bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doubled Stenting for Effective Occlusion of a Dissecting Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Benndorf G. , Wellnhofer E. , Schneider G.H.
Published: January 2017

Endovascular stent placement for treatment of symptomatic pseudoaneurysms in extracranial carotid arteries proved safe and effective. We aimed at increasing the efficacy of stenting for treatment of an internal carotid artery (ICA) dissecting aneurysm by reducing the stent porosity through placement of oversized overlapping stents.

A 55-year-old woman presented with right sided hemiplegia and aphasia. CT revealed an infarction in the left hemisphere, and cerebral angiography showed an extracranial dissection of the left ICA with a 1.0 × 2.0 cm pseudoaneurysm at the C1-level. Two oversized self-expandable stents (8/30, 8/40 Wallstent) were placed, bridging the dissected segment and overlapping at the level of the aneurysmal neck. Immediate control angiography showed remarkably reduced filling of the pseudoaneurysm. Intravascular flow assessment depicted a significant reduction of intraaneurysmal flow (31/0 cm/s). Follow-up arteriograms performed after six days and nine months confirmed complete disappearance of the pseudoaneurysm and a patent vessel lumen.

Reduced stent porosity causes significant haemodynamic changes inside the aneurysmal sac and accelerates intraaneurysmal thrombosis. Deployment of oversized and overlapping stents may be helpful in achieving rapid complete occlusion and avoiding additional coil packing.
Landmark-Wire Technique of Symptomatic Subclavian Artery Occlusion
Authors: Liu S. , Jung J. Hee , Kwon H-Ju. , Kim S-Mi. , Suh D.C.
Published: January 2017

The landmark at the opposite end of an occluded segment can be used for probing the occluded subclavian artery to be recanalized. Using this technique in three patients with symptomatic subclavian artery occlusion, we found the landmark-wire technique to be safe and effective for reopening completely occluded subclavian arteries. We also introduced a technique in which a protective device can be safely used throughout the stenting procedure.
Novel Application of an Intermediate Sized Bridging Catheter as an Adjunct to Aneurysm Coiling in Patients with Tortuous Vasculature
Authors: Velat G.J. , Lawson M.F. , Hoh B.L. , Mocco J
Published: January 2017

Selective microcatheterization of intracranial aneurysms during coiling can be limited by tortuous vasculature. Stabilization of the microcatheter via distal placement of the guide catheter in the intracranial vasculature may cause vessel dissection or vasospasm. We describe the application of an intermediate sized bridging catheter in four patients with tortuous vasculature who underwent successful coiling of ruptured aneurysms. No complications occurred. The intermediate sized bridging catheter is a useful adjunct for navigation of tortuous parent artery vasculature.
Successful Recanalization of a Chronic in-Stent Occlusion at the Vertebral Artery Ostium
Authors: Xu G. , Liu X. , Zheng L. , Fan X. , Yin Q.
Published: January 2017

In-stent restenosis or occlusion has been frequently reported as a complication after angioplasty and stenting in vertebral arteries. Reopening chronic in-stent occlusion in cervical arteries with endovascular techniques has not been reported. Here we describe a case with stent implantation in the origin of right vertebral artery. The stent was occluded one year after the procedure. The patient demonstrated concurrent ischemic symptoms which were relieved after the in-stent occlusion being recanalized successfully with re-angioplasty.
«Interventional Neuroradiology: A Neuroscience Sub-Specialty?»
Authors: Rodesch Georges , Picard Luc , Berenstein Alex , Biondi Alessandra , Bracard Serge , Choi In Sup , Feng Ling , Hyogo Toshio , Lefeuvre David , Leonardi Marco , Mayer Thomas , Miyashi Shigeru , Muto Mario , Piske Ronie , Pongpech Sirintara , Reul Jurgen , Söderman Michael , Suh Dae Chul , Tampieri Donatella , Taylor Allan , Terbrugge Karel , Valavanis Anton , van den Berg René
Published: January 2017

Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) is not bound by the classical limits of a speciality, and is not restricted by standard formats of teaching and education. Open and naturally linked towards neurosciences, INR has become a unique source of novel ideas for research, development and progress allowing new and improved approaches to challenging pathologies resulting in better anatomo-clinical results. Opening INR to Neurosciences is the best way to keep it alive and growing. Anchored in Neuroradiology, at the crossroad of neurosciences, INR will further participate to progress and innovation as it has often been in the past.
Numerical investigation of magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer of copper–water nanofluid in a channel with non-parallel walls considering different shapes of nanoparticles
Authors: Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Khan Umar , Hassan Saleh M
Published: January 2017

This article presents the magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer of water-based nanofluid in divergent and convergent channels. Equations governing the flow are transformed to a set of ordinary differential equations by employing suitable similarity transforms. Resulting system is solved using a strong numerical procedure called Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method. Results are compared with existing solutions available in the literature and an excellent agreement is seen. Three shapes of nanoparticles, namely, platelet-, cylinder-, and brick-shaped particles, are considered to perform the analysis. Influence of emerging parameters such as channel opening, Reynolds number, magnetic parameter, Eckert number, and the nanoparticle volume fraction are heighted with the help of graphs coupled with comprehensive discussions. The magnetic field can be used as a controlling parameter to reduce the backflow regions for the divergent channel case. Temperature of the fluid can be controlled with the help of strong magnetic field. It is also observed that platelet-shaped particles have higher temperature values as compared to cylinder- and brick-shaped particles.
The Role of Mucosal Immunity: An Update
Authors: Pregliasco F. , Giani A. , Fonte L. , Schieppati S.
Published: January 2017

There is considerable evidence that the mucosa associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) of the body play an active part in triggering off and conducting the immune system's response to both viral and bacterial pathogens. Effectors are capable of intercepting the micro-organisms and rendering them harmless before they penetrate through the mucous membranes, or of expelling and inactivating them after they have penetrated. The system is consequently useful both in the prevention of infection and in the humoral or cellulo-mediated immune response. These operations, whose principal protagonists are Immunoglobulins A and dendritic cells, are made possible by the high degree of functional interconnection which binds the effectors of the system and the anatomical structures located in the mucosae. The data provided in literature consequently infer that appropriate stimulation of mucosal immunity, which takes into account the new acquisitions in the field of immunology, can enable oral vaccination to overcome the obstacles encountered up till now in terms of insufficient protection against diseases.
Novel Mutation Detection of an Inflammatory Molecule Elastase ii Gene Encoding Neutrophil Elastase in Kostmann Syndrome
Authors: Ahangari G. , Chavoshzadeh Z. , Lari Z. , Ramyar A. , Farhoudi A.
Published: January 2017

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), often referred to as Kostmann syndrome, is a rare immune deficiency syndrome diagnosed at or soon after birth, characterized by maturation arrest of myeloid cells at the promyelocyte stage of hematopoiesis. In severe congenital neutropenia due to disorder of neutrophil production, patients are predisposed to recurrent bacterial infections. Recently, there have been reports of detected mutations in neutrophil elastase II (ELA2) gene in genomic DNA of severe congenital neutropenia. In this study we attempted to determine whether there is any mutation in elastase II gene encoding. Peripheral blood was collected from five patients with severe congenital neutropenia and 20 healthy individuals. Total RNA was isolated using RNA standard techniques from fresh separated cells by Polymorphoprep. RNA was analyzed by employing PCR amplification of reverse transcribed using a total of ten specific primers. We amplified five exons of ELA2 gene separately and sequenced each exon. Mutational analysis was performed by directed capillary sequencing method. We found mutations in all severe congenital neutropenia patients and no mutation in 20 healthy individuals. The most mutations were in exon 4 and no mutation was found in exons 3 and 5.
Cholestasis and Pregnancy
Authors: Daniilidis A. , Tantanasis T.
Published: January 2017

Obstetric cholestasis is an intrahepatic multifactorial disease, unique to pregnancy which presents with intense pruritis and abnormal liver function tests (LFTs). It commonly presents in the third trimester and becomes more severe with advanced gestation. The prevalence of obstetric cholestasis is influenced by genetic and environmental aspects and varies in different populations. The pathogenesis appears to relate to a predisposition to the cholestatic effect of increased circulating oestrogens and progestogens. Also genetic mutations have been reported in a sub-group of women with elevated γ-GT. There can be significant maternal morbidity due to intense pruritis and consequent sleep deprivation. There may be malabsorption with steatorrhea resulting in vitamin K deficiency, prolongation of clotting times and increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Caesarian section rate is much higher for women with obstetric cholestasis. The potential fetal risks include preterm labour and prematurity and unexplained intrauterine death. The aim of the management of obstetric cholestasis is to avoid fetal complications and to relieve maternal symptoms. A variety of drug therapies have been used to reduce maternal pruritis. Policies of active management and induction of labor before 38 weeks may improve pregnancy outcome. Obstetric cholestasis is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other causes of pruritis should be excluded.
Chemokine System: New Inflammatory Markers on the Horizon
Authors: Galliera E. , Locati M. , Mantovani A. , Corsi M.M.
Published: January 2017

Chemokines and their receptors direct cell migration in homeostatic and inflamed conditions, thus they are major players in key events of immune-mediated disorders. Indeed, much evidence indicates a non-redundant role of the chemokine system in several human diseases, ranging from classical immune-mediated pathologies, such as autoimmune and allergic diseases and transplant rejection, to neoplastic and vascular diseases. Increasing emerging evidence suggests the possible role of chemokines as biomarkers for monitoring disease activity, predicting relapses, monitoring surgical and pharmacological therapy and for providing prognostic indications. Several methods are now available for the detection and measurement of chemokines and their receptors in body fluids and tissues. The advantage of these assays is that they may be used in clinical laboratory and are directly applicable for biomedical diagnosis, representing a powerful tool which could dramatically improve screening, diagnosis and monitoring of diseases in the very near future.
The Effect of Porcine Orexin a on Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Plasma Concentrations in Pigs
Authors: Papakonstantinou P. , Tziris N. , Kapoukranidou D. , Gotzamani-Psarrakou A. , Tsonidis C.H.R. , Patsikas M.N. , Papazoglou G.
Published: January 2017

The orexigenic system was discovered in 1998. It consists of two neuropeptides, Orexin A and Orexin B. Researchers have focused more on Orexin A, since its intracerebroventricular injection into the lateral ventricle of the rat's brain causes an increase in the consumption of food. Besides, it seems that, apart from appetite, Orexin A regulates many other physiological functions with unknown regulatory and metabolic mechanisms. Orexin A is produced by a small group of neurons located in and around the lateral hypothalamic area. It has been known for decades that the latter is involved in regulating feeding in mammals. An intravenous injection of Orexin A causes changes in insulin and glucagon plasma concentrations in rats. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of the central administration of porcine Orexin A on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide plasma concentrations in pigs, and examined whether these changes are related to the possible effect of the neuropeptide on the enteroinsular axis.
Role of Sulphated Polysaccharides from Sargassum Wightii in the Control of Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Associated Inflammatory Complications in Rats
Authors: Preetha S.P. , Devaraj H.
Published: January 2017

Hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular complications continue to occur in a great number of people. However, certain coastal populations have lower incidence of cardiovascular and other diseases, which may be attributed to regular intake of seaweeds in their diet. Seaweeds contain sulphated polysaccharides (SPS) which demonstrate a wide spectrum of biomedical properties and are phytochemical analogues of mammalian heparin sulphate. This knowledge served as the major impetus for exploring the therapeutic potential of SPS from the brown algae Sargassum wightii and SPS from Fucus vesiculosus in experimental rats against diet-induced hyperlipidemia and associated inflammatory complications. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups with six rats in each. The control group (group I) was left untreated while group II rats were fed with a high cholesterol diet (CCT diet – normal rat chow with 4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid and 0.5% thiouracil) for 14 days. Rats in groups III and IV received SPS from S. wightii (SW group) and SPS from F. vesiculosus (FV group) (5mg/kg b.wt/day, subcutaneously) during the last 7 days, respectively. Rats in groups V and VI were fed with a high cholesterol diet for 14 days and in addition were given SPS from S. wightii (CCT + SW group) and SPS from F. vesiculosus (CCT + FV group) at the weight of 5mg/kg b.wt/day, subcutaneously during the last 7 days, respectively. The adverse effects of hypercholesterolemia were evident from increased levels of serum lipid status and inflammatory complications manifested by augmented levels of plasma tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and lysosomal enzymes. Treatment with algal SPS considerably restored the above abnormalities. SPS from S. wightii and SPS from F. vesiculosus were almost equally effective in mitigating hypercholesterolemia and related inflammatory complications.
Perspectives in obesity and pregnancy
Authors: Mariona Federico G.
Published: January 2017

Obesity is currently recognized as a health epidemic worldwide. Its prevalence has doubled in the last three decades. Obesity is a complex clinical picture associated with physical, physiologic, hormonal, genetic, cultural, socioeconomic and environmental factors. The rate of obesity is also increasing in the pregnant women population. Maternal obesity is associated with less than optimal obstetrical, fetal and neonatal outcomes. It is also associated with significant adverse long-term effects on both obese parturients and the infants born from obese women. A number of guidelines have been published to educate health care workers and the general population in an attempt to develop effective interventions on a large scale to prevent obesity. These guidelines are multiple, confusing and inconsistent. There are no standard recommendations regarding gestational weight gaining goals, nutrients and additional elements necessary for certain obese women who have been treated with bariatric surgical procedures, screening for metabolic diseases such as diabetes, additional preventive health care services indicated for obese women in the pregnancy planning stages, during prenatal care, in the immediate post-partum period and as a long-term approach for health preservation. In 2013, the American Medical Association supported by several US national medical specialty organizations published Resolution 420 (A-13) recognizing obesity as a disease state with multiple pathophysiological aspects requiring a range of interventions to improve its prevention and treatment. The goal of this decision was to encourage a broader spectrum of health care benefits insurance coverage for the prevention and treatment of obesity. There are a number of myths and misconceptions associated with obesity. These perspectives present our views and clinical experience with a partial review of recent bibliography addressing the associations between obese reproductive age women and their risks during pregnancy.
Review of the Mechanism of Action for Supartz FX in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Altman Roy D. , Dasa Vinod , Takeuchi Jun
Published: January 2017

Objective

Summarize the biologic effects of Supartz FX for knee osteoarthritis (OA), the first worldwide clinically approved intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) product.

Design

To determine the mechanism of action from preclinical and clinical studies, a literature search was conducted of Supartz FX using academic databases from 1987 to 2016. Articles on Supartz FX that deal with its mechanisms of action were extracted, categorized, and reviewed.

Results

Supartz FX has 2 potential mechanisms of action: (1) biomechanical: IA Supartz FX directly improves the viscoelasticity and lubrication of synovial fluid; (2) physiologic: IA Supartz FX penetrates synovium and cartilage tissues to reach HA receptors on the surface of synoviocytes and chondrocytes. In synovium, suppression of gene expression in inflammatory mediators results in improved endogenous HA production, improved properties of synovial fluid, and reduction in pain. In cartilage, suppression of gene expression of collagenases and aggrecanases suppresses cartilage degeneration.

Conclusion

The net results of basic and clinical studies is that IA Supartz FX provides a more favorable biomechanical and functional environment in the knee joint. Hence, it is not only a lubricant but is also physiologically active. These actions may help explain both short- and long-term improvement in pain and function often achieved from IA Supartz FX in knee OA.
Conforming with current regulation in Turkey regarding the freezing of oocytes: A case report of the first pregnancy in Turkey achieved through oocyte vitrification
Authors: Kahraman Semra , Ulker Kahraman , Pirkevi Çetinkaya Caroline , Kumtepe Colakoglu Yesim , Yelke Hakan K. , Yilanlioglu Cihangir
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To present the first pregnancy achieved in Turkey with frozen–warmed oocytes in a case with previous nine unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology (ART) attempts.

Methods:

The clinical follow-up of a 33-year-old female applying to our ART centre after a long and complicated history of infertility is described.

Results:

In April 2013, the woman attempted our centre for her 10th ART trial. She informed us on oocyte pick-up (OPU) day that her husband had been hospitalized following a car crush in Albania and was unable to travel to our clinic to give a sperm sample. We were therefore placed in the position of having to make an emergency decision. OPU was done and seven oocytes were retrieved. Six metaphase II (MII) oocytes out of seven Cumulus Oocyte Complexes (COCs) were vitrified using the Kitazato Vitrification Cryotop Kit. Six months later, in November 2013, the patient applied for transfer. Two blastocysts were transferred and the ART trial resulted with a singleton pregnancy and the birth of a healthy new-born at term via cesarean section.

Conclusion:

Regulation Codes on Assisted Reproductive Procedures and Assisted Reproductive Technology Centres, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, on 6 March 2010 forbade the freezing of gonad cells and tissues except when essential for medical reasons and stated that this would be specified later. However, the Regulation Codes published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, on 30 September 2014 provided no further clarification. Unfortunately, the wording of the regulations did not specifically address this unexpected emergency situation. However, we saw our decision to cryopreserve the oocytes as a valid interpretation of the regulations, bearing in mind also the requirement that sperm and oocyte in the IVF process must be those of a married couple. Turkish medicolegal regulations should be revised to increase the chances of more women taking advantage of the procedure to preserve their reproductive autonomy and to give guidance on what action may be taken in emergency situations.
Laparoscopic cervicopexy: a novel minimally invasive fertility conservative procedure for stages III and IV uterine prolapse – case series
Authors: El-saman Ali M , Abbas Ahmed M , Amin Ahmed F , Fetih Ahmed N , Bahloul Mustafa , Salem Mohammed N , Salem Hossam T
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anterior abdominal wall cervicopexy (LAWC), a novel minimally invasive procedure for management of stages III and IV uterine prolapse.

Subjects and methods:

The procedure was performed on 39 cases with symptomatic uterine prolapse during the period from June 2012 to January 2015. The procedure was started with obliteration of the pouch of Douglas through the approximation of the uterosacral ligaments with non-absorbable suture. Then, the procedure completed through anchoring the supravaginal cervix to the anterior abdominal wall by two non-absorbable sutures taken in good bites in the dense stroma of the supravaginal cervix.

Results:

Uterine prolapse was diagnosed as stage III in 36 (92.3%) women and stage IV in three cases. The procedure was conducted safely without any intraoperative complications. At 3 month follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in the extent of prolapse at all pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) points as compared with preoperative assessment ( p = 0.000). Only five cases (12.8%) were found to have stage I uterine prolapse on evaluation by the POP-Q system after one year.

Conclusion:

LAWC is a minimally invasive, simple, and highly effective procedure to treat marked uterine prolapse and seems not to compromise fertility.
The Meaning of ʾÔpan in Proverbs 20.26
Authors: Amzallag Nissim , Yona Shamir
Published: January 2017

Proverbs 20.26 allegorizes the optimal method of scattering the wicked by likening it to the wind-driven separation of chaff from grain. Since the word ʾ ôpan denotes the tool used for this process, it is proposed here that this term evokes a tuyere, a nozzle through which air is forced in a furnace, rather than a cartwheel, used for the threshing of grain. Functional affinities between ʾ ôpan and ʾ ap (= nose), the organ of blowing, together with the lack of a satisfying etymology for ʾ ôpan as a wheel, suggest that tuyere is the primary meaning of this noun in ancient Canaanite languages. Moreover, the similarity of ancient furnace nozzles to spokeless wheels suggests that the use of ʾ ôpan to denote a wheel is derived from the primary denotation of the word, a tuyere.
The Book of True Civilization: The Origins of the Bible Society Movement in the Age of Enlightenment
Authors: de Vries Lourens
Published: January 2017

The Bible Society movement has its roots in the ideologies and social practices of the Enlightenment that led to a radical reconceptualization of the Christian religion and to the construction of a non-confessional and non-denominational Christian domain, with non-denominational Bibles and strong emphasis on a common non-confessional core of fundamental “simple” Christian truths and on the virtues of tolerance, civilization, knowledge, and learning. It is in these Enlightenment contexts that a new type of evangelistic Bible translation emerges with a missionary goal of spreading Christian civilization, in dozens of non-Western languages. At the same time we see another new type of Bible translation in Western languages: enlightened Bibles, not meant for the pulpit but for the home, to educate, instruct, civilize, and enlighten their readers. These enlightened Bibles incorporated results of modern, enlightened biblical scholarship, and strongly deviated from the authorized versions.
The Use and Purpose of Three Frequent Syntactical Forms in the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Young Norman Hugh
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes three syntactical forms that occur frequently in the Fourth Gospel. These forms are often associated with aspects of the literary style for which John is well known—for example, misunderstanding, irony, doubt, reversal or denial, and division. These categories are not mutually exclusive. In fact, irony, misunderstanding, and reversal might occur in the same context.
In Pursuit of the Perfect Bible: Attitudes to Bible Translation in Hellenistic Judaism
Authors: Ziegert Carsten
Published: January 2017

This article investigates attitudes to Bible translation as mirrored in the Letter of Aristeas, Philo’s treatise On the Life of Moses, and the prologue to the book of Ben Sira. In each of these documents, its respective author reflects on the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. The author of the Letter of Aristeas was concerned about a possible revision of a translation that was highly esteemed and tried to preserve it by alluding to the “canon formula” (Deut 4.2). Philo considered the Greek Torah as divinely inspired, presuming a strictly literal translation which was the perfect image of its source text. The article mentions today’s followers of these two writers whose views can be criticized from the point of view of modern translation theory. The translator of the book of Ben Sira, on the other hand, showed a balanced opinion which can serve as a model for today’s Bible translators.
Understanding the care.data conundrum: New information flows for economic growth
Authors: Vezyridis Paraskevas , Timmons Stephen
Published: January 2017

The analysis of data from electronic health records aspires to facilitate healthcare efficiencies and biomedical innovation. There are also ethical, legal and social implications from the handling of sensitive patient information. The paper explores the concerns, expectations and implications of the National Health Service (NHS) England care.data programme: a national data sharing initiative of linked electronic health records for healthcare and other research purposes. Using Nissenbaum’s contextual integrity of privacy framework through a critical Science and Technology Studies (STS) lens, it examines the way technologies and policies are developed to promote sustainability, governance and economic growth as the de facto social values, while reducing privacy to an individualistic preference. The state, acting as a new, central data broker reappropriates public ownership rights and establishes those information flows and transmission principles that facilitate the assetisation of NHS datasets for the knowledge economy. Various actors and processes from other contexts attempt to erode the public healthcare sector and privilege new information recipients. However, such data sharing initiatives in healthcare will be resisted if we continue to focus only on the monetary and scientific values of these datasets and keep ignoring their equally important social and ethical values.
Malignant transformation of a duodenal duplication cyst in a cat
Authors: Hobbs Joshua , Penninck Dominique , Lyons Jeremy
Published: January 2017

Case summary

A 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy, vomiting and anorexia. Abdominal ultrasound showed a bi-lobed cystic duodenal mass. Based on ultrasonographic features, malignant transformation of a duodenal duplication cyst was suspected. A resection and anastomosis was performed. Histology of the mass was consistent with carcinoma and an intestinal mucosa was present along the inner surface of the mass, suggestive of a duplication cyst. The patient returned 3 months postsurgery with recurrence of clinical signs. Abdominal ultrasound showed a recurrent duodenal mass at the surgery site and body wall nodules. Fine-needle aspirates of these lesions showed epithelial neoplasia. Owing to the poor prognosis, the owners elected euthanasia.

Relevance and novel information

Malignant transformation of duplication cysts in cats is rare but can be detected on ultrasound. The described ultrasonographic features can aid in prioritization of malignant transformation of duplication cysts as a differential diagnosis.
Considering Children’s Methods of Grasping and Carrying Elementary School Chairs for Easy Carrying, Lifting, and Turning
Authors: Purwaningrum Lu’lu’ , Funatsu Kyotaro , Rosyidi Cucuk Nur , Muraki Satoshi
Published: January 2017

Carrying, lifting, and turning chairs improve learning activities in schools, which leads to higher quality education. However, it has been shown that elementary school chairs in Indonesia are too heavy for children aged 6 to 9 to easily lift and carry. The present study aimed to investigate children’s methods of carrying chairs as well as lifting and turning them onto desks. Forty-two children (aged 6-9), including 17 Indonesians (6 boys, 11 girls) and 25 Japanese (12 boys, 13 girls), participated in the study. The experiment used three elementary school chairs (one Indonesian, two Japanese) and two desk types (standard and tall). The most popular method for carrying a chair was to carry it in front of the body with the chair in a lateral position (75%). In all carrying methods, participants showed a preference for grasping two particular points to hold the chair. Children lifted and turned chairs most successfully when they used this popular grasping pattern. The carrying method and the popular grasping pattern for carrying, lifting, and turning chairs need to be considered when redesigning heavy Indonesian elementary school chairs to improve the ease of transport without decreasing the weight.
Investigating Parental Beliefs Concerning Facilitators and Barriers to the Physical Activity in Down Syndrome and Typical Development
Authors: Alesi Marianna
Published: January 2017

Family is a crucial factor to determine the amount, the duration, and the complexity of children’s sport activities. This study aims at comparing the beliefs concerning the involvement in sport activities among parents of children with Down syndrome (DS) and parents of typically developing children (TDC). A phenomenological theoretical framework was adopted to realize semistructured interviews with the parents. The participants were 35 parents: 19 with children and adolescents with DS and 16 with TDC. The main facilitation/barrier themes identified by the parents of children with DS were the family and the expert at Adapted Physical Activity (APA) instructors. Conversely, the parents of TDC identified social factors related to family as the only barrier. One of the issues that emerge from this study is the lack of home-based physical activity (PA) intervention programs aimed at involving families and children.
Reducing the Frequency and Severity of Migraine Headaches in the Workplace
Authors: Parker Catherine , Waltman Nancy
Published: January 2017

The impact of migraine headaches on worker productivity and quality of life is significant. A medical center employee health department implemented an evidence-based, multicomponent intervention to manage migraine headaches for a population of more than 3,500 employees. The intervention consisted of education to identify and avoid headache triggers, coaching on dietary and lifestyle changes, and prescriptions for medications to prevent and treat headaches. This article presents preliminary data on the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention. The frequency and severity of headaches were measured at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline using the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire. At 12 months, 28 participants who completed testing reported that the frequency of headaches had decreased by 76.1%, severity by 31.3%, and perception of disability by 66.5%. This pilot study used a convenience sample and no control group. However, results are promising and recommendations are made for future studies.
Occupational Health Service Delivery in South Africa
Authors: Michell Karen E.
Published: January 2017

This article offers insight into how occupational health services are delivered in South Africa. The nursing aspect of this comprehensive service is the focus.
Whistleblowing—Is it Really Worth the Consequences?
Authors: Delk Kayla L.
Published: January 2017

This article explores general principles of state whistleblower laws and alerts nurses to considerations when deciding whether to report an employer violation. Reporting an employer violation can be difficult for any employee but especially for nurses because nurses are torn between their desire and duty to advocate for clients' safety and their desire to maintain employment. The author suggests questions to consider when deciding to “blow the whistle” and alerts nurses to statutes of limitations that may affect when nurses must report violations. The article also illuminates policy and procedural issues for various states that affect how and to whom nurses report violations to protect themselves under whistleblower protection laws. Finally, this article explores personal and professional consequences that nurses should consider before reporting violations.
Role Identity and the Work Role after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Valdez-Lowe Claudia
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to determine the roles most salient for individuals following a myocardial infarction (MI) and identify relationships among worker demographics, depression, illness intrusion, role identity, and self-esteem. Thirty participants 18 years or older, paid employees working 20 or more hours per week immediately prior to the MI, receiving care at one of the identified clinics, able to read English, and having a diagnosis of an acute MI within the past year completed questionnaires regarding role identity, illness intrusion, self-esteem, and depression. The results demonstrated the work role was significant for individuals after an MI. In addition, participants felt their current occupation had much to do with how they felt about themselves. The correlation between being employed now and an individual's occupation supported the finding that workers value their work role.
Development of a Respiratory Protection Survey Instrument for Occupational Health Nurses
Authors: Taormina Deborah , Burgel Barbara J.
Published: January 2017

The Institute of Medicine (2011) report Occupational Health Nurses and Respiratory Protection: Improving Education and Training outlined seven recommendations to improve the competency of occupational health nurses in respiratory protection. An advisory group was convened in December 2011, with stakeholder representation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc., American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc., Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare, American Nurses Association, and Institute of Medicine Standing Committee on Personal Protective Equipment for Workplace Safety and Health. The initial work of the advisory group included developing and administering a survey to assess current occupational health nurse roles and responsibilities relevant to respiratory protection. Development of the survey was led by a master's student and advisor who worked with the advisory group. The process of tool development and preliminary findings are presented in this article.
Mindfulness Interventions to Reduce Stress among Nursing Personnel
Authors: Zeller Janice M. , Levin Pamela F.
Published: January 2017

Workplace stress within health care settings is rampant and predicted to increase in coming years. The profound effects of workplace stress on the health and safety of nursing personnel and the financial impact on organizations are well documented. Although organizational modification can reduce some sources of stress, several unique stress-producing factors inherent in the work of nursing personnel are immutable to such approaches. Mindfulness training, an evidence-based approach to increase situational awareness and positive responses to stressful situations, is an inexpensive strategy to reduce stress and improve the quality of nurses' work lives. Several approaches to training, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, can be tailored to health care settings. Considerations for occupational health nurses in incorporating mindfulness training as an aspect of a comprehensive work site health promotion program for nursing and other hospital personnel are discussed.
Creating Meaningful Partnerships between Communities and Environmental Health Researchers
Authors: De Souza Rachael , Aguilar Genevieve C. , de Castro A. B.
Published: January 2017

Community engagement is a necessary, although challenging, element of environmental health research in communities. To facilitate the engagement process, direct action community organizing agencies can be useful in bringing together communities and researchers. This article describes the preliminary activities that one direct action community organizing agency used in partnership with researchers to improve community engagement in the first 6 months of an environmental health study conducted in a major U.S. city. Activities included developing communication strategies, creating opportunities for researcher–community interaction, and sustaining project momentum. To conduct environmental research that is both scientifically rigorous and relevant to communities, collaborating partners had to develop professional skills and strategies outside of their areas of expertise.
Exploring Workplace Violence among Home Care Workers in a Consumer-Driven Home Health Care Program
Authors: Nakaishi Lindsay , Moss Helen , Weinstein Marc , Perrin Nancy , Rose Linda , Anger W. Kent , Hanson Ginger C. , Christian Mervyn , Glass Nancy
Published: January 2017

Nominal research has examined sexual harassment and workplace violence against home care workers within consumer-driven home care models such as those offered in Oregon. This study examined home care workers' experiences of violence while providing care to consumer employers, the patients who hire and manage home care workers. Focus groups and interviews were conducted in Oregon with 83 home care workers, 99 Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) employees, and 11 consumer employers. Home care workers reported incidents of workplace physical violence (44%), psychological abuse (65%), sexual harassment (41%), and sexual violence (14%). Further, three themes were identified that may increase the risk of workplace violence: (1) real and perceived barriers to reporting violence; (2) tolerance of violence; and (3) limited training to prevent violence. To ensure worker safety while maintaining quality care, safety policies and training for consumer employers, state DHS employees, and home care workers must be developed.
Evaluation of a Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program at a Workplace Medical Clinic
Authors: Andres Kara L. , Renn Tracy A. , Gray David A. , Englund Joanne M. , Olsen Geary W. , Letourneau Barbara K.
Published: January 2017

The Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program (CVRRP) was implemented in the 3M Medical Clinic in December 2009. The goal of the CVRRP was to evaluate 3M employees at risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and address any related modifiable risk factors with appropriate intervention strategies through clinic visits with a 3M nurse practitioner or physician and, if needed, a registered dietitian and/or exercise professional. Data for the first 100 participants were analyzed to initially assess the effectiveness of the program. Based on this evaluation, the 3M CVRRP and active collaboration between participants and providers in the workplace successfully reduced modifiable CVD risk factors.
Energy Drinks and Worker Health Risks
Authors: Dennison Kim , Rogers Bonnie , Randolph Susan A.
Published: January 2017

Occupational and environmental health nurses play a key role in raising awareness, advocating for public health and safety, and preventing deleterious health consequences for individuals who consume energy drinks.
Text Message Reminder–Recall to Increase HPV Immunization in Young HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Keeshin Susana Williams , Feinberg Judith
Published: January 2017

HIV infected patients have higher rates of HPV infection, worse disease progression, increase severity of disease, and are at higher risk for intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer than their HIV negative counterparts. We conducted a yearlong pilot project to evaluate the impact of text message HPV immunization reminder-recall in young HIV-1 positive patients in a large urban academic HIV clinic. We found that text message reminder-recall improved HPV immunization uptake in a young, primarily black and un- or under-insured HIV-1 infected patients. As communication by texting is characteristic of teens and young adults in the general population, text message reminder-recalls should be considered a viable option to improve vaccination rates among young HIV patients.
Zidovudine- versus Tenofovir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy for the Initial Treatment of HIV Infection in the Ethnic Minority Region of Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Cheung Cedric P. , Lai Wen Hong , Shuter Jonathan
Published: January 2017

Background:

Tenofovir (TDF)-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as recommended by the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV-naive patients, has been limited in resource-constrained settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of zidovudine-(ZDV) versus TDF-based HAART in the Yi minority region of Sichuan Province, China at a single HIV treatment center.

Methods:

The primary end point was the attainment of an HIV viral load <50 copies/mL. Secondary end points included change in CD4 level, adverse reactions, mortality, and sustained virologic suppression.

Results:

Of the 361 total participants, recipients of TDF-based HAART were more likely to achieve viral load <50 copies/mL (60% versus 46%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, P = .016) as well as sustained virologic suppression (61% versus 28%, OR = 3.4, P = .001). Tenofovir (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.71, P = .025) and female sex (ORadj = 1.93, P = .003) were identified as independent predictors of achieving HIV viral load <50 copies/mL in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion:

Among Chinese Yi minority HIV-infected participants, TDF-based HAART was superior to ZDV-based HAART for initial treatment of HIV infection, suggesting TDF-based HAART should be the regimen of choice in China.
Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of the Parotid Gland in the Setting of HAART
Authors: Arutyunyan Sergey , Uhde Matthew
Published: January 2017

The benign lymphoepithelial lesion is a rare and diagnostically challenging entity. Classically, these lesions present as early manifestation of HIV infection and are rarely seen in those on highly active antiretroviral therapy. We describe 2 rare cases of HIV-associated lympho-epithelial lesions of parotid gland in a 37-year-old female and a 47-year-old male receiving antiretroviral therapy. The lesions were characterized with respect to clinical features, as well as histopathology and radiology findings. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed benign squamous epithelium and lymphocytes. Sonographic evaluation of the parotid gland demonstrated intraparotid solid hypoechoic nodule. Computed tomography showed cystic and solid masses. These lesions were diagnosed as benign lymphoepithelial lesions in both cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the published literature describing newly occurring benign lymphoepithelial lesions in patients on antiretroviral therapy.
E-Leadership or “How to Be Boss in Instant Messaging?” The Role of Nonverbal Communication
Authors: Darics Erika
Published: January 2017

Doing leadership in the virtual realm has now become a routine part of many leaders’ daily work, yet our understanding of how leadership is enacted in mediated contexts—especially in text-only channels—is very limited. By applying micro-level analysis to naturally occurring instant message conversations, this article exposes the strategies leaders employ to achieve a range of complex communication goals: to get the work done while fostering informality and collegiality and creating the sense of a real—and not virtual—collaboration between team members. The findings further our understanding in two domains: They provide empirical grounding for e-leadership theories by exposing practices from real-life interactions, and they contribute to discursive leadership literature by addressing nonverbal communication practices. The findings of the article could form the basis for management and leadership training by drawing attention to the linguistic and semiotic resources digital leaders have at their disposal in virtual work environments.
Professional Communication as Phatic: From ClassicalEunoiato Personal Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Porter James E.
Published: January 2017

Phatic refers to the rhetorical function of creating effective communication channels, keeping them open, and establishing ongoing and fruitful relationships, all of which are vital in the age of digital rhetoric, social media, and global intercultural exchange. In this realm, the professional communicator functions less as an originator of new information and more as a space designer, a facilitator of others’ online interactions, a curator of user-generated content, and a communication leader. The phatic function—especially relevant to online interactions such as virtual teamwork, intercultural communication, and user help forums—deserves significant attention as a primary purpose for professional communication.
Religion and the Sense of Control in Cross-National Perspective: The Importance of Religious Context
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun
Published: January 2017

Is individual religiosity associated with the sense of control? If so, does a nation’s religious context modify that association? Multilevel analyses with data from the sixth wave of the World Values Survey (2010–2014) demonstrate that religious attendance and prayer are positively associated with the sense of control, net of individual- and country-level controls. However, belief in God is not associated with the sense of control. Furthermore, cross-level interactions suggest that the association between individual religiosity and the sense of control varies across national religious context. Specifically, religious attendance, prayer, and belief in God are more positively associated with the sense of control in countries with higher levels of religiosity than in countries with lower levels of religiosity. I discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for views about religion, sense of control, and the linkage between macro-level contexts and micro-level factors.