bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Chloride Induces Memory Deficits and Hippocampal Damage by Activating the JNK/p66Shc/NADPH Oxidase Axis
Authors: El-kott Attalla Farag , Alshehri Ali S. , Khalifa Heba S. , Abd-Lateif Abd-El-karim M. , Alshehri Mohammad Ali , El-Maksoud Mona M. Abd , Eid Refaat A. , Bin-Meferij Mashael Mohammed
Published: August 2020

This study investigated whether the mechanism underlying the neurotoxic effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in rats involves p66Shc. This study comprised an initial in vivo experiment followed by an in vitro experiment. For the in vivo experiment, male rats were orally administered saline (vehicle) or CdCl2 (0.05 mg/kg) for 30 days. Thereafter, spatial and retention memory of rats were tested and their hippocampi were used for biochemical and molecular analyses. For the in vitro experiment, control or p66Shc-deficient hippocampal cells were treated with CdCl2 (25 µM) in the presence or absence of SP600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor. Cadmium chloride impaired the spatial learning and retention memory of rats; depleted levels of glutathione and manganese superoxide dismutase; increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 6; and induced nuclear factor kappa B activation. Cadmium chloride also decreased the number of pyramidal cells in the CA1 region and induced severe damage to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of cells in the hippocampi of rats. Moreover, CdCl2 increased the total unphosphorylated p66Shc, phosphorylated (Ser36) p66Shc, phosphorylated JNK, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase-3. A dose–response increase in cell death, ROS, DNA damage, p66Shc, and NADPH oxidase was also observed in cultured hippocampal cells treated with CdCl2. Of note, all of these biochemical changes were attenuated by silencing p66Shc or inhibiting JNK with SP600125. In conclusion, CdCl2 induces hippocampal ROS generation and apoptosis by promoting the JNK-mediated activation of p66Shc.
Youth Experiences of and Views on Un-locked Coercive Placement in Residential Child Care
Authors: Reime Monika Alvestad , Tysnes Ingunn Barmen
Published: August 2020

This article explores Norwegian youth experiences of and views on coercive placement in un-locked residential child care institutions. Inspired by Antonovsky’s salutogenic theory, the article discusses factors that make placement an opportunity for development among youth with serious drug and behavioural problems. The empirical material comes from interviews with 34 youth under and after coercive placement. The findings reveal that coercive placement in un-locked institutions can be helpful and necessary, provided that the institutions have the means available to protect the residents and provide supportive and meaningful treatment content. Factors such as treatment structure, the content of everyday life, clear expectations, and boundaries are discussed as important factors that help the placement to be an opportunity for development among youth with serious drug and behavioural problems.
Use of topical anaesthesia and peribulbar anaesthesia in Descemets membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Pilger Daniel , Maier Anna-Karina , Bertelmann Eckart , Joussen Antonia , Torun Necip
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

In instances where peribulbar anaesthesia (PBA) cannot be used, Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery can be performed under topical anaesthesia (TA). We evaluated subjective pain and post-operative outcomes of DMEK surgeries performed under PBA and TA.

Methods:

Sixty pseudophakic patients without history of ocular comorbidities underwent DMEK surgery under either PBA or TA. PBA was performed with a single injection of 6 mL Prilocaine Hydrochloride 2% in combination with 1500 I.U. hyaluronidase. For TA, patients were given 0.4% Oxybuprocaine eye drops followed by a 2% Lidocain Hydrochloride-Gel and an intraoperative injection of a 2% Lidocaine Hydrochloride solution into the anterior chamber. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Subjective pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes (BCVA, duration of surgery, endothelial density, rebubbling rate) were recorded during a follow-up period of 3 months.

Results:

The mean subjective pain of patients in the PBA group was 1.27 (95% CI 0.87–1.68) and 1.64 (95% CI 1.15–2.21) in the TA group. The mean duration of surgery was 402 s (95% CI 356–448) in the PBA group and 427 s (95% CI 371–483) in the TA group, p = 0.477. No major differences were observed in BCVA, endothelium density and rebubbling rate between the two groups. Anaesthesia-related side effects were more frequent in the PAB group than in the TA group.

Conclusion:

Although levels of subjective pain are lower under PBA than under TA, in selected patients without ocular comorbidities TA can achieve levels of pain acceptable for DMEK surgery.
Comparison of corneal epithelial thickness profile in dry eye patients, keratoconus suspect, and healthy eyes
Authors: Rattan Suzan Amana , Anwar Didar Sddeq
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To compare the corneal epithelial thickness profile in patients with dry eyes and keratoconus suspect with normal healthy eyes.

Methods:

The study involved 120 eyes with an age range from 19 to 30 years. Forty eyes had normal corneal topography and no dry eyes. Forty eyes had dry eyes but had normal corneal topography. The last 40 eyes were keratoconus suspect and had no symptoms or signs of dry eyes.

Results:

Central epithelial thickness was not different statistically for all eyes. ( p-value: 0.1). The superior epithelial thickness was 53.5 µm ±3.1 in the control group, 53.4 µm ±3.5 in the dry eye group, and 53.6 µm ±2.8 in the keratoconus suspect group. No statistically significant difference was found ( p-value = 0.7). The inferior epithelial thickness was 55.7 µm ±3.5 in the control, 57.2 µm ±3.19 in the dry eyes, and 52.2 µm ±3.12 in the KC suspects. There was inferior thickening in the dry eyes and thinning in the KC suspects and this was statistically significant ( p-value < 0.01). Minimum epithelial thickness was 52.8 µm ±2.91 in the control and 53.2 µm ±3.51 in the dry eyes and it was located superiorly for both groups. In the KC suspects, the minimum thickness was 52.3 µm ±3.19 and was located inferiorly.

Conclusion:

In our study the epithelium appears to be thicker inferiorly in dry eyes and thinner in KC suspects. Displacement of thinnest location on epithelial map may be a helpful early sign of keratoconus. However, follow-up study is necessary to confirm the thinnest location displacement helped in this diagnosis.
Eplerenone for treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Fraenkel Doris , Suffo Shady , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Abdin Alaa Din
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To assess the morphological and functional outcome of oral eplerenone for treatment of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in a real life experience.

Patients and methods:

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical files of 30 patients with chronic CSC. All patients were treated with eplerenone for a period of 6 weeks or 3 months depending on the clinical response. Main outcome measures included: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and height of the subretinal fluid (SRF). Comparisons between responders and non-responders were performed to identify factors that were predictive of the treatment response.

Results:

All patients were treated with eplerenone 18 ± 20 weeks after onset of the first symptoms. BCVA (LogMAR) improved from 0.2 ± 0.2 to 0.13 ± 0.18 at 6 weeks ( p = 0.01) and to 0.09 ± 0.15 at 3 months ( p = 0.01). Mean CMT decreased from 409 ± 136 to 323 ± 87 µm at 6 weeks ( p = 0.001) and to 298 ± 98 µm at 3 months ( p = 0.01). Mean height of SRF decreased from 153 ± 126 to 73 ± 79 µm at 6 weeks ( p = 0.001) and to 49 ± 88 µm at 3 months ( p = 0.005). Complete resolution of SRF was achieved in 20 patients after 3 months (67%). Reported stress in the medical history was the only statistical significant predictive factor associated with a positive treatment response.

Conclusion:

This study showed a statistically significant improvement of the best corrected visual acuity and a significant reduction of macular thickness and subretinal fluid in patients with chronic CSC treated with oral eplerenone, especially in patients under stress.
Long-term restoration of corneal sensitivity in neurotrophic keratopathy after rhNGF treatment
Authors: Di Zazzo Antonio , Varacalli Giuseppe , Mori Tommaso , Coassin Marco
Published: August 2020

Background:

To report the long-term effects of the new rhNGF treatment on corneal sensitivity in patients with

Cases presentation:

We present three cases of corneal ulcers due to NK that were treated with rhNGF. In each patient wound healing evolution was documented by clinical pictures and corneal sensitivity measured by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry. Best corrected visual acuity and Type I Schirmer test were also assessed neurotrophic keratopathy. All patients healed within 8 weeks and NK showed no recurrences in the mean follow-up period of 35 weeks. Each subject showed a significant increase of corneal sensitivity and tear secretion, with concomitant improvement in visual acuity.

Conclusion:

Corneal sensitivity, measured by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer, markedly increased in all eyes. Further studies are warranted to demonstrate a possible mechanism of nerve restoration with rhNGF treatment.
Bacterial Etiology of Wound Exudates in Tertiary Care Cancer Patients and Antibiogram of the Isolates
Authors: Duwadi Kiran , Khadka Sujan , Adhikari Sanjib , Sapkota Sanjeep , Shrestha Pabitra
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Patients with malignancies frequently develop infections as a result of surgical procedures and fungating wounds leading to pus formation. This cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the bacteriological spectra of infections of various cancer sites and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns among the patients visiting minor operation theatre (OT) of B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH), Chitwan, Nepal.

Methods:

Over a period of 3 months from September to November 2018, a total of 183 wound exudates and pus samples were collected and analyzed by standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified based on the colony characters, Gram staining and an array of biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique according to criteria set by CLSI, 2016. Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus was tested with the help of cefoxitin using disc diffusion method.

Results:

Out of the 183 samples, 149 (81.4%) were culture positive. Among 13 different isolates identified, S. aureus (43.0%) was predominant followed by E. coli (14.0%). Higher incidence of bacteria was seen among the males (52.3%), in the age group 51 to 60 years (26.8%) and among the patients undergoing surgical intervention to deal with cancer (34.2%). The prevalence of wound infection was significantly affected by gender, age, and treatment regimen ( P < .01). Out of the total 68 S. aureus isolates, 38 (44.1%) were deemed as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among the 158 isolates, 85 (53.8%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Cefepime was the most effective antibiotic for Gram positive isolates whereas both imipenem and meropenem were found to be equally more effective for Gram negative isolates.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that patients with malignancies harbor pathogenic bacteria; therefore, prudent use of antibiotics is essential to prevent the emergence of MDR pathogens.
Computer-assisted digital text analysis for journalism and communications research: introducing corpus linguistic techniques that do not require programming
Authors: Bednarek Monika , Carr Georgia
Published: August 2020

Digital methods are becoming more and more important for text analysis in communications research. However, many computational methods require either relevant technical expertise or multi-disciplinary collaboration, which has impeded their uptake. This article introduces an alternative: computer-assisted linguistic analysis (corpus linguistics), an approach that is increasingly being used outside linguistics and requires less expertise. The article uses a dataset of almost 700 items of health news to demonstrate how such techniques can aid the analysis of (dis)preferred language, sources, stigma and responsibility, framing, and project-specific text analysis. We conclude with an evaluation of the key advantages and limitations of corpus linguistic analysis.
Intimate partner violence, associations with perceived need for help and health care utilization: a population-based sample of women in Sweden
Authors: Lövestad Solveig , Vaez Marjan , Löve Jesper , Hensing Gunnel , Krantz Gunilla
Published: August 2020

Aim: To assess the association between physical intimate partner violence (physical IPV) in the past 5 years, perceived need for help and primary health care utilization due to mental health problems in a general population-based sample of women in Sweden. Methods: We performed structured follow-up interviews with 616 women between 1995 and 2015. Associations between physical IPV in the past 5 years and (i) perceived need for help and (ii) primary health care utilization due to mental health problems, were estimated by logistic regression analyses with crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of the women who had experienced physical IPV in the past 5 years, 45.1% perceived a need for help but refrained from seeking care. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, exposure to physical IPV in the past 5 years remained associated with perceived need for help (OR 3.54; CI 1.77–7.11). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the association between exposure to physical IPV and primary health care utilization did not remain statistically significant. Conclusions: Women exposed to physical IPV were more likely to perceive the need for help compared with unexposed women. A large proportion of IPV-exposed women in the general population may refrain from seeking care although they perceive a need for help. Future studies need to investigate potential barriers to mental health care seeking among women exposed to IPV. Routine questioning about IPV should be implemented in primary health care with improved referral to available support services.
The total prevalence of diagnosed diabetes and the quality of diabetes care for the adult population in Salten, Norway
Authors: Slåtsve Kristina B. , Claudi Tor , Lappegård Knut Tore , Jenum Anne K. , Larsen Marthe , Cooper John G. , Sandberg Sverre , Julsrud Berg Tore
Published: August 2020

Objective: To assess the total prevalence of types 1 and 2 diabetes and to describe and compare cardiovascular risk factors, vascular complications and the quality of diabetes care in adults with types 1 and 2 diabetes in Salten, Norway. Research design and methods: Cross-sectional study including all patients with diagnosed diabetes in primary and specialist care in Salten, 2014 (population 80,338). Differences in cardiovascular risk factors, prevalence of vascular complications and attained treatment targets between diabetes types were assessed using regression analyses. Results: We identified 3091 cases of diabetes, giving a total prevalence in all age groups of 3.8%, 3.4% and 0.45% for types 2 and 1 diabetes, respectively. In the age group 30–89 years the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 5.3%. Among 3027 adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes, 2713 (89.6%) had type 2 and 304 (10.0%) type 1 diabetes. The treatment target for haemoglobin A1c (⩽7.0%/53 mmol/mol) was reached in 61.1% and 22.5% of types 2 and 1 diabetes patients, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex and diabetes duration we found differences between patients with types 2 and 1 diabetes in mean haemoglobin A1c (7.1% vs. 7.5%, P<0.001), blood pressure (136/78 mmHg vs. 131/74 mmHg, P<0.001) and prevalence of coronary heart disease (23.1% vs. 15.8%, P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes was slightly lower than anticipated. Glycaemic control was not satisfactory in the majority of patients with type 1 diabetes. Coronary heart disease was more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fractures 30-day mortality
Authors: Fadulelmola Ahmed , Gregory Rob , Gordon Gavin , Smith Fiona , Jennings Andrew
Published: August 2020

Introduction

A novel virus, SARS-CoV-2 has caused a fatal global pandemic which particularly affects the elderly and those with co-morbidities. Hip fractures affect elderly populations, necessitate hospital admissions, and place this group at particular risk from COVID-19 infection. This study investigates the effect of COVID-19 infection on 30-day hip fracture mortality.

Method

Data related to seventy-five adult hip fractures admitted to two units during March and April 2020 was reviewed. The mean age was 83.5 years (range 65-98 years) and most (53, 70.7%) were females. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality associated with COVID-19 infection.

Results

The COVID-19 infection rate was 26.7% (20 patients), with a significant difference in the 30-day mortality rate in COVID-19 positive group (10/20, 50%) compared to COVID-19 negative group (4/55, 7.3%), with mean time to death of 19.8 days (95% confidence interval 17.0-22.5). The mean time from admission to surgery was 43.1 hours and 38.3 hours, in COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative groups, respectively. All COVID-19 positive patients had shown symptoms of fever and cough, and all ten cases who died were from hypoxia. Seven (35%) cases had radiological lung findings consistent with viral pneumonitis which resulted in mortality (70% of mortality). 30% (n = 6) contracted the COVID-19 infection in the community and 70% (n = 14) developed symptoms after hospital admission.

Conclusion

Hip fractures associated with COVID-19 infection have a high 30-day mortality. COVID-19 testing and chest x-ray for patients presenting with hip fractures, helps in early planning of high-risk surgeries and allows counselling of the patients and family using realistic prognosis.
The effective use of an e-dentistry service during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Crawford Elizabeth , Taylor Nigel
Published: August 2020

In 2020, we experienced the largest disruption to normal life recorded in recent years with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Creative thinking was required to ensure patient care was maintained. In this article, we share a service evaluation and experiences dealing with the crisis through using a virtual office approach with video conferencing to manage emergency consultations, treatment reviews, new patient and multidisciplinary clinics in a hospital orthodontic unit.
Problem solved! How eduprenuers enact a school crisis as business possibilities
Authors: Ideland Malin , Jobér Anna , Axelsson Thom
Published: August 2020

This article explores how a growing apparatus of edupreneurial actors offers solutions for the current ‘school crisis’ and how these commercial actors become taken for granted in the public school system. The Swedish case is interesting, as it involves a once-strong welfare state that is now associated with both the neoliberal discourse of competition and the outsourcing of policy work. Two examples – research-based education and the digitalization of education – serve to illustrate how a crisis narrative is translated into edupreneurial business ideas and how companies become established in the edupreneurial market through ‘public/private statework’. Bacchi’s notion of problematization is used to analyse processes through which the crisis has become a hegemonic truth and thus an obvious object for (business) intervention. In addition, this study shows how the commodification of school limits what becomes the ‘research base’ for schooling. The results point to the importance of how the problem is constructed and what is represented (or not) in this problematization process, for example, how critical research is left out. Another important conclusion is that the crisis narrative and policy reforms nurture the existence of these private companies.
Role of community pharmacists in educating asthmatic patients: A multi-centered cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Emiru Yohannes Kelifa , Hammeso Workineh Woldeselassie , Adelo Eyerusalem Shello , Siraj Ebrahim Abdela , Bizuneh Gizachew Kassahun , Adamu Betelhem Anteneh , Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew
Published: August 2020

Background:

Effective asthma management requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes; the physician, the patient, and the patient’s family.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to assess the roles played by community pharmacists toward asthma control together with the barriers hindering their practice and possible strategies to overcome those barriers.

Methods:

A multi-centered cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previously conducted studies and customized to fit with the current study setup. The collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was conducted and the results were presented using frequency tables and graphs.

Results:

A total of 122 community pharmacy professionals; 63 from Gondar, 26 from Bahir Dar, 15 from Debre Markos, 14 from Woldia, and 4 from Debre birhan participated in the study. About 96 (78.7%) of the participants reported that they teach their patients the basic facts about asthma. More than two-thirds of the participants 85 (69.7%) also reported that they were able to identify and manage the triggering factors of asthma for their patients. Lack of pharmacist time was reported by 78 (63.9%) of the study participants as a major reason for the inadequacy of the counseling service provided.

Conclusion:

It appears evident that there is a need for continuing professional education and pharmacists to receive additional training to improve their ability to go beyond identifying a problem and suggesting therapeutic options.
Avancemos! Building Partnerships Between Academia and Underserved Latinx Communities to Address Health Disparities Through a Faculty-Mentored Undergraduate Research Program
Authors: Lindsay Ana Cristina
Published: August 2020

Latinx is the largest minority population group in the United States and disproportionately affected by health disparities. Efforts to address such health disparities require a concerted, multipronged approach that should involve training the next generation of Latinx health professionals to become part of a culturally competent workforce. This article describes a formative assessment of a faculty mentored undergraduate research program at the University Massachusetts–Boston, called “ Avancemos!: Advancing Research Skills and Professional Career Opportunities in Health Sciences for Latinx Undergraduate Students” designed to provide mentorship, research training, and professional career development skills for undergraduate Latinx students. We employed a mixed-method approach in the formative assessment of the program. Our results showed that over the course of four academic semesters the program served a majority female, first-generation, immigrant low-income Latinx undergraduate students. Our qualitative assessment of students’ perceived benefits of participation in the program suggests positive effects on a number of areas including the acquisition of concrete and marketable research skills, enhanced understanding and application of knowledge gained in other courses, increased network, enhanced sense of belonging to the academic community, increased professional self-confidence, and enhanced preparedness and plans to pursue graduate studies. Furthermore, our findings suggest that participation in community-engaged research activities offered opportunities for students to realize the role research plays in reducing health disparities. Faculty-mentored undergraduate research programs such as the Avancemos! offer essential opportunities to build partnerships between academia and underserved Latinx communities to address health disparities, while contributing to the development of culturally competent health professions workforce.
The Relationship Between Blood Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α, Fetuin-A, Fibrinogen, Homocysteine, and Amputation Level
Authors: Simsir Ilgin Yildirim , Sengoz Coskun Nur Sinem , Akcay Yasemin Yildirim , Cetinkalp Sevki
Published: August 2020

Reduced life expectancy has resulted from an increased incidence of chronic complications in patients with diabetes. The diabetic foot is one of these complications and generally presents together with diabetic neuropathy and vascular insufficiency. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is important in developing the adaptation response to hypoxia and facilitates healing through regulation of keratinocyte migration and epithelium restoration in wounds. Fetuin-A is a transporter protein that is synthesized in the liver and inhibits vascular and ectopic calcifications. It has been observed that altered fetuin-A is associated with peripheral artery disease through vascular calcification and is associated with inflammation and metabolic syndrome occurrence in diabetic patients. Fibrinogen is an acute-phase reactant and has a major role in homeostasis, tissue repair, and wound healing. Increased fibrinogen blood level is one of the factors that facilitates the hypercoagulability in diabetics. Homocysteine has atherogenic features and causes vascular toxicity by enhancing low-density lipoprotein oxidation. We evaluated the association of serum HIF-1α, fetuin-A, fibrinogen, and homocysteine levels with amputation in 31 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. According to our evaluation, a negative correlation was determined between fetuin-A and amputation level ( P = .012, r = −0.450), which was statistically significant. Unfortunately, there was no significant correlation between HIF-1α, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and amputation level ( P > .05). As a result, it was suggested that vascular calcification due to fetuin-A deficiency may be important in the diabetic foot pathogenesis and that fetuin-A levels may be a predictor for amputation level.
Overall Survival of Nonmetastasized NSCLC Patients Treated With Add-On Viscum album L: A Multicenter Real-World Study
Authors: Thronicke Anja , Matthes Burkhard , von Trott Philipp , Schad Friedemann , Grah Christian
Published: August 2020

Background:

Recent data suggest a beneficial effect of add-on treatment with Viscum album L (VA) on the survival in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of standard oncological therapy plus add-on VA treatment (S+VA) versus standard oncological therapy alone (S) on the overall survival (OS) of patients with nonmetastasized non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods:

The multicenter real-world data study was conducted using data from the Network Oncology Clinical Registry. The primary end point was OS. OS and impact on hazard in both treatment groups were compared.

Results:

A total of 275 patients with stages I to IIIA NSCLC were enrolled (mean age = 67.6 years, 57.2% male patients). No significant difference of OS was observed between both groups. Even though not significant, for a subgroup of unresected patients with stage I NSCLC, adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, a medium effect size OS improvement was observed for S+VA compared to S.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the importance of surgery as the most effective intervention in nonmetastasized NSCLC patients. Add-on VA therapy shows here no additional effect in resected patients. However, a small subgroup analysis suggests a possible role of add-on VA for nonresected subgroups. Our results complement existing knowledge on the clinical impact of add-on VA therapy in NSCLC patients and may serve as hypothesis-generating data for further examinations in this cohort. Further research could be directed towards the role of combined therapy for nonresected early-stage NSCLC.
Innovative Approach for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study With the Hilotherm Device, the Poliambulanza Hospital Experience
Authors: Oneda Ester , Meriggi Fausto , Zanotti Laura , Zaina Elisabetta , Bighè Sara , Andreis Federica , Rueda Sabogal , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: August 2020

Background:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse event of taxanes, with no effective prevention or treatment available and a highly negative impact on patient quality of life. The aim of this study is to asses that the constant application of cooled cuffs on the hands and feet prevent and mitigate CIPN.

Methods:

Patients with breast, gynecologic, and pancreatic cancer who received weekly paclitaxel (PTX), PTX/carboplatin, and nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX)/gemcitabine for any indication at the therapeutic scheduled dosage were included in this prospective study. Hilotherm Chemo care device forms a closed-loop system with cuffs and tubes through which a coolant flows at a temperature of 10 °C. CIPN was monitored using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (edition 3.0), and the tolerability and side effects were scored by using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (T4.03 2017).

Results:

To date, we have enrolled 64 patients. Of these, 54 (84%) completed all cooling cycles. Continuous cooling was well tolerated by all patients. No patients had grade >2 CIPN or had serious or lasting adverse events as a result of Hilotherapy. The median time to CIPN onset was 77 days for the entire population.

Conclusion:

Hilotherapy has good effectiveness and tolerability and seems to be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of CIPN. We are still recruiting patients to obtain more data and to collect data at 3 months after the end of chemotherapy. Prospective studies seem to be warranted.
Epilepsy With Myoclonic Atonic Seizures: Why Is the Yield of Genetic Testing for a “Presumed Genetic” Epilepsy Low?
Authors: Nickels Katherine
Published: August 2020

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Transitioning From Open to Robotic Liver Resection. Results of 46 Consecutive Procedures Including a Majority of Major Hepatectomies
Authors: Valverde Alain , Abdallah Solafah , Danoussou Divya , Goasguen Nicolas , Jouvin Ingrid , Oberlin Olivier , Lupinacci Renato M.
Published: August 2020

Aims. Minimally invasive liver resection is a complex and challenging operation. Although authors have reported robotic liver resection shows improved safety and efficacy compared with open liver resection, robotic major liver resections for malignant liver lesions treatment remain inadequately evaluated. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transitioning from open to robotic liver resection in a nonuniversity hospital. Patients and Methods. From December 2015 to March 2020, 46 patients underwent totally robotic-assisted liver resections out of 446 robotic procedures. Also, we retrospectively reviewed the last 27 open right hepatectomies (ORHs) and compared then with the first 25 anatomic robotic-assisted right hepatectomies (RRHs). Results. Mean operative time, mean blood lost, rate of complications, and mean hospital stay were associated with the complexity of the procedure. The comparison between ORH and RRH showed that intraoperative complications were less frequently observed during ORH whereas RRH showed a trend in favor of less blood loss. ORH had a trend toward smaller surgical margins and higher rate of R1 resections. Recurrence occurred in 31 (59%) patients and was more frequently observed after ORH. However, the mean follow-up was significantly shorter after RRH. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of transitioning from open to robotic liver resection (including major hepatectomies) in a nonuniversity setting. Higher costs remain an important drawback for robotic surgery.
Queering public leadership: The case of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders in the Philippines
Authors: Gamboa Lance Calvin L , Ilac Emerald Jay D , Carangan Athena May Jean M , Agida Julia Izah S
Published: August 2020

Research has been lacking in exploring the implications of sexual identity on public leadership and in using discursive approaches to develop gender and public leadership literature. This study utilizes queer analysis to explore how six nonheterosexual public leaders in the Philippines negotiate their leadership identities and practices vis-à-vis a collectivistic, religious, and heteronormative culture. Interview accounts yield a reimagining of public leadership as a desire for intimacy with the people. Embedded in heteronormativity, this unspoken conception positions nonheterosexual subjects as unfit to participate in public leadership spaces, compelling them to make concessions to be allowed entry into the field. Such concessions, however, do not preclude the emergence of queer public leaderships that eventually enable a leadership praxis grounded on intersectionality. These findings reveal possibilities for a radical liberation of leaders and followers from interlocking structures of oppression.
Self-Regulation Without Force: Can Awareness Leverage Reward to Drive Behavior Change?
Authors: Ludwig Vera U. , Brown Kirk Warren , Brewer Judson A.
Published: August 2020

To reach longer-term goals and live aligned with their values, people typically must regulate their behavior. Effortful self-control is one way to achieve this and is usually framed as a forceful struggle between lower-level impulses and higher-level cognitive control processes. For example, people may restrain themselves from eating cake in order to lose weight. An alternative avenue of self-regulation draws on autonomous motivation: Individuals eat healthfully because it is values-congruent or intrinsically satisfying. Recent advances in the understanding of reward valuation on a neural level (e.g., ventromedial prefrontal cortex/orbitofrontal cortex) and emerging treatments on a clinical level (e.g., mindfulness training) suggest a possible mechanistic convergence between brain and behavior that is consistent with a shift from forced to unforced behavior change. Here we propose how an overlooked aspect of reinforcement learning can be leveraged using a simple yet critical feature of experience that is not reliant on willpower: Bringing awareness to one’s subjective experience and behavior can produce a change in valuation of learned but unhealthy behaviors, leading to self-regulatory shifts that result in sustainable behavior change without force.
Augmentation of rotator cuff repair with gelatin–resorcin–formalin glue: a biomechanical study
Authors: McNamara William J , Lam Patrick H , Murrell George AC
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Rotator cuff tendons are typically reattached to the proximal humerus using transosseous sutures or suture anchors. Their primary mode of failure is at the tendon–bone interface.

Methods

We investigated the addition of an adhesive, gelatin–resorcin–formalin (GRF) glue, to a single-row rotator cuff repair (RCR) on ex vivo sheep models. We hypothesised the addition of GRF glue would increase the repair construct strength. The study consisted of three groups of six sheep infraspinatus tendons with an inverted-mattress stitch, tension-band configuration. Group 1 was the control group where no glue was applied. Group 2 involved applying 2 × 2 cm of GRF glue to the infraspinatus footprint and a 2-min curing time. Group 3 allowed for a 15-min cure time.

Results

Failure occurred at the tendon–bone–suture interface in 6/6 of the control group, and 4/6 from groups 2 and 3. Failure occurred via the suture pulling out of the anchor in 2/6 of groups 2 and 3. No significant differences were noted between all three groups in ultimate failure load, repair stiffness or total energy to failure (p > 0.05).

Discussion

The addition of GRF glue to the tendon–bone–suture interface did not enhance RCR strength in an ovine model.
Current Strategies for the Management of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Staudt Michael D. , Prabhala Tarun , Sheldon Breanna L. , Quaranta Nicholas , Zakher Michael , Bhullar Ravneet , Pilitsis Julie G. , Argoff Charles E.
Published: August 2020

The development of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of chronic diabetes that can be associated with significant disability and healthcare costs. Prompt symptom identification and aggressive glycemic control is essential in controlling the development of neuropathic complications; however, adequate pain relief remains challenging and there are considerable unmet needs in this patient population. Although guidelines have been established regarding the pharmacological management of PDN, pain control is inadequate or refractory in a high proportion of patients. Pharmacotherapy with anticonvulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin) and antidepressants (duloxetine) are common first-line agents. The use of oral opioids is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and can also lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Their use is therefore discouraged. There is an emerging role for neuromodulation treatment modalities including intrathecal drug delivery, spinal cord stimulation, and dorsal root ganglion stimulation. Furthermore, consideration of holistic alternative therapies such as yoga and acupuncture may augment a multidisciplinary treatment approach. This aim of this review is to focus on the current management strategies for the treatment of PDN, with a discussion of treatment rationale and practical considerations for their implementation.
Muscle Activation Differences During Eccentric Hamstring Exercises
Authors: Guruhan Sonay , Kafa Nihan , Ecemis Zeynep B. , Guzel Nevin A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

The hamstring muscles play a critical role in the prevention of lower limb injuries. However, it is still unclear which exercises are more effective in terms of muscle activation.

Hypothesis:

In healthy individuals, there are differences between muscular activations of the biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles during eccentric hamstring exercises.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

A total of 31 healthy participants (18 male; mean age, 22.5 years; SD, 3.1) were included in this study. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the hamstring muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. The participants were asked to perform one of the following exercises randomly (3 repetitions each): stiff-leg deadlift (SLDL), unilateral stiff-leg deadlift (USLDL), Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), and ball leg curl (BLC). Activation of the BF, ST, and SM muscles was measured using surface electromyography during the exercises. In the statistical analysis of this study, factorial analysis of variance was used to compare the effects of each exercise on the muscle groups and to analyze which exercise type was more effective for each muscle group.

Results:

The NHE led to higher muscle activation than the other exercises ( P < 0.001). When exercise type and muscle interaction were examined, SM activation was lower than BF ( P = 0.04) and ST ( P = 0.001) during NHE ( P < 0.05). The highest level of muscular activation was recorded during the NHE in both male and female participants.

Conclusion:

The NHE may be the most effective exercise for the hamstring muscles as it leads to greater muscle activation. SLDL, USLDL, and BLC exercises may be preferred at the beginning of strength training programs since they lead to lower muscular activation compared with the NHE.

Clinical Relevance:

To select the optimum hamstring exercise, it is important to know the activation levels of the hamstring muscles during different eccentric exercises.
Cross-Modal Perceptual Organization in Works of Art
Authors: Albertazzi Liliana , Canal Luisa , Micciolo Rocco , Hachen Iacopo
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the existence of cross-modal correspondences between a series of paintings by Kandinsky and a series of selections from Schönberg music. The experiment was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, by means of the Osgood semantic differential, the participants evaluated the perceptual characteristics first of visual stimuli (some pictures of Kandinsky’s paintings, with varying perceptual characteristics and contents) and then of auditory stimuli (musical excerpts taken from the repertoire of Schönberg’s piano works) relative to 11 pairs of adjectives tested on a continuous bipolar scale. In the second phase, participants were required to associate pictures and musical excerpts. The results of the semantic differential test show that certain paintings and musical excerpts were evaluated as semantically more similar, while others were evaluated as semantically more different. The results of the direct association between musical excerpts and paintings showed both attractions and repulsions among the stimuli. The overall results provide significant insights into the relationship between concrete and abstract concepts and into the process of perceptual grouping in cross-modal phenomena.
Speaking bodies – silenced voices: Child protection and the knowledge culture of ‘evidencing’
Authors: Knezevic Zlatana
Published: August 2020

Using the metaphors body and voice and drawing on critical contributions on biopolitics, this article interrogates children’s participation rights in a knowledge culture of ‘evidencing’. With child welfare and protection practice as an empirical example, I analyse written assessment reports from a Swedish child welfare agency, all exemplifying how social workers evidence needs for protection and reasons for removing children from the home. I discuss how ‘evidencing’ equals a knowledge culture of seeing-believing and predicting-believing and the search for visibly damaged bodies and underdeveloped minds. I furthermore problematise how such conceptualisation of evidencing foregrounds children’s ‘speaking’ bodies while silencing their voices. By showing these manifestations of evidencing, this critical contribution discusses some wider epistemic concerns for fields influenced by the knowledge cultures of ‘the evidence-based’.
Enhancing Comprehension of Lecture Content in a Foreign Language as the Medium of Instruction: Comparing Speech-to-Text Recognition With Speech-Enabled Language Translation
Authors: Shadiev Rustam , Chien Yu-Cheng , Huang Yueh-Min
Published: August 2020

Scholars suggest that not every student completely comprehends the content of a lecture in a foreign language as the medium of instruction, especially in the case of those with low language ability. To facilitate comprehension of lectures in a foreign language, learning content was presented to students in multiple modalities; that is, in addition to verbal (speech of the instructor) and visual (lecture slides) content, texts generated by speech-to-text recognition (STR) or speech-enabled language translation (SELT) were shown to the students. The goal was to compare how these two additional content modalities (i.e., STR-texts vs. SELT-texts) facilitate student comprehension of lecture content. Because processing multimodal content requires additional cognitive resources, another goal was to explore whether STR-texts versus SELT-texts impose any cognitive load on the students. To this end, two groups of students were recruited, where they attended two lectures at the intermediate and advanced levels. STR-texts were shown to a control group, and SELT-texts were shown to an experimental group. The posttest results and the cognitive load of the students in both groups after each lecture were compared. Four main findings were obtained: (a) The experimental group outperformed the control group on both posttests. However, when student language ability was considered, the difference was statistically significant for low ability students only; (b) there was not a significant between-group difference in cognitive load; however, if student language ability was considered, a significant between-group difference existed during the more difficult lecture; (c) between-group differences in self-efficacy were statistically insignificant; and (d) associations among some research variables were found. Based on these results, several implications were drawn for the teaching and research community.
“I’m Not going to the f***ing White House”: Twitter Users React to Donald Trump and Megan Rapinoe
Authors: Frederick Evan L. , Pegoraro Ann , Schmidt Samuel
Published: August 2020

When asked if she would go to the White House if invited, Megan Rapinoe stated, “I’m not going to the fucking White House.” The next morning, President Donald Trump posted a series of tweets in which he criticized Rapinoe’s statements. In his tweets, Trump introduced issues around race in the United States and brought forth his own notion of nationalism. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of users’ tweets to determine how individuals employed Twitter to craft a narrative and discuss the ongoing Rapinoe and Trump feud within and outside the bounds of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and nationalism. An inductive analysis of 16,137 users’ tweets revealed three primary themes: a) Refuse, Refute, & Redirect Racist Rhetoric b) Stand Up vs. Know your Rights, and c) #ShutUpAndBeALeader. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that the dialogue regarding racism in the United States is quickly evolving. Instead of reciting the same refrain (i.e., racism no longer exists and systematic racism is constructed by Black people) seen in previous works, individuals in the current dataset refuted those talking points and clearly labeled the President as a racist. Additionally, though discussions of nationalism were evident in this dataset, the Stand Up vs. Know Your Rights theme was on the periphery in comparison to discussions of race. Perhaps, this indicates that some have grown tired of Trump utilizing nationalism as a means to stoke racism.