bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid‐ to Late‐Life Time‐Averaged Cumulative Blood Pressure and Late‐Life Retinal Microvasculature: The ARIC Study
Authors: Huang Yiquan , Zhou Huimin , Zhang Shaozhao , Zhong Xiangbin , Lin Yifen , Xiong Zhenyu , Liu Menghui , Yimamu Aili· , Christopher Odong , Zhou Ziwei , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue
Published: July 2022

Background

The associations of time‐averaged cumulative blood pressure (BP) from midlife to late life with microvasculature expressed as retinal vessel diameters is not well studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cumulative systolic BP and diastolic BP (DBP) with retinal vessel calibers, focusing on race differences.

Methods and Results

The analysis included 1818 adults from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study attending the fifth visit (2011–2013; age 77±5 years, 17.1% Black participants). Time‐averaged cumulative BPs were calculated as the sum of averaged BPs from adjacent consecutive visits (visits 1–5) indexed to total observation time (24±1 years). Summarized estimates for central retinal arteriolar equivalent and central retinal venular equivalent at the fifth visit represent average retinal vessel diameters. The arteriole:venule ratio was calculated. We tested for effect modification by race. Results from multiple linear regression models suggested that higher time‐averaged cumulative DBP (β [95% CI] per 1‐SD increase: −1.78 [−2.53, −1.02],
P
<0.001 and −0.005 [−0.009, −0.002],
P
=0.004, respectively) but not systolic BP (−0.52 [−1.30, 0.26],
P
=0.189 and 0.001 [−0.002, 0.005],
P
=0.485, respectively) was associated with smaller central retinal arteriolar equivalent and arteriole:venule ratio. The association between time‐averaged cumulative DBP and arteriole:venule ratio was strongest in White participants (interaction
P
=0.007). The association of cumulative systolic BP and DBP with central retinal venular equivalent was strongest in Black participants (interaction
P
=0.015 and 0.011, respectively).

Conclusions

Exposure to higher BP levels, particularly DBP, from midlife to late life is associated with narrower retinal vessel diameters in late life. Furthermore, race moderated the association of cumulative BP exposure with retinal microvasculature.
Patient-Physician Race Concordance, Physician Decisions, and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Ye Han , Yi Junjian
Published: July 2022

Using administrative data from a large and diverse emergency department (ED), we examine the impact of race concordance between patients and physicians on physician decision-making and patient health outcomes. We find that patient-physician race concordance increases consultation time and decreases the probability of inpatient admission and diagnostic testing. Subsequently, race-concordant patients have lower revisit rates after ED discharge. The effect of race concordance is largely driven by patients who had less serious illnesses and whose diseases had nonspecific symptoms or less clear causes. The results are best explained by the informational and communication mechanism.
Life history traits of spider mites and their relationship: A test of trade-off theory
Authors: LI GUANG-YUN , LI YU-CHUANG , WANG ZI-YING , ZHANG KAI-JUN , LI YA-YING , LIU HUAI
Published: July 2022

Trade-off theory has long been the central to evolutionary biology and is extensively employed to explain the correlations between life-history traits. It is generally accepted that trade-off occurs when one trait cannot increase without a decrease in another. In this study, we collected data on spider mites (70 papers for females and 35 papers for males) and explored the relationships between life-history traits to test the trade-off theory in both sexes. The results demonstrate that for both males and females, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between developmental rate and lifespan, in agreement with the trade-off theory. However, in contradiction with our assumption, the developmental rate of females was positively correlated with maximum daily fecundity, but not with the total fecundity. This indicates that developing fast does not necessarily bring the cost to late life-history traits. The long-lived females also showed higher lifetime fecundity, contrary to our prediction that investment in survival comes at the cost of lower investment in reproduction. These fundings are congruent with life history theory in that spider mites “live fast, die young”, convincing the trade-off between growth and longevity. Nevertheless, this study highlights that there is no clear evidence that spider mites trade off growth and survival for reproduction. The implications of this phenomenon are discussed.
A new species of Hyperlasion Schmitz (Diptera: Sciaridae), causing periodic outbreaks in Japan
Authors: SUEYOSHI MASAHIRO , NAKAMURA SHOKO , MENZEL FRANK
Published: July 2022

A sciarid species, Hyperlasion breviantenna sp. n., is described from Japan. This is the first record of Hyperlasion Schmitz, 1918, from Asia. We compared the molecular sequence data of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region and external morphological characters among congeners and related genera. Morphological features are described and illustrated, and genetic relatedness to selected species with a one-segmented maxillary palpus is shown as a maximum likelihood tree. The DNA barcoding approach revealed that the genetic sequences of Japanese specimens are identical with those of Australian specimens, which have been assigned to the genus Hyperlasion. The new species occurs in outbreaks during the rainy season, June to July, in Japan and is recognized as a nuisance pest. Newly emerged adults appear in the early morning and enter houses, facilities, and public buildings. The biology of the new species is compared with those of H. wasmanni Schmitz, 1918, and Moehnia erema Pritchard, 1960, which have been recorded as occurring in large aggregations with thousands of individuals abroad, based on published biological notes and reports on these species.
Description of twelve new species of the genus Ripeacma Moriuti, Saito & Lewvanich (Lepidoptera: Autostichidae) from China
Authors: XU ZHIXIN , WANG SHUXIA
Published: July 2022

Twelve new species of the genus Ripeacma Moriuti, Saito & Lewvanich, 1985 are described: R. anisopenis sp. nov., R. apicilispina sp. nov., R. bihamatilis sp. nov., R. bitriangulata sp. nov., R. dissectaedeaga sp. nov., R. magnimaculata sp. nov., R. stigmosa sp. nov., R. acerba sp. nov., R. ellipsoidea sp. nov., R. hamatispina sp. nov., R. mediprocessa sp. nov. and R. trilobata sp. nov.; R. chandratati Moriuti, Saito et Lewvanich, 1985 is newly recorded for the Chinese fauna. Images of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided.
A new shallow-water mud crab of the genus Hexapanopeus Rathbun, 1898 from Belize (Crustacea: Decapoda: Panopeidae)
Authors: FELDER DARRYL L. , THOMA BRENT P.
Published: July 2022

A new species of panopeid crab from shallow coastal waters of Belize is formally described and named based upon comparative study of three small specimens obtained in the course of a regional biodiversity survey of decapod crustaceans. The herein designated holotype of Hexapanopeus klausruetzleri n. sp. is a specimen previously included in a comparative molecular phylogenetic analysis that showed it to be closely related to, but genetically distinct from, the western Atlantic species Hexapanopeus angustifrons (Benedict & Rathbun, 1891). Hexapanopeus klausruetzleri n. sp. differs from this widely reported warm-temperate species in both its smoother carapace and pereopod surfaces and its generally more lobiform anterolateral teeth. The unique male first gonopod of the new species also strongly supports its morphological separation from all known congeners and other superficially similar western Atlantic panopeids with which it might be confused. To date, mature females have not been found, and the limited available collections are restricted to the vicinity of Carrie Bow Cay and nearby waters. Fourteen additional species of small panopeid and pseudorhombilid crabs, similar to Hexapanopeus klausruetzleri n. sp. in size and general habitus, were taken in the course of our studies in Belize. Most have not been previously reported from these waters, and several warrant further study to confirm their identifications.
Vertically Resolved Convective–Stratiform Echo-Type Identification and Convectivity Retrieval for Vertically Pointing Radars
Authors: Romatschke Ulrike , Dixon Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Using data from the airborne HIAPER Cloud Radar (HCR), a partitioning algorithm (ECCO-V) that provides vertically resolved convectivity and convective versus stratiform radar-echo classification is developed for vertically pointing radars. The algorithm is based on the calculation of reflectivity and radial velocity texture fields that measure the horizontal homogeneity of cloud and precipitation features. The texture fields are translated into convectivity, a numerical measure of the convective or stratiform nature of each data point. The convective–stratiform classification is obtained by thresholding the convectivity field. Subcategories of low, mid-, and high stratiform, shallow, mid-, deep, and elevated convective, and mixed echoes are introduced, which are based on the melting-layer and divergence-level altitudes. As the algorithm provides vertically resolved classifications, it is capable of identifying different types of vertically layered echoes, and convective features that are embedded in stratiform cloud layers. Its robustness was tested on data from four HCR field campaigns that took place in different meteorological and climatological regimes. The algorithm was adapted for use in spaceborne and ground-based radars, proving its versatility, as it is adaptable not only to different radar types and wavelengths, but also different research applications.
Use of diffusion tensor imaging as a prognostic biomarker after decompression surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Pinto da Silva Fábio Henrique , dos Santos Silva Jonadab , Pereira de Barros Larissa Fidalgo , Souza Renan de Freitas , Landeiro José Alberto , Rueda Lopes Fernanda Cristina , da Silva Marcio Bernardes , Fonseca Giuliana Vasconcelos de Souza , Acioly Marcus André
Published: July 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) has been increasingly applied for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis, but relatively little is known about the effect of CTS treatment on median nerve (MN) integrity and functional outcome prediction.

Purpose

To assess how structural changes in MR-DTI of the MN correlates with symptom severity, functional status, and electrophysiological parameters in patients suffering from CTS before and after decompression surgery.

Material and Methods

Nine wrists were prospectively enrolled to perform MR-DTI pre- and postoperatively. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the MN were examined in three different regions—distal radioulnar joint, pisiform bone, and hamate bone—and correlated with clinical and electrophysiological parameters.

Results

Postoperatively, mean Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores decreased 1.55 points (range = 0.08–3; P = 0.0172) and 1.01 points (−0.13 to 1.88; P = 0.0381) in the symptomatic and functional domains, respectively. Postoperative clinical improvement was reflected in proximal FA elevation ( P = 0.0078), but not in diffusivity in comparison to baseline examination. Preoperative electrophysiological parameters were correlated with a reduction in the pre- (sensory latencies [rho = –0.6826; P = 0.0312]) and postoperative (motor latencies [rho = –0.7488; P = 0.0325]) distal FA values. Higher sensory amplitudes indicated higher postoperative proximal FA values (rho = 0.7618; P = 0.0280) ​​and lower postoperative proximal ADC values (rho = –0.9047; P = 0.0020).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that pre- and postoperative proximal FA values are useful biomarkers for the structural evaluation of the MN in patients with CTS. Symptomatic improvement can be better predicted by analyzing FA changes.
T1rho, T2, and T2* relaxation time based on grading of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Takashima Hiroyuki , Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Ogon Izaya , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Imamura Rui , Akatsuka Yoshihiro , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies have explored the biochemical changes of disc degeneration and its relevance in low back pain using various quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. However, quantitative evaluation of intervertebral disc (IVD) with MRI such as T1rho, T2, and T2* have not been previously analyzed and compared directly in the same patients.

Purpose

To investigate T1rho, T2, and T2* of IVD degeneration in the same patients, reveal the correlation coefficients of these values, and evaluate which values are more sensitive to detect the degree of IVD degeneration.

Material and Methods

The participants were 55 patients who underwent MRI examinations which the investigator classified the degree of IVD degeneration according to the Pfirrmann classification. The T1rho, T2, and T2* values of IVD were analyzed for their classification and were compared.

Results

T1rho, T2, and T2* values were 74.3 ± 7.1, 61.2 ± 6.7, and 46.5 ± 16.3 ms (grade II); 61.6 ± 11.8, 48.9 ± 8.2, and 34.1 ± 11.8 ms (grade III); 50.8 ± 10.8, 38.9 ± 9.8, and 25.4 ± 8.1 ms, (grade IV); 44.5 ± 13.3, 34.8 ± 9.5, and 11.2 ± 6.6 ms (grade V), respectively. Those values significantly decreased with increasing grades, but T1rho and T2 values for grades IV and V were not different.

Conclusion

The T1rho and T2 values were excellent for the evaluation of initial to moderate IVD degeneration with water and proteoglycan content. In contrast, the T2* value was suitable for detailed evaluation of progressive IVD, even with poor water content.
“No pain, no gain”: The impact of autonomous sensory meridian response on pain perception
Authors: Janik McErlean Agnieszka B. , Ellis Lucy , Walsh Joseph
Published: July 2022

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a phenomenon characterised by a static-like tingling sensation spreading from the scalp and neck to the periphery in response to a variety of audio, visual, and tactile triggers resulting in a highly relaxed state and boosted positive affect. The limited literature on this phenomenon points to a potential of ASMR to alleviate pain. Emerging evidence also suggests that ASMR may be linked to increased sensory sensitivity more broadly. This study aimed to objectively address these claims by administering an algometer (measure of pain tolerance), and a visual analog scale (VAS) (measure of subjective pain sensitivity) to ASMR experiencers and controls at baseline, following an ASMR video, and a control video. Findings indicate that ASMR experiencers have a higher pain sensitivity than controls; however, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of pain tolerance. In addition, any potential analgesic properties associated with experiencing ASMR may reflect protective properties of ASMR buffering against the increased pain sensitivity among ASMR experiencers relative to controls.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on the Experience of Probation Officers in Managing People With Antisocial Personality Disorder
Authors: Lad Sunil , Walker Kate
Published: July 2022

People who are managed by the National Probation Service and convicted of high risk offences will often meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder and have complex psychosocial needs; this group of people present with high risk behavior which may professionals have been reluctant to work with in the past who are associated with higher rates of recidivism. This study investigated the experiences of probation officers in managing people who meet the criteria for Anti Social Personality Disorder. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six participants to capture their experiences of working with this population, the challenges they faced, and coping mechanisms employed, through analysis using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes were identified which revealed participants internal feeling, strategies employed, and external challenges. They spoke about internal negative feelings, specifically feeling controlled, having mistrust, a lack of confidence, being overwhelmed with emotion, and experiencing a fear of risk behaviors. Other themes involved external pressures as well as different coping responses. Implications are discussed to help probation officers to understand this population, for the organization to support staff to work with challenging behaviors and prevent burn out, to enable positive outcomes, and for potentially reducing reoffending.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Placebo Effect and its Correlates in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Mohamadi Safoura , Ahmadzad-Asl Masoud , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Jabbarinejad Roxana , Mirbehbahani Seyed Hamidreza , Sinyor Mark , Richter Margaret A. , Davoudi Farnoush
Published: July 2022

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a major mental health condition with a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.3% among adults. While placebo effects are well described for conditions such as depressive and anxiety disorders, they have not been systematically characterized in OCD.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the impact of placebos in improving different symptom domains in patients with OCD.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases/search engine from inception to January 2021 for randomized controlled trials of treatments for OCD with a placebo arm. A modified Cohen's effect size (ES) was calculated using change in baseline to endpoint scores for different measurement scales within placebo arms to estimate placebo effects and to investigate their correlates by random-effects model meta-analyses.

Results

Forty-nine clinical trials (placebo group n  =  1993), reporting 80 OCD specific (153 measures in general) were included in the analysis. Overall placebo ES (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.32 (0.22–0.41) on OCD symptoms, with substantial heterogeneity (I-square = 96.1%). Among secondary outcomes, general scales, ES: 0.27 (95%CI: 0.14–0.41), demonstrated higher ES than anxiety and depression scales, ES: 0.14 (95%CI: −0.4 to 0.32) and 0.05 (95%CI: −0.05 to 0.14), respectively. Clinician-rated scales, ES: 0.27(95%CI: 0.20–0.34), had a higher ES than self-reported scales, ES: 0.07 (95%CI: −0.08 to 0.22). More recent publication year, larger placebo group sample size, shorter follow-up duration, and younger age of participants were all associated with larger placebo ES. Egger's test reflected possible small-study effect publication bias ( P  =  0.029).

Conclusion

Placebo effects are modest in OCD trials and are larger in clinician ratings, for younger patients, and early in the treatment course. These findings underscore the need for clinicians and scientists to be mindful of placebo effects when formulating treatments or research trials for OCD.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO CRD42019125979.
An Exploratory Study of Pre-Service Teachers’ Evidence-Based Practice Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Authors: Noyes Amira , Ritchie Krista C. , King Sara
Published: July 2022

It is important to understand the readiness of pre-service teachers (PSTs) to use evidence-based practices (EBP) upon entering the field. This study had two objectives: (1) pilot a measure of EBP previously validated with health professional students (EBP-KAP), and (2) investigate PSTs’ knowledge and perceptions of EBP. Fifty-seven PSTs completed the EBP-KAP. Participants’ self-reported knowledge of EBP was significantly greater than their attitudes toward and current use of EBP. PSTs in their first year of training had more positive attitudes toward EBP than PSTs in their second year. Implications for training and practice are discussed.
Curriculum, Theory, and Practice: Exploring Nurses’ and Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Caring for the Older Adults in Canada
Authors: Mohamed Amany Farag Hassan , DeCoito Isha
Published: July 2022

Background

Caring for older adults is among the most challenging issue of public health and social care systems in modern societies. By enhancing the nursing curriculum, nursing students will be qualified to provide gerontology care, and they will be acknowledging and working to eliminate ageism from the health care system.

Purpose

This study explores nurses’ and nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes in caring for older adults and addresses the factors contributing to nurses’ perspectives. It also examines the nursing curriculum's contributions to nurses’ knowledge and attitudes and provides suggestions aimed at reconfiguring the nursing curriculum for comprehensive gerontology nursing care.

Methods

A mixed-method research design was utilized, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 90 nurses and nursing students through an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS and NVivo 12 software programs.

Results

The results revealed that most nurses possess neutral attitudes toward caring for older patients, and their knowledge ranged from average to above-average levels. Statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between gender and nurses’ attitudes or between gender and knowledge. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between work status and nurses’ attitudes. Results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between nurses’ attitudes and knowledge level. This study demonstrated the positive impact of the Canadian nursing curriculum on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes.

Conclusion

The current study recommends providing gerontology nursing courses as a mandatory separate course in nursing education to enhance nursing students’ knowledge and skills for high-quality gerontology nursing care.
Investigation on mechanical properties of ZTA+ Cr3C2 + Ni reinforced EN31 steel-based composite material: Micromechanical finite-element analysis
Authors: Saxena Ambuj , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Kaushik Abhishek , Sharma Shubham
Published: July 2022

The present investigation deals with the development of EN31 steel-based metal matrix composite material under the ultrasonic vibration effect by providing 20 kHz frequency. In the process of the development of composite material, primary and secondary reinforcement has been taken as zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) and Cr3C2 (chromium (II) carbide), respectively. The Ni has also been taken as dissolving reinforcement material and its weight percentage (wt.%) is kept constant at 2.5%. The variation in ZTA weight percentage was selected between 1.25% and 10%. Furthermore, the weight percentage of Cr3C2 has been kept constant (2.5 wt.%) throughout the development of different composite samples. The microstructural investigation indicated the fair distribution of reinforcement particles up to the 3.75 wt.% of ZTA, developed with the ultrasonic vibration effect. Furthermore, the addition of 2.5 wt.% of nickel in the EN31 steel has improved the wettability of ZTA and Cr3C2 particles. The best values of hardness (254.22 BHN) and tensile strength (892.15 MPa) were achieved with the composition of EN31/3.75 wt.% ZTA/2.5 wt.% Cr3C2/2.5 wt.% Ni composite material sample. Furthermore, the tensile strength and hardness of EN31 steel matrix material were improved by about 45.065% and 100.36% respectively. The addition of ZTA and Cr3C2 decreases the ductility of EN31 steel matrix material. The addition of 2.5wt.% Ni powder with ZTA+ Cr3C2 improved the ductility of EN31 steel. The results revealed that the mechanical properties (tensile strength, hardness, and ductility) of the developed composite material were further improved after performing the heat treatment process. Furthermore, an approach has been made to investigate the micro-mechanical deformation of EN31/3.75 wt.% ZTA/2.5 wt.% Cr3C2 metal matrix composite representative volume element (size: 225 × 225 × 225 nm) with finite-element analysis (FEA). The maximum stress (895.60 MPa) is generated at matrix–particle interfaces, which is the main reason for failure. The percentage difference between FEA and experimental results was less than 10%.
The Evolution of Cognitive Control in Lemurs
Authors: De Petrillo Francesca , Nair Parvathy , Cantwell Averill , Rosati Alexandra G.
Published: July 2022

Cognitive control, or executive function, is a key feature of human cognition, allowing individuals to plan, acquire new information, or adopt new strategies when the circumstances change. Yet it is unclear which factors promote the evolution of more sophisticated executive-function abilities such as those possessed by humans. Examining cognitive control in nonhuman primates, our closest relatives, can help to identify these evolutionary processes. Here, we developed a novel battery to experimentally measure multiple aspects of cognitive control in primates: temporal discounting, motor inhibition, short-term memory, reversal learning, novelty responses, and persistence. We tested lemur species with targeted, independent variation in both ecological and social features (ruffed lemurs, Coquerel’s sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs, and mongoose lemurs; N = 39) and found that ecological rather than social characteristics best predicted patterns of cognitive control across these species. This highlights the importance of integrating cognitive data with species’ natural history to understand the origins of complex cognition.
Role of Neurosonography in Critically Ill Neonates in NICU
Authors: Rao Rupesh , Taksande Amar , Saqqaf Syed Athhar , Yedve Sachin , Kumar Sneh
Published: July 2022

Background

Neurosonography has been commonly used for screening in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), for early detection of defects in the central nervous system (CNS) which include findings like intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, and other structural abnormalities.

Aim

To detect the CNS abnormality in critically ill neonates by neurosonography.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study done in the NICU of AVBR Hospital, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. Neonates were defined as “critically ill” after taking their detailed history and performing a complete physical examination. Following this, the newborns who fulfilled the studies’ inclusion criteria were subjected to neurosonogram. The following factors were considered: gestational age, clinical examination, investigations, neurosonography findings, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 150 critically ill newborns were subjected to neurosonography, 24 of them had abnormal findings. There was a significant correlation of gestational weeks, mode of delivery, and diagnosis of critically ill neonates with abnormal neurosonography ( P = .000, P = .000, and P = .000). Prematurity was the most common diagnosis followed by meningitis. A total of 16% of the newborns had abnormal results in neurosonography. About 6.67% of these had hydrocephalus, 5.34% had an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), 1.34% had periventricular echogenicity, 0.66% had cerebral edema, 0.67% had germinal matrix hemorrhage, and 0.66% had brain abscess. A total of 109 (72.67%) participants in the study had a positive outcome at the time of discharge from NICU; whereas, 27 (18%) unfortunately did not survive.

Conclusion

Neurosonography is thus a valuable, safe, and effective diagnostic tool used for screening critically ill neonates for abnormalities of the brain.
Mild forms of thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel
Authors: Garcia de Herreros Marta , Esposito Francis , Sauri Tamara , Font Carme
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an uncommon complication that may occur in cancer patients usually as an expression of cancer-associated coagulopathy or due to drug-related toxicity. The clinical spectrum of TMA may vary from an incidental laboratory finding in cancer outpatients to potentially severe life-threatening clinical forms with organ involvement requiring prompt recognition and multidisciplinary evaluation.

Case Reports

We present the clinical characteristics and outcomes of four patients with advanced pancreatic cancer with acute non-immune intravascular haemolysis compatible with microangiopathic acute haemolytic anaemia associated with mild thrombocytopenia during long-term gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treatment.

Management and Outcomes

Abnormal blood parameters (all four cases) and renal involvement (one case) were reversed with a conservative approach and chemotherapy discontinuation. One patient required a short hospitalization while the other three were managed as outpatients. The rapid reversibility of the blood abnormalities supported gemcitabine dose-related toxicity as the most likely aetiologic mechanism and demonstrates the current challenges in daily long-term cancer survivor care.

Discussion

Clinicians must take into account TMA in the differential diagnosis of acute anaemia with or without thrombocytopenia and organ damage, since adequate recognition and early treatment discontinuation allow effective outpatient management and favourable patient outcomes.
A propensity score-matched comparison of patient satisfaction following periacetabular osteotomy or total hip arthroplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip in an Asian cohort
Authors: Harada Tetsunari , Hamai Satoshi , Shiomoto Kyohei , Hara Daisuke , Motomura Goro , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: July 2022

Background:

No studies have compared patient satisfaction between periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Asian cohorts.

Methods:

Multivariate analyses were applied to determine whether patient demographics and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were correlated with postoperative patient satisfaction in 737 DDH patients (251 PAO and 486 THA patients). Additionally, postoperative patient satisfaction, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and sports participation were compared between propensity-matched PAO and THA patients for OA secondary to DDH (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II: 32 PAO and 16 THA patients, grade III: 20 PAO and 40 THA patients).

Results:

Of the 737 patients, 663 patients (90%) were postoperatively satisfied. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that THA was positively correlated with patient satisfaction. Furthermore, high postoperative OHS-pain, OHS-ADL, and UCLA scores were positively correlated with satisfaction. In propensity-matched PAO and THA patients, PAO elicited greater patient satisfaction than THA for KL grade II OA secondary to DDH, with comparable postoperative OHS (including the pain and ADL subscale), UCLA score, and sports participation rate. In contrast, THA resulted in better satisfaction and OHS-pain for KL grade III OA secondary to DDH, with comparable postoperative OHS-ADL, UCLA score, and sports participation rate in the 2 surgeries.

Conclusions:

Both PAO and THA procedures offer distinct patient satisfaction advantages based on preoperative OA severity. These findings can assist in the clinical decision-making process for the surgical treatment of middle-aged patients with symptomatic DDH.
(Dis)assembling mental health through apps: The sociomaterialities of young adults’ experiences
Authors: Flore Jacinthe
Published: July 2022

Typically free, accessible on-demand and easy to use, smartphone-based applications (apps) targeting mental health have expanded in recent years. This article discusses a qualitative research study with 14 young adults aged 18 to 25 years old who use apps to understand, track, and monitor their mental health. I present four vignettes drawn from a screenshot elicitation and a qualitative interview that sought to explore what is significant, socially and materially, for young adults in their usage of apps for their mental health. In this article, I examine how apps transform, interrupt, and mediate young adults’ understandings and experiences of mental (ill) health. The analysis draws on sociomaterialism to demonstrate how, at a time when digital mental health is expanding, mental (ill) health is assembled and disassembled with and through apps, and users’ experiences are enmeshed in affective intensities and entangled with technology.
A rare neuromyelitis optica mimic: Primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma
Authors: Rogawski David S , Nirschl Jeffrey J , McDonald Jamie , Nie Esther , Schwartz Nicholas U , Vogel Hannes , Scott Brian J , Gold Carl A , Kipp Lucas B
Published: July 2022

Primary central nervous system (CNS) histiocytic sarcoma is a rare hematolymphoid malignancy with features of mature histiocytes and carries a poor prognosis. We describe a unique case in which a 50-year-old woman presented with recurrent acute brainstem syndrome, area postrema syndrome, and myelitis with corresponding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions meeting diagnostic criteria for seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Despite initial improvement with steroids and plasma exchange, she experienced recurrent symptoms over 10 months referable to new and persistently enhancing lesions. At autopsy, neuropathology revealed a diffusely infiltrative primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma. This case represents a rare clinicoradiologic mimic of NMOSD, underscoring the importance of evaluation for infiltrative diseases in cases of atypical seronegative NMOSD.
Pedagogic tasks in digital games: Effects of feedback conditions and individual characteristics on learning request-making
Authors: Taguchi Naoko , Dixon Daniel H. , Qin Yuqing , Chen Ying
Published: July 2022

We investigated the extent to which English learners developed knowledge of pragmatically-appropriate request-making forms through task-based gameplay involving virtual dialogues with fictional professors, employers, and friends on a virtual US campus. The digital game presents players with several scenarios, asking them to select the most appropriate dialogue option given a situation presented in both text and video. Depending on their dialogue choice, one of three videos plays depicting an authentic reaction to the option selected (e.g. happily accepting the request; refusing the request with dismay). Undergraduate students at a Chinese university ( n = 105) played the game involving 10 hypothetical request-making scenarios. Two versions of the game were developed. In one version, participants were only given one opportunity to watch a single reaction video while the second version allowed selection of multiple request forms and viewing multiple reaction videos. Regardless of the game version, participants improved their productive knowledge of request-making after playing the game and maintained knowledge at the delayed posttest, even though their receptive knowledge showed no improvement. Higher English proficiency had a positive impact on their immediate gains in productive knowledge, while motivation to learn English had a negative impact on receptive knowledge.
Association between unmet post-arrival expectations and psychological symptoms in recently arrived refugees
Authors: Allinson Claire H. , Berle David
Published: July 2022

Thwarted expectations regarding one's post-settlement life may challenge the mental health of refugees. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre-arrival expectations and the course of psychological symptoms across time. A secondary analysis of 1,496 principal visa applicants across five waves of the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) study was conducted. The cross-sectional associations between expectations on the one hand, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD-8) symptoms and psychological distress (Kessler-6; K6) on the other, were assessed using multiple regression. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to identify discrete symptom trajectories of psychological symptoms across five years following settlement, and multinomial regressions were used to determine if violated expectations predicted membership of identified PTSD-8 and K6 class trajectories. LCGA supported a four-class solution for the PTSD-8 “Resilient Post Traumatic Stress (PTS)” (54.1%), “Improving PTS” (15.0%), “Deteriorating PTS” (17.3%), and “Persistently High PTS” (13.6%). For the K6, three classes were identified: “Persistently Mild K6” (60.4%), “Resilient K6” (9.4%), and “Persistently High K6” (30.2%). Thwarted expectations were found to significantly predict membership of less favourable symptom trajectories classes in the context of other established predictors. Post-settlement expectations may thus have weak but unique predictive value for the course of psychological symptoms alongside other factors such as older age and financial stress. Implications of these findings for service provision and policy are discussed.
The beyond a reasonable doubt standard of proof: Juror understanding and reform
Authors: Smith Olivia K. H.
Published: July 2022

The beyond a reasonable doubt (BARD) standard of proof is the foundation of criminal court proceedings in the U.S. However, both empirical and field studies alike demonstrate that jurors do not correctly interpret and apply the standard. Misinterpretations of the standard can have large implications for criminal defendants on trial. Thus, researchers and legal scholars have attempted to clarify the standard through various methods (e.g. quantification, reasoning, linguistic simplification, and procedural changes), and some of these methods have promising features. The purpose of the current review is to provide a comprehensive overview of these proposals and determine future directions for researchers and legal practitioners.
‘I know something you don’t know’: The asymmetry of ‘strategic intelligence’ and the great perils of asymmetric alliances
Authors: Chang Kiyoung
Published: July 2022

Given that South Korea is a reliant consumer of the United States’ ‘strategic intelligence’ concerning North Korea’s imminent threat, this article assumes an asymmetric market for trading such information between the two allied states. Based on the autonomy–security trade-off model, South Korea may purchase the United States’ strategic intelligence about North Korea’s threat at the cost of its political autonomy. When South Korea does not offer sufficient policy concessions, however, the United States has more incentive to transmit ‘low-quality information’ because the recipient cannot challenge its authenticity, and this information may bolster the opposition parties in South Korean politics by signalling the current Korean leadership’s poor performance in the national security arena. Given the United States’ control over strategic intelligence, South Korea faces the risk of being manipulated to make policy decisions that are at odds with its own interests, but may serve US interests.
Mid-life alcohol consumption and survival to age 90 in men: The Tromsø Study 1979–1980 with follow-up to 2019
Authors: Brenn Tormod , Løvsletten Ola
Published: July 2022

Aims:

The Tromsø Study 1979–1980 collected information on alcohol (beer, wine and spirits) consumption frequency and inebriation frequency, and the oldest male participants (aged 50–54 years) were followed for all-cause mortality. This study aimed to identify the impact of habitual alcohol consumption in mid-life on reaching up to 90 years of age.

Results:

Among the study sample of 778, a total of 120 (15.4%) men reached the age of 90. The most common reported alcohol consumption frequency was ‘never or a few times a year’, and 18.9% of those in this group reached 90 compared with 11.9% of those who reported a more frequent beer consumption. Fifty per cent survival in these groups was 80.5 and 76.9 years, respectively. The pattern was similar for spirits consumption and for inebriation but not for wine consumption. Number of deaths increased gradually with increasing beer and spirits consumption frequency and with inebriation frequency. We observed no J-shape or pattern that revealed a beneficial influence of light alcohol consumption. Daily smoking, physical inactivity, marital status, blood pressure and total cholesterol reduced the contribution of alcohol consumption to a small degree.

Conclusions:

This study shows that all beer and spirits consumption frequencies in mid-life affect later life and total lifespan. Refraining from alcohol consumption or drinking only a few times a year increases one’s chances of living longer, and the chance of reaching 90 years of age is 1.6-fold higher than in those with more frequent alcohol consumption.
Self-assessed outcomes following double fascicular nerve transfer for elbow flexion
Authors: Brown Hazel , Quick Tom
Published: July 2022

Background

Double fascicular nerve transfer (DFT) is often performed to re-animate the elbow flexors. Studies of motor recovery following this surgery have exclusively reported on the objective outcome of muscle power. Questionnaire studies allow researchers and clinicians to learn from patients and better direct care towards their needs. To date, no research has focused on self-assessed recovery following DFT for elbow flexion.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study aimed to give an account of patient-assessed outcomes following DFT. The bespoke questionnaire included: (a) self-reported strength and (b) the Stanmore percentage of normal elbow assessment.

Results

Sixty-two patients participated in the study. Participants were grouped according to time post-surgery. Statistical analysis confirmed that data were comparable between groups ( p=0.10).

Self-assessed strength

Median scores were 0.5 kg <2 years post-surgery, 3 kg at 2 to 5 years, 2 kg at 5 to 8 years and 1.3 kg in the >8 years group.

Stanmore Percentage of Normal Elbow Assessment

Mean scores (%) were 35 (SD ± 25) <2 years, 56 (SD ± 31) at 2 to 5 years, 44 (SD ± 25) at 5 to 8 years and 46 (SD ± 29) >8 years groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study of self-assessed recovery following DFT. Scores peaked around 4 years post-operation. Future research should focus on the long-term self-reported outcome of nerve transfer surgery.
State naloxone co-prescribing laws show mixed effects on overdose mortality rates
Authors: Duska MaryKate , Rhoads Jared M. , Saunders Elizabeth C. , Onega Tracy
Published: July 2022

Objective

To examine the relative changes in opioid overdose mortality rates between states that have and have not adopted naloxone co-prescribing laws.

Methods

We performed a synthetic control analysis. National Vital Statistics data for the years 2012–2018 were analysed, and five states with naloxone co-prescribing laws were examined: Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. Opioid overdose-related deaths were identified through cause-of-death ICD-10 codes.

Results

Our pooled analysis for all opioid-related deaths showed no significant changes in opioid-related mortality rates in treated states, post naloxone co-prescribing law adoption (−0.05; 95% CI: −0.43, 0.33). Rates of other and unspecified narcotic-related mortality rates in Rhode Island were found to have decreased post-law adoption (−0.13; 95% CI: −0.25, −0.00).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that naloxone co-prescribing laws were not associated with changes to overall opioid overdose mortality rates, post-law adoption, during the study period. However, Rhode Island did see a decrease in other and unspecified narcotic-related mortality rates post-law adoption. This is perhaps due to the comprehensive nature of the state's law. As overall rates of naloxone co-prescribing remain low, interventions to enhance naloxone prescribing and distribution may be necessary for co-prescribing laws to impact opioid-related mortality rates.
Examining Key Technologies Among Academic Patents Through an Analysis of Standard-Essential Patents
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao
Published: July 2022

With the growing focus and development on the industrialization of the research and development (R&D) outcomes of universities, academic patents have witnessed significant growth in recent years. However, previous development directions for the technologies of academic patents have mostly focused on patents approved by or applied for with major patent offices; few have examined from the perspective of standard-essential patents (SEPs). This study examined key technologies of academic SEPs through network analysis. The findings revealed that most of the key technologies of academic SEPs are involved in wireless communication networks and the transmission of digital information, electric digital data processing, control or regulating systems, and secret communication systems. Among these, secret communication systems are key technologies in academia, and more scientific research resources should be invested in secret communication R&D in the future. In addition, the key technologies of academic SEPs have changed; specifically, image coding technology has undergone major developments. Accordingly, this study developed a key technology network model for academic standard-essential patents to verify those academic technologies that are vital to industrial applications.
Influence of firing temperature and duration on the hardness of dental zirconia for optimum selection of sintering conditions
Authors: Al-Surkhi Omar , Hamad Zeina
Published: July 2022

Objective:

In order to optimize the properties of dental zirconia, the sintering process involves firing zirconia to elevated temperatures for an extended time that can take several hours. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of firing temperature and firing duration on the hardness of dental zirconia to indicate the optimum sintering conditions.

Methods:

Thirty-six zirconia specimens in shape of bars were randomly assigned to nine groups. The zirconia specimen groups were sintered using a sintering furnace with different firing temperatures (900°C, 1200°C, and 1800°C) and firing durations (6, 9, and 12 h). A total of 108 hardness measurements were conducted for all specimens (12 hardness readings per group). For each of the specimen groups, micro Vickers hardness test was performed using a load of 1 Kgf (9.807 N) and the Vickers hardness number was computed. Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to examine the significant differences on Vickers hardness number HV among the specimen groups according to the firing parameters with 0.005 p-value used as an indicator.

Results:

Results suggest that there is an association between the increase in the hardness number and the increase in firing duration at a given firing temperature. The results also indicate that there is an association between the increase in the hardness number and increase in firing temperature at a given firing duration.

Conclusions:

The greatest rate of hardness increase with time is associated with groups of firing temperature 1200°C. The highest rate of hardness increase with temperature happened during the first 6 h of sintering process. On the other hand, there is no significant increase in the hardness number when increasing the firing temperature beyond 1200°C.