bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of urinary angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in diabetes and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Gilbert Akankwasa , Cheng Guixue , Qin Xiaosong , Gorret Abalinda Mary , Deo Kabuye , An Changjuan , Liu Jianhua
Published: December 2018

Urinary angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is significantly increased in diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. While studies on its clinical significance are still underway, its urinary expression, association with metabolic and renal parameters has been in the recent past considerably studied. The recent studies have demystified urine ACE2 in many ways and suggested the roles it could play in the management of diabetic nephropathy. In all studies the expression of urinary ACE2 was determined by enzyme activity assay and/with the quantification of ACE2 protein and mRNA by methods whose reliability are yet to be evaluated. This review summarizes recent findings on expression of urinary ACE2, examines its relationship with clinical parameters and highlights possible applications in management of diabetic nephropathy.
Analysis of laboratory critical values at a referral Spanish tertiary university hospital
Authors: Arbiol-Roca Ariadna , Corral-Comesaña Sofía , Cano-Corres Ruth , Castro-Castro María José , Dastis-Arias Macarena , Dot-Bach Dolors
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyse critical value data from our laboratory and compare our critical value reporting policy with others in the literature. Materials and methods: Analysis of critical values was performed on data obtained over a 6-month period in a tertiary university hospital. Results: We identified 5723 critical values, of which approximately 80% came from STAT testing (4577), 15% from routine inpatients testing (884) and 5% from routine outpatients testing (262). The highest proportion of critical values corresponded to oxygen partial pressure (17.7%), followed by potassium ion (17.6%) concentrations. The parameters associated with the highest critical value notification percentage in emergency patients were pH, haematocrit, glucose, potassium ion and haemoglobin concentrations. In inpatients, these parameters were glucose, phosphate, haemoglobin, sodium ion and potassium ion concentrations. In outpatients, they were calcium and potassium concentrations. Conclusions: The analysis of critical values in our hospital is in accordance with that reported in the literature. Our findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating improvement actions not only in critical value notification, but especially in the registration of this activity.
River Discharge and Bathymetry Estimation from Inversion of Surface Currents and Water Surface Elevation Observations
Authors: Simeonov Julian A. , Holland K. Todd , Anderson Steven P.
Published: December 2018

We developed an approach for estimating river discharge and water depth from measurements of surface velocity and water surface elevation, based on analytical velocity–depth and velocity–slope relationships derived from the steady gravity–friction momentum balance and mass conservation. A key component in this approach is specifying the influence of bottom friction on the modeled depth-averaged flow. Accordingly, we considered two commonly used bottom friction parameterizations—a depth-independent Darcy friction coefficient and a depth-dependent friction coefficient based on the Manning’s roughness parameter. Assuming that the bottom friction coefficient is known, the unknown discharge was determined by minimizing the difference between the measured total head profile and the one determined from the velocity–slope relationship. The model performance and its sensitivity to key assumptions were evaluated using existing bathymetry data, and surface velocity and elevation observations obtained during field experiments on the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and the Hanford reach of the Columbia River. We found that the Manning’s friction parameterization provided superior depth and discharge estimates, compared to the Darcy friction law. For both steady and moderately unsteady flow, inversions based on the Manning’s friction provided discharge and thalweg depth estimates with relative errors not exceeding 5% and 12%, respectively.
Phonosurgical Resection Using Submucosal Infusion Technique for Early Glottic Lesions: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedure?
Authors: Lazio Maria Silvia , Vallin Alberto , Giannini Costanza , Taverna Cecilia , Maggiore Giandomenico , Saraceno Massimo Squadrelli , Gallo Oreste
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the submucosal infusion combined with microflap dissection via laser CO2 as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for superficial glottic lesions. To define a safe surgical procedure in terms of local control, a morphometric study of surgical margins was performed.

Methods:

From January 2011 to January 2016, we treated 122 patients with early glottic lesions with phonomicrosurgery. Patients with effective hydrodissection underwent a microflap and type I-II diagnostic cordectomy. In the others, a biopsy was carried out, and in the case of a malignant lesion, a type III to VI cordectomy was performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) for all the lesions was also determined according to comparative assessments of surgical margins. The Voice Handicap Index was used to evaluate functional outcomes.

Results:

In 27 cases (32%), hydrodissection was effective; specifically, 24 (88.8%) were premalignant lesions, and 3 (11.2%) had a carcinoma. In 56 patients (68%), hydrodissection was not adequate, and a biopsy was performed: 9 (16%) were premalignant and 47 (84%) malignant lesions. The DFS analysis suggests that margins >0.7 mm resulted in a cutoff that can guarantee a safe procedure in the case of effective hydrodissection ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Phonomicrosurgery may be both a diagnostic and therapeutic option with oncological efficacy for superficial glottic lesions of undetermined nature when surgical margins exceed 0.7 mm. In case of inadequate hydrodissection, the hypothesis of an infiltrative carcinoma warrants a wider cordectomy.
The Use of Procalcitonin for Prediction of Pulmonary Bacterial Coinfection in Children With Respiratory Failure Associated With Viral Bronchiolitis
Authors: Ericksen Ryan T. , Guthrie Cecilia , Carroll Timothy
Published: December 2018

Objectives. Viral bronchiolitis is a frequent cause of pediatric hospitalization and respiratory failure. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker used to identify serious bacterial infection and can distinguish bacterial and viral infections. Concomitant bacterial pneumonia is not rare in viral bronchiolitis and can lead to a worse clinical course. This study examined the use of PCT in pediatric patients with respiratory failure attributed to viral bronchiolitis to predict concomitant bacterial pneumonia. Methods. This prospective descriptive study evaluated children less than 4 years of age who underwent endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure due to viral bronchiolitis. PCT levels and endotracheal aspirate cultures were obtained at admission. Bacterial pneumonia was defined as at least moderate growth of a single pathogenic organism from endotracheal culture. PCT levels were evaluated in groups with and without concomitant bacterial pneumonia. Results. Thirty-five patients were enrolled between February 2013 and May 2015. All subjects tested positive for at least 1 viral pathogen by nasal wash polymerase chain reaction or enzyme immunoassay. The top viruses obtained were respiratory syncytial virus (n = 15, 42.8%) and rhinovirus (n = 8, 22.9%). The incidence of bacterial pneumonia was 60% (21/35). The PCT median was 0.93 ng/mL (interquartile range = 0.25-6.64) in the bacterial pneumonia group and 1.85 ng/mL (interquartile range = 0.28-7.94) in the nonbacterial pneumonia group. No correlation was found between PCT and bronchiolitis with bacterial coinfection ( P = .74). Conclusion. Incidence of bacterial coinfection in patients with respiratory failure and viral bronchiolitis was high. PCT did not predict concomitant bacterial pneumonia in children with viral bronchiolitis.
The Composer Goes to the Classroom
Authors: Getino Julia , González-Martín Cristina , Valls Assumpta
Published: December 2018

This article describes a project in which contemporary music is studied and created in primary-school classrooms in the presence of a composer. Listening to and analyzing a composer’s works fosters musical creation processes in students, who subsequently present and discuss their works in a meeting with the composer. Finally, the students’ works are performed in public in a concert for children from various participating schools. We describe the project design and offer reflections based on the perspective of one of the participating teachers, as well as enumerate some of the benefits/implications of projects like this.
Straight from the Source: Perceptions of Students with Visual Impairments about Graphic Use
Authors: Zebehazy Kim T. , Wilton Adam P.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study analyzed the responses of a survey of students with visual impairments in Canada and the United States about their use of tactile and print graphics. Demographic, Likert scale, and open-ended questions focused on perceptions of quality, preferences, instruction, and strategies.

Methods

Percentages of agreement for tactile and print graphic users are reported. Comparisons were made between the two groups.

Results

Students felt positive about the quality of the graphics, but density and complexity were identified as challenges. Students varied as to whether they felt graphics supported their understanding of concepts. Both groups indicated that written descriptions were helpful. Students in this survey were positive about knowing how to use strategies that help them access graphics.

Discussion

Tactile graphics appear to play an additional role in inclusion for some students. Attention to instructional needs should not overlook students with visual impairments who use print graphics. Additional inclusion of quality written descriptions may support understanding of graphical information.

Implications for practitioners

Conceptual understanding would be supported by helping students recognize where graphics and descriptions are useful. Timeliness of access to graphics in the classroom and attention to quality graphics that reduce complexity and clutter remain important.
Insights into the Feelings, Thoughts, and Behaviors of Children with Visual Impairments: A Focus Group Study Prior to Adapting a Cognitive Behavior Therapy–Based Anxiety Intervention
Authors: Visagie Lisa , Loxton Helene , Stallard Paul , Silverman Wendy K.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Anxiety is the most common psychological problem reported among children with visual impairments. Although cognitive behavior therapy interventions have proven successful in treating childhood anxiety, it is unclear whether they are suitable and accessible for children who have visual impairments. This study aimed to determine if and how traditional cognitive behavior therapy–based interventions could be adapted for use with this specific population by interviewing children with visual impairments themselves.

Methods

A qualitative research design was used. Sixteen children with visual impairments (aged 9 to 13 years) participated in two focus group interviews. Participants attended two special schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was undertaken.

Results

Three primary themes emerged from the focus group data: (1) difficulties encountered by children with visual impairments; (2) existing coping strategies; and (3) insight into the concepts of feelings, thoughts and behaviors (central to cognitive behavior therapy).

Discussion

The emergent themes and their implications for the adaptation of a cognitive behavior therapy–based anxiety intervention are discussed.

Implications for practitioners

Results provide practitioners with guidelines to consider when using or adapting therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy for children with visual impairments.
Populism and the politics of redemption
Authors: da Silva Filipe Carreira , Vieira Mónica Brito
Published: December 2018

This article re-examines current definitions of populism, which portray it as either a powerful corrective to or the nemesis of liberal democracy. It does so by exploring a crucial but often neglected dimension of populism: its redemptive character. Populism is here understood to function according to the logic of resentment, which involves both socio-political indignation at injustice and envy or ressentiment. Populism promises redemption through regaining possession: of a lower status, a wounded identity, a diminished or lost control. Highly moralized images of the past – historical or archetypal – are mobilized by populist leaders to castigate the present and accelerate the urgency of change in it. The argument is illustrated with Caesar’s Column, a futuristic novel written by the Minnesota populist leader Ignatius Donnelly. The complex and ambivalent structure of this dystopian novel – a textual source for the Populist Party manifesto in the 1890s, which stands in contrast with agrarian populism as everyday utopia – enables us to move beyond the polarized positions dominating the current debate. Reading Caesar’s Column ultimately shows that populism can be both a corrective and a danger to democracy, but not for the reasons usually stated in the literature.
Populism, 21st-century socialism and corruption in Venezuela
Authors: Maya Margarita López
Published: December 2018

This article seeks to explore the relationship between populism, 21st-century socialism, and the emergence of what has been referred to as an ‘ estado delincuente’ (criminal state), in the case of Venezuela. That is, a state structure permeated with transnational organized crime mafias in the executive and the judiciary, in the financial system, the prosecutor’s office, the police, the armed forces, the prison system, state-owned companies, governorships, and city councils, among other state institutions. First, I review conceptual aspects of populism to understand how this served as the basis for creating the postulates of 21st-century socialism, which promoted the institutional destruction of Venezuelan democracy and created the conditions for the unbridled dissemination of state corruption. Second, emblematic cases of white-collar and blood crimes, nepotism and other corrupt activities are discussed to provide an idea of the magnitude of the issues that permeate the state apparatus. To conclude, I provide a critical summary of the consequences of this way of doing politics in contemporary Venezuela.
Clinical Opinion Letters Regarding Breastfeeding and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome for Child Apprehension Family Court Proceedings
Authors: Paynter Martha Jane
Published: December 2018

The accelerating reach of opioid use disorder in North America includes increasing prevalence among pregnant people. In Canada, the rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) rose 27% between 2012–2013 and 2016–2017, and it is estimated that 0.51% of all infants now experience NAS after delivery. Pregnant people are a priority population for access to opioid replacement therapy programs. Participation in such programs demonstrates significant commitment to self-care among pregnant people and concern for fetal and infant wellbeing. Participation in opioid replacement therapy often results in family surveillance by Child Protection Services and infant apprehension. Children of Indigenous descent are held in foster care at high and disproportionate rates.The Convention on the Rights of the Child principle of Best Interests of the Child governs family law and child access decisions. The value of breastfeeding for all children and in particular for children recovering from NAS can be a consideration in the Best Interest of the Child. Clinicians with expertise in lactation may support the breastfeeding dyad to remain together by preparing Clinical Opinion Letters for the court. This Insights into Policy presents a how-to description of the content of clinical opinion letters in such cases, including context and process considerations, client background, breastfeeding science, and factors specific to neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Barriers and Drivers to Accessing and Using Workforce and Technical Assistance Resources for Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMMs) in Rural Regions
Authors: Lyon-Hill Sarah , Cowell Margaret , Tate Scott , Alwang Albert
Published: December 2018

Workforce shortages and market shifts have left many small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) struggling to maintain their operations. Still some SMMs tend not to utilize the workforce development and technical assistance resources available to them. This is particularly true of those in more rural regions where manufacturing is even more essential to the sustained vitality of these economies. This study explores the factors preventing these firms from pursuing and accessing these services. The authors used surveys and interviews to engage manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees in rural Southwestern Virginia and identify factors limiting their participation in these services. Findings indicate constant and consistent outreach to SMMs, regular engagement in social and economic networks, and a diverse array of services tailored to rural SMMs’ needs to play key roles in developing productive partnerships between SMMs and resource providers.
Using an Algorithm to Assess Vaccination Among Patients Who Attended a Pharmacy Student–Driven Statewide Free Health Screening
Authors: Bowers Brandi L. , Rowe Jordan M. , Stafford Rachel A.
Published: December 2018

Background

National vaccination rates remain below goals. Given the geographic availability of community pharmacies, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide immunizations. However, many pharmacists may not be proactively recommending vaccinations to patients.

Objective

The objective of this project was to assess recommendation acceptance rates among patients who attended a pharmacy student–driven statewide free health screening.

Methods

A brief algorithm addressing 4 routine adult vaccinations was created for use by student pharmacists to initiate conversations regarding potentially indicated vaccines with patients. This algorithm was employed at statewide screenings in 2014 and 2015 with expert users available for further discussion. Follow-up to determine recommendation acceptance and identify barriers to immunization occurred 3 to 12 months after screening. The primary end point of change in immunization recommendation acceptance rates between 2014 and 2015 was analyzed using a chi-square test; secondary objectives included changes in consent rates and thematic analysis of reported barriers.

Results

A total of 1016 patients were screened. Of these, 403 (39.7%) patients gave consent for student pharmacists to follow-up on vaccine recommendations. The overall recommendation acceptance rate was 27%, with approximately 46% of patients accepting at least 1 recommendation. Acceptance rates significantly decreased in the second year (36.5% vs 23.5%, P < .001), while consent for follow-up significantly increased (20% vs 64%, P < .001). Commonly reported barriers to immunization included resistance to vaccines, forgetfulness, and cost.

Conclusion

This algorithm provided a method for novice users to initiate conversations with patients about immunizations and may allow novices to act as pharmacist extenders to improve immunization rates.
Health Care Expenditures and Utilization Among Older Mexican Adults
Authors: Avila Jaqueline C. , Kaul Sapna , Wong Rebeca
Published: December 2018

Objectives: Examine differences in health care utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures among older Mexican adults in 2001 and 2012, and identify individual characteristics associated with utilization and expenditures in both years. Method: Data from the 2001 and 2012 cross-sections of the Mexican Health and Aging Study were utilized. Outcomes included nights spent in the hospital, medical/outpatient procedures, and OOP expenditures with these services. Covariates included demographics and comorbidities. Two-part regression models were used to identify covariates associated with utilization and expenditures in each year. Results: The proportion of those who spent at least one night in the hospital or had at least one medical/outpatient visit was higher in 2012 than in 2001, while the proportion of individuals with OOP expenditures decreased between the years. Those with more comorbidities had the highest OOP expenditures in both years. Discussion: Although the population paying for health care services OOP was lower in 2012, there is persistent inequality in expenditures across population groups.
Alterations in muscle activation patterns during robot-assisted bilateral training: A pilot study
Authors: Sheng Bo , Tang Lihua , Xie Shengquan , Deng Chao , Zhang Yanxin
Published: December 2018

Robot-assisted bilateral training is being developed as a new rehabilitation approach for stroke patients. However, there is still a lack of understanding of muscle functions when performing robot-assisted synchronous movements. The aim of this work is to explore the muscle activation patterns and the voluntary effort of participants during different robot-assisted bilateral training protocols. To this end, 10 healthy participants were recruited to take part in a 60-minute experiment. The experiment included two different bilateral exercises, and each exercise contained four different training protocols. Trajectories of the robots, interaction force and surface electromyogram signals were recorded during training. The results show that the robots do affect the muscle activation patterns during different training protocols and exercises rather than the controller. Specifically, the activity of muscles is reduced in robot-assisted training but is increased in active force involved robot-assisted training when compared to robot-unassisted training. Meanwhile, the voluntary effort of participants can be presented by the adjusted trajectories via the controller. In addition, the results also suggest that the activations for the same muscle groups in the left and right arms are highly correlated with each other in both exercises. Furthermore, the training protocols and methods developed in this work could be further extended in future clinical trials to investigate therapeutic outcomes for patients as well as to better understand bilateral recovery processes.
Mandatory sentencing? Use [with] discretion
Authors: Warner Kate , Spiranovic Caroline , Freiberg Arie , Davis Julia
Published: December 2018

When asked about sentencing discretion and mandatory sentences, jurors participating in the Victorian Jury Sentencing Study expressed strong support for sentencing discretion and weak support for mandatory sentences despite a belief by jurors that, in general, sentences are too lenient. This strengthens the argument that polls that pose a general question about mandatory sentences or sentencing severity divorced from the context of a specific case are an inadequate and misleading measure of public opinion.
Efficient model of tumor dynamics simulated in multi-GPU environment
Authors: Kłusek Adrian , Łoś Marcin , Paszyński Maciej , Dzwinel Witold
Published: December 2018

The application of computer simulation as a tool in predicting cancer dynamics (e.g. during anticancer therapy) requires tumor models, which are nontrivial and, simultaneously, not computationally demanding. To this end, both the level of details and computational efficiency of the model should be well balanced. The restrictions on computational time are forced by very demanding data assimilation process in the phase of parameters learning and their correction on the basis of incoming medical data. Herein we present a very efficient multi-GPU/CUDA implementation of three-dimensional (3-D) cancer model which allows for simulating both the growth and treatment phases of tumor dynamics. We demonstrate that the interaction between the tissue and the discrete network of blood vessels is a crucial component, which influences considerably the simulation time. Here we present a new solution which eliminates this flaw. We show also that the efficiency of our model does not depend on the complexity of tumor setup. As an example, we confront the growth of tumor in a simple and homogeneous environment with melanoma evolution, which proliferates in a complex environment of human skin. Consequently, the 3-D simulation of a tumor growth up to 1 cm in diameter requires an hour of computations on a midrange multi-GPU server.
Experience of mental health diagnosis and perceived misdiagnosis in autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults
Authors: Au-Yeung Sheena K , Bradley Louise , Robertson Ashley E , Shaw Rebecca , Baron-Cohen Simon , Cassidy Sarah
Published: December 2018

Previous research shows that autistic people have high levels of co-occurring mental health conditions. Yet, a number of case reports have revealed that mental health conditions are often misdiagnosed in autistic individuals. A total of 420 adults who identified as autistic, possibly autistic or non-autistic completed an online survey consisting of questions regarding mental health diagnoses they received, whether they agreed with those diagnoses and if not why. Autistic and possibly autistic participants were more likely to report receiving mental health diagnoses compared to non-autistic participants, but were less likely to agree with those diagnoses. Thematic analysis revealed the participants’ main reasons for disagreement were that (1) they felt their autism characteristics were being confused with mental health conditions by healthcare professionals and (2) they perceived their own mental health difficulties to be resultant of ASC. Participants attributed these to the clinical barriers they experienced, including healthcare professionals’ lack of autism awareness and lack of communication, which in turn prevented them from receiving appropriate support. This study highlights the need for autism awareness training for healthcare professionals and the need to develop tools and interventions to accurately diagnose and effectively treat mental health conditions in autistic individuals.
Alternative methods for selecting web survey samples
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Ochoa Carlos
Published: December 2018

Probability-based sampling is the gold standard for general population surveys. However, when interested in more specific populations (e.g., consumers of a particular brand), a lot of research uses data from non-probability-based online panels. This article investigates different ways to select a sample in an opt-in panel: without previous information, using profiling information, or using passive data from a tracker installed on the panelists’ devices. Moreover, it investigates the effect of sending the survey closer to the “moment-of-truth,” which is expected to reduce memory limitations in recall questions. Using additional information (profiling or passive) to select the sample leads to clear improvements in terms of levels of participation and fieldwork efficiency, but not in terms of data quality (measured by the proportion of don’t know answers and the length of answers to open narrative questions) or accuracy (measured by comparing the answers to 14 questions to an external source of information). Doing the survey closer to the “moment-of-truth” further improves the fieldwork efficiency; however, there are still many challenges to implement true “in-the-moment” surveys. We also observed differences across the different samples in respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and in the survey evaluation.
The performance and durability of polyethylene terephthalate and crumb rubber–modified road pavement surfaces
Authors: Maharaj Rean , Maharaj Chris , Mahase Martina
Published: December 2018

This research investigates the influence of waste polymeric polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials obtained from waste plastic bottles and crumb rubber (CR) obtained from used automobile tyres on the performance (Marshall stability, flow and compression) and durability (weathering) characteristics of road-paving material made from Trinidad Petroleum Bitumen and the world-renowned Trinidad Lake Asphalt. Apart from possibly serving as additives to improve performance, incorporating waste PET and CR in asphaltic road-paving materials also offers a viable means of alleviating health and environmental problems associated with the waste disposal of PET and CR. The results of the Marshall testing found that the optimum dosage for polymer modification was 1.0% and 5.0% for PET and CR polymers, respectively. In comparison with a Marshall stability value for the unmodified asphalt sample of 10.2 kN with a corresponding flow value of 3.1 mm, the 5% PET modified sample had a Marshall stability value of 10.2 kN with a flow value of 3.2 mm, while the CR modified sample recorded the highest Marshall stability value of 10.7 kN at corresponding flow value of 2.8 mm. An undesirable trend of the gradual increasing of the voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) with incremental increases in the % of added PET and CR was observed; however, for all the modified specimens with the exception of the 5% PET modified sample, the VMA fell within the acceptable range of between 14% and 20%. The results of accelerated weathering and compression testing demonstrated that both the 1% PET and the 5% CR-modified samples had higher durability and compressive strength characteristics than the unmodified samples. Compressive stress values for the polymer-modified specimens were in excess of 45% compared to the unmodified ones. The relevance of the values obtained in this study cannot be ignored as it provides practical and essential data, especially of the optimal dosages of PET and CR required for the enhancement of the mechanical and durability properties of the Trinidad road-paving materials while simultaneously providing an environmentally desirable and sustainable method for reusing these waste polymers. Commercial application of the optimum formulation can be immediately implemented.
Endovascular Treatment of Concomitant Carotid Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Atherosclerotic Disease After Failed Open Surgical Treatment
Authors: Al-Nouri Omar , Pan James , Mannava Krishna
Published: December 2018

We describe a case of concomitant fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and atherosclerotic internal carotid artery (ICA) disease in a symptomatic patient. Sixty-eight-year-old female presented for evaluation of a transient ischemic attack. Imaging revealed severe proximal >80% ICA stenosis with severe FMD to mid and distal ICA. Planned hybrid approach with left carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and balloon angioplasty was aborted intraoperatively due to lack of back bleeding. Open gradual rigid dilation was then performed with resumption of back bleeding. Completion angiogram revealed widely patent flow through CEA patch with no residual defects. Patient awoke from operation neurologically intact. At 6-month follow-up, carotid duplex revealed severe recurrent ICA stenosis. Endovascular intervention was performed with balloon dilation to the proximal and mid-ICA with stenting of a moderate 60% ostial common carotid stenosis. She recovered well from procedure with 3-month carotid duplex showing widely patent common carotid stent and ICA with no areas of stenosis. Informed consent has been obtained from the patient for publication of the case report and accompanying images.
Perception of another person’s maximum reach-with-jump height from walking kinematics
Authors: Weast-Knapp Julie A , Shockley Kevin , Riley Michael A , Cummins-Sebree Sarah , Richardson Michael J , Wirth Trenton D , Haibach Philip C
Published: December 2018

Humans can perceive affordances (possibilities for action) for themselves and others, including the maximum overhead height reachable by jumping (reach-with-jump height, RWJ). While observers can accurately perceive maximum RWJ for another person without previously seeing the person jump, estimates improve after viewing the person walk, suggesting there is structure in walking kinematics that is informative about the ability to produce vertical force for jumping. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify patterns in human walking kinematics that specify another person’s maximum RWJ ability, and to determine whether athletes are more sensitive than non-athletes to these patterns. Kinematic data during treadmill walking were collected and submitted to PCA to obtain loading values for the kinematic time series variables on the first principal component. Kinematic data were also used to create point-light (PL) displays, in which the movement kinematics of PL walkers were manipulated using the obtained PCA loading values to determine how changes in body-segment movements impacted perception of maximum RWJ height. While manipulating individual segmental loadings in the PL displays did not substantially affect RWJ estimates, PL displays created by replacing the PCA loadings of a high-jumper with those of a low-jumper, and vice versa, resulted in corresponding reversals of participants’ RWJ estimates, suggesting that the global structure of walking kinematics carries information about another’s maximum RWJ height. Athletes exhibited greater sensitivity than controls to the kinematic manipulations, indicating that they are better attuned to useful kinematic information as a result of their sport experience.
Return to Sport After Ankle Syndesmotic Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vancolen Seline Y. , Nadeem Ibrahim , Horner Nolan S. , Johal Herman , Alolabi Bashar , Khan Moin
Published: December 2018

Context:

Ankle syndesmotic injuries present a significant challenge for athletes due to prolonged disability and recovery periods. The optimal management of these injuries and rates of return to sport in athletes remains unclear.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate return to sport for athletes after ankle syndesmotic injuries.

Data Source:

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies from database inception to January 15, 2017, and pertinent data were abstracted.

Study Selection:

Only studies reporting return-to-sport rates after ankle syndesmotic injuries were included.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Two reviewers extracted data from the included studies, which were stored in a standardized collection form (Microsoft Excel). Recorded data included demographics (eg, author, year of publication, study design), descriptive statistics (eg, patient age, percentage male, number of athletes, sample size), and outcomes (eg, time to return to sport, proportion of those who returned to sport, the self-reported questionnaire the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score).

Results:

A total of 10 studies and 312 patients with ankle syndesmotic injuries were included in this systematic review. The rate of return to preinjury or any injury level of sport after ankle syndesmotic injuries was 93.8% ± 1.2% and 97.6% ± 1.5%, respectively, for the corresponding 7 and 3 studies that reported this characteristic. The mean time to return to sport was 46.4 days (range, 15.4-70 days), with 55.2 ± 15.8 and 41.7 ± 9.8 days for operative and nonoperative management, respectively.

Conclusion:

This systematic review found a high rate of return to any as well as preinjury level of sport after ankle syndesmotic injury in both operative and nonoperative treatment groups. However, further high-level studies are required to compare operative and nonoperative treatment groups associated with return to sport after ankle syndesmotic injury.
The effect of augmented reality games on English as foreign language motivation
Authors: Taskiran Ayse
Published: December 2018

Today, educational practices are being designed and varied due to advance of millennium generation who tend to use mobile technologies in every aspect of their lives. Accordingly, growing interest towards mobile learning in education brings several opportunities and advantages for English as foreign language teachers and learners. Augmented reality, which is another growing phenomenon on mobile devices, is a technology that incorporates digital information such as images, video, and audio into real-world spaces. As a part of mobile learning, augmented reality technique has potential to facilitate learning through enjoyment over learning tasks, engagement and motivation. Designed in descriptive survey model, this study intended to assess English as a foreign language learners’ subjective experience regarding the implementation of augmented reality-based learning materials in their language classes with a game-based approach in Anadolu University, Turkey. The analysis of the questionnaire items showed that most of the students accepted the activities in augmented learning environment highly motivating and enjoyable, which is common in augmented reality research.
Precise Epigenome Editing on the Stage: A Novel Approach to Modulate Gene Expression
Authors: Mussolino Claudio
Published: December 2018

In the last decades, a better understanding of human pathologies has revealed that genetic alterations as well as epigenetic aberrations can be drivers of a disease or exacerbate its manifestation. The availability of customizable platforms that allow precise genomic targeting has opened the possibility to cure genetic disorders by tackling directly the origin of the disease. Indeed, tethering of different effectors to a DNA-binding moiety grants precise alterations of the genome, transcriptome, or epigenome with the aim of normalizing disease-causing aberrations. The use of designer nucleases for therapeutic genome editing is currently approaching the clinics, and safety concerns arise with respect to off-target effects. Epigenome editing might be a valuable alternative, as it does not rely on DNA double-strand breaks, one of the most deleterious form of DNA damage, to exert its function. We have recently described designer epigenome modifier (DEM), a novel platform for achieving precise epigenome editing in clinically relevant primary human cells. We discuss the efficiency of DEM and highlight their remarkable safety profile, which certainly makes this platform a valuable candidate for future clinical translation.
Coordination of Care Around Surgery for Colon Cancer: Insights From National Patterns of Physician Encounters With Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Lin Sunny C. , Regenbogen Scott E. , Hollingsworth John M. , Funk Russell , Adler-Milstein Julia
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE:

To improve care coordination for complex cancers, it is critical to establish a more nuanced understanding of the types of providers involved. As the number of provider types increases, strategies to support cancer care coordination must adapt to a greater variety of information needs, communication styles, and treatment strategies.

METHODS:

We categorized providers into 11 types, using National Provider Identifier specialties. Using Medicare claims, we counted the number of unique combinations of provider types billed during preoperative, operative, and postdischarge care for colon cancer surgery and assessed how this count varies across hospitals. The study included 70,567 beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare A and B for 6 months before and 60 days after an admission for colectomy for colon cancer between 2008 and 2011.

RESULTS:

We observed 1,554 preoperative provider-type combinations, 975 operative combinations, and 1,571 postdischarge combinations. The three most common combinations in the preoperative phase were general medicine only, other medical specialists only, and general medicine and other medical specialists. In the operative phase, the three most common combinations were primary surgery, anesthesiology, and pathology; general medicine, other medical specialists, radiology, primary surgery, anesthesiology, and pathology; and other medical specialists, radiology, primary surgery, anesthesiology, and pathology. In the postdischarge phase, the three most common combinations were general medicine, general medicine and other medical specialists, and general medicine and oncology. On average, each hospital had 15 preoperative, 11 operative, and 15 postoperative combinations. High-volume, larger, teaching, urban, and noncritical access hospitals had more combinations in all phases.

CONCLUSION:

Many provider-type combinations are involved in colon cancer surgery care. Substantial variation exists across hospitals types, suggesting that certain hospitals need additional resources and more flexible infrastructure to coordinate care.
Regionalization of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Surgery to High-Volume Hospitals: Missed Opportunities for Outcome Improvement
Authors: Villano Anthony M. , Zeymo Alexander , McDermott James , Barrak Dany , Unger Keith R. , Shara Nawar M. , Chan Kitty S. , Al-Refaie Waddah B.
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE:

Surgery continues to be the dominant therapy for the management of retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma (RPS). Many groups advocate performing these resections at high-volume hospitals (HVHs), given their complexity. We therefore sought to explore whether RPS surgery has indeed begun to regionalize to HVHs in the same manner as pancreatic cancer (PC) surgery during the last decade.

METHODS:

We identified 70,763 patients who underwent surgical resection for RPS or PC using the National Cancer Database (2004 to 2015). Patients were stratified by hospital surgical volume. We performed an adjusted time trend analysis to compare trends in performance of surgery at HVHs for RPS versus PC. Multivariable logistic analyses were then performed, controlling for covariables, to elucidate relationships between patient-, hospital-, and treatment-related variables that may contribute to these observed trends.

RESULTS:

Only 9.6% of patients underwent RPS surgery at HVHs. During this time period, the odds ratio of undergoing RPS compared with pancreatectomy at HVHs was 0.65 ( P < .05). Time trend analysis estimated that whereas both procedures are regionalizing, the rate of RPS regionalization grew at 30.5% of the rate of PC (1.017 v 1.056; P < .001) and remained consistent after using several hospital volume thresholds and hospital volume as a continuous variable.

CONCLUSION:

Results from this retrospective multi-institutional analysis uncovered a lag in the regionalization of surgery for RPS compared with PC surgery. These findings reinforce the call to regionalize surgery for RPS to HVHs in a manner that is similar to that of other procedures in complex cancer surgery.
A framework for untangling Linnaean names based on Plumier’s Nova plantarum americanarum genera: Revised typification of Duranta erecta
Authors: Moroni Pablo , Salomõn Luciana , O’Leary Nataly
Published: December 2018

The typification of the Linnaean name Duranta erecta is revised. The previous lectotypification by Caro, who proposed a Burman illustration in Plantarum americanarum as lectotype, must be superseded since that element was not available to Linnaeus before the publication of the first edition of Species plantarum. We conclude that Boerhaave’s tracing no. 212 of Plumier’s original drawing, currently held at the Library of the Rijksuniversiteit in Groningen, The Netherlands, was studied by Linnaeus during his stay in Leiden. As a result, this drawing is therefore selected as lectotype of the species name.
World economy
Authors: Раджабова Залпа , Radzhabova Zalpa
Published: December 2018

The textbook meets the requirements of the state educational standard for the discipline "World economy". In the process of studying the course, the student must acquire certain knowledge, skills, abilities within the framework of General cultural and professional competencies.
Submission of material in the textbook is based on the knowledge gained by students in the study of disciplines "History of the world economy" "Economic theory", "Higher mathematics", "Statistics", "Introduction to the world economy". The author summarizes many years of experience in teaching courses "World economy and international economic relations", "international economic integration", "Globalization of the world economy" to students, as well as students of the Interdisciplinary Institute of advanced training of Dagestan state University. In the work on the textbook, the author sought to combine the necessary scientific level and logical, rational and simple presentation of the topic. Specific practical and statistical material is accompanied by theoretical analysis, conclusions, generalizations, as well as control questions for self-testing. The textbook can be organically used in combination with modern audiovisual and other tools used in the educational process. Particular attention is paid to the use of a variety of Russian and foreign sources, statements and concepts of authoritative analysts and economists; statistical data, mainly international organizations and institutions such as the UN, UNCTAD, UNIDO, WTO, IMF, world Bank, IBRD, Eurostat, national statistical reports and annual compilations and periodic literature. At the same time, observing the educational standards established by the Ministry, the author of the textbook considers it useful to apply a variety of techniques to consolidate educational material (questions, control tasks, etc.). The publication can be used by students enrolled in bachelor of Economics programs, students of faculties of advanced training, employees of the economic sphere. as well as all those interested in the theory and practice of the world economy and international economic relations. The textbook quite convincingly reveals the basic theoretical and methodological foundations and General trends in the development of the modern world economy.
MIXED CORE SUBCHANNEL MODEL FOR SUBCAL AND COUPLING WITH ANDREA
Authors: Caha Vojtěch , Čížek Jiří
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the results of an analysis of flow distribution in VVER-1000 mixed core consisting of fuel assemblies with non-identical spacing grids. The calculation was carried out using the modified subchannel code SUBCAL-AZ which allows to calculate 3D thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the coolant flow in the full core subchannel model coupled with the neutron-physical code ANDREA. This full core subchannel model was created in three variants depending on the ANDREA calculations. The first variant (homogeneous core) consisted of 163 hydraulically identical fuel assemblies TVSA-T mod.2, whereas the other variants (mixed cores) consisted of fuel assemblies TVSA-T mod.0, mod.1 and mod.2. These fuel assemblies mainly differ in types, number and axial coordinate of spacing grids and also in diameter of guide tubes. The influence of mixed core to flow distribution was obtained by comparing these variants.
Deliberation and Automaticity in Habitual Acts
Authors: Douskos Christos
Published: December 2018

Most philosophers and psychologists assume that habitual acts do not ensue from deliberation, but are direct responses to the circumstances: habit essentially involves a variety of automaticity. My objective in this paper is to show that this view is unduly restrictive. A habit can explain an act in various ways. Pointing to the operation of automaticity is only one of them. I draw attention to the fact that acquired automaticity is one outgrowth of habituation that is relevant to explanation, but not the only one. Habituation shapes our emotional and motivational make up in ways that affect deliberation itself. Hence mentioning a habit might be indispensable in explaining an act which nevertheless ensues from deliberation. The view that habitual acts are direct responses to the circumstances implies an impoverished conception of habit, which fails to do justice to its rich explanatory potential in theoretical and pre-theoretical contexts, as well as to its role in the history of philosophy.