bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sutureless “Contact Lens Sandwich” Technique for Amniotic Membrane Therapy of Central Corneal Ulcers
Authors: Luccarelli Saverio V. , Villani Edoardo , Lucentini Stefano , Bonsignore Francesco , Sacchi Matteo , Martellucci Cecilia Acuti , Nucci Paolo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To describe a new technique for sutureless and glue-free amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and to investigate its effectiveness to treat corneal persistent epithelial defects (PEDs), compared to bandage contact lens (BCL) application alone.

Methods

We performed AMT with “contact lens sandwich technique” (CLS-AMT) in 8 consecutive patients with central/para-central (up to 4.00 mm from the geometrical centre) PED/ulceration and we retrospectively compared the results with 11 BCL procedures.

Results

The procedures were performed successfully with no complications. CLS-AMT showed significantly shorter healing time than BCL (24.0  ±  19.1 vs 42.9  ±  14.6 days; P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Recurrence rates were 12% and 27% for CLS-AMT and BCL, respectively.

Conclusion

CLS-AMT technique, based on the suction effect due to the superposition of a bandage contact lens on the AM-ring complex, represents a quick, low cost, easy to perform and nearly non-invasive AMT technique. This approach is able to provide adequate fixation of AM, and it seems to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with PEDs.
Contact with biological parents following placement in foster care: Associations with preschool child externalizing behavior
Authors: Poitras Karine , Tarabulsy George M. , Pulido Natalia Varela
Published: October 2021

Externalizing behavior problems are a salient issue in the context of child protection services, where associations with placement stability and caregiving behavior have been documented. Moreover, although research on the association between contact with biological parents and foster child externalizing behavior problems is scarce and has yielded mixed results, several studies have shown links between the two variables. The purpose of this study is to determine the association of face-to-face contact with biological parents and externalized behaviors, while taking into account placement instability and foster parent interactive sensitivity. Fifty preschoolers and their foster parents were visited at home. Child externalizing behavior problems were self-reported by foster parents, foster parent sensitivity was measured via play observations, and information relative to placement was collected through interviews with biological parents and gathered from social services data. Results reveal that more frequent contact with biological parents and lower levels of foster parent sensitivity are independently linked to greater levels of externalizing behavior problems even after controlling for placement instability. Discussion focuses on the importance of children’s relationship experiences during foster care and the necessity to investigate their role to more clearly understand foster child socioemotional development.
Preemptive interventions for infants and toddlers with a high likelihood for autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hampton Lauren H , Rodriguez Elizabeth M
Published: October 2021

Understanding the impact of preemptive interventions on development for those with a high likelihood for autism is a critical step in building a transdiagnostic model of optimized intervention. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the impact of preemptive autism interventions on parent outcomes and child developmental outcomes. A total of 345 unique records were assessed for eligibility yielding 13 unique studies with 715 total infant/toddlers with a high likelihood for autism. There was a significant association between the early interventions on parent implementation of intervention strategies immediately following the intervention. However, there was no significant association between the early interventions and child developmental outcomes. The studies reporting moderator and/or mediator analyses suggest a meaningful association between parent implementation and long-term child social communication outcomes. Taken together, these findings suggest that parent-mediated interventions are associated with improved parent use of strategies, and although these results do not translate into immediate or short-term child developmental outcomes, there is evidence that parents with the greatest implementation facilitate later improved communication outcomes for their children. There is an urgent need to develop a nuanced intervention approach during a time of ever-changing concern about child development.

Lay abstract

Interventions to address core symptoms for young children on the autism spectrum have a strong and growing evidence base. Adapting and delivering evidence-based interventions to infants and toddlers with a high likelihood for autism is a logical next step. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize the association between infant and toddler interventions and developmental and family outcomes. Results indicate that these early interventions are effective for improving parent implementation of core strategies, yet the effects do not readily translate to child outcomes. However, key studies demonstrate conditional results that indicate that parent implementation is associated with child outcome. Implications for research and practice toward building adaptive interventions that respond to parent implementation and changing child characteristics are discussed.
Tackling physical inactivity in Scandinavia: a narrative review of reviews supplemented by expert interviews
Authors: Ryom Knud , Simonsen Camilla Bakkær , Eshøj Signe , Nielsen Glen , Troelsen Jens , Maindal Helle Terkildsen
Published: October 2021

Aims: This study aims to identify physical inactivity-related challenges and motives, based on reviews and supplemented by expert interviews with Danish national experts on physical inactivity, providing a general discussion of the subject ultimately generating knowledge useable in a Scandinavian context. Methods: This study is framed as a narrative review of scientific review literature on physical inactivity, limited to the general population. The review is supplemented by expert interviews with Danish national experts on physical inactivity. We used thematic coding of the included reviews, while using hermeneutic interpretation analysis for the expert interviews. Results: Based on 11 included reviews, we highlighted four themes based on our analysis of reviews: (a) socioeconomic determinants of physical activity; (b) life-course perspective; (c) physical inactivity and older adults aged 60+ years; and (d) intervention recommendations. The supplementary expert interviews revealed three additional themes: (a) the individual history with physical activity; (b) sporting organisation importance; and (c) society responsibility for physical inactivity. Conclusions: Collectively this study concludes, based on review and expert interviews, that a number of determinants and correlations for physical inactivity affect the individual from various socioecological levels. Based on this review, we suggest moving beyond the ‘upstream’ public health approach of randomised controlled trials and consider complex interventions targeting physical inactivity from several levels. Physical inactivity should be acknowledged as a ‘wicked problem’ that requires a systems-based approach instead of a single quick fix. Future work with physical inactivity would profit from focus on the life-course perspective, sporting clubs’ responsiveness and physical literacy.
Solar radiation control passive strategy for reduction of heating and cooling energy use in arid climate: Case of Afghanistan
Authors: Ahady Shambalid , Dev Nirendra , Mandal Anubha
Published: October 2021

Buildings are significant consumers of energy and producer of greenhouse gases worldwide, and serious efforts have been put into designing energy-efficient buildings. Significant technological advances have been achieved in developed countries; however, advances have rarely been adopted in developing countries like Afghanistan. Such trends emerge from the lack of research in designing energy-efficient buildings to local conditions, practices and materials. This research focused on building energy modelling and simulation to evaluate the energy performance impact of different shading and orientation. The research design follows a case study over an actual seven-storey multi-apartment residential building in the city of Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan, using primary field data and dynamic simulation. Findings demonstrated that neighbouring structures have a positive correlation with a cooling demand. Meanwhile, south is the optimal orientation to face the building's glazed façade, saving up to 7.4% of cooling and 9.7% of heating energy. Moreover, movable shading devices installed on the building's openings in the summer season reduce the building energy load up to 19%, with a total energy cost reduction of AFN. 188,448 ($2447.37 US) annually. The study underlines the vast research scope in customizing building designs to Afghanistan's climatic conditions and other developing countries, thus contributing to buildings’ sustainability.
Does the platform matter? Social media and COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs in 17 countries
Authors: Theocharis Yannis , Cardenal Ana , Jin Soyeon , Aalberg Toril , Hopmann David Nicolas , Strömbäck Jesper , Castro Laia , Esser Frank , Van Aelst Peter , de Vreese Claes , Corbu Nicoleta , Koc-Michalska Karolina , Matthes Joerg , Schemer Christian , Sheafer Tamir , Splendore Sergio , Stanyer James , Stępińska Agnieszka , Štětka Václav
Published: October 2021

While the role of social media in the spread of conspiracy theories has received much attention, a key deficit in previous research is the lack of distinction between different types of platforms. This study places the role of social media affordances in facilitating the spread of conspiracy beliefs at the center of its enquiry. We examine the relationship between platform use and conspiracy theory beliefs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relying on the concept of technological affordances, we theorize that variation across key features make some platforms more fertile places for conspiracy beliefs than others. Using data from a crossnational dataset based on a two-wave online survey conducted in 17 countries before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we show that Twitter has a negative effect on conspiracy beliefs—as opposed to all other platforms under examination which are found to have a positive effect.
PeaGlyph: Glyph design for investigation of balanced data structures
Authors: Koc Kenan , McGough Andrew Stephen , Johansson Fernstad Sara
Published: October 2021

For many data analysis tasks, such as the formation of well-balanced groups for a fair race or collaboration in learning settings, the balancing between data attributes is at least as important as the actual values of items. At the same time, comparison of values is implicitly desired for these tasks. Even with statistical methods available to measure the level of balance, human judgment, and domain expertise plays an important role in judging the level of balance, and whether the level of unbalance is acceptable or not. Accordingly, there is a need for techniques that improve decision-making in the context of group formation that can be used as a visual complement to statistical analysis. This paper introduces a novel glyph-based visualization, PeaGlyph, which aims to support the understanding of balanced and unbalanced data structures, for instance by using a frequency format through countable marks and salient shape characteristics. The glyph was designed particularly for tasks of relevance for investigation of properties of balanced and unbalanced groups, such as looking-up and comparing values. Glyph-based visualization methods provide flexible and useful abstractions for exploring and analyzing multivariate data sets. The PeaGlyph design was based on an initial study that compared four glyph visualization methods in a joint study, including two base glyphs and their variations. The performance of the novel PeaGlyph was then compared to the best “performers” of the first study through evaluation. The initial results from the study are encouraging, and the proposed design may be a good alternative to the traditional glyphs for depicting multivariate data and allowing viewers to form an intuitive impression as to how balanced or unbalanced a set of objects are. Furthermore, a set of design considerations is discussed in context of the design of the glyphs.
A 10-Year Single-Center Experience With the GORE TAG Conformable Thoracic Stent Graft in the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Disease
Authors: Skrypnik Denis , Bischoff Moritz S. , Meisenbacher Katrin , Kronsteiner Dorothea B. , Böckler Dittmar
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to report 10-year real-world single-center experience with the GORE TAG conformable thoracic aortic graft (CTAG), focusing on rupture-free survival, aortic-related reintervention, and device-related complications during midterm and long-term follow-up (FU).

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzes results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) performed between January 2009 and December 2018. Out of 419 TEVAR procedures within this period, 194 patients (male 57.2%, 111/194), with a mean age of 65 ± 13 years, were treated with the CTAG device. Indication for TEVAR was a thoracic aortic aneurysm in 24.7% (48/194), type B aortic dissection in 32.5% (63/194), penetrating aortic ulcer 15.5% (30/194), and miscellaneous 27.3% (53/194). Emergently were operated 43.8% (85/194) patients. Median follow-up (FU) including computed tomography imaging was 43.5 months (Q1-Q3: 8.6–67.0) and was completed in 91.2% (177/194) of patients.

Results:

Overall survival rates were 75.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.76–0.70]) and 56.6% (95% CI = [0.57–0.50]) at 12 and 60 months, respectively. Cumulative incidence for aortic rupture was 11.9% (95% CI = [0.07–0.17]) at 60 and 90 months, respectively. Cumulative incidence for aortic-related reintervention was 27.5% (95% CI = [0.21–0.34]) at 60 and 90 months. Cumulative incidence for migration was 2.8% (95% CI = [0.004–0.05]) and 3.9% (95% CI = [0.007–0.07]) at 60 and 90 months, respectively. New endograft infections or material fatigue were not observed.

Conclusions:

The herein reported 10-year real-world single-center experience with the CTAG observed favorable long-term outcome. Thus, the device demonstrates appropriate persistent safety, efficacy, and clinical durability up to long-term FU in the treatment of diverse thoracic aortic pathologies.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Kodam Sai Priyanka , Ullah Mujib
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally phospholipid enclosed nanovesicles released by many cells in the body. They are stable in circulation, have low immunogenicity, and act as carriers for functionally active biological molecules. They interact with target organs and bind to the receptors. Their target specificity is important to use EVs as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tools. EVs play a vital role in normal physiology and cellular communication. They are known to protect their cargo from degradation, which makes them important drug carriers for targeted drug delivery. Using EVs with markers and tracking their path in systemic circulation can be revolutionary in using them as diagnostic tools. We will discuss the scope of this in this paper. Although there are limitations in EVs isolation and storage, their high biocompatibility will fuel more innovations to overcome these challenges.
The Capabilities and Characteristics of Helical Tomotherapy and Co-Planar Dual Arcs Volumetric-Modulated arc Therapy Associated with Hippocampal Sparing During Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation
Authors: Wang Dandan , Ma Xingmin , Fu Lu , Gu Jiabing , Bai Tong , Yin Yong , Li Baosheng , Zhu Jian
Published: October 2021

Objective: To investigate the features of helical tomotherapy and co-planar dual Arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy during prophylactic cranial irradiation associated with bilateral hippocampal tissue sparing. Materials and methods: Helical tomotherapy and co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy treatment plans were generated with a dose of 30 Gy/10 fractions in 16 patients treated with prophylactic cranial irradiation. The dose to the bilateral hippocampal tissues, organs at risk, and planning target volume were determined when the average dose of bilateral hippocampal tissues was reduced by approximately 4 Gy as an observation point. Changes in dosimetry when sparing the bilateral hippocampal tissues were determined for both modalities. Results: When bilateral hippocampal tissues were restricted to 8 Gy, D40%mean-bilateral hippocampal tissues = 7.64 ± 0.41 Gy in helical tomotherapy, while D40%mean-bilateral hippocampal tissues = 10.96 ± 0.38 Gy in co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Helical tomotherapy was associated with significantly lower doses to organs at risk, including Dmean-bilateral hippocampal tissues ( P = .03), D98%-bilateral hippocampal tissues ( P = .01), D2%-bilateral hippocampal tissues ( P = .01), Dmean-inner ear ( P = .02), Dmean-parotid glands ( P = .02), Dmax-lens ( P = .02), and Dmax-brainstem ( P = .02), but not Dmax-optic nerves ( P = .87). Helical tomotherapy provided better target coverage, with lower average D2%-PTV ( P = .02), higher average D98%-PTV ( P = .02), and better conformal index (0.87 vs 0.84, P = .02) and homogeneity index (0.15 vs 0.21, P = .05). With smaller bilateral hippocampal tissues doses, the planning target volume dose changed across 3 dosimetry regions for both modalities; the plateau region (>20.0 Gy for helical tomotherapy versus >16.0 Gy for co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy), gradient region (20.0-12.0 Gy vs 16.0-11.0 Gy), and falling region (<12.0 Gy vs <11.0 Gy). The average delivery duration of helical tomotherapy was almost 7.7 times longer than that of co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Conclusions: Helical tomotherapy was better at sparing the bilateral hippocampal tissues and organs at risk and had better target coverage but a significantly longer treatment duration than co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Further dose decreases in the bilateral hippocampal tissues would yield worse target dose coverage.
The Benefits of a Muscle-Sparing Below Knee Amputation in the Elderly Population
Authors: Theriot Jared M. , Bhattarai Prabhat , Finlay David J.
Published: October 2021

Background

It is well accepted that good muscle coverage of the bones at the end of a below knee amputation (BKA) stump is preferable, for both weight bearing and protection against prosthesis failure. Elderly patients often have atrophy of the leg musculature secondary to age-related physiological changes and decreased use. These patients often have poor coverage and bulk in their stumps after the standard BKA. We propose a selective muscle-sparing approach to these patients, utilizing selective removal of muscle bundles with regard to their blood supply and fascial planes. The surgical method technique along with outcomes of patients undergoing the procedure is presented here.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who had undergone a muscle-sparing BKA from March 2008 to October 2017 by a single surgeon. Estimated blood loss, operative time, and perioperative and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results

Forty-six patients greater than 60 years of age underwent muscle-sparing BKA procedures. Complete healing was seen in 30 (65%) patients, while 7 (15%) were lost to follow-up and 9 (20%) required conversion to an above knee amputation (AKA). Intraoperative outcomes in our series were notable for an average estimated blood loss (EBL) of 84.3 ml, lower than the traditional BKA (average EBL 150-500 ml), with comparable operative times averaging 131 minutes and as short as 85 minutes (skin incision to dressing). No patients in the cohort required postoperative blood transfusions (day 0–4), significantly less than the reported 3–7 ml/kg body weight blood requirements in similar patient populations.

Conclusions

The muscle-sparing BKA technique should be considered in elderly patients, where the normally bulky posterior calf muscle mass is lacking. The selective removal of muscle bundles with regard to their blood supply leaves maximum coverage of the bone with decreased potential hematoma formation and blood loss.
The Practice of Oldhammer: Re-Membering a Past Through Craft and Play
Authors: Williams Ian , Tobin Samuel
Published: October 2021

Games Workshop is a juggernaut in the world of tabletop games and miniatures with a long history and near total market dominance of the wargaming industry. However, over the last decade Oldhammer, a game and hobby community, has sought to contest this hegemony by rejecting Game Workshop’s 21st century games, miniatures, and aesthetics in favor of an attempted return to an earlier vision of the Games Workshop hobby and an accompanying possibility of alterity. We explore how Oldhammer uses memory and craft to return to the conditions of possibility which allowed for other possible tabletop futures and even the potential for resistance. In doing so, we draw on theories of memory, craft, and nostalgia to show how Oldhammer, however imperfectly, contests corporatization and control.
Research Disruptions, New Opportunities: Re-Imagining Qualitative Interview Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kobakhidze Magda Nutsa , Hui Janisa , Chui Janice , González Alejandra
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to teaching and research in universities. This has prompted the publication of a considerable number of studies, frameworks, and guidelines on teaching adaptations. Less has been written on adaptations to empirical research projects, partly because such projects have been put on hold or redesigned entirely. This paper reflects on adaptations made, challenges encountered, and lessons learned while persisting with a qualitative study involving parents, teachers, tutors, and university academics during the second and third waves of the pandemic in Hong Kong in 2020. Specifically, we reflect on the reconsideration of research design and instruments, negotiation of different kinds of access to research sites and participants, optimization of existing data sources, streamlining of data collection approaches, and consideration of the mental well-being of both researchers and respondents. The paper includes lessons learned from the use of Zoom, WhatsApp Messenger, and phone calls as technological tools, and hashtag search on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Special consideration is given to the unexpected benefits of doing research during the pandemic and the convenience of using technology and adaptability approach.
A modest proposal to the peer review process: a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach in the assessment of scholarly communication
Authors: Hoffman August John
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the traditional peer review process (TPR) is to provide a more constructive and scientifically rigorous critical review of scholarly research that builds scientific rigor and validity within diverse academic disciplines. Peer review has received criticism as the demand for publications in a variety of competitive journals has significantly increased while the number of individuals who are both willing and qualified to conduct thorough reviews is significantly declining. The purpose of this topic piece is to examine the overall efficacy of the peer review process and provide recommendations toward a more collaborative, transparent (i.e. “open”), and interdisciplinary communication process.
Dynamic and adaptive grouping maintenance strategies: New scalable optimization algorithms
Authors: Hanini Maria , Khebbache Selma , Bouillaut Laurent , Hadji Makhlouf
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on new efficient and adaptive optimization algorithms to cope with the maintenance grouping problem for series, parallel, and complex systems. We propose a Particle Swarm Optimization approach to cope with small and medium problem sizes, and that will be used to benchmark existing heuristic solutions such as Genetic Algorithms. To address scalability and adaptability issues, we propose a new dynamic optimization algorithm based on a clustering technique. This clustering-based solution is formulated using an Integer Linear Programing approach to guarantee the convergence to global optimal solutions of the considered problem. We show the performance of the proposed approaches with a clear advantage to the clustering-based algorithm that we recommend for large industrial systems.
Challenging the meaning of the past from below: A typology for comparative research on memory activists
Authors: Gutman Yifat , Wüstenberg Jenny
Published: October 2021

Memory activists have recently received more scholarly and public attention, but the concept lacks conceptual clarity. In this article, we articulate an analytical framework for studying memory activists, proposing a relatively narrow definition: “Memory activists” strategically commemorate the past to challenge (or protect) dominant views on the past and the institutions that represent them. Their goal is mnemonic change or to resist change. We locate scholarship on memory activists at the intersection of memory studies and social movement studies. We introduce a typology for comparative analysis of memory activism according to activist roles, temporality, and modes of interaction with other actors in memory politics, and illustrate this with a diverse set of empirical examples. We contend that the analytical utility of the concept of the “memory activist” is premised on its value-neutrality, and in particular, its application to both pro and anti-democratic cases of activism.
Return to work following ultrasound guided thread carpal tunnel release versus open carpal tunnel release: a comparative study
Authors: Asserson Derek B. , North Taylor J. , Rhee Peter C. , Bishop Allen T. , Brault Jeffrey S. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: October 2021

A retrospective review of hospital employees at a single employer institution who underwent ultrasound guided thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) or open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) between January 2018 and August 2020 was performed to ascertain differences in return-to-work status. Patient age, sex, occupation, handedness, severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, prior treatments and surgical outcomes were reviewed. A total of 18 patients underwent TCTR and 17 patients underwent OCTR. The TCTR group averaged 12 days to return to work without restrictions, as opposed to 33 days for the OCTR group. Resolution of symptoms was afforded in all patients without any complications regardless of surgical technique. While both TCTR and OCTR were effective, our data indicates that TCTR resulted in a shorter return to work.

Level of evidence: III
Effectiveness of daily subjective wellness measurements via mobile applications in predicting perceived exertion and training load
Authors: Bertschy Montgomery , Howard Jeffrey T , Oyama Sakiko , Zhang Tianou , Cheever Kelly
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of presession subjective wellness, measured by a mobile application, in predicting the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and training load for collegiate female soccer players throughout all training sessions of a competitive season. Thirty-three training sessions over 10 weeks involving 23 subjects were analyzed. Before each training session, players self-reported wellness measurements (sleep quality, stress, mood, soreness, fatigue, and sleep duration) through a mobile application questionnaire. Training load (active time, distance, GPS session load, and sprint score) was measured by GPS. RPE was self-reported immediately after training sessions. Generalized estimating equations found that presession wellness scores had a significant effect on postsession RPE. A 1 point increase in the wellness score corresponded with a significant increase in RPE ([Formula: see text] = 0.4[Formula: see text], 95% CI (0.05–0.91), p = 0.029). Wellness component of mood had a significant effect on RPE as noted by a 1 SD increase that corresponded to an increase in RPE ([Formula: see text] = 0.[Formula: see text], 95% CI (0.07–0.30), p = 0.001). Psychosocial component of wellness (mood) played the most influential role in predicting RPE. The results suggest that monitoring student-athlete wellness may be helpful in regulating player internal load, and increasing player mood may also lower internal load.
Experimental Writing On Recent Mass Shootings
Authors: Borchard Kurt
Published: October 2021

In 2017 the author published a poem about a mass shooting in Orlando where forty-nine people died. Two shootings in March 2021 in Atlanta and Boulder, where eighteen people total were killed, have since garnered national news media attention. But mass shootings are more common than nationally reported. A Wikipedia page, titled “List of Mass Shootings in the United States 2021,” states that there were over one-hundred shootings involving four or more victims in the first three months of this year. The author here uses a compare and contrast list, recent headlines and quotes from news sources, and speculative scenarios to consider again this highly familiar and durable trope in American news.
Effects of testosterone treatment on transgender males: A single-institution study
Authors: Korpaisarn Sira , Chiewchalermsri Dararat , Arunakul Jiraporn , Chinthakanan Orawee , Poomthavorn Preamrudee , Sriphrapradang Chutintorn
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

Data regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy in the Asian population are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of testosterone therapy in transgender men.

Methods:

A retrospective study chart review was conducted in a single university-based transgender clinic. Transgender men aged >18 years who newly started testosterone therapy during January 2015 to October 2019 were recruited. Physical changes, laboratory results, and adverse events, including cancer, thromboembolism, cardiovascular events, and death after masculinizing hormone therapy, were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 39 transgender men (mean age: 27.8 ± 6.0 years) were included. All individuals were treated with intramuscular testosterone injection with a mean follow-up of 25.2 ± 12.9 months. The most common maintenance regimen was testosterone enanthate 250 mg every 4 weeks. Masculinizing effects developed in all transgender men. There were no changes in body weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Hematocrit levels were 12% significantly increased from 39.9 ± 3.3% to 48.9 ± 2% (p < 0.001). Ten individuals (25.6%) had hematocrit >50%. Significant changes were found in decreased fasting plasma glucose, increased creatinine, and increased uric acid levels. A non-significantly increased alanine aminotransferase, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. No thromboembolism, cancer, stroke, or coronary artery disease occurred.

Conclusions:

Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an effective and safe short-term treatment in Thai transgender men. Apart from the standard recommendation, uric acid, plasma glucose, and creatinine level evaluation before and during masculinizing hormone therapy are rational practices. An intramuscular testosterone enanthate 250 mg every 4 weeks is an alternative masculinizing regimen with decent efficacy and safety profile.
Self-injury and Smartphone Addiction: Age and gender differences in a community sample of adolescents presenting self-injurious behavior
Authors: Mancinelli Elisa , Sharka Ona , Lai Tatiana , Sgaravatti Eleonora , Salcuni Silvia
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to identify the variables (i.e., internalizing, and externalizing problems, self-control, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia) relevant for Smartphone Addiction and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), conceptualized as emotion-regulation strategies, also assessing age and gender differences. Based on power analysis, N = 78 Italian adolescents (11–19 years; Mage = 14.24; SD = 1.56; 73.1% females) were considered. Step-wise multivariate linear regressions evidence a mutual association between NSSI and Smartphone Addiction, particularly relevant in pre-adolescence. Low self-control is significantly associated with the Smartphone Addiction, while emotion dysregulation and alexithymia with NSSI. This study supports NSSI and Smartphone Addiction conceptualization as emotion-regulation strategies and the importance of prevention interventions.
Correlation of Multiple Acromion Morphological Parameters on Radiographs in a Geriatric Chinese Population and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Zhu Xiaoming , Zhang Yao , Guo Lin , Li Dongyi , Tian Fengde , An Ning , Hao Ruihu , Wang Changcheng
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Previous clinical studies have reported associations between the acromion index, lateral acromion angle, and critical shoulder angle and the occurrence of rotator cuff tears. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlations of these different anatomic parameters in geriatric Chinese Population.

Methods

Healthy geriatric Chinese participants (n = 66) and geriatric Chinese patients with rotator cuff tears (n = 70) identified between January 2019 and October 2020 were included in this study. Standardized true anteroposterior radiographs were used to measure the acromion index, lateral acromion angle, and critical shoulder angle in each study participant.

Results

The mean acromion index was significantly larger, the mean lateral acromion angle was significantly smaller, and the mean critical shoulder angle was significantly larger in geriatric patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears compared with geriatric healthy participants.

Conclusion

There were a negative linear relationship between the acromion index and lateral acromion angle and a positive linear relationship between the acromion index and critical shoulder angle in geriatric patients with rotator cuff tear and geriatric healthy participants; we termed this phenomenon “Hypothesis of Acromion Index.” The acromion index, lateral acromion angle, and critical shoulder angle are independent predictors of rotator cuff tears in a geriatric Chinese population.
Exploring the Relationship Between Hedonism, Tourist Experience, and Revisit Intention in Entertainment Destination
Authors: Luo Jian Ming , Lam Chi Fung , Wang Hongyu
Published: October 2021

Understanding consumers’ psychology and revisit intentions are important to destination management. Few studies explored how hedonism affected on tourists’ experience and revisit intention. This study analyzes the relationship among hedonism, tourism experience, and revisit intention in Macau from the customers’ perspective. The findings show that there are direct and positive relationships between hedonism and revisit intention. This study draws the attention of applying hedonism to entertainment tourism to increase tourist revisit intention. Implications and suggestions for entertainment providers and tourism planners are provided.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Popular Discourses in Jharkhand: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gupta Ujjwala , Nayar Kesavan Rajasekharan
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has made its imprint in human history once again providing us the opportunity to reflect and interpret the pandemic from several dimensions. It has disturbed lives of people leading to cognitive reactions apart from its physical impacts. Given the historical backdrop of pandemics, this article attempts to explore the diverse perspectives of people regarding the COVID-19 pandemic through in-depth interviews of people belonging to different strata of the society. The narratives were interpreted into themes which fall into the areas that cover popular perceptions regarding the pandemic. The responses were found to be surprisingly very complex and syncretic, from theological–spiritual rationalisations to natural or political explanations and scientific and clinical causes. Despite all scientific and technological advancements till date, the belief system has not drastically changed from what has been gleaned from the ancient theological literature.
Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury in US Military Academy Cadet Basic Training: A Survival Analysis Evaluating Sex, History of Injury, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Hearn Darren W. , Kerr Zachary Y. , Wikstrom Erik A. , Goss Donald L. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Marshall Stephen W. , Padua Darin A.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Injury incidence for physically active populations with a high volume of physical load can exceed 79%. There is little existing research focused on timing of injury and how that timing differs based on certain risk factors.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to report both the incidence and timing of lower extremity injuries during cadet basic training. We hypothesized that women, those with a history of injury, and those in underweight and obese body mass index (BMI) categories would sustain lower extremity musculoskeletal injury earlier in the training period than men, those without injury history, and those in the normal-weight BMI category.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Cadets from the class of 2022, arriving in 2018, served as the study population. Baseline information on sex and injury history was collected via questionnaire, and BMI was calculated from height and weight taken during week 1 at the United States Military Academy. Categories were underweight (BMI <20), middleweight (20-29.99), and obese (≥30). Injury surveillance was performed over the first 60 days of training via electronic medical record review and monitoring. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate group differences in time to the first musculoskeletal injury. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

Results:

A total of 595 cadets participated. The cohort was 76.8% male, with 29.9% reporting previous injury history and 93.3% having a BMI between 20 and 30. Overall, 16.3% of cadets (12.3% of male cadets and 29.7% of female cadets) experienced an injury during the follow-up period. Women experienced significantly greater incident injury than did men ( P < .001). Separation of survival curves comparing the sexes and injury history occurred at weeks 3 and 4, respectively. Hazards for first musculoskeletal injury were significantly greater for women versus men (HR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.76-3.94) and for those who reported a history of injury versus no injury history (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18-2.64). No differences were observed between BMI categories.

Conclusion:

Female cadets and those reporting previous musculoskeletal injury demonstrated a greater hazard of musculoskeletal injury during cadet basic training. This study did not observe an association between BMI and injury.
The Effect of Autonomy on University Rankings in Germany, France and China
Authors: Mai Anh Ngoc
Published: October 2021

As previous research has not addressed the relationship between university autonomy and university rankings within countries where the state control model is used, this study explores universities’ strategies to achieve top university rankings in accordance with their autonomous rights and financial as well as political support. Specifically, this article examines the similarities and differences in university autonomy across Germany, France, and China. The results provide a clarified picture for university leaders in other countries to comprehensively understand these elite universities' effective strategies. The findings also reveal that the strategies to obtain a high position in the university league tables differ across the three countries, due to differences in cultural and national characteristics. Despite these differences, the selected countries broadened their procedural and substantive autonomy, used financial incentives to attract outstanding scholars and researchers to improve research capacities, and obtained political and financial support from their governments.
Idea of Pandemic-Pedagogy: Reflexive Rumination on Teaching and Learning Practices
Authors: Pathak Dev Nath
Published: October 2021

Lately, the debates on teaching-practices in the online mode have given grounds to ask a fundamental question, does pedagogy really matter? For educationists, it surely does. But, what idea of pedagogy prevails upon the pedagogues, the teachers, techno-managerial professors, particularly in the higher education? This article rummages through the contemporary milieu that solicits debate on the idea of pedagogy, by and large marginal in the teaching practices in higher education. The structural academic Brahmanism of the ‘old normal’ has been melodramatically palpable in the time of ‘new normal’ too. In the academic years during the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenology of teaching practices occasions a polemical realization about limits and possibilities of pedagogy.
Physical Constraint in Pediatric Dentistry: The Lived Experience of Parents
Authors: Malik P. , Ferraz dos Santos B. , Girard F. , Hovey R. , Bedos C.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The use of physical constraint in pediatric dentistry is highly controversial. Papoose boards in particular, which envelop and immobilize children during treatment procedures, have been described as barbaric devices even though their goal is to protect the patient. In this debate, the voice of parents is important but still missing in the scientific literature.

Aim:

To understand how parents or caregivers experienced physical constraint and the use of the papoose board on their children during regular dental treatment.

Design:

We conducted qualitative research rooted in interpretive phenomenology. Accordingly, we performed in-depth individual interviews with a purposive sample of 7 parents or caregivers. The interviews took place in Montréal, Canada, after the children had been treated with a papoose board for nonemergency dental treatments. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.

Results:

Two perspectives emerged among participants. Some explained that the papoose board calmed their children, helped the dentist to complete the procedures, and made their experience less stressful. For others, the papoose board was a horrible and traumatizing experience, leading to feelings of guilt toward their children. They expressed anger toward the dentists for not allowing them enough time to decide and for imposing use of the device.

Conclusion

Our study raises serious ethical concerns about this practice. We believe that using a papoose board should remain an extraordinary measure and, more generally, that dental professionals should reflect on the place of children and their families in clinical encounters.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The findings of this study should encourage policy makers, dental professionals and ethicists to consider the following points: 1) the traumatizing experiences described by parents raise serious ethical concerns about the use of papoose boards; 2) the dental profession should reflect on the place of children and their families in the clinical encounter and grapple with the importance of consent and how to ensure consent in encounters involving children and their parents.
New avenues for HRM roles: A systematic literature review on HRM in hybrid organizations
Authors: Belte Anja
Published: October 2021

In recent decades, the emergence of hybrid organizational forms has placed new demands on the role of human resource management (HRM) contributing to organizational goals. Moreover, research emphasizes that the increasing hybridity of contexts, stakeholder requirements, and goals lead to organizational tensions that, if not properly addressed, can lead to organizational downfall. However, although organization and management research recognize the importance of elaborating HRM roles for hybrid contexts, drawing upon findings from the hybrid literature has been widely neglected. Thus, by mapping the research landscape regarding hybridity, this article provides insight into the configuration of organizational HRM roles and functions that contribute to the development of hybrid goals and are associated to the management of tensions. Significantly, this article introduces three specific HRM roles— hybrid strategist, capability adapter, and identification generator—as essential HRM roles for hybrid contexts.
Networked insurgence and an anti-electoral democracy: Bangkok space 2014–2020
Authors: King Ross
Published: October 2021

Bangkok presents a rich history of popular uprisings directed against its periodic military dictatorships. Then, in 2006 and 2010 there were uprisings of increasing theatricality, playing to a hoped-for global audience, but now against democratically elected governments. January 2014 saw this insurrectional performance art raised to a new plateau where the city itself became the stage and the portrayed villain no longer the government, but government as such— against electoral democracy and for some vague, imagined ideal that might be seen as post-electoral democracy based in civil society rather than political parties. An ensuing military-drafted constitution built on this rejection, leading to manipulated elections in 2019 and a new, quasi-elected, monarchist-military government scarcely understandable outside the context of the dark euphoria of 2014. Then in 2020 the tide of insurgence turned again, against the military hegemony but also against the monarchy—a seismic shift. The paper’s focus is on these events of 2014 and their 2020 denouement, also on their implications for both the space and the form of the city in a digital age.
Differences in adverse drug events and medication errors among pediatric inpatients aged <3 and ≥3 years: The JADE study
Authors: Takeuchi Jiro , Sakuma Mio , Ohta Yoshinori , Ida Hiroyuki , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Background

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are defined as any injuries due to medication use. We hypothesized that the incidences of ADEs and medication errors (MEs) could be associated with linguistic skills of pediatric patients.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Japan Adverse Drug Events study on pediatric inpatients. This study included inpatients aged one months and older and less than seven years old. We compared the primary outcome of ADEs and MEs between patients aged under three years and three years and older as children typically do not acquire sufficient linguistic skills until around three years of age.

Results

This study included 639 patients; 412 (64%) patients aged under three years and 227 (36%) patients aged three years and older. We identified 241 ADEs in 639 patients; 152 ADEs among patients aged under three years (37 ADEs per 100 patients) and 89 ADEs among those aged three years and older (39 ADEs per 100 patients). ADEs among patients aged under three years were less likely to be found (49 ADEs) during their hospital stay than those aged three years and older (20 ADEs) ( P = 0.02). Among 172 MEs identified in 639 patients, 25 MEs (15%) resulted in ADEs; 23 (92%) occurred to those aged under three years and two (8%) occurred to those aged three years and older ( P = 0.0008).

Conclusion

ADEs were less likely to be found and MEs resulted in ADEs more frequently in patients under three years old, and these differences could be explained by differences in their linguistic skill levels.