bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐Hospital Outcomes After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Octogenarians
Authors: Sheng Siyuan P. , Strassle Paula D. , Arora Sameer , Kolte Dhaval , Ramm Cassandra J. , Sitammagari Kranthi , Guha Avirup , Paladugu Madhu B. , Cavender Matthew A. , Vavalle John P.
Published: January 2019

Background

Octogenarians have low physiologic reserve and may benefit more from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
) than surgical aortic valve replacement (
SAVR
).

Methods and Results

This retrospective cohort study based on the National Inpatient Sample included octogenarians who underwent
TAVR
or
SAVR
from 2012 to 2015. Crude and standardized‐morbidity‐ratio‐weighted regression models were used to compare in‐hospital outcomes. Among 19 145
TAVR
and 9815
SAVR
hospitalizations,
TAVR
patients had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (
CCI
) scores (2.0 versus 0.8,
P
<0.0001) than
SAVR
patients. Before weighting,
TAVR
was associated with significantly shorter length of stay, more home discharges, and lower incidences of acute kidney injury, bleeding, and cardiogenic shock. Associations were consistent across Charlson Comorbidity Index, except for
TAVR
being associated with greater length of stay reductions among patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2, compared with Charlson Comorbidity Index <2 (change in estimate −3.56 versus −2.61 days,
P
=0.004). After weighting,
TAVR
patients had significantly shorter length of stay (change in estimate −3.29 days, 95%
CI
−3.82, −2.75) and lower odds of transfer to skilled nursing facility (odds ratio 0.34, 95%
CI
0.29, 0.41), acute kidney injury (odds ratio 0.55, 95%
CI
0.45, 0.68), bleeding (odds ratio 0.44, 95%
CI
0.37, 0.53), and cardiogenic shock (odds ratio 0.55, 95%
CI
0.33, 0.92), compared with
SAVR
patients. Odds of permanent pacemaker implantation, transient ischemic attack/stroke, vascular complications, and in‐hospital mortality were not significantly different.

Conclusions

TAVR
may be preferred over
SAVR
in high‐risk octogenarians because of shorter length of stay, better discharge disposition, and less acute kidney injury, and bleeding. All octogenarians may benefit more from
TAVR
, irrespective of comorbidity burden, but additional research is needed to confirm our findings.
Taxonomy and geographic variation of Formicivora serrana (Hellmayr, 1929) and Formicivora littoralis Gonzaga and Pacheco, 1990 (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)
Authors: FIRME DANIEL H. , RAPOSO MARCOS A.
Published: January 2019

Formicivora serrana was described by Hellmayr in 1929 from specimens collected in Minas Gerais state, and subspecies F. s. interposita and F. s. littoralis by Gonzaga and Pacheco (1990) from specimens from Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states and Rio de Janeiro state, respectively. According to the latter authors, interposita is intermediate both geographically and morphologically in relation to F. s. serrana and F. s. littoralis. Two years after its description, F. s. littoralis was elevated to species status (Collar et al. 1992) and it has subsequently been considered a species of conservation concern because of its restricted geographical range and threatened habitat. Formicivora s. interposita, however, was not elevated and is generally considered a subspecies of serrana. In this study we review the taxonomy of F. serrana, testing the validity of F. littoralis and proposing the best taxonomic treatment for F. s. interposita. The results of morphometric, vocal and plumage analyses show that F. s. interposita and F. littoralis lack diagnostic characters, and are therefore not valid phylogenetic species. Further, our results indicate that F. littoralis is not a valid biological species, but that it and interposita could be considered subspecies of F. serrana under this species concept. These results stress the need for detailed systematic studies in support of taxonomic decisions.
A new species of anapid spider (Araneae: Araneoidea, Anapidae) in Eocene Baltic amber, imaged using phase contrast X-ray computed micro-tomography
Authors: PENNEY DAVID , MCNEIL ANDREW , GREEN DAVID I. , BRADLEY ROBERT , MARUSIK YURI M. , WITHERS PHILIP J. , PREZIOSI RICHARD F.
Published: January 2019

A new species of the extant spider family Anapidae is described from a fossil mature male in Eocene amber from the Baltic region and tentatively assigned to the genus Balticoroma Wunderlich, 2004. Phase contrast X-ray computed micro-tomography was used to reveal important features that were impossible to view using traditional microscopy. Balticoroma wheateri new species is easily diagnosed from all other anapids by having clypeal extensions that run parallel to the ectal surface of the chelicerae and in having the metatarsus of the first leg highly reduced and modified into what is presumably a y-shaped clasping structure. Although only a single extant anapid species occurs in northern Europe, the family was diverse in the Eocene. The discovery of yet another anapid species in Baltic amber supports the idea that Eocene European forests may have been a hotspot of evolution for this family of spiders.
Revision of the ant genus Calyptomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in South-east Asia and Oceania
Authors: SHATTUCK STEVEN O.
Published: January 2019

The South-east Asian and Oceanian fauna of the ant genus Calyptomyrmex is revised. Sixteen species are known from this region, 14 of which are newly described. These include asper sp. n., beccarii Emery, caledonicus sp. n., danum sp. n., fragarus sp. n., fritillus sp. n., grammus sp. n., lineolus sp. n., loweryi sp. n., ocullatus sp. n., rectopilosus Dlussky & Radchenko, retrostriatus sp. n., ryderae sp. n., sabahensis sp. n., sparsus sp. n. and taylori sp. n. The names emeryi Forel and glabratus Viehmeyer are synonymised under beccarii, the only widespread species in the region. All species are associated with rainforest habitats and most have been collected a limited number of times.
Exploring unknown life stages of Arctic Tanytarsini (Diptera: Chironomidae) with DNA barcoding
Authors: STUR ELISABETH , EKREM TORBJØRN
Published: January 2019

We present the first results from a project on Spitsbergen and Bear Island where the ultimate goal is to provide genetic and morphological identification keys to all species. Five Tanytarsini species have been recorded from Svalbard. By sequencing partial COI gene sequences, we have associated larvae of all of these, and describe the hitherto undescribed larval stages of Microspectra insignilobus Kieffer, M. radialis Goetghebuer and Tanytarsus heliomesonyctios Langton. We also present keys to larva, pupa and imagines of all Tanytarsini species found on Svalbard and discuss larval morphology in relationship to characters preserved in subfossil material. Of particular interest is the mandible and mentum of T. heliomsonyctios which show close resemblance to the tentatively associated larvae of Corynocera oliveri Lindeberg. An overview over Tanytarsus species with “lugens-type” larvae is given and the phylogenetic value of mandibular accessory teeth is briefly discussed.
Three new species of Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Nepal
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY V.
Published: January 2019

Lathrolestes is recorded from Nepal for the first time. Three new species are described and illustrated: L. roerichi sp. nov., L. lidae sp. nov., L. peisseli sp. nov. This is the first record of the tribe Perilissini from Nepal.
The Living Columbariinae (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Turbinellidae) of New Zealand
Authors: HARASEWYCH M. G.
Published: January 2019

The Columbariinae have been represented in the fauna of New Zealand from the Paleocene until the Recent, providing the longest known continuous record for the subfamily. Seven living species, representing the genera Columbarium, Coluzea, and Fulgurofusus, are recognized, and include two species, Fulgurofusus maxwelli and Fulgurofusus marshalli that are described as new. The New Zealand columbariine fauna is unusually diverse at the generic level, and includes the largest members of the subfamily, as well as the only primarily sublittoral species. The morphology, anatomy, and distribution of the living species are discussed, as are their relationships to living and fossil congeners.
A new Brazilian species of Loxandrus LeConte, 1852, with description of immatures and notes on natural history (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Loxandrini)
Authors: COSTA CLEIDE , VANIN SERGIO A. , DE CARVALHO THIAGO R.
Published: January 2019

Loxandrus oophagus sp. nov. is described (type-locality: Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil). Larvae, pupae and adults of the new species of the carabid beetle were collected on foam nests of the anuran Leptodactylus fuscus (Schneider, 1799) in the surroundings of Uberlândia, 18º55S, 48º17W (Brazil, Minas Gerais), at 750 m altitude. The new species is compared with the similar Loxandrus quinarius Will & Liebherr, 1997, only known from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, differing by the morphology of tarsomeres. Larvae prey on anuran eggs. Description of the immatures and the natural history of the species are provided. The larva differs from the known larvae of Loxandrus species mainly by being eruciform, glabrous and depigmented, its small head and legs, and the lack of stemmata and urogomphi, representing an unusual last instar type among the Carabidae.
A new species of the family Trochometridiidae (Acari: Heterostigmatina) associated with Paulusiella sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) from Iran
Authors: MORTAZAVI ABDOLAZIM , HAJIQANBAR HAMIDREZA , SABOORI ALIREZA
Published: January 2019

The mite species Trochometridium kermanicum Mortazavi & Hajiqanbar sp. nov. (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Trochometridiidae) associated with an elaterid beetle of the genus Paulusiella (Insecta: Coleoptera) is described from Iran. This is the first record of association between trochometridiid mites and beetles of the family Elateridae. The host range of the family Trochometridiidae is reviewed and a key to world genera and species is provided.
A new species of Phylloicus Müller, 1880 (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae), from southeastern Brazil, including descriptions of larval and pupal stages
Authors: QUINTEIRO FABIO B. , CALOR ADOLFO R. , FROEHLICH CLAUDIO G.
Published: January 2019

The cosmopolitan family Calamoceratidae Ulmer, 1906, has 8 living genera, among them Phylloicus Müller, 1880, with species distributed from South to Central America. This genus is characterized by its dark-colored adults (brown to black) with diurnal to crepuscular habits. In this paper, the adults, pupae, and larvae of Phylloicus camargoi n. sp. are described and illustrated. The new species is easily diagnosed by male tergum X bearing a short, digitate, setose, basodorsal process; 2 short, digitate, hairless, lateral processes; and 2 pairs of very short processes on the posterior margin: a pair of digitate, hairless, posterolateral processes, and a pair of posteromesal processes. Additional diagnostic characters are the presence of 3 color bands on the forewings, 2 golden longitudinal bands and a white transversal one.
Revision of the species of the New World genus Augochlora (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) occurring in the southern temperate areas of its range
Authors: DALMAZZO MILAGROS , ROIG-ALSINA ARTURO
Published: January 2019

Augochlora is a genus of mainly tropical bees, with few representatives in both North and South American temperate areas. In this contribution we present a taxonomic review of the species with southernmost distribution. Only five species occur in central Argentina and Uruguay, between 30º and 40º south latitude: A. iphigenia Holmberg, A. amphitrite (Schrottky), A. nausicaa (Schrottky), A. phoemonoe (Schrottky) and A. daphnis Smith. The first four species are common elements in the bee assemblages of the area. The fifth species, from Montevideo, Uruguay, is known from the type specimen only. Re-descriptions of all species, as well as illustrations, distributional data, and taxonomic keys are presented. A lectotype is designated for Augochlora iphigenia Holmberg, 1886. Oxystoglossa semiramis Schrottky, 1911, and Halictus brochidens Vachal, 1911, are new synonyms of A. iphigenia Holmberg. Odontochlora thebe Schrottky, 1909, is a new synonym of Odontochlora amphitrite Schrottky, 1909.
Description of new species of algal-boring Limnoria (Crustacea, Isopoda, Limnoriidae) from Japan and redescription of Limnoria segnoides Menzies, 1957 and L. nagatai Nunomura, 2012
Authors: YOSHINO HIROKI , OHSAWA TAKESHI A.
Published: January 2019

Previous research on the mitochondrial COI gene sequences of several populations of Limnoria nagatai Nunomura suggested a cryptic species from the Sea of Japan. A new species of algal-boring limnoriid is here described. Limnoria furca sp. nov. was collected from the holdfasts of Eisenia bicyclis on the Oki Islands and the Sea of Japan coast of Honshu and Kyushu Islands, Japan. L. furca sp. nov. is diagnosed morphologically by lacking a mandibular palp, faint subparallel carinae on the pleotelson, faint Y-shaped carinae on pereonite 5, the bifid lacinia mobilis of right mandible and the shapes of the secondary unguis on the pereopods. Similar species, L. segnoides Menzies, 1957 and L. nagatai Nunomura, 2012, are redescribed on the basis of the holotypes.
Psychotic versus non-psychotic bipolar disorder: Socio-demographic and clinical profiles in an Italian nationwide study
Authors: Altamura Alfredo Carlo , Buoli Massimiliano , Cesana Bruno Mario , Fagiolini Andrea , de Bartolomeis Andrea , Maina Giuseppe , Bellomo Antonello , Dell’Osso Bernardo ,   ISBD Italian Chapter Epidemiological Group
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Psychotic versus non-psychotic patients with bipolar disorder have been traditionally associated with different unfavorable clinical features. In this study on bipolar Italian patients, we aimed to compare clinical and demographic differences between psychotic and non-psychotic individuals, exploring clinical factors that may favor early diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Methods:

A total of 1671 patients (males: n = 712 and females: n = 959; bipolar type 1: n = 1038 and bipolar type 2: n = 633) from different psychiatric departments were compared according to the lifetime presence of psychotic symptoms in terms of socio-demographic and clinical variables. Chi-square tests for qualitative variables and Student’s t-tests for quantitative variables were performed for group comparison, and a multivariable logistic regression was performed, considering the lifetime psychotic symptoms as dependent variables and socio-demographic/clinical characteristics as independent variables.

Results:

Psychotic versus non-psychotic bipolar subjects resulted to: be more frequently unemployed ( p < 0.01) and never married/partnered ( p < 0.01); have an earlier age at onset ( p < 0.01); more frequently receive a first diagnosis different from a mood disorder ( p < 0.01); have a shorter duration of untreated illness ( p < 0.01); have a more frequently hypomanic/manic prevalent polarity ( p < 0.01) and a prevalent manic–depressive type of cycling ( p < 0.01); present a lower lifetime number of depressive episodes ( p < 0.01), but have more manic episodes ( p < 0.01); and less insight ( p < 0.01) and more hospitalizations in the last year ( p < 0.01). Multivariable regression analysis showed that psychotic versus non-psychotic bipolar patients received more frequently a first diagnosis different from bipolar disorder (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = [0.46, 0.90], p = 0.02) or major depressive disorder (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = [0.48, 0.91], p = 0.02), had more frequently a prevalent manic polarity (odds ratio = 1.84, 95% confidence interval = [1.14, 2.98], p < 0.01) and had a higher number of lifetime manic episodes (more than six) (odds ratio = 8.79, 95% confidence interval = [5.93, 13.05], p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Lifetime psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder are associated with unfavorable socio-demographic and clinical features as well as with a more frequent initial misdiagnosis.
Physical activity, physical function and quality of life in community-based maintenance cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Hately Garrick , Mandic Sandra
Published: January 2019

Objective:

This study compared physical activity (PA), physical function and quality of life in elderly individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and their non-CAD peers participating in community-based, maintenance cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Community-based maintenance CR programme.

Methods:

A total of 39 individuals (71.8% women; age 70.5 ± 5.5 years; 13 CAD, 26 non-CAD) wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed anthropometry, chair stands, handgrip strength, a Short Physical Performance Battery, a PA questionnaire (IPAQ- SF), a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), a 10-m shuttle walk test and two 6-minute walk tests.

Results:

Compared with the non-CAD group, the CAD group accumulated more objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous PA per week (329.7 ± 233.3 vs 160.6 ± 149.5 minutes, p = .013), achieved PA guidelines on more days per week (3.8 ± 2.2 vs 2.1 ± 2.6 days/week, p = .042), had a lower proportion of body fat (27.5 ± 8.4% vs 36.5 ± 8.7%, p = .004) and a higher proportion of muscle mass (72.5 ± 8.4% vs 63.0 ± 9.8%, p = .022). Physical function and quality of life were not different between the groups.

Conclusion:

Elderly CAD patients participating in community-based maintenance CR performed more PA and had more favourable body composition but similar physical function and quality of life compared with their non-CAD peers. Long-term participation in community-based maintenance CR may promote PA in elderly CAD patients and help maintain physical function and quality of life at a level similar to that of their non-CAD peers. However, due to a small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution and examined in future larger studies.
Current Trends in Hospital Pharmacy Practice in Lebanon
Authors: Chamoun Nibal , Usta Ulfat , Karaoui Lamis R. , Salameh Pascale , Hallit Souheil , Shuhaiber Patricia , Henaine Anna-Maria , Akiki Youssef , Zeenny Rony M. , Iskandar Katia
Published: January 2019

Objectives: For decades, the role of hospital pharmacists has been instrumental in elevating pharmacy practice worldwide. Recently, the Hospital Pharmacy Section of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP), and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) updated their statements about the future role and responsibilities of the pharmacy executive in hospitals and health systems. A series of surveys were conducted around the globe to better understand the current state of hospital pharmacy practice. The purpose of these surveys was to identify challenges in hospital pharmacy practice and to develop improvement strategies. The objective of this national survey is to evaluate hospital pharmacy practice in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed among pharmacists working in hospital settings in Lebanon, from January through June 2016. Based on a literature review, a questionnaire to elicit Lebanese hospital pharmacists’ practice was developed. Results: The results showed a nonsignificant difference between university teaching and nonuniversity teaching hospitals in the processes of drug procurement, preparation, dispensing, and drug administration. However, statistically significant differences were observed between university teaching and nonuniversity teaching hospitals with respect to having clinical pharmacists ( P < .001) and highly qualified personnel ( P < .005). Pharmacy services in teaching hospitals seemed to be more advanced cooperating with affiliated medical schools. Furthermore, teaching hospitals were more likely to have pharmacists providing information about the safety of the medications used ( P = .029). Although not statistically significant, there was a higher trend toward having a designated champion for medication safety ( P = .052). Conclusion: The results of our survey showed that teaching hospitals were more compliant with the International Statements of Hospital Pharmacy Practice compared with nonteaching hospitals. There is room for improvement especially if the application of the accreditation standards for safe hospital pharmacy practice becomes mandatory for all hospitals, which is expected to standardize pharmacy practice and secure both medication and patient safety.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of air flow and fiber dynamic in carding region in carding machine
Authors: He Shanshan , Cheng Longdi , Xue Wenliang , Lu Zhong , Chen Liguo
Published: January 2019

Regular cylinder metallic card clothing has a limited carding efficiency. As a result of the limited dimensions, any measurement between the cylinder and flat area is difficult to make. In this study, an approach is first proposed to simulate the flow field and a fiber finite-element model on the moving surface of the teeth and produce a new design of misaligned-teeth card clothing, with the aim of improving the carding efficiency. A comparison is made between regular and misaligned-teeth card clothing types with respect to flow field simulation and fiber mechanical properties. The results show that the force resulting from the tangential velocity between the cylinder and flat is as great as 1.86 × 10−3 N, sufficient to pull fiber out of tufts, and that the tangential velocity (from 3880 to 2500 mm/s) plays a major role in this area, as opposed to the axial velocity (from 0 to 190 mm/s). Through this comparison, the misalignment design can result in a different tangential velocity distribution from that of traditional card clothing, which helps fibers between two lines of teeth move into neighboring lines of teeth, thereby increasing the likelihood that fibers will be carded. For fiber mechanical analysis, different air forces are loaded on fibers. This comparison shows that for fibers in the channel, the misalignment can help fibers move toward the teeth. Therefore, this misaligned-teeth card clothing is thought to prove more effective in practice.
Demographics, A1C Testing, and Medication Use of Mexican Americans and Mexicans With Diabetes
Authors: Aponte Judith
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate diabetes rates among Mexicans 20 years and older living in the United States and Mexico in 2012 and 2016.

Methods

The national sample was the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012, NHANES 2015-2016, Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ie, Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 [ENSANUT 2012]), and ENSANUT de Medio Camino 2016 (ENSANUT-MC 2016). Sex, age, A1C testing, and medication use (insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and both) were examined among participants.

Results

Most participants in study were female (50.7%, 53.9%, and 57.2%) and were younger (61 years, 57 years, and 60 years). A1C testing was conducted more in the United States (69.6% and 82.6%) than in Mexico (9.5% and 15.1%). More Mexicans (73.1% and 67.8% vs 54.9% and 54.9%) were using oral hypoglycemic agents, while more Mexican Americans used insulin (12.6% and 11.6% vs 6.3% and 11.1%) and used both insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (17.1% and 15.8% vs 6.6% and 8.7%).

Conclusions

By examining and highlighting the diabetes mellitus practices and standardization of A1C testing, providers will be able to better understand and address the rising rates of diabetes in the United States and Mexico while driving practice and policy changes.
Diabetes Educators Beliefs About Patient Self-Management and Strategies Used to Support Persons With Diabetes
Authors: Gee Julie Peila , Scarbrough John , Bowker Dawn , Keller Teresa
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine diabetes educators’ beliefs about the importance of patients’ role in self-management and the relationship between educator-reported strategies used to support patients with diabetes.

Methods

Using a descriptive, cross-sectional study design, diabetes educators’ (n = 225) beliefs toward self-management were assessed using the Clinician Support–Patient Activation Measure 13 (CS-PAM). Support strategies were assessed using the Clinician Self-Management Scale (SMS).

Results

The CS-PAM score for diabetes educators ranged from 56.1 to 100.0. The SMS scores ranged from 2.44 to 5.00. Educators’ beliefs and support strategies used in clinical encounters were significantly correlated. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the beliefs of and support strategies used by educators and their characteristics.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the majority of diabetes educators highly support and embrace patients’ participation in their own care. Educators who are more supportive of patients in self-managing are more likely to use effective support strategies, as measured by the SMS, thereby fostering a sense of patient ownership in their own care and promoting behavioral change that may lead to improved health outcomes. The lack of statistical significance between the educators’ beliefs and support strategies used and personal characteristics points to clinical implications in that diabetes educators are well aligned in the care of persons with diabetes.
A Compassionate Self Is a True Self? Self-Compassion Promotes Subjective Authenticity
Authors: Zhang Jia Wei , Chen Serena , Tomova Shakur Teodora K. , Bilgin Begüm , Chai Wen Jia , Ramis Tamilselvan , Shaban-Azad Hadi , Razavi Pooya , Nutankumar Thingujam , Manukyan Arpine
Published: January 2019

Theory and research converge to suggest that authenticity predicts positive psychological adjustment. Given these benefits of authenticity, there is a surprising dearth of research on the factors that foster authenticity. Five studies help fill this gap by testing whether self-compassion promotes subjective authenticity. Study 1 found a positive association between trait self-compassion and authenticity. Study 2 demonstrated that on days when people felt more self-compassionate, they also felt more authentic. Study 3 discovered that people experimentally induced to be self-compassionate reported greater state authenticity relative to control participants. Studies 4 and 5 recruited samples from multiple cultures and used a cross-sectional and a longitudinal design, respectively, and found that self-compassion predicts greater authenticity through reduced fear of negative evaluation (Study 4) and heightened optimism (Study 5). Across studies, self-compassion’s effects on authenticity could not be accounted for by self-esteem. Overall, the results suggest that self-compassion can help cultivate subjective authenticity.
Patients’ Beliefs About Causes and Consequences of Heart Failure Symptoms
Authors: Heo Seongkum , Moser Debra K. , Lennie Terry A. , Grudnowski Sarah , Kim JinShil , Turrise Stephanie
Published: January 2019

Patients’ perceptions of the causes and consequences of heart failure (HF) symptoms may impact effective self-management. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore patients’ perceptions of HF symptom status and the causes and consequences on their daily lives in patients with HF. Descriptive and qualitative data were obtained from 20 patients using a semistructured interview guide. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. Participants reported 15 symptoms (median = 4). Five themes were (a) multiple causes and multiple symptoms; (b) knowing some causes, but still unclear; (c) not being able to live life as previously did; (d) facing emotional distress due to HF symptoms; and (e) development of new priorities and lifestyles. The findings demonstrate that all participants perceived considerable difficulties living with HF symptoms. More comprehensive interventions need to be delivered to patients to manage multiple causes and symptoms effectively.
Weight-Loss Resilience Among Low-Income Postpartum Women: Association With Health Habits
Authors: Walker Lorraine O. , Kang Sookja , S. Sterling Bobbie
Published: January 2019

Using a weight resilience framework, health habits of diet and physical activity, social support, and perceived stress were compared in women who lost weight (resilient) and those who did not lose or gained weight (nonresilient) during a weight-loss intervention. Participants were low-income postpartum women participating in a 13-week randomized treatment-control group intervention, with 20 of 50 classified as resilient in losing weight. Measures included the Postpartum Support Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and health habit items from the Self Care Inventory. Weight-loss resilient women showed significantly more frequent healthful dietary habits, such as eating a nutritious breakfast, and less frequent unhealthy habits, such as substituting junk food for meals, and less perceived stress than their nonresilient counterparts at both the midpoint and end of the study. Weight-loss resilient women also showed significantly more frequent physical activity habits at the end of the study. No social support differences were found.
Emergency surgery for left main disease: with and without cardioplegic arrest
Authors: Tsutsumi Koji , Ishida Osamu , Hashizume Kenichi , Inoue Yoshito
Published: January 2019

Background

The aims of this study were to evaluate the on-pump beating-heart technique of coronary artery bypass in patients with acute myocardial infarction and left main disease, and to retrospectively compare the early postoperative results with those of conventional on-pump arrested-heart coronary surgery.

Methods

Eighty-five patients with acute myocardial infarction caused by left main disease, who underwent emergency surgery between January 1998 and April 2017 at Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 56 were evaluated using propensity-matched analysis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure: group A ( n = 28) had on-pump surgery on the arrested heart, and group B ( n = 28) had on-pump surgery on the beating heart. Early postoperative results were compared between the two groups.

Results

Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups. The peak creatine kinase myocardial band level was significantly lower in group B (group A 151 vs. group B 91 IU·L−1, p = 0.01). The early mortality rate was higher in group A than group B, but the difference was not significant (group A 28.6% vs. group B 17.9%, p = 0.53).

Conclusions

There was no significant advantage based on surgical procedure between on-pump beating-heart surgery and on-pump surgery on the arrested heart. On-pump beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting significantly reduced the peak creatine kinase myocardial band level, but there were no significant differences in the early postoperative data, including the mortality rate and left ventricular function.
Exploring post-degree employment of recent music alumni
Authors: Brook Julia , Fostaty Young Sue
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this research was to identify the various types of employment held by music alumni at one university. We also compare the perceptions of alumni who currently work primarily in music with those of alumni who work outside the field. A mixed-methods research design that relied on surveys and interviews was used to gather data. Alumni employed primarily outside the field held a wide variety of roles and many reported incorporating their musical skills in these roles and they continued to engage in a variety of activities within the field of music. Those whose employment was primarily in music were more likely to have reported choosing to enroll in a music degree program with an express intention of gaining music-focused employment. Findings from this study illustrate that while graduates of music programs do find employment success, further investigation is necessary to identify the breadth of roles available, yet untapped, for music graduates and the perhaps entrepreneurial requirements for engagement in them. Our findings also point to the need for music programs to realign curriculum to better reflect the ever-expanding music sector.
Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement and Their Associations With Indirect Bullying, Direct Bullying, and Pro-Aggressive Bystander Behavior
Authors: Bjärehed Marlene , Thornberg Robert , Wänström Linda , Gini Gianluca
Published: January 2019

This study examined the links between seven specific mechanisms of moral disengagement and indirect bullying, direct bullying, and pro-aggressive bystander behavior. In addition, the moderating role of gender on these associations was examined. Participants were 317 Swedish students in Grades 4 to 8 ([Formula: see text], SD = 1.35; 62% girls). Multivariate multiple regression analyses showed that indirect bullying was predicted by gender and victim attribution. Direct bullying was predicted by moral justification, and for girls, by victim attribution. Pro-aggressive bystander behavior was predicted by diffusion of responsibility, victim attribution, gender, and age. That is, boys and younger students were more prone to take the aggressor’s side compared with girls and older students. Furthermore, the relation between pro-aggressive bystander behavior and distortion of consequences appeared stronger in boys than in girls. These results highlight the relative importance of specific moral disengagement mechanisms and may have implications for interventions targeting bullying.
Lateral Movement Decision Model for Powered Two-Wheelers in Taiwan
Authors: Dong Han , Chen Yen-Yu , Cirillo Cinzia , Wong K. I.
Published: January 2019

The maneuvering of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is non-lane-based, and the interactions between PTWs and other vehicles in mixed traffic are complex. The behavior of PTWs, particularly in developing countries, is not the same as that of passenger cars, which has been studied for several decades. This study contributes to the existing literature on PTWs in several ways. A real-world microscopic vehicle trajectory database has been digitalized from a video clip for a four-lane urban arterial in Taipei (Taiwan). From a modeling perspective, a dynamic discrete choice model is proposed to capture the lateral-shifting behaviors of PTWs in mixed traffic conditions. The model considers not only the positions of all surrounding vehicles but also riders’ perception of expected traffic conditions. The behavioral model is able to describe the sequential non-lane-based maneuvers of PTWs, including not following lane discipline, filtering, moving abreast of other vehicles in the same lane, oblique following, swerving, and overtaking from the same lane. The results indicate that a better model fit is obtained when taking into account the dynamic nature of the problem. The data and methods proposed have the potential to improve microscopic traffic simulation of mixed traffic with a large amount of PTWs. Practical applications are concerned with the improvement of road geometries and the definition of control strategies for mixed traffic flows.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Information Technologies for Public Transportation Project Inspection: A WSDOT Case Study
Authors: Yamaura Julian , Muench Stephen T. , Willoughby Kim
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a case study of the organizational change process associated with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) year-long research program that implemented a cloud-based mobile project inspection application to 18 project engineering offices (PEO) across the state. Ultimately, four out of the 18 PEOs decided to adopt the new technology. Data from semi-structured interviews and a user study conducted two months after implementation are used to identify organizational change strategies used by WSDOT, and how those relate to ideas from the general literature on change management. The loss of upper management program leaders, inadequate communication and training to prepare personnel for the change, and policy and procedural uncertainties in integrating the change with other systems and operations were found to be factors that may have influenced the outcome of the program. While this paper focuses on one DOT’s efforts, other DOTs may have similar organizational structures and implementation efforts, and the findings and lessons learned could serve as a representative model for how such implementation might best be accomplished in a DOT and how that might differ from traditional change management guidance.
Moisture Sensitivity of Asphalt Mixtures using Cycling Pore Pressure Conditioning
Authors: Sulejmani Pajtim , Said Safwat , Agardh Sven , Ahmed Abubeker
Published: January 2019

One of the major causes of premature failure in asphalt pavements is moisture damage. Asphalt mixtures designed without considering climate impacts may suffer from durability problems caused by movement of water inside the asphalt mixture. Rolling traffic over wet pavement builds up pore pressure in the mixture, which will consequently accelerate deterioration. The objective of the study was to assess the moisture damage to asphalt concrete mixtures by means of complex modulus testing of dry and moisture-conditioned asphalt specimens with various mixture compositions. The asphalt mixtures were conditioned with the Moisture Induced Sensitivity Tester (MIST), which aims to replicate pore pressure in field conditions. The results showed a decline in stiffness modulus and a reduction in elastic properties after MIST conditioning. In addition, the results indicated that binder content and air void content had a significant influence on the reduction in stiffness. To capture the relationship between air void content, binder content, and the reduction in stiffness, a relationship was developed and validated with measurements on cores extracted in the field.
Connecting Caregivers to Support: Lessons Learned From the VA Caregiver Support Program
Authors: Bruening Rebecca , Sperber Nina , Miller Katherine , Andrews Sara , Steinhauser Karen , Wieland G. Darryl , Lindquist Jennifer , Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Ramos Katherine , Henius Jennifer , Kabat Margaret , Van Houtven Courtney
Published: January 2019

Development and evaluation of supportive caregiver interventions has become a national priority. This study’s aim was to evaluate how caregivers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) use and value supportive services. Qualitative semi-structured interviews ( N = 50 caregivers) were the core of a mixed-methods design, and surveys ( N = 160) were supplemental. Caregivers who had used CSP services valued emotional, functional, and health care navigational support, calling support groups and the program coordinator their “lifeline.” However, many described a lack of connection with the program—not knowing about or successfully engaging in program services—and needed more information about available resources. Caregivers in rural areas or caring for individuals with specific diseases reported needing tailored services to meet their unique needs. Policy makers and practitioners should proactively promote supportive services for caregivers. Future research should explore strategies for reducing barriers to accessing tailored support to meet the needs of a diverse caregiver population.
Multidimensional Levels of Language Writing Measures in Grades Four to Six
Authors: Troia Gary A. , Shen Mei , Brandon Diana L.
Published: January 2019

This study examined multiple measures of written expression as predictors of narrative writing performance for 362 students in grades 4 through 6. Each student wrote a fictional narrative in response to a title prompt that was evaluated using a levels of language framework targeting productivity, accuracy, and complexity at the word, sentence, and discourse levels. Grade-related differences were found for all of the word-level and most of the discourse-level variables examined, but for only one sentence-level variable (punctuation accuracy). The discourse-level variables of text productivity, narrativity, and process use, the sentence-level variables of grammatical correctness and punctuation accuracy, and the word-level variables of spelling/capitalization accuracy, lexical productivity, and handwriting style were significant predictors of narrative quality. Most of the same variables that predicted story quality differentiated good and poor narrative writers, except punctuation accuracy and narrativity, and variables associated with word and sentence complexity also helped distinguish narrative writing ability. The findings imply that a combination of indices from across all levels of language production are most useful for differentiating writers and their writing. The authors suggest researchers and educators consider levels of language measures such as those used in this study in their evaluations of writing performance, as a number of them are fairly easy to calculate and are not plagued by subjective judgments endemic to most writing quality rubrics.
Improving the anti-washout property of calcium phosphate cement by introducing konjac glucomannan/κ-carrageenan blend
Authors: Qian Guowen , Li Xingmei , He Fupo , Ye Jiandong
Published: January 2019

Anti-washout calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was prepared by dissolving water-soluble konjac glucomannan (KGM) and κ-carrageenan (KC) blend in the cement liquid. The anti-washout property, setting time, compressive strength and in vitro cytocompatibility of the CPC modified with KGM/KC blend were evaluated. The results indicated that the CPC pastes modified with KGM/KC blend exhibited excellent anti-washout property. The addition of KGM/KC blend shortened the setting time and increased the injectability of CPC. Although the introduction of KGM/KC blend reduced the compressive strength of CPC, the compressive strength still surpassed that of human cancellous bone. The optimal KGM/KC mass ratio was 2:8, with which the modified cement exhibited the most efficient washout resistance and the highest compressive strength. The introduction of KGM/KC blend obviously promoted the proliferation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This anti-washout CPC modified by KGM/KC blend with excellent in vitro cytocompatibility will have good prospects for application in bone defect repair.
Risk Profiles for Care Dependency: Cross-Sectional Findings of a Population-Based Cohort Study in Germany
Authors: Schnitzer Susanne , Blüher Stefan , Teti Andrea , Schaeffner Elke , Ebert Natalie , Martus Peter , Suhr Ralf , Kuhlmey Adelheid
Published: January 2019

Background: Rising life expectancy in Western societies is accompanied by a rising incidence of care dependency (CD) among older people. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine which health-related and social determinants were associated with CD. Method: We used cross-sectional data from the first follow-up ( N = 1,699) of a prospective, population-based cohort study of older participants (≥70 years). CD was assessed if participants required substantial assistance in at least two activities of daily living for 90+ minutes daily. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied. Results: Participants’ mean age was 82 years; 18.9% were care-dependent. CD was significantly associated with older age, urinary incontinence, stroke, falls, cancer, diabetes, education level, having no partner, limited mobility, and limited physical activity. Discussion: Our research highlights the importance of promoting mobility, even in care-dependent people. Further research should investigate the role of partnership in terms of the prevention and delay of CD.
Service to the Nation: Prospective Participants’ Engagement With National Service in Ghana
Authors: Schroyens Maarten , Langer Arnim , Meuleman Bart
Published: January 2019

The engagement of participants in mandatory national youth service programs is a potentially important, but often neglected factor in understanding why these programs do or do not achieve their intended outcomes. This study examines the engagement of prospective participants in national service by testing competing theoretical frameworks on motivations for volunteering. Specifically, we examine motivational, institutional, and group identity theories and apply them to a mandatory national service program in a non-Western context: Ghana’s National Service Scheme (NSS). We analyze data from an online survey among almost 3,000 university students who are prospective NSS participants. Results indicate that the motivational perspective is very useful to understand engagement in mandatory community service in developing countries. In addition, the institutional and group identity perspectives are found to be complementary to this motivational perspective.
Toxic violence: The politics of militarized toxicity in Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Logan Drake
Published: January 2019

US-led military forces have repeatedly used toxic munitions and everyday military practices in Iraq and Afghanistan, introducing known carcinogens, teratogens, and genotoxins into the environment without adequate transparency or remediation. Counter to dominant frames problematizing militarized toxicities as merely medical-epidemiological or environmental, I develop the concept of toxic violence to name state violence which employs or produces toxic exposures as weaponry, tactic, or by-product. I analyze the ways in which toxic violence is produced by an uneven field of intentionality, and structured by systemic political and economic factors. I also address the persistent evidentiary dynamics of research and discourse on its health effects. Tracing the multiple ways it defies conventional frames for assessing damage, I analyze how toxic violence constitutes an ongoing, self-replicative form of harm, and press critical questions toward refiguring accountability for its unfolding aftermaths.
Sensitivity of histology for the detection of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Borteiro Claudio , Kolenc Francisco , Verdes José Manuel , Martínez Debat Claudio , Ubilla Martín
Published: January 2019

Histology is often underappreciated for the detection of the amphibian pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the cause of the potentially lethal skin disease chytridiomycosis. We evaluated the sensitivity of histology to detect chytrids in 20 wild specimens of 2 frog species from Uruguay that were clinically normal, but confirmed by PCR to be infected by B. dendrobatidis. We detected maturing and sporulated sporangia in 15 of 20 (75%) frogs, which is more sensitive than previously reported for histology. The effort needed to identify chytrids in histologic skin sections of Physalaemus henselii and Pleurodema bibroni required examination of 3.2 and 8.7 mm of skin sections for each frog species, respectively.
Neuroborreliosis in a horse with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Pecoraro Heidi L. , Felippe M. Julia B. , Miller Andrew D. , Divers Thomas J. , Simpson Kenneth W. , Guyer Kimberly M. , Duhamel Gerald E.
Published: January 2019

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a rare condition in adult horses characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to parasitic and bacterial infections, including recurrent respiratory diseases, septicemia, and meningitis. Lyme disease is often included as a differential diagnosis in CVID horses with signs of meningitis; however, the Borrelia burgdorferi organism has not been demonstrated previously within central nervous system tissues of CVID horses with neurologic disease, to our knowledge. We report herein a case of neuroborreliosis in a CVID horse, confirmed by combined immunologic testing, histopathology, real-time PCR assay, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical staining. Implications of these findings include heightened monitoring of CVID horses for Lyme disease in endemic areas and appropriate therapy in the case of neurologic disease.