bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation between supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma and extraventricular ependymoma using multiparametric MRI
Authors: Zhou Xiaofang , Su Yan , Huang Wanrong , Lin Xiaojun , Xing Zhen , Cao Dairong
Published: October 2021

Background

The differentiation of supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas (STPAs) and supratentorial extraventricular ependymomas (STEEs) is clinically pivotal because of distinct therapeutic management and prognosis, which is sometimes challenging to both neuroradiologists and pathologists.

Purpose

To explore and compare the conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features between STPA and STEE.

Material and Methods

A total of 23 patients with STPAs and 23 patients with STEEs were reviewed in this study. All patients performed conventional MRI, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and 34 patients (17 with STPAs and 17 with STEEs) examined dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) in addition. Clinical data, conventional MRI features, minimum relative apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (rADCmin), and maximum relative cerebral blood volume ratio (rCBVmax) were compared between the two groups and subgroups. The optimal cutoff values of rADCmin and rCBVmax with sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results

STPA manifested similar to STEE as a solid-cystic mass but more frequently presented with a marked enhancing deep nodule ( P = 0.02), no peritumoral edema ( P = 0.036), higher rADCmin value (2.0 ± 0.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2; P < 0.001), and lower rCBVmax value (2.1 ± 0.4 vs. 14.4 ± 5.5; P < 0.001). The cutoff value of >1.39 for rADCmin and ≤ 2.81 for rCBVmax produced a high sensitivity of 95.65% and 100.0%, respectively, and all produced a specificity of 100.0% in differentiating STPAs from STEEs.

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI techniques including conventional MRI, DWI, and DSC-PWI contribute to the differential diagnosis of STPA and STEE.
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for different types of lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Pengfei , Yang Fengkai , Chen Ying , Song Youxin
Published: October 2021

Objective

To introduce the concept of ‘nerve root as the core’ and to investigate the surgical procedure and curative effect of percutaneous translaminar endoscopic discectomy (PTED) surgery in the treatment of different types of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

This retrospective study analysed the clinical data from patients with LDH that underwent single-segment PTED surgery. They were divided into three groups based on LDH location: central canal zone group, lateral recess zone group and foraminal/far lateral zone group. Different working cannula placement methods were used for the different types of LDH. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Clinical and follow-up data were compared between the three groups.

Results

A total of 130 patients were enrolled in the study: 44 (33.8%) in the central canal zone group, 72 (55.4%) in the lateral recess zone group and 14 (10.8%) in the foraminal/far lateral zone group. All three groups of patients achieved good postoperative results. The improvements in leg pain and disability were most marked in the first postoperative month in all three groups.

Conclusion

PTED achieved adequate decompression for different types of LDH. The concept of ‘nerve root as the core’ facilitated the accurate placement of the working cannula.
Dislocations in an arbitrary angle wedge. Part I: The dislocation kernel
Authors: Riddoch Daniel J , Hills David A
Published: October 2021

We consider the state of stress created by the presence of an edge dislocation at an arbitrary position, in a wedge of arbitrary internal angle. A method for determining the state of stress in the wedge is demonstrarted and verified against finite element method simulations. Furthermore, a Mellin transform is employed to ensure that the free surfaces of the wedge remain traction free along their length.
Wind power prediction based on wavelet denoising and improved slime mold algorithm optimized support vector machine
Authors: Lian Lian , He Kan
Published: October 2021

The accuracy of wind power prediction directly affects the operation cost of power grid and is the result of power grid supply and demand balance. Therefore, how to improve the prediction accuracy of wind power is very important. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of wind power, a prediction model based on wavelet denoising and improved slime mold algorithm optimized support vector machine is proposed. The wavelet denoising algorithm is used to denoise the wind power data, and then the support vector machine is used as the prediction model. Because the prediction results of support vector machine are greatly affected by model parameters, an improved slime mold optimization algorithm with random inertia weight mechanism is used to determine the best penalty factor and kernel function parameters in support vector machine model. The effectiveness of the proposed prediction model is verified by using two groups actually collected wind power data. Seven prediction models are selected as the comparison model. Through the comparison between the predicted value and the actual value, the prediction error and its histogram distribution, the performance indicators, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the DM test, box-plot distribution, the results show that the proposed prediction model has high prediction accuracy.
Review of Length Approximations for Tours with Few Stops
Authors: Choi Youngmin , Schonfeld Paul M.
Published: October 2021

The shortest tour distance for visiting all points exactly once and returning to the origin is computed by solving the well-known traveling salesman problem (TSP). Owing to the large computational effort needed for optimizing TSP tours, researchers have developed approximations that relate the average length of TSP tours to the number of points, n, visited per tour. The existing approximations are used in transportation system planning and evaluation for estimating the distance for vehicles with large capacities (e.g., delivery trucks) where n is relatively large. However, the average TSP tour lengths would be inaccurately estimated if the approximations were derived for a wide range of n values since the tour lengths increase at a decreasing rate (i.e., with [Formula: see text]) as n increases. A comprehensive review is presented here of existing studies approximating TSP tour lengths for low n values, which have become important for some recently favored delivery alternatives (e.g., deliveries by bikes, drones, and robots).
Exploring User Understanding of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Iconography Using Novel Survey Methods
Authors: Landry Steven , Seppelt Bobbie , Russo Luca , Krampell Martin
Published: October 2021

As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increase in functionality, so do the functional requirements of their visual displays to communicate status and settings. Drivers who misinterpret in-vehicle displays may be more likely to misuse or avoid using ADAS, negating the potential safety benefits. A novel evaluation method is proposed and applied to the (at the time of surveying) latest Volvo instrument cluster. An online survey was completed by 838 Volvo car owners with varying levels of familiarity with adaptive cruise control and pilot assist. Results suggest that the concepts of a system being “available but not on” or “on but not actively providing support” can be difficult for novice users to recognize, resulting in a mode or state confusion. However, more experienced users were less likely to make these types of errors. The assessment method of providing users with partially masked images shows promise as a useful tool for evaluating comprehension of ADAS in-vehicle visual displays.
Sustainable Materials: A Review of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Utilization as Pavement Material
Authors: Aytekin Burcu , Mardani-Aghabaglou Ali
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on the utilization of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), which is the dominant construction and demolition waste material, in base and subbase layers and its comparison with natural aggregate (NA). The effects of crushing on the particles as a result of the compaction on the resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and California Bearing Ratio are analyzed. The paper also contains the NA consumption and waste disposal policies of different countries, RCA standards, and the environmental-economic reasons for its use. This literature review mainly focuses on pavement layers as this is the main application of RCA in the use of recycled materials. Developing integrated construction and demolition waste management will help achieve the primary goal of preventing and reducing the generation of these wastes, both locally and globally. In this way, not only is the main purpose of preventing the increase in the production of construction and demolition waste achieved, but also the reuse and recycling of the waste materials produced are encouraged. Results show that RCA has equivalent or better performance than virgin aggregate for almost any application with proper care and process control, and can be used in unbound pavement layers or other applications requiring compaction. But it is always recommended that its mechanical properties and durability performance be evaluated with full-scale tests before use. The information provided will be useful for contractors and engineers to evaluate alternative solutions and to explore the rational use of such sustainable materials in applications.
Femoral and Tibial Bony Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Are Present in More Than 50% of Healthy Individuals
Authors: Micicoi Grégoire , Jacquet Christophe , Khakha Raghbir , LiArno Sally , Faizan Ahmad , Seil Romain , Kocaoglu Baris , Cerciello Simone , Martz Pierre , Ollivier Matthieu
Published: October 2021

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are multifactorial events that may be influenced by morphometric parameters. Associations between primary ACL injuries or graft ruptures and both femoral and tibial bony risk factors have been well described in the literature.

Purpose:

To determine values of femoral and tibial bony morphology that have been associated with ACL injuries in a reference population. Further, to define interindividual variations according to participant demographics and to identify the proportion of participants presenting at least 1 morphological ACL injury risk factor.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Computed tomography scans of 382 healthy participants were examined. The following bony ACL risk factors were analyzed: notch width index (NWI), lateral femoral condylar index (LFCI), medial posterior plateau tibial angle (MPPTA), and lateral posterior plateau tibial angle (LPPTA). The proportion of this healthy population presenting with at least 1 pathological ACL injury risk factor was determined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to determine the influence of demographic characteristics.

Results:

According to published thresholds for ACL bony risk factors, 12% of the examined knees exhibited an intercondylar notch width <18.9 mm, 25% had NWI <0.292, 62% exhibited LFCI <0.67, 54% had MPPTA <83.6°, and 15% had LPPTA <81.6°. Only 14.4% of participants exhibited no ACL bony risk factors, whereas 84.5% had between 2 and 4 bony risk factors and 1.1% had all bony risk factors. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the intercondylar notch width ( P < .0001) was an independent predictor according to both sex and ethnicity; the LFCI ( P = .012) and MMPTA ( P = .02) were independent predictors according to ethnicity.

Conclusion:

The precise definition of bony anatomic risk factors for ACL injury remains unclear. Based on published thresholds, 15% to 62% of this reference population would have been considered as being at risk. Large cohort analyses are required to confirm the validity of previously described morphological risk factors and to define which participants may be at risk of primary ACL injury and reinjury after surgical reconstruction.
The Effect of Single vs Serial Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Osteochondral Lesions Treated With Microfracture: An In Vivo Rabbit Model
Authors: Yasui Youichi , Dankert John F. , Tonogai Ichiro , Mercer Nathaniel P. , Goodale Margaret B. , Fortier Lisa A. , Kennedy John G.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Biological adjuvants are used after a musculoskeletal injury to improve healing, decrease inflammation, and restore joint homeostasis. Work on 1 such adjuvant, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has suggested a positive effect when introduced during cartilage repair. However, it remains unknown whether healing osteochondral injuries benefit from serial PRP injections.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of serial PRP injections versus a single PRP injection on reparative cartilaginous tissue, subchondral bone remodeling, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in joint synovium.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 48 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to receive 1 (1P), 2 (2P), or 3 (3P) PRP injections. Cylindrical full-thickness cartilage defects (2.9 × 2.9 mm) with microdrillings (0.6-mm diameter) were created on the medial condyles of both knees. PRP was injected into the right knee after closure (groups 1P, 2P, and 3P), at 2 weeks after surgery (groups 2P and 3P), and at 4 weeks after surgery (group 3P). The left knees did not receive any PRP injections. A total of 6 rabbits in each group were euthanized at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Cartilage repair tissue was assessed using the Goebel macroscopic and modified International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) histological scoring systems. Subchondral bone remodeling was evaluated by micro–computed tomography analysis (micro-CT). Inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

No significant differences were found for the mean macroscopic score between the PRP groups at 12 weeks (control, 6.1 ± 3.3; group 1P, 3.4 ± 2.7; group 2P, 4.2 ± 2.9; group 3P, 0.7 ± 1.5). All PRP groups had a significantly higher mean modified ICRS histological score compared with the control group, but no significant difference was found among the PRP groups. No significant differences were seen in outcomes for the tested micro-CT parameters or cytokine expression levels.

Conclusion:

Serial PRP injections conferred no apparent advantage over single injections according to evaluations of the macroscopic and histological appearance of the cartilaginous tissue, subchondral bone healing, and inflammatory cytokine expression levels in the synovium.

Clinical Relevance:

The use of PRP as a biological adjuvant to bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions has the potential to enhance the quality of regenerative cartilaginous tissue. We recommend only a single PRP injection if the use of PRP is indicated by the operating surgeon as an adjuvant therapy for osteochondral lesions.
Evaluation of tensile properties of fiber metal laminates under different strain rates
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Yasir , Arif Zia Ullah , Ahmed Waqas , Arshad Hassan
Published: October 2021

There has been an ever-going need for materials containing excellent mechanical properties, lower density, and improved fuel efficiency in the aerospace industry. To date, Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) are a prime choice for aerospace applications. The components of aircraft are subjected to various mechanical loadings under operating conditions; therefore, an in-depth understanding of material behavior under expected loading conditions is imperative for the meticulous design and manufacturing of these components. To evaluate the tensile behavior of the FMLs containing Aluminum 7075-T6 sheets as a metallic phase was the primary aim of this study. Furthermore, the manufactured composites were treated with the processes including surface de-greasing, mechanical abrasion, and anodizing. In order to perform mechanical characterization, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at various strain rates 2×10−4 s−1, 5×10−4 s−1 and 8×10−4 s−1. The FMLs were fabricated through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The results revealed that FMLs based different combinations of the fiber and metal constituents exhibited a low degree of strain rate-sensitivity. In the case of CARALL, 1.7% increase in tensile strength was observed, and, its tensile strength was increased from 741 MPa to 754 MPa. Whereas, ARALL and GLARE laminates exhibited high degree of strain rate-sensitivity. When the strain rate is increased from 2×10−4 s−1, 5×10−4 s−1 and 8×10−4 s−1 the values are increased in the following patterns: 389 MPa, 411 MPa, and 475 MPa for GLARE laminates, and 253 MPa, 298 MPa 352 MPa for ARALL laminates. Thus, 39% and 22% increase in the tensile strengths were noted for ARALL and GLARE laminates, respectively.
Inter-state Disparities of Efficiency in Foreshortening Under-five Mortality Rate in Rural India
Authors: Maity Shrabanti , Barlaskar Ummey Rummana
Published: October 2021

The present study aims to assess the efficiency of the rural health system to foreshorten the under-five (U5) mortality rates across Indian states. The study further attempts to pinpoint the factors responsible for state-level inefficiency of the rural health system performance. The empirical results reveal that among the Indian states, Kerala is the most-efficient in foreshortening the U5 mortality rate. The results convey that the states with better health indicators may not have efficient health systems. The study concludes that along with investment in the health sector, efficient management of the investment is intrinsic to better health outcomes.
Riding the Indo-Pacific Wave: India–ASEAN Partnership Sans RCEP
Authors: Gurunathan Angelina , Moorthy Ravichandran
Published: October 2021

India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) partnership began in the early 1990s mainly in the economic domain. Reeling from a major internal crisis, India wanted to tap onto the region’s economic vibrancy to strengthen its own waning economy. Since then, amidst India’s domestic constraints, economic ties have largely sustained the India–ASEAN partnership on a steady course. India’s withdrawal from the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations in 2019, therefore, was an important inflection point in the partnership. This study, hence, discusses the prospects for the India–ASEAN partnership moving forward beyond the RCEP. This is undertaken by first examining the main challenges India faces with the ASEAN Free Trade Arrangement and the RCEP. After which, relevant developments pertaining to India’s multilateral partnership within the Indo-Pacific theatre as well as to India’s economic trajectory are deliberated in relation to ASEAN. Based on this analysis, this study argues that the outlook for India–ASEAN ties remains optimistic since the external and internal pressures needed for important economic reforms has not diminished for India. In addition, there are prospects for wider engagements with ASEAN due to Indo-Pacific-related strategic recalibrations in the region. Therefore, collectively these factors will provide crucial thrusts for the partnership to move forward strongly sans RCEP.
Psychological Distress, Burden of Care, and the Role of Coping Strategies Among Childminders in Residential Children’s Homes
Authors: Sathiaray Devaki , Kaur Manveen , Hanim Aili , Ng Chong Guan , Siau Ching Sin
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychological distress and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, burden of care, and the coping strategies used by childminders in residential homes. A total of 151 childminders (median age = 39; 64.7% female) participated in the study. The prevalence of psychological distress was 59.4%, and 74.0% recorded mild to moderate burden. Multivariate analyses showed that caregiver burden (adjusted beta = 0.464, P = .01), lesser application of problem-focused coping (adjusted beta = −0.292, P = .012), lower salary (adjusted beta = −0.196, P = .040), and lower educational qualification (adjusted beta = −0.212, P = .038) predicted higher psychological distress. Regular screening of psychological distress and burden of care is recommended among this population.
High-Dose Once-Weekly Semaglutide: A New Option for Obesity Management
Authors: Bradley Courtney L. , McMillin Sara M. , Hwang Andrew Y. , Sherrill Christina H.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of high-dose once-weekly semaglutide for chronic weight management.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (inception to September 8, 2021) using keywords “semaglutide” and “obesity,” “weight,” “high dose,” “high-dose,” or “2.4.”

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Clinical trials with published results were included. Publications studying the oral or <2.4 mg formulation of semaglutide were excluded.

Data Synthesis

Four phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trials demonstrated efficacy of high-dose once-weekly semaglutide compared with placebo for weight loss. Study populations included patients with overweight or obesity (STEP 1, STEP 3, and STEP 4) or patients with diabetes and with overweight or obesity (STEP 2). Lifestyle interventions for diet and exercise were included for all participants. Weight loss from baseline was significant for all studies, and secondary outcomes demonstrated cardiometabolic improvements including waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were common, but the medication was otherwise well tolerated.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

High-dose semaglutide offers significant weight-lowering potential and favorable effects on cardiometabolic risk factors and glycemic indices. Clinicians and patients should consider the route and frequency of administration, adverse effect profile, and cost when choosing an antiobesity medication. The importance of concomitant lifestyle interventions should be emphasized.

Conclusions

High-dose once-weekly semaglutide can significantly reduce weight, and although gastrointestinal adverse effects were common, it is generally well tolerated.
Burned-out Fathers and Untold Stories: Mixed Methods Investigation of the Demands and Resources of Finnish Fathers
Authors: Sorkkila Matilda , Aunola Kaisa
Published: October 2021

Although parental burnout has been acknowledged as a unique psychological condition that can have serious consequences to families, most research so far has been conducted with mothers. The present study investigated how the descriptions of parenting-related demands and resources differ between burned-out and non-burned-out fathers. Furthermore, we examined what kinds of support or services fathers need to increase their wellbeing as parents. The participants were 10 fathers with the highest level of parental burnout symptoms, and 14 fathers with the lowest level of parental burnout symptom, out of 158 fathers who answered the questionnaire. The qualitative open-ended answers were analyzed using hierarchical thematic analysis and the accounts of the burned-out and non-burned-out fathers were compared. Furthermore, quantitative answers regarding parenting-related stress-factors were compared between the two groups. The results showed that burned-out fathers experienced more parenting-related demands than the non-burned-out fathers and reported needing financial, practical, and social support. Compared to non-burned-out fathers, the burned-out fathers reported more often being dissatisfied with the society, having difficulties integrating work and family life, and being strained by everyday life with children. The reported resources were similar with both burned-out and non-burned-out fathers and consisted mainly of happiness regarding their children. The results can be used in generating services and support for fathers to increase their wellbeing as parents.
Knowledge and Beliefs of Cancer Risk Factors and Early Cancer Symptoms in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Survey Among Adults in the Community
Authors: Hatem Georges , Ghanem Diana , Kellen Eliane , AlZaim Ibrahim , Goossens Mathijs
Published: October 2021

Background

Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden. Sufficient knowledge of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms can help lower cancer burden by facilitating primary prevention and early diagnosis. This study (i) assessed Lebanese adults’ knowledge and beliefs of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms, (ii) analyzed whether knowledge was correlated with personal behavior, and (iii) assessed the presence of barriers that keep knowledge from turning into healthcare seeking behavior.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional survey in the Lebanese adult population, consisting of a questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews on a community-based non-probability sample (n = 726) that was frequency matched to national government estimates on age, level of education and gender.

Results

Recognition was high for carcinogens and protective factors (75%), but low for neutral factors (22%) which were often seen as carcinogenic. A quarter of participants (27.8%) could not name any early warning signs. For some risk factors, high knowledge scores were correlated with low-risk behavior, but this was not the case for cigarette smoking. The most frequent barriers for not seeking timely care were financial (57.0%) fear of finding illness (53.7%), and having other things to worry about (42.4%).

Conclusion

This study revealed important knowledge gaps which are likely to hamper primary prevention and early diagnosis. However, we also showed that high knowledge of risk was not always correlated with low-risk behavior. This, together with the barriers we found that kept people from seeking timely health care, emphasizes that efforts to lower cancer burden should not only focus on increasing knowledge.
History of Sexual Assault Perpetration and Violence-Related Prosocial Tendencies Among Men by Fraternity Affiliation Status
Authors: Hoxmeier Jill C. , Zapp Daniel
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine self-reported sexual assault perpetration history, as well as violence prevention-related prosocial tendencies, among fraternity men, unaffiliated men with membership intentions, and unaffiliated men without membership intentions with data from 262,634 college men in the United States. Results indicate that fraternity status was related to sexual assault perpetration, both prior to and while at their current institution of higher education; both perpetration history and fraternity status significantly related to diminished violence prevention-related prosocial tendencies. The findings have important implications for future research and practice to reduce the incidents of sexual assault on college campuses.
Coaching Using Racial Literacy in Preservice Teacher Education
Authors: Wetzel Melissa Mosley , Daly Annie , LeeKeenan Kira , Svrcek Natalie Sue
Published: October 2021

Drawing on a theoretical framework that centers race, racism, and anti-racism, this study explores a coaching conference in preservice literacy teacher education. In classrooms, teachers often encounter disruptions in the community; however, those disruptions are often seen as problems to be solved and are addressed without interrogating race discourses. This study builds on previous research that has explored how teachers engage in developing understandings about race in relation to their practice using discursive tools of racial literacy. We ask, How do three White teachers draw on race discourses that are racist and anti-racist within the context of one coaching event, a post-conference? Using critical discourse analysis, we describe and interpret how race discourses were drawn upon and disrupted in the conference. We conclude with a discussion of the racial literacy practices that have promise in this coaching context and in other professional settings.
A multicenter study of antimicrobial prescriptions for cats diagnosed with bacterial urinary tract disease
Authors: Weese J Scott , Stull Jason W , Evason Michelle , Webb Jinelle , Ballance Dennis , McKee Talon , Bergman Philip J
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate initial antimicrobial therapy in cats diagnosed with upper or lower bacterial urinary tract infections at veterinary practices in the USA and Canada.

Methods

Electronic medical records from a veterinary practice corporation with clinics in the USA and Canada were queried between 2 January 2016 and 3 December 2018. Feline patient visits with a diagnosis field entry of urinary tract infection, cystitis and pyelonephritis, as well as variation of those names and more colloquial diagnoses such as kidney and bladder infection, and where an antimicrobial was prescribed, were retrieved.

Results

Prescription data for 5724 visits were identified. Sporadic cystitis was the most common diagnosis (n = 5051 [88%]), with 491 (8.6%) cats diagnosed with pyelonephritis and 182 (3.2%) with chronic or recurrent cystitis. Cefovecin was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial for all conditions, followed by amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. Significant differences in antimicrobial drug class prescribing were noted between practice types and countries, and over the 3-year study period. For sporadic cystitis, prescription of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid increased significantly and cefovecin decreased between 2016 and 2018, and 2017 and 2018, while fluoroquinolone use increased between 2017 and 2018.

Conclusions and relevance

The results indicate targets for intervention and some encouraging trends. Understanding how antimicrobials are used is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship and is required to establish benchmarks, identify areas for improvement, aid in the development of interventions and evaluate the impact of interventions or other changes.
Ultrasonographic prevalence and proposed morphologic classification of bilobed gallbladder in cats
Authors: Spain Heather N , Penninck Dominique G , Thelen Michael
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Morphologic anomalies of the feline gallbladder (GB) have been previously reported in the literature. These morphologic variants are frequently encountered on routine abdominal ultrasound examination. The aim of this study was to provide an ultrasonographic classification system of these variants and document the overall incidence in the feline population.

Methods

A prospective, descriptive study was undertaken; cats that had an abdominal ultrasound examination that included at least one sagittal and transverse plane image of the GB were included. GB shape was evaluated and categorized based on a classification scheme of morphologic variants modified from the human literature. Septated (S), bilobed (B1, B2, B3), duplex (D) and complex (C) categories were described.

Results

Of 516 cats included in the study, 389 had normal GB morphology, while 127 had anomalous GB morphology. The overall incidence rate of anomalous GB morphology was 24.61%. When examined by morphologic type, the septated (S) morphology had an incidence of 9.69%. A bilobed (B) morphology was the most commonly observed classification; incidence was 14.35% within our population; incidence of B1, B2 and B3 subtypes were 2.91%, 6.98% and 4.46%, respectively. Duplex GBs only made up 0.39% of the total population. The incidence of complex (C) morphologies was 0.19%.

Conclusions and relevance

The incidence of GB morphologic anomalies was higher in our population than previously reported. Identification of these anomalies on routine ultrasound evaluation is common; numerous different morphologies can be identified and a standardized classification scheme is proposed. Complete evaluation of morphology can be challenging, particularly with regard to cystic duct anatomy. Clinical significance is uncertain and future studies are warranted to determine the relationship between morphologic variants and hepatobiliary disease.
Personal narratives to improve attitudes towards stigmatized immigrants: A parallel-serial mediation model
Authors: Igartua Juan-José , Cachón-Ramón Diego
Published: October 2021

This work addresses the study of factors that increase the persuasive efficacy of testimonial messages aimed at improving intergroup attitudes. The results of two online experiments ( N = 840) on the effect of empathy with, and similarity to, the protagonist in personal stories designed to improve attitudes towards immigrants are presented. In both studies, participants were given instructions to induce a certain exposure condition (empathy vs. an objective or distanced perspective) immediately before reading a narrative whose protagonist was an immigrant with high or low similarity to the audience. The results of mediation analysis show that both empathy and similarity increased identification and narrative transportation, which in turn reduced counterarguing, thus resulting in a more positive attitude towards the outgroup and lower threat perception. The results are discussed in the context of research on narrative persuasion and the design of campaigns to reduce racism and xenophobia.
Experiences from the harmonization of Finnish national population-based health survey data
Authors: Paalanen Laura , Tolonen Hanna
Published: October 2021

Aims: There are several advantages to pooling survey data from individual studies over time or across different countries. Our aim is to share our experiences on harmonizing data from 13 Finnish health examination surveys covering the years 1972–2017 and to describe the challenges related to harmonizing different variable types using two questionnaire variables – blood pressure measurement and total cholesterol assessment – as examples. Methods: Data from Finnish national population-based health surveys were harmonized as part of the research project ‘Projections of the Burden of Disease and Disability in Finland – Health Policy Prospects’, including variables from questionnaires, objective health measurements and results from the laboratory analysis of biological samples. The process presented in the Maelstrom Research guidelines for data harmonization was followed with minor adjustments. Results: The harmonization of data from objective measurements and biomarkers was reasonably straightforward, but questionnaire items proved more challenging. Some questions and response options had changed during the covered time period. This concerned, for example, questionnaire items on the availability and use of medication and diet. Conclusions: The long time period – 45 years – made harmonization more complicated. The survey questions or response options had changed for some topics due to changes in society. However, common core variables for topics that were especially relevant for the project, such as lifestyle factors and certain diseases or conditions, could be harmonized with sufficient comparability. For future surveys, the use of standardized survey methods and the proper documentation of data collection are recommended to facilitate harmonization.
Regimes of justification in the datafied workplace: The case of hiring
Authors: Dencik Lina , Stevens Sanne
Published: October 2021

The uptake of data-driven hiring systems has introduced important questions about how decisions about who is eligible for jobs, and why, are changing. To explore this, the article draws on interviews with prominent providers of data-driven hiring systems and analyses the way they situate the provision of tools in relation to existing hiring processes, what problems they claim to solve, and the nature of the solutions they provide. While the ideological grounds of datafication have been well-established, privileging data-driven knowledge production as less biased, more objective, and with superior insights than other forms of information-gathering, in hiring, we find legitimisation frames extend to ways in which work and workers should be organised and assessed. Drawing on the notion of ‘regimes of justification’, we argue that such legitimisation frames in turn invoke certain normative expectations about what is just and unjust organised around a vision of the common good.
Creative geographies of Islam: the case of Islamic and traditional visual arts scene in Istanbul
Authors: Arik Hulya
Published: October 2021

While research on geographies of creativity have proliferated in the last few years, there has been scant attention to religious cultural and artistic practices, particularly in the context of the Middle East. This research seeks to address such gap with a focus on the Islamic and traditional visual arts scene which has flourished in Istanbul in the past decade and a half along with the rise of political Islam in Turkey. Rendered obsolete through the Western-oriented and secular cultural politics since the early republican era, art forms such as Arabic calligraphy ( hat), miniature ( minyatür), and illumination ( tezhip) have now found currency as ‘authentically Turkish and Islamic’ in an art scene that emerged alongside Islamist politics. This paper examines the trajectory of Islamic and traditional visual arts through the lens of cultural and creative industries starting from the cultural politics of Islamic urban governance through the 1990s and 2000s, and to the emergence of an Islamist-nationalist authoritarianism in the past decade. In doing so, it aims to situate Islamic and traditional visual arts on the map in studies on geographies of creativity, particularly in the Middle Eastern and Islamic context, where limited attention has been paid to cultural and artistic practices. With ethnographic reflections from the field, it highlights the internal dynamics of an art scene and the potential it bears in unsettling the core concepts of Turkish Islamic nationalism from within.
Close encounters that foster change: What Alice Sheldon and PPE 2020 can tell us about educational futures
Authors: Fowler Shelli B
Published: October 2021

In the preferable educational future imagined here, the year 2030 has seen massive conceptual and structural change throughout systems of education. In the higher educational landscape envisioned only 10 years in the future, institutions of higher education have moved beyond the goals of valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion and beyond recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary curricula focused on sustainable problem-solving. It has embraced those as central tenets as it evolved into the nimble, culturally responsive, and innovative site of learning it aspired to be since the late 20th century. Our institutions of higher education are now designed to educate the adaptive creatives that all professions and future professions require ( Aoun, 2017 ). The catalyst for this transformative change is examined, though not in predictive ways meant to determine new educational policy. It draws from the pandemic, protests, and elections (PPE) that came to define 2020, and it explores a potentially powerful metaphor from a science fiction short story by Alice Sheldon to encourage a reframing of current education praxis. The focus here is on a brief, creative exploration of a future educational scenario that need not be that far out of our aspirational reach.
CBX2 Induces Glioma Cell Proliferation and Invasion Through the Akt/PI3K Pathway
Authors: Wang Le , Ren Bingcheng , Zhuang Hao , Zhong Yue , Nan Yang
Published: October 2021

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor. Abnormal expression of CBX2 (ChromoBox2) is associated with tumorigenesis and tumor development. TCGA data in UALCAN showed that CBX2 was overexpressed in glioma tissue. To confirm the role of CBX2 in glioma, we regulated the level of CBX2 and conducted colony formation, Transwell, and CCK-8 assays to verify the effect of CBX2. The results showed that CBX2 knockdown reduced glioma cell proliferation and invasion and that the cells were less tumorigenic. CBX2 overexpression induced glioma cell proliferation and invasion and glioma stem cell self-renewal. The animal experiments showed that CBX2 knockdown inhibited glioma growth and improved survival time. CBX2 knockdown inhibited activation of the Akt/PI3K pathway. epidermal growth factor rescued the effects of CBX2. CBX2 could induce the growth and invasion of glioma cells via the Akt/PI3K pathway.
Grounding Transformative Learning Through Assessment: TROPOS (TRansformative Outcomes and PrOcesses Scale)
Authors: Cox Robert C.
Published: October 2021

This article presents the development, results, validation, and implications of the TRansformative Outcomes and PrOcesses Scale (TROPOS), a 30-item, exploratory instrument to assess transformative learning (TL) among participants in educational programs. Core findings include a reliable (α = .884) and internally valid instrument with moderate correlation between transformative processes and outcomes ( r = .593). This study reflects the importance of critical reflection’s association with TL ( r = .541) but also places potential constraints on its prominence as a central component of TL, raising subtle questions into additional moderating or mediating constructs impacting TL.
Combatting Burnout by Maximizing Medical Student Participation in Exercise Events
Authors: Briggs Logan G. , Riew Grant J. , Seward Michael W. ,   on behalf of the Medicine in Motion Writing Group
Published: October 2021

Physicians have a higher risk of burnout than many other professions, and burnout is associated with less altruistic professional values, worse patient–doctor relationships, and increased medical errors. Burnout begins in medical school, such that institutions should intervene early to facilitate increased engagement in forms of self-care, including but not limited to exercise. Exercise is negatively associated with burnout, but there is limited research on what motivates students to participate in exercise events and how events could be optimally designed to maximize attendance. Students from nine medical schools across the United States were invited to complete an online survey assessing the effectiveness of various factors at increasing participation in exercise events. Of 5500 invited students, 1182 (21%) responded. Mean age was 25 years, 61% were female, and 38% male. Fifty-seven percent identified as White, 26% Asian, and 5% Black. Students reported financial discounts (56%), having all logistics planned by event organizers (46%), and opportunities to find informal mentors (40%) as most likely to increase participation. To increase student participation in wellness events, institutions should prioritize available funding toward strategies that save students time and money while building community across levels of training and departments.
Impact of Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio Point-of-Care Testing on the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Schultes Bernd , Emmerich Susanne , Kistler Andreas D. , Mecheri Badreddine , Schnell Oliver , Rudofsky Gottfried
Published: October 2021

Background:

For the diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), quantitative albuminuria measurement using the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is recommended according to various guidelines. It can be measured either in specialized laboratories or using ACR point-of-care testing (POCT). This observational study aims at evaluating the effect of ACR POCT utilization on the DKD diagnosis and treatment management for glycemic control and blood pressure.

Method:

Data of 717 patients with diabetes (type 1 diabetes: n = 236; type 2 diabetes: n = 463; other diabetes forms: n = 18) were assessed in three centers. The impact of ACR POCT on DKD diagnosis and treatment management for glycemic control and blood pressure was assessed using a case report form. The assessment of ACR POCT utilization purpose and relevance for physicians was documented using a questionnaire.

Results:

Of all participants (n = 717), 39.1% had a confirmed/suspected DKD diagnosis. Hereof, 8.6% were newly diagnosed with DKD, and 9.9% were suspected with DKD based on the actual ACR POCT values. Within the group of patients with confirmed/suspected DKD (n = 280), treatment modification was performed in 46.1% of participants. A drug initiation with GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors was performed in 11.1% or 8.9% of patients with confirmed/suspected DKD, respectively. Regarding the utilization purposes of ACR POCT, 100% of the physicians (n = 8) indicated using it to examine patients with diabetes with or without hypertension; 75% considered it very important for patients with diabetes.

Conclusions:

The implementation of ACR POCT may positively affect DKD diagnosis and subsequently allow better management of patients with diabetes.
Uncovering Social Issues Through Photovoice: A Comprehensive Methodology
Authors: Kile Mia
Published: October 2021

Photovoice is a form of participatory action research and community-based participatory research and often used in social sciences to understand the needs of others and uncover the challenges and assets that may exist. Photovoice engages participants in the research process by inviting them to share their experiences through photographs and personal narratives. This act of storytelling and group discussion provides emotional connections among the participant cohort. Through the discussion of shared experience, common themes may arise. This column provides and overview of the photovoice methodology and highlights some of the benefits and limitations one might experience when leading photovoice based projects. Photovoice is a powerful tool that can prove useful for design researchers and practitioners alike as they seek to understand the challenges facing others. It is through this understanding that transformation to improve situations can occur.