bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
StopWatch: Pilot study for an Apple Watch application for youth with ADHD
Authors: Leikauf John E , Correa Carlos , Bueno Andrew N , Sempere Vicente Peris , Williams Leanne M
Published: April 2021

Introduction

To address the need for non-pharmacologic, scalable approaches for managing attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young people, we report the results of a study of an application developed for a wearable device (Apple Watch) that was designed to track movement and provide visual and haptic feedback for ADHD.

Methods

Six-week, open label pilot study with structured rating scales ADHD and semi-structured qualitative interview. Apple Watch software application given to users that uses actigraphy and graphic interface as well as haptic feedback to provide feedback to users about level of movement during periods of intentional focus. Linear mixed models to estimate trajectories.

Results

Thirty-two participants entered the study. This application was associated with improvement in ADHD symptoms over the 6 weeks of the study. We observed an ADHD-Rating Scale change of β = −1.2 units/week (95% CI = −0.56 to −1.88, F = 13.4, P = .0004).

Conclusions

These positive clinical outcomes highlight the promise of such wearable applications for ADHD and the need to pursue their further development.
Investigation of clinical efficacy of screw fixation with cortical bone trajectory for adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Xue You-Di , Ma Chao , Feng Jie , Dai Wei-Xiang , Zhang Zhao-Chuan
Published: April 2021

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of screw fixation with cortical bone trajectory for adjacent segment disease after lumbar interbody fusion. A total of 14 patients with adjacent segment disease were enrolled, and a retrospective analysis was performed. All patients experienced posterior lumbar interbody fusion of the affected segments combined with internal fixation of cortical bone trajectory screw. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry disability index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. X-ray and computed tomography and sagittal reconstruction were used to check regularly during the follow-up. Bone graft fusion rate was evaluated by Brantigan classification. Preoperatively, Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were 7.0 ± 1.0, 72.2 ± 3.2, and 11.9 ± 1.3 points, respectively. At the 12th month after surgery, their scores were 1.9 ± 0.7, 28.6 ± 1.2, and 23.7 ± 0.9 points, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, and there were statistical significance in all differences (all p < 0.05). At the 12th month after surgery, X-ray and computed tomography showed there were no complications related to internal fixation, such as breakage and displacement. At the 12th month after surgery, according to the Brantigan classification, 10 patients were classified as Grade E, 3 as Grade D, and 1 as Grade C, with a fusion rate of 92.9%. At the final follow-up, clinical outcomes were assessed by the Stauffer-Coventry criteria: there were 10 patients with excellent outcomes, 1 with good outcomes, 3 with fair outcomes, and 0 with poor outcomes, with an excellent and good rate of 78.6%. The clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion combine with cortical bone trajectory screw for adjacent segment disease without removing the previous internal fixator were satisfactory, but further clinical researches were still required to explore its long-term outcome.
Directions for research practice in decolonising methodologies: Contending with paradox
Authors: Lipscombe Tamara A , Hendrick Antonia , Dzidic Peta L , Garvey Darren C , Bishop Brian
Published: April 2021

The complex nature of colonisation presents with the potential for paradoxes in decolonising approaches, hence, fixed conventions and methods are discouraged. In this way, decolonising methodologies concerns interrogating dominant conventions in research that have typically excluded alternative ways of knowing from academia. This raises concern about the issue of breaking conventions, when it is potentially difficult to realise that one is depending upon them. An incremental approach to the research process and subsequent knowledge generated provides opportunity to challenge the conventions that typically dictate research praxis. In addition, fostering epistemological transformation and pluralism presents a solution to problems derived from dominant cultural assumptions and practices. My aim for this article is to extend upon the literature pertaining to decolonising methodologies, with this contribution of focusing on the research process as a means to avoid paradox in the decolonial intention. Accordingly, a process imperative that focuses on how researchers do research, over the tendency to focus on outcomes, emerges as a strategy to identify and contend with paradoxes within decolonial work. A questioning convention is posited as a means for mining the assumptions and biases of the dominant culture that would otherwise ensnare ones thinking. Consequently, research may be better liberated from oppressive colonising practices that are tacit within research and academic conventions. Narratives are provided throughout for illustrative example, and to better explore the concepts named.
Primary Care Clinicians as COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassadors
Authors: Katzman Joanna G. , Katzman Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2021

The development of highly efficacious COVID-19 vaccines has brought a feeling of hope to many in the US (United States) and across the globe. However, it is estimated that approximately one-third of the US and international population are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For most Western countries with the economic means to purchase sufficient vaccine for their citizens, the medical community now has the opportunity to lead the vaccination communication campaign. Because frontline clinicians were the first to be vaccinated in the United States (US), they are uniquely positioned to be the most trusted source of vaccine information. Primary care clinicians, more than other groups of clinicians, scientists, government officials, media, etc. have the greatest chance for instilling confidence about the vaccine to their patients, including the most vulnerable and the most distrusting. They are considered credible and trustworthy allies for their patients in the US, however, clinicians receive little to no formal training in communication related to controversial topics, such as vaccine hesitancy. With the increasing worry about highly transmissible COVID-19 viral mutations and possible related vaccine resistance, it becomes even more critical to accelerate vaccination efforts across every community. Educating primary care clinicians regarding the importance of talking to their patients regarding their COVID-19 vaccination plans is essential.
The Low-Wage Essential Worker: Occupational Concerns and Needs in the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Round Table
Authors: Gallagher Susan , Roy Asha , Domeracki Sandra J. , Mohrmann Todd , Missar Vicki , Jule Janet , Sharma Shreela , DeWitt Ryan
Published: April 2021

Background

Planning occupational health and wellness services and support directed toward low-wage, essential workers in the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of challenges across work settings. This article explores the concerns and needs of low-wage essential workers as understood by experts in the field.

Methods

Leading experts in the areas of occupational health and safety, risk management, insurance, and professional education/training were identified and invited to participate in a Round Table discussion. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed COVID-19, essential workers, low-wage workers, infection transmission, education/training, and social justice.

Findings

Experts agreed that special considerations must be in place to address the concerns and needs of the low-wage essential worker. These special considerations should address not only the worker’s occupational experience but their family and home environment, fears and anxieties, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.

Conclusion/Application to practice

The occupational health professional is a key resource to employers charged with addressing the concerns and needs of low-wage, essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Organisational Learning Capability with the Mediating Role of Perceived Human Resource Effectiveness
Authors: Kazmi Shiza , Kanwal Fizza , Rathore Kashif , Faheem Kiran , Fatima Arooj
Published: April 2021

The study investigates the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and organisational learning capability (OLC) and explores the mediating role of human resource (HR) effectiveness. A quantitative survey method was used to gather data from the software industry in Pakistan through a self-administered questionnaire ( N = 504). Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to check the reliability and validity of the research instrument. In addition, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Research findings have demonstrated that TL positively affects OLC in software companies. Moreover, perceived HR effectiveness mediates the relationship between TL and OLC. Current research has several theoretical and practical implications as it extends the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theory by considering perceived HR effectiveness as an important facilitator of a firm’s learning capability. This study provides valuable insights for organisational leaders to ensure HR effectiveness in terms of HR practices including recruitment, training and compensation for the development of learning capabilities. It also recommends managers to adopt TL for utilising HR effectiveness in order to improve learning at an organisational level.
Poor Prognostic Factors in Patients With Rotator Cuff Retear
Authors: Kim Dong Min , Jeon In-Ho , Yang Ha-Sol , Shin Myung Jin , Park Jeong Hee , Kholinne Erica , Kim Hyojune , Park Dongjun , Koh Kyoung Hwan
Published: April 2021

Background:

The treatment for retears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has long been a challenge.

Purpose:

This study aimed to (1) summarize the characteristics of patients with a retear after primary ARCR and (2) determine the risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after a retear.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We collected the data of patients with a retear after primary ARCR between January 2011 and December 2016. There were 45 patients with retears included (19 men [42.2%] and 26 women [57.8%]; mean ± SD age, 63.11 ± 8.87 years). Initially, the demographic and outcome data of patients with a retear were analyzed. Patients were classified into good and poor outcome groups according to their overall satisfaction at final follow-up. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors for poor clinical outcomes after a retear.

Results:

A total of 31 patients were classified into the good outcome group, and 14 patients were classified into the poor outcome group. Both the good and the poor outcome groups showed that clinical scores significantly improved at the time of the retear diagnosis, but the final scores were maintained or worse compared with scores at the time of the retear diagnosis. Final range of motion (ROM), except external rotation in the good outcome group, was worse or had no significant change compared with ROM at the time of the retear diagnosis. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 45.580 [95% CI, 3.014-689.274]; P = .006), female sex (OR, 32.774 [95% CI, 2.433-441.575]; P = .009), and retears of the same or larger size than the initial tear (OR, 10.261 [95% CI, 1.544-68.202]; P = .016) showed a higher OR for poor clinical outcomes after a retear.

Conclusion:

Smoking, female sex, and retears of the same or larger size than the initial tear were independent risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after a rotator cuff retear. Final clinical scores and ROM were similar or worse compared with the scores and ROM at the time of the retear diagnosis. Therefore, revision surgery should be actively considered in female patients or those who smoke with poor clinical outcomes and a larger retear size than the preoperative tear size at the time of the retear diagnosis.
Femoral Tunnel Widening Via Transcondylar Cross-Pin Fixation Versus Extracortical Suspensory Fixation After Single-Bundle ACLR: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Celik Haluk , Kim Jun-Ho , Lee Sang-Hak , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: April 2021

Background:

Compared with extracortical suspensory fixation, the close-to-joint transcondylar cross-pin fixation method in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is believed to entail less intratunnel graft motion and subsequently lead to less tunnel widening.

Purpose:

To assess femoral tunnel widening via the transcondylar cross-pin method or the suspensory femoral fixation method in patients who had undergone ACLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This review focused on studies on femoral-tunnel widening after single-bundle ACLR with cross-pin (Rigidfix or Transfix) and/or Endobutton closed loop (CL). Two reviewers independently recorded data from each study, including the sample size and magnitude of tunnel widening after ACLR.

Results:

Overall, 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between cross-pin and Endobutton CL fixations in the pooled absolute change in tunnel widening from the immediate postoperative period to the final follow-up; this was true at both the tunnel aperture (2.48 mm [95% CI, 1.76-3.2 mm] vs 2.93 mm [95% CI, 1.73-4.13 mm], respectively; P = .527) and the midpoint of the femoral tunnel (2.43 mm [95% CI, 1.77-3.1 mm] vs 2.54 mm [95% CI, –0.33 to 5.42 mm], respectively; P = .937). No significant difference was found in the relative percentage of femoral-tunnel widening between the 2 fixation methods (cross-pin, 43.3% [95% CI, 25.8%-60.8%] vs Endobutton CL, 42.0% [95% CI, 34.1%-49.9%]; P = .965).

Conclusion:

No significant difference in femoral tunnel widening was found to be associated with the use of either cross-pin or extracortical suspensory fixation in patients who underwent single-bundle ACLR.
Association of Skeletal Maturity and Injury Risk in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A 4-Season Prospective Study With Survival Analysis
Authors: Materne Olivier , Chamari Karim , Farooq Abdulaziz , Weir Adam , Hölmich Per , Bahr Roald , Greig Matt , McNaughton Lars R.
Published: April 2021

Background:

The association between injury risk and skeletal maturity in youth soccer has received little attention.

Purpose:

To prospectively investigate injury patterns and incidence in relation to skeletal maturity in elite youth academy soccer players and to determine the injury risks associated with the skeletal maturity status, both overall and to the lower limb apophysis.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

All injuries that required medical attention and led to time loss were recorded prospectively during 4 consecutive seasons in 283 unique soccer players from U-13 (12 years of age) to U-19 (18 years). The skeletal age (SA) was assessed in 454 player-seasons using the Fels method, and skeletal maturity status (SA minus chronological age) was classified as follows: late, SA >1 year behind chronological age; normal, SA ±1 year of chronological age; early, SA >1 year ahead of chronological age; and mature, SA = 18 years. An adjusted Cox regression model was used to analyze the injury risk.

Results:

A total of 1565 injuries were recorded; 60% were time-loss injuries, resulting in 17,772 days lost. Adjusted injury-free survival analysis showed a significantly greater hazard ratio (HR) for different status of skeletal maturity: early vs normal (HR = 1.26 [95% CI, 1.11-1.42]; P < .001) and early vs mature (HR = 1.35 [95% CI, 1.17-1.56]; P < .001). Players who were skeletally mature at the wrist had a substantially decreased risk of lower extremity apophyseal injuries (by 45%-61%) compared with late ( P < .05), normal ( P < .05), and early ( P < .001) maturers.

Conclusion:

Musculoskeletal injury patterns and injury risks varied depending on the players’ skeletal maturity status. Early maturers had the greatest overall adjusted injury risk. Players who were already skeletally mature at the wrist had the lowest risk of lower extremity apophyseal injuries but were still vulnerable for hip and pelvis apophyseal injuries.
Experienced, Anticipated, and Vicarious Discrimination: Consequences and Resilience for Minority Adolescents’ School Engagement
Authors: Herda Daniel
Published: April 2021

Racial discrimination presents challenges for children of color, particularly with regard to their schooling. Experiences of rejection and unfairness because of one’s race can prompt students to disengage from academics. The expansive discrimination literature finds that such experiences are commonplace. So much so that researchers have begun asking a new question: does one need to experience discrimination first-hand to feel its consequences? The current study continues in this direction by examining school attitudes as a potential outcome of anticipated and vicarious discrimination. Data are from black and Hispanic adolescents in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Results indicate that anticipated discrimination has the strongest and most direct associations with attitudes among African Americans, particularly when the police represent the discrimination source. However, parents can neutralize the impact of anticipated discrimination if they encourage reading at high levels. Experienced and vicarious discrimination exhibit weaker effects. Overall, the results confirm that the consequences of interpersonal discrimination do not stop with the intended victims. Instead, there are ripple effects that can negatively impact the worldviews of racial minority adolescents without them ever personally experiencing discrimination.
Nursing Graduates and Quality of Acute Hospital Care in 33 OECD Countries: Evidence From Generalized Linear Models and Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Amiri Arshia
Published: April 2021

Background

There is a lack of cross-national research to examine the role of new graduate nurses in improving the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.

Purpose

To measure the role and clinical effectiveness of new graduate nurses in improving the quality of acute hospital care in the members of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Methods

The total number of nursing graduates per 100,000 population and three OECD’s Health Care Quality Indicators (HCQI) in acute care including 30-day in-hospital and out-of-hospital mortality rates per 100 patients based on acute myocardial infarction (MORTAMIO), hemorrhagic stroke (MORTHSTO) and ischemic stroke (MORTISTO) were collected in 33 OECD countries. Four control variables including the number of medical graduates, practicing nurses and doctors densities per 1000 population (proxies for other health professions) and the total number of Computed Tomography scanners per one million population (proxy of medical technology level) were added in investigations. The statistical technique of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) were used in data analysis.

Results

Results of GLM confirm the existence of meaningful association between the density of nursing graduates and improving the quality of acute care i.e. a 1% rise in the number of nursing graduates in year 2015 reduced MORTAMIO, MORTHSTO and MORTISTO by 1.11%, 0.08% and 0.46%, respectively. According to the result of DEA, clinical effectiveness of new graduate nurses – i.e. reaching the higher clinical outcomes with the same staffing level – in reducing mortality rates in patients with life-threatening conditions were at highest level in Luxembourg, Finland, Japan, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Conclusions

Higher staffing level of new graduate nurses associates with better patient outcomes in acute care, although the clinical effectiveness of nursing graduates – associated with the level of education and practice – is the determinant factor of improving the quality of acute hospital care and patient survival rates in OECD.
Math and Science Identity Change and Paths into and out of STEM: Gender and Racial Disparities
Authors: Ma Yingyi , Xiao Shiyang
Published: April 2021

Researchers emphasize the role of math and science identities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. However, little is known about whether these identities might evolve during college; likewise it is not known how changes in math and science identities are associated with switching majors between STEM and non-STEM fields. This study addresses these questions. With data from the Pathways through College Study, this study revealed that science identity changes matter more than math identity changes in their association with the decision to switch majors. Most notably, underrepresented racial minority women are the most vulnerable in terms of decreasing science identity and the associated probabilities of leaking out of STEM. The authors also find evidence that Asian students are the least sensitive to their science identity drop. These findings have significant policy implications with regard to STEM choice and attainment.
Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: Total rehabilitation with fixed prosthesis on dental implants
Authors: Garcés Villalá Miguel Angel , Zorrilla Albert Carolina
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis with special manifestations (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) is part of the group of connective tissue diseases, these rare autoimmune systemic pathologies cause thickening and hardening of tissues in different parts of the body and can lead to complex disorders. Oral manifestations of systemic sclerosis may include limited ability to open the mouth, xerostomia, periodontal disease, enlarged periodontal ligament, and bone resorption of the jaw.

Case Description:

A 54-year-old Caucasian patient presented with oral pain, swallowing, phonation and chewing difficulties associated with dental instability, hygiene/handling difficulties and her main problem with microstomia, which prevented her from removing the skeletal prosthesis for 4 years, depriving her of social life. Gradual treatment with dental implants was diagnosed and planned to support a fixed total denture adapted to the ridge with self-cleaning characteristics. After implant insertion, panoramic radiographs with standardized parameters were taken to compare crestal bone levels at the time of prosthesis placement and with 10 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The average crestal bone loss of the 12 implants after the 10 years of follow-up was 1.26 mm for the maxilla and 1.17 mm for the mandible. The survival of the 12 support implants of two total fixed prostheses in a clinical/radiographic follow-up of 10 years was 100%. After 10 years of follow-up, the 12 implants inserted had a bone loss similar to that of healthy patients and no pathologies were registered, recovering function, aesthetics, and self-esteem. This therapy must be implemented before the interincisal distance decreases to 30 mm to allow intraoral surgical/prosthetic access. Implant-supported total fixed rehabilitation is a viable, predictable, and recommended therapy in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Nonscalability and generating digital outer space natures inNo Man’s Sky
Authors: Tait Emma R , Nelson Ingrid L
Published: April 2021

This article examines the generation of digital outer space natures in the space exploration game, No Man’s Sky. Using procedural generation, No Man’s Sky offers nearly infinite planets, flora, and fauna on the fly. With the rapid development of gaming technology and tools, game developers and others are attempting to diversify the representation of various forms of nature in gaming content and to expand the use of games in behavioral change, education, conservation, and other fields. Many scholars argue that games offer promising ways for various publics to understand their place and their interconnectedness with microbes, ecosystems, planet Earth, and beyond. We examine how No Man’s Sky struggled to coproduce digital outer space natures at the two scalar extremes of the vast expanse of outer space and of the embodied player relating within complex biomes. Our results from an in-depth, qualitative analysis of the initial version of the game, of player world-building experiences in No Man’s Sky, and of subsequent developer modifications to the game demonstrate that nonscalability theory is useful for studying what digital outer space natures do in games. We also argue that nonscalability theory would benefit from a more robust engagement with the digital. No Man’s Sky was initially scalable to such an extreme that it made players into objects without an origin story, broader purpose or way to build meaningful relations in the game. For a brief period, this game undermined players’ interplanetary colonial imaginaries. Subsequent updates to the game introduced a limited scope of nonscalability, but only to the extent of satisfying gamers’ desires to become more impactful agents of exploration. We see great potential for analyzing the role of innovations in computing and game design in linking multiscalar digital, outer, and earth spaces, which as other scholars have shown, bear significantly on our understanding of multiple worlds and natures.
Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Candidate for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ebeid Hassan Mohamed , Mohamed Hossameldin Abdelkhalek Rasmy , Elkhashab Khaled Ahmed , Aljarallah Mohamed Abdulaziz , Abdo Mai Magedi , Dabees Ahmed Tharwat , Elkhouly Ibrahim Mahmoud , Ghareeb Haytham Soliman
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the incidence rate of definite stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients candidate for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

STEMI participants naïve to antiplatelets, with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and candidate for primary PCI were included, while participants with history of CAD were excluded. Two hundred consecutive participants were selected, divided into 2 groups of 100 participants each, received either Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel, and followed up at 3 and 6 months.

Results:

The percent of patients in the Ticagrelor group who developed definite stent thrombosis (in-hospital and total) was 0%, while the percent of patients in the Clopidogrel group who developed definite stent thrombosis (in-hospital and total) was 8% and 9%, respectively. There were statistically significant weak associations between the class of P2Y12 platelet inhibitors and definite stent thrombosis (in-hospital and total) (X2 = 8.33, P = .004, V = 0.204 and Χ2 = 9.424, P = .002, V = 0.217, respectively). The percent of patients in the Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel groups who developed in-hospital MACE was 1% and 9%, respectively. There was a statistically weak significant association between the class of P2Y12 platelet inhibitors and in-hospital MACE (X2 = 6.74, P = .009, V = 0.184).

Conclusion:

Ticagrelor is more efficacious than Clopidogrel in preventing definite stent thrombosis (in-hospital and total) and in-hospital MACE in STEMI patients.
Reflections on bodies in lockdown: The Touch Diaries (2016) and The Lockdown Touch Diaries (2020)
Authors: Thomas Lisa May
Published: April 2021

This article explores the realm of touch across the sensibilities of dance and the everyday, re-visiting The Touch Diaries project, which took place in 2015, and current project The Lockdown Diaries, a collaboration with Studio Wayne McGregor and InTouch in the time of Covid-19.
The Drug Manufacturer as a Drug Information Resource
Authors: Nguyen Cambrey
Published: April 2021

Pharmacists use a myriad of drug resources for patient care; however, the drug manufacturer is often overlooked and underutilized as a resource for drug information. Pharmaceutical companies have a medical information department that is responsible for providing drug information to pharmacists and the public about the company’s products. This article will explain the purpose and functions of the medical information department within a pharmaceutical company. In addition, the type of information that may be requested and the ways to request drug information will be discussed.
Comparing Time Use and Teacher Behaviors in Beginning and Advanced Middle School Band Settings: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Singletary Laura
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare teachers’ time use and teaching behaviors including teacher talk, modeling, physical location/proximity to students, conducting, and instructional choices in middle school (Grades 6–8) beginning and advanced band settings, with the goal of identifying practices that are specific or unique to each setting. Participants ( N = 5) were expert middle school teachers who were recorded while teaching a heterogeneous beginning band and an advanced band class. I compared episodes of teacher and student behaviors including instruction, modeling, group/individual performance, and student talk, documenting frequency and time use in both settings. Results indicated differences in frequency and time for all observed episodes, with differences supporting greater emphasis placed on individuals in the beginning setting. I also found that teachers in the advanced setting addressed rehearsal frame targets representing traditional rehearsal goals more frequently (e.g., phrasing, articulation), whereas teachers in the beginning setting addressed targets representing typical beginning band goals more frequently (e.g., vocabulary/terms, rhythm literacy.)
Facilitating harmonized data quality assessments. A data quality framework for observational health research data collections with software implementations in R
Authors: Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Struckmann Stephan , Enzenbach Cornelia , Reineke Achim , Stausberg Jürgen , Damerow Stefan , Huebner Marianne , Schmidt Börge , Sauerbrei Willi , Richter Adrian
Published: April 2021

Background

No standards exist for the handling and reporting of data quality in health research. This work introduces a data quality framework for observational health research data collections with supporting software implementations to facilitate harmonized data quality assessments.

Methods

Developments were guided by the evaluation of an existing data quality framework and literature reviews. Functions for the computation of data quality indicators were written in R. The concept and implementations are illustrated based on data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

Results

The data quality framework comprises 34 data quality indicators. These target four aspects of data quality: compliance with pre-specified structural and technical requirements (integrity); presence of data values (completeness); inadmissible or uncertain data values and contradictions (consistency); unexpected distributions and associations (accuracy). R functions calculate data quality metrics based on the provided study data and metadata and R Markdown reports are generated. Guidance on the concept and tools is available through a dedicated website.

Conclusions

The presented data quality framework is the first of its kind for observational health research data collections that links a formal concept to implementations in R. The framework and tools facilitate harmonized data quality assessments in pursue of transparent and reproducible research. Application scenarios comprise data quality monitoring while a study is carried out as well as performing an initial data analysis before starting substantive scientific analyses but the developments are also of relevance beyond research.
Early prediction of blood stream infection in a prospectively collected cohort
Authors: Nestor David , Andersson Hanna , Kihlberg Pernilla , Olson Sara , Ziegler Ingrid , Rasmussen Gunlög , Källman Jan , Cajander Sara , Mölling Paula , Sundqvist Martin
Published: April 2021

Background

Blood stream infection (BSI) and sepsis are serious clinical conditions and identification of the disease-causing pathogen is important for patient management. The RISE (Rapid Identification of SEpsis) study was carried out to collect a cohort allowing high-quality studies on different aspects of BSI and sepsis. The aim of this study was to identify patients at high risk for BSI who might benefit most from new, faster, etiological testing using neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) and Shapiro score.

Methods

Adult patients (≥ 18 years) presenting at the emergency department (ED) with suspected BSI were prospectively included between 2014 and 2016 at Örebro University Hospital. Besides extra blood sampling, all study patients were treated according to ED routines. Electronic patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. A modified Shapiro score (MSS) and NLCR were extracted and compiled. Continuous score variables were analysed with area under receiver operator characteristics curves (AUC) to evaluate the ability of BSI prediction.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 484 patients where 84 (17%) had positive blood culture judged clinically significant. At optimal cut-offs, MSS (≥3 points) and NLCR (> 12) showed equal ability to predict BSI in the whole cohort (AUC 0.71/0.74; sensitivity 69%/67%; specificity 64%/68% respectively) and in a subgroup of 155 patients fulfilling Sepsis-3 criteria (AUC 0.71/0.66; sensitivity 81%/65%; specificity 46%/57% respectively). In BSI cases only predicted by NLCR> 12 the abundance of Gram-negative to Gram-positive pathogens (n = 13 to n = 4) differed significantly from those only predicted by MSS ≥3 p (n = 7 to n = 12 respectively) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

MSS and NLCR predicted BSI in the RISE cohort with similar cut-offs as shown in previous studies. Combining the MSS and NLCR did not increase the predictive performance. Differences in BSI prediction between MSS and NLCR regarding etiology need further evaluation.
Biomechanical characteristics of tibio-femoral joint after partial medial meniscectomy in different flexion angles: a finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Yuan Shuo , Wang Jun , Liao Bagen , Liang De
Published: April 2021

Background

Recent studies have pointed out that arthroscopy, the commonly-used surgical procedure for meniscal tears, may lead to an elevated risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The biomechanical factors of KOA can be clarified by the biomechanical analysis after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). This study aimed to elucidate the cartilage stress and meniscus displacement of the tibiofemoral joint under flexion and rotation loads after APM.

Methods

A detailed finite element model of the knee bone, cartilage, meniscus, and major ligaments was established by combining computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Vertical load and front load were applied to simulate different knee buckling angles. At the same time, by simulating flexion of different degrees and internal and external rotations, the stresses on tibiofemoral articular cartilage and meniscus displacement were evaluated.

Results

Generally, the contact stress on both the femoral tibial articular cartilage and the meniscus increased with the increased flexion degree. Moreover, the maximum stress on the tibial plateau gradually moved backward. The maximum position shift value of the lateral meniscus was larger than that of the medial meniscus.

Conclusion

Our finite element model provides a realistic three-dimensional model to evaluate the influence of different joint range of motion and rotating tibiofemoral joint stress distribution. The decreased displacement of the medial meniscus may explain the higher pressure on the knee components. These characteristics of the medial tibiofemoral joint indicate the potential biomechanical risk of knee degeneration.
Correction to: Variations in haematological and biochemical parameters in healthy ponies
Authors: Witkowska-Piłaszewicz Olga , Cywińska Anna , Michlik-Połczyńska Katarzyna , Czopowicz Michał , Strzelec Katarzyna , Biazik Anna , Parzeniecka-Jaworska Marta , Crisman Mark , Witkowski Lucjan
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Fast lightweight accurate xenograft sorting
Authors: Zentgraf Jens , Rahmann Sven
Published: April 2021

Motivation

With an increasing number of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models being created and subsequently sequenced to study tumor heterogeneity and to guide therapy decisions, there is a similarly increasing need for methods to separate reads originating from the graft (human) tumor and reads originating from the host species’ (mouse) surrounding tissue. Two kinds of methods are in use: On the one hand, alignment-based tools require that reads are mapped and aligned (by an external mapper/aligner) to the host and graft genomes separately first; the tool itself then processes the resulting alignments and quality metrics (typically BAM files) to assign each read or read pair. On the other hand, alignment-free tools work directly on the raw read data (typically FASTQ files). Recent studies compare different approaches and tools, with varying results.

Results

We show that alignment-free methods for xenograft sorting are superior concerning CPU time usage and equivalent in accuracy. We improve upon the state of the art sorting by presenting a fast lightweight approach based on three-way bucketed quotiented Cuckoo hashing. Our hash table requires memory comparable to an FM index typically used for read alignment and less than other alignment-free approaches. It allows extremely fast lookups and uses less CPU time than other alignment-free methods and alignment-based methods at similar accuracy. Several engineering steps (e.g., shortcuts for unsuccessful lookups, software prefetching) improve the performance even further.

Availability

Our software xengsort is available under the MIT license at http://gitlab.com/genomeinformatics/xengsort. It is written in numba-compiled Python and comes with sample Snakemake workflows for hash table construction and dataset processing.
Clear-cell carcinoma originating from cesarean section scar: two case reports
Authors: Hashemi Seyedeh Razieh , Morshedi Mahdi , Maghsoudi Houshyar , Esmailzadeh Arezoo , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Background

Clear-cell carcinoma arising from the surgical cesarean section scar is very infrequent. The present study reports two patients with clear-cell carcinoma arising from an abdominal wall scar 20 and 23 years after their last cesarean section.

Case presentation

Both Iranian patients had prior cesarean sections nearly 20 years earlier. Patients 1 and 2 had transverse and vertical abdominal incisions, respectively. The initial clinical presentation was a huge lower abdominal mass at the site of the previous cesarean section scar. Both patients underwent abdominal wall mass biopsy. The histological analysis revealed the presence of malignancy. Both patients underwent full-thickness resection of the abdominal wall mass. All surgical margins were tumor-free; however, patient 1 had a very narrow tumor-free margin near the pubic symphysis. As the imaging report of patient 2 revealed the presence of a pelvic mass, the exploration of the intraperitoneal space, simple total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), and the excision of enlarged pelvic lymph nodes were performed during the surgery. Six cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin every 3 weeks as adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for both patients after the surgery. One of the patients had disease recurrence 5 months after the termination of chemotherapy, and the other is still disease-free. These two patients had similar pathology and received a similar initial adjuvant treatment; however, they were different in terms of the direction of tumor spread, tumor distance from the pubic symphysis, status of tumor margins, and surgical procedures.

Conclusions

We encountered distinct prognoses in the clear-cell carcinoma of cesarean section scars presented herein. The researchers can recommend complete surgical excision of the abdominal wall mass with wide tumor-free margins, exploration of the abdominopelvic space, TAH, and BSO during the first surgery.
Effectiveness of personal letters to healthcare professionals in changing professional behaviours: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Grimani Aikaterini , Goffe Louis , Tang Mei Yee , Beyer Fiona , Sniehotta Falko F. , Vlaev Ivo
Published: April 2021

Background

Letters are regularly sent by healthcare organisations to healthcare professionals to encourage them to take action, change practice or implement guidance. However, whether letters are an effective tool in delivering a change in healthcare professional behaviour is currently uncertain. In addition, there are currently no evidence-based guidelines to support health providers and authorities with advice on how to formulate the communication, what information and behaviour change techniques to include in order to optimise the potential effect on the behaviour of the receivers. To address this research gap, we seek to inform such guidance through this systematic review, which aims to provide comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of personal letters to healthcare professionals in changing their professional behaviours.

Methods/design

A comprehensive literature search of published and unpublished studies (the grey literature) in electronic databases will be conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that meet our inclusion criteria. We will include RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of personal letters to healthcare professionals in changing professional behaviours. The primary outcome will be behavioural change. The search will be conducted in five electronic databases (from their inception onwards): MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL. We will also conduct supplementary searches in Google Scholar, hand search relevant journals, and conduct backward and forward citation searching for included studies and relevant reviews. A systematic approach to searching, screening, reviewing and data extraction will be applied in accordance with the process recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two researchers will examine titles, abstracts, full-texts for eligibility independently. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomised controlled trials. Disagreements will be resolved by a consensus procedure.

Discussion

Health policy makers across government are expected to benefit from being able to increase compliance in clinical settings by applying theories of behaviour to design of policy communications. The synthesised findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020167674
Physics webpages create barriers to participation for people with disabilities: five common web accessibility errors and possible solutions
Authors: Scanlon Erin , Taylor Zachary W. , Raible John , Bates Jacob , Chini Jacquelyn J.
Published: April 2021

Background

While there have been numerous calls to increase the participation of people with disabilities in STEM, many postsecondary institutions are not equipped to support students with disabilities. We examined the accessibility of 139 webpages from 73 postsecondary institutions in the USA that contained information about the undergraduate physics curriculum and graduate research programs. We selected these webpages as they are common entry points for students interested in pursuing a physics degree. We used Tenon and Mac OS X’s VoiceOver software to assess the level of accessibility of these webpages as measured by alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

Results

We found that only one webpage had minimal accessibility errors (i.e., 10 errors), while the other webpages had numerous accessibility errors. Five specific error types accounted for the majority of all errors. The five most common errors were related to information, structure, and relationships of content (1.3.1 Level A; 39.7%); text alternatives for non-text content (1.1.1 Level A; 27.0%); information about link purpose (2.4.4 Level A; 14.7%); capability to resize text (1.4.4 Level AA; 10.0%); and information about the name, role, and value of user interface components (4.1.2 Level A; 11.2%).

Conclusions

We present and describe the five common accessibility errors we identified in the webpages in our sample, suggest solutions for these errors, and provide implications for students with disabilities, instructors and staff, institutional administration, and the broader physics community.
The influence of kinesio taping on trunk and lower extremity motions during different landing tasks: implications for anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Sheikhi Bahram , Letafatkar Amir , Hogg Jennifer , Naseri-Mobaraki Esmaiel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of a 72-h KT application on trunk and lower extremity kinematics during different landing tasks.

Methods

Twenty-nine competitive male athletes participated in this study. The sum of knee valgus and lateral trunk lean, symmetry index (SI), and peak angles of lateral trunk lean, hip flexion, knee abduction and flexion were assessed for all participants during single-leg drop landing (SLDL), single-leg vertical drop jump (SLVDJ), vertical drop jump (DLVDJ), and double leg forward jump (DLFJ), at baseline and seventy-two hours following KT application.

Results

The KT application resulted in more knee flexion and abduction, sum of knee valgus and lateral trunk lean as compared with the non-KT condition during SLDL (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, there were no differences in SI, maximum angle of the lateral trunk lean during SLDL, SLVDJ, nor hip flexion, knee abduction, and flexion during DLVDJ, and DLFJ tasks (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The research findings suggest that KT after 72-h application may improve knee abduction and sum of knee valgus and lateral trunk lean during SLDL, knee flexion during SLDL and SLVDJ in individuals displaying risky single-leg kinematics. Therefore, KT application may marginally improve high-risk landing kinematics in competitive male athletes.

Level of evidence

Level III.