bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TIM‐3–Expressing Mast Cells Are Present in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Corredera Erica , Phong Binh L. , Moore John A. , Kane Lawrence P. , Lee Stella E.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To identify whether TIM‐3 expression is present in the mast cell population within nasal polyps and to determine its correlation with clinical severity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

Study Design

Basic science, translational study.

Setting

Nasal polyp tissue collected from patients seen at a tertiary care hospital (2015‐2016).

Subjects and Methods

Nasal polyp tissue obtained during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 24) was enzymatically digested into epithelial and stromal fractions. Viable mast cells expressing TIM‐3 were identified using flow cytometry for the following: CD45, Live/Dead, c‐kit, FcεR1, TIM‐3. Disease severity was assessed using the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test, Lund‐Mackay staging system, Lund‐Kennedy staging system, and complete blood counts.

Results

Mast cells were found in both the epithelial and stromal layers of polyps, with a greater %TIM‐3+ mast cells in the epithelial layer compared with that of the stromal layer (P =. 001). As the percentage of mast cells increased, there was a comparative worsening in endoscopic severity after comparing pre‐ and postoperative LK scores (ρ = −0.455, P =. 029). In a subgroup of patients with concomitant asthma, increased epithelial %TIM‐3+ mast cells also correlated with worsening endoscopic appearance postoperatively (ρ = 0.866, P =. 001, n = 11). Oral corticosteroid treatment did not change the viability of mast cells nor their influence on the increased postoperative endoscopic disease severity (ρ = −0.544, P =. 020, n = 18).

Conclusion

Viable mast cells were found to be present in polyps with increased TIM‐3 expression at the epithelial layer. This suggests that TIM‐3 may play a role in chronic inflammation in CRSwNP via mast cell activation.
Impact of Infant Supraglottoplasty on Quality of Life
Authors: Vandjelovic Nathan D. , Brown Jason R. , Traboulsi Henri T. , Thottam Prasad John
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The objective of the present study is to examine the impact of supraglottoplasty on the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers and infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐nine infants who underwent supraglottoplasty were examined. The primary caregiver answered the 47‐item short form of the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire–47 pre‐ and postoperatively; the subsection scores were compared. A 1‐way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the effect of age and sex. A comparison was made between our cohort and a general population of healthy children.

Results

The average age at surgery was 4.0 months, and 53% of the patients were male. There was significant postoperative improvement in overall health, physical ability, growth and development, bodily pain, temperament, emotional impact on the caregiver, impact on caregiver's time, and family cohesion scores (P <. 05). The same subscale scores remained significantly improved postoperatively after age and sex were controlled. Preoperative QOL scores were significantly worse than those of the general population in nearly all categories. Postoperative physical ability (P =. 009) and temperament (P =. 011) QOL scores were higher than the those of the general population. Scores for growth and development (P =. 132), bodily pain (P =. 481), and family cohesion (P =. 717) were equivalent to those of the general population.

Conclusion

QOL was significantly improved after supraglottoplasty for infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties. After supraglottoplasty, QOL was similar to that of the general infant population in most categories.
It’s all you! Australian ayahuasca drinking, spiritual development, and immunitary individualism
Authors: Rodd Robin
Published: May 2018

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant decoction, has spread from indigenous communities in South America to urban areas in the Americas, Europe, and Australia where it is used in neoshamanic rituals. This paper draws on ethnography of Australian ayahuasca ceremonies to examine the ways that individualism shapes the structure of ayahuasca rituals, the interpretation of visionary experiences, and notions of spiritual development. I show how the metaphors that Australian drinkers involved in this study use to understand their ayahuasca experiences and spiritual development reflect a form of immunitary individualism, which is premised on the negation of difference and relationality. Secular disenchantment and a culture of narcissism may drive people to seek ayahuasca, but transcendence is interpreted in terms of an expansive, non-relational self. In this sense, neoshamanic ayahuasca culture may be an escape from and reproduction of the culture of narcissism associated with the malaise of modernity.
Motives, Offending Behavior, and Gender Differences in Murder Perpetrators With or Without Psychosis
Authors: Hachtel Henning , Nixon Margaret , Bennett Debra , Mullen Paul , Ogloff James
Published: May 2018

Little is known whether differences exist in motivation and reactive/instrumental offense behaviors between murder offenders with and without psychotic disorder. To contribute to better prevention strategies, the aim of this study was to investigate offense characteristics in murder offenders with a psychotic, nonpsychotic or no psychiatric diagnosis, and whether these factors differ according to sex. This data study examined the population of murder offenders between 1997 and 2005 ( N = 435) in Victoria, Australia. Apparent motive for murder was allocated to one of six classifications. Assignations of reactive versus instrumental offense categories, co-offending, victim-offender relationship were determined by review of case material. Mental health service usage and prevalence of mental illnesses were identified through data with the statewide register of contacts with the public mental health system. Of the 435 offenders, 43 (9.9%) had been diagnosed with a psychotic illness. Gender differences between and within offenders with and without a psychotic disorder were analyzed. Murder offenders with a psychotic disorder were 3.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.27, 8.03]) times more likely to be motivated by revenge than nonpsychotic offenders and those with no diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% CI = [1.10, 5.53]). The diagnostic groups did not differ on premeditation of their offenses or prior convictions. Perpetrators with psychotic illness were significantly more likely to kill family members and others known to them. It appears that for the psychotic disorder group, the perception of having been wronged in some way is a potential risk marker for planning and committing a serious offense. Care should be taken to improve adherence and access to care to avoid possible future serious violence especially in female patients with a high burden of mental illness like schizophrenia or severe mood disorders.
Reliability optimization design of a planar multi-body system with two clearance joints based on reliability sensitivity analysis
Authors: Gao Yong , Zhang Fang , Li Yuanyuan
Published: May 2018

A general method for reliability sensitivity analysis and reliability optimization design of planar slider crank mechanism with two clearance joints was presented. A continuous contact force model considering energy dissipation was employed to estimate the contact force acting on the clearance joint. The Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the reliability sensitivity. In addition, based on the Kriging method, a surrogate model was constructed with consideration of explicit function expression. The precision and reliability of the presented method have been successfully demonstrated by numerical simulation. The results show that the number and position of clearance joint considered have a great influence on the maximum allowable displacement of the slider. The changing of the reliability sensitivity for the mean and variance of several random variables has certain regularity. Compared with the determinacy optimization design, the reliability optimization design presented here shows better dynamical performances.
Estimating the Efficiency of Public Infrastructure Investment: A State-wise Analysis
Authors: Saxena Manvi , Chotia Varun , Rao N.V. Muralidhar
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study is to empirically analyse the relationship between public infrastructure investment and economic growth for India using yearly data for its 28 states (excluding Telangana). We have taken six major sub-sectors falling under infrastructure sector: transport; education, sports, arts and culture; energy; medical and public health; telecommunication; and water supply and sanitation. We have aimed to analyse the efficiency of each of these sub-sectors using data envelopment analysis (DEA). For every state, we have used the public investment data from the state budget files as input while sector-specific infrastructural criterions and sector-wise revenue are taken as outputs. We have gone by the logic that a state’s particular sub-sector of infrastructure will be highly efficient if it is able to use up the investment allotted to it and create a stronger infrastructure as compared to other states, subsequently generating higher amount of revenues. For each sector, various infrastructural criteria were clubbed together using principal component analysis technique to construct a single infrastructure index (representing the sector-wise output). Further, DEA was applied to calculate efficiency for each Indian state and they were ranked based on their efficiency scores. The analysis tells us that policy-making and budget allocation may be done in accordance with standing performances of different states in various sectors and the goals of the respective state governments.
In the Shadow of Mrs. Zimmerman: A Conversation With Sharon Maroney
Authors: Zabel Robert H. , Kaff Marilyn , Teagarden James
Published: May 2018

Dr. Sharon Maroney’s career has focused on children and youth with significant behavior and emotional challenges. Her career has spanned experiences from sibling, special education teacher, and university professor. She has had the good fortune to study with some the most well-known names in the field. Dr. Maroney shared her reflections with Intervention in which she describes the benefit of establishing and nourishing connections for a successful and rewarding career.
Neutralizing the Effect of Political Worldviews by Communicating Scientific Agreement: A Thought-Listing Study
Authors: Dixon Graham , Hubner Austin
Published: May 2018

Messages emphasizing scientific agreement are increasingly used to communicate politically polarizing issues. Proponents argue that these messages neutralize the effect of people’s political worldviews due to the neutral scientific character of the message. Yet this argument has not undergone extensive testing. Addressing this, we measured participants’ thoughts on scientists featured in messages emphasizing scientific agreement on politically dissonant issues. Our results show that readers often produce less favorable thoughts and moral judgments when scientists agree on a politically dissonant issue. As a result, messages emphasizing scientific agreement on politicized issues might not always neutralize the effect of people’s political worldviews.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of two group education programs for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Long-term (12-month) follow-up at one site
Authors: Hugos Cinda L , Cameron Michelle H , Chen Zunqiu , Chen Yiyi , Bourdette Dennis
Published: May 2018

Background:

A four-site RCT of Fatigue: Take Control (FTC), a multicomponent group program, found no significant differences from a control program, MS: Take Control (MSTC), in fatigue on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) through 6 months.

Objective:

Assess FTC for a delayed effect on fatigue.

Methods:

Of 78 subjects at one site, 74 randomized to FTC or MSTC completed the MFIS at 12 months.

Results:

Compared to baseline, FTC produced greater improvements in MFIS scores than MSTC (FTC −8.9 (confidence interval (CI): 32.2, 45), MSTC −2.5 (CI 39.6, 47.7), p = 0.03) at 12 months.

Conclusion:

The delayed effect of FTC on fatigue suggests the need for longer follow-up when assessing interventions for fatigue.
Aggression and Helping as Responses to Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Rejection in Men and Women
Authors: Rajchert Joanna , Konopka Karolina , Boguszewski Paweł
Published: May 2018

Research shows that interpersonal rejection increases aggression and decreases helping toward the rejecter. Based on the assumptions of the evolutionary approach, it was hypothesized that aggression would be higher and helping would be lower after rejection by a same-sex rather than an opposite-sex other. Moreover, it was predicted that the effect for aggression would be stronger in men, and the effect for helping would be stronger in women. Participants ( N = 100) were rejected or accepted by a same- or opposite-sex person, and later aggression and helping were measured using the tangram Help-Hurt task. The major finding was that same-sex rejection resulted in more aggression and less helping than opposite-sex rejection, but the rejectee’s sex did not moderate the effect. Instead, men were more aggressive and less helping independently of condition. Along with the sexual exchange theory, more negative behavior in same-sex rejection could be interpreted as raised in-group sexual competitive tendencies, whereas less negative behavior in opposite-sex rejection could result from the motivation to exchange resources between men and women.
Reflections on the micro–macro divide: Ideas from the trenches and moving forward
Authors: Eckardt Rory , Crocker Alia , Ahn Yoojung , Floyd Steven W , Boyd Brian K , Hodgkinson Gerard P , Kozlowski Steve WJ , Moliterno Thomas P , Starbuck William H
Published: May 2018

This essay provides insights into the reasons why efforts to integrate micro and macro perspectives continue to face challenges. We incorporate the reflections of several experienced researchers on the persistence of the micro–macro divide, organize those reflections into broad themes, and discuss associated insights, implications, and challenges. We note that while immense challenges remain, efforts should continue as greater integration can improve the position of our field in the broader social sciences and lead to substantial contributions. Several suggestions are provided to help this research agenda move forward. Specifically, we advocate developing new process-oriented theories and methods, as well as adopting broader and more inclusive researcher identities, encouraging “intellectual generosity,” and acknowledging that for some research, integration is neither necessary nor desirable.
Electrochemotherapy of Spinal Metastases Using Transpedicular Approach—A Numerical Feasibility Study
Authors: Cindrič Helena , Kos Bor , Tedesco Giuseppe , Cadossi Matteo , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: May 2018

Vertebral column is the most frequent site for bone metastases. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that bone metastases can be efficiently treated by electrochemotherapy. We developed a novel approach to treat spinal metastases, that is, transpedicular approach that combines electrochemotherapy with already established technologies for insertion of fixation screws in spinal surgery. In the transpedicular approach, needle electrodes are inserted into the vertebral body through pedicles and placed around the tumor. The main goal of our study was to numerically investigate the feasibility of the proposed treatment approach. Three clinical cases were used in this study—1 with a tumor completely contained within the vertebral body and 2 with tumors spread also to the pedicles and spinal canal. Anatomically accurate numerical models were built for all 3 cases, and numerical computations of electric field distribution in tumor and surrounding tissue were performed to determine the treatment outcome. Complete coverage of tumor volume with sufficiently high electric field is a prerequisite for successful electrochemotherapy. Close to 100% tumor coverage was obtained in all 3 cases studied. Two cases exhibited tumor coverage of >99%, while the coverage in the third case was 98.88%. Tumor tissue that remained untreated was positioned on the margin of the tumor volume. We also evaluated hypothetical damage to spinal cord and nerves. Only 1 case, which featured a tumor grown into the spinal canal, exhibited potential risk of neural damage. Our study shows that the proposed transpedicular approach to treat spinal metastases is feasible and safe if the majority of tumor volume is contained within the vertebral body. In cases where the spinal cord and nerves are contained within the margin of the tumor volume, a successful and safe treatment is still possible, but special attention needs to be given to evaluation of potential neural damage.
Improving Universal Classroom Practices Through Teacher Formative Assessment and Coaching
Authors: Dudek Christopher M. , Reddy Linda A. , Lekwa Adam , Hua Anh N. , Fabiano Gregory A.
Published: May 2018

This article presents the Classroom Strategies Coaching (CSC) Model, a data-driven coaching approach that uses teacher formative assessment data to drive improvements in universal practices. The classroom strategies assessment system (CSAS), a formative assessment of evidence-based instructional and behavioral management practices was used to facilitate the coaching process. Results from 32 elementary school teachers who received brief coaching after participating as waitlist controls in a randomized controlled trial are presented. Teachers’ practices remained stable across baseline periods. Following coaching, teachers displayed improvements toward their behavioral management goals (e.g., ds = .50–.83). Results also showed meaningful reductions in the overall need for change in instruction ( d = .88) and in behavior management practices ( d = .68) at postintervention. Findings illustrate the benefits of integrating teacher formative assessment in coaching to improve teaching practices. Implications for practice and future directions are outlined.
Pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for shock
Authors: Mallet Robert T , Olivencia-Yurvati Albert H , Bünger Rolf
Published: May 2018

This commentary addresses the recent retraction of an article which reported favorable outcomes in septic patients treated with intravenous pyruvate. The retracted report was cited in the authors’ recent minireview on the cellular mechanisms and clinical application of pyruvate to improve cardiac performance. Because the retracted article reports pyruvate-enhanced resuscitation of critically ill patients, the authors wish to inform the readership, especially critical care providers, that this particular clinical application of pyruvate is not now supported by robust evidence. After discussing the retraction’s implications for the clinical application of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for sepsis, this commentary summarizes the extensive preclinical evidence of the efficacy and mechanisms of pyruvate resuscitation in animal models of hemorrhagic and septic shock, which argues for renewed clinical investigation of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation.

Impact statement

This commentary addresses the recent retraction of a clinical report of significant benefits of intravenous pyruvate resuscitation in septic patients, including sharply lowered mortality and decreased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, which was cited in the authors’ minireview in Experimental Biology and Medicine. The potential implications of the retraction, and the extensive preclinical evidence supporting the use of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for shock states, are summarized and discussed.
Adipose Y5R mRNA is higher in obese than non-obese humans and is correlated with obesity parameters
Authors: Chatree Saimai , Sitticharoon Chantacha , Maikaew Pailin , Uawithya Panapat , Chearskul Supornpim
Published: May 2018

Neuropeptide Y is mainly expressed in the central nervous system to regulate food intake via its receptors, Y receptors, and in various peripheral tissues including adipose tissue. The objectives of this study were to compare Y5R mRNA and adipocyte parameters consisting of area, width, height, and perimeter either between obese and non-obese subjects or between subcutaneous and visceral fat as well as to compare between NPY, Y1R, Y2R, and Y5R mRNA expressions in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. In subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, Y5R was greater in obese than in non-obese humans (both P < 0.05). Y1R mRNA expression was highest followed by Y5R, Y2R, and NPY mRNA expressions, respectively, in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Visceral Y5R mRNA had positive correlations with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference (R ≍ 0.4), and visceral Y1R mRNA (R = 0.773), but had a negative correlation with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (R=−0.421) (all P < 0.05). Subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte parameters were positively correlated with body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, with greater values of correlation coefficient shown in visceral (R ≍ 0.5–0.8) than in subcutaneous adipocytes (R ≍ 0.4–0.6, all P < 0.05). The parameters of visceral adipocytes had positive correlations with serum NPY levels (R ≍ 0.4, all P < 0.05). Y5R mRNA in visceral adipose tissue is related to increased obesity and reduced insulin sensitivity. The dominant Y receptors in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue might be the Y1R and Y5R. Visceral adipocytes show higher correlations with obesity parameters than subcutaneous adipocytes, suggestive of an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in visceral obesity. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of adiposity.

Impact statement

Obesity, defined as excess fat accumulation, has been increasingly diagnosed worldwide causing adverse health consequences. The novel findings of this study were that Y5R mRNA expression in both subcutaneous and visceral fat was higher in obese than non-obese subjects. Furthermore, Y5R only in visceral fat, not subcutaneous fat, was positively correlated with visceral Y1R and obesity parameters but it was negatively correlated with the QUICKI. Moreover, we found that Y1R expression was highest followed by Y5R and Y2R, respectively, in both subcutaneous and visceral fat. Our results suggested that Y5R in visceral fat was associated with increased obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. Y1R and Y5R might be the dominant receptors that mediate the effect of NPY-induced fat accumulation in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of obesity.
Effect of cross-linked chitosan iron (III) on vascular calcification in uremic rats
Authors: de Castro Barbara Bruna Abreu , do Carmo Wander Barros , de Albuquerque Suassuna Paulo Giovani , Carminatti Moises , Brito Julia Bianchi , Dominguez Wagner Vasques , de Oliveira Ivone Braga , Jorgetti Vanda , Custodio Melani Ribeiro , Sanders-Pinheiro Helady
Published: May 2018

Cross-linked chitosan iron (III) is a chitin-derived polymer with a chelating effect on phosphorus, but it is untested in vascular calcification. We evaluated this compound's ability to reduce hyperphosphatemia and its effect on vascular calcification in uremic rats using an adenine-based, phosphorus-rich diet for seven weeks. We used a control group to characterize the uremia. Uremic rats were divided according the treatment into chronic kidney disease, CKD-Ch-Fe(III)CL (CKD-Ch), CKD-calcium carbonate, or CKD-sevelamer groups. We measured creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus excretion fraction, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor 23. Vascular calcification was assessed using the aortic calcium content, and a semi-quantitative analysis was performed using Von Kossa and hematoxylin–eosin staining. At week seven, rats in the chronic kidney disease group had higher creatinine, phosphorus, phosphorus excretion fraction, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, fibroblast growth factor 23, and aortic calcium content than those in the Control group. Treatments with cross-linked chitosan iron (III) and calcium carbonate prevented phosphorus increase (20%–30% reduction). The aortic calcium content was lowered by 88% and 85% in the CKD-Ch and CKD-sevelamer groups, respectively. The prevalence of vascular changes was higher in the chronic kidney disease and CKD-calcium carbonate (62.5%) groups than in the CKD-Ch group (37.5%). In conclusion, cross-linked chitosan iron (III) had a phosphorus chelating effect similar to calcium carbonate already available for clinical use, and prevented calcium accumulation in the aorta.

Impact statement

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication due to CKD-related bone and mineral disorder (BMD) and is characterized by deposition of calcium in vessels. Effective therapies are not yet available but new phosphorus chelators can prevent complications from CV. We tested the effect of chitosan, a new phosphorus chelator, on the VC of uremic animals. It has recently been proposed that chitosan treatment may be effective in the treatment of hyperphosphataemia. However, its action on vascular calcification has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrated that chitosan reduced the calcium content in the aorta, suggesting that this may be a therapeutic approach in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia by preventing CV.
Business model adaptation in response to an exogenous shock
Authors: Corbo Leonardo , Pirolo Luca , Rodrigues Vasco
Published: May 2018

Business models have received increasing attention in both academic and managerial communities. However, little attention has been paid to how business models change in response to extreme events. This topic is of critical importance since failure to achieve adaptation in a timely manner can lead to negative consequences such as a significant decrease in firm value or bankruptcy. This study explores how the business model paradigm of the Portuguese footwear industry changed following China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001. The empirical results suggest that the shock acted as a trigger for change for the Portuguese footwear firms which reflected in the adoption of a new business model characterized by speed and flexibility in the manufacturing process, faster response to customer needs and, in specific cases, in downward integration through the creation of own brands selling directly to final consumers. This result, however, was not the outcome of a sudden change but rather the consequence of a planned adaptation strategy led by a key industry actor that acted as a network orchestrator coordinating the actions of the Portuguese footwear firms. The implications of these findings as well as directions for future research are discussed in the last part of this study.
Improved bioactivity of GUMMETAL®, Ti59Nb36Ta2Zr3O0.3, via formation of nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Divakarla Shiva Kamini , Yamaguchi Seiji , Kokubo Tadashi , Han Dong-Wook , Lee Jae Ho , Chrzanowski Wojciech
Published: May 2018

The leading reason for implant revision surgery globally is lack of implant integration with surrounding bone. A new titanium alloy GUMMETAL® (Ti59Nb36Ta2Zr3O0.3) is currently used in biomedical devices and has a Young’s modulus that is better matched to bone. The surface was subject to NaOH, CaCl2, heat and water treatment (BioGum) after which the surfaces were evaluated using atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray. To demonstrate enhanced bone bonding ability and cytocompatibility, apatite formation in simulated body fluid and in vitro stem cell attachment, proliferation and cytoskeleton organisation were examined. The formation of a ~200 nm nanoscale needle-like calcium titanate network on the surface following treatment was revealed and upon soaking in simulated body fluid, the formation of a ~5 µm layer of apatite. Metabolic activity of rat bone marrow stem cells on BioGum was increased in comparison to control and the cell number appeared greater, with more elongated morphology as early as 2 h post-seeding. This positions the modification as a simple and potentially universal technology for the improvement of implant integration.
WAR: What Else Is It Good For? A Comparison of Maximum Difference Scaling, Adaptive Choice-based Conjoint, Constant Sum Scaling and Wallet Allocation Rule Utilities
Authors: Buoye Alexander , Williams Luke , Weiner Jay
Published: May 2018

Purpose – This research compares the results of Maximum Difference Scaling (MaxDiff), Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC), and constant sum scaling with the results of a Wallet Allocation Rule (WAR) approach for identifying the features of smartphones deemed most valuable by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the responses of 554 recent purchasers and 598 intended purchasers of smartphones about the features of smartphones that they have considered/will consider in their purchase decisions and the relative value they assign to each feature. MaxDiff, ACBC, constant sum scaling and WAR are used for quantifying the importance of these features and correlation analysis is used to compare the results of the four methods.

Findings – The authors find that constant sum scaling and WAR provide nearly identical results at both the aggregate and individual levels, while MaxDiff and ACBC produce similar results to WAR at the aggregate level only.

Originality/value – This research validates the feasibility of a simple method for estimating the utility of product features by demonstrating the similarity of results to more established and/or complex methods. The availability of a simpler method creates value by allowing more firms to engage in this kind of co-creative research while reducing costs for customers to participate.
Interdisciplinary Crisis Resource Management Training: How Do Otolaryngology Residents Compare? A Survey Study
Authors: Nhan Carol , Young Meredith , Bank Ilana , Nugus Peter , Fisher Rachel , Azzam Milène , Nguyen Lily H. P.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Emergent medical crises, such as acute airway obstruction, are often managed by interdisciplinary teams. However, resident training in crisis resource management traditionally occurs in silos. Our objective was to compare the current state of interdisciplinary crisis resource management (IDCRM) training of otolaryngology residents with other disciplines.

Methods

A survey study examining (1) the frequency with which residents are involved in interdisciplinary crises, (2) the current state of interdisciplinary training, and (3) the desired training was conducted targeting Canadian residents in the following disciplines: otolaryngology, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, pediatric emergency medicine, and pediatric/neonatal intensive care.

Results

A total of 474 surveys were completed (response rate, 12%). On average, residents were involved in 13 interdisciplinary crises per year. Only 8% of otolaryngology residents had access to IDCRM training, as opposed to 66% of anesthesiology residents. Otolaryngology residents reported receiving an average of 0.3 hours per year of interdisciplinary training, as compared with 5.4 hours per year for pediatric emergency medicine residents. Ninety‐six percent of residents desired more IDCRM training, with 95% reporting a preference for simulation‐based training.

Discussion

Residents reported participating in crises managed by interdisciplinary teams. There is strong interest in IDCRM and crisis resource management training; however, it is not uniformly available across Canadian residency programs. Despite their pivotal role in managing critical emergencies such as acute airway obstruction, otolaryngology residents received the least training.

Implication

IDCRM should be explicitly taught since it reflects reality and may positively affect patient outcomes.
Role of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis in pathogen-mediated intracellular iron sequestration in human phagocytic cells
Authors: Abreu Rodrigo , Quinn Frederick , Giri Pramod K.
Published: May 2018

Key Points

TLR signaling induces intracellular iron sequestration in macrophages through 2 redundant mechanisms. TLR2 signaling downregulates ferroportin transcriptional expression, whereas TLR4 induces hepcidin secretion.
Poorly cytotoxic terminally differentiated CD56negCD16pos NK cells accumulate in Kenyan children with Burkitt lymphomas
Authors: Forconi Catherine S. , Cosgrove Cormac P. , Saikumar-Lakshmi Pryia , Nixon Christina E. , Foley Joslyn , Ong’echa John Michael , Otieno Juliana A. , Alter Galit , Münz Christian , Moormann Ann M.
Published: May 2018

Key Points

Terminally differentiated CD56neg NK cells expand in children after chronic malaria exposure and in those diagnosed with eBL. NK cells in eBL patients express high levels of MIP-1β in lieu of TNF-α, and normal NK cell profiles appear to be restored in eBL survivors.
Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in otolaryngology: Review of adherence to the CONSORT statement
Authors: Huang Yu Qing , Traore Katsiaryna , Ibrahim Badr , Sewitch Maida J. , Nguyen Lily H. P.
Published: May 2018

Background

Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard in medical and surgical research to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. The reporting of these trials should be of high quality to allow readers’ appropriate interpretation and application.

Methods

The objectives of our study were to assess the extent to which the recent Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) randomized control trials in the top nine journals and in the top Canadian journal comply with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, and to identify the CONSORT items most in need of improvement. Based on the impact factor and circulation number of 2014, the top nine Otolaryngology journals and the top Canadian Otolaryngology journal were selected and were searched to identify RCTs published in English and between 2010 and 2014. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data using a standardized data extraction form constructed with the help of a medical librarian. Our outcome was to assess the adherence of articles reporting to the CONSORT items. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

One hundred and eighty-two Otolaryngologic RCTs were identified in the top nine international journals and in the top Canadian journal. The inter-rater reliability between two raters was 0.32. The extent of adherence to CONSORT Statement ranged from 25 to 93.5% with a mean of 59.0% and a median of 59.4%. Only 6.5% of RCTs described the individual responsible for enrolling and assigning subjects and method of randomization; 32.4% reported the estimated effect size and precision; 40.6% reported a sample size calculation and 32.4% mentioned external validity or implications of the findings.

Conclusion

Findings revealed that the reporting of RCTs in the top nine ORL-HNS journals and in the top Canadian ORL-HNS journal is suboptimal. The quality of reporting can be improved by addressing the three CONSORT items found most deficient in this study namely, sample size calculations, estimated effect size and precision, and external validity.
“We Are Here to Help”
Authors: Lane Riki
Published: May 2018

Many trans and gender-diverse (TGD) people seek surgeries to align their bodies with their gender identity. This contested field has historically been dominated by mental health professionals, whom TGD people have often seen as “gatekeepers.” Gaining access to medical treatments, while avoiding pathologization and stigmatization, is the central dilemma of TGD clients' relationship with clinicians. For clinicians, the dilemma is inverted—they seek to provide access to treatment but also to mitigate risks of harm to their clients and of legal action if clients regret surgery. In prominent cases, two former clients who regretted their surgeries sued the Monash Health Gender Clinic, precipitating a review of operations and a three-month closure. Internationally and in Australia, the approach to care has moved from psychiatric dominance toward a collaborative approach between clients and clinicians from varied disciplines to achieve the best individual outcome. This shift is partially reflected in changes to diagnostic criteria and clinical guidelines. These changes have increased access to treatments for many TGD people previously excluded. However, at this clinic, surgeons' requirements for approval by a mental health professional have changed little in forty years. This article provides a clear exposition of how clinicians in the most prominent Australian gender clinic approach approval of medical treatment. Clinicians have moved to depathologize their approach, but the tensions defining the clinician-client relationship remain in balance: the risks of regret after treatment versus self-harm without it; and access for clients' desired treatments versus medico-legal risk for the clinician.
“Am I Gonna Become Famous When I Get My Boobs Done?”
Authors: Udy Dan
Published: May 2018

Gigi Gorgeous: This Is Everything (dir. Barbara Kopple, 2017) is a feature-length documentary following the life of Canadian YouTube video blogger Giselle “Gigi” Lazzarato—aka Gigi Gorgeous—currently distributed on the site's premium streaming feature, YouTube Red. As one of YouTube's most high-profile content producers and its most successful trans video blogger (“vlogger”), Lazzarato has thoroughly documented her life on-screen; however, she has largely avoided sharing details of her surgical procedures. This Is Everything takes a closer look at her rise to fame alongside the story of her gender transition, revealing how Lazzarato has carefully engineered the documentation of her surgeries to navigate the burgeoning marketplace of online celebrity. Following Jasbir K. Puar, this review argues that the film demonstrates an axiomatic case of “piecing” the transgender body that extends the temporality of surgical procedures, thus mapping the rehabilitation of transgender subjects into productive citizens of the neoliberal US economy.
Interview with Blogger/Vlogger FinnTheInficible
Authors: Raun Tobias
Published: May 2018

TSQ's “New Media” section editor Tobias Raun interviews the British blogger/vlogger FinnTheInficible, who has been very open online about the physical and emotional process of having phalloplasty. He started video blogging in 2012, when he came out as trans on YouTube. His social media presence has since then increased and spread across media platforms (YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). In this interview, Raun and FinnTheInficible discuss issues such as sensitivity and empowerment in relation to the public sharing of personal experiences with having phalloplasty. As argued by FinnTheInficible, more information is still needed on phalloplasty as well as improved communication between health-care professionals and trans people, not least to improve the aftercare.
Theranostics of prostate cancer: from molecular imaging to precision molecular radiotherapy targeting the prostate specific membrane antigen
Authors: Kulkarni Harshad R , Singh Aviral , Langbein Thomas , Schuchardt Christiane , Mueller Dirk , Zhang Jingjing , Lehmann Coline , Baum Richard P
Published: May 2018

Alterations at the molecular level are a hallmark of cancer. Prostate cancer is associated with the overexpression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in a majority of cases, predominantly in advanced tumors, increasing with the grade or Gleason’s score. PSMA can be selectively targeted using radiolabeled PSMA ligands. These small molecules binding the PSMA can be radiolabeled with γ-emitters like 99mTc and 111In or positron emitters like 68Ga and 18F for diagnosis as well as with their theranostic pairs such as 177Lu (β-emitter) or 225Ac (α-emitter) for therapy. This review summarizes the theranostic role of PSMA ligands for molecular imaging and targeted molecular radiotherapy, moving towards precision oncology.
Predictors of antenatal care booking among pregnant women in The Gambia
Authors: Drammeh Basiru , Hsieh Chia Jung , Liu Chieh-Yu , Kao Chien-Huei
Published: May 2018

Background:

This study explored the factors influencing antenatal care booking among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Lower River region of The Gambia.

Aims:

To identify barriers to antenatal care booking and suggest measures to address them.

Methods:

This was a cross sectional descriptive study using convenient sampling technique to recruit 238 pregnant women attending antenatal care services into the study. The statistical methods used were descriptive, ANOVA, t-test, Pearson's correlation, χ2square and logistic regression.

Findings:

The mean gestational age (weeks) at booking was 22.58±6.96. Respondents' wellbeing score revealed a mean score of 68.25±17.48. Husband's level of education, type of clinic, difficulty in getting national identification card, and wellbeing were significantly associated with antenatal care booking. Logistic regression showed that among all the predictors, wellbeing was the variable that significantly contributed to the model (OR=0.64, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

There is a need to incorporate mental health attention in routine antenatal care services to assess women's wellbeing and to give support and care to women with low wellbeing scores for desirable pregnancy outcome.
Dealing with diabetes
Authors: Miller Hilda
Published: May 2018

A child with diabetes should be able to attend nursery in the same way as any other but your setting will need at least two members of staff on hand who are trained to administer insulin and check blood sugar levels.
Find quality time
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: May 2018

It is important for parents to find the time to interact directly with their child whenever they can. That means ensuring too many other things do not get in the way, says Annette Rawstrone.
Catch the moment
Authors: White Hilary
Published: May 2018

A trip or outing is full of new sights, events and experiences and by photographing them children can make sense of their memories. This also gives the practitioner a unique insight into their thinking.
Get to know Percy
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: May 2018

This month Nick Butterworth is in the spotlight. Use his books to support children to make connections with others, learning to share their thoughts and ideas about family and trips out of the setting.
A book about me
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: May 2018

Claire Hewson provides a guide to using Apple's My story app to enable children to create a book all about themselves. Help them to gain the skills to insert their own drawings, photos and text.
Some results on the comaximal ideal graph of a commutative ring
Authors: VİSWESWARAN Subramanian , PAREJİYA Jaydeep
Published: May 2018

The rings considered in this article are commutative with identity which admit at least two maximal ideals. Let $R$ be a ring such that $R$ admits at least two maximal ideals. Recall from Ye and Wu (J. Algebra Appl. 11(6): 1250114, 2012) that the comaximal ideal graph of $R$, denoted by $\mathscr{C}(R)$ is an undirected simple graph whose vertex set is the set of all proper ideals $I$ of $R$ such that $I\not\subseteq J(R)$, where $J(R)$ is the Jacobson radical of $R$ and distinct vertices $I_{1}$, $I_{2}$ are joined by an edge in $\mathscr{C}(R)$ if and only if $I_{1} + I_{2} = R$. In Section 2 of this article, we classify rings $R$ such that $\mathscr{C}(R)$ is planar. In Section 3 of this article, we classify rings $R$ such that $\mathscr{C}(R)$ is a split graph. In Section 4 of this article, we classify rings $R$ such that $\mathscr{C}(R)$ is complemented and moreover, we determine the $S$-vertices of $\mathscr{C}(R)$.
Heterogeneous practices and homogenizing policies: Towards a typological analysis of Canadian citizenship education in Ontario
Authors: Butler Jesse K.
Published: May 2018

In 2016, rumours began to spread that the Ontario Ministry of Education was quietly considering cutting its mandatory high school civics course in order to expand another mandatory course on career preparation. While the Ontario Ministry of Education ultimately backed down from this controversial position, the resulting public dialogue raised important questions regarding what Ontario hopes to accomplish through citizenship education. In this article, I engage this debate primarily from a theoretical perspective, arguing that the ambiguous role of citizenship education stems in a large part from a lack of clarity regarding how we use the term ‘citizenship’. In the first and second section, I review the existing literature, with particular emphasis on educational scholarship and political philosophy, to illustrate the incongruity between the complex and multi-layered ways in which citizenship is enacted in Canada and the superficial and homogeneous manner in which it is portrayed in Ontario curricula and educational policies. This incongruity, I suggest, illustrates the need for greater analytic clarity regarding the meaning(s) of citizenship. In the following section, I propose a typology of citizenship, featuring five dimensions along which citizenship is primarily enacted – political, legal, public, economic and cultural. Finally, I illustrate this typology through a brief empirical analysis of the Ontario civics curriculum – a comparative keyword content analysis of the 1999, 2005 and 2013 versions of the curriculum policy document. In conclusion, I suggest that there has been a historical shift in Ontario educational policy towards economic expressions of citizenship at the expense of other dimensions. In this sense, the brief controversy over cutting the Ontario civics course to expand the careers curriculum can be seen as just one manifestation of a larger policy trajectory.