bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vismodegib-Induced Alopecia: Trichoscopic and Confocal Microscopy Evaluation
Authors: Cantelli Mariateresa , Cappello Milena , Vastarella Maria , Patrì Angela , Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Fabbrocini Gabriella
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Vismodegib is the first-in-class inhibitor of the sonic hedgehog pathway useful in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that is not amenable to surgery and radiation therapy. Common adverse events of vismodegib, probably mechanism related, include alopecia (58%) as a reversible side effect. Case Presentation: We report 2 cases of patients receiving vismodegib for the treatment of locally advanced BCCs that developed alopecia during treatment and describe clinical, dermoscopic, and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of this adverse event. Conclusion: Alopecia is one of the most distressing adverse events leading to vismodegib discontinuations. To our knowledge, these are the first descriptions of RCM dermoscopy in vismodegib-induced alopecia. Trichoscopy and confocal microscopy are essential to monitoring vismodegib hair loss and the response to the treatment.
Infectious Complications in Patients with Primary Glomerulonephritis over 10 Years: A Single-Center Experience in Turkey
Authors: Eren Sadioglu Rezzan , Eyupoglu Sahin , Erdogmus Siyar , Kumru Sahin Gizem , Yoruk Fugen , Kutlay Sim , Keven Kenan , Erturk Sehsuvar , Sengul Sule
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Infections can play an important role in the mortality and morbidity of patients with glomerulonephritis. However, the frequency of infectious complications in primary glomerulonephritis and their burden to the healthcare managements are not clear. Methods: We evaluated the infectious complications in patients with biopsy-proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, minimal change disease, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and chronic glomerulonephritis during the last 10 years in a single center. We recorded the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics; treatment modalities; infectious episodes; and infection-related mortality and morbidity of the patients. Results: Of the patients, 154 (63.6%) received immunosuppressive treatment and 88 (34.4%) were followed up under conservative treatment. Overall, 118 infectious episodes were noted in 64 patients, with an infection rate of 0.20 per patient-year. Total infectious complications were higher in the immunosuppressive group than in the conservative group (42.1 vs. 23.3%, p = 0.005). Infection-related hospitalizations were also higher in the immunosuppressive group (p = 0.01). The most frequently infected area was the lungs (15.7%). Although bacterial infections were the most common in both groups, 14.9% of the immunosuppressive group had cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Age >50 years (OR 2.19, p = 0.03), basal serum albumin <2.5 g/dL (OR 2.28, p = 0.02), cyclophosphamide (OR 2.43, p = 0.02), and cyclosporine (OR 2.30, p = 0.03) were independently associated with experiencing infectious episodes. Conclusions: Because of high seropositivity for CMV in Turkey, it might be a wise approach to use prophylactic antiviral drugs in patients treated with immunosuppressive treatments. Close monitoring of patients with primary glomerulonephritis, especially those treated with immunosuppressive therapy, is important for reducing infection-related morbidity and mortality.
COVID-19 in the Healthy Patient Population
Authors: Ronderos Botero Diana Maria , Omar Alaa Mabrouk Salem , Sun Haozhe Keith , Mantri Nikhitha , Fortuzi Ked , Choi Yongsub , Adrish Muhammad , Nicu Marin , Bella Jonathan N. , Chilimuri Sridhar
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can infect patients in any age group including those with no comorbid conditions. Understanding the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of these patients is important toward developing successful treatment strategies.

Approach and Results:

In a retrospective study design, consecutive patients without baseline comorbidities hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Patients were subdivided into ≤55 and >55 years of age. Predictors of in-hospital mortality or mechanical ventilation were analyzed in this patient population, as well as subgroups. Stable parameters in overall and subgroup models were used to construct a cluster model for phenotyping of patients. Of 1207 COVID-19–positive patients, 157 met the study criteria (80≤55 and 77>55 years of age). Most reliable predictors of outcomes overall and in subgroups were age, initial and follow-up
d
-dimer, and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels. Their predictive cutoff values were used to construct a cluster model that produced 3 main clusters. Cluster 1 was a low-risk cluster and was characterized by younger patients who had low thrombotic and inflammatory features. Cluster 2 was intermediate risk that also consisted of younger population that had moderate level of thrombosis, higher inflammatory cells, and inflammatory markers. Cluster 3 was a high-risk cluster that had the most aggressive thrombotic and inflammatory feature.

Conclusions:

In healthy patient population, COVID-19 remains significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. While age remains the most important predictor of in-hospital outcomes, thromboinflammatory interactions are also associated with worse clinical outcomes regardless of age in healthy patients.
Morphology and phylogeny reveal Russula subpunctipes sp. nov., from southern China

Authors: SONG JIE , CHEN BIN , LIANG JUN-FENG , LI HAI-JIAO , WANG SHENG-KUN , LU JUN-KUN
Published: September 2020

In this study, Russula subpunctipes sp. nov. collected from Hubei Province, central China, is described and illustrated based on both morphological data and phylogenetic analysis. It is characterized by a sulfur yellow to honey yellow pileus, a cracked cuticle and margin, a tuberculate-striate pileus margin, a henna lamellar edge, henna warts on the hollow stipe and a faint fragrant odor. Both molecular and morphological analyses consistently placed R. subpunctipes in the Russula section Foetentinae. The morphological differences among R. subpunctipes and closely related taxa are discussed.
Porpidinia brevispora, a new species and the second representative of the genus Porpidinia (Lecideaceae, Lecanorales) from the Russian Far East

Authors: YAKOVCHENKO LIDIA , DAVYDOV EVGENY A. , PAUKOV ALEXANDER , OHMURA YOSHIHITO
Published: September 2020

Porpidinia brevispora sp. nov. from Shikhote-Alin Range, Primorye Territory, Russian Far East is described and illustrated. The new species resembles Porpidinia tumidula morphologically, but is distinct in its spherical to ellipsoid, significantly smaller ascospores that do not overlap in size with those of P. tumidula, as well as a lower hymenium with paraphyses embedded into hyaline gelatinous envelopes, up to 5 µm wide. Porpidinia brevispora inhabits carbonate rocks at low elevations.
A review of the damselfly genus Megalestes Selys, 1862 (Insecta: Odonata: Zygoptera: Synlestidae) using integrative taxonomic methods
Authors: YU XIN , XUE JUNLI
Published: September 2020

We used morphological and molecular characters to review the classification of damselflies in the genus Megalestes Selys, 1862 (Zygoptera: Odonata). Several methods were used for this review, including morphology, cladistics, genetic distance analysis, and molecular taxonomy. Six species were newly defined as junior synonyms (Megalestes palaceus to Megalestes haui, Megalestes chengi to Megalestes micans, Megalestes discus to Megalestes micans, Megalestes raychoudhurii to M. micans, Megalestes maai to Megalestes riccii, and Megalestes tuska to M. riccii). The total species number in Megalestes was reduced from 18 to 12. The importance of an objective species diversity measure is discussed.
Improved Estimates of Changes in Upper Ocean Salinity and the Hydrological Cycle
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Trenberth Kevin E. , Gruber Nicolas , Abraham John P. , Fasullo John T. , Li Guancheng , Mann Michael E. , Zhao Xuanming , Zhu Jiang
Published: September 2020

Ocean salinity records the hydrological cycle and its changes, but data scarcity and the large changes in sampling make the reconstructions of long-term salinity changes challenging. Here, we present a new observational estimate of changes in ocean salinity since 1960 from the surface to 2000 m. We overcome some of the inconsistencies present in existing salinity reconstructions by using an interpolation technique that uses information on the spatiotemporal covariability of salinity taken from model simulations. The interpolation technique is comprehensively evaluated using recent Argo-dominated observations through subsample tests. The new product strengthens previous findings that ocean surface and subsurface salinity contrasts have increased (i.e., the existing salinity pattern has amplified). We quantify this contrast by assessing the difference between the salinity in regions of high and low salinity averaged over the top 2000 m, a metric we refer to as SC2000. The increase in SC2000 is highly distinguishable from the sampling error and less affected by interannual variability and sampling error than if this metric was computed just for the surface. SC2000 increased by 1.9% ± 0.6% from 1960 to 1990 and by 3.3% ± 0.4% from 1991 to 2017 (5.2% ± 0.4% for 1960–2017), indicating an acceleration of the pattern amplification in recent decades. Combining this estimate with model simulations, we show that the change in SC2000 since 1960 emerges clearly as an anthropogenic signal from the natural variability. Based on the salinity-contrast metrics and model simulations, we find a water cycle amplification of 2.6% ± 4.4% K−1since 1960, with the larger error than salinity metric mainly being due to model uncertainty.
Evaluation of Simulated Winter Precipitation Using WRF-ARW during the ICE-POP 2018 Field Campaign
Authors: Sunny Lim Kyo-Sun , Chang Eun-Chul , Sun Ruiyu , Kim Kwonil , Tapiador Francisco J. , Lee GyuWon
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates the performance of several cloud microphysics parameterizations in simulating surface precipitation for two snowstorm cases during the International Collaborative Experiment held at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics and Winter Paralympic Games (ICE-POP 2018) field campaign. We compared four different schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, namely the double-moment 6-class (WDM6), the WRF single-moment 6-class (WSM6), and Thompson and Morrison parameterizations. Both WSM6 and WDM6 overestimated the precipitation amount for the shallow precipitation system because of the substantial amount of cloud ice, mostly generated by the deposition process. The simulated precipitation amount and distribution for the deep precipitation system showed no noticeable differences in the different cloud microphysics parameterizations. However, the simulated hydrometeor type at the surface using WSM6 and WDM6 showed good agreement with observations for all cases. The accuracy of the mean mass-weighted terminal velocity of cloud ice applied in WSM6 and WDM6 is ±20%. The number concentration of cloud ice and the ice microphysics processes are newly retrieved with 1.2 times increased . For the shallow snowstorm, the precipitation amount was reduced by approximately 8% because of the inefficient deposition and its effects on the subsequent ice microphysical processes, such as the accretion of cloud ice by snow and the conversion from cloud ice to snow.
Verification of Solid Precipitation Forecasts from Numerical Weather Prediction Models in Norway
Authors: Køltzow Morten , Casati Barbara , Haiden Thomas , Valkonen Teresa
Published: September 2020

Assessing the quality of precipitation forecasts requires observations, but all precipitation observations have associated uncertainties making it difficult to quantify the true forecast quality. One of the largest uncertainties is due to the wind-induced undercatch of solid precipitation gauge measurements. This study discusses how this impacts the verification of precipitation forecasts for Norway for one global model [the high-resolution version of the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (IFS-HRES)], and one high-resolution, limited-area model [Applications of Research to Operations at Mesoscale (MEPS)]. First, the forecasts are compared with high-quality reference measurements (less undercatch) and with more simple measurement equipment commonly available (substantial undercatch) at the Haukeliseter observation site. Then the verification is extended to include all Norwegian observation sites: 1) stratified by wind speed, since calm (windy) conditions experience less (more) undercatch; and 2) by applying transfer functions, which convert measured precipitation to what would have been measured with high-quality equipment with less undercatch, before the forecast–observation comparison is performed. Results show that the wind-induced undercatch of solid precipitation has a substantial impact on verification results. Furthermore, applying transfer functions to adjust for wind-induced undercatch of solid precipitation gives a more realistic picture of true forecast capabilities. In particular, estimates of systematic forecast biases are improved, and to a lesser degree, verification scores like correlation, RMSE, ETS, and stable equitable error in probability space (SEEPS). However, uncertainties associated with applying transfer functions are substantial and need to be taken into account in the verification process. Precipitation forecast verification for liquid and solid precipitation should be done separately whenever possible.
Social Democracy in Welfare Capitalism – Structural Erosion, Welfare Backlash and Incorporation?
Authors: Korpi Walter
Published: September 2020

Sweden is here taken as a ‘test case’ for post-war social science theories predicting that changes inclass, stratification and community structures accompanying industrialization will gradually erode the base for socialist voting and make the mobilization of the electorate by the socialist parties more difficult. The maturation of the welfare state has further been predicted to generate a ‘welfare backlash’ against the social democratic parties. An analysis of long-term changes in social structure and socialist voting in Sweden does not give support to these hypotheses. An alternative interpretation is suggested in which the shape and changes in the power structure in society are taken as the starting point for the analysis of the possibilities and limitations for social democratic policies in advanced capitalist society.
Pension or Work? A Growing Dilemma in the Nordic Welfare States1
Authors: Berglind Hans
Published: September 2020

For over a decade, the number of recipients of premature pensions has been growing in the Nordic countries. This increase has been especially noticeable among older workers, 45 to 65 years of age. Among the newly qualified premature pensioners in this category, a consistent pattern has prevailed in nearly all Nordic countries: a moderate increase in the sixties, followed by a rapid increase until 1972, and thereafter a decline until 1974. The proportion of male recipients has also been consistently greater than the proportion of female recipients in all Nordic countries. Legislative changes such as wider eligibility for premature pensions and more liberal application of the law can partially account for these trends. Underlying these legal changes, however, have been socio-economic structural changes which have led to increased and more prolonged periods of unemployment. Structural changes have made it especially difficult for older workers to retain a job or to find a new one. Regional unemployment is also correlated with data on receipt of premature pensions. And the fact that post-industrial society has involved a shift from employment in agriculture (essentially male-dominated) to service occupations (increasingly recruiting females), has found its correlate in the greater proportion of men receiving premature pensions. The consequences of these trends for the recipients include lowered income and, because of the resultant economic dependency and social isolation, lessened self-esteem. Society is burdened with increased costs and the possibility of a ‘welfare backlash’, especially if the current recession leads to still further increases in the number of recipients. The state should support a policy which leads to more jobs rather than more pensions.
Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tang Amber B. , Lamaina Margherita , Childers Christopher P. , Mak Selene S. , Ruan Qiao , Begashaw Meron M. , Bergman Jonathan , Booth Marika S. , Shekelle Paul G. , Wilson Mark , Gunnar William , Maggard-Gibbons Melinda , Girgis Mark D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Adoption of the robotic surgical platform for small renal cancers has rapidly expanded, but its utility compared to other approaches has not been established. The objective of this review is to assess perioperative and long-term oncologic and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) compared to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN).

Methods

A search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane (2010-2019) was conducted. Of 3877 articles screened, 7 observational studies were included.

Results

RAPN was associated with 24-50 mL less intraoperative blood loss compared to LPN and 39-84 mL less than OPN. RAPN also demonstrated trends of other postoperative benefits, such as shorter length of stay and fewer major complications. Several studies reported better long-term functional kidney outcomes, but these findings were inconsistent. Recurrence and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were similar across groups. While RAPN had a 5-year CSS of 90.1%-97.9%, LPN and OPN had survival rates of 85.9%-86.9% and 88.5-96.3% respectively.

Conclusions

RAPN may be associated with a lower estimated blood loss and comparable long-term outcomes when compared to other surgical approaches. However, additional randomized or propensity matched studies are warranted to fully assess long-term functional kidney and oncologic outcomes.
The Impact of Hospital/University Affiliation on Research Productivity Among US-Based Authors in the Fields of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Acute Care, and Emergency General Surgery
Authors: Baroutjian Amanda , Sutherland Mason , Hoff John J. , Bean Tyler , Sanchez Carol , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: September 2020

Background

Research productivity is critical to academic surgery and essential for advancing surgical knowledge and evidence-based practice. We aim to determine if surgeon affiliation with top US universities/hospitals (TOPS) is associated with increased research productivity measured by numbers of peer-reviewed publications in PubMed (PMIDs).

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was performed for PMIDs. Affiliated authors who published in trauma surgery (TS), surgical critical care (SCC), acute care surgery (ACS), and emergency general surgery (EGS) were evaluated for publications between 2015 and 2019, and lifetime productivity. Our analysis included 3443 authors from 443 different institutions. Our main outcome was PMIDs of first author (FA) and senior author (SA) in each field (2015-2019) and total lifetime publications.

Results

Significant differences exist between PMIDs from TOPS vs non-TOPS in FA-TS (1.34 vs 1.23, P = .001), SA-TS (1.71 vs 1.46, P < .001), total SA-PMIDs (44.10 vs 26.61, P < .001), and SA-lifetime PMIDs (90.55 vs 59.03, P < .001). There were no significant differences in PMIDs for FA or SA-SCC, FA or SA-ACS, FA or SA-EGS, FA-total PMIDs 2015-2019, or FA-lifetime PMIDs ( P > .05 for all).

Conclusion

There were significantly higher TS PMIDs among FAs and SAs affiliated with top US institutions in 2015-2019, along with higher total PMIDs (2015-2019) and lifetime PMIDs. These findings are of significance to future graduate medical applicants and academic surgeons who need to make decisions about training and future career opportunities.
Timing of Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement and Trauma Outcomes
Authors: Elkbuli Adel , Ehrhardt John D. , Kinslow Kyle , McKenney Mark
Published: September 2020

Background

Prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) are often placed in trauma patients who cannot receive prophylactic anticoagulation. IVCFs are utilized in an effort to reduce the risk of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and mortality. This study aims to investigate whether time-to-filter placement is associated with differences in trauma outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of adult trauma patients who underwent prophylactic IVCF placement. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on time-to-filter: 0-48 hours and >48 hours. Outcome measures included post-filter deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-filter PE, in-hospital mortality, and ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS). Significance was defined as P < .05.

Results

During the 6-year study period, 513 patients underwent prophylactic IVCF placement. Both groups were similar with respect to injury severity score (ISS) ( P = .540), percent of patients on home anticoagulation (38% and 39%, P = .845), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) by anatomic region ( P = .899), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevalence ( P = .182). Time-to-filter was not associated with significant differences in DVT, PE, or in-hospital mortality ( P > .05 for all). Filter placement in the first 48 hours was associated with shorter ICU-LOS and hospital-LOS.

Conclusions

Currently, there are no investigations in the trauma literature looking at the impact of time-to-filter on complications related to venous thromboembolism and potential survival benefit. Results of this investigation showed that IVCF placement within the first 48 hours was significantly associated with shorter ICU- and hospital- LOS.
A Tale of Populism? The Determinants of Voting for Left-Wing Populist Parties in Spain
Authors: Marcos-Marne Hugo
Published: September 2020

Evidence indicates that populist attitudes matter for voting decisions, but findings are still inconclusive about whether this happens regardless of individuals’ positioning on more traditional dimensions of electoral competition. This article focuses on the probability of voting for populist parties in Spain, a country where only left-wing populist parties existed in 2015–2016. Therefore, not all populist individuals, who were spread across the left–right axis, had a natural voting option that combined their populist and left–right preferences. Although this situation could make it more likely that stronger populist attitudes increase likelihood of voting populist regardless of preferences on other political dimensions, the results of this analysis show otherwise. Stronger populist attitudes significantly increase the likelihood of voting for left-wing populist parties only among individuals located in the left side of the ideological axis. The effect seems largely influenced by preferences related to economic redistribution.
Mobilising the dispositive: Exploring the role of dockless public bike sharing in transforming urban governance in Shanghai
Authors: Lin Wen-I , Spinney Justin
Published: September 2020

This paper contributes to debates on urban governance and mobility through a case study of the transformation of public bike sharing schemes in Shanghai (China) from fixed/docked (PBSS 1.0) to flexible/dockless (PBSS 2.0). Based upon stakeholder interviews and observations between 2015 and 2017, we use the concept of a dispositive to foreground two related processes. The first is the reformulation of the governmental dispositive that coalesces around PBSS in Shanghai. We show how the relations within the dispositive shift from more hierarchical, bounded, regulated and state-led to those characterised by a more dispersed, disconnected, horizontal and distant set of social relations. Second, we show how this dispositive both produces and is produced by an emergent environmentality that manifests in a fixed territoriality in PBSS 1.0 and a more fluid and deterritorialised digital environmentality in PBSS 2.0. In framing this shift, we demonstrate how PBSS 2.0 produces a new dispositive of urban governmentality where the conduct of users is dispersed through a much less co-ordinated network of actors and technologies. Ultimately we argue that it is no longer possible to separate physical and virtual mobility when trying to understand the internal dynamics and external manifestations of mobility governance, which in our example are characterised by less localised and less hierarchical relationships that are more fluid, voluntary and physically distant.
Agonistic failures: Following policy conflicts in Berlin’s urban cultural politics
Authors: Landau Friederike
Published: September 2020

The paper intervenes in critical policy studies to challenge the ‘success bias’ lingering in public policy accounts of collaborative governance. I suggest conflict, rather than consensus, is a productive resource to navigate collaborations between state and civic stakeholders. By developing a conflict-oriented framework that foregrounds political decisions as always-already failing – regardless of whether promoted as success or failure – I argue that the recognition of nuanced conflicts contributes to new understandings on what counts as success or failure to whom. To substantiate the conflict-oriented framework of policy failure, I present empirical insights into Berlin’s urban cultural politics, shedding light on a new funding instrument for artists. Unpacking artists’ and administrators’ understandings about what constitutes a failure, and how to proceed from there, I propose ‘policyfailing’ as ongoing failure. Conceptualising failure along the lines of operational conflicts (i.e. concrete, procedural disagreements) and meta conflicts (i.e. overarching, ideological differences), two scenarios of policy failure emerge: absolute policy failure, pointing to unsolvable conflicts between state and civic stakeholders; and agonistic policy failure, referring to wider-ranging disagreements about the purpose of policy issues, which are however transferred into temporary policy solutions. Following one such agonistic policy failure in Berlin over time, I show how new opportunities for both absolute and agonistic policy failure unfold. Ultimately, I outline the practical, political and analytical potential of an agonistic framework to understand policies as inherently contested and, to some degree, always failing.
A First Nations Voice: Institutionalising Political Listening
Authors: Appleby Gabrielle , Synot Eddie
Published: September 2020

The Uluru Statement from the Heart offers an opportunity to reorder the Australian constitutional hierarchy as it relates to First Nations. The proposal for a First Nations Voice provides a tailored, structural response to the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the Australian state. For the First Nations Voice to meet this potential, it will require more than careful design of the Voice as a new constitutional institution; it will require existing constitutional institutions within the legislature and executive to learn to ‘listen’. This article draws on the political and democratic listening literature to examine how political listening might be practised at the interface between the First Nations Voice and existing constitutional institutions. We suggest five principles to guide this cross-institutional relationship together with ways these principles might be incorporated into governance structures.
Constitutional Change Outside the Courts: Citizen Deliberation and Constitutional Narrative(s) in Ireland’s Abortion Referendum
Authors: Carolan Eoin
Published: September 2020

This article considers how the use of referenda to enact constitutional change relates to the concept of a ‘constitution outside the courts’. It argues that the referendum is a challenge to this concept but that these challenges arise in a more complex manner than might first be assumed. First, a referendum occurs within a legal framework which calls into question the notion of the referendum as an extra-legal interruption to the constitutional order. Secondly, this suggests that the referendum is more likely to be the end point of a process of constitutional change rather than the vehicle or impetus for it. This means that the relevant developments may occur elsewhere in society. Using Ireland as a case study, the article argues that there is a constitution outside the courts which depends to a significant extent on the mediating influence of multiple actors—including the courts.
Are Psychological Treatments for Adults With Histories of Violent Offending Associated With Change in Dynamic Risk Factors? A Meta-Analysis of Intermediate Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Papalia Nina , Spivak Benjamin , Daffern Michael , Ogloff James R. P.
Published: September 2020

This meta-analysis examined whether psychological treatments delivered to adults with histories of violent offending in correctional and forensic mental health settings were related to change in dynamic risk factors. Twenty-two controlled studies (86% comprised male samples) were identified via a comprehensive search. Treatments had a significant effect overall, with small to moderate improvements in trait anger, social problem solving, impulsivity, and general social skill. The treatment effect for antisocial cognitions was nonsignificant. There were a small number of significant moderators, which provide preliminary indications of treatment features that may promote greater change. However, small sample sizes and difficulties disentangling moderating effects preclude drawing firm conclusions. While these results are useful and promising, the field remains limited by few high-quality outcome studies, disparate outcome/measure selection, inconsistent/incomplete reporting of evaluations, and limited information about whether change in dynamic risk factors predicts reductions in recidivism. Suggestions for advancing the field are provided.
Assessment of the cross-sectional areas of the psoas major in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before skeletal maturity
Authors: Xu Jia-Jing , Zhu Xiu-Liang , Li Tian , Lin Yan , Luo Xin , Wu Yao-Sen , Dou Hai-Cheng
Published: September 2020

Background

The psoas major (PM) can support the lumbar spine and plays an important role in lumbar movement and maintaining lumbar curvature.

Purpose

To analyze morphological changes of PM and its relation with the severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Material and Methods

The study was conducted on patients with AIS (age range = 10–18 years) with primary lumbar scoliosis. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the PM at the L1–L5 levels were measured. The CSA of the PM in patients with AIS was compared with the average CSA of the PM in age-matched controls. The difference in PM at the apical vertebrae level was compared with the Cobb angle to determine the association between PM imbalance and severity of scoliosis.

Results

The CSA of the PM was larger on the concave side than the convex side at the apical vertebrae level and other lumber levels. Patients with a larger Cobb angle had statistically higher PM imbalance at the apical vertebrae level. The CSA of the PM on both the concave and convex sides of patients with AIS were larger than the average CSA of controls aged 16–18 years; however, there was no significant difference between patients with AIS and controls aged 10–15 years.

Conclusion

There is a significant PM imbalance in patients with AIS before skeletal maturity, and the imbalance is related to the severity of scoliosis. The morphology of PM changed with the progression of scoliosis.
Road Load Based Model for Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Cost Estimation
Authors: Sime Muluneh , Bailey Gary , Hajj Elie Y. , Chkaiban Rami
Published: September 2020

A techno-economic model is developed based on road-load simulation results expressed in relation to slip energy (SE) at the tire–pavement interface and the repair and maintenance (R&M) cost obtained from published sources and data from state agencies. Tire SE allows for the consideration of aggressive acceleration and deceleration, high torque conditions (for instance, driving an upslope grade), and roadway curvature. Tire SE data used in this effort were generated using physics-based simulation models of different vehicle types for arrays of road conditions (e.g., grades, curvatures) and driving cycles (i.e., vehicle speed profiles). R&M costs were estimated for various vehicle categories and accumulated vehicle mileage. The approach is based on relating the probability density functions (PDFs) of SE and R&M costs. Asymptotic series expansion for an incomplete gamma function was used to approximate the gamma functions and to determine the gamma ratio function that is used as the coefficient to SE to estimate R&M costs. The average R&M cost per mile results from the model compared with the arithmetic mean R&M cost data from fleet operators and published data. The model can serve as a method for predicting R&M cost as a function of road load to vehicle fleet.
Optimal Treatment of Cam Morphology May Change the Natural History of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Domb Benjamin G. , Annin Shawn , Chen Jeffrey W. , Kyin Cynthia , Rosinsky Philip J. , Maldonado David R. , Meghpara Mitchell B. , Lall Ajay C. , Shapira Jacob
Published: September 2020

Background:

There is debate in the literature whether cam morphology is associated with increased risk for hip osteoarthritis. The capability of femoroplasty to alter the natural history of cam morphology is still in question.

Purpose:

To (1) investigate the correlation between cam morphology and damage to the articular cartilage and (2) assess whether correction of the cam morphology affects survivorship of the joint, progression to arthroplasty, and functional patient-reported outcome scores.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected for patients presenting for hip arthroscopy between February 2008 and April 2017. Cases were divided into 3 groups: control group with an alpha angle <50° pre- and postoperatively, treated group with an alpha angle >55° preoperatively and <50° postoperatively, and a group with an alpha angle >55° pre- and postoperatively. All patients had minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score, the Non-arthritic Hip Score, and visual analog scale for pain. Conversion to total hip arthroplasty was recorded.

Results:

A 1:1:1 match successfully yielded 98 hips for each group. Follow-up time was 50.77 ± 24.60 months (mean ± SD). The pre- and postoperative mean alpha angles were 45.2°± 3.4° and 40.6°± 4.3° in the control group, respectively; 66.2°± 8.4° and 42.3°± 5.9° in the treated group; and 68.5°± 9.4° and 61.4°± 7.6° in the alpha >55° group. Intraoperatively, the alpha >55° and treated groups had greater acetabular cartilage damage than the control group ( P = .0245 and P = .0036, acetabular labrum articular disruption, respectively; P = .0347 and P = .0211, acetabular Outerbridge). The alpha >55° group achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state for the modified Harris Hip Score (58.2%) significantly less than the treated (75.5%; P = .0100) and control (73.5%; P = .0239) groups. Progression to arthroplasty was significantly higher in the alpha >55° group (n = 17) when compared with the control (n = 8) and treated (n = 10) groups ( P = .0034 and P = .0338, respectively).

Conclusion:

Cam deformity was associated with higher-grade damage of the acetabular articular cartilage. An alpha angle >55° after surgery was associated with lower native hip joint survivability and less successful functional outcomes when compared with that of treated cam deformity as well as no deformity. These data suggest that correcting the cam deformity may positively affect the natural history of these patients.
A multivariate factor analysis of the high plasma concentration of cyclic AMP in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Marumo F. , Sakai T. , Shirataka M.
Published: September 2020

The concentration of cyclic AMP which is known as an intracellular mediator of hormone action increased in the plasma of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). In the present study, the plasma concentration of cyclic AMP significantly correlated not only with serum, creatinine, and urea levels, but also with plasma PTH and glucagon in patients with CRF. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of PTH and glucagon correlated with the serum creatinine concentration to a significant extent.

To discuss the cause of the increased cyclic AMP concentration in plasma of patients with CRF, multivariate analyses were carried out on the obtained clinical data from patients and normal subjects. In the factor analysis on the clinical data from 61 subjects, cyclic AMP, creatinine and BUN correlated with the first factor and PTH correlated with the second factor. The cumulative contribution ratio by the second factor was 76%. The results of the cluster analysis indicated that cyclic AMP, creatinine, and BUN formed a cluster and PTH glucagon made another cluster. These results suggest that the elevated plasma concentration of cyclic AMP in patients with CRF was mainly introduced not by overproduction but by the retention of cyclic AMP due to the decreased renal function.
The role of open-loop systems in the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Pickup J.C.
Published: September 2020

In most insulin-dependent diabetics it is very difficult to achieve and maintain metabolic near-normalisation using conventional insulin injections. It is this deficiency which makes us still uncertain whether diabetic microangiopathy can be prevented, slowed or reversed by strict diabetic control.
eHealth Literacy and Caregiver Burden Among Chinese Caregivers of Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Does Education Matter?
Authors: Wang Kaipeng , Gao Xiang , Sun Fei , Bishop Nicholas J.
Published: September 2020

eHealth literacy is a critical factor that influences caregivers’ well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between eHealth literacy, education, and caregiver burden among Chinese caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment. Data came from structured interviews with 300 primary family caregiver–care recipient dyads in Wuhan, China. We used logistic regression to examine the association between eHealth literacy, education, and caregiver burden. An interaction effect between eHealth literacy and education on caregiver burden was identified. eHealth literacy was positively associated with caregiver burden among caregivers with less than a high school education, but not among those with a high school education or above. eHealth literacy is salient in the burden experienced by caregivers with low education. eHealth literacy needs to be enhanced with health information verification from health professionals and programs to support caregiving efficacy to realize its positive impact on caregivers’ mental health.
Troubleshooting to Learn via Scaffolds: Effect on Students’ Ability and Cognitive Load in a Robotics Course
Authors: Zhong Baichang , Si Qiuju
Published: September 2020

Studies have indicated the importance of scaffolding in the problem-solving process, as well as the potential of integrating learning content into the troubleshooting tasks. However, few have explored in depth the learning process during troubleshooting via scaffolds while also taking students' cognitive load into account. To address this issue, four kinds of scaffolds (with/without process information plus with/without solution) were set up during three learning phases (Introductory, Mastery, Applicable) in a robotics course. A total of 171 seventh graders participated in the course and learned by troubleshooting with different scaffolds. An experiment with 4 × 3 mixed design was employed to evaluate students' troubleshooting performance (higher-order ability), cognitive load and programming skill (lower-order ability). Across the three learning phases, the scaffold with process information while without solution, was always more effective for students’ higher-order ability compared to the other scaffolds. However, there was no significant difference in the low-order ability among the four scaffolds in the Applicable Phase. Results confirmed that the expertise-reversal effect of learning scaffold would appear in the students’ lower-order ability cultivation, but not the higher-order ability. This is a new finding for deeper insights into learning scaffolds with process information.
CT Abdominal Tomography Indications: Are We All Sticking to the Plan?
Authors: Pyper Michael , Sidiqi Abdulwahab , Rogalla Patrik , Sabbah Sam , Kielar Ania
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Ultra-low radiation dose computed tomography (CT) abdominal tomography was introduced in our institution in 2016 to replace standard abdominal radiography in the investigation of emergency department patients. This project aims to ascertain whether investigation of emergency department patients using ultra-low radiation dose CT abdominal tomography complies with original indication guidelines and/or if there has been any “indication creep” 3 years after inception.

Methods:

Retrospective, quality assurance project with research ethics waiver. A review of 200 consecutive patients investigated with CT abdominal tomography between February and May 2017 was performed. This was compared with 200 consecutive patients investigated between February and May 2019. Data analyzed included patient demographics, indication for scan, as well as scan and patient outcomes.

Results:

In the 2017 group, 29/200 scans were noncompliant with approved indication guidelines. In the 2019 group, 30/200 scans were also noncompliant. There was no statistically significant difference between groups ( P < .05) regarding the use of approved indications. Forty of 200 scans performed in 2017 revealed additional findings which are not specifically addressed on the reporting template. Forty-one of 200 scans in 2019 revealed these findings.

Conclusions:

There has been no “indication creep” for CT abdominal tomography over time.
“She’s the Center of My Life, the One That Keeps My Heart Open”: Roles and Expectations of Native American Women
Authors: Liddell Jessica L. , McKinley Catherine E. , Knipp Hannah , Scarnato Jenn Miller
Published: September 2020

Historically, Native American (NA) mothers have proven essential to the survival of their families and communities, yet scant research has examined their roles today. Current gender roles in NA communities are influenced by historical oppression (both historic and contemporary forms) that acted to reverse matrilineal gender norms in favor of patriarchy. The present study sought to explore norms and expectations for women among two NA tribes located in the southeastern region of the United States. The framework of Historical Oppression, Resilience and Transcendence (FHORT), Hill-Collins’s concept of “motherwork,” and a framework of reproductive justice were used to frame the study and interpret findings. This critical ethnography included data from field notes, semistructured interviews, and focus groups. Reconstructive analysis, a specific type of thematic qualitative analysis for critical ethnographies, was used to interpret data. Participants from both tribes described themes related to the expectations and roles of mothers. These expectations included themes of (a) mothers as caretakers, (b) mothers as the centers of family and role models, (c) women to prioritize family over economic and educational aspirations, and (d) decolonizing norms for mothers. While historical oppression and patriarchal norms have constrained and regulated expectations for motherhood and the domestic roles of NA women, these findings also highlight how women decolonize these norms and find ways to reclaim their power through their roles as mothers.
Collaboration for Improving Social Work Practice: The Promise of Feminist Participatory Action Research
Authors: Johnson Holly , Flynn Catherine
Published: September 2020

Feminist research and participatory action research (PAR) share the belief that research should directly serve social justice aims and work to alleviate suffering of marginalized and oppressed people. This article presents the results of a unique feminist PAR (FPAR) approach to designing and implementing an evaluation of an intervention with women who have used violence. The site of our analysis is the steering committee that oversaw this work and the extent to which members adhered to FPAR principles. Over the two decades since feminist critiques of PAR began to emerge, new discourses of collaboration have appeared. As researchers, we must be alert to FPAR discourses that mask ongoing hierarchies. Our findings suggest that, while reflexivity and genuine commitment to collaboration are fundamental to enacting FPAR principles, social workers nevertheless face real challenges confronting structural barriers that impede anti-oppression goals. This study highlights the challenges of adhering faithfully to feminist participatory principles in real-life settings and the need for future research to examine the effectiveness of FPAR processes in achieving authentic collaboration among committee members who are chosen to represent disparate perspectives and are backed by vastly different levels of social and institutional power.
Reinforced interface and mechanical properties of high strength carbon fiber composites
Authors: Jiao Zibao , Yao Zhengjun , Zhou Jintang , Yi Pengshu , Lu Chuanjun
Published: September 2020

Based on the surface analysis of carbon fiber, an epoxy resin matrix with good wettability to carbon fibers had been developed and studied, and the influence of winding tension on the interface and mechanical properties of the composite were studied. The surface morphology of carbon fiber and the active functional groups of sizing agent were analyzed. In order to form a good interface combination, the wettability between carbon fibers and epoxy resin matrix was characterized by dynamic contact angle. The winding tension played an important role in the mechanical properties of composites. Therefore, a kind of carbon fiber reinforced composites, Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) rings were fabricated using different winding tensions. Particularly, when the winding tension was 30 N, the interfacial bonding between carbon fibers and resin matrix was the most compact and firm. The tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of NOL rings reached high values, 2712 MPa and 75 MPa, respectively.
COVID-19 associated with AIDS-related disseminated histoplasmosis: a case report
Authors: Bertolini Mauro , Mutti María Felicitas , Barletta José AE , Falak Adriana , Cuatz Daniel , Sisto Alicia , Ragusa Martín A , Fernandez Claros Nigel Osvaldo , Rolón María José
Published: September 2020

Limited information is available concerning the coexistence of COVID-19 and opportunistic infections in people living with HIV. The possible association of COVID-19 with AIDS-related respiratory diseases should be considered, particularly in patients with advance immunosuppression. We report the case of a male patient with AIDS-related disseminated histoplasmosis associated with COVID-19.