bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of WISC-IV Verbal Scales: A Study of Students in China Who Are Blind
Authors: Chen Xiaomeng , Lu Minghui , Bu Wenfeng , Wang Li , Wang Yuru , Xu Yulin , Zhong Mingbo
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Numerous studies have investigated the use of Wechsler tests on individuals with visual impairments. However, few studies have examined the utilization of the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) for such individuals. This study investigated the reliability and validity of the WISC-IV Verbal Scales’ (i.e., the Verbal Comprehension Index [VCI] and the Working Memory Index [WMI]) scores for children with blindness in China.

Methods:

One hundred children with blindness were assessed using the Chinese version of the WISC-IV Verbal and Nonverbal Cognitive Development Scales.

Results:

The results of this study generally support the internal consistency reliability and validity of WISC-IV Verbal Scale scores for Chinese children who are blind. The split-half reliability coefficients ranged from .79 to .97, while Cronbach’s alpha or KR-20 (KR-20 is a measure of internal consistency reliability for measures with dichotomous choices) reliability coefficients ranged from .83 to .97. In terms of construct validity through exploratory factor analysis, the subtests of the WISC-IV Verbal Scale were confirmed to belong to VCI or the WMI as intended by the original structure of the WISC-IV. The convergent validity showed that the VCI and WMI scores were moderately and positively correlated with the Nonverbal Cognitive Development Scale.

Discussion:

The WISC-IV VCI and WMI were found to be valuable instruments for assessing the cognitive abilities of students in China with blindness. Finally, the limitations and significance of the study were also discussed.

Implications for practitioners:

The WISC-IV Verbal Scales may be used to assess the cognitive abilities of the numerous students in China who are blind and may be used as one of many tests to provide reference information for educational placement, educational planning, employment, and project evaluation.
Nasal Maggot Infection in a Patient With Nasal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Ou Jing , Huang Yan
Published: July 2021

We describe a case of nasal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 79-year-old Chinese patient accompany with nasal myiasis. The first 2 biopsies in this case were false negative. Subsequently, nasal maggots developed in this patient. After removing all maggots under nasal endoscopy, the patient continued to have recurrent fever and was transferred to a higher hospital for further treatment, in which he received a third biopsy. Unfortunately, several hours after the biopsy, the patient died for severe nasal bleeding. The final biopsy result indicated the neoplasm of the left nasal cavity was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This case illustrates the importance of repeated biopsies for nasal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma if necessary. Nasal myiasis is a secondary disease of nasal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in this case.
Ultrasonographic Detection of Vascularity of Focal Breast Lesions: Microvascular Imaging Versus Conventional Color and Power Doppler Imaging
Authors: Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo , Orlando Alessia Angela Maria , Schillaci Maria Ilenia , Spatafora Luigi , Marco Mariangela Di , Matranga Domenica , Firenze Alberto , Cirino Alessandra , Ienzi Raffaele
Published: July 2021

To compare microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) to conventional Color-Doppler (CDI) and Power-Doppler (PDI) imaging in the detection of vascularity of Focal Breast Lesions (FBLs). A total of 180 solid FBLs (size: 3.5–45.2 mm) detected in 180 women (age: 21–87 years) were evaluated by means of CDI, PDI, and MVFI. Two blinded reviewers categorized lesion vascularity in absent or present, and vascularity pattern as (a) internal; (b) vessels in rim; (c) combined. The presence of a “penetrating vessel” was assessed separately. Differences in vascularization patterns (chi2 test) and intra- and inter-observer agreement (Fleiss method) were calculated. ROC analysis was performed to assess performance of each technique in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. About 103/180 (57.2%) FBLs were benign and 77/180 (42.8%) were malignant. A statistically significant ( p < .001) increase in blood flow detection was observed for both readers with MVFI in comparison to either CDI or PDI. Benign FBLs showed mainly absence of vascularity ( p  = .02 and p  = .01 for each reader, respectively), rim pattern ( p < .001 for both readers) or combined pattern ( p = .01 and p = .04). Malignant lesions showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of internal flow pattern ( p < .001 for both readers). The prevalence of penetrating vessels was significantly higher with MVFI in comparison to either CDI or PDI ( p < .001 for both readers) and in the malignant FBLs ( p < .001). ROC analysis showed MVFI (AUC = 0.70, 95%CI = [0.64–0.77]) more accurate than CDI (AUC = 0.67, 95%CI = [0.60–0.74]) and PDI (AUC = 0.67, 95%CI = [0.60–0.74]) though not significantly ( p = .5436). Sensitivity/Specificity values for MVFI, PDI, and CDI were 76.6%/64.1%, 59.7%/73.8% and 58.4%/74.8%, respectively. Inter-reader agreement with MVFI was always very good ( k-score 0.85–0.96), whereas with CDI and PDI evaluation ranged from good to very good. No differences in intra-observer agreement were noted. MVFI showed a statistically significant increase in the detection of the vascularization of FBLs in comparison to Color and Power-Doppler.
Yellow Fever’s Historical Lessons for COVID-19: International Interventions and Disease Control in Early Twentieth-century Ecuador and Guatemala
Authors: Carey David
Published: July 2021

Throughout tropical urban Latin America, yellow fever wreaked havoc. Located at sea level, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Puerto Barrios (Guatemala) were particularly susceptible to yellow fever; yet, Ecuadorians and Guatemalans enjoyed significant success in early twentieth-century campaigns against yellow fever. Reflecting international efforts that informed, collaborated with, and at times underwrote Latin American public health campaigns, the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) sent representatives to Guatemala and Ecuador in the mid-1910s to eradicate yellow fever. While those interventions enjoyed immediate success, the long-term effects were more ambiguous. By collaborating with RF, Ecuador had all but eradicated yellow fever by 1919. In Guatemala, however, a few months after RF declared Guatemala free of yellow fever, influenza struck, likely originating from US military camps in Guatemala that RF sought to shield from yellow fever.

 Analysis of early twentieth-century yellow fever epidemics and campaigns to arrest them sheds light on COVID-19 pandemic challenges. Even as knowledge of disease etiology was evolving in Ecuador and Guatemala, most leaders accepted or at least did not publicly reject scientific medicine. In contrast, beginning with the most powerful politicians and filtering down throughout federal, state, and municipal authorities, many US leaders rejected science crucial to the campaigns against COVID-19. Similarly, in a pattern that resonates with US residents rejecting precautionary measures against COVID-19 such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance, compliance with anti-yellow fever campaigns was not always forthcoming.
Parenting an Adolescent Who is Using a Mental Health Service: A Qualitative Study on Perceptions and Management of Stigma
Authors: McKeague Lynn , Hennessy Eilis , O’Driscoll-Lawrie Claire , Heary Caroline
Published: July 2021

Supporting an adolescent who has an emotional or behavioural disorder is challenging for parents. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study of parents’ perceptions of stigma associated with parenting an adolescent with a diagnosis of ADHD or depression. 40 parents (28 mothers and 12 fathers) took part in semi-structured interviews. The interview guide focussed on their parenting experience in social contexts such as interactions with friends, family and the wider community, and perceptions of their own parenting abilities and experiences. Thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data. Parents felt that other people held ill-informed or dismissive views of what their child’s disorder entailed; they experienced parental self-blame; they engaged in efforts to normalize their child’s experiences and they reported being selective in deciding whether to talk to others about their child’s diagnosis. The implications of the findings for addressing stigma are discussed.
Curated Data In — Trustworthy In Silico Models Out: The Impact of Data Quality on the Reliability of Artificial Intelligence Models as Alternatives to Animal Testing
Authors: Alves Vinicius M. , Auerbach Scott S. , Kleinstreuer Nicole , Rooney John P. , Muratov Eugene N. , Rusyn Ivan , Tropsha Alexander , Schmitt Charles
Published: July 2021

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that employ artificial intelligence (AI) for predicting adverse effects of chemicals have generated optimistic expectations as alternatives to animal testing. However, the major underappreciated challenge in developing robust and predictive AI models is the impact of the quality of the input data on the model accuracy. Indeed, poor data reproducibility and quality have been frequently cited as factors contributing to the crisis in biomedical research, as well as similar shortcomings in the fields of toxicology and chemistry. In this article, we review the most recent efforts to improve confidence in the robustness of toxicological data and investigate the impact that data curation has on the confidence in model predictions. We also present two case studies demonstrating the effect of data curation on the performance of AI models for predicting skin sensitisation and skin irritation. We show that, whereas models generated with uncurated data had a 7–24% higher correct classification rate (CCR), the perceived performance was, in fact, inflated owing to the high number of duplicates in the training set. We assert that data curation is a critical step in building computational models, to help ensure that reliable predictions of chemical toxicity are achieved through use of the models.
Computed tomography radiomics to predict EBER positivity in Epstein–Barr virus-associated gastric adenocarcinomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wen Hai-lin , Zhang Rong , Xie Shu-yi , Xie Chuan-miao
Published: July 2021

Background

The relevance of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in gastric carcinoma has been represented by the existence of EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) in the tumor cells and has prognostic significance in gastric cancer, while gastric adenocarcinoma represents the most frequently occurring gastric malignancy.

Purpose

To observe the capacity of radiomic features extracted from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) images to differentiate EBER-positive gastric adenocarcinoma from EBER-negative ones.

Material and Methods

A total of 54 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (EBER-positive: 27, EBER-negative: 27) were retrospectively examined. Radiomic imaging features were extracted from all regions of interest (ROI) delineated by two experienced radiologists on late arterial phase CT images. We distinguished related radiomic features through the two-tailed t test and applied them to construct a decision tree model to evaluate whether EBER in situ hybridization positive had appeared.

Results

Nine radiomics features were significantly related to EBER in situ hybridization status ( P < 0.05), four of which were used to build the decision tree through backward elimination: Correlation_ AllDirection_offset7, Correlation_ angle135_offset7, RunLengthNonuniformity_ AllDirection_offset1_SD, and HighGreyLevelRunEmphasis_ AllDiretion_offset1_SD. The decision tree model consisted of seven decision nodes and six terminal nodes, three of which demonstrated positive EBER in situ hybridization. The specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of the model were 84%, 80%, and 81.7%, respectively. The area under the curve of the decision tree model was 0.87.

Conclusion

Radiomics based on CE-CT could be applied to predict EBER in situ hybridization status preoperatively in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Neobladder and ablative pelvic radiotherapy: still a taboo?
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , Gerardi Marianna Alessandra , Zaffaroni Mattia , Augugliaro Matteo , Vigorito Sabrina , Rondi Elena , Della Vigna Paolo , Varano Gianluca , Fumagalli Romario Uberto , Biffi Roberto , Picardi Edgardo Enrico Edoardo , Ferrari Annamaria , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: July 2021

The presence of a neobladder constitutes a limitation for the radiation oncologist, as there is no clear evidence about its tolerance to radiotherapy (RT). The limited literature only concerns the conventional postoperative treatment in patients with bladder cancer after cystectomy. Here we report a case of a patient with neobladder who underwent a stereotactic RT for a pelvic recurrence of disease, with response to treatment and no toxicity to the neobladder. This case represents a promising example of the chance to perform RT with ablative intent, using advanced techniques, even on lesions close to the neobladder.
Remembering COVID-19; or, a duty to document the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Kosciejew Marc
Published: July 2021

Remembering the coronavirus pandemic represents an obligation to the present and the future. Illuminating the intersections between remembrance, documentary heritage, memory institutions and COVID-19, this article argues that libraries, archives and museums have a unique and urgent duty to document the coronavirus pandemic as it unfolds to help ensure that its associated recorded heritage is collected, preserved and archived for the present and future purposes of consultation, reference and remembrance. Explicit ‘duty to document the coronavirus pandemic’ policy provisions should be adopted by libraries, archives and museums to, first, strengthen their current COVID-19 documentary initiatives and, second, support other possible documentary initiatives related to this or future global health crises. By documenting COVID-19, it can be collectively remembered and future possible health crises can be better anticipated.
‘This Is the End’? An Ethnographic Study of Management Control and a New Management Initiative
Authors: McCabe Darren , Ciuk Sylwia , Gilbert Margaret
Published: July 2021

Over recent decades, critical scholars have quite rightly warned of the control implications of new management initiatives. There is a danger, however, of treating control in a ‘distal’ way or as an ‘end’. Through drawing on proximal theorising, we make explicit what is often implicit in such accounts, which is that control is best understood as unfinished, in process, for it is inherently contingent and unpredictable. Viewed in this way, control becomes elusive as it always has to be achieved. The article draws on ethnographic research conducted in a back office of a manufacturing organisation to illustrate this understanding of management control. It highlights tensions between staff and management and between multiple layers of management that can thwart control.
Multi-objective optimization design for a hydrodynamic retarder based on CFD simulation considering cavitation effect
Authors: Yang Konghua , Liu Chunbao , Wu Qingtao , Li Xuesong
Published: July 2021

It is important to suppress cavitation phenomenon for lower vibration and noise, which can be realized by structure optimization to reduce cavitation bubbles of flow field. Nonetheless, performance factors in hydrodynamic retarder are usually conflicted when conducting a structure design, it is hard to simultaneously restrain cavitation and improve the retarding performance. In our study, a combination of comprehensive CFD simulation and multi-objective optimization is developed to improve the retarding torque ([Formula: see text]), lessen the volume of Retarder ([Formula: see text]) and reduce the volume of bubbles ([Formula: see text]) in the internal flow field. First, the elaborate CFD simulation calculation, included a refined hexahedral mesh and the stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES), is proposed to investigate the unsteady flow field considering the cavitation, and its accuracy is validated by experimental data. Then, the RSM (Respond Surface Method) approximation model is constructed by combination of DOE (Design of Method) and CFD methods. The NSGA-II (Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm) is selected as multi-objective optimization algorithm, and the weight and scale factor of each sub objective are specified. The optimization results, verified by theoretical calculation, show that [Formula: see text] is increased by 22%–24%, [Formula: see text] is reduced by 32%–45% and [Formula: see text] is reduced by 1%. Furthermore, the comparison of the vortex distributions before and after optimization demonstrates that the optimization improves the flow field impact and pressure loss in the retarder and reduces the number of bubbles resulting in the increasing vortex. Additionally, parameters’ effect on the cavitation and the braking performance are analyzed to efficiently achieve the best comprehensive performance of the retarder design. The newly-developed optimization method, which can understand the optimization principle and guide a balance between the cavitation and the retarding performance improvement, will reduce huge trial cost and time cost in the manufacture.
Influence of pressure pulsation on the performance of compression system and turbocharged engine
Authors: Hanxuan Zeng , Baotong Wang , Wangzhi Zou , Xinqian Zheng
Published: July 2021

Pressure pulsation widely exists in power machinery combining compression components and pipelines. It has substantial effects on the performance of compressor as part of the compression system, as well as the engine. In this paper, the pressure pulsations under different excitation frequencies are measured and analyzed in the intake system of a turbo-charged and inter-cooled internal combustion engine. It is pointed out that the amplification of the pressure pulsation at the compressor inlet and outlet is caused by the coupling effects within the compression system, which consequently lead to the formation of a stable standing wave. Further research indicates that the pulsation at the compressor boundary will cause its pressure ratio to fluctuate. Additionally, because the compressor characteristic curve resembles a concave function, the fluctuation of transient pressure ratio will further cause the time-averaged pressure ratio to decline. Finally, the impact on engine performance is evaluated based on a well-validated simulation model.
Proportion of patients eligible for statin therapy substantially varies between different cardiovascular disease risk calculators and guidelines used
Authors: Mueller Matthias C , Usadel Susanne , Kern Winfried V , Zirlik Andreas , Zhou Qian
Published: July 2021

Because people living with HIV (PLWH) have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), prevention of CVD should be integrated in to HIV care. In this study, we compared the agreement between three risk scores and evaluated the indication for statin therapy based on guidelines of the American Heart Association and European AIDS Clinical Society. This study is a cross-sectional, single-center study. All PLWH ≥ 30 years without CVD and statin therapy were consecutively enrolled. Agreement between CVD risk estimates was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Of 488 PLWH, 41.2% were female with a median age of 47.8 years. D:A:D-R classified the highest proportion of patients in the categories of high/very high risk for CVD (17.8%) compared to SCORE (4.7%) and FRS (13.7%). D:A:D-R and SCORE (κ = 0.11) as well as D:A:D-R and FRS (κ = 0.33) showed poor agreement. Based on different CVD risk equations and guidelines, indication for statin therapy ranged from 34.8% to 92.0% of patients. In conclusion, a high proportion of PLWH is at high risk for CVD likely underestimated by treating physicians. Inconsistencies in the evaluation of CVD risk and primary prophylaxis should be tackled by an interdisciplinary approach.
Effects of urban noise variability on cognitive abilities in indoor spaces: Gender differences
Authors: Masullo Massimiliano , Ruggiero Gennaro , Alvarez Fernandez Daniel , Iachini Tina , Maffei Luigi
Published: July 2021

Previous evidence has shown that exposure to urban noise negatively influences some cognitive abilities (i.e. verbal fluency and delayed recall of prose memory) of people in indoor spaces. However, long-standing literature in the cognitive domain has reported that men and women can show different performance on cognitive tasks. Here, we aimed to investigate if and how different patterns of perceived urban noises in indoor environments could affect male and female participants’ cognitive abilities. Ambisonic sound recordings representing scenarios with varying noise patterns (low, medium and high variability) were acquired with an open window at three dwellings in a southern Italian city. As a control condition, the recordings were caught inside a quiet room. While exposed to theses four auditory conditions, participants had to perform cognitive tasks assessing free verbal memory recall, auditory–verbal recognition and working memory. The results show that male and female participants have a different tolerance to noise patterns. Women overperform men on verbal tasks, while the contrary effect emerges with men outperforming women on visuospatial working memory tasks.
Influence of fully submerged permanent magnets in the evaluation of heat transfer and performance analysis of single slope glass solar still
Authors: Kaviti Ajay Kumar , Ram Akkala Siva , Thakur Amit Kumar
Published: July 2021

In this experimental study, permanent magnets with three different sizes (M-1: 32 mm inner diameter, 70 mm outer diameter and 15 mm thick, M-2: 25 mm inner diameter, 60 mm outer diameter and 10 mm thick, M-3: 22 mm inner diameter, 45 mm outer diameter and 9 mm thick) are fully submerged in the single-slope glass solar still. The performance of magnetic solar stills (MSS) with three different sizes at 2 cm depth water to ensure that magnets are fully submerged is compared with conventional solar still (CSS) at the location 17.3850°N, 78.4867°E. Tiwari model is adapted to calculate the heat transfer coefficients (HTC), internal and exergy efficiencies. MSS with M-1, M-2 and M-3 significantly enhanced the convective, radiative, and evaporative heat transfer rate for the 2 cm depth of water. This is due to the desired magnetic treatment of water, which reduces the surface tension and increases the hydrogen bonds. The MSS's total internal HTC, instantaneous efficiencies led CSS by 25.52%, 28.8%, respectively, with M-1. Having various magnetic fields due to different magnets sizes increases MSS's exergetic efficiency by 33.61% with M-1, 33.76% with M-2, and 42.25% with M-3. Cumulative yield output for MSS with M-1, M-2, and M-3 is 21.66%, 17.64%, 15.78% higher than CSS. The use of permanent magnets of different sizes in the MSS is a viable, economical and straight forward technique to enhance productivity.
UrbanClap: India’s Largest Home Service Provider
Authors: Jyani Nancy , Bansal Harbhajan
Published: July 2021

Along with time and cost, convenience is a pertinent factor that influences consumers to purchase services. Many business models evolved in emerging markets are providing on-demand services such as taxis and online food delivery. Since most of them provide services in a particular region, they are commonly known as ‘hyperlocal service provider’. UrbanClap was also based on such a model and worked as an aggregator. It pooled together local service providers such as plumbers, electricians and beauty experts, and then offered at-home services through its mobile application and website. Few of the challenges faced by UrbanClap were operational expansion across India, the satisfaction of its service providers and customers, and filling up the profit–revenue gap. Therefore, despite huge acceptance and revenue growing fourfold in 2018 compared to 2017, the company was falling short of profits. The case highlights the problems inherent to hyperlocal and aggregator models such as satisfaction of service providers and customers at the same time; and competition with individual service providers without disturbing the local culture prevailing in the service industry. The case also emphasizes how technology can predict home services by matching customers with the right sellers according to their customized needs.
Cosmopolitans and communitarians: A typology of football fans between national and European influences
Authors: Weber Regina , Brand Alexander , Koch Florian , Niemann Arne
Published: July 2021

The past 25 years have seen an unprecedented Europeanisation of the structures and governance in football across the continent. A European (and global) transfer market for players and managers has become the norm and a pan-European league system has been established that regularly exposes supporters to transnational competitions and players from all over Europe. At the same time, manifold typologies of football fans have been established, distinguishing groups of fans based on, for example, fan intensity, fan behaviour or their attitudes towards different actors in the field. The attitudes towards Europe and the self-identification of these fans within Europeanised football have not played a role in any of these typologies so far. This paper steps into that void and develops a typology of football fans in (Western) Europe that takes their attitudes towards Europeanisation as a point of departure. Based on data from an online survey among fans of first league clubs in England, France, Austria and Germany, two dimensions are identified as key categories: the intensity of fandom, and fans’ attitudes towards Europeanisation – which here manifests as a divide between the national/local belonging versus appreciating diversity and transnational spaces/developments or more succinctly, a divide between cosmopolitanism and communitarianism. Our analysis uncovers the existence of four types of fans: occasional cosmopolitans, occasional communitarians, frequent cosmopolitans and frequent communitarians.
Predictors for in-flight medical interventions during helicopter interfacility transport in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Arthur Chi Kin , Lam Rex Pui Kin , Fok Patrick Wai Fung , Ng Ethan Pak Hang , Chaang Vi Ka , Rainer Timothy Hudson
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Interfacility transport with helicopter from remote island clinics to urban hospitals account for a significant portion of the Hong Kong Government Flying Service missions. Currently, doctor and nurse escorts are deployed as volunteers only during the daytime from every Friday to Monday and on public holidays. While most transport runs smoothly, patient deterioration can occur during flight, warranting medical interventions on-board. Yet, little is known about the pattern and any clinical predictors of such interventions during helicopter interfacility transport missions.

Methods:

We collected Government Flying Service callout records from 1 January to 31 December 2016, and retrieved demographic, clinical and operational data. Interfacility transport mission was dispatched based on ‘Casualty Evacuation’ categories, which range from A+ (unstable), A (borderline) to B (stable). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors for in-flight medical interventions.

Results:

Of 1734 callout records, 386 interfacility transport missions escorted by volunteer doctors or nurses or both had complete flight medical records for analysis and 14.9% required in-flight medical interventions. Most interventions were related to oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid and administration of medications. Multivariable logistic regression showed that an age ⩾70 years, Casualty Evacuation A+ category, and any pre-flight emergency medical interventions were independent predictors for in-flight medical interventions.

Conclusion:

This study identified a few clinical predictors of in-flight medical interventions in an urban helicopter interfacility transport missions setting. Crewman training that focuses on the relevant procedural capabilities and clinical judgement is necessary to address the in-flight medical needs of interfacility transport missions.
Effect of storage time on the urine protein: creatinine ratio in alkaline ovine urine
Authors: Athanasiou Labrini V. , Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Spanou Victoria M. , Pazarakioti Aikaterini T. , Katsogiannou Eleni G. , Iliadi Ioanna , Baka Rania , Polizopoulou Zoe S.
Published: July 2021

The urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio is considered the reference method to assess proteinuria. Its diagnostic value in ovine medicine needs further elucidation. In population monitoring and/or for research purposes, it is convenient to collect many samples simultaneously and store them for later analysis. However, analyte stability data are required to ensure reliable results. We used 15 of 90 urine samples collected from sheep to assess the effect of storage time on the UPC ratio. After centrifugation, the supernatant of each sample was divided into 6 aliquots. Urine protein and creatinine concentrations were determined immediately in one aliquot using the pyrogallol red and a modified Jaffè method, respectively. The other aliquots were stored at −18°C. Based on the absence of active sediment, alkaline urine pH, and UPC ratio ≥0.2, we included 15 samples in our study. The UPC ratio was determined in the stored aliquots 2, 7, 14, 21, and 60 d after collection. The data were analyzed with univariate ANOVA. No significant difference was observed in the urinary concentrations of protein, creatinine, and the UPC ratio (0.8 ± 0.84 in conventional units and 0.09 ± 0.095 in SI units) among different times ( p > 0.05). The UPC ratio remained stable for 2 mo in ovine urine samples stored at −18°C.
Factors Associated With Psychological Adjustment in Adults With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Findings From a National Survey in the United Kingdom
Authors: Costa Bruna , Ardouin Kenny , Stock Nicola Marie
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Research has identified adults born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to be at risk of poorer psychological outcomes compared to the general population. This study investigated factors that may contribute to positive and negative adjustment in adults born with CL/P.

Design:

A survey was designed and distributed by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in collaboration with the Centre for Appearance Research CAR at the University of the West of England (UWE). There were 207 eligible responses (95% completed online) received between July and October 2018. Dependent variables included the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, Harter’s Self Perception Profile for Adults (Global Self-Worth, Social Competence, and Intimacy subscales), the Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale, and the Revised Adult Attachment Scale. Independent variables were the Revised Life Orientation Test, biodemographic data, and self-reported single-item questions.

Results:

Factors associated with positive adjustment included reports of a happy childhood, talking about CL/P with family, close friendships, comfort in public spaces, satisfaction with appearance, and a positive life orientation. Psychological distress was associated with a desire for further surgery to improve appearance and/or function.

Conclusions:

Several factors were identified that may influence psychological adjustment in adults with CL/P. Throughout childhood, family-centered practice to support family cohesion and an open dialogue about CL/P is indicated, as is support for young people to develop social confidence. For adults returning to the cleft service, treatment options for appearance and/or functional concerns should be explored, with access to psychological support when indicated. Interventions to increase optimism, resilience, and self-acceptance may also be warranted throughout the life span.
Final Posttreatment Occlusion in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Staudt Christine B. , Bollhalder Julia , Eichenberger Martina , La Scala Giorgio , Herzog Georges , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Antonarakis Gregory S.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To evaluate final posttreatment occlusion in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (cUCLP) by comparing (1) 3 treatment centers, (2) males and females, (3) cleft and noncleft sides, (4) right- and left-sided clefts, and (5) orthodontic treatment with/without orthognathic surgery (OS).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients:

Blinded posttreatment dental casts of 56 patients (19.4 ± 1.4 years) with cUCLP from 3 centers in Switzerland.

Main Outcome Measure:

Occlusal assessment using the modified Huddart/Bodenham (MHB) index.

Results:

Our sample comprised 35 males and 21 females, 46 with left- and 10 with right-sided clefts, of which 32 had undergone OS. The final posttreatment occlusion showed a median MHB score of 0 (interquartile range: −1.0 to 2.0) in the total sample and did not seem to depend on treatment center, sex, or OS. The MHB scores for the anterior buccal and the buccal segments were more negative on the cleft than on the noncleft side ( P = .002 and P = .006, respectively). When the cleft was on the left side, the MHB score tended to be more positive in the labial ( P = .046) and anterior buccal segments ( P = .034).

Conclusions:

This study shows a very satisfactory final posttreatment occlusion in patients with cUCLP. The more constricted buccal occlusion on the cleft side emphasizes the attention that should be given in correcting the more medially positioned lesser maxillary segment. The influence of cleft-sidedness should be analyzed further on a sample including more patients with right-sided clefts.
Distress and Resilience in Days of COVID-19: International Study of Samples from Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines
Authors: Kimhi Shaul , Eshel Yohanan , Adini Bruria , Aruta John Jamir Benzon R. , Antazo Benedict G. , Briones-Diato Alelie , Reinert Maurício , da Silva Juliano Domingues , Verdu Fabiane Cortez , Marciano Hadas
Published: July 2021

We compared three types of resilience (individual, community, and national resilience), two indicators of distress (sense of danger and distress symptoms) and wellbeing, among samples from Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines, during the “first-wave” of COVID-19 pandemic. Though significant differences were found among the samples regarding all variables, similarities were also emerged. Individual resilience and wellbeing negatively predicted distress symptoms in each sample, and women of all samples reported higher level of distress-symptoms compared with men. The differences between the samples are presented and discussed. Understanding the similarities and the differences, between these cultures, may help developing efficient countermeasures tailored to each country. This knowledge may promote efficient health policy to foster people’s ability to cope with the hardship and to prevent future psychological and health implications.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as an Early Predictor of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Following Endovascular Aortic Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Li Lubin , Shao Juan , Niu Wenqiang , Che Haijie , Song Fubo , Liu Guolong , Lu Shaoying
Published: July 2021

To investigate serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL) and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as early predictors of contrast-associated acute kidney injury(contrast-induced nephropathy)following endovascular aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Prospective cohort study. Subjects included 202 consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed between February 2016 and October 2018. We divided the patients into 2 groups: contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) (n = 26) and non-CIN (n = 176). We assessed correlations between sNGAL and uNGAL concentrations and standard renal markers at baseline, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-procedure. We constructed conventional receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the area under the curve to assess SCr, eGFR, sNGAL, and uNGAL performance. We derived biomarker cutoff levels from ROC analysis results to maximize sensitivity and specificity values. The CIN incidence within our cohort was 12.9%. sNGAL levels correlated significantly with SCr and eGFR at baseline, 6, and 24 hours post-contrast medium exposure. Similarly, uNGAL levels correlated with SCr and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline, 6, and 24 hours post-exposure. sNGAL and uNGAL were significantly elevated as early as 6 hours post-endotherapy in the CIN group; there were only minor changes in the non-CIN group. SCr was also significantly elevated in the CIN group, but not until 48 hours post-catheterization. Both sNGAL and uNGAL may be more accurate than SCr and eGFR as early biomarkers of CIN in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing endovascular therapy.
The Effect of Exercise Interventions to Improve Psychosocial Aspects and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mohammad Rahimi Gholam Rasul , Aminzadeh Reza , Azimkhani Amin , Saatchian Vahid
Published: July 2021

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have a raised risk of developing depression compared with non-diabetic people.

Objective:

The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impacts of exercise training interventions to improve psychosocial aspects and glycemic control in T2DM patients.

Data sources:

PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases and reference lists of included studies were searched.

Study selection:

The selection criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using an exercise intervention with or without dietary advice on psychological aspects and glycemic control in T2DM patients, up to January 2021. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model. The analysis included 17 RCTs with 2,127 participants.

Results:

In the pooled analysis, improvements were seen in depression, standard mean difference (SMD) −0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.03 to −0.28, p = 0.0006), mental health SMD: 0.53 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.76, p < 0.00001), and HbA1c, weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.51% (95% CI −0.97 to −0.04, p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for bodily pain, social functioning, and fasting glucose (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our systematic review and meta-analysis displayed that exercise training interventions decreased depression and HbA1c and increased mental health in individuals with T2DM. Further longer-term and high-quality clinical trials are required to additional assess and confirm the findings presented here.
Diagnostic imaging of the ciliary body: Technologies, outcomes, and future perspectives
Authors: Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Kudsieh Bachar , Shi Hang , De-Pablo-Gómez-de-Liaño Lucía , Fernández-Vigo José Ángel , García-Feijóo Julián
Published: July 2021

The ciliary body (CB) is part of the uvea and is a complex, highly specialized structure with multiple functions and significant relationships with nearby structures. Its functions include the aqueous humor (AH) production in the ciliary processes, the regulation of the AH output through the uveoscleral pathway, and accommodation, which depends on the ciliary muscle. Also, the CB is an important determinant of angle width as it forms part of the ciliary sulcus. Until recently, knowledge of the CB was based on histological studies. However, this structure can currently be assessed in vivo using imaging techniques such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both techniques have shown good reproducibility of their measurements allowing for quantification of CB dimensions and their localization. In effect, studies have shown a larger CB in myopia and its diminishing size with age. Swept-source OCT devices offer fast, non-invasive high-resolution imaging allowing the identification of multiple structures. UBM requires contact and is uncomfortable for the patient. However, this technique offers deeper imaging and therefore remains the gold standard for assessing the posterior chamber, ciliary processes, or zonula. The clinical utility of CB imaging includes its assessment in different types of glaucoma such as angle-closure, malignant or plateau iris. Diagnostic CB imaging is also invaluable for the assessment of ciliochoroidal detachment when suspected, the position after the implantation of a pre-crystalline or sulcus-sutured lenses, diagnosis or monitoring of cysts or tumors, sclerotomies after retinal surgery, intermediate uveitis, or accommodation.
A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry
Authors: Østern Tone Pernille , Jusslin Sofia , Nødtvedt Knudsen Kristian , Maapalo Pauliina , Bjørkøy Ingrid
Published: July 2021

In this article, the authors explore and contribute to producing a performative research paradigm where post-qualitative as well as artistic research might dwell and breathe. Entering a thread of discussion that started with Haseman’s A manifesto for performative research in 2006, and building on their own friction-led research processes at the edges of qualitative research, the authors plug in with performativity, non-representational theories and methodologies, post-qualitative inquiry and post approaches. A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry is proposed, where knowledge is viewed as knowledge-in-becoming as the constant creation of difference through researcher entanglement with the research phenomenon and wider world. A performative paradigm produces a space for movement, (artistic) freedom, (post-qualitative) experimentation and inclusion. A performative research paradigm also offers provocations that shake long-established notions about what research is and should be. Within a performative research paradigm, learning/be(com)ing/knowing is always in-becoming – as is the performative paradigm itself.
Does Crowd Support Drive the Home Advantage in Professional Football? Evidence from German Ghost Games during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fischer Kai , Haucap Justus
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the relation between crowd support and home advantage in men’s professional football in making use of a unique “natural experiment” induced by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic: the so-called ghost games in the top three German football divisions at the end of the 2019/2020 season. We find that there is a reduced home advantage in the first division, whereas no change is observed in the second and third divisions. Our regression analysis indicates that the decrease in the home advantage and the heterogeneity across divisions are not sensitive to a variety of performance, location, and team covariates and are best explained through the lower occupancy rate in the stadia. Hence, the decrease in occupancy to zero at the ghost games has been less dramatic for teams that have been used to low occupancy rates. We cannot find strong evidence for a change in referee behavior or teams’ tactics as main impact channels of occupancy rates on the home advantage. Hence, we argue that psychological reasons are of higher importance.
Supporting the Dynamic Careers of Licensed Practical Nurses: A Strategy to Bolster the Long-Term Care Nurse Workforce
Authors: Jones Cheryl B. , McCollum Meriel , Tran Alberta K. , Toles Mark , Knafl George J.
Published: July 2021

As the U.S. population ages and the demand for long-term care increases, an insufficient number of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is expected in the nursing workforce. Understanding the characteristics of LPN participation in the workforce is essential to address this challenge. Drawing on the theory of boundaryless careers, the authors examined longitudinal employment data from LPNs in North Carolina and described patterns in LPN licensure and career transitions. Two career patterns were identified: (a) the continuous career, in which LPNs were licensed in 75% or more of the years they were eligible to be licensed and (b) the intermittent career, in which lapses in licensure occurred. Findings indicated that LPNs who made job transitions were more likely to demonstrate continuous careers, as were Black LPNs. These findings suggest the importance of organizational support for LPN career transitions and support for diversity in the LPN workforce.
Visible at night: US school principal nontraditional work-hour activities and job satisfaction
Authors: Reid David B , Creed Benjamin M
Published: July 2021

The work of school principals is complex; however, little research has examined how they navigate this complexity outside of traditional settings and times. This specific line of inquiry is important, because principals’ time allocation is related to various desirable student outcomes, and how many hours principals work (and when) is associated with job satisfaction. To address this gap in the literature, we asked (a) How much time do principals spend on work-related activities outside of traditional school hours and how is that time used? and (b) In what ways do nontraditional work-hour activities influence principals’ job satisfaction? An analysis of our interview data revealed (a) principals spend a significant amount of time outside of traditional school hours completing school-related administrative work, being visible at school and community events, and being virtually visible via email and various social media platforms; and (b) time spent during nontraditional work hours influences principals’ job satisfaction. We discuss implications for policy, practice, and leadership preparation.
This Is Not a Drill: Towards a Sonic and Sensorial Musicriminology
Authors: Lee Murray
Published: July 2021

The first half of this article makes that case for, and develops, a preliminary conceptual framework for a ‘musicriminology’. A response to recent provocations for a more sensorially orientated criminology, and more general appeals for cultural criminology to engage rigorously with popular music and sound, a musicriminology could constitute significant contribution to the cultural criminological field. The article proposes two key conceptual themes, culture and co-production that underpin such a framework. Into these broad ( Double-C) themes are incorporated theories of the cultural, material, aesthetics, sonics, and the sensorial. The second half of the article uses drill music, a subset of rap or hip-hop music, as a case study. The focus is on the popular western Sydney drill group OneFour, who have recently been subject to police attempts to suppress them on the basis that their lyrics ‘incite violence’. With dark, nihilistic and sometimes violent lyrics typically narrating street life, drill is often characterised by performers’ relationship to place–groups are sometimes even named after their postcode. In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia drill music has attracted the attention of police, politicians, and mainstream media for artists’ alleged relationship to street-based violence. The article suggests that OneFour’s music challenges an accepted aesthetic and cultural order. However, somewhat ironically the group has become more popular as a result of police attempts to criminalise them and to re-assert such an order.