bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Commitment Projection” Effect: When Multiple Payments for a Product Affect Defection from a Service
Authors: Nitzan Irit , Ein-Gar Danit
Published: July 2019

Many service providers offer supplementary products related to their ongoing services (e.g., fitness centers offer fitness smartwatches). In seven studies, the authors show that the payment method for such supplementary products (multiple payments vs. a single lump sum) affects customers’ tendency to defect from the provider’s core service over time. Specifically, when customers pay for add-ons in multiple payments—provided that (1) they perceive the add-on as being bundled with the core service and (2) the payment period has an end point—they are initially less likely to defect from the service provider than when they pay in a single payment. Over time, however, as payments are made, this gap closes, such that defection intentions under the two payment methods eventually become similar. The authors propose that this phenomenon reflects “commitment projection,” wherein a decrease in customers’ commitment to the add-on product over time is projected onto their commitment to the service provider. These findings carry important managerial implications, given that many service providers offer add-on products in multiple-payment plans and that customers’ defection decisions substantially affect firms’ profitability.
Modeling of occupant’s head movement behavior in motion sickness study via time delay neural network
Authors: Saruchi Sarah ’A , Ariff Mohd HM , Zamzuri Hairi , Hassan Nurhaffizah , Wahid Nurbaiti
Published: July 2019

Passengers are more susceptible to experiencing motion sickness (MS) than drivers. The difference in the severity of MS is due to their different head movement behavior during curve driving. When negotiating a curve, the passengers tilt their heads towards the lateral acceleration direction while the drivers tilt their heads against it. Thus, to reduce the passengers’ level of MS, they need to reduce their head’s tilting angle towards the lateral acceleration direction. Designing MS minimization strategies is easier if the correlation between the head movement and lateral acceleration is known mathematically. Therefore, this paper proposes the utilization of a time delay neural network (TDNN) to model the correlation of the occupant’s head movement and lateral acceleration. An experiment was conducted to gather real-time data for the modeling process. The results show that TDNN manages to model the correlation by producing a similar output response to the actual response. Thus, it is expected that the correlation model could be used as an occupant’s head movement predictor tool in future studies of MS.
Post-Tonsillectomy Outcomes in Children With and Without Narcotics Prescriptions
Authors: Carr Michele M. , Schaefer Eric W. , Schubart Jane R.
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To examine differences in outcomes after tonsillectomy in children who received outpatient narcotics prescriptions compared to those who did not.

Methods:

The MarketScan database was analyzed for claims made for 14 days following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy between 2008 and 2012 for privately insured children 1 to 17 years. Post-op bleeding, dehydration, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and mean total costs for the 14 days after tonsillectomy were compared.

Results:

Of the 294 795 patients included, 60.9% received a narcotic prescription. Acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate was received by 53.2% of the group receiving narcotic drugs, 42.5% received acetaminophen/codeine phosphate, 3.0% received acetaminophen/oxycodone hydrochloride, and 0.5% received oxycodone hydrochloride alone. Children who had been prescribed narcotics had significantly higher percentages of bleeding complications (2.7% vs 2.5%, P < .001), and ED visits (6.8% vs 6.6%, P < .001) within 14 days, but a lower percentage of readmissions (1.0% vs 1.5%, P < .001). No significant difference was observed between groups for dehydration. There were some age-related differences. The mean total health-care costs for 14 days post-op were the same in each group, except for the 4- to 6-year-olds, where the narcotic group had higher costs (US $7060 vs US $5840, P = .006).

Conclusion:

In this large-scale study, we found small but statistically significant differences in outcomes related to use of narcotics. The only outcome that benefitted the narcotics group was a lower readmission rate.
Does (Dis)Similarity Information about a New Acquaintance Lead to Liking or Repulsion? An Experimental Test of a Classic Social Psychology Issue
Authors: Sprecher Susan
Published: July 2019

Decades of social psychology research has established the importance of similarity in leading to attraction. However, in response to early social psychology experiments demonstrating the similarity effect, Rosenbaum proposed the repulsion hypothesis, arguing that similarity does not lead to liking, but rather, dissimilarity leads to repulsion. Research to address whether dissimilarity carries more weight than similarity has generally involved participants’ reactions to sterile information about a bogus other whom they never meet. In contrast, in this study ( N = 150), individuals first greeted another participant over Skype before they received manipulated (bogus) information on similarity or dissimilarity. In support of the similarity-attraction hypothesis, the two-step experimental design indicated that the participants in the similarity condition experienced an increase in liking and other positive reactions from before to after the receipt of the bogus similarity information. Participants in the dissimilarity condition, however, experienced no change (i.e., no repulsion effect).
Managing proposal sequences in role-play assessment: Validity evidence of interactional competence across levels
Authors: Youn Soo Jung
Published: July 2019

This qualitative study reports an investigation of the nature of interactional competence at various levels of achievement in the context of role-play speaking assessment. The focal point of this study is on how examinees jointly accomplish the interactional work involved in proposal sequences in role-play interaction. Based on a conversation analysis of a corpus of role-play interaction, I argue that distinct sequential organizations and interactional features found across examinees’ levels serve as critical validity evidence for assessing interactional competence. Various shift markers and stepwise transitions were present in higher-level examinees when they initiated and shifted actions in role-play interaction. However, lower-level examinees’ opening turns were typically forwarded without establishing a shared understanding relevant to an upcoming action. When the examinees responded to various proposal sequences, coherent and sufficient topic organizations were recurrent in higher-level performances. The examinees, regardless of levels, managed to close the role-play interaction well. I discuss the implications of the demonstrated link between the recurrent interactional features and examinees’ interactional competence for future research into speaking assessment and teaching.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and benzodiazepines in panic disorder: A meta-analysis of common side effects in acute treatment
Authors: Quagliato Laiana A , Cosci Fiammetta , Shader Richard I , Silberman Edward K , Starcevic Vladan , Balon Richard , Dubovsky Steven L , Salzman Carl , Krystal John H , Weintraub Steve J , Freire Rafael C , Nardi Antonio E ,   International Task Force on Benzodiazepines
Published: July 2019

Background:

Benzodiazepines (BZs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in the pharmacologic treatment of panic disorder (PD). However, treatment guidelines favor SSRIs over BZs based on the belief that BZs are associated with more adverse effects than SSRIs. This belief, however, is currently supported only by opinion and anecdotes.

Aim:

The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to determine if there truly is evidence that BZs cause more adverse effects than SSRIs in acute PD treatment.

Methods:

We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and clinical trials register databases. Short randomized clinical trials of a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks that studied SSRIs or BZs compared to placebo in acute PD treatment were included in a meta-analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause adverse event rate in participants who received SSRIs, BZs, or placebo.

Results:

Overall, the meta-analysis showed that SSRIs cause more adverse events than BZs in short-term PD treatment. Specifically, SSRI treatment was a risk factor for diaphoresis, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia, whereas BZ treatment was a risk factor for memory problems, constipation, and dry mouth. Both classes of drugs were associated with somnolence. SSRIs were associated with abnormal ejaculation, while BZs were associated with libido reduction. BZs were protective against tachycardia, diaphoresis, fatigue, and insomnia.

Conclusion:

Randomized, blinded studies comparing SSRIs and BZs for the short-term treatment of PD should be performed. Clinical guidelines based on incontrovertible evidence are needed.
Internal jugular vein stenosis induced by tortuous internal carotid artery compression: two case reports and literature review
Authors: Li Min , Su Chaoyang , Fan Chunqiu , Chan Chong Ching , Bai Chaobo , Meng Ran
Published: July 2019

Although internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS) is not uncommon, a lack of clinical attention will lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. This study describes two 61-year-old women with bilateral IJVS induced by tortuous internal carotid artery compression and reviews current reports on this condition, including its clinical characteristics and treatment strategies, to provide a reference for clinicians.
Multibody dynamic modelling of a direct wind turbine drive train
Authors: Asadi Saeed , Johansson Håkan
Published: July 2019

Wind turbines normally have a long operational lifetime and experience a wide range of operating conditions. A representative set of these conditions is considered as part of a design process, as codified in standards. However, operational experience shows that failures occur more frequently than expected, the costlier of these including failures in the main bearings and gearbox. As modern turbines are equipped with sophisticated online systems, an important task is to evaluate the drive train dynamics from online measurement data. In particular, internal forces leading to fatigue can only be determined indirectly from other locations’ sensors. In this contribution, a direct wind turbine drive train is modelled using the floating frame of reference formulation for a flexible multibody dynamics system. The purpose is to evaluate drive train response based on blade root forces and bedplate motions. The dynamic response is evaluated in terms of main shaft deformation and main bearing forces under different wind conditions. The model was found to correspond well to a commercial wind turbine system simulation software (ViDyn).
Injury Surveillance in Major League Soccer: A 4-Year Comparison of Injury on Natural Grass Versus Artificial Turf Field
Authors: Calloway Sean P. , Hardin David M. , Crawford Matthew D. , Hardin J. Michael , Lemak Lawrence J. , Giza Eric , Forsythe Brian , Lu Yining , Patel Bhavik H. , Osbahr Daryl C. , Gerhardt Michael B. , Mandelbaum Bert R. , Baldwin William W.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Artificial playing surfaces are becoming more common due to decreased cost of maintenance and increased field usability across different environmental conditions. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved newer generation artificial turf for soccer competition at the elite level, but many elite-level athletes prefer to play on natural grass surfaces due to a perceived increase in injury rate, discomfort, and fatigability on artificial turf.

Hypothesis:

Injury rates and rates of individually categorized types of injury experienced on artificial turf are noninferior to rates of injury on the standard comparator, natural grass, in elite-level Major League Soccer athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Over the course of 4 Major League Soccer seasons (2013-2016), athlete injury data were recorded electronically. Injury data recorded in matches between 2 Major League Soccer teams were then analyzed. Playing surface was known for each venue, and all artificial turf surfaces were rated as 2-star according to FIFA criteria. Incidence rate ratios (Artificial Turf ÷ Natural Grass) were calculated with a 95% CI (α = .05) for both overall injury incidence and individual injury subgroups. A noninferiority margin (δ) of 0.15 was used to determine noninferiority of injury incidence rates.

Results:

A total of 2174 in-game injuries were recorded during the study period, with 1.54 injuries per game on artificial turf and 1.49 injuries per game on natural grass (incidence rate ratio, 1.033; 95% CI, 0.937-1.139). Within injury subgroups, overall ankle injury, Achilles injury, and ankle fracture were found to have a statistically higher incidence on artificial turf. Artificial turf was found to be noninferior to natural grass for overall foot injury and forefoot injury. No statistically significant differences were found in knee injuries between the 2 surfaces.

Conclusion:

The overall rate of injury on artificial turf was noninferior to that on natural grass. Within individual injury categories, a higher rate of ankle injury was found on artificial turf. No other injury subgroup demonstrated statistically significant differences between surfaces.

Clinical Relevance:

FIFA 2-star rated artificial turf is a viable alternative to natural grass in elite-level soccer competition. Innovative research methods for comparing artificial turf versus natural grass may elucidate relative advantages with respect to player safety.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of PEEK Versus Titanium Interference Screws for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Shumborski Sarah , Heath Emma , Salmon Lucy J. , Roe Justin P. , Linklater James P. , Facek Michael , Pinczewski Leo A.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Graft fixation with interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a highly successful technique. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a novel thermoplastic polymer with high biocompatibility and mechanical properties that mimic native bone, and it can be imaged on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without signal flare.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical performance of ACL reconstruction with PEEK and titanium interference screws at 2 years and to evaluate a novel method of measuring tunnel volume.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 133 patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with 4-strand hamstring autografts and were randomized to have titanium or PEEK interference screws for femoral and tibial tunnel fixation. At 2 years, subjective Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were assessed and clinical examination performed. At 12 months, MRI was performed to assess graft incorporation and cyst formation, and a novel technique was employed to measure tunnel volumes.

Results:

There were no significant differences in graft rerupture rate, contralateral ACL rupture rate, subjective outcomes, or objective outcomes. In the titanium and PEEK groups, MRI demonstrated high overall rates of graft integration (96%-100% and 90%-93%, respectively) and ligamentization (89% and 84%) and low rates of synovitis (22% and 10%) and cyst formation (0%-18% and 13%-15%). There was a higher proportion of patients with incomplete graft integration within the femoral tunnel in the PEEK group as compared with the titanium group (10% vs 0%, P = .03); however, the authors suggest that metal artifact precluded proper assessment of the graft in the titanium group by MRI. Tunnel volumes also appeared to be equivalent in the 2 groups and were measured with a novel technique that was highly reproducible in the PEEK group secondary to the absence of flare.

Conclusion:

Two-year clinical analysis of PEEK interference screws for femoral and tibial fixation of ACL reconstructions showed equivalent clinical performance to titanium interference screws. Given the excellent mechanical characteristics, biological compatibility, and absence of metal artifact on MRI, PEEK has become our material of choice for interference screw fixation in ACL reconstruction.
Urinary Organic Acids Increase After Clinical Stabilization of Hospitalized Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition
Authors: Daniel Allison I. , Kvissberg Matilda E. Arvidsson , Senga Edward , Versloot Christian J. , Harawa Philliness Prisca , Voskuijl Wieger , Wishart David , Mandal Rupasri , Bandsma Robert , Bourdon Céline
Published: July 2019

Background:

Despite a reduction of child mortality in low-income countries, acutely ill undernourished children still have an elevated risk of death. Those at highest risk are children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) who often show metabolic dysregulation that remains poorly understood.

Objective:

We performed a pilot study to examine changes in urinary organic acids during nutritional rehabilitation of children with SAM, and to identify metabolites associated with the presence of edema or with mortality.

Methods:

This study included 76 children aged between 6 and 60 months, hospitalized for SAM at the Moyo Nutritional Rehabilitation and Research Unit in Blantyre, Malawi. Urine was collected at admission and 3 days after clinical stabilization and metabolomics were performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Metabolite concentrations were evaluated with both uni- and multivariate approaches.

Results:

Most metabolites increased 3 days after clinical stabilization, and total urinary concentration changed from 1.2 mM (interquartile range [IQR], 0.78-1.7) at admission to 3.8 mM (IQR, 2.1-6.6) after stabilization ( P < .0001). In particular, 6 metabolites showed increases: 3-hydroxybutyric, 4-hydroxyhippuric, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, oxoglutaric, succinic, and lactic acids. Urinary creatinine was low at both time points, but levels did increase from 0.63 mM (IQR, 0.2-1.2) to 2.6 mM (IQR,1.6-4.4; P < .0001). No differences in urinary profiles were found between children who died versus those who survived, nor between children with severe wasting or edematous SAM.

Conclusions:

Total urinary metabolites and creatinine increase after stabilization and may reflect partial recovery of overall metabolism linked to refeeding. The use of urinary metabolites for risk assessment should be furthered explored.

Trial registration:

TranSAM study (ISRCTN13916953).
The acute scrotum: Frequency and range of etiologies in a Middle Eastern setting
Authors: Nasr Rami , Tayara Ziad , Abou Ghayda Ramy , Alsheikh Deeb Ibrahim , Ghieh Diamond , El-Achkar Bassam , Saade Charbel , El-Merhi Fadi
Published: July 2019

Aim:

To investigate the frequency of different etiologies of acute scrotal pain in males presenting to the emergency department at American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon.

Materials and Methods:

In all, 94 patients between the ages 18 and 40 years presenting to the emergency room at American University of Beirut Medical Center with acute scrotum were recruited. The scrotum was inspected with palpation, and Doppler Ultrasound of the testicle was performed by a radiology resident to confirm the diagnosis. The study results were then collected after the official reports were signed by a board-certified radiology attending with expertise in ultrasound.

Results:

Of the 94 patients presenting with acute scrotal pain, 23.4% (95% confidence interval (0.70–0.87)) had no ultrasound findings and were considered normal. On the other hand, 54.3% (95% confidence interval (0.45–0.66)) were diagnosed with varicocele, 9.6% (95% confidence interval (0.04–0.16)) were diagnosed with epididymo-orchitis, and 9.6% (95% confidence interval (0.04–0.16)) had a history of trauma to the testicle. Patients presenting with acute scrotum had a pain duration of 13.2 ± 4.5 h, with 10.6% (95% confidence interval (0.04–0.17)) having associated urinary symptoms, 18.1% (95% confidence interval (0.09–0.25)) have had sexual activity within 48 h of presentation, and 10.6% (95% confidence interval (0.04–0.17)) were pre-diagnosed with varicocele.

Conclusion:

Varicocele is the most common cause of acute scrotal pain in patients presenting to American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut. This should direct varicocele to the top of our differential when a patient with acute scrotum presents to the emergency department. Nevertheless, ruling out torsion remains the first step in the workup.
Life-threatening Double-J stent migration with helicoidal appearance: Length matters
Authors: Lorusso Vito , Palmisano Franco , Morelli Michele , Spinelli Matteo Giulio , Dell’Orto Paolo Guido , Montanari Emanuele
Published: July 2019

Background:

The Double-J stent is one of the most commonly used devices in urologic practice. Due to its widespread use, numerous common complications have been reported, such as irritative symptoms, infection, and encrustation. More rare complications have also been described, such as up or downward migration and displacement outside the urinary tract. We present a rare case of downward migration of a Double-J stent in a 21-year-old Caucasian female.

Case Presentation:

A 21-year-old female with a solitary kidney presented to the emergency department with acute renal failure, left flank pain, and fever. She had undergone left Double-J stenting 1 week earlier in her homeland for left renal colic and anuria. A kidney–ureter–bladder X-ray revealed a 10-mm lumbar ureteral stone and the proximal coil of the Double-J stent making multiple loops along the ureter, resulting in a helical appearance. She underwent surgery to remove the previous stent and to place a new one. She was discharged 2 days later and her renal function had returned to normal values at her 1-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

Double-J Stent placement is a common procedure in the management of urinary tract diseases but is not devoid of life-threatening complications. Regular follow-up of stents and on-time evaluation of clinical complaints are mandatory for an aggressive treatment of complications.
An improved semi-analytical approach for modeling of process damping in orthogonal cutting considering cutting edge radius
Authors: Cao Chang , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Huang Tao , Ding Han
Published: July 2019

Process damping generated between the tool flank face and the wavy finish workpiece surface has a non-negligible effect on cutting dynamics and chatter stability, especially at low cutting speeds, resulting in higher stability limits. In modeling of process damping, the calculation of extruded volume is one of the most critical challenges, especially in machining with honed tools due to the complex and time-variable contact condition between the arc cutting edge and the finite amplitude wave surface. In this study, a semi-analytical method with high computational efficiency is proposed to calculate the extruded volume in cutting with honed tools. Based on this method, we construct the stability lobes under the condition of finite vibration amplitude accurately and efficiently, which overcomes the limitation of analytical methods based on the assumption of small amplitude vibrations and the low computational efficiency of numerical method. The predicted cutting stability is verified against both the experimental results and the time-domain simulation results.
Ethical conflicts and their characteristics among critical care nurses
Authors: Lluch-Canut Teresa , Sequeira Carlos , Falcó-Pegueroles Anna , Pinho José António , Rodrigues-Ferreira Albina , Olmos Joan Guàrdia , Roldan-Merino Juan
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Ethical conflict is a phenomenon that has been under study over the last three decades, especially the types moral dilemma and moral distress in the field of nursing care. However, ethical problems and their idiosyncrasies need to be further explored.

Aim:

The objectives of this study were, first, to obtain a transcultural Portuguese-language adaptation and validation of the Ethical Conflict Nursing Questionnaire–Critical Care Version and, second, to analyse Portuguese critical care nurses’ level of exposure to ethical conflict and its characteristics.

Methods:

A cross-cultural validation and descriptive, prospective and correlational study. The sample was made for 184 critical care nurses in 2016.

Ethical Considerations:

The study was authorised by Bioethics Commission of the University of Barcelona, the Associaçâo de Apoio ao Serviço de Cuidados Intensivos do Centro Hospitalar do Porto and the Sociedade Portuguesa de Enfermagem de Saúde Mental.

Findings:

The Portuguese version of the Ethical Conflict Nursing Questionnaire–Critical Care Version was a valid and reliable instrument to measure exposure to conflict. Moral outrage was the most common type of conflict. The most problematic situations were the ineffectiveness of analgesic treatments, the administration of treatments considered futile and the mismanagement of resources.
WWF (Pakistan): A Major Shift Towards a New Appraisal and Compensation System
Authors: Zahid Fariha , Khurshid Anwar
Published: July 2019

Hammad, the newly appointed Director General of World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan ( WWF- Pakistan), was musing over the decision regarding a major overhaul in some of their critical work practices. This decision was in response to the recent feedback received from the employees regarding the areas which needed to be improved in the organization. According to the given scenario, the majority of their employees were quite dissatisfied and demotivated over some of their human resource areas. Although Hammad was quite clear headed about the idea that a change was needed to take place in some of their key human resource practices, there were certain pros and cons involved in these decisions, which he wanted to discuss with his Senior Manager, Tahir. They both had their unanimous decision on the fact that if they wanted to retain a motivated and hardworking staff, their existing appraisal and compensation system needed to be aligned with the overall mission and organizational values of WWF. Whether they were ready to make this change, and how this change will reflect on their current system, were the main issues they wanted to address.
Ministerio Fiscal: Holding the line on ePrivacy: Case C-207/16 Ministerio Fiscal, EU:C:2018:788.
Authors: Docksey Christopher
Published: July 2019

In Ministerio Fiscal the Court of Justice of the European Union has considered once again the criteria governing access by the authorities to data retained by electronic communications service providers permitted under Article 15(1) of Directive 2002/58 (the ‘ePrivacy Directive’), in particular the principle of proportionality and the concept of ‘serious crime’ as developed in the recent Digital Rights and Tele2 rulings.
Borderline personality disorder and auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Beatson Josephine
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) frequently co-occur with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and can lead to misdiagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or other primary psychotic disorders. Misdiagnosis is more common when AVH meet criteria for Schneiderian first rank symptoms (FRS). This paper’s objective is to improve diagnostic accuracy by outlining particular clinical features that can assist the distinction between BPD and psychotic disorders in these cases.

Conclusion:

The overall clinical presentation when AVH occur in BPD can assist in determining a primary diagnosis of BPD when frank psychotic disorder is absent. AVH in BPD cannot be distinguished phenomenologically from AVH in SCZ. Clinical experience and increasing research suggest that AVH in BPD are often dissociative in origin and highly correlated with the presence of FRS, elevated levels of dissociation and a history of childhood trauma. When AVH occur in BPD in the absence of co-occurring psychotic disorder, formal thought disorder is usually absent, negative symptoms minimal or absent, bizarre symptoms absent, affect reactive and the patient retains sociability. Psychotropic medication may be less effective for the AVH in these cases, while they may improve or remit during psychotherapy for BPD.
Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: a brief history
Authors: Baée James , Jeyasingam Neil
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To discuss the development and rationale for different models of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Conclusion:

There are a variety of historical reasons for the current climate of short-term dynamic therapies that can help inform upon their application and future directions.
Meanings of Care Convoys: The Structure, Function, and Adequacy of Care Networks Among Frail, Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lambotte Deborah , Smetcoren An-Sofie , Zijlstra G. A. Rixt , De Lepeleire Jan , De Donder Liesbeth , Kardol Martinus J. M. , Smetcoren A-.S. , Dury S. , De Donder L. , Dierckx E. , Lambotte D. , Fret B. , Duppen D. , Kardol M. , Verté D. , Hoeyberghs L. J. , De Witte N. , De Roeck E. E. , Engelborghs S. , De Deyn P. P. , Van der Elst M. , De Lepeleire J. , Schoenmakers B. , van der Vorst A. , Zijlstra G.A.R. , Kempen G. I. J. M. , Schols J. M. G. A.
Published: July 2019

Researchers propose that the convoy of care model should be used to study care networks of frail, older individuals. Care convoys are defined as the evolving collection of individuals who may or may not have close personal connections to the recipient or to one another, but who provide care, including help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), socio-emotional care, skilled health care, monitoring, and advocacy.

This study reports on community-dwelling older adults’ experiences of their care convoy, how care convoys change over time, and perceived (positive) outcomes. A qualitative analysis among 65 semi-structured interviews with frail, community-dwelling older adults demonstrates a great variety in the composition of care convoys. Participants were often actively involved in their care convoy and valued the social/relational aspect of care. Care and support covered a wide range of activities, with some activities being provided by specific types of caregivers. Participants expressed the adequacy of their care convoy in terms of satisfaction and sufficiency. Noteworthy, participants who were satisfied with their care convoy did not necessarily receive sufficient help. Policies and practice should recognize the relational aspect of care, the complex interplay between all actors, and the dynamic character of care convoys.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use Near the End of Life Is Associated With Poor Performance Status, Lower Hospice Enrollment, and Dying in the Hospital
Authors: Glisch Chad , Hagiwara Yuya , Gilbertson-White Stephanie , Gao Yubo , Lyckholm Laurel
Published: July 2019

Background:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have changed the landscape of cancer care by increasing progression-free and overall survival in some patients with cancer. We evaluated use and variables contributing to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment near the end of life.

Methods:

We studied 157 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and died between January 2015 and December 2018. All patients had a palliative care consult any time between starting an immune checkpoint inhibitor and death. Univariate and multivariate models were used to examine variables related to immune checkpoint inhibitor use near the end of life.

Results:

Among 157 patients studied, 42 (27%) received a dose of immune checkpoint inhibitor in the last 30 days of life. Those who received treatment in the last 30 days of life had lower hospice enrollment (19 [45%] vs 78 [69%], P = .007) and higher rates of dying in the hospital (23 [56%] vs 33 [29%], P = .002). The percentage of patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) ≥3 at the time of last immune checkpoint inhibitor dose was higher in the group that received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in the last 30 days of life (11 [26%] vs 9 [8%], P = .003). Lack of traditional chemotherapy after immune checkpoint inhibitor, ECOG ≥3, and lack of hospice enrollment were independently associated with receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor in the last 30 days of life.

Conclusion:

Immune checkpoint inhibitor use in the last 30 days of life is common and associated with poor performance status, lower hospice enrollment, and dying in the hospital.
Counseling Men: Treatment Recommendations From Australian Men’s Therapists
Authors: Beel Nathan , Brownlow Charlotte , Jeffries Carla , du Preez Jan
Published: July 2019

Many of the contemporary treatment recommendations and guides for adapting therapy for men originates from the context of the United States. This qualitative study invited 15 Australian therapists, who advertised themselves as working with men, to describe their recommendations for male-friendly counseling. Three themes and 14 subthemes were identified, each explained from an understanding of their male client group’s experiences and common male norms. The themes included ensuring a safe space, to enact masculinity-informed respect, and to enhance client awareness and motivation. Therapists’ suggestions for working with Australian men were congruent with recommendations in the existing literature; however, variations were noted in how traditionally masculine or feminine-consistent their emphasis was.
Preferred Parental Control of Mate Choice, Opposition to Out-Group Mating, and Ethnic Identification in Surinam
Authors: Buunk Abraham P. , Leckie Glenn , Pollack Dahira
Published: July 2019

This study examined the attitude toward parental control of mate choice, and two potential factors related to this, that is, opposition to out-group mating and ethnic identification, in the five major ethnic groups from the Republic of Surinam ( n = 500), that is, Hindustani, Creoles, Maroons, Javanese, and people of Mixed descent. Some of the main differences between groups were the following: Hindustani and Maroons had a more positive attitude toward parental control than all other groups, Hindustani were more opposed to out-group mating than all other groups, and Maroons expressed more identification with their ethnic group than any other group. Women, as compared with men, valued parental control of mate choice more and expressed more opposition to out-group mating. All effects of ethnic group and gender were independent of the demographic variables on which the groups differed significantly. A positive attitude toward parental control of mate choice was associated with more opposition to interethnic mating and with more ethnic identification. The results are discussed in the context of research on the persistence and independence of cultural differences.
Breast Self-Examination: Knowledge and Practice Among Female Textile Workers in Vietnam
Authors: Tuyen Do Quang , Dung Truong Viet , Dong Hoang Van , Kien Tran Trung , Huong Tran Thanh
Published: July 2019

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, feasible, and suitable method for breast cancer screening in low–middle setting countries. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE among female textile workers in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1036 female workers, aged 43.9 ± 3.1 years old, who were working in 4 textile enterprises in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in 2016. Overall, 22.7% of participants showed sufficient knowledge on BSE; 15.2% performed monthly BSE; and 7.7% completely performed all 5 steps of BSE. The prevalence of insufficient BSE knowledge was higher among participants with low level of education (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.39, below vs above secondary school), and those whose husbands were farmers or workers (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.27-2.45, compared to other sectors). This prevalence was, however, negatively associated with receiving information on BSE (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.11-0.23, yes vs no). The prevalence of insufficient BSE practice was also higher among females with husbands who were farmers or workers (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.15-2.43, compared to other sectors). In contrast, it was much lower among participants who had history of breast-related diseases (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88, yes vs no), received BSE information (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08-0.19, yes vs no), and had sufficient overall BSE knowledge (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.06-0.13, yes vs no), compared to those who did not. There was a low prevalence of sufficient BSE knowledge (22.7%) and practice (15.8%) among female textile workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Low level of education and not being provided BSE information were associated with insufficient BSE knowledge and practice among Vietnamese female textile workers. Health education programs are essential to encourage and improve women’s knowledge and practice of BSE.
Regions and Connections: Complementary Approaches to Characterize Brain Organization and Function
Authors: Horien Corey , Greene Abigail S. , Constable R. Todd , Scheinost Dustin
Published: July 2019

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be a powerful tool to characterize spatiotemporal patterns of human brain activity. Analysis methods broadly fall into two camps: those summarizing properties of a region and those measuring interactions among regions. Here we pose an unappreciated question in the field: What are the strengths and limitations of each approach to study fundamental neural processes? We explore the relative utility of region- and connection-based measures in the context of three topics of interest: neurobiological relevance, brain-behavior relationships, and individual differences in brain organization. In each section, we offer illustrative examples. We hope that this discussion offers a novel and useful framework to support efforts to better understand the macroscale functional organization of the brain and how it relates to behavior.
Retrospective study of the efficacy of oral potassium supplementation in cats with kidney disease
Authors: Sieberg Liberty G , Quimby Jessica M
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of three oral potassium supplements (potassium gluconate tablets [PGT], potassium gluconate granules [PGG] and potassium citrate granules [PCG]) on hypokalemia and serum bicarbonate in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Medical records (2006–2016) were retrospectively searched for cats that had been prescribed an oral potassium supplement for management of their CKD-associated hypokalemia. For inclusion, laboratory work had to be available at the time of hypokalemia diagnosis, and at recheck within 1–6 weeks. Treatment response was defined in three ways: any increase in potassium, an increase in potassium to within the normal reference interval, and an increase to >4 mEq/l.

Results

Thirty-seven cats met inclusion criteria (16 PGT, 11 PGG, 10 PCG). Dosing ranged from 0.21 to 1.6 mEq/kg/day for PGT, from 0.25 to 1.48 mEq/kg/day for PGG and from 0.04 to 1.34 mEq/kg/day for PCG. After supplementation, 36/37 cats had an increase in potassium, 34/37 increased to within the reference interval and 24/37 had an increase in potassium to >4 mEq/l. There was a statistically significant difference in serum potassium post-supplementation for all three treatments: PGT ( P = 0.0001), PGG ( P = 0.001) and PCG ( P = 0.002). There was a positive correlation between PGT dose and change in potassium concentration ( P = 0.04), but there was no significant correlation for PGG or PCG. In cats that had data available, serum bicarbonate increased >2 mEq/l in 1/6 PGT, 1/6 PGG and 3/4 PCG cats.

Conclusions and relevance

All three potassium supplements were effective in treating hypokalemia secondary to CKD in the majority of cats despite variable dosing. Data were limited to assess the alkalinizing effect and prospective studies are needed.
Decision making in the management of malunion and nonunion of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip
Authors: Bhowmick Kaushik , Matthai Thomas , Boopalan Perumal Ramaswamy JVC , Jepegnanam Thilak S
Published: July 2019

Aim:

Intertrochanteric fractures account for almost 50% of hip fractures.Nonunion and malunion of these fractures are relatively uncommon. This study reviews the outcome of 31 cases of intertrochanteric fracture failures. An algorithm for the management of these injuries is also proposed.

Methods:

19 patients with intertrochanteric malunion and 12 patients with non-union were included in this study. Treatment of these injuries was initiated according to the algorithm proposed in this study. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by assessing union, pre and postoperative shortening and HSA (head-shaft angle). Functional outcomes were assessed by the Parker mobility scale and presence or absence of pain.

Results:

All the patients with intertrochanteric malunion with follow-up had united. The postoperative shortening in all patients were ⩽2.5 cms. Patients having intertrochanteric nonunion with follow-up, who underwent internal fixation had united with an acceptable Parker mobility scale score, except in 1 patient who sustained an ipsilateral distal femur fracture. The average HSA correction obtained was 21° (range 3–60°).

Conclusion:

The algorithm proposed in this study helps streamline the treatment according to each case scenario.It helps in planning and managing patients with intertrochanteric fracture failures.
Extending Classification Algorithms to Case-Control Studies
Authors: Stanfill Bryan , Reehl Sarah , Bramer Lisa , Nakayasu Ernesto S , Rich Stephen S , Metz Thomas O , Rewers Marian , Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo ,   TEDDY Study Group
Published: July 2019

Classification is a common technique applied to ’omics data to build predictive models and identify potential markers of biomedical outcomes. Despite the prevalence of case-control studies, the number of classification methods available to analyze data generated by such studies is extremely limited. Conditional logistic regression is the most commonly used technique, but the associated modeling assumptions limit its ability to identify a large class of sufficiently complicated ’omic signatures. We propose a data preprocessing step which generalizes and makes any linear or nonlinear classification algorithm, even those typically not appropriate for matched design data, available to be used to model case-control data and identify relevant biomarkers in these study designs. We demonstrate on simulated case-control data that both the classification and variable selection accuracy of each method is improved after applying this processing step and that the proposed methods are comparable to or outperform existing variable selection methods. Finally, we demonstrate the impact of conditional classification algorithms on a large cohort study of children with islet autoimmunity.
All about the money? A cross-national study of parties’ relations with trade unions in 12 western democracies
Authors: Allern Elin Haugsgjerd , Hansen Vibeke Wøien , Otjes Simon , Rasmussen Anne , Røed Maiken , Bale Tim
Published: July 2019

This article examines political parties’ approach to trade unions and the role of private and public party finance in contemporary democracies. We suggest that both unions’ direct donations and states’ party finance regimes may account for variation in the strength of parties’ organizational links to unions. We investigate this argument with a new data set covering parties historically aligned with trade unions and union confederations in 12 mature democracies. Our empirical analysis provides support for the hypothesis that financial contributions are positively associated with stronger organizational links but also suggests that this relationship is constrained by the level of public subsidies and state regulation of donations. The findings point to the need for more research on how private and public money affects parties’ interactions with civil society actors.
Dynamics of spray impingement wall film under cold start conditions
Authors: Li Xuesong , Xiao Di , Parrish Scott E , Grover Ronald O , Hung David LS , Xu Min
Published: July 2019

Fuel film that adhered on engine walls from spray impingement is considered a primary source of harmful combustion emissions. However, the physics of the wall film formation, propagation, and breakup is not fully understood yet because of its multiphase nature. Existing literature has revealed that the mass transportation within the fuel film takes a wave propagation form. This article aims to identify the dynamics of the wall film during spray impingement via high-speed laser diagnostics. In this work, a single-hole injector was used and the spray impinged onto a stage made of sapphire glass for diagnostics purposes. Iso-octane was used as the fuel and 10% ethanol was blended to dope rhodamine 6G as the fluorescent species for laser excitation. Simultaneous optical measurements, such as laser-induced fluorescence and Mie scattering, are performed to obtain the characteristics of the wall film quantitatively. Various aspects of the wall film, including the frequency of the wave, wave speed, and wave height, are inspected. The impact of fuel temperature and wall temperature under typical cold-start conditions are also studied to investigate the temperature dependence of the wall film dynamics. The research is also intended to provide quantitative experimental data for numerical models for impingement prediction and thus help the process of emission reduction and combustion optimization of internal combustion engines.
Semiparametric regression analysis of multivariate doubly censored data
Authors: Li Shuwei , Hu Tao , Tong Tiejun , Sun Jianguo
Published: July 2019

This article discusses regression analysis of multivariate doubly censored data with a wide class of flexible semiparametric transformation frailty models. The proposed models include many commonly used regression models as special cases such as the proportional hazards and proportional odds frailty models. For inference, we propose a nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method and develop a new expectation–maximization algorithm for its implementation. The proposed estimators of the finite-dimensional parameters are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient. We also conduct a simulation study to assess the finite sample performance of the developed estimation method, and the proposed methodology is applied to a set of real data arising from an AIDS study.
Questionnaire Design in Short Message Service (SMS) Surveys
Authors: Lau Charles Q. , Sanders Herschel , Lombaard Ansie
Published: July 2019

Short message service (SMS or text messaging) surveys can collect data quickly and inexpensively. However, SMS surveys have space constraints that pose difficulties to questionnaire designers: Questions can only be 160 characters or less, surveys must be short, and many respondents use phones with small screens. In this article, we compare SMS and benchmark face-to-face surveys across four African countries to address three common questions in SMS questionnaire design. First, are multiple response questions feasible? Second, is it necessary to randomize response option order? Third, should “don’t know” response options be included? Our results provide practical guidance about how to improve data quality with this emerging mode of data collection.