bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Public Health Surveillance Data to Determine Hepatitis C Virus Exposure Among Live-Born Infants in Tennessee, 2013-2017
Authors: Wingate Heather , Sizemore Lindsey , Black Jennifer , Heth Zachary , Talley Pamela , Patrick Stephen W. , Wester Carolyn
Published: August 2021

Objective

Maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection reported on birth certificates has been shown to underestimate HCV infection. We sought to determine the usefulness of HCV surveillance data for (1) quantifying the number of HCV-positive reproductive-aged women with a live birth, (2) comparing maternal HCV surveillance data with reported HCV infection status on birth certificates, and (3) delineating past versus current maternal infection to identify true perinatal exposures.

Methods

We extracted data from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2017, on birth certificate indication of HCV exposure from the Tennessee Birth Statistical File, and we ascertained indication of HCV exposure by using laboratory data from the Tennessee National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Base System (NBS). We conducted a sensitivity analysis comparing birth certificate indication of HCV exposure with HCV laboratory data to determine whether true perinatal exposure had occurred.

Results

During the study period, 6731 mothers with live births in Tennessee reported having HCV infection during pregnancy: 3295 (49.0%) had both laboratory and birth certificate indication of HCV infection, 2130 (31.6%) had indication of HCV infection on the laboratory report only, and 1306 (19.4%) had indication of HCV infection on the birth certificate only.

Conclusions

Using data from a public health HCV surveillance system with birth certificate data may improve the identification of HCV-infected pregnant women and perinatally exposed infants. Surveillance systems that include complete reporting of all HCV RNA results can be used to distinguish past from present maternal HCV infection to focus limited public health resources on currently infected mothers and their exposed infants.
The Teaching of Science Subjects through Foreign Languages in Moroccan Secondary Schools: Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Ben Hammou Salah , Kesbi Abdelaziz
Published: August 2021

The present study explores Moroccan science teachers’ perceptions of teaching science subjects through foreign languages, mainly French, in Moroccan secondary schools. Seventeen science and technology teachers have been interviewed and data were analysed following the grounded theory methodology. The researcher constructs hypotheses based on data collection and analysis following axial coding. The findings of the study reveal that although science teachers hold positive attitudes towards the change in the language of instruction, they do not agree with the way this new initiative is being implemented. According to them, neither teachers nor students have been prepared to cope with a foreign language as a medium of instruction. They think students’ low French proficiency is the major challenge in this new initiative. Hence, they admit to resorting to the mother tongue to facilitate students’ content learning. Also, they have expressed their dissatisfaction with the prioritization of French as a foreign language and as a language of instruction. Instead, they suggest preparing young generations to switch to English as a medium of instruction through introducing English as a first foreign language at the primary and middle schools instead of French. The study ends up with some implications to overcome the challenges of the new policy.
MADE 2 FADE: A Practical Strategy for Empowering Independence for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Ingles Kristina E. , Gilson Carly B. , Pena Humberto
Published: August 2021

Independence is a critical skill in preparing students with disabilities for success after high school. Secondary special education teachers equip their students toward task independence across skill domains (e.g., employment, independent living), yet there is little guidance regarding a simple and systematic way to do so. MADE 2 FADE (M2F) is a mnemonic developed to support special education teachers in data-driven decisions and implementation of research-based practices. This framework is designed to help teachers as they encourage their students with disabilities toward greater self-efficacy and skill mastery.
Adapted Physical Education: Meeting the Requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Authors: Yell Mitchell L. , McNamara Scott , Prince Angela M. T.
Published: August 2021

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that school districts provide eligible students with specially designed instruction that confers a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Depending on the unique needs of a student, FAPE may include physical education services. The IDEA also requires that a student’s individualized education program (IEP) include adapted physical education services, when deemed necessary to meet a student’s needs. In this paper we (a) define and compare physical education and adapted physical education, (b) examine the FAPE of the IDEA requirements regarding physical education and adapted physical education, (c) review a recent policy letter issued by the U.S Department of Education on adapted physical education, (d) highlight several court cases on adapted physical education for students with disabilities, and (e) offer guidance on when to include physical education and adapted physical education in students’ IEPs.
Optimization of fluid characteristics in the main nozzle of an air-jet loom
Authors: Huang Xinlei , Clemon Lee Michael , Islam Mohammad Saidul , C. Saha Suvash
Published: August 2021

As part of the propulsion system, the fluid dynamic features of the main nozzle can immediately affect the stability and efficiency of an air-jet loom. This study aims to optimize the fluid characteristics in the main nozzle of an air-jet loom. To investigate ways of weakening the effect of airflow congestion and backflow phenomenon occurring in the sudden expansion region, the computational fluid dynamics method is employed. Three-dimensional turbulence flow models for a regular main nozzle and 12 prototypes with different nozzle core tip geometry are built, simulated, and analyzed to get the optimum performance. Furthermore, a set of modified equations that consider the direction of airflow are proposed for better estimation of the friction force applied by the nozzle. The result shows that the nozzle core tip's geometry has a significant influence on the internal airflow, affecting the acceleration tube airflow velocity, turbulence intensity, and backflow strength of the sudden expansion region, and other critical fluid characteristics as well. Several proposed models have succeeded in reducing the backflow and outperforming the original design in many different aspects. Models A-60 and C-P, in particular, manage to increase the propulsion force by 37.6% and 20.2% in the acceleration tube while reducing the maximum backflow by 57.1% and 52.2%, respectively. These simulation results can provide invaluable information for the future optimization of the main nozzle.
The Longitudinal Effects of Age of Alcohol Initiation on School Outcomes
Authors: Tomek Sara , Hooper Lisa M. , Schneider Wei , Bolland Anneliese C. , Porter Mitch , Gun Egemen , Bolland John M.
Published: August 2021

Previous research has demonstrated initiation of alcohol during adolescence has a negative effect on both school attendance and missed instruction due to behavior. Utilizing longitudinal data comprised of primarily Black American youth between ages 11 and 18 ( N = 931), both the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol initiation were analyzed using a piecewise growth curve model. Results indicated that alcohol initiation negatively impacted school absences, but this effect was unique and independent of the age at which alcohol was initiated. The number of days of missed instruction due to school violations was also negatively impacted, but the effect was found to be more detrimental to those youth initiating alcohol at a younger age. By age 18, early alcohol initiators had a significantly greater number of days of missed instruction due to school violations, yet did not differ in the number of school absences. Implications of the results are discussed.
Do as I Say, Not as I Do? Examining Possible Individual-Level Moderators in the Relationship Between Criminal Attitudes and Offending
Authors: Boccio Cashen M.
Published: August 2021

Several criminological theories and numerous research studies suggest that criminal attitudes are related to delinquency and criminal behavior. In contrast, there is also an emerging body of literature that suggests that the behavior of many individuals is not consistent with their attitudes. This study addresses this contradiction in the literature by examining two possible individual-level moderators (i.e., self-control and depressive symptoms) that may explain why some adolescents may be involved in delinquent behavior when they report having attitudes disapproving of delinquency. The findings reveal that attitudes disapproving of delinquency are negatively associated with delinquent involvement; however, many respondents with attitudes of disapproving of delinquency still engaged in delinquent behavior. In addition, the findings suggest that self-control and depressive symptoms may moderate the association between attitudes disapproving of delinquency and delinquent involvement.
Preparing Silver Linings for a Cloudy Day: The Consequences of Preemptive Benefit Finding
Authors: Rankin Kyla , Sweeny Kate
Published: August 2021

Waiting for important news is stressful. In four studies, we assess the utility of preemptive benefit finding, a coping strategy in which people seek silver linings in bad news before receiving news, for emotional well-being across several waiting periods (waiting for bar exam results, the outcome of political elections, and results of a fictitious health risk assessment). Our findings support the effectiveness of preemptive benefit finding while waiting, such that identifying benefits in bad news while waiting predicts more positive emotions during the wait (Studies 3 and 4) and buffers people against the emotional consequences of bad news by boosting post-news positive emotions (Studies 2–4). Importantly, engaging in preemptive benefit finding does not backfire if a person ultimately receives good news (Studies 1, 3, and 4). We discuss results from a mini meta-analysis and consider implications of our findings for interventions to improve well-being while waiting and after news arrives.
Remembering Social Events: A Construal Level Approach
Authors: Wyer Natalie A. , Hollins Timothy J. , Pahl Sabine
Published: August 2021

Social events are rich in information, yet research into how people remember such events has typically been limited to considering one aspect (e.g., faces, behaviors) at a time. Based on an internal meta-analysis of a program work encompassing 15 laboratory, field, and on-line experiments involving 1,230 participants, we found that construal level influences both the ability to recognize people involved in the event ( d = 0.30) and the way the social aspects of the event are described (average d = 0.48). In contrast, memory for background objects/scenes that were present during the event was unaffected by construal level. We discuss these findings in terms of their implications for both event memory (and situations where different aspects of the same event are remembered) and for construal level (and the question of how and when construal is likely to affect memory).
Mixing Misery and Gin: The Effect of Alcohol Administration on Ostracism Response
Authors: Fairbairn Catharine E. , Creswell Kasey G. , Hales Andrew H. , Williams Kipling D. , Wilkins Kaleigh V.
Published: August 2021

Williams’s need-threat model proposes that ostracism responses are reflexive and, because of their evolutionary significance, difficult to diminish. Alcohol is widely consumed in social contexts and for reasons of coping with social stress, and major theories of alcohol propose that intoxication disrupts cognitive appraisal of environmental threats, leading to stress relief. Surprisingly, though, no well-powered experimental research has examined the impact of alcohol intoxication on distress from social ostracism. In three studies across two independent laboratories ( N = 438), participants were randomly assigned to receive either an alcoholic or nonalcoholic (i.e., no-alcohol control or placebo) beverage and were exposed to an ostracism (or social inclusion) manipulation. Results, which emerged as remarkably consistent across all studies, indicated strong and consistent effects of ostracism on mood and needs satisfaction among both intoxicated and sober participants. Findings have important implications for ostracism theory and speak to boundary conditions for alcohol’s ability to relieve stress.
Supporting Children and Kinship Caregivers in the Context of Substance Use Disorder: Perspectives of Key Professionals
Authors: Tye Jessica E. , Meiers Sonja J. , Olsen Gayle , Moore Mitchell J. , Aleman Martha J. , Chawla Vijay
Published: August 2021

One in eight children in the United States grows up in a household with parental substance use disorder (SUD). The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of children and kinship caregivers affected by SUD, as perceived by 23 professionals who interact with these families. A community-based participatory research approach with exploratory and descriptive qualitative methods was utilized. Results indicated that (a) children need relationships and connections, stability, emotional and health care support, and protection from risks associated with SUD; (b) caregivers need community resource and navigation supports, skills development, and understanding of the caregiver’s role; and (c) there is a lack of existing comprehensive resources and services to support families affected by SUD. This study adds to existing literature by identifying key professionals’ perceptions and examining various types of kin relationships. Future research and practice implications are discussed.
Relieving bronchial compression due to cardiomegaly: The role of aortopexy when left ventricular assist device support just is not enough
Authors: Haranal Maruti , Laks Jessica , Cushing Sharon L , Mazwi Mjaye , Jeewa Aamir , Honjo Osami
Published: August 2021

Enlarged cardiac structures, especially those on left side have the potential to cause airway compression in pediatric patients with chronic heart failure, owing to their proximity to and impact on the trachea-bronchial tree. Ventricular assist devices are effective in decompressing such hearts thereby alleviating airway problems. Aortopexy serves as an effective airway decompressive measure in cases with persistent airway compression despite effective cardiac decompression by ventricular assist devices. We report a case of 1-year-old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy in whom airway compression persisted despite ventricular assist device implantation. Aortopexy was effective in relieving airway compression allowing for subsequent extubation and successful heart transplantation.
Spatial-temporal variations and trends of Internet users: assessment from global perspective
Authors: Yang Hao , Wang Shaobin , Zheng Yan
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the spatial-temporal variation and trend of the Internet user percentage (IUP) at the country level in the world from 1996 to 2017. Several methods were applied including kernel density estimation, global autocorrelations, sigma-convergence detection, and hierarchical clustering. The results demonstrated that the spatial distribution of IUP at the country level showed significant positive autocorrelations indicating clustered spatial patterns rather than dispersed or random distributions. In addition, the temporal variation of the distribution disparity of IUP showed a decreasing trend at the country level during the study period. Further, sigma convergence of IUP during this period was detected according to the coefficient of variation. Last, the similarity of the IUP variation at the country level presented the spatial clustering feature with spatially contiguous countries in the world. In sum, the finding in this study indicated that Internet penetration may show the promotion of the balanced development trend over time in the world and the spatial characteristics of Internet development should be considered in the future policy globally.
Smiles behind the masks: A systematic review and narrative synthesis exploring how family members of seriously ill or dying patients are supported during infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Bloomer Melissa J , Walshe Catherine
Published: August 2021

Background:

Infection control measures during infectious disease outbreaks can have significant impacts on seriously ill and dying patients, their family, the patient-family connection, coping, grief and bereavement.

Aim:

To explore how family members of patients who are seriously ill or who die during infectious disease outbreaks are supported and cared for during serious illness, before and after patient death and the factors that influence family presence around the time of death.

Design:

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources:

CINAHL, Medline, APA PsycInfo and Embase were searched from inception to June 2020. Forward and backward searching of included papers were also undertaken. Records were independently assessed against inclusion criteria. Included papers were assessed for quality, but none were excluded.

Findings:

Key findings from 14 papers include the importance of communication and information sharing, as well as new ways of using virtual communication. Restrictive visiting practices were understood, but the impact of these restrictions on family experience cannot be underestimated, causing distress and suffering. Consistent advice and information were critical, such as explaining personal protective equipment, which family found constraining and staff experienced as affecting interpersonal communication. Cultural expectations of family caregiving were challenged during infectious disease outbreaks.

Conclusion:

Learning from previous infectious disease outbreaks about how family are supported can be translated to the current COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks. Consistent, culturally sensitive and tailored plans should be clearly communicated to family members, including when any restrictions may be amended or additional supports provided when someone is dying.
Educating Marketing Students to Understand Designers’ Thought-Worlds
Authors: Blijlevens Janneke
Published: August 2021

Marketers and designers are likely to work together on innovation teams as they both have customer satisfaction as their end goals. Collaboration between these disciplines in innovation teams is often impaired due to the different thought-worlds that drive decision making: intuitive versus rational. To facilitate collaboration between design and marketing it is valuable to teach marketers about designers’ ways of thinking. Approaches to teaching design thinking to marketing students often focus on students becoming more creative, intuitive, and innovative themselves. However, the integration of the two disciplines does not require that marketers become designers, and vice versa, as both bring unique skills necessary for successful innovation. An educational framework is presented that aims to teach marketing students an understanding of the thought-world of design thinking rather than to become design thinkers themselves. The focus is on recognizing how the others’ approach to the same goals are complementary to their own approaches instead of being different or “wrong.” This framework is unique in aligning design thinking phases with critical thinking phases—marketing students’ dominant thinking style—through specifically chosen activities to scaffold the understanding of an intuitive, divergent, and creative thinking approach to the development of innovative marketing ideas.
Universal testing for COVID-19 in patients undergoing cancer treatment during the second outbreak in Brescia
Authors: Magrini Stefano M. , Guerini Andrea E. , Borghetti Paolo , Volpi Giulia , Triggiani Luca , Costa Loredana , Pegurri Ludovica , Spiazzi Luigi , Buglione Michela
Published: August 2021

Background:

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been overwhelming on patients with cancer, who may be at higher risk of developing severe disease. During the second COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, we planned universal microbiologic screening for patients scheduled for antineoplastic treatment.

Methods:

All patients with planned active treatment at Brescia University Radiation Oncology Department were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA with repeated nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from October 31, 2020. Treatment continuation, suspension, or delay was modulated for patients testing positive according to clinical presentation.

Results:

From October 31, 2020, to February 6, 2021, 636 patients were enrolled and 1243 NPS were performed, of which 28 (2.25%) were positive. The infection rate was 2.52%; 81.3% of the patients with a positive NPS were asymptomatic, 2 had mild disease, and 1 severe disease that led to death. All patients already on treatment with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 carried on the therapy with no or minimal delay. Median delay for patients with infection detected before treatment start was 16.5 days.

Conclusions:

Detected incidence of COVID-19 was lower during the second outbreak in our patients (2.52% vs 3.23%), despite the extensive testing schedule, and substantiates the high rate of asymptomatic infections and the low mortality among patients with COVID-19 (6.3% vs 38.5% during the first outbreak). Universal SARS-CoV-2 screening for all patients with planned treatment might allow early identification of patients with COVID-19, resulting in timely management that could improve clinical outcomes and prevent spread of the infection.
Update on radioligand therapy with 177Lu-PSMA for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: clinical aspects and survival effects
Authors: Fuoco Valentina , Argiroffi Giovanni , Mazzaglia Stefania , Lorenzoni Alice , Guadalupi Valentina , Franza Andrea , Scalorbi Federica , Aliberti Gianluca , Chiesa Carlo , Procopio Giuseppe , Seregni Ettore , Maccauro Marco
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To give an updated overview on clinical aspects and survival effects of lutetium-177–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) (177Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy (RLT), a novel treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods:

PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched for relevant articles published up to March 2021. The search was restricted to English-language articles.

Results:

Current evidence from the literature consistently demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and survival benefit of 177Lu-PSMA RLT in mCRPC. However, current data rely predominantly on retrospective analyses, showing heterogeneity of patient population and treatment protocols. More recently, results from the first randomized phase II study (TheraP) demonstrated that 177Lu-PMSA therapy significantly improved prostate-specific antigen response rate (66% vs 37%) and had fewer grade 3/4 adverse events when compared to cabazitaxel in patients with docetaxel-pretreated, progressive mCRPC. This review is intended to provide an updated overview of treatment protocols and responses, toxicity profile, and survival effects of 177Lu-PSMA RLT.

Conclusions:

177Lu-PSMA RLT has emerged as a promising targeted treatment in mCRPC. It is currently applied in compassionate use programs and following exhaustion of approved therapies. Crucial for establishing this treatment in routine clinical management will be the results of the phase III VISION trial, which may confirm the encouraging patient outcomes reported to date.
The influence of “happy” and “sad” background music on complexity, accuracy, and fluency of second-language speaking
Authors: Dabaghi Varnosfaderani Shahaboddin , Shahnazari Mohammadtaghi , Dabaghi Azizollah
Published: August 2021

The role of music in second-language (L2) learning has long been the object of various empirical and theoretical inquiries. However, research on whether the effect of background music (BM) on language-related task performance is facilitative or inhibitory has produced inconsistent findings. Hence, we investigated the effect of happy and sad BM on complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) of L2 speaking among intermediate learners of English. A between-groups design was used, in which 60 participants were randomly assigned to three groups with two experimental groups performing an oral L2 English retelling task while listening to either happy or sad BM, and a control group performing the task with no background music. The results demonstrated the happy BM group’s significant outperformance in fluency over the control group. In accuracy, the happy BM group also outdid the controls (error-free clauses, correct verb forms). Moreover, the sad BM group performed better in accuracy than the controls but in only one of its measures (correct verb forms). Furthermore, no significant difference between the groups in syntactic complexity was observed. The study, in line with the current literature on BM effects, suggests that it might have specific impacts on L2 oral production, explained by factors such as mood, arousal, neural mechanism, and the target task’s properties.
Trajectory of treatment response in the child and adolescent migraine prevention (CHAMP) study: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Reidy Brooke L , Peugh James , Hershey Andrew D , Coffey Christopher S , Chamberlin Leigh A , Ecklund Dixie J , Klingner Elizabeth A , Yankey Jon W , Korbee Leslie L , Porter Linda L , Kabbouche Marielle A , Kacperski Joanne , Powers Scott W
Published: August 2021

Objective

Identify preventive medication treatment response trajectories among youth participating in the Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention study.

Methods

Data were evaluated from 328 youth (ages 8–17). Childhood and Adolescent Migraine Prevention study participants completed headache diaries during a 28-day baseline period and a 168-day active treatment period during which youth took amitriptyline, topiramate, or placebo. Daily headache occurrence trajectories were established across baseline and active treatment periods using longitudinal hierarchical linear modeling. We tested potential treatment group differences. We also compared final models to trajectory findings from a clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline for youth with chronic migraine to test for reproducibility.

Results

Daily headache occurrence showed stability across baseline. Active treatment models revealed decreases in headache frequency that were most notable early in the trial period. Baseline and active treatment models did not differ by treatment group and replicated trajectory cognitive behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline trial findings.

Conclusions

Replicating headache frequency trajectories across clinical trials provides strong evidence that youth can improve quickly. Given no effect for medication, we need to better understand what drives this clinically meaningful improvement. Results also suggest an expected trajectory of treatment response for use in designing and determining endpoints for future clinical trials. Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01581281
BoNT-A efficacy in high frequency migraine: an open label, single arm, exploratory study applying the PREEMPT paradigm
Authors: Martinelli Daniele , Arceri Sebastiano , De Icco Roberto , Allena Marta , Guaschino Elena , Ghiotto Natascia , Bitetto Vito , Castellazzi Gloria , Cosentino Giuseppe , Sances Grazia , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In this open label, single-arm trial we evaluated the efficacy of onabotulinum toxin-A in the prevention of high-frequency episodic migraine (8–14 migraine days/month).

Methods

We enrolled 32 high-frequency episodic migraine subjects (age 44.8 ± 11.9 years, 11.0 ± 2.2 migraine days, 11.5 ± 2.1 headache days, 7 females). After a 28-day baseline period, subjects underwent 4 subsequent onabotulinum toxin-A treatments according to the phase III research evaluating migraine prophylaxis therapy (PREEMPT) paradigm, 12-weeks apart. The primary outcome was the reduction of monthly migraine days from baseline in the 12-week period following the last onabotulinum toxin-A treatment

Results

Onabotulinum toxin-A reduced monthly migraine days by 3.68 days (−33.1%, p < 0.01). Thirty-nine percent of the patients experienced a ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days. Onabotulinum toxin-A also reduced the number of headache days (−33.9%, p < 0.01) and the intake of acute medications (−22.9%, p = 0.03). Disability and quality of life (QoL) scores improved markedly (migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) −41.7%; migraine specific questionnaire (MSQ) −31.7%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that, when administered according to the PREEMPT paradigm, onabotulinum toxin-A is effective in the prevention of high-frequency episodic migraine. Trial Registration: NCT04578782
A systematic review of treatment for patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Tan Huann Lan , Smith Jared G , Hoffmann Jan , Renton Tara
Published: August 2021

Background

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic idiopathic intractable intraoral dysaesthesia that remains a challenge to clinicians due to its poorly understood pathogenesis and inconsistent response to various treatments.

Aim

This review aimed to study the short- (≤3 months) and long-term (>3 months) effectiveness and sustainable benefit of different burning mouth syndrome treatment strategies and the associated side effects.

Materials and methods

Randomised controlled trials of burning mouth syndrome treatment compared with placebo or other interventions with a minimum follow up of 2 months were searched from the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane database (published to July 2020).

Results

Twenty-two studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and analysed. Nine categories of burning mouth syndrome treatment were identified: Anticonvulsant and antidepressant agents, phytomedicine and alpha lipoic acid supplements, low-level laser therapy, saliva substitute, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and cognitive behaviour therapy. Cognitive behaviour therapy, topical capsaicin and clonazepam, and laser therapy demonstrated favourable outcome in both short- and long-term assessment. Phytomedicines reported a short-term benefit in pain score reduction. The pooled effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) pain score improvement was low, but its positive effects increased in long term assessment.

Conclusion

A more significant volume in terms of sample size, multi-centres, and multi-arm comparison of therapeutic agents with placebo and longitudinal follow-up studies is recommended to establish a standardised burning mouth syndrome treatment protocol. Further studies are required to assess the analgesic benefits of topical clonazepam and capsaicin, alternative medicines with neurodegenerative prevention capability and psychology support in treating burning mouth syndrome and reducing systemic adverse drug reactions. Registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): Protocol ID - CRD42020160892.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome developing after an erenumab injection for migraine prevention
Authors: Rozen Todd D , Bhatt Alok A
Published: August 2021

Background

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is normally triggered by vasoactive compounds or illicit drugs. A new type of migraine preventive medication blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a potent vasodilator for the cerebrovascular system. Could blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide be a trigger for cerebral artery vasospasm in patients susceptible to developing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (migraine patients) or in individuals using vasoactive compounds? We present a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome occurring after calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody treatment.

Case report

A 43-year -old woman with a history of episodic migraine developed an acute headache with orgasm two days after taking her second injection of erenumab. Ten days after erenumab injection she developed a thunderclap headache while completing a high intensity workout. These new headaches were only left sided. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated mild to moderate areas of narrowing involving the left middle and anterior cerebral arteries, concerning for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. She denied exposure to any known reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome precipitant medication or illicit drugs. She did endorse recent exposure to high altitude prior to erenumab therapy. She was started on verapamil 40 mg three times per day and her headache ceased within 24 h of initiating treatment. A repeat CT angiogram completed 4 weeks after the initial study noted resolution of the areas of vessel stenosis.

Conclusion

A case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome developing after treatment with a calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody is presented. The timing of the new type of headache occurring 2 days post erenumab injection suggests a possible cause and effect relationship. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome as a possible treatment-related complication to the usage of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies needs to be studied further.
Quality appraisal of existing guidelines for the management of headache disorders by the AGREE II’s method
Authors: Vaz Juliana MA , Alves Bárbara MCS , Duarte Djane B , Marques Luciene AM , Santana Rafael S
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the quality of existing clinical practice guidelines for headache management and their main recommendations.

Background

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines have been developed to support the clinical decision-making. However, to achieve this goal, the quality of these guidelines must be ensured.

Methods

A systematic search for clinical practice guidelines for headache management was conducted in the PubMed database, in websites of known guideline developers and in websites of known headache associations. The quality appraisal was performed through the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II method.

Results

Twelve guidelines were evaluated. The domains of rigor of development, applicability, and editorial independence, which most influence the overall quality of guidelines, had the lowest average scores and the highest standard deviation rates (61% ± 23; 37% ± 20; 53% ± 31). The main recommendations regarding medication use for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache and migraine in adult patients consisted of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in all guidelines.

Conclusions

The statistical results indicate that the appraised guidelines have room for both individual and collective improvement. In addition, there is a well-established medication recommendation pattern among all guidelines evaluated.
Deep Learning-Based Visual Identification of Signs of Bat Presence in Bridge Infrastructure Images: A Transfer Learning Approach
Authors: Li Tianshu , Alipour Mohamad , Donaldson Bridget M. , Harris Devin K.
Published: August 2021

Bat inventory surveys on bridges, structures, and dwellings are an important step in protecting threatened and endangered bat species that use the infrastructure as roosting locations. Observing guano droppings and staining is a common indicator of bat presence, but it can be difficult to verify whether certain stains originated from bats or other sources such as water seeps, rust staining, asphalt leaching, or other structural deterioration mechanisms. While humans find it hard to distinguish bat indicators without training, from a computer vision perspective they show different features that, coupled with expert opinion, can be used for automated detection of bat presence. To facilitate bat presence detection and streamline bat surveys, this paper leverages recent advances in visual recognition using deep learning to develop an image classification system that identifies bat indicators. An array of state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks were investigated. To overcome the shortage of data, parameters previously trained on large-scale datasets were used to transfer the learned feature representations. Using a pool of digital photographs collected by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), a visual recognition model was developed and achieved 92.0% accuracy during testing. To facilitate the application of the developed model, a prototype web application was created to allow users to interactively upload images of stains on structures and receive classification results from the model. The web application is being deployed by VDOT in a pilot study and the success of the proposed approach is expected to help facilitate bat inventory surveys and the resulting conservation efforts.
Accessibility and Equity Analysis of Transit Facility Sites for Common Carrier Parcel Lockers
Authors: Keeling Katherine L. , Schaefer Jaclyn S. , Figliozzi Miguel A.
Published: August 2021

Transit goals have typically focused on commuter trips but facilitating urban last mile freight logistics is a potential strategy to increase transit ridership and mitigate the demands of parcel distribution on the transportation network. Presently, most parcel lockers operate out of private businesses, but consumer surveys have found that transit users may be interested in locker facilities at transit facilities. The implementation of an unmanned, secure, common carrier parcel locker system could have benefits for non-transit users as well. This research presents a multiple-criteria approach for analyzing the potential of public transportation facilities as hosts for a common carrier locker system. Several accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, spatial distribution, and sociodemographic profiles of coverage areas are utilized. A case study utilizing real-word data from the Portland, OR region and its transit facilities is used to illustrate accessibility and equity tradeoffs. The results demonstrate that multiple facility types have the potential to host a locker system but there are complex accessibility and equity tradeoffs to be considered by stakeholders and policy makers when prioritizing locations.
The sheep as a pre-clinical model for testing intra-aortic percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices
Authors: Weisskopf Miriam , Kron Mareike , Giering Tobias , Walker Tobias , Cesarovic Nikola
Published: August 2021

The save deployment of intra-aortic percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices is highly dependent on the inner aortic diameter. Finding the anatomically and ethically most suitable animal model for performance testing of new pMCS devices remains challenging. For this study, an ovine model using adult ewes of a large framed breed (Swiss White Alpine Sheep) was developed to test safety, reliability, and biocompatibility of catheter-mounted mechanical support devices placed in the descending thoracic aorta. Following the drawback of fluctuating aortic diameter and device malfunction in the first four animals, the model was improved by stenting the following animals with an aortic stent. Stenting the animals with an intra-aortic over the balloon stent was found to standardize the experimental set-up and to avoid early termination of the experiment due to non-device related issues.
Single-Case Research Design: Introduction to the Special Series
Authors: Hott Brittany L. , Flores Margaret M.
Published: August 2021

This article introduces and describes the articles that are part of the thematic special series on investigating research questions to improve services for students with learning disabilities using single-case research design. The issue includes an article for peer reviewers that serves as a guide for decision-making and evaluation of single-case research design manuscripts. The other articles are intended for researchers who are interested in designing academic and behavioral interventions for students with LD using single-case research designs. The articles provide readers with descriptions of methods, approaches, and techniques that lead to high-quality research design.
Racial/Ethnic Variations in Social Determinants of Mental Health Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries
Authors: Kim Taehyun , White Kellee , DuGoff Eva
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

We examine associations between social determinants and mental health and assess how the associations vary by race/ethnicity using a large, diverse sample of older adults.

Method:

A retrospective study of 444,057 older adults responding to the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey in 2015–2017 was conducted. Using a multilevel linear regression, we examined the associations between the self-reported number of unhealthy days due to mental health and social determinants, stratified by race/ethnicity.

Results:

Health factors were most strongly associated with unhealthy days across all racial/ethnic groups. Strength of other factors varied by race/ethnicity. Social/economic factors had stronger associations among Whites, Asians, and multiracial individuals, while such factors were not significant for American Indians/Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders.

Discussion:

We found varying degrees of associations between social determinants and poor mental health by racial/ethnic groups. These results suggest that homogeneous interventions may not meet the mental health needs of all.
Combining multi-criteria decision analysis with GIS approaches for decentralized organic wastes composting plants site selection in Tiassalé, Southern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Yeo Dotanhan , Dongo Kouassi , Angoua Eliachie Larissa Eméline , Mertenat Adeline , Lüssenhop Phillipp , Zurbrügg Christian , Körner Ina
Published: August 2021

In recent years, decentralized composting appeared as one of the most appropriate treatment options for organic waste valorization in low- and middle-income countries. In Cote d’Ivoire, a pilot project has proved the feasibility of organic municipal solid waste composting for the city of Tiassalé. However, numerous issues still need to be addressed for the establishment of a sustainable decentralized composting system in this city. One of the key issues is site selection. Until now, there is no clear model for such plant site selection. In this study, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and geographical information system (GIS) approaches were combined to develop an appropriate model for selecting decentralized composting sites in the city of Tiassalé. The methodology used involved two different and complementary phases. First, MCDA and GIS techniques were used to identify the most suitable site areas. Seven criteria clustered in three main factors (environmental, social and economic), and five constraints were considered in the analysis process. Second, five sites were selected within the most suitable areas after a basic field visit and ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The results showed that the most suitable spaces for decentralized composting plant siting represent only 2.6% of the study area. The investigation yielded on the selection of the two best options for decentralized composting plant siting for the city of Tiassalé. This study proved that the combination of MCDA and GIS is a practical and efficient method to identify suitable sites for decentralized composting plants.
Comparison of 5 Rectal Preparation Strategies for Prostate MRI and Impact on Image Quality
Authors: Sathiadoss Paul , Haroon Mohammad , Osman Heba , Ahmad Faraz , Papadatos Philip , Schieda Nicola
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

To compare 5 different rectal preparation strategies for prostate MRI.

Methods:

This 5-arm quality-assurance study evaluated 56 patients per arm (280 patients) including: no preparation, clear-fluids diet (CFD) beginning at 00:00 hours on the day of MRI, Fleet®-enema, enema + CFD, enema + CFD + IV-antispasmodic agent. The study was powered to 0.80 with alpha-error of 0.05. Three blinded radiologists independently evaluated T2-Weighted (T2W) and Diffusion Weighed Imaging (DWI) for: rectal diameter (maximal AP diameter), rectal content (stool, fluid, gas), rectal motion, T2W/DWI image quality, T2W image sharpness and DWI susceptibility artifact using 5-point Likert scales. Overall comparisons were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis, with pair-wise comparisons using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon sign-rank tests.

Results:

Rectal diameter and amount of gas were lower in enema compared to non-enema groups (p < 0.001), with smallest diameter and least gas in the enema + CFD + IV-antispasmodic group (p = 0.022-<0.001). T2W image quality and sharpness were highest in the enema + CFD groups (p < 0.001) with no difference comparing enema + CFD with/without IV-antispasmodic (p = 0.064, 0.084). Motion artifact was least in enema + CFD + IV-antispasmodic group compared to all other groups (p < 0.001), followed by the enema + CFD group (p = 0.008-<0.001). DWI image quality was highest (p < 0.001) and DWI susceptibility artifact lowest (p < 0.001) in the enema + CFD groups (p < 0.001) and did not differ comparing enema + CFD with/without anti-spasmodic (p = 0.058-0.202).

Conclusions:

Use of enema + clear-fluids diet before prostate MRI yields the highest T2W and DWI image quality with the least DWI artifact. IV-antispasmodic use reduces motion on T2W but does not improve image quality on T2W or DWI, or lessen DWI artifact compared to enema + clear-fluids diet.
Adapting and Validating the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire to Study Sexual Harassment Among University Women in Jordan
Authors: Spencer Rachael A. , Yount Kathryn M. , Essaid Aida A. , Cheong Yuk Fai , Sajdi Jude , Taleb Rand Abu , Bergenfeld Irina , Batayeh Brian , Sandhu Seema , Robbin Zoe , Zwooqar Ahad , Clark Cari Jo
Published: August 2021

Despite the adverse effects of sexual harassment, measurement gaps persist. Using a sequential, mixed-methods approach, we adapted and validated the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) to measure sexual harassment victimization among college-going women in Jordan. From a 213-item pool and qualitative data from students at the study site, we removed 50 items and collapsed or rephrased 163 items into selected 27 items for examination. After expert reviewers and study-site staff assessed content validity, we replaced three items. Items were tested using cognitive interviews ( n = 7) and then administered in a survey to 567 women students. We sequentially performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a random split-half sample ( N1 = 283), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the second sample ( N2 = 284), and confirmatory bifactor analysis. Five items with cross-factor loadings were dropped. Model fit for the final four-factor EFA and CFA was adequate (EFA: RMSEA: 0.013, CFI: 0.996, TLI: 0.994; CFA: RMSEA 0.020, CFI: 0.988, TLI: 0.986). Three factors were similar to those identified in the SEQ—gender harassment, sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual attention—but we also identified a fourth factor—physical-contact sexual harassment. The bifactor analysis suggested that the scale was unidimensional (general factor ECV=.701 and PUC =.727). The unidimensional scale was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Using an adapted SEQ, sexual harassment is a measurable construct in the Jordanian university context. Further validation of this tool and efforts to capture each dimension of sexual harassment in the Arab region is needed.