bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Outcome of Hydroxychloroquine in Patients Treated for COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ayele Mega Teshale , Feyissa Temesgen Mulugeta , Dessalegn Bosho Dula , Kumela Goro Kabaye , Zeleke Negera Getandale
Published: October 2020

Background. The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in an unprecedented public health challenge worldwide. Despite urgent and extensive global efforts, the existing evidence is inconclusive regarding the medications used for the treatment of COVID-19. Purpose. To generate an up-to-date evidence for the clinical safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with or without azithromycin (AZ) among patients treated for COVID-19. Data Source. PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, LITCOVID, Web of Science, SCOPUS, BioRxiv, Embase, MedRxiv, and Wiley online library were searched from 2019/12/30 to 2020/05/23. Study Selection. Three investigators assessed the quality of the studies. Data Extraction. Data about study characteristics, effect estimates, and the quality of the studies were extracted by two independent reviewers and cross-checked by the third reviewer. Data Synthesis. The data of 6,782 (HCQ group, 3623; HCQ + AZ group, 1,020; control group, 2139) participants were included. HCQ was compared with standard care for virologic efficacy, disease progression, mortality, and adverse effects. HCQ was also compared with HCQ + AZ for QTc prolongation, admission to the intensive care unit, and mortality. The study found HCQ did not alter the rate of virologic cure (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.39–1.56) and the risk of mortality (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.66–2.39). The pooled prevalence for mortality was 5.8% (95% CI: 0.9%–10.8%). Moreover, HCQ did not impact disease progression (OR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.36–2.29) but resulted in a higher risk of adverse effects (OR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.15–4.8). HCQ was also compared against HCQ + AZ, and no difference was observed in QTc prolongation above 500 ms (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.54–2.28), admission to the intensive care unit (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.52–1.63), and mortality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.55–1.43). However, in the analysis of single-arm studies, about 11.2% (95% CI: 7.0%–15.5%) of patients have developed an absolute increase of QTc greater than 500 ms, and 4.1% (95% CI: 1.1%–7.1%) of patients discontinued their medication. Conclusion. This meta-analysis and systematic review, which included a limited number of poorly designed studies of patients with COVID-19, revealed HCQ is intolerable, unsafe, and not efficacious. Similarly, HCQ + AZ combination was not different from HCQ alone in curbing mortality and ICU admission.
Effects of Qingshen Granules on Immune Function in Patients with Comorbid Chronic Renal Failure and Damp‐Heat Syndrome: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Yiping , Li Chuanping , Liu Shifu , Zhang Lei , Jin Hua
Published: October 2020

Objective. The current study sought to compare the effects of the addition of Qingshen granules to conventional Western medicine on immune function in patients with comorbid chronic renal failure and damp‐heat syndrome and to explore the possible mechanisms responsible for any differences observed. Methods. Through a multicenter, randomized, controlled study, a total of 282 eligible patients were divided into experimental (n = 136) and control groups (n = 146). All of the patients were treated with conventional Western medical therapy. The experimental group also received Qingshen granules three times daily for 12 weeks. Clinical efficacy was observed in the two groups. Peripheral blood levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Th17 cells, nuclear factor‐κB p65 (NF‐κB p65) activity, serum interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6), fibronectin (FN), and type IV collagen (Col‐IV) were detected in both groups. Results. The total clinical curative effective rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the experimental group (79.41%) than in the control group (67.12%). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, Th17 cell level, NF‐κB p65 activity, serum IL‐17, IL‐6, TNF‐α, TRAF6, FN, and Col‐IV between the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05); however, all of the measures were significantly higher than those observed in a healthy comparison group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). After treatment, the above indexes in the experimental group were significantly lower than those before treatment (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Similarly, NF‐κB p65 activity, serum IL‐17, TNF‐α, TRAF6, FN, and Col‐IV in the control group were significantly lower than the levels observed prior to treatment (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01); however, while all of the other indexes were lower than those observed before treatment, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Qingshen granules adjust immune dysfunction, improve immunity mediated inflammatory response, and attenuate renal fibrosis in patients with comorbid chronic renal failure and damp‐heat syndrome.
Improved Training Sequence Channel Estimation Scheme in 16QAM MB-OFDM UWBoF System
Authors: Xiang Changqing , Yang Xi , Zhou Xuan , Zhu Xiaojun , Xu Jincan , He Qiong
Published: October 2020

In this paper, an improved channel estimation scheme based on time-domain orthogonal gray complementary training sequence (Golay TS) is proposed to resist subcarrier mutual beat interference in 16-quadrature amplitude modulation multiband orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing ultrawide band over fiber (16QAM MB-OFDM UWBoF) systems. The simulation results showed that the performance of system with the improved Golay TS channel estimation scheme was improved by about 1 dB compared with the traditional Golay TS channel estimation scheme, at a bit error rate (BER) of 3.8 × 10−3 after 70 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) transmission. At the same time, the synchronization and channel estimation performance of Golay TS and the selected frequency-domain orthogonal training sequences (TSs) were compared. The simulation results showed that the performance of system with the TSs channel estimation was improved by about 2.7 dB compared with the improved Golay TS channel estimation.
Bilious Vomiting in the Newborn: A Three-Year Experience in a Tertiary Medical and Surgical Centre
Authors: Lee Rebecca A , Dassios Theodore , Bhat Ravindra , Greenough Anne
Published: October 2020

Background. Bilious vomiting in the newborn is common and requires urgent attention to exclude malrotation. The proportion of neonates with surgical abnormalities, however, is small, and there are other causes. Study Objectives. We reviewed our experience of infants with bilious vomiting to demonstrate the importance of input from the tertiary surgical and medical team to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Design. Admissions with bilious vomiting/aspirates of term born infants over a three-year period to a tertiary medical and surgical unit were reviewed. Results. During the study period, 48 infants were admitted with bilious vomiting. Forty-five infants had upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies, and only six had an abnormal study: four had malrotation and two had Hirschsprung’s disease. Of the infants with a normal UGI study, no cause was identified in 20 cases, 13 infants were treated for sepsis, one had a meconium plug, one an ovarian cyst, and two infants were polycythaemic. One infant was diagnosed with bilateral polymicrogyria (PMG) on brain MRI and another was found to have hypochondroplasia FGFR3 skeletal dysplasia. Conclusion. Neonates with bilious vomiting may have a variety of underlying diagnoses and need to be referred to a tertiary surgical and medical centre to ensure appropriate diagnosis is made.
Bilateral Macular Hole Related to Tamoxifen Low-Dose Toxicity
Authors: Torrell Belzach Nuria , Vela Segarra José Ignacio , Crespí Vilimelis Jaume , Alhayek Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Bilateral macular hole is a rare secondary effect of tamoxifen, a condition which is probably underdiagnosed. We describe the case of a 63-year-old woman who had received low-dose treatment with tamoxifen for 10 years. She presented with a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 in both eyes and bilateral macular hole with posterior hyaloid attachment. No reflective deposits were observed. A 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade was performed in the right eye with no anatomical or functional improvement. The most accepted mechanism of macular hole related to tamoxifen is Müller cell toxicity with retinal tissue loss. Therefore, it seems that the standard procedure used in idiopathic macular hole is not the optimal choice, due to a different pathogenic mechanism.
Globe Subluxation following Long-Term High-Dose Steroid Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Dam Jasmien , Marcuse Florit , De Baets Marc , Cassiman Catherine
Published: October 2020

This case report describes the unusual presentation of a globe subluxation following long-term high-dose oral steroid treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG). The patient presented initially with fluctuating vertical diplopia. Auto-antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor were weakly positive, confirming the diagnosis of MG. After initial treatment with pyridostigmine, the disease evolved to generalized MG. Plasmapheresis and high-dose steroids were started subsequently. As a side effect of this treatment the patient gained about 30 kg in weight and developed steroid myopathy and a prominent cushingoid facies with bilateral exophthalmos. A year after his initial diagnosis he experienced a spontaneous globe subluxation on the left eye. He was able to immediately reposition the globe manually himself. Four months later a new subluxation occurred. Because of these aforementioned severe side effects of the steroid treatment, the methylprednisolone was tapered and replaced by tacrolimus. After about 6 weeks the patient went into remission. We believe, that the spontaneous globe subluxations were caused by a weakness of the extraocular muscles in combination with a significant gain of intraorbital fat tissue, both induced by cumulative, excessive steroids. Steroids are often necessary in the treatment of MG; however, most of the time a high dose of 64 mg is not needed for ocular MG and especially the continuation of a dose of 58 mg or more for a long period is not recommended. Careful follow-up is obligatory to timely recognize side effects. In case of severe side effects or the need for long-term treatment, the use of other immunosuppressive therapies should be considered. Extra care and caution is recommended in patients who are anatomically predisposed with proptosis.
Apocalypse Now?
Authors: Liu Hin-Yan , Lauta Kristian , Maas Matthijs
Published: October 2020

This paper explores the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic through the framework of existential risks – a class of extreme risks that threaten the entire future of humanity. In doing so, we tease out three lessons: (1) possible reasons underlying the limits and shortfalls of international law, international institutions and other actors which Covid-19 has revealed, and what they reveal about the resilience or fragility of institutional frameworks in the face of existential risks; (2) using Covid-19 to test and refine our prior ‘Boring Apocalypses’ model for understanding the interplay of hazards, vulnerabilities and exposures in facilitating a particular disaster, or magnifying its effects; and (3) to extrapolate some possible futures for existential risk scholarship and governance.
New Data Analysis Method for Time-Resolved Infrared Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Grodecki Kacper , Murawski Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

In this article, a new data treatment based on time-resolved photoluminescence is presented. It works as a streak camera for infrared. A time-resolved photoluminescence spectrum for the HgCd0.33Te0.67 sample at 120 K was performed and analyzed. Typical time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, to compare our results with literature, were conducted. An interpretation of the behavior for three different time constants found in the signal is proposed.
Chemometric Approach to a Rapid Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of Complex Heroin-Based Mixtures
Authors: Stevanović Nataša Radosavljević , Jovanović Milena , Marini Federico , Ražić Slavica
Published: October 2020

Heroin is one of the most frequently seized drugs in Southeastern Europe. Due to the position in the Balkan route, the Republic of Serbia keeps important role in suppression of the trafficking of heroin for domestic and foreign illegal market. This research is aimed to provide a good scientific approach in the field of seized heroin analysis. Two different forms of heroin are present in the illegal market, mostly in mixtures with typical “cutting” agents: caffeine, paracetamol, and sugars. It was observed that the quantity of pure heroin in seized samples slightly increases from year to year. The aim of this study was to produce a reliable and fast procedure for classification of illicit heroin samples and determination of the concentration range of heroin in the samples. For that purpose, the attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) technique was used and combined with such chemometric methods as principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least squares. Principal component analysis (PCA) as an unsupervised model was used for exploratory purposes to identify trends, similarities, and differences between samples by reducing the dimensionality of the data. The cluster classification of examined samples turned out to be extremely useful to evaluate the possibilities of the ATR FT-IR technique to classify the samples appropriately into the patterns, the constituted clusters. Additionally, partial least square was the suitable method for the purpose of determination of the heroin hydrochloride concentration range in examined samples. It is proved that the joined application of spectroscopy and chemometrics can be extremely convenient and useful for forensic and drugs control laboratories.
A content analysis of college students’ gaps in knowledge about sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Lederer Alyssa M , Sheena Brittney S
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect young people and can result in severe health consequences. Accurate knowledge about STIs can play an important role in STI prevention. Prior quantitative research has found that college students’ knowledge about STIs is insufficient. However, there is a dearth of information regarding their specific STI knowledge deficiencies. This study sought to fill this gap by using a qualitative approach to elucidate gaps in students’ STI knowledge.

Design:

Qualitative content analysis of responses to an open-ended online survey question.

Setting:

A large public Midwestern university in the USA.

Method:

Students ( N = 289) watched a web-based STI health education programme covering basic information about Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and syphilis as a course requirement. Afterwards they answered an open-ended question about what information, if any, was new to them. Themes and sub-themes were identified, exemplar quotes were selected for illustrative purposes, and frequencies were calculated.

Results:

Ten overarching themes were identified about what students learned: everything/a lot (19.7%), prevention (16.6%), treatment/cures (15.6%), prevalence/statistics (14.9%), nothing/not much (14.2%), symptomatology (12.8%), everything about a specific STI (9.7%), health consequences (6.6%), transmission (5.5%) and testing (2.4%). Participants reported learning about HPV most frequently compared to other STIs.

Conclusion:

Findings demonstrate critical gaps in college students’ STI knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of specific knowledge deficiencies. Study findings highlight important sexual health content that should be integrated into health education initiatives in academic, community and other settings, and provides recommendations on how to do so.
An anti-sway positioning control method via load generalized position tracking with disturbance observer
Authors: Niu Dan , Zhu Yuxuan , Chen Xisong , Li Qi , Wang Xiaojun , Yang Yanlan , Wang Simin
Published: October 2020

The bridge crane system is widely used in the industrial production for transporting large loads. Its anti-sway positioning control is quite crucial for enhancing handling efficiency and safety, but it is also difficult due to underactuated dynamics and various disturbances. In this paper, an anti-sway positioning control algorithm for unmanned crane is proposed based on the load generalized position tracking control algorithm (GPTC), which combines with a disturbance observer to effectively reject the lumped disturbances. The test results show that the proposed method can effectively achieve anti-sway and positioning with prominent disturbance suppression improvements.
Enhanced energy absorption characteristics of novel integrated hybrid honeycomb/polystyrene foam
Authors: Bhudolia Somen K , Gohel Goram , Leong Kah Fai
Published: October 2020

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is commonly used as an inner liner for a bicycle helmet due to its outstanding energy absorption characteristic and light-weight property. The current investigation presents a novel technique to manufacture hybrid EPS/honeycomb structure foam using an integrated manufacturing approach to further enhance the energy dissipation properties for improved safety against head injuries. Different foam designs were analysed under curb-stone impact tests and the failure mechanisms are deliberated. Integrated EPS-honeycomb hybrid liners have shown up to 20% higher energy absorption, with the additional energy being absorbed in associated densification of foam and the elastic buckling features of the honeycomb.
Introduction to the COVID-19 Second Special Issue
Authors: Morrill Zenobia
Published: October 2020

This introduction describes an original collection of articles that advance Existential-Humanistic (EH) psychology in a project of collective meaning-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. From contributions that apply terror management theory to political and ideological division, to those that intricately examine concepts of the self and radical emotional dwelling in psychotherapy, this issue spans a wide range of topics relevant to EH scholars and beyond. This special issue also explores phenomenological questions. The articles within not only reconfigure ways to be that align with humanistic commitments, but challenge readers to examine the social systems that shape these possibilities. For this reason, this introduction connects the applications of EH psychology included in this issue to other disciplines that have intimately analyzed subjectivities related to existential reckoning, injustice, and liberation.
Artificial Intelligence Coaches for Sales Agents: Caveats and Solutions
Authors: Luo Xueming , Qin Marco Shaojun , Fang Zheng , Qu Zhe
Published: October 2020

Firms are exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) coaches to provide training to sales agents and improve their job skills. The authors present several caveats associated with such practices based on a series of randomized field experiments. Experiment 1 shows that the incremental benefit of the AI coach over human managers is heterogeneous across agents in an inverted-U shape: whereas middle-ranked agents improve their performance by the largest amount, both bottom- and top-ranked agents show limited incremental gains. This pattern is driven by a learning-based mechanism in which bottom-ranked agents encounter the most severe information overload problem with the AI versus human coach, while top-ranked agents hold the strongest aversion to the AI relative to a human coach. To alleviate the challenge faced by bottom-ranked agents, Experiment 2 redesigns the AI coach by restricting the training feedback level and shows a significant improvement in agent performance. Experiment 3 reveals that the AI–human coach assemblage outperforms either the AI or human coach alone. This assemblage can harness the hard data skills of the AI coach and soft interpersonal skills of human managers, solving both problems faced by bottom- and top-ranked agents. These findings offer novel insights into AI coaches for researchers and managers alike.
Optimization and analysis of a grounded type dynamic vibration absorber with lever component
Authors: Shen Yongjun , Xing Zikang , Yang Shaopu , Li Xianghong
Published: October 2020

Dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) with large auxiliary mass has better control performance, but it is also more bulky. Therefore, the mass ratio (the ratio of auxiliary mass of DVA to mass of controlled object) is usually limited to make the DVA easy to install and suitable for engineering practice. In this paper a grounded type DVA with lever component is proposed, which aims to increase the effective mass and reduce unnecessary mass to improve control performance of the DVA. Firstly, the motion differential equations of the DVA are established and solved. Secondly, the optimum parameters are obtained based on H∞ and H2 optimization criterion. Then, the performances of the grounded type DVA equipped with and without the lever are investigated. Finally, the control performance of the DVA is compared with other three typical DVAs under H∞ and H2 criterion. In this type DVA there are no global optimum parameters, and larger frequency ratio will get better control performance. If the amplification ratio (the ratio of lever power arm to lever resistance arm) is greater than 1, the introduced lever will contribute to control performance of the DVA. Its control performance is better than those of other three typical DVAs. The use of the lever can increase the effective mass of the DVA, thereby improving the control performance of the DVA. The DVA can achieve good performance at small mass ratio by adjusting amplification ratio, which may provide theoretical basis for the design of new kinds of DVAs.
How Community College Staff Inflict Pervasive Microaggressions: The Experiences of Latino Men attending Urban Community Colleges in Texas
Authors: García-Louis Claudia , Sáenz Victor B. , Guida Tonia
Published: October 2020

In this qualitative research study we illustrate how implicit biases held by college personnel hinders the educational success of Latino men attending urban community colleges in Texas. In particular, we identify how often well-intentioned educators are (un)aware of how often they perpetrate racial microaggressions against Latino men. Interviews with community college faculty, staff, administers, as well as Latino men were conducted in order to triangulate findings. Findings illustrate racial microaggressions and subtractive schooling were evident through deficit based assumptions educators held about Latino men, their family and culture.
Prevalence of past hepatitis A infection among Crohn’s patients and controls – An examination of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, and the need for hepatitis A vaccination
Authors: Kalra Parika , John Anoop , Jaleel Rajeeb , Simon Ebby G , Babji Sudhir , Joseph AJ
Published: October 2020

Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of prior exposure to hepatitis A virus in Crohn’s disease patients, whose IgG antibody levels against hepatitis A virus were compared with age and sex-matched controls. All of the 41 cases with Crohn’s disease and 43 controls included in the study tested positive for IgG anti-hepatitis A virus antibody, with titres (38.8 IU/ml, 22–63.9; median, IQR) similar to those in controls (40.7 IU/ml, 17.3–66.7; p = 0.75). Environmental sanitation remains poor in India, despite reasonable economic gains as reflected by universal exposure to hepatitis A virus infection. Vaccination against hepatitis A may not be important in patients attending inflammatory bowel disease clinic, owing to natural immunity provided by prior infection. The observed rise in inflammatory bowel disease incidence seems to be increasing despite persistently poor environmental hygiene.
Prevalence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci among Egyptian patients after surgical interventions
Authors: Ahmed Eman F , Gad Gamal FM , Soliman Wafaa E , El-Asady Riham S , Hasaneen Ayman M , Abdelwahab Sayed F
Published: October 2020

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are frequently isolated from wound infections. There are limited data examining the prevalence of methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) among Egyptian patients after surgery. Thus, we studied 208 hospitalised patients, who had skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) due to various causes. Samples were cultured for isolation and identification of CoNS and isolates were screened for susceptibility against 23 different antimicrobials. Out of 241 Staphylococcal isolates, 114 (47.3%) were CoNS. The prevalence of MRCoNS among surgical site infection, diabetic foot, abscess, and burn patients was 13.4%, 11.5%, 15.6%, and 10.3%, respectively. The lowest resistance of the 27 identified MRCoNS isolates was to vancomycin, amikacin and gatifloxacin (7% each). We conclude that CoNS isolates are major pathogens associated with wound infections at our institution and MRCoNS probably poses a substantial threat for patients in Egypt, though most MRCoNS isolates demonstrated susceptibility to vancomycin.
The Concept of διαθήκη in Hebrews 9.16-17
Authors: Kim Kyu Seop
Published: October 2020

Many exegetes assume that wills were of immediate effect when they were written and that it was common in Graeco-Roman society to transfer the unrestricted ownership of property to heirs regardless of the testators’ death. However, these assumptions are not sustainable when we explore actual testamentary practices in ancient society. In documentary papyri, the transfer of patrimonum rarely took place during the lifetime of the testator, and the death of the testator was conditio sine qua non for the efficacy of the testament. These aspects lead the reader to a new understanding of Christ’s death in Heb. 9.16-17.1
Reference to characters in narratives of Russian-Hebrew bilingual and Russian and Hebrew monolingual children with Developmental Language Disorder and typical language development
Authors: Fichman Sveta , Walters Joel , Melamed Ravit , Altman Carmit
Published: October 2020

This research analyzed adequacy of referential expressions in the narratives of bilingual and monolingual children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and typical language development (TLD), aiming to shed light on the relative contribution of morpho-syntactic, discourse-pragmatic, and semantic constraints. Narratives were collected from 51 children using a storytelling procedure ( MAIN – Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives). Participants were 18 bilingual Russian-Hebrew preschool children (8 with DLD), 17 monolingual Russian speakers (9 with DLD), and 16 monolingual Hebrew speakers (5 with DLD) aged 5;6–6;7. Referential expressions were coded for form (noun phrase [NP] or pronoun) and character function (Introduction or Maintenance). Analyses addressed the effects of proficiency group (TLD/DLD), language group (bilingual/monolingual), and language (Russian/Hebrew) on inadequate pronoun use and definiteness. Results demonstrated that children in all groups introduced characters using NPs. Children with DLD used more morpho-syntactically inadequate pronouns, such as incorrect gender, while both children with DLD and those with TLD used similar numbers of discourse-pragmatically inadequate pronouns. Bilinguals used more morpho-syntactically inadequate pronouns than monolinguals. In Hebrew, bilingual children with DLD omitted definite articles for character Maintenance more frequently than bilingual children with TLD and monolingual Hebrew-speaking children with DLD. Wrong gender assignment indicates that children with DLD have difficulties with morpho-syntactic constraints. Omission of definite articles for character Maintenance indicates a possibility of both morpho-syntactic and semantic difficulties that bilingual children with DLD acquiring Hebrew face. The results offer insight into the nature of the difficulty observed in bilingual children with DLD in using referential expressions.
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Retropharynx: A Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Liu Guo , Liu Feng
Published: October 2020

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) represents a family of benign tumors that arise from the synovial tissue of a joint, tendon sheath, or bursa. It usually involves the joints of the extremities and rarely occurs in the head and neck region. Here, we describe a case of a 32-year-old man with a submucosal mass bulging in the posterior pharyngeal wall since one month. The lesion was removed and diagnosed with localized type of TSGCT based on histopathological investigations and clinical presentation. It is very rare that TSGCT occurs in the retropharynx, which reminds clinicians to consider this entity as a possible diagnosis.
Hearing Improvement in the Patients Operated on Otosclerosis by Right-Handed Surgeons
Authors: Wiatr Agnieszka , Skladzien Jacek , Wiatr Maciej
Published: October 2020

Background:

Otosclerosis is a disease of the osseous labyrinth. The disease causes 5% to 9% of all cases of hearing loss and 18% to 22% of conductive hearing loss. The treatment of choice is a surgery. The hearing improvement after the operation is determined by various factors.

Aims/Objectives:

The aim of the analysis is to determinate changes in hearing after stapedoplasty in view of surgery side in the patients operated on otosclerosis by right-handed surgeons.

Material and Methods:

The analysis involved patients hospitalized and operated on otosclerosis between 2012 and 2018. Only patients with their first middle ear surgery due to otosclerosis were included in the study. The patients were operated by 2 right-handed surgeons who used the same surgical technique and had similar experience in otosclerosis surgery. The study included patients who were divided into 2 groups: with self-tightening prosthesis and with manually tightening prosthesis.

Results:

The procedure performed by right-handed operators on the left side using prostheses requiring manual fixation on the incus was associated with poorer audiometric results compared to the results of surgeries on the right side. In patients with the self-tightening prostheses, the audiometric improvement of hearing was bilaterally comparable independently from operation side.

Conclusion:

(1) The dependence of hearing improvement on the surgery side was demonstrated in cases of surgeries performed on the left ear by right-handed surgeons, particularly with manually tightening prosthesis. (2) Self-tightening prostheses in stapedotomy limit the human factor, reducing the risk of complications after otosclerosis surgery and provide repeatable hearing improvement.
Benevolent Conformity: The Influence of Perceived Motives on Judgments of Conformity
Authors: Wice Matthew , Davidai Shai
Published: October 2020

Although people often disapprove of conformity, they also dislike when others deviate from group norms. What explains this ambivalence? We hypothesized that judgments of conformity would be affected by whether people view it as motivated by self-interested or benevolent motives. Four studies ( N = 808), using both hypothetical and real-life instances of conformity, support this prediction. We find that people judge those who conform to gain social approval ( self-interested conformity) as weak-willed, but those who conform out of concern for their group ( benevolent conformity) as competent and possessing strong character. In addition, we predict and find that people view self-interested conformity as “fake” but benevolent conformity as revealing one’s true self. Finally, we show that differences in perceived intentions explain how people sustain positive self-regard while succumbing to group pressures and why people judge their own conformity more favorably than others’ conformity. We discuss implications for encouraging and discouraging conformity.
A near-fatal case of pyoderma gangrenosum following coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Shafi Ahmed Mohamed Abdel , Atieh Abed Elfattah , Alamouti Reza , Awad Wael Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

A 58-year-old man on azathioprine with a history of ulcerative colitis underwent urgent coronary artery bypass grafting following a myocardial infarction, via a median sternotomy and open harvesting of the long saphenous vein. On postoperative day 5, he developed severe and progressive sternal and leg wound ulceration and necrosis, unresponsive to intravenous antibiotics and requiring surgical debridement. He developed septic shock requiring intensive therapy unit admission. Microbiology was negative and histology supported a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Unresponsive to azathioprine and steroid therapy, he underwent a successful skin graft to the leg wound and pectoral reconstruction of the sternal wound.
Enhancing mathematical noticing of graphs through movement, voice, and metaphor: An intervention with two students with visual impairment
Authors: Gerofsky Susan , Zebehazy Kim T
Published: October 2020

This qualitative study explores the potential for metaphor, movement, gesture, and vocalization in helping learners notice mathematically important features of graphs, and in making mathematics more accessible for learners with visual impairment. Two elementary school students with visual impairment were introduced to several multimodal activities related to the graphs of mathematical functions, using a pre-/post-assessment methodology. Video recordings of the session were coded for qualitative changes in engagement with graphs through multimodal representations. After the activity intervention, both students showed improvements in their ability to voice, gesture, and describe details of mathematical graphs with accuracy and understanding. The findings demonstrate the potential of multimodal methods for teaching mathematics and enhancing other skill areas through movement, metaphor, voice, and gesture. The findings suggest that full-bodied experience with graphs can provide foundational support for learners with visual impairment to work with print or tactile graphics. We propose that purposeful selection of materials and collaboration between teachers of students with visual impairment, mathematics educators, and teachers of dance and physical education can enhance the design and implementation of effective lessons using multimodal means.
Patient injuries in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency registered in Finland between 2004 and 2017
Authors: Laukkavirta Minna , Blomgren Karin , Halmesmäki Karoliina , Nikulainen Veikko , Helmiö Päivi
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the unintended incidents that led to patient injuries (PIs) in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI).

Methods

PI claims filed with the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre between 2004 and 2017 involving SVI were reviewed. Factors contributing to PI were identified and classified.

Results

Eighteen (13.2%) of 136 compensated PIs in the specialty of vascular surgery were related to SVI. Only 4.7% of 383 SVI claims were compensated. The incidence of PIs was 9.9 per 100 000 patients. Fifteen patients had open surgery (83.3%) and three (16.7%) endovenous treatment. Two (11.1%) patients had necrotising fasciitis, four (22.1%) had deep vein injuries and two (11.1%) had a permanent nerve injury. Two (11.1%) patients had retained endovenous material that required surgical removal.

Conclusions

PIs were identifiable during all stages of care, perioperative injuries related to open surgery being the most common.
A local-neighborhood Lassen plot filter for creating occupancy and non-displaceable binding images
Authors: de Laat Bart , Morris Evan D.
Published: October 2020

For radioligands without a reference region, the Lassen plot can be used to estimate receptor occupancy by an exogenous drug ([Formula: see text]). However, the Lassen plot is not well-suited for spatial variation in [Formula: see text]. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a Lassen plot filter, i.e. a Lassen plot applied to local neighborhoods in PET images. Image data were simulated with regional variation in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], both, or neither and analyzed using the change in binding potential ([Formula: see text]), the conventional Lassen plot, and the Lassen plot filter at the region of interest (ROI) and voxel level. All methods were also applied to a human [11C]flumazenil occupancy study using PF-06372865. This combination of a non-selective radioligand and selective drug should lead to varying [Formula: see text]provided the distribution of subtypes varies spatially. In contrast with [Formula: see text] and the conventional Lassen plot, ROI-level and voxel-level Lassen plot filter estimates remained unbiased in the presence of regional variation in [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In the [11C]flumazenil data-set, [Formula: see text] was shown to vary regionally in accordance with the distribution of binding sites for [11C]flumazenil and PF-06372865. We demonstrate that a local-neighborhood Lassen plot filter provides robust and unbiased estimates of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] without the need for any user intervention.
Impairment of cerebrovascular reactivity in response to hypercapnic challenge in a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lynch Cillian E , Eisenbaum Maxwell , Algamal Moustafa , Balbi Matilde , Ferguson Scott , Mouzon Benoit , Saltiel Nicole , Ojo Joseph , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon , Mullan Mike , Crawford Fiona , Bachmeier Corbin
Published: October 2020

Incidences of repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI), like those sustained by contact sports athletes and military personnel, are thought to be a risk factor for development of neurodegenerative disorders. Those suffering from chronic TBI-related illness demonstrate deficits in cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), the ability of the cerebral vasculature to respond to a vasoactive stimulus. CVR is thus an important measure of traumatic cerebral vascular injury (TCVI), and a possible in vivo endophenotype of TBI-related neuropathogenesis. We combined laser speckle imaging of CVR in response to hypercapnic challenge with neurobehavioral assessment of learning and memory, to investigate if decreased cerebrovascular responsiveness underlies impaired cognitive function in our mouse model of chronic r-mTBI. We demonstrate a profile of blunted hypercapnia-evoked CVR in the cortices of r-mTBI mice like that of human TBI, alongside sustained memory and learning impairment, without biochemical or immunohistopathological signs of cerebral vessel laminar or endothelium constituent loss. Transient decreased expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, indicative of TCVI, is obvious only at the time of the most pronounced CVR deficit. These findings implicate CVR as a valid preclinical measure of TCVI, perhaps useful for developing therapies targeting TCVI after recurrent mild head trauma.
Transarterial chemoembolization combined with iodine-125 seed implantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective controlled study
Authors: Chen Lei , Sun Tao , Kan Xuefeng , Chen Shi , Ren Yanqiao , Cao Yanyan , Yan Liangliang , Liang Bin , Xiong Bin , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine if iodine-125 seed implantation improved the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (≤5 cm).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 83 consecutive patients with HCC (≤5 cm) who underwent TACE or TACE–iodine-125 from January 2014 to July 2017. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) at 3 months after the first TACE treatment. PFS and OS were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Independent risk factors for PFS and OS were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Thirty-five patients received TACE–iodine-125 and 48 received TACE alone. The median OS and PFS were both significantly longer in the TACE–iodine-125 compared with the TACE-alone group (42 vs 23 months and 16 vs 8 months, respectively). The ORR was significantly higher in the TACE–iodine-125 compared with the TACE-alone group. There was no significant difference in adverse events, apart from decreased white cell count, between the two groups.

Conclusion

TACE–iodine-125 might be an effective and safe alternative treatment for patients with HCC (≤5 cm).
Maximum voluntary molar bite force in subjects with malocclusion: multifactor analysis
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Alfawzan Ahmed Ali
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study was performed to determine the maximum voluntary molar bite force (MVMBF) in relation to age, sex, lip competency, midline shifting, dental and skeletal malocclusion, overjet, overbite, and crowding.

Methods

One hundred Saudi patients with orthodontic malocclusion aged 14 to 25 years (51 male and 49 female patients) were investigated in this cross-sectional study. The baseline MVMBF on the right and left side was evaluated in all patients before commencing any orthodontic treatment. The MVMBF was registered with a portable occlusal force gauge in the first molar region during maximal clenching.

Results

The MVMBF significantly varied with respect to all nine confounding variables. The MVMBF significantly increased with an age of >18 years, male sex, right-side lip competency, no midline shift, dental and skeletal Class I malocclusion, normal overjet, normal overbite, and mild crowding.

Conclusion

All nine variables examined in the present study significantly influenced the MVMBF.
Visual Tension
Authors: Costa Marco
Published: October 2020

Although tension perception is well investigated in the music domain, its determinants in visual displays are still largely unexplored. Furthermore, the distinctive role of tension and arousal in affect theory is still debated. The study aimed to assess how geometrical and graphical transformations of basic visual shapes can affect perceived tension and arousal. The geometrical transformations were angle amplitude, rotation, position within a frame, symmetry, verticality, angularity, size, and regularity in spacing, while the graphical transformation regarded contrast. The sample included 122 participants. Perceived tension was significantly higher in angles with small amplitude, squares that were slightly rotated and not in the upright position, the upper and right areas within a rectangle, angular shapes, high-contrasted graphical transitions, asymmetrical shapes, vertical shapes, and dot patterns with irregular spacing. Overall, there was a moderate correlation between perception of tension and perception of arousal, although in some specific features, tension exhibited a dissociation from arousal, suggesting a distinctive role of tension in affect theory.
Mediating effect of cognitive load in song learning with visually presented lyrics
Authors: Han Yo-Jung
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether seeing the lyrics while learning a difficult song aurally induces less cognitive load in learners compared to not seeing the lyrics, leading to better recall accuracy of the learned song. Cognitive load was assessed through a reaction time measure based on a dual-task paradigm. Recall accuracy of the learned song was measured regarding lyrics, pitches, and rhythm. Thirty-six non-music majors individually learned two songs through prerecorded aural instruction; for one song they saw the lyrics and for the other song they did not see the lyrics. The presentation order of instructional condition and song were counterbalanced. Results showed instructional condition affected cognitive load but not recall accuracy. A path analysis revealed a mediating effect of cognitive load regarding lyrics and rhythm, suggesting seeing the lyrics indirectly increases recall accuracy of lyrics and rhythm through its positive effect on cognitive load. Given limited instructional time, several strategies should be considered to prevent learners from experiencing cognitive overload while learning a difficult song aurally. Showing the lyrics of the difficult song could be one strategy for that purpose, at least for young adults with low levels of musical expertise.
Local and Systemic Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy in an Animal Model
Authors: Ramme Austin J. , Darcy Rose , Rourke Brennan J. , Davis Carol , Markworth James F. , Junginger Lucas , Maerz Tristan , Brooks Susan V. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: October 2020

Background:

Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) has been increasingly applied to improve athletic performance and injury recovery. Validation of BFRT has lagged behind commercialization, and currently the mechanism by which this therapy acts is unknown. BFRT is one type of ischemic therapy, which involves exercising with blood flow restriction. Repetitive restriction of muscle blood flow (RRMBF) is another ischemic therapy type, which does not include exercise.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose was to develop a rat model of ischemic therapy, characterize changes to muscle contractility, and evaluate local and systemic biochemical and histologic responses of 2 ischemic therapy types. We hypothesized that ischemic therapy would improve muscle mass and strength as compared with the control group.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Four groups of 10 Sprague-Dawley rats were established: control, stimulation, RRMBF, and BFRT. One hindlimb of each subject underwent 8 treatment sessions over 4 weeks. To simulate exercise, the stimulation group underwent peroneal nerve stimulation for 2 minutes. The RRMBF group used a pneumatic cuff inflated to 100 mm Hg with a 48-minute protocol. The BFRT group involved 100–mm Hg pneumatic cuff inflation and peroneal nerve stimulation for a 5-minute protocol. Four methods of evaluation were performed: in vivo contractility testing, histology, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test and linear mixed effects modeling were used to compare the treatment groups.

Results:

There was no difference in muscle mass among groups ( P = .40) or between hindlimbs ( P = .73). In vivo contractility testing showed no difference in maximum contractile force among groups ( P = .64) or between hindlimbs ( P = .30). On histology, myocyte cross-sectional area was not different among groups ( P = .55) or between hindlimbs ( P = .44). Pax7 immunohistochemistry demonstrated no difference in muscle satellite cell density among groups ( P = .06) or between hindlimbs ( P = .046). ELISA demonstrated the RRMBF group as eliciting elevated GH levels as compared with the other groups ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Ischemic therapy did not induce gains in muscle mass, contractility strength, fiber cross-sectional area, or satellite cell density locally or systemically in this model, although the RRMBF group did have elevated GH levels on ELISA.

Clinical Relevance:

This animal model does not support ischemic therapy as a method to improve muscle mass, function, or satellite cell density.