bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Education on Depression Assessment: Differential Item Functioning Analysis
Authors: Taple Bayley J. , Chapman Robert , Schalet Benjamin D. , Brower Rylee , Griffith James W.
Published: November 2020

A person’s level of education can affect their access to health care, and their health outcomes. Increasing rates of depression are another looming public health concern. Therefore, vulnerability is compounded for individuals who have a lower level of education and depression. Assessment of depressive symptoms is integral to many domains of health care including primary care and mental health specialty care. This investigation examined the degree to which education influences the psychometric properties of self-report items that measure depressive symptoms. This study was a secondary data analysis derived from three large internet panel studies. Together, the studies included the Beck Depression Inventory–II, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of depression. Using a differential item functioning (DIF) approach, we found evidence of DIF such that some items on each of the questionnaires were flagged for DIF with effect sizes ranging from McFadden’s Pseudo R2 = .005 to .022. For example, results included several double-barreled questions flagged for DIF. Overall, questionnaires assessing depression vary in level of complexity, which interacts with the respondent’s level of education. Measurement of depression should include consideration of possible educational disparities, to identify people who may struggle with a written questionnaire, or may be subject to subtle psychometric biases associated with education.
Field Student Blues
Authors: Simmonds Janette Graetz
Published: November 2020

In this poem, the lived experience of disruption of a valued professional relationship and the reduction of the professional’s expertise when a field student observer enters the previously close dynamic, is illustrated.
Association of sleep disturbance with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dutta Somsubhra , Ghosh Sambuddha , Ghosh Srijit
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are more likely to experience sleep disturbances than normal. Sleep disturbances may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by higher inflammatory markers in circulation. We investigated the association between sleep quality and DR.

Methods:

Institutional case control study with type 2 DM patients of <10 years duration and HbA1c ⩽8%; 70 cases with DR and 70 controls without DR (NODR) (power 0.8). Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaire and compared.

Results:

Cronbach’s alpha was 0.777 with high internal homogeneity. Global PSQI score in DR (7.44 ± 3.99; 95%CI 6.88, 9.42) was more than in NODR (4.30 ± 3.26; 95%CI 3.87, 6.45) ( p < 0.001). All sleep disturbance scores were more in DR except sleep duration. Poor sleep (PSQI score>5) was more prevalent in DR ( p = 0.000) and associated with increasing DR severity ( p = 0.026). Normal sleep latency was recorded in 78.57% and 42.85% patients in NODR and DR respectively ( p < 0.001). Severe difficulty in subjective sleep quality ( p = 0.024), sleep latency ( p = 0.002) and daytime dysfunction ( p < 0.001) was seen more in DR. Elevated daytime dysfunction was observed with increasing DR severity ( p = 0.008). The optimal cut-off for global PSQI score and sleep latency for DR was 5.5 (OR: 5.97; 95%CI 2.86, 12.47) and 25 min(OR: 4.89; 95%CI 2.32, 10.26) respectively.

Conclusion:

Sleep disturbance is positively associated with DR. Our study identifies cut off value for DR of a modifiable parameter like sleep latency. It emphasizes the need of sleep quality assessment for risk assessment of DR.
The language and non-language benefits of literature in foreign language education: An exploratory study of learners’ views
Authors: Tsang Art , Paran Amos , Lau Wilfred W.F.
Published: November 2020

Set against the backcloth of increasing recognition and attention to literature in foreign language education (FLE) globally, this article reports part of a large-scale study of 1,190 secondary-level learners’ views of the benefits of literature, as instantiated by short stories (ShS) and poems and songs (PS) in their English-as-a-foreign-language learning. An inventory of 27 items (13 language-related and 14 non-language-related) was compiled with reference to previous studies and curricular documents. The analyses compared the two modules through independent t-tests, as well as including an exploratory factor analysis to examine latent factors. Findings reveal a three factor structure and a slightly positive view of the benefits of literature. ShS were perceived to be generally more beneficial than PS, especially in the domains of generic skills and work/studies. There were benefits common to ShS and PS, which by extension, may be universal to literary texts at large. This study makes a theoretical contribution by unveiling the potential value of literature in FLE and the three underlying factors of its perceived benefits. Practically, the inventory can be used by foreign language (FL) teachers to measure students’ perceptions to inform their use of literature in FLE.
Crime count and crime harm in a post-socialist city: How does the law of crime concentration at places apply?
Authors: Šimon Martin , Jíchová Jana
Published: November 2020

This article reports on a new empirical study evaluating crime concentration at places in a post-socialist city. We use principles of the law of crime concentration at places and the Cambridge Crime Harm Index to measure crime count and crime harm concentration at the level of street segments. The research found differences between crime concentration in a post-socialist city and crime concentration reported by recent studies from US or UK cities. Both crime and harm concentration are consistently less spatially clustered than expected by the theory in a post-socialist city. This finding has significance for both international criminology and national policing authorities, because the success of place-based policing is highly dependent on strong spatial clustering of crime. The study underlines the importance of experimental criminology and theory testing for the transfer of crime prevention approaches from their original contexts.
Disregarded solution spaces: A proposed approach to draw connections between computationally generated solution spaces and actual built case studies
Authors: Emami Niloufar
Published: November 2020

Many computational studies generate an array of solutions for a design problem paired with their structural or daylighting performance. An enormous investment of effort and computational time is required to create these simulation-based datasets. However, the generated data is usually bound to the specific case studies they were created to explore. Can this data be useful for application to other design cases? This study employed a generative algorithm to fill a database with perforated shell structures covering a courtyard. A shell by Heinz Isler was chosen to be mapped onto the generated solution space based on its performance. The study found that this method is effective for predicting daylight performance, while structural performance modifications can be a source of inspiration for designing other structural forms.
Study on mechanical properties of new iliac vein stent in different stenotic vessels
Authors: Na Risu , Feng Haiquan , Mao Youjun , Wang Yonggang
Published: November 2020

In order to study the mechanical properties of new iliac vein stents in different stenotic vessels, the release process of four stents in iliac vein with different stenosis rates (normal, 30%, 50%, 70%) was simulated by finite element method, the influence of stenosis rate on the mechanical properties of stents was analyzed, and the safety of stents was verified by animal experiments. The results showed that the high stress-strain regions of the four stents were all located in the stenosis area. With the increase of the stenosis rate, the equivalent stress and elastic strain of the stents tended to increase. After fatigue calculation, the safety factor of the fatigue strength of the stent is more than 1, which meets the requirement of 10 years fatigue life. To establish an animal model of iliac vein stenosis, the endothelial cells were covered on the surface of the stent 90 days after stent implantation, the intima was proliferated obviously, and the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the stent were stable. The new type of stent for iliac vein stenosis could be used as the main experimental instrument in later animal experiments.
Diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasound in Sjögren’s syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramsubeik Karishma , Motilal Shastri , Sanchez-Ramos Luis , Ramrattan Laurie Ann , Kaeley Gurjit S. , Singh Jasvinder A.
Published: November 2020

Background:

To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasound in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify diagnostic or validation studies in patients with pSS meeting the diagnostic criteria. A diagnostic test meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate model to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratios, and the diagnostic odds ratio. Meta-regression analyses were done for several pSS covariates.

Results:

Sixty-five studies met our criteria for the qualitative review. Fifty-four studies with a total of 6087 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity for salivary gland ultrasound was 80% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77–83%; I2 = 78%], and specificity was 90% (95% CI: 87–92%; I2 = 76%). The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 8 (95% CI: 6.4–10) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.19–0.25), respectively. The corresponding pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 37 (95% CI: 28–48). Separate meta-regression models resulted in similar diagnostic estimates: (a) adjusted for mean age: sensitivity 81% (95% CI:77–84%; I2 = 99%) and specificity 90% (95% CI: 87–93%; I2 = 99%); (b) adjusted for mean disease duration, sensitivity 79% (95% CI:72–84%; I2 = 99%), and specificity 90% (89–94%; I2 = 99%). The diagnostic estimates were robust to sensitivity analyses by quality criteria, pSS diagnostic criteria and ultrasound scoring systems.

Conclusion:

Salivary gland ultrasound is a valuable modality for the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. It is plausible that salivary gland ultrasound can be used as an important criterion for the diagnosis of pSS.
Assessment of Native Human Articular Cartilage: A Biomechanical Protocol
Authors: Kabir Wassif , Di Bella Claudia , Choong Peter F.M. , O’Connell Cathal D.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Recapitulating the mechanical properties of articular cartilage (AC) is vital to facilitate the clinical translation of cartilage tissue engineering. Prior to evaluation of tissue-engineered constructs, it is fundamental to investigate the biomechanical properties of native AC under sudden, prolonged, and cyclic loads in a practical manner. However, previous studies have typically reported only the response of native AC to one or other of these loading regimes. We therefore developed a streamlined testing protocol to characterize the elastic and viscoelastic properties of human knee AC, generating values for several important parameters from the same sample.

Design

Human AC was harvested from macroscopically normal regions of distal femoral condyles of patients ( n = 3) undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Indentation and unconfined compression tests were conducted under physiological conditions (temperature 37 °C and pH 7.4) and testing parameters (strain rates and loading frequency) to assess elastic and viscoelastic parameters.

Results

The biomechanical properties obtained were as follows: Poisson ratio (0.4 ± 0.1), instantaneous modulus (52.14 ± 9.47 MPa) at a loading rate of 1 mm/s, Young’s modulus (1.03 ± 0.48 MPa), equilibrium modulus (7.48 ± 4.42 MPa), compressive modulus (10.60 ± 3.62 MPa), dynamic modulus (7.71 ± 4.62 MPa) at 1 Hz and loss factor (0.11 ± 0.02).

Conclusions

The measurements fell within the range of reported values for human knee AC biomechanics. To the authors’ knowledge this study is the first to report such a range of biomechanical properties for human distal femoral AC. This protocol may facilitate the assessment of tissue-engineered composites for their functionality and biomechanical similarity to native AC prior to clinical trials.
Failure analysis of steel open dam against an extreme boulder debris flow
Authors: Horiguchi Toshiyuki , Kokuryo Hiroshi , Ishikawa Nobutaka
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a failure analysis for a steel open-type Sabo dam (hereafter, steel open dam) against an extreme boulder debris flow load (hereafter, level II load) by a two-step analysis. The first step analysis is to estimate the level II load against the rigid wall by using the revised distinct element method (DEM). In the second step, the failure mechanism of a steel open dam is examined by using a dynamic elastic plastic analysis, in which the level II load-time relations obtained by the first analysis are multiplied by a reduction factor and then used. For the second step, the effects of the flange joint and dent deformation of the connection between column and beam are considered. Finally, a simple entire uniform load onto the steel open dam is proposed as a level II load model for the safety assessment.
In vivo study of polyurethane and tannin-modified hydroxyapatite composites for calvarial regeneration
Authors: Tian Xinggui , Yuan Xiaowei , Feng Daxiong , Wu Min , Yuan Yuping , Ma Chuying , Xie Denghui , Guo Jinshan , Liu Chao , Lu Zhihui
Published: November 2020

Biomaterial mediated bone regeneration is an attractive strategy for bone defect treatment. Organic/inorganic composites have been well established as effective bone graft. Here, the bone regenerative effect of the composites made from tannic acid (TA) modified hydroxyapatite (HA) (THA) or TA & silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) modified HA (Ag-THA) and polyurethane (PU) was evaluated on critical-sized calvarial defects in rats. The in vivo study indicates that PU/THA and PU/Ag-THA scaffolds exhibited acceptable biocompatibility and induced significantly enhanced bone mineral densities comparing with the blank control (CON) group as well as PU/HA group. The inclusion of TA on HA brought the composites with enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis, evidenced by osteocalcin (OCN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemical staining. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining showed high osteoclast activity along with osteogenesis, especially in PU/THA and PU/Ag-THA groups. However, further introduction of Ag NPs on HA depressed the angiogenesis of the composites, leading to even lower VEGF expression than that of CON group. This study once more proved that THA can serve as a better bone composite component that pure HA and can promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis. While, the introduction of antimicrobial Ag NPs on HA need to be controlled in some extent not to affect the angiogenesis of the composites.
Current alcohol consumption and associated factors among school adolescents and youths in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ali Tilahun , Worku Teshager
Published: November 2020

Background:

The use of alcohol is an alarmingly growing public health concern worldwide, and it has an impact on younger generations. There are a few large scale and comprehensive nation-wise surveys conducted on the subject matter and study groups. Hence, the purpose of this study was to render strong evidence for policymakers and researchers on the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its associated factors among school adolescents and youths in Ethiopia.

Methods:

Systematic searching was conducted using electronic (Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Science direct), and grey literature sources. Cross-sectional studies conducted among adolescents and youths (12–24 years old) were included. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Heterogeneity was examined by using forest plot and I2 heterogeneity tests. Publication bias was also assessed by inspecting the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Stata/M16.0 for windows was used for the analysis.

Results:

A total of 26 studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 17,880 participants. The pooled prevalence of current alcohol consumption was 27.0% (95% CI = 22.0–32.0). In the subgroups, the prevalence of current alcohol consumption among high school, college, and university students was 23%, 27%, and 29%, respectively. The pooled data revealed that being a male (odds ratio = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.24–2.99), khat chewing (odds ratio = 6.65; 95% CI = 2.52–17.52), family members alcohol consumption behavior (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% CI = 2.08–5.17), and peer pressure (odds ratio = 3.79; 95% CI = 2.64–5.42) were significantly associated with alcohol consumption.

Conclusion:

The pooled analysis of 26 studies indicate that over a quarter of school adolescents and youths consume alcohol in Ethiopia. Hence, we recommend designing and implementing community and school-based intervention programs to tackle the growing problems of alcohol consumption and its multifaceted impacts.
Factors associated with incidence of depressiveness among the middle-aged and older Estonian population
Authors: Abuladze Liili , Opikova Galina , Lang Katrin
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Relatively scant research among older Estonian population describes factors associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms. This study identifies factors associated with the incidence of depressiveness among middle-aged and older Estonians over 2- and 4-year periods.

Method:

In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models are used to identify the factors associated with the incidence of depressiveness over 2- and 4-year periods. The data were drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) 2011–2015 which included Estonian population aged 53 years and older in 2013. After excluding those younger than 53 years, not interviewed 2 years later, those with depressive symptoms at baseline in 2013, and missing values for depressiveness or other variables, our analytical sample comprised 2513 people.

Results:

Among those who were not depressive in 2013, 21.9% became depressive within 2 years; 16.1% of non-depressive individuals since 2011 became depressive by 2015. No age differences in incidence remained in adjusted models. Women have almost 50% higher odds of becoming depressive. A previous history of depressiveness and the presence of everyday activity limitations were important factors increasing the incidence of depression.

Discussion:

Changes related to the individual’s unique ageing experience are important explanatory factors related to the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms, rather than age itself. To diminish the incidence of depressive symptoms among older Estonian population, public health interventions should attempt to address factors which complicate existing health problems and facilitate continued independence and community involvement, both of which contribute to overall satisfaction with life.
Evaluation of a Conservative Pharmacist-led U-500R Insulin Management Protocol in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Dumont Cyndi , Fitzgerald Leah , Valdez Connie A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The objective of this quality assurance study is to evaluate the impact of a conservative, pharmacist-led, U-500R insulin management protocol on diabetes control (A1c) and total daily dosage requirements between August 2016 and August 2018.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients, aged 18 to 79, with type 2 diabetes and managed with insulin, at 2 federally qualified healthcare clinics in Denver, Colorado. To determine if our conservative pharmacist-led U-500R insulin management protocol impacted efficacy and total daily dosage requirements when converting patients from U-100 to U-500R insulin, we compared the most effective dose of U-500R (defined as the total daily dose (TDD) of U-500R insulin at A1c goal or the lowest tolerated A1c) to the baseline A1c and TDD of U-100 insulin at time of conversion.

Results

Following conversion of U-100 to U-500R insulin, patients required an average of 21 fewer units of insulin with U-500R than U-100 and achieved an average A1c of 7.2% which reflected a reduction of 3.5 points from baseline. Five patients (62.5%) achieved A1c goal per ADA guidelines, and all patients achieved at least a 1.7 point reduction in A1c, with 1 patient achieving a 6.7 point reduction. Two patients (25%) were still in the process of U-500R titration at the time of data collection, and 1 patient (12.5%) did not achieve goal A1c while under pharmacy management at these clinics. Four of the five patients who achieved A1c goal did so with an overall reduction in total daily insulin dose (average of 57.5 units less than original U-100 dose) resulting in an average A1c decrease of 3.6 points.
Exploring a Diachronic Change in the Use of English Relative Clauses: A Corpus-Based Study and Its Implication for Pedagogy
Authors: Fajri Muchamad Sholakhuddin Al , Okwar Victoria
Published: November 2020

This corpus-based diachronic study aims to investigate the change in the use of English relative clauses over a 45-year time span. It does not only focus on change over time but also change between two varieties of English (British and American). The data were taken from the Brown family of corpora. Each corpus in the Brown family corpora consists of 500 texts of approximately 2,000 words of written published standard English. The finding indicates that the overall trend of the use of relative clauses in written texts has largely decreased in both American and British English. The frequency of the relative which has experienced a sharp decline in both English and American varieties but the relative pronoun that has dramatically increased. This trend suggests the move toward colloquialization, meaning that both the English varieties tend to employ less formal or speech-like style in written texts. The pedagogical implication of this research is that it can bring about a change in syllabuses and materials of English language teaching (ELT), particularly for teaching general writing by taking into account colloquialization hypothesis.
From Ethnography to Webnography: Changing Contours of Field Research in India1An earlier version of the paper was presented in the M. N. Srinivas Centenary Conference, organised by the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru on 29–30 August 2017. Several of the issues raised in this paper are to be traced to the very insightful discussions with the doctoral students at ISEC in the classrooms or outside it. In particular, I should like to make a mention of V. Gayathri, Sathyapriya Raut, Sudha Seetharaman and R. Santhosh. Thanks are due also to the past directors of ISEC—G. K. Kadekodi, N. Jayaram, R. S. Deshpande and many friends working and discussions with who gave rich ideas in writing this paper: S. R. Charsley, Jim Manor, Ruedi Baumgartner, Ruedi Hogger, Christine Lutringer, Sobin George and V. Ramaswamy. The usual disclaimers apply.
Authors: Karanth G. K.
Published: November 2020

Contributions of M. N. Srinivas to the understanding of changing nature of caste, village and politics have been well documented and continue to be under focus several decades after his scholarly formulations on them. This article is an attempt to focus on the nature of changes that are occurring in the realm of his contributions to the field of social science research methods—especially to the tradition of intensive field research whether in rural or urban locales. Not only have the field sites’ amenability to research has undergone a major change, the institutional context in which social research is practised have radically transformed. This article is an attempt to track some such changes in both the contexts and to reflect upon the emerging challenges to social science research in general and the idea of ‘field’ research in particular. One of the questions it raises and attempts to answer is: Is sociology and social anthropology becoming more dependent on secondary data, and the source becoming a web than the field?
Redesigning an Undergraduate Global Health Course to Increase Student Engagement and Incorporate High-Impact Educational Practices
Authors: Nelson-Hurwitz Denise C. , Lee Thomas H.
Published: November 2020

In many undergraduate public health programs, global health is an introductory course encountered early in the curriculum. At the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the undergraduate global health course reinforces introductory content within a global health framework while building skills in preparation for upper-division work. The global health course was completely redesigned in January 2018 to increase student engagement and incorporate high-impact educational practices, including experiential learning opportunities, diversity/global learning, and collaborative assignments. New activities incorporated include a water carrying exercise to simulate efforts required for the billions of people worldwide who manually transport water for daily use and a model United Nations scenario-based activity based on a writing assignment proposing an international policy from the position of a selected country. Incorporation of relatively brief written assignments early in the undergraduate public health curriculum additionally serves to support student development of written communication skills throughout the program and helps in early identification of students who may need additional support in writing skills. Assessment of the new course was conducted through student feedback, student performance on assignments, and student growth/development throughout the course. Through successful course redesign students emerge excited about international opportunities for public health practice and with a greater empathy for global citizens living abroad.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Polish version of the physical activity scale for older people living in a community: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka , Ćwirlej-Sozańska Agnieszka , Wołoszyn Natalia , Sozański Bernard , Wilmowska-Pietruszyńska Anna , Washburn Richard
Published: November 2020

Background

Polish clinicians and researchers face challenges in selecting physical activity tools appropriate and validated for older people. The aim of this study is to provide cultural adaptation and validation of the Polish version of the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE-P).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 115 older adults living in south-eastern Poland. The original version of the scale has been translated into the Polish language following standardized translation procedures. Validation was evaluated by Pearson’s rank correlation coefficients between PASE-P, the normal Timed Up and Go test and that with a cognitive task (TUG and TUG cog, respectively), grip strength, basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL and IADL, respectively), Five Times Sit to Stand (5x STS), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results

The mean PASE-P was 91.54 (SD 71.15). Sufficient reliability of the test-retest of the PASE-P questionnaire components was found between the trials. The ICC test was strong and ranged from 0.988 to 0.778 for both major domains and the total scale score. A significant correlation was found between the total PASE-P score and the shorter TUG, TUG cog (r = − 0.514, p < 0.001; r = − 0.481, p < 0.001) and 10MWT (r = 0.472, p < 0.001). The total PASE-P score was also positively correlated with ADL and IADL (r = 0.337, p < 0.001; r = 0.415 p < 0.001), BBS (r = 0.537, p < 0.001) and 5xSTS (r = 0.558, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results obtained in the study confirm that the Polish version of the PASE scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the level of physical activity in older adults living in a community.
Oxygen desaturation during flexible bronchoscopy with propofol sedation is associated with sleep apnea: the PROSA-Study
Authors: Darie Andrei M. , Schumann Desiree M. , Laures Marco , Strobel Werner , Jahn Kathleen , Pflimlin Eric , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: November 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airways during sleep. Conscious sedation for flexible bronchoscopy (FB) places patients in a sleep-like condition. We hypothesize that oxygen desaturation during flexible bronchoscopy may help to detect undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Methods

Single-centre, investigator-initiated and driven study including consecutive patients undergoing FB for clinical indication. Patients completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Lausanne NoSAS score, STOP-BANG questionnaire and the Berlin questionnaire and underwent polygraphy within 7 days of FB. FB was performed under conscious sedation with propofol. Oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy was measured with continuous monitoring of peripheral oxygen saturation with ixTrend (ixellence GmbH, Germany).

Results

145 patients were included in the study, 62% were male, and the average age was 65.8 ± 1.1 years. The vast majority of patients (n = 131, 90%) proved to fulfill OSA criteria based on polygraphy results: 52/131 patients (40%) had mild sleep apnea, 49/131 patients (37%) moderate sleep apnea and 30/131 patients (23%) severe sleep apnea. Patients with no oxygen desaturation had a significantly lower apnea–hypopnea index than patients with oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy (AHI 11.94/h vs 21.02/h, p = 0.011). This association remained significant when adjusting for the duration of bronchoscopy and propofol dose (p = 0.023; 95% CI 1.382; 18.243) but did not hold when also adjusting for age and BMI.

Conclusion

The severity of sleep apnea was associated to oxygen desaturation during flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation. Patients with oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy might be considered for sleep apnea screening.

Trial registration: The Study was approved by the Ethics Committee northwest/central Switzerland, EKNZ (EK 16/13) and was carried out according to the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Due to its observational character, the study did not require registration at a clinical trial registry.
Transosseous versus transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in primary hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Changjiao , Zhang Xiaofei , Ma Qi , Du Ruiyong , Cai Xu , Yang Huadong
Published: November 2020

Background

During the posterior approach, it has been shown that a significant reduction in dislocation rate can be achieved with the repair of the posterior soft tissue. However, no consensus exists about the best way to perform this repair. This review aimed to compare the transosseous with transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify studies involving transosseous versus transmuscular repair of the posterior soft tissue in THA in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, up to July 2020. Finally, we identified 1417 patients (1481 hips) assessed in seven studies.

Results

Compared with transmuscular repair, transosseous repair resulted in less incidence of dislocation (P= 0.003), less blood loss during operation (P< 0.00001) and lower VAS score within 3 months (P= 0.02). There were no significant differences in terms of trochanteric fracture rate (P= 0.56), Harris hip score at 3 months (P= 0.35) and 6 months (P= 0.89), VAS score within 6 months (P= 0.53), and operation time (P= 0.70) between two groups.

Conclusion

The lower dislocation rate, less blood loss, and lower VAS scores after operation supported transosseous repair's superiority to transmuscular repair. Besides, no additional medical cost and operating time were associated with transosseous repair compared with transmuscular repair. Hence, we recommend that transosseous repair be chosen first by orthopedists when performing reconstruction of the posterior soft tissue in THA via a posterolateral approach. Given the relevant possible biases in our meta-analysis, we required more adequately powered and better-designed RCT studies with long-term follow-up to reach a firmer conclusion.
Alpha-amylase 1A copy number variants and the association with memory performance and Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors:   The Netherlands Brain Bank, Byman Elin , Nägga Katarina , Gustavsson Anna-Märta , Andersson-Assarsson Johanna , Hansson Oskar , Sonestedt Emily , Wennström Malin
Published: November 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that copy number variation (CNV) in the alpha (α)-amylase gene (AMY1A) is associated with body mass index, insulin resistance, and blood glucose levels, factors also shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). We have previously demonstrated the presence of α-amylase in healthy neuronal dendritic spines and a reduction of the same in AD patients. In the current study, we investigate the relationship between AMY1A copy number and AD, memory performance, and brain α-amylase activity.

Methods and materials

The association between AMY1A copy number and development of AD was analyzed in 5422 individuals (mean age at baseline 57.5 ± 5.9, females 58.2%) from the Malmö diet and cancer study genotyped for AMY1A copy number, whereof 247 where diagnosed with AD during a mean follow-up of 20 years. Associations between AMY1A copy number and cognitive performance where analyzed in 791 individuals (mean age at baseline 54.7 ± 6.3, females 63%), who performed Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Correlation analysis between α-amylase activity or α-amylase gene expression and AMY1A copy number in post-mortem hippocampal tissue from on demented controls (n = 8) and AD patients (n = 10) was also performed.

Results

Individuals with very high ( ≥10) AMY1A copy number had a significantly lower hazard ratio of AD (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.94) and performed significantly better on MoCA delayed word recall test, compared to the reference group with AMY1A copy number 6. A trend to lower hazard ratio of AD was also found among individuals with low AMY1A copy number (1–5) (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.53–1.02). A tendency towards a positive correlation between brain α-amylase activity and AMY1A copy number was found, and females showed higher brain α-amylase activity compared to males.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the degree of α-amylase activity in the brain is affected by AMY1A copy number and gender, in addition to AD pathology. The study further suggests that very high AMY1A copy number is associated with a decreased hazard ratio of AD and we speculate that this effect is mediated via a beneficial impact of AMY1A copy number on episodic memory performance.
Intimal angiosarcoma of the thoracic aorta diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a case report
Authors: Fernández-Trujillo Liliana , Buenaventura Daisy C. , Sua Luz F.
Published: November 2020

Background

Primary malignant tumors of the aorta are extremely rare. They are frequently located in the abdominal aorta, followed by the thoracic aorta. Sarcomas are the most common histological type. These tumors originate from the middle or intimal layer, the latter being the most common. Symptoms and radiological findings are generally nonspecific. Since their growth is endovascular, embolic phenomena can occur leading to occlusive signs and symptoms.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 75-year-old Hispanic man, a former tobacco smoker, with a history of pain and epigastric tenderness, dysphagia, and weight loss of approximately 6 kg. A thorax computed tomography scan showed a mass within the posterior mediastinum with poorly defined borders and heterogeneous density, located between thoracic vertebra 5–8, with a size of 78 × 53 × 76 mm, with left main bronchus compression. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration was performed; it found an extrinsic posterior compression of the left main bronchus with no endobronchial injury. An intimal angiosarcoma of the thoracic aorta was diagnosed.

Conclusion

Tumors of the aorta are rare and difficult to diagnose; they are a challenge during the diagnosis, since they usually require open surgical procedures. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration associated with rapid on-site examination offered, in this case, the possibility of a successful diagnosis, avoiding major procedures. This is the first case reported in the literature of an intimal angiosarcoma of the thoracic aorta diagnosed using endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.
Anticancer activity of benzoxazole derivative (2015 onwards): a review
Authors: Ghoshal Tanay , Patel Tarun M.
Published: November 2020

Background

According to the report published recently by the World Health Organization, the number of cancer cases in the world will increase to 22 million by 2030. So the anticancer drug research and development is taking place in the direction where the new entities are developed which are low in toxicity and are with improved activity. Benzoxazole and its derivative represent a very important class of heterocyclic compounds, which have a diverse therapeutic area. Recently, many active compounds synthesized are very effective; natural products isolated with benzoxazole moiety have also shown to be potent towards cancer.

Main text

In the last few years, many research groups have designed and developed many novel compounds with benzoxazole as their backbone and checked their anticancer activity. In the review article, the recent developments (mostly after 2015) made in the direction of design and synthesis of new scaffolds with very potent anticancer activity are briefly described. The effect of various heterocycles attached to the benzoxazole and their effect on the anticancer activity are thoroughly studied and recorded in the review.

Conclusion

These compiled data in the article will surely update the scientific community with the recent development in this area and will provide direction for further research in this area.
Potential impact of biocide adaptation on selection of antibiotic resistance in bacterial isolates
Authors: Elekhnawy Engy , Sonbol Fatma , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Elbanna Tarek
Published: November 2020

Background

Antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacterial isolates has increased worldwide leading to treatment failures.

Main body

Many concerns are being raised about the usage of biocidal products (including disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives) as a vital factor that contributes to the risk of development of antimicrobial resistance which has many environmental and economic impacts.

Conclusion

Consequently, it is important to recognize the different types of currently used biocides, their mechanisms of action, and their potential impact to develop cross-resistance and co-resistance to various antibiotics. The use of biocides in medical or industrial purposes should be monitored and regulated. In addition, new agents with biocidal activity should be investigated from new sources like phytochemicals in order to decrease the emergence of resistance among bacterial isolates.
Intermittent Hypoxia and Effects on Early Learning/Memory: Exploring the Hippocampal Cellular Effects of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Chandrakantan Arvind , Adler Adam C. , Tohsun Mehmet , Kheradamand Farrah , Ray Russell S. , Roth Steven
Published: November 2020

This review provides an update on the neurocognitive phenotype of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Pediatric OSA is associated with neurocognitive deficits involving memory, learning, and executive functioning. Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is presently accepted as the first-line surgical treatment for pediatric OSA, but the executive function deficits do not resolve postsurgery, and the timeline for recovery remains unknown. This finding suggests that pediatric OSA potentially causes irreversible damage to multiple areas of the brain. The focus of this review is the hippocampus, 1 of the 2 major sites of postnatal neurogenesis, where new neurons are formed and integrated into existing circuitry and the mammalian center of learning/memory functions. Here, we review the clinical phenotype of pediatric OSA, and then discuss existing studies of OSA on different cell types in the hippocampus during critical periods of development. This will set the stage for future study using preclinical models to understand the pathogenesis of persistent neurocognitive dysfunction in pediatric OSA.
Anesthetic Management of Living-Donor Renal Transplantation in a Patient With Epstein Syndrome Using Rotational Thromboelastometry: A Case Report
Authors: Higashi Midoriko , Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Yamaura Ken
Published: November 2020

Epstein syndrome is a myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9)-related disorder characterized by hearing loss and macrothrombocytopenia with renal failure, which usually requires platelet transfusion during surgery. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who underwent living-donor renal transplantation without platelet transfusion using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) monitoring. His intraoperative laboratory coagulation findings were a platelet count of 28–31 × 109/L based on microscopy and fibrinogen of 256 mg/dL. However, his extrinsic pathway evaluations by ROTEM were normal. The estimated blood loss during the operation was 150 mL, and the patient showed no bleeding complications without platelet transfusion.
Maxillary Nerve-Mediated Postseptoplasty Nasal Allodynia: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Ly Wilson , Yu Xiaobing
Published: November 2020

Endoscopic nasal septoplasty is a commonly performed otolaryngology procedure, not known to cause persistent postsurgical pain or hypersensitivity. Here, we discuss a unique case of persistent nasal pain that developed after a primary endoscopic septoplasty, which then progressed to marked mechanical and thermal allodynia following a revision septoplasty. Pain symptoms were found to be mediated by the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and resolved after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of bilateral maxillary nerves. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of maxillary nerve–mediated nasal allodynia after septoplasty.
Internal Training Load Measures in Elite Adolescent Ballet Dancers
Authors: Volkova Valeriya G. , Black Amanda M. , Kenny Sarah J.
Published: November 2020

Training load has been identified as a risk factor for musculoskeletal injury in sport, but little is known about the effects of training load in dance. The purpose of this study was to describe adolescent dancers' internal training load (ITL) and compare objective and subjective measures
of ITL using heart rate (HR) training impulse methods and session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE), respectively. Fifteen female elite adolescent ballet dancers at a vocational dance school volunteered to participate in the study. Internal training load data using HR and sRPE were collected
over 9 days of multiple technique classes at the midpoint of the dancers' training year. Heart rate data were quantified using Edwards' training impulse (ETRIMP) and Banister's training impulse (BTRIMP), and sRPE was estimated from the modified Borg 0 to 10 scale and class duration. Descriptive
statistics (median [M], and interquartile range [IQR]) were determined in arbitrary units (AU), and were as follows for all classes combined: ETRIMP: M = 134 AU (IQR = 79 to 244 AU); BTRIMP: M = 67 AU (IQR = 38 to 109); sRPE: M = 407 AU (IQR = 287 to 836 AU). The association and agreement
between objective and subjective ITL measures in ballet and pointe class was assessed using Spearman correlations (rs) and adjusted Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement (LOA), respectively, with alpha set at 0.05. A significant moderate positive correlation was found between
ETRIMP and BTRIMP in pointe class (rρ = 0.8000, p = 0.0031). The mean difference (LOA) between ETRIMP and BTRIMP was 121 AU (33 to 210 AU) in ballet and 43 AU (-3 to 88 AU) in pointe. It is concluded that some, but not all, measures of ITL in elite adolescent ballet dancers
are comparable. Additional research is needed to examine the utilization of ITL measures for evaluating dance-related injury risk, as well as the application of ITL to inform the development of effective injury prevention strategies for this high-risk population.
Recent advances in understanding cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Uson Junior Pedro Luiz Serrano , Arora Mansi , Bogenberger James M , Borad Mitesh J
Published: November 2020

The definition of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) encompasses all tumors originating in the epithelium of the bile ducts, including the intrahepatic bile ducts (ICCA) and extrahepatic bile ducts (ECCA). The incidence of ICCA and ECCA has increased in the last few decades, and molecular advances in both entities have brought understanding of their differences and allowed treatment advances aimed at personalized therapy. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the molecular landscape of CCAs, emerging treatment biomarker-guided strategies, and future insights into the management of advanced disease.
The role of factors associated with the course of pregnancy and childbirth in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Lipińska Elżbieta , Słopień Agnieszka , Pytlińska Natalia , Słopień Radosław , Wolańczyk Tomasz , Bryńska Anita
Published: November 2020

Cel pracy

Ocena częstości występowania czynników ryzyka związanych z przebiegiem ciąży i porodu oraz ze stanem dziecka po porodzie, w grupie dzieci i młodzieży z ADHD i grupie kontrolnej.

Metoda

205 niespokrewnionych dzieci i młodzieży z rozpoznaniem ADHD oraz 106 uczniów szkół podstawowych i ponadpodstawowych, w wieku 7-17 lat. Matki dzieci i młodzieży z rozpoznaniem ADHD oraz z grupy kontrolnej zostały poproszone o udzielenie wywiadu w celu uzyskania danych do uzupełnienia Kwestionariusza wywiadu ciążowo-okołoporodowego.

Wyniki

Istotne statystycznie różnice (p<0,05) wykazano dla częstości występowania takich czynników ryzyka jak: występowanie u matki w I/II trymestrze ciąży chorób oraz innych problemów, narażenie matki przez cały czas trwania ciąży na stres oraz przyjmowanie przez nią leków, palenie przez matkę papierosów w czasie ciąży, wiek matki w chwili porodu <25 r.ż lub > 35 r.ż., zastosowanie substancji redukujących ból porodowy oraz występowanie problemów z dzieckiem w czasie porodu, uzyskanie przez noworodka wyniku w skali Apgar w przedziale 5-7 pkt., występowanie u noworodka po porodzie żółtaczki wymagającej leczenia, zwłaszcza przy pomocy transfuzji wymiennej, anomalii fizycznych/problemów wrodzonych, a także problemów adaptacyjnych wymagających podania tlenu lub umieszczenia w inkubatorze.

Wnioski

Istotnie częstsze występowanie w grupie ADHD w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną czynników ryzyka związanych z przebiegiem ciąży, porodu oraz ze stanem dziecka po porodzie, może świadczyć o ich potencjalnej roli w etiologii ADHD.