bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-reactions in specific Brachyspira spp. PCR assays caused by “Brachyspira hampsonii” isolates
Authors: Aller-Morán Luis M. , Martínez-Lobo F. Javier , Rubio Pedro , Carvajal Ana
Published: September 2016

An emerging novel spirochete in swine, provisionally designated “ Brachyspira hampsonii,” has been detected worldwide. It has been associated with swine dysentery and cannot be differentiated from B. hyodysenteriae, the classical etiologic agent of this disease, using standard phenotypic methods. We evaluated cross-reactions of “ B. hampsonii” isolates recovered from avian species in some of the currently available species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the identification of swine Brachyspira species. Ten avian “ B. hampsonii” isolates recovered from wild waterfowl were used. No false-positive results were recorded with a B. pilosicoli–specific PCR based on the amplification of a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. However, the percentage of false-positive results varied, with a range of 10–80%, in the evaluated B. hyodysenteriae–specific assays based on the amplification of the 23S rRNA, nox, and tlyA genes. Similarly, results of the B. intermedia–specific PCR assays yielded poor specificity, with up to 80% of the “ B. hampsonii” isolates tested giving false-positive results. Finally, 2 “ B. hampsonii” avian isolates yielded a positive result in a B. innocens– and B. murdochii–specific PCR. This result should be interpreted very cautiously as these 2 isolates could represent a recombinant genotype.
Elaeophora in the meninges of a Malayan sambar (Rusa unicolor equina)
Authors: Bernard Jennifer , Grunenwald Caroline , Stalis Ilse H. , Varney Megan , Zuba Jeff , Gerhold Richard
Published: September 2016

An adult nematode was grossly identified in the meninges of a Malayan sambar ( Rusa unicolor equina), with numerous microfilariae associated with encephalitis and vasculitis on histopathology. The nematode was confirmed to be Elaeophora schneideri by sequencing a portion of the 18S rRNA gene. Our report highlights the potential for aberrant migration of E. schneideri in exotic deer species and the use of advanced testing to specifically identify this metazoan parasite, avoiding misidentification of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis.
Apples and Pears
Authors: Reyneke Roelof P.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To investigate how an adventure-based activity could help facilitate dialogue and enable a safe process where students could engage in a difficult topic such as diversity without feeling threatened.

Method:

A qualitative study was used in which 89 social work students who took part in diversity training gave permission that their manuscripts be used for documentary analysis. Content analysis was used to analyze the data in order to determine if and how the adventure-based activity contributed to the facilitation of dialogue.

Results:

It was found that the activity contributed to changing the attitude and knowledge of social work students. It opened up new perspectives and allowed students to discuss diversity without fear.

Conclusion:

The use of adventure activities is an effective strategy to facilitate dialogue between students.
Preventing Academic Disengagement Through a Middle School–Based Social and Emotional Learning Program
Authors: Moore McBride Amanda , Chung Saras , Robertson Anne
Published: September 2016

Behaviors that warrant school discipline (e.g., fighting, victimizing peers) is detrimental to school climate and the learning process. This study examines the effectiveness of preventing school disciplinary incidents in middle school through an experiential, social and emotional learning (SEL) program. A community youth development organization, two public middle schools in low-income communities and a local university collaborated to design and deliver the program to all seventh-grade students in social studies curricula. This article describes the design of the intervention and its effect on students’ suspensions, skipping class, and failing grades. The results of this study indicate that a school-based SEL service-learning program may reduce disciplinary incidents for middle school students. Other attitudes and skills, however, did not change significantly in the anticipated direction. This research demonstrates the effect of SEL curricula and service-learning programs embedded in school coursework. Implications for practice and research include understanding mechanisms of change in SEL processes.
Relationship of Prolonged Operative Time and Comorbidities With Complications After Geriatric Ankle Fractures
Authors: Aigner René , Salomia Constantin , Lechler Philipp , Pahl Roman , Frink Michael
Published: September 2016

Background:

The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures has increased during the last few decades. In contrast to younger patients, increased complication rates have been observed. Thus, the goal of the present study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications following open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric ankle fractures.

Methods:

Two hundred thirty-seven patients over the age of 65 years (mean, 72.5 ± 6.1 years) treated for ankle fractures in our institution between 2004 and 2014 were included. Complications associated with operative treatment as well as complications requiring revision surgery were analyzed. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors were determined.

Results:

In 68 patients (28.7%), 74 complications were documented. The most common complications were impaired wound healing and operative site infections. The multivariate analysis revealed that the operative time was the only independent risk factor for the development of a complication. The operative time as well as the presence of an open fracture represented risk factors for needing revision surgery. Comorbidities did not influence the development of complications.

Conclusion:

The operative management of geriatric ankle fractures was associated with a high complication rate. In the present study, the operative time was the only modifiable factor for the development of a complication that required revision surgery. During preoperative preparation, we believe that perfusion of the affected limb should be optimized to reduce the incidence of wound complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Determinants of legislative committee membership in proportional representation systems
Authors: Riera Pedro , Cantú Francisco
Published: September 2016

This article explores the determinants of the allocation of parliamentary posts to specific legislators. Using an original data set of biographical information and committee assignments for almost 10,000 legislators in five non-presidential democracies (i.e. Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and Spain), we provide evidence that distributive posts are more likely to be allocated to electorally vulnerable members of parliament, mainly under candidate-centered electoral rules. We also show that posts in high-policy committees are usually assigned to prominent legislators within the parties. Contrary to what one could expect based on the literature on candidates’ incentives to cultivate a personal vote, we find that the effect of district magnitude on the distribution of legislative posts does not depend on the type of list.
The effect of telepsychiatric modalities on reduction of readmissions in psychiatric settings: A systematic review
Authors: Koblauch Henrik , Reinhardt Sasha M , Lissau Waltraut , Jensen Pia-Lis
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Telepsychiatric modalities are used widely in the treatment of many mental illnesses. It has also been proposed that telepsychiatric modalities could be a way to reduce readmissions. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effects of telepsychiatric modalities on readmissions in psychiatric settings.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Joanna Briggs databases in October 2015. Inclusion criteria were (a) patients with a psychiatric diagnosis, (b) telepsychiatric interventions and (c) an outcome related to readmission.

Results

The database search identified 218 potential studies, of which eight were eligible for the review. Studies were of varying quality and there was a tendency towards low-quality studies (five studies) which found positive outcomes regarding readmission, whereas the more methodological sound studies (three studies) found no effect of telepsychiatric modalities on readmission rates.

Discussion

Previous studies have proven the effectiveness of telepsychiatric modalities in the treatment of various mental illnesses. However, in the present systematic review we were unable to find an effect of telepsychiatric modalities on the rate of readmission. Some studies found a reduced rate of readmissions, but the poor methodological quality make the findings questionable. At the present time there is no evidence to support the use of telepsychiatry due to heterogeneous interventions, heterogeneous patient groups and lack of high-quality studies.
Look into the crystal ball: Can vivid images of the future enhance physical health?
Authors: Moss Simon A , Skinner Timothy C , Alexi Nektarios , Wilson Samuel G
Published: September 2016

Many impulsive behaviors, unpleasant emotions, and misguided cognitions increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes and other conditions. This study tests the premise that such risk factors are inversely related to future clarity—the extent to which the future seems vivid and certain. Specifically, 211 participants completed the measures of future clarity and various determinants of health. Future clarity was positively associated with the inclination of participants to consume healthy food, abstain from cigarettes, participate in physical activity, and experience positive emotions. Future research should examine whether interventions designed to help individuals clarify and pursue their aspirations could stem lifestyle diseases.
Understanding and addressing the challenges of learning computer-mediated Dynamic Assessment: A teacher education study
Authors: McNeil Levi
Published: September 2016

Although the second language literature on Dynamic Assessment (DA) – the unity of assessment and instruction into a singular activity to promote cognitive development – shows promising results, very little has been written about how to educate teachers to use it. This two-cycle, exploratory action research study aimed to understand and address the challenges that the pre- and in-service teachers faced while participating in a graduate course introducing computer-mediated DA. Data from reflective journals, surveys, and transcripts from synchronous online DA tutoring sessions showed that the teachers in Cycle 1 experienced problems managing the levels of the mediating strategies that they used, which was related to the issues of utilizing course-embedded supports, dealing with task pressures, and understanding the DA concept. After modifying the course to attend to these issues, the study found that the Cycle 2 teachers exhibited greater control over the mediating strategies they employed during tutoring sessions than the teachers in Cycle 1. This study presents a contextualized account of certain issues that may arise when introducing DA and ways to manage them. More broadly, the findings underscore the importance of teacher educators investigating their own practices, and highlight the need to connect the concepts that teachers are studying with meaningful and well-supported opportunities for use.
Barriers to healthcare: Instrument development and comparison between autistic adults and adults with and without other disabilities
Authors: Raymaker Dora M , McDonald Katherine E , Ashkenazy Elesia , Gerrity Martha , Baggs Amelia M , Kripke Clarissa , Hourston Sarah , Nicolaidis Christina
Published: September 2016

Our objective was to use a community-based participatory research approach to identify and compare barriers to healthcare experienced by autistic adults and adults with and without other disabilities. To do so, we developed a Long- and Short-Form instrument to assess barriers in clinical and research settings. Using the Barriers to Healthcare Checklist–Long Form, we surveyed 437 participants (209 autistic, 55 non-autistic with disabilities, and 173 non-autistic without disabilities). Autistic participants selected different and greater barriers to healthcare, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, patient-provider communication, sensory sensitivity, and healthcare navigation. Top barriers were fear or anxiety (35% (n = 74)), not being able to process information fast enough to participate in real-time discussions about healthcare (32% (n = 67)), concern about cost (30% (n = 62)), facilities causing sensory issues 30% ((n = 62)), and difficulty communicating with providers (29% (n = 61)). The Long Form instrument exhibited good content and construct validity. The items combined to create the Short Form had predominantly high levels of correlation (range 0.2–0.8, p < 0.001) and showed responsiveness to change. We recommend healthcare providers, clinics, and others working in healthcare settings to be aware of these barriers, and urge more intervention research to explore means for removing them.
The impact of mutual obligation for sole parents
Authors: Holdsworth Louise
Published: September 2016

Mutual obligation is located within a neoliberal socio-political framework of policies designed to structure an ordered and ‘disciplined society’ emphasising strong work-ethics and self-reliance. This article presents findings of three qualitative studies into welfare-recipient experiences under interventions allied to mutual obligation. The studies were of 14 (2000), 32 (2007) and 15 (2014–15) sole mothers in receipt of Centrelink payments. Participants voiced concerns over interventions targeting individuals predominantly already contributing in essential roles, fear of misdirected coercive punishments, increased stigmatisation, a lower real standard of living and unimproved prospects for suitable employment. The article explores past and present rhetoric and implementations of mutual obligation policies, and their impacts for people receiving welfare benefits. Ongoing critical analysis of such interventionist policies is essential to ensuring that the ostensible goals of addressing poverty and disadvantage are achievable and without excessive unforeseen consequences to society. Are they in the interests of social justice and stability?
Australianness as fairness: implications for cosmopolitan encounters
Authors: Plage Stefanie , Willing Indigo , Skrbiš Zlatko , Woodward Ian
Published: September 2016

This article provides an account of interwoven and often competing repertoires of cosmopolitanism and nationalism on which Australians draw when encountering diversity. Using interview and focus group data the article first explores how the notion of Australianness grounded in civic virtues such as fairness, openness and egalitarianism effectively enhances cosmopolitan outlooks. It identifies the mechanisms through which these same virtues are mobilized to rationalize the failure to actualize cosmopolitanism in everyday practice. We argue that Australianness understood as the popular ‘fair-go’ principle at times conceptually overlaps with cosmopolitan ethics. However, it also bears the potential to hinder cosmopolitan practices. Ultimately national and cosmopolitan ethical frameworks have to be interrogated simultaneously when applied to micro-level interactions.
Development of dynamic base model of a bogie suspended forwarder
Authors: Ismoilov Abbos , Sellgren Ulf , Andersson Kjell
Published: September 2016

A forwarder is an off-road working machine that is used to transport logs from logging sites to a landing area that is accessible by trucks. Soil damage and operator comfort, especially whole-body vibrations when operating on hard and rough terrain, are crucial issues when developing novel forest machines. Most forwarders on the market are heavy machines with articulated steering and they are equipped with pairs of wheels mounted on bogies. For such bogie machines, only the flexibility and the dynamic dissipation in the tyres contribute to the “chassis damping”. The roll and lateral motions are the most severe components of the whole-body vibrations. So, developing new traction units, chassis suspensions and/or cabin suspension are in focus. Model-based design relies on focused models that are as simple as possible, but not too simple. This paper presents a 12 degrees-of-freedom multi-body dynamics simulation model of a standard eight-wheeled bogie type of medium-sized forwarder. The presented model is targeted for assessing and comparing different design solutions. It is shown that a configuration of seven rigid subsystems and eight flexible tyres represented with the simple and computer efficient Fiala tyre model enables the forwarder dynamic simulation model to be used to predict the roll and lateral motions of a forwarder operating on hard and rough terrain.
The emergence of authentic products: The transformation of wine journalism in Germany, 1947–2008
Authors: Rössel Jörg , Schenk Patrick , Eppler Dorothea
Published: September 2016

What turns a bottle of fermented grape juice into a cult wine? Current research in the sociology of culture and food assumes that nowadays the distinctiveness of goods is ascertained not on the basis of traditional food hierarchies (e.g. French food and wine as the global benchmark) but based on criteria of authenticity and exoticism. Since public discourse plays an important role in the consecration of aesthetic goods, we study wine journalism in Germany over time. This enables us to analyse the replacement of traditional criteria and the emergence of new criteria of aesthetic valuation in the wine world. The study is based on a systematic content analysis of the two most important German weeklies from 1947 to 2008. We can show that wine reporting shifts dramatically from an orientation towards French and domestic wines and a rather business-like approach to wine towards a more global orientation and a discourse of authenticity focusing on artisanal production, natural conditions of production and the winemaker as an individual personality/artist.
Neo-Liberalism in the Italian University: Encroachment and Resistance
Authors: Scacchi Luca , Benozzo Angelo , Carbone Domenico , Monaci Maria Grazia
Published: September 2016

Neo-liberalism has spread throughout the world in tandem with globalization. This article attempts to address the way in which neo-liberalism has operated in the Italian university system, an academic context that has its own history, values, and traditions. A brief overview of the consequences of neo-liberalism in Italy is followed by a description of the stages in the neo-liberal university reforms that have characterized the Italian academic world since the end of the 1980s. Finally, three forms of resistance that hinder the process of neo-liberalization and make it non-linear are examined in depth.
Using Qualitative Research to Overcome the Shortcomings of Systematic Reviews When Designing of a Self-Management Intervention for Advanced Cancer Pain
Authors: Flemming Kate , Closs S. José , Hughes Nicholas D. , Bennett Michael I.
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

To identify the key components for a self-management intervention for advanced cancer pain using evidence drawn from systematic reviews of complex interventions and syntheses of qualitative research.

Methods:

Evidence from up-to-date systematic reviews was prioritized. Searches were initially undertaken to identify the systematic reviews of effectiveness in Cinahl, Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews from 2009 to June 2014, using validated search terms. Subsequent searches to identify the qualitative systematic reviews were undertaken in Cinahl, Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo from 2009 to January 2015. The results of the two sets of reviews were integrated using methods based on constant comparative techniques.

Results:

Four systematic reviews examining interventions for the self-management of advanced cancer pain were identified. Although each review recommended some attributes of a pain management intervention, it was not possible to determine the essential key components. Subsequent searches for qualitative evidence syntheses identified three reviews. These were integrated with the effectiveness reviews. The integration identified key components for a self-management intervention including individualized approaches to care, the importance of addressing patients’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward pain management, and the significance of team approaches and inter-disciplinary working in the management of pain.

Conclusion:

Implementing the findings from systematic reviews of complex interventions is often hindered by a lack of understanding of important contextual components of care, often provided by qualitative research. Using both types of data to provide answers for practice demonstrates the benefits of incorporating qualitative research in reviews of complex interventions by ensuring the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research are combined and that their respective weaknesses are overcome.
Effect of drilling parameters and tool geometry on drilling performance in drilling carbon fiber–reinforced plastic/titanium alloy stacks
Authors: Wei Yingying , An Qinglong , Ming Weiwei , Chen Ming
Published: September 2016

An experimental study on drilling of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic/titanium alloy was conducted using three kinds of drills to investigate the cutting process. This research was mainly focused on the drilling forces, drilling temperatures, chips, and delamination area with respect to the cutting parameters and tool geometries. One type of tungsten carbide twist drill and two types of chemical vapor deposition diamond-coated drills which were multi-facet drill and brad spur drill, respectively, were used in this research. The influence of drilling parameters and tool geometries was analyzed and the conclusions were drawn that the proper selection of drilling parameters and drill geometries could lead to better hole quality. Experimental results indicated that the drilling forces and hole quality have a strong connection with feed rate while the impact of cutting speed is small. Research results also showed that the use of multi-facet drill could reduce the delamination greatly and thus produced a better surface integrity. Besides, drilling temperature and titanium alloy chips were studied in this research.
Surface grinding of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composites using rotary ultrasonic machining: Effects of tool variables
Authors: Wang Hui , Ning Fuda , Hu Yingbin , Fernando PKSC , Pei ZJ , Cong Weilong
Published: September 2016

Carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composites have many superior properties, including low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good durability, which make them attractive in many industries. However, due to anisotropic properties, high stiffness, and high abrasiveness of carbon fibers in carbon fiber–reinforced plastic, high cutting force, high tool wear, and high surface roughness are always caused in conventional machining processes. This article reports an investigation using rotary ultrasonic machining in surface grinding of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composites in order to develop an effective and high-quality surface grinding process. In rotary ultrasonic machining surface grinding of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composites, tool selection is of great importance since tool variables will significantly affect output variables. In this work, the effects of tool variables, including abrasive size, abrasive concentration, number of slots, and tool end geometry, on machining performances, including the cutting force, torque, and surface roughness, are experimentally studied. The results show that lower cutting forces and torque are generated by the tool with higher abrasive size, lower abrasive concentration, and two slots. Lower surface roughness is generated by the tool with smaller abrasive size, smaller abrasive concentration, two slots, and convex end geometry. This investigation will provide guides for tool selections during rotary ultrasonic machining surface grinding of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composites.
The application of Hilbert–Huang transform energy spectrum in brushless direct current motor vibration signals monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Fan Wenhui , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Lizhi , Yu Zhan
Published: September 2016

Due to the characteristics of structure, brushless direct current motor has a long lifetime, which makes it more difficult to obtain failure data. Accordingly, valid degeneration characteristics are required in life prediction. In this article, a novel method of condition monitoring and comparing is presented, which contributes to life prediction. Experiments were conducted for hundreds of hours to get degradation data of brushless direct current motor used in rotor of unmanned aerial vehicle. Furthermore, the vibration characteristics were analyzed by Hilbert–Huang transform to get energy spectrum. And, the differences in energy spectrum between two groups of sample collected were quantified by Euclidean distance. According to the scan under microscope, the oxidation was observed on surface of the used bearing, which leads to the changes in energy spectrum. The experimental results demonstrate that Hilbert–Huang transform energy spectrum can be effectively applied to monitor and evaluate the status of brushless direct current motor.
Study on State Transition Method Applied to Motion Planning for a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Wang Xuyang , Lu Tiansheng , Zhang Peiyan
Published: September 2016

This paper presents an approach of motion planning for a humanoid robot using a state transition method. In this method, motion planning is simplified by introducing a state-space to describe the whole motion series. And each state in the state-space corresponds to a contact state specified during the motion. The continuous motion is represented by a sequence of discrete states. The concept of the transition between two neighboring states, that is the state transition, can be realized by using some traditional path planning methods. Considering the dynamical stability of the robot, a state transition method based on search strategy is proposed. Different sets of trajectories are generated by using a variable 5th-order polynomial interpolation method. After quantifying the stabilities of these trajectories, the trajectories with the largest stability margin are selected as the final state transition trajectories. Rising motion process is exemplified to validate the method and the simulation results show the proposed method to be feasible and effective.
A neural hysteresis model for magnetostrictive sensors and actuators
Authors: Ma Lianwei , Shen Yu , Wu Qiuxuan , Li Jinrong , Zheng Hui , Luo Yanbin
Published: September 2016

In this article, a constraint factor is introduced into the hysteretic operator so that the hysteretic operator can pass through the origin in every minor coordinate system. Based on the hysteretic operator, an expanded input space is constructed. And then, it is proved that the mapping between the expanded input space and the output space contains only one-to-one mapping and multiple-to-one mapping, which can be identified using the traditional methods of neural networks. Finally, a neural network is employed to model hysteresis for the magnetostrictive sensors and actuators. Two experiments are implemented to validate the neural hysteresis model. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective.
A novel prosthetic knee joint with a parallel spring and damping mechanism
Authors: Fu Huiqun , Zhang Xiufeng , Wang Xitai , Yang Rong , Li Jian , Wang Li , Zhang Ning , Li Guanglin , Liu Tao , Fan Bingfei , Inoue Yoshio
Published: September 2016

Prosthetic knee joint (PKJ) is an important apparatus for trans-femoral amputees to regain walking ability. This study has two objectives: (1) to design a high performance and low-cost passive PKJ and (2) to evaluate the performance of the PKJ. In the proposed PKJ design, a four-bar linkage was employed as the mechanical structure, and parallel spring and damper were used as the two connecting rods of the four-bar linkage. With the parallel spring, the length of the connecting rod is variable and a buffer flexion angle can be generated, which was consistent with that of the human knee joint. The damper was used to regulate the swing speed of the shank. Through theoretical analysis, modeling, and simulation, key parameters of the mechanical structure were optimized. Finally, experimental studies were conducted to test the performance of the PKJ, including fatigue test and gait analysis. The results showed that the designed PKJ is reliable and the gait of PKJ is close to the healthy subject. Moreover, it is comfortable and showed no adverse effects on the amputee during the walking experiment.
A systematic review of studies on leadership models in educational research from 1980 to 2014
Authors: Gumus Sedat , Bellibas Mehmet Sukru , Esen Murat , Gumus Emine
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study is to reveal the extent to which different leadership models in education are studied, including the change in the trends of research on each model over time, the most prominent scholars working on each model, and the countries in which the articles are based. The analysis of the related literature was conducted by first employing a bibliometric analysis of the research and review papers indexed in the Web of Science database between 1980 and 2014. Then, a more in-depth analysis of selected papers was done using the content analysis method. The results showed that there has been increasing interest in leadership models in educational research over time. Distributed leadership, instructional leadership, teacher leadership, and transformational leadership are the most studied leadership models in educational research. It was also found that related research increasingly focuses on the effects of leaders on organizational behaviors/conditions and on student achievement. Accordingly, usage of quantitative methodology has significantly increased during the last decade. Possible reasons for these changes, implications, and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
The clinical characteristics of sarcoid arthropathy based on a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kobak Senol , Sever Fidan , Usluer Ozan , Goksel Tuncay , Orman Mehmet
Published: September 2016

Background:

Sarcoidosis is known as a Th1-mediated disease, which can mimic many primary rheumatologic diseases or sometimes co-exist with them. Clinical characteristics of sarcoid arthropathy are not well described and the studies reported in the literature so far are mostly based on data from referrals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of sarcoid arthropathy.

Methods:

All our patients were prospectively evaluated in our rheumatology outpatient center from 2011 to 2015. A total of 114 (32 male) patients with sarcoidosis who were admitted to our clinic were included in the study. Clinical, demographical, laboratory, radiological and histological data of these patients obtained during 4-year follow-up and treatment period were compiled and analyzed.

Results:

The mean patient age was 48.1 years (range, 20–82 years), and the mean disease duration was 40.5 months (range, 1–300 months). Sarcoid arthritis was observed in 71 (62.3%), and arthralgia in 106 (92.9%) patients. Out of the 71 patients with arthritis, 61 (85.9%) had involvement of ankle, 7 (9.8%) knee, 2 (2.8%) wrist, MCP and PIP joints, and 1 (1.4%) had shoulder periarthritis. Oligoarthritis (two to four joints) was the most common pattern followed by monoarthritis and polyarthritis. Arthritis and erytjhema nodosum and arthritis and female sex was found to be correlated ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.001). Again, in patients with arthritis, even higher levels of CRP/ESR as well as ANA and RF positivity were observed ( p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.01, and p = 0.02, respectively). A total of 11 patients had another rheumatic pathology concurrent with sarcoidosis.

Conclusions:

Inflammatory arthritis occurs in a majority of patients with sarcoidosis. Acute arthritis with bilateral ankle involvement is the most common pattern of sarcoid arthropathy. Sarcoidosis can mimic many primary rheumatic diseases or may coexist with them. Sarcoidosis should be considered not only as a mimicker but also as a Th1-mediated primary rheumatologic pathology.
Ease of Use of the Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL Pen Injector in Insulin-Naïve People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pohlmeier Harald , Berard Lori , Brulle-Wohlhueter Claire , Wu Junlong , Dahmen Raphael , Nowotny Irene , Klonoff David
Published: September 2016

Background:

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) contains the same active ingredient as glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100), and provides the same number of units in one-third of the volume. The SoloSTAR® injector pen has been modified to ensure accurate administration of this reduced volume and to improve user experience.

Methods:

Insulin- and pen-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycemic drugs, who had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.0-11.0 % (53-97 mmol/mol) were studied. They received once-daily Gla-300 in this 4-week, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study (NCT02227212). Ease of use/ease of learning (the primary endpoint), glycemic control, safety, and reliability of the disposable (prefilled) Gla-300 injector pen (secondary endpoints) were evaluated.

Results:

At week 4, 95.0% of 40 participating subjects assessed the pen as excellent/good and none as poor/very poor; 97.5% would recommend it to others. Total Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores were stable throughout the study. Mean (SD) fasting plasma glucose levels decreased from 166.1 (35.0) mg/dL at baseline to 124.2 (41.1) mg/dL at week 4. No product technical complaints (PTCs) or adverse events (AEs) related to PTCs were reported. The number of subjects experiencing hypoglycemic events of any kind and the incidence of AEs were low. No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions:

The Gla-300 injector pen is easy to use and easy to learn to use, with demonstrable reliability and high degrees of acceptance and treatment satisfaction. Once-daily Gla-300 basal insulin treatment was well tolerated and effective in pen- and insulin-naïve adult T2DM subjects.
McHealthy
Authors: Chan Elisa K. , Kwortnik Robert , Wansink Brian
Published: September 2016

Food choices are often habitual, which can perpetuate unhealthy behaviors; that is, selection of foods high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. This article extends previous research by examining how marketing incentives can encourage healthy food choices. Building on research examining marketing incentives, temporal goals, and habitual behavior, this research shows that certain incentives (behavioral rewards vs. financial discounts) affect individuals with healthy and less healthy eating habits differently. A field study conducted at a corporate cafeteria and three lab studies converge on a consistent finding: The effects of marketing incentives on healthy food choice are particularly prominent for people who have less healthy eating habits. Results showed that behavioral rewards generated a 28.5% (vs. 5.5%) increase in salad sales; behavioral rewards also led to 2 pounds more weight loss for individuals with less healthy eating habits. The research offers important implications for scholars, the food industry, consumers, governments, and policy makers.
Distal Radius Fracture Outcomes and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ikpeze Tochukwu C. , Smith Heather C. , Lee Daniel J. , Elfar John C.
Published: September 2016

Distal radius fractures account for nearly 1 of every 5 fractures in individuals aged 65 or older. Moreover, increased susceptibility to vertebral and hip fractures has been documented in patients a year after suffering a distal radius fracture. Although women are more susceptible to hip fractures, men experience a higher mortality rate in the 7 years following a distal radius fracture. Traditional approaches to distal radius fractures have included both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, with predominant complaints involving weakness, stiffness, and pain. Nonsurgical approaches include immobilization with or without reduction, whereas surgical treatments include dorsal spanning bridge plates, percutaneous pinning, external fixation, and volar plate fixation. The nature of the fracture will determine the best treatment option, and surgeons employ a multifactorial treatment approach that includes the patient’s age, nature of injury, joint involvement, and displacement among other factors. Historically, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning have been the most popular approaches. However, volar plate fixation is quickly becoming a popular option as it minimizes tendon irritation, reduces immobilization time, and decreases risk of complication. The goal of treatment is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve functional outcomes following rehabilitation. The aim of this review is to summarize the most common treatments and importance of early referral to hand therapy to improve functional outcomes.
Type I interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy by a dose-dependent toxic effect on the microvasculature
Authors: Kavanagh David , McGlasson Sarah , Jury Alexa , Williams Jac , Scolding Neil , Bellamy Chris , Gunther Claudia , Ritchie Diane , Gale Daniel P. , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Challis Rachel , Buist Holly , Overell James , Weller Belinda , Flossmann Oliver , Blunden Mark , Meyer Eric P. , Krucker Thomas , Evans Stephen J. W. , Campbell Iain L. , Jackson Andrew P. , Chandran Siddharthan , Hunt David P. J.
Published: September 2016

Key Points

Type I IFN therapies can cause a dose-dependent TMA. Recombinant type I IFN therapies should be stopped at the earliest opportunity in patients who develop TMA.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Boundary behaviors for linear systems of subsolutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation
Authors: Jiang Zongcai , Usó Francisco Marco
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the boundary behaviors for linear systems of subsolutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation, which contain unstable subsystems. Our first aim is to establish a state-feedback switching law guaranteeing the continuous-time systems to be uniformly exponentially stable. And then we present sufficient and necessary for the stability of the systems with two Schrödinger subsystems. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the result.
Control of the Environment in the Operating Room
Authors: Katz Jonathan D.
Published: September 2016

There is a direct relationship between the quality of the environment of a workplace and the productivity and efficiency of the work accomplished. Components such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, drafts, lighting, and noise each contribute to the quality of the overall environment and the sense of well-being of those who work there.

The modern operating room is a unique workplace with specific, and frequently conflicting, environmental requirements for each of the inhabitants. Even minor disturbances in the internal environment of the operating room can have serious ramifications on the comfort, effectiveness, and safety of each of the inhabitants. A cool, well-ventilated, and dry climate is optimal for many members of the surgical team. Any significant deviation from these objectives raises the risk of decreased efficiency and productivity and adverse surgical outcomes. A warmer, more humid, and quieter environment is necessary for the patient. If these requirements are not met, the risk of surgical morbidity and mortality is increased. An important task for the surgical team is to find the correct balance between these 2 opposed requirements. Several of the components of the operating room environment, especially room temperature and airflow patterns, are easily manipulated by the members of the surgical team. In the following discussion, we will examine these elements to better understand the clinical ramifications of adjustments and accommodations that are frequently made to meet the requirements of both the surgical staff and the patient.
HSV presence in brains of individuals without dementia: the TASTY brain series
Authors: Olsson Jan , Lövheim Hugo , Honkala Emma , Karhunen Pekka J. , Elgh Fredrik , Kok Eloise H.
Published: September 2016

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 affects a majority of the population and recent evidence suggests involvement in Alzheimer's disease aetiology. We investigated the prevalence of HSV type 1 and 2 in the Tampere Autopsy Study (TASTY) brain samples using PCR and sero-positivity in plasma, and associations with Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. HSV was shown to be present in human brain tissue in 11/584 (1.9%) of samples in the TASTY cohort, of which six had Alzheimer's disease neuropathological amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregations. Additionally, serological data revealed 86% of serum samples tested were IgG-positive for HSV. In conclusion, we report epidemiological evidence of the presence of HSV in brain tissue free from encephalitis symptoms in a cohort most closely representing the general population (a minimum prevalence of 1.9%). Whereas 6/11 samples with HSV DNA in the brain tissue had Aβ aggregations, most of those with Aβ aggregations did not have HSV present in the brain tissue.
Characterization of proteome dynamics during growth in oleate reveals a new peroxisome-targeting receptor
Authors: Yifrach Eden , Chuartzman Silvia G. , Dahan Noa , Maskit Shiran , Zada Lior , Weill Uri , Yofe Ido , Olender Tsviya , Schuldiner Maya , Zalckvar Einat
Published: September 2016

To optimally perform the diversity of metabolic functions that occur within peroxisomes, cells must dynamically regulate peroxisome size, number and content in response to the cell state and the environment. Except for transcriptional regulation little is known about the mechanisms used to perform this complicated feat. Focusing on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we used complementary high-content screens to follow changes in localization of most proteins during growth in oleate. We found extensive changes in cellular architecture and identified several proteins that colocalized with peroxisomes that had not previously been considered peroxisomal proteins. One of the newly identified peroxisomal proteins, Ymr018w, is a protein with an unknown function that is similar to the yeast and human peroxisomal targeting receptor Pex5. We demonstrate that Ymr018w is a new peroxisomal-targeting receptor that targets a subset of matrix proteins to peroxisomes. We, therefore, renamed Ymr018w, Pex9, and suggest that Pex9 is a condition-specific targeting receptor that enables the dynamic rewiring of peroxisomes in response to metabolic needs. Moreover, we suggest that Pex5-like receptors might also exist in vertebrates.
Using a change model to reduce the risk of surgical site infection
Authors: Burden Mel
Published: September 2016

A surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance module completed in 2014 highlighted that infection rates for breast surgery inpatients and readmissions at an acute trust had increased to 2.2%, from 0.5% in 2012. The national benchmark for 2014 established by Public Health England (PHE) was 1.0%. This demonstrated a greater than fourfold absolute increase in SSI for breast surgery during these periods. The infection rate could have been due to chance, but warranted investigation. The results were presented to the breast team and used to drive practice transformation through audit and observation, identifying areas of change to improve patient safety. The project used a recognised 8-step model for leading change developed by John Kotter, a professor at Harvard Business School and world-renowned change expert. The project presented opportunities to promote infection prevention while implementing care improvement strategies and behaviour change in partnership with the breast team.
Should I stay or should I go? Stress, burnout and nurse retention
Authors: Scammell Janet
Published: September 2016

Janet Scammell, Associate Professor (Nursing), Bournemouth University looks at problems retaining nurses
Comparison of Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila for phytase production at various fermentation temperatures
Authors: KANTI ATIT , SUDIANA I MADE
Published: September 2016

Kanti A, Sudiana IM. 2016. Comparison of Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila for phytase production at various fermentation temperatures. Biodiversitas 17: 769-775. There is general consensus that the presence of phytate in poultry negatively influences protein in and energy utilization by poultry, and these influences would be mitigated by augmentation of hydrolytic enzymes. The objective of this study was to evaluate phytase production by Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila on solid state fermentation. The isolates were isolated from oncom Bogor. Phytase production ability was first determined on submerge fermentation (SmF) using glucose as the main C-sources, and on solid state fermentation (SSF) on media containing maize 30%, soybean 30%, and rice brand 40% w/w. Maximum enzyme activities were observed at 96 h incubation. SSF produce higher phytase than SmF. Optimum temperature for phytase production was 35Â°C. Highest phytase production by Neurospora crassa was 45.25 Unit per g substrate, while 40.78 Unit per g substrate was produced by Neurospora sitophila. Peptone and yeast extract were good N-sources for both isolates. Starch supplement increased phytase activity. Increased amylase activity was also observed when starch supplement was added on SSF. This study proves that Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila can be used to produce phytase for better poultry nutrition. Keywords: Neurospora crassa, Neurospora sitophila, phytase, solid state fermentation
A POSTURA PREVENTIVA ADOTADA PELA CORTE INTERAMERICANA DE DIREITOS HUMANOS: NOÇÕES DE “DEVER DE PROTEÇÃO” DO ESTADO COMO FUNDAMENTO PARA A UTILIZAÇÃO DAS “SENTENÇAS ESTRUTURANTES”
Authors: De Azevedo Douglas Matheus , Hennig Leal Mônia Clarissa
Published: September 2016

Tendo como referência o caso Ximenes Lopes vs. Brasil, julgado em 2006 pela Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos, no qual se verificou a implementação de medidas positivas em solo pátrio no que toca ao cuidado de pessoas portadoras de deficiências mentais, o presente artigo buscou analisar a eventual utilização de noções da teoria do “dever de proteção” estatal, ainda que não de forma expressa, na fundamentação da sentença da Corte IDH. Assim, após serem traçadas noções basilares acerca da referida teoria, é realizada uma análise do caso na jurisprudência da Corte IDH, mormente no que se refere às medidas de reparação impostas. É possível observar, dessa forma, a utilização da noção de “dever de proteção” estatal como base para as chamadas sentenças estruturantes voltadas a uma lógica de prevenção de novas violações aos direitos humanos e fundamentais.