bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cognitive Grammar of drunkenness: Consciousness representation in Under the Volcano
Authors: Rundquist Eric
Published: February 2020

Cognitive Grammar analyses the semantics of linguistic features in relation to human cognition; Free Indirect Style allows authors to represent their characters’ cognition with language. This article applies Cognitive Grammar to the analysis of a character’s mind that is represented with Free Indirect Style. In the tradition of mind style analysis, it aims to use linguistics to reveal some of the underlying cognitive processes and proclivities at work in the character’s psychology. The character in question is the protagonist in Malcolm Lowry’s Under the Volcano, an alcoholic who is largely characterised by his drunken behaviour and ideation. This article therefore focuses on the linguistic features that serve to represent his inebriated state of mind. It analyses the semantic effects of those features primarily in terms of attentional focus, drawing on Cognitive Grammar concepts, such as objective construal, specificity, scope, profile and domain, and relating these to the protagonist’s cognitive proclivities for solipsism, partial awareness, delayed reaction, attenuated experience and self-delusion. The article also discusses the theoretical background for mind style analysis, arguing for the continued importance of focusing on the relationship between the text and a character’s mind, alongside the focus on the reader’s mind that has come to dominate cognitive stylistics.
Maximizing Cross-Cultural Learning From Exchange Study Abroad Programs: Transformative Learning Theory
Authors: Chwialkowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

While some institutions require their students to spend a semester abroad as a prerequisite to earning a business degree, academics challenge the view that travel abroad helps students become culturally competent. Many students admit that they failed to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the components of exchange study abroad programs (ESP) that facilitate student cross-cultural learning (CCL). Building on transformative learning theory (TLT), we propose and test a conceptual model of relationships between different components of exchange programs and student CCL. The data collected from more than 700 students participating in a semester and two-semester-long programs are analyzed through logistic regression. This research contributes to the literature on the effectiveness of ESP by identifying the key components that maximize positive outcomes for students. By building on TLT, it reveals the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone and providing students with support during the ESP. This study bears practical implications as it provides academic institutions and students with important insights that help maximize student CCL.
Significance of p53-Binding Protein 1 Nuclear Foci in Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions: Association With High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and P16INK4a Expression
Authors: Kawashita Sayaka , Matsuda Katsuya , Kondo Hisayoshi , Kitajima Yuriko , Hasegawa Yuri , Shimada Takako , Kitajima Michio , Miura Kiyonori , Nakashima Masahiro , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: February 2020

As p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) localizes to the sites of DNA double-strand breaks and rapidly forms nuclear foci (NF), and its presence may be an indicator of endogenous genomic instability (GIN). We previously showed that 53BP1 NF in cervical cells increase with neoplastic progression, indicating the significance of 53BP1 expression for the estimation of malignant potential during cervical carcinogenesis. This study aimed to further elucidate the impact of 53BP1 expression as a biomarker for cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). A total of 81 tissue samples, including 17 of normal cervical epithelium, 22 of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 21 of CIN2, and 21 of CIN3, from patients positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) were used for double-label immunofluorescence of 53BP1 and Ki-67/p16INK4a expression and HR-HPV in situ hybridization. We analyzed associations between 53BP1 expression type with parameters such as CIN grade, HR-HPV infection status, p16INK4a expression, and CIN prognosis. Expression type of 53BP1 was significantly associated with histological grade of CIN and HR-HPV in situ hybridization signal pattern ( P < .0001). There was a significant correlation between 53BP1 and p16INK4a expression levels ( r = .73, P < .0001). However, there was no association between 53BP1 expression type and CIN prognosis. We propose that 53BP1 expression type is a valuable biomarker for SIL, which can help estimate the grade and GIN of cervical lesions reflecting replication stress caused by the integration of HR-HPV to the host genome.
Intravenous lidocaine affects oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics in simultaneous infusion
Authors: van Haren Frank , van den Heuvel Sandra , Radema Sandra , van Erp Nielka , van den Bersselaar Luuk , Vissers Kris , Steegers Monique
Published: February 2020

Background

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Neuropathy is a frequent dose-limiting side-effect of oxaliplatin therapy, without preventive or curative strategies. Concomitant administration of intravenous lidocaine could be a promising treatment. However, the effect of intravenous lidocaine on oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics was never studied before. We evaluated the effect of lidocaine on the area under the curve and Cmax of oxaliplatin as a part of a larger study addressing the prevention and treatment of oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy with lidocaine.

Methods

In this prospective cross-over trial, patients received an oxaliplatin cycle with and without lidocaine (bolus 1.5 mg kg−1 followed by 1.5 mg kg−1 h−1 in 3 h). Levels of oxaliplatin, measured as ultrafiltrable platinum were determined at 10 min after cessation of oxaliplatin infusion and hourly thereafter. Outcomes are the difference in area under the curve of oxaliplatin (primary) and the difference in the Cmax of oxaliplatin (secondary).

Results

No difference in the %Δ area under the curve of oxaliplatin (–2.40 ± 7.66, 90% CI +10.50 to –15.31) was found. However, %Δ Cmax of oxaliplatin (–28.72 ± 6.01, 90% CI –18.59 to –38.85) was lower to a statistically significant extent in the chemotherapy cycle with lidocaine. No (serious) adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Lidocaine does not affect the area under the curve of oxaliplatin, which is the most important parameter in drug interaction studies and for oxaliplatin treatment effect. The lower Cmax in the chemotherapeutic cycle with lidocaine is significant and remarkable, but with an unknown exact mechanism or clinical significance, making further research desirable.
‘There is new wording, but there is no real change in what we deliver’: Implementing the new National Curriculum for Physical Education in England
Authors: Herold Frank
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on how physical education (PE) teachers interpreted and implemented a new, minimalist and traditionalist National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE) in England. Utilising a single-method, cross-sectional design, 43 teachers participated in semi-structured interviews which explored their approach to teaching the new curriculum. Constant Comparative method was used to develop significant themes through the data analysis process. The findings demonstrated that the minimalist nature of the curriculum document provided teachers with limited guidance for teaching and assessment, but was seen as liberating by some. The removal of specific assessment guidance offered curricular freedom, but opportunities for implementing innovative assessment approaches were not seized. The competitive curricular messages were noted, but teachers did not perceive a need for action because of these. The paper concludes that it is unlikely that the latest curriculum reform will have much impact on the current teaching of PE in England, with curricular stasis and divergence of practice being the most likely medium-term consequences.
Defining sex-based discrimination among strife between the Justice Department and the EEOC
Authors: Ruszkowski Kelsey R
Published: February 2020

In the last few decades, US Supreme Court rulings have made strides for the advancement of the LGBT community. However, this community has yet to enjoy equality in the workplace due to its exclusion from Title VII protection. This article details the recent conflict between the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice in interpreting Title VII and how this conflict may make it difficult for the Supreme Court to reach a broad ruling concerning sex discrimination under Title VII. The EEOC relies on Supreme Court precedent concerning sex stereotyping to extend Title VII protection to sexual orientation while the Justice Department employs a textualist argument to support a narrow interpretation of sex. However, changing societal norms and advancing neuroscientific research support the conclusion that sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression is included under “sex” even when using textualism to interpret Title VII. Given that the Supreme Court is unlikely to defer to the EEOC’s interpretation, these arguments stemming from the social sciences may provide the support the Court needs to justify a decision to end employment discrimination against the LGBT community and gender nonconformists in a way that is consistent with the positions of both the EEOC and the Justice Department.
Validity of physical examination in the thorax and abdomen of intoxicated trauma patients following a fall: An exploratory retrospective review
Authors: Chetram Vishaka K , Kopatsis Anthony P , Kopatsis Anthony
Published: February 2020

Background

Whole-Body Computerized Topography (WBCT) scans can be used to identify injuries related to trauma in intoxicated patients who often cannot provide a reliable history. While WBCT scans are associated with a decreased mortality and hospital stay in patients with a high energy mechanism of injury, their utility in intoxicated patients following a fall remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of physical examination in the thorax and abdomen to identify injuries in the intoxicated patient following a fall when compared to WBCT scan findings.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed over a two-year period of intoxicated trauma patients who were found down secondary to a witnessed fall <20 ft, GCS > 8 and not requiring intubation. Documented physical examination findings were compared to WBCT results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated. A t-test was used to identify differences between clinical variables of false-negative and true-negative physical examinations.

Results

A total of 523 intoxicated patients presented to the ED with 43 meeting the inclusion criteria. All patients had an injury that required admission to the hospital. Of 19 patients with a positive chest CT, 13 had a negative physical exam, for sensitivity of 32% and specificity of 96%. Of eight patients with a positive abdominal CT, six had a negative physical exam, sensitivity and specificity were 16% and 98% respectively. No clinical variables were found to be different between falsely negative and true negative physical exam results.

Conclusion

In the acutely intoxicated trauma patient, physical examination findings of the thorax and abdomen were associated with a low validity, having missed an unacceptably high number of injuries, when compared to WBCT scans.
Quality of antimicrobial prescribing improved by the introduction of ePrescribing at Auckland City Hospital
Authors: Bowers Tayla R , Duffy Eamon J
Published: February 2020

Improving antimicrobial prescribing is a difficult process often requiring labour-intensive, multi-modal interventions. Many hospitals have introduced ePrescribing systems but the effect on antimicrobial prescribing, without treatment choice decision support systems, has not been well described. We sought to determine whether the introduction of ePrescribing improved prescribing quality. Patient records for inpatients on four rehabilitation wards, two using ePrescribing and two using the National Medication Chart, during February 2017, were retrospectively reviewed to identify all antimicrobial prescriptions, which were then reviewed for quality. Documentation of indication was significantly better on ePrescribing wards (45/46, 98%) compared to National Medication Chart wards (47/59, 80%). Adherence to guidelines (32/46, 70% vs 33/59, 56%), appropriateness of therapy (42/46, 91% vs 50/59, 85%) and documentation of duration, stop or review dates (35/46, 76% vs 38/59, 64%) did not significantly differ. ePrescribing can improve the quality of antimicrobial prescribing when Antimicrobial Stewardship principles are used in system customisation but cannot address all factors impacting on prescribing quality.
Accommodation and resistance in Hokkaido hip hop practitioners: An ethnographic analysis of Generation Resignation in post-growth Japan
Authors: Klien Susanne
Published: February 2020

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between October 2013 and October 2017 in Hokkaido, northern Japan, this paper explores the trajectories of individuals engaging in hip hop music. Participant observation and narratives indicate that the majority of individuals work as regular members of society (shakaijin) and only pursue hip hop in their free time. The paper highlights the intricate entanglement of individuals in subordination to mainstream values despite their references to elements of resistance. I contend that in contrast to previous generations of hip hoppers who chose to lead lives of open resistance to mainstream values, contemporary youth who largely belong to the “Generation Resignation” (satori sedai) prefer to engage in practices of resistance that may not be evident rather than overt contestation of societal conventions.
Halal landscapes of Dagestani entrepreneurs in Makhachkala
Authors: Kaliszewska Iwona
Published: February 2020

It has recently become increasingly popular for small entrepreneurs in Dagestan to introduce elements of Islamic economy into their everyday economic practices. In my paper, I take a closer look at everyday life and the ways of conducting business among small entrepreneurs in Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation.

 In order to scrutinize the relationship between everyday religious observance, space and economic practices within a broader socio-political context, I introduce the term ‘halal landscape’. ‘Halal landscapes’ emerge through the gradual infusion of Islam into the sphere of economic activities, where they form ‘Islam-inspired’ social spaces, in which economic and moral dimensions are interwoven with formal and informal norms and regulations, and where social life – the area of interaction between human and non-human actors – has its unique materiality and temporality.

 In my paper, I look into the halal landscapes of Dagestani entrepreneurs in Makhachkala and demonstrate the analytical potential of the term to study the social and cultural nature of Islam-inspired economic practices. Important elements of these halal landscapes include the avoidance of deception and usury, promotion of honesty and observance in the workplace, payment of zakat, as well as thorough knowledge about these issues.

 My analysis is based on the results of multi-temporal fieldwork conducted in Makhachkala in 2017–2019 as well as on earlier field observations gathered during regular visits in 2004–2016.
‘If You’re Down With a Gang Inside, You Can Lead a Nice Life’: Prison Gangs in the Age of Austerity
Authors: Maitra Dev Rup
Published: February 2020

In many countries, there has been growing academic attention towards the activities of street and prison gang members. However, while much of the American literature explores the experiences of prison gang members, such investigation has been notably absent in the English context. This article seeks to address this deficit in the literature. Through gathering data from interviews with active prison gang members, it shows how reduced staffing levels in English prisons has led to an increasingly ‘ungovernable’ prison space. This, in turn, has led to an increase in levels of gang membership. Most notably, the high numbers of street gangs ‘imported’ into prisons has had the unintended effect of creating several ‘in prison’ gangs, which form for the first time in prison, with their members seeking protecting from more established gangs. This proliferation of gangs has had a significant impact on rates of in-prison violence, and how prisons are managed.
Method in the madness? A meta-analysis on the strategic implications of decision comprehensiveness
Authors: Samba Codou , Tabesh Pooya , Thanos Ioannis C , Papadakis Vassilis M
Published: February 2020

Is strategic decision comprehensiveness beneficial for firms? Despite significant empirical attention on this research question, inconsistent findings have prevented strong insights from being formed. To help the field move forward, we address long-standing controversies surrounding whether comprehensiveness is beneficial for firms, and whether environmental dynamism enhances or diminishes its effects. We meta-analyze 37 studies and provide the most definitive evidence possible regarding the strategic value of decision comprehensiveness. Our analyses show (1) that strategic decision comprehensiveness and organizational outcomes are positively related to a meaningful degree when subjective outcome measures are used, and (2) that environmental dynamism does not have a moderating impact on this comprehensiveness–outcomes linkage. Our results indicate that measurement strategies and methodological choices may have primarily driven the effects of strategic decision comprehensiveness reported in the literature. They also suggest that long-standing ideas related to moderating effects of dynamism do not hold. We define an agenda for future research and a roadmap for empirical efforts.
Nudging Urban Food Pantry Users in Utah Toward Healthier Choices
Authors: Coombs Casey , Savoie-Roskos Mateja R. , LeBlanc Heidi , Gast Julie , Hendrickson Jackie
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the impact of a nudge program on food pantry clients’ self-reported selection and use of healthy foods. Method. A convenience sample of clients of six urban food pantries in Utah were surveyed about their experience with the Thumbs Up for Healthy Choices nudge program. Chi-square tests were used to identify associations between demographic characteristics and self-reported program impact. Results. Ninety-four percent (n = 158) of respondents agreed that the program made it easier to make healthy choices. Sixty-five percent reported healthier diets since its implementation. Additionally, Hispanic respondents were more likely to report positive impacts than non-Hispanic respondents. Conclusions and Implications. Nudge programs are effective in increasing the selection of healthy foods among pantry clients in Utah. Impacts seemed to be particularly positive for Hispanic pantry users in Utah. Nutrition programs should consider implementing these low-cost strategies to improve dietary quality of pantry users.
Telmisartan improves myocardial remodeling by inhibiting leptin autocrine activity and activating PPARγ
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Min , Liu Lei , Zhu Danjun , Tian Gang
Published: February 2020

The mechanism responsible for myocardial remodeling in hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is complex. This study was designed to investigate the role of telmisartan in improving myocardial remodeling in hypertensive LVH and to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of telmisartan on hypertensive LVH. Hypertensive LVH was established in eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats by abdominal aortic constriction. Telmisartan was intragastrically administered six weeks after surgery. Telmisartan improved cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis and reduced myocardial renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity and leptin levels in hypertensive LVH rats. To assess the mechanism underlying hypertensive LVH, cardiac fibroblasts were treated in vitro with angiotensin II (Ang II) or leptin, plus various inhibitors. Ang II stimulated leptin synthesis and secretion in cardiac fibroblasts by promoting AP-1 nuclear translocation via the AT1R-ROS-ERK1/2 pathway. Leptin induced collagen metabolism disorder in cardiac fibroblasts via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Telmisartan improved collagen metabolism disorder by inhibiting leptin induced by local Ang II in an autocrine manner. Telmisartan also improved Ang II-induced collagen metabolism disorder by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, a leptin downstream signal, by activating PPAR-γ. Telmisartan therefore improved myocardial remodeling in hypertensive LVH rats by acting as an AT1R antagonist, inhibiting leptin autocrine activity induced by local Ang II and by acting as a PPAR-γ agonist, inhibiting downstream leptin activation of STAT3 phosphorylation. These findings indicate the crosstalk between local myocardial RAAS and leptin and suggest a molecular mechanism by which telmisartan improves myocardial remodeling in hypertensive LVH.

Impact statement

This study shows the crosstalk between local myocardial RAAS and leptin in hypertensive LVH rats; that Ang II induces myocardial remodeling by stimulating leptin autocrine activity by promoting AP-1 nuclear translocation via the AT1R-ROS-ERK1/2 pathway; and that telmisartan improves myocardial remodeling by inhibiting local Ang II-induced leptin autocrine activity and by inhibiting the leptin downstream signal STAT3 phosphorylation by activating PPAR-γ. These findings reveal novel molecular mechanisms by which telmisartan improves myocardial remodeling and could help to identify therapeutic targets for hypertensive LVH.
Time to Start Calling Things by Their Own Names? The Case for Antiseizure Medicines
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , Perucca Emilio
Published: February 2020

Medicines currently used in the management of epilepsy have been developed to suppress seizures, and they have no known impact on the underlying disease. Using the term “antiepileptic” to describe these compounds is misleading because it suggests an action on the epilepsy itself. Pharmacological agents that have a merely symptomatic effect should be referred to as antiseizure medicines. Using appropriate terminology is especially important at a time innovative treatments targeting the development of epilepsy and its comorbidities are being actively pursued.
A lifetime-enhancing cooperative data gathering and relaying algorithm for cluster-based wireless sensor networks
Authors: Agbulu G Pius , Kumar G Joselin Retna , Juliet A Vimala
Published: February 2020

Despite unique energy-saving dispositions of cluster-based routing protocols, clustered wireless sensor networks with static sinks typically have problems of unbalanced energy consumptions, as the cluster head nodes around the sink are typically loaded with traffic from upper levels of clusters. This results in reduced lifetimes of the nodes and deterioration of other crucial performances. Meanwhile, it has been inferred from current literature that dedicated relay cooperation in cluster-based wireless sensor networks guarantees longer lifetime of the nodes and more improved performance. Therefore, to attain further enhanced performance among the current schemes, a lifetime-enhancing cooperative data gathering and relaying algorithm for cluster-based wireless sensor networks is proposed in this article. The proposed lifetime-enhancing cooperative data gathering and relaying algorithm shares the nodes into clusters using a hybrid K-means clustering algorithm that combines K-means clustering and Huffman coding algorithms. It makes full use of dedicated relay cooperative multi-hop communication with network coding mechanisms to achieve reduced data propagation cost from the various cluster sections to the central base station. The relay node selection is framed as a NP-hard problem, with regard to communication distances and residual energy metrics. Furthermore, to resolve the problem, a gradient descent algorithm is proposed. Simulation results endorse the proposed scheme to outperform related schemes in terms of latency, lifetime, and energy consumption and delivery rates.
Vascular complications during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: The role of the vascular surgeon
Authors: Filis Konstantinos , Galyfos George , Sigala Fragiska , Karantzikos Georgios , Vavouranakis Manolis , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Albanopoulos Konstantinos , Zografos Georgios
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This study compares the incidence of vascular complications and other major outcomes between patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation, with and without a standardized preoperative vascular surgeon consultation.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated all patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation during a five-year period at a Hellenic University Hospital. Two main periods were evaluated: Group A (early period (2014–2015), without a standardized preoperative vascular surgeon consultation) and Group B (late period (2016–2018), with a standardized preoperative vascular surgeon consultation). All vascular complications as well as other major outcomes (early death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and treatment) were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also conducted.

Results

Overall, 382 transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures were conducted (Group A: n = 115; duration = 19 months; Group B: n = 267; duration = 41 months). Overall, 58 vascular complications were recorded (21 patients in Group A and 37 patients in Group B (18.3% versus 13.9%; P = 0.279)). However, vascular complications that necessitated a vascular surgeon’s interference were more frequent during the first period (13% versus 4.9%; P = 0.009). Among patients with a vascular complication, early mortality was higher during the first period (14.3% versus 0%; P = 0.034) although stroke and myocardial infarction rates were similar. Age >80 years (OR = 1.856 [1.134–3.452]; P = 0.03) and preoperative vascular surgeon consultation (OR = 0.345 [0.132–0.756]; P = 0.015) were the only independent predictors for vascular complications.

Conclusions

A standardized preoperative evaluation by a vascular surgeon may decrease the risk for vascular complications that necessitate a repair as well as early mortality among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures.
Source attributions for detected new items: Persistent evidence for schematic guessing
Authors: Bell Raoul , Mieth Laura , Buchner Axel
Published: February 2020

Performance in source-monitoring tests is not only determined by source memory but also by source guessing. Source guessing is not random as it is informed by two distinct mechanisms. (1) People may show a schema-based guessing bias and rely on cross-situationally stable world knowledge. (2) They may apply probability matching and rely on the specific item-source contingency experienced at encoding. According to probability matching theory, source guessing is based on probability matching when a specific contingency representation is available. This conclusion is derived from a source-monitoring paradigm in which no source judgements for detected new items are required. Here, we extend this paradigm to examine source guessing not only for detected old items but also for detected new items. The results suggest that participants take the old–new recognition status of the items into account when making source attributions. Probability matching is used only for detected old items: Source guessing sensitively reflects the item-source contingency for these items. For detected new items, participants resort to schema-based guessing. Using schema-based guessing rather than probability matching when judging detected new items may have the advantage that a newly acquired contingency representation that may only be locally valid is not generalised too readily at the expense of a schematic expectation that reflects a larger and more comprehensive learning history.
Do exploratory arm movements contribute to maximum reach distance judgements?
Authors: Jones Keith S , Widlus Benjamin P
Published: February 2020

Exploratory movements provide information about agents’ action capabilities in a given environment. However, little is known about the specifics of these exploratory movements, such as which movements are necessary to perceive a given action capability. This experiment tested whether arm movements contributed to judgements of maximum reach distance. Participants made judgements about their maximum reach distance by walking to the point farthest from an object from which they still perceived the object to be reachable. Over the course of two sets of nine judgements, participants’ arms either swung naturally by their sides (Unrestricted Condition) or were held together behind their backs (Restricted Condition). Arm movement restriction increased maximum reach distance judgement error when compared with unrestricted judgements. In addition, judgement error improved over trials only when exploratory arm movements were unrestricted, and the improvements did not carry over to subsequent judgements made when exploratory arm movements were restricted. Arm movement restriction did not increase the variability of judgement error when compared with unrestricted judgements. The results indicate that exploration is necessary to generate affordance information, show that restricted exploration degrades affordance perception, and suggest that maximum reach distance exists at the global array level. In addition, they have practical implications for operational situations in which actors’ arm movements are restricted, such as when military personnel wear body armour.
Flexible weighting of body-related effects in action production
Authors: Thébault Guillaume , Pfister Roland , Michalland Arthur-Henri , Brouillet Denis
Published: February 2020

A previous study on ideomotor action control showed that predictable action effects in the agent’s environment influenced how an action is carried out. If participants were required to perform a forceful keypress, they exerted more force when these actions would produce a quiet compared to a loud tone, and this observation suggests that anticipated proprioceptive and auditory action effects are integrated with each other during action planning and control. In light of the typically weak influence of body-related effect found in recent work, we aimed to extend this pattern of results to the intra-modal case of integrating proprioceptive/tactile feedback of a movement and following vibro-tactile effects. Our results suggest that the same weighted integration process as for the cross-modal case applies to the intra-modal case. These observations support the idea of a common mechanism which binds all action-related features in an integrated action representation, irrespective of whether these features relate to exafferent or reafferent signals.
Prognostic significance of early urinary catheterization after acute stroke: Secondary analyses of the international HeadPoST trial
Authors: Ouyang Menglu , Billot Laurent , Song Lili , Wang Xia , Roffe Christine , Arima Hisatomi , Lavados Pablo M , Hackett Maree L , Olavarría Verónica V , Muñoz-Venturelli Paula , Middleton Sandy , Pontes-Neto Octavio M , Lee Tsong-Hai , Watkins Caroline L , Robinson Thompson G , Anderson Craig S
Published: February 2020

Background

An indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) is often inserted to manage bladder dysfunction, but its impact on prognosis is uncertain. We aimed to determine the association of IUC use on clinical outcomes after acute stroke in the international, multi-center, cluster crossover, Head Positioning in Acute Stroke Trial (HeadPoST).

Methods

Data were analyzed on HeadPoST participants (n = 11,093) randomly allocated to the lying-flat or sitting-up head position. Binomial, logistic regression, hierarchical mixed models were used to determine associations of early insertion of IUC within seven days post-randomization and outcomes of death or disability (defined as “poor outcome,” scores 3–6 on the modified Rankin scale) and any urinary tract infection at 90 days with adjustment of baseline and post-randomization management covariates.

Results

Overall, 1167 (12%) patients had an IUC, but the frequency and duration of use varied widely across patients in different regions. IUC use was more frequent in older patients, and those with vascular comorbidity, greater initial neurological impairment (on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and intracerebral hemorrhage as the underlying stroke type. IUC use was independently associated with poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.74), but not with urinary tract infection after adjustment for antibiotic treatment and stroke severity at hospital separation (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.59–2.18). The number exposed to IUC for poor outcome was 13.

Conclusions

IUC use is associated with a poor outcome after acute stroke. Further studies are required to inform appropriate use of IUC.
Common symptoms in pregnancy
Authors: Cox Rebecca , Granne Ingrid
Published: February 2020

Minor problems in pregnancy are very common. Women are encouraged to seek medical advice from their midwife or GP early on to ensure these problems do not significantly affect the pregnancy. This article will detail common medical symptoms and problems encountered in pregnancy.
Ergonomics and musculoskeletal symptoms in surgeons performing endoscopic procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Omar Mohamed , Sultan Mohamed F. , El Sherif Eid , Abdallah Mohamed M. , Monga Manoj
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disorder affecting older men, necessitating medical or surgical intervention. Limited data exists regarding the effect these surgeries have on the endourologist’s musculoskeletal system following the surgery because of the required difficult posture, prolonged procedures, repetitive movements, and the settings of an adjustable visual display terminal workstation. The aim of our study was to survey the prevalence and possible causes of musculoskeletal disorders among endourologists performing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser prostatectomy using either holmium laser enucleation or thulium laser enucleation.

Materials and methods:

An email inviting all members of the Endourological Society to participate in the survey was sent. The questionnaire included different demographic and practice characteristics, with concern regarding performing either TURP or laser prostatectomy and the incidence and type of musculoskeletal incidents following these surgeries. All responses were collected by a commercially available internet based survey host ( www.surveymonkey.com ) over a period of 6 weeks.

Results:

Of the 121 complete responses, 84 (69%) of endourologists complained of a musculoskeletal disorder following TURP or laser prostatectomy. The most frequent complaint was for neck (64%), followed by back (57%), shoulder (48%), hand (40%), and elbow (18%). The average prostate volume turned out to be the most compelling predictor for musculoskeletal disorder occurrence with an average prostate volume of 76 g operated on by the complaining group compared with 59 g in the noncomplaining group. Those with more severe symptoms were linked to a mean prostate size of 80 g (60–146) and constantly complained of shoulder, neck, or back trouble compared with the less-severely complaining group.

Conclusions:

A high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among urologists performing endourologic prostatectomy was confirmed and was found to be proportionally related to the size of the prostate. The integration of an ergonomic specialist inside the operation room to watch and correct the surgeon’s position during endourologic procedures may reduce the endourologist’s exposure to these occupational hazards.
Chemical Constituents of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.)
Authors: Ma Ye , Zhang Donghu , Jiang Mingyan
Published: February 2020

Ten compounds were separated and purified by chromatographic methods from the 70% ethanol extract of the leaves of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.). Their structures were identified according to their physicochemical properties and the spectral data of dihydromyricetin (1), quercetin (2), taxifolin (3), naringenin (4), liquiritigenin (5), butein (6), syringaresinol (7), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (8), gallic acid methyl ester (9), and alphitolic acid (10). Compounds 1, 3, 6, and 10 were isolated from the genus Eleutherococcus for the first time. All compounds showed weak cytotoxic activity against the A549 cell line.
Why residents quit: Prevalence of and reasons for attrition among anaesthesia residents in a single sponsoring institution
Authors: Moo Daphne , Siow Wei Shyan , Ong Ee Teng
Published: February 2020

Background:

The SingHealth Anaesthesiology Residency Programme (SHARP) is a 5-year postgraduate training programme in Singapore. Since its inauguration in 2011, SHARP has taken in the largest number of anaesthesia residents in Singapore. However, we noticed significant attrition over the years. As attrition is a costly and disruptive affair, both to the individual and the programme, we seek to investigate the prevalence of and reasons for separation, in order to determine ways to minimize attrition.

Methods:

An online anonymous survey was conducted among all residents who have separated from SHARP. The questionnaire comprised questions regarding demographic data, reasons behind separation, obstacles faced during residency, and potential ways to reduce attrition.

Results:

From 2011 to 2018, 22 out of 127 residents have separated from the programme, giving an overall attrition prevalence of 17%. Nineteen (86%) of the separated residents responded to our questionnaire. The most common reason for separation was due to difficulties in juggling childcare and training commitments. Of the residents who have separated, more than half of them would consider rejoining the programme if a less than full time (LTFT) option was available.

Conclusion:

One out of every six residents in the SHARP quits residency training. The reasons behind separation are often varied due to each resident’s unique social circumstances. An individualized training programme with a LTFT option that allows for flexibility may boost retention in the programme.
Unpacking mHealth interventions: A systematic review of behavior change techniques used in randomized controlled trials assessing mHealth effectiveness
Authors: Dugas Michelle , Gao Guodong (Gordon) , Agarwal Ritu
Published: February 2020

Objective

Mobile health interventions have surged in popularity but their implementation varies widely and evidence of effectiveness is mixed. We sought to advance understanding of the diversity of behavior change techniques in mHealth interventions, especially those that leverage advanced mobile technologies.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of articles published between 2007 and 2017 in high-impact journals in medicine, medical informatics, and health psychology to identify randomized controlled trials in which the effectiveness of an mobile health intervention was tested. Search terms included a mix of general (e.g. mobile health), hardware (e.g. Android, iPhone), and format (e.g. SMS, application) terms.

Results

In a systematic review of 21 studies, we found the techniques of personalization, feedback and monitoring, and associations were most commonly used in mobile health interventions, but there remains considerable opportunity to leverage more sophisticated aspects of ubiquitous computing. We found that prompts and cues were the most common behavior change techniques used in effective trials, but there was notable overlap in behavior change techniques used in ineffective trials.

Conclusions

Our results identify techniques that are commonly used in mobile health interventions and highlight pathways to advance the science of mobile health.
Public Versus Private Employees: A Perspective on the Characteristics and Implications
Authors: Johnson Dimple Sunayna
Published: February 2020

'You’re fired!' Infamous words spoken by Donald Trump from prime-time television to the White House. Trump, businessman turned politician, has carried over his characteristics from the private sector to the public sector. Are Americans experiencing the Trump effect or is this a result of the businessman turned politician effect? From work motivation to demographics, this commentary highlights key characteristics and associated implications about the public sector and the private sector employees by discussing the following questions: What are the characteristics of the public and private sector employees? What are the implications of these characteristics? Specifically, public service motivation, organizational, commitment, level of effort, intrinsic factors, job content, pay, job security, and work-life balance are discussed. Review of the literature suggests that while similarities do exist between the public sector and private sector employees, there are sufficient characteristic differences that warrant supporting Appleby’s (1945) doctrine that government employees are indeed different.
Marketing research in China during the 40-year reform and opening
Authors: Hu Yu , Wang Yonggui
Published: February 2020

China’s reform and opening up policy initiated by the then leader Deng Xiaoping have undergone a 40-year process since 1978. This period was marked by one of the greatest economic reforms in modern history. In this study, we extract literature focused on the Chinese marketization context and marketing practices published in top-tier international marketing journals and Chinese management journals between 1978 and 2018. This study identifies the research questions and research domains investigated in our selected literature. The authors hope to reveal the general landscape and evolution made in the context of this unique period in Chinese history. This thematically focused literature review provides marketing scholars with a snapshot of the academic marketing research in China and gives rise to novel research directions related to the deepening of the economic reform.
Impact of clinical stage on the outcome of laparoscopic radical cystectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ashmawy Ahmed Abdallah , Assem Ahmed , Abd El Hamid Mahmoud , Salem Ahmed , Kassem Ayman , Abdel Hakim Mahmoud Amr , ElSheemy Mohammed Said , Saad Ismail Rady , Abo El-Ela Ashraf , Elgammal Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Background

Some authors recommend not to perform laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) for large bulky bladder cancer (BC) as the laparoscopic manipulation will be difficult. As there were no prospective studies focusing on the effect of the tumor stage of BC on the outcome of LRC, the aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of tumor stage on the outcome of LRC.

Results

LRC was completed for 47 patients. All patients were followed for at least 1 year, and there was no recurrence. COPD, DM, hypertension and renal impairment were detected, respectively, in 57.4%, 36.2%, 44.7% and 10.6% of patients. Transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were found, respectively, in 91.5% and 8.5% of patients. Complications were reported in 29.78% including 29.78% Clavien grade 1, 17.02% grade 2 and 6.38% grade 3. There was no significant difference between cT2 and cT3 in perioperative criteria including demographic features, operative time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, pain score, hospital stay and complications. Upon final pathological assessment, 44.68% of patients were upgraded to higher pathological stages. Additional comparison was performed according to pathological stage and revealed no significant difference in the outcome of LRC between pT2 and higher stages except the pain score at first postoperative day which was higher in patients with pT3 stage.

Conclusion

LRC is a feasible and safe technique for both T2 and T3 clinical and pathological stages.
Effects of ordered mutations on dynamics in signaling networks
Authors: Mazaya Maulida , Trinh Hung-Cuong , Kwon Yung-Keun
Published: February 2020

Background

Many previous clinical studies have found that accumulated sequential mutations are statistically related to tumorigenesis. However, they are limited in fully elucidating the significance of the ordered-mutation because they did not focus on the network dynamics. Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate the dynamics characteristics induced by ordered-mutations.

Methods

To quantify the ordered-mutation-inducing dynamics, we defined the mutation-sensitivity and the order-specificity that represent if the network is sensitive against a double knockout mutation and if mutation-sensitivity is specific to the mutation order, respectively, using a Boolean network model.

Results

Through intensive investigations, we found that a signaling network is more sensitive when a double-mutation occurs in the direction order inducing a longer path and a smaller number of paths than in the reverse order. In addition, feedback loops involving a gene pair decreased both the mutation-sensitivity and the order-specificity. Next, we investigated relationships of functionally important genes with ordered-mutation-inducing dynamics. The network is more sensitive to mutations subject to drug-targets, whereas it is less specific to the mutation order. Both the sensitivity and specificity are increased when different-drug-targeted genes are mutated. Further, we found that tumor suppressors can efficiently suppress the amplification of oncogenes when the former are mutated earlier than the latter.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results help to understand the importance of the order of mutations with respect to the dynamical effects in complex biological systems.
An inducible Cre mouse line to sparsely target nervous system cells, including Remak Schwann cells
Authors: Sapkota Darshan , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: February 2020

Nerves of the peripheral nervous system contain two classes of Schwann cells: myelinating Schwann cells that ensheath large caliber axons and generate the myelin sheath, and Remak Schwann cells that surround smaller axons and do not myelinate. While tools exist for genetic targeting of Schwann cell precursors and myelinating Schwann cells, such reagents have been challenging to generate specifically for the Remak population, in part because many of the genes that mark this population in maturity are also robustly expressed in Schwann cell precursors. To circumvent this challenge, we utilized BAC transgenesis to generate a mouse line expressing a tamoxifen-inducible Cre under the control of a Remak-expressed gene promoter (Egr1). However, as Egr1 is also an activity dependent gene expressed by some neurons, we flanked this Cre by flippase (Flpe) recognition sites, and coinjected a BAC expressing Flpe under control of a pan-neuronal Snap25 promoter to excise the Cre transgene from these neuronal cells. Genotyping and inheritance demonstrate that the two BACs co-integrated into a single locus, facilitating maintenance of the line. Anatomical studies following a cross to a reporter line show sparse tamoxifen-dependent recombination in Remak Schwann cells within the mature sciatic nerve. However, depletion of neuronal Cre activity by Flpe is partial, with some neurons and astrocytes also showing evidence of Cre reporter activity in the central nervous system. Thus, this mouse line will be useful in mosaic loss-of-function studies, lineage tracing studies following injury, live cell imaging studies, or other experiments benefiting from sparse labeling.