bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperprogressive Disease in the Irradiation Field after a Single Dose of Nivolumab for Gastric Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Ogata Takatsugu , Satake Hironaga , Ogata Misato , Hatachi Yukimasa , Yasui Hisateru
Published: March 2018

Following the ATTRACTION-2 study, nivolumab was approved for advanced gastric cancer in Japan. However, pseudoprogression and hyperprogressive disease have been reported in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a patient with gastric cancer who received nivolumab after radiotherapy only to experience rapid progression within the irradiation field after the first immunotherapy session. A 66-year-old man with dysphagia visited our hospital and was diagnosed with stage IV gastroesophageal cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 score = 0). He commenced a G-SOX regimen (S-1 80 mg/m2 on days 1–14 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks) in June 2017. The dysphagia worsened despite 3 cycles of G-SOX, and computed tomography (CT) revealed constriction of the gastroesophageal junction. To ameliorate the dysphagia, palliative chemoradiotherapy (S-1 and 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) was performed starting in August 2017. The patient’s dysphagia had not resolved after completing radiotherapy, and pain on swallowing worsened. Nivolumab (3 mg/m2 every 2 weeks) was administered 7 days after the completion of radiotherapy. The patient experienced malaise and worsening dysphagia before the second cycle. CT 15 days after the first nivolumab administration revealed rapid progression in the irradiation field. His general condition rapidly deteriorated, and he died 24 days after the first administration. This episode suggests that administration of nivolumab after radiotherapy may be a risk factor for hyperprogressive disease.
Multiparametric Evaluation Predicts Different Mid-Term Outcomes in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Laterza Lucrezia , Piscaglia Anna Chiara , Minordi Laura Maria , Scoleri Iolanda , Larosa Luigi , Poscia Andrea , Ingravalle Fabio , Amato Arianna , Alfieri Sergio , Armuzzi Alessandro , Cammarota Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scaldaferri Franco
Published: March 2018

Aim: To evaluate if a single and/or combined (clinical, endoscopic and radiological) assessment could predict clinical outcomes in Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 57 CD cases who underwent both a colonoscopy and a CT-enterography (CTE). Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBi), SES-CD (and/or Rutgeerts score) and the radiological disease activity were defined to stratify patients according to clinical, endoscopic and radiological disease activity respectively. Hospitalizations, surgery, therapeutic changes and deaths were evaluated up to 36 months (time 1) for 53 patients. Results: CTE and endoscopy agreed in stratifying disease activity in 47% of cases (k = –0.05; p = 0.694), CTE and HBi in 35% (k = 0.09; p = 0.08), endoscopy and HBi in 39% (k = 0.13; p = 0.03). Taken together, CTE, endoscopy and HBi agreed only in 18% of cases (k = 0.01; p = 0.41). Among the 11 cases with mucosal healing, only 3 (27%) showed transmural healing. Patients with endoscopic activity needed significantly more changes of therapy compared to patients with endoscopic remission (p = 0.02). Patients with higher transmural or clinical activity at baseline required significantly more hospitalizations (p < 0.01). Hospitalization rate decreases with an increase in the number of parameters indicating remissions at baseline (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Clinical, endoscopic and radiological assessments offer complementary information and could predict different mid-term outcomes in CD.
Health-Related Quality of Life after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer in Elderly Patients with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder or Ileal Conduit: Results from a Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study Using Validated Questionnaires
Authors: Cerruto Maria Angela , D’Elia Carolina , Siracusano Salvatore , Saleh Omar , Gacci Mauro , Cacciamani Giovanni , De Marco Vincenzo , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Balzarro Matteo , Niero Mauro , Lonardi Cristina , Iafrate Massimo , Bassi Pierfrancesco , Imbimbo Ciro , Racioppi Marco , Talamini Renato , Ciciliato Stefano , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco , Verze Paolo , Artibani Walter
Published: March 2018

Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes in elderly patients with different type of urinary diversion (UD), ileal conduit (IC) and ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB), after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer, by using validated self-reported cancer-specific instruments. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 77 patients who received an IC or an IONB after RC. HR-QoL was assessed with specific and validated disease questionnaires, administered at last follow-up. Result: At univariate analysis, at a mean follow-up of 60.91 ± 5.63 months, IONB results were favourable with regard to the following HR-QoL aspects: nausea and vomiting (p = 0.045), pain (p = 0.049), appetite loss (p = 0.03), constipation (p = 0.000), financial impact (p = 0.012) and cognitive functioning (p = 0.000). This last functional aspect was significantly worse in female patients (p = 0.029). Emotional functioning was significantly better in patients without long-term complications (p = 0.016). At multivariate analysis, male gender and IONB were independent predictors of better cognitive functioning, while long-term complications negatively affected emotional functioning. Conclusions: Obtained results suggest that an IONB can also be suitable for elderly patients compared with an IC with few and selected advantages in favour of the former UD. Preoperative patient’s selection, counselling, education and active participation in the decision-making process lead to a more suitable choice of treatment.
Real-World Scenario Improvements in Serum Phosphorus Levels and Pill Burden in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Treated with Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Parameswaran Vidhya , Ficociello Linda H. , Anderson Ludmila , Ofsthun Norma J. , Kwoh Christopher , Mullon Claudy , Kossmann Robert J. , Coyne Daniel W.
Published: March 2018

Background: A database analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO) on lowering serum phosphorus and phosphate binder (PB) pill burden among adult peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients prescribed SO as part of routine care. Methods: Adult PD patients (n = 258) prescribed SO through a renal pharmacy service were analyzed. Baseline was 3 months before SO prescription. SO-treated follow-up was for 6 months or until either a new PB was prescribed, SO was not refilled, PD modality changed, or patient was discharged. In-range serum phosphorus was defined as ≤5.5 mg/dL. Results: At baseline, mean serum phosphorus was 6.59 mg/dL with 10 prescribed PB pills/day. The proportion of patients achieving in-range serum phosphorus increased by 72% from baseline to month 6. Prescribed PB pills/day decreased by 57% (10 at baseline to 4.3 at SO follow-up, p < 0.0001). The mean length of SO follow-up was 5.1 months; SO follow-up ended for 38, 27, and 50 patients at months 4, 5, and 6, respectively, due to no further PB fills, and for 10, 11, and 4 patients at months 4, 5, and 6, respectively, due to another PB prescribed. In patients with baseline serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL who achieved in-range serum phosphorus during SO follow-up for ≥1 quarter, a notable improvement in serum phosphorus (6.54 to 5.10 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) was observed, and there was a 53% reduction in PB pill burden (9.9 to 4.7, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Among PD patients prescribed SO as part of routine care, improvements in serum phosphorus control and >50% reduction in PB pills/day were observed.
Preoperative Midregional Pro-Adrenomedullin and High-Sensitivity Troponin T Predict Perioperative Cardiovascular Events in Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Golubović Mlađjan , Janković Radmilo , Sokolović Dušan , Ćosić Vladan , Maravić-Stojkovic Vera , Kostić Tomislav , Perišić Zoran , Lađević Nebojša
Published: March 2018

Objective: We evaluated the utility of preoperative midregional (MR) pro-adrenomedullin (proADM) and cardiac troponin T (TnT) for improved detection of patients at high risk for perioperative cardiac events and mortality after major noncardiac surgery. Subjects and Methods: This prospective, single-center, observational study enrolled 79 patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. After initial clinical assessment (clinical history, physical examination, echocardiogram, blood tests, and chest X-ray), MR-proADM and high-sensitivity TnT (hsTnT) were measured within 48 h prior to surgery by immunoluminometric and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Patients were followed by the consulting physician until discharge or up to 14 days in the hospital after surgery. Perioperative cardiac events included myocardial infarction and development or aggravation of congestive heart failure. Data were compared between patients who developed target events and event-free patients. Results: Within 14 days of monitoring, 14 patients (17.72%) developed target events: 9 (11.39%) died and 5 (6.33%) developed cardiovascular events. The average age of the patients was 71.29 ± 6.62 years (range: 55–87). Sex, age, and hsTnT did not significantly differ between groups. MR- proADM concentration was higher in deceased patients (p = 0.01). The upper quartile of MR-proADM was associated with a fatal outcome (66.7 vs. 20.0%, p < 0.01) and with cardiovascular events (64.3 vs. 16.9%, p < 0.01). MR-proADM above the cutoff value (≥0.85) was associated with a fatal outcome (88.9 vs. 20.0%, p < 0.01) and cardiovascular events (71.4 vs. 28.6%, p < 0.01); this association was not observed for hsTnT. Conclusion: Preoperative measurement of MR-proADM provides useful information for perioperative cardiac events in high-risk patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery.
Drug-induced panniculitis due to deworming in a dog – case report
Authors: Nitta Cayo Yuji , Gennari Solange Maria , Ferreira Juliana Isabel Giuli da Silva , Galati Leandro Haroutune Hassesian , Larsson Carlos Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Outpatient clinics, clinics, and veterinary hospitals in the state of São Paulo and other Brazilian states commonly prescribe broad-spectrum vermicidal agents. The prescriptions are not based on coproparasitological examination results and drugs, including those used for the elimination of enteric parasites, are not innocuous and can potentially cause health hazards. Therefore, we report a clinical case of drug-induced panniculitis caused by deworming and show the actual occurrence of endoparasites in canine and feline outpatients at HOVET-USP.
Long-Term Outcomes of Childhood Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shi William Y. , Moreno-Betancur Margarita , Nugent Alan W. , Cheung Michael , Colan Steven , Turner Christian , Sholler Gary F. , Robertson Terry , Justo Robert , Bullock Andrew , King Ingrid , Davis Andrew M. , Daubeney Piers E.F. , Weintraub Robert G.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Long-term outcomes for childhood left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) are uncertain. We examined late outcomes for children with LVNC enrolled in a national population-based study.

Methods:

The National Australian Childhood Cardiomyopathy Study includes all children in Australia with primary cardiomyopathy diagnosed before 10 years of age between 1987 and 1996. Outcomes for subjects with LVNC with a dilated phenotype (LVNC-D) were compared with outcomes for those with dilated cardiomyopathy. Propensity-score analysis was used for risk factor adjustment.

Results:

There were 29 subjects with LVNC (9.2% of all cardiomyopathy subjects), with a mean annual incidence of newly diagnosed cases of 0.11 per 100 000 at-risk individuals. Congestive heart failure was the initial symptom in 24 of 29 subjects (83%), and 27 (93%) had LVNC-D. The median age at diagnosis was 0.3 (interquartile interval, 0.08–1.3) years. The median duration of follow-up was 6.8 (interquartile interval, 0.7–24.0) years for all subjects and 24.7 (interquartile interval, 23.3 – 27.7) years for surviving subjects. Freedom from death or transplantation was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30–65) at 10 years after diagnosis and 45% (95% CI, 27–63) at 15 years. In competing-risk analysis, 21% of subjects with LVNC were alive with normal left ventricular systolic function, and 31% were alive with abnormal function at 15 years. Propensity-score matching between subjects with LVNC-D and those with dilated cardiomyopathy suggested a lower freedom from death/transplantation at 15 years after diagnosis in the subjects with LVNC-D (LVNC-D, 46% [95% CI, 26–66] versus dilated cardiomyopathy, 70% [95% CI, 42–97];
P
=0.08). Using propensity-score inverse probability of treatment–weighted Cox regression, we found evidence that LVNC-D was associated with a greater risk of death or transplantation (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4–3.8;
P
=0.0012).

Conclusions:

Symptomatic children with LVNC usually present in early infancy with a predominant dilated phenotype. Long-term outcomes are worse than for matched children with dilated cardiomyopathy.
The eu-Energy Security and Geopolitical Economy
Authors: Amineh Mehdi P. , Crijns-Graus Wina H. J.
Published: March 2018

Although energy supply security is an important long-term goal of the eu, member states are in control over external supplies and their domestic energy mix, and an overarching institutional structure is lacking. In this paper, we focus on the availability of oil and gas and the risks of supply disruptions for the eu. The last two decades have been marked by a decrease in fossil fuel production and increasing import dependence. Proven oil and gas reserves in the eu are very limited. Especially in the case of oil the outlook of both global and own eu reserves looks bleak. At the same time, global trends show an increasing demand for energy in the coming decades, concentrated mainly in developing countries, specifically in China. The Persian Gulf area and the Caspian Sea region hold some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, and these will make them increasingly significant in global markets. These factors create a setting for the eu of demand- and supply-induced and structural scarcity. The persistence of Arab patrimonial rentier states and societies are a domestic and geopolitical source of instability. These states’ Sovereign Wealth Funds are used by ruling elites to divert assets from socioeconomic development towards individual profit. Emerging Asian economies involved in the me and the cea, especially China, will influence the regions’ future geopolitical and geo-economic reality. China relies on resources for domestic development and the resource-rich Middle Eastern countries have long been a destination from which to acquire them.
Revision of the Bengalia torosa Wiedemann, 1819 species-group (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with notes on the systematic position of B. robertsi Kurahashi, 1987 and B. subnitida James, 1964
Authors: ROGNES KNUT
Published: March 2018

The mainly Oriental Bengalia torosa Wiedemann species-group is revised on the basis of males. Species concepts are based on male terminalia. Monophyly of the species-group is established on the basis of two unique synapomorphies of the distiphallus. Eleven species are recognized as valid, viz. Bengalia chekiangensis Fan, 1965, Bengalia chiangmaiensis Kurahashi & Tumrasvin, 1979, Bengalia concava Malloch, 1927, Bengalia escheri Bezzi, 1913, Bengalia fuscipennis Bezzi, 1913, Bengalia jejuna (Fabricius, 1787), Bengalia kanoi Kurahashi & Magpayo, 2000, Bengalia martinleakei Senior-White, 1930, Bengalia recurva Malloch, 1927, Bengalia torosa (Wiedemann, 1819), Bengalia xanthopyga Senior-White, 1924, and their geographical distributions are updated. The following new synonymies are proposed: Bezzigalia rivanella Lehrer, 2005 is a junior synonym of B. escheri, syn. nov.; Bengalia siamensis Senior-White, 1924, Gangelomyia kosungana Lehrer, 2007 and G. laoziella Lehrer, 2007 are junior synonyms of B. fuscipennis, syn. nov.; Gangelomyia evafoneae Lehrer, 2005 and G. senausmarta Lehrer, 2005 are junior synonyms of B. jejuna, syn. nov.; Gangelomyia indipyga Lehrer, 2005, G. philipyga Lehrer, 2005, G. schiavoae Lehrer, 2005, G. shivanella Lehrer, 2005, G. tagaloga Lehrer, 2005 and G. phantastika Lehrer, 2007 are junior synonyms of B. kanoi, syn. nov.; Gangelomyia gandhiana Lehrer, 2005 and G. krishna Lehrer, 2005 are junior synonyms of B. martinleakei, syn. nov.; Laoziana camerina Lehrer, 2005, L. mandarina Lehrer, 2005 and L. singhasaria Lehrer, 2005 are junior synonyms of B. recurva, syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Musca favillacea Walker, 1859 and Bengalia escheri Bezzi, 1913. A male syntype of Musca torosa Wiedemann, 1819 has been located in NHMD and a female syntype of the same nominal species has been located in NMW. A male specimen in NHMD is proposed as neotype for Musca jejuna Fabricius, 1787, to replace the three existing female syntypes. A male specimen in NHMD is proposed as neotype for Musca torosa Wiedemann, 1819, to replace the newly located syntypes. The ICZN Commission will be requested, in a forthcoming paper, to formally set aside the existing name-bearing types of both nominal species and designate the proposed specimens as neotypes, in order to preserve the current usage of both names. Musca favillacea Walker, 1859 is removed from synonymy with Bengalia jejuna and treated as an unplaced name in the Bengalia torosa species-group. Bengalia robertsi Kurahashi, 1987 is removed from the Bengalia torosa species-group and re-assigned to the Bengalia labialis Robineau-Desvoidy species-group. Bengalia subnitida James, 1964 is assigned to the Bengalia peuhi Villeneuve species-group even though it lacks discal setae on the fifth abdominal tergite. Two new terms are introduced for description of the distiphallus of the B. torosa species-group. Bengalia recurva Malloch is reported for the first time from China.
Effect of Overturning Circulation on Long Equatorial Waves: A Low-Frequency Cutoff
Authors: Back Amanda , Biello Joseph A.
Published: March 2018

Zonally long tropical waves in the presence of a large-scale meridional and vertical overturning circulation are studied in an idealized model based on the intraseasonal multiscale moist dynamics (IMMD) theory. The model consists of a system of shallow-water equations describing barotropic and first baroclinic vertical modes coupled to one another by the zonally symmetric, time-independent background circulation. To isolate the effects of the meridional circulation alone, an idealized background flow is chosen to mimic the meridional and vertical components of the flow of the Hadley cell; the background flow meridionally converges and rises at the equator. The resulting linear eigenvalue problem is a generalization of the long-wave-scaled version of Matsuno’s equatorial wave problem with the addition of meridional and vertical advection. The results demonstrate that the meridional circulation couples equatorially trapped baroclinic Rossby waves to planetary, barotropic free Rossby waves. The meridional circulation also causes the Kelvin wave to develop an equatorially trapped barotropic component, imparting a westward-tilted vertical structure to the wave. The total energy of the linear system is positive definite, so all waves are shown to be neutrally stable. A critical layer exists at latitudes where the meridional background flow vanishes, resulting in a minimum frequency cutoff for physically feasible waves. Therefore, linear Matsuno waves with periods longer than the vertical transport time of the meridional circulation do not exist in the equatorial waveguide. This implies a low-frequency cutoff for long equatorial waves.
Assimilation of GOES-13 Imager Clear-Sky Water Vapor (6.5 μm) Radiances into a Warn-on-Forecast System
Authors: Jones Thomas A. , Wang Xuguang , Skinner Patrick , Johnson Aaron , Wang Yongming
Published: March 2018

A prototype convection-allowing system using the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) Model and employing an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation technique has been developed and used during the spring 2016 and 2017 Hazardous Weather Testbeds. This system assimilates WSR-88D reflectivity and radial velocity, geostationary satellite cloud water path (CWP) retrievals, and available surface observations over a regional domain with a 3-km horizontal resolution at 15-min intervals, with 3-km initial conditions provided by an experimental High-Resolution Rapid Refresh ensemble (HRRR-e). However, no information on upper-level thermodynamic conditions in cloud-free regions is currently assimilated, as few timely observations exist. One potential solution is to also assimilate clear-sky satellite radiances, which provide information on mid- and upper-tropospheric temperature and moisture conditions. This research assimilates GOES-13 imager water vapor band (6.5 μm) radiances using the GSI-EnKF system to take advantage of the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) integration. Results using four cases from May 2016 showed that assimilating radiances generally had a neutral-to-positive impact on the model analysis, reducing humidity bias and/or errors at the appropriate model levels where verification observations were present. The effects on high-impact weather forecasts, as verified against forecast reflectivity and updraft helicity, were mixed. Three cases (9, 22, and 24 May) showed some improvement in skill, while the other (25 May) performed worse, despite the improved environment. This research represents the first step in designing a high-resolution ensemble data assimilation system to use GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager data, which provides additional water vapor bands and increased spatial and temporal resolution.
Driver Vigilance in Automated Vehicles: Hazard Detection Failures Are a Matter of Time
Authors: Greenlee Eric T. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Newton David C.
Published: March 2018

Objective:

The primary aim of the current study was to determine whether monitoring the roadway for hazards during automated driving results in a vigilance decrement.

Background:

Although automated vehicles are relatively novel, the nature of human-automation interaction within them has the classic hallmarks of a vigilance task. Drivers must maintain attention for prolonged periods of time to detect and respond to rare and unpredictable events, for example, roadway hazards that automation may be ill equipped to detect. Given the similarity with traditional vigilance tasks, we predicted that drivers of a simulated automated vehicle would demonstrate a vigilance decrement in hazard detection performance.

Method:

Participants “drove” a simulated automated vehicle for 40 minutes. During that time, their task was to monitor the roadway for roadway hazards.

Results:

As predicted, hazard detection rate declined precipitously, and reaction times slowed as the drive progressed. Further, subjective ratings of workload and task-related stress indicated that sustained monitoring is demanding and distressing and it is a challenge to maintain task engagement.

Conclusion:

Monitoring the roadway for potential hazards during automated driving results in workload, stress, and performance decrements similar to those observed in traditional vigilance tasks.

Application:

To the degree that vigilance is required of automated vehicle drivers, performance errors and associated safety risks are likely to occur as a function of time on task. Vigilance should be a focal safety concern in the development of vehicle automation.
Integrating Indigenous approaches and relationship-based ethics for culturally safe interventions: Child protection in Solomon Islands
Authors: Thomspon Lester J , Wadley David
Published: March 2018

Traditional culture in post-colonial Solomon Islands is experiencing neoliberal impositions of market forces and individualistic social work programmes based upon global welfare rights. Previous research has emphasised culturally derived national resilience and the economic benefits of ‘Kastom’. Emergent research questions are (a) whether Indigenous social work could avoid absolute (colonial) impositions or negligent cultural relativism by using relationship-based ethical approaches that emphasise cultural strengths, and (b) whether this development might benefit Pacific social welfare models. Qualitative interviews with local child protection workers indicate that traditional values assist legislative intervention and that significant potential exists in better integration of Indigenous approaches into practice.
Mechanical analysis of thermo-hydroforming of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite helmet using preferred fiber orientation model
Authors: Ahn Hyunchul , Kuuttila Nicholas E , Pourboghrat Farhang
Published: March 2018

The composite thermo-hydroforming process, utilizing heated and pressurized fluid, was used to form an advanced helmet with the Spectra Shield. Experimental results obtained from the forming process show that thermo-hydroforming is a feasible process for manufacturing thermoplastic composite materials. Concurrent to the forming experiments, the forming process was numerically modeled using ABAQUS/CAE. The behavior of the fiber reinforced polymer composite was modeled using the Preferred Fiber Orientation model, which was implemented into the explicit finite element code ABAQUS by writing a User Material Subroutine. The preferred fiber orientation model was further adapted to work with a composite laminate consisting of multiple layers. Numerical results were compared with experimental data to validate the method in terms of predicting the deformed geometry of the multilayer composite, wrinkling, as well as the punch force–displacement curve. Overall, the deformed shape of the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite helmet, including the distribution of wrinkles were predicted accurately.
What is consumption, where has it been going, and does it still matter?
Authors: Evans David M
Published: March 2018

This article considers the relationships between consumption, the environment, and wider sociological endeavour. The current vogue for applying theories of practice to the policy domain of ‘sustainable consumption’ has been generative of conceptual renewal, however the field now sits closer to the applied environmental social sciences than to the sociology of consumption. The analysis proceeds via a close reading of the intellectual currents that have given rise to this situation, and it identifies a number of interrelated issues concerning conceptual slippage and the exclusion of core disciplinary concerns. Accordingly a more suitable definition of consumption is offered, an agenda for re-engaging with foundational approaches to consumer culture is established, and a renewal and reorientation of critique is proposed. Working through and building on the contributions of practice theoretical repertoires, this article suggests that consumption scholarship offers a distinctive set of resources to discussions of current ecological crises and uncertain social futures. These are briefly described and the conclusion argues that consumption still matters.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection influences the clinical course of acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Gökçe Şule , Kurugöl Zafer , Çiçek Candan
Published: March 2018

The frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among young infants admitted with acute bronchiolitis was analysed to determine whether the former affects the clinical course of the latter. A total of 92 infants aged <6 months admitted with acute bronchiolitis were tested for C. trachomatis by a cell culture technique, obtaining nasal smears from each infant’s nostrils. A second nasal sampling was taken for respiratory viruses from the study group and tested with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Clinical characteristics of C. trachomatis-positive and -negative cases were compared. C. trachomatis was detected in 22.8% of the infants, mostly as coinfection with respiratory viral agents. Infection with C. trachomatis affected the clinical outcome in acute bronchiolitis and such infants tended to have severe bronchiolitis.
The strategic economic governance of Greater Manchester’s local labour market by the local state: Implications for young workers
Authors: Yates Edward , Clark Ian
Published: March 2018

This article explores how work and employment conditions for young workers are affected by the actions of the state at the spatial scale of the locality. The article argues that young workers have experienced deteriorating labour market conditions following shifts in the form which capitalist accumulation takes in the UK. This shift has altered the composition of the national state which has in turn led to changes in how it regulates both local labour markets and the economic strategies of the local state. One result of these changes is the diffusion of neoliberal labour market reforms which have led to negative material consequences for young workers; these are manifest in the expansion of low-waged work concentrated in a small number of sectors, and characterized by an intensified labour process.
Improving Measurement Efficiency of the Inner EAR Scale with Item Response Theory
Authors: Jessen Annika , Ho Andrew D. , Corrales C. Eduardo , Yueh Bevan , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

(1) To assess the 11‐item Inner Effectiveness of Auditory Rehabilitation (Inner EAR) instrument with item response theory (IRT). (2) To determine whether the underlying latent ability could also be accurately represented by a subset of the items for use in high‐volume clinical scenarios. (3) To determine whether the Inner EAR instrument correlates with pure tone thresholds and word recognition scores.

Design

IRT evaluation of prospective cohort data.

Setting

Tertiary care academic ambulatory otolaryngology clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Modern psychometric methods, including factor analysis and IRT, were used to assess unidimensionality and item properties. Regression methods were used to assess prediction of word recognition and pure tone audiometry scores.

Results

The Inner EAR scale is unidimensional, and items varied in their location and information. Information parameter estimates ranged from 1.63 to 4.52, with higher values indicating more useful items. The IRT model provided a basis for identifying 2 sets of items with relatively lower information parameters. Item information functions demonstrated which items added insubstantial value over and above other items and were removed in stages, creating a 8‐ and 3‐item Inner EAR scale for more efficient assessment. The 8‐item version accurately reflected the underlying construct. All versions correlated moderately with word recognition scores and pure tone averages.

Conclusion

The 11‐, 8‐, and 3‐item versions of the Inner EAR scale have strong psychometric properties, and there is correlational validity evidence for the observed scores. Modern psychometric methods can help streamline care delivery by maximizing relevant information per item administered.
Treatment of secondary brain injury by perturbing postsynaptic density protein-95-NMDA receptor interaction after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Chen Zhouqing , Yang Junjie , Yang Ziying , Yin Jia , Duan Xiaochun , Shen Haitao , Li Haiying , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: March 2018

Postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD95) plays important roles in the formation, differentiation, remodeling, and maturation of neuronal synapses. This study is to estimate the potential role of PSD95 in cognitive dysfunction and synaptic injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The interaction between PSD95 and NMDA receptor subunit NR2B-neurotransmitter nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) could form a signal protein complex mediating excitatory signaling. Besides NR2B-nNOS, PSD95 also can bind to neurexin-1–neuroligin-1 to form a complex and participates in maintaining synaptic function. In this study, we found that there were an increase in the formation of PSD95-NR2B-nNOS complex and a decrease in the formation of neurexin-1–neuroligin-1-PSD95 complex after ICH, and this was accompanied by increased neuronal death and degeneration, and behavior dysfunction. PSD95 inhibitor Tat-NR2B9c effectively inhibited the interaction between PSD95 and NR2B-nNOS, and promoted the formation of neurexin-1–nueuroligin-1-PSD95 complex. In addition, Tat-NR2B9c treatment significantly reduced neuronal death and degeneration and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity, alleviated inflammatory response and neurobehavioral disorders, and improved the cognitive and learning ability of ICH rats. Inhibition of the formation of PSD95-NR2B-nNOS complex can rescue secondary brain injury and behavioral cognitive impairment after ICH. PSD95 is expected to be a target for improving the prognosis of patients with ICH.
Attitudes of radiation oncologists to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with head and neck cancer and eating difficulties: A survey in China
Authors: Fan Lingli , Li Jie , Xiang Miao , Yuan Li , Zhang Yu , Feng Gang , Du Xiaobo
Published: March 2018

Objective

To investigate the attitudes of radiation oncologists towards using percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to solve nutritional problems in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire was developed and used to assess the willingness of radiation oncologists from 26 hospitals throughout several provinces in China to use the nutritional method.

Results

Of the 433 radiation oncologists who were contacted and returned questionnaires, 361 were completed correctly and used in the study (83.4% completion rate). Years of working and degree of understanding PEG were significantly related to the willingness of oncologists to use PEG in patients with HNC. Radiation oncologists who were willing to accept PEG training were more willing to use PEG. Main reasons for unwillingness to use PEG were poor understanding of the operation or cost and fear of side effects causing medical disputes.

Conclusions

The findings of the survey suggest that attitudes of radiation oncologists in China towards using PEG in patients with HNC requiring nutritional support may be improved by providing accessible training in the technique.
The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS): Normative Data
Authors: Fabricant Peter D. , Suryavanshi Joash R. , Calcei Jacob G. , Marx Robert G. , Widmann Roger F. , Green Daniel W.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Recent data have shown an increase in youth sports participation at younger ages, which may be linked to greater musculoskeletal injury risk. The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) is a validated 8-item instrument designed to quantify the activity of children between 10 and 18 years old. Normative data on pediatric and adolescent activity level are unknown.

Purpose:

To establish normative activity-level data for American youth and to determine if there is a natural decrease in activity level during adolescence.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A cross-sectional investigation was performed among 2002 US children and adolescents equally split by sex and age and representing census-weighted distributions of state of residency, race/ethnicity, and health insurance status. Respondents completed the HSS Pedi-FABS, as well as survey questions on demographics and sports participation. Normative data were reported with descriptive statistics. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine if there was an effect of age on activity level during adolescence.

Results:

A total of 2002 respondents completed the survey; the mean age of the respondents at the time of survey completion was 14.0 ± 2.6 years. Mean weekly amount of reported physical activity was 9.3 ± 8.4 hours. HSS Pedi-FABS scores were normally distributed with a mean of 15.4 ± 8.5 points (out of 30 possible points). There was a modest but statistically significant decrease in HSS Pedi-FABS activity scores with increasing age ( r = −0.175, P < .001), corresponding to a linear decrease in activity scores by 27% on average from age 10 to 18 years.

Conclusion:

The current study provides baseline normative data for activity level in a census-weighted representative population sample of 2002 American youth through the use of a validated activity score (HSS Pedi-FABS). There was a modest but statistically significant decrease in activity scores with increasing age. These results will aid future research by providing normative, representative population-level activity data and will help to quantify the natural rate of decreased activity during adolescence.
Experimental measurement and numerical modelling of dye washout for investigation of blood residence time in ventricular assist devices
Authors: Molteni Alessandra , Masri Zubair PH , Low Kenny WQ , Yousef Haitham N , Sienz Johann , Fraser Katharine H
Published: March 2018

Ventricular assist devices have become the standard therapy for end-stage heart failure. However, their use is still associated with severe adverse events related to the damage done to the blood by fluid dynamic stresses. This damage relates to both the stress magnitude and the length of time the blood is exposed to that stress. We created a dye washout technique which combines experimental and numerical approaches to measure the washout times of ventricular assist devices. The technique was used to investigate washout characteristics of three commercially available and clinically used ventricular assist devices: the CentriMag, HVAD and HeartMate II. The time taken to reach 5% dye concentration at the outlet (T05) was used as an indicator of the total residence time. At a typical level of cardiac support, 5 L/min and 100 mmHg, T05 was 0.93, 0.28 and 0.16 s for CentriMag, HVAD and HeartMate II, respectively, and increased to 5.06, 1.64 and 0.96 s for reduced cardiac support of 1 L/min. Regional variations in washout characteristics are described in this article. While the volume of the flow domain plays a large role in the differences in T05 between the ventricular assist devices, after standardising for ventricular assist device volume, the secondary flow path was found to increase T05 by 35%. The results explain quantitatively, for the first time, why the CentriMag, which exerts low shear stress magnitude, has still been found to cause acquired von Willebrand Syndrome in patients.
Isotretinoin-induced urethritis versus non-gonococcal urethritis in a man who has sex with men: an open debate
Authors: Ballout Rami A , Maatouk Ismael
Published: March 2018

This is the case of a young man presenting with urethritis despite a negative infectious work-up. Careful history taking elucidated a strong correlation between symptom onset and a recent dose escalation of isotretinoin for treatment of his refractory cystic acne. The urethral symptoms quickly resolved with dose reduction, suggesting urethritis as a rare adverse reaction of isotretinoin.
Bridging the Gap in IMC Education: Where is the Academy Falling Short?
Authors: Stanaland Andrea J.S. , Helm Amanda E. , Kinney Lance
Published: March 2018

Integrated marketing communications isn't new, but it's gaining momentum as power shifts from the marketer to the consumer and as marketers recognize the power and efficiency of taking a holistic approach to engaging consumers… For too long, marketing functions have been vertically organized by media type. This siloed approach is mirrored on the agency side, with rewards based on discipline-specific P&L models. These silos must be torn down…The client-side strategic integrator must involve and lead a team of colleagues who have the responsibility, vision, understanding and commitment to engage in a media-agnostic planning process. And this team of enlightened marketers must be willing to let strategic goals-not historic patterns- drive budget allocations. –Bob Liodice, Advertising Age, June 9, 2008
From Web 2.0 to Web 3.0: Implications for Advertising Courses
Authors: Scovotti Carol , Jones Susan K.
Published: March 2018

The proliferation of advertising applications facilitated by Web 2.0 technology has changed the way organizations interact with customers. Sites like YouTube and Facebook have caused firms to modify advertising models to take into consideration the value of social media and user-generated content. However, with such content come critical issues about information accuracy, source credibility, and amateurish presentation. Web 3.0 combines human and artificial intelligence to make information richer, more relevant, accessible and timely. This paper describes applications made possible because of the generational changes of the Web and offers educators course content suggestions and experiential learning opportunities for their curriculum.
Teaching Advertising Media Planning in a Changing Media Landscape
Authors: Kim Yeusung , Patel Sheetal
Published: March 2018

In-depth interviews and a national survey of media planning educators were conducted to examine how the advertising media planning course is taught in today's dynamic media landscape. While the majority of respondents felt that media planning was exciting to teach, almost half were frustrated with keeping up with the changes in the industry. Educators indicated that teaching new and traditional media should be better integrated and that strategic thinking continues to be a key learning outcome that is challenging to teach. A model is proposed to address these goals by integrating the discussion on advertising media under the framework of connection planning and engagement theory.
Teaching ROI Analysis in an Era of Social Media
Authors: Cronin John J.
Published: March 2018

Measuring the financial performance of communication programs is essential, and ROI (return on investment) is the most important measure of financial performance. But university programs in advertising and marketing communication often have given little attention to ROI. The result has been complaints from business executives that graduates of these programs are inadequately prepared to conduct a financial analysis of communication campaigns. The calculation of ROI for social media campaigns is more complex than might be thought and adds to the challenge facing students. This paper describes the difficulties of performing financial analysis of social media campaigns and suggests a six-step process for teaching this important topic.
This Means War: Using an Advertising War Room Simulation to] Teach Social Media Skills
Authors: Kinsky Emily S.
Published: March 2018

The need for hands-on learning in advertising education has been expressed for decades. With the increasing push toward live tweeting by brands, more attention needs to be given in advertising classrooms to opportunities for students to practice online engagement. In this study, a class “war room” simulation offered an experiential learning opportunity and gave students a taste of how brands and their advertising agencies are handling Twitter and other social media channels during major live events like the Super Bowl. This hands-on exercise could give professors another tool to help reduce the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills. Through a post-event discussion and survey, students said they learned the importance of teamwork, client relationships and quick thinking. They were able to practice live tweeting on a client's behalf, interacting with followers and working under pressure.
Gaps in Advertising and Public Relations Education: Perspectives of Agency Leaders
Authors: Neill Marlene S. , Schauster Erin
Published: March 2018

Just as the advertising and public relations industries are evolving due to the development of new technology and communication tools, so are the demands of education. Through in-depth interviews with 29 executives working in both advertising and public relations agencies in the U.S., this study identifies the core skills and competencies needed to have successful careers in this new media landscape. While writing and presentation skills remain foundational, employers also are seeking math and data analysis skills associated with new jobs in social media listening and analytics. Meanwhile, some advertising executives lack the skills in issues and crisis management associated with online community management. Professionals in both disciplines also bemoan the lack of business literacy among communication majors and support situated learning opportunities to address these deficiencies.
As Seen on TV: How the Pitch Depicts the Advertising Creative Process
Authors: Schauster Erin , Ferrucci Patrick , Sharkey Kristen
Published: March 2018

This study examines the depiction of the creative process in AMC's The Pitch. Using textual analysis, three themes emerged: 1) competition is necessary to succeed in advertising; 2) creative ideas come with experience; and 3) the advertising creative process is a hierarchical autocracy These themes are explained, and, through the lens of cultivation theory, researchers discuss how this depiction of the creative process could positively and negatively impact students of advertising when used as a resource in undergraduate advertising curricula.
The Unintended Consequences and Why Total Market Strategy Continues to Underperform
Authors: Williams Carol H.
Published: March 2018

In the past few years, the advertising sphere has seen the rise of Total Market Strategy (TMS), calling for a single overarching message that is then implemented at the tactical and experiential level for specific segments under that umbrella. As this concept grows in popularity with clients, educators and students must understand the shortcomings of endorsing such a strategy, for often what TMS promises is not necessarily how it is practiced or performed. To not understand TMS' capabilities and shortcomings is to greatly impair the future of the industry, for every brilliant creative campaign that has penetrated American culture had a strong and sound strategy implemented in its execution.
Engaging Critical Pedagogy in the Classroom: A Student-Centered Approach to Advertising Education
Authors: Brown Christopher , Sekimoto Sachi
Published: March 2018

In this article, we explore the ways in which diversity education in advertising can be transformed through a critical pedagogical approach. Critical pedagogy is a student-centered learning approach, rooted in critical self-reflexivity and an understanding of how one's social location is a source of knowledge. This article refocuses attention to the classroom as a space for fostering students' critical consciousness about issues of identity and cultural difference. Approaching the classroom as a microcosm of society, we incorporate critical pedagogy as a means to educate future advertising professionals in an increasingly diverse society. We argue that recruiting and retaining students from underrepresented groups involve not only setting up a so-called “pipeline for success,” but also fostering a classroom environment that accounts for their lived experiences.
Mentors and Minority Advertising Students: A Survey of the 2017 Most Promising Multicultural Student Class
Authors: Kendrick Alice , Fullerton Jami
Published: March 2018

US advertising agencies have struggled to attract and retain ethnic and racial minority talent for decades, and the absence of professional mentors has been cited as an issue in job satisfaction among minority employees in the advertising industry. University advertising programs are recognized as an important pipeline of prospective minority hires, especially for agencies. This paper examines a group of minority advertising college seniors in terms of whether they currently have a professional mentor, as well as their career preferences and perceptions of advertising industry employment. The role of mentorship for minority advertising students, as well as implications for advertising educators and employers who seek to diversify their advertising organizations, are discussed.