bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Three Lancing Devices: What Do Blood Volume and Lancing Pain Depend On?
Authors: Mianowska Beata , Mlynarski Wojciech , Szadkowska Irena , Szadkowska Agnieszka
Published: August 2020

Background:

Globally millions of people with diabetes still prick their fingers to measure blood glucose. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate and to compare three lancing devices set at the minimum (“1”) and at the maximum (“5”) lancing depth with respect to blood volume (BV) and pain related to lancing.

Methods:

Lancing devices tested were A— Glucoject Dual PLUS, B— droplet (both: HTL-Strefa S.A., Poland), and C— Microlet Next (Ascensia Diabetes Care, Switzerland), all used with personal lancets of three sizes 28G, 30G, and 33G. BVs were measured with calibrated capillaries. Pain related to lancing was expressed as a derivative of pain rating with visual analog scale.

Results:

In 90 participants with diabetes, 360 lancing procedures were performed. Overall, BV and pain were higher for “maximum” compared to “minimum” lancing depth (for both P < .001). Pain differed between devices ( P ≤ .001), overall was higher for device A compared to B or C; in paired comparisons differences were significant for the following settings: A > B for 28G/1 and 33G/1, B > C for 30G/1, and A > C for 28G/1, 30G/1, and 33G/1. In aggregated comparison we did not prove a significant effect of lancet size on either BV nor pain ( P = .1109, P = .4966, respectively).

Conclusions:

BV depended mainly on lancing depth. Pain depended on lancing depth and to some degree on device type. The results may serve as a source of comparative data of lancing devices performance for studies in which other lancing devices and/or lancets would be tested. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03479619
Shifting Grounds: Can Spiritual Ecumenism Satisfy the Legitimate Quest of Millennials?
Authors: Okpaleke Ikenna Paschal
Published: August 2020

The spiritual restlessness of millennials rests on a legitimate search that is hardly satisfied by the structure that we find in traditional religions. Yet, the preponderance of ecumenical initiatives in contemporary society means that there are forms of spiritual ecumenical practices that might serve as a solution. Beyond serving the central interest of ecumenism, namely Christian unity, these forms of ecumenical spiritualities may provide spaces for the millennial encounter with the divine in a way that holds their constant spiritual “negotiation” in balance with the need for some form of “habitation” that institutional religion provides. This article investigates how spiritual ecumenism is best suited for responding to the quest of millennials, and it equally provides concrete examples to justify such a claim.
Utilization of Virtual Surgical Planning for Surgical Splint-Assisted Comminuted Maxillomandibular Fracture Reduction and/or Fixation
Authors: Kongsong Wichuda , Sittitavornwong Somsak
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

This article was a technical note.

Objective:

To demonstrate the utilization of virtual surgical planning for surgical splint (VSPSS) fabrication. The VSPSS was used as an intraoperative assisting and guiding tool for reduction and/or fixation of treatment of comminuted maxillomandibular fractures.

Methods:

The presented technical note showed the fabrication process that began with data acquisition and presurgical planning using virtual surgical planning (VSP). The VSPSS was designed and fabricated after the fractures were reduced digitally in VSP. In the operating room, the VSPSS was seated to guide reduction and/or allow satisfactory fixation in three different situations.

Results:

Postoperative radiographs showed an acceptable reduction of the fractures. All patients had stable and repeatable occlusion postoperatively.

Conclusions:

The VSPSS is a feasible tool for surgeons to assist in the comminuted maxillomandibular fracture management, decrease operating time, and improve fracture stability.
Clinical Accuracy of 3D-Planned Maxillary Positioning Using CAD/CAM-Generated Splints in Combination With Temporary Mandibular Fixation in Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Pietzka S. , Mascha F. , Winter K. , Kämmerer P. W. , Sakkas A. , Schramm A. , Wilde F.
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D)-planned maxillary positioning by using computer-assisted design (CAD)/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) splints combined with temporary mandibular fixation in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. In orthognathic surgery, customized splints work sufficiently well to transfer preoperative planning into the operation site for transverse und sagittal positioning of the maxilla. The vertical positioning is more difficult due to the non-fixed mandibular reference. Therefore, the combined use of CAD/CAM splints and temporary mandibular fixation to the zygomatic region was applied for transferring the 3D-planned maxillary position into the operation site from 2012 until 2015 in our hospital.

Objective:

In addition to the general accuracy, the precision should therefore be checked especially in the vertical plane compared to axial and sagittal plane.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we calculated the deviation of 5 occlusal landmarks of the maxilla in 35 consecutive patients by fusing preoperative 3D planning images and postoperative computed tomography scans after bimaxillary surgery.

Results:

The overall median deviation of maxillary positioning between plan and surgical result was 0.99 mm. The accuracy of left–right positioning was median 0.96 mm. Anterior–posterior positioning of the maxilla showed a median accuracy of 0.94 mm. Just slightly higher values were determined for the upward–downward positioning (median 1.06 mm).

Conclusions:

This demonstrates the predictability of maxillary positioning by using CAD/CAM splints in combination with temporary mandibular fixation in all 3 axes.
Fulminant Fournier’s gangrene in a patient with gastric cancer treated with ramucirumab and paclitaxel
Authors: Rakusic Zoran , Krpan Ana Misir , Sjekavica Ivica
Published: August 2020

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is an uncommon form of necrotizing fasciitis, localized on the external genital organs, perianal region, and abdominal wall, accompanied by thrombosis of the feeding arteries, leading to gangrene of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with manifestations of rapid clinical progression and multiple organ failure. Ramucirumab is a recombinant human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular binding domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and prevents the binding of all VEGFR ligands. The literature describes bevacizumab, aflibercept, and regorafenib associated with FG in patients with colorectal cancer. According to our knowledge this is the first report of FG possibly related to ramucirumab in a patient with gastric cancer. If not recognized in time, it can lead to fatal complications.
For granular geography
Authors: Jamieson William
Published: August 2020

This article makes the case for developing granular geographies as an intervention into materialist geography. It does so by exploring sand extraction, which has so far been little explored within human geography, and how the granular dynamics of force chains, friction, and phase transitions make the discrete geographies of sand’s commodification porous to one another. By framing sand’s materiality through granular relations, I examine the ubiquity of sand in contemporary urbanization and its transformation into a resource. This is illustrated through a focus on Singapore’s excessive appetite for importing sand to fuel construction and its extensive land reclamation project, mapping sand’s trajectory as a resource from cheap nature to sovereign territory.
The role of partners and parents in young persistent offenders’ struggles to desist from crime
Authors: Weijers Ido
Published: August 2020

This article explores the role of partners and parents of young adult repeat offenders in the process of desistance from crime. First, we conducted in-depth interviews with 22 young adults who had been involved in persistent criminal activity since adolescence but had since stopped. Some, but by no means all of them, stated that their partner had played an important role in this. In contrast, hardly any of them had any doubt about the importance of their parents’ role. We then investigated whether the same views were also found among young adult offenders where it was unclear whether or not they had desisted from crime. Based on in-depth interviews with 21 young adults, we conclude that this was indeed the case except for a minority who continued to offend. This article throws new light on the role of both partners and parents in the process of desisting from crime.
Cost-Effectiveness of Operating on Traumatic Spinal Injuries in Low-Middle Income Countries: A Preliminary Report From a Major East African Referral Center
Authors: Lessing Noah L. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Lazaro Albert , Leech Ashley A. , Leidinger Andreas , Rutabasibwa Nicephorus , Shabani Hamisi K. , Mangat Halinder S. , Härtl Roger
Published: August 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objectives:

While the incidence of traumatic spine injury (TSI) is high in low-middle income countries (LMICs), surgery is rarely possible due to cost-prohibitive implants. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of operative treatment of TSI patients in a LMIC setting.

Methods:

At a tertiary hospital in Tanzania from September 2016 to May 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted to estimate the cost-effectiveness of operative versus nonoperative treatment of TSI. Operative treatment included decompression/stabilization. Nonoperative treatment meant 3 months of bed rest. Direct costs included imaging, operating fees, surgical implants, and length of stay. Four patient scenarios were chosen to represent the heterogeneity of spine trauma: Quadriplegic, paraplegic, neurologic improvement, and neurologically intact. Disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) and incremental-cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to determine the cost per unit benefit of operative versus nonoperative treatment. Cost/DALY averted was the primary outcome (i.e., the amount of money required to avoid losing 1 year of healthy life).

Results:

A total of 270 TSI patients were included (125 operative; 145 nonoperative). Operative treatment averaged $731/patient. Nonoperative care averaged $212/patient. Comparing operative versus nonoperative treatment, the incremental cost/DALY averted for each patient outcome was: quadriplegic ($112-$158/DALY averted), paraplegic ($47-$67/DALY averted), neurologic improvement ($50-$71/DALY averted), neurologically intact ($41-$58/DALY averted). Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings without major differences.

Conclusions:

This preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that the upfront costs of spine trauma surgery may be offset by a reduction in disability. LMIC governments should consider conducting more spine trauma cost-effectiveness analyses and including spine trauma surgery in universal health care.
Differences in Failure Mode Between Simple and Mattress Suture Configuration in Arthroscopic Bankart Repairs: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Miskovsky Shana N. , Sasala Lee M. , Talbot Christopher N. , Knapik Derrick M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations disrupt the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion), leading to high rates of instability and functional disability, necessitating stabilization.

Purpose:

To investigate modes and locations of repair failure between simple and horizontal mattress suture configurations after arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors in a cadaveric model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 48 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders from 48 specimens underwent creation of Bankart lesions from either the 3:00 to 6:00 o’clock position on the right glenoid or the 6:00 to 9:00 o’clock position on the left glenoid. Shoulder laterality between specimens was alternated and randomized to either simple or mattress suture repair configurations. In each shoulder, anchors were placed on the glenoid at the 3:00, 4:30, and 6:00 o’clock positions on the right or 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00 o’clock positions on the left and were secured via standard arthroscopic knot-tying techniques. Specimens were tested in the supine anterior apprehension position using a servohydraulic testing machine that was loaded to failure, simulating a traumatic anterior dislocation. After dislocation, open inspection of specimens was performed, and failure mode and location were documented. Differences in failure mode and location were compared using nominal multivariate generalized estimating equations.

Results:

Simple suture repairs most frequently failed at the labrum, while mattress suture repair failed at the capsule. Regardless of configuration, repairs failed most commonly at the 3:00 o’clock position on the right shoulder and 9:00 o’clock position on the left shoulder. Compared with mattress suture repairs, simple suture repairs failed at a significantly higher rate at the 6:00 o’clock position.

Conclusion:

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair in a cadaveric model resulted in simple suture configuration repairs failing most commonly via labral tearing compared with capsular tearing in mattress repairs. Both repair configurations failed predominately at the anterior anchor position, with simple suture repairs failing more commonly at the inferior anchor position.

Clinical Relevance:

Horizontal mattress suture configurations create a larger area of repair, decreasing the risk of repair failure at the labrum. The extra time required for mattress suture placement at the inferior anchor position is used effectively, resulting in lower biomechanical failure rates.
Surviving Victimization: How Service and Advocacy Organizations Describe Traumatic Experiences, 1998–2016
Authors: Messamore Andrew , Paxton Pamela
Published: August 2020

Service and advocacy organizations have long struggled to find the appropriate language to name traumatic experiences when working with vulnerable populations. Organizations have been pressed to adopt either “victim”-based language or “survivor”-based language, with both terms seen as having mutually exclusive meanings. However, despite academic and popular debates, no recent studies have documented trends in language used to describe traumatic experiences, whether of sexual and relationship violence, or of experiences of war, disaster, or major illness. In this research note, we use administrative data from the Internal Revenue Service to analyze how 3,756 service and advocacy organizations use trauma-related language between 1998 and 2016. Descriptive analysis shows that survivor language has been on the rise as victim language declined. Victim remains a common way to name trauma, however, and survivor tends to join, rather than displace, victim terminology. Further analysis also points to gendered use of both terms. Victim and survivor are used together most often in organizations that work with trauma experienced by women and in the field of sexual and relationship violence. We suggest these findings indicate a more complex story of how communities of language users emerge, which aligns with recent sociological treatments of discourse.
Hope and Community
Authors: Nüssel Friederike
Published: August 2020

In the final volume of his Constructive Theology, V.-M. Kärkkäinen presents his eschatology and ecclesiology. The approach is grounded in a Trinitarian theology, which explains the interaction of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the reason for hope in a new creation. The plausibility of this hope Kärkkäinen explores in light of cosmological scenarios and in comparison with Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu perspectives. Interreligious comparison of sociological models also serves as the starting point for Kärkkäinen’s ecclesiological inquiry. He argues that the church not only has a mission but is mission in its very nature and in ecumenical engagement.
Graphene-Induced Room Temperature Ferromagnetism in Cobalt Nanoparticles Decorated Graphene Nanohybrid
Authors: Yadav Amar Nath , Singh Ashwani Kumar , Kumar Pramod , Singh Kedar
Published: August 2020

Control over the magnetic interactions in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a crucial issue to the future development of nanometer-sized integrated “spintronic” applications. Here, we have developed a nanohybrid structure to achieve room temperature ferromagnetism, via a facile, effective, and reproducible solvothermal synthesis method. The plan has been put onto cobalt (Co) NPs, where the growth of Co NPs on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets switches the magnetic interactions from superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic at room temperature. Switching-on ferromagnetism in this nanohybrid may be due to the hybridization between unsaturated 2pz orbitals of graphene and 3d orbitals of Co, which promotes ferromagnetic long-range ordering. The ferromagnetic behavior of Co-rGO nanohybrid makes it excellent material in the field of spintronics, catalysis, and magnetic resonance imaging.
CSF extracellular vesicle proteomics demonstrates altered protein homeostasis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Thompson Alexander G. , Gray Elizabeth , Mäger Imre , Thézénas Marie-Laëtitia , Charles Philip D. , Talbot Kevin , Fischer Roman , Kessler Benedikt M. , Wood Mathew , Turner Martin R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by neurons and glia reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Studying the proteome of CSF-derived EVs offers a novel perspective on the key intracellular processes associated with the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a potential source from which to develop biomarkers.

Methods

CSF EVs were extracted using ultrafiltration liquid chromatography from ALS patients and controls. EV size distribution and concentration was measured using nanoparticle tracking analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomic analysis performed.

Results

CSF EV concentration and size distribution did not differ between ALS and control groups, nor between a sub-group of ALS patients with or without an associated hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in C9orf72. Univariate proteomic analysis identified downregulation of the pentameric proteasome-like protein Bleomycin hydrolase in ALS patients, whilst Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated downregulation of proteasome core complex proteins (8/8 proteins, normalized enrichment ratio -1.77, FDR-adjusted p = 0.057) in the ALS group. The sub-group of ALS patients associated with the C9orf72 HRE showed upregulation in Ubiquitin-like modifying-activating protein 1 (UBA1) compared to non-C9orf72 cases.

Conclusions

Proteomic analysis of CSF EVs in ALS detects intracellular alterations in protein homeostatic mechanisms, previously only identified in pathological tissues. This supports the wider use of CSF EVs as a source of novel biomarkers reflecting key and potentially druggable pathological intracellular pathway alterations in ALS.
Emerging and eco-friendly approaches for waste management: a book review
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar , Raj Abhay
Published: August 2020

Apart from fulfilling the demand of society, the industrial sector, including paper, tannery, distillery, and textile, plays an essential role in manufacturing of the products while, such all still emitting hazardous contaminants to the environment during manufacturing operation. Significant contaminants, including PAHs, EDCs, Dyes, and POPs, are the primary ingredients of wastewater and sludge emitted from such industries. Such contaminants seem to have a carcinogenic, cytotoxic, and mutagenic toxicity endpoints. As a consequence, the long-term presence of such contaminants has led to severe environmental and human impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle such issues to clean-up contaminants and to ensure environmental protection by reducing the toxicity of such contaminants. Here we review the book “Emerging and Eco-Friendly Approaches for Waste Management” for addressing waste management techniques in an eco-friendly manner. In this collection, different approaches, including specific unique plant-based methods for bioremediation, endophytes, and a specific number of micro-organisms, have been reported for decolorization of toxic textile dyes, along with biodegradation of different phenolic, chlorinated, lignin, and its derived compounds. Besides the conventional treatment techniques for clean-up of lignin, lignin-derived compounds, PAHs, chlorinated phenol compounds, EDCs, a certain number of methods in an eco-friendly manner are also explored for remediation, and mitigation of such pollutants using specific microbial oxidoreductase enzymatic systems. Highly potential oxidoreductase derived from different microbes, plants, have been summarized to minimize the toxic effects of various toxic compounds. The book, therefore, seems to provide insight through different recent and eco-friendly approaches for waste management and offers the opportunity to minimize, reduce the effects of contaminants, and thereby attempting to reduce toxicological endpoints to ensure the safety of the environment.
Evaluation of variant calling tools for large plant genome re-sequencing
Authors: Yao Zhen , You Frank M. , N’Diaye Amidou , Knox Ron E. , McCartney Curt , Hiebert Colin W. , Pozniak Curtis , Xu Wayne
Published: August 2020

Background

Discovering single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from agriculture crop genome sequences has been a widely used strategy for developing genetic markers for several applications including marker-assisted breeding, population diversity studies for eco-geographical adaption, genotyping crop germplasm collections, and others. Accurately detecting SNPs from large polyploid crop genomes such as wheat is crucial and challenging. A few variant calling methods have been previously developed but they show a low concordance between their variant calls. A gold standard of variant sets generated from one human individual sample was established for variant calling tool evaluations, however hitherto no gold standard of crop variant set is available for wheat use. The intent of this study was to evaluate seven SNP variant calling tools (FreeBayes, GATK, Platypus, Samtools/mpileup, SNVer, VarScan, VarDict) with the two most popular mapping tools (BWA-mem and Bowtie2) on wheat whole exome capture (WEC) re-sequencing data from allohexaploid wheat.

Results

We found the BWA-mem mapping tool had both a higher mapping rate and a higher accuracy rate than Bowtie2. With the same mapping quality (MQ) cutoff, BWA-mem detected more variant bases in mapping reads than Bowtie2. The reads preprocessed with quality trimming or duplicate removal did not significantly affect the final mapping performance in terms of mapped reads. Based on the concordance and receiver operating characteristic (ROC), the Samtools/mpileup variant calling tool with BWA-mem mapping of raw sequence reads outperformed other tests followed by FreeBayes and GATK in terms of specificity and sensitivity. VarDict and VarScan were the poorest performing variant calling tools with the wheat WEC sequence data.

Conclusion

The BWA-mem and Samtools/mpileup pipeline, with no need to preprocess the raw read data before mapping onto the reference genome, was ascertained the optimum for SNP calling for the complex wheat genome re-sequencing. These results also provide useful guidelines for reliable variant identification from deep sequencing of other large polyploid crop genomes.
Relatively semi-conservative replication and a folded slippage model for short tandem repeats
Authors: Zhang Hongxi , Li Douyue , Zhao Xiangyan , Pan Saichao , Wu Xiaolong , Peng Shan , Huang Hanrou , Shi Ruixue , Tan Zhongyang
Published: August 2020

Background

The ubiquitous presence of short tandem repeats (STRs) in virtually all genomes implicates their functional relevance, while a widely-accepted definition of STR is yet to be established. Previous studies majorly focus on relatively longer STRs, while shorter repeats were generally excluded. Herein, we have adopted a more generous criteria to define shorter repeats, which has led to the definition of a much larger number of STRs that lack prior analysis. Using this definition, we analyzed the short repeats in 55 randomly selected segments in 55 randomly selected genomic sequences from a fairly wide range of species covering animals, plants, fungi, protozoa, bacteria, archaea and viruses.

Results

Our analysis reveals a high percentage of short repeats in all 55 randomly selected segments, indicating that the universal presence of high-content short repeats could be a common characteristic of genomes across all biological kingdoms. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume a mechanism for continuous production of repeats that can make the replicating process relatively semi-conservative. We have proposed a folded replication slippage model that considers the geometric space of nucleotides and hydrogen bond stability to explain the mechanism more explicitly, with improving the existing straight-line slippage model. The folded slippage model can explain the expansion and contraction of mono- to hexa- nucleotide repeats with proper folding angles. Analysis of external forces in the folding template strands also suggests that expansion exists more commonly than contraction in the short tandem repeats.

Conclusion

The folded replication slippage model provides a reasonable explanation for the continuous occurrences of simple sequence repeats in genomes. This model also contributes to the explanation of STR-to-genome evolution and is an alternative model that complements semi-conservative replication.
Antibiotic utilization in hospitalized children under 2 years of age with influenza or respiratory syncytial virus infection – a comparative, retrospective analysis
Authors: Papan Cihan , Willersinn Meike , Weiß Christel , Karremann Michael , Schroten Horst , Tenenbaum Tobias
Published: August 2020

Background

Infections due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza virus (FLU) are leading causes of hospitalization in young children. Yet, there is little data on factors associated with antibiotic use in these patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of all patients below 2 years of age hospitalized between 2014 and 2018. We compared children with RSV infection to children with FLU infection analyzing clinical characteristics and factors contributing to an increased rate of antimicrobial utilization.

Results

RSV infection was diagnosed in 476/573 (83.1%), FLU in 95/573 (16.6%), and RSV-FLU-co-infection in 2/573 (0.3%) patients. Median age was lower for RSV compared to FLU (4 vs. 12 months; p < 0.0001). Children with RSV had longer hospitalization (5 vs. 4 days; p = 0.0023) and needed oxygen more frequently (314/476 vs. 23/95; p < 0.0001) than FLU patients. There was no significant difference in the overall antibiotic utilization between RSV and FLU patients (136/476 vs. 21/95; p = 0.2107). Logistic regression analyses revealed that septic appearance on admission (odds ratio [OR] 8.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–54.1), acute otitis media (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.1–9.4), a longer oxygen therapy (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.13–1.74) and a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–2.0) were significantly associated with antibiotic use in both groups, but not age or pneumonia.

Conclusions

In our cohort, the rate of antibiotic utilization was comparable between RSV and FLU patients, while for both groups distinct clinical presentation and a high CRP value were associated with higher antibiotic use.
Incidental Hamartoma in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Joo Tae-Sung , Kim Hyejee , Park In-Ki , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: August 2020

Background

Neuromuscular hamartoma is a very rare tumor; with only five cases reported in the orbit. It often occurs in infants and young children and involves large peripheral nerves, but there has been only few reports of occurrence in the orbit and adults.

Case presentation

This paper describes a 70-year-old man with an incidental orbital mass detected by an imaging test and who later developed associated symptoms. The mass was diagnosed as neuromuscular hamartoma. Superior rectus muscle recession and inferior rectus muscle resection were performed in the right eye for hypertropia secondary to postoperative inferior rectus muscle palsy. Hypertropia in the right eye and diplopia improved after surgery, and regular follow-up is underway.

Conclusion

This is the first case of an incidentally detected orbital mass diagnosed by histologic examination as a neuromuscular hamartoma in an older patient whose proptosis progressed after a long period of inactivity.
Predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers attending paediatric clinics in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sokefun Eniolufolake Elizabeth , Atulomah Nnodimele Onuigbo
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite concerted global efforts towards achieving infant-survival, infant mortality lingers as a problem in developing countries. Environmental and personal-level factors are assumed to account for this situation. This study was undertaken to provide better understanding of the dynamics of predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers with infants attending paediatric clinics.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data was collected from 386 nursing mothers selected by convenience sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of 38-items including demographic information of respondents, health-literacy counsels received during antenatal care, social-support from significant others, and self-efficacy to carry-out infant-survival instructions. Responses were transformed into rating scales for each variable and data analysis was conducted by linear regression analysis with test of hypotheses at 5% level of significance.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 29.8 ± 5.8 years. Majority (81.6%) were married. Yorubas (83.90%) were predominant. Participants had mean scores of 10.50 ± 3.83, 10.56 ± 3.70 and 16.61 ± 4.56 respectively computed for levels of health-literacy, social-support, and self-efficacy. The dependent variable measured level of infant-survival practices and respondents scored 16.53 ± 4.71. The study found a significant association among variables. Self-efficacy was the major predictor variable of self-reported infant-survival practices (R = 0.466; R2 = 0.217; P<0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that participants had average levels of health-literacy, social-support, self-efficacy, and infant-survival practices. Healthcare providers should make efforts to empower pregnant women on activities essential for infant-survival. Family members of nursing mothers should as well be knowledgeable about the advantages of supporting them.
Palliative care delivery in residential aged care: bereaved family member experiences of the Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) intervention
Authors: Frey Rosemary , Barham Sophia , Balmer Deborah , Boyd Michal , Robinson Jackie , Gott Merryn
Published: August 2020

Background

The supportive hospice aged residential exchange (SHARE) is a new model of palliative care education that has been designed for residential aged care. The goal of SHARE is to help clinical staff improve palliative care within residential aged care facilities and to improve specialist palliative care nurses’ knowledge and skill to care for frail older people.

Method

The experiences of 18 bereaved families concerning the palliative care journey (both at the start and finish of a one-year implementation of SHARE) were explored using semi-structured interviews.

Results

Three themes were important to bereaved families’ experience: communication with staff, systems of care, and hospice involvement. Sub-themes indicating changes in these three components of care between the start and finish of SHARE was identified. A fourth theme highlighted challenges (relationship with GP, staff shortages, and turnover) that continued across SHARE.

Conclusion

Findings indicated that SHARE benefited families (improved communication and support) through the end of life journey of their relatives, but challenges remained.
Breast cancer screening beliefs questionnaire: psychometric properties of the Persian version
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Kwok Cannas , Firouzbakht Mojgan , Ebadi Abbas , Nikpour Maryam
Published: August 2020

Background

Valid and reliable instruments are needed to assess such beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge. This study aimed to translate Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties among Iranian women.

Methods

In this methodological study, the twelve-item Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire was translated into Persian and filled out by 1256 Iranian women. Face, content, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for construct validity evaluation. Reliability was also evaluated through calculating Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, Average inter-item correlation, and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient and finally, composite reliability was estimated.

Results

Three factors were extracted in factor analysis which included screening attitude, screening knowledge and perception, and screening practice. These factors explained 55.71% of the total variance of breast cancer screening beliefs. This three-factor model was confirmed in confirmatory factor analysis based on model fit indices (PCFI = 0.703, PNFI = 0.697, CMIN/DF = 2.127, RMSEA = 0.30, GFI = 0.980, AGFI = 0.998, and CFI = 0.991). Convergent and discriminant validity were also confirmed. Composite reliability and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient were more than 0.7.

Conclusion

With a three-factor structure, the Persian Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability and hence, can be used to evaluate Iranian women’s breast cancer screening beliefs.
The toxicity assessment of extract of Peganum harmala L. seeds in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Miao Xiangzhen , Zhang Xiao , Yuan Yanyan , Zhang Yali , Gao Jian , Kang Nianxin , Liu Xinkui , Wu Jiarui , Liu Yonggang , Tan Peng
Published: August 2020

Background

Peganum harmalaL. is a medicinal herb extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). So far, relevant reports on the toxicity ofPeganum harmalaL. seeds (PHS) are hardly available. Especially, we still know little about the in vivo mechanism for PHS toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity effects of PHS inCaenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans), investigate the possible mechanism of the toxicity effects of PHS, and provide reference for the pharmacological research of PHS.

Methods

In the present study, theC. eleganswas exposed to 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 mg/mL of PHS in nematode growth medium (NGM) at 22 °C in the presence of food. Lethality, lifespan, growth, reproduction, and locomotion behavior assays were performed to evaluate the toxicity effects of PHS inC. elegans. We then determined the mechanism of the toxicity effect of PHS by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assay, and oxidative stress resistance assays. The main components of PHS were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Compared with the control group, the lethality ofC. eleganswas significantly increased when they were exposed to the ethanol extract of PHS at 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/mL (P < 0.01), and the mean lifespan was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). We also observed that PHS exposure could induce the toxicity on body length, brood size, and locomotion behavior.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the ethanol extract of PHS exerts obvious toxic effects onC. elegans, which would provide new ideas and methods for the biological evaluation of the toxicity of Chinese medicinal materials.
Nursing & Midwifery students’ experience of immersive virtual reality storytelling: an evaluative study
Authors: Hardie Philip , Darley Andrew , Carroll Lorraine , Redmond Catherine , Campbell Abraham , Jarvis Suzi
Published: August 2020

Background

Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) storytelling is a concept that merges ground-breaking virtual reality technology with the traditional art of storytelling. Virtual reality storytelling offers a rare opportunity to present abstract experiences that challenge boundaries, heighten emotions, and convey previously intangible concepts. Scientific research into immersive virtual reality storytelling is still in its infancy, particularly regarding the field of education in Nursing and Midwifery. Therefore, this study set out to investigate the subjective experience of using an immersive virtual reality storytelling experience as an active pedagogy.

Methods

This was an evaluative study incorporating a multimodal approach encompassing a cross-sectional survey and observational study conducted in a large University in Ireland, offering major undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in the fields of Nursing and Midwifery. Students were invited to view the innovative virtual reality storytelling experience “Wonderful You” (BHD Immersive) that tells the story of the first 9 months of a baby’s life inside the woman’s womb. On completion, students were asked to complete an anonymous survey about their experience. Observational studies were also carried out, examining the student’s engagement and interaction with the iVR experience. A combination of statistical and thematic qualitative analysis was employed to interpret the respective summative rating scale and open-ended response questions in the evaluation survey. Data captured from the observations were grouped into categories and analysed capturing key themes.

Results

A response rate of 71.2% (n = 94) identified iVR storytelling as a memorable learning experience that triggered students’ engagement and motivation to learn. IVR storytelling enabled students to visualise and better understand abstract concepts. Qualitative analysis of narrative responses revealed the positive evaluations of the iVR storytelling experience. Observational studies further revealed students were highly engaged and interacted positively with the iVR storytelling experience.

Conclusions

The full potential of this new medium of iVR storytelling has yet to be seen. However, this study provides an encouraging insight into the positive attributes of iVR storytelling that engages students and creates authentic active learning experiences.
Improved efficiency and diagnostic utility of inpatient transthoracic echocardiography following implementation of a sonographer-initiated perflutren-based contrast administration protocol
Authors: Prentice Ryan , Ahmadian Homayoun , Thomas Dustin , Berger Jeremy , Gore Rosco
Published: August 2020

Background

Up to 20% of resting echocardiograms obtained are suboptimal leading to further downstream testing and delays in diagnosis. Contrast enhanced echocardiography is well established and endorsed for use by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in clinical scenarios when 2 or more adjacent wall segments are not well visualized; however, varied institutional protocols and practices in place limit such use due to increased time and personnel needed to obtain such imaging.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to determineif sonographer administered echo contrast led to decreased time to complete inpatient echocardiography exams when compared to the current institutional policy of having a registered nurse perform administration of contrast via a case-control approach. Sonographers received a one-day training course on the techniques for contrast administration. Baseline completion times (time from 1st image to last image) were reviewed in studies from March 2015 to May 2015. Sonographers who received training began self-administration of contrast the first week of June 2015. After a familiarization period, study completion times were recorded from September 2015 to December 2015 and compared to those during the baseline phase. Sonographers were not informed that they were being monitored. Patients and the public were not involved in the design or conduct of our study.

Results

A total of 320 patients were included for analysis. Time spent obtaining contrast enhanced imaging was not significant between the two groups (p = 0.67). Time spent to complete each echocardiogram (time from first echocardiogram image to the last contrast enhanced echocardiogram image) was significant between the two groups (37.5 ± 10.9 min sonographer administered v 49.6 ± 12.5 min in nurse administered group, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Utilizing a sonographer administered echo enhancement protocol results in reduced over 12 min of time saved per study.
The socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants of contraceptive use among Chinese college students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Chen Minne , Tan Shihui , Qu Xueqi , Wang Hanyu , Liang Xiao , Gaoshan Junjian , Li Lihe , Hong Ping , Jiang Li , Tang Kun
Published: August 2020

Background

Chinese youth have become more sexually active over the years, yet their behaviours of contraceptive use are influenced by socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants of contraceptive use among Chinese college students, and to investigate quantitatively their reasons for choosing different contraceptive methods.

Methods

The study used the data from a cross-sectional survey, which was conducted in 2015 among 17,517 students from 130 colleges and professional schools in mainland China. Chi-square tests were performed to test the differences in the awareness and uses of contraceptives between male and female students. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse the associations between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and contraceptive uses.

Results

Condoms (95%), oral contraceptives (91%) and emergency contraceptives (71%) were the most commonly known contraceptive methods among the sample of Chinese youth that were surveyed. Among male participants, high monthly expenditure (OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.07–1.75), light alcohol consumption (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.03–2.11), and high sexual knowledge (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.57–2.45) were positively associated with contraceptive uses, while tobacco use (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.23–0.95) showed a negative association with contraceptive uses. Among female students, suburban residency (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.03–1.83), high level of parental education (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.19–3.22), moderate alcohol consumption (OR = 2.66, 95%CI: 1.05–6.77), and high sexual knowledge (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.18–1.91) were positively associated with contraceptive uses, while tobacco use (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.36–0.99) showed a negative association.

Conclusions

A series of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were associated with contraceptive choices among Chinese college students. Targeted sexual education programs are in demand to improve the awareness and the use of contraceptives in this population.
Uptake of long acting reversible contraception following integrated couples HIV and fertility goal-based family planning counselling in Catholic and non-Catholic, urban and rural government health centers in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Mukamuyango Jeannine , Ingabire Rosine , Parker Rachel , Nyombayire Julien , Abaasa Andrew , Asiki Gershim , Easter Sarah Rae , Wall Kristin M. , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Tichacek Amanda , Kaslow Nadine , Price Matt A. , Allen Susan , Karita Etienne
Published: August 2020

Background

When integrated with couples’ voluntary HIV counselling and testing (CVCT), family planning including long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) addresses prongs one and two of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).

Methods

In this observational study, we enrolled equal numbers of HIV concordant and discordant couples in four rural and four urban clinics, with two Catholic and two non-Catholic clinics in each area. Eligible couples were fertile, not already using a LARC method, and wished to limit or delay fertility for at least 2 years. We provided CVCT and fertility goal-based family planning counselling with the offer of LARC and conducted multivariate analysis of clinic, couple, and individual predictors of LARC uptake.

Results

Of 1290 couples enrolled, 960 (74%) selected LARC: Jadelle 5-year implant (37%), Implanon 3-year implant (26%), or copper intrauterine device (IUD) (11%). Uptake was higher in non-Catholic clinics (85% vs. 63% in Catholic clinics,p < 0.0001), in urban clinics (82% vs. 67% in rural clinics,p < 0.0001), and in HIV concordant couples (79% vs. 70% of discordant couples,p = .0005). Religion of the couple was unrelated to clinic religious affiliation, and uptake was highest among Catholics (80%) and lowest among Protestants (70%) who were predominantly Pentecostal. In multivariable analysis, urban location and non-Catholic clinic affiliation, Catholic religion of woman or couple, younger age of men, lower educational level of both partners, non-use of condoms or injectable contraception at enrollment, prior discussion of LARC by the couple, and women not having concerns about negative side effects of implant were associated with LARC uptake.

Conclusions

Fertility goal-based LARC recommendations combined with couples’ HIV counselling and testing resulted in a high uptake of LARC methods, even among discordant couples using condoms for HIV prevention, in Catholic clinics, and in rural populations. This model successfully integrates prevention of HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
The bench-top accuracy of the VerteTrack spinal stiffness assessment device
Authors: Young Anika , Swain Michael S. , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Wong Arnold Y. L. , Downie Aron S.
Published: August 2020

Background

The assessment of spinal stiffness by manual palpation in clinical settings has demonstrated both poor accuracy and reliability. More recently, mechanical methods for assessment of spinal stiffness have demonstrated superior accuracy and reliability. However, mechanical methods of spinal stiffness assessment can be expensive, time consuming and/or unsuited to clinical practice. While a new device has been designed to address these issues (VerteTrack), its benchtop performance remains unknown.

Aim

To measure the bench-top performance of VerteTrack.

Methods

A series of laboratory-based experiments were conducted in February 2018 to investigate the accuracy (precision and bias) of load and displacement measurements obtained by VerteTrack and then were compared against an appropriate reference standard. Measurements of both multiple-level continuous assessment (multiple spinal levels measured), and single-level assessment (single spinal level measured) were performed on a viscoelastic foam medium (AIREX® balance beam, Switzerland) and the resulting stiffness calculated.

Results

VerteTrack demonstrated high precision at all loads and displacements. There was minimal systematic measurement bias identified for applied versus reference load (mean bias = − 0.123 N; 95%CI − 0.182 to 0.428 N, p < .001), and no systematic measurement bias for measured versus reference displacement (mean difference = 0.02 mm; 95%CI − 0.09 to 0.14 mm, p < .001). The magnitude of stiffness obtained during multiple-level continuous assessment was on average 0.25 N/mm (2.79%) less than that for single-level assessment (95%CI − 0.67 to 0.17 N/mm, p < .001).

Conclusions

VerteTrack demonstrated high accuracy (high precision, low bias) under bench-top conditions. The difference in stiffness found between multiple versus single spinal levels should be considered in the research context, but is unlikely to be clinically relevant. The results of this study demonstrate that VerteTrack may be suitable for both single and multi-level spinal stiffness measurements in-vivo.