bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematics of reptile-associated scale mites of the genus Pterygosoma (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) derived from external morphology
Authors: FAJFER MONIKA
Published: May 2019

The phylogeny of the mite genus Pterygosoma Peters, 1849 (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae), permanent parasites of lizards of the families Agamidae, Gerrhosauridae and Liolaemidae (Reptilia: Squamata), was inferred with maximum parsimony, successive weighting and implied weighting approaches based on 182 characters of 48 ingroup and 12 outgroup species. All undertaken analyses questioned the monophyly of the genus. Based on this research, Pterygosoma includes 56 mite species associated with agamas from Africa and Asia (Sauria: Agamidae). Within the genus seven natural species groups were found: mutabilis, inermis, melanum, caucasica, fimbriata, singularis and foliosetis; 13 species of the genus were not assigned to any of the groups due to their unique morphological characters. For the ligare group of the subgenus Pterygosoma s. str. (7 species) associated with the South American tree lizards from the family Liolaemidae, a new genus, Neopterygosoma gen. nov., is established. The subgenus Gerrhosaurobia Lawrence, 1959 (3 species) associated with the African plated lizards of the family Gerrhosauridae is elevated to the genus rank. Diagnoses for the three genera are presented. Historical associations are reconstructed by fitting the obtained mite tree into the host topology on the family level. Results of coevolutionary analysis highlight the coincidence of both trees. The studies suggest that the ancestor of the genus Pterygosoma switched from the hosts of Gerrhosaurobia i.e. from the plated lizards (Gerrhosauridae) to the agamas (Agamidae), and the genus Pterygosoma has its biogeographic origin in North Africa, and colonized Asia via the Arabian Peninsula, which is congruent with the historical biogeography of its hosts.
On the type depository of some species of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera), especially of the holotype of Quercivir dohrni Lameere, 1912
Authors: PIRKL JIŘÍ , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , CASARI SÔNIA A.
Published: May 2019

Correction on the type depositories of some species of Cerambycidae, often reported as being in Museum of Stettin, Stettin, Poland (CMSP), are reported. The holotype of Quercivir dohrni Lameere, 1912 was located, and comments on it are provided. A forgotten correction on the type locality of Sypilus venturae Dohrn, 1882 is presented. Prionapterus staphilinus schaeferi Bosq, 1947 is transferred from synonymy with P. woltersi Bruch, 1925 to synonymy with P. staphilinus Guérin-Méneville, 1831. Sphecogaster biplagiatus Lacordaire, 1868 is formally synonymized with Sphecomorpha chalybea Newman, 1838, and notes on the holotype of Physopleurus dohrnii Lacordaire, 1869 are provided. Additionally, photographs of some Cerambycidae deposited in the Deutsches Entomologisches Institut, Müncheberg, Germany (DEIC) collection are provided.
Elzalia heterospiculata sp. nov. (Nematoda: Monhysterida: Xyalidae) from the South China Sea
Authors: JIA SUSU , HUANG YONG
Published: May 2019

A new free-living marine nematode species of the genus Elzalia belonging to the family Xyalidae is described from the seabed sediment of the northeast region of the South China Sea. Elzalia heterospiculata sp. nov. is characterized by elongated spicules unequal in length, left spicule prominently longer than right spicule, ratio of body length to spicule length is 4.7–6.2; complex gubernaculum consisting of four sections, apophyses clavate, 12–14 µm long; and amphideal fovea positioned near the top of the head. It is similar to E. federici Castillo-Fernandez and Lambshead, 1990 and E. floresi Gerlach, 1957. However, the new species differs from the similar two species in having markedly unequal spicules, complex gubernaculum consisting of four sections, amphideal fovea close to the top of the head. Updated key to all species of Elzalia is provided.
HBCUs Online: Can Students With Disabilities Access Historically Black College and University Websites?
Authors: Taylor Z. W.
Published: May 2019

On January 18, 2018, U.S. Congress amended Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to hold all Title IV U.S. institutions of higher education to Level AA compliance with web accessibility standards, also known as WCAG 2.0 standards. As a result, this study examined all 100 historically Black college and university (HBCU) websites and found 94 HBCU websites were in violation of ADA and were not web accessible for students with disabilities after the January 18th amendment of Section 508. Using two robust web accessibility software packages, each website was evaluated at both the Level A and Level AA threshold of ADA compliance. The average HBCU website included 62 WCAG errors, meaning the website was likely non-ADA compliant. Furthermore, a majority of errors were minor, as many pictures were missing alt text or a hyperlink was not defined. Implications for practice, research, and HBCU leadership will be addressed.
Life Trajectories of Suicide Attempt Survivors
Authors: Peña-Salazar Carlos , Simó Algado Salvador , Pons i Baños Judit , Arrufat Francesc X. , Valdés-Stauber Juan
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to perform a qualitative analysis of selected life trajectories of patients with a history of attempted suicide with the purpose of identifying personal and psychosocial factors that favor suicidal behavior and those that ground resilience. Five suicide attempt survivors from a community mental health service were interviewed for about 6 hours over a period of 12 months by means of a semistructured guide consisting of 10 domains and 86 cue questions. Qualitative analysis was performed by means of the parallel life stories method, and relevant biographical issues were identified. This analysis was conducted using the software package ATLAS.ti. The qualitative analysis of life stories yielded six categories and 62 items as follows: (i) broken childhood (15 items), (ii) education (9 items), (iii) employment as a promoter of health and social inclusion (9 items), (iv) family and current social network (5 items), (v) mental health and mental disorder (10 items), and (vi) experiences around attempted suicide (14 items). These categories are illustrated with matching quotations from the life stories. Childhood trauma appears to be the cornerstone on which all participants’ stories are based. Reliable carers are essential for making traumatic histories comprehensible.
Metric Structure and Rhyme Predictability Modulate Speech Intensity During Child-Directed and Read-Alone Productions of Children’s Literature
Authors: Fitzroy Ahren B. , Breen Mara
Published: May 2019

Temporal and phonological predictability in children’s literature may support early literacy acquisition. Realization of predictive structure in caregiver prosody could guide children’s attention during shared reading, thereby supporting reading subskill development. However, little is known about how predictive structure is realized prosodically during child-directed reading. We investigated whether speakers use word intensity to signal predictive metric and rhyme structure in child-directed and read-alone productions of The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss, 1957), by modeling maximum intensity (dB) of monosyllabic words as a function of metric strength, rhyme predictability, and a set of control parameters. In the control model, intensity increased with lower lexical frequency, capitalization, first mention, and likelihood of a syntactic boundary. Metric structure predicted word intensity beyond these control factors in a hierarchical manner: words aligned with beat one in a 6/8 metric structure were produced with highest intensity, words aligned with beat four were produced with intermediate intensity, and words aligned with all other beats were produced with the lowest intensity. Additionally, phonologically predictable rhyme targets were reduced in intensity. The effects of meter and rhyme were not moderated by the presence of a child audience. These results demonstrate that predictability along multiple dimensions is encoded during reading of poetic children’s literature, and that metric structure is realized hierarchically in word intensity. Further, the manner by which predictability is encoded in word intensity differs from that previously reported for word duration in this corpus (Breen, 2018), demonstrating that intensity and duration present nonidentical prosodic information channels.
Particles dissolution and liquid mixing dynamics by Electrical Resistance Tomography
Authors: Paglianti Alessandro , Maluta Francesco , Montante Giuseppina
Published: May 2019

Salt particles dissolution in slurry stirred tanks provides an ambitious challenge for the application of Electrical Resistance Tomography in the process industry, because the presence of high loadings of inert particles requires a purposely developed post-processing method of the experimental data. For the optimization of the working conditions of the dissolution process, two characteristic times are required: the time for the liquid homogenization in the tank and the time required for the complete dissolution of the salt particles. The former time has been experimentally determined in previous investigations both in stirred tanks working with single-phase and with multiphase mixtures. The latter characteristic time has not been analyzed so far, due to the lack of experimental procedures for distinguishing it from the former. In this work, a novel approach for the simultaneous identification of the two characteristic times is presented. The impact of the new procedure is significant for the production processes, since it offers a tool for identifying when the soluble particle size has an impact on the dissolution dynamics, and when the stirred tank dynamics is influenced by the liquid homogenization only, and therefore a reduction of the particle size does not speed up the process accomplishment.
Predictors of Health-Protective Behavior and Glycemia After Gestational Diabetes, NHANES 2007-2014
Authors: Knippen Kerri Lynn , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Oza-Frank Reena , McBride Kimberly , Dake Joseph
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study examined weight loss behavior and the prevalence of hyperglycemia unawareness (unknown high blood glucose) after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), within a nationally, representative sample. This study also examined social-demographic, psychosocial, provider communication, and health care access/utilization factors as predictors of A1C and health-protective behavior after GDM.

Methods

A secondary analysis of 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data was conducted, including 205 women, aged 20 to 44 years, with a history of GDM, whose last live birth was in the past 10 years, excluding pregnant women and those with diabetes. Weighted bivariate, stepwise linear, and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine correlates of A1C, weight change, weight loss attempt and behavior, diabetes screening, and physical activity.

Results

Hyperglycemia unawareness was associated with increased A1C and weight gain in the past year. Personal weight loss goal and perception of overweight increased the odds of weight loss attempt. Depressive symptoms were associated with weight gain over the past year. A third of the sample failed to have their glucose tested in the past 3 years. Two-thirds were never told about their personal risk for diabetes, but provider communication increased the odds of meeting weekly activity recommendations and glucose screening. Hispanic women and non-Hispanic black women were less likely to have had glucose screening than non-Hispanic white women.

Conclusion

Diabetes educators should address gaps in provider communication, while supporting psychosocial needs and reducing disparities to encourage health-protective behavior after GDM. The American Association of Diabetes Educators, 7 Self-Care Behaviors (AADE-7TM) provides an excellent framework for interventions to support health-protective behavior after GDM.
Analysis of conversion to thoracotomy during thoracoscopic lung resection
Authors: Matsuoka Katsunari , Yamada Tetsu , Matsuoka Takahisa , Nagai Shinjiro , Ueda Mitsuhiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: May 2019

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been widely adopted. However, conversion to open thoracotomy is still necessary when intraoperative complications are encountered.

Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2014, 1566 patients underwent anatomical lung resection for lung cancer using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at our institution. Among these patients, 39 required conversion to open thoracotomy. We retrospectively examined the current status of conversion to thoracotomy during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in a single city hospital. Data were compared with those of 89 patients undergoing a scheduled thoracotomy.

Results

The main reason for conversion was the need for angioplasty for pulmonary artery invasion by silicotic lymph nodes (12 cases), and metastatic lymph nodes or tumors (9 cases). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for conversion were male sex, smoking habit, induction therapy, large tumor size, and advanced stage. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced clinical stage was the only significant predictor of intraoperative conversion. Compared to the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group, mortality and morbidity in the conversion group were significantly higher, but there was no significant difference in mortality or morbidity between the conversion and scheduled thoracotomy groups. The conversion group showed a significantly higher rate of lethal acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonitis than the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group.

Conclusion

The main reason for conversion was angioplasty, and advanced clinical stage was a significant predictor of intraoperative conversion. Conversion was safely performed but postoperative complications, although similar in frequency to scheduled thoracotomy cases, were more frequent than those in thoracoscopic surgery cases.
Effect of montelukast combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia
Authors: Wu Hongtu , Ding Xian , Zhao Deyu , Liang Yong , Ji Wei
Published: May 2019

Objective

To study the effect of the leukotriene receptor agonist montelukast combined with methylprednisolone on inflammatory response and peripheral blood lymphocyte subset content in children with mycoplasma pneumonia.

Methods

Seventy-four children were enrolled and randomly divided into a standard treatment group and a montelukast plus methylprednisolone group. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and corresponding cytokines of T lymphocyte subsets were measured, and peripheral blood was collected to determine the T cell subset content.

Results

At 3 days and 7 days after treatment, serum MCP-1, PCT, ICAM-1, CXCL8, CRP, IFN-γ, and IL-17 levels and peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 content were significantly decreased in both groups, while serum IL-4 and TGF-β levels and peripheral blood Treg and Th2 content were significantly increased. However, serum MCP-1, PCT, ICAM-1, CXCL8, CRP, IFN-γ, and IL-17 levels and peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 content were significantly lower while serum IL-4 and TGF-β levels and peripheral blood Treg and Th2 content were significantly higher in the montelukast plus methylprednisolone group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Montelukast combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia can inhibit inflammatory responses and regulate levels of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.
Strengthening long-term job performance: The moderating roles of sense of responsibility and leader’s support
Authors: Lin Chieh-Peng , Tsai Meng-Keng
Published: May 2019

Drawing upon human capital theory and attachment theory, this study develops a research model that examines how on-the-job training (OJT) effectiveness and work engagement play key mediating roles in the development of job performance. In the proposed model, job performance is indirectly influenced by cultural learning, professional learning, and mentorship learning via the full mediation of OJT effectiveness. At the same time, job performance is also influenced by social interaction, leader support, and self-efficacy via the full mediation of work engagement. Employees’ sense of responsibility and leader support both play moderating roles in the research model. The hypotheses were empirically tested using both primary data from a survey on new employees of a leading financial holding company in Taiwan’s banking industry and secondary data from the company’s database of human resource management (HRM) regarding the training and education of the new employees.

JEL Classification: D23, M53, O15
Trends and differences in homicide mortality in Colombia and Mexico, 1990-2016: Two Realities, One Problem
Authors: Dávila-Cervantes Claudio Alberto , Agudelo-Botero Marcela , Gómez-Dantés Héctor
Published: May 2019

Colombia and Mexico are among the countries in the region with the highest rates of homicide mortality and are also the drug traffickers in the world. The objective of this study was to analyze the trends and differences in homicide mortality in Colombia and Mexico between 1990 and 2016. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, we report mortality rates and trends in years of life lost to homicides. This study looked at injuries occurring because of interpersonal violence, which was divided into three types (firearm, sharp object, and others). The homicide mortality rate steadily decreased since 1992 in Colombia, while in Mexico, it varied over time. This rate in Colombia has not been reduced to Mexico’s level, and in turn, Mexico has not had a mortality rate as high as Colombia’s. Throughout the period, in both countries, the years of life lost rate decreased (52% in Colombia and 18.6% in Mexico); however, between 2002 and 2016, the years of life lost rate from homicides was reduced in all age groups in Colombia, and in Mexico, they increased notably, mainly between 15 and 54 years of age. Public health plays a central role in abating interpersonal violence through the prevention of risk factors, and through making information available so that decision-makers can create public policies using evidence-based arguments. The Global Burden of Disease Study is a crucial resource that can be used to define, describe, and evaluate the consequences of homicides and help direct efforts and resources to the most vulnerable groups.
Assessing the fast non-Hertzian methods based on the simulation of wheel–rail rolling contact and wear distribution
Authors: An Boyang , Ma Daolin , Wang Ping , Zhou Jiayi , Chen Rong , Xu Jingmang , Cui Dabin
Published: May 2019

This paper aims at assessing several fast non-Hertzian methods, coupled with two wear models, based on the wheel–rail rolling contact and wear prediction. Four contact models, namely Kik-Piotrowski's method, Linder's method, Ayasse-Chollet's STRIPES algorithm and Sichani's ANALYN algorithm are employed for comparing the normal contact. For their tangential modelling, two tangential algorithms, i.e. FASTSIM and FaStrip, are used. Two commonly used wear models, namely the Archard (extended at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology) and USFD (developed by the University of Sheffield based on T-gamma approach), are further utilized for wear distribution computation. All results predicted by the fast non-Hertzian methods are evaluated against the results of Kalker's CONTACT code using penetration as the input. Since the two wear models adopt different expressions for calculating the wear performance, the attention of this paper is on assessing which one is more suitable for the fast non-Hertzian methods to utilize. The comparison shows that the combination of the USFD wear model with any of the fast non-Hertzian methods agrees better with CONTACT+USFD. In general, ANALYN+FaStrip is the best solution for the simulation of the wheel–rail rolling contact, while STRIPES+FASTSIM can provide better accuracy for the maximum wear depth prediction using the USFD wear model.
Affinity-based measures of biomarker performance evaluation
Authors: Carvalho Miguel de , Barney Bradley J , Page Garritt L
Published: May 2019

We propose new summary measures of biomarker accuracy which can be used as companions to existing diagnostic accuracy measures. Conceptually, our summary measures are tantamount to the so-called Hellinger affinity and we show that they can be regarded as measures of agreement constructed from similar geometrical principles as Pearson correlation. We develop a covariate-specific version of our summary index, which practitioners can use to assess the discrimination performance of a biomarker, conditionally on the value of a predictor. We devise nonparametric Bayes estimators for the proposed indexes, derive theoretical properties of the corresponding priors, and assess the performance of our methods through a simulation study. The proposed methods are illustrated using data from a prostate cancer diagnosis study.
BRAF V600E Mutation: A Significant Biomarker for Prediction of Disease Relapse in Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Ozer Erdener , Sevinc Akin , Ince Dilek , Yuzuguldu Resmiye , Olgun Nur
Published: May 2019

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease presenting with usually a localized disease but sometimes a widespread aggressive disorder especially in children. Among the somatic mutations in RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, especially BRAF mutation has been detected so far in LCH. We aimed in this study to investigate the prognostic significance of the mutations of target genes playing a role in the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in pediatric LCH. Mutation analyses were performed on tumor DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of 38 pediatric LCH cases using a direct sequencing technique for BRAF, ARAF, MAP2K1, and MAP3K1 genes. The mutational status was correlated statistically with survival, clinical progression (disease relapse), and the established clinical prognostic parameters of LCH such as age, gender, localization, multisystem disease, central nervous system risk lesions, and risk organ or special-site involvement. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 14 cases (36.8%), whereas ARAF mutation was found in only 1 case. No mutations were identified for MAP2K1 and MAP3K1 genes. The association of BRAF V600E mutation was significant in children with multisystem disease, younger age (<2 years), skin, and special organ involvement. BRAF V600E mutation was an independent predictive parameter for disease relapse. We therefore conclude that BRAF V600E mutation may be a significant marker for predicting disease progression in LCH and a candidate for targeted therapy for children with disease relapse and multisystem disease.
Selective Arterial Embolization in Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
Authors: Misasi N. , Cozzolino F. , Marino D.
Published: May 2019

After brief discussion of the method and technique of selective arterial embolization (S.A.E.), the Authors report their experience in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst (A.B. C), presenting particular localization and extension, using this kind of theurapeutical embolization (S.A.E.).
Factors Associated with the Development of Heterotopic Ossification in Two Different Types of Hip Prosthesis
Authors: Parrini M. , Lazzaro F. , Parrini L.
Published: May 2019

The Authors evaluated the incidence and the dimensions of heterotopic ossifications (HO) in two groups of patients in which two different types of prosthesis were implanted. The first group of 31 patients had received an alumina-alumina Rosenthal-SAMO total hip replacement, while the second group (79 patients) had a metal-polyethylene Charnley low friction arthroplasty. While the total incidence of HO was similar, the HO were significantly smaller in the first group (all grade I according to Brooker)(3). The patients’ clinical files were retrospectively examined, but it was not possible to find any significant difference for the following parameters: age, sex, side, previous homolateral surgery, diagnosis, operating team, operating time, type of anaesthesia, and blood loss during surgery. The only difference was in the number of suction drains positioned: two in the first group and one in the second. Even if it is impossible to draw a definite conclusion, we postulate that the decrease in volume and duration of the periprosthetic haematoma, and the smaller amount of debris caused by the alumina-alumina coupling, could be of protective value.
Vascularized Lage-Napoli Hip Shelf Procedure: A New Technique
Authors: Napoli M.M.M. , Lage J.A. , Costa R.C. , Basile R. , Lage L.A.A. , Lage L.A.
Published: May 2019

The difficulty of stabilizing hips with pathological dislocation or dysplasias, mainly in the sequelae of pyoarthritis where destruction of the head and neck of femur occurs with upward dislocation of the femur, is well known. In such cases, the stabilization methods for the hip are free bone grafts that often fail due to bone resorption and subsequent hip instability, and so arthrodesis is the only method of choice. Using our method good stabilization of the hip was achieved and mobility of the joint was preserved. In this series of 35 cases with a follow up of eight years after surgery, the Authors propose a new technique for the treatment of unstable hips with the use of a vascularized muscle pedicled bone graft. This technique can also be used in cases of Legg-Perthes disease, where the femoral head tends to partially dislocate.
Mid-thigh pain in cementless arthroplasty Pathogenetic hypotheses
Authors: Surace A. , Pietrogrande L. , Mineo G.
Published: May 2019

Mid Thigh Pain (MTP), i.e. a continuous dull pain in the thigh present after prolonged weight-bearing, is a common experience in hip arthroplasties. Since its origin is not clear, the Authors try to explain its etiology and pathogenesis through an analysis of a selection of their cases and of the literature. MTP seems to be a signal of bone overloading at the interface with the prosthesis; the overloading causes biochemical changes in the fibrous tissue surrounding the femoral component, which, in turn, provokes a bone resorption enhancing movements and overloading. If not treated with unloading, MTP may result in stem loosening.
Proposal for Hip Prosthesis with Stress-Breaker
Authors: Surace A. , Previtera A.M.
Published: May 2019

The Authors, taking into account the fact that hip prosthetic implant mobilization frequently occurs due to excessive stress exerted on bone-prosthesis interface, suggest using prosthesis having stress-breakers, capable in reducing the loads exerted on the implant. There are some hip prosthesis in design which have a descharge force system in the cotyloid, in the neck and in the prosthetic stem. Some technical problems are not yet solved, expecially concerning the wear and tear, the friction and the lubrication of the stress-breakers.
Bone-Prosthesis Implant Relation in Total Cementless Hip Arthroprosthesis
Authors: De Santis E. , Gasparini G. , Paoli A. , Cudoni S.
Published: May 2019

The best relation between bone and prosthetic implant occurs when an adequate bone surface preparation and a correct implant placing ensure wide interface contact, with homogeneous load distribution (primary stability). This is necessary premise to achieve osteointegration (secondary stability) which is conditioned by factors connected with the implant (materials, surface work, lining) and with the hosting bone (pathological onset, sex, age). The evolution of bone-implant relation leads to the formation of fibrous or osseous interface; the stimulus which act on the interface (in relation with primary stability, distance between surfaces, bony heritage, etc…) infact determine a fibroblastic or osteoblastic evolution of mesenchymal elements colonizing the interface during the initial phases. In successive phases the prevailing apposition (hyperthropy) or resorption (focal or diffuse atrophy) processes is equally conditioned by mechanical factors (the position and dimension of the implant).
Our Experience with Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Coated Furlong Mod. Hip Prosthesis
Authors: Surace A. , Mineo G. , Micale C.
Published: May 2019

The Authors present the results of their two years experience in hip arthroplasty with a hydroxyapatite coated Furlong mod. prosthesis. The deducible considerations taken from these results represent a logic evolution of a new philosophical conceptuality on every suggested usage for hip arthroplasty
Radio-Lucent Line: Interpretation and Clinical Correspondence in T.H.A.
Authors: Mineo G. , Pietrogrande L. , Surace M.
Published: May 2019

The Authors have re-evaluated 84 cementless total hip arthroprostheses out of 700 hip arthroplasties carried out in their department from January 1982 to December 1992. The aim was to find a correlation between the radio-lucent line and the clinical signs of prosthetic loosening. On the basis of the results of this study and reports in the literature, the Authors conclude that a very poor correlation exists.
C.D.H. in the Pre- and Post-Sonographic Era
Authors: Bombelli R. , Tschauner Ch. , Bombelli M.
Published: May 2019

The young generation of orthopedic Surgeons, entering the sonographic era, are more aware of the importance of the early diagnosis of hip development dysplasia (D.D.H.).

In time, probably during the next decades, D.D.H. sequelae will no longer be one of the most frequent reasons for surgical hip treatments.

Early sonographic investigation indicates that about 41% of newborn hips still have not reached normal maturation at the time of birth (physiological immaturity) and 0.66% of dislocatable or dislocated hips elude pure clinical tests.

Prevention and, when necessary, early treatment, which limit the suffering of both patients and parents, achieve first rate results and help contain costs for Society. However, for those cases detected later, either closed or open reposition-retention is still necessary.

From the fundamental contributions of the past, we can now compare the results of the pre- and post-sonographic experience.
Intertrochanteric Corrective Osteotomy as a Joint-Saving Surgical Treatment for Femoral Head Necrosis
Authors: Berendsen B.J. , Wirth C.J. , Boom H.V.D.
Published: May 2019

Forty-seven intertrochanteric osteotomies were performed in 9 years on 40 patients with femoral head necrosis in Arlet and Ficat stages II and III in the Orthopaedic Department of the Medical School, Hannover. With an average follow up of 5.9 years (minimum 2.3 years, maximum 9.3 years), the study shows only 46% of the patients with satisfactory, good and very good results. After the joint saving operation, 26% of treated patients with pre-operative employment went into premature retirement. The average postoperative non-working period was 11 months (7-18 months).

Clinical Relevance

The results after the joint-saving operation were better when the operation was performed at an early stage of the disease with only a small area of necrosis. Although the operation will not prevent a progression of necrosis and a secondary arthrosis, we recommend that the joint-saving operation be performed during stages I and II to prolong the period before a total hip joint replacement becomes necessary. During stage III a total hip joint replacement may be preferable depending on clinical symptoms, patient age and the radiological findings (necrosis angle > 180°).
The Effect of Surgical Technique on Cement Mantle Strength in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Webb J. M. , Mahajan A. J. , Bannister G. C. , Haynes R. C. , Miles A. W.
Published: May 2019

A tapered aluminium model was designed to simulate the internal geometry of the reamed femoral medullary cavity. The surface of the model was coated with blood and then polymethylmethacrylate cement (Simplex P, Howmedica UK) was inserted retrograde, prograde, prograde with a venting tube, prograde with a perforated distal cement restrictor, all with a cement gun; and manually by thumbing with a venting tube.

Casts were examined radiographically, weighed, measured and tested to failure in compression. Using the same cementing techniques, both concentric and eccentric mantles were produced by insertion of a prosthesis, with or without spacers, and tested to failure in hoop tension.

Cast weight correlated with cement strength per unit weight and volume. Casts produced by the retrograde technique were heaviest and those produced by prograde with a venting and thumbed mantles the weakest. Concentric mantles were stronger than eccentric. Incomplete spacers ensured concentricity but weakened the mantle such that no benefit was gained. Complete precast spacers also ensured concentricity and a minimum mantle thickness but did not compromise mantle strength.

The best method of inserting cement in the femur during total hip arthroplasty is retrograde with a complete precast spacer.
A Study of Pre-Operative Planning in CLS total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Schizas C.G. , Parker B. , Leyvraz P.-F.
Published: May 2019

This study involved 200 cementless primary total hip arthroplasties of which 100 had formal pre-operative planning as recommended by the manufacturer using standardised radiographs, templates and tracing paper. The remaining 100 had no formal pre-operative planning. The operations were performed by two different groups of surgeons using different surgical exposures. The variables measured included radiological magnification, component sizing, intra-operative lengthening, positioning of the centre of the femoral head and femoral component fit and fill. Clinical data was obtained from a questionnaire. The results indicate an improved position of the centre of rotation and better leg length equalisation in the planned group. There was no significant difference in the number of intra-operative fractures among the two groups. No correlation was found between femoral fit and upper femoral morphology nor between fit and the surgeon's seniority. There was no significant difference in the incidence of thigh pain in the two groups at an average follow-up of 28 months. The more striking finding was the poorer femoral fit and fill encountered in the unplanned group.
Hip Arthroplasty in Osteopetrosis. Case Report
Authors: Castelli C. , Zatti G. , Ferrario A.
Published: May 2019

The authors report a rare case of hip osteoarthritis in osteopetrosis, where the patient underwent total hip arthroplasty. The aim of this paper is firstly to report the experience with an operation which, in this particular case, required special technical skill and caution; and secondly to discuss the role osteopetrosis plays in the pathogenesis of hip osteoarthritis.
Rap it up, share it up: Identity politics of youth “social” movement in Moroccan online rap music
Authors: Ben Moussa Mohamed
Published: May 2019

This study examines the discursive and artistic expression of Moroccan youth identity politics through the production and consumption of rap music online, particularly on YouTube. Drawing on multimodal discourse analysis (MDA), the study explores textual, visual, and reception modes and discourses of Moroccan rap songs mediated through songs’ lyrics, video clips, and user comments on the video sharing platform. Focusing on four levels of discourse, namely, narrative and interpersonal representation, genre, modality, and style, the study examines the following key questions: What are the discourses that emerge from the production, circulation, and consumption of online rap music by Moroccan youth? How do online rap production and reception contribute to identity formation among Moroccan youth? To what extent does online rap music contribute to the development of a progressive and alternative social youth movement that challenges dominant cultural and political power relations?
Tailoring of tensile and dynamic thermomechanical properties of interleaved chemical-treated fine almond shell particulate flax fiber stacked vinyl ester polymeric composites
Authors: Ramraji K , Rajkumar K , Sabarinathan P
Published: May 2019

Natural fiber and particulates are being exploited to attain eco-friendly products for construction and automotive sectors. These sectors are moving towards the use of high damping characteristic natural biofibers and particulate-reinforced polymer composite as part of the structural components. In this work, woven flax fiber (0° and 90°) and almond shell particulates were used. They were subsequently treated with alkaline and acetylene chemical solution separately. Polymer composite laminates were prepared using a vinyl ester resin as matrix and by stacking flax fibers and almond particulates interleaved in an alternative sequence using the hand layup technique. This was followed by hydraulic pressing. Composite laminates were fabricated by varying the almond shell particulate weight fraction of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength were experimentally measured. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis was conducted on the alkaline-treated and untreated composites with different frequencies for the assessment of the damping characteristics. The alkaline-treated interleaved almond shell and flax fiber composite showed considerably higher damping characteristics. This could be due to the improved adhesion between the matrix and reinforcements. An addition of almond shell particulate positively increased the strength and stiffness of composites.
[Cu-Ag2]O–C3N4 nanoframeworks for efficient photodegradation of wastewaters
Authors: Padervand Mohsen , Fasandouz Fatemeh Mesri , Beheshti Abolghasem
Published: May 2019

CuO- and Ag2O-decorated g-C3N4 photocatalysts were prepared by appropriate chemical modification of carbon nitride nanosheets produced from programmed pyrolysis of urea. After comprehensive characterization by powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis methods, their photocatalytic performances were examined for the removal of Acid Blue 92 azo dye, as a typical wastewater component from the textile industry. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of CuO and Ag2O nanoparticles on the surface of the sheets. In addition, diffuse reflectance spectra indicated a considerable reduction of the band gap of pure C3N4 by modification. The photoreaction was discussed mechanistically and the best operational parameters were found to achieve the highest efficiency under visible light.
Boosting bodily capital: Maintaining masculinity, aesthetic pleasure and instrumental utility through the consumption of steroids
Authors: Kotzé Justin , Antonopoulos Georgios A.
Published: May 2019

Anabolic-androgenic steroid consumption is considered a significant public health issue in a number of countries but particularly in the northeast of England. Informed by ongoing ethnographic work on steroid use, this article aims to explore two particular dimensions of bodily capital within the overarching context of hyper-masculinity. Towards this end we focus on aesthetic pleasure as the ‘boosted’ body becomes a site of contemporary consumption before taking a look at the instrumental utility derived from a sufficiently primed and tuned body. Accordingly, and with a view towards the changing currency of bodily capital, we explore the contemporary importance attached to both attaining and maintaining both elements of a ‘boosted’ bodily capital. The significant role steroids play in facilitating this is then discussed; yet rather than locating its consumption in the realm of ‘deviancy’, we view it as a means of hyper-conforming to neoliberalism’s cultural norms and values. By drawing upon a range of perspectives, we hope to offer up new insights into the demand for steroids apropos the pursuit for an aesthetically pleasing and instrumentally effective body.
The Effect of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Advancing Parkinson’s Disease With Dysphagia: Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Mohamed Khaled O. , Soliman Radwa Kamel , Hassan Asmaa M. M. , Rothwell John C.
Published: May 2019

We investigate if rTMS has a therapeutic role in the treatment of dysphagia in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Material and Methods. Thirty-three patients with PD and dysphagia were randomly classified with ratio 1:2 to receive sham or real rTMS (2000 pulses; 20 Hz; 90% resting motor threshold; 10 trains of 10 seconds with 25 seconds between each train) over the hand area of each motor cortex (5 minutes between hemispheres) for 10 days (5 days per week) followed by 5 booster sessions every month for 3 months. Assessments included the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and Arabic–Dysphagia Handicap Index (A-DHI) before, after the last session, and 3 months later. Video-fluoroscopy measures of pharyngeal transit time (PTT) and time to maximal hyoid elevation (H1-H2) were taken before and after the treatment sessions. Results. There were no significant differences between groups. There was a significant improvement on all rating scales (analysis of variance) after real rTMS with a significant time × group interaction. In particular, there was a significant and long-lasting (3 months) effect of time on all subitems of the A-DHI (functional, P = .0001; physical, P = .0001; emotional, P = .02) but not in the sham group. This was associated with significant improvement in H1-H2 ( P = .03) and PTT ( P = .01) during solid swallows in the real rTMS but not the sham group. Conclusion. Real rTMS improves dysphagia in PD as documented by A-DHI scores and by video-fluoroscopy.
Research on deception jamming of chaotic composite short-range detection system based on bispectral analysis and genetic algorithm–back propagation
Authors: Wei Dongxu , Zhang Shuning , Chen Si , Zhao Huichang , Zhu Linzhi
Published: May 2019

The chaotic compound short-range detection system is a new type of short-range detection system, which has strong anti-jamming ability. However, for the deception jamming, the characteristics of the complex short-range detection system are very similar to the detection echo, which poses a serious threat to the detection system. In order to analyze and extract the different characteristics between deceptive jamming and target echo signal, so as to realize the anti-deceptive jamming of chaotic compound short-range detection system, this article analyzes and simulates the mathematical model of deceptive jamming and target echo, and analyzes the bispectral characteristics of the simulated echo and jamming signal, and a set of anti-deception jamming feature parameters has been constructed. The identification of deceptive interference is realized by genetic algorithm–back propagation neural network, and the recognition accuracy is high and the real-time performance is good.
An Epigenetics-Based, Lifestyle Medicine–Driven Approach to Stress Management for Primary Patient Care: Implications for Medical Education
Authors: Lee Jenny , Papa Frank , Jaini Paresh Atu , Alpini Sarah , Kenny Tim
Published: May 2019

Over 75% of patients in the primary care setting present with stress-related complaints. Curiously, patients and health care providers all too often see stress as a relatively benign sequela of many common illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, dementia, diabetes, and mental illness. Unfortunately, various day-to-day lifestyle choices and environmental factors, unrelated to the presence of any disease, can cause stress sufficient to contribute to the development of various diseases/disorders and suboptimal health. There is evidence suggesting that counseling in stress management–oriented therapeutic interventions (as offered by lifestyle medicine–oriented practitioners) may prevent or reduce the onset, severity, duration, and/or overall burden of stress-related illnesses. Such counseling often involves considerations such as the patient’s nutrition, physical activity, interest in/capacity to meditate, drug abuse/cessation, and so on. Unfortunately, lifestyle medicine–oriented approaches to stress management are rarely offered in primary care—the patient care arena wherein such counseling would likely be best received by patients. Would health care outcomes improve if primary care providers offered counseling in both stress management and positive lifestyle choices? The purpose of this article is to provide both primary care practitioners and educators in health care training programs with an introductory overview of epigenetics. An emerging field of science offering insights into how factors such as stress and lifestyle choices interact with our genes in ways that can both positively and negatively impact the various micro (eg, cellular) through macro (eg, physiologic, pathophysiologic) processes that determine our tendencies toward illness or wellness. A deeper understanding of epigenetics, as provided herein, should enable primary care providers and medical educators to more confidently advocate for the primary benefits associated with counseling in both stress reduction and the pursuit of healthy lifestyle choices.
Endovascular treatment for acute carotid T and carotid non-T occlusion: A retrospective multicentre study of 81 patients
Authors: Ota Takahiro , Shigeta Keigo , Amano Tatsuo , Kaneko Junya
Published: May 2019

Background

The functional prognosis of patients with carotid T occlusion is poor, but few comprehensive studies have investigated carotid non-T occlusion, in which the terminal internal carotid artery portion is unobstructed. We aimed to elucidate the clinical features of carotid non-T occlusion by comparing patients with acute carotid T occlusion and carotid non-T occlusion.

Methods

Among 362 patients who underwent thrombectomy between January 2015 and June 2018, 20 and 61 were diagnosed with carotid non-T occlusion and carotid T occlusion, respectively. We compared preoperative clinical findings, treatment strategies, treatment complications and functional outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Age, sex, preoperative National Institutes of Health stroke scale, cerebral infarction subtypes and medical history did not significantly differ. In contrast, preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging–Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography scores were 9 (1–11) and 6.5 (0–11) for the carotid non-T occlusion and carotid T occlusion groups, respectively ( P = 0.015). The duration of treatment or the median number of passes (2.5 vs. 2.0), the numbers of patients with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3, bleeding complications and modified Rankin scale scores of 0–2 on postoperative day 90 did not significantly differ between the two groups. Manual aspiration before, internal carotid artery arrest while crossing a lesion and injection into the contralateral side were significantly more frequent in patients with carotid non-T occlusion. Intracranial internal carotid artery stenosis was significantly more frequent in patients with carotid non-T occlusion ( n = 4, 20%) than carotid T occlusion ( n = 0), and 10% of patients with carotid non-T occlusion had arterial dissection.

Conclusion

Patients with carotid non-T occlusion more frequently had a background of intracranial internal carotid artery stenosis or arterial dissection than patients with carotid T occlusion. Specific treatment strategies should be developed to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with carotid non-T occlusion.