bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of virtual reality in improving upper extremity function after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jin Minxia , Pei Junjie , Bai Zhongfei , Zhang Jiaqi , He Ting , Xu Xiaojing , Zhu Feifei , Yu Dan , Zhang Ziwei
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of virtual reality on arm motor impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction, and quality of life in patients with stroke. To determine potential moderators that affect the efficacy of virtual reality.

Data sources

CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data from inception to October 23, 2021.

Review methods

Randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of virtual reality on arm recovery in adult patients with stroke compared to conventional therapy or sham control were included. Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study.

Results

Forty studies with 2018 participants were identified. Quality of included studies was fair to high. Virtual reality exhibited better effects on overall arm function ( g = 0.28, p < 0.001), motor impairment ( g = 0.36, p < 0.001) and activity limitation (daily living) ( g = 0.24, p < 0.001) compared with the control group. No significant improvement was observed in participation restriction and activity limitation (specific task). The result for quality of life was described qualitatively. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that immersive virtual reality produced a greater beneficial effect ( g = 0.60, p < 0.001). Patients with moderate to severe arm paresis could make more progress after training ( g = 0.71, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Virtual reality is recommended for improving motor impairment and activities of daily living after stroke and is favorable to patients with moderate to severe paresis. An immersive design could produce greater improvement.
Cost-effectiveness of using stone cone, balloon dilator, stone basket, and entrapment device in ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy for ureteric stones
Authors: Çeçen Kürşat
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the costs and stone-free rates of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy (ULL) performed with and without auxiliary equipment and to compare first-time ULL with total treatment.

Methods

One hundred patients who underwent first-time ULL without the use of auxiliary equipment because its unavailability comprised the no-device ULL (ndULL) group. Additionally, 100 patients who underwent first-time ULL with the use of auxiliary equipment when necessary comprised the device ULL (dULL) group.

Results

In the ndULL and dULL groups, the stone-free rates after first-time ULL were 72% and 94% and the mean cost was US $1037 ± 15.10 and US $1452 ± 19.80 per case, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The stone-free rates at the end of treatment were 98% and 99%, respectively, without a statistically significant difference. When secondary treatment costs were added to the first ULL costs after failed treatment, the mean total cost was US $1625 ± 12.60 in the ndULL group and US $1566 ± 11.01 in the dULL group without a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

The stone-free rates and costs after first-time ULL were significantly different between the groups. However, after total treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Secondary bloodstream infection in critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Junli , Lan Peng , Yi Jun , Yang Changming , Gong Xiaoyan , Ge Huiqing , Xu Xiaoling , Liu Limin , Zhou Jiancang , Lv Fangfang
Published: December 2021

Objective

Secondary infection, especially bloodstream infection, is an important cause of death in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We aimed to describe secondary bloodstream infection (SBI) in critically ill adults with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to explore risk factors related to SBI.

Methods

We reviewed all SBI cases among critically ill patients with COVID-19 from 12 February 2020 to 24 March 2020 in the COVID-19 ICU of Jingmen First People's Hospital. We compared risk factors associated with bloodstream infection in this study. All SBIs were confirmed by blood culture.

Results

We identified five cases of SBI among the 32 patients: three with Enterococcus faecium, one mixed septicemia ( E. faecium and Candida albicans), and one C. parapsilosis. There were no significant differences between the SBI group and non-SBI group. Significant risk factors for SBI were extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, central venous catheter, indwelling urethral catheter, and nasogastric tube.

Conclusions

Our findings confirmed that the incidence of secondary infection, particularly SBI, and mortality are high among critically ill patients with COVID-19. We showed that long-term hospitalization and invasive procedures such as tracheotomy, central venous catheter, indwelling urethral catheter, and nasogastric tube are risk factors for SBI and other complications.
No evidence of a minimal clinically important difference for the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ohl Alisha , Schelly David
Published: December 2021

The Beery Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) battery of tests are some of the most commonly used assessments in pediatric occupational therapy, often used to measure change over time. However, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) has not been estimated for interpreting change scores. We estimated the MCID for the Beery VMI battery of tests in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Four occupational therapists collected data in a public elementary school on 64 children with ASD. The Beery VMI battery was administered to children with ASD twice, approximately 11 months apart. To estimate MCID values, Beery VMI battery scores were anchored to 15-point Likert questions measuring occupational therapists’ ratings of functional change over three domains: fine motor skills, handwriting, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Using this anchor-based method, we were unable to estimate MCID values for the Beery VMI battery. Children’s Beery VMI battery scores did not change significantly over the course of the school year, and there was only one weak correlation between VMI battery change scores and therapists’ ratings of change. The inability to estimate Beery VMI battery MCID values for children with ASD adds further support for research cautioning the use of the Beery VMI as an outcome measure.
Epidemiology of Concussions in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Sports: 2014/15-2018/19
Authors: Chandran Avinash , Boltz Adrian J. , Morris Sarah N. , Robison Hannah J. , Nedimyer Aliza K. , Collins Christy L. , Register-Mihalik Johna K.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Updated epidemiology studies examining sports-related concussions (SRCs) are critical in evaluating recent efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of SRCs in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of SRCs in 23 NCAA sports during the 2014/15-2018/19 academic years.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

SRC and exposure data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics by sport, event type (practices, competitions), injury mechanism (player contact, surface contact, equipment/apparatus contact), and injury history (new, recurrent). Injury rate ratios (IRRs) were used to examine differential injury rates, and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were used to examine differential distributions.

Results:

A total of 3497 SRCs from 8,474,400 athlete-exposures (AEs) were reported during the study period (4.13 per 10,000 AEs); the competition-related SRC rate was higher than was the practice-related SRC rate (IRR, 4.12; 95% CI, 3.86-4.41). The highest SRC rates were observed in men’s ice hockey (7.35 per 10,000 AEs) and women’s soccer (7.15 per 10,000 AEs); rates in women’s soccer and volleyball increased during 2015/16-2018/19. Player contact was the most prevalently reported mechanism in men’s sports (77.0%), whereas equipment/apparatus contact was the most prevalently reported mechanism in women’s sports (39.2%). Sex-related differences were observed in soccer, basketball, softball/baseball, and swimming and diving. Most SRCs reported in men’s sports (84.3%) and women’s sports (81.1%) were reported as new injuries.

Conclusion:

Given the increasing SRC rates observed in women’s soccer and volleyball during the latter years of the study, these results indicate the need to direct further attention toward trajectories of SRC incidence in these sports. The prevalence of equipment/apparatus contact SRCs in women’s sports also suggests that SRC mechanisms in women’s sports warrant further investigation. As most SRCs during the study period were reported as new injuries, the prevalence of recurrent SRCs in men’s and women’s ice hockey is also noteworthy.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft Combined With Modified Lemaire Technique Versus Hamstring Graft Combined With Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Clinical Comparative Matched Study With a Mean Follow-up of 5 Years From The SANTI Study Group
Authors: Rayes Johnny , Ouanezar Herve , Haidar Ibrahim M. , Ngbilo Cedric , Fradin Thomas , Vieira Thais Dutra , Freychet Benjamin , Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand
Published: December 2021

Background:

Additional lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has recently been correlated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced failure rates in revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). However, no data are available on clinical outcomes and reoperation after revision ACLR using different LET procedures.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of ACL + anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft (HT-ALL) and a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft + modified Lemaire tenodesis procedure (BPTB-Lemaire) in the setting of revision ACLR and to determine whether ALL reconstruction is associated with an increased rate of adverse outcomes when compared with a modified Lemaire tenodesis procedure.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Descriptive data and clinical outcomes were prospectively collected from patients who underwent revision ACLR with LET between 2009 and 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients with an HT autograft combined with ALL reconstruction (HT-ALL group) were matched in a 1:1 propensity ratio to patients with a BPTB autograft combined with a modified Lemaire LET procedure (BPTB-Lemaire group). The evaluated parameters included complications and reoperations; knee laxity tests; return to sports; and various scores, including the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury scale, Marx activity rating scale, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results:

In total, 36 matched pairs were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up durations for the BPTB-Lemaire and HT-ALL groups were 56 ± 35 and 57 ± 23 months, respectively ( P = .91). No significant differences were found in graft rupture rate (HT-ALL, 0%; BPTB-Lemaire, 11.1%; P = .13) or reoperations (HT-ALL, 8.3%; BPTB-Lemaire, 22.2%; P = .23). No specific complications with regard to LET were noted in either group. Additionally, there were no significant differences in knee laxity parameters, return to sports, or clinical scores between the groups at the final follow-up, except for the Tegner activity scale score (HT-ALL, 6.4; BPTB-Lemaire, 7.3; P = .03). HT-ALL was associated with a shorter surgical time (41.4 vs 59.8 minutes; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

HT-ALL was at least equivalent, in terms of clinical outcomes, to the more commonly performed procedure, BPTB-Lemaire. Performing ALL reconstruction in the setting of revision ACLR is therefore safe and effective.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Cognitive Decline in the US
Authors: Brown Monique J. , Kaur Amandeep , James Titilayo , Avalos Carlos , Addo Prince N. O. , Crouch Elizabeth , Hill Nikki L.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among a representative sample of the adult US population.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( N = 82,688, ≥45 years). Adverse childhood experiences included sexual, physical/psychological and environmental ACEs, and a score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between ACEs and SCD, and SCD-related outcomes.

Results

Sexual (adjusted OR (aOR: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.42–3.31)), physical/psychological (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.83–2.29), and environmental (aOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.74–2.16) ACEs were associated with SCD in the past year. There was also a dose-response relationship between ACE score and SCD.

Conclusion

ACEs were associated with SCD. Interventions to maximize cognitive health in aging and prevent future cognitive impairment should consider the potential role of ACEs among affected populations.
Challenges in the Provision of Pediatric Palliative Care in Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey
Authors: Grüneberg Elena Solveig , Ramos-Guerrero Jorge , Pastrana Tania
Published: December 2021

Objective: An enormous need for pediatric palliative care (PPC) has been reported, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the access to PPC is limited. This study identifies the current challenges in the provision of PPC and their severity from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Method: We conducted a web-based descriptive cross-sectional survey among healthcare professionals treating children in need of palliative care in Mexico in 2019. We used convenience sampling and snowball sampling to acquire participants. Results: Seventy healthcare professionals from Mexico participated. Participants were 64.3% female, on average 45.8 (SD = 10.9) years old, had an average of 15.84 (SD = 10.4) years of work experience and worked in 15 states. The three most severe barriers reported were: (1) Few teams and/or networks of out-of-hospital/domestic support; (2) Absence of training centres and continuing medical/paramedical education in PPC; and (3) Lack of legal, labor, and economic protection for parents who must stop working to be with their children. The barriers related to a lack of awareness and commitment, a lack of support, legal factors, and working conditions were rated highest. Participants considered increased awareness and better knowledge of PPC for all as the top priority, and particularly emphasized the need for better education and training of health professionals. Conclusion: We have identified several barriers to successful palliative care (PC) provision for children. Primarily, these are lack of awareness and commitment, especially of the health authorities and the medical professions, lack of personal and financial support, legal factors, and working conditions. The need to change and improve care exists at the policy level, the health professional level, and the public societal level.
Making the Informal Formal: Discussing and Completing Advance Care Plans in Care Dyads with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Ford Cassie B. , DePasquale Nicole , Smith Valerie A. , Belanger Emmanuelle , Lippmann Steven J. , O’Brien Emily C. , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: December 2021

Background: Discussing advance care planning (ACP) with care partners may be a steppingstone to the completion of advance directives (ADs) for persons with cognitive impairment (PwCIs). Objectives: To examine whether PwCI-reported occurrence of and PwCI-care partner agreement about ACP discussions are associated with completion of ADs. Design and Subjects: We conducted a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of data from 1672 PwCI-care partner dyads in the BLINDED study. PwCIs were Medicare beneficiaries in the US, aged >65 years, and diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Care partners were identified by PwCIs as being most involved in their health care. Measurements: PwCIs’ completion of ADs was determined by 1 or more affirmative responses to dichotomous indicators for formalizing a living will, medical directive, or durable power of attorney for health care. Discussion occurrence was based on PwCI reports and agreement between PwCI and care partner reports of prior conversations about PwCIs’ ACP preferences between PwCIs and care partners. Results: In logistic regression models adjusted for PwCI and care partner characteristics, PwCIs who had (vs. had not) discussed ACP were 10% more likely to complete ADs. PwCIs from dyads agreeing (vs. disagreeing) a discussion occurred were 7% more likely to complete ADs. PwCIs from care dyads in agreement (vs. disagreement) about non-discussion were 11% less likely to formalize ADs. Conclusions: Discussing ACP with care partners plays a direct, positive role in completing ADs among PwCIs. Health care providers who approach ACP as a dyadic, communicative decision-making process from the outset may facilitate PwCIs’ uptake of ADs.
Bag-Mask Ventilation Versus Apneic Oxygenation During Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults: A Secondary Analysis of 2 Randomized Trials
Authors: Vaughan Erin M. , Seitz Kevin P. , Janz David R. , Russell Derek W. , Dargin James , Vonderhaar Derek J. , Joffe Aaron M. , West Jason R. , Self Wesley H. , Rice Todd W. , Semler Matthew W. , Casey Jonathan D.
Published: December 2021

Background: Hypoxemia is common during tracheal intubation in intensive care units. To prevent hypoxemia during intubation, 2 methods of delivering oxygen between induction and laryngoscopy have been proposed: bag-mask ventilation and supplemental oxygen delivered by nasal cannula without ventilation (apneic oxygenation). Whether one of these approaches is more effective for preventing hypoxemia during intubation of critically ill patients is unknown. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from 138 patients enrolled in 2, consecutive randomized trials of airway management in an academic intensive care unit. A total of 61 patients were randomized to receive bag-mask ventilation in a trial comparing bag-mask ventilation to none, and 77 patients were randomized to receive 100% oxygen at 15 L/min by nasal cannula in a trial comparing apneic oxygenation to none. Using multivariable linear regression accounting for age, body mass index, severity of illness, and oxygen saturation at induction, we compared patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation with those assigned to apneic oxygenation regarding lowest oxygen saturations from induction to 2 min after intubation. Results: Patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation and apneic oxygenation were similar at baseline. The median lowest oxygen saturation was 96% (interquartile range [IQR] 89%-100%) in the bag-mask ventilation group and 92% (IQR 84%-99%) in the apneic oxygenation group. After adjustment for prespecified confounders, bag-mask ventilation was associated with a higher lowest oxygen saturation compared to apneic oxygenation (mean difference, 4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%-7.8%; P = .02). The incidence of severe hypoxemia (oxygen saturation<80%) was 6.6% in the bag-mask ventilation group and 15.6% in the apneic oxygenation group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; P = .09). Conclusions: This secondary analysis of patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation and apneic oxygenation during 2 clinical trials suggests that bag-mask ventilation is associated with higher oxygen saturation during intubation compared to apneic oxygenation.
Needs Assessment Survey Identifying Research Processes Which may be Improved by Automation or Artificial Intelligence: ICU Community Modeling and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Efficiency (ICU-Comma)
Authors: Lau Vincent I. , Binnie Alexandra , Basmaji John , Baig Nadia , Opgenorth Dawn , Cameron Saoirse , O’Hearn Katie , McDonald Ellen , Senaratne Janek , Sligl Wendy , Zuege Danny J. , Rewa Oleksa , Bagshaw Sean M. , Tsang Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Background

Critical care research in Canada is conducted primarily in academically-affiliated intensive care units with established research infrastructure, including research coordinators (RCs). Recently, efforts have been made to engage community hospital ICUs in research albeit with barriers. Automation or artificial intelligence (AI) could aid the performance of routine research tasks. It is unclear which research study processes might be improved through AI automation.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian ICU research personnel. The survey contained items characterizing opinions regarding research processes that may be amenable to AI automation. We distributed the questionnaire via email distribution lists of 3 Canadian research societies. Open-ended questions were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach.

Results

A total of 49 survey responses were received (response rate: 8%). Tasks that respondents felt were time-consuming/tedious/tiresome included: screening for potentially eligible patients (74%), inputting data into case report forms (65%), and preparing internal tracking logs (53%). Tasks that respondents felt could be performed by AI automation included: screening for eligible patients (59%), inputting data into case report forms (55%), preparing internal tracking logs (51%), and randomizing patients into studies (45%). Open-ended questions identified enthusiasm for AI automation to improve information accuracy and efficiency while freeing up RCs to perform tasks that require human interaction. This enthusiasm was tempered by the need for proper AI education and oversight.

Conclusions

There were balanced supportive (increased efficiency and re-allocation of tasks) and challenges (informational accuracy and oversight) with regards to AI automation in ICU research.
Analysis of Intent and Reason for Oncologic Therapy Administration in Cancer Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Shaz David , Pastores Stephen M. , Dayal Lokesh , Berkowitz Justin , Kostelecky Natalie , Tan Kay See , Halpern Neil
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To investigate the intent of, and reason for, administration of oncologic therapies in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Single center, retrospective, cohort study of patients with cancer who received oncologic therapies at a tertiary cancer center ICU between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. Oncologic therapies included traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal or biologic therapy directed at a malignancy and were characterized as initiation (initial administration) or continuation (part of an ongoing regimen).

Results

84 unique patients (6.8% of total ICU admissions) received oncologic therapies in the ICU; 43 (51%) had hematologic malignancies and 41 (49%) had solid tumors. The intent of oncologic therapy was palliative in 63% and curative in 27%. Twenty-two (26%) patients received initiation and 62 (74%) received continuation oncologic therapies. The intent of oncologic therapy was significantly different by regimen type (initiation vs. continuation, p = <0.0001). Initiation therapy was more commonly prescribed with curative intent and continuation therapy was more commonly administered with palliative intent (p = <0.0001). Oncologic therapies were given in the ICU mainly for an oncologic emergency (56%) and because the patients happened to be in the ICU for a non-oncologic critical illness when their oncologic therapy was due (34.5%).

Conclusion

Our study provides intensivists with a better understanding of the context and intent of oncologic therapies and why these therapies are administered in the ICU.
Learning-based fault diagnosis of air brake system using wheel speed data
Authors: Raveendran Radhika , Devika KB , Subramanian Shankar C
Published: December 2021

Faults in the air brake system used in Heavy Commercial Road Vehicles (HCRVs) would adversely affect the vehicle’s dynamic performance, and hence their prompt detection is critical for vehicle safety. This paper first investigates the effect of air brake system faults through extensive hardware-in-loop experiments. These faults were observed to degrade the braking response, yaw stability, and vehicle braking distance. In many countries, an antilock brake system is mandatory in HCRVs, and wheel speed data are readily available. Inspired by this, the feasibility of using wheel speed data to detect faults is investigated in this study. As an initial step of predictive maintenance, a fault diagnostic scheme based on a supervised learning algorithm, Support Vector Machine (SVM) that uses only wheel speed data has been developed. The SVM algorithm’s efficacy was tested for 1937 test cases that encompassed a wide range of operating conditions. It was found that a Gaussian kernel SVM (G-SVM) provided a good classification accuracy of 96.54%, demonstrating its ability to predict a faulty condition accurately. The standard deviation of G-SVM’s prediction accuracy for five groups of data sets with 100 instances was found to be 1.57%, which shows that the model is more precise to predict the fault/no-fault condition of the air brake system.
Performance studies on vapour compression refrigeration system using PCM placed between wall and coil of the evaporator
Authors: Raveendran P. Saji , Karthikeyan R. , Murugan P.C. , Sanjay S. , Vivek Raj S. , Selva Kannan N.K. , John Dains K.
Published: December 2021

The vapour compression refrigeration system (VCRS) plays a vital role in the food preservation and it consumes more energy. The use of energy-efficient refrigerants, phase change materials (PCMs) in the condenser and evaporator, and the replacement of existing components, as well as nano-refrigerants, are all efforts made to increase the energy efficiency of the VCRS from different perspectives. Among them, the PCMs play a prominent role and gives sustainable energy efficiency in VCRS. This paper investigates and clarifies the energy efficiency of VCRS can be improved by incorporating a PCM into the evaporator cabin. The experimental results demonstrated substantial effects on system performance such as an improvement in COP of 7.1%, a decrease in per day energy consumption by 6.7%, and comparatively smaller temperature fluctuations within the freezer cabinet. The exergy efficiency is increased and Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) is decreasing than that of the system without PCM by 7.6 and 7% respectively. This technique is integrated into the VCRS, leading to savings in energy while also being useful for power interruptions common in areas with low grid reliability.
Validation and adaptation of the Spanish version of the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (S-SLAQ) in an Argentinean population
Authors: Catoggio Cecilia , Martínez Muñoz Alejandro , Chaparro del Moral Rafael , Klajn Diana S , Papasidero Silvia B , Machado Escobar Maximiliano A , Gonzalez Lucero Luciana , Lucero Eleonora , Martinez Liliana , Muñoz Sebastian A , Collado María Victoria , Gomez Graciela N , Sarano Judith , Marin Josefina , Scolnik Marina , Romero Julia , Barreira Juan Carlos , Zalazar Maria M , Rillo Oscar L , Pisoni Cecilia
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To validate the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (SLAQ) in Spanish language.

Methods

The SLAQ questionnaire was translated and adapted in Spanish. Consecutive SLE patients from 8 centers in Argentina were included. A rheumatologist completed a Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K, and a physician’s assessment. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), stability by test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), and construct validity by evaluating the correlation with clinically relevant scores. Sensitivity and specificity for clinically significant disease activity (SLEDAI ≥6) of different S-SLAQ cut-off points were evaluated.

Results

We included 97 patients ((93% female, mean age: 40 years (SD14.7)). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84, p < 0.001), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 ( p < 0.001). Mean score of S-SLAQ was 8.2 (SD 7.31). Correlation of S-SLAQ was moderate with Patient NRS (r= 0.63 p< 0.001), weak with SLAM-no lab ( r = 0.42, p <0.001) and SLAM ( r = 0.38, p < 0.0001), and very weak with SLEDAI-2K ( r = 0.15, p =0.1394). Using the S-SLAQ cutoff of five points, the sensitivity was 72.2% and specificity was 37.9%, for clinically significant disease activity.

Conclusions

The S-SLAQ showed good validity and reliability. A good correlation, similar to the original instrument, was observed with patient´s global disease activity. No correlation was found between S-SLAQ and gold standard disease activity measures like SLEDAI-2K and SLAM. The S-SLAQ cutoff point of 5 showed a good sensitivity to identify the active SLE population and therefore could be an appropriate screening instrument for disease activity in clinical and epidemiological studies.
Transnational Soldiers vs Resistance National Accounts: The Legend of la Nueve and the “Spanish” Liberation of Paris
Authors: Gaspar Celaya Diego
Published: December 2021

The reconstruction of the History of the Resistance in France, the memories of former combatants and their relatives, and an important culture industry have all been developed within a national context, thereby hiding the transnational character of this resistance over the years. This paper shows first how the French State came to “Frenchify” this Resistance and, decades later, civil society and that culture industry tried to “Spanishise” the Liberation of Paris through the construction of the legend of “la Nueve”. With this in mind, the current paper focuses mainly on a historical and memorial analysis of the French infantry company la Nueve, through the recollections and experiences of numerous transnational soldiers, in order to stress the “a la carte” reconstruction of its history, and highlighting the particular role played by the French-Spanish collective memory over the last twenty years.
Interval cancer audit and disclosure in cervical screening programmes: An international survey
Authors: Fitzpatrick Patricia , Mooney Therese , Byrne Helen , Healy Orla , Russell Noirin , O’Reilly Susan
Published: December 2021

Background

Legal cases involving the National Cervical Screening Programme in Ireland following non-disclosure of an interval cervical cancer audit prompted this first international comparative survey of interval cervical cancer audit.

Methods

A survey of 22 international population-based cervical screening programmes was conducted, to determine if they undertook audit of invasive cervical cancers. Those countries/regions that perform reviews were asked (i) how the audit was undertaken, including how the reviews were performed and how they controlled for retrospective bias, (ii) how women are informed of the audit process and how their consent is obtained, and (iii) how audit results were disclosed to patients.

Results

Seventeen countries/regions invited completed the survey (77%); 65% (11/17) have an audit process for interval cervical cancers. Five perform individual patient reviews; three perform programme-wide review, with calculation of interval cancer detection rates; one routinely performs programme-wide review with calculation of interval cancer detection rates and offers individual reviews, and one routinely performs local hospital-level reviews. In the remaining country/region, hospital laboratories audit cancers, with a national audit process for all cervical cancers. Varying methodologies for retrospective cytology review were employed; four include control samples, with a ratio varying from 1:1 to 1:2. Three conduct a blinded review. Most countries/regions do not discuss interval cancer audit with participants and 3/11 (27.3%) inform women when a cervical cancer audit takes place. Disclosure is limited and variable.

Conclusion

The responses suggest that there is no consistent approach to audit of interval cervical cancers or to disclosure of audit results.
Framing in International Student Recruitment: A Cross-Country Comparison of the Online Corporate Identity of Universities
Authors: van der Rijt Pernill Gerdien Antoinette
Published: December 2021

The global mobility of students is on the rise and the recruitment of international students is high on the agenda of institutions in higher education. By communicating a distinctive corporate identity on their websites, universities can distinguish themselves from competitors and generate a positive image to attract talented international students. In this study, the online corporate identity of top universities in 12 countries is compared by semantic network analyses. This cross-country comparison demonstrates that universities in different countries create a distinctive online corporate identity by using different (combinations of) frames within four identified themes: internal characteristics, student resources, external position and affairs, and corporate citizenship. These insights are useful in the development of communication strategies by universities and national governments.
Development of an Abstraction Tool to Assess Palliative Care Components
Authors: MacMartin Meredith A. , Barnato Amber E.
Published: December 2021

Background: Little is known regarding the fidelity of delivery of guideline-recommended components of palliative care in “real world” encounters. Objective: To develop a qualitative coding framework to identify components of clinical palliative care in clinical documentation across care settings. Design: Retrospective review of palliative care clinical documentation from medical providers, with directed qualitative content analysis to identify components of clinical care documented. Setting/Subjects: Purposively sampled deceased patients seen by palliative care at a US academic medical center between 7/1/2011–7/1/2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome of this work is a coding framework for use in future research. We assessed the robustness of the framework using Cohen’s kappa. Results: We reviewed sixty-two encounters from twenty-six patients. We identified 7 major themes in documentation: (1) addressing physical symptoms, (2) addressing psychological symptoms, (3) establishing illness understanding, (4) supporting decision making, (5) end-of-life planning, (6) understanding psychosocial context, and (7) care coordination. Interrater reliability varied widely between components, with Cohen’s kappa ranging from −.51 to 1. Conclusions: This pilot study provides a coding framework to measure documentation of clinical palliative care components. Several components could not be reliably identified using this framework, suggesting the need for additional measurement strategies.
Project-Oriented Web Scraping in Technical Communication Research
Authors: Gallagher John R. , Beveridge Aaron
Published: December 2021

This article advocates for web scraping as an effective method to augment and enhance technical and professional communication (TPC) research practices. Web scraping is used to create consistently structured and well-sampled data sets about domains, communities, demographics, and topics of interest to TPC scholars. After providing an extended description of web scraping, the authors identify technical considerations of the method and provide practitioner narratives. They then describe an overview of project-oriented web scraping. Finally, they discuss implications for the concept as a sustainable approach to developing web scraping methods for TPC research.
Parents’ Participation in School Health Examinations for Their Adolescent Children in Finland
Authors: Kivimäki Hanne M. , Ståhl Timo P. , Joronen Katja M. , Rimpelä Arja H.
Published: December 2021

Engaging parents in school health examinations can promote adolescents’ well-being. We examined parents’ participation in universal school health examinations in Finland reported by adolescents in school surveys (14 to 16-year-olds, N = 58,232). Further we studied variation between service providers and schools, and student and school-level factors in participation. National data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Less than half of the adolescents reported parents’ participation. The variation between service providers and schools was large. Non-participation was associated with mother's low education, students’ immigrant background, daily health complaints, heavy drinking, and discussion difficulties with parents. Boys and those who did not live with both mother and father had a higher risk for parents’ non-participation. Adolescents with a long-term illness or being bullied reported participation more often. Inviting parents and the school health nurse resource were not associated with participation. Our results raise the question of barriers to participation in health examinations.
Conducting product comparative analysis to outperform competitor’s product using Teardown JST Model
Authors: Jiang Cuiqing , Alqadhi Abdullah , Almesbahi Mahmood
Published: December 2021

Due to the massive number of products being produced every year in every industry, firms have witnessed a tremendous growth in innovation of methods to create a sustainable competitive advantage. For the past decade and with the availability of online consumer reviews, companies and researchers have developed many approaches utilizing electronic Word-of-Mouth to improve and develop products and services to outperform competitors. The purpose of this study is to construct an effective method to perform a better product comparative analysis based on online consumer reviews. We propose a novel framework called Teardown Joint Sentiment-Topic analysis model consisting of a combination of text analytical approaches incorporated with a developed method of the traditional teardown analysis product comparative approach. The proposed approach is fully unsupervised model that employs Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling to form topics which are classified according to their sentiments. Topics are then analyzed against competitive products and critical topics are identified using a developed teardown method. A case study analyzing online customer reviews of competing products in two domains (i.e., mobile phones and surveillance cameras) is conducted. The identified critical topics are further analyzed in view of products’ specifications perspective. We found that the detected aspects of the selected products are indeed critical, and hence, they need to be improved in order to gain a competitive advantage. The significant result of this study shows that the proposed method is effective in conducting products comparative analysis and provides valuable insights into utilizing the consumer reviews for product development.
Effectiveness of Restoration Therapy in an Intensive Model
Authors: Ahlquist Lauren R. , Hargrave Terry D.
Published: December 2021

The present study represents one of the first empirical studies of an intensive model of Restoration Therapy (RT), an integrative couples’ therapy model built on attachment theory, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. We hypothesized that participation in intensive RT would be associated with increased marital satisfaction both at one-month and twenty-four months post-treatment. Using two-year longitudinal self-report data collected from heterosexual, married couples ( N   =   118), the current study's findings extend previous work by demonstrating the effectiveness of RT performed in an intensive model to improve couples’ reported sense of marital satisfaction following completion of the intensive, a result that was sustained twenty-four months after completion of treatment.
A Rare Case of Low-Grade Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Presenting as a Pharyngeal Polyp: Avoiding a Pitfall With Significant Repercussions
Authors: Georgantzoglou Natalia , Green Donald , Lefferts Joel A. , Giannikaki Linda , Chliara Eudoxia , Stavrianaki Anna , Kerr Darcy A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a nonlipogenic sarcoma of variable histological grade that frequently arises in association with a well-differentiated liposarcoma. Dedifferentiation occurs in approximately 10% of well-differentiated liposarcomas and is most commonly encountered in the retroperitoneum. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the upper respiratory tract is an extremely rare occurrence. Herein, we report a very rare case of low-grade dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the pharynx that presented as a polyp mimicking a benign process clinically and microscopically. We discuss the relevant molecular findings and review the current literature.
Squamous Differentiation in the Thyroid: Metaplasia, Neoplasia, or Bystander?
Authors: A. Chambers Meagan , Sadow Peter M. , Kerr Darcy A.
Published: December 2021

Background. Squamous differentiation within the thyroid is seen in a variety of settings. Squamous epithelium is non-native to the thyroid, and its debated origins span reactive metaplasia and developmental/embryologic remnants. Despite a lack of clarity as to its evolution, squamous epithelium may be associated with both neoplastic and non-neoplastic processes. Methods. Thyroid pathology reports spanning a 30-year period were reviewed for terms indicating squamous features. Associated diagnostic and clinical information was collated. Results. Four hundred and twenty seven of 17,452 (2.4%) thyroid surgical pathology cases during this period utilized terminology indicating squamous differentiation including 243 malignant (58%) and 178 benign (42%) diagnoses. There were 111 (26%) primary thyroid malignancies with squamous differentiation, 116 (28%) malignancies of non-thyroid origin including local extension from nearby cancers, and 16 (4%) malignancies of uncertain primary. Most benign lesions were non-neoplastic (84%). The minor subset representing benign neoplasia was interpreted as secondary reactive changes. Conclusion. While squamous differentiation is seen routinely in the thyroid, it is most commonly reported in malignancy. For primary thyroid malignancies reported to demonstrate a squamous component, biologically aggressive tumors were overrepresented. Available evidence suggests that multiple pathways may contribute to the presence of squamous epithelium in the thyroid including metaplasia of mature follicular cells, development from established embryonic remnants, or inception in putative, incompletely characterized stem-like cells. Our retrospective review presents an institutional landscape from which further investigation into the frequency and unique histologic and molecular context of intrathyroidal squamous differentiation as a driver or terminal event in thyroid pathophysiology.
Interpersonal Trauma Among Women and Men Receiving Buprenorphine in Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Martin Caitlin E. , Parlier-Ahmad Anna Beth , Beck Lori , Thomson Nicholas D.
Published: December 2021

People with opioid use disorder (OUD) are vulnerable to negative health outcomes related to substance use and psychosocial issues, such as interpersonal trauma (IPT). Participants receiving buprenorphine completed a cross-sectional survey (July–September 2019). OUD outcomes were prospectively abstracted over a 28-week timeframe. More than a third reported recent IPT (40% women, 36% men). Sexual violence was more common among women than men ( p = .02). For women only, IPT was associated with substance use during follow-up (β = 20.72, 95% CI: 4.24, 37.21). It is important for public health strategies in the opioid crisis to address IPT using sex- and gender-informed approaches.
Multiple Perspectives on How Intimate Partner Violence Surrogate Impact Panels Affect Abusive Partners
Authors: Sackett Kerrigan Kate , Mankowski Eric S.
Published: December 2021

Restorative justice programs, including surrogate impact panels, are increasingly used to address intimate partner violence (IPV) but research has not assessed adequately how panels may affect participating abusive partners. This article reports the perceived impacts of surrogate impact panels on justice-involved individuals (JIIs) who attended a panel as part of their batterer intervention programs (BIPs) using surveys of JIIs ( N = 289) and focus groups or interviews with panelist speakers, JIIs, and BIP providers. Findings suggest that JIIs can connect with speakers, reach new understandings of IPV, and express emotional impact/intent to change. The findings can inform decisions to use panels as part of IPV interventions.
The Intimate Relationship Experiences of Women Engaged in Transactional Sex Work in Barbados
Authors: Kyriakakis Stavroula , Henning Jenna , Goddard-Durant Sadie
Published: December 2021

This phenomenological study, consisting of individual interviews with a sample of 30 women engaged in sex work, examines the intimate relationships of women engaged in sex work in Barbados. Participants often entered relationships with men they met while engaged in sex work. Most experienced relationships that became transactional, abusive, and exploitative. Intimate partner violence (IPV) challenged their ability to negotiate condom use with intimate partners placing them at risk for HIV. A cycle emerged of entering relationships to exit the violent conditions of sex work and then re-entering sex work to escape IPV. Implications for mental health, HIV prevention, IPV, and empowerment services are described.
Application of micropolar theory to the description of the skin effect due to hydrogen saturation
Authors: Frolova Ksenia , Vilchevskaya Elena , Bessonov Nikolay , Müller Wolfgang , Polyanskiy Vladimir , Yakovlev Yuriy
Published: December 2021

A model is proposed for the description of a highly inhomogeneous distribution of hydrogen within a saturated metal specimen (the so-called skin effect due to hydrogen saturation). The model is based on the micropolar continuum approach and results in a nonuniform stress–strain state of a cylindrical metal specimen due to distributed couples or microrotations. The dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the strain energy is considered in order to model stress-induced diffusion. Accumulation of hydrogen within a thin boundary layer results in a highly nonuniform distribution of hydrogen across the specimen. The mutual influence of the stress–strain state and hydrogen accumulation is taken into account. The estimated thickness of the surface layer containing hydrogen is comparable to the thickness observed in experiments. The predicted average concentration coincides with experimental data.
Creativity in the Predominantly Inattentive and Combined Presentations of ADHD in Adults
Authors: Girard-Joyal Olivier , Gauthier Bruno
Published: December 2021

Objective: ADHD and its associated inhibition deficits might promote creativity. However, results in the literature are conflicting, possibly due to the heterogeneity of ADHD. To control for this heterogeneity, creativity, and inhibition were investigated in the predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) and combined (ADHD-C) presentations. Method: Participants were males/females aged 18 to 51, diagnosed with ADHD-I ( n = 21), ADHD-C ( n = 19), or without ADHD ( n = 43). Self-rated Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale and evaluator-rated figural Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) were used for measuring creativity, Stroop task for inhibition, and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales for ADHD symptoms. Results: The ADHD-C group reported higher self-rated creativity than other groups and made more original drawings paired to more abstract titles in the figural TTCT than controls. Conclusion: ADHD-C participants were the most creative. This result was more importantly associated with higher degrees of ADHD symptoms rather than poorer inhibition.