bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Palatal Applications on Fracture Resistance of Reattached Maxillary Central Incisors: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Yikilgan İhsan , Guven Nagihan , Kedıcı Alp Cemile , Tokar Emre , Topuz Ozgur , Kamak Hanife
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different palatal applications on fracture strength of the fractured anterior tooth. Sixty caries-free human maxillary incisors were used. Endodontic treatments of the teeth were performed. Then, the teeth were divided randomly into five groups (n=12). Crowns of all teeth in groups A–D were cut with diamond discs at a fixed distance of 3 mm from the incisal margin in a plane normal to the buccal surface. In all groups, coronal fragments were reattached to the remaining teeth by bonding with hybrid composite resin. After then, the teeth were restored to the following; group A, bonding and palatal laminate; group B, bonding and creation of a vertical groove; group C, bonding and creation of two slot grooves; group D, bonding only; and group E, intact tooth. It was lesser in group B than in groups C and E (p=0.007andp=0.006, resp.) and lesser in group D than in groups A, C, and E (p=0.002,p<0.001, andp<0.001, resp.). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that methods employing palatinal laminate and small grooves are clinically feasible for the reattachment of tooth fragments to incisors.
Preparation and Characterization of Nanofibrillated Cellulose from Bamboo Fiber via Ultrasonication Assisted by Repulsive Effect
Authors: Hu Zhijun , Zhai Rui , Li Jing , Zhang Yan , Lin Jiang
Published: December 2017

Nanofibrillated celluloses (NFCs) have recently drawn much attention because of their exceptional physicochemical properties. However, the existing preparation procedures either produce low yields or severely degrade the cellulose and, moreover, are not energy efficient. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel process using ultrasonic homogenization to isolate fibrils from bamboo fiber (BF) with the assistance of negatively charged entities. The obtained samples were characterized by the degree of substitution (DS) of carboxymethyl, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that an NFC yield could be obtained above 70% through this route. The enzyme hydrolysis could enhance the surface charge of the fiber, and mechanical activation facilitates an increase in the DS. The disintegrating efficiency of the cellulose fibrils significantly depended on the input power of ultrasonication and the DS. FT-IR spectra confirmed the occurrence of the carboxymethylation reaction based on the appearance of the characteristic signal for the carboxyl group. From XRD analysis, it was observed that the presence of the carboxyl groups makes the isolation more efficient attributed to the ionic repulsion between the carboxylate groups of the cellulose chains.
GADD45β Loss Ablates Innate Immunosuppression in Cancer
Authors: Verzella Daniela , Bennett Jason , Fischietti Mariafausta , Thotakura Anil K. , Recordati Camilla , Pasqualini Fabio , Capece Daria , Vecchiotti Davide , D'Andrea Daniel , Di Francesco Barbara , De Maglie Marcella , Begalli Federica , Tornatore Laura , Papa Salvatore , Lawrence Toby , Forbes Stuart J. , Sica Antonio , Alesse Edoardo , Zazzeroni Francesca , Franzoso Guido
Published: December 2017

T-cell exclusion from the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major barrier to overcoming immune escape. Here, we identify a myeloid-intrinsic mechanism governed by the NF-κB effector molecule GADD45β that restricts tumor-associated inflammation and T-cell trafficking into tumors. In various models of solid cancers refractory to immunotherapies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and ovarian adenocarcinoma, Gadd45b inhibition in myeloid cells restored activation of proinflammatory tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and intratumoral immune infiltration, thereby diminishing oncogenesis. Our results provide a basis to interpret clinical evidence that elevated expression of GADD45B confers poor clinical outcomes in most human cancers. Furthermore, they suggest a therapeutic target in GADD45β for reprogramming TAM to overcome immunosuppression and T-cell exclusion from the TME.

Significance: These findings define a myeloid-based immune checkpoint that restricts T-cell trafficking into tumors, with potentially important therapeutic implications to generally improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 78(5); 1275–92. ©2017 AACR.
Survival of Cancer Stem-Like Cells Under Metabolic Stress via CaMK2α-mediated Upregulation of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Expression
Authors: Park Ki Cheong , Kim Seung Won , Jeon Jeong Yong , Jo A. Ra , Choi Hye Ji , Kim Jungmin , Lee Hyun Gyu , Kim Yonjung , Mills Gordon B. , Noh Sung Hoon , Lee Min Goo , Park Eun Sung , Cheong Jae-Ho
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Cancer cells grow in an unfavorable metabolic milieu in the tumor microenvironment and are constantly exposed to metabolic stress such as chronic nutrient depletion. Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) are intrinsically resistant to metabolic stress, thereby surviving nutrient insufficiency and driving more malignant tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the potential mechanisms by which CSCs avoid Ca2+-dependent apoptosis during glucose deprivation.

Experimental Design: We investigated cell viability and apoptosis under glucose deprivation, performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling of paired CSCs and parental cells, studied the effect of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 alpha (CaMK2α) gene knockdown, and investigated the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in CSCs during time-dependent Ca2+-mediated and glucose deprivation–induced apoptosis. We also observed the effect of combined treatment with 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a metabolic inhibitor that mimics glucose deprivation conditions in mouse xenograft models, and thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA).

Results: We demonstrated the coordinated upregulation of SERCA in CSCs. SERCA, in turn, is transcriptionally regulated by CaMK2α via NFκB activation. Combined treatment with 2-deoxy-d-glucose and thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of SERCA, significantly reduced tumor growth compared with that in untreated control animals or those treated with the metabolic inhibitor alone.

Conclusions: The current study provides compelling evidence that CaMK2α acts as a key antiapoptosis regulator in metabolic stress-resistant CSCs by activating NFκB. The latter induces expression of SERCA, allowing survival in glucose-deprived conditions. Importantly, our combination therapeutic strategy provides a novel approach for the clinical application of CSC treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(7); 1677–90. ©2017 AACR.
Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase Inhibits Angiogenesis via Inositol Pentakisphosphate-Induced HIF-1α Degradation
Authors: Fu Chenglai , Tyagi Richa , Chin Alfred C. , Rojas Tomas , Li Ruo-Jing , Guha Prasun , Bernstein Isaac A. , Rao Feng , Xu Risheng , Cha Jiyoung Y. , Xu Jing , Snowman Adele M. , Semenza Gregg L. , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: December 2017

Rationale:

Inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) and its major product inositol pentakisphosphate (IP5) regulate a variety of cellular functions, but their role in vascular biology remains unexplored.

Objective:

We have investigated the role of IPMK in regulating angiogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Deletion of IPMK in fibroblasts induces angiogenesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. IPMK deletion elicits a substantial increase of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which mediates the regulation of angiogenesis by IPMK. The regulation of VEGF by IPMK requires its catalytic activity. IPMK is predominantly nuclear and regulates gene transcription. However, IPMK does not apparently serve as a transcription factor for VEGF. HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1α is a major determinant of angiogenesis and induces VEGF transcription. IPMK deletion elicits a major enrichment of HIF-1α protein and thus VEGF. HIF-1α is constitutively ubiquitinated by pVHL (von Hippel–Lindau protein) followed by proteasomal degradation under normal conditions. However, HIF-1α is not recognized and ubiquitinated by pVHL in
IPMK
KO (knockout) cells. IP5 reinstates the interaction of HIF-1α and pVHL. HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylation, which is prerequisite for pVHL recognition, is interrupted in IPMK-deleted cells. IP5 promotes HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylation and thus pVHL-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. Deletion of IPMK in mouse brain increases HIF-1α/VEGF levels and vascularization. The increased VEGF in
IPMK
KO disrupts blood–brain barrier and enhances brain blood vessel permeability.

Conclusions:

IPMK, via its product IP5, negatively regulates angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF expression. IP5 acts by enhancing HIF-1α hydroxylation and thus pVHL-dependent degradation of HIF-1α.
Association Between Prompt Defibrillation and Epinephrine Treatment With Long-Term Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Patel Krishna K. , Spertus John A. , Khariton Yevgeniy , Tang Yuanyuan , Curtis Lesley H. , Chan Paul S. , Chan Paul S. , Grossestreuer Anne , Moskowitz Ari , Edelson Dana P. , Ornato Joseph P. , Peberdy Mary Ann , Churpek Matthew M. , Kurz Michael C. , Starks Monique Anderson , Howard Patricia Kunz , Girotra Saket , Perman Sarah M. , Goldberger Zachary D.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Prior studies have reported higher in-hospital survival with prompt defibrillation and epinephrine treatment in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Whether this survival benefit persists after discharge is unknown.

Methods:

We linked data from a national IHCA registry with Medicare files and identified 36 961 patients ≥65 years of age with an IHCA at 517 hospitals between 2000 and 2011. Patients with IHCA caused by pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were stratified by prompt (≤2 minutes) versus delayed (>2 minutes) defibrillation, whereas patients with IHCA caused by asystole or pulseless electric activity were stratified by prompt (≤5 minutes) versus delayed (>5 minutes) epinephrine treatment. The association between prompt treatment and long-term survival for each rhythm type was assessed with multivariable hierarchical modified Poisson regression models.

Results:

Of 8119 patients with an IHCA caused by ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, the rate of 1-year survival was higher in those treated with prompt defibrillation than with delayed defibrillation (25.7% [1466 of 5714] versus 15.5% [373 of 2405]; adjusted relative risk [RR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.69;
P
<0.0001). This survival advantage persisted at 3 years (19.1% versus 11.0%; adjusted RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23–1.69;
P
<0.0001) and at 5 years (14.7% versus 7.9%; adjusted RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.22–1.83;
P
<0.0001). Of 28 842 patients with an IHCA caused by asystole/pulseless electric activity, the rate of 1-year survival with prompt epinephrine treatment was higher than with delayed treatment (5.4% [1341 of 24 885] versus 4.3% [168 of 3957]; adjusted RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02–1.41;
P
=0.02), but this survival benefit was no longer present at 3 years (3.5% versus 2.9%; adjusted RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.95–1.45;
P
=0.15) and at 5 years (2.3% versus 1.9%; adjusted RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.88–1.58;
P
=0.27).

Conclusions:

Prompt defibrillation for IHCA caused by ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was associated with higher rates of long-term survival throughout 5 years of follow-up, whereas prompt epinephrine treatment for asystole/pulseless electric activity was associated with greater survival at 1 year but not at 3 or 5 years. By quantifying the greater survival associated with timely defibrillation and epinephrine administration, these findings provide important insights into the durability of survival benefits for 2 process-of-care measures in current resuscitation guidelines.
Metabolic Predictors of Change in Vascular Function
Authors: Zachariah Justin P. , Rong Jian , Larson Martin G. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Mitchell Gary F.
Published: December 2017

Vascular function varies with age because of physiological and pathological factors. We examined relations of longitudinal change in vascular function with change in metabolic traits. Longitudinal changes in vascular function and metabolic traits were examined in 5779 participants (mean age, 49.8±14.5 years; 54% women) who attended sequential examinations of the Framingham Offspring, Third Generation, and Omni-1 and Omni-2 cohorts. Multivariable regression analysis related changes in vascular measures (dependent variables), including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV), forward pressure wave amplitude, characteristic impedance, central pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), with change in body mass index, fasting total:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, serum triglycerides, and blood glucose. Analyses accounted for baseline value of each vascular and metabolic measure, MAP change, and multiple comparisons. On follow-up (mean, 5.9±0.6 years), aortic stiffness (CFPWV, 0.2±1.6 m/s), and pressure pulsatility (forward pressure wave, 1.2±12.4 mm Hg; characteristic impedance, 23±73 dyne×sec/cm
5
; central pulse pressure, 2.6±14.7 mm Hg; all
P
<0.0001) increased, whereas MAP fell (−3±10 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001). Worsening of each metabolic trait was associated with increases in CFPWV and MAP (
P
<0.0001 for all associations) and an increase in MAP was associated with an increase in CFPWV. Overall, worsening metabolic traits were associated with worsening aortic stiffness and MAP. Opposite net change in aortic stiffness and MAP suggests that factors other than distending pressure contributed to the observed increase in aortic stiffness. Change in metabolic traits explained a greater proportion of the change in CFPWV and MAP than baseline metabolic values.
Effects of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Patients With OSA on Quality of Life
Authors: Lin Hsin-Ching , Lee Chee-Yee , Friedman Michael , Wang Pa-Chun , Salapatas Anna M. , Lin Meng-Chih , Chen Yung-Che
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To retrospectively study the effects of minimally invasive single-stage multilevel surgery (MISS MLS) for treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA) on quality of life (QOL).

Methods:

All OSA patients with multilevel obstruction who failed or refused continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and then underwent Pillar implants and temperature-controlled radiofrequency of the base of tongue (RFBOT) were enrolled. The subjective symptoms and QOL (SF-36 Taiwan Standard Version 1.0) parameters were collected preoperatively and a minimum of 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative morbidity and complications were also recorded.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients (30 men, 7 women; mean age = 46.8 years; mean BMI = 23.9 kg/m2) were enrolled. The mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale changed from 12 ± 4.3 to 10.6 ± 4.3 ( P = .004, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The mean snoring visual analog scale reduced from 9.5 ± 1.3 to 4.0 ± 2.0 ( P < .0001). The mean score of SF-36 increased from 65.5 ± 19.6 to 75.2 ± 16.7 ( P = .001). The SF-36 subscales showed statistically significant changes, especially in bodily pain, role-emotional, and general health.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that MISS MLS was effective on QOL in selected patients for treating OSA patients who are unresponsive to conservative OSA therapy.
Attachment, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Disordered Eating Among College Women and Men
Authors: Han Suejung , Kahn Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2017

In this study, we examined a structural equation model in which attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with binge eating and restricted eating behaviors through distinct emotion regulation difficulties of emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff among college women ( n = 744) and men ( n = 200). As predicted, attachment anxiety was associated with emotional reactivity which, in turn, was associated with binge eating. Attachment avoidance was associated with emotional cutoff which, in turn, was associated with restricted eating, both in college women and men. Two gender differences were found: the association between emotional cutoff and binge eating was statistically significant only for women, and the association between emotional reactivity and binge eating was stronger for men than for women. Clinical implications are suggested, specifically the importance of addressing attachment insecurities and distinct emotion regulation difficulties related to serving college women and men with binge eating and/or restricted eating behaviors.
Acculturation and Assimilation: A Qualitative Inquiry of Teacher Expectations for Somali Bantu Refugee Students
Authors: Tran Nellie , Birman Dina
Published: December 2017

This article explored the range in teacher expectations held for Somali Bantu refugees using content analysis of one-on-one interviews with teachers who taught Somali Bantu students at an elementary school in Chicago. Analyses revealed the emergence of five categories of expectations: (a) general acculturative expectations around language and knowledge (b) behaviors, (c) internal attributes, (d) classroom behaviors, and (e) family/home. These findings raise questions about the potential danger of teacher’s expectations that might suggest assimilation to oppressive racial statuses. Implications for teachers and future research are discussed. Limitations and generalizability are also discussed.
Teacher Racial Composition and Exclusion Rates Among Black or African American Students
Authors: Cheng Dorothy A.
Published: December 2017

Expulsion and suspension rates among African American students are the highest of all racial groups across elementary, middle, and high schools. This study investigates whether a more racially diverse teaching force could alleviate exclusion rates among Black students. Using administrative data from the universe of K-12 public schools in the state of Wisconsin from 2002-2003 to 2012-2013 and employing a school fixed effects approach, results suggest that increasing the representation of Black teachers by even a single percentage point is associated with lower suspension rates among Black students at the high school level. Across levels of schooling, exclusion rates of White students are unrelated to teacher racial composition.
Substance Use Disorder Screening Capacity Lags Behind Depression Screening Capacity in Community Health Centers
Authors: Jones Emily , Rieckmann Traci
Published: December 2017

Despite their prevalence, screening for depression and substance use disorder (SUD) is often not routinely practiced in primary care. This study uses a survey of community health centers to identify characteristics associated with depression and SUD screening. In 2010, 76.9% of federally qualified health centers routinely screened for depression, and about half of health centers (54.1%) routinely screened for SUDs. Higher Medicaid caseload and region were associated with routine screening for both depression and SUDs. SUD screening was also associated with the percent of total staff comprised of behavioral health specialists, electronic health record (EHR) adoption, urban location, and higher uninsured caseload. Implications include the need to build SUD screening capacity, encourage the use of standardized screening tools, and monitor SUD screening capacity in health centers in the future.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic cotton fabrics through wrapping silica with plasma-induced grafting polymerization
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Zou Chao , Shao Jianzhong , Li Ya’nan
Published: December 2017

Cotton fabric is commonly used in daily life, but it is easily wetted and contaminated by liquid. Herein, we present a simple and environmentally friendly plasma technology for hydrophobic modification of cotton fabric. In order to endow superhydrophobicity to cotton fabric, helium plasma inducing graft polymerization of 1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4Vi) was utilized to wrap SiO2 particles on cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics were successively dipped in silica sol and D4Vi, then treated by plasma. Cotton fabrics before and after modification were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement. The experimental results showed that the cotton-SiO2-D4Vi consisted of nanoscale SiO2 protrusions and low-surface-energy film polymerized by D4Vi. In addition, the one wrapped SiO2 of 161 nm presented excellent hydrophobicity, washing durability, and repellency toward different types of liquids with a water contact angle of 152°.
Who is the true Halalkhor? Genealogy and ethics in dalit Muslim oral traditions
Authors: Lee Joel
Published: December 2017

The social worlds that dalit Muslims in North India daily negotiate are pervaded by contradictions between caste practices and Islamic ethics. Dalit Muslims engaged in manual scavenging and related forms of sanitation labour experience these contradictions acutely in the distinctive spatial and affective conditions of this labour, which I characterise as ‘intimate untouchability’. Grounded in historical and ethnographic research in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, this article demonstrates how dalit Muslims use narratives mobilising the genealogical and ethical concept of the Halalkhor—a caste label that also denotes ‘one who earns an honest living’—to critique their higher status co-religionists and to engender a more egalitarian Islamic community. The category of the Halalkhor is tracked in the historical record and in its deployment in dalit Muslim oral traditions about the origin of the community and its association with sanitation work.
Effects of Behavioral Activation on the Quality of Life and Emotional State of Lung Cancer and Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy Treatment
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Concepción , Villoria-Fernández Erica , Fernández-García Paula , González-Fernández Sonia , Pérez-Álvarez Marino
Published: December 2017

Research suggests that the progressive abandonment of activities in cancer patients are related to depression and worse quality of life. Behavioral activation (BA) encourages subjects to activate their sources of reinforcement and modify the avoidance responses. This study assesses the effectiveness of BA in improving quality of life and preventing emotional disorders during chemotherapy treatment. One sample of lung cancer patients and another of breast cancer patients were randomized into a BA experimental group (E.G.lung/4sess. n = 50; E.G.breast/6sess. n = 33) and a control group (C.G.lung/4sess. n = 40; C.G.breast/6sess. n = 35), respectively. In each session and in follow-ups (3/6/9 months), all participants completed different assessment scales. The results converge to show the effectiveness of BA, encouraging cancer patients to maintain rewarding activities which can activate their sources of day-to-day reinforcement and modify their experience avoidance patterns. BA appears to be a practical intervention which may improve social and role functioning and the emotional state of cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.
Peacekeepers, Cred, and the Street
Authors: Martin Daniel D.
Published: December 2017

Drawing upon qualitative data gathered during protests at the 2008 Republican National Convention, secondary sources of Black Lives Matter, and Trump and anti-Trump rallies, I examine the collective interests, ideology, and role performances of a seldom studied group involved in demonstrations—“peacekeepers.” My findings suggest that as members of this group attempt to create a peaceful order between police and protesters on the street, their activities are marked by a unique set of contradictions. These contradictions emerge as a result of two primary roles—those of crisis workers and “human involvement shields”—performed by peacekeepers, as they attempt to build and leverage credibility with both protesters and police. I theorize this process by outlining phases of interaction— milling, miming, and crossing—between peacekeepers and these groups once peacekeepers are out on the street.
Ethics at the airport border: Flowing, dwelling and atomising
Authors: Bulley Dan , Johnson Heather L
Published: December 2017

This article contributes to the burgeoning literature on airports, addressing a current gap between literature that focuses on the cosmopolitical experience of the airport and that which focuses on the potentially dehumanising impacts of a technologized, securitised border by investigating the ethos of the space. We do not present an account of how the airport ought to work; rather, we consider what ethical relations and subjectivities are constructed, encouraged and made (im)possible in the airport space. We argue that the airport border assembles a variety of commercial, security and spatial technologies in areas of both ‘flow’ and ‘dwell’ which generate and privilege a particular type of ethical subject – the temporarily suspended, atomised individual. We begin with an understanding of space as produced through plurality and movement, and analyse how atomisation is produced and sustained before reflecting on the potentially dangerous implications of such processes.
Customizing elastic pressure bandages for reuse to a predetermined, sub-bandage pressure: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sermsathanasawadi Nuttawut , Tarapongpun Tanakorn , Pianchareonsin Rattana , Puangpunngam Nattawut , Wongwanit Chumpol , Chinsakchai Khamin , Mutirangura Pramook , Ruangsetakit Chanean
Published: December 2017

Objective

A randomized clinical trial was performed to compare the effectiveness of unmarked bandages and customized bandages with visual markers in reproducing the desired sub-bandage pressure during self-bandaging by patients.

Method

Ninety patients were randomly allocated to two groups (“customized bandages” and “unmarked bandages”) and asked to perform self-bandaging three times. The achievement of a pressure between 35 and 45 mmHg in at least two of the three attempts was defined as adequate quality.

Results

Adequate quality was achieved by 33.0% when applying the unmarked bandages, and 60.0% when applying the customized bandages ( p = 0.02). Use of the customized bandage and previous experience of bandaging were independent predictors for the achievement of the predetermined sub-bandage pressure ( p = 0.005 and p = 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion

Customized bandages may achieve predetermined sub-bandage pressures more closely than standard, unmarked, compression bandages.

Clinical trials registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02729688). Effectiveness of a Pressure Indicator Guided and a Conventional Bandaging in Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcer. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02729688
Tinzaparin in intermediate dose for the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis: Results from an observational multicenter study—SeVEN study
Authors: Giannoukas Athanasios , Karathanos Christos , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos , Georgiadis George S , Maltezos Chrisostomos , Ioannou Christos , Vasdekis Spyros , Trelopoulos Georgios
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Low-molecular-weight heparins are recommended in the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis but with low grade of evidence. This study was conducted to assess the treatment outcomes of acute superficial vein thrombosis with intermediate dose of Tinzaparin.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of records from outpatients over a period of 16 months treated in seven centers with Tinzaparin 0.5 ml (10,000 anti-Xa IU) once daily for a period that was at the treating physician’s discretion. All the patients were followed up for at least 12 weeks.

Results

A total of 296 patients (189 females, mean age 57.4 years) were included. Two thirds of the patients (191/296, 64.5%) received treatment for approximately five weeks (mean 36.9 days) and the remaining (105/296, 35.5%) for a shorter period (mean 16.2 days). There was no difference in patients’ characteristics between the two treatment duration groups. The presence of thrombus above the knee and restricted daily activity were associated with longer period of treatment. Only one case with minor bleeding was observed. Recurrence of thrombosis over a 12-week follow-up period occurred in 6% (superficial vein thrombosis in 14 (4.7%), deep vein thrombosis in 3 (1%) and thrombus extension in the superficial veins in 1 (0.3%)). Recurrence was not related to the duration of treatment.

Conclusions

Intermediate dose of Tinzaparin was an effective and safe treatment for superficial vein thrombosis in the setting of real world practice. Location of thrombus and status of patients’ mobilization were associated with longer duration of treatment. Future prospective randomized studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Perception and Practices of Nomadic Women in a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria to Their Children’s Oral Health
Authors: Bankole Olubunmi Olusola , Lawal Folake Barakat , Balogun Abimbola
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Nomads move from one settlement to another, thus it has been difficult to have adequate documentation about their oral health and that of their children.

Aim

To investigate the perception and practices of nomadic Fulani women toward their children’s oral health.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 Fulani women using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire.

Results

Perceived causes of tooth decay included tooth germs/worms (23.9%) and sugar (5.1%), and 32.0%, 15.2%, and 5.1%, respectively, self-medicated children with antibiotics, traditional concoctions/herbs, and analgesics for tooth decay. Two fifths (40.1%) attributed bleeding gums to tooth germs/worms. Polyurethane foam (46.7%), toothbrush (32.0%), finger (18.8%), and wooden twigs (2.5%) were aids used for cleaning children’s teeth.

Conclusions

These mothers have suboptimal oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward their children’s oral health. There is a need for urgent intervention among this group of people.
Electroconvulsive Therapy: The Impact of a Brief Educational Intervention on Public Knowledge and Attitudes
Authors: Hoffman Gretchen A. , McLellan Jacee , Hoogendoorn Vanessa , Beck Andrew W.
Published: December 2017

The safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are well established, yet efforts to educate the public about ECT advancements are lagging. The purpose of this study was to experimentally examine the impact of a brief educational intervention on public knowledge of, and attitudes toward, ECT. Participants ( n = 91) from a private liberal arts university in the upper Midwestern region of the United States were randomly assigned to either an educational intervention or a control group. The educational intervention group read a brief informational pamphlet about ECT. Both groups completed a 24-item ECT knowledge and attitude measure. Participants who read the ECT pamphlet demonstrated significantly higher levels of ECT knowledge and reported more favorable attitudes toward ECT than did the control group. Furthermore, knowledge of ECT significantly predicted attitudes toward the treatment. Educating the public about available medical treatments not only facilitates help-seeking behavior among prospective patients and their families, but also it hallmarks the informed consent process once help is sought.
Experiential learning in engineering education: The role of student design competitions and a case study
Authors: Gadola M , Chindamo D
Published: December 2017

Student competitions can play an important role in education: they promote interest and engagement of the students, as well as of the teachers. In the case of engineering, one of the most challenging contests in Europe is the Motostudent event, joined by the University of Brescia (UniBS) in 2016 for the first time. It is a typical implementation of Kolb’s theory of experiential learning, where engineering theory and application meet in an intensive, ‘hands-on’ team work experience, resulting in a very effective learning process that involves the so-called soft skills as well. The paper aims at briefly reviewing the scope of competitions like the Formula SAE and sharing the authors’ experience in a similar event, the Motostudent contest.
Modelling and performance assessment of a standalone hybrid wind-diesel-superconducting magnetic energy storage system using four-quadrant operation of superconducting magnetic energy storage
Authors: Zargar Mubashar Yaqoob , Mufti Mairaj Ud-Din , Lone Shameem Ahmad
Published: December 2017

In this article, a comprehensive model for power quality assessment of a standalone wind-diesel-superconducting magnetic energy storage system is developed using firing angle control scheme of superconducting magnetic energy storage unit. A four-quadrant operation of superconducting magnetic energy storage unit is proposed where firing angle of superconducting magnetic energy storage converter is controlled depending upon active and reactive power demand of wind-diesel system, under various disturbances. Superconducting magnetic energy storage is designed as a controllable current source capable of reducing both frequency and voltage deviations simultaneously. For continuous control of superconducting magnetic energy storage unit, a regulating variable is formulated which forces the superconducting magnetic energy storage current to return to its nominal value after handling a disturbance in order to handle a new disturbance. Frequency of the system is estimated using the concept of centre of inertia. System performance is assessed for disturbances of higher magnitudes. Complete modelling is carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment, and simulation results demonstrate that the scheme gives expected results under load disturbance and wind perturbations.
Negative Results: Conceptual and Methodological Dimensions in Single-Case Intervention Research
Authors: Kratochwill Thomas R. , Levin Joel R. , Horner Robert H.
Published: December 2017

The central roles of science in the field of remedial and special education are to (a) identify basic laws of nature and (b) apply those laws in the design of practices that achieve socially valued outcomes. The scientific process is designed to allow demonstration of specific (typically positive) outcomes, and to assist in the attribution of those outcomes to controlled variables. Although growing recognition is being given to the importance of replication in this process, equal consideration should be given to the function of publishing studies that document negative (or null) results. In this manuscript, we outline the features of negative results in educational and psychological single-case intervention research. We also discuss the assessment, methodological, and statistical dimensions of negative results that should be considered when reporting negative results. The importance of replication studies (direct, systematic, and clinical) is also discussed within the context of negative-results research.
The Application of Empirically Supported Practices in Middle School Social Studies Classrooms
Authors: Kent Shawn C. , Wanzek Jeanne , Martinez Leticia
Published: December 2017

Material encountered in social studies has been shown to be challenging for students with reading difficulties, including those with disabilities. This study first examined the amount of time eighth-grade U.S. History teachers implemented empirically supported instructional practices. Second, this research investigated the association between instruction and student growth in content knowledge. The sample included 188 students identified with low reading ability, of which 20% were students with disabilities. Instruction in 30 classrooms was coded for the presence of learning strategy instruction, study aids, graphic/spatial organizers, peer-mediated instruction, computer-aided instruction, and mnemonics. Utilization of these practices was limited (~20% of total instruction), with the use of spatial/graphic organizers and peer-mediated activities most prevalent. Time allocated to these practices was not significantly associated with student gains in content knowledge. Additional research to determine how to best impact content learning for students at-risk for poor learning outcomes is warranted.
A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Interpersonal Violence Prevention Programs Focused on Males
Authors: Taliep Naiema , Lazarus Sandy , Naidoo Anthony V.
Published: December 2017

Exceptionally high levels of interpersonal violence have triggered a call by many experts for the need to determine effective ways to address the onset and effects of exposure to interpersonal violence. The specific aim of this study was to identify and draw on existing promising practices to make a more informed decision on strategies to develop a contextually relevant intervention that focused on the promotion of positive forms of masculinity to create safety and peace. This study used a qualitative meta-synthesis (QMS) technique to integrate and interpret findings from various intervention studies that focused on males and/or gender. An in-depth literature search yielded a total of 827 papers that met the search criteria. After removal of duplicates, abstract review, and review of the full texts, the subsequent sample for this meta-synthesis included 12 intervention programs and 23 studies. This QMS revealed the value of a comprehensive approach, using multiple strategies, employing participatory and interactive methods, and promoting social mobilization to address interpersonal violence. The promotion of positive forms of masculinity as an interpersonal violence prevention strategy is a much-needed, relatively untapped approach to generating safety and peace for both males and females.
Why Health Promotion Needs to Change
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: December 2017

If you ask most health professionals why they do what they do, they invariably speak of being of service. And being of service, for population health workers, becomes ever more meaningful as our work touches ever more lives. To wit, “Kaizen,” a Japanese term meaning “change for better,” sits shoulder to shoulder with our life’s purpose. Health promotion professionals are high performers getting great results but we need to start working on our work. What would it take to increase our impact by 50%? And when we change our processes to accomplish that, what would we change next to get another 50% improvement? Only by stepping back and examining our processes can we see the time and motion required to make what’s working now work better and be more accessible to more people next time.
Financial Incentives for Medicaid Beneficiaries With Diabetes: Lessons Learned From HI-PRAISE, an Observational Study and Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernandes Ritabelle , Chinn Chuan C. , Li Dongmei , Halliday Timothy , Frankland Timothy B. , Wang Christina M. B. , Wang Zi , Morioka Misha , Arndt Robin G. , Ozaki Rebecca Rude
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

The Hawaii Patient Reward and Incentives to Support Empowerment (HI-PRAISE) project examined the impact of financial incentives on Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes.

Design:

Observational pre–post study and randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting:

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and Hawaii Kaiser Permanente.

Participants:

The observational study included 2003 Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes from FQHCs. The RCT included 320 participants from Kaiser Permanente.

Intervention:

Participants could earn up to $320/year of financial incentives for a minimum of 1 year.

Measures:

(1) Clinical outcomes of change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, and cholesterol; (2) compliance with American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of diabetes care; and (3) cost effectiveness.

Analysis:

Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess differences in clinical outcomes. General linear models were utilized to estimate the medical costs per patient/day.

Results:

Changes in clinical outcomes in the observational study were statistically significant. Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.56% to 8.24% ( P < .0001) and low-density lipoprotein decreased from 106.17 mg/dL to 98.55 mg/dL ( P < .0001). No significant differences were found between groups in the RCT. Improved ADA compliance was observed. No reduction in total health cost during the project period was demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The HI-PRAISE found no conclusive evidence that financial incentives had beneficial effect on diabetes clinical outcomes or cost saving measures.
An Interdisciplinary Academic Detailing Approach to Decrease Inappropriate Medication Prescribing by Physician Residents for Older Veterans Treated in the Emergency Department
Authors: Moss Jason M. , Bryan William E. , Wilkerson Loren M. , King Heather A. , Jackson George L. , Owenby Ryan K. , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Stevens Melissa B. , Powers James , Vaughan Camille P. , Hung William W. , Hwang Ula , Markland Alayne D. , Sloane Richard , Knaack William , Hastings Susan Nicole
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an academic detailing intervention delivered as part of a quality improvement project by a physician–pharmacist pair on (1) self-reported confidence in prescribing for older adults and (2) rates of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed to older adults by physician residents in a Veteran Affairs emergency department (ED).

Methods:

This quality improvement project at a single site utilized a questionnaire that assessed knowledge of Beers Criteria, self-perceived barriers to appropriate prescribing in older adults, and self-rated confidence in ability to prescribe in older adults which was administered to physician residents before and after academic detailing delivered during their emergency medicine rotation. PIM rates in the resident cohort who received the academic detailing were compared to residents who did not receive the intervention.

Results:

Sixty-three residents received the intervention between February 2013 and December 2014. At baseline, approximately 50% of the residents surveyed reported never hearing about nor using the Beers Criteria. A significantly greater proportion of residents agreed or strongly agreed in their abilities to identify drug–disease interactions and to prescribe the appropriate medication for the older adult after receiving the intervention. The resident cohort who received the educational intervention was less likely to prescribe a PIM when compared to the untrained resident cohort with a rate ratio of 0.73 ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Academic detailing led by a physician–pharmacist pair resulted in improved confidence in physician residents’ ability to prescribe safely in an older adult ED population and was associated with a statistically significant decrease in PIM rates.
Do patients value a hospital’s innovativeness reputation? A multi-method approach to assess the relative importance of innovativeness reputation in patients’ hospital choice
Authors: Gurtner Sebastian , Hietschold Nadine , Vaquero Martín María
Published: December 2017

Innovations in health care are costly and risky, but they also provide the opportunity for hospitals to increase quality of care, to distinguish themselves from competitors and to attract patients. While numerous hospitals strive to increase their innovativeness by adopting a costly innovation leader strategy, the question of whether this actually influences the patient’s choice remains unanswered. To understand the role of innovativeness from the patient perspective, this study conceptualizes the construct of innovativeness reputation of hospitals and determines its relevance in patients’ hospital choice decisions. In the pretest, we identified six dimensions of innovativeness reputation such as progressive work procedures and value added services. We then used three different quantitative multi-criteria decision-making methods to evaluate the relative importance of innovativeness reputation in patient choice. We collected data from 355 former German patients who had undergone elective non-emergency surgery. Overall, innovativeness reputation accounts for 11.6%–16.8% of the patient decision. Innovativeness reputation has a moderate influence on hospital choice and should be taken into account by managers. Since technical innovations are costly, hospitals should use other means to enhance their innovative image. Strategies such as emphasizing value added services can enable hospitals to increase their innovativeness reputation efficiently.
On-board visual navigation system for unmanned aerial vehicles autonomous aerial refueling
Authors: Xu Yan , Duan Haibin , Li Cong , Deng Yimin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an on-board binocular visual navigation system based on unmanned aerial vehicles platform is designed for autonomous aerial refueling. The hardware configuration of the entire platform is introduced. Vision algorithms including target tracking, feature extraction, and pose estimation are employed for measuring the relation between two unmanned aerial vehicles. Two situations are considered under long and short distances to make this procedure flexible. Four pose estimation algorithms are implemented and compared in this research. A series of experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of aerial refueling on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform.
Regional and age-dependent residual strains, curvature, and dimensions of the human ureter
Authors: Petsepe Despoina C , Kourkoulis Stavros K , Papadodima Stavroula A , Sokolis Dimitrios P
Published: December 2017

The ureters are retroperitoneal structures controlling urine transport from the kidneys to the bladder. Because of the relative scarcity of data on the biomechanical properties of human ureter and the established importance of knowing these properties for understanding its physiology, we initiated biomechanical studies in cadaveric tissue. Herein, we report definite zero-stress/no-load geometrical characterization at 15 regions along the ureter of human cadavers aged 23–82 years, estimating the opening angle, circumferential residual strains, axial curvature, and dimensional parameters. Opening angle decreased along the proximal 25% of ureter, increased and reached a maximum near the mid-ureter, and then gradually decreased toward the vesicoureteral junction (young: p < 0.05; middle-aged: p < 0.05; old: p > 0.05; males: p < 0.05; females: p < 0.05). Similar were the regional distributions of residual strain at the interface between epithelium–lamina propria and muscle and of internal but not external residual strain. Wall thickness increased steadily with aging ( p < 0.05 at few regions), while ureteral circumference did not ( p > 0.05 at most regions) and opening angle decreased ( p < 0.05 at several regions). Consistent with Fung’s stress-growth law, the muscle layer thickened with age unlike the epithelium–lamina propria that thinned ( p < 0.05 at most regions for both thicknesses). Moderate-to-strong direct correlations of residual strain difference (= external – internal) with opening angle, wall thickness, and curvature were found in most ureters. The presented data will provide insight into the biomechanical response of ureter under zero/low-stress conditions and the relationship between ureteral remodeling and aging. Importantly, they may also be used to inform finite element models and computational studies simulating the ureter.