bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signet Ring Carcinoma of the Appendix Presenting as Crohn’s Disease in a Young Male
Authors: Vukovic Jonatan , Vrebalov Cindro Pavle , Tomic Snjezana , Tonkic Ante
Published: June 2018

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare event in surgery. It looks like acute appendicitis and it is difficult to diagnose it on clinical grounds alone. The diagnosis is always confirmed by histopathology of a surgically removed appendix. A young man, 22 years old, presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps in his abdomen without abdominal tenderness (mild abdominal discomfort in the right lower abdominal quadrant without signs of peritoneal irritation) during the previous month. The first endoscopic results showed only changes of mucosa that could be attributed to endoscopic and clinical representation of Crohn’s disease. A few days after the initiation of the therapy with aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, the patient went into ileus and was transferred to the Department of Surgery, where he underwent an emergency right-sided hemicolectomy with resection of the transversal colon and forming of an ileostoma. The first pathohistological diagnosis was pseudomembranous colitis. Because the patient’s condition was deteriorating, a revision of the pathohistological diagnosis was done. After careful revision and extensive sampling, a signet ring cell carcinoma arising in the appendix with infiltration of the ileocecal region was found. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for CDX-2 CK7, CK20, CK19, and carcinoembryonic antigen and negative for chromogranin A. Sixteen isolated lymph nodes were negative. Although the patient had a disease that was localized to the appendix and ileocecal region with no apparent distal metastasis, his clinical condition was worsening rapidly and he died after 2 months. This case shows the aggressive biological behavior of the appendix signet ring cell carcinoma. Scrupulous histopathological examination of the appendix is an obligatory procedure. Elimination of the signet ring cell carcinoma from other carcinoma subtypes is of special importance as it has an exceptionally poor prognosis and is generally diagnosed in its advanced stages.
Phlegmonous Proctitis: A Rare Entity of the Presentation of Proctitis
Authors: Kaewdech Apichat , Sripongpun Pimsiri
Published: June 2018

Phlegmonous proctitis is a rare condition; it was first described in 1940. We report the case of an elderly woman who presented with acute severe lower abdominal pain, tenesmus, and fever. A computed tomography of the whole abdomen revealed a long segment of circumferential wall thickening of the rectum and rectosigmoid colon. Colonoscopy was done subsequently and showed marked edematous and erythematous rectal mucosa. When rectal tissue biopsy was performed, a large amount of pus came out at the biopsy site, which led to the diagnosis of phlegmonous proctitis.
The Possible Role of Gene Variant Coding Nonfunctional Toll-Like Receptor 2 in the Pathogenesis of Mastocytosis
Authors: Nedoszytko Bogusław , Lange Magdalena , Renke Joanna  , Niedoszytko Marek , Zabłotna Monika , Gleń Jolanta , Nowicki Roman
Published: June 2018

Background: Data on the genetic predisposition to mastocytosis are scarce. The aim of this work was to study the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, and TLR-9 genes in Polish patients with mastocytosis. Objectives: The study comprised 137 patients with mastocytosis (102 cutaneous [60 children and 42 adults] and 35 systemic cases); 171 disease-free individuals were used as controls. Method: The frequency of polymorphisms R753Q (rs5743708) of TLR-2, 896 A>G (rs496790) of TLR-4, and –1237C>T (rs5743836) of TLR-9 genes were determined with the use of the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. Results: It was found that the R753Q TLR-2 gene polymorphism was significantly more frequent in patients with mastocytosis in comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.037) and in the group of SM versus controls (p = 0.0076). The presence in the genotype 753Q variant of TLR-2 gene increased the risk of mastocytosis more than 2-fold (OR 2.51; p = 0.04), and the risk of SM more than 4-fold (OR 4.22; p = 0.01). TLR-4 and TLR-9 polymorphisms were not associated with mastocytosis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the R753Q polymorphism of the TLR-2 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of mastocytosis.
Cell Block in Cytological Diagnostics: Review of Preparatory Techniques
Authors: Krogerus Leena , Kholová Ivana
Published: June 2018

Objective: The cell block (CB) technique refers to the processing of sediments, blood clots, or grossly visible tissue fragments from cytological specimens into paraffin blocks that can be cut and stained by the same methods used for histopathology. The technique brings additional tissue architectural information. CB can be used for ancillary techniques such as immunocytochemistry and molecular techniques. Study Design: We reviewed the literature on the various preparatory techniques of CBs. Results: There is a wide range of preparatory techniques for CBs and no golden standard for CBs exists: tens of methods are used in various institutions. The majority of the methods are modified in house techniques with a few commercially available kits. The techniques most commonly used are the plasma/thrombin method, the agar method, and commercially available Histogel- and Cellient CB-methods. Dissatisfaction with the cellular yield of the CBs is common. Conclusions: In the CBs, the cytological material is preserved for future use, which is a tremendous advantage in the era of targeted therapy and biobanking. The CB is thus central to the future of cytology: more can be done with less material and with less invasiveness to the patient.
РОЛЬ ПОЛІМОРФІЗМУ ГЕНА ІНТЕРЛЕЙКІНУ-6 У ПЕРЕБІГУ ХРОНІЧНОГО ГЕПАТИТУ С ТА ФОРМУВАННІ ЗМІШАНОЇ КРІОГЛОБУЛІНЕМІЇ
Authors: Riabokon Yu. Yu. , Kalashnyk K. V. , Kamyshnyi O. M. , Riabokon O. V.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – визначити роль поліморфізму гена інтерлейкіну-6 в перебігу хронічного гепатиту С та розвитку змішаної кріоглобулінемії.Пацієнти і методи. У дослідження включено 149 хворих на ХГС віком від 24 до 73 років (чоловіків – 65,8 %, жінок – 34,2 %). Усім хворим визначали вміст змішаних кріоглобулінів у сироватці крові спектрофотометричним методом і поліморфізм гена ІЛ-6 (rs1800795) методом полімеразної ланцюгової реакції. Для аналізу отриманих даних хворі на ХГС були розділені залежно від поліморфізму гена ІЛ-6 і наявності змішаної кріоглобулінемії.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Встановлена певна роль поліморфізму гена ІЛ-6 в хронізації HCV-інфекції, що підтверджує в 3 рази рідше виявлення генотипу CC (χ2=21,88, р<0,001) та в 1,7 разу частіше виявлення генотипів CG/GG (χ2=21,88, р<0,001) у хворих на ХГС, порівняно зі здоровими особами. Показано, що у хворих на ХГС генотипи CG/GG гена ІЛ-6 асоціюються з появою біохімічних ознак змішаної кріоглобулінемії у 67,7 % пацієнтів проти 36,0 % хворих з наявністю генотипу CC (χ2=8,93, р<0,01). За наявності біохімічних ознак змішаної кріоглобулінемії у хворих на ХГС генотипи CG/GG гена ІЛ-6, на відміну від генотипу CC, асоціюються з вищим (р=0,03) вмістом змішаних кріоглобулінів у сироватці крові та частішою маніфестацією клінічних ознак цього позапечінкового прояву, а саме вираженої загальної слабкості (71,4 проти 22,2 %, χ2=8,86, р=0,003), артралгій (63,1 проти 22,2 %, χ2=5,62, р=0,02), появою кріоглобулінемічного васкуліту з формуванням тріади Мельтцера (15,5 %).
Pré-eclampsia
Authors: Kahhale Soubhi , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Zugaib Marcelo
Published: June 2018

As síndromes hipertensivas são as complicações mais freqüentes na gestação e constituem, no Brasil, a primeira causa de morte materna, principalmente quando se instalam nas suas formas graves, como a eclampsia e a síndrome hellp. São ainda responsáveis por altas taxas de mortalidade perinatal, prematuridade e restrição de crescimento fetal. Compreendem duas entidades distintas, a hipertensão arterial crônica e a pré-eclampsia. Eventualmente a pré-eclampsia pode instalar-se em uma gestante hipertensa crônica, quadro denominado pré-eclampsia superajuntada. A pré-eclampsia tem etiologia desconhecida. Sua fisiopatologia relaciona-se com diminuição da perfusão placentária conseqüente a falha na invasão do trofoblasto nas artérias espiraladas. Como conseqüência há alteração da função endotelial, ativação do processo inflamatório, queda dos níveis de prostaglandinas e aumento da ação do tromboxano resultando em aumento da reatividade vascular. A expansão do volume plasmático é menor ou inexistente com aumento do hematócrito, diminuição do fluxo plasmático renal e alteração do sistema de coagulação. O fluxo útero-placentário está diminuído levando ao quadro de insuficiência placentária. A pré-eclampsia se caracteriza pelo aparecimento de hipertensão, com proteinúria e ou edema; ocorre após a 20ª semana de gestação e é predominantemente patologia da primigesta. Também são fatores predisponentes as gestantes com hipertensão arterial, diabéticas, doenças autoimunes, doenças do parênquima renal e aquelas com aumento da massa placentária como a gestação múltipla, gestação molar. Não é possível a prevenção da pré-eclampsia pelo desconhecimento de sua etiologia, podendo ser utilizada com tal finalidade a aspirina em dose baixa nos casos de alto risco. Uma vez diagnosticada a doença, o objetivo do tratamento é a prevenção das complicações materno-fetais como o descolamento prematura da placenta, acidente vascular cerebral, edema agudo de pulmão, insuficiência renal e o agravamento do quadro clínico para pré-eclampsia grave, síndrome hellp e eclampsia; para o lado fetal o parto prematuro e o desconforto respiratório do recém-nascido. O sulfato de magnésio é a droga de escolha para o controle das convulsões eclâmpticas O melhor tratamento para pré-eclampsia continua sendo o pré-natal correto, o diagnóstico e tratamento clínico precoce e o adequado momento para a interrupção da gestação que é o tratamento definitivo.
Interdisciplinaridade em Bacharelado no Brasil: O Caso de Relações Internacionais da USP
Authors: Schettini Daniela Carla Decaro , Lins Maria Antonieta Del Tedesco , Nishijima Marislei
Published: June 2018

Multidisciplinaridade e interdisciplinaridade são elementos inerentes a muitos cursos novos no Brasil, o que desafia os educadores com formação tradicional em áreas específicas. Este estudo de caso sobre o bacharelado em Relações Internacionais (BRI) da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) pode ser elucidativo sobre os problemas enfrentados para a condução desses novos cursos para uma integração interdisciplinar. O referido curso propõe isonomia de créditos obrigatórios entre suas disciplinas de formação teórica básica e amplia as possibilidades de escolha multidisciplinar com optativas. Este artigo avalia o grau de interdisciplinaridade do curso aplicando mineração de textos aos conteúdos programáticos das suas disciplinas. Os resultados mostram que: a) as disciplinas de formação básica e as optativas são pouco interligadas, embora tenham evoluído no tempo; e b) as disciplinas optativas escolhidas são muito aderentes às das áreas de formação básica. Há de fato um grau modesto de interdisciplinaridade, revelando a dificuldade de consolidar a proposta.
NADPH Oxidase 5 Is a Pro‐Contractile Nox Isoform and a Point of Cross‐Talk for Calcium and Redox Signaling‐Implications in Vascular Function
Authors: Montezano Augusto C. , De Lucca Camargo Livia , Persson Patrik , Rios Francisco J. , Harvey Adam P. , Anagnostopoulou Aikaterini , Palacios Roberto , Gandara Ana Caroline P. , Alves‐Lopes Rheure , Neves Karla B. , Dulak‐Lis Maria , Holterman Chet E. , de Oliveira Pedro Lagerblad , Graham Delyth , Kennedy Christopher , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: June 2018

Background

NADPH Oxidase 5 (Nox5) is a calcium‐sensitive superoxide‐generating Nox. It is present in lower forms and higher mammals, but not in rodents. Nox5 is expressed in vascular cells, but the functional significance remains elusive. Given that contraction is controlled by calcium and reactive oxygen species, both associated with Nox5, we questioned the role of Nox5 in pro‐contractile signaling and vascular function.

Methods and Results

Transgenic mice expressing human Nox5 in a vascular smooth muscle cell–specific manner (Nox5 mice) and
Rhodnius prolixus
, an arthropod model that expresses Nox5 endogenoulsy, were studied. Reactive oxygen species generation was increased systemically and in the vasculature and heart in Nox5 mice. In Nox5‐expressing mice, agonist‐induced vasoconstriction was exaggerated and endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation was impaired. Vascular structural and mechanical properties were not influenced by Nox5. Vascular contractile responses in Nox5 mice were normalized by
N
‐acetylcysteine and inhibitors of calcium channels, calmodulin, and endoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptors, but not by
GKT
137831 (Nox1/4 inhibitor). At the cellular level, vascular changes in Nox5 mice were associated with increased vascular smooth muscle cell [Ca
2+
]
i
, increased reactive oxygen species and nitrotyrosine levels, and hyperphosphorylation of pro‐contractile signaling molecules
MLC
20 (myosin light chain 20) and
MYPT
1 (myosin phosphatase target subunit 1). Blood pressure was similar in wild‐type and Nox5 mice. Nox5 did not amplify angiotensin II effects. In
R. prolixus
, gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction was blunted by Nox5 silencing, but not by
VAS
2870 (Nox1/2/4 inhibitor).

Conclusions

Nox5 is a pro‐contractile Nox isoform important in redox‐sensitive contraction. This involves calcium‐calmodulin and endoplasmic reticulum–regulated mechanisms. Our findings define a novel function for vascular Nox5, linking calcium and reactive oxygen species to the pro‐contractile molecular machinery in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Chinese Nationality and Coloniality of Hong Kong Student Movement, 1960–1970s
Authors: Chan Siu Han
Published: June 2018

The present study investigates the episode of Hong Kong student movement in the 1960s to 1970s inspired by the charismatic idea of the Chinese Nation. Unlike most other cases of nationalist politics in colonial societies, Chinese identity politics in Hong Kong not only failed to challenge fundamentally the legitimacy of the British colonial state. It also did not proselytise Hong Kong people towards Chinese national identification and preoccupy Hong Kong society with the Chinese Question thereafter. Propitious colonial modernisation experience acting upon a diasporic population, which found it hard to establish meaningful rapport with the Chinese Nation, had attributed to the eccentric trajectory of Chinese Nationalism in Hong Kong. Local societal and cultural formations were then the eclectic solution to the ideational paradox of colonial modernity and Chinese Nationality in Hong Kong, which, however, remains problematic on its own, and connects closely with the lingering coloniality observed in this post-colonial society.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Bolivaritettix Günther, 1939 (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Metrodorinae) from China, with the descriptions of two new species
Authors: DENG WEI-AN , WEI SHI-ZHEN , XIN LEI , CHEN YA-ZHEN
Published: June 2018

The tetrigid genus Bolivaritettix Günther, 1939 from China is taxonomically reviewed. The genus now includes 71 species from China, in which two new species are described and illustrated, namely: Bolivaritettix baoxingensis Deng sp. nov. and Bolivaritettix strictifemura Deng sp. nov. Synonymy. Their distribution and an annotated identification key to Chinese species are provided.
Description of a second species of the genus Moronius Grossi & Vaz-de-Mello, 2015 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini)
Authors: CARVALHO TAMARA G. , GROSSI PASCHOAL C.
Published: June 2018

Moronius Grossi & Vaz-de-Mello, 2015 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini) is the latest genus described within the subtribe Areodina (Grossi & Vaz-de-Mello 2015). Areodina consists of 11 genera distributed throughout the New World (10 genera) and Africa (one genus) (Jameson 1990; Grossi & Vaz-de-Mello 2015). Moronius is distinguished from other genera of Areodina by: 1) the pentagonal clypeal shape with the apex strongly reflexed, and 2) the hind wings with the anterior margin near RA1+2, RA1+3, and apical hinge setose. The South American genera of Areodina form a distinct clade (Jameson 1990) composed of Oplognathus MacLeay, 1819, Areoda MacLeay, 1819, and Byrsopolis Burmeister, 1844. Oplognathus and Areoda are differentiated by the presence of a forward-projecting mesoventral process, which is absent in both Byrsopolis and Moronius. These two latter genera are similar according to the characters presented in the Jameson (1990) phylogeny and are differentiated by habitus colour, shape of clypeus, and antennal club length (Grossi & Vaz-de-Mello 2015).
Neuroergonomics: Quantitative Modeling of Individual, Shared, and Team Neurodynamic Information
Authors: Stevens Ronald H. , Galloway Trysha L. , Willemsen-Dunlap Ann
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to use the same quantitative measure and scale to directly compare the neurodynamic information/organizations of individual team members with those of the team.

Background:

Team processes are difficult to separate from those of individual team members due to the lack of quantitative measures that can be applied to both process sets.

Method:

Second-by-second symbolic representations were created of each team member’s electroencephalographic power, and quantitative estimates of their neurodynamic organizations were calculated from the Shannon entropy of the symbolic data streams. The information in the neurodynamic data streams of health care ( n = 24), submarine navigation ( n = 12), and high school problem-solving ( n = 13) dyads was separated into the information of each team member, the information shared by team members, and the overall team information.

Results:

Most of the team information was the sum of each individual’s neurodynamic information. The remaining team information was shared among the team members. This shared information averaged ~15% of the individual information, with momentary levels of 1% to 80%.

Conclusion:

Continuous quantitative estimates can be made from the shared, individual, and team neurodynamic information about the contributions of different team members to the overall neurodynamic organization of a team and the neurodynamic interdependencies among the team members.

Application:

Information models provide a generalizable quantitative method for separating a team’s neurodynamic organization into that of individual team members and that shared among team members.
The Landscape of Postsecondary Education in Prison and the Influence of Second Chance Pell: An Analysis of Transferability, Credit-Bearing Status, and Accreditation
Authors: Castro Erin L. , Hunter Rebecca K. , Hardison Tara , Johnson-Ojeda Vanessa
Published: June 2018

This article documents availability, accreditation, institution type, and geographical distribution of postsecondary education in prison across the United States. Using descriptive analysis, we report the total number of postsecondary institutions currently providing credit-bearing coursework to incarcerated people and discuss the influence of the federal Second Chance Pell Pilot Program on these findings. Focusing on issues of equity and quality, we use a critical framework to broadly assess the current status of the field and to document what constitutes postsecondary education in prison. In conclusion, we provide implications and suggestions for expanding quality postsecondary educational opportunity for incarcerated college students.
Group Procedures for Decreasing Problem Behavior Displayed by Detained Adolescents
Authors: McDougale Cassidy B. , Coon Jodi C. , Richling Sarah M. , O’Rourke Soracha , Rapp John T. , Thompson Kelli R. , Burkhart Barry R.
Published: June 2018

As one component of providing treatment in a residential facility, Brogan, Falligant, and Rapp decreased problem behavior by two groups of detained adolescents using group contingency procedures. The current series of studies evaluated the extent to which group procedures could be extended to other contexts within a residential facility. In Study 1, fixed-time delivery of attention by dormitory staff decreased problem behavior displayed by a group of five to 11 detained adolescents during free periods. In Study 2, rules from a therapist plus contingencies for following those rules increased appropriate line walking during specific transition periods. Subsequently, rules alone maintained appropriate line walking, however, direct training was required to produce appropriate line walking during other transitions. Measures of social validity indicated the procedures and outcomes in both studies were acceptable to facility personnel.
What Scientists Say about the Changing Risk Calculation in the Marine Environment under the Harper Government of Canada (2006-2015)
Authors: Barnett Allain J. , Wiber Melanie G.
Published: June 2018

This paper examines how the Harper Government of Canada (2006-2015) shut down both debate about threats and research into environmental risk, a strategy that Canadian scientists characterized as the “death of evidence.” Based on interviews with scientists who research risks to the marine environment, we explore the shifting relationship between science and the Canadian government by tracing the change in the mode of risk calculation supported by the Harper administration and the impact of this change. Five themes emerged from the interviews: erosion of science research capacity, resulting limitations in understanding risk, declining influence on policy and regulation, redirection of public science funds to support the private sector, and the need to broaden the science knowledge base. The Canadian death of evidence controversy represents a challenge to science and technology studies (STS) scholars who wish to maintain a critical and reflexive perspective on the scientific enterprise without supporting attacks on evidence. While subsequent Canadian governments may simply return science to an unreflexively privileged knowledge status, we view this as equally damaging to broad risk calculation and democratic science. We suggest instead that a broader gathering of matters of concern will always be essential to risk assessment.
Astragaloside IV ameliorates early diabetic nephropathy by inhibition of MEK1/2-ERK1/2-RSK2 signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Song Gaofeng , Han Pengxun , Sun Huili , Shao Mumin , Yu Xuewen , Wang Wenjing , Wang Dongtao , Yi Wuyong , Ge Na , Li Shunmin , Yi Tiegang
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with STZ at 200 mg/kg body weight. AS-IV was administered for 8 consecutive weeks, beginning 1 week after STZ injection. Body weight, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion, and fasting blood glucose were measured. Kidney tissues were examined by histopathological analyses. Total levels and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) were determined by Western blotting analysis.

Results

AS-IV treatment significantly reduced albuminuria and serum creatinine levels, ameliorated mesangial matrix expansion and greater foot process width, and decreased the levels of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in STZ-induced diabetic mice. AS-IV also inhibited renal cortical phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2 and RSK2.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that AS-IV attenuates renal injury in STZ-induced diabetic mice. This effect might be partially associated with inhibition of the activation of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-RSK2 signaling pathway.
What Is the Best Size for Matrix-Style Questions in Online Surveys?
Authors: Grady Rebecca Hofstein , Greenspan Rachel Leigh , Liu Mingnan
Published: June 2018

Across two studies, we aimed to determine the row and column size in matrix-style questions that best optimizes participant experience and data quality for computer and mobile users. In Study 1 ( N = 2,492), respondents completed 20 questions (comprising four short scales) presented in a matrix grid (converted to item-by-item format on mobile phones). We varied the number of rows (5, 10, or 20) and columns (3, 5, or 7) of the matrix on each page. Outcomes included both data quality (straightlining, item skip rate, and internal reliability of scales) and survey experience measures (dropout rate, rating of survey experience, and completion time). Results for row size revealed dropout rate and reported survey difficulty increased as row size increased. For column size, seven columns increased the completion time of the survey, while three columns produced lower scale reliability. There was no interaction between row and column size. The best overall size tested was a 5 × 5 matrix. In Study 2 ( N = 2,570), we tested whether the effects of row size replicated when using a single 20-item scale that crossed page breaks and found that participant survey ratings were still best in the five-row condition. These results suggest that having around five rows or potentially fewer per page, and around five columns for answer options, gives the optimal survey experience, with equal or better data quality, when using matrix-style questions in an online survey. These recommendations will help researchers gain the benefits of using matrices in their surveys with the least downsides of the format.
Refractory Hyperlactatemia After a Septic Shock in a Patient With Carnitine Deficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Hogan Philippe , Plourde Roxane , Fortier Maude , Brindamour Dave , Lagrenade-Verdant Colin , Demers-Marcil Simon , Dupuis Sébastien
Published: June 2018

A 56-year-old woman with septic shock presented with persistent hyperlactatemia, despite an adequate clinical response to treatment. Carnitine deficiency was suspected, as the patient was malnourished and chronically taking valproic acid. No other plausible cause of hyperlactatemia was found. Carnitine supplementation resulted in rapid normalization of lactatemia.
Maternal miRNA-146a G/C rs2910164 variation, HIV/AIDS and nitrogen oxide pollution exposure collectively affects foetal growth
Authors: Naidoo P , Naidoo RN , Ramkaran P , Muttoo S , Asharam K , Chuturgoon AA
Published: June 2018

Objective:

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS intensify inflammation during pregnancy and linked with adverse birth outcomes (ABOs). MicroRNA (miRNA)-146a plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in the NF-κB pathway. The G/C rs2910164 dampens miRNA-146a activity and linked with inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated whether HIV/AIDS and NOx exposure throughout pregnancy further intensifies ABO in Black South African women genotyped for the rs2910164.

Methods:

Pregnant women ( n = 300) were subdivided into low, medium and high NOx exposure groups, genotyped for the miRNA-146a G/C rs2910164 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and further stratified based on HIV status.

Results:

Unstratified data (HIV+ and HIV− mothers combined): Mothers from the high NOx group with the variant C-allele had low blood iron levels ( p = 0.0238), and had babies with reduced birthweights ( p = 0.0283). As NOx increased, the prevalence of preterm birth and low birth weight also increased in mothers with the variant C-allele versus wildtype G-allele. HIV-infected mothers: In all NOx exposure groups, mothers with the variant C-allele had higher systolic blood pressure (low: p = 0.0386, medium: p = 0.0367 and high: p = 0.0109) and had babies with lower Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration scores at 1 min (low: p = 0.0190, medium: p = 0.0301 and high: p = 0.0361).

Conclusion:

Maternal rs2910164 variant C-allele, NOx pollution and HIV/AIDS might collectively play a role in intensifying gestational hypertension and ABO.
Medicalizing the Detention of Aboriginal People in the Northern Territory: A New/Old Regime of Control?
Authors: Ransley Janet , Marchetti Elena
Published: June 2018

The forcible removal and detention on reserves of many of Australia’s Indigenous people during much of the 20th century was pervasive and, according to Penny Pether, influenced her understandings of indefinite detention in other areas. She was interested in proliferating regimes of indefinite detention used as a technique to govern ‘dangerous’ populations. In this article, we examine how alcohol management schemes introduced in the 21st century in the Northern Territory, under the guise of welfare, continue the systemic confinement and control of Indigenous lives. The feared population has been reconstituted from one requiring protection as the remnants of a dying race, to one comprising vulnerable and criminogenic alcoholics who need to be detained for their own and others’ safety, and so they can be treated. We trace the genealogy of laws enabling the civil commitment of inebriates and addicts to show that in the form taken in the Northern Territory, the law has been aimed at the control and containment of a perceived antisocial population, rather than their treatment. Rather than protecting vulnerable people, the regime relied on techniques of detention and coercive treatment that continued the colonial state’s production of their Indigenous ‘vulnerability’. We examine this through the lens of the findings of a coronial inquiry into the death of an Indigenous woman in 2014, while detained for treatment and the subsequent evaluation of the Northern Territory’s Alcohol Mandatory Treatment Program.
The Hong Kong Statement on Practice Research 2017: Contexts and Challenges of the Far East
Authors: Sim Timothy , Austin Michael , Abdullah Fazlin , Chan Tak Mau Simon , Chok Martin , Ke Cui , Epstein Irwin , Fisher Mike , Joubert Lynette , Julkunen Ilse , Ow Rosaleen , Uggerhøj Lars , Wang Samuel , Webber Martin , Wong Keith , Yliruka Laura
Published: June 2018

This statement on social work practice research highlights the contributions of scholars, practitioners, and conference participants in the Fourth International Conference on Practice Research (ICPR) in 2017, hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in May 2017. It focuses on the contexts and challenges of carrying out practice research in the Far East and beyond as well as raises pertinent questions about the development of practice research. It begins with a brief description of the context of social work practice research in the Far East. The second part explores the organizational and community contexts and challenges of practice research with special attention to the perspectives of practitioners. It concludes with reviewing some of the continuing challenges that will guide the program planning for the Fifth ICPR in 2020 in Melbourne, Australia, located at the crossroads between East and West.
Orofacial Function, Articulation Proficiency, and Intelligibility in 5-Year-Old Children Born With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Malmenholt Ann , McAllister Anita , Lohmander Anette
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To explore and describe orofacial function in 5-year-old children born with clefts affecting the palate and to investigate potential relationship with articulation proficiency and intelligibility.

Design:

A prospective cohort study of 88 consecutive patients born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) between July 2009 and June 2011.

Participants:

Excluding internationally adopted children and children with no speech production resulted in 52 children with different cleft types and additional malformations, examined at age 5. Data on orofacial function were available for 43 children.

Outcome Measures:

Screening of orofacial function resulted in a profile and a total score, narrow phonetic transcription of test consonants produced a percentage of consonants correct (PCC) score, and ratings of intelligibility by speech and language pathologists (SLPs) and by parents gave 2 estimates. Inter- and intra-transcriber agreement was calculated.

Results:

Orofacial dysfunction was found in 37% of children, with results not significantly different between cleft types but significantly more frequent than in children born without CLP. Age-appropriate articulation proficiency was found in 39%, 49% presented below −2 standard deviations. Just above 50% had good intelligibility and were always understood by different communication partners according to both SLP and parent ratings. No significant correlation was found between orofacial dysfunction and PCC or intelligibility.

Conclusions:

Orofacial dysfunction was not found to be an explanatory factor for speech outcome in children born with CLP.
A report of 3 cases of Exeter V40 Stem fracture and explanation of possible causes
Authors: Garala Kanai , Laios Thomas , Lawrence Trevor
Published: June 2018

Background:

The Exeter V40 Orthinox stem is one of the most commonly used femoral components in total hip arthroplasty. Its design, material and finish has evolved significantly from the original design established by Ling and Lee over 3 decades ago. An early problem reported with the original Exeter stem was a high rate of stem fractures. It was thought that with the new Orthinox steel used in the V40 system, the rate of stem fractures would reduce. There are reports of the Exeter V40 stem failing in a variety of locations.

Cases:

This paper highlights the 3 locations where the Exeter stem may fail and estimates a rate of 0.262% for stem fractures due to the constant use of the Exeter stem throughout the career of the senior surgeon.
The effect of degrees of bilingualism on metacognitive linguistic skills
Authors: Abu Rabia Salim
Published: June 2018

Purpose and research question:

The present study investigated whether there was any significant difference between balanced bilinguals, dominant bilinguals, limited bilinguals and monolinguals in the application of metacognitive linguistic skills while doing a reading comprehension task in the additional (English) language. Namely, how do different degrees of bilingualism affect metacognitive linguistic skills?

Methodology:

The present study examined three domains of metacognitive reading process (planning, monitoring and evaluating), as well as the overall use of metacognitive reading strategies. Four groups of participants (30 seventh grade students in each group) completed a Metacognitive Reading Strategies Questionnaire, aimed at measuring their metacognitive awareness in each domain after fulfilling a reading comprehension task in English.

Data analysis:

A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used in order to test the differences within groups and between groups.

Findings and conclusions:

Level of metacognitive reading awareness was affected by the degree of bilingualism. There was a positive influence of balanced (reading and writing skills in the second language) and imbalanced (oral skills in the second language) degrees of bilingualism on metacognitive linguistic abilities. A balanced degree of bilingualism exerted the greatest influence on most of the metacognitive reading domains (planning, monitoring and the total use of metacognitive strategies).

Significance:

A significant advantage of balanced bilinguals over all other groups was revealed. Level of metacognitive reading awareness was affected by the degree of bilingualism. Thus, bilingual education should be taken seriously due to its positive effect on all aspects of thinking and learning. Results provided additional support to the notion that bilingualism had a positive impact on the metacognitive linguistic skills. Moreover, the balance between the languages appeared to be a significant variable. Thus, balanced bilinguals, who possessed the highest competence in the second language, showed the best performance in the domains of planning, monitoring and overall use of metacognitive reading strategies. Limited bilinguals, on the contrary, demonstrated the lowest scores in the mentioned domains. The findings also revealed the absence of any considerable difference between the groups in the domain of evaluating.
Buddhist bomb diversion and an American airman reincarnate: World War folklore, airmindedness, and spiritual air defense in Shan State, Myanmar
Authors: Ferguson Jane M
Published: June 2018

The Second World War indelibly transformed the political landscape of Southeast Asia. Few people in Myanmar’s Shan State today have any direct memories of the Japanese occupation and Allied bombing campaigns in the area. Therefore, folklore offers an important connection to the historical events and cultural geographies of war. Based on ethnography among Shan villagers carried out in 2015, this article discusses folklore regarding two specific aerial bombing incidents between the towns of Kyaukme and Hsipaw, Shan State. According to these narratives, local spiritual powers influenced the effects of either the bombs or the airplanes themselves. Through analysis of the stories, we learn of the capacity for local spiritual powers to extend their domain to the air, which, in turn offers a new way to understand airmindedness as a relationship with aviation technology and aerial geographies of war. In addition to articulating a Buddhist and spiritual framework for airmindedness, these stories also mobilize physical evidence not only to confirm their truth, but also to encourage Buddhist notions of morality in the future.
Developing nurses’ skills in motivational interviewing to promote a healthy lifestyle in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Dobber Jos , Latour Corine , Snaterse Marjolein , van Meijel Berno , ter Riet Gerben , Scholte op Reimer Wilma , Peters Ron
Published: June 2018

Background:

If nurses have the communication skills and the time, they can play an important role in increasing the intrinsic motivation of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to change their lifestyle. Motivational Interviewing (Mo-Int) can be used to further support this role. However, few nurses are sufficiently proficient in applying Mo-Int skills. Increasing these complex communication skills may contribute significantly to achieve lifestyle changes in CAD patients.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the coaching of nurses to skilfully use Mo-Int in a secondary prevention programme for CAD patients.

Methods:

The design was a before–after study of a learning strategy as a follow-up on a short Mo-Int workshop. At (on average) four-monthly intervals, the nurses received, three times, feedback and coaching by telephone and email on their use of Mo-Int skills in audio-recorded conversations on lifestyle change with CAD patients. The Mo-Int consistency of the nurses’ communication skills was scored using the Motivational Interviewing Target Scheme 2.1 (range 0–32).

Results:

Of the 24 nurses, 13 completed all audio recordings. The mean change in Mo-Int consistency of these completers between the first and the last audio recording was 6.4 (95% confidence interval 3.2 to 9.5). This change indicates an improvement from ‘a small part of Motivational Interviewing practice’ to ‘a mainly sufficient degree of Motivational Interviewing practice’.

Conclusion:

A one-year follow-up on a Mo-Int workshop with feedback and coaching improves Mo-Int skills of nurses. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of a follow-up on training in complex communication skills, to develop and preserve competency.
How to teach students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities in inclusive and special education settings: Teachers’ perspectives on skills, knowledge and attitudes
Authors: Weiss Sabine , Markowetz Reinhard , Kiel Ewald
Published: June 2018

The present study investigated the requirements for teaching students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities in inclusive and special education settings, emphasising the skills, knowledge and attitudes that teachers need. Drawing on investigative group discussions with teachers and principals, qualitative content analysis was used to categorise these skills, knowledge and attitudes. Key requirements in teaching this student population include skills to implement individualised and differentiated teaching, as well as creating individually adapted learning materials. Leadership and counselling abilities are also required in order to ensure successful collaboration between different actors by clarifying roles and hierarchies and negotiating work distribution and expectations. The teacher–student relationship should be characterised by an attitude of appreciation, openness and, in particular, a focus on the positive, regardless of the student’s behaviour, requiring a balance between closeness to the student and an appropriate distance. Finally, it is important when teaching this student population to care for one’s own mental and physical health over the longer term. The article concludes by discussing target-oriented strategies and measures for teachers’ work practices and further education to strengthen the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes, particularly with a view to inclusion.
The Visual Culture of Planning
Authors: Shanken Andrew M.
Published: June 2018

Over the course of the twentieth century, American planners deployed an array of visual techniques to analyze, represent, and promote the American city. Early planners looked to maps of poverty, disease, ethnicity, war, and land use, as well as archaeology, world’s fairs, and the photography of social reform. They became adept at combining drawings, diagrams, and charts to map information and make visual arguments for urban transformation. These techniques were tools of cultural critique and anticipation that shaped American understandings and expectations of cities. This essay surveys the imagery of urban planning as a prompt to historians to pay close attention to the visual culture of urban planning.
The Future of Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Narrative Review of an International Symposium
Authors: de Lacy F. Borja , Chadi Sami A. , Berho Mariana , Heald Richard J. , Khan Jim , Moran Brendan , Panis Yves , Perez Rodrigo , Tekkis Paris , Mortensen Neil J. , Lacy Antonio M. , Wexner Steven D. , Chand Manish
Published: June 2018

Surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment for primary rectal cancer. For mid and low rectal tumors, optimal oncologic surgery requires total mesorectal excision (TME) to ensure the tumor and locoregional lymph nodes are removed. Adequacy of surgery is directly linked to survival outcomes and, in particular, local recurrence. From a technical perspective, the more distal the tumor, the more challenging the surgery and consequently, the risk for oncologically incomplete surgery is higher. TME can be performed by an open, laparoscopic, robotic or transanal approach. There is a lack of consensus on the “gold standard” approach with each of these options offering specific advantages. The International Symposium on the Future of Rectal Cancer Surgery was convened to discuss the current challenges and future pathways of the 4 approaches for TME. This article reviews the findings and discussion from an expert, international panel.
Stock Market Performance and Efficiency of Banks in a Developing Economy: Evidence from the Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Sharma Dipasha
Published: June 2018

Many studies have been conducted on bank efficiency and bank performance both in developed and developing economies. Although abundant research on the association of emerging dimensions of stock performance with bank efficiency is available for the developed countries, such research in developing economies is limited. In the light of this, a model is constructed with stock market return as the principal variable along with bank efficiency and bank-specific factors and tested for the Indian economy. The model was developed using data envelopment analysis (DEA) for Indian banks. Panel data regression analysis was used to examine the empirical association between efficiency measures and market performance measures. The regression results confirmed the presence of a statistically significant association between operational efficiency and market performance of Indian banks. Operationally efficient banks create more value and returns to their investors and are thus found to be effective.
Comparative Outcomes of All-Inside Versus Inside-Out Repair of Bucket-Handle Meniscal Tears: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Samuelsen Brian T. , Johnson Nicholas R. , Hevesi Mario , Levy Bruce A. , Dahm Diane L. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

There are limited data comparing the outcomes of all-inside versus inside-out meniscal repair techniques.

Purpose:

To assess failure rates and clinical outcomes after the surgical repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears utilizing either an all-inside or inside-out technique.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with bucket-handle meniscal tears undergoing all-inside or inside-out repair at a single institution between 2003 and 2013 were analyzed. A total of 28 mensici repaired utilizing second-generation all-inside suturing devices and 42 menisci repaired using an inside-out technique were eligible for inclusion. Rigorous propensity matching was performed on the basis of age, sex, tear laterality, rim width, and concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), resulting in a total of 40 patients equally distributed between the 2 repair techniques for comparison. Retear-free survival as well as preoperative and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores and physical examination findings were subsequently analyzed.

Results:

Twenty patients who underwent all-inside repair (14 male; mean age, 23.7 ± 6.7 years) were successfully propensity matched to 20 patients who underwent inside-out meniscal repair (15 male; mean age, 22.5 ± 7.6 years), with a mean retear-free follow-up of 4.4 years (range, 2.5-7.4 years). Four (20%) all-inside repairs and 4 (20%) inside-out repairs failed over the course of follow-up ( P > .999), with a mean time to failure of 2.7 years (range, 1.3-4.4 years) and 5.0 years (range, 0.8-7.5 years), respectively ( P = .25). Increasing patient age trended toward a decreased clinical retear rate, independent of the repair technique (hazard ratio, 0.86; P = .056). There were no significant differences in the Tegner scores, IKDC scores, or range of motion between the groups as a whole or when subcategorizing by age, sex, body mass index, tear complexity, rim width, isolated versus concomitant ACLR, or medial- versus lateral-sided repair. There were no complications in the all-inside group, while there was a 10% rate of minor complications in the inside-out group ( P = .49).

Conclusion:

Overall, satisfactory clinical outcomes are achievable at short-term to midterm follow-up with both inside-out and all-inside repair techniques of bucket-handle meniscal tears in rigorously matched patients with similar meniscal tear patterns.