bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying incidental news: Antecedents, dynamics and implications
Authors: Kligler-Vilenchik Neta , Hermida Alfred , Valenzuela Sebastián , Villi Mikko
Published: May 2020

In light of concerns about decreasing news use, a decline in interest in political news or even active avoidance or resistance of news in general, the idea of ‘incidental news’ has been seen as a possible remedy. Generally, ‘incidental news’ refers to the ways in which people encounter information about current events through media when they were not actively seeking the news. However, scholars studying incidental news through different theoretical and methodological perspectives have been arriving at differing evaluations of the significance and implications of this phenomenon – to the extent of downright contradictory findings. This introductory piece posits the aim of this special issue on Studying Incidental News: a conceptual clarification of incidental news exposure. In this issue, scholars coming from different approaches, ranging from cognitive processing, ecological models, emergent practices and a focus on platform affordances, show how different theoretical perspectives help account for various dimensions of incidental news consumption, and thus help explain the often conflicting findings that have been suggested so far.
Testing the inadvertency hypothesis: Incidental news exposure and political disagreement across media platforms
Authors: Barnidge Matthew
Published: May 2020

The inadvertency hypothesis predicts that people encounter political difference in social media spaces not by design, but rather as a by-product of social media’s affordances and cultural logics. The hypothesis implies that incidental news exposure plays a central role in starting conversations from which perceived political disagreement may arise. Relying on a two-wave, online survey collected before and after the 2018 US Midterm Elections (N = 1493), this study builds on prior tests of the inadvertency hypothesis. It also elaborates on the hypothesis by comparing social media platforms. Results are supportive of the inadvertency hypothesis, more so for social networking sites such as Facebook than for other types of social media. Results are discussed in light of the study’s contribution to literature on social media and democracy.
Temporalities at sea: Fast time and slow time onboard ocean-going merchant vessels
Authors: Turgo Nelson
Published: May 2020

There have been claims about how social acceleration affects us in different ways. However, such claims are mainly based on temporalities ashore. As such, we fail to grasp in their complexities the differentiated conflicted experiencing of temporalities in contemporary life. This article hopes to fill in this gap and in effect provides a more nuanced rendering of experiencing temporalities based on a particular social group who live and work in the fringes of our society and yet play a hugely important role in the global economy – the ocean-going merchant seafarers. Based on a fieldwork on board four merchant vessels, the experiencing of both fast time and slow time by seafarers is explicated here. It highlights how place (the ship and its work and living arrangements) and its available resources (or the paucity of them) and power relations with those ashore (shoreside personnel) shape the experiencing of time onboard.
Keeping violent offender rehabilitation on track: How the diffusion and redirecting of attentional focus/mood work in the GRIP program
Authors: Paulle Bowen , van der Zeeuw Alex
Published: May 2020

There is an urgent need to understand how programming inside prisons can facilitate rehabilitation and reentry processes, especially among men convicted of violent offenses. GRIP (Guiding Rage into Power) is a year-long “Offender Accountability” program presently spreading through the California prison system. GRIP is a group-therapy and trauma-healing program that follows a somatic-awareness-centered model. We use audiovisual data to investigate the sequenced, second-to-second inner workings of what actually constitutes operational excellence in this evidence-based in-prison rehabilitation program. Making use of interaction ritual theory and conversation analysis, we demonstrate how two processes—the diffusion and the redirecting of attentional focus/mood—transpire in GRIP classrooms. The conclusion argues that these two processes may be the “hidden” building blocks, or what is lacking, in countless rehabilitation programs and other social work interventions—both inside and outside of correctional facilities.
Unmasking depression: Challenging structural oppression whilst recognising individual agency
Authors: Johnson Stephanie , Brough Mark , Darracott Ros
Published: May 2020

Women living in rural Australia who are labelled as depressed, by either themselves or professionals, contend with spatial injustices of limited service provision that converge with the dominant constructions of mental health and knowledge authorisation. Informed by a feminist social constructionist standpoint, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 women living in rural New South Wales in Australia. This paper explores how rural women navigate experiences labelled as depression. The women’s stories conveyed an overwhelming sense of loss, abuse and betrayal, and the pathologisation of their experiences of structural violence and oppression is of significant concern. Yet, the women also showed agency by using to their best benefit multiple and often divergent explanations for their experiences of depression. While many accepted the diagnosis of their symptoms, most resisted a sole pathological cause and actively created individually meaningful narratives of their depression experiences. The language of ‘depression’ provided a passport for some, allowing access to formal supports that would have otherwise been unavailable or highly stigmatised. Rurality and the associated structural disadvantage, particularly in regard to service provision, was only marginally present in the women’s stories. The alternative narratives of healing uncovered challenge the centrality of formal service delivery to the wellbeing of a community. Further, while the pathologisation of structural oppression must be resisted, the women’s stories demonstrate the importance of not invisibilising the agency they demonstrate in this difficult and contested space.
Standardizing Latinx early childhood educators: (Un)intended consequences of policy reform to professionalize the workforce
Authors: Lucero Leanna , Araujo Blanca , Pérez Michelle Salazar
Published: May 2020

The field of early childhood and its teacher education programs, globally, have experienced intensified policy reforms to “professionalize” the workforce. This has had (un)intended consequences of standardizing how Latinx preservice educators in the United States have learned about engaging in early years education and care. To discuss the impact of these (un)intended consequences, we first describe the historical context around standardized testing and the policies that support their use for teacher licensure in the United States and New Mexico, where our teacher education program resides. We then problematize these policies and provide examples of approaches used to counter the (un)intended consequences of such reforms. Finally, we make recommendations for future policy reforms that rethink teacher education and licensure programs, so that they value and centralize the often-marginalized knowledge of Latinx early childhood educators and teacher educators.
Staking in Sports Betting Under Unknown Probabilities: Practical Guide for Profitable Bettors
Authors: Barge-Gil Andrés , Garcia-Hiernaux Alfredo
Published: May 2020

Kelly staking has been proven to maximize long-term bankroll growth of bettors with positive expected yield (profitable bettors). However, it demands for an estimation of the true probabilities for each event. Thus, many sport tipsters opt for simpler flat ( unit-loss) or unit-win staking plans. We analyze under which assumptions these strategies correspond to the Kelly method and propose a different staking plan, unit-impact, under the hypothesis that it fits better with Kelly’s. We test our predictions using data of professional tipsters from the betting database pyckio.com. Results show empirical support for our hypothesis.
Diagnostic Values of miR-21, miR-124, and M-CSF in Patients With Early Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ruan Fang , Wang Yun-fei , Chai Yun
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic values of microRNA-21, microRNA-124, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods:

A total of 68 patients with cervical cancer admitted in our hospital (cervical cancer group) and 57 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations (healthy group, also control group) were enrolled in this study. The expression of serum microRNA-21 and microRNA-124 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression of serum macrophage colony-stimulating factor was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic values of microRNA-21, microRNA-124, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in cervical cancer were analyzed. The correlations between the expression of microRNA-21 and microRNA-124 with that of macrophage colony-stimulating factor were also analyzed.

Results:

Compared to those in the healthy group, patients in the cervical cancer group had a higher expression of microRNA-21 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( P < .05) but lower expression of microRNA-124 ( P < .05). The expression of microRNA-21, microRNA-124, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the patients correlated with the tumor size, tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, tumor differentiation, and the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis and human papillomavirus infection ( P < .05). According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve of microRNA-21 for diagnosing cervical cancer was 0.723, the specificity was 58.82%, and the sensitivity was 91.23%. The area under the curve of microRNA-124 was 0.766, the specificity was 94.12%, and the sensitivity was 57.89%. The area under the curve of macrophage colony-stimulating factor was 0.754, the specificity was 64.71%, and the sensitivity was 87.72%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of microRNA-21 positively correlated with that of macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( r = 0.6825, P < .001), and the expression of microRNA-124 negatively correlated with that of macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( r = −0.6476, P < .001).

Conclusion:

MicroRNA-21, microRNA-124, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor may be involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer. The detection of serum microRNA-21, microRNA-124, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor has good sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.
The Diagnostic Value of Serum L1CAM in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chu Ling-Yu , Guo Dong-Ming , Chen Jun-Tian , Fang Wang-Kai , Xie Jian-Jun , Peng Yu-Hui , Xu Yi-Wei , Li Xin-Xin
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most important malignant cancer in the world with high incidence and mortality. Some studies have found that the expression of low serum L1 cell adhesion molecule is associated with poor prognosis in some malignancies. It is suggested that L1 cell adhesion molecule is a candidate serum marker for certain tumors. However, the relationship between serum L1 cell adhesion molecule and colorectal cancer, especially about the diagnostic value, is rarely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum L1 cell adhesion molecule in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods:

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out to detect L1 cell adhesion molecule level in sera of 229 patients with colorectal cancer and 145 normal controls. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to calculate the accuracy of diagnosis.

Results:

The levels of serum L1 cell adhesion molecule in the colorectal cancer group were significantly lower than that in normal controls ( P < .05). In the normal group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) of all colorectal cancer was 0.781 (95% confidence interval: 0.734-0.828) and early-stage colorectal cancer was 0.764 (95% confidence interval: 0.705-0.823). With optimized cutoff of 17.760 ng/mL, L1 cell adhesion molecule showed certain diagnostic value with specificity of 90.3% and sensitivities of 43.2% and 36.2% in colorectal cancer and early-stage colorectal cancer, respectively. Clinical data analysis showed that the levels of L1 cell adhesion molecule were significantly correlated with gender ( P < .05) and early and late stages ( P < .05). Furthermore, when compared with carcinoembryonic antigen, serum L1 cell adhesion molecule had significantly improved diagnostic accuracy for both colorectal cancer and early-stage colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that serum L1 cell adhesion molecule might be served as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
A Metabolic Imaging Study of Lexical and Phonological Naming Errors in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Isella Valeria , Rosazza Cristina , Gazzotti Maria , Sala Jessica , Morzenti Sabrina , Crivellaro Cinzia , Appollonio Ildebrando Marco , Ferrarese Carlo , Luzzatti Claudio
Published: May 2020

Patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) produce a variety of errors on confrontation naming that indicate multiple loci of impairment along the naming process in this disease. We correlated brain hypometabolism, measured with 18fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography, with semantic and formal errors, as well as nonwords deriving from phonological errors produced in a picture-naming test by 63 patients with AD. Findings suggest that neurodegeneration leads to: (1) phonemic errors, by interfering with phonological short-term memory, or with control over retrieval of phonological or prearticulatory representations, within the left supramarginal gyrus; (2) semantic errors, by disrupting general semantic or visual-semantic representations at the level of the left posterior middle and inferior occipitotemporal cortex, respectively; (3) formal errors, by damaging the lexical–phonological output interface in the left mid–anterior segment of middle and superior temporal gyri. This topography of semantic–lexical–phonological steps of naming is in substantial agreement with dual-stream neurocognitive models of word generation.
Ecchymosis and Coldness in Peripheral Varicose Vein Patients: Observations From VEIN-TURKEY Study
Authors: Ozturk Selcuk , Akbaba Kagan Turker , Kilic Suleyman , Cicek Tufan , Peskircioglu Levent , Tandogan Izzet , Gurlek Ahmet , Aydemir Ozbay , Ileri Mehmet , Yetkin Ertan
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this subgroup analysis is to investigate and analyze the venous leg symptoms including sense of coldness and sign of ecchymosis in patients with or without peripheral varicose veins (PVVs) from VEIN-TURKEY study population. A total of 600 patients, who were enrolled to VEIN-TURKEY study recently, were included in this subgroup analysis. Patients were examined clinically for the presence and severity of PVV and varicocele. Patients were asked to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire consisting of 10 parts and questions about ecchymosis and coldness in their legs. Frequency of symptoms present in the VEINES-Sym instrument, coldness (16.6%, 6.5%, P = .002, respectively), and ecchymosis (16.6%, 2.7%, P < .001, respectively) were significantly higher in patients with PVV compared to patients without PVV. Mean score of each symptom was significantly lower in PVV (+) patients including scores of ecchymosis and coldness. Total VEINES-Sym score was also correlated with the scores of ecchymosis ( r = 0.18, P < .001) and coldness ( r = 0.35, P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that heavy legs, aching legs, night cramps, and ecchymosis are significantly and independently associated with PVV. In conclusion, sign of ecchymosis and coldness are significantly higher in patients with PVV compared to patients without PVV in a population recruited from the urology clinics. In clinical evaluation, presence or sign of ecchymosis and coldness in legs should be considered to be compatible with PVV in the absence of trauma, hematologic pathologies including antiplatelet treatment, and arterial stenosis or obstruction.
Chronic DREADD Isn’t As Bad As It Sounds
Authors: Hyder Safwan K. , Forcelli Patrick A.
Published: May 2020

[Box: see text]
A Nationwide Epidemiological Analysis of Finger Infections Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States From 2012 to 2016
Authors: Lemme Nicholas J. , Li Neill Y. , Testa Edward J. , Kuczmarski Alexander S. , Modest Jacob , Katarincic Julia A. , Gil Joseph A.
Published: May 2020

Background: There is a paucity of literature exploring the epidemiology of finger infections presenting to emergency departments (EDs) on a national scale. The purpose of this study was to determine the national incidence of and risk factors for finger infections. Methods: Finger infections presenting to EDs between 2012 and 2016 were identified in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Finger infections were characterized by mechanism and type, with subanalyses for sex, race, and age. Results: Over this 5-year period, finger infections accounted for 80 519 visits to EDs in the United States. The annual incidence increased significantly from 4.4 per 100 000 person-years in 2012 to 6.2 in 2016. The 3 most common causes of finger infections were nail manicuring tools, knives, and doors. The most common diagnosis was finger cellulitis (46.3%). Significantly more men developed finger infections than women (relative risk of 1.4). The highest overall incidence was observed in 40- to 59-year-old men (7.8 per 100 000 person-years). Tenosynovitis resulted in the largest proportion of admissions (25%). Conclusions: We have demonstrated a rising incidence of finger infections presenting to EDs, with 40- to 59-year-old patients most at risk. The most common mechanism was the use of nail manicuring tools, such as nail clippers. Patient education may decrease finger infection incidence from these activities, and early detection of finger infections may be crucial to minimizing hospital admissions and invasive treatments.
Are Restrictive Medical Radiation Imaging Campaigns Misguided? It Seems So: A Case Example of the American Chiropractic Association’s Adoption of “Choosing Wisely”
Authors: Oakley Paul A. , Harrison Deed E.
Published: May 2020

Since the 1980s, increased utilization of medical radiology, primarily computed tomography, has doubled medically sourced radiation exposures. Ensuing fear-mongering media headlines of iatrogenic cancers from these essential medical diagnostic tools has led the public and medical professionals alike to display escalating radiophobia. Problematically, several campaigns including Image Gently, Image Wisely, and facets of Choosing Wisely propagate fears of all medical radiation, which is necessary for the delivery of effective and efficient health care. Since there are no sound data supporting the alleged risks from low-dose radiation and since there is abundant evidence of health benefits from low-doses, these imaging campaigns seem misguided. Further, thresholds for cancer are 100 to 1000-fold greater than X-rays, which are within the realm of natural background radiation where no harm has ever been validated. Here, we focus on radiographic imaging for use in spinal rehabilitation by manual therapists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists as spinal X-rays represent the lowest levels of radiation imaging and are critical in the diagnosis and management of spine-related disorders. Using a case example of a chiropractic association adopting “Choosing Wisely,” we argue that these campaigns only fuel the pervasive radiophobia and continue to constrain medical professionals, attempting to deliver quality care to patients.
Noninfectious aortitis: A case report
Authors: Jaikaran Omkaar , Nicoara Michael , Hingorani Anil
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Noninfectious aortitis has been increasingly reported worldwide with a growing prevalence in western medicine. Attributed to our increasingly diverse population, western surgeons must be vigilant to promptly differentiate these cases from its more common infectious counterpart in order to ensure subsequent appropriate management of these patients.

Methods

We present a case report of a 71-year-old Indo-Caribbean male who presented with nonspecific abdominal and back pain, found to have aortitis of a noninfectious etiology. Results and conclusion: While our patient’s process was ultimately managed without surgical intervention, the varied clinical presentation along with the lack of specific laboratory markers pose a challenge for surgeons to appropriately diagnose and manage aortitis. Appropriate diagnostic imaging, the utilization of a multidisciplinary team, and close patient monitoring are key components for effective management of this increasingly prevalent disease process.
Examining early childhood teachers’ attitudes and responses to superhero play
Authors: Wiwatowski Megan , Page Jane , Young Sarah
Published: May 2020

Research highlights that early childhood teachers (ECTs) hold varied opinions on the value of superhero play (SP) to young children’s learning and development. This study sought to investigate how ECTs in Victoria are responding to superhero play, and to examine the beliefs that underpin their responses. Interviews were conducted with eight ECTs from the Bayside area in Melbourne. The study revealed that while the majority of the teachers interviewed responded to children’s superhero play in a variety of ways, there were a number of barriers to supporting superhero play in early childhood education and care settings. This paper concludes by identifying the value of ECTs engaging in critical reflection to ensure that their responses to superhero play are based on professional knowledge that is informed by theory and research.
Clinical Criteria for Selective Exploration of Orbital Floor in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures
Authors: Anehosur Venkatesh , Nathani Jayesh , Nagraj Nikhil , Nikhil Krithi
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Exposing the orbital floor requires a surgical procedure that has its own challenges. Despite the meticulous clinical examination followed by sophisticated imaging modalities, orbital floor defects associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures may evade diagnosis and appropriate management. If surgeons can decide about the need for orbital floor exploration in patients with ZMC fracture, the chance of a postoperative eyelid deformity can be prevented. The aim of this article is to assess whether an association exists between the pattern of fracture line and the need for exploration of the orbital floor in ZMC fracture.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of 94 patients with isolated, unilateral ZMC fractures who were treated at our unit by open reduction of the ZMC complex with internal orbital exploration from January 2016 to January 2018. The records of all patients were reviewed and specific data related to fracture pattern and orbital floor defect were registered and assessed.

Results:

Of the 94 cases with isolated, unilateral ZMC fractures, in 80 cases the fracture line propagated to the orbital floor, which required exploration but did not required any reconstruction and only the infraorbital rim was addressed; 14 of them required orbital floor reconstruction. Among the cases which required orbital floor reconstruction, the majority of the cases where those with fracture involving medial side of infraorbital foramen (n = 10) followed by lateral side (n = 3) and through the foramen (n = 0) and lastly bilateral side of the foramen (n = 1).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the pattern of fracture line at the level of infraorbital rim can predict the need for orbital floor exploration while treating ZMC fractures for purpose of orbital floor reconstruction. Based on the results and a review of the records, authors strongly recommend the need for exploration of orbital floor when the fracture line passes medial to the infraorbital foramen.
The Utility of Postoperative Computed Tomography Imaging Following Isolated Orbital Blowout Fracture Repair
Authors: Francomacaro Sara E. , Bregman Jana A. , Vakharia Kalpesh T. , Grumbine Francis L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To determine the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) imaging following isolated orbital blowout fracture (OBF) repair.

Methods:

Single-center retrospective review of adult patients undergoing surgical repair of isolated OBFs between November 2008 and August 2016 who received postoperative CT scans. Preoperative and postoperative examination data, postoperative imaging reads, postoperative courses, and any reoperation documentation were collected from electronic medical records. Postoperative imaging findings were categorized as major, indeterminate, or minor by predicted impact on clinical management. Major findings indicated a need for reoperation, indeterminate a potential reoperation, and minor no reoperation.

Results:

Fifty-two cases met inclusion criteria: 94.2% (n = 49) of postoperative scans included minor findings, 34.6% (n = 18) indeterminate findings, and 19.2% (n = 10) major findings. Three patients returned to the operating room (OR) for surgical revision. All 3 had a significant and concerning change on postoperative examination. Only 1 also had a major finding on postoperative imaging. The remaining 49 patients had benign postoperative examinations, despite 9 (17.3%) with major imaging findings who did not undergo reoperation.

Conclusions:

In the majority of OBF repairs, postoperative CT scan findings were not predictive of a need to return to the OR for revision. Reoperation was instead largely prompted by concerning changes in the postoperative clinical examination. Our findings suggest that postoperative imaging in the absence of clinical concern should not be included in the surgical management of isolated OBFs. Instead, targeted imaging will help reduce radiation exposure and health-care costs without sacrificing patient care.
Inter-state Growth Spillovers in Indian Major States: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Varkey Rittu Susan , Panda Prasant Kumar
Published: May 2020

This article verifies the inter-state linkages of economic growth across Indian states in a panel framework. Data have been used for the 15 major states for 1980–1981 to 2013–2014. For studying the long-run association between aggregate output of a state and that of the rest of the states, panel cointegration techniques have been used. Fully modified ordinary least squares estimation technique is used to find long-run coefficients. In addition to it, inter-state growth spillovers of output for three principal sectors of economy have been verified separately. The findings confirm the existence of inter-state association in the long run for the aggregate output as well as the sectoral output. Unidirectional causality runs from rest of the state’s output to a state’s output. There has also been a substantial increase in the extent of linkages after the reforms for the aggregate output. Though coefficient is positive, agricultural output has witnessed a decrease in the extent of linkages after the reforms. But, the linkages among states for industrial and service sector output have been improved as a result of the reforms. With the increasing flow of goods and services, growth spillovers are evident and economic spillovers of states are complementary. Removing barriers on inter-state trade, flow of investment, knowledge, and services will supplement to growth spillover among Indian states.
Reallocation of HR Functions: A Study of HR Effectiveness in Banking Sector
Authors: Sujan Bharti , Bhasin Jaya , Mushtaq Shahid
Published: May 2020

The world economy has been facing a huge turmoil in the last few financial years. With constant efforts some improvement was observed in the last financial year as the world economic situation strengthened itself with a lingering effect to subside the effects of slump and registering world gross domestic product of 3.2 percent, the highest since 2011. The impact of world economic growth can be clearly seen on the GDP of India. The IMF sees India as the largest growing economy with a GDP of 7.4 percent even outshining the growth of China’s GDP at 6.8 percent. This growth has presented a challenge for the HR managers to focus more on strategic policy formulation and utilize the growth in the right direction. The line managers’ implement HR functions and in doing so they also influence their team and generate response from them. On the basis of extensive review a conceptual model has been proposed to understand the impact of interpersonal trust as a mediating variable on reallocation of HR functions and HR effectiveness. On evaluating the hypotheses values of CFI = 0.909, NFI = 0.745, GFI = 0.762, CMIN/DF = 1.396, RMSEA = 0.060, and PCLOSE = 0.066, which indicate a good model fit, the model shows the impact of the mediating variable, that is, interpersonal trust on reallocation of HR functions and HR effectiveness.
Increased incidence of venous thromboembolism following hip or knee arthroplasty in winter
Authors: Jones Christopher Wynne , Parsons Richard , Yates Piers J
Published: May 2020

Background:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) cause significant morbidity and mortality following arthroplasty. A seasonal variation in the rate of PE in arthroplasty patients in the northern hemisphere has been reported. We hypothesized that there would be a similar seasonal variation in arthroplasty patients in Australia.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who received primary and/or revision arthroplasty of the hip or knee over a 15-year period (2000–2015) across Western Australia. We identified all patients who were diagnosed with DVT and/or PE according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Australian Modification codes. The incidence of venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease was calculated as the proportion of operations that led to this complication per 3-month seasonal period.

Results:

A total of 12,507 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 8899 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were recorded during the study period. There was a total of 274 DVT and/or PE among the combined total of 21,406 hip and knee arthroplasties performed between 2000 and 2015. There was a significantly higher rate of VTE for females than males (odds ratio (OR): 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.71, p = 0.0293), for TKA than THA (OR: 1.60, 95% CI:1.26–2.03, p < 0.0001) and in winter than other seasons (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14–2.01, p = 0.0047).

Conclusion:

There is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of VTE in arthroplasty patients during the winter months in Western Australia. This finding is the first of its kind for patients in the southern hemisphere and corroborates previous studies in the northern hemisphere.
Barbie in a Wheelchair: Mattel’s Respect to Customer Voice
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Ananya Ayesha Tahsin , Mim Kazi Pushpita , Ahmed Asma , Iqbal Sarika
Published: May 2020

Barbie in a wheelchair has heralded a new era in the magical world of Barbie. Mattel, one of the biggest toy manufacturers, has redefined the way Barbie has been portrayed to the world by introducing their new Black Barbie in a wheelchair. After years of innovation and trial and errors, it has proved that Barbie is not just a make-believe plaything or a representation of a singular aspect of beauty standards. These dolls should be relevant and wholesome when it comes to creating a bridge between customers and the brand itself. Mattel realized not too long ago the significance of inclusion, and now it has ended up hoisting a sensation in all of the United States and globally through the Internet and social media such as Twitter. The IDIC (Identify, Differentiate, Interact and Customize) model, which is an effective customer relationship management (CRM) tool, has been deployed by Mattel to demonstrate how Mattel cares for its customers. Mattel’s customer centrism, devotion towards innovation and inclusiveness are the key aspects which has rewarded the company with a whole new spectrum of acceptance from minority groups with a smile on their faces.
Combined ACL and Anterolateral Reconstruction Is Not Associated With a Higher Risk of Adverse Outcomes: Preliminary Results From the SANTI Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand , Pioger Charles , Vieira Thais Dutra , Franck Florent , Kajetanek Charles , Fayard Jean-Marie , Thaunat Mathieu , Saithna Adnan
Published: May 2020

Background:

The widespread historical abandonment of lateral extra-articular procedures in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occurred as a result of concerns about high rates of adverse events. Recently, the popularity of lateral extra-articular procedures has resurged, warranting an urgent evaluation of their safety profile.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to perform an interim analysis of the ongoing SANTI randomized controlled trial to determine whether combined ACL and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ACL + ALLR) is associated with an increased rate of adverse outcomes when compared with isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference between groups at a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Recruitment commenced in November 2016. Patients scheduled for ACLR were randomized to either isolated ACLR (with bone–patellar tendon–bone [BPTB] autograft) or combined ACL + ALLR (with hamstring tendon autograft). All patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year by March 2019 were included. The evaluated parameters included complications and reoperations, knee laxity parameters, range of motion, and scores on the Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) instruments.

Results:

A total of 224 patients (112 in each group) with a mean ± SD follow-up of 12.3 ± 1.9 months (range, 12-19 months) formed the study population. A significantly higher rate of reoperation for cyclops syndrome was noted in the isolated ACLR group compared with the combined ACL + ALLR group (8.9% vs 0%, respectively; P = .0012). No significant differences were found in frequency of graft rupture (ACLR, 5.4%; ACL + ALLR, 0.9%; P = .1191), range of motion deficits, pain, or reoperation for meniscectomy between groups. No cases of postoperative infection, venous thromboembolism, or arthrofibrosis were seen. Subjective IKDC (81.2 vs 86.8; P = .0048), Lysholm (88 vs 92; P = .0131), and some components of the KOOS were significantly better in the combined ACL + ALLR group.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates no evidence of an increased risk of short-term adverse events after combined ACL + ALLR compared with isolated ACLR with BPTB graft.

Registration:

NCT03740022 ( ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier)
Selexipag treatment in patients with systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension in clinical practice, a case series
Authors: Lemmers Jacqueline MJ , Fretheim Håvard , Knaapen Hanneke KA , van den Hoogen Frank HJ , van Haren-Willems Jolanda HGM , Duijnhouwer Anthony L , van Dijk Arie P , van den Ende Cornelia HM , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Vonk Madelon C
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To describe the efficacy and safety in all patients with systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension who started selexipag between 09-2016 and 06-2018 in two pulmonary arterial hypertension expert centers.

Methods:

All patients with systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosed by right heart catheterization and treated with selexipag were included. Every 12 weeks, treatment effect was assessed by (1) the opinion of the expert team and (2) the abbreviated risk assessment, consisting of functional class, six-minute walking distance, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide level at baseline and during follow-up. Side effects and adverse events were registered.

Results:

We included 13 systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, 10 patients were female, median age (interquartile range) of 68 (58–75) years, median systemic sclerosis disease duration of 7.4 (4.7–13.5) years, and median pulmonary arterial hypertension duration of 4 (2.5–7.5) years. Two patients discontinued selexipag within 4 weeks due to side effects. The remaining 11 patients had a median follow-up duration of 48 (interquartile range = 24–72) weeks. Two patients died (one pulmonary arterial hypertension–related, the other systemic sclerosis–related). According to the expert team, 8 of 11, 9 of 10, and 5 of 7 patients stabilized or improved at 12, 24, and 48 weeks, respectively. According to the abbreviated risk assessment at study end, 3 of 11 patients had 1 low-risk criterion. No previously unrecorded side effects were reported.

Conclusion:

Adding selexipag to background therapy in a high-risk cohort of systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients provided sustained stabilization of symptoms with an acceptable safety profile. Improvement was reached in only two of our patients. Further research should focus on systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with multiple targeted treatments, preferably these patients should be prospectively followed in international registries.
Functional and genetic testing in adults with HLH reveals an inflammatory profile rather than a cytotoxicity defect
Authors: Carvelli Julien , Piperoglou Christelle , Farnarier Catherine , Vely Frédéric , Mazodier Karin , Audonnet Sandra , Nitschke Patrick , Bole-Feysot Christine , Boucekine Mohamed , Cambon Audrey , Hamidou Mohamed , Harle Jean-Robert , de Saint Basile Geneviève , Kaplanski Gilles
Published: May 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition. Primary HLH occurs early in life as a result of monogenic biallelic mutations affecting lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Secondary HLH occurs mostly in adults secondary to infection, lymphoma, or rheumatic disease. In this latter setting, lymphocyte cytotoxicity status is not known. We conducted a systematic evaluation of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in adult patients with secondary HLH. Adult patients with secondary HLH were prospectively studied ex vivo for total lymphocyte count and subtype, NK cell phenotype, perforin expression and degranulation, and natural or antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, in comparison with patients affected by the same underlying disease without HLH (disease controls [DCs]) and with healthy controls (HCs). Screening for variants of cytotoxity genes was systematically performed. 68 patients were included in the HLH group and 34 each in the DC and HC groups. In HLH patients, severe and transient lymphopenia, activated NK cell phenotype (eg, increased CD69, ICAM-1, HLADR, and CCR5 expression), and decreased capacity of interferon γ production were observed; mean perforin expression was normal; and degranulation tests and NK cell cytotoxicity were not different from those in DCs. A monoallelic variant of uncertain significance affecting a lymphocyte cytotoxicity gene or the perforin variant A91V was observed in almost 50% of the patients. We detected no major intrinsic cytotoxicity dysfunction in secondary HLH patients compared with DCs and no predicted pathogenic gene variant. The activated NK phenotype profile associated with decreased interferon γ production seems similar to those of other hyperinflammatory diseases such as sepsis or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Running-In Behavior of Wet Multi-plate Clutches: Introduction of a New Test Method for Investigation and Characterization
Authors: Voelkel Katharina , Pflaum Hermann , Stahl Karsten
Published: May 2020

Wet multi-plate clutches are relevant components of modern drivetrain applications, not only in terms of function but also safety and comfort. Especially at the beginning of their lifetime, distinct changes of the friction behavior may occur and make the actuation of the clutch challenging. This transcript describes the typical running-in behavior of wet multi-plate clutches and gives a general definition for running-in of clutches. Moreover, a new test method to systematically investigate the running-in behavior of clutches is introduced. This test method contains a test procedure to characterize the running-in behavior on different load levels. Furthermore, a multi-stage procedure to evaluate and characterize the running-in behavior of clutches with mathematical approaches and new characteristic values is given. The quality of the test method is demonstrated on the example of three different tribological systems from dual clutch transmissions (DCT) and automatic transmissions (AT) application using paper friction linings.
Effect of Agitator’s Types on the Hydrodynamic Flow in an Agitated Tank
Authors: Foukrach Mohammed , Bouzit Mohamed , Ameur Houari , Kamla Youcef
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of agitator’s types on the turbulent flows in stirred tanks without and with baffles. The hydrodynamics behavior induced by four different agitator’s types: a Rushton turbine (RT), a circular blade turbine (CBT), a diverging triangular blade turbine (DTBT) and converging triangular blade turbine (CTBT) are numerically predicted by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and RNG κ–ε turbulent model. The simulations are carried out using the Multi Reference Frame (MRF) approach. The numerical results showed good agreement with experiment. We find that the agitator CTBT gives an important profit on the power consumption per report/ratio the others and DTBT give a good reduction of the vortex size of the impeller angles.
Influence of drying temperature on NO2 sorption ability of cedar timber
Authors: Nakagawa Miyuki , Umemura Kenji , Kawai Shuichi , Kanayama Kozo
Published: May 2020

NO2 sorption ability of cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) timbers was evaluated using a new measuring system that was developed in our previous study. Four drying conditions were applied, namely natural drying and three kinds of kiln-drying at 45, 60, and 105 °C. Aeration experiments were conducted using discoid specimens which had a thickness in the longitudinal direction of 1.5 mm, and a diameter of 10 mm. The moisture content was conditioned to 0 or 9 ± 1.0% in each drying condition. As a result, the NO2 sorption ability declined as the drying temperature increased. Based on the analysis of extractives, it was shown that the extractives content had a high correlation with the contribution ratio of extractives in the NO2 sorption volume of the specimens that were dried below 60 °C. Therefore, it was elucidated that the specimen dried naturally has the greatest NO2 sorption ability. Furthermore, the result of the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) indicated that abietadiene influenced the NO2 sorption ability. Also, the NO2 sorption volume was high especially at the initial stage, which is higher under the condition with moisture.
User rating and acceptance of attention-adaptive driver safety systems
Authors: Weber Betina , Dangelmaier Manfred , Diederichs Frederik , Spath Dieter
Published: May 2020

Current statistics show that distraction is a central cause of traffic accidents. Safety systems with distance control currently available on the market have great potential for preventing accidents and significantly reducing their severity. However, depending on the driver’s level of attention, the systems warn too early or too late, which impairs use acceptance. Adaptive systems allow for personalization according to driver’s attention level. Studies were carried out in a driving simulator in order to compare the system adaptations with regard to acceptance for attentive and distracted driving phases. Seventy-two participants took part in the study, with a between-subjects test design. Acceptance ratings shows highest acceptability for the adaptive systems in distractive situations. We conclude that personalization of attention-adaptive systems shall be implemented in case safety benefits are proven.
wg-blimp: an end-to-end analysis pipeline for whole genome bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Wöste Marius , Leitão Elsa , Laurentino Sandra , Horsthemke Bernhard , Rahmann Sven , Schröder Christopher
Published: May 2020

Background

Analysing whole genome bisulfite sequencing datasets is a data-intensive task that requires comprehensive and reproducible workflows to generate valid results. While many algorithms have been developed for tasks such as alignment, comprehensive end-to-end pipelines are still sparse. Furthermore, previous pipelines lack features or show technical deficiencies, thus impeding analyses.

Results

We developed wg-blimp (wholegenomebisulfite sequencingmethylation analysispipeline) as an end-to-end pipeline to ease whole genome bisulfite sequencing data analysis. It integrates established algorithms for alignment, quality control, methylation calling, detection of differentially methylated regions, and methylome segmentation, requiring only a reference genome and raw sequencing data as input. Comparing wg-blimp to previous end-to-end pipelines reveals similar setups for common sequence processing tasks, but shows differences for post-alignment analyses. We improve on previous pipelines by providing a more comprehensive analysis workflow as well as an interactive user interface. To demonstrate wg-blimp’s ability to produce correct results we used it to call differentially methylated regions for two publicly available datasets. We were able to replicate 112 of 114 previously published regions, and found results to be consistent with previous findings. We further applied wg-blimp to a publicly available sample of embryonic stem cells to showcase methylome segmentation. As expected, unmethylated regions were in close proximity of transcription start sites. Segmentation results were consistent with previous analyses, despite different reference genomes and sequencing techniques.

Conclusions

wg-blimp provides a comprehensive analysis pipeline for whole genome bisulfite sequencing data as well as a user interface for simplified result inspection. We demonstrated its applicability by analysing multiple publicly available datasets. Thus, wg-blimp is a relevant alternative to previous analysis pipelines and may facilitate future epigenetic research.