bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volunteering and Self-Assessed Health Within EU28 Countries: Evidence From the EWCS
Authors: Capecchi Stefania , Di Iorio Francesca , Nappo Nunzia
Published: July 2020

The effects of voluntary activities on individual well-being have been investigated extensively in the literature. In this study, the relationship between self-assessed health and volunteering is examined from a cross-country perspective by considering respondents’ characteristics and other voluntary liabilities, employing the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey. This data set allows us to explore, by implementing an Ordered Probit model, the association of self-assessed health status with charity activities performed specifically by workers. Among the working population in the European Union, our results show that, although volunteering—as well as other unpaid tasks, such as informal helping—are statistically significant, voluntary activities do not seem to be strongly associated with individual perceived health status.
Improved mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding performance of segregated UHMWPE/CNTs via microwave-assisted sintering
Authors: Tang Jiahong , Ye Fan , Xie Yeping , Liu Pengju
Published: July 2020

Constructing the segregated networks is an efficient strategy to simultaneously achieve the high electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance in conductive polymer composites (CPCs). Herein, an advanced molding technique based on microwave (MW)-assisted sintering was proposed to prepare the segregated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/carbon nanotube (UHMWPE/CNT) composites. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy images indicated that CNTs enriched on the surfaces of UHMWPE granules through ball milling, and the clear and complete conductive networks were observed in UHMWPE/CNT composites in the following MW sintering process, revealing that a perfect segregated structure was successfully constructed. The segregated UHMWPE/CNT composites exhibited an excellent electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance of 49.3 S/m and 50 dB, respectively, along with a low percolation threshold of 0.10 vol%. Meanwhile, benefiting from the volumetric heating, an ideal mechanical property was also obtained in prepared composite by MW sintering. Compared with the conventional molding method, MW-assisted sintering shows its unique advantages, including better structural construction, shorter processing time, and lower energy consumption, which provides an efficient and environment-friendly method to fabricate CPCs with superior conductive and EMI shielding performance.
Empirical mean curve decomposition with multiwavelet transformation for eye movements recognition using electrooculogram signals
Authors: Mulam Harikrishna , Mudigonda Malini
Published: July 2020

Many research works are in progress in classification of the eye movements using the electrooculography signals and employing them to control the human–computer interface systems. This article introduces a new model for recognizing various eye movements using electrooculography signals with the help of empirical mean curve decomposition and multiwavelet transformation. Furthermore, this article also adopts a principal component analysis algorithm to reduce the dimension of electrooculography signals. Accordingly, the dimensionally reduced decomposed signal is provided to the neural network classifier for classifying the electrooculography signals, along with this, the weight of the neural network is fine-tuned with the assistance of the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is compared with the existing methods and it is observed that the proposed methodology gives the better performance in correspondence with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, false positive rate, false negative rate, negative predictive value, false discovery rate, F1 score, and Mathews correlation coefficient.
Osmo-inelastic response of the intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus tissue
Authors: Derrouiche Amil , Zaouali Ameni , Zaïri Fahmi , Ismail Jewan , Qu Zhengwei , Chaabane Makram , Zaïri Fahed
Published: July 2020

The aim of this article is to provide some insights on the osmo-inelastic response under stretching of annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. Circumferentially oriented specimens of square cross section, extracted from different regions of bovine cervical discs (ventral-lateral and dorsal-lateral), are tested under different strain-rates and saline concentrations within normal range of strains. An accurate optical strain measuring technique, based upon digital image correlation, is used in order to determine the full-field displacements in the lamellae and fibers planes of the layered soft tissue. Annulus stress–stretch relationships are measured along with full-field transversal strains in the two planes. The mechanical response is found hysteretic, rate-dependent and osmolarity-dependent with a Poisson’s ratio higher than 0.5 in the fibers plane and negative (auxeticity) in the lamellae plane. While the stiffness presents a regional-dependency due to variations in collagen fibers content/orientation, the strain-rate sensitivity of the response is found independent on the region. A significant osmotic effect is found on both the auxetic response in the lamellae plane and the stiffness rate-sensitivity. These local experimental observations will result in more accurate chemo-mechanical modeling of the disc annulus and a clearer multi-scale understanding of the disc intervertebral function.
Metabolic screen and intervene: improving mental health inpatient metabolic monitoring
Authors: Viglione Luke , Short Brooke L
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To assess rates of metabolic monitoring in patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in the psychiatric inpatient setting and the impact education can have regarding monitoring compliance.

Method:

Two identical audits were undertaken at a NSW mental health inpatient service before and after a campaign designed to educate mental health workers about the importance of metabolic monitoring. Results from both audits were compared for statistically significant improvements in monitoring rates.

Results:

Rates of monitoring plasma lipids increased from 21.7% to 78.8% ( p < 0.01) and rates for plasma glucose increased from 20.8% to 73.7% ( p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant changes in rates of monitoring body mass index (83.0% and 77.1%, respectively), waist circumference (36.8% and 43.2%, respectively) and blood pressure (99.1% and 100%, respectively).

Conclusion:

This study has shown that rates of metabolic monitoring in the inpatient setting can be improved with a relatively low-cost education intervention. While absolute rates remain low, outcomes suggest that it may be worthwhile trialling further modes of education and repeating this education in cycles.
Sexual Violence as a Form of Abuse in Men’s Experiences of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Bates Elizabeth A. , Weare Siobhan
Published: July 2020

The issue of men’s sexual victimization in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV) where the perpetrator is female has received minimal attention. This article brings together and analyses data from two empirical studies conducted in the United Kingdom—one exploring men’s experiences of being forced-to-penetrate women and another investigating men’s experiences of female-perpetrated IPV. Analysis of the data found that men experienced sexual violence alongside a range of other abusive behaviors, but that there was a clear relationship between the sexual violence and physical violence/ force, and coercive and controlling behaviors that they experienced. These novel insights improve our understanding about men’s sexual and domestic violence victimization, as well as challenge gender and sex-role stereotypes around men and masculinity and the (im)possibility of them experiencing sexual and domestic abuse from a female partner.
Deleuze and Absolute Immanence: Achieving Fully Immanent Inquiry
Authors: Hein Serge F.
Published: July 2020

The concepts of immanence and transcendence have a long and varied history in philosophy. In an ontology of absolute immanence, immanence is not dependent on something else. Immanence is immanent only to itself, with the result that all transcendence is eliminated. Deleuze, like Derrida and Foucault, has an unwavering commitment to absolute immanence, which he conceives of in different ways during his career. There is both a logical and an ethical problem with any ontology of transcendence, and an ontology of absolute immanence addresses both these problems. Fully immanent inquiry rejects all forms of methodological transcendence. It avoids relying on the authority of any existing qualitative (or other) methodological structures such as paradigms, methodologies, methodological concepts, methodological techniques, and methodological practices. It also avoids all binary opposites and universals and fosters experimentation and creation of the new. An example of fully immanent research is also discussed.
Development of a quality measures tool for the utilization of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: An integrated specialty pharmacy initiative
Authors: Crothers Garrett , Shah Nisha B , Kim Moonjung , Zuckerman Autumn D
Published: July 2020

Background

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, commonly prescribed for non-small cell lung cancer, are efficacious but pose safety risks that can diminish quality of life. Quality measures to ensure appropriate utilization and monitoring of tyrosine kinase inhibitors are needed to reduce unnecessary healthcare costs and maximize therapeutic benefit. With integrated clinical and pharmaceutical care services, a health-system specialty pharmacy is the ideal setting for quality measures development.

Purpose

The purpose of this initiative was to develop a tool to assess quality in the utilization of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer by engaging multiple key stakeholder perspectives to identify the fundamental elements of high-quality clinical and specialty pharmacy care.

Quality measures for the utilization of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer were developed by conducting package insert, guideline, and literature review followed by integrating feedback from key stakeholder groups through individual conversations and a structured assessment. The finalized guide assesses safety, efficacy, persistence, and patient-reported outcomes using defined clinical and specialty pharmacy measures. Most stakeholders agreed that the proposed measures were relevant as well as accurate and expressed support for implementation.

Conclusions

The proposed tool provides a framework for specialty pharmacies to deliver quality care in the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Further work is needed to implement and validate this tool.
Pupil dependence assessment with multifocal intraocular lenses through visual acuity and contrast sensitivity defocus curves
Authors: Fernández Joaquín , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel , Martínez Javier , Burguera Noemi , Piñero David P
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To identify the most sensitive visual performance metric for evaluating the pupil-dependency of a multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) and to determine the pupil measurement method most correlated with such metric.

Methods:

Twenty-seven right eyes implanted with a MIOL were included in the analysis. Three pupil size measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 month after surgery with the Keratograph 5M system: photopic (PP), mesopic (MP), and the average from both (AP). Pupil was also measured with a rule (RP) under the same light conditions of postoperative visual performance measurements that included, corrected visual acuities (VA) at three distances (far, 67 cm and 40 cm), visual acuity (VADC) and contrast sensitivity defocus curves for optotype sizes of 0.3 logMAR (CSDC3) and 0.7 logMAR (CSDC7). Differences in visual performance were also analyzed for eyes with RP > 3 mm (Group A) and RP ⩽ 3 mm (Group B).

Results:

PP diameter decreased after surgery by 16% ( p = 0.001), whereas MP ( p = 0.013) and AP ( p = 0.008) decreased by 10%. The best agreement with RP was obtained for AP. Group B showed a trend to better performance than Group A for all the included metrics ( p > 0.05). From the three types of defocus curves, CSDC3 obtained generally highest statistical power for testing differences between groups. The strongest statistically significant correlations between pupil size and CSDC3 were obtained for RP and AP.

Conclusion:

The CSDC3 was the most sensitive metric to detect MIOL pupil-dependency. PR and AP were more correlated with CSDC3 than PP and MP.
Clinical Utility of Assessing Changes of Personality Functioning During Substance Misuse Treatment
Authors: Papamalis Fivos E
Published: July 2020

Dimensional models for classifying personality have received extensive empirical support in the treatment of substance misuse. However, we do not currently understand whether and which dimensions of personality functioning are amenable to change. The aim was to examine whether there are clinically significant changes between pre- and during-treatment and assess whether these differ between those completing or dropping out of treatment. From the 200 participants from the outpatient and 340 from the inpatient treatment, a purposeful selection was utilised of 75 cases that participated in both phases and had complete datasets of the assessment battery. A quantitative multi-site individual follow-up design allowed the examination of the potential effects of treatment in personality functioning as well as the degree of clinical significant change of personality functioning. We use Jacob and Truax’s formula of reliable and clinically significant change. Five independent mixed between-within subject analyses of variance were performed. All personality adaptations changed towards higher-functioning levels, except Social Concordance, which remained stable. Compared to those dropping out, completers had significantly more changes towards functional characteristic adaptations and higher clinical improvement. The persistence of maladaptive characteristic adaptations may be an important risk marker for poor treatment outcomes, requiring therapeutic attention.
The Impact of Prolonged Chemotherapy to Surgery Interval and Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy on Pathological Complete Response and Overall Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Azab Basem , Macedo Francisco Igor , Chang David , Ripat Caroline , Franceschi Dido , Livingstone Alan S , Yakoub Danny
Published: July 2020

Background:

We aimed to study the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery (NCT-S) interval and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) on pathological complete response (pCR) and overall survival (OS) in pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDAC]).

Methods:

National Cancer Data Base (NCDB)–pancreatectomy patients who underwent NCT/NRT were included. The NCT-S interval was divided into time quintiles in weeks: 8 to 11, 12 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, and >29 weeks.

Results:

A total of 2093 patients with NCT were included with median follow-up of 74 months and 71% NRT. The pCR rate was 2.1% with higher median OS compared with non-pCR (41 vs 19 months, P = .03). The pCR rate increased with longer NCT-S interval (quintiles: 1%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 3%, and 6%, P < .001, respectively). In logistic regression, NRT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-6.1, P = .03) and NCT-S >29 weeks (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 2.02-18.50, P < .001) were predictive of increased pCR. The prolonged NCT-S interval and pCR were independent predictors of OS, whereas NRT was not.

Conclusions:

Longer NCT-S interval and pCR were independent predictors of improved OS in patients with PDAC. The NRT predicted increased pCR but not OS.
Gender gap in voting: Evidence from actual ballots
Authors: Koeppl-Turyna Monika
Published: July 2020

This paper looks at the development of an electoral gender gap over time, using, for the first time, actual ballot data collected in the Austrian state of Vienna. Vienna recorded female and male ballots separately in the years from 1954 to 1991. Firstly, using this unique design, we conclude that the traditional gender gap (males more left-leaning) existed up to 1969 and then changed into the modern gender gap (females more left-leaning), from that date. These results confirm the considerable literature based on survey data. As an alternative explanation for the observed pattern we explore the gender gap in voting for the central vs the flank parties. We can confirm survey-based findings that male voters support more extreme positions than female voters, and link this observation to the “social-harmony” gender gap.
Short report: Social communication difficulties and restricted repetitive behaviors as predictors of anxiety in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kuzminskaite Erika , Begeer Sander , Hoekstra Rosa A , Grove Rachel
Published: July 2020

Autism spectrum disorder and anxiety are highly comorbid conditions. Understanding the underlying traits of anxiety in autism spectrum disorder is crucial to prevent and treat it efficiently. Hence, this study determined whether social communication difficulties or restricted repetitive behaviors are stronger risk factors for anxiety symptoms in autistic adults in a large cohort. Data on 742 autistic adults from the Netherlands Autism Register were included in the study. Hierarchical regression was implemented to evaluate whether social communication difficulties (Autism-Spectrum Quotient social behavior factor) and restricted repetitive behaviors (Adult Routines Inventory) were predictive of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) controlling for age and sex. When considered together, restricted repetitive behaviors stood out as significant positive predictors of anxiety symptoms (lower-order restricted repetitive behaviors, β = 0.32, p < 0.001; higher-order restricted repetitive behaviors, β = 0.15, p = 0.001), whereas social communication difficulties did not ( β = 0.06, p = 0.11). Sex did not moderate these associations ( p > 0.05). Non-social autistic traits are stronger predictors of anxiety symptoms than social traits in autistic adults. Increased attention to restricted repetitive behaviors should be given to improve current support programs for autistic adults with anxiety and to identify autistic individuals at risk.
Association of healthy child-rearing practices and children’s receipt of care in patient-centered medical homes
Authors: Phillips Victoria L , Hu Xin
Published: July 2020

Efforts to improve the quality of care for children have focused on the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), defined by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Little research has focused on caregivers’ role in choosing physicians for children. This study aims to determine whether healthy caregiving behaviors and specific behaviors are associated with children’s receipt of PCMH care. Using data from the 2016–2017 National Survey of Children’s Health, which includes information on child-rearing behaviors, we estimated logistic regressions, controlling for children’s and caregivers’ characteristics, to quantify possible associations. We found that each additional healthy child-rearing practice followed increased a child’s chance of receiving PCMH care by 4.5% ( p < 0.001). Being breastfed (children aged 0–5 years), sharing ideas with their caregiver (children aged 6–17 years), their caregiver ensuring homework is finished (children aged 6–17 years), and having TV time monitored (all ages), each increased the likelihood of PCMH use. These findings show that caregiving behavior is independently associated with locus of care. Future research is warranted as educating caregivers about healthy child-rearing may lead them to seek higher quality care for their children. Also, evaluating the effect of behaviors on health outcomes associated with PCMH would be valuable.
The disaffiliative use of ‘did you know’ questions in Arabic news interviews: The case of Aljazeera’s ‘The Opposite Direction’
Authors: Shalash Dana
Published: July 2020

This article studies the use of ‘hal taʔlaam’ (‘did you know’, hereafter) questions by the interviewer (IR) as a discursive strategy to block the interviewees’ (IEs’) agenda and stance in Aljazeera’s ‘The Opposite Direction’, a weekly news interview program that broadcasts live in Arabic on Aljazeera. The show has been on the air since Aljazeera’s inception, in the mid 1990s. The show hosts two guests with opposing political views, who are pitted against each other in a heated discussion as they represent and defend their own political and institutional affiliation. This article shows how IR uses ‘did you know’ questions to express adversarialness with his interviewees. The article argues that IR uses this type of questioning as an agenda blocking practice that the IR orients to as confrontational. The dataset examined in this article shows that ‘did you know’ questions do not provide any new information, nor does it seem to expect a response from the addressee. In fact, they are regularly used by the IR in this specific program to provide an account for previous turns that did not receive the desired response from the IE. They are lengthy, said in clear, loud Standard Arabic, and they typically embed ‘hostile presuppositions’ and confrontational messages. For the analysis presented here, 20, 50-minute episodes from ‘The Opposite Direction’ are examined following Conversation Analysis as the analytic method.
Digital intimacy and ambient embodied copresence in YouTube videos: construing visual and aural perspective in ASMR role play videos
Authors: Zappavigna Michele
Published: July 2020

This article explores how digital intimacy is construed through ambient embodied copresence in ‘personal attention’ role play videos, a type of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) video that has become popular on YouTube. ASMR is the experience of positive sensations in response to visual and aural stimuli. Online video sharing platforms have provided a way for people who experience these ASMR sensations to watch, produce, and disseminate ASMR-invoking material. In ASMR role play videos the YouTuber constructs a conceit (e.g. a beautician visit) and uses visual and aural resources to encourage the feeling in the ambient viewers that they are there with the YouTuber experiencing the interaction. This article considers how these videos forge an immersive faux-interactional context, and invoke the visual and aural perspectives and embodiment of ambient viewers. The dataset explored is a playlist of 116 role play videos from the GentleWhispering ASMR YouTube channel, the most popular ASMR channel at the time of writing.
Who is the Counterpublic? Bromance-as-Masquerade in Chinese Online Drama—S.C.I. Mystery
Authors: Hu Tingting , Wang Cathy Yue
Published: July 2020

This articles examines the representation of the blurred boundary between bromance and romance in the Chinese drama, S.C.I. Mystery (2018) and how it can be interpreted in Chinese gender discourse because it is the unique boys’ love fanfiction being adapted for an online drama in mainland China. We use the term bromance-as-masquerade to denote a representational strategy of depicting male–male romance under the guise of homosocial bromance. Bromance-as-masquerade facilitates the promotion of male intimacy cultivated by the leading actors themselves and the production team in the marketing process. Their actions demonstrate a proactive engagement in the counterpublic discourse; however, this article argues that the self-censored modification of the plot-setting represents a refusal and exclusion of boys’ love subculture, which places the notion of the counterpublic in question.
Hydrophobic silica-aerogel integrated polyacrylonitrile nanofibers
Authors: Arat Refik , Baskan Havva , Ozcan Gulay , Altay Pelin
Published: July 2020

Owing to its high specific surface area, high thermal stability and excellent thermal insulation, silica aerogel is used as an insulating material in protective clothing. In this study, the hydrophobicity and thermal insulation properties of the electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were enhanced by integrating silica aerogel (SA), which was synthesized using silicic acid as silica precursor instead of silicon alkoxides or sodium silicate and modified with phenyltrimethoxysilane. The electrospun PAN-SA composite nanofibers showed higher surface roughness and hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 142°) compared to the smooth and hydrophilic PAN (control) nanofiber. Further, the thermal stability of the PAN nanofibers was increased by 17 °C while their thermal conductivity was decreased from 15.8 W/mK to 0.4 W/mK (reduction of 97.5%). These features make the PAN-SA composite nanofibers particularly suitable for use in thermal insulation protective clothing.
The Leaf Extracts of Toona sinensis and Fermented Culture Broths of Antrodia camphorata Synergistically Cause Apoptotic Cell Death in Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Yang Hsin-Ling , Kuo Ya-Ting , Vudhya Gowrisankar Yugandhar , Lin Kai-Yuan , Hsu Li-Sung , Huang Pei-Jane , Lin Hui-Chang , Hseu You-Cheng
Published: July 2020

Toona sinensis is a common edible vegetable that is used in certain Chinese dishes and has importance in folk medicine. The leaf extracts of T sinensis possess and exhibit anticancer efficacy against various cancer cell types. In Taiwanese folklore, Antrodia camphorata, also known as “Niu-Cheng-Zi,” is used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Its fruit and mycelium possess various potent antiproliferative properties. Two studies from our group have reported that T sinensis or A camphorata has the ability to cause apoptosis in various cancer cells. Conversely, underlying molecular mechanisms and any beneficial effects remain unknown. This study shows anticancer efficacy for both T sinensis and A camphorata co-treatments that target HL-60 cells. The combination index values indicate that 40 µg/mL of T sinensis and 25 µg/mL of A camphorata as a combined treatment shows a synergetic effect, which reduces HL-60 cell proliferation. Alternately, this treatment exhibited no cytotoxic effects for human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Western blot data showed that T sinensis and A camphorata as a combined treatment result in augmented expression of apoptosis, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 inhibition, expression of Bax, Fas, and FasL, as well as the cleavage of Bid in HL-60 cells. Moreover, this combined treatment overshadowed monotherapy in its ability to inhibit uPAR, MMP-9, MMP-2, COX-2 expression, and PGE2 secretions. Our study strongly implies that this combined treatment offers more beneficial effects to suppress and treat leukemia due to apoptosis-mediated cell inhibition. Further in vivo studies related to the combined treatment could establish its future potential.
PSMA PET/CT Identifies Intrapatient Variation in Salivary Gland Toxicity From Iodine-131 Therapy
Authors: Mohan Vineet , Vogel Wouter V. , Valk Gerlof D. , de Boer Jan P. , Lam Marnix G. E. H. , de Keizer Bart
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Xerostomia is a well-known complication after iodine-131 (131I) therapy for thyroid carcinoma. It is currently insufficiently understood how the dose and biodistribution of 131I relates to salivary gland toxicity, and whether this is consistent for all salivary glands within a single patient. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was recently introduced as a new tool to evaluate the relative loss of vital acinar cells in individual salivary glands. We aimed to assess gland-specific salivary gland toxicity after 131I-therapy using PSMA PET/CT.

Methods:

Five patients with differentiated thyroid cancer underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to evaluate their eligibility for peptide radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. Uptake patterns in salivary glands were evaluated visually and quantitatively as an indicator of vital acinar cell loss after prior 131I-therapy.

Results:

Four of 5 patients demonstrated significant lowered uptake in at least one salivary gland, after receiving at least 2 131I-treatments. Asymmetric loss of vital acinar cells occurred by gland type (parotid/submandibular) and location (right/left). The other salivary glands in these patients and all salivary glands in the fifth patient showed normal uptake, demonstrating high intrapatient and interpatient variability.

Conclusions:

131I-therapy can induce salivary gland toxicity with high inter- but also high intrapatient variation among separate gland locations, which can be assessed with PSMA PET/CT. This new technique offers potential to guide further development and evaluation of protective measures in patients receiving 131I-therapy.
Artery of Percheron Stroke as an Unusual Cause of Hypersomnia: A Case Series and a Short Literature Review
Authors: Saida Imen Ben , Saad Helmi Ben , Zghidi Maroua , Ennouri Emna , Ettoumi Radhouane , Boussarsar Mohamed
Published: July 2020

The thalamus and the mesencephalon have a complex blood supply. The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare anatomical variant. Occlusion of this artery may lead to bithalamic stroke with or without midbrain involvement. Given its broad spectrum of clinical features, AOP stroke is often misdiagnosed. Usually, it manifests with the triad of vertical gaze palsy, memory impairment, and coma. In this article, we report three cases of bilateral thalamic strokes whose clinical presentations were dominated by a sudden onset of hypersomnia. We also reviewed last 5 years’ publications related to the AOP strokes in males presenting sleepiness or equivalent terms as a delayed complication. The AOP stroke may present a diagnostic challenge for clinicians which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypersomnia.
Development and validation of a research instrument for measuring the presence of democratic school leadership characteristics
Authors: Pažur Monika
Published: July 2020

The main purpose of this article is to describe the process of development and validation of a research instrument for measuring the presence of democratic school leadership characteristics. The instrument has been developed and validated in the city of Zagreb and Zagreb County in Croatia in four phases: theoretical construction; expert validation ( N = 6 experts); pilot research ( N = 77 teachers); and instrument structure validation through the main research ( N = 651 teachers). The expert validation and pilot research took place in 2018. The main research was conducted in January and February 2019. According to Carmines and Zeller (1979), the results of the factor analysis, which show that the instrument is measuring a single phenomenon, indicate that all four hypotheses have been fulfilled. More specifically, several aspects of the extracted (i.e. unrotated) factor matrix support the following four hypotheses: the (unrotated) factor matrix of all 32 items explains a total of 66.793% of the variance; subsequent components demonstrate the fairly equal proportions of the remaining variance except for a gradual decrease; all items have high factor loadings on the first component (from .603 to .861); and all items have higher loadings on the first than on the second component.
Negotiating Wikipedia narratives about the Yemeni crisis: Who are the alleged supporters of the Houthis?
Authors: Al-Shehari Khaled , Al-Sharafi Abdul Gabbar
Published: July 2020

In this article, the authors apply a narrative model to examine how narratives about the current crisis in Yemen are constructed on English Wikipedia. Using concepts from various narrative theories, as introduced to the field of translation studies by Baker’s Translation and Conflict: A Narrative Account (2006), they analyse an article published on English Wikipedia. The analysis, based on a narrative model designed for this study, focuses on the alleged supporters of the Houthis in the current Yemeni crisis and is applied to the talk pages and history pages associated with the article. The article concludes that, although Wikipedia writers appear free to write and edit without restrictions, they are in fact subject to strict policies and regulations. The transparency of their discussions is a striking feature that controls the quality of the narratives they negotiate on Wikipedia.
Predictive value of Chartis measurement for lung function improvements in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Wienker Johannes , Karpf-Wissel Rüdiger , Funke Faustina , Taube Christian , Wälscher Julia , Winantea Jane , Maier Sandra , Mardanzai Khaled , Darwiche Kaid
Published: July 2020

Background:

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) via valve implantation can be achieved by targeting severely hyperinflated and emphysematously destructed lung areas in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Lack of collateral ventilation (CV) is important for good outcomes with BLVR. CV can be measured using the catheter-based Chartis system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between total exhaled volume drained from the target lobe measured by Chartis and clinical outcomes after BLVR in CV-negative patients.

Methods:

From January 2016 to March 2019, 60 patients were included in this retrospective single-center analysis. Drained volume (TVol) measured by Chartis was recorded and compared with lung function and physical performance parameters. Outcome variables included the percentage change in lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), and inspiratory vital capacity (IVC)]. Secondary outcomes were the degree of target lobe volume reduction (TLVR), change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and change in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT) score.

Results:

Drained volume correlated significantly with post-BLVR change in FEV1 ( r = 0.663), IVC ( r = 0.611), RV ( r = −0.368), and TLVR ( r = 0.635) (all p < 0.05). In a priori-defined patient subgroups based on drained volume [<100 ml ( n = 19), 100−400 ml ( n = 33), and >400 ml ( n = 8)]; mean changes in FEV1 were 2.6%, 17.4%, and 51.3%; in RV were −3.9%, −10.6%, and −23.8%; in IVC were −4.0%, 10.6%, and 62.4%; and in TLVR were 525 ml (39%), 1375 ml (73%) and 1760 ml (100%), respectively. There were no significant correlations between absolute and percentage changes in 6MWD and the CAT score. Lung volume reduction was diagnosed in 32 (53%) cases.

Conclusion:

Drained volume measured by the Chartis system correlated with functional improvement in CV-negative patients undergoing BLVR. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
The Use of a Synthetic Cartilage Implant for Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smyth Niall A. , Murawski Christopher D. , Hannon Charles P. , Kaplan Jonathan R. , Aiyer Amiethab A.
Published: July 2020

Background. Hallux rigidus is a common pathology afflicting the foot, for which various joint salvage techniques have been described with a multitude of different implants. Recently, a synthetic cartilage implant composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) received FDA premarket approval for the treatment of arthritis of the great toe. The purpose of this study was to (1) systematically review the clinical evidence supporting the use of a PVA implant in hallux rigidus and (2) determine the strength of the recommendation that can be made supporting the use of a PVA implant by evaluating the quality of evidence available. Methods. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Using the terms “cartiva OR polyvinyl alcohol OR synthetic cartilage OR hemiarthroplasty AND hallux rigidus OR great toe arthritis OR first toe arthritis” we searched the PubMed/Medline database. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline and Systematic Review Methodology. Results. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, 6 of these were derived from a single randomized controlled trial. A moderate recommendation can be given for the use of a PVA implant for hallux rigidus based on short-term outcomes. A limited recommendation can be given for the use of a PVA implant for hallux rigidus based on mid-term outcomes. Conclusion. There are limited studies available detailing the outcomes of a PVA implant for hallux rigidus; however, the results that are available demonstrate a high level of evidence.

Levels of Evidence: Level I: Systematic review
Critical Utopian Action Research: Methodological Inspiration for Democratization?
Authors: Egmose Jonas , Gleerup Janne , Nielsen Birger S.
Published: July 2020

This paper provides an introduction to Critical Utopian Action Research (CUAR) as a methodology with a strong emphasis on combining critical analysis, imaginative thinking, and everyday life-based actions toward societal democratization. First, we situate CUAR in the light of current societal frameworks asking: Why the need for CUAR? We then briefly mark theoretical sources of inspiration before focusing on the Future Creating Workshop as a way to elicit what CUAR is from a methodological point of view. We exemplify how the workshop functions before we finally discuss what kind of contributions CUAR might enable in the context of local communities, workplaces, organizations, and broader societal settings.
Using PAR to Promote Social Justice for Older People and People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Wright-Bevans Katie , Richards Michael
Published: July 2020

Qualitative research methods and participatory action research (PAR) share many intrinsic and complementary qualities. We present two cases, one adopted a broader PAR approach, a health promotion project with men with intellectual disabilities, and the other used participatory methods within a longitudinal qualitative study exploring the benefits of community choir participation. We discuss the nature of the methods adopted and how they helped and hindered both research projects. We conclude that despite some common challenges, qualitative studies can benefit from drawing on PAR principles.
The Quest for Genuinely Participatory and Inclusive Research Approaches: Exploring and Expressing Experience Through Cultural Animation and Transcription Poetry
Authors: Levinson Martin P.
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses approaches used in an AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) research project across a number of sites in the United Kingdom. The Disability and Community: Dis/engagement, Dis/enfranchisement, Dis/parity, and Dissent (D4D) project explores issues around disability and community, investigating diverse topics related to inclusion/exclusion. The D4D project is distinctive in the combination of academic and nonacademic Co-Investigators. One objective is to contribute to the evolution of a research language that is accessible to a wider public. Using arts-based approaches, the research team also seeks to develop research methods and an ethical framework that will be appropriate for co-constructed community research. This paper focuses on different ways of exploring and expressing participant experience. First, it considers the use of cultural animation (CA) as an alternative to the traditional interview, providing participant and researcher reflections. Cultural animation is a participatory arts-based and embodied methodology of community engagement and knowledge coproduction that draws on everyday experience of participants. Transcription poetry (TP) converts interview transcripts into poems. Short interview extracts and poems are selected here to illustrate the approach. D4D team members believe that CA generates authentic and rich data where there is not only fidelity to participant experience through the TP process but a greater resonance in the words than would have been the case in traditional representations.
Sleep Deprivation and Racial Bias in the Decision to Shoot: A Diffusion Model Analysis
Authors: Johnson David J. , Stepan Michelle E. , Cesario Joseph , Fenn Kimberly M.
Published: July 2020

The current study examines the effect of sleep deprivation and caffeine use on racial bias in the decision to shoot. Participants deprived of sleep for 24 hr (vs. rested participants) made more errors in a shooting task and were more likely to shoot unarmed targets. A diffusion decision model analysis revealed sleep deprivation decreased participants’ ability to extract information from the stimuli, whereas caffeine impacted the threshold separation, reflecting decreased caution. Neither sleep deprivation nor caffeine moderated anti-Black racial bias in shooting decisions or at the process level. We discuss how our results clarify discrepancies in past work testing the impact of fatigue on racial bias in shooting decisions.
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features
Authors: Alzghoul Bashar N. , Hamburger Robert , Lewandowski Thomas , Janssen Brandon , Grey Daniel , Xue Wei , Ataya Ali , Alnuaimat Hassan , Gomez‐Manjarres Diana C. , Patel Divya , Reddy Raju
Published: July 2020

Pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung diseases is associated with increased mortality and hospitalizations and reduced exercise capacity. Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is a recently described interstitial lung disease. The characteristics of pulmonary hypertension in IPAF patients are unknown. We sought to characterize patients with IPAF based on their echocardiographic probability of pulmonary hypertension and compare patients with and without pulmonary hypertension identified by right heart catheterization. We conducted a retrospective study of patients seen in the interstitial lung disease clinic from 2015 to 2018. Forty‐seven patients with IPAF were identified. Patients were classified into low, intermediate and high echocardiographic pulmonary hypertension probabilities. A sub‐group analysis of patients with pulmonary hypertension and without pulmonary hypertension (IPAF‐PH vs. IPAF‐no PH) identified by right heart catheterization was also performed. Linear regression analysis was performed to study the association between 6‐min‐walk‐distance (6MWD) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) while adjusting for age and body mass index. Right ventricular hypertrophy (>5 mm), right ventricular enlargement (>41 mm) and right ventricular systolic dysfunction defined as fractional area change% ≤35 was present in 76%, 24%, and 39% of patients, respectively. Pulmonary hypertension was identified in 12.7% of patients. IPAF‐PH patients had higher mean pulmonary artery pressure and lower cardiac output compared to the IPAF‐no PH group (34 mmHg vs. 19 mmHg, p = 0.002 and 4.0 vs. 5.7 L/min, p = 0.023, respectively). Lower 6MWD was associated with higher PVR on regression analysis (p = 0.002). Pulmonologists should be aware that a significant number of IPAF patients may develop pulmonary hypertension. Reduced 6MWD may suggest the presence of pulmonary hypertension in IPAF patients.
A Talaromyces marneffei infection with osteolytic lesions in an HIV-negative patient at non-endemic areas: A case report
Authors: Chen Youfei
Published: July 2020

Talaromyces marneffei infection is an endemic opportunistic infection for immunodepression patients, especially HIV-positive patients. Our case describes an unendemic and HIV-negative patient who presented with fever, subcutaneous mass, osteolytic destruction of the skull and subcutaneous abscess penetrating the diseased skull. The growth of Talaromyces marneffei was identified by the culture of the frontal pus, sputum, blood and bone marrow. Due to severe nausea and vomiting during the use of amphotericin B, voriconazole was finally selected for treatment. Two weeks after intravenous infusion of voriconazole injection, the patient was given oral voriconazole tablets for 5 months. After the initial intravenous treatment of voriconazole, the patient developed increased dyspnea and required ventilator support with endotracheal intubation, and methylprednisolone was given intravenously for 5 days. All lesions absorbed and no obvious discomfort was found during the follow-up at the third month after discharge. At present, the patient has been followed up for more than 3 years without recurrence. The case aims to raise doctors’ awareness of this rare disease in non-endemic areas and HIV-negative patients.
Early outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy following completion of a structured training curriculum: a single surgeon cohort study
Authors: Sehmbi Arjan S , Sridhar Ashwin N , Sahadevan Kanagasabai , Rai Bhavan P , Nwangwu Pamela , Mohammed Anna , Freeman Alex , Mottrie Alexandre , Olsson Mats J , Wiklund N Peter , Nathan M Senthil , Briggs Timothy P , Kelly John D , Rajan Prabhakar
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Technical skills in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) are not mandated by the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme. The European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) developed a structured curriculum; however, surgeons’ outcomes data from subsequent independent practice are limited. We describe the initial post-ERUS curriculum RARP outcomes for a United Kingdom (UK)-based surgeon.

Patients and methods:

This was a prospective single surgeon cohort study of 272 patients who underwent RARP between February 2016 and October 2019 in a high-volume UK centre and who were followed up at approximately 3 and 12 months. Positive surgical margins (PSMs), and 3- and 12-month continence rates were obtained and used to generate learning curves, with point of plateau estimated from logarithmic trendlines.

Results:

Overall (⩾3 mm) PSM rate for pT2 was 14.9% (5.4%) and pT3 was 22.6% (3.2%). Where data were available, 70.5% (of n=251) and 95.5% (of n=154) patients achieved social continence (0–1 pads) at 3 and 12 months, respectively. PSM and 3-month social continence rates plateaued at ~175 and ~100 cases, respectively.

Conclusion:

Following completion of the ERUS RARP curriculum, early oncological and functional outcomes consistent with published standards are rapidly achievable in independent practice. These data exemplify the potential value of a standardised RARP training curriculum to mitigate possible compromises in outcomes.

Level of evidence:

IV
A case of central diabetes insipidus associated with a congenital cyst of the sella turcica in a young cat
Authors: Duperrier Cyril , Fusellier Marion , Lenaerts Hendrik , Drut Amandine , Hernandez Juan
Published: July 2020

Case summary

A 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for polyuria and polydipsia which had progressed since adoption, 7 months previously. On admission, clinical examination did not reveal any remarkable features. Urinalysis showed marked hyposthenuria and calculated plasma osmolality was high, suggesting diabetes insipidus. A positive response to desmopressin administration appeared to confirm pituitary dysfunction. Brain MRI revealed a lesion compatible with a cyst or a neoplasm compressing the pituitary gland. A follow-up MRI performed 9 months later showed that the lesion was stable, which at first argued in favour of a congenital pituitary cyst. Intranasal administration of desmopressin was then used to achieve a long-term clinical response.

Relevance and novel information

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare cause of polyuria and polydipsia in cats, resulting from inadequate or impaired secretion of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. Recognised causes include head trauma, central nervous system (CNS) neoplasia, idiopathic CDI and congenital pituitary cysts. Apart from one cat with CNS lymphoma, the few previously reported feline cases have described CDI in young cats with a previous history of trauma, but brain imaging has rarely been performed to look for underlying anatomical abnormalities. This report describes the first case of CDI in a cat with a confirmed congenital pituitary cyst and, as in previous cases, demonstrates successful treatment with desmopressin.