bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of Extended Family on Intimate Partner Violence: Perceptions of Pakistanis in Pakistan and the United Kingdom
Authors: Ali Parveen Azam , O’Cathain Alicia , Croot Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

Limited research has been undertaken on the role of extended family members in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This study uniquely explores the perspective of Pakistani men and women about the role of a husband and wife’s families in relation to marital conflict and IPV. For this qualitative study, data were collected through 41 individual interviews, including 20 from Pakistan and 21 from the United Kingdom. The findings are presented in four themes, including “privacy and personal space,” “interference and instigation of problems,” “conflicting and uncommunicated expectations,” and “adjustment facilitation.” A lack of privacy and personal space within a family home shared with extended family on the husband’s side, interference in terms of mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law making complaints about the wife, and the couple’s differing expectations of the husband’s responsibility for his extended family could cause tension and conflict that could lead to IPV. The husband’s family could also have a positive effect by minimizing conflict through offering the couple personal time and helping the wife to adjust to her new family. The wife’s family was perceived as having a much more passive role in terms of not interfering, but instead allowing her to adjust to her new extended family. In conclusion, the husband’s extended family can have a considerable impact on conflict within couples. Public health prevention initiatives for IPV in Pakistani people should address the role of the husband’s extended family. The findings of the study are not only important for the population studied, which is part of an international diaspora, but also for other communities worldwide that value close family structure due to cultural and religious preferences.
Ten-Year Trends in Physical Dating Violence Victimization Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Shaffer Catherine S. , Adjei Jones , Viljoen Jodi L. , Douglas Kevin S. , Saewyc Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2018

Physical dating violence (PDV) victimization among adolescents is a serious global problem. Although knowledge of trends in PDV victimization can help guide programming and health policies, little research has examined whether the prevalence of PDV victimization has increased, decreased, or remained stable over time among non-U.S.-based samples of youth. In addition, few studies have directly tested whether disparities in PDV victimization between boys and girls have narrowed, widened, or remained unchanged in recent years. To address these gaps, we used school-based data from the British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey (BC AHS) of 2003, 2008, and 2013 ( n boys = 18,441 and n girls = 17,459) to examine 10-year trends in PDV victimization. We also tested whether trends differed across self-reported sex. Data from the 2003 to 2013 BC AHS revealed that recent PDV victimization rates had significantly decreased among youth overall (5.9%-5.0%) and boys (8.0%-5.8%), but not girls (5.3%-4.2%). Although boys had steeper declines than girls in PDV victimization rates, year-by-sex interactions indicate that the sex gap in PDV victimization had not significantly narrowed. Moreover, rates of PDV victimization over the 10-year period indicated significantly higher rates of PDV victimization among boys compared with girls. Despite positive declines in recent rates of PDV victimization among youth, important differences in rates of PDV victimization between boys and girls remain. These findings underscore the need for greater attention to sex differences in research and programming and health policies to reduce PDV victimization and the sex disparities therein.
Addressing Challenges to Homeland Security Information Sharing in American Policing: Using Kotter’s Leading Change Model
Authors: Lambert David E.
Published: July 2018

The sharing of homeland security information is a crucial aspect of modern policing in the United States. This article outlines some of the obstacles to information sharing at the state and local levels, including interagency and intra-agency issues that arise for police agencies. It explores the complexities of information sharing across a highly decentralized policing system. Many police departments lack a formal intelligence function that limits their ability to share information. This article offers an organizational change model using John Kotter’s Leading Change principles that police agencies of any size can follow. It outlines Kotter’s eight-stage process from establishing a sense of urgency through anchoring new approaches in the culture to create a framework for police departments to integrate homeland security information sharing. Its intent is to provide a framework for police agencies to incrementally implement some of the recommendations of the various strategic documents that guide information sharing.
Prescription of Antidementia Drugs and Antipsychotics for Elderly Patients in Japan: A Descriptive Study Using Pharmacy Prescription Data
Authors: Tsukada Takahisa , Sato Izumi , Matsuoka Norihiro , Imai Takumi , Doi Yuko , Arai Masaru , Fujii Yosuke , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Kawakami Koji
Published: July 2018

Background:

Antipsychotics are commonly used for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among elderly patients with dementia receiving antidementia drugs (ADDs). However, the use of antipsychotics among these patients has not been investigated since 3 ADDs were approved in 2011 in Japan.

Method:

We conducted a descriptive study using pharmacy prescription data and identified patients aged ≥65 years who were newly prescribed donepezil, memantine, rivastigmine, and galantamine between January 1, 2012, and September 30, 2014. We determined the proportion of antipsychotic prescription and the factors affecting antipsychotic prescription using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Result:

Of 13 876 patients, 1705 were memantine users, and the proportion of antipsychotic prescription among them was the highest (11.1%). Adjusted hazard ratios for donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine were 0.66, 0.56, and 0.66, respectively, relative to that for memantine.

Conclusion:

Compared to other ADD users, new memantine users were most likely to be prescribed antipsychotics.
Age, Daily Stress Processes, and Allostatic Load: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Piazza Jennifer R. , Stawski Robert S. , Sheffler Julia L.
Published: July 2018

Objective: The present study examined age differences in the association between daily stressors and allostatic load. Method: Participants consisted of 317 adults (34-84 years) who participated in Waves 1 (1996-1997) and 2 (between 2005 and 2009) of the Midlife Development in the United States Survey. During Wave 1, participants reported the stressors they encountered across eight consecutive days. Within-person affective reactivity slopes indexing change in negative affect from a nonstressor day to a stressor day were calculated for each participant. Affective reactivity and stressor exposure scores at Wave 1 were used to predict allostatic load at Wave 2. Results: Heightened levels of affective reactivity at Wave 1 predicted elevated levels of allostatic load at Wave 2 but only among older adults who also reported high levels of stressor exposure. No significant associations emerged for younger adults. Discussion: Daily stress processes may be one pathway through which age-related physical health declines occur.
STarmac
Authors: Pallotta Vincenzo , Campisi David
Published: July 2018

In this article, the authors present STarmac, a pre-incubator developed by the Swiss Applied Science University of Canton Vaud (HEIG-VD), which aims to support young founders in the development of innovative business ideas by providing them with the tools to manage market and technology risk. The article describes the STarmac pre-incubator and its components and outlines a process for stimulating and supporting entrepreneurship for university spin-offs. The authors introduce metrics for the assessment of STarmac’s performance, centred on team development, to enable continuous improvement and provide better support to participants. They conducted two studies, one qualitative on the requirements of the participants for pre-incubation and one quantitative on the impact of the supporting programme to develop entrepreneurial skills. While still preliminary, the results from these studies confirm the authors’ hypotheses on the key success factors for effective pre-incubation in the context of university spin-offs.
Immersion and invariance adaptive finite-time control of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles
Authors: Han Chao , Liu Zhen , Yi Jianqiang
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel adaptive finite-time control of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles is proposed. Based on the immersion and invariance theory, an adaptive finite-time control method for general second-order systems is first derived, using nonsingular terminal sliding mode scheme. Then the method is applied to the control system design of a flexible air-breathing vehicle model, whose dynamics can be decoupled into first-order and second-order subsystems by time-scale separation principle. The main features of this hypersonic vehicle control system lie in the design flexibility of the parameter adaptive laws and the rapid convergence to the equilibrium point. Finally, simulations are conducted, which demonstrate that the control system has the features of fast and accurate tracking to command trajectories and strong robustness to parametric and non-parametric uncertainties.
Fast solution of minimum-time low-thrust transfer with eclipses
Authors: Cerf Max
Published: July 2018

Optimizing low-thrust orbital transfers with eclipses by indirect methods raises several issues, namely the costate discontinuities at the eclipse entrance and exit, the initial costate guess sensitivity and the numerical accuracy required by the shooting method. The discontinuity issue is overcome by detecting the eclipse within the simulation and applying the costate jump derived analytically from the shadow constraint function. By fixing completely the targeted final position and velocity, the transversality conditions are removed and the shooting problem is recast as an unconstrained nonlinear programming problem. The numerical sensitivity issues are alleviated by using a derivative-free algorithm. The search space is reduced to four angles taking near zero values. This procedure yields a quasi-optimal solution from scratch in few minutes without requiring any specific user’s guess or tuning. The method is applicable whatever the thrust level and the eclipse configuration, as illustrated on transfers towards the geostationary orbit.
Fictional First Memories
Authors: Akhtar Shazia , Justice Lucy V. , Morrison Catriona M. , Conway Martin A.
Published: July 2018

In a large-scale survey, 6,313 respondents provided descriptions of their first memory and their age when they encoded that memory, and they completed various memory judgments and ratings. In good agreement with many other studies, where mean age at encoding of earliest memories is usually found to fall somewhere in the first half of the 4th year of life, the mean age at encoding here was 3.15 years. The established view is that the distribution around mean age at encoding is truncated, with very few or no memories dating to the preverbal period, that is, below about 2 years of age. However, we found that 2,479 first memories (nearly 40% of the entire sample) dated to an age at encoding of 2 years and younger, with 887 (14.1%) dating to 1 year and younger. We discuss how such improbable, fictional first memories could have arisen and contrast them with more probable first memories, those with an age at encoding of 3 years and older.
Optimal energy dispatch in a smart micro-grid system using economic model predictive control
Authors: Nassourou Mohamadou , Blesa Joaquim , Puig Vicenç
Published: July 2018

The problem of energy dispatch in heterogeneous complex systems such as smart grids cannot be efficiently addressed using classical control or ad hoc methods. This article discusses the application of economic model predictive control to the management of a smart micro-grid system connected to an electrical power grid. The considered system is composed of several subsystems, namely, some photovoltaic panels, a wind generator, a hydroelectric generator, a diesel generator, and some storage devices (batteries). The batteries are charged with the energy from the photovoltaic panels, wind and hydroelectric generators, and they are discharged whenever the generators produce less energy than needed. The subsystems are interconnected via a DC Bus, from which load demands are satisfied. Modeling smart grids components is based on the generalized flow-based networked systems paradigm, and assuming energy generators to be stable, load demands and energy prices are known. This study shows that economic model predictive control is economically superior to a two-layer hierarchical model predictive control.
Medical adherence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Germany: predictors and reasons for non-adherence – a cross-sectional analysis of the LuLa-cohort
Authors: Chehab G , Sauer G M , Richter J G , Brinks R , Willers R , Fischer-Betz R , Winkler-Rohlfing B , Schneider M
Published: July 2018

Objective

Adherence to medication has a major impact on treatment control and success especially in chronic diseases but often remains unrecognized. Besides clinical, socioeconomic, disease-related and treatment-related parameters, general and personal health beliefs, as well as perception of health, can affect adherence. Our aim was to investigate the adherence to lupus-specific medications in German lupus patients and to assess influencing factors including detrimental or beneficial effects of health perceptions and beliefs.

Methods

The Lupus Erythematosus (LE) Long-Term Study (LuLa-study) is a nationwide longitudinal study among German Caucasian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who have been assessed annually using a self-reported questionnaire since 2001. In 2013, we included questions concerning medical adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale; MMAS-4), beliefs about medication prescribed (BMQ), illness perception and about the patients’ health locus of control (HLC). We present a cross-sectional analysis to assess predictors of adherence using a multivariable stepwise logistic regression.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-nine patients participated, 81 of whom did not take any lupus-specific medication and 40 of whom did not complete the MMAS-4 and were therefore omitted. Only 62.7% reported high adherence. Unintentional behaviour for low medical adherence exceeded the intentional behaviour by far. The use of azathioprine (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02–3.34), prednisone <7.5 mg (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.97–2.49), a higher age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08) and higher external HLC (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30) proved conducive for high adherence in our multivariable model. On the contrary, the general perception of medication being harmful or addictive (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82–0.97) was detrimental.

Conclusion

A low belief that one's own health is determined by healthcare providers (external HLC) and the belief of the harmfulness of medication were independent predictors of low adherence besides age and the choice of the medical agent. The recognition of these potential obstacles in physician–patient relationships is essential to ameliorate adherence. Provision of sufficient information and education might help to reach the best possible outcome.
SLE mortality remains disproportionately high, despite improvements over the last decade
Authors: Singh R R , Yen E Y
Published: July 2018

Despite a marked improvement in 10-year survival for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients over the past five decades, mortality rates from SLE remain high compared to those in the general population. SLE was also among the leading causes of death in young women in the United States during 2000–2015. However, it is encouraging that SLE mortality rates and the ratios of SLE mortality rates to non-SLE mortality rates have decreased every year since the late 1990s. Despite this improvement, disparities in SLE mortality persist according to sex, race, age, and place of residence. Furthermore, demographic and geographic variables seem to modify the effect of each other in influencing SLE mortality, leading to interactions between sex/race/ethnicity-associated factors and geographic differences. In other words, individuals of the same sex/race/ethnicity had differences in SLE mortality depending on where they lived. These observations highlight SLE as an important public health issue. The recognition of SLE as a leading cause of death in the general population might spur targeted public health programs and research funding to address the high lupus mortality.
Bleeding complications and antithrombotic treatment in 264 pregnancies in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Yelnik C M , Lambert M , Drumez E , Le Guern V , Bacri J-L , Guerra M M , Laskin C A , Branch D W , Sammaritano L R , Morel N , Guettrot-Imbert G , Launay D , Hachulla E , Hatron P-Y , Salmon J E , Costedoat-Chalumeau N
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of antithrombotic treatments prescribed during pregnancy in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

This international, multicenter study included two cohorts of patients: a retrospective French cohort and a prospective US cohort (PROMISSE study). Inclusion criteria were (1) APS (Sydney criteria), (2) live pregnancy at 12 weeks of gestation (WG) with (3) follow-up data until six weeks post-partum. According to APS standard of care, patients were treated with aspirin and/or low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic (pure obstetric APS) or therapeutic doses (history of thrombosis). Major bleeding was defined as abnormal blood loss during the pregnancy and/or post-partum period requiring intervention for hemostasis or transfusion, or during the peripartum period greater than 500 mL and/or requiring surgery or transfusion. Other bleeding events were classified as minor.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-four pregnancies (87 prospectively collected) in 204 patients were included (46% with history of thrombosis, 23% with associated systemic lupus). During pregnancy, treatment included LMWH ( n = 253; 96%) or low-dose aspirin ( n = 223; 84%), and 215 (81%) patients received both therapies. The live birth rate was 89% and 82% in the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 28% of the retrospective cohort and in 40% of the prospective cohort. No maternal death was observed in either cohort. A combined total of 45 hemorrhagic events (25%) occurred in the retrospective cohort, but major bleeding was reported in only six pregnancies (3%). Neither heparin nor aspirin alone nor combined therapy increased the risk of hemorrhage. We also did not observe an increased rate of bleeding in the case of a short interval between last LMWH (less than 24 hours) or aspirin (less than five days) doses and delivery. Only emergency Caesarean section was significantly associated with an increased risk of bleeding (odds ratio (OR) 5.03 (1.41–17.96); p=.016). In the prospective cohort, only one minor bleeding event was reported (vaginal bleeding).

Conclusion

Our findings support the safety of antithrombotic therapy with aspirin and/or LMWH during pregnancy in high-risk women with APS, and highlight the need for better treatments to improve pregnancy outcomes in APS. PROMISSE Study ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00198068.
Chasing the Colours of the Rainbow
Authors: Langelaar Reinier J.
Published: July 2018

This article charts various permutations of a little known ethnogenealogical tradition found in Classical Tibetan literature, which, depending on the version, plots the shared ancestry of Tibetan, Chinese, Mongol and other Asian populations. First, a contextualisation of the ethnonym ‘Tibetan’ (Bod-pa) is offered, followed by a brief overview of other extant origin narratives of this ethnic group. We then subsequently turn to discussions and comparisons of the selected myth’s renditions, which began being written in the fourteenth century at the very latest and seem to have been particularly current on the eastern stretches of the Tibetan Plateau. This survey illustrates that depending on the time period, geographic location, authorial strategy and religious affiliation, the narrative was adapted to fit specific historical developments and socio-literary contexts and goals. Accordingly, the list of incorporated ethnic groups varies from source to source, as do their internal hierarchical ranking and specific interpretive twists. All in all, the article thus paints a picture of a fluid and malleable account in which different narrators and communities actively enlisted, adapted and instrumentalised specific visions of the ethnic group’s deep past.
International Students’ Perceptions of Workplace Experiences in Australian Study Programs: A Large-Scale Survey
Authors: Barton Georgina , Hartwig Kay , Le Anh Hai
Published: July 2018

Across the globe, there are increased numbers of students undertaking university-level study in foreign countries. Many of the programs they enroll in include a workplace experience (also known as work integrated learning, internship, and/or practicum). The Work Placement for International Student Programs (WISP) project was conducted across Australia and aimed to identify current practices related to international students’ workplace experiences as well as develop resources to improve these experiences overall. This article focuses on an Australian large-scale survey ( n = 252) designed to explore international students perceptions of workplace experiences. Results showed that students rated overall workplace experience highly; however, their confidence in completing assessment items where reflection and self-evaluation were required was a concern. Students also rated self-perception of employability as uncertain despite having positive experiences in the workplace context. Findings showed that there is a need for universities to better support international students in completing reflective and self-evaluative assessment. In addition, more work needs to be done to improve confidence levels of international students around employability.
“When You Choose to be a Gangbanger, You Deserve Everything You Get”: Victim Dichotomization, Fear, and the Problem Frame
Authors: Gushue Kelsey , Wong Jennifer S.
Published: July 2018

Media framing of an event can have a significant impact on both reader response and public opinion. Through an examination of the deadliest gang-related murder to ever occur in British Columbia, the current study extends previous research by analyzing the influence of victim characteristics on the development of a problem frame. We analyze all newspaper articles published in the Vancouver Sun mentioning at least one of the murder victims between October 19, 2007, and December 31, 2016 ( N = 210). Results suggest that journalists use a number of techniques when creating a problem frame, including victim differentiation, purposeful inclusion of sources, and use of specific language. We argue that the extensive coverage of the murders provided an opportunity for the media to develop a problem frame that dichotomized victims, capitalized on societal fear of crime, and, consequently, affected calls for policy change.
The Digital Hood of Urban Violence: Exploring Functionalities of Social Media and Music Among Gangs
Authors: Pawelz Janina , Elvers Paul
Published: July 2018

Social media and music are fundamental components of everyday life for today’s youth. The uses and functions of social media and music provide valuable insights for a better understanding of marginalized groups, subcultures, and gangs. Data are based on in-depth, semistructured interviews with gang members and gang affiliates in Trinidad and Tobago and combined with an analysis of social media content. The findings reveal that street gangs use music and social media to glorify gang life, to display power and send threats, to generate motivational support for criminal activities, and to bond socially and mourn collectively. In our analysis, social media, music, and music videos appear to be intimately interconnected phenomena; we thus call for a broader focus on gangs’ online behavior.
Factors Associated With Uncertainty in Illness Among People With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Choi MoonKi , Lee JuHee , Oh Eui Geum , Chu Sang Hui , Sohn Young H. , Park Chang Gi
Published: July 2018

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) reported to experience uncertainty because of gradually progressive disease characteristics with no cure, and variably manifesting and unpredictable symptoms. This study was designed to identify illness-related variables influencing uncertainty in PD patients and to analyze direct and indirect paths between these variables. Data were collected from 206 participants using a structured questionnaire. Path analysis revealed the direct and/or indirect effects of economic status, disease severity, social support, and resilience on uncertainty in people with PD. Disease severity, social support, and resilience were shown to have significant direct effects on uncertainty. Economic status and disease severity had indirect effects on uncertainty, which were mediated by social support. Disease severity and social support also had indirect effects on uncertainty, which were mediated by resilience. Therefore, the efforts of health care professionals should be directed not only toward managing PD symptoms, but also toward facilitating social support and resilience.
A Concept Analysis of Resistiveness to Care
Authors: Spigelmyer Pamela C. , Hupcey Judith , Kitko Lisa
Published: July 2018

People with cognitive impairment often require assistance with activities of daily living. It is when providing assistance with these activities that many caregivers experience behaviors that have been categorized as disruptive or problematic and called resistiveness to care. These behaviors are considered to be a source of burden and job burnout for caregivers. Nurses wanting to help caregivers, who manage these trying situations, need to understand the concept of resistiveness to care and communicate this knowledge clearly with health care providers. Therefore, a literature search was conducted in 2012 within the databases CINAHL, Medline (PubMed), ProQuest, and PsychINFO. This produced 40 relevant articles. Because no concept analysis existed for resistiveness to care, a principle-based concept analysis was performed. The analysis helped construct a theoretically defined concept. Further analysis highlighted that more research is needed to advance the concept of resistiveness to care to enhance professional communication surrounding this phenomenon.
Critical Review of Double-Carbapenem Therapy for the Treatment of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Mashni Ola , Nazer Lama , Le Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Objective: To review the clinical data on the effectiveness and safety of double carbapenem therapy (DCT) in patients infected with carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp). Data Sources: A literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and EMBASE (from 1966 to May 2018); bibliographies of the retrieved articles were also searched. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles were included if they evaluated patients with infections caused by CP-Kp and were treated with DCT. Meeting abstracts, editorials, and animal and in vitro studies were excluded. Data Synthesis: The search strategy revealed 8 case reports and 6 clinical studies (total of 171 patients) that evaluated the administration of ertapenem followed by prolonged infusions of meropenem or doripenem. Most patients were critically ill and commonly had infections in the blood, lungs, and urine. Clinical and microbiological success were reported in 70% of the patients and mortality in 24%. Adverse events, which included mostly seizures, sodium disorders, and gastrointestinal symptoms, were reported in 16 patients; none required interruption of treatment. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review evaluated the clinical experience of DCT in the treatment of CP-Kp infections, based on case reports and clinical studies, for the potential role of DCT as a therapeutic option. Conclusion: Despite the limited studies, current data suggest that DCT may be an effective and safe strategy to treat CP-Kp. However, large randomized controlled trials are necessary to clearly define the role of DCT.
Parent Attachment, Relationship Quality, and Gender Influence of Adults With Parents With Past Same-Sex Relationships
Authors: Gutierrez Dumayi , Gamboni Casey , Wojciak Armeda , Frazier Ashley
Published: July 2018

Attachment scholars have focused on attachment outcomes between children and their parents. However, there is a dearth of studies examining the association between attachment and later romantic relationships for those who have had a parent in a same-sex relationship during childhood. To address this gap, we used a sample from the New Family Structures Study. The sample for this study comprised 248 adults, of which, 175 participants reported their mother having had a same-sex romantic relationship and 73 participants reported their father having had a same-sex romantic relationship. Regression analysis indicated that participants with mothers who have had same-sex relationships report higher attachment outcomes. Further, higher attachment outcomes predicted higher romantic relationship quality. Gender of the participants and their parents also statistically moderated romantic relationship quality and family-of-origin attachment for females with mothers who have had same-sex relationships. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Hallux Interphalangeal Arthrodesis Following First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis
Authors: Thitiboonsuwan Songwut , Kavolus Joseph J. , Nunley James A.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Hallux interphalangeal (IP) arthritis can occur after first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis. IP arthrodesis is a standard treatment, but in the setting of prior MTP surgery there will be increased stress on the IP joint. This may result in diminished potential for bone healing. This investigation assessed the outcomes of hallux IP arthrodesis after first MTP arthrodesis.

Methods:

Charts were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent interphalangeal arthrodesis between January 1, 2007, and April 3, 2017, and who had a minimum of 12 weeks of follow-up. We compared patients with and without prior ipsilateral first MTP arthrodesis. There were 42 patients whose median follow-up was 9 (range, 3-135) months.

Results:

Median time from previous first MTP arthrodesis until IP arthrodesis was 54 months. Six nonunions (35.3%) occurred in 17 patients with prior first MTP arthrodesis. Only 2 nonunions (8.0%) occurred in 25 patients with isolated IP arthrodesis. The multivariable risk difference of nonunion was 53.3% ( P = .001). Prior first MTP arthrodesis also was more likely to have complications (52.9% vs 24.0%, respectively). The multivariable risk difference of complications was 35.7% ( P = .082). The speed of bone healing was significantly different, with a multivariable rate ratio of 0.21 ( P = .012).

Conclusion

Prior first MTP arthrodesis resulted in 4.8 times slower bone healing for IP arthrodesis. It increased the risks of nonunion and any other complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Risk of Damaging Anatomical Structures During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Correction (Bösch Technique): An Anatomical Study
Authors: Kaipel Martin , Reissig Lukas , Albrecht Lukas , Quadlbauer Stefan , Klikovics Joachim , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Percutaneous, transverse distal metatarsal osteotomy with K-wire fixation (the Bösch technique) is an established technique for hallux valgus correction. Nevertheless, the risk of damaging the anatomical structures during the operation is unknown.

Methods:

Forty fresh-frozen anatomical foot specimens with hallux valgus deformity underwent a percutaneous corrective procedure. Specimens of group A (n = 20) were operated by an experienced surgeon while specimens of group B (n = 20) were done by untrained residents.

Results:

The dorsal cutaneous nerve was injured in 1 of 20 cases in group A and 6 of 20 cases in group B ( P = .037). There was a significant difference in overall complication rate between specimens of group A and group B ( P = .043).

Conclusions:

The results show an increased risk of perioperative injury of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the deep peroneal nerve as well as a significant effect of the surgeon’s experience on the overall complication rate.

Clinical Relevance:

Results of this study are highly relevant for all surgeons who perform percutaneous, minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery to avoid damage to the peripheral nerves. In addition, the data suggest an intensive training for surgeons before minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery is performed without supervision.
Encouraging Sustainable Use of Antibiotics: A Commentary on the DRIVE-AB Recommended Innovation Incentives
Authors: Morel Chantal M. , Edwards Suzanne E.
Published: July 2018

The ability to sustain antibiotic efficacy is directly affected by incentive models aiming to stimulate antibiotic research and development. This paper analyzes the extent to which the models proposed by the Innovative Medicine Initiative-funded research project DRIVE-AB can be expected to support sustainable use, drawing on basic economic theory and the incentives that derive from it. It then discusses the use of minimal safeguards that will be needed to support sustainable use where industry incentives have not been re-aligned with those of public health.
Should Antibiotics Be Controlled Medicines? Lessons from the Controlled Drug Regimen
Authors: Storehagen Live , Aftab Friha , Årdal Christine , Savic Miloje , RØttingen John-Arne
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to identify the antibiotic-relevant lessons from the controlled drug regimen for narcotics. Whereas several elements of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) could be advantageous for antibiotics, we doubt that an international legally binding agreement for controlling antibiotic consumption would be any more effective than implementing stewardship measures through national AMR plans.
Pain and Addiction in Specialty and Primary Care: The Bookends of a Crisis
Authors: Schottenfeld Joseph R. , Waldman Seth A. , Gluck Abbe R. , Tobin Daniel G.
Published: July 2018

Specialists and primary care physicians play an integral role in treating the twin epidemics of pain and addiction. But inadequate access to specialists causes much of the treatment burden to fall on primary physicians. This article chronicles the differences between treatment contexts for both pain and addiction — in the specialty and primary care contexts — and derives a series of reforms that would empower primary care physicians and better leverage specialists.
Fentanyl: A Whole New World?
Authors: Rothberg Rachel L. , Stith Kate
Published: July 2018

This article seeks to document the latest danger in the opioid crisis: fentanyl and related synthetic opioids. Fifty times more potent than pure heroin, cheaper to manufacture in laboratories worldwide, and easily distributed by mail and couriers, fentanyl is flooding the illicit opioid markets throughout the country.
Invariance in growth and mass transport
Authors: Javadi Mohammadjavad , Epstein Marcelo
Published: July 2018

The equations of balance of a continuum under conditions of growth and mass diffusion are derived from a principle of invariance under general observer transformations. The resulting equations are invariant under inertial transformations. Apparent body forces stemming from the mass transport phenomenon are identified and shown to be associated with non-inertial observers.
Assessment of pasteurisation of edible insects using enzymatic tests (activity of alkaline phosphatase and lactoperoxidase) applied in dairy products
Authors: Grabowski NT , Franco Olivas J , Galván Lozano D , Kehrenberg C , Aguilar D González
Published: July 2018

Industrialising edible insects goes along with quality control and hazard analysis and critical control points. One of those steps is assessing heat treatment. For the present contribution, the potential of enzymatic heat assessment tests used in the dairy industry (alkaline phosphatase and lactoperoxidase) to detect heat treatment in several insect species ( Acheta domesticus, Gryllus assimilis, Gryllus bimaculatus, Locusta migratoria, Schistocerca gregaria, Chilecomadia moorei, Galleria mellonella, Bombyx mori, Pachnoda marginata, Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas atratus, Apis mellifera, and Hermetia illucens) was evaluated. Insect material was homogenised, diluted, and the enzymatic tests (Lactognost®, Peroxtesmo®) were carried with these liquids as if they were milk. All species but C. moorei, B. mori, P. marginata, and A. mellifera showed alkaline phosphatase activity in raw samples and none in heated (10 min at 100 ℃) ones, while only G. mellonella, T. molitor, and Z. atratus reacted accordingly with lactoperoxidase. In trial 2 focusing only on alkaline phosphatase activity, inactivation of the enzyme after 5, 10, and 15 min of heating occurred species specific within a range of 60–86 ℃, i.e. within ordinary pasteurisation schemes. Thus and for the time being, heat treatment in many edible insect species can be assessed using alkaline phosphatase activity test kits. In contrast to milk samples, positive results may display bluish or greenish colours, and the time until a reliable reading is possible is extended to 1–1.5 h (24 h in the case of Gryllidae).
The Left Atrial Appendage, Including LAA Occlusion Devices Line Watchman, Amulet, and Lariat
Authors: Deegan Robert , Ellis Christopher R. , Bennett Jeremy M.
Published: July 2018

Atrial fibrillation is a very common arrhythmia whose prevalence is expected to increase significantly as the population ages. The associated stroke risk is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Stroke prevention by anticoagulation carries its own risks, leading to the search for alternative strategies. Multiple techniques have been developed to exclude the left atrial appendage (the main source of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation) from the circulation. Such techniques offer the hope of stroke prevention without the risks of anticoagulation. This article describes the percutaneous approaches being currently performed in the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of transesophageal echocardiography to guide these procedures.
Distinguishing Species Using GC Contents in Mixed DNA or RNA Sequences
Authors: Karimi Kamran , Wuitchik Daniel M , Oldach Matthew J , Vize Peter D
Published: July 2018

With the advent of whole transcriptome and genome analysis methods, classifying samples containing multiple origins has become a significant task. Nucleotide sequences can be allocated to a genome or transcriptome by aligning sequences to multiple target sequence sets, but this approach requires extensive computational resources and also depends on target sequence sets lacking contaminants, which is often not the case. Here, we demonstrate that raw sequences can be rapidly sorted into groups, in practice corresponding to genera, by exploiting differences in nucleotide GC content. To do so, we introduce GCSpeciesSorter, which uses classification, specifically Support Vector Machines (SVM) and the C4.5 decision tree generator, to differentiate sequences. It also implements a secondary BLAST feature to identify known outliers. In the test case presented, a hermatypic coral holobiont, the cnidarian host includes various endosymbionts. The best characterized and most common of these symbionts are zooxanthellae of the genus Symbiodinium. GCSpeciesSorter separates cnidarian from Symbiodinium sequences with a high degree of accuracy. We show that if the GC contents of the species differ enough, this method can be used to accurately distinguish the sequences of different species when using high-throughput sequencing technologies.
Heart Rate Variability as a Biomarker for Predicting Stroke, Post-stroke Complications and Functionality
Authors: Lees Ty , Shad-Kaneez Fatima , Simpson Ann M , Nassif Najah T , Lin Yiguang , Lal Sara
Published: July 2018

Background:

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive measure of the function of the autonomic nervous system, and its dynamic nature may provide a means through which stroke and its associated complications may be predicted, monitored, and managed.

Objective:

The objective of this review is to identify and provide a critique on the most recent uses of HRV in stroke diagnosis/management and highlight areas that warrant further research.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, CINAHL, and OVID MEDLINE databases were canvassed using a systematic search strategy, for articles investigating the use of HRV in stroke diagnosis and management. Initial paper selections were based on title alone, and final paper inclusion was informed by a full-text critical appraisal.

Results:

The systematic search returned 98 records, of which 51 were unique. Following screening, 22 records were included in the final systematic review. The included papers provided some information regarding predicting incident stroke, which largely seems to be best predicted by time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters. Furthermore, post-stroke complications and functionality are similarly predicted by time- and frequency-domain parameters, as well as non-linear parameters in some instances.

Conclusions:

Current research provides good evidence that HRV parameters may have utility as a biomarker for stroke and for post-stroke complications and/or functionality. Future research would benefit from the integration of non-linear, and novel parameters, the hybridisation of HRV parameters, and the expansion of the utilisation of predictive regression and hazard modelling.
T-cell activation marker sCD27 is associated with clinically definite multiple sclerosis in childhood-acquired demyelinating syndromes
Authors: Wong Yu Yi M , van der Vuurst de Vries Roos M , van Pelt E Daniëlle , Ketelslegers Immy A , Melief Marie-José , Wierenga Annet F , Catsman-Berrevoets Coriene E , Neuteboom Rinze F , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: July 2018

Background:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of T-cell activation marker soluble CD27 (sCD27) are associated with subsequent disease activity after a first attack of suspected MS in adults. The predictive value for disease course in children with acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) is unknown.

Objectives:

To assess the predictive value of sCD27 levels for clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) diagnosis in childhood ADS.

Methods:

Children <18 years with a first demyelinating event were prospectively included and followed. Soluble CD27 was determined in CSF using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for CDMS.

Results:

A total of 94 ADS children were included (ADS with encephalopathy (ADS+) n = 33 and ADS without encephalopathy (ADS–) n = 61). Of the 61 ADS– children, 21 (48%) were diagnosed with CDMS during follow-up. At baseline, sCD27 levels were higher in patients with a future CDMS diagnosis ( n = 29) than in monophasic ADS+ ( n = 30), monophasic ADS– ( n = 28) and relapsing non-MS patients ( n = 7; p < 0.001). In ADS– patients, sCD27 was associated with CDMS (HR = 1.8 per 100 U/mL increase in sCD27 levels, p = 0.031), after adjustments for age, oligoclonal bands and the presence of dissemination in space on baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Conclusion:

CSF sCD27 levels at first attack of demyelination were associated with CDMS diagnosis in children. This makes sCD27 a potential clinically relevant quantitative marker when performing routine CSF diagnostics.
Creativity and simultaneous interpretation—the two shall never meet?
Authors: Kim Daejin , Lim Hyang-Ok
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

This study examines the cognitive nature of Korean–English conference interpreters by analyzing the creativity scores of professional interpreters and interpreter students and exploring the cause of the differences between them.

Design/methodology/approach:

We conducted the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) on professional interpreters and interpreter students. The main scores and sub scores of the two groups were compared and analyzed. The quantitative results were complemented by selective in-depth interviews.

Data and analysis:

Forty-five subjects (21 professional interpreters and 24 interpreter students) participated in the study. The data from the TTCT main and subordinate scores were obtained. An independent t-test between the two groups was conducted. The creative style scores were compared to explain the differences between the two groups.

Findings/conclusions:

Contrary to our expectations, the creative verbal scores of the professional interpreters were significantly lower than the interpreter students’ scores. We also found other distinct differences between the two groups regarding several aspects of creativity including styles. We speculate that the different creative scores may reflect the impact that many years of professional interpretation experience have had on the cognition of the conference interpreters.

Originality:

The current study is a first attempt to explore the creative scores of professional interpreters and interpreter students with an analysis of the implications of the cognitive aspects of Korean–English conference interpreters.

Significance/implications:

Our study suggests that the difference in the creative scores of professional interpreters and interpreter students may be key to understanding the unique cognitive features of Korean–English conference interpreters. We surmise that the involvement of particular functions of the brain together with the professional experience of the interpreters caused the difference.
On-site measurement of winter indoor environment and air infiltration in an airport terminal
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Liu Xiaohua , Zhang Tao , Guan Bowen
Published: July 2018

Currently, many airports in China are being built or retrofitted. Reducing energy consumption in airport terminals is of the utmost urgency. This paper describes on-site measurements of indoor thermal environment and air infiltration of a hub airport in winter in southwest China. Air velocity measurements with air volume balance check and thermal balance check were applied to assess air infiltration rates in terminal buildings. In unsecured halls, air infiltration rates were 0.61 air change per hour (ACH) (6.6 m3/(h m2)) and 0.28 ACH (3.0 m3/(h m2)) when space heating was on and off, respectively; while in secured piers, those two air infiltration rates were 0.42 ACH (2.6 m3/(h m2)) and 0.24 ACH (1.5 m3/(h m2)). Air infiltration consumed 66–92% of heat supplied by space heating systems, showing that winter air infiltration significantly affects indoor thermal environment and energy consumption in terminal buildings where air flows out through the doors of service walkways and open skylights on the roof. Furthermore, influences of building characteristics, space heating systems and outdoor temperatures on winter air infiltration in large space buildings were analysed. This research helps to clarify the key issues influencing indoor thermal environment and proposes solutions for energy saving in terminal buildings.