winter months.

Conclusion

The current sample receipt protocol in use by the Scottish Down’s syndrome screening programme is fit for purpose.
Cultivating the Art of Anxiety: Securitising Culture in China
Authors: Fürst Rudolf
Published: October 2021

Deepening globalisation and worldwide availability of free information and ideas raise concerns of the communist China’s political leadership about the stability of the regime and the sustainability of the state ideological orthodoxy. Therefore, the state’s tightening control of the public communication to curtail the domestic criticism and occasional public discontent is becoming framed and legitimised in terms of cultural security as a non-traditional security concern. This study argues that the restrictive impacts of the politicisation of culture in the centralised agenda of President Xi Jinping reinvigorate China’s anti-Western narratives and attitudes. The research focuses on the state’s cultural security-related and applicable strategy in the political and institutional agenda and media. Moreover, the study also traces the state cultural security policy in the field of the civic and non-governmental sector, religious and ethnic minorities policy, literature, film and audiovisual sectors. The findings assess the concern that the intellectually anachronistic, self-restraining and internationally hostile policy devaluates China’s cultural potential and complexity.
Using Kahoot! to Gamify Learning in the Language Classroom
Authors: Kohnke Lucas , Moorhouse Benjamin Luke
Published: October 2021

Technology is increasingly being used to foster engagement, enhance classroom dynamics, promote autonomy and improve the student learning experience in language learning environments. Many teachers have begun to employ digital apps and tools (e.g. Mentimeter and GoSoapBox) as a more interactive alternative to traditional activities. One product that has been particularly popular due to its user-friendly interface and focus on motivation, enjoyment and competition is Kahoot! ( https://kahoot.com ) – a game-based student response system in which the teacher takes on the role of a game show host with the students as contenders. Kahoot! can enhance the language classroom by making the introduction of new content (e.g. definitions, tenses or collocations) and the consolidation of knowledge more interactive and visible, helping learners reach mastery of the language content. Although Kahoot! has been a popular platform since its launch in 2013, its utility in the language classroom has yet to be fully explored. Furthermore, to be used effectively, teachers need a clear understanding of its subject-specific affordance and limitations. Therefore, this review explores how language teachers can use Kahoot! to improve student engagement – and potentially academic performance – by gamifying learning. Notably, only the free version of Kahoot! is examined.
Gender inequalities in political participation and political engagement among young people in Europe: Are young women less politically engaged than young men?
Authors: Grasso Maria , Smith Katherine
Published: October 2021

This paper contributes to the literature by examining gender inequalities in political participation and political engagement among young people from a comparative perspective. By analysing data on young people from nine European countries collected in 2018, we examine gender inequalities in participation in various modes of conventional and unconventional activism as well as related attitudes, broader political engagement and key determinants, cross-nationally, in order to provide a detailed picture of the current state of gender inequalities in political activism among young people in Europe. Our results allow us to speak to extant theorising about gender inequalities by showing that the extent of political inequality between young men and women is less marked than one might expect. While the gender gaps in political participation for activities such as confrontational types of protest are small or absent, we find that young women are actually more active in petitioning, boycotting, and volunteering in the community. Young men instead are more active than young women in a majority of the nine countries analysed with respect to more institutional forms of participation linked to organizations and parties, various types of online political participation, and broader political engagement measures, such as internal political efficacy and consumption of political news through various channels. However, young men also appear to be more sceptical at least of certain aspects of democratic practice relative to young women.
Attachment security, divorce, parental estrangement, and reconciliation
Authors: Coleman Joshua , Cowan Philip A. , Pape Cowan Carolyn
Published: October 2021

While most studies have attempted to identify the causes and consequences of adult children’s estrangement from their parents, this study focuses on a relatively unexplored topic -- factors associated with family relationships in which the adult child and parents reconcile after a period of estrangement. An online survey of 1360 parents who had experienced an estrangement from their adult child provided data concerning three constructs: (a) whether the parents were now still married, remarried, or divorced, (b) secure attachment ratings of self, other parent, and child, from the perspective of the responding parent, and (c) whether the estrangement was continuing or there had been a reconciliation. Parents who were still married described all family members as having a more secure model of attachment than did remarried or divorced parents. Also, continuous ratings of security of attachment by parents in families that had resolved the estrangement were higher than ratings by parents in which the estrangement was continuing. Two exploratory path models tested alternative hypotheses about how marital status and perceived security of attachment combined to differentiate between families in which the adult child reconciled, and families in which the adult child remained estranged. Model A did not find an indirect path leading from attachment security to marital status to reconciliation. Model B found a statistically significant indirect path leading from parents remaining married to higher levels of attachment security in their ratings of family members, to reconciliation rather than continued estrangement of the parent–child relationship. With data obtained at a single point in time, this study represents a first step toward exploring continuity or discontinuity in the relationship between the parents and between the parents and their adult child. Directions for further research and implications for clinical intervention to promote reconciliation are discussed.
Information and computer technologies in media specialist preparation
Authors: Al Said Nidal , Al-Rawashdeh Butheyna Zuheir
Published: October 2021

New information and computer technologies transform the social interaction and impose new demands for skills and thinking upon media specialists. The aim of this study is to determine the most effective set of information technologies, which can help media specialists develop competencies and thus stay competitive in the labor market. The research methodology is based on the overview of case studies concerning issues such as technology trends, human capital, and talent competitiveness. The qualitative analysis was performed in three phases – overviewing case studies, distinguishing trends and problem-solving. Analyzing data on skill supply and demand, the key skills needed to succeed in the workplace were identified. The results of the three-phase research revealed that the most important competencies needed to be in demand today are technology literacy, stress tolerance, and big data skills. The major finding of this study is that a media specialist needs to focus on learning throughout his life and gain hard and soft skills in the process.
Consider the woodpecker: The contested more-than-human ethics of biomimetic technology and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Hollin Gregory
Published: October 2021

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, is a neurodegenerative disease caused by traumatic brain injury and most frequently associated with contact sports such as American Football. Perhaps surprisingly, the woodpecker – an animal apparently immune to the effects of head impacts – has increasingly figured into debates surrounding CTE. On the one hand, the woodpecker is described as being contra-human and used to underscore the radical inappropriateness of humans playing football. On the other, there have been attempts to mitigate against the risk of CTE through the creation of biomimetic technologies inspired by woodpeckers. In this article I examine the highly politicized encounters between humans and woodpeckers and discuss how the politics of re-/dis-/en-tanglement during these interspecies relations is rendered meaningful. I show here, first, that those who seek to keep the human and the woodpecker apart envisage social overhaul while biomimetic technologies are put to work for the status quo. Second, I stress that different forms of entanglement have diverse sociopolitical consequences. I conclude by suggesting that the case of the woodpecker troubles a strand of contemporary scholarship in Science and Technology Studies that argues that biotechnologies are inherently transformatory and that foregrounding entanglement and interspecies relations is ethically generative. Instead, a discursive separation of nature and culture may be innovative.
Hybrid governance and extraterritoriality: Understanding Singapore's state capitalism in the context of oil global production networks
Authors: McGregor Neil , Coe Neil M.
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the intersections and overlaps between state capitalism and global production networks. A key feature of the so-called new state capitalism is the combination of state ownership and corporatisation, which creates a system that can be characterised as a hybrid of public–private governance in both corporate and network terms. Moreover, the internationalisation of state hybrids adds an extraterritorial dimension to the state, which can influence the configuration and governance of global production networks. This paper develops a conceptual framework (H–E–N) that foregrounds the relationships between hybrid governance (H), extraterritoriality (E) and global production network configurations (N), thereby promoting an integrated analysis of the implications of the new state capitalism for global production networks. This framework is mobilised to explain how state capitalism in Singapore has influenced the development of the city-state's position in upstream, midstream and downstream oil global production networks over the 1959–2019 period. The study demonstrates that hybrid governance, as part of a wider strategy of state capitalism, has been critical in the development of Singapore's position in oil global production networks. The hybrid nature of the institutional forms associated with state ownership – for instance state-owned enterprises and sovereign wealth funds – goes beyond market facilitation to encompass active state participation in markets. Hybrid governance not only allows the state to influence domestic outcomes but – through the extraterritorial strategies of hybrid entities – can also influence global production network configurations beyond its borders.
Economic resilience during COVID-19: An insight from permanent business closures
Authors: Zhai Wei , Yue Haoyu
Published: October 2021

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has damaged the economy in the United States. To understand the resilience capacities of local businesses, we visualized the spatiotemporal patterns of permanently closed Points of Interest (POIs) after the outbreak of the pandemic. The results show that the counties with more business closures are also the counties with a larger population. The permanent closures of most local businesses occurred immediately after the lift of stay-at-home order. We also found that those business owners, who permanently shut down their businesses, may not open new ones elsewhere. In addition, the permanent closures of entertainment and recreation businesses are significantly less than that of retail and trade businesses and food services.
Nudging Consumers Toward Greener Air Travel by Adding Carbon to the Equation in Online Flight Search
Authors: Sanguinetti Angela , Amenta Nina
Published: October 2021

This study explores the potential to promote lower-emissions air travel by providing consumers with information about the carbon emissions of alternative flight choices in the context of online flight search and booking. We surveyed over 450 employees of the University of California, Davis, asking them to choose among hypothetical flight options for university-related business trips. Emissions estimates for flight alternatives were prominently displayed alongside cost, layovers, and airport, and the lowest-emissions flight was labeled “Greenest Flight.” We found an impressive rate of willingness to pay for lower-emissions flights: around $200/ton of CO2e saved, a magnitude higher than that seen in carbon offsets programs, and consistent with findings from a prior study with a non-university-based sample. In a second step of analysis, we estimated the carbon and cost impacts if the university were to adopt a flight-search interface that prioritizes carbon emissions information and displays alternatives from multiple regional airports in their employee travel-booking portal. We estimated potential annual savings of 79 tons of CO2e, while reducing airfare costs by $56,000, mainly through an increased willingness of travelers to take advantage of cheaper nonstop (lower-emissions) flights from a more distant airport in the region over indirect flights from their preferred airport for medium-distance flights. Institutionalizing this strategy within organizations with large travel budgets could reduce personal and organizational carbon footprints. If implemented across major flight-search engines, it could potentially reduce the demand for higher-emissions flights, leading to an industry-wide impact on aviation emissions.
Laboratory Performance and Field Case Study of Asphalt Mixture with Sasobit Treated Aramid Fiber as Modifier
Authors: Ge Dongdong , Jin Dongzhao , Liu Chaochao , Gao Junfeng , Yu Miao , Malburg Lance , You Zhanping
Published: October 2021

The use of fiber in asphalt mixtures can improve the mixture’s tensile strength and increase its cracking resistance, but the clumping of fiber in the mixture can weaken the improvement effect. The aim of this research is to assess the properties of Sasobit treated aramid fiber modified asphalt mixture and to validate the field case study. The rutting and stripping resistance of the fiber-modified mixture was identified with the Hamburg wheel tracking device. The low-temperature cracking characteristics of the asphalt mixture were quantified with the disk-shaped compact tension test. Moreover, the dynamic modulus test was adopted to reflect the response of the mixture to different loads and frequencies. The creep slope and stripping slope decreased by 67%, and the number of passes to stripping point and fail point increased by more than 250% after fiber modification. The fracture energy, peak load, and maximum crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) of the mixture increased more than 10% after fiber modification. The dynamic modulus, rutting parameter, and fatigue parameter of the mixture were improved after fiber modification. The fiber in the mixture improved the stiffness of the mixture at high temperatures. The tensile strength improvement at low temperatures promoted the cracking resistance of the mixture. The cracking number in the fiber modified asphalt pavement was less than that in the control asphalt pavement. Thus, fiber modification could significantly restrict the propagation of cracking in the asphalt mixture. The implementation of fiber in the project can provide experience for future fiber application in asphalt pavement.
Evaluation of the cutting forces, the surface roughness, and the tool wear characteristics during machining of cobalt-based superalloy Haynes 188 with ceramic cutting tool
Authors: Altin Abdullah
Published: October 2021

In this research, we had studied the sensitivity for machining of cobalt-based superalloy Haynes 188 with ceramic cutting tool. The investigation had focused on the effects of the cutting speed, on the cutting forces, and on the surface roughness based on Taguchi’s experimental design. The effects of machining parameters were determined using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. The signal-to-noise ratio was calculated for the average of surface roughness and the cutting forces, and the smaller were used to determine the optimal cutting conditions. The analysis of variance and the signal-to-noise ratio had effects on the parameters on both surface roughness and cutting. Three different types of cutting tools had been used in the experiment, namely KYON 4300, KYS 25, and KYS 30. The cutting force of Fz was considered to be the main cutting force. Depending on the material which had been used as cutting tool, the Fz had the lowest cutting speed and the lowest surface roughness with the KYS25 ceramic tool. The cutting force and the surface roughness of KYON 4300 cutting tool had shown better performance than other cutting tools. The flank wear and notch were found to be more effective in the experiments. The long chips were removed at low and medium cutting speeds, while the sawdust with one edge and narrow pitch at high cutting speeds was obtained.
Effects of silane coupling agent modifications of hollow glass microspheres on syntactic foams with epoxy matrix
Authors: Li Rui , Fan Guisen , Wang Peng , Ouyang Xiao , Ma Ning , Wei Hao
Published: October 2021

A syntactic foam was prepared from an epoxy resin matrix and modified hollow glass microsphere fillers. Modification by silane coupling agents with different molecular structures was analyzed, and the optimal content of the silane coupling agent was determined. The results demonstrated that all silane coupling agents enhanced the adhesion between the hollow glass microspheres and epoxy resin matrix, resulting in enhanced water absorption, compressive performance, tensile performance, and bending performance compared to those prepared using unmodified hollow glass microspheres. Among silane coupling agents with different end groups, the one with a sulfhydryl end group exhibited optimal modification for hollow glass microspheres. Among the silane coupling agents with different backbone structures, the one with silanol groups exhibited the optimal modification of hollow glass microspheres. Additionally, the performance of the syntactic foams was optimal when 6% of the silanol-containing coupling agent was used. The results demonstrated that syntactic foams prepared with hollow glass microspheres modified by silane coupling agents exhibited improvements in water absorption, compressive performance, tensile performance, and bending performance, compared with those prepared using unmodified hollow glass microspheres. Among silane coupling agents with different end structures, the one with a sulfhydryl group as end group showed the best modification effect on hollow glass microspheres. The water absorption was 0.35%, the compressive strength was 62.15 MPa, the tensile strength was 40.15 MPa, and the bending strength was 53.17 MPa. Among silane coupling agents with different backbone structures, the one with silanol groupsbonds showed the best results. Its compressive strength was up to 64.15 MPa, the tensile strength was 35.47 MPa, and the bending strength was 53.99 MPa.
Treatment Outcome in Bilateral Cleft lip and Palate Patients Evaluated With the Huddart-Bodenham Scoring System and the Bilateral Cleft lip and Palate Yardstick: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kuang Wenying , Aarts Miranda , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie , He Hong , Ongkosuwito Edwin M.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess treatment outcome (transversal and sagittal dental arch relationships) and its determinants in complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) evaluated with the modified Huddart-Bodenham scoring system and the BCLP Yardstick.

Materials and methods

Multiple electronic databases were searched without time limitation. Randomized clinical trials, cohort and case control studies using BCLP Yardstick and/or modified Huddart-Bodenham system to judge treatment outcome of patients with BCLP were included. The Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used.

Results

Of the 528 studies identified by the electronic search, only eight retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. A total of 12 cleft centers were represented. All treatment protocols differed and background information was underreported. The results for the BCLP yardstick showed that all except the centers in New Zealand had a mean score lower than 3, indicating good treatment results. However, these studies had a moderate to high risk of bias. The modified Huddart-Bodenham scores were negative in all studies. No further meta-analysis was done due to heterogeneity and high risk of bias. The quality of evidence was graded as very low.

Conclusion

Results for the dental arch relationship of studies in complete BCLP and possible determinants were not synthesized due to very low quality of evidence. Clinical research for patients with BCLP should focus on sound methodological designs to enable evidence-based decision making to improve treatment for patients with BCLP and thereby hopefully their quality of life.
Application of a Longitudinal IRTree Model: Response Style Changes Over Time
Authors: Ames Allison J. , Leventhal Brian C.
Published: October 2021

Traditional psychometric models focus on studying observed categorical item responses, but these models often oversimplify the respondent cognitive response process, assuming responses are driven by a single substantive trait. A further weakness is that analysis of ordinal responses has been primarily limited to a single substantive trait at one time point. This study applies a significant expansion of this modeling framework to account for complex response processes across multiple waves of data collection using the item response tree (IRTree) framework. This study applies a novel model, the longitudinal IRTree, for response processes in longitudinal studies, and investigates whether the response style changes are proportional to changes in the substantive trait of interest. To do so, we present an empirical example using a six-item sexual knowledge scale from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health across two waves of data collection. Results show an increase in sexual knowledge from the first wave to the second wave and a decrease in midpoint and extreme response styles. Model validation revealed failure to account for response style can bias estimation of substantive trait growth. The longitudinal IRTree model captures midpoint and extreme response style, as well as the trait of interest, at both waves.
Aplastic anemia secondary to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kassar Olfa , Mallek Rahma , Ben Said Fatma , Kallel Faten , Ksouda Kamilia , Khabir Abdelmajid , Elloumi Moez
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Nilotinib, as the second generation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has significant efficacy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia resistant or intolerant to Imatinib. Aplastic anemia induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an uncommon complication.

Case report

A 34-year-old female case with CML in the chronic phase was treated with Imatinib in first-line therapy. Nilotinib was switched because of failure to achieve complete cytogenetic response at 6 months following Imatinib. Three years with Nilotinib, the patient developed a persistent pancytopenia grade 4 while a major molecular response was achieved.

Management & Outcome

Nilotinib was discontinued. However, the hematologic finding of the patient had not recovered after three months. A bone marrow biopsy showed marked hypocellularity and fatty tissue without evidence of myelofibrosis. Immunosuppressive therapy was started. Unfortunately, the patient died due to septic and hemorrhagic shock nine months after Nilotinib interruption. According to Naranjo's algorithm, the causality relationship with the drug is probable with a score of 5.

Discussion

Aplastic anemia is an uncommon adverse event of tyrosine kinase inhibitors but it can be a fatal complication. The early diagnosis of aplastic anemia related to Nilotinib therapy is needed to avoid further detrimental effects of the drug.
Assessing Dimensionality of the Ideal Point Item Response Theory Model Using Posterior Predictive Model Checking
Authors: Joo Seang-Hwane , Lee Philseok , Park Jung Yeon , Stark Stephen
Published: October 2021

Although the use of ideal point item response theory (IRT) models for organizational research has increased over the last decade, the assessment of construct dimensionality of ideal point scales has been overlooked in previous research. In this study, we developed and evaluated dimensionality assessment methods for an ideal point IRT model under the Bayesian framework. We applied the posterior predictive model checking (PPMC) approach to the most widely used ideal point IRT model, the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM). We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation to compare the performance of item pair discrepancy statistics and to evaluate the Type I error and power rates of the methods. The simulation results indicated that the Bayesian dimensionality detection method controlled Type I errors reasonably well across the conditions. In addition, the proposed method showed better performance than existing methods, yielding acceptable power when 20% of the items were generated from the secondary dimension. Organizational implications and limitations of the study are further discussed.
Success of placement and complications during v-gel placement and maintenance of anaesthesia
Authors: Hecker-Turkovic Kathrin , Hartmann Katrin , Dörfelt René
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Airway management during anaesthesia in cats is always a demanding task and is associated with several complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practicability and complications during feline-specific laryngeal mask placement in anaesthetised cats as an alternative to endotracheal intubation.

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, laryngeal masks were placed in 148 anaesthetised cats. Success of placement was evaluated by capnography.

Results

Placement was possible at the first attempt in 136 cats, at the second attempt in eight cats and at the third attempt in one cat. In one cat, placement was not possible. Two cats were excluded. Failure to position the laryngeal mask at the first attempt was not different between laryngeal mask sizes ( P = 0.313) or positioning during placement ( P = 0.406). In nine cats, the laryngeal mask dislocated during the procedure. Dislocation occurred more often in the dorsal position than in the sternal ( P = 0.018) and right lateral positions ( P = 0.046). Mucous obstruction of the laryngeal mask occurred in one of these cats and regurgitation in another. Material-related issues, such as disconnection of the parts of the laryngeal mask and leakage of the balloon, were observed in 2/8 laryngeal masks.

Conclusions and relevance

The placement of a feline-specific laryngeal mask was easy to perform. In about 7% of the cases, replacement of the device was required due to mispositioning or dislocation. Full monitoring, including capnography, should be provided to uncover dislocation and airway obstruction immediately.
Real-World Experience of Vismodegib in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma at a Canadian Cancer Center
Authors: Tong Justin , Mitchell Brandon , Roth Kathryn , Logan Diane , Ernst Scott
Published: October 2021

Background

Vismodegib is a novel Hedgehog pathway inhibitor that has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) who are poor candidates for surgery or radiation. Few studies have explored the use of vismodegib to facilitate further surgery or radiotherapy, and the optimal treatment duration to balance outcomes with adverse effects.

Objectives

To characterize the disease response, progression, and recurrence outcomes of BCC patients, and to report the impact of subsequent therapies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 46 adult patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC), including both locally advanced (laBCC) and metastatic (mBCC) disease, treated with vismodegib at a single center from 2012 to 2019.

Results

Thirty-six had laBCC, and 10 had mBCC. Treatment was given over a mean of 21.9 months. Twenty-three (50%) had a complete response (CR), and 19 (41.3%) achieved partial response (PR). Median time to maximal response was 5.3 months. Eleven (23.9%) had resected disease at median 17.2 months, and 11 patients (23.9%) received radiotherapy. Thirty-two (69.6%) experienced progressive disease after achievement of CR or PR. Among 17 CR patients, who stopped treatment, 14 (82.3%) experienced subsequent relapse; 6 (85%) attained a repeat response. Twenty (43.5%) discontinued treatment at least once due to adverse effects.

Conclusions

With a response rate of 91%, London Regional Cancer Center’s (LRCP)’s experience with vismodegib supports its effectiveness in treatment of aBCC. Moreover, a significant number of patients treated with vismodegib became amenable to surgery or radiotherapy. Toxicity remained an important factor that limited treatment duration.
Dialectical behaviour therapy ‘Skills for Living’ for young people leaving care: A qualitative exploration of participants’ experiences
Authors: Rouski Charlene , Yu Sinitta , Edwards Amanda , Hibbert Lisa , Covax Andi , Knowles Susan Frances , Wah Andrew
Published: October 2021

It is acknowledged that care leavers experience an accelerated transition into adulthood, despite often having complex psychosocial needs with limited support networks. The ‘Skills for Living’ programme was designed to improve the psychological wellbeing of care leavers and offers an adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills group as its primary intervention. This paper provides a qualitative evaluation of the programme. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 participants, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis ( Braun & Clarke, 2006 ). Four key themes emerged: ‘Initial Apprehension and Reluctance to Participate’, ‘Connection, Understanding and Validation’, ‘Confidence with Social Skills’, and ‘Emotional Acceptance and Self-Soothing’. Clinical implications and recommendations are discussed.
Experimental and numerical studies on the formability of AA5754 and AA6082 thin sheets in nonisothermal warm redrawing process
Authors: Panicker Sudhy S , Panda Sushanta Kumar
Published: October 2021

The present work demonstrates a comparative investigation of the nonisothermal warm forward redrawing behavior of AA5754-H22 and AA6082-O sheets. The design and development of a new warm forward redrawing process was demonstrated. The complete redrawing was obtained by keeping the redrawing die and binder at 200 °C and cooling punch near to room temperature using water circulation. This process improved the thickness and surface strain distribution in redrawn cups without the onset of strain localization at the bottom corner. A thermomechanical finite element (FE) model of the nonisothermal warm redrawing process was developed applying the temperature-dependent Barlat-89 yield criterion and the Cowper–Symonds strain rate sensitive hardening model. The FE model reasonably predicted the part depth, earing development, thickness distribution, and surface strain evolution of the redrawn cups. The evolution of temperature distribution within the redrawing cup during the process was captured from FE simulations, and its role in the improvement in redrawing depth was demonstrated. Furthermore, the post-forming characterization of redrawn cup wall was also evaluated by microhardness and ring hoop tensile tests. It was found that the hardness, hoop tensile strength, and energy absorption capacity of AA5754-H22 cups were better than AA6082-O cups.
Multi-scale modelling for adhesive wear in tribo-pairs of nano-hydroxyapatite reinforced UHMWPE bio-composite and Co-Cr alloy
Authors: Verma Nishant , Pathak Himanshu , Zafar Sunny
Published: October 2021

The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a popular biomaterial. Pre-clinical evaluation of UHMWPE in terms of wear resistance is extremely important to avoid the effect of implant loosening after implantation. This work proposed an efficient and accurate computational modelling approach to predict elasto-plastic properties at meso-scale, and further integrated at macro-scale to predict adhesive wear in dry tribo-pairs condition. The representative volume element (RVE) based finite element technique was used to predict elastoplastic behaviour of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) reinforced UHMWPE composite. The predicted values were validated experimentally and applied as a material property of pin during a numerical investigation of adhesive wear by a macro-scale modelling approach. The CoCr alloy was taken as the counter disc material. The integration of Archard's wear model and user-subroutine was done for numerical prediction of wear. The numerically obtained wear rate and friction coefficient results were validated experimentally by a pin on the disc wear setup under dry conditions. The fabrication of the specimen for validation was done by microwave-assisted compression moulding (MACM). The microstructural investigation of worn surfaces was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the mechanism of adhesive wear. The surface mapping of worn surfaces was done using an optical profilometer to observe the surface roughness after adhesive wear. Biocompatibility of the composite material was confirmed by In-vitro direct contact cytotoxicity test
Myriad Faces of Active Tuberculosis: Intrapulmonary Bronchial Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Kabilan Kavirajan , Gulati Malvika , Banday Irshad A. , Tyagi Rahul , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Naranje Priyanka , Mittal Saurabh
Published: October 2021

Bronchial artery (BA) pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon vascular complication of tuberculosis (TB), and early diagnosis is crucial due to risk of rupture and life-threatening hemorrhage. Immediate intervention is warranted in massive hemoptysis due to high mortality. Various causes of massive hemoptysis are TB, bronchiectasis, aspergilloma, lung abscess, lung cancer, necrotizing pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis. Active pulmonary TB as well as chronic pulmonary TB can manifest with massive hemoptysis. Hemoptysis in active TB occurs due to ulceration in bronchiolar wall, eroding the wall of the adjacent BA or pulmonary artery, and in chronic TB due to hypertrophied bronchial arteries, or bronchiectasis, or aspergilloma. Herein, we report a case of pulmonary TB causing intrapulmonary BA pseudoaneurysm in a young male patient who presented with acute massive hemoptysis. The BA pseudoaneurysm as well as other hypertrophied bronchial arteries were embolized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles.
A New, Depth-Based Quantitative Approach to Assessing Transformative Learning
Authors: Wiley Jennifer L. , Wiley Kristofor R. , Intolubbe-Chmil Loren , Bhuyan Devi , Acheson Kris
Published: October 2021

Transformative learning (TL) goals are becoming commonplace in higher education, continuing education, and other adult learning contexts; however, valid and reliable assessments of TL are not so common. This imbalance begs the development of assessment methods that allow for a deeper understanding of how, when, and why deep reshaping of self takes place. We believe the Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory (BEVI) to be an effective quantitative measure of TL based on the alignment of its scales with constructs identified by Hoggan’s meta-analysis of TL research. In this article, we summarize the theoretical crosswalk between Hoggan and the BEVI, offer statistical evidence of construct validity for the BEVI as a measure of TL, and provide guidance for interpreting TL scores. We discuss implications of this methodology for higher education as well as other adult learning contexts such as mental health and wellness.
A systematic review on descending serotonergic projections and modulation of spinal nociception in chronic neuropathic pain and after spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Heijmans Lonne , Mons Martijn R , Joosten Elbert A
Published: October 2021

Chronic neuropathic pain is a debilitating ordeal for patients worldwide and pharmacological treatment efficacy is still limited. As many pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain often fail, insights into the underlying mechanism and role of identified receptors is of utmost importance. An important target for improving treatment of neuropathic pain is the descending serotonergic system as these projections modulate nociceptive signaling in the dorsal horn. Also with use of last resort treatments like spinal cord stimulation (SCS), the descending serotonergic projections are known to be involved in the pain relieving effect. This systematic review summarizes the involvement of the serotonergic system on nociceptive modulation in the healthy adult rodent and the chronic neuropathic rodent and summarizes all available literature on the serotonergic system in the SCS-treated neuropathic rodent. Medline, Embase and Pubmed databases were used in the search for articles. Descending serotonergic modulation of nociceptive signaling in spinal dorsal horn in normal adult rat is mainly inhibitory and mediated by 5-HT1a, 5-HT1b, 5-HT2c, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. Upon injury and in the neuropathic rat, this descending serotonergic modulation becomes facilitatory via activation of the 5-HT2a, 5-HT2b and 5-HT3 receptors. Analgesia due to neuromodulatory intervention like SCS restores the inhibitory function of the descending serotonergic system and involves 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. The results of this systematic review provide insights and suggestions for further pharmacological and or neuromodulatory treatment of neuropathic pain based on targeting selected serotonergic receptors related to descending modulation of nociceptive signaling in spinal dorsal horn. With the novel developed SCS paradigms, the descending serotonergic system will be an important target for mechanism-based stimulation induced analgesia.
Exploring patient satisfaction of a joint-consultation clinic for trigeminal neuralgia: Enabling improved decision-making
Authors: Poole Jolyon , Mercadante Valeria , Singhota Sanjeet , Nizam Karim , Zakrzewska Joanna M
Published: October 2021

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a relatively rare condition which has a profound impact not only on the patient but also on those around them. There is no cure for TN, and the management of the condition is complex. The most effective forms of treatment are either through medication, neurosurgery, or combination of the two. Each option has risks and implications for the patient. As with all clinical decisions, it is important for patients to understand and be fully informed of the treatments available to them. A London UK unit adopted a joint-consultation clinic approach where the patient meets with both physician and neurosurgeon at the same time to discuss treatment options. The purpose of this evaluation is to understand patients’ level of satisfaction with the joint-consultation clinic and evaluate utilisation of a clinical decision-making tool.

Method

Patients who had attended the joint-consultation clinic over a period of 12 months were invited to participate in a telephone or paper survey (N = 55). Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Forty-one patients (77% response rate) participated in the survey, and the results were overwhelmingly positive for the joint-consultation clinic regarding satisfaction. The benefits were broad ranging including increased understanding, collaboration and confidence in decision-making.

Conclusions

A joint-consultation clinic comprising a neurosurgeon and a physician for the treatment of TN is valued by patients who become better informed and able to make decisions about their care. Positive application of clinical decision-making aids in this situation offers potential across specialities.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following appendicitis in a young child: A case report and review of the pediatric literature
Authors: Rafee Yaseen , Allabwani Ruba , Haddadin Tala , Kaddurah Ahmad
Published: October 2021

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an acute or subacute neurological disorder with variable clinical manifestations including encephalopathy, headache, seizures, visual disturbance, and focal neurologic deficits. Neuroimaging often shows frequently reversible vasogenic edema that predominantly involves the subcortical parieto-occipital lobes. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been associated with hypertension and reported in patients with many conditions including eclampsia/pre-eclampsia and immunosuppressive therapy. Recently, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is recognized to occur in association with severe infections such as complicated appendicitis. Here, we describe a case of 11-year-old male admitted for complicated appendicitis and severe sepsis. He developed seizures and had an altered mental status 10 days into his hospitalization with brain magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. We review the pediatric literature and discuss the pathogenesis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in association with an infection. We highlight the importance of recognizing this syndrome as a possible cause for acute neurological deterioration in children with severe infections.
Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2: A Cohort Study in Qatar’s Primary Care Settings
Authors: Syed Mohamed Ahmed , A/Qotba Hamda Abdulla , Al Nuaimi Ahmed Sameer , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Althani Asmaa Ali J. F. , Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif , Khudadad Hanan , Marji Tamara , Veettil Shajitha Thekke , AlFehaidi AlAnoud Saleh , Yfakhroo Ameena Ibrahim , AlMesaifri Meshal Abdulla , Al-Baghdadi Tholfakhar Talib , Al Mujalli Hanan , Al Abdulla Samya Ahmad , Abdulmalik Mariam Ali
Published: October 2021

Background:

Globally, countries are rolling out Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) quarantine policies and vaccination programs. Research studies are needed in helping understand the likelihood of acquired immunity to reinfection and identify priority groups for vaccination to inform them. This study aimed to assess period prevalence and longitudinal changes in antibody levels after SARS-CoV-2 infection in Qatari primary care settings.

Methods:

A cohort study design with 2 data collection phases was undertaken—Phase 1 (conducted in July 2020) and Phase 2 (conducted in October 2020). A stratified random sampling technique by age, gender and nationality was utilized to identify the study sample. The total sample size required for the study was estimated to be 2102. Participants were invited to an appointment where they were administered a questionnaire and provided samples for polymerase chain reaction and Immunoglobulin G immunoassay tests.

Results:

A total of 943 individuals participated in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. In this cohort, seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was found to be 12% (N = 113) in Phase 1 and 17.2% (N = 162) in Phase 2. Of the 113 participants who were seropositive in Phase 1, 38.1% (CI 29.5-47.2%, N = 43) had a reduction, 54.9% (CI 45.7-63.8%, N = 62) had no change, and 7.1% (CI 3.4-12.9%, N = 8) had an increase in IgG titer in Phase 2. All (N = 18) participants aged 10 to 17 years retained their antibodies. The proportion of men who retained their antibodies was slightly higher compared to women—92.5% (N = 74) and 87.9% (N = 29) respectively. Similarly, symptomatic individuals (97.8%; N = 45) had a higher antibody retention compared with asymptomatic individuals (86.4%; N = 57).

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary information on the longitudinal changes in antibody levels after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings will help inform quarantine policies and vaccination programs.
Principal’s Practices and School’s Collective Efficacy to Preventing Bullying: The Mediating Role of School Climate
Authors: Reyes-Rodríguez Ana Carolina , Valdés-Cuervo Angel Alberto , Vera-Noriega José Angel , Parra-Pérez Lizeth Guadalupe
Published: October 2021

Differences in bullying rates between schools could be explained by school efficacy. This study examined the relationships among teachers’ perceptions of principals’ practices, school climate, and school collective efficacy to prevent bullying. The sample comprises 403 Mexican elementary-school teachers; 35% were male, and 65% were female. The teaching experience ranged from 2 to 35 years ( M = 13.2 years, SD = 9.1). Teachers answered self-report measures. A latent variable structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used. SEM model indicated that principal’s bullying prevention was directly related to a positive school climate, but they did not influence teachers’ perceptions of school collective efficacy. Also, principals’ support for teachers’ antibullying practices positively affected school climate and school collective efficacy. Both principal involvement and support had an indirect relationship with school collective efficacy. Overall, findings suggest that the principal has a critical role in promoting teachers’ perceptions of school collective efficacy in bullying prevention.