bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wealth Inequalities in Different Types of Violence Among Brazilian Adolescents: National Survey of School Health 2015
Authors: Silva Aline Natália , Marques Emanuele Souza , da Silva Luciana Saraiva , Azeredo Catarina Machado
Published: November 2019

Studies have assessed inequalities in violence by economic status, but few studies have been done with adolescents from middle-income countries. Our objective was to analyze inequalities in verbal bullying, family physical violence, sexual violence, and fights with weapons among Brazilian adolescents in school according to wealth and stratified by sex and skin color. We used data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar [PeNSE]), carried out in 2015, with a representative sample of Brazilian adolescents attending ninth grade in public and private schools. We created a wealth index based on questions about access to goods and services through principal component analysis; this index was later divided into quintiles. We calculated the slope index of inequality (SII), the concentration index (CIX), and simple measures of inequality, such as ratio and difference. To identify statistically significant differences in sex and skin color inequality, we used the t test. We found high prevalence values of verbal bullying and family physical violence, 23.9% and 14.5%, respectively. In general, when comparing the types of violence according to SII and CIX, we observed a higher prevalence of violence among adolescents in the lower income quintiles, for both sexes and skin colors. We observed higher wealth inequality in sexual violence among girls (CIX = −14.89) when compared with boys (CIX = −4.63) ( p = .001). We also observed higher wealth inequality in sexual violence among Whites (CIX = −15.55) when compared with Brown (CIX = −6.23) ( p = .009). Wealth inequality aggravates the occurrence of violence among poorer Brazilian adolescents. Also, the identification of vulnerable groups may contribute to target public policies for fighting violence.
Goal Pursuit, Goal Adjustment, and Pain in Middle-Aged Adults Aging With Physical Disability
Authors: Arewasikporn Anne , Roepke Ann Marie , Turner Aaron P. , Alschuler Kevin N. , Williams Rhonda M. , Amtmann Dagmar , Molton Ivan R.
Published: November 2019

Objective: Aging with physical disability disrupts one’s ability to achieve valued goals due to changes in symptoms and function. It is unclear how to cope optimally in this context. This study examined whether two possible strategies—tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA)—were associated with reduced pain interference and depressive symptoms and greater well-being, and protected against pain intensity, and FGA was more protective with increasing age and worse physical function. Method: Middle-aged adults with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, or spinal cord injury ( N = 874; MAGE = 58.3 years, range = 46-68; MDISEASEDURATION = 26.2 years, range = 2-67) completed two questionnaires, a year apart. Results: TGP and FGA use was associated with greater well-being. FGA use predicted decreased depressive symptoms. Concurrent use of both predicted decreased pain interference. Discussion: Adults with disability employ a variety of goal management strategies. Findings support TGP and FGA as potential intervention targets for healthy aging with disabilities.
Through the looking-glass: Alice and Child Studies Multiple
Authors: Sparrman Anna
Published: November 2019

This is NOT an article about Alice in Wonderland. It is about the figure of Alice-the-child and an exploration of the contemporary theoretical research field of Child Studies. What if, I ask, Lewis Carroll’s Alice had been one of the sources drawn upon when forming child research theories? The idea is to explore how the fictive child character Alice in Wonderland enacts key theoretical concepts in Child Studies. Out of this exploration grows the idea of Child Studies Multiple.
Conceptualising the Agency of Migrant Women Workers: Resilience, Reworking and Resistance
Authors: Rydzik Agnieszka , Anitha Sundari
Published: November 2019

This article examines migrant women tourism workers’ understandings of, and diverse responses to, exploitative working conditions by taking account of the constraints posed by oppressive contexts and ideologies. It analyses how their location at the intersection of multiple axes of disadvantage and discrimination on account of gender, ethno-nationality, immigration status and migration history as well as their low-status employment and educational level, shapes both their understandings of particular experiences of exploitation and possible responses to these, and examines the effects of their practices upon the power structures at work. Based on the experiences of eleven women from Central and Eastern European countries working in the UK tourism industry, this article theorises workers’ responses to hyperexploitative employment relations by utilising a differentiated conceptualisation of agency as practices of resilience, reworking and resistance. In doing so, it rejects binary categories of victimhood and agency, as well as romanticised accounts of unmitigated resistance.
Friction and wear performance of bionic stripped piston of BW-160 slime pump
Authors: Gao Tianyu , Wang Xiaojun , Sun Yiwen , Cheng Xuejing , Cong Qian
Published: November 2019

Bionic strips were designed and processed on the piston of BW-160 slime pump to improve its friction performance, decrease wear mass losses, and prolong service life. Nine stripped pistons were processed and manifested by different strip depths and included angles between stripes and piston surface. A workbench of slime pump piston was created to test the frictional force, oil film width, and wear mass losses. Test results demonstrated that the stripped structure can significantly decrease the frictional force on the piston. Optimal strip depth, included angle, and resistance reduction rates for stripped piston reached 2 mm, 90°, and 53.89%, respectively. The oil film on stripped piston was significantly wider compared with that of the standard piston, thus reducing frictional force between the piston and cylinder sleeve. The wear mass losses and the wear rate of the bionic piston are lower than that of the standard piston. Finally, the friction and stress of the piston are analyzed by finite element method, and the influencing mechanism on performance of pistons was discussed. The test results provide parameters for piston design of BW-160 slime pump for engineering.
Why Is Reconciling Divergent Views a Challenge?
Authors: Kuhn Deanna
Published: November 2019

Reconciling divergent accounts is a metacognitive task of a high order. It entails deep thinking about the thought processes of other people, as represented in multiple accounts that may be at odds with one another and with one’s own ideas. Here I emphasize the epistemological foundations of such attempts to understand other people’s thinking as well as the conceptual and strategic aspects of not just the skill but also the disposition to represent, connect, evaluate, compare deeply, and seek to reconcile explanatory accounts of both simple and complex phenomena. Development of multivariable mental models is a key contributor, and continuing engagement and exercise are essential to foster proficiency.
Self-administered acupressure for knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged and older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Yeung Wing-Fai , Suen Lorna Kwai-Ping , Chong Tsz Chung , Ho Yuan-Shan , Yu Branda Yee-Man , Chan Lily Ying-Tung , Chen Hai-Yong , Lao Li-Xing
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To test the acceptability and feasibility of self-administered acupressure as an intervention for knee pain among middle-aged and older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods:

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 35 participants with KOA were randomized to receive self-administered acupressure (n = 17, two self-administered acupressure training sessions followed by self-practice for 6 weeks) or knee health education (n = 18, two health education sessions about KOA management followed by self-care for 6 weeks). Current pain intensity (primary outcome) was measured using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6 (post-intervention). Secondary outcome measures included worst and least pain intensity, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), range of motion (ROM) of the knee joints and Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) scores for health-related quality of life.

Results:

Participants in both groups attended all training sessions. In the self-administered acupressure group, all subjects mastered the acupressure technique and passed a consistency check. Both groups showed a decreasing trend in current knee pain intensity measured using NRS post-intervention. A medium between-group effect size (0.40) was found, but between-group differences were not statistically significant. The other secondary outcome measures were also comparable between both groups post-intervention (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

A two-session self-administered acupressure training was acceptable to and feasible in participants with KOA. The data generated allowed for calculation of a sample size for a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) to confirm whether self-acupressure is effective for pain management in KOA. Furthermore trials with adequate power and longer follow-up periods are warranted.
Deeming Laws and Practices as Violations of the Rights of People With Work-Acquired Disabilities in Canada
Authors: Hilgert Jeffrey ,   Research Action Committee of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups,   Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic
Published: November 2019

The Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups in Canada is leading a multiyear campaign called Workers’ Comp is a Right to reform the provincial workers’ injury compensation system and to fight back against regressive changes made to the system over several decades. At their Annual General Meeting in Toronto held in June 2019, delegates voted unanimously to make this submission to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a part of the regular supervisory process under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The subject is income deeming “phantom jobs” to injured worker claimants with income replacement benefits. The document illustrates how Canadian injured worker groups have activated a human rights lens and references international labor and human rights standards concerning social insurance and income replacement benefits for work-related injury and illness.
Open Educational Resources From the Innovative Resources for Instructional Success Center
Authors: Sayeski Kristin L. , Hamilton-Jones Bethany
Published: November 2019

Since their launch in 2002, open educational resources (OER) developed by the Innovative Resources for Instructional Success, better known as the IRIS Center, have become a staple of teacher preparation programs. In the spring of 2019, a survey of users revealed a diversity of ways teacher educators incorporate IRIS Center OERs within their preparation programs. This article describes these innovative applications and presents a snapshot of who IRIS users are and which IRIS Center OERs are most frequently used.
Federalism as a Double-Edged Sword: The Slow Energy Transition in the United States
Authors: Karapin Roger
Published: November 2019

Much literature on federalism and multilevel governance argues that federalist institutional arrangements promote renewable energy policies. However, the U.S. case supports a different view that federalism has ambivalent effects. Policy innovation has occurred at the state level and to some extent has led to policy adoption by other states and the federal government, but the extent is limited by the veto power of fossil fuel interests that are rooted in many state governments and in Congress, buttressed by increasing Republican Party hostility to environmental and climate policy. This argument is supported by a detailed analysis of five periods of federal and state renewable energy policy-making, from the Carter to the Trump administrations. The negative effects of federalism on national renewable energy policy in the United States, in contrast to the West European cases in this special issue, are mainly due to the interaction of its federalist institutions with party polarization and a strong domestic fossil fuel industry.
Estimating Premorbid Ability in Rehabilitation Patients Using the Test of Premorbid Functioning and Wide Range Achievement Test–Fourth Edition
Authors: Rolin Summer N. , Davis Jeremy J. , Miller Justin B.
Published: November 2019

Objective: This study examined premorbid ability estimate concordance using Test of Premorbid Functioning predicted Full Scale Intelligent Quotient (TOPF-IQ) and Wide Range Achievement Test–Fourth Edition Word Reading (WRAT4-WR). Method: The sample ( N = 145) was 28% female with average age and education of 40.6 and 13.2 years, respectively. Outpatient neuropsychological evaluations were conducted in a rehabilitation setting. Measures included the TOPF, WRAT4-WR, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition, and other neuropsychological tests. Non-WAIS measures defined impairment groups. Analyses included t tests, pairwise correlations, concordance correlation coefficients, and root mean square differences. Results: TOPF-IQ, WRAT4-WR, and Full Scale Intelligent Quotient scores were not significantly different but were lower than normative mean. TOPF-IQ and WRAT4-WR showed acceptable agreement (concordance correlation coefficient = .92; root mean square difference = 5.9). Greater premorbid–current ability differences were observed in the impaired group. TOPF-IQ and WRAT4-WR showed lower but similar agreement with Full Scale Intelligence Quotient in the unimpaired group. Conclusions: Findings support the WRAT4-WR in predicting premorbid ability in rehabilitation settings.
Analytical and finite element solutions of free and forced vibration of unrestrained and braced thin-walled beams
Authors: Jrad Wassim , Mohri Foudil , Robin Guillaume , Daya El Mostafa , Al-Hajjar Jihad
Published: November 2019

In this article, vibration of thin-walled beams with arbitrary open cross-section shape is investigated. Based on the beam element model accounting for warping and flexural–torsional coupling, analytical solutions for different boundary conditions are derived for higher free vibration modes in bending, torsion and flexural–torsional coupled modes. In the model, the effects of rotational inertial kinematic terms are considered. The finite element approach of the model is also investigated. Three-dimensional beams with seven degrees of freedom per node are adopted in the mesh process. Free vibration and forced vibration analyses are possible. In forced vibration, the behaviour of the beams is studied in the frequency domain using the steady-state method (modal analysis). Damping is considered using the Rayleigh model. The model is validated by comparing the results to benchmark solutions found in the literature and to other recent numerical and experimental results. Additional finite element simulations are performed by means of commercial softwares (Abaqus and Adina). In slender unrestrained beams, the vibration behaviour is predominated by torsion and lateral bending modes. In design, recourse to braces is a good compromise. This solution is discussed, and improvement of the vibration behaviour in the presence of intermediate braces is confirmed. Application of higher vibration modes in building and bridge design is outlined. The effects of the number and distribution of the intermediate braces to improve structural stability against vibration behaviour is outlined.
Socially Engaged Art, Experimental Pedagogies, and Anarchiving as Research-Creation
Authors: Springgay Stephanie , Truman Anise , MacLean Sara
Published: November 2019

Archives, as repositories of culture and knowledge, are closely linked to colonial power, control, hegemony, and conquest. In recognizing the limitations and problems of conventional archives, scholars and artists offer counter-archiving as a method of interrogating what constitutes an archive and the selective practices that continuously erase particular subjects. Unlike static, stable, and linear colonial archives, counter-archives are grounded in accountability and reciprocity. Similarly, the anarchive is concerned with what it can do in the present-future. As such, anarchiving is less a thing, then a process or an action. This article examines anarchiving as research-creation practices through three provocations: anarchiving as indeterminate transformation, anarchiving as felt, and anarchiving as response-ability. We examine a particular anarchiving project Instant Class Kit dedicated to radical pedagogies and social justice. Anarchiving is fundamentally about practicing an ethics based on response-ability, stewardship, care, and reciprocity that center relationships to land, territory, human, and more-than-human bodies.
Pembrolizumab-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Dickey Marcus SR , Raina Anant J , Gilbar Peter J , Wisniowski Brendan L , Collins Joel T , Karki Bhaskar , Nguyen Andrew DK
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Pembrolizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the receptor programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), with anti-tumour activity demonstrated for many malignancies. Such immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with many immune-related adverse events including rash, colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, endocrinopathy and, rarely, haematological adverse events, including immune-related thrombocytopenia.

Case report

We report a 60-year-old female with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab every three weeks. Following her fifth cycle, she presented to our hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. Thrombocytopenia developed the next day and, after detailed investigations, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was diagnosed.

Management and outcome

Pembrolizumab was immediately ceased and plasma exchange commenced along with IV methylprednisolone 250 mg daily for three days followed by oral prednisolone. After five days of plasma exchange, platelet counts normalised and haemolytic anaemia resolved.

Discussion

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder caused by an inhibitory autoantibody against ADAMTS-13. While most cases of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are idiopathic, certain conditions (e.g. bacterial infection, autoimmune disorders, malignancies) and medications are associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Other potential causes were eliminated in our patient. As acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder, pembrolizumab, given its unique mechanism of action and association with immune-related adverse events, is believed to be implicated in the development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This case is one of only two linking anti-PD-1 therapy to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura development (the other occurring in a patient on nivolumab plus ipilimumab). Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is life-threatening and clinicians are advised to be aware of its possible occurrence in immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients.
Strategizing Nature in Cross-Sector Partnerships: Can Plantation Revitalization Enable Living Wages?
Authors: van Hille Iteke , de Bakker Frank G. A. , Groenewegen Peter , Ferguson Julie E.
Published: November 2019

Strengthening sustainability in global supply chains requires producers, buyers, and nonprofit organizations to collaborate in transformative cross-sector partnerships (CSPs). However, the role played by nature in such partnerships has been left largely unattended in literature on CSPs. This article shows how strategizing nature helps CSPs reach their transformative potential. Strategizing nature entails the progressive revealing and reconciling of temporal tensions between “plants, profits, and people.” We show how a CSP took a parallel approach—recognizing the divergent temporalities of plants, people, and profits as interlaced and mutually determined—toward realizing their objective of implementing living wages in a sub-Saharan African country’s the tea industry, simultaneously driven by the revitalization of tea plantations. The promise of better quality tea leaves allowed partners to take a “leap of faith” and to tackle pressing issues before the market would follow. Our findings thus show the potential of CSPs in driving regenerative organizing.
A Theory-Driven Algorithm for Real-Time Crime Hot Spot Forecasting
Authors: Lee YongJei , SooHyun O , Eck John E.
Published: November 2019

Real-time crime hot spot forecasting presents challenges to policing. There is a high volume of hot spot misclassifications and a lack of theoretical support for forecasting algorithms, especially in disciplines outside the fields of criminology and criminal justice. Transparency is particularly important as most hot spot forecasting models do not provide their underlying mechanisms. To address these challenges, we operationalize two different theories in our algorithm to forecast crime hot spots over Portland and Cincinnati. First, we use a population heterogeneity framework to find places that are consistent hot spots. Second, we use a state dependence model of the number of crimes in the time periods prior to the predicted month. This algorithm is implemented in Excel, making it extremely simple to apply and completely transparent. Our forecasting models show high accuracy and high efficiency in hot spot forecasting in both Portland and Cincinnati context. We suggest previously developed hot spot forecasting models need to be reconsidered.
Leninfall: The spectacle of forgetting
Authors: Pshenychnykh Anastasiya
Published: November 2019

This article explores the phenomenon of Leninfall – destroying, replacing and transferring objects symbolizing the Russian Revolution in the Ukrainian material landscape in the context of the 2014 Revolution of Dignity. The symbolic gesture of physically removing the idols of 1917 from Ukrainian statue-pedestals, and clearing Ukrainian streets and maps of names related to Communism, is triggered by strategic acts to ensure one’s ideological, historical and political frame is victorious. I demonstrate how these framing acts operate through analysis of the visual and verbal representations of Leninfall in nine Ukrainian TV and film documentaries, analysed in terms of perspectives, figure and ground, metaphor and reframing. This intersemiotic approach affords an explanation of how and why groups and individuals hold particular positions about Leninfall that connect to a certain view of history and national identity. I argue first that different groups have rendered Leninfall a spectacle of forgetting; second, that the perspectives identified through the analysis of documentaries help explain why the post-2014 conflicts and transformations in Ukraine have occurred; and, third, that contrary to common assumptions in this conflicted context, political identities are not only represented as irreconcilable binaries, and that more nuanced positions are detected. The research contributes to our understanding of how positions are arrived at and negotiated both around prominent anniversaries and commemorations like 1917 and Lenin, and in conditions of societies in conflict.
‘Buddy Pairs’: A novel pilot scheme crafting knowledge exchange between biomedical dementia researchers and people affected by dementia – Innovative practice
Authors: Kennedy Lilian , Wilkinson Heather , Henstridge Chris
Published: November 2019

The ‘Buddy Pairs’ pilot project, launched at the University of Edinburgh, created opportunities for people affected by dementia (people living with a diagnosis and care partners) and dementia lab researchers to participate in knowledge exchange conversations through experiential lab tours. The primary aims were to raise awareness and understanding of current dementia research and its practices, as well as allow biomedical researchers to learn about the lived experiences and research concerns of those affected by dementia. This scheme found success by flipping normative ‘speaker-audience’ communication set-ups and foregrounding the expertise held by, and communication needs of, people affected by dementia.
Training people with dementia/cognitive impairment and their carers in the use of web-based supportive technologies (Innovative practice)
Authors: Cunnah Katie , Howe David , Thorpe Jonathan , Dunn Rosie , Platt Rebecca , White Caroline , Paulson Kevin , Wolverson Emma
Published: November 2019

Little is known about the training and support people with dementia and their carers need to use digital solutions. This paper shares learning from a bespoke programme that successfully trained people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their informal carers to use a social networking website. This work was undertaken as part of the European Horizon 2020 Caregiverspro-mmd trial (ISRCTN15654731). The training methods described offer an improved understanding of how best to deliver digital skills training that meets the needs of a diverse client group. The effectiveness of the programme is evidenced with qualitative and quantitative data.
Fine-tuned variational mode decomposition for fault diagnosis of rotary machinery
Authors: Dibaj Ali , Ettefagh Mir Mohammad , Hassannejad Reza , Ehghaghi Mir Biuok
Published: November 2019

Variational mode decomposition is a powerful signal processing technique that can adaptively decompose a multi-component signal into a number of modes, via solving an optimization problem. The optimal performance of this method in signal decomposition and avoiding of the mode mixing problem strictly relies on the true selection of decomposition parameters, that is, the number of extracted modes ( K) and the mode frequency bandwidth control parameter ( α). In the literature, the optimal values of these parameters are achieved by evaluating fault-related indices like kurtosis, but such an index is inefficient in judging the decomposition of healthy (without fault-related components), low-defective, and high-noise signals. In this research, a novel method called fine-tuned variational mode decomposition is proposed to determine the optimal values of decomposition parameters K and α, by judging the adaptive indices. In this proposed method, the optimal values of these parameters are obtained by minimizing the mean bandwidth of the extracted modes. In order to achieve these optimal values, the mean correlation coefficients between the adjacent modes and the energy loss coefficient between the original signal and the reconstructed signal, should not exceed of defined thresholds for optimal values. The proposed method is applied to the simulation signal and experimental ones collected from the automobile gearbox system. Comparing this method with those in the literature exhibits its higher effectiveness in the true decomposition of signals with different natures. It is also shown that using the proposed method for signal decomposition is able to correctly classify the healthy and defective states of the gearbox system alongside the principal component analysis method and support vector machine classifier.
Developing a Model to Address Mental Health, Substance Use, and Intimate Partner Violence Among Home Visiting Clients
Authors: Tandon Darius , Perry Deborah F. , Edwards Karen , Mendelson Tamar ,   The SCRIPT Advisory Panel
Published: November 2019

Perinatal women enrolled in home visiting (HV) programs exhibit high rates of depression, substance use, and intimate partner violence (IPV). While HV programs have increasingly screened for these psychosocial risks, initiation and uptake of community-based services to address these risks remain challenging. This project used a community-engaged research approach to engage key HV stakeholders in developing the screening, referral, and individualized prevention and treatment (SCRIPT) model. We highlight how a group of key HV stakeholders—the SCRIPT Advisory Panel—collaborated with academic researchers to develop the SCRIPT model by reviewing literature on HV programs’ response to psychosocial risk factors and qualitative data obtained from mental health, substance use, and IPV service providers to whom HV programs referred clients. SCRIPT focuses on (a) screening for psychosocial risks, (b) developing partnerships with outside agencies to address these risk factors, and (c) establishing concrete and systematic processes for client referral and monitoring with outside agencies. SCRIPT provides a structured model for HV programs to systematically identify clients for key psychosocial risks and structure their referral and monitoring process when working with social service agencies. Future work should examine the impact of SCRIPT on mental health, substance use, and IPV service access and use by a vulnerable population.
Anatomical anterior and posterior reconstruction for scapholunate dissociation: preliminary outcome in ten patients
Authors: Sandow Michael , Fisher Thomas
Published: November 2019

This study reviews the efficacy of a reconstruction to address scapholunate dissociation using an anterior and posterior approach with a hybrid synthetic tape/tendon weave between the trapezium, scaphoid, lunate and radius: an anatomical front and back (ANAFAB) repair. This repair is a compilation of the components of a number of previously reported repair techniques, and based on published kinematic evidence. It aims to restore the anatomical mechanical constraints on both anterior and posterior aspects of the carpus. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 6 weeks, but no stabilizing wires were used. Ten patients have undergone the reconstruction and were assessed at a minimum 24-month follow-up. They achieved excellent realignment of the carpus, a postoperative median scapholunate gap of 3 mm and a recovery of more than 75% of grip strength and range of motion. No patient required secondary surgery or treatment related to the carpal stabilization.

Level of evidence: IV
From guidelines to clinical practice: a roadmap for oncologists for nutrition therapy for cancer patients
Authors: Muscaritoli Maurizio , Arends Jann , Aapro Matti
Published: November 2019

Tackling malnutrition in cancer patients remains one of the most challenging tasks in clinical practice. Even though robust evidence exists stressing the role of nutritional status in relation to treatment outcome, its appropriate consideration in clinical practice is often lacking.

In this review, we discuss the significance of nutritional status and of malnutrition for the cancer patient. Drawn from experience and from current recommendations of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), we propose concrete and manageable steps to routinely incorporate nutritional aspects in today’s oncological clinical practice.
Clinical Recommendations for the Use of the Ambulatory Glucose Profile in Diabetes Care
Authors: Kröger Jens , Reichel Andreas , Siegmund Thorsten , Ziegler Ralph
Published: November 2019

Background:

The ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) uses the wealth of data that are generated by continuous glucose monitoring, including flash glucose monitoring technologies, to provide a visual representation of glucose levels over a typical standard day of usually the most recent two weeks for a person with diabetes and helps to identify patterns and trends in glucose control. The AGP allows certain patterns of glucose levels to be identified and analyzed, such that treatment adjustments can be made, and new individual treatment goals can be defined. This helps to ensure increased treatment satisfaction and adherence, quality of life, and an improvement in metabolic management for people with diabetes.

Objective:

To date, a range of approaches exists for interpreting the information contained in an AGP, with different priorities given to identifying and targeting patterns of hypoglycemia and the degree of variability and stability underlying the glucose levels. The objective of the present recommendation is to describe the steps for assessing an AGP in detail and to illustrate these steps using visual examples.

Conclusion:

This paper describes the consensus recommendations from a group of German expert diabetologists on the necessary steps for assessing an AGP in a structured and detailed way and to explain these steps using practical clinical examples.
Impact of Controlling Abnormal Joint Movement on the Effectiveness of Subsequent Exercise Intervention in Mouse Models of Early Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Oka Yuichiro , Murata Kenji , Kano Takuma , Ozone Kaichi , Arakawa Kohei , Kokubun Takanori , Kanemura Naohiko
Published: November 2019

Objective

Moderate mechanical stress is necessary for preserving the cartilage. The clinician empirically understands that prescribing only exercise will progress osteoarthritis (OA) for knee OA patients with abnormal joint movement. When prescribing exercise for OA, we hypothesized that degeneration of articular cartilage could be further prevented by combining interventions with the viewpoint of normalizing joint movement.

Design

Twelve-week-old ICR mice underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACL-T) surgery in their right knee and divided into 4 groups: ACL-T, controlled abnormal joint movement (CAJM), ACL-T with exercise (ACL-T/Ex), CAJM with exercise (CAJM/Ex). Animals in the walking group were subjected to treadmill exercise 6 weeks after surgery, which included walking for 18 m/min, 30 min/d, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks. Joint instability was measured by anterior drawer test, and safranin-O staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed.

Results

OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) score of ACL-T/Ex group showed highest among 4 groups ( P < 0.001). And CAJM/Ex group was lower than ACL-T/Ex group. Positive cell ratio of IL-1β and MMP-13 in CAJM/Ex group was lower than ACL-T/Ex group ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We found that the state of the intra-articular environment can greatly influence the effect of exercise on cartilage degeneration, even if exercise is performed under the same conditions. In the CAJM/Ex group where joint movement was normalized, abnormal mechanical stress such as shear force and compression force accompanying ACL cutting was alleviated. These findings may highlight the need to consider an intervention to correct abnormal joint movement before prescribing physical exercise in the treatment of OA.
Racial Biases in Officers’ Decisions to Frisk Are Amplified for Black People Stopped Among Groups Leading to Similar Biases in Searches, Arrests, and Use of Force
Authors: Cooley Erin , Hester Neil , Cipolli William , Rivera Laura I. , Abrams Kaitlin , Pagan Jeremy , Sommers Samuel R. , Payne Keith
Published: November 2019

Violent encounters between police and Black people have spurred debates about how race affects officer decision-making. We propose that racial disparities in police–civilian interactions are amplified when police interact with Black civilians who are encountered in groups. To test this possibility, we analyzed New York City stop and frisk data for over 2 million police stops. Results revealed that Black (vs. White) people were more likely to be frisked, searched, arrested, and have force used against them. Critically, these racial disparities were more pronounced for people stopped in groups (vs. alone): Being stopped in a group led to a 1.7% increase in racial disparities for frisks, a 1% increase for searches, a 0.3% increase for arrests, and a 1.7% increase for use of force. Moreover, these disparities held even when we controlled for a potential proxy of effective policing: discovery of illegal contraband. We conclude that groups amplify racial disparities in policing.
Transgender and Cisgender Children’s Stereotypes and Beliefs About Others’ Stereotypes
Authors: Rubin Jennifer D. , Gülgöz Selin , Alonso Daniel , Olson Kristina R.
Published: November 2019

Early in childhood, children already have an awareness of prescriptive stereotypes—or beliefs about what a girl or boy should do (e.g., “girls should play with dolls”). In the present work, we investigate the relation between children’s own prescriptive gender stereotypes and their perceptions of others’ prescriptive gender stereotypes within three groups of children previously shown to differ in their prescriptive stereotyping—6- to 11-year-old transgender children ( N = 93), cisgender siblings of transgender children ( N = 55), and cisgender controls ( N = 93). Cisgender and transgender children did not differ in their prescriptive stereotypes or their perceptions of others’ prescriptive stereotypes, though the relationship between these variables differed by group. The more cisgender control children believed others held prescriptive stereotypes, the more they held those stereotypes, a relation that did not exist for transgender children. Further, all groups perceived the stereotypes of others to be more biased than their own stereotypes.
Evaluating the use of robotic and virtual reality rehabilitation technologies to improve function in stroke survivors: A narrative review
Authors: Clark William E , Sivan Manoj , O’Connor Rory J
Published: November 2019

This review evaluates the effectiveness of robotic and virtual reality technologies used for neurological rehabilitation in stroke survivors. It examines each rehabilitation technology in turn before considering combinations of these technologies and the complexities of rehabilitation outcome assessment. There is high-quality evidence that upper-limb robotic rehabilitation technologies improve movement, strength and activities of daily living, whilst the evidence for robotic lower-limb rehabilitation is currently not as convincing. Virtual reality technologies also improve activities of daily living. Whilst the benefit of these technologies over dose-controlled conventional rehabilitation is likely to be small, there is a role for both technologies as part of a broader rehabilitation programme, where they may help to increase the intensity and amount of therapy delivered. Combining robotic and virtual reality technologies in a rehabilitation programme may further improve rehabilitation outcomes and we would advocate randomised controlled trials of these technologies in combination.
Small vessel disease is associated with an unfavourable outcome in stroke patients on oral anticoagulation
Authors: Hert Lisa , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Schaedelin Sabine , Lieb Johanna , Seiffge David J. , Traenka Christopher , Fladt Joachim , Thilemann Sebastian , Gensicke Henrik , De Marchis Gian Marco , Bonati Leo , Lyrer Philippe , Engelter Stefan T. , Peters Nils
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease is an important cause for both ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. To date, knowledge on the impact of small vessel disease on the clinical course in stroke patients treated with oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation is limited.

Patients and Methods

Registry-based prospective observational study of 320 patients (aged 78.2 ± 9.2 years) treated with anticoagulation following atrial fibrillation stroke. Patients underwent standardised magnetic-resonance-imaging assessing measures of small vessel disease, including cerebral microbleeds and white matter hyperintensities. Median follow-up was 754 (interquartile range = [708–828]) days. Using adjusted logistic and Cox regression, we assessed the association of imaging measures with clinical outcome including recurrent ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage and death and assessed disability (modified Rankin Scale).

Results

Overall, recurrent ischaemic stroke was more common than intracranial haemorrhage (22 versus 8, respectively). Cerebral microbleeds were related to an increased risk of the composite endpoint (ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, death: odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–3.31; P = 0.003), as were white matter hyperintensities (OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.23–3.27, P = 0.005). This was also true in time-to-event analysis (cerebral microbleeds: HR 2.31, 95%CI 1.39–3.52; P < 0.001; white matter hyperintensities: HR 1.99, 95%CI 1.20–3.17; P = 0.007). Both measures were associated with an increased risk for recurrent ischaemic stroke (cerebral microbleeds: HR 4.42, 95%CI 1.07–18.20; P = 0.04; white matter hyperintensities: HR 5.27, 95%CI 1.08–25.79, P = 0.04) and intracranial haemorrhage (cerebral microbleeds: HR 2.43, 95%CI 1.04–5.69; P = 0.04; white matter hyperintensities: HR 2.57, 95%CI 1.11–5.98, P = 0.03). Furthermore, confluent white matter hyperintensities were associated with increased disability (OR 4.03; 95%CI 2.16–7.52; P < 0.001) and mortality (HR 1.81, 95%CI 1.04–3.14, P = 0.04).

Discussion and conclusion

In atrial fibrillation stroke patients treated with oral anticoagulation, small vessel disease is associated with an unfavourable outcome. The presence of microbleeds indicated a risk higher for recurrent ischaemic stroke than for intracranial haemorrhage.
Everyday antagonisms: Organising economic practices in Mercado Bonpland, Buenos Aires
Authors: Habermehl Victoria
Published: November 2019

In 2001, Argentina experienced a profound social political and economic crisis. In response, a broad and diverse social and economic movement was created, involving autonomous politics, horizontal organisation, autogestion, neighbourhood assemblies and state rupture. The creation of alternative economic systems played an important role in this challenge to capitalist hegemony, producing a different and more humanising kind of economics focused on the provision of opportunities for more stable, sustainable and dignified production. This paper uses an innovative theoretical approach, drawing on both Marxism and diverse economy literature, to explore data collected during empirical research between 2013 and 2016 into a solidarity retail market in Buenos Aires, the Mercado de Economía Solidaria Bonpland. It argues that such interventions in the interstices of capitalism offer a radical and alternative solution through a politics of everyday antagonism. By insisting on economic plurality in the present via a series of oppositions and compromises, the Mercado both drew attention to the failings of capitalism, and created a genuine and visible social and economic alternative.
Female Attitudes Towards Self-employment and Breaking Occupational Stereotypes in Jharkhand
Authors: Mahato Madhuri , Vardhan Julie
Published: November 2019

Although in recent times a growing number of women are entering into occupations that were traditionally dominated by men, these gains have not been equally realized. In the state of Jharkhand, a group of women have broken the occupational stereotypes and have become auto drivers, of vehicles that have suitably been named Pink Autos. An empirical study was undertaken to explore the intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors that have affected their occupational choice to break the stereotype. The results provide insights into the driving factors for the success for women micro-entrepreneurs.
High throughput genotyping of structural variations in a complex plant genome using an original Affymetrix® axiom® array
Authors: Mabire Clément , Duarte Jorge , Darracq Aude , Pirani Ali , Rimbert Hélène , Madur Delphine , Combes Valérie , Vitte Clémentine , Praud Sébastien , Rivière Nathalie , Joets Johann , Pichon Jean-Philippe , Nicolas Stéphane D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Insertions/deletions (InDels) and more specifically presence/absence variations (PAVs) are pervasive in several species and have strong functional and phenotypic effect by removing or drastically modifying genes. Genotyping of such variants on large panels remains poorly addressed, while necessary for approaches such as association mapping or genomic selection.

Results

We have developed, as a proof of concept, a new high-throughput and affordable approach to genotype InDels. We first identified 141,000 InDels by aligning reads from the B73 line against the genome of three temperate maize inbred lines (F2, PH207, and C103) and reciprocally. Next, we designed an Affymetrix® Axiom® array to target these InDels, with a combination of probes selected at breakpoint sites (13%) or within the InDel sequence, either at polymorphic (25%) or non-polymorphic sites (63%) sites. The final array design is composed of 662,772 probes and targets 105,927 InDels, including PAVs ranging from 35 bp to 129kbp. After Affymetrix® quality control, we successfully genotyped 86,648 polymorphic InDels (82% of all InDels interrogated by the array) on 445 maize DNA samples with 422,369 probes. Genotyping InDels using this approach produced a highly reliable dataset, with low genotyping error (~ 3%), high call rate (~ 98%), and high reproducibility (> 95%). This reliability can be further increased by combining genotyping of several probes calling the same InDels (< 0.1% error rate and > 99.9% of call rate for 5 probes). This “proof of concept” tool was used to estimate the kinship matrix between 362 maize lines with 57,824 polymorphic InDels. This InDels kinship matrix was highly correlated with kinship estimated using SNPs from Illumina 50 K SNP arrays.

Conclusions

We efficiently genotyped thousands of small to large InDels on a sizeable number of individuals using a new Affymetrix® Axiom® array. This powerful approach opens the way to studying the contribution of InDels to trait variation and heterosis in maize. The approach is easily extendable to other species and should contribute to decipher the biological impact of InDels at a larger scale.
Molecular dissection of the replication system of plasmid pIGRK encoding two in-frame Rep proteins with antagonistic functions
Authors: Wawrzyniak Paweł , Sobolewska-Ruta Agnieszka , Zaleski Piotr , Łukasiewicz Natalia , Kabaj Paulina , Kierył Piotr , Gościk Agata , Bierczyńska-Krzysik Anna , Baran Piotr , Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek Anna , Płucienniczak Andrzej , Bartosik Dariusz
Published: November 2019

Background

Gene overlapping is a frequent phenomenon in microbial genomes. Excluding so-called “trivial overlapping”, there are significant implications of such genetic arrangements, including regulation of gene expression and modification of protein activity. It is also postulated that, besides gene duplication, the appearance of overlapping genes (OGs) is one of the most important factors promoting a genome’s novelty and evolution. OGs coding for in-frame proteins with different functions are a particularly interesting case. In this study we identified and characterized two in-frame proteins encoded by OGs on plasmid pIGRK fromKlebsiella pneumoniae, a representative of the newly distinguished pHW126 plasmid family.

Results

A singlerepRlocus located within the replication system of plasmid pIGRK encodes, in the same frame, two functional polypeptides: a full-length RepR protein and a RepR’ protein (withN-terminal truncation) translated from an internal START codon. Both proteins form homodimers, and interact with diverse DNA regions within the plasmid replication origin andrepRpromoter operator. Interestingly, RepR and RepR’ have opposing functions – RepR is crucial for initiation of pIGRK replication, while RepR’ is a negative regulator of this process. Nevertheless, both proteins act cooperatively as negative transcriptional regulators of their own expression.

Conclusions

Regulation of the initiation of pIGRK replication is a complex process in which a major role is played by two in-frame proteins with antagonistic functions. In-frame encoded Rep proteins are uncommon, having been described in only a few plasmids. This is the first description of such proteins in a plasmid of the pHW126 family.