bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locating People Diagnosed With HIV for Public Health Action: Utility of HIV Case Surveillance and Other Data Sources
Authors: Padilla Mabel , Mattson Christine L. , Scheer Susan , Udeagu Chi-Chi N. , Buskin Susan E. , Hughes Alison J. , Jaenicke Thomas , Wohl Amy Rock , Prejean Joseph , Wei Stanley C.
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) case surveillance and other health care databases are increasingly being used for public health action, which has the potential to optimize the health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, often PLWH cannot be located based on the contact information available in these data sources. We assessed the accuracy of contact information for PLWH in HIV case surveillance and additional data sources and whether time since diagnosis was associated with accurate contact information in HIV case surveillance and successful contact.

Materials and Methods:

The Case Surveillance-Based Sampling (CSBS) project was a pilot HIV surveillance system that selected a random population-based sample of people diagnosed with HIV from HIV case surveillance registries in 5 state and metropolitan areas. From November 2012 through June 2014, CSBS staff members attempted to locate and interview 1800 sampled people and used 22 data sources to search for contact information.

Results:

Among 1063 contacted PLWH, HIV case surveillance data provided accurate telephone number, address, or HIV care facility information for 239 (22%), 412 (39%), and 827 (78%) sampled people, respectively. CSBS staff members used additional data sources, such as support services and commercial people-search databases, to locate and contact PLWH with insufficient contact information in HIV case surveillance. PLWH diagnosed <1 year ago were more likely to have accurate contact information in HIV case surveillance than were PLWH diagnosed ≥1 year ago ( P = .002), and the benefit from using additional data sources was greater for PLWH with more longstanding HIV infection ( P < .001).

Practice Implications:

When HIV case surveillance cannot provide accurate contact information, health departments can prioritize searching additional data sources, especially for people with more longstanding HIV infection.
Integration of Social Knowledge by Government: A New Synthetic Model of Integration as Learning and Potential Research Directions
Authors: Pyrozhenko Vadym
Published: February 2018

This article explores the potential of business knowledge management and sociology of knowledge to theorize the integration of social knowledge by government. It understands social knowledge as dispersed societal knowledge emerging in contemporary information societies. The proposed synthetic model of knowledge integration builds on Donald Schön’s idea of integration as learning and the ideal of government as a learning system. The article develops a new definition of social knowledge. It identifies knowledge management theories of interorganizational knowledge transfer and sociology of knowledge theories of the macro-contexts of knowledge production as most relevant to further theorize knowledge integration by government.
Use of Drugs by the Elderly
Authors: Kiernan Patrick J , Isaacs Jeffrey B
Published: February 2018

This paper outlines the use of both prescribed and non-prescribed medication by the elderly in the community. The study examined a number of factors related to medication including compliance, the types of drugs taken, the manner in which drugs were stored and disposed of, and the advice that patients received. The findings revealed a lack of coordination of responsibility in the management of patients’ medicines leading to inappropriate drug use, posing a potential risk to the patient. It is against this background that we propose that the role of the general practice pharmacist should be extended within a structured health care programme; pharmacists should be encouraged to keep total medication records on patients of 65 and over.
Significance of Arcus Senilis in Caucasians
Authors: Cooke Nigel T
Published: February 2018

A study of arcus senilis in Caucasian men and women is reported. The prevalence of arcus senilis increases with age in both sexes and occurs more frequently in men. In women arcus senilis is uncommon before the menopause. The occurrence of arcus senilis in Caucasians is not a significant finding, except in men under the age of 40 years, when it is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Value of an Anal Dilator after Anal Stretch for Haemorrhoids
Authors: Greca F , Nevah E , Hares M , Keighley M R B
Published: February 2018

A prospective randomized trial compared anal stretch with or without continued dilatation for three months in 89 consecutive patients with haemorrhoids. Complications of therapy occurred in only 4 patients, 3 of whom had transient incontinence of flatus. When patients were reviewed four months after treatment, only 4 of 44 patients (9%) who used a dilator had not been improved and required additional therapy, compared with 15 of 42 patients (36%) who had anal stretch alone (P <0.02). It is concluded that the use of an anal dilator improves the results of anal stretch.
Use of the Pavlik Harness in Nonoperative Management of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip
Authors: Smith M A
Published: February 2018

The Pavlik harness and its application are described. A series is reported of 25 patients with congenital dislocation of the hip, aged between one day and eight months, all of whom were successfully treated in the harness. Since the harness was found to be effective in treating older infants, it is suggested that treatment of the newborn could be delayed until the age of two or three months, thus avoiding unnecessary treatment of those hips which will reduce spontaneously.
Uncemented Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Ring P A
Published: February 2018

During the last 20 years almost 3000 uncemented total hip replacements have been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The development of an axially located prosthesis is outlined, and the causes of failure indicated. Uncemented prostheses have the advantage of a relatively low mortality and morbidity and the rate of infection in particular is low. Interface pain, with or without frank prosthetic loosening, is the commonest cause of failure, but revisional surgery is relatively easy, and usually successful. Loss of function without significant pain may occur after many years from distal migration of the femoral component. The development of an uncemented metal-on-plastic joint has produced better short-term results than the metal-on-metal articulation, probably because of its lower frictional coefficient and the use of a wider range of pelvic and femoral components.
Detection of Intrauterine Growth Retardation by Ultrasound: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Ellis Cheryl , Bennett M J
Published: February 2018

In this study, ultrasonic measurements of the fetal head area and abdominal area were obtained in 1200 patients with singleton pregnancies. The results from the 434 who have delivered, indicate that a large proportion of growth-retarded infants cannot be identified by a single late ultrasonic measurement of either area, at 32–34 weeks gestation, as has been previously suggested.
Observations on Chronic Polyarthritis in Monkeys
Authors: Bywaters E G L
Published: February 2018

Erosion and inflammatory changes in the carpus, fingers and toes of a rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatto, are described; this was one of 152 animals in each of which four fixed limbs were available for examination. The histological changes resembled closely those found in adult human rheumatoid arthritis. The limited literature is reviewed (including cases with amyloid disease).
Uncommon Radiological Features of Chronic Arthritis in Childhood: A Review
Authors: Ansell Barbara M
Published: February 2018

Radiological changes depend on the age of onset as well as the pattern of disease present (Ansell & Kent 1977). Seronegative disease tends to be associated with modelling abnormalities of the epiphyses, loss of joint space and the late development of erosions, although an occasional polyarthritis following systemic disease has a very destructive arthritis and overall failure of growth. Pauciarticular disease is associated with growth anomalies of epiphyses and also metaphyses in asymmetrical fashion. In spondylitic children, enthesiopathies are marked and there is a high incidence of hip involvement. Seropositive juvenile rheumatoid arthritis shows a severe erosive arthropathy early, combined with minor growth changes, particularly bony overgrowth in the hands and feet in the early teens. The hallmark of the psoriatic is the asymmetry and, in a few cases, the destructive nature of asymmetrically involved joints.
Head Injury and Mental Handicap
Authors: Akuffo E O , Sylvester P E
Published: February 2018

A clinical and pathological study of head injury and the implications in mental handicap are outlined. Non-accidental injury as a form of child abuse is suspected as contributing considerably to the cause of mental handicap in populations resident in long-stay hospital, but this is unlikely to be the best environment for such patients. A number of mentally handicapped epileptic patients who injure their heads during fits and patients who repeatedly bang their heads as a feature of self-injurious behaviour are exposed to progressive neurological deficits associated with lesions in the brain which could further impair the efficiency of brain function.
Simplifying Infusion Chemotherapy: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Ebbs S R , Saunders J A , Roberts J V , Baum M , Bates T , Morris J E
Published: February 2018

A low-intervention policy for Hickman catheter maintenance has been evaluated and found to be safe and cost effective. A simple, lightweight, disposable device has been used for 24–hour ambulatory home infusion. Implementation of this policy as part of a prospective randomized trial of single-agent chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer has demonstrated that slow intravenous infusion reduces the acute toxicity of epirubicin when compared with bolus injection.
Ankle Motion after External Fixation of Tibial Fractures
Authors: Taylor G J , Allum R L
Published: February 2018

Loss of ankle movement is a complication of severe tibial fractures. This can be exacerbated if the foot is allowed to drop into equinus, particularly when an external fixator is employed. The range of ankle motion following external fixation of tibial fractures as compared to the opposite normal ankle was studied in 40 of 55 patients treated over a ten-year period. Nine were excluded due to other causes of ankle stiffness, leaving 31 cases for analysis. The mean follow up was 2 years 7 months (range 1 year to 8 years 3 months), and union had occurred by a mean of 35 weeks (range 9–100 weeks).

The mean loss of ankle movement was 8° of plantar-flexion and 12° of dorsiflexion (overall loss 20°), the difference between the two being highly significant (P> 0.001, t test). Loss of ankle motion closely paralleled the degree of soft tissue trauma, being 6° for closed fractures and 22° for open fractures (0.05 > P> 0.02). Ankle function is therefore at risk when a severe tibial fracture is treated by external fixation, and appropriate measures should be taken to preserve movement and prevent an equinus contracture.
Preliminary Report of a Community Survey of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Authors: Stirton R F , Brandon S
Published: February 2018

This study looked at the prevalence of panic attacks and panic disorder in a British population. Three thousand people (aged 18–65) registered with a Leicester general practice were sent a postal questionnaire which screened for panic attacks. Where appropriate this was followed by a diagnostic interview. Preliminary results are reported for the first 1500 subjects sampled. Panic attacks are a common experience in the study population (7.5% of responders experienced them around the time of the interview). Panic disorder was diagnosed in about 3% of responders.
Whatever Became of the Court Report?
Authors: Martin E
Published: February 2018

The response to the recommendations in the Court report and current initiatives in community child care were discussed in this meeting.
Acupuncture Prophylaxis of Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Sickness
Authors: Dundee J W , Ghaly R G , Fitzpatrick K T J , Abram W P , Lynch G A
Published: February 2018

In a multi-facet study we evaluated the efficacy of P6 electroacupuncture (10 Hz applied for 5 min) as an antiemetic in patients receiving a variety of cancer chemotherapy drugs. The study involved 130 (15 in an open pilot study, 10 in a randomized placebo controlled crossover study and 105 in a definitive study) patients who had a history of distressing sickness after previous treatment, and who, on the basis of a previous survey, would be expected to have a 96% chance of this with subsequent therapy. Sickness was either completely absent or reduced considerably in 97% of patients and no side effects were encountered. The limited crossover study, using a ‘dummy’ acupuncture (ACP) point showed that the beneficial effects were limited to the P6 point. Logistic and ethical considerations excluded the possibility of carrying out a larger placebo-controlled study. While in our hands P6 ACP was an effective antiemetic in patients having cancer chemotherapy, because of the time involved and the brevity of the action (8 h) an alternative approach to electro-ACP is required before this technique is adopted clinically.
Safety and Efficacy of Nifedipine 20 mg Tablets in Hypertension Using Electronic Data Collection in General Practice
Authors: Marley J E
Published: February 2018

Electronic data collection was used in this open study to survey the safety and efficacy of nifedipine when used in the treatment of 3972 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The safety and efficacy results are presented and discussed as well as the advantages, disadvantages and reliability of electronic data collection. The validity of data collected electronically has not previously been tested, such data having been assumed to be reliable. The pattern of adverse events reported in this study is compared with the pattern of reports to the Committee on Safety of Medicine (CSM), to Bayer UK and in a large paper-based study of nifedipine, in order to test these assumptions. Reported adverse medical events pre-treatment, prior to entry to the study and noted at visit 1, were compared with reports during treatment in the study at visits 2 and 3. The expected incidence of flushing and headache was seen which diminished with continued treatment. Reductions were seen in dyspnoea and impotence. Ankle oedema was observed and was not reduced by time alone. After one month of treatment with nifedipine 20 mg tablets twice daily, 66.5% of patients had a sitting phase V diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or below and 79% of 95 mmHg or below.
Thrombolysis for Acute Myocardial Infarction in a District General Hospital
Authors: Dalton H , Chappel D , Climie R
Published: February 2018

We report our experience in establishing thrombolysis as a routine part of the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction in our hospital; with particular reference to the effectiveness of the policy, safety and delays in administration.
Non-Specific Abdominal Pain-an Expensive Mystery
Authors: Raheja S K , McDonald P J , Taylor I
Published: February 2018

Non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) is a common cause of urgent admission to surgical wards. We studied 80 such patients prospectively. NSAP was commonest in female patients under 30. The pain was localized in the right lower quadrant in 32 patients (40%) and in 56 (70%) the pain was aggravated by movement.

Viral studies failed to show any abnormality except in one patient with raised acute and convalescent titres but three patients had raised antistretptolysin 0 titres. The psychological results demonstrated that the NSAP group had the same levels of anxiety and depression as the control group and also had no evidence of increased preceding life events.
Domiciliary Nebulized Pentamidine for Secondary Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Authors: Green S T , Nathwani D , Christie P R , Goldberg D J , Kennedy D H , Love W Campbell
Published: February 2018

The viability of a programme for delivering aerosolized pentamidine within the patient's home setting for the secondary prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) has been explored with seven homosexual AIDS patients, the major objectives being the assessment of the safety and acceptability of the treatment and the discovery of the most suitable care setting (home, ward, outpatient clinic) for the administration of therapy. It is concluded that a domiciliary prophylaxis programme is a viable alternative.
Penetrating Keratoplasty in South East London 1981–1986: Epidemiological Aspects and Demands on Medical Resources
Authors: Claoué C , Falcon M , Shilling J
Published: February 2018

We have compared penetrating keratoplasty at a teaching hospital and a district general hospital (DGH). At the teaching hospital, the pathology was similar to previous reports, but at the DGH the patients were older (P<0.01) and had a worse prognosis. The vision in the unoperated eye was also frequently poor.

The number of postoperative outpatient visits within a hospital was unrelated to the original disease, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two centres. At the DGH, a corneal transplant patient requires the outpatient resources equivalent to three matched cataract patients. The implications for medical manpower requirements are discussed.
Is There an Allergic Synovitis?
Authors: Golding D N
Published: February 2018

Nine patients had attacks of joint pain and sometimes swelling precipitated by certain foods or associated with allergic manifestations. All were atopic subjects-three having strong evidence of Type I (immediate) allergy and three ‘urticarial arthralgia’, in which attacks of severe urticaria and joint pain occurred coincidentally. Food allergy appeared to be responsible for the joint symptoms in three patients and in one it was possible to precipitate swelling of a knee due to synovitis with effusion by drinking milk a few hours beforehand, the synovial fluid having mildly inflammatory features and a relatively high eosinophil count.

It seems that allergy is an occasional cause of episodic rheumatic pain or synovitis in certain atopic patients, whether or not they have an underlying arthritis. These are usually Type I hypersensitivity reactions, though it is thought that some food-allergic reactions are immune complex-mediated.
On psychotherapist–patient sex: Discussion paper
Authors: Palermo George B
Published: February 2018

The transference phenomenon as central to the problem of sex between psychotherapist and patient is discussed. Socio-semantic factors related to the evolution of psychotherapy from Freud to the present are presented. Contemporary pertinent studies are reported. Societal and legal attitudes towards offending therapists are briefly touched upon. Reflections are made and suggestions are offered for dealing with this serious issue.
Abdominal Lymphomas
Authors: Spicer R D , Lewis I J
Published: February 2018

Preference is given to letters commenting on contributions published recently in the JRSM. They should not exceed 300 words and should be typed double-spaced.
The plain Radiograph in Ophthalmology: A Wasteful and Potentially Dangerous Anachronism
Authors: Moseley I F
Published: February 2018

The indications for 822 consecutive referrals for skull radiography were prospectively studied in a large eye hospital over a one year period. In 85.9% of patients the results were normal, and in 89% of the remainder they had no positive effects on management; all patients in whom a ‘beneficial’ effect could be identified would have been more appropriately investigated by other means. Fourteen of 25 patients whose skull radiographs were normal were shown by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to have orbital or intracranial lesions. Views of the optic canals, orbits or paranasal sinuses were also requested in 336 patients. With appropriate use of alternative imaging methods, no patient's treatment would have been adversely affected if none of the skull radiographs had been obtained.
Modern Treatment Strategies for Patients with Epilepsy: A Review
Authors: Duncan J S
Published: February 2018

Of patients who develop epilepsy 70–80% will become seizure free, the remaining 20% are the most difficult to treat satisfactorily. Eighty per cent of patients are best treated with a single drug. Stepwise treatment plans for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients and for the evaluation of patients with chronic epilepsy are suggested. There is a lack of consensus regarding the rate at which to taper antiepileptic drugs being discontinued in patients with active epilepsy. There are arguments for making drug changes rapidly; these arguments and strategies for managing the withdrawal of individual drugs are presented.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Metastases
Authors: Chadwick D J , Gillatt D A , Mukerjee A , Penry J B , Gingell J C
Published: February 2018

Sixty-six patients with spinal metastatic disease secondary to urological malignancy underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-eight patients had clinical evidence of spinal cord compression. MRI demonstrated metastatic cord compression in 16 cases, a benign cause in two cases, nerve root involvement in five cases. In seven patients MRI demonstrated spinal metastases which were not visible on plain radiographs and isotope bone scans. Nine patients had metastatic deposits involving the cauda equina and in a further 22 patients spinal metastases were an incidental finding during MRI for staging of the primary tumour. MRI is a sensitive method of imaging spinal metastases and provides a noninvasive means of assessing patients with spinal cord compression.
Papilloedema and Cranial Nerve Palsies Complicating Apparent Benign Aseptic Meningitis
Authors: Lo S , Phillips D I W , Peters J R , Hall M , Hall R
Published: February 2018

Three patients who presented with apparently uncomplicated aseptic meningitis subsequently developed papilloedema and sixth cranial nerve palsies between 11 and 16 days after the onset of the illness. All three patients recovered completely without treatment. Raised intracranial pressure is a poorly recognized complication of aseptic meningitis that may represent a post-infective or ‘allergic’ response to an enteroviral infection. While clinicians should be aware of this possible complication of aseptic meningitis, differentiation from tuberculous meningitis may be difficult necessitating empirical treatment with anti-TB drugs.
Hepatitis in a Family Infected by Chlamydia Psittaci
Authors: Samra Z , Pik A , Guidetti-Sharon A , Yona E , Weisman Y
Published: February 2018

Hepatic involvement is considered a rare complication of psittacosis. Occurrence of icteric hepatitis as the cardinal manifestation of the disease has been rarely reported. We describe two members of a family infected by psittacosis, in whom icteric hepatitis was the prominent expression of the disease.

The diagnosis of psittacosis was confirmed by isolation of the pathogen and by detection of serum antibodies to Chlamydia species. No serological evidence for acute TWAR infection was found. Chlamydia psittaci was also isolated from the family's parrot.
Liaison Psychiatry for the 21st Century: A Review
Authors: Creed F
Published: February 2018

The development of liaison psychiatry services over the last 20 years is briefly reviewed - sophisticated liaison services have been confined to teaching hospitals. Limited manpower and other resources have prevented the development of liaison services in most district general hospitals; further developments are unlikely unless these deficiencies are corrected and psychiatrists take a more active role in developing links with physicians and surgeons. The time is right for such development as physicians are keen to extend our understanding of psychological and social factors in causing non-organic disorders, reduce unnecessary investigations and provide more comprehensive care. Increased collaboration between physicians and psychiatrists will provide a better service for many patients and this should be extended to all district general hospitals.
Asymptomatic Hypothyroidism and Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Ball M J , Griffiths D , Thorogood M
Published: February 2018

Hypothyroidism is a cause of secondary hyperlipidaemia. This study investigates the frequency of biochemically diagnosed hypothyroidism and its relationship with plasma cholesterol concentration in apparently healthy people.

Thyroid function tests (total T4, TSH, and free T4) were performed on 272 apparently healthy men and women (179 vegetarians, 93 meat eaters) with a plasma cholesterol concentration above 7 mmol/l and on 90 individuals with a plasma cholesterol below 4.1 mmol/l who were matched for age, sex and dietary habits.

Six per cent of those with a plasma cholesterol above 7 mmol/l had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism as defined by a TSH greater than 10 mIU/l (reference range 1–6) and a low free T4 below 10 pmol/l (reference range 10.1–25). Eighty per cent of these people had a high titre of thyroid anti-microsomal antibodies. Of the 90 individuals with a plasma cholesterol level below 4.1 and the 25 randomly selected participants none had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is relatively common in apparently healthy people with a raised plasma cholesterol. It appears no commoner in vegetarians than in meat eaters.
Is the Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension Neglected?
Authors: Marley John , Davis Nichola , Joy Michael
Published: February 2018

Non-pharmacological techniques in the management of hypertension have been shown to be beneficial. This pilot study was set up to examine how often routine advice was given with respect to weight reduction and/or lifestyle adjustments, and whether it was heeded. Three-quarters of the 69 patients in the study smoked or were overweight but only half of the smokers recalled advice to stop. One-fifth of the patients were apparently not told to lose weight. Only one-third recalled being told to reduce alcohol intake. Lifestyle counselling and the management of hypertension in this small study appeared to be not completely effective for various reasons. It is likely to be cheaper and more satisfactory than medication alone or as an adjunct and its application deserves further study.
The Cultural Boundaries of Perspective-Taking: When and Why Perspective-Taking Reduces Stereotyping
Authors: Wang Cynthia S. , Lee Margaret , Ku Gillian , Leung Angela K.-y.
Published: February 2018

Research conducted in Western cultures indicates that perspective-taking is an effective social strategy for reducing stereotyping. The current article explores whether and why the effects of perspective-taking on stereotyping differ across cultures. Studies 1 and 2 established that perspective-taking reduces stereotyping in Western but not in East Asian cultures. Using a socioecological framework, Studies 2 and 3 found that relational mobility, that is, the extent to which individuals’ social environments provide them opportunities to choose new relationships and terminate old ones, explained our effect: Perspective-taking was negatively associated with stereotyping in relationally mobile (Western) but not in relationally stable (East Asian) environments. Finally, Study 4 examined the proximal psychological mechanism underlying the socioecological effect: Individuals in relationally mobile environments are more motivated to develop new relationships than those in relationally stable environments. Subsequently, when this motivation is high, perspective-taking increases self-target group overlap, which then decreases stereotyping.
Improvement of stability of insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis against UV-irradiation by adsorption on sepiolite
Authors: Zhou Xueyong , Li Hang , Liu Yanmei , Hao Jianchao , Liu Huifen , Lu Xianzhi
Published: February 2018

The adsorption characteristics of protoxin and toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis by sepiolite were studied. The kinetic results showed that the protoxin and toxin could be adsorbed by sepiolite rapidly, and the equilibrium was reached within 1 h. The adsorption isotherms of both proteins followed Langmuir equation (R2>0.98) and the curves belonged to L type. The adsorption capacity, adsorption rate and the insecticidal activity of toxin were higher than those of protoxin. The results of ultraviolet irradiation showed that sepiolite could protect the toxin from ultraviolet irradiation damage, but it accelerated the damage of protoxin. Therefore, the toxin is suitable for preparing long-term formulations of B. thuringiensis using the carrier of sepiolite. The results of Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy indicated that toxin did not influence the structure of sepiolite and the adsorption of toxin only on the surface of sepiolite. The adsorption of toxin by sepiolite was enhanced by metal ions in the range of concentration from 0 to 4.0 mmol L−1, and the enhancement extent of metal ions on the adsorption of toxin was in the order: Ca2+>Mg2+>K+>Na+. The higher the loading of toxin per mass sepiolite, the lower the 50% of the larvae of sepiolite–toxin complex. The zeta potential of sepiolite suspension increased with the addition of metal ions, indicating that the driving forces of the adsorption of toxin to negatively charged sepiolite was electrostatic interaction.
The effect of read-aloud assistance on the text comprehension of dyslexic and non-dyslexic English language learners
Authors: Košak-Babuder Milena , Kormos Judit , Ratajczak Michael , Pižorn Karmen
Published: February 2018

One of the special arrangements in testing contexts is to allow dyslexic students to listen to the text while they read. In our study, we investigated the effect of read-aloud assistance on young English learners’ language comprehension scores. We also examined whether students with dyslexia identification benefit from this assistance differently from their peers with no official identification of dyslexia.

Our research was conducted with young Slovenian learners of English who performed four language assessment tasks adapted from a standardized battery of Slovenian national English language tests. In a counter-balanced design, 233 students with no identified dyslexia and 47 students with dyslexia identification completed two language comprehension tasks in a reading-only condition, one task with read-aloud assistance and one task in listening-only mode. We used Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Modelling (GLMM) to estimate accurately the effects of the mode of administration, dyslexia status, and input text difficulty, while accounting for error variance owing to random differences between students, texts, and questions.

The results of our study revealed that young L2 learners with no dyslexia identification performed similarly in the three conditions. The read-aloud assistance, however, was found to increase the comprehension scores of dyslexic participants when reading difficult texts, allowing them to perform at the level of their non-dyslexic peers. Therefore, our study suggests that this modification of the test administration mode might assist dyslexic students in demonstrating their text comprehension abilities.
Conservative laparoscopic management of adnexal torsion based on a 17-year follow-up experience
Authors: Chu Kun , Zhang Qing , Sun Ningxia , Ding Haixia , Li Wen
Published: February 2018

Laparoscopic unwinding of adnexal torsion has been proposed for decades. However, this technique is still controversial regarding the concern of thromboembolic events. We present two cases of conservative laparoscopic management of adnexal torsion. In the first case, a 16-year-old adolescent with serous cystadenoma was successfully managed by untwisting and cystectomy. We followed up this patient for 17 years with regular re-examinations in our hospital. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest follow-up reported of this condition. In the second case, a 32-year-old infertile woman who received oocyte retrieval 3 days before being admitted to hospital was referred to hospital with right ovarian torsion. We treated her successfully based on our long-term follow-up experience, and she is now asymptomatic and in her 7th month of pregnancy.
Using Ethnography to Identify Barriers and Facilitators to Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding in Rural Ghana: Implications for Programs
Authors: Armar-Klemesu Margaret , Osei-Menya Sarah , Zakariah-Akoto Sawudatu , Tumilowicz Alison , Lee James , Hotz Christine
Published: February 2018

Background:

Understanding the context of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is recognized as essential for designing appropriate complementary feeding interventions.

Objective:

Our objective was to study household IYCF behaviors in 2 districts in southern and northern Ghana to identify opportunities to improve existing nutrition programs.

Methods:

We interviewed 80 caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months using ethnographic methods, including free listing, guided discussions and cognitive mapping techniques, and 24-hour dietary recall. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

Results:

In both settings, children’s diets were predominantly maize based. Fish, the main animal source food, was consumed daily but in very small quantities. Milk was consumed by only a few children, in tea and porridge. Fruits were seldom consumed. Household food production did not meet requirements, and the markets were heavily relied on for staples and other key ingredients. Most caregivers demonstrated basic knowledge and understanding of key health and nutrition concepts. Barriers to optimal child feeding identified were lack of money to purchase the nutritious foods recommended for children, seasonal food insecurity, and some caregiver beliefs, practices, and nutrition knowledge gaps. Positive contextual features include caregiver recognition of the dietary needs of young children and commitment to provide foods to meet these needs.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that complementary feeding in these rural settings can be improved through reinforcement or modification of strategic components of local health and nutrition education in light of existing barriers and enablers to optimal IYCF.
A Review of Military Health Research Using a Social–Ecological Framework
Authors: Lubens Pauline , Bruckner Tim A.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

We aim to contextualize the growing body of research on the sequelae of military service in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We employ a social–ecological (SE) framework for the taxonomy of military health research and classify risk as arising from the individual, family, community, and the institutional levels. We intend for this review to inform enhanced health promotion efforts in military communities.

Data Source:

Articles reviewed were extracted from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Research focused on somatic and psychological sequelae of combat deployment published from 2001—the year the war in Afghanistan began—through the end of 2014. We excluded studies of non-US military personnel, other systematic reviews, meta-analyses, book chapters, and theoretical papers.

Data Extraction:

We examined and summarized the aims, participants, methods, study design, SE framework tier, risk factors, and health outcomes.

Data Synthesis:

Studies were categorized according to SE tier, whether they focused on somatic, behavioral, or psychological outcomes, and by risk factor.

Results:

Of the 352 peer-reviewed papers, 84% focused on war’s sequelae on the index military personnel, and 75% focused on mental or behavioral health outcomes—mostly on post-traumatic stress disorder. We find comparatively little research focusing on the family, community, or institutional tiers.

Conclusions:

We know relatively little about how family and community respond to the return of personnel from combat deployment; how family resources affect the health of returning military personnel; and how a war’s persistence presents challenges for federal, state, and local agencies to meet military health-care needs. Such work is especially salient as US troops return home from war—particularly in communities where there are substantial military populations.
Identifying Opportunities for Improvement in Safety and Efficacy of Community Pharmacy Immunization Programs
Authors: Bazzell Brian , Kelling Sarah , Diez Heidi , Klein Kristin
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To identify opportunities to improve safe and effective immunization delivery in community pharmacies.

Methods:

Pharmacy managers from chains in Michigan were interviewed about their company’s immunizations programs. A survey regarding immunization training, quality assurance measures, pharmacist comfort level immunizing different patient populations, and resources used in practice was distributed to community pharmacists throughout Michigan.

Results:

Most pharmacists (88.8%) confirmed they received American Pharmacists Association immunization training and felt they followed the guidelines outlined in that training course very well. No routine reassessment of immunization technique was reported. In a minority of respondents, some issues were identified: (1) not being up-to-date on cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as required by state law (7.1%), (2) lack of awareness of location of emergency kit (4.2% for epinephrine, 13.5% for diphenhydramine), and (3) feeling uncomfortable immunizing children (51% for children <7 years).

Conclusion:

To address quality control issues identified in the survey, we recommend chain pharmacies incorporate credential checks into annual pharmacy training requirements. Pharmacists may benefit from immunization-related continuing education requirements. State pharmacy organizations may want to take the lead in developing the material to ensure that it is timely and abides by state and federal laws.
A Review of Dental Cements
Authors: Wingo Kipp
Published: February 2018

This review provides an in-depth comparison of advantages and disadvantages of different types of dental cements as they are used for cementing base metal alloy crowns in dogs.
Cementation of Full Coverage Metal Crowns in Dogs
Authors: Wingo Kipp
Published: February 2018

This step-by-step article describes the technique for cementation of a full metal prosthodontic crown on the maxillary fourth premolar tooth of a dog using a common resin-based cement.
A mixed model to evaluate random hardware failures of whole-redundancy system in ISO 26262 based on fault tree analysis and Markov chain
Authors: Wang Tong , Chen Xi , Cai Zhikai , Mi Junnan , Lian Xiaomin
Published: February 2018

In order to ensure safety and reliability, some safety-related electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in vehicles need to be designed as a whole-redundancy system. Although ISO 26262 provides guidance for the analysis of random hardware failure, the problem of estimating whether the safety-related E/E systems, especially whole-redundancy system can meet the index of the ASIL level in ISO 26262 is still unsolved. Fault tree analysis (FTA) is one of the basic methods to analyze random hardware failure of a vehicle’s E/E systems quantitatively. In generic FTA, the quantitative analysis of dynamic logic gates, which usually exist in the fault tree of whole-redundancy system, cannot be calculated. Meanwhile, Markov chain can solve the problem of quantitative calculation of dynamic fault tree, but brings a side-effect of complicating the calculation of static logic gates in fault trees. In order to evaluate random hardware failure of a vehicle E/E system more concisely and effectively, and to estimate if a new safety-related E/E system’s random hardware failure rate can meet the index demand in ISO 26262, this study proposed a mixed model based on FTA and Markov chain. First, the definition of random hardware failure and fault classification were clarified. Then, a mixed model based on FTA and Markov chain was proposed. Finally, a whole-dual-redundancy steer by wire system was used as an example to test the validity of the mixed model. This study not only proposed a new mixed model based on FTA and Markov chain for the calculation of a whole-redundancy system’s random hardware failure rate, but also provided a new quantitative validation method for safety-related E/E systems in vehicles that need to meet the reliability index requirement in ISO 26262.
Modeling tamping recovery of track geometry using the copula-based approach
Authors: Martey Emmanuel Nii , Attoh-Okine Nii
Published: February 2018

Assessing and maintaining track geometry within acceptable limits are key components of railroad infrastructure maintenance operations. Track geometry conditions have a significant influence on rider comfort and safety. To maintain the ride quality and safety of the track, maintenance activities pertaining to track geometry, such as tamping, are performed. Tamping enhances the track geometry quality but fails to return the track geometry to an as-good-as-new condition. Majority of studies have evaluated tamping recovery using deterministic techniques, which assume that tamping recovery is dependent on the track geometry quality prior to tamping. However, they fail to capture the uncertainty of the recovery values. Probabilistic approaches are increasingly being used to account for the uncertainty but fail to model the underlying dependence between the variables, which may exhibit nonlinear dependences such as tail or asymmetric dependence. To accurately model the tamping recovery phenomenon, this research employs the copula models in combining arbitrary marginal distributions to form a joint multivariate distribution with the underlying dependence. Copula models are used to estimate the tamping recovery of track geometry parameters such as surface (longitudinal level), alignment, cross level, gage, and warp.
The Long Shadow of Rivalry: Rivalry Motivates Performance Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Pike Brian E. , Kilduff Gavin J. , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: February 2018

Research has established that competing head to head against a rival boosts motivation and performance. The present research investigated whether rivalry can affect performance over time and in contests without rivals. We examined the long-term effects of rivalry through archival analyses of postseason performance in multiple high-stakes sports contexts: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball and the major U.S. professional sports leagues: National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL). Econometric analyses revealed that postseason performance of a focal team’s rival in year N predicted that focal team’s postseason performance in year N + 1. Follow-up analyses suggested that the performance boost was especially pronounced when one’s rival won the previous tournament. These results establish that rivalry has a long shadow: A rival team’s success exerts such a powerful motivational force that it drives performance outside of direct competition with one’s rival and even after a significant delay.
Core–skin debonding detection in honeycomb sandwich structures through guided wave wavefield analysis
Authors: Yu Lingyu , Tian Zhenhua , Li Xiaopeng , Zhu Rui , Huang Guoliang
Published: February 2018

Ultrasonic guided waves have proven to be an effective and efficient method for damage detection and quantification in various plate-like structures. In honeycomb sandwich structures, wave propagation and interaction with typical defects such as hidden debonding damage are complicated; hence, the detection of defects using guided waves remains a challenging problem. The work presented in this article investigates the interaction of low-frequency guided waves with core–skin debonding damage in aluminum core honeycomb sandwich structures using finite element simulations. Due to debonding damage, the waves propagating in the debonded skin panel change to fundamental antisymmetric Lamb waves with different wavenumber values. Exploiting this mechanism, experimental inspection using a non-contact laser Doppler vibrometer was performed to acquire wavefield data from pristine and debonded structures. The data were then processed and analyzed with two wavefield data–based imaging approaches, the filter reconstruction imaging and the spatial wavenumber imaging. Both approaches can clearly indicate the presence, location, and size of the debonding in the structures, thus proving to be effective methods for debonding detection and quantification for honeycomb sandwich structures.
Cultural and Interviewer Effects on Interview Privacy: Individualism and National Wealth
Authors: Mneimneh Zeina N. , Elliott Michael R. , Tourangeau Roger , Heeringa Steven G.
Published: February 2018

Privacy (or the lack of it) is an important feature of the interview. Researchers rely on interviewers to ensure a private setting. In reality, interviewers are guests in respondents’ homes and might find it difficult to achieve privacy. Thus, a substantial proportion of interviews are conducted in the presence of a third party. We investigate whether there are cultural and interviewer variations in interview privacy and whether respondent characteristics associated with interview privacy vary by culture. We analyzed data from 14 countries. The results highlight the direct and indirect role the country-level characteristics (level of individualism and wealth) play in explaining cultural differences in rates of interview privacy and the significant between-interviewer variation in interview privacy.
Critical Importance of Low-Dose Tissue Plasminogen Activator Policy for Treating Intraoperative Pulmonary Thromboembolism During Liver Transplantation
Authors: Mandell Daniel , Planinsic Raymond , Melean Fernando , Hughes Christopher , Tevar Amit D. , Humar Abhinav , Cassidy Benjamin J. , Simmons Richard , Dewolf Andre , Sakai Tetsuro
Published: February 2018

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been reported to treat intraoperative pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) during liver transplantation (LT). However, tPA administration is often delayed due to fear of uncontrolled bleeding and storage in a refrigerator outside of operating rooms. Various dosages of tPA were used. We hypothesize that a policy of tPA storage and low dosage use improves patient outcomes. At a transplantation center, a multidisciplinary committee has implemented a tPA policy since April 2014, which includes the following: (1) timely administering of low-dose tPA (0.5-4 mg) for intraoperative PTE; (2) keeping 2 vials of tPA (2 mg/vial) in the operating room at room temperature; and (3) transferring unused tPA vials to the cardiology catheterization laboratory for next-day use. A prospective observational study was conducted to record the incidence and outcome of PTE during LTs. Over the next 19 months, 99 adult deceased donor LTs were performed with 1 (1.0%) intraoperative PTE. A 45-year-old woman with hepatitis C developed PTE within 5 minutes after graft reperfusion. A 2-mg tPA was immediately administered via a central venous line with hemodynamic improvement and clot lysis. Thromboelastography was normalized in 90 minutes. Five LT cases developing intraoperative PTE have been reported to receive “standard” dosages of tPA (20-110 mg) or urokinase (4400 IU/kg), which were administered more than 20 minutes after the diagnosis of PTE. One intraoperative death and one later mortality were noted with intracranial hemorrhages/infarction of 3 cases. The multidisciplinary low-dose tPA policy for PTE was suggested to be effective.