bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of various robotic technologies in assisting older adults
Authors: Shishehgar Majid , Kerr Donald , Blake Jacqueline
Published: September 2017

There is concern about the expanding size of the ageing population and burgeoning care costs for older adults. Robotic technology could assist older adults. In this study, the effectiveness of the robotic technologies is evaluated. A systematic literature review was undertaken of peer-reviewed literature. An initial set of 8533 studies was evaluated for relevance; these were reduced to a final subset of 58 studies finally subjected to analysis. This study categorised the problems encountered by older adults, identified robot types deployed to overcome them and derived a subjective effectiveness score. The most used and most effective robots were companion robots followed by telepresence robots. The findings imply positive effects of robotic technologies in helping elderly people’s problems. Although robotic technologies could bring some innovation into aged care, more research is needed to design and develop robots to be of assistance and support elderly in having an independent lifestyle.
‘Volunteering is like any other business’: Civic participation and social media
Authors: Kaun Anne , Uldam Julie
Published: September 2017

The increased influx of refugees in 2015 has led to challenges in transition and destination countries such as Germany, Sweden and Denmark. Volunteer-led initiatives providing urgent relief played a crucial role in meeting the needs of arriving refugees. The work of the volunteers in central stations and transition shelters was mainly organised with the help of Facebook, in terms of both inward and outward communications. This article examines the role of social media for civic participation drawing on Swedish volunteer initiatives that emerged in the context of the migration crisis in 2015 as a case study. Theoretically, this article provides an analytical framework, including power relations, technological affordances, practices and discourses, which helps shed light on the interrelation between social media and civic participation.
Diesel engine aftertreatment warm-up through early exhaust valve opening and internal exhaust gas recirculation during idle operation
Authors: Gosala Dheeraj B , Ramesh Aswin K , Allen Cody M , Joshi Mrunal C , Taylor Alexander H , Van Voorhis Matthew , Shaver Gregory M , Farrell Lisa , Koeberlein Edward , McCarthy James , Stretch Dale
Published: September 2017

A large fraction of diesel engine tailpipe NOx emissions are emitted before the aftertreatment components reach effective operating temperatures. As a result, it is essential to develop technologies to accelerate initial aftertreatment system warm-up. This study investigates the use of early exhaust valve opening (EEVO) and its combination with negative valve overlap to achieve internal exhaust gas recirculation (iEGR), for aftertreatment thermal management, both at steady state loaded idle operation and over a heavy-duty federal test procedure (HD-FTP) drive cycle. The results demonstrate that implementing EEVO with iEGR during steady state loaded idle conditions enables engine outlet temperatures above 400 °C, and when implemented over the HD-FTP, is expected to result in a 7.9% reduction in tailpipe-out NOx.
Reclaiming sustainable space
Authors: Lloveras Javier , Quinn Lee , Parker Cathy
Published: September 2017

While degrowth debates typically encompass abstract ecological and economic arguments against growth, our study considers how degrowth-minded activism becomes interwoven with the production and consumption of space and place. Drawing illustrative insights from an ethnographic study in the city of Seville, our findings reveal a configuration of practices ( accessibility, self-organisation, reproduction and conviviality) through which degrowth-minded activism infuses urban life with noncapitalist processes and logics. Consequently, our work contributes to a paucity of studies theorising the production/consumption of space in relation to broader processes of capitalist development. In doing so, we also promote a more humane consideration of the spatial dimensions through which more equitable ways of living are constituted.
Student action research: Preventing bullying in secondary school—Inkla project
Authors: Wójcik Małgorzata , Mondry Maria
Published: September 2017

This article presents Inkla, a youth participatory action research project initiated by secondary school students and supported by university researchers and students. The main goal was to help secondary school students explore intragroup relations in school classes and problems students may encounter as bullying or peer group exclusion. It was also intended to design practical methods to stop bullying and create supportive peer groups. A group of secondary school students became student researchers and conducted interviews in their school classes which resulted in including their peers and teachers in well planned and research-based collective action to prevent bullying and improve school life. Outcomes demonstrate that the student voice can support or change a school’s antibullying policy if the responsibility for bullying prevention is shared with students who are treated as agents of change. This article also describes the complex process of building participative relationships in youth participatory action research.
Studies on hybridization effect of jute/kenaf/E-glass woven fabric epoxy composites for potential applications: Effect of laminate stacking sequences
Authors: Sanjay MR , Yogesha B
Published: September 2017

Natural fiber-reinforced polymeric composites are gaining significant attention in engineering applications. The present investigation is an attempt to assess the hybridization effects of different laminate stacking sequence involving jute/kenaf/E-Glass woven fabric through study of physical and mechanical properties of nine different resulting composites. The composite laminates were fabricated using vacuum bagging method. The assessment of mechanical properties and study of fractured surfaces indicate significant improvement in tensile and flexural properties of jute/kenaf fabrics reinforced epoxy composites.
Effects of a Translational Community-Based Multimodal Exercise Program on Quality of Life and the Influence of Start Delay on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Foley Michael Paul , Hasson Scott Michael , Kendall Eydie
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this investigation was 2-fold: (1) to investigate the effects of a translational 12-week community-based multimodal exercise program on quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and (2) to examine the influence of a start delay on physical function and QoL in BCS. Fifty-two female BCS completed a 12-week program consisting of 90-minute supervised exercise sessions at a frequency of 2 supervised sessions per week. Exercise sessions consisted of three 30-minute components: (1) aerobic conditioning, (2) resistance exercise training, and (3) balance and flexibility training. Significant ( P < .05) improvements in QoL were identified post-program completion. Cohort stratification comparison between the early start (<1 year since completion of oncologic treatment) and late start (>1 year since completion of oncologic treatment) revealed no significant ( P > .05) differences between the early start and late start groups on improvements in physical function. Regarding the influence of start delay on QoL, the early start group showed significant ( P < .05) improvement in emotional well-being. No other significant differences in improvement in QoL were detected between the early start and late start groups. Regardless of start delay, meaningful improvements in physical function and QoL were found after completing the community-based multimodal exercise program. Early participation in community-based exercise programming may benefit BCS’ emotional well-being compared to later participation.
Differentially conserved transcriptomic response to adversity related to self-rated health in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
Authors: Riestra Pia , Gebreab Samson Y , Liu Yongmei , Diez Roux Ana V , Khan Rumana R , Gaye Amadou , Xu Ruihua , Davis SK
Published: September 2017

Self-rated health (SRH) is considered a strong indicator of well-being and clinical health status and has been linked to inflammatory markers. The objective of this work was to examine how self-rated physical health (SRPH) and mental health (SRMH) influence the immune system through the regulation of a stress-related gene expression profile known as the ‘conserved transcriptional response to adversity’ (CTRA), which involves the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes and down-regulation of genes involved in type I interferon (IFN) response and antibody synthesis. CTRA expression data were derived from genome-wide transcriptional data on purified monocytes in 1264 adult participants from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. SRPH and SRMH were assessed through the SF-12 questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between the composite score of the CTRA subsets and SRPH and SRMH. Higher scores of SRPH and SRMH were associated with an increased expression of the overall CTRA profile. The individual gene subsets analysis did not reveal an increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in persons with lower scores of SRH. However, we observed that higher scores of SRPH positively modulate the immune response through the up-regulation of both type I interferon response and antibody synthesis-related genes, while better scores of SRMH were associated with a down-regulation of genes involved in antibody synthesis. The significant association between SRH and a gene expression profile related to type I IFN response and antibody synthesis suggests that SRH may be linked to the immunocompetence status.

Impact statement

In this work, we evaluated for the first time how self-rated mental (SRMH) and physical health (SRPH) influence the immune response at the molecular level in a large multi-ethnic cohort. We observed that both SRMH and SRPH are related to immunocompetence status. These findings indicated that the link between how we perceive our health and poorer health outcomes could be explained by alterations in the immune response by shifting the expression of genes related to the type I IFN response and antibody synthesis.
Molecular Imaging of Hydrolytic Enzymes Using PET and SPECT
Authors: Rempel Brian P. , Price Eric W. , Phenix Christopher P.
Published: September 2017

Hydrolytic enzymes are a large class of biological catalysts that play a vital role in a plethora of critical biochemical processes required to maintain human health. However, the expression and/or activity of these important enzymes can change in many different diseases and therefore represent exciting targets for the development of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radiotracers. This review focuses on recently reported radiolabeled substrates, reversible inhibitors, and irreversible inhibitors investigated as PET and SPECT tracers for imaging hydrolytic enzymes. By learning from the most successful examples of tracer development for hydrolytic enzymes, it appears that an early focus on careful enzyme kinetics and cell-based studies are key factors for identifying potentially useful new molecular imaging agents.
Rethinking Brain Cancer Therapy: Tumor Enzyme Activatable Theranostic Nanoparticles
Authors: Daldrup-Link Heike E.
Published: September 2017

This invited commentary discusses a recent article by Mohanty et al in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics about significant therapeutic efficacies of novel theranostic nanoparticles (TNPs) for the treatment of human brain cancers in mouse models. The TNPs were cleaved by enzymes in the tumor tissue, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-14), which lead to release of a highly potent therapeutic drug, azademethylcolchicine. Data showed that the TNPs caused selective toxic effects in MMP-14-expressing glioblastoma and not normal brain. In addition, the iron oxide nanoparticle backbone enabled in vivo drug tracking with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This commentary discusses previous efforts of MMP-targeted therapeutics as well as opportunities for further refinements of tumor enzyme-activatable TNPs. If successfully translated to clinical applications, the TNPs might hold substantial potential to improving cytotoxic indexes and long-term outcomes of patients with brain cancer compared to standard therapy.
Activating Hope in the Midst of Crisis
Authors: Hathaway Mark D.
Published: September 2017

Joanna Macy’s “Work that Reconnects” (WTR) is a transformative learning process that endeavors to help participants acknowledge, experience, and understand the emotions that may either empower or inhibit action to address the ecological crisis. The WTR seeks to work through grief, fear, and despair to animate a sense of active, empowering hope rooted in gratitude, compassion, imagination, community, and collective action. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from neuroscience, ecopsychology, and transformative learning, this paper analyzes how emotions may either impede or facilitate active engagement in ecological issues. The assumptions, goals, and process of the WTR are then presented in light of these insights. Finally, a case study involving the use of the WTR with young adults along with their reflections on the experience are considered to illustrate how the process may be employed as well as to analyze some of the benefits, challenges, and limitations of using this transformative learning process.
Ultrasound Measurement of the Cross-Sectional Area of the Median Nerve: The Effect of Teaching on Measurement Accuracy
Authors: Crasto Jared A. , Scott Michael E. , Fowler John R.
Published: September 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of concise instruction and guidance on the accuracy of measuring the cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet. Methods: Seven orthopedic residents and 5 hand fellows obtained serial measurements of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet using a 15-6 MHz ultrasound (US) probe. After a 5-minute teaching session, all participants repeated measurements. A single cadaveric specimen was used. Measurements were compared with the measurement of a fellowship-trained hand surgeon with extensive experience in US diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. This was considered the reference standard. Results: The rate of participants selecting the correct structure to measure on US was 36% before instruction and 97% after. Discarding the measurements of the incorrect structure, the average measurement was 4.8 mm2 before instruction and 5.2 mm2 after. The standard measurement was 6 mm2. The average deviation from the standard measurement −.2 mm2 before instruction and −0.8 mm2 after. The percent of measurements (of the correct structure) that fell within 1 mm2 of the standard measurement increased from 62% to 74%. Participant self-reported confidence in performing measurements elevated from 2.4/10 before instruction to 6.5/10 after. Conclusions: US of the median nerve cross-sectional area can be efficiently taught and results in measurements consistent with that of an experienced operator.
Shared medical appointments for patients with a nondiabetic physical chronic illness: A systematic review
Authors: Kelly F , Liska C , Morash R , Hu J , Carroll SL , Shorr R , Dent S , Stacey D
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Shared medical appointments are group appointments, with an optional individual consultation, for patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Shared medical appointments improve diabetes management, but little is known about their use for other illnesses. The objective was to determine the effect that shared medical appointments have on patients with a physical chronic illness, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted searching databases from January 1970 to September 2016. Eligible trials evaluated shared medical appointments for patients with a homogeneous chronic illness, excluding diabetes and mental illness. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias were conducted independently by two authors. Analysis was descriptive.

Results

Of 2364 citations, nine randomized trials were included. Shared medical appointments were evaluated for cardiovascular illnesses (four studies), breast cancer, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, stress urinary incontinence, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Compared to usual care, no negative effects on patient quality of life, knowledge and satisfaction were reported. One study reported no difference in healthcare provider satisfaction. Another study showed fewer hospital admissions for patients who attended shared medical appointments.

Discussion

Few rigorous studies evaluated the use of shared medical appointments for chronic illnesses. Overall, there appears to be no patient harms. Further studies should include more objective outcomes and larger sample sizes.
OnabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of patients with chronic migraine: clinical evidence and experience
Authors: Chiang Chia-Chun , Starling Amaal J.
Published: September 2017

Chronic migraine is a debilitating neurobiological disorder that affects approximately 1.4–2.2% of the population worldwide. Patients with chronic migraine have 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 days per month that meet the criteria for migraine. Injection of onabotulinumtoxinA, using a standardized injection protocol, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for the treatment of chronic migraine. The approval was made based on results from two large, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials: the Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) trials. Since then, numerous studies have been performed investigating the short-term and long-term benefits, risks and complications of the use of onabotulinumtoxinA injections for the treatment of chronic migraine. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the currently available clinical evidence for the use of onabotulinumtoxinA injections for treating patients with chronic migraine.
Coping With Group Members Who Insult the In-Group
Authors: DeMarco Tina C. , Newheiser Anna-Kaisa
Published: September 2017

How do people cope with group members who insult the in-group? The 2016 U.S. Presidential election provided an opportunity to examine this question among group members experiencing unprecedented within-group strife. Participants read an essay written by an in-group or out-group member (Study 1, university affiliation; Study 2, U.S. political party affiliation, conducted at the height of the 2016 Presidential campaign), in which the author insulted his or her in-group. Participants reported the extent to which and reasons why they wanted to confront and avoid the target. Desire to rebuke the target, but not desire to protect oneself and the in-group, mediated the relationship between exposure to in-group (vs. out-group) deviance and confrontation. Desires to rebuke and protect jointly mediated the relationship with avoidance. Whereas people may differ on how they react to in-group deviance, they are primarily motivated by wanting to reprimand deviants, with implications for coping with intragroup conflict.
Disgust and Deontology: Trait Sensitivity to Contamination Promotes a Preference for Order, Hierarchy, and Rule-Based Moral Judgment
Authors: Robinson Jeffrey S. , Xu Xiaowen , Plaks Jason E.
Published: September 2017

Models of moral judgment have linked generalized emotionality with deontological moral judgment. The evidence, however, is mixed. Other research has linked the specific emotion of disgust with generalized moral condemnation. Here too, the evidence is mixed. We suggest that a synthesis of these two literatures points to one specific emotion (disgust) that reliably predicts one specific type of moral judgment (deontological). In all three studies, we found that trait disgust sensitivity predicted more extreme deontological judgment. In Study 3, with deontological endorsement and consequentialist endorsement operationalized as independent constructs, we found that disgust was positively associated with deontological endorsement but was unrelated to consequentialist endorsement. Across studies, the disgust–deontology link was mediated by individual difference variables related to preference for order (right-wing authoritarianism and intolerance for ambiguity). These data suggest a more precise model of emotion and moral judgment that identifies specific emotions, specific types of moral judgment, and specific motivational pathways.
‘Common law-ization of criminal law’? The evolution of nullum crimen sine lege and the forthcoming challenges
Authors: Manes Vittorio
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on the cross-constitutional influences pursued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law which modify the Constitutional assets of the Italian legal order, reconsidering the nullum crimen sine lege. The outline is a hybrid model, resulting from the contamination of several common law patterns, which requires the traditional categories to be shaped into the judicial lawmaking approach and the stare decisis doctrine.
Treatment of patients with myocardial infarction depends on history of cancer
Authors: Rohrmann Sabine , Witassek Fabienne , Erne Paul , Rickli Hans , Radovanovic Dragana
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although cancer treatment considerably affects cardiovascular health, little is known about how cancer patients are treated for an acute myocardial infarction. We aimed to investigate whether acute myocardial infarction patients with a history of cancer received the same guideline recommended treatment as those acute myocardial infarction patients without and whether they differ with respect to inhospital outcome.

Methods:

All patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, enrolled between 2002 and mid-2015 in the acute myocardial infarction in Switzerland (AMIS Plus) registry with comorbidity data based on the Charlson comorbidity index were analysed. Patients were classified as having cancer if one of the cancer diseases of the Charlson comorbidity index was indicated. Immediate treatment strategies and inhospital outcomes were compared between groups using propensity score matching.

Results:

Of 35,249 patients, 1981 (5.6%) had a history of cancer. After propensity score matching for age, gender, Killip class >2, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and renal disease (1981 patients per group), significant differences were no longer found for a history of acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease between cancer and non-cancer patients. However, cancer patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention less frequently (odds ratio (OR) 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.88) and received P2Y12 blockers (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.71–0.94) and statins (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.76–0.99) less frequently. Inhospital mortality was significantly higher in cancer patients (10.7% vs. 7.6%, OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.17–1.81). However, the main cause of death was cardiac in both groups ( P=0.06).

Conclusion:

Acute myocardial infarction patients with a history of cancer were less likely to receive guideline recommended treatment and had worse inhospital outcomes than non-cancer patients.
The Bible, religious storytelling, and revolution: The case of Solentiname, Nicaragua
Authors: Reed Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2017

Building on the storytelling, political storytelling, and religious storytelling literatures, I examined the role religious stories play in the formation of revolutionary convictions. This study’s primary sources of data are volumes I, II, and III of The Gospel in Solentiname, a historical record of religious discussions that took place in an isolated campesino community at a seminary-like setting under a growing national revolutionary scenario in 1970s Nicaragua. My analysis of these discussions reveals that religious discourse based on stories of prophecy, Christian virtue, miracles, and social challenges to revolutionary action allowed story-users to assert, explore, and promote models of action and moral orientation consistent with the making of revolution.
Underwater endoscopic colorectal polyp resection: Feasibility in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Cadoni Sergio , Liggi Mauro , Gallittu Paolo , Mura Donatella , Fuccio Lorenzo , Koo Malcolm , Ishaq Sauid
Published: September 2017

Background

Endoscopic mucosal resection is well-established for resecting flat or sessile benign colon polyps. The novel underwater endoscopic mucosal resection eschews submucosal injection prior to endoscopic mucosal resection. Reports about underwater endoscopic mucosal resection were limited to small series of single and/or tertiary-care referral centers, with single or supervised operators.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility and efficacy of underwater resection of polyps of any morphology (underwater polypectomy, here includes underwater endoscopic mucosal resection) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

This study involved a comparison of colonoscopy records of two community hospitals (January 2015–December 2016) for underwater polypectomy ( n = 195) and gas insufflation polypectomy ( n = 186).

Results

Comparable demographics, procedural data, overall distribution, morphology and size of resected lesions, number of en bloc and R0 resections (any polyp morphology and size); exception: overall, underwater polypectomy pedunculated polyps were significantly larger than those in the gas insufflation polypectomy group, p = 0.030. Underwater polypectomy (median, min) resection time was significantly shorter than gas insufflation polypectomy: sessile and flat polyps 6–9 mm, 0.8 vs 2.7 ( p = 0.040); 10–19 mm, 2.0 vs 3.3 ( p = 0.025), respectively; pedunculated polyps 6–19 mm, 0.8 vs 3.3 ( p < 0.001). Underwater polypectomy resection of pedunculated polyps 6–19 mm showed significantly less immediate bleeding: 11.1% vs 1.5%, respectively ( p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Underwater polypectomy can be efficaciously used in routine clinical practice for the complete resection of colon polyps, with several advantages over gas insufflation polypectomy.
Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in client-owned cats in New Zealand
Authors: Luckman Claire , Gates M Carolyn
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The objectives were to collect baseline data on the occurrence, testing and vaccination practices, and clinical outcomes of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in New Zealand

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 423 veterinary practices in New Zealand was performed to collect data on FeLV and FIV testing and vaccination during the 2015 calendar year. Clinical records from 572 cats tested using a point-of-care ELISA at a first-opinion veterinary practice between 7 April 2010 and 23 June 2016 were also obtained and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify risk factors for test positivity. Survival times were estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

The survey was completed by 112 clinics (26.4%) of which 72 performed in-house testing. Of the 2125 tests performed, 56 (2.6%) were positive for FeLV and 393 (18.5%) were positive for FIV. Fewer than 1% of cats were vaccinated for FeLV, with veterinarians citing low perceived prevalence as the primary reason for not vaccinating. Being male compared with being female and having clinical evidence of immunosuppression were significant risk factors for both FeLV and FIV test positivity. The median survival times of FeLV and FIV test-positive cats were 10 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–16) and 650 days (95% CI 431–993), respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

Testing and vaccination for FeLV and FIV in New Zealand appears targeted towards high-risk animals, which may bias prevalence estimates. Baseline data should be monitored for changes in FeLV epidemiology now commercial vaccines are no longer available.
“You Shouldn’t Use Facebook for That”: Navigating Norm Violations While Seeking Emotional Support on Facebook
Authors: Buehler Emily M.
Published: September 2017

Facebook users who choose to seek emotional support publicly via Facebook Timeline posts must balance their needs for emotional comfort with norms for appropriate behavior within the Facebook context. Although Facebook promotes access to diverse social contacts who could serve as emotional support providers, the norms of Facebook use often prevent users from explicitly and directly venting their affect and requesting emotional support. A community sample ( N = 185) completed an online questionnaire through which participants provided their most recent public Facebook post that was intended to garner social support. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to identify the strategies individuals enact to navigate the tension between effectively seeking emotional support while avoiding violating implicit Facebook norms associated with oversharing or appearing emotionally needy. Six themes characterizing emotional support-seeking strategies on Facebook emerged from the data. These themes are further subdivided, described, and discussed as they pertain to extant literature on supportive communication and Facebook norms.
Pectoralis Minor Contracture in Throwing Shoulders of Asymptomatic Adolescent Baseball Players
Authors: Hodgins Justin L. , Rubenstein William , Kovacevic David , Padaki Ajay , Jobin Charles M. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although scapular malpositioning is commonly associated with rotational deficits and risk of injury, modifiable causes of such malpositioning in overhead athletes are not well described.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to examine the scapulothoracic profile of adolescent baseball players, specifically, pectoralis minor (PM) length. We hypothesized that PM would be shorter in throwing shoulders compared with nonthrowing shoulders.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Forty-nine healthy adolescent baseball players underwent clinical screening of PM lengths in throwing and nonthrowing shoulders by means of previously described, validated techniques. PM measurements were conducted while players were supine with arms at rest, sitting with arms at rest, and sitting with shoulders in maximal external rotation; measurements were made with a digital caliper and by assessment of table-to-acromion distance. Static scapular position and range of motion measurements were recorded. Demographic information and playing history were documented.

Results:

All players were male, they had a mean ± SD age of 16.2 ± 1.16 years, and they predominantly threw right-handed (83.7%). Sixty-nine percent of players were pitchers, 61.2% had played baseball for 9 or more months per year, and 67.3% had played in excess of 30 games in the previous year. Significant differences were noted during side-to-side comparisons within participants. Absolute PM length was significantly shorter in throwing compared with nonthrowing shoulders when measured with players sitting with arms at rest (by 3.7 ± 11.8 mm) and with their shoulders in maximal external rotation (by 4.8 ± 15.1 mm) ( P < .004 for both). The PM index was significantly reduced in throwing compared with nonthrowing shoulders while players were supine with arms at rest ( P = .007), sitting with arms at rest ( P = .006), and sitting with shoulders in maximal external rotation ( P < .001). Mean table-to-acromion distance was increased 7.7 ± 1.26 mm in throwing versus nonthrowing arms ( P < .001). The scapular index was significantly reduced in throwing compared with nonthrowing shoulders ( P < .005).

Conclusion:

Asymptomatic adolescent baseball players have significant differences in PM length and static scapular measurements in throwing compared with nonthrowing shoulders. The clinical significance requires further investigation, but emphasis on PM stretching routines is encouraged.
Toxicity of nanomaterials found in human environment
Authors: Sahu Saura C , Hayes A Wallace
Published: September 2017

The US National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) defines nanotechnology as “the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nm, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.” Recent scientific reports available in the literature clearly demonstrate the potential benefits of nanotechnology in consumer and industrial products. More and more nanomaterials are expected to be used in consumer products. This is expected to lead to increased human exposure to nanomaterials in their daily lives. Therefore, the effect of nanomaterials present in human environment is an area of increasing scientific interest. The information presented in this review is obtained from the current literature. It indicates that nanomaterials found in human environment may have potential for toxicological effects. However, the current literature on toxicological effects of nanomaterials is diverse. The current data are presented from studies without harmonization. These studies have used different in vitro and in vivo test models, different sources of test nanomaterials, different methods for nanomaterial characterization, and different experimental conditions. Therefore, these data are hard to interpret. More research on nanomaterial characterization, biological interaction, toxicity, and health effects is needed. The test methods need to be validated. Positive and negative controls for nanotoxicity need to be identified. Toxicity data harmonization needs to be done. Therefore, general information is not currently available for risk evaluation of certain nanomaterials that might be present in consumer products or that may enter into the market in future. Standardized and validated methods are necessary for toxicity assessment of nanomaterials. Therefore, in the absence of standardized validated methods any specific regulatory testing requirements for nanomaterials are currently premature. We conclude that the benefits of nanomaterials found currently in human environment are many, but their overall adverse effects on human health are limited.
Novel imaging techniques to study the functional organization of the human brain
Authors: Marquis Renaud , Jastrzębowska Maya , Draganski Bogdan
Published: September 2017

Despite more than a century of investigation into the cortical organization of motor function, the existence of motor somatotopy is still debated. We review functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining motor somatotopy in the cerebral cortex. In spite of a substantial overlap of representations corresponding to different body parts, especially in non-primary motor cortices, geographic approaches are capable of revealing somatotopic ordering. From the iconic homunculus in the contralateral primary cortex to the subtleties of ipsilateral somatotopy and its relations with lateralization, we outline potential reasons for the lack of segregation between motor representations. Among these are the difficulties in distinguishing activity that arises from multiple muscular effectors, the need for flexible motor control and coordination of complex movements through functional integration and artefacts in fMRI. Methodological advances with regard to the optimization of experimental design and fMRI acquisition protocols as well as improvements in spatial registration of images and indices aiming at the quantification of the degree of segregation between different functional representations are inspected. Additionally, we give some hints as to how the functional organization of motor function might be related to various anatomical landmarks in brain morphometry.
Neuroradiology provides personalized medicine today!
Authors: Lövblad Karl-Olof
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the implications of the use of neuroradiological tools for a personalized management of patients.
Can clot density predict recanalization in acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous tPA?
Authors: Bouchez Laurie , Altrichter Stephen , Pellaton Alain , Ouared Rafik , Kulcsar Zsolt , Sztajzel Roman , Platon Alexandra , Machi Paolo , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Lövblad Karl-Olof
Published: September 2017

Stroke has become an absolute emergency that is treated by additional endovascular means or by replacing pharmacological options. Modern neuroradiological techniques such as computed tomography (CT) allow us to examine multiple parameters of the diseased brain. These focused on the parenchyma and hemodynamics for pretherapeutic decisions. However, it has become evident that the clot is the current target for interventional measures. Clot length is established as a marker for recanalization. The dense artery sign is known as an acute CT sign of stroke that is readily visible on acute nonenhanced CT. The rationale behind our study was to study if clot density might represent clot vulnerability or resistance to treatment. We conducted a prospective study of all consecutive stroke patients admitted to our hospital over 1 year, who presented with signs of acute middle cerebral artery stroke within the therapeutic window, and who underwent either intravenous or combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis. All patients were evaluated with a complete stroke CT protocol, transcranial color-coded duplex sonography monitoring, and clinical evaluation with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. We measured clot length using planimetry on unenhanced CT and measured Hounsfield units in the clots on the same images. A total of 31 patients were included in the study (19 men, 12 women, aged 35–90 years). We found that patients with a longer clot on the unenhanced CT had a higher NIHSS score, confirming previous literature. However, we found that patients with a lower clot density recanalized to a more marked degree and had a better clinical outcome. Patients who did not recanalize had a higher clot density (49 Hounsfield units) than those who did recanalize (23 Hounsfield units). Overall, measuring the clot seems to be an important additional parameter to be taken into account. In our study, CT clot density seems to correlate with clinical outcome and recanalization. The higher density seems to represent a higher red blood cell content. This is evidence that clot composition could play a much more important role in acute stroke than thought until now and characterizing it with imaging may help in choosing the adequate treatment modality. Higher density seems to reflect erythrocyte content. Therefore, patients with a longer and denser clot may necessitate direct thrombectomy.
Creating a junior minds’ community
Authors: Sokolov Arseny A , Kurmann Rebekka
Published: September 2017

Connecting with junior colleagues across the three linguistic regions of Switzerland, knowing the essentials of the Swiss neurology curriculum, conducting research, considering a fellowship abroad, preparing neurological activity in private practice - all these topics are of vital interest for young neurologists. However, keeping up with such essential aspects of neurological training usually turns out quite demanding for residents as individuals. Junior neurologists’ associations help to deal with such issues. In 2014, a group of enthusiastic juniors, encouraged by several senior neurologists, founded the Swiss Association of Young Neurologists (SAYN) within the Swiss Neurological Society (SNS). Here, we describe key missions and activities of the SAYN, its role and interactions within the Swiss and European clinical neuroscience community, and provide an outlook on future challenges and opportunities for young neurologists.
Anaesthesia and sleep
Authors: Gent Thomas , Adamantidis Antoine
Published: September 2017

The mechanisms regulating the control of consciousness in both spontaneous sleep–wake behaviour and general anaesthesia remain poorly understood and are a fundamental question in neuroscience. The last 30 years have identified numerous molecular substrates and more recently important monoaminergic neuronal substrates. Future work now needs to concentrate on elucidating the convergence of these neuronal circuits to build a unifying mechanism of consciousness control.
Degree of anemia, indirect markers of hemolysis, and vascular complications of sickle cell disease in Africa
Authors: Dubert Marie , Elion Jacques , Tolo Aissata , Diallo Dapa Aly , Diop Saliou , Diagne Ibrahima , Sanogo Ibrahima , Belinga Suzanne , Guifo Odette , Wamba Guillaume , Ngo Sack Françoise , Boidy Kouakou , Kamara Ismael , Traore Youssouf , Diakite Cheick Oumar , Gbonon Valérie , Faye Blaise Felix , Seck Moussa , Deme Ly Indou , Chelo David , N’Guetta Roland , Diop Ibrahima Bara , Gaye Bamba , Jouven Xavier , Ranque Brigitte
Published: September 2017

Key Points

Severe baseline anemia is associated with leg ulcer, microalbuminuria, and echographic pulmonary hypertension in African SCD patients. These vascular complications of SCD are not independently associated with indirect markers of increased hemolysis.
Decision trees in epidemiological research
Authors: Venkatasubramaniam Ashwini , Wolfson Julian , Mitchell Nathan , Barnes Timothy , JaKa Meghan , French Simone
Published: September 2017

Background

In many studies, it is of interest to identify population subgroups that are relatively homogeneous with respect to an outcome. The nature of these subgroups can provide insight into effect mechanisms and suggest targets for tailored interventions. However, identifying relevant subgroups can be challenging with standard statistical methods.

Main text

We review the literature on decision trees, a family of techniques for partitioning the population, on the basis of covariates, into distinct subgroups who share similar values of an outcome variable. We compare two decision tree methods, the popular Classification and Regression tree (CART) technique and the newer Conditional Inference tree (CTree) technique, assessing their performance in a simulation study and using data from the Box Lunch Study, a randomized controlled trial of a portion size intervention. Both CART and CTree identify homogeneous population subgroups and offer improved prediction accuracy relative to regression-based approaches when subgroups are truly present in the data. An important distinction between CART and CTree is that the latter uses a formal statistical hypothesis testing framework in building decision trees, which simplifies the process of identifying and interpreting the final tree model. We also introduce a novel way to visualize the subgroups defined by decision trees. Our novel graphical visualization provides a more scientifically meaningful characterization of the subgroups identified by decision trees.

Conclusions

Decision trees are a useful tool for identifying homogeneous subgroups defined by combinations of individual characteristics. While all decision tree techniques generate subgroups, we advocate the use of the newer CTree technique due to its simplicity and ease of interpretation.
Illegal immigration and media exposure: evidence on individual attitudes
Authors: Facchini Giovanni , Mayda Anna Maria , Puglisi Riccardo
Published: September 2017

Illegal immigration has been the focus of much debate in receiving countries, but little is known about the drivers of individual attitudes towards illegal immigrants. To study this question, we use the CCES survey, which was carried out in 2006 in the USA. We find evidence that—in addition to standard labor market and welfare state considerations—media exposure is significantly correlated with public opinion on illegal immigration. Controlling for education, income, ideology, and other socio-demographic characteristics, individuals watching Fox News are 9 percentage points more likely than CBS viewers to oppose the legalization of undocumented immigrants. We find an effect of the same size and direction for CNN viewers, whereas individuals watching PBS are instead more likely to support legalization. Ideological self-selection into different news programs plays an important role, but cannot entirely explain the correlation between media exposure and attitudes about illegal immigration.
Mild acidosis delays neutrophil apoptosis via multiple signaling pathways and acts in concert with inflammatory mediators
Authors: El Kebir Driss , de Oliveira Lima dos Santos Everton , Mansouri Soukaina , Sekheri Meriem , Filep János G
Published: September 2017

Accumulating evidence indicates development of local extracellular acidosis in inflamed tissues in response to infection and tissue injury. Activation of infiltrating neutrophils contributes to a transient decrease in pH, which, in turn, triggers innate immunity. In this study, we investigated the impact of extracellular acidosis on neutrophil apoptosis, a critical determinant of the outcome of the inflammatory response and analyzed the underlying signaling pathways. Culture of human isolated neutrophils in mildly acidotic conditions (pH 6.5–7.0) resulted in activation of NF-κB; intracellular accumulation of cAMP; and phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and p38 MAPK; and preservation of Mcl-1 expression. Consequently, extracellular acidosis prevented disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and translocation of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor from the mitochondria to cytoplasm and nuclei, respectively and inhibited caspase-3 activity. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK, PI3K, NF-κB, or PKA partially reversed survival cues by extracellular acidosis and redirected neutrophils to apoptosis. Conversely, dibutyryl cAMP (100–500 μM) delayed apoptosis of neutrophils cultured at pH 7.4. Extracellular acidosis-generated survival cues were additive to the potent prosurvival signals from bacterial DNA, LPS, modified C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A. Acidosis increased CpG DNA uptake by neutrophils and augmented phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, leading to preservation of Mcl-1 expression. Our results identified extracellular acidosis as a survival signal for neutrophils by suppressing the constitutive apoptotic machinery and suggest that transient decreases in local pH can enhance neutrophil responses to inflammatory stimuli, thereby contributing to amplification or prolongation of the inflammatory response.