bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
French vocabulary development of early-elementary students in a dual language immersion program: The role of out-of-school input and output
Authors: Ryan Ève 
Published: March 2021

Aims: The current study seeks to better understand the effects of input quantity, input quality, and output on the French vocabulary development of early-elementary school students attending a French–English dual language immersion (DLI) program in the United States. Design: The participants were 42 early-elementary students attending a French–English DLI program, who participated in a longitudinal study. At the beginning of the study, they experienced variability in out-of-school French input and output. Data and analysis: Data on out-of-school French input and output came from parents’ responses on a survey. Children’s French receptive vocabulary was measured using their scores on the Échelle de Vocabulaire en Images Peabody, while their French expressive vocabulary was measured using the number of different words employed on a picture description task. Their vocabulary skills were assessed over one year, and data from the five time points were used to fit a longitudinal growth model. Findings: Students who were exposed to more French input had higher scores on the French receptive vocabulary measure at baseline, whereas those who produced more French output had higher scores on the French expressive vocabulary measure at baseline. Maternal French proficiency had no significant effect on French receptive and expressive vocabulary scores at baseline. Originality: Few previous studies, if any, have analyzed the associations between input, output, and vocabulary development in the DLI context; that is, the extent to which children’s vocabulary trajectories in the partner language are affected by their out-of-school input and output experiences. Implications: Bilingual programs ought to emphasize both input and output in the target language given their unique contribution to children’s receptive and expressive language skills. Also, future research on bilingual vocabulary development should examine input and output in both languages.
The Association of Sources of Support, Types of Support and Satisfaction with Support Received on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Iván , Hombrados-Mendieta Isabel , Melguizo-Garín Anabel , Martos-Méndez Mª José 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to carry out a multidimensional analysis of the relationship of social support with quality of life and the stress perceived by cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 200 patients with cancer. Data was gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, health, quality of life, social support and perceived stress. Results: Frequency of and satisfaction with different sources and types of support are related positively with improvement of quality of life and negatively with perceived stress. The emotional support from the partner and the emotional and informational support from the family are significant predictors of quality of life. Emotional support from the family reduces patients’ perceived stress. Satisfaction with emotional support from the partner and with the informational support from friends and family increases quality of life. Satisfaction with emotional support from the family and with informational support from friends decreases patients’ perceived stress. Instrumental support and support provided by health professionals are not good predictors of quality of life and perceived stress. Satisfaction with the support received is more significantly related with quality of life and stress than the frequency with which the sources provide support. Conclusions: These results have important practical implications to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and reduce their perceived stress through social support. Designing intervention strategies to improve satisfaction with the support provided to patients by their closest networks results in a global benefit for the patient’s quality of life.
Irreversible Limb Ischemia Due to Embolizing Aneurysm of the Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Tasopoulou Kalliopi-Maria , Kofina Konstantinia , Argyriou Christos 
Published: March 2021

Background: Degenerative superficial femoral artery aneurysms are rare and can lead to catastrophic complications; among these, rupture is the most usual, whereas peripheral embolization is less common. Method: We report a patient with a large superficial femoral artery aneurysm presenting with irreversible limb ischemia, due to multiple distal embolization as demonstrated with urgent computed tomography angiography. Due to local and systemic consequences primary limb amputation was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died from cardiac arrest on the 2nd postoperative day. Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis of true superficial femoral artery aneurysms can result in life-threatening consequences. Peripheral embolization is an uncommon event, but can lead to irreversible ischemia and limb loss.
Predicting outcomes of conservative treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: Group- and individual-based rehabilitation
Authors: Chu Mary ML , Chan Josephine , Chan Chetwyn CH 
Published: March 2021

Objective To identify predicting factors of treatment outcomes of a two stage group-based and then individual-based intervention programme for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods A prospective cohort study where patients diagnosed with CTS were recruited from an out-patient occupational therapy clinic to join the two-stage CTS programme. The Stage-One programme consisted of splinting and educational talks in a group format, while the Stage-Two programme consisted of four weekly individual sessions providing psychosocial support, reinforcing correct ergonomics and mobilization. Baseline assessment on six potential predicting factors and four outcome measures was done for all patients. Patients were re-assessed at the end of the Stage-One and the Stage-Two programme. Analysis was done by binary logistic regression adjusted for baseline covariates. Results One hundred and sixty-six patients completed the Stage-One programme and 46 patients also completed the Stage-Two programme. Results showed that the Chinese Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) baseline score was the only significant predictor for the Stage-One programme outcomes (AUC for ROC was 0.708) with an optimum cut-off score of 23.5. On the other hand, the Chinese QuickDASH baseline score was the only significant predictor for the Stage-Two programme outcomes (AUC for ROC was 0.801) with an optimum cut-off score of 27.4. Conclusions The significant predictor for the Stage One Programme was the Chinese SSS baseline score and that for the Stage Two Programme was the Chinese QuickDASH baseline score. The optimum cut-off scores identified may be applied clinically to guide client-centered treatment planning.
Improved gastrointestinal profile with diroximel fumarate is associated with a positive impact on quality of life compared with dimethyl fumarate: results from the randomized, double-blind, phase III EVOLVE-MS-2 study
Authors: Wundes Annette , Wray Sibyl , Gold Ralf , Singer Barry A. , Jasinska Elzbieta , Ziemssen Tjalf , de Seze Jerome , Repovic Pavle , Chen Hailu , Hanna Jerome , Messer Jordan , Miller Catherine , Naismith Robert T. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Diroximel fumarate (DRF) is a novel oral fumarate approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). DRF demonstrated significantly improved gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability versus dimethyl fumarate (DMF) with fewer days of Individual Gastrointestinal Symptom and Impact Scale (IGISIS) scores ⩾2, GI adverse events (AEs), and treatment discontinuations due to GI AEs. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of GI tolerability events on quality of life (QoL) for patients with relapsing–remitting MS who received DRF or DMF in EVOLVE-MS-2. Methods: A post hoc analysis was conducted in patients who were enrolled in the randomized, blinded, 5-week, EVOLVE-MS-2 [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03093324] study of DRF versus DMF. Patients completed daily IGISIS and Global GISIS (GGISIS) eDiary questionnaires to assess GI symptom intensity and interference with daily activities and work. Results: In total, 504 patients (DRF, n = 253; DMF, n = 251) received study drug and 502 (DRF, n = 253; DMF, n = 249) completed at least one post-baseline questionnaire. With DRF, GI symptoms were less likely to interfere ‘quite a bit’ or ‘extremely’ with regular daily activities [IGISIS: DRF, 9.5% (24/253) versus DMF, 28.9% (72/249)] or work productivity [GGISIS: DRF, 6.1% (10/165) versus DMF, 11.3% (18/159)]. DRF-treated patients had fewer days with ⩾1 h of missed work (DRF, 43 days, n = 20 versus DMF, 88 days, n = 26). DMF-treated patients reported highest GI symptom severity and missed work at week 2–3 shortly after completing the titration period, which coincided with the majority of GI-related treatment discontinuations [58.3% (7/12)]. GI tolerability AEs [DRF, 34.8% (88/253); DMF, 48.2% (121/251)], concomitant symptomatic medication use [DRF, 19.3% (17/88) versus DMF, 30.6% (37/121)], and GI-related discontinuations (DRF, 0.8% versus DMF, 4.8%) were lower with DRF versus DMF. Conclusions: The improved GI tolerability with DRF translated into clinically meaningful benefits to QoL, as patients experienced less impact on daily life and work and required less concomitant symptomatic medication use. Trial registration: [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03093324]
Ultrasound for diagnosis and follow-up of chronic axillary vasculitis in patients with long-standing giant cell arteritis
Authors: Bosch Philipp , Dejaco Christian , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Schlüter Kenny D-. , Pregartner Gudrun , Schäfer Valentin S. 
Published: March 2021

Aims: To assess intima-media thickness (IMT) changes measured by ultrasound in axillary arteries of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients over time and to calculate an ultrasound cut-off value for the diagnosis of chronic axillary artery involvement in patients with longstanding GCA. Methods: Ultrasound of both axillary arteries was performed in 109 GCA patients at time of diagnosis and at several follow-up visits and in 40 healthy controls (HCs). IMT determined at the prospective follow-up visit was compared between GCA patients with (axGCA) and without (non-axGCA) vasculitis of axillary arteries at baseline, as well as with HCs. Changes in IMT were depicted. Receiver operating characteristics were performed for cut-off calculations. Inter-/intra-rater agreement was evaluated using stored images and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Seventy-three patients were in the axGCA and 36 in the non-axGCA group. Pathological IMT of axillary arteries (axGCA) declined in the first 18 months of treatment by −0.5 mm, (range −2.77 to 0.50), independent of age and gender. Median IMT, after median disease duration of 48 months (16–137), was 0.90 mm (0.46–2.20) in axGCA and 0.60 mm (0.42–1.0) in the non-axGCA group pooled with HCs. An IMT of 0.87 mm was highly specific (specificity 96%, sensitivity 61%) for diagnosis of chronic axGCA. Intra-rater and inter-reader agreement of ultrasound images were good [ICC 0.96–1.0 (three readers) and 0.87, respectively]. Conclusion: Pathological IMT of the axillary artery declined under treatment. An IMT of 0.87 mm is highly specific for diagnosis of chronic vasculitis of axillary arteries in long-standing GCA patients.
Randomized Trial for Weight Loss Using a Digital Therapeutic Application
Authors: Thorgeirsson Tryggvi , Torfadottir Johanna E. , Egilsson Erlendur , Oddsson Saemundur , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Aspelund Thor , Olafsdottir Anna S. , Valdimarsdottir Unnur A. , Kawachi Ichiro , Adami Hans-Olov , Bjarnason Ragnar G. 
Published: March 2021

Background:Smartphones present a near-ubiquitous channel through which structured lifestyle change can reduce risk or progression of the most common noncommunicable diseases. We explored whether a digital structured lifestyle program enhances weight loss.Methods:We randomized overweight and obese participants attending a four-month lifestyle change program to either standard weekly coaching sessions (controls), or standard treatment supplemented with a digital therapeutic mobile application (intervention). Changes in body mass index after four months were the main outcome measure. Odds ratios of achieving 5% weight loss were estimated with unconditional logistic regression.Results:Of 234 eligible persons, 146 (62%) agreed to participate, were block-randomized, showed up for the baseline measures, and constituted the intention-to-treat (ITT) sample ( n = 95 intervention group, n = 51 control group). In the intervention group, 70 (74%) downloaded the mobile application and completed the program (intervention per-protocol). Significant weight loss and BMI reduction were observed for both the intention-to-treat intervention group ( P < 0.05, P = 0.01) and the per-protocol intervention group ( P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). For the intervention per-protocol group, the odds ratio of achieving 5% weight loss, compared to not treated per-protocol, was 3.3 (95% CI 1.3-8.2), adjusting for age and weight at baseline.Attendance to weekly coaching sessions decreased by 18% during the program in the control group while it increased by 3% amongst the per-protocol group ( P = 0.004).Conclusions:These preliminary findings support the benefit of a digital therapeutic to enhance weight reduction and attendance in a structured lifestyle change program. Larger trials of longer duration are needed to confirm these findings.
Effect of TO901317 on GF to promote the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into dopamine neurons on Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Yang Junqing , Cheng Oumei , Peng Zhe , Luo Yin , Ran Dongzhi , Yang Yang , Xiang Pu , Huang Haifeng , Tan Xiaodan , Wang Hong 
Published: March 2021

Background: Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) could differentiate into dopamine-producing cells and ameliorate behavioral deficits in Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are involved in the maintenance of the normal function of central nervous system myelin. Therefore, the previous work of our team has found the induction of cocktail-induced to dopaminergic (DA) phenotypes from adult rat BMSCs by using sonic hedgehog (SHH), fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and TO901317 (an agonist of LXRs) with 87.42% of efficiency in a 6-day induction period. But we did not verify whether the induced cells had the corresponding neural function. Methods: Expressions of LXRα, LXRβ, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The induced cells were transplanted into PD rats to study whether the induced cells are working. Results: The induced cells can release the dopamine transmitter; the maximum induction efficiency of differentiation of hBMSCs into DA neurons was 91.67% under conditions of combined use with TO901317 and growth factors (GF). When the induced-cells were transplanted into PD rats, the expression of TH in the striatum increased significantly, and the behavior of PD rats induced by apomorphine was significantly improved. Conclusion: The induced cells have the function of DA neurons and have the potential to treat PD. TO901317 promoted differentiation of hBMSCs into DA neurons, which may be related to activation of the LXR-ABCA1 signaling pathway.
Outcomes of coronavirus 2019 infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yi-Chih , Lai Tai-Shuan , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chen Yung-Ming , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Tu Yu-Kang 
Published: March 2021

Background: Information on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains limited. To understand the influence of COVID-19 infection in patients with pre-existing CKD, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the risks of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and critical progression between patients with and without CKD. Methods: We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective or retrospective observational, case-control, cross-sectional, and case-series studies analyzing outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with pre-existing CKD from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases published on the Internet before 16 July 2020. Results: A total of 27 studies comprising 77,856 patients with COVID-19 infection was identified; 3922 patients with pre-existing CKD were assigned CKD group, and 73,934 patients were assigned to the non-CKD group. The pooled analysis showed that patients with CKD had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality and hospitalization than those without CKD [odds ratio (OR) 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–2.66, p < 0.001; OR 4.29, 95% CI 2.93–6.28, p < 0.001; respectively]. Patients with CKD had a higher risk of critically ill conditions than those without CKD in the pooled analysis of studies with multivariable adjustment (adjusted OR 2.12, 95% CI 0.95–4.77, p = 0.07) and in the analysis of all included studies (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.71–2.26, p = 0.41), but both analyses did not attain statistical significance. Conclusion: COVID-19 infected patients with CKD had significantly increased risks of all-cause mortality and hospitalization compared with those without CKD.
Obstructive pancreatolithiasis in a cat with triaditis and concurrent hypercalcaemia
Authors: Allan Frederik , Peschard Anne-Lorraine , Schiavo Luca , Bayton Will , Corbetta Davide , McCallum Katie E 
Published: March 2021

Case summary A 7-year-old neutered female domestic longhair cat was presented for further investigation of suspected hepatobiliary disease. Increases in serum 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester lipase and hepatobiliary enzymes, with concurrent hypoalbuminaemia, were documented on blood biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasonography findings were consistent with acute pancreatitis with multiple pancreatoliths visualised within the pancreatic duct. Treatment for suspected triaditis was initiated with a hydrolysed protein diet, amoxicillin–clavulanate, hepatoprotectants and buprenorphine. Fifty-three days later, the patient presented with hypercalcaemia and obstructive pancreatolithiasis, and was euthanased. Post-mortem examination revealed severe chronic active pancreatitis with moderate chronic lymphocytic, plasmacytic cholangiohepatitis and mild chronic lymphocytic–plasmacytic duodenal enteritis (triaditis). Multiple calcium carbonate pancreatoliths present within the pancreatic ducts had resulted in pancreatic duct obstruction. Relevance and novel information Pancreatolithiasis is a very rare condition in cats, with only five reports to date. In human medicine, pancreatolithiasis is often a sequala to chronic pancreatitis, seen in up to 50–90% of patients. However, in cats the aetiology of pancreatolithiasis, and indeed chronic pancreatitis, is poorly understood. This report describes a case of obstructive pancreatolithiasis in a cat with histopathological confirmation of triaditis and is the first report of hypercalcaemia in a cat with obstructive pancreatolithiasis. This further adds to the evidence base that pancreatolithiasis may have a similar pathogenesis to humans and can develop secondarily to chronic pancreatitis in cats.
High prevalence of fatigue in contemporary patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Broch Line , Simonsen Cecilia Smith , Flemmen Heidi Øyen , Berg-Hansen Pål , Skardhamar Åshild , Ormstad Heidi , Celius Elisabeth Gulowsen 
Published: March 2021

Objective The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue may have changed due to new diagnostic criteria and new disease modifying drugs. We aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue in a contemporary MS cohort, and to explore associations between fatigue and clinical and demographic factors. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of the MS population in three Norwegian counties. Fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). We also assessed self-reported anxiety, depression and daytime sleepiness. Results The response rate was 64% (1599/2512). The mean age of the participants was 52 ± 13 years, median EDSS was 2.5 (IQR 1.5-3.0) and median disease duration from onset was 16 years (IQR 8-25). We found a prevalence of fatigue of 81%. Women had a higher prevalence of fatigue than men (83% vs 78%, p = 0.02). The prevalence increased with age (p < 0.001) and with increasing disease severity (p < 0.001), but in multivariate analyses, only sex and disease severity remained independent determinants of fatigue. Anxiety, depression, and daytime sleepiness were more prevalent in patients with fatigue than in those without fatigue (all p-values < 0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of fatigue is high in contemporary patients with MS. Fatigue is associated with female sex and level of disability, as well as with anxiety, depression and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Methodology, Fake Learning, and Emotional Performativity
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Academics are at the forefront of criticisms about so-called “fake news” considered to undermine evidence-based approaches to the understanding of complex social, political, and economic issues. However, universities contribute to the production of fake news through the legitimization of measures that promote student performativity rewarding their academic non-achievements. This conceptual article will seek to illustrate how this can occur via the writing of methodology chapters by postgraduate students. Design/Approach/Methods: This article provides a critical analysis of the writing of methodology chapters in dissertations and theses in postgraduate education in the social sciences. In so doing, it applies the concept of performativity to student learning. Findings: It is argued that the pressures on students to comply with the requirements of emotional performativity in respect to ideology and method in close-up, qualitative research can lead to fake learning. This phenomenon may be exemplified by reference to a number of practices, namely, phony positionality, methodolatry, ethical cleansing, participatory posturing, and symbolic citation. Originality/Value: This article provides an illustration of the concept of student performativity. It demonstrates that emotional performativity plays a significant role in the way in which students are required to comply with expectations that give rise to inauthenticity in learning.