bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process and Outcome Evaluations of Interventions to Promote Voluntary Exercise Training Among South Korean Firefighters
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Kwon Junhye , Park Seiyeong , Ahn Chiyoung , Seo Dong-Il , Song Wook , Park Jung-Jun , Lee Han-Joon , Kang Hyun Joo , Ahn Yeon Soon
Published: February 2022

The main aim of the present study is to evaluate reach, dose, fidelity, and outcomes of the interventions for promoting voluntary exercise training among South Korean firefighters. Four interventions for promoting voluntary exercise training among firefighters (i.e., virtual reality exercise system intervention, poster intervention, monitor intervention, and wearable health device intervention) were performed in a fire station located in Seoul, South Korea. To evaluate reach and dose received related to each intervention, participants were asked to answer several simple questions. Three process evaluators completed a 20-item survey to share their impressions related to the quality of intervention delivery. Paired t test was used to examine mean changes in primary (i.e., mean minutes of exercise training per week) and secondary outcomes (i.e., beliefs and intention) between pre- and postinterventions. More than 60% of participants experienced monitor and wearable health device interventions. Process evaluators tend not to agree with a statement saying that the number of the virtual reality exercise equipment was appropriate. Among firefighters who participated in exercise training less than 150 min per week at 1-month follow-up, mean minutes of exercise training per week increased by 67.95 min after interventions. Future studies need to examine whether the monitor and wearable health device interventions effectively increase exercise training participation among firefighters in other fire stations located in Seoul, South Korea.
Management of saccular superior cerebellar artery aneurysms: The Buffalo experience case series and systematic review
Authors: Lim Jaims , Nyabuto Elizabeth , Aguirre Alexander O , Waqas Muhammed , Vakharia Kunal , Cappuzzo Justin M , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: February 2022

Background

Results of the management of superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms are typically reported in combination with those for all posterior circulation aneurysms. We report our experience with the management of SCA aneurysms and a systematic review of the endovascular management of these rare aneurysms.

Methods

Patients with saccular SCA aneurysms that were not associated with arteriovenous malformations and who presented to our institute between 2000 and 2017 were identified. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, interventions, and follow-up data were collected, compared, and analyzed. For the review, data including number of aneurysm treated, outcomes, follow-up, and occlusion rates were collected.

Results

Mean age of the 31 identified patients was 57.4 ± 12.3 years; 19.4% were men. Mean aneurysm size was 5.1 ± 2.9 mm. Seven of 21 patients with unruptured aneurysms were managed conservatively. Ten patients (32.3%) presented with ruptured aneurysms (mean aneurysm size, 6.2 ± 3.2 mm). Treatment was successfully completed in 22 patients: 13-primary coiling, 7-stent-assisted coiling, and 2-microsurgical clipping. Complete angiographic aneurysm occlusion after primary treatments was achieved in 19 (86.4%) patients. The total complication rate among treated patients was 4.2% (1 of 24 treated aneurysms). No minor complications occurred. However, in 2 patients, coil embolization was attempted but aborted due to coil protrusion into the parent artery. Clinical and angiographic follow-up data were available for 26 observed or treated patients. Mean follow-up duration was 5.3 ± 4.5 years. Six articles met our review inclusion criteria and demonstrated similar mean treated aneurysm sizes ranging from 4.6–7.7 mm, and follow-up from these articles ranged from 15.3–50 months.

Conclusions

Endovascularly treated patients with ruptured and unruptured SCA aneurysms, of which most were <7 mm, had good clinical outcomes with minimal complications.
Comparison of examination techniques of anterior and posterior compartments of the leg for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis: A new examination technique
Authors: Hocagil Abdullah C , Hocagil Hilal , Coskun Sungur Elif , Yardimci Yar Neriman , Akkaya Hocagil Tugba
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Several examination techniques have been described for the diagnosis of leg deep vein thrombosis. These previously described examination techniques aim to detect muscle pain that occurs secondary to increased pressure in the posterior compartment of the leg. However, to the best of our knowledge no studies investigated the frequency of muscle pain on the anterior compartment in patients with leg deep vein thrombosis the objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of muscle pain in the anterior compartment.

Methods

The patients who were diagnosed with acute deep vein thrombosis were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Each patient was examined using the techniques that determine the pain on the posterior compartment as well as using the technique we described to detect muscle pain on the anterior compartment.

Results

Two hunderd forty three patients were enrolled in the study. Among those, both distal and proximal deep vein thrombosis was present in 128 (52.7%) patients. 75% of them had muscle pain in the anterior compartment.

Conclusion

The results suggested that examination of muscle pain in anterior compartment of leg in patients with both proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis can be used as an additional physical examination techniques for early diagnosis.
Imipenem–cilastatin-induced thrombocytosis: A probable rare case report
Authors: Chen Huadong , Xu Xing’e , Li Piaopiao , Xu Zhenglin
Published: February 2022

Drug-induced thrombocytosis is difficult to identify and is rarely reported. Here, we report a probable rare case of imipenem–cilastatin-induced thrombocytosis in a 51-year-old female. The patient received imipenem–cilastatin treatment because of an intra-abdominal infection, following which the platelet count increased to a peak value of 1058×109 cells/L in 14 days. When imipenem–cilastatin was replaced by levofloxacin and amikacin, the platelet count decreased progressively and remained within the normal range until the 6-month follow-up. Moreover, platelet counts were independent of the infection. Thrombocytosis was probably attributable to imipenem–cilastatin with a Naranjo score of seven. This is a probable rare case in which the thrombocytosis was likely an adverse reaction induced by imipenem–cilastatin. We suggest that clinicians need to be vigilant concerning the impact of imipenem–cilastatin on platelet count in patients with thrombocytosis.
Do the eyes have it? A comparison of eye-movement and attentional-probe-based approaches to indexing attentional control within the antisaccade paradigm
Authors: Basanovic Julian , Myles Owen , MacLeod Colin
Published: February 2022

Individual differences in the ability to control visual attention, often termed “attentional control,” have been of particular interest to cognitive researchers. This has led to the development of numerous tasks intended to measure attentional control, including the antisaccade task. While attentional performance on the antisaccade task is typically indexed through the recording of eye movements, increasingly researchers are reporting the use of probe-based methods of indexing attentional performance on the task. Critically, no research has yet determined the convergence of measures yielded by each of these assessment methods, nor compared the reliability of these measures. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether antisaccade cost measures yielded by a probe-based adaptation of the task converge with antisaccade cost measures yielded by an eye movement task in the sample of individuals, and whether these alternative approaches have comparable levels of psychometric reliability. Ninety-three individuals completed an eye movement task and a probe-based task at two assessment times, and an index of antisaccade cost was computed from each task at each assessment time. Analyses revealed that the antisaccade cost index yielded by each task demonstrated high internal reliability (eye-movement, rSB = .92; probe-based, rSB = .80–.84) and high test–retest reliability (eye-movement, rSB = .82; probe-based, rSB = .72), but modest measurement convergence ( r = .21–.35). Findings suggest that probe-based and eye-movement based antisaccade tasks measure shared variance in attentional control, although their measures do not converge strongly enough to be considered equivalent measures of attentional control.
Toward a framework for risk monitoring of complex engineering systems with online operational data: A deep learning-based solution
Authors: Moradi Ramin , Ruiz-Tagle Palazuelos Andrés , Lopez Droguett Enrique , Groth Katrina M
Published: February 2022

A mathematical architecture is developed for system-level condition monitoring. This architecture is built toward performing end-to-end operation risk and condition monitoring. The streaming monitoring data is given to the architecture as the input and system-level and component-level operation health states are computed as the output. This architecture integrates fault trees as the system-level modeling method and Deep Learning (DL) as the components condition monitoring method. A number of different deep learning models are trained using both operation and maintenance data for the components. Then, the fault tree fuses the continuous components’ assessments to provide system-level health insight. The applicability of this architecture is tested by implementing it on a real-world mining stone crusher system. This approach is extendable to dynamic risk assessment of complex engineering systems. However, DL models should be used with caution for safety-critical applications. We show that having DL models with high accuracy is not enough for trusting their predictions. We discuss the calibration of DL-based condition monitoring models and demonstrate how they can improve the trustworthiness and interpretability of DL models in risk and reliability applications.
Hamate vs. capitate grafting for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocation: an MRI-based study of 35 hands
Authors: Bond Elizabeth C. , Matenga Michaela , B. M. MacLean Simon
Published: February 2022

We examined the MRI scans of 35 adult hands to assess the feasibility of the hamate and the capitate as potential donor grafts in the management of comminuted intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanges. Essentially neither the hamate nor the capitate were perfect anatomic matches in most digits, but the capitate had the advantage of having more uniform facets, and the capitate facet shapes were similar to those of the little finger. The measurement of angles in the coronal and sagittal plane showed that in some respects the differences between the potential graft and the base of the middle phalanges were smaller for the capitate than for the hamate. Moreover, the sagittal morphology of the capitate made it less prone to joint overstuffing than the hamate. We conclude that the capitate may be considered as a graft donor in selected cases, especially for the little finger.
Identity, Social Media and Politics: How Young Emirati Women Make Sense of Female Politicians in the UAE
Authors: Storie Leysan , Marschlich Sarah
Published: February 2022

Social media offered new opportunities for politicians to engage with the public. However, little research has explored public perceptions of women politicians and their role in women's empowerment, especially in non-Western contexts. This study used a qualitative methodology to explore how young Emirati women made sense of gender and other identities in their discussions of Emirati women politicians on social media. Drawing from intersectionality theory, the study looked beyond gender, exploring other identities that may play a role in Emirati women's perceptions. The results offered insights into the family and ethnic identity as they interacted with gender. The findings also highlighted the challenges of personalizing messages in a patriarchal society. This study contributes to international political communication research and practice by understanding the complexity of women's sense-making of social media and women politicians in a non-Western context.
Alien Limb Phenomenon After Diffuse Corpus Callosum Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sarkar Peyalee , Ray Biman Kanti , Mukherjee Debaleena , Pandit Alak , Ghosh Ritwik , Benito-León Julián , Dubey Souvik
Published: February 2022

The alien limb is a phenomenon characterized by a cluster of clinical features wherein the limb behaves autonomously and as separated from a person’s identity. We herein report a 36-year-old Indian female with multiple comorbidities who presented with recurrent episodes of limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks for 1 year, followed by left-sided hemiplegia. During recovering, the patient noticed a feeling that as if her left hand did not belong to herself and acted autonomously (alien limb phenomenon) along with visuospatial deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed ischemic stroke diffusely involving corpus callosum. Magnetic resonance angiography was suggestive of compromised right-sided anterior circulation. This was corroborated by digital subtraction angiography that revealed reduced flow in right internal carotid artery. Diffuse infarction of the corpus callosum requires involvement of both the anterior and the posterior circulation. Due to the lack of clinical features suggestive of chronic internal carotid artery dissection, occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the anterior cerebral circulation associated with possible steal phenomenon from the posterior circulation was the most probable underlying mechanism for the callosal stroke. Steal phenomenon has been proposed as a compensatory mechanism in hemodynamically compromised ischemic parenchyma and it can explain the co-existence of anterior and posterior circulation strokes. This case also highlights how both anterior and posterior types of the alien limb phenomenon can co-exist in a background of vascular insult, resulting from intra-cranial atherosclerotic disease.
The Impact of Climatic, Socioeconomic, and Geographic Factors on the Prevalence of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Worldwide Ecological Study
Authors: AlQahtani Abdulaziz , Alim Bader , Almudhaibery Faisal , Mulafikh Dhaifallah , Almutairi Sara , Almohanna Saad , Alfawwaz Fahad
Published: February 2022

Background

The prevalence of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and its associated risk factors have been an issue of debate. Some epidemiological factors have been correlated to the disease prevalence.

Objectives

To observe the prevalence pattern of AFRS worldwide and to investigate the effect of specific epidemiological factors on the disease prevalence.

Methods

A systematic review was derived from 1983 to December 2018. Data on the prevalence of AFRS were collected from the selected studies. Relevant factors assessing each city's climate, socioeconomics and geography were used to study the association with AFRS prevalence.

Results

35 cities across 5 continents were investigated. The worldwide average rate of AFRS in CRS cases is 7.8% (0.2%–26.7%) in which more than half of the investigated cities (57%) had low AFRS prevalence, while the remaining cities had intermediate (11%) and high (32%) prevalence. Cities with higher temperatures were associated with a higher prevalence of AFRS ( p-value 0.002), whereas cities with humid continental climate were significantly associated with a low prevalence of AFRS ( p-value 0.032). Humidity and wind speed were lower in the cities with higher AFRS prevalence ( p-value 0.018 and 0.008, respectively). There were no significant correlations between AFRS prevalence and economic levels, presence of water bodies, rainfall amounts, altitude, and presence of forests.

Conclusion

AFRS has a worldwide distribution pattern with varying prevalence. In this ecological study, we observed a correlation between AFRS prevalence and climatic factors (climate classification, humidity, temperature, and wind speed). Socioeconomic factors should be analyzed on an individual basis for better assessment of the relationship with disease prevalence.
Short- and long-term effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, functionality, tissue quality, central sensitisation and psychological factors in a population suffering from fibromyalgia: protocol for a triple-blinded randomised clinical trial
Authors: Navarro-Ledesma Santiago , Gonzalez-Muñoz Ana , Carroll James , Burton Patricia
Published: February 2022

Background:

The development of an integral and global treatment to improve the quality of life in those with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is challenging. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain perception, functionality, quality of soft tissue, central sensitisation and psychological factors in patients suffering with FMS.

Methods:

This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 44 participants will be recruited in a private care practice and randomised to receive either a whole-body PBM therapy programme or placebo in the same care centre. The parameters of the PBM programme are as follows: wavelengths of red and near-infrared LEDs 50:50 ratio with 660–850 nanometers; fluence of 25.2 J/cm2; treatment time of 1200 s and a total power emitted of 967 W. Treatment sessions will be 3 times weekly for a period of 4 weeks, totalling 12 treatment sessions. Primary outcome will be pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Widespread Pain Index; Symptom Severity Score). Secondary outcomes will be functionality (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; the Leisure Time Physical Activity Instrument), quality of soft tissue (elastography), central sensitisation (pain pressure threshold and the Autonomic Symptom Profile) and psychological factors (Pain Catastrophising scale, Tampa Scale, Self-Efficacy questionnaire). Assessments will be at baseline (T1), after session 6 (T2), after treatment (T3) and 2 weeks (T4), 3 (T5) and 6 (T6) month follow-up.

Discussion:

PBM therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and to increase the rate of tissue repair for a wide range of conditions, but its potential use as a whole-body treatment in FM is yet to be explored. This trial will investigate whether whole-body PBM therapy is effective at reducing pain intensity, improving functionality, quality of soft tissue, central sensitisation symptoms and psychological measurements. Furthermore, 3- and 6-month follow-up will investigate long-term efficacy of this treatment.

Trial registration:

NCT04248972. Registered on January 29, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04248972?term=navarro-ledesma+santiago&draw=2&rank=2 .
Impact resistance of porosity-free fiber-reinforced concrete (PFFRC) beams under low-velocity impact loading
Authors: Kishi Norimitsu , Komuro Masato , Kono Katsuya , Kawarai Tomoki
Published: February 2022

Ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is an advanced cement-based composite material. Its ultrahigh compressive strength and high ductility can enable the downsizing of structural members, with special application to high-rise buildings. These excellent mechanical properties also allow its application in protective structures to resist high-speed penetration, low-velocity impact, and blast loading. UHPFRC with a compressive strength of approximately 150–200 MPa has traditionally been used to investigate the impact resistance of structural members under low-velocity impact loading. Recently, however, porosity-free concrete of the 400 MPa class of compressive strength has been developed. In this paper, to investigate the effects of the concrete strength and the steel fiber volume fraction on the impact resistance of porosity-free fiber-reinforced concrete (PFFRC) members, static and drop-weight impact loading tests were conducted on PFFRC beams by varying the volume fraction of steel fiber from 1 to 3.5%. As reference beams, 90 MPa high-strength fiber-reinforced concrete (HSFRC) beams with a 2% fiber volume fraction and normal-strength concrete (NSC) beams without stirrups and steel fibers were also tested. The results obtained from this study were as follows: (1) the static load-carrying capacity of a PFFRC beam can be enhanced by more than two and three times that of an NSC beam by adding 1 and 3.5% volume fractions of steel fiber, respectively; (2) a PFFRC beam with 3.5% fiber had the greatest impact resistance of all the beams considered in this study, and the beam with 2% fiber volume had the second-greatest performance, but the difference was small; (3) even though an HSFRC beam with 2% fiber had a smaller static load-carrying capacity than a PFFRC beam with 1% fiber, the former exhibited a slightly greater impact resistance than the latter because the bridging effect of the steel fibers has a greater influence under impact loading than under static loading.
Social comparison modulates acute responses to traumatic footage and the development of intrusive memories
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: February 2022

The psychosocial environment is pivotal for the adjustment to traumatic experiences, yet the role of social cognition in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains obscure. We theorize that comparison with other trauma survivors reporting high or low levels of stress-related symptomatology might attenuate or amplify the development of PTSD, depending on perceived similarities with the standard. 90 healthy participants viewed traumatic footage and read ostensible testimonials from a fellow participant from a similar background, reporting high levels of PTSD symptoms (i.e. a similar-vulnerable social comparator), low distress (similar-resilient) or by a demographically dissimilar person reporting low distress (different-resilient). A separate no-comparison group ( n = 30) served to gauge the presence of assimilative responding. Relative to similar-vulnerable comparison, a similar-resilient comparator tended to attenuate acute negative affect, but this did not translate to a similar effect on seven-day intrusive memories. Here, the similar-vulnerable group tended to report fewer intrusive memories compared to control, indicating a contrastive response. Taken together, we provide preliminary evidence that social comparison modulates the adjustment to adversity, whereby acute affect and intrusion development may be influenced differentially.
Incidence of thromboembolism and thromboprophylaxis in medical patients admitted to specialized hospital in Ethiopia using Padua prediction score
Authors: Asmamaw Mulugeta , Hungnaw Wubet , Motbainor Achenef , Kedir Hanan Muzeyin , Tadesse Tamrat Assefa
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients and thromboprophylaxis is one of the key strategies to reduce such events. We aimed to assess venous thromboembolism risk using Padua prediction score, thromboprophylaxis practice, and outcomes in hospitalized medical patients at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 patients admitted to Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital from 1 December 2018 to 31 May 2019. Data were collected from patients’ medical records using a pre-tested data abstraction format to collect patients’ clinical information and venous thromboembolism risk using the Padua prediction score. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess association between the variables of interest.

Results:

Reduced mobility, recent trauma and/or surgery, heart and/or respiratory failure, and active cancer were the frequently identified venous thromboembolism risk factors. Based on Padua prediction score, 48.4% of patients were at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism. The venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was given only for 55 (25.1%) patients and 15 of them were at low risk of developing venous thromboembolism (<4 Padua score) and were ineligible for thromboprophylaxis. Fifteen (6.84%) patients developed venous thromboembolism events during their stay at the hospital and 80% of them were from high risk group. The odds of females to develop venous thromboembolism were more than 14 times higher (adjusted odds ratio = 14.51; 95% confidence interval: 2.52–83.39, p = 0.003) than males. Reduced mobility (adjusted odds ratio = 10.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.70–58.70), <1 month trauma and/or surgery (adjusted odds ratio = 18.93; 95% confidence interval: 2.30–155.56), active cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 6.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–34.27), chronic kidney diseases (adjusted odds ratio = 61.790; 95% confidence interval: 2.627–1453.602), and hypertension (adjusted odds ratio = 7.270; 95% confidence interval: 1.105–47.835) were significantly associated with the risk of developing venous thromboembolism.

Conclusion:

Nearly half of the patients were at risk of developing venous thromboembolism. Underutilization of thromboprophylaxis and inappropriate use of prophylaxis were commonly seen in Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital.
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a diabetes type 2 patient: A fatal case report from northern Tanzania
Authors: Chussi Desderius Celestine , Kayuza Michael , Magwizi Marco , Shija Peter , Sadiq Adnan , Amsi Patrick , Katundu Denis , Mtenga Philbert
Published: February 2022

Mucormycosis is an acute and aggressive fungal infection usually, but not exclusively, occurring in immunocompromised individuals. Lack of knowledge and awareness in developing countries hinders timely management. This case highlights the importance of a prompt index of suspicion for the timely and aggressive intervention of mucormycosis to the Tanzanian community. We report a case of fatal rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in a diabetic patient presenting at a tertiary hospital in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Nasal deformity, proptosis, chemosis and left-sided hemiplegia were evident on physical examination. Nasoendoscopy revealed extensive necrosis of the nasal septum, inferior turbinate and involvement of the frontal recess. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses and head revealed necrosis and ischemic changes due to fungal invasion. The patient deceased due to intracranial complications of advanced fungal invasion. Late presentation and unacquainted with mucormycosis our patient had an unfavourable outcome. Early diagnosis, extensive surgical debridement and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are of the essence in favour of a better prognosis.
Microdissection oncoTESE (micro-oncoTESE) in azoospermic men with suspected testicular cancer: Analysis of outcomes from a specialist centre
Authors: Kaul Asheesh , Katelaris Athos , Haider Aiman , Freeman Alex , Ahmed Kamran , Alnajjar Hussain M , Muneer Asif
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The main aim of this study was to report the outcomes of azoospermic men with suspicious testicular lesions, undergoing microsurgical sperm retrieval (micro-oncoTESE) at the time of radical/partial orchidectomy.

Patients and methods:

Testicular lesions suspicious for cancer were confirmed on ultrasound scanning. In patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy, ex vivo microdissection of the unaffected testicular parenchyma was performed. Microdissection was performed in vivo for partial orchidectomy. The primary outcome measure was surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) rate.

Results:

A total of 33 patients (median age 33 years, interquartile range (IQR) 22) with suspected testicular cancer (TCa) underwent micro-oncoTESE. Histological analysis confirmed TCa in 26 patients and benign pathology in 7 patients. The overall SSR rate was 39%. Sub-analysis of patients with TCa and benign histology found that the SSR was 46% and 14%, respectively. There was no significant difference in maximum tumour length between successful and unsuccessful SSR groups 33.9 mm ± 23 (SD) versus 29.8 mm ± 17.5 (SD) ( p = 0.62).

Conclusion:

Based on our cohort, micro-oncoTESE provides an option for sperm retrieval in azoospermic men with testicular lesions.
A Case Probe into Emotional Experiences of Chinese English Majors in L2 Listening Learning Process: A Positive Psychology Perspective
Authors: Huang Jian
Published: February 2022

The role of emotions in L2 instruction has been well-recognized. With the rise of positive psychology in SLA, the investigations of L2 learners’ emotions have shifted from concern with negative emotions to inclusion of positive ones. However, few studies from the recent literature on positive and negative emotions have distinguished their emotions across different language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), although emotions are universally recognized as domain-specific. Moreover, of these few studies, even fewer have reported specifically on emotional experiences of L2 learners in the process of listening learning, which is understandable given the general under-exploration of listening as compared with other language skills. This case study attempts to address this gap by exploring academic emotions of Chinese undergraduate English majors in the process of acquiring English listening skills from the perspective of Positive Psychology. Based on data collected from various sources over two semesters, a refined categorization of listening learners’ academic emotions is proposed and the characteristics of their emotions are revealed in terms of diversity, intensity, and frequency. The categorization and characteristics imply that L2 listening instructors might need to pay special attention to the emotional dimension of their instruction and learn to be an emotional therapist, though this is not their traditionally expected role.
Online Courses in Art and Design During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Teaching Reflections From a First-Time Online Instructor
Authors: Alsuwaida Nouf
Published: February 2022

Online courses became the primary means of delivering instruction for higher education classes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although institutions provide training and support to faculty members teaching online for the first time, for some faculty, including those in art and design, the online course design process seems vague and arduous. This article explores the challenges experienced by one such faculty member teaching her first online art and design course during the pandemic. With an autoethnographic approach to examine her online courses, the author reflects on the challenges and successes when designing and delivering a traditional face-to-face course in an online environment. Particular attention has been paid to the tools used to encourage student-student and student-teacher interactions. Recommendations are also provided for practical ways in which other art and design instructors can create online classrooms that promote student engagement and interaction.
Examination of Testlet Effect in Open-Ended Items
Authors: Kaya Uyanik Gülden , Ertuna Levent
Published: February 2022

The testlets are prevalently used in national and international standard tests and the teacher-made achievement tests thanks to their practicality. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the testlet effect in test consisting the open-ended items and to identify the possible errors when this effect is ignored. The data consists of the scores given by three raters of the responses of 380 students in the teacher training program to two open-ended items in two testlets. The two designs with and without the testlet effect were modeled (totally crossed random design and the nested random design) and the differences between them were analyzed by Generalizability Theory (GT). The results showed that raters had a slight effect on the scores in both models tested, and the reliability of the scores was overestimated when the testlet effect was not ignored in such measurement tools.
Youth Leaders With Learning Disabilities and Their Decision to Enroll in Higher Education
Authors: McNaught John , Pope Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2022

Students with learning disabilities (LD) have not kept pace with peers without disabilities regarding enrollment in postsecondary education. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of I’m Determined youth leaders with LD who have enrolled in higher education. Participation led to structured experiences and opportunities to practice self-determined behaviors in an environment built to support the development of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The three major themes identified (struggle, community, and resilience) corresponded with experiences before, during, and after participation in I’m Determined. The major theme of struggle encompassed experiences at school and not understanding their disability. The theme of community affected participants in the context of disability awareness and opportunity. Resilience necessitated a change in mindset and the ability to overcome barriers. Altering classroom environments to support autonomy, competence, and relatedness is one way to reproduce the supports that led to these participants’ success.
Comorbidities Associated With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents at a Tertiary Care Setting
Authors: Jogia Jigar , Sharif Alia H. , Nawaz Faisal A. , Khan Abdul Rahman , Alawami Raed H. , Aljanahi Maryam A. , Sultan Meshal A.
Published: February 2022

Studies have revealed high rates of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbid conditions among individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, research on this topic in the Arab world has been limited. This study evaluates the medical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 428 pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD were included. Children and adolescents with ADHD had high rates of comorbid disorders. Twenty comorbid conditions were identified. More than 3 quarters of the study sample had at least 1 comorbid disorder. The most common comorbidity among children was autism spectrum disorder, and among adolescents was anxiety disorders. Comprehensive assessments are highly warranted to identify and manage associated comorbid conditions. Further research is needed in exploring the biopsychosocial factors contributing to the elevated rate of comorbidity in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Acting as a Business Angel to Become a Better Entrepreneur: A Learning Innovation
Authors: Lefebvre Vincent , Certhoux Gilles
Published: February 2022

TV shows such as “Dragons’ Den” and “Shark Tank” have become common teaching materials in entrepreneurial finance classrooms because they offer a window into the process of pitching to investors. TV exposure to pitch communication and business angels’ feedback is certainly a well-documented source of vicarious learning. It enables students to observe varying investment situations and learn from other entrepreneurs’ success as well as failure. Observation, however, does not replace direct experience. We combined vicarious learning and direct experience in order to enable students to learn how to take initial investment decisions, in practice. We originally proposed this training session in an entrepreneurship graduate program in France. This learning activity invites participants to become observers and actors in a real-life experience with entrepreneurs and angel investors. Students participate in a pitch session within a Business Angels Network (BAN). The BAN chooses entrepreneurs based on their applications and an evaluation meeting for the first round of a live pitch in their usual deal flow. Students are first spectators to the real-life pitch session, in which entrepreneurs face a team of five to 10 business angels (BAs). Then, students play the role of an active participant, making their own investment decisions in a report on each entrepreneurial project, as if they were BAs themselves.
A hazard ratio above one does not necessarily mean higher risk, when using a time-dependent cox model
Authors: Blanche Paul , Zareini Bochra , Rasmussen Peter V
Published: February 2022

The Cox model is one of the most used statistical models in medical research. It models the hazard rate of an event and its association with covariates through hazard ratios. In the simple setting without competing risks nor time-dependent covariates, there exists a one-to-one mathematical connection between the hazard rate and the risk of experiencing the event within any given time period (e.g., 5 years). This makes it possible to conclude that a covariate associated with a hazard ratio above one is associated with a higher risk of event. Although it is becoming widely known that this connection is lost in the presence of competing risks, it seems that fewer users of the Cox model are aware that this connection is also lost when using time-dependent covariates. In other words, it seems still widely unknown that, when using a time-dependent Cox model, a hazard ratio estimated above one does not necessarily mean that there is a higher risk. Hence, this note aims to clarify why this is not the case with a detailed pedagogical example.
Exportin Crm1 is important for Swi6 nuclear shuttling and MBF transcription activation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Belanger Kenneth D. , Yewdell William T. , Barber Matthew F. , Russo Amy N. , Pettit Mark A. , Damuth Emily K. , Hussain Naveen , Geier Susan J. , Belanger Karyn G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Swi6 acts as a transcription factor in budding yeast, functioning in two different heterodimeric complexes, SBF and MBF, that activate the expression of distinct but overlapping sets of genes. Swi6 undergoes regulated changes in nucleocytoplasmic localization throughout the cell cycle that correlate with changes in gene expression. This study investigates how nucleocytoplasmic transport by multiple transport factors may influence specific Swi6 activities.

Results

Here we show that the exportin Crm1 is important for Swi6 nuclear export and activity. Loss of a putative Crm1 NES or inhibition of Crm1 activity results in changes in nucleocytoplasmic Swi6 localization. Alteration of the Crm1 NES in Swi6 results in decreased MBF-mediated gene expression, but does not affect SBF reporter expression, suggesting that export of Swi6 by Crm1 regulates a subset of Swi6 transcription activation activity. Finally, alteration of the putative Crm1 NES in Swi6 results in cells that are larger than wild type, and this increase in cell size is exacerbated by deletion of Msn5.

Conclusions

These data provide evidence that Swi6 has at least two different exportins, Crm1 and Msn5, each of which interacts with a distinct nuclear export signal. We identify a putative nuclear export signal for Crm1 within Swi6, and observe that export by Crm1 or Msn5 independently influences Swi6-regulated expression of a different subset of Swi6-controlled genes. These findings provide new insights into the complex regulation of Swi6 transcription activation activity and the role of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in regulated gene expression.
Can the implementation of family doctor contracted service enable the elderly to utilize primary health care services more equally? empirical evidence from Shandong, China
Authors: Huang Shusheng , Yin Aitian , Liu Qianqian , Sun Xihong
Published: February 2022

Background

While the elderly are facing greater health risks, they also face more serious inequalities in utilization of medical services. The family doctor contracted service is the core policy of the Chinese government to cope with aging and to achieve the outcome that everyone has the right to primary health care. However, previous research has neither revealed the degree of inequality in the use of contracted services among the elderly in China, nor has it revealed what factors are related to the inequality in the use of services.

Objective

Assess and decompose the inequality in the use of family doctors contracted services in the elderly population in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1037 elderly people was conducted in Shandong Province, China. According to the first consultation rate of family doctors, the physical examination rate, the healthy lifestyle guidance rate and the chronic disease management rate, the situation of elderly people’s utilization of family doctor contracted service was investigated. The concentration index is used to measure the degree of inequality in the use of family doctors contracted services by the elderly. In order to test the contribution of different factors to the inequality of utilization of family doctors contracted services, the concentration index was also decomposed.

Results

The first consultation rate of family doctors for the elderly in Shandong Province was 24.6%, the physical examination rate was 65.8%, the healthy lifestyle guidance rate was 13.7%, and the chronic disease management rate was 52.2%. The horizontal inequality index of the healthy lifestyle guidance rate and the chronic disease management rate were 0.451 and 0.573, respectively, indicating that there is an inequality of pro-wealth. The concentration index of physical examination rate and chronic disease management rate is negative (− 0.260, − 0.518), which means inequality to the poor. Education level is the most important factor affecting the unequal utilization of health services for the elderly, followed by income.

Conclusion

The family doctor contracted service has had a positive impact on alleviating the health inequality in the utilization of basic medical and health services for the elderly. Although there is still inequality in terms of pro-wealth for the elderly, the utilization of family doctor contracted service has weakened the inequality of service utilization brought about by income. Enhancing the health literacy of the elderly, narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, and building a harmonious family relationship can promote the realization of basic medical and health care services for every elderly.
Characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults: a single-center retrospective study in China
Authors: Dong Jie , Ma Tian-Shi , Xu Yuan-Hong , Li Peng , Chen Wan-Yuan , Tu Jiang-Feng , Chen You-Wei
Published: February 2022

Background

Colorectal juvenile polyps are rare and generally considered benign in adults. Carcinogenesis or neoplastic changes are rarely mentioned in the literature. We systematically evaluated the characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 103 adults diagnosed with colorectal juvenile polyps from September 2007 to May 2020 at our hospital. The characteristics, endoscopic findings, occurrence of intraepithelial neoplasia, carcinogenesis and diagnostic value of chicken skin mucosa (CSM) were analyzed.

Results

The average age of patients with juvenile polyps was 43.2 years (range, 19 to 78 years). A total of 101 patients (101/103, 98.1%) had a single juvenile polyp, and two patients had multiple polyps (107 polyps in total). Polyp sizes ranged from 0.5 to 5 cm. One (1/107, 0.9%) juvenile polyp was cancerous, and 7 (7/107, 6.5%) developed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Neoplasia and cancerization did not appear in the two patients with multiple polyps. A 27-year-old female had a 2-cm polyp with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the mucosa in the sigmoid colon with erosion on the surface. CSM was observed adjacent to 17 polyps, which were all located in the rectum and sigmoid colon, and one polyp showed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia.

Conclusions

Colorectal juvenile polyps occur in a wide range of locations and in variable sizes and numbers. These polyps are solitary in most patients and have neoplastic potential. CSM is not a tumorigenic marker in colorectal juvenile polyps and usually occurs in the distant colorectum. Colorectal juvenile polyps in adults may progress from low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and then to carcinoma and should be treated when discovered and regularly followed as colorectal adenomas.
Femoral artery aneurysm with large hematoma from Pasteurella: case report and literature review
Authors: Hanson Jamie , Etemady-Deylamy Ali , Frisby Jared , D’Addario Justin , Smeds Matthew , Chamberland Robin , Guo Huazhang , Abate Getahun
Published: February 2022

Background

Pasteurella multocida is a well-known gram-negative facultative anaerobe well known for its ability to cause soft tissue infections following animal bite or scratch. Here we present a case with mycotic aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery due to P. multocida infection.

Case presentation

A 62 year old male patient presented with worsening right leg pain and swelling. On examination, he was found to have profound swelling and erythema of the right medial thigh and tenderness to palpation. Computerized tomography showed findings suggestive of right femoral pseudoaneurysm with a large right medial thigh hematoma. Blood cultures grew P. multocida. Patient underwent emergent open resection of the mycotic aneurysm and vascular bypass surgery. Intraoperatively, the site was noted to be grossly infected with multiple pockets of pus which were drained and pus cultures grew P. multocida. The diagnosis of P. multocida bacteremia with right femoral mycotic aneurysm and thigh abscess was made. Patient received 6 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone and recovered.

Conclusion

Our case is the first report on infection of peripheral vessel with Pasteurella and highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention and effective antibiotic treatment
Mycoplasma hominis bloodstream infection and persistent pneumonia in a neurosurgery patient: a case report
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tang Xiaofang , van der Veen Stijn
Published: February 2022

Background

Mycoplasma hominis is typically associated with a urogenital tract infection, while its association with bacteremia and pneumonia is rare and therefore easily overlooked. Here we report a M. hominis bloodstream infection and pneumonia in a surgical patient.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male with symptoms of pneumonia underwent microsurgery and decompressive craniectomy after a left basal ganglia hemorrhage. The patient recovered well from surgery, but pulmonary symptoms progressively worsened, with antimicrobial therapies seemingly ineffective. Culturing of bilateral blood samples resulted in pin-point-sized colonies on blood agar plates, which were subsequently identified as M. hominis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage samples also identified M. hominis as the main pathogen responsible for the pulmonary symptoms. The M. hominis strain was ciprofloxacin resistant, but susceptible to doxycycline and moxifloxacin. Doxycycline and moxifloxacin were subsequently used in a successful combination therapy that finally alleviated the patient’s fever and resulted in absorption of pleural effusion. At 1-month follow-up, following complaints of dysuria, a prostate abscess containing M. hominis was detected as the likely primary source of infection. The abscess was successfully drained and treated with doxycycline.

Conclusions

Mycoplasma hominis should be considered as a source of bloodstream infections and pneumonia, particularly when the response to standard antimicrobial therapy is limited. In this case, effective antimicrobial therapy was only commenced after identification of M. hominis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.