bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role-specific Self-efficacy as Precedent and Product of the Identity Model
Authors: Brenner Philip S. , Serpe Richard T. , Stryker Sheldon
Published: March 2017

This article examines empirically ideas initially proposed in speculative work by Ervin and Stryker dealing with what could be understood about human social behavior and interaction by bringing together self-esteem and identity theories. Necessary to that task is distinguishing between two key and often conflated concepts of identity theory, salience and prominence. We argue that role-specific self-efficacy, embedded in self-esteem theory, is a precedent and a product of the identity theory model and global self-efficacy is a link from role-identities to the self-concept through the impact of global self-efficacy on prominence. Findings support a hypothesized feedback loop from role-specific self-efficacy to prominence to salience and back to role-specific self-efficacy.
Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale–Second Edition Scores Among Chinese Secondary School Students
Authors: Zhu Qingqing , Lowe Patricia A.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale–Second Edition (RCMAS-2) into Mandarin and to examine its psychometric properties among Chinese adolescents. The participants included 436 Chinese students in Grades 7 to 12 who were administered the Chinese version of the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS-2-C). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed to examine the factor structure of the RCMAS-2-C. Results indicated a modified four-factor model (Worry and Social Anxiety factors combined, Physiological Anxiety, Defensiveness I, and Defensiveness II factors) provided an adequate model fit to the data. Categorical omegas were computed and ranged from .68 to .90 for the RCMAS-2 scale scores. Convergent evidence of validity for the RCMAS-2-C anxiety scores was also found. Implications of the findings of the study for clinicians and researchers are discussed.
Crime Victimization and Suicidal Ideation Among Colombian College Students: The Role of Depressive Symptoms, Familism, and Social Support
Authors: Zapata Roblyer Martha I. , Betancourth Zambrano Sonia
Published: March 2017

Crime victimization is one of the most pressing public health concerns in Latin America. Young people in the region are at particularly high risk of victimization. The present study examined exposure to crime victimization as a risk factor for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and the protective effects of familism and social support in a community sample of Colombian college students. Data ( N = 424) came from the Juventud Project (The Emergent Adults Project), a cross-sectional study of college students, 18 to 29 years old ( M = 20.8, SD = 2.5; 63% female; 75.5% lived with their families), attending an urban public university in Southern Colombia. Data were collected between March and June of 2014 through anonymous, self-administered surveys. Conditional process analysis was used to test a model in which crime victimization was directly and indirectly associated with suicidal ideation via depressive symptoms, with familism and social support as moderators of this association while controlling for gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Overall, 58.9% of participants reported at least one crime victimization event in the past year. The most common types of victimization were being robbed without the threat of harm (29.8%) and being robbed with a weapon (24.8%). Male participants reported more instances of crime victimization than female participants. Levels of depressive symptoms that could be clinically significant were reported by 30.2% of participants, and suicidal ideation was reported by 31% of participants. The association between crime victimization and suicidal ideation was fully mediated by depressive symptoms. Social support, but not familism, moderated this association; social support weakened the link between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Findings suggest that crime victimization may be a significant risk for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among college students in Colombia, and that social support may protect from the harmful mental health effects of crime victimization.
Individual and Relationship Characteristics of Adolescent Girls With Histories of Physical Dating Violence
Authors: Rizzo Christie J. , Joppa Meredith C. , Barker David , Zlotnick Caron , Warren Justine , Saint-Eloi Cadely Hans , Brown Larry K.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this article is to examine the individual and relational characteristics of adolescent girls with a history of physical DV, as well as to utilize partner-specific, temporal data to explore links between these factors and recent or ongoing DV experiences. Participants were 109 high school girls (ages 14-17) identified as having a history of DV through a school-based screening procedure. Details regarding the timing of DV and links with specific dating partners were gathered using Timeline Followback (TLFB) interview methodology. At study entry, 30% endorsed clinical levels of depression symptoms and 89% reported delinquent behaviors. Forty-four percent reported vaginal intercourse in their lifetime and of those, 35% reported not using a condom at last sex. During the 90 days prior to study entry, 69% of youth reported having a romantic relationship and 58% of those youth reported physical/sexual violence. Data revealed that more physical/sexual violence was associated with longer relationship length, Wald χ2(2) = 1,142.63, p < .001. Furthermore, depressive symptoms, not delinquency, contributed significantly to recent DV experiences, even when relationship length was controlled. Our findings suggest that prevention programs for this population should teach participants how to quickly recognize unhealthy relationship characteristics, as violence severity increases with relationship length. Programs for adolescent girls should also address depressive symptoms, which are linked to DV severity when other risks are taken into account. Finally, the TLFB calendar method appears useful for gathering the temporal and partner-specific data needed to understand the complexity of dating relationships and violence experiences in this population.
A preliminary study of patient-specific mechanical properties of diabetic and healthy plantar soft tissue from gated magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Williams Evan D , Stebbins Michael J , Cavanagh Peter R , Haynor David R , Chu Baocheng , Fassbind Michael J , Isvilanonda Vara , Ledoux William R
Published: March 2017

Foot loading rate, load magnitude, and the presence of diseases such as diabetes can all affect the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissues of the human foot. The hydraulic plantar soft tissue reducer instrument was designed to gain insight into which variables are the most significant in determining these properties. It was used with gated magnetic resonance imaging to capture three-dimensional images of feet under dynamic loading conditions. Custom electronics controlled by LabVIEW software simultaneously recorded system pressure, which was then translated to applied force values based on calibration curves. Data were collected for two subjects, one without diabetes (Subject A) and one with diabetes (Subject B). For a 0.2-Hz loading rate, and strains 0.16, 0.18, 0.20, and 0.22, Subject A’s average tangential heel pad stiffness was 10 N/mm and Subject B’s was 24 N/mm. Maximum test loads were approximately 200 N. Loading rate and load magnitude limitations (both were lower than physiologic values) will continue to be addressed in the next version of the instrument. However, the current hydraulic plantar soft tissue reducer did produce a data set for healthy versus diabetic tissue stiffness that agrees with previous trends. These data are also being used to improve finite element analysis models of the foot as part of a related project.
‘Don’t call me resilient again!’: the New Urban Agenda as immunology … or … what happens when communities refuse to be vaccinated with ‘smart cities’ and indicators
Authors: Kaika Maria
Published: March 2017

The Habitat III Conference’s New Urban Agenda hails a “paradigm shift” for pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the new call for “safe, resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities” remains path dependent on old methodological tools (e.g. indicators), techno-managerial solutions (e.g. smart cities), and institutional frameworks of an ecological modernization paradigm that did not work. Pursuing a new urban paradigm within this old framework can only act as immunology: it vaccinates citizens and environments so that they can take larger doses of inequality and degradation in the future; it mediates the effects of global socio-environmental inequality, but does little towards alleviating it. Indeed, an increasing number of communities across the world now decline these immunological offers. Instead, they rupture path dependency and establish effective alternative methods for accessing housing, healthcare, sanitation, etc. I argue that real smart solutions and real social innovation are to be found not in consensus-building exercises, but in these dissensus practices that act as living indicators of what/where urgently needs to be addressed.
Optimal quantile level selection for disease classification and biomarker discovery with application to electrocardiogram data
Authors: Zhou Yingchun , Huang Rong , Yu Shanshan , Ma Yanyuan
Published: March 2017

Classification with a large number of predictors and biomarker discovery become increasingly important in biological and medical research. This paper focuses on performing classification of cardiovascular diseases based on electrocardiogram analysis which deals with many variables and a lot of measurements within variables. We propose an optimal quantile level selection procedure to reduce dimension by characterizing distributions with quantiles and combine with classification tools to produce sensible classification and biomarker discovery results. Simulation and an intensive study of a real data set are performed to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
Neurotrophins and Proneurotrophins: Focus on Synaptic Activity and Plasticity in the Brain
Authors: Gibon Julien , Barker Philip A.
Published: March 2017

Neurotrophins have been intensively studied and have multiple roles in the brain. Neurotrophins are first synthetized as proneurotrophins and then cleaved intracellularly and extracellularly. Increasing evidences demonstrate that proneurotrophins and mature neurotrophins exerts opposing role in the central nervous system. In the present review, we explore the role of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT4) and their respective proform in cellular processes related to learning and memory. We focused on their roles in synaptic activity and plasticity in the brain with an emphasis on long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and basal synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and the temporal lobe area. We also discuss new findings on the role of the Val66Met polymorphism on the BDNF propeptide on synaptic activity.
Severe anaphylactic reaction following anti-thymocyte globulin administration in a pediatric stem cell transplantation patient
Authors: Bauters Tiene , Bordon Victoria , Willems Jef , De Wilde Bram , Laureys Geneviève
Published: March 2017

We present a case of a severe reaction after anti-thymocyte administration despite premedication and strict adherence to administration guidelines during the conditioning regimen. Due to the severity of the adverse drug reaction, we believe that this case should be reported.
Apple snack enriched with L-arginine using vacuum impregnation/ohmic heating technology
Authors: Moreno Jorge , Echeverria Julian , Silva Andrea , Escudero Andrea , Petzold Guillermo , Mella Karla , Escudero Carlos
Published: March 2017

Modern life has created a high demand for functional food, and in this context, emerging technologies such as vacuum impregnation and ohmic heating have been applied to generate functional foods. The aim of this research was to enrich the content of the semi-essential amino acid L-arginine in apple cubes using vacuum impregnation, conventional heating, and ohmic heating. Additionally, combined vacuum impregnation/conventional heating and vacuum impregnation/ohmic heating treatments were evaluated. The above treatments were applied at 30, 40 and 50  ℃ and combined with air-drying at 40 ℃ in order to obtain an apple snack rich in L-arginine. Both the impregnation kinetics of L-arginine and sample color were evaluated. The impregnated samples created using vacuum impregnation/ohmic heating at 50 ℃ presented a high content of L-arginine, an effect attributed primarily to electropermeabilization. Overall, vacuum impregnation/ohmic heating treatment at 50 ℃, followed by drying at 40 ℃, was the best process for obtaining an apple snack rich in L-arginine.
Reacting to the Improbable: Handgun Carrying Permit Application Rates in the Wake of High-Profile Mass Shootings
Authors: Turchan Brandon , Zeoli April M. , Kwiatkowski Christine
Published: March 2017

Fear of crime is a frequently cited reason individuals carry firearms. Mass shootings are particularly fear-inducing events, and for some incidents, media coverage inundates the public with details of these tragedies. This reporting may increase individuals’ fear of such incidents and, subsequently, may spur demand for handgun carrying permits (HCPs). Newspaper reports have documented changes in HCP application rates following high-profile mass shootings. We empirically assess this possible relationship using HCP application rates in all 95 counties in Tennessee from 2008 through 2014. Results suggest certain high-profile mass shootings are significantly associated with increased HCP application rates.
Nonclinical Profile of BLZ-100, a Tumor-Targeting Fluorescent Imaging Agent
Authors: Parrish-Novak Julia , Byrnes-Blake Kelly , Lalayeva Narine , Burleson Stefanie , Fidel Janean , Gilmore Rhonda , Gayheart-Walsten Pamela , Bricker Gregory A. , Crumb William J. , Tarlo K. S. , Hansen Stacey , Wiss Valorie , Malta Errol , Dernell William S. , Olson James M. , Miller Dennis M.
Published: March 2017

BLZ-100 is a single intravenous use, fluorescent imaging agent that labels tumor tissue to enable more complete and precise surgical resection. It is composed of a chlorotoxin peptide covalently bound to the near-infrared fluorophore indocyanine green. BLZ-100 is in clinical development for intraoperative visualization of human tumors. The nonclinical safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of BLZ-100 was evaluated in mice, rats, canines, and nonhuman primates (NHP). Single bolus intravenous administration of BLZ-100 was well tolerated, and no adverse changes were observed in cardiovascular safety pharmacology, PK, and toxicology studies in rats and NHP. The single-dose no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAELs) were 7 mg (28 mg/kg) in rats and 60 mg (20 mg/kg) in NHP, corresponding to peak concentration values of 89 400 and 436 000 ng/mL and area-under-the-curve exposure values of 130 000 and 1 240 000 h·ng/mL, respectively. Based on a human imaging dose of 3 mg, dose safety margins are >100 for rat and monkey. BLZ-100 produced hypersensitivity reactions in canine imaging studies (lethargy, pruritus, swollen muzzle, etc). The severity of the reactions was not dose related. In a follow-up study in dogs, plasma histamine concentrations were increased 5 to 60 minutes after BLZ-100 injection; this coincided with signs of hypersensitivity, supporting the conclusion that the reactions were histamine based. Hypersensitivity reactions were not observed in other species or in BLZ-100 human clinical studies conducted to date. The combined imaging, safety pharmacology, PK, and toxicology studies contributed to an extensive initial nonclinical profile for BLZ-100, supporting first-in-human clinical trials.
‘Girl-on-girl confessions!’ Changing representations of female–female sexuality in two Australian women’s magazines
Authors: Farhall Kate
Published: March 2017

This article undertakes a feminist discourse analysis of references to female–female sexuality in selected editions of two Australian women’s magazines published in 1993, 2003 and 2013. It identifies three distinct phases in the discursive evolution of female–female sexuality: the lesbian chic era of the 1990s, the rise of heteroflexibility at the turn of the century and the advent of the girl crush discourse in the 21st-century. The article examines each phase chronologically, showing that despite seemingly offering acceptance, in reality these discourses portray female–female sexuality as an adjunct to heterosexuality. In this way, they fail to disrupt heteropatriarchal sexual norms, instead privileging male desire and presenting lesbian sexuality as both a performance and a vehicle of self-objectification designed to garner male attention, or as a heterosexual flirtation that is easily discarded.
British satire, everyday politics: Chris Morris, Armando Iannucci and Charlie Brooker
Authors: Brassett James , Sutton Alex
Published: March 2017

This article develops a critical engagement with the politics of British satire. After first engaging the mainstream critique of satire—that it promotes cynicism and apathy by portraying politicians in stereotypically corrupt terms—we develop a performative approach to comedy as an everyday vernacular of political life. Beyond a focus on ‘impact’, we suggest that satire can be read as an everyday form of political reflection that performs within a social context. This argument yields an image of Morris, Iannucci and Brooker as important critics of contemporary British politics, a point which we explore through their interventions on media form, political tragedy and political agency.
Dissolvable thermoplastic interleaves for carbon nanotube localization in carbon/epoxy laminates with integrated damage sensing capabilities
Authors: Zhang Han , Liu Yi , Huang Menglong , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: March 2017

A nano-engineered hierarchical composite with localized toughening and integrated damage sensing capabilities is described. Thermoplastic phenoxy interleaves which dissolve in epoxy resin upon heating and subsequently phase separate upon curing were employed as carrier films for localized deposition of carbon nanotubes in carbon fibre–reinforced plastics, avoiding filtration of carbon nanotubes during liquid resin infusion. Interlaminar fracture toughness was improved compared to reference epoxy-based laminates, while the introduced carbon nanotube network was utilized for in situ damage sensing purposes. Using this technology based on dissolvable thermoplastic carrier films, nanofillers can be easily introduced into fibre-reinforced composites at desired regions while simultaneously avoiding typical nanofiller drawbacks such as filtering or increased resin viscosity.
Hospitals Known for Nursing Excellence Perform Better on Value Based Purchasing Measures
Authors: Lasater Karen B. , Germack Hayley D. , Small Dylan S. , McHugh Matthew D.
Published: March 2017

It is well-established that hospitals recognized for good nursing care – Magnet hospitals – are associated with better patient outcomes. Less is known about how Magnet hospitals compare to non-Magnets on quality measures linked to Medicare reimbursement. The purpose of this study was to determine how Magnet hospitals perform compared to matched non-Magnet hospitals on Hospital Value Based Purchasing (VBP) measures. A cross-sectional analysis of three linked data sources was performed. The sample included 3,021 non-federal acute care hospitals participating in the VBP program (323 Magnets; 2,698 non-Magnets). Propensity score matching was used to match Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals with similar hospital characteristics. After matching, linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between Magnet status and VBP performance. After matching and adjusting for hospital characteristics, Magnet recognition predicted higher scores on Total Performance (Regression Coefficient [RC] = 1.66, p < 0.05), Clinical Processes (RC = 3.85; p < 0.01), and Patient Experience (RC = 6.33; p < 0.001). The relationships between Magnet recognition and the Outcome and Efficiency domains were not statistically significant. Magnet hospitals known for nursing excellence perform better on Hospital VBP measures. As healthcare systems adapt to evolving incentives that reward value, attention to nurses at the front lines may be central to ensuring high-value care for patients.
Superiority of Roeder’s Knot for Fascial Mesh Fixation in a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Fanous Medhat , Warren Jeremy , Cobb William
Published: March 2017

Objective. This study compares the use of Roeder’s knot (1:3:1, 1 hitch, 3 winds, and 1 locking hitch) to the surgeon’s knot regarding the security of the knot and predictability of its position. Method. A polypropylene mesh was secured to the undersurface of the abdominal wall of a fresh frozen cadaver using tacks. Eight standardized transfascial sutures were performed. Four of them were secured with surgeon’s knot and the remaining 4 were tied with Roeder’s knot. A Mosquito hemostat was placed between the mesh and the stitch loop and the distance between its jaws was measured. We then created subcutaneous flap and measured the vertical distance between the knot and the anterior sheath. Results. When surgeon’s knot was used, the distance between the mesh and the stitch loop ranged between 4 and 6 mm. This distance could not be measured when Roeder’s knot was used due to inability to place hemostat between the mesh and the stitch loop. The vertical length between the anterior sheath and the surgeon knot ranged between 3 and 13 mm while remaining consistent at 2 mm when Roeder’s knot was applied. Conclusions. This study shows that Roeder’s knot is superior to the regular sliding knot in securing the mesh to the abdominal wall. It can be tightened appropriately and leads to less variation when used properly. It has many other applications that stem from its ability to be advanced with different degrees of tightness based on body habitus and the operative requirements.
The Influence of an Active Treatment Approach in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Luna Emiangeliz Gonzalez , Hanney William J. , Rothschild Carey E. , Kolber Morey J. , Liu Xinliang , Masaracchio Michael
Published: March 2017

Introduction. Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. Clinical practice guidelines recommend active treatment approaches; however, there continues to be a significant disparity in how patients with LBP are treated. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the reported efficacy of active treatment approaches as recommended by clinical practice guidelines on LBP treatment on patient outcomes. Methods. Between the months of June and August 2015, a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medline (EBSCO Host), and CINAHL (EBSCO Host) databases was performed. The search was restricted to articles that were published in a peer-reviewed journal, published in the English language, examined patient outcomes with a determined scale, determined the usage of an established clinical practice guideline for LBP treatment, reported at least one outcome measure, and specified either nonspecific or acute LBP. Results. Fifty-three articles were initially identified, with 4 articles ultimately meeting the criteria after screening. Articles scored between 17 and 20 points based on a maximum total score of 26 on the modified Downs and Black checklist. Conclusion. Studies identified in this review indicate that adherence to an active treatment approach as recommended by clinical practice guidelines may result in improved patient outcomes.
A conjunctive multiple-criteria decision-making approach for cloud service supplier selection of manufacturing enterprise
Authors: Li Lianhui , Hang Jiucheng , Sun Hongxia , Wang Li
Published: March 2017

In this article, a conjunctive multiple-criteria decision-making approach for cloud service supplier selection of manufacturing enterprise is proposed. According to the two perspectives of technology and technology management, the index framework of cloud service supplier selection is constructed from four dimensions: cloud service performance, supplier capability, supplier service level, and supplier service quality. Then, a conjunctive multiple-criteria decision-making approach is built. Neural network is used to realize the expert importance degree determination; fuzzy analytic hierarchy process considering the expert importance degree is used to determine the subjective weight; and CRITIC (CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation) is used to determine the objective weight. The multi-weight contribution equilibration model is built to integrate the subjective and objective weight. Finally, the improved TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) replacing Euclidean distance with connection distance is used to sequence the suppliers by their weighted index-value matrix. An automotive manufacturing enterprise application is given finally. The proposed approach can provide a scientific and efficient solution for cloud service supplier selection of manufacturing enterprise.
Fluoroscopy time is not accurate as a surrogate for radiation exposure
Authors: Skripochnik Edvard , Loh Shang A
Published: March 2017

Objective

The Food and Drug Administration and the Vascular Quality Initiative still utilize fluoroscopy time as a surrogate marker for procedural radiation exposure. This study demonstrates that fluoroscopy time does not accurately represent radiation exposure and that dose area product and air kerma are more appropriate measures.

Methods

Lower extremity endovascular interventions ( N = 145) between 2013 and 2015 performed at an academic medical center on a Siemens Artis-Zee floor mounted c-arm were identified. Data was collected from the summary sheet after every case. Scatter plots with Pearson correlation coefficients were created. A strong correlation was indicated by an r value approaching 1.

Results

Overall mean AK and DAP was 380.27 mGy and 4919.2 µGym2. There was a poor correlation between fluoroscopy time and total AK or DAP ( r = 0.27 and 0.32). Total DAP was strongly correlated to cine DAP and fluoroscopy DAP ( r = 0.92 vs. 0.84). The number of DSA runs and average frame rate did not affect AK or DAP levels. Mean magnification level was significantly correlated with total AK ( r = 0.53).

Conclusions

Fluoroscopy time shows minimal correlation with radiation delivered and therefore is a poor surrogate for radiation exposure during fluoroscopy procedures. DAP and AK are more suitable markers to accurately gauge radiation exposure.
Assessing Breast Cancer Risk Estimates Based on the Gail Model and Its Predictors in Qatari Women
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Çatan Funda , El Ayoubi Hanadi R. , Acar Ahmet , Ibrahim Wanis H.
Published: March 2017

Background: The Gail model is the most widely used breast cancer risk assessment tool. An accurate assessment of individual’s breast cancer risk is very important for prevention of the disease and for the health care providers to make decision on taking chemoprevention for high-risk women in clinical practice in Qatar. Aim: To assess the breast cancer risk among Arab women population in Qatar using the Gail model and provide a global comparison of risk assessment. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 1488 women (aged 35 years and older), we used the Gail Risk Assessment Tool to assess the risk of developing breast cancer. Sociodemographic features such as age, lifestyle habits, body mass index, breast-feeding duration, consanguinity among parents, and family history of breast cancer were considered as possible risks. Results: The mean age of the study population was 47.8 ± 10.8 years. Qatari women and Arab women constituted 64.7% and 35.3% of the study population, respectively. The mean 5-year and lifetime breast cancer risks were 1.12 ± 0.52 and 10.57 ± 3.1, respectively. Consanguineous marriage among parents was seen in 30.6% of participants. We found a relationship between the 5-year and lifetime risks of breast cancer and variables such as age, age at menarche, gravidity, parity, body mass index, family history of cancer, menopause age, occupation, and level of education. The linear regression analysis identified the predictors for breast cancer in women such as age, age at menarche, age of first birth, family history and age of menopausal were considered the strong predictors and significant contributing risk factors for breast cancer after adjusting for ethnicity, parity and other variables. Conclusion: The current study is the first to evaluate the performance of the Gail model for Arab women population in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Gail model is an appropriate breast cancer risk assessment tool for female population in Qatar.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Isolated Chondral Fragments Without Osseous Attachment in the Knee
Authors: Siparsky Patrick N. , Bailey James R. , Dale Kevin M. , Klement Mitchell R. , Taylor Dean C.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Isolated chondral fractures of the knee are a rare and challenging problem, typically occurring with an acute traumatic event such as dislocation of the patella or ligamentous injury. Historically, repair of unstable chondral fragments without osseous attachment has not been recommended due to concerns about the limited healing potential of cartilage.

Purpose:

To describe a technique for fixation of large isolated chondral fractures of the knee and present 3 cases where large chondral fragments without osseous attachment were fixed successfully with chondral darts and biologic adhesive.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The senior author reviewed his case logs for all patients on whom he performed open reduction and internal fixation on large isolated cartilage fragments without osseous attachment. Three were extracted from his review. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Successful results and complete healing was obtained in all 3 patients. This procedure can be done in the setting of concurrent injury, such as anterior cruciate ligament tear, using single- or multistaged chondral repair and ligament reconstruction techniques.

Conclusion:

Isolated chondral fragment repair techniques provide the orthopaedic surgeon an additional option for treating these challenging injuries. Primary fixation can be accomplished for what have been historically considered “unsalvageable” fragments.
Selections From the ABC 2016 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico: Teaching Innovations Soaring Like a Flight of Balloons Over Albuquerque
Authors: Whalen D. Joel
Published: March 2017

This article, the second of a two-part series, presents 12 assignments designed to help students increase their online communication skills, conduct professional conferences, use advanced presentation software, develop problem-solving and critical thinking, gain greater awareness of gender effects in communication, and perform community service. These teaching innovations debuted at the 2016 Association for Business Communication’s annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Additional teaching materials—instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on these websites: http://www.businesscommunication.org/page/assignments and http://salesleadershipcenter.com/research .
In pursuit of a well-balanced network of cities and towns: A case study of the Changjiang Delta Region in China
Authors: Guan ChengHe , Rowe Peter G
Published: March 2017

Development of urban networks of cities and towns has received attention including discussions of tensions between population concentrations and overlaps with environmentally sensitive and disaster-prone areas. Moreover, certain development in broad regions of China, such as its deltas, has become a subject of debate. Contrary to some assumptions, this development within places like the Changjiang Delta (also known as the Yangtze River Delta) has proceeded in a relatively incremental manner. However, at this juncture, controlled development of larger cities, like Shanghai, has shifted to more conventional urbanization pathways forward involving larger city expansions. Nevertheless, further urban growth management appears to depend on development and maintenance of a well-balanced network of large, medium, and small-scaled cities and towns. An important aspect of this development involves definition of the Changjiang Delta region itself, and in particular, alongside its likely further economic performance. To these ends, a scenario-based Cellular Automata model of spatial distribution is deployed, reflecting separate thematic projections. A baseline for economic performance is developed, incorporating measures of fixed-asset investment in urban service, revenue from urban maintenance, and Gross Domestic Product. Revelation of a well-performing network involves spatial distribution of development at various scales, and in various concentrations within the region, moreover, location of this development, largely perpendicular to well-travelled corridors, appears as a preferable outcome, contrary to earlier depictions along the major transportation corridors.
Psychological and psychosocial interventions for negative symptoms in psychosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lutgens Danyael , Gariepy Genevieve , Malla Ashok
Published: March 2017

Background

Negative symptoms observed in patients with psychotic disorders undermine quality of life and functioning. Antipsychotic medications have a limited impact. Psychological and psychosocial interventions, with medication, are recommended. However, evidence for the effectiveness of specific non-biological interventions warrants detailed examination.

Aims

To conduct a meta-analytic and systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of non-biological treatments for negative symptoms in psychotic disorders.

Method

We searched for randomised controlled studies of psychological and psychosocial interventions in psychotic disorders that reported outcome on negative symptoms. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) in values of negative symptoms at the end of treatment were calculated across study domains as the main outcome measure.

Results

A total of 95 studies met our criteria and 72 had complete quantitative data. Compared with treatment as usual cognitive–behavioural therapy (pooled SMD −0.34, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.12), skills-based training (pooled SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.77 to −0.10), exercise (pooled SMD −0.36, 95% CI −0.71 to −0.01), and music treatments (pooled SMD −0.58, 95% CI −0.82 to −0.33) provide significant benefit. Integrated treatment models are effective for early psychosis (SMD −0.38, 95% CI −0.53 to −0.22) as long as the patients remain in treatment. Overall quality of evidence was moderate with a high level of heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Specific psychological and psychosocial interventions have utility in ameliorating negative symptoms in psychosis and should be included in the treatment of negative symptoms. However, more effective treatments for negative symptoms need to be developed.
Standardized Criteria for Palliative Care Consultation on a Solid Tumor Oncology Service Reduces Downstream Health Care Use
Authors: Adelson Kerin , Paris Julia , Horton Jay R. , Hernandez-Tellez Lorena , Ricks Doran , Morrison R. Sean , Smith Cardinale B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer have a high symptom burden and need for support. Integration of palliative care (PC) improves symptom control and decreases unwanted health care use, yet many patients are never offered these services. In 2016, ASCO called for incorporation of PC into oncologic care for all patients with metastatic cancer. To improve the quality of cancer care, we developed standardized criteria, or triggers, for PC consultation on the inpatient solid tumor service.

Methods:

Patients were eligible for this prospective cohort study if they met at least one of the following eligibility criteria: had an advanced solid tumor; prior hospitalization within 30 days; hospitalization > 7 days; and active symptoms. During the intervention, patients who met the criteria received automatic PC consultation.

Results:

When we compared patients in the intervention group with control subjects, there were increases in PC consultations (19 of 48 [39%] to 52 of 65 [80%]; P ≤ .001) and hospice referrals (seven of 48 [14%] to 17 of 65 [26%]; P = .03), and there were declines in 30-day readmission rates (17 of 48 [35%] to 13 of 65 [18%]; P = .04) and receipt of chemotherapy after discharge (21 of 48 [44%] to 12 of 65 [18%]; P = .03). There was an overall increase in support measures following discharge ( P = .004). Length of stay was unaffected.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that among patients with advanced cancer admitted to an inpatient oncology service, the standardized use of triggers for PC consultation is associated with substantial impact on 30-day readmission rates, chemotherapy following discharge, hospice referrals, and use of support services following discharge. Expansion of this model to other hospitals and health systems should improve the value of cancer care.
A Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention With Varenicline, Counseling, and Fax Referral to a Telephone Quitline Versus a Brief Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Jean , Abrishami Amir , Riazi Sheila , Siddiqui Naveed , You-Ten Eric , Korman Jennifer , Islam Sazzadul , Chen Xin , Andrawes Maged S. M. , Selby Peter , Wong David T. , Chung Frances
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

The effectiveness of perioperative interventions to quit smoking with varenicline has not been compared with brief interventions. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation program versus a brief intervention for smoking cessation.

METHODS:

In this prospective, multicenter study, 296 patients were randomized to participate in a smoking cessation program (one 10- to 15-minute counseling session, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a telephone quitline); or brief advice and self-referral to a telephone quitline. The primary outcome was the 7-day point prevalence (PP) abstinence at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months. Multivariable generalized linear regression was used to identify independent variables related to abstinence.

RESULTS:

The 7-day PP abstinence for the smoking cessation program versus brief advice group was 42.4% vs 26.2% (relative risk [RR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.25; P = .003) at 12 months. The 7-day PP abstinence at 1, 3, and 6 months was higher in the smoking cessation group versus the brief advice group: 45.7% vs 25.5% (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.29–2.49; P < .001), 46.4% vs 26.9% (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.25–2.37; P< .001), and 45.0% vs 26.2% (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.24–2.38; P < .001), respectively. Participating in the smoking cessation group predicted abstinence at 12 months (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.12–2.21; P = .0087).

CONCLUSIONS:

A perioperative smoking cessation program with counseling, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a quitline increased abstinence from smoking 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery versus a brief intervention.
mTORC1 signalling mediates PI3K-dependent large lipid droplet accumulation inDrosophilaovarian nurse cells
Authors: Mensah Lawrence B. , Goberdhan Deborah C. I. , Wilson Clive
Published: March 2017

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor signalling (IIS), which is primarily mediated by the PI3-kinase (PI3K)/PTEN/Akt kinase signalling cassette, is a highly evolutionary conserved pathway involved in co-ordinating growth, development, ageing and nutrient homeostasis with dietary intake. It controls transcriptional regulators, in addition to promoting signalling by mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Complex 1 (mTORC1), which stimulates biosynthesis of proteins and other macromolecules, and drives organismal growth. Previous studies in nutrient-storing germline nurse cells of the Drosophila ovary showed that a cytoplasmic pool of activated phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) controlled by Pten, an antagonist of IIS, cell-autonomously regulates accumulation of large lipid droplets in these cells at late stages of oogenesis. Here we show that the large lipid droplet phenotype induced by Pten mutation is strongly suppressed when mTor function is removed. Furthermore, nurse cells lacking either Tsc1 or Tsc2, which negatively regulate mTORC1 activity, also accumulate large lipid droplets via a mechanism involving Rheb, the downstream G-protein target of TSC2, which positively regulates mTORC1. We conclude that elevated IIS/mTORC1 signalling is both necessary and sufficient to induce large lipid droplet formation in late-stage nurse cells, suggesting roles for this pathway in aspects of lipid droplet biogenesis, in addition to control of lipid metabolism.
Calpain mobilizes Atg9/Bif-1 vesicles from Golgi stacks upon autophagy induction by thapsigargin
Authors: Marcassa Elena , Raimondi Marzia , Anwar Tahira , Eskelinen Eeva-Liisa , Myers Michael P. , Triolo Gianluca , Schneider Claudio , Demarchi Francesca
Published: March 2017

CAPNS1 is essential for stability and function of the ubiquitous calcium dependent proteases micro- and milli-calpain. Upon the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase by 100nM thapsigargin, both micro-calpain and autophagy are activated in human U2OS osteosarcoma cells in a CAPNS1 dependent manner. As reported for other autophagy triggers, thapsigargin treatment induces Golgi fragmentation and fusion of Atg9/Bif-1 containing vesicles with LC3 bodies in control cells. On the opposite, CAPNS1 depletion is coupled to an accumulation of LC3 bodies and Rab5 early endosomes. Moreover, Atg9 and Bif-1 stay in the GM130-positive Golgi stacks and Atg9 fails to interact with the endocytic route marker transferrin receptor and to the core autophagic protein Vps34 in CAPNS1 depleted cells. Ectopic expression of a Bif-1 point mutant resistant to calpain processing is coupled to endogenous p62 and LC3-II accumulation. Altogether these data indicate that calpain allows Atg9/Bif-1 vesicles dynamic flux from the Golgi toward the budding autophagosome.
Octopamine and tyramine modulate the thermoregulatory fanning response in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Cook Chelsea N. , Brent Colin S. , Breed Michael D.
Published: March 2017

Biogenic amines regulate the proximate mechanisms underlying most behavior, including those that contribute to the overall success of complex societies. For honey bees, one critical set of behaviors contributing to the welfare of a colony is involved with nest thermoregulation. Worker honeybees cool the colony by performing a fanning behavior, the expression of which is largely influenced by response thresholds modulated by the social environment. Here, we examined how changes in biogenic amines affect this group-performed thermoregulatory fanning behavior in honeybees. Concentrations of two biogenic amines, octopamine and tyramine, are significantly lower in active fanners than in non-fanners, but there is no difference in dopamine and serotonin. Direct feeding of octopamine and tyramine induced a decrease in fanning responses, but only when both amines were included in the treatment. This is the first evidence that fanning behavior is influenced by these two biogenic amines, and this result is consistent with the typical role of these neurotransmitters in regulating locomotor activity in other insects. Individual variation in amine expression also provides a mechanistic link that helps to explain how this group behavior might be coordinated within a colony.
Optical influence of oil droplets on cone photoreceptor sensitivity
Authors: Wilby David , Roberts Nicholas W.
Published: March 2017

Oil droplets are spherical organelles found in the cone photoreceptors of vertebrates. They are generally assumed to focus incident light into the outer segment, and thereby improve light catch because of the droplets' spherical lens-like shape. However, using full-wave optical simulations of physiologically realistic cone photoreceptors from birds, frogs and turtles we find that pigmented oil droplets actually drastically reduce the transmission of light into the outer segment integrated across the full visible wavelength range of each species. Only transparent oil droplets improve light catch into the outer segments, and any enhancement is critically dependent on the refractive index, diameter of the oil droplet, and diameter and length of the outer segment. Furthermore, oil droplets are not the only optical elements found in cone inner segments. The ellipsoid, a dense aggregation of mitochondria situated immediately prior to the oil droplet, mitigates the loss of light at oil droplet surface. We describe a framework for integrating these optical phenomena into simple models of receptor sensitivity and the relevance of these observations to evolutionary appearance and loss of oil droplets is discussed.
Effects of temperature and force requirements on muscle work and power output
Authors: Olberding Jeffrey P. , Deban Stephen M.
Published: March 2017

Performance of muscle-powered movements depends on temperature through its effects on muscle contractile properties. In vitro stimulation of Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) plantaris muscles reveals that interactions between force and temperature affect the mechanical work of muscle. At low temperatures (9 – 17°C), muscle work depends on temperature when shortening at any force, and temperature effects are greater at higher forces. At warmer temperatures (13 – 21°C), muscle work depends on temperature when shortening with intermediate and high forces (≥ 30% P0). Shortening velocity is most strongly affected by temperature at low temperature intervals and high forces. Power is also most strongly affected at low temperature intervals but this effect is minimized at intermediate forces. Effects of temperature on muscle force explain these interactions; force production decreases at lower temperatures, increasing the challenge of moving a constant force relative to the muscle's capacity. These results suggest that animal performance that requires muscles to do work with low forces relative to a muscle's maximum force production will be robust to temperature changes, and this effect should be true whether muscle acts directly or through elastic-recoil mechanisms and whether force is prescribed (i.e. internal) or variable (i.e. external). Conversely, performance requiring muscles to shorten with relatively large forces is expected to be more sensitive to temperature changes.