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In this essay, I argue that Dickens centers intellectual disability in his novel, Barnaby Rudge , to articulate a complex allegory about the remaking of community and the making of narrative. Whereas critics have read the depiction of Barnaby's disability as problematic, I argue that Dickens welcomes the disruption of intellectual "passing" as a meaningful occasion for narrative change. Through close readings of Barnaby's disability, I argue that Dickens's novel depicts complementary journeys of abnormal and normal characters, both of whom are compelled to raze perceptions of normalcy in order to redefine intelligence and rebuild community. Through the coauthorship of a community altered by its integration of disability, Barnaby Rudge represents Dickens's early recognition of disability accommodation as an experience that challenges conventional imaginative processes. In concert with the later David Copperfield, Barnaby Rudge offers an extensive reflection on the transformative role of disability in Dickens's narrative project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been considerations since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic that COVID-19 infection, like any other viral illness, can trigger neurological and metabolic decompensation in patients with mitochondrial diseases. At the time of writing, there were no published reports reviewing experiences and guidelines about management of COVID-19 infection in this patient population. We present a challenging case of an adult patient with a known diagnosis of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like Episodes (MELAS) complicated by COVID-19 infection. She initially presented with altered mental status and vomiting and went on to develop a stroke-like episode, pancreatitis, and pneumatosis intestinalis. We review salient features of her hospitalization, including initiation of thromboprophylaxis in relation to intravenous arginine therapy, caution regarding medications such as remdesivir, and the incidence of gastrointestinal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay emphasizes the relevance of disability in Willa Cather's My Ántonia. I argue that Jim Burden's responses to three disabled characters are not prejudiced but rather represent his education in an aesthetics that appreciates disability—an education that he simultaneously absorbs and resists. Discussing disability aesthetics and narrative prosthesis, this essay argues that disability in Cather's early writing ranges from being a simple prosthetic sign of narrative differentiation to a complex and sympathetic resistance against an aesthetics of wholeness that results in exploitation and prejudice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a rare catastrophic epileptic encephalopathy that presents suddenly in otherwise normal children and young adults causing significant neurological disability, chronic epilepsy, and high rates of mortality. To suggest a therapy protocol to improve outcome of FIRES, workshops were held in conjunction with American Epilepsy Society annual meeting between 2017 and 2019. An international group of pediatric epileptologists, pediatric neurointensivists, rheumatologists and basic scientists with interest and expertise in FIRES convened to propose an algorithm for a standardized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of FIRES. The broad differential for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) should include FIRES, to allow empiric therapies to be started early in the clinical course. FIRES should be considered in all previously healthy patients older than two years of age who present with explosive onset of seizures rapidly progressing to RSE, following a febrile illness in the preceding two weeks. Once FIRES is suspected, early administrations of ketogenic diet and anakinra (the IL‐1 receptor antagonist that blocks biologic activity of IL‐1β) are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Febrile‐infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating neurological condition characterized by a febrile illness preceding new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). Increasing evidence suggests innate immune dysfunction as a potential pathological mechanism. We report an international retrospective cohort of 25 children treated with anakinra, a recombinant interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, as an immunomodulator for FIRES. Anakinra was potentially safe with only one child discontinuing therapy due to infection. Earlier anakinra initiation was associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay. Our retrospective data lay the groundwork for prospective consensus‐driven cohort studies of anakinra in FIRES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincristine is a core chemotherapeutic drug administered to pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Despite its efficacy in treating leukemia, it can lead to severe peripheral neuropathy in a subgroup of the patients. Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating and painful side-effect that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. Currently, there are no established predictors of peripheral neuropathy incidence during the early stage of chemotherapeutic treatment. As a result, patients who are not susceptible to peripheral neuropathy may receive sub-therapeutic treatment due to an empirical upper cap on the dose, while others may experience severe neuropathy at the same dose. Contrary to previous genomics based approaches, we employed a metabolomics approach to identify small sets of metabolites that can be used to predict a patient's susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy at different time points during the treatment. Using those identified metabolites, we developed a novel strategy to predict peripheral neuropathy and subsequently adjust the vincristine dose accordingly. In accordance with this novel strategy, we created a free user-friendly tool, VIPNp, for physicians to easily implement our prediction strategy. Our results showed that focusing on metabolites, which encompasses both genotypic and phenotypic variations, can enable early prediction of peripheral neuropathy in pediatric leukemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following on from John Osborne's infamous play Look Back in Anger of 1956, London's stage saw the emergence of the 'Angry Young Man', realistic portrayals of working-class men in a difficult age. Expresso Bongo and Lily White Boys, works of the mid-to-late 1950s, demonstrate that the angry young man was also present in London's musicals, previously an upper- and middle-class genre. Featuring the Soho district, gangsters, prostitutes and rock music, this unique era of musical theatre changed expectations of what musical theatre could and would offer to a jaded urban audience. These astonishing musical theatre works offer potent commentary on British society, British identity and particularly disenfranchised young British men, and offer insights into American and British relations, gender roles and expectations, and the complicated role of working-class men in the new Elizabethan era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Two protocols were developed to guide the use of subdissociative dose ketamine (SDDK) for analgesia and dissociative sedation ketamine for severe agitation/excited delirium in the emergency department (ED). We sought to evaluate the safety of these protocols implemented in 18 EDs within a large health system. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review to evaluate all adult patients who received intravenous (IV) SDDK for analgesia and intramuscular (IM) dissociative sedation ketamine for severe agitation/excited delirium in 12 hospital-based and six freestanding EDs over a one-year period from the protocol implementation. We developed a standardized data collection form and used it to record patient information regarding ketamine use, concomitant medication use, and any comorbidities that could have impacted the incidence of adverse events. Results: Approximately 570,000 ED visits occurred during the study period. SDDK was used in 210 ED encounters, while dissociative sedation ketamine for severe agitation/excited delirium was used in 37 ED encounters. SDDK was used in 83% (15/18) of sites while dissociative sedation ketamine was used in 50% (9/18) of sites. Endotracheal intubation, non-rebreather mask, and nasal cannula ≥ four liters per minute were identified in one, five, and three patients, respectively. Neuropsychiatric adverse events were identified in 4% (9/210) of patients who received SDDK. Conclusion: Patients experienced limited neuropsychiatric adverse events from SDDK. Additionally, dissociative sedation ketamine for severe agitation/excited delirium led to less endotracheal intubation than reported in the prehospital literature. The favorable safety profile of ketamine use in the ED may prompt further increases in usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincristine is one of the core chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, one of the major toxicities resulting from vincristine exposure is vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). When VIPN results in significant morbidity, the vincristine dose may need to be reduced, thus potentially decreasing the effectiveness of treatment. To date, there are no robust biomarkers used clinically to determine which patients will be at risk for worse neuropathy. The current study included genomewide association study (GWAS) in two independent cohorts: Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) ALL trials and a multicenter study based at Indiana University in children with ALL. A meta‐analysis of the cohorts identified two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1045644 and rs7963521, as being significantly (P value threshold 0.05/4749 = 1.05E‐05) associated with neuropathy. Subsequently these SNPs may be effective biomarkers of VIPN in children with ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Emergency medicine (EM) pharmacists are increasingly recognized as integral team members in the care of emergency department (ED) patients but there is variability in the scope of direct patient care services. Objectives The primary objective was to categorize direct patient care activities and drug therapy recommendations. The secondary objectives were to categorize recommendations based on drug class and to determine the proportion of recommendations associated with Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) high-alert medications. Methods This retrospective, single-center, chart review was conducted in an academic ED with 65,000 annual visits. EM pharmacists documented direct patient care activities in the electronic health record. Documented activities from 1/1/2015 through 3/31/2015 were abstracted electronically for analysis by a trained reviewer. Results There were 3567 interventions and direct patient care activities documented. The most common activities were facilitation of medication histories (n = 1300) and drug therapy recommendations (n = 1165). Of 1165 drug therapy recommendations, 986 were linked to a drug class such as antimicrobial agents (31.9%), cardiovascular agents (16.6%), and analgesic agents (13.2%) and 20% of these interventions were associated with ISMP high-alert medications. Conclusion EM pharmacists documented several types of direct patient care activities with the majority being drug therapy recommendations and medication histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel bodies of research have described the diverse and complex ways that men understand and construct their masculine identities (often termed "masculinities") and, separately, how adherence to traditional notions of masculinity places men at risk for negative sexual and health outcomes. The goal of this analysis was to bring together these two streams of inquiry. Using data from a national, online sample of 555 heterosexually active young men, we employed latent class analysis (LCA) to detect patterns of masculine identities based on men's endorsement of behavioral and attitudinal indicators of "dominant" masculinity, including sexual attitudes and behaviors. LCA identified four conceptually distinct masculine identity profiles. Two groups, termed the Normative and Normative/Male Activities groups, respectively, constituted 88 % of the sample and were characterized by low levels of adherence to attitudes, sexual scripts, and behaviors consistent with "dominant" masculinity, but differed in their levels of engagement in male-oriented activities (e.g., sports teams). Only eight percent of the sample comprised a masculinity profile consistent with "traditional" ideas about masculinity; this group was labeled Misogynistic because of high levels of sexual assault and violence toward female partners. The remaining four percent constituted a Sex-Focused group, characterized by high numbers of sexual partners, but relatively low endorsement of other indicators of traditional masculinity. Follow-up analyses showed a small number of differences across groups on sexual and substance use health indicators. Findings have implications for sexual and behavioral health interventions and suggest that very few young men embody or endorse rigidly traditional forms of masculinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of social difficulties in adolescent survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. METHODS: Six hundred sixty‐five survivors of CNS tumors (53.8% male and 51.7% treated with cranial radiation therapy [CRT]), who had a current median age of 15.0 years (range, 2.0‐17.0 years) and were a median of 12.1 years (range, 8.0‐17.7 years) from their diagnosis, were compared with 1376 survivors of solid tumors (50.4% male), who had a median age of 15.0 years (range, 12.0‐17.0 years) and were a median of 13.2 years (range, 8.3‐17.9 years) from their diagnosis, and 726 siblings (52.2% male), who had a median age of 15.0 years (range, 12.0‐17.0 years). Social adjustment was measured with parent‐proxy responses to the Behavior Problems Index. Latent profile analysis defined social classes. Multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and age at diagnosis, identified predictors of class membership. Path analyses tested mediating effects of physical limitations, sensory loss, and cognitive impairment on social outcomes. RESULTS: Caregivers reported that survivors of CNS tumors were more likely to have 0 friends (15.3%) and to interact with friends less than once per week (41.0%) in comparison with survivors of solid tumors (2.9% and 13.6%, respectively) and siblings (2.3% and 8.7%, respectively). Latent profile analysis identified 3 social classes for survivors of CNS tumors: well‐adjusted (53.4%), social deficits (16.2%), and poor peer relationships (30.4%). However, 2 classes were identified for survivors of solid tumors and siblings: well‐adjusted (86.2% and 91.1%, respectively) and social deficits (13.8% and 8.9%, respectively). CRT predicted class membership for CNS survivors (odds ratio [OR] for poor peer relationships, 1.16/10 Gy; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08‐1.25; OR for social deficits 1.14/10 Gy; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.25; reference, well‐adjusted). Cognitive impairment mediated the association between all social outcomes and CRT (P values <.001). CONCLUSION: Almost 50% of survivors of CNS tumors experience social difficulties; the pattern is unique in comparison with solid tumor and sibling groups. Cognitive impairment is associated with increased risk, and this highlights the need for multitargeted interventions. Almost 50% of survivors of pediatric central nervous system tumors experience social difficulties; the pattern is unique in comparison with solid tumor and sibling groups. Cognitive impairment is associated with increased risk, and this highlights the need for multitargeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Although secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported in children with critical illness of various etiologies, it has not been reported in patients with febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). We describe a series of patients with concurrent HLH and FIRES in an effort to establish common pathophysiologic abnormalities. Methods: Five patients with FIRES who were assessed for HLH were identified from a neurocritical care database. All were previously healthy and had extensive diagnostic testing. All had clinical deterioration with multiorgan dysfunction prompting HLH screening 20‐29 days after hospitalization. Markers for inflammatory dysregulation were assessed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum at various time points. Outcomes were assessed 6 months after presentation. Results: Three patients met clinical criteria for secondary HLH. Elevation of specific cytokines/chemokines was variable. CSF neopterin, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) were significantly elevated in all. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18 were not elevated in any of the samples. Treatment and outcomes were variable. Significance: We describe 3 patients with HLH and FIRES. The co‐occurrence of these 2 rare disorders suggests the possibility of a common immune dysregulation phenotype prolonging epileptogenesis. HLH screening in critically ill patients with FIRES may yield a broader understanding of shared inflammatory processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Islandiana (Araneae, Linyphiidae) was erected by Braendegaard in 1932 and is comprised of 14 species, most of which are native to North America. Herein we add a 15th species, Islandiana lewisi sp. n., from southern Indiana, USA. This species resembles both I. flavoides Ivie, 1965 and I. cavealis Ivie, 1965, the latter of which is geographically-close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autonomic dysfunction in pediatric patients with acquired brain injury is often encountered and greatly understudied. We sought to identify the incidence of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity (PSH) in critically ill pediatric patients with meningoencephalitis and encephalitis, associated risk factors and influence on outcome.Methods: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis and/or encephalitis were identified from a single institution Neurocritical Care database. The patients were stratified as having a bacterial or non-bacterial cause of their meningoencephalitis/encephalitis. Data from their hospitalization was supplemented with a retrospective review of the electronic medical record. PSH was defined as episodic lability in heart rate and/or blood pressure, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, dystonic posturing, tachypnea and/or agitation without any other cause. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and chi-squared to compare outcomes and risk factors between patients with PSH and without.Results: PSH was found in 41 % of children studied. Subgroup analysis revealed patients with non-bacterial encephalitis were more likely to experience PSH (51 %) as compared to those with bacterial causes (27 %). Fever and/or seizures on presentation and female gender were associated with higher occurrence of PSH but only in the non-bacterial etiology group. There were trends toward increased length of PICU and overall hospital stay for patients with PSH.Conclusions: PSH was found in a high percentage of our patients with significant variation in risk factors and outcome noted between patients with bacterial and nonbacterial causes of their meningoencephalitis/encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) strategies were developed in brain tumor protocols for young children to prevent neuropsychological (NP) impairments associated with radiotherapy. However, comprehensive NP evaluations of these children treated with such strategies remain limited. We examined the long-term neurocognitive outcomes of young children (<6 years) with medulloblastoma, treated similarly, with a HDC strategy 'according to' the chemotherapy regimen of the protocol CCG 99703. This retrospective study included young children less than 6 years of age at diagnosis of medulloblastoma treated from 1998 to 2011 at 7 North American institutions. Twenty-four patients who had at least one NP assessment post-treatment are the focus of the current study. Of 24 patients in this review, 15 (63%) were male and the mean age at diagnosis was 29.4 months (SD = 13.5). Posterior fossa syndrome (PFs) was reported in five patients (21%). Nine (37.5%) received radiotherapy (5 focal, 4 craniospinal). On average, children were assessed 3.5 years (SD = 1.8) post-diagnosis, and full-scale intellectual quotient (FSIQ) scores ranged from 56 to 119 ( $${\bar{\text{X}}}$$ = 92; SD = 16.8). The majority of children (74%) had low-average to average NP functioning. Very young children treated with radiotherapy, who needed hearing support or with PFs had worse neurocognitive outcomes. Clinically significant deficits (<10th percentile) in at least one area of NP functioning were found in 25% of the children. NP data obtained from this sample of survivors of medulloblastoma in early childhood, all treated with sequential HDC and 1/3 with radiotherapy, describe NP functioning within average normal limits overall. However, almost 25% of children had significant deficits in specific domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexander disease is a leukodystrophy caused by dominant missense mutations in the gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein. Individuals with this disorder often present with a typical neuroradiologic pattern including white matter abnormalities with brainstem involvement, selective contrast enhancement, and structural changes to the basal ganglia/thalamus. In rare cases, focal lesions have been seen and cause concern for primary malignancies. Here the authors present an infant initially diagnosed with a chiasmatic astrocytoma that was later identified as having glial fibrillary acidic protein mutation-confirmed Alexander disease. Pathologic and radiologic considerations that were helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from an online community sample of young men were analyzed to test predictors of sexual assault perpetration. We used structural equation modeling to test the relative contributions of specific sub-types of childhood adversity to subsequent sexual aggression. Mediators included hostile masculinity, impersonal sexual behavior and attitudes, and substance use variables. Findings suggested that childhood sexual abuse had direct and mediated effects on sexual assault perpetration, but hostile masculinity was the only proximal factor significantly related to aggression. Childhood polytrauma was also associated with increased perpetration risk, suggesting that prevention efforts may be aided by increased attention to childhood maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Confusion has surrounded the description of post-operative mutism and associated morbidity in pediatric patients with cerebellar tumors for years. The heterogeneity of definitions and diagnostic features has hampered research progress within the field, and to date, no international guidelines exist on diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or follow-up of this debilitating condition. An international group of clinicians and researchers from multiple relevant disciplines recently formed a cohesive panel to formulate a new working definition and agree upon standardized methods for diagnosis and follow-up. Methods: Consensus was obtained using the modified nominal group technique, involving four rounds of online Delphi questionnaires interspersed with a structured consensus conference with lectures, group work, and open discussion sessions. Results: A new, proposed definition of 'post-operative pediatric CMS' was formed, preliminary recommendations for diagnostic and follow-up procedures were created, two working groups on a new scoring scale and risk prediction and prevention were established, and areas were identified where further information is needed. Discussion: The consensus process was motivated by desire to further research and improve quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients. The Delphi rounds identified relevant topics and established basic agreement, while face-to-face engagement helped resolve matters of conflict and refine terminology. The new definition is intended to provide a more solid foundation for future clinical and research work. It is thought as a consensus for moving forward and hopefully paves the way to developing a standard approach to this challenging problem with the advent of better scoring methods and ultimate goal of reducing the risk of CMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is linked to sexual risk exposure among women. However, less is known about the intersection of IPV perpetration and sexual risk behavior among men. This study used data from a diverse, community sample of 334 heterosexually active young men, aged 18 to 25, across the United States to examine whether and how men with distinct IPV-related behavior patterns differed in sexual risk–related behavior and attitudes. Participants were recruited and surveyed online, and grouped conceptually based on the types of IPV perpetration behavior(s) used in a current or recent romantic relationship. Groups were then compared on relevant sexual risk variables. Men reporting both physical abuse and sexual coercion against intimate partners reported significantly higher numbers of lifetime partners, higher rates of nonmonogamy, greater endorsement of nonmonogamy, and less frequent condom use relative to nonabusive men or those reporting controlling behavior only. This group also had higher sexually transmitted infection (STI) exposure compared to men who used controlling behavior only and men who used sexual coercion only. Findings suggest that interventions with men who use physical and sexual violence need to account for not only the physical and psychological harm of this behavior but also the sexual risk to which men may expose their partners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Current consensus guidelines recommending physical and cognitive rest until a patient is asymptomatic after a sports concussion (ie, a mild traumatic brain injury) are being called into question, particularly for patients who are slower to recover and in light of preclinical and clinical research demonstrating that exercise aids neurorehabilitation. The pathophysiological response to mild traumatic brain injury includes a complex neurometabolic cascade of events resulting in a neurologic energy deficit. It has been proposed that this energy deficit leads to a period of vulnerability during which the brain is at risk for additional injury, explains why early postconcussive symptoms are exacerbated by cognitive and physical exertion, and is used to rationalize absolute rest until all symptoms have resolved. However, at some point, rest might no longer be beneficial and exercise might need to be introduced. At both extremes, excessive exertion and prolonged avoidance of exercise (physical and mental) have negative consequences. Individuals who have experienced a concussion need guidance for avoidance of triggers of severe symptoms and a plan for graduated exercise to promote recovery as well as optimal functioning (physical, educational, and social) during the postconcussion period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined relationships between interpersonal violence victimization and smoking from childhood to adulthood. Data were from a community-based longitudinal study (N = 808) spanning ages 10 to 33. Cross-lag path analysis was used to model concurrent, directional, and reciprocal effects. Results indicate that childhood physical abuse predicted smoking and partner violence in young adulthood; partner violence and smoking were reciprocally related in the transition from young adulthood to adulthood. Gender differences in this relationship were not detected. Social work prevention efforts focused on interpersonal violence and interventions targeting smoking cessation could be critical factors for reducing both issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article provides a summary of a college student's research project regarding the impact of read-aloud programs on cancer patients, and it mentions how distress and other emotions can lead to cancer related cognitive impairment in people undergoing cancer treatment. According to the article, reading is beneficial to an individual's physical and mental health. Oral storytelling, audiobooks, and emotional wellbeing are assessed.

Heterosexual men's sexual safety behavior is important to controlling the U.S. epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While sexual safety is often treated as a single behavior, such as condom use, it can also be conceptualized as resulting from multiple factors. Doing so can help us achieve more nuanced understandings of sexual risk and safety within partner-related contexts. We used latent class analysis with data collected online from 18- to 25-year-old heterosexually active U.S. men (n = 432) to empirically derive a typology of the patterns of sexual safety strategies they employed. Indicators were sexual risk-reduction strategies used in the past year with the most recent female sex partner: condom use, discussing sexual histories, STI testing, agreeing to be monogamous, and discussing birth control. We identified four subgroups: Risk Takers (12%), Condom Reliers (25%), Multistrategists (28%), and Relationship Reliers (35%). Partner-related context factors—number of past-year sex partners, relationship commitment, and sexual concurrency—predicted subgroup membership. Findings support tailoring STI prevention to men's sexual risk-safety subgroups. Interventions should certainly continue to encourage condom use but should also include information on how partner-related context factors and alternate sexual safety strategies can help men reduce risk for themselves and their partners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oliver! A Dickensian Musical, Marc Napolitano (2014) New York: Oxford University Press, 304 pp., ISBN: 9780199364824, h/bk, $38.50 Alan Jay Lerner: A Lyricist's Letters, Dominic McHugh (ed.) (2014) New York: Oxford University Press, 336 pp. ISBN: 9780199949274, h/bk, $35.96 Who Should Sing 'Ol' Man River'?: THE LIVE S OF AN AMERICAN Song, Todd Decker (2015) New York: Oxford University Press, 256 pp. ISBN: 9780199389186, h/bk, £19.99/$29.95 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on heterosexual men's sexual expectations has focused on self-described personal traits and culturally dominant models of masculinity. In a pair of studies, we used a sexual scripts perspective to explore the range and diversity of young men's thoughts about sex and relationships with women and to develop measures for assessing these scripts. In the first study, we conducted semi-structured interviews to elicit young men's accounts of their sexual relationships. We used these narratives to produce brief sexual script scenarios describing typical sexual situations, as well as conventional survey items assessing sexual behavior themes. In the second study, we administered the scenarios and theme items to an ethnically diverse, national sample of 648 heterosexually active young men in an online survey. Using exploratory factor analysis, we delineated sets of sexual scripts and sexual behavior themes. In the scenarios, we found both a traditional masculine "player" script and a script that emphasized mutual sexual pleasure. Analysis of theme items produced scales of Drinking and Courtship, Monogamy and Emotion, and Sexual Focus and Variety. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding heterosexual men's thinking about sexuality and how cultural change in sexual thinking may arise. We also discuss the need for measures of sexual thinking that better integrate perceptions and expectations about the partner as well as the self in relation to the partner, rather than solely self-assessed traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on heterosexual men's sexual expectations has focused on self-described personal traits and culturally dominant models of masculinity. In a pair of studies, we used a sexual scripts perspective to explore the range and diversity of young men's thoughts about sex and relationships with women and to develop measures for assessing these scripts. In the first study, we conducted semi-structured interviews to elicit young men's accounts of their sexual relationships. We used these narratives to produce brief sexual script scenarios describing typical sexual situations, as well as conventional survey items assessing sexual behavior themes. In the second study, we administered the scenarios and theme items to an ethnically diverse, national sample of 648 heterosexually active young men in an online survey. Using exploratory factor analysis, we delineated sets of sexual scripts and sexual behavior themes. In the scenarios, we found both a traditional masculine 'player' script and a script that emphasized mutual sexual pleasure. Analysis of theme items produced scales of Drinking and Courtship, Monogamy and Emotion, and Sexual Focus and Variety. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding heterosexual men's thinking about sexuality and how cultural change in sexual thinking may arise. We also discuss the need for measures of sexual thinking that better integrate perceptions and expectations about the partner as well as the self in relation to the partner, rather than solely self-assessed traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincristine, a critical component of combination chemotherapy treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL), can lead to vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy ( VIPN). Longitudinal VIPN assessments were obtained over 12 months from newly diagnosed children with ALL (N = 128) aged 1-18 years who received vincristine at one of four academic children's hospitals. VIPN assessments were obtained using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine ( TNS©- PV), National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ( CTCAE©), Balis© grading scale, and Pediatric Neuropathic Pain Scale©-Five ( PNPS©-5). Of children who provided a full TNS©- PV score, 85/109 (78%) developed VIPN ( TNS©- PV ≥4). Mean TNS©- PV, grading scale, and pain scores were low. CTCAE©-derived grades 3 and 4 sensory and motor VIPN occurred in 1.6%/0%, and 1.9%/0% of subjects, respectively. VIPN did not resolve in months 8-12 despite decreasing dose density. VIPN was worse in older children. Partition cluster analysis revealed 2-3 patient clusters; one cluster (n = 14) experienced severe VIPN. In this population, VIPN occurs more commonly than previous research suggests, persists throughout the first year of treatment, and can be severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]