bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Vertical Structure of Large-Scale Vertical Motion in Tropical Climate: Moist Static Energy Framework
Authors: Bui Hien Xuan , Yu Jia-Yuh , Chou Chia
Published: August 2016

Interactions between cumulus convection and its large-scale environment have been recognized as crucial to the understanding of tropical climate and its variability. In this study, the moist static energy (MSE) budget is employed to investigate the potential impact of the vertical structure of large-scale vertical motion in tropical climate based on results from both reanalysis data and model simulation. Two domains are selected over the western and eastern Pacific with vertical motion profiles that are dominated by top-heavy and bottom-heavy structures, respectively. The bottom-heavy structure is climatologically associated with more shallow convection, while the top-heavy structure is related to more deep convection. The column-integrated vertical MSE advection of top-heavy vertical motion is positive, while that of bottom-heavy vertical motion tends to be negative. Controlling factors responsible for the above vertical MSE advection contrast are discussed based on a simple decomposition of the MSE budget equation. It was found that the sign of vertical MSE advection is determined mainly by the vertical moisture transport, the magnitude of which is very sensitive to the structure of vertical motion. A top-heavy (bottom heavy) structure of vertical motion favors an export (import) of MSE and a positive (negative) value of the vertical MSE advection.
Computed tomography in the investigation and management of obturator hernia
Authors: Light Duncan , Razi Kasra , Horgan Liam
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Obturator hernias are a rare groin hernia. They are most commonly found incidentally during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We investigated our experience with obturator hernias in the elective and emergency setting.

Methods

Cases of obturator hernia were identified from a hospital database and reviewed retrospectively over the last 10 years. There were no exclusions. There were a number of surgeons involved with an interest in groin hernia surgery.

Results

Twenty-one patients were included. The mean age was 66 years old. Eleven were male. There were four emergency presentations. One emergency case presented with small bowel obstruction, while the other three cases presented with groin pain. Two patients had a preoperative computed tomography, which showed an obturator hernia confirmed at surgery. The patient with small bowel obstruction had an open bowel resection alone with no hernia repair. They were discharged with no complications or recurrence on follow-up. The other three cases had a mesh repair (one laparoscopic, one laparotomy, one pre-peritoneal). One patient who underwent a laparotomy died of a post-operative pneumonia. The others were discharged uneventfully. In the elective group of 17 patients, 8 patients were taken for an elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair but found to actually have an obturator hernia alone. An obturator hernia was found incidentally with an inguinal hernia in three patients. Five patients were expected to have an obturator hernia on clinical examination alone. At surgery, an obturator hernia was found in three cases. In the other two cases, no hernia was found. One patient had a pre-operative computed tomography, which showed an obturator hernia confirmed at surgery.

Conclusions

Computed tomography would be recommended in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. It may avoid unnecessary surgery in the elective setting and allow a focused procedure in the emergency setting. Laparoscopic repair is feasible in the emergency and elective setting with excellent results.
Predictive effects of social anxiety on increases in future peer victimization for a community sample of middle-school youth
Authors: Mulder Saskia F. , Hutteman Roos , van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: August 2016

This longitudinal study focused on clarifying the direction of effects between social anxiety and victimization in a community-based sample. In addition, we studied the moderating effect of gender on this association. A total of 1,649 children (45% boys, approximately 12 years old) of 65 secondary-school classes participated in the study. Self-reports and peer nomination data of victimization as well as self-reports of social anxiety were gathered in the fall of Grade 1 (T1, wave one) and in the spring of Grade 1 (T2, wave 2). Latent multiple-group cross-lagged analyses were conducted. Results showed that higher social anxiety scores predicted incremental change in future peer- and self-reported victimization in boys, but not in girls, over and above the stability of victimization. Reverse cross-lagged effects of victimization predicting incremental change in future social anxiety, were not found. Although gender differences were significant, they were small.
Medication, rehabilitation and health care consumption in adults with cerebral palsy: a population based study
Authors: Pons Christelle , Brochard Sylvain , Gallien Philippe , Nicolas Benoit , Duruflé Aurélie , Roquet Marion , Rémy-Néris Olivier , Garlantezec Ronan
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To evaluate medication, rehabilitation and healthcare consumption in adults with CP as a function of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.

Design:

Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Brittany, a French county.

Subjects:

Adults with cerebral palsy.

Interventions:

Questionnaires relating to drugs, orthotic devices, mobility aids, rehabilitation and medical input were sent to 435 members of a unique regional French network dedicated to adults with cerebral palsy. The questionnaire was completed by the participant or a helper if necessary.

Results:

Of the 282 responders, 7.8% had a GMFCS level of I, 14.2% II, 17.7% III, 29.1% IV and 31.2% V. Participants consumed a large amount of healthcare. Almost three-quarters took orally administered drugs, of which antispastic and antiepileptic drugs were among the most frequent. Nearly all patients had at least one type of rehabilitation, 87.2% had physiotherapy, 78% used at least one mobility aid and 69.5% used at least one orthotic device. The frequency of numerous inputs increased with GMFCS level. Specificities were found for each GMFCS level, e.g. participants with GMFCS level IV and V had a high level of medical input and a greater use of trunk-supporting devices, antireflux and laxative. Profiles could be established based on GMFCS levels.

Conclusions:

Adults with cerebral palsy use a large amount of drugs, mobility aids, orthotic devices, rehabilitation and medical input. Healthcare is targeted at cerebral palsy-related issues. GMFCS is a determinant of healthcare consumption and thus a useful tool for clinical practice to target care appropriately.
Electronic palliative care coordination systems: Devising and testing a methodology for evaluating documentation
Authors: Allsop Matthew J , Kite Suzanne , McDermott Sarah , Penn Naomi , Millares-Martin Pablo , Bennett Michael I
Published: August 2016

Background:

The need to improve coordination of care at end of life has driven electronic palliative care coordination systems implementation across the United Kingdom and internationally. No approaches for evaluating electronic palliative care coordination systems use in practice have been developed.

Aim:

This study outlines and applies an evaluation framework for examining how and when electronic documentation of advance care planning is occurring in end of life care services.

Design:

A pragmatic, formative process evaluation approach was adopted. The evaluation drew on the Project Review and Objective Evaluation methodology to guide the evaluation framework design, focusing on clinical processes.

Setting/participants:

Data were extracted from electronic palliative care coordination systems for 82 of 108 general practices across a large UK city. All deaths ( n = 1229) recorded on electronic palliative care coordination systems between April 2014 and March 2015 were included to determine the proportion of all deaths recorded, median number of days prior to death that key information was recorded and observations about routine data use.

Results:

The evaluation identified 26.8% of all deaths recorded on electronic palliative care coordination systems. The median number of days to death was calculated for initiation of an electronic palliative care coordination systems record (31 days), recording a patient’s preferred place of death (8 days) and entry of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decisions (34 days). Where preferred and actual place of death was documented, these were matching for 75% of patients. Anomalies were identified in coding used during data entry on electronic palliative care coordination systems.

Conclusion:

This study reports the first methodology for evaluating how and when electronic palliative care coordination systems documentation is occurring. It raises questions about what can be drawn from routine data collected through electronic palliative care coordination systems and outlines considerations for future evaluation. Future evaluations should consider work processes of health professionals using electronic palliative care coordination systems.
No Cheek Bias
Authors: Lindell Annukka K.
Published: August 2016

In the history of portraiture, left cheek poses dominate. However, self-portraits favor the right cheek. Previous studies consistently report left biases for portraits of others and right biases for self-portraits; only one study has examined self-portrait pose orientation across a single artist’s corpus. The present study investigated posing biases of prolific self-portraitist Vincent van Gogh. Posing orientation in single-figure portrait ( N = 174) and self-portrait ( N = 37) paintings was coded. Unlike other artists, van Gogh was equally likely to paint himself in left and right cheek poses. Similarly, portraits of others showed no difference in left and right cheek frequencies but were distinguished by the inclusion of midline poses. These data highlight the importance of single artist cases studies when investigating portrait posing biases.
Spontaneous Lung Lesions in Aging Laboratory Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Cooper T. K. , Griffith J. W. , Chroneos Z. C. , Izer J. M. , Willing L. B. , Peng X.
Published: August 2016

Spontaneous age-related lesions of laboratory rabbits are not well documented in the contemporary scientific literature. A retrospective study of diagnostic necropsies of 36 rabbits >2 years of age found a number of common lung lesions. Fibromuscular intimal hyperplasia affected medium and to a lesser extent large pulmonary arteries and was present to a variable extent in all 36 rabbits >2 years of age. The lesions were characterized by fragmentation and/or reduplication of the internal elastic lamina (IEL), proliferation of smoothelin+/alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+/vimentin− smooth muscle cells and fewer smoothelin−/α-SMA+/vimentin+ myofibroblasts, and intimal deposition of collagen without thrombosis, embolism, or evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary emphysema, present in 30/36 rabbits, was characterized by the loss of alveolar septa; most affected rabbits did not have clinical signs of respiratory disease. In 8/13 rabbits of the inbred EIII/JC audiogenic strain, we identified a unique syndrome of granulomatous pneumonia containing hyaline brown to gray, globular to ring-like acellular material that was Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff positive. The material was immunoreactive for surfactant protein-A and had the ultrastructural appearance of multilamellar vesicles, suggesting a genetic defect in surfactant metabolism. Additionally, we found small benign primary lung tumors (fibropapillomas, 5 rabbits) not previously described. Other findings included heterotopic bone (5 rabbits), subacute to chronic suppurative bronchopneumonia, pyogranulomatous pneumonia with plant material, and pulmonary artifacts from barbiturate euthanasia solution.
An Exploration of the Interaction Between Touch Avoidance and the Pleasant Touch (C-Tactile Afferent) System
Authors: Hielscher Emily , Mahar Doug
Published: August 2016

C-tactile (CT) afferent fibers are optimally stimulated by slow gentle stroking, and an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between stroking velocity and pleasantness ratings of this type of touch. This study investigated whether an additional and potentially important variable, touch avoidance, interacts with this relationship. While a typical U-shaped velocity–pleasantness relationship was expected, those high in touch avoidance were expected to rate CT-targeted touch (1–10 cm/s) as less pleasant than those low in touch avoidance. Thirty-five participants rated the pleasantness of a brush stroked across their forearm at five velocities (0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 cm/s) administered by a custom-built touch stimulator (“the touch device”). Participants also completed two self-report measures of touch avoidance. There was an inverted U-shaped relationship between velocity and pleasantness ratings, and high touch avoidance resulted in a downward shift of this curve. The downward shift was across all velocities, including those that do not maximally engage CT afferents. It appears that touch avoidance reduces the pleasantness of all kinds of touch in a similar way, and it is unlikely to be specifically related to CT afferent functioning. Other potential mechanisms leading to touch avoidance are discussed.
Effect of Changing the Joint Kinematics of Knees With a Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament on the Molecular Biological Responses and Spontaneous Healing in a Rat Model
Authors: Kokubun Takanori , Kanemura Naohiko , Murata Kenji , Moriyama Hideki , Morita Sadao , Jinno Tetsuya , Ihara Hidetoshi , Takayanagi Kiyomi
Published: August 2016

Background:

The poor healing capacity of a completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been attributed to an insufficient vascular supply, cellular metabolism, and deficient premature scaffold formation because of the unique intra-articular environment. However, previous studies have focused on intra-articular factors without considering extra-articular factors, including the biomechanical aspects of ACL-deficient knees.

Hypothesis:

Changing the joint kinematics of an ACL-ruptured knee will improve cellular biological responses and lead to spontaneous healing through the mechanotransduction mechanism.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 66 skeletally mature Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (SO), ACL-transection group (ACL-T), controlled abnormal movement group (CAM), and an intact group (IN). The ACL was completely transected at the midportion in the ACL-T and CAM groups, and the CAM group underwent extra-articular braking to control for abnormal tibial translation. The SO group underwent skin and joint capsule incisions and tibial drilling, without ACL transection and extra-articular braking. The animals were allowed full cage activity until sacrifice at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively for histological, molecular biological, and biomechanical assessment.

Results:

All injured ACLs in the ACL-T group were not healed, but those in the CAM group healed spontaneously, showing a typical ligament healing response. Regarding the molecular biological response, there was an upregulation of anabolic factors (ie, transforming growth factor–β) and downregulation of catabolic factors (ie, matrix metalloproteinase). Examination of the mechanical properties at 8 weeks after injury showed that >50% of the strength of the intact ACL had returned.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that changing the joint kinematics of knees with a ruptured ACL alters the molecular biological responses and leads to spontaneous healing. These data support our hypothesis that the mechanotransduction mechanism mediates molecular responses and determines whether the ACL will heal.

Clinical Relevance:

Elucidating the relationship between the mechanotransduction mechanism and healing responses in knees with completely ruptured ACLs may result in the development of novel nonsurgical treatment that enables the ACL to spontaneously heal in patients who are not suitable for reconstruction.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Evaluations of the Shoulders of Elite Swimmers
Authors: Rodeo Scott A. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Cavanaugh John T. , Patel Yashika , Adler Ronald S.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Shoulder pain is a common problem in competitive swimmers, but the structural alterations in elite-level competitive swimmers are not well known.

Hypothesis:

Adaptive changes are common in the rotator cuff, bursa, labrum, and capsule in elite swimmers, and such abnormalities are related to factors concerning training and correlate with symptoms.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study population was the 2008 United States Olympic swimming team. All athletes completed standardized scales on shoulder pain and function and provided data on their training history and history of shoulder pain or injuries. Each athlete also underwent a comprehensive physical examination of both shoulders, followed by an evaluation of the rotator cuff, biceps, and bursa using ultrasound with dynamic images to assess for subcoracoid impingement and subacromial impingement.

Results:

A history of shoulder pain was reported by 29 of 42 (66%) athletes. Morphological changes consistent with tendinosis were common in the biceps (33/46 shoulders; 72%) and supraspinatus/infraspinatus (44/46 shoulders; 96%). Subcoracoid impingement was seen in 17 of 46 shoulders (37%), with subacromial impingement seen in 34 of 41 shoulders (83%). There was an increased odds ratio (OR) for biceps tendinosis in older swimmers (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23-3.00; P = .004) and in swimmers who had missed a competition because of shoulder pain (OR, 9.76; 95% CI, 1.13-84.3; P = .038). There was an increased OR for rotator cuff tendinosis in swimmers who reported worse scores for pain with activities (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.78; P = .028) and in those with a positive sulcus sign (OR, 33.2; 95% CI, 3.09-355; P = .004). There was an increased OR for impingement in swimmers with a positive sulcus sign (OR, 5.40; 95% CI, 0.80-36.3; P = .083), worse pain scores (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.87; P = .019), and a partial rotator cuff tear (OR, 31.2; 95% CI, 3.58-272; P = .002).

Conclusion:

We found a high prevalence of rotator cuff and biceps tendinopathy, which was associated with increased symptoms. Tendinosis was also more common in swimmers with a positive sulcus sign, suggesting a role for shoulder laxity.
Tenant recruitment and support processes in sustainability-profiled business incubators
Authors: Bank Natasha , Kanda Wisdom
Published: August 2016

Recruitment and support processes in sustainability-profiled incubators have received little research attention. The article addresses this knowledge gap in an empirical investigation of three sustainability-oriented incubators in Sweden, Finland and Germany. The data are based on interviews with managers, stakeholders and tenants in Green Tech Park (Sweden), LADEC (Finland) and Green Garage (Germany). On average, the studied incubators had an ambition to recruit and develop sustainability-oriented start-ups, but the number of tenants must reach a critical mass if such ambitions are to become a reality. The local context influences this critical mass of start-ups and is a determining factor in generating (a) potential tenants and (b) the resources to support such firms. This suggests that incubator managers must actively seek tenants interested in sustainable entrepreneurship and that support must focus on activities in sustainability.
Phrenology between anthropology and neurology in a nineteenth-century collection of skulls
Authors: Zanatta Alberto , Scattolin Giuliano , Thiene Gaetano , Zampieri Fabio
Published: August 2016

The University of Padua has many legends about its cultural heritage. One of these concerns a collection of eight skulls still preserved in the Hall of Medicine at Bo Palace, near the old anatomy theatre built in 1545. It is said that some famous professors of the University donated their bodies to medical science, and the skulls were from these bodies. From multidisciplinary research, both historical and anthropological, we have discovered that Francesco Cortese, Professor of Medicine and Rector of the University, started this personal collection of colleagues’ skulls, although they had not donated their bodies to science, so that he could make his own detailed phrenology study.
A 7-day intravenous toxicity study and neurotoxicity assessment of pyridorin in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Sullivan DW , Peterson RC , Mujer CV , Gad SC
Published: August 2016

Pyridorin®, a naturally occurring metabolite of vitamin B6 that inhibits and scavenges reactive oxygen species, is being developed as a potential therapeutic for acute kidney injury. An investigational new drug application (IND) was opened for Pyridorin in support of its ongoing oral drug clinical development program. Currently, a Pyridorin intravenous (IV) formulation is being developed for use in surgical patients. To support the IND for Pyridorin, a full battery of nonclinical Good Laboratory Practice compliant studies was performed with no neurological or behavioral signs of toxicity seen following oral or IV administration of pyridoxine dihydrochloride (the active ingredient in Pyridorin). However, excessive ingestion of vitamin B6 has been reported to cause neurotoxic syndrome in humans. Therefore, under Food and Drug Administration recommendation, a 7-day IV study in rats was conducted to further evaluate the drug’s potential to cause neurotoxicity. Blood plasma samples indicated that exposure to pyridoxamine dihydrochloride and its metabolites, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and 4-pyridoxic acid was linearly dose proportional and independent of gender. At doses of up to 200 mg/kg/day pyridoxine dihydrochloride, no treatment-related effects were seen in rats, providing further evidence for the absence of pyridoxine dihydrochloride-related changes in the nervous system. A no observed adverse effect level of 200 mg/kg/day was identified for this study.
Calibration of medical diagnostic classifier scores to the probability of disease
Authors: Chen Weijie , Sahiner Berkman , Samuelson Frank , Pezeshk Aria , Petrick Nicholas
Published: August 2016

Scores produced by statistical classifiers in many clinical decision support systems and other medical diagnostic devices are generally on an arbitrary scale, so the clinical meaning of these scores is unclear. Calibration of classifier scores to a meaningful scale such as the probability of disease is potentially useful when such scores are used by a physician. In this work, we investigated three methods (parametric, semi-parametric, and non-parametric) for calibrating classifier scores to the probability of disease scale and developed uncertainty estimation techniques for these methods. We showed that classifier scores on arbitrary scales can be calibrated to the probability of disease scale without affecting their discrimination performance. With a finite dataset to train the calibration function, it is important to accompany the probability estimate with its confidence interval. Our simulations indicate that, when a dataset used for finding the transformation for calibration is also used for estimating the performance of calibration, the resubstitution bias exists for a performance metric involving the truth states in evaluating the calibration performance. However, the bias is small for the parametric and semi-parametric methods when the sample size is moderate to large (>100 per class).
Efficient Monte Carlo evaluation of resampling-based hypothesis tests with applications to genetic epidemiology
Authors: Fung Wing K , Yu Kexin , Yang Yingrui , Zhou Ji-Yuan
Published: August 2016

Monte Carlo evaluation of resampling-based tests is often conducted in statistical analysis. However, this procedure is generally computationally intensive. The pooling resampling-based method has been developed to reduce the computational burden but the validity of the method has not been studied before. In this article, we first investigate the asymptotic properties of the pooling resampling-based method and then propose a novel Monte Carlo evaluation procedure namely the n-times pooling resampling-based method. Theorems as well as simulations show that the proposed method can give smaller or comparable root mean squared errors and bias with much less computing time, thus can be strongly recommended especially for evaluating highly computationally intensive hypothesis testing procedures in genetic epidemiology.
A multi-locus genetic association test for a dichotomous trait and its secondary phenotype
Authors: Zhang Han , Wu Colin O , Yang Yifan , Berndt Sonja I , Chanock Stephen J , Yu Kai
Published: August 2016

Genetic association studies often collect information on secondary phenotypes related to the primary disease status. In many situations, the secondary phenotypes are only measured in subjects with the disease condition. It would be advantageous to model the primary trait and the secondary phenotype together if they share certain level of genetic heritability. We propose a family of multi-locus testing procedures to detect the composite association between a set of genetic markers and two traits (the primary trait and a secondary phenotype), in order to identify genes influencing both traits. The proposed test is derived from a random effect model with two variance components, with each presenting the genetic effect on one trait, and incorporates a model selection procedure for seeking the optimal model to represent the two sources of genetic effects. We conduct simulation studies to evaluate performance of the proposed procedure and apply the method to a genome-wide association study of prostate cancer with the Gleason score as the secondary phenotype.
The Consequences of Reading Inaccurate Information
Authors: Rapp David N.
Published: August 2016

We are regularly confronted with statements that are inaccurate, sometimes obviously so. Unfortunately, people can be influenced by and rely upon inaccurate information, engaging in less critical evaluation than might be hoped. Empirical studies have consistently demonstrated that even when people should know better, reading inaccurate information can affect their performance on subsequent tasks. What encourages people’s encoding and use of false statements? The current article outlines how reliance on inaccurate information is a predictable consequence of the routine cognitive processes associated with memory, problem solving, and comprehension. This view helps identify conditions under which inaccurate information is more or less likely to influence subsequent decisions. These conditions are informative in the consideration of information-design approaches and instructional methods intended to support critical thinking.
The Amygdala and Prioritization of Declarative Memories
Authors: Manns Joseph R. , Bass David I.
Published: August 2016

The present review highlights results from recent studies that delivered brief electrical stimulation to the basolateral complex of the amygdala in rats to reveal its capacity to prioritize declarative memories on a moment-to-moment basis even after the moment has passed. The results indicate that this memory enhancement depends on the hippocampus and elicits intrahippocampal gamma synchrony that possibly corresponds with sharpened hippocampal spike-timing dependent plasticity. These recent findings are discussed in relation to past studies of emotional memory in rodents and humans.
Can the Unconscious Boost Lie-Detection Accuracy?
Authors: Street Chris N. H. , Vadillo Miguel A.
Published: August 2016

Recently, a variety of methods have been used to show that unconscious processes can boost lie-detection accuracy. This article considers the latest developments in the context of research into unconscious cognition. Unconscious cognition has been under attack in recent years because the findings do not replicate, and when they do show reliably improved performance, they fail to exclude the possibility that conscious processing is at work. Here we show that work into unconscious lie detection suffers from the same weaknesses. Future research would benefit from taking a stronger theoretical stance and explicitly attempting to exclude conscious-processing accounts.
Perceptions of Adults Adopted as Children
Authors: Duemer Lee , Hicks Janet Froeschle , Brendle Janna
Published: August 2016

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the experiences of adults adopted as children. Individual and follow-up interviews were conducted with four participants. We identified six primary themes related to family experience and a better understanding of adopted children, adults as well as special issues that might be considered in family counseling. Implications for counselors are discussed in this article.
Psychometric Analysis of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale and Its Condensed Versions
Authors: Oxtoby Jim , King Robert , Sheridan Judith , Obst Patricia
Published: August 2016

The Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) is a promising new self-report measure of state boredom. Two condensed versions of the scale have also been introduced. This study helped explore the psychometric qualities of these scales, using a large sample of Australian adults ( N = 1,716), as well as two smaller samples ( N = 199 and N = 422). Data analyses indicated strong convergent validity and very high internal consistency for the scales. Test–retest reliability over a 6- to 8-day period was moderately high. Confirmatory factor analyses of the MSBS authors’ suggested factor structure indicated good fit for this model. However, some of the data analyses raise questions as to whether the scale includes meaningful subfactors. Overall, the MSBS (and Short Form) is recommended for researchers who wish to assess state boredom.
Use of cefovecin in a UK population of cats attending first-opinion practices as recorded in electronic health records
Authors: Burke Sara , Black Vicki , Sánchez-Vizcaíno Fernando , Radford Alan , Hibbert Angie , Tasker Séverine
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The objective was to use electronic health records to describe the use of cefovecin (Convenia; Zoetis UK), a third-generation long-acting injectable antimicrobial, in a UK population of cats attending first-opinion practices, and to compare the use of Convenia with the licensed uses described on the UK Convenia datasheet.

Methods

Data were obtained as an Excel database from the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network for all feline consultations containing the word Convenia and/or cefovecin from 1 September 2012 to 23 September 2013 inclusive. Entries were classified according to body system treated, confirmation or suspicion of an abscess, evidence of microbiological evaluation being performed, any concurrent therapies given and whether any reason was given for use of Convenia over alternative antimicrobials. Data were exported to IBM SPSS Statistics and descriptive analysis performed.

Results

In total, 1148 entries were analysed. The most common body system treated was skin in 553 (48.2%) entries, then urinary (n = 157; 13.7%) and respiratory (n = 112; 9.8%). Microbiological evaluation was recorded in 193 (16.8%) entries, with visible purulent material most commonly cited (in 147 [12.8%] entries). A reason for prescribing Convenia over alternative antimicrobials was given in 138 (12.0%) entries; the most cited was an inability to orally medicate the cat in 77 (55.8%) of these entries. Excluding 131 entries where no body system or multiple body systems were described, the use of Convenia complied with a licensed use in the UK datasheet in 710 (69.8%) of 1017 entries.

Conclusions and relevance

Most administrations were licensed uses; however, most entries did not describe any microbiological evaluation, or a reason for prescribing Convenia over alternative antimicrobials. Further education of the public and the veterinary profession is needed to promote antimicrobial stewardship in the UK. Health records provide a valuable tool with which to monitor, both locally and at scale, the use of important therapeutics like antimicrobials. Information relevant to decision-making should be recorded in individual animal health records.
How does online news curate linked sources? A content analysis of three online news media
Authors: Cui Xi , Liu Yu
Published: August 2016

This article examines journalists’ curatorial practices with regard to linked and embedded sources on three news media platforms: the online version of a legacy news medium, a native online explanatory news medium, and an online citizen news medium. Our goal is to explore the curatorial practices in online journalism, and the continuity and changes in journalistic gatekeeping in the online environment. Our results demonstrate that established journalistic traditions are still prevalent in online news. Meanwhile, links to digital archives are widely used to contextualize news subjects. Explanatory journalism and citizen journalism do exhibit characteristics of what Herbert Gans calls ‘multiperspectival’ news, which covers a wider variety of social institutions. We discuss differences in the prevalence of the curatorial treatments of various types of linked sources in relation to journalists’ views of their roles, and the online news media’s organizational and technological natures.
Variation and Acquisition of Complex Techniques
Authors: Davidson Stuart J. , Rojnica Marko , Matthews Jeffrey B. , Langerman Alexander J.
Published: August 2016

Background. Complex procedures often have numerous acceptable approaches; it is unclear how surgical fellows choose between techniques. We used pancreaticoduodenectomy as a model to catalogue variability between surgeons and investigate factors that affect fellows’ acquisition of techniques. Materials and methods. Semistructured interviews and operative note analysis were conducted to determine techniques of 5 attending surgeons, and these data were mapped to identify variations. Identical interviews and questioning were completed with 4 fellowship graduates whose practice includes pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results. All surgeons performed a different operation, both in order and techniques employed. Based on minor variations, there were 21 surgical step data points that differed. Of 5 surgeons, 4 were unable to identify colleagues’ techniques. Fellows reported adopting techniques from mentors who had regimented techniques, teaching styles they related to, and with whom they frequently operated. Residency training did not strongly influence their choice of technique; however, senior partners after fellowship did influence technique. Conclusions. The number of variants of pancreaticoduodenectomy based on granular, step-by-step differences is larger than previously described. Results hint that variation may be furthered by the fact that surgeons are not aware of the techniques used by colleagues. Fellows choose techniques based on factors not directly related to their own outcomes but rather mentor factors. Whether fellows adopt techniques that will be optimal given their abilities is worthy of further investigation, as are changes in technique over time. Better codification of variation is needed to facilitate these investigations as well as matching of technical variations to patient outcomes.
Developing a feeling for error: Practices of monitoring and modelling air pollution data
Authors: Garnett Emma
Published: August 2016

This paper is based on ethnographic research of data practices in a public health project called Weather Health and Air Pollution. (All names are pseudonyms.) I examine two different kinds of practices that make air pollution data, focusing on how they relate to particular modes of sensing and articulating air pollution. I begin by describing the interstitial spaces involved in making measurements of air pollution at monitoring sites and in the running of a computer simulation. Specifically, I attend to a shared dimension of these practices, the checking of a numerical reading for error. Checking a measurement for error is routine practice and a fundamental component of making data, yet these are also moments of interpretation, where the form and meaning of numbers are ambiguous. Through two case studies of modelling and monitoring data practices, I show that making a ‘good’ (error free) measurement requires developing a feeling for the instrument–air pollution interaction in terms of the intended functionality of the measurements made. These affective dimensions of practice are useful analytically, making explicit the interaction of standardised ways of knowing and embodied skill in stabilising data. I suggest that environmental data practices can be studied through researchers’ materialisation of error, which complicate normative accounts of Big Data and highlight the non-linear and entangled relations that are at work in the making of stable, accurate data.
Toward Expanding What Counts as Language for Latina and Latino Youth in an Urban Middle School Classroom
Authors: Martinez Danny C. , Montaño Elizabeth
Published: August 2016

In this article, we report findings from a yearlong design research project that worked to leverage the language brokering skills of Latina/Latino middle school youth in an urban school setting. We began the project by asking seventh-grade students to talk about the many languages they speak in their daily lives. Throughout the project, their teacher, Ms. Reyes, drew on youths’ tacit understandings of language to engage them, metalinguistically, in learning activities that went beyond classroom activities, with specific attention to the various ways language is used to persuade different audiences across contexts. We concluded with documenting their reflections on the project and their understandings of their language use. We share data of transcripts from focus group discussions between four students. Findings revealed that student’s tacit understandings about language fell into four categories, “language of respect,” “diverse ways of speaking,” “what they learned” about language, and an emerging sense of their “academic confidence.” We use these data to show how youth shared knowledge and understandings about language that they had not been asked to share before. We conclude with suggestions for how classroom teachers can work toward expanding what counts for language in English Language Arts classrooms.
Sonographic Detection of Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Kadau Jillian VanVliet
Published: August 2016

Sonography is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate suspected intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancies. Determining the anatomic location of an ectopic pregnancy can be challenging, particularly when the ectopic is located external to the fallopian tube. Ovarian ectopic pregnancy is one of the rarest forms of nontubal ectopics. This report documents one such uncommon case of ovarian pregnancy in a woman presenting with light vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, with subsequent rupture and laparotomy. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian ectopic pregnancy.
MEF2D-BCL9 Fusion Gene Is Associated With High-Risk Acute B-Cell Precursor Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adolescents
Authors: Suzuki Kyogo , Okuno Yusuke , Kawashima Nozomu , Muramatsu Hideki , Okuno Tatsuya , Wang Xinan , Kataoka Shinsuke , Sekiya Yuko , Hamada Motoharu , Murakami Norihiro , Kojima Daiei , Narita Kotaro , Narita Atsushi , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Sakaguchi Kimiyoshi , Yoshida Nao , Nishio Nobuhiro , Hama Asahito , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kudo Kazuko , Kato Koji , Kojima Seiji
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) makes up a significant proportion of all pediatric cancers, and relapsed ALL is a leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in children. Identification of risk factors and druggable molecular targets in ALL can lead to a better stratification of treatments and subsequent improvement in prognosis.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 59 children with relapsed or primary refractory ALL who were treated in our institutions. We primarily performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) using patients’ leukemic cells to comprehensively detect gene fusions and analyze gene expression profiles. On the basis of results obtained by RNA-seq, we performed genetic validation, functional analysis, and in vitro drug sensitivity testing using patients’ samples and an exogenous expression model.

Results

We identified a total of 26 gene fusions in 22 patients by RNA-seq. Among these, 19 were nonrandom gene fusions already described in ALL, and four of the remaining seven involved identical combination of MEF2D and BCL9. All MEF2D-BCL9–positive patients had B-cell precursor immunophenotype and were characterized as being older in age, being resistant to chemotherapy, having very early relapse, and having leukemic blasts that mimic morphologically mature B-cell leukemia with markedly high expression of HDAC9. Exogenous expression of MEF2D-BCL9 in a B-cell precursor ALL cell line promoted cell growth, increased HDAC9 expression, and induced resistance to dexamethasone. Using a primary culture of leukemic blasts from a patient, we identified several molecular targeted drugs that conferred inhibitory effects in vitro.

Conclusion

A novel MEF2D-BCL9 fusion we identified characterizes a novel subset of pediatric ALL, predicts poor prognosis, and may be a candidate for novel molecular targeting.
Cellular functions of the ADF/cofilin family at a glance
Authors: Kanellos Georgios , Frame Margaret C.
Published: August 2016

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family comprises small actin-binding proteins with crucial roles in development, tissue homeostasis and disease. They are best known for their roles in regulating actin dynamics by promoting actin treadmilling and thereby driving membrane protrusion and cell motility. However, recent discoveries have increased our understanding of the functions of these proteins beyond their well-characterized roles. This Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster serve as an introduction to the diverse roles of the ADF/cofilin family in cells. The first part of the article summarizes their actions in actin treadmilling and the main mechanisms for their intracellular regulation; the second part aims to provide an outline of the emerging cellular roles attributed to the ADF/cofilin family, besides their actions in actin turnover. The latter part discusses an array of diverse processes, which include regulation of intracellular contractility, maintenance of nuclear integrity, transcriptional regulation, nuclear actin monomer transfer, apoptosis and lipid metabolism. Some of these could, of course, be indirect consequences of actin treadmilling functions, and this is discussed.
Tests, scans and investigations 1. Blood tests
Authors: Peate Ian , Bennett-Long Lisa
Published: August 2016

In contemporary healthcare provision, there are many different types of tests, scans and investigations that are available to help make a diagnosis, exclude a diagnosis or to help with screening. This series of articles concerns tests, scans and investigations, providing the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) with information that will assist them in understanding the various procedures, as well as helping them to ensure positive patient outcomes. When the HCA and AP have an understanding of these procedures, their aspiration to provide, safe, effective and patient-centred care will be enhanced.
Antithrombotic Usage Patterns in the Era of New Oral Anticoagulant Options for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Marler Jacob , Usery Justin B. , Nolan Shambria , Oliphant Carrie S.
Published: August 2016

Background

Appropriate treatment reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the known benefits of warfarin, anticoagulation prescribing rates remain inadequate in high-risk patients. Over the last 6 years, 4 novel oral anticoagulants have been approved for use for stroke prophylaxis in non-valvular AF (NVAF), which may allow prescribers to tailor therapy for each NVAF patient.

Objective

The goal of this investigation was to determine the effect of dabigatran and rivaroxaban availability on the rate of anticoagulant prescribing at hospital discharge in patients with a principal diagnosis of NVAF.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of adult patients presenting with NVAF (CHADS2 score ≥2) was conducted using a historical control group of patients from 2009 compared to patients admitted in 2012 following formulary availability of dabigatran and rivaroxaban. In addition to antithrombotic therapy prescribed, subsequent hospitalizations during a 1-year period were reviewed for major bleeding and stroke events.

Results

Two hundred patients were enrolled in the study. The rate of anticoagulant prescribing in the 2009 and 2012 groups was 68.3% and 77.1%, respectively ( p = .16). Of the patients in the 2012 group prescribed an anticoagulant, 58 (64%) received warfarin, 26 (28%) received dabigatran, and 7 (8%) received rivaroxaban. One patient (1.2%) in the 2009 group and 4 patients (4.4%) in the 2012 group had a major bleed ( p = .4).

Conclusion

There was no statistical difference in the rate of anticoagulant prescribing between the 2 groups. Despite the availability of additional anticoagulant options, the rate of prescribing remains suboptimal in this high-risk population.
Implementing the Use of Pharmacist Progress Notes in a Surgical ICU
Authors: Sledge Tyler , Lonardo Nick , Simons Heidi , Shipley Wayne
Published: August 2016

Background

Critical care pharmacists are established and valuable members of the critical care team, however there is rarely written evidence of their daily involvement in the patient's electronic medical record (EMR). Documentation in the EMR has the advantage of ensuring a seamless pass-off and provides an opportunity to capture the pharmacist's cognitive and clinical impact in a way that traditional systems of tracking “interventions” fail to do. We investigated implementation of pharmacist progress notes in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and their utility in measuring pharmacist activity.

Methods

Daily pharmacist progress notes written in a surgical ICU over a period of 2 months were reviewed. Each pharmacist action identified through progress note review was quantified and scored by an independent reviewer using a newly developed scoring system, the clinical impact score (CIS). This was developed as a way to quantify pharmacist actions and to classify those actions by clinical impact.

Results

Four hundred sixty-two daily pharmacist progress notes were reviewed over a 2-month period. There were 1,055 actions identified that resulted in a therapy change. Four of these actions resulted in the potential avoidance of a sentinel event. Of patients with at least 5 progress notes ( n = 44), the majority of pharmacist actions occurred on ICU day 1.

Conclusion

The results of this descriptive study demonstrate that the implementation of daily pharmacist progress notes is feasible in an advanced practice setting, and the pharmacist's contribution to patient care may be obtained through review of this documentation in the patient's medical record. The critical care pharmacist's daily involvement in patient care most commonly results in optimization of pharmacotherapy and avoidance of drug misadventure.