bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A structural analysis of destination brand equity in mountainous tourism destination in northern India
Authors: Kaushal Vikrant , Sharma Suman , Reddy G Mahender
Published: June 2018

The present study attempts to develop a destination brand equity model for mountainous tourism destination based in a north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Brand equity research in leisure studies has been gaining increased scholarly attention, yet similar researches in Indian context are almost non-existent. This contemporary brand assessment area of enquiry has been considered in the present research by exploiting six dimensions structure including destination brand awareness, destination image, social self-image, perceived quality, perceived value and destination loyalty. Findings in particular stress on the relevance of three vital antecedents, namely, destination image, perceived value and social self-image in improving tourist loyalty. It is suggested that price benefit trade-off is duly considered for improving tourist loyalty, and the hilly attractions exhibit potential to augment tourists’ self and social images. If exploited appositely, destination image, social self-image and perceived value may engender a stronger loyalty bond between visitors and destination. With the aid of structure equation modelling, pertinent relationships rooted in the brand equity theory have been tested and few newer linkages have been uncovered and validated. The paper concludes with vital implications, limitations and scope of future research.
Research collaborations between women’s specialist services, Aboriginal women and researchers
Authors: Holder Robyn L , Putt Judy
Published: June 2018

When experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australia, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women seek help for diverse needs. In response, women’s specialist DFV services provide a range of programmes. Given this diversity and programme range, evaluating impact and outcome is challenging. A deeper challenge rests on who decides what to measure and how. This article describes a multi-site research collaboration between women’s specialist services and researchers. Part of the project aimed to identify the perspectives and priorities of Aboriginal women users of three specialist services: one each in an urban, regional and remote location. In a series of iterative steps, Aboriginal women, service workers and researchers explored what was valued in interactions with crisis programmes. Each collaboration then moved to identify ways to measure the items and to determine when and how other service users might be asked to respond. Aboriginal women participated primarily as service users but in overlapping capacities as victims of DFV, as community members, as local researchers and service workers. The underlying principle that guided the research was to respect and acknowledge Aboriginal women as knowledge holders, producers and translators. However, clear limits to ideas of ‘co-research’ are identified.
Time to expand risk evaluation systems for cardiac surgery? Looking beyond physiological parameters
Authors: Cromhout Pernille F , Moons Philip , Thygesen Lau C , Nashef Samer , Damgaard Sune , Berg Selina Kikkenborg
Published: June 2018

Risk assessment in cardiac surgery traditionally consists of medical and physiological parameters. However, non-physiological factors have also been found to be predictive of poor outcomes following cardiac surgery. Therefore, the isolated focus on physiological parameters is questionable. This paper describes the emotional, behavioural, social and functional factors that have been established to play a role in outcomes following cardiac surgery. This forms a basis for future research, testing the value of these factors above and beyond the physiological parameters. By including such non-physiological factors, the accuracy of the existing risk scoring systems could potentially be improved.
Educational Opportunity Fund Program and Community College Student Retention
Authors: Watson Aretha , Chen Rong
Published: June 2018

Although the existence of state-funded student support services programs dates to the 1960s, studies on how such programs play a role in student success are scarce. By utilizing unique institutional data and a comprehensive conceptual model integrating multiple theories, this study examines the relationship between the New Jersey educational opportunity fund program and first-semester retention at a community college. Results reveal that educational opportunity fund has a positive effect on student retention, and the effect is consistent across different student subgroups. This study provides empirical evidence for greater government commitment needed to fully fund student support services for historically underserved students in community colleges. Future research is suggested to offer additional insight into the effect of government-funded student support services programs on college student retention.
“It’s Like a Guy Never Lived Here!”: Reading the Gendered Domestic Spaces of Friends
Authors: Thompson Lauren Jade
Published: June 2018

This article argues that the postfeminist gender politics of Friends (NBC, 1994–2004) are played out via a series of manipulations and reversals of space and mise-en-scène. Arguing that clearly gendered domestic space forms a stable part of the sitcom’s equilibrium, it analyses instances where the mise-en-scène boldly calls attention to men’s and women’s spaces, puts the gendering of space into flux, and highlights the burden of domestic labor. It reveals through close textual analysis how space in Friends is used to offer the playful promise of freedom from restrictive gender roles, but ultimately maintains a conservative status quo of both space and gender. It also makes a case for paying close attention to the aesthetics of the traditional sitcom to appreciate the expressivity of production design offered in such texts which, although (deliberately) unspectacular, is by no means unremarkable.
Associations Between Cancer Screening Behavior and Complementary Medicine Use: Results of a National Cross-Sectional Survey of 9151 Australian Women
Authors: Frawley Jane Elizabeth , McIntyre Erica , Sibbritt David , Wardle Jon , Schloss Janet , Lauche Romy , Adams Jon
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Complementary medicine (CM) use has been found to influence the uptake of conventional cancer treatment. This study examines associations between CM use and cancer screening rates. Methods: Women aged 62 to 67 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were surveyed regarding their use of cancer screening initiatives. Associations between cancer screening behavior and visits to CM practitioners were analyzed. Results: Of the 9151 women, 9049 (98.9%) completed questions about cancer screening. A total of 65.1% of women had received a clinical skin examination, 54.3% colorectal cancer screening, 56.2% Pap test (within past 2 years), 83.3% mammogram (within past 2 years), 55.8% clinical breast examination, and 55.8% had conducted breast self-examination. Women who had consulted a massage therapist were more likely to undergo clinical skin examination ( P = .002), clinical breast examination ( P = .018), and mammogram ( P = .001). Women who had consulted a chiropractor were more likely to undergo a clinical skin examination ( P = .001), colorectal cancer screening ( P = .020), and mammogram ( P = .011). Women who had consulted an acupuncturist were more likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening ( P = .019), and those who consulted with an osteopath were more liable to have a Pap test ( P = .049). Conclusion: Women who visit CM practitioners are more likely to participate in cancer screening initiatives. Research is required to understand the current and potential role that CM practitioners (can) have as public health advocates, recommending preventative health measures such as cancer screening. Such an examination will help ensure optimal screening utilization and effective, timely care for all cancer patients.
Computational consistency of the material models and boundary conditions for finite element analyses on cantilever beams
Authors: Lee Wei-chen , Zhang Chen-hao
Published: June 2018

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of material models, element types, and boundary conditions on the consistency of finite element analysis. Two cantilever beams were used; one made of stainless steel SUS301 3/4H and the other made of polymer polyoxymethylene. The load–deflection curves of the two cantilever beams obtained by experiments were compared to those obtained by finite element analysis, where the material models—including bilinear, trilinear, and multi-linear—were used. Four element types—beam, plane stress, shell, and solid—were also employed with the material models to obtain the simulated load–deflection curves of the cantilever beams. It was found that bilinear material models had the stiffest behavior due to their overestimated yield strength. In addition, by applying a finite displacement to simulate the grip of the cantilever beams, the discrepancy between the simulated permanent set and the experimental set could be reduced from 80% to 5%. To sum up, both the selection of the material model and the setup of the boundary conditions are critical for obtaining good agreement between the finite element analysis results and the experimental data.
Influence of impeller staggered arrangement on radial force and pressure fluctuation for a double-suction centrifugal pump
Authors: Song Yu , Yu Zhiyi , Shi Guangtai , Liu Xiaobing
Published: June 2018

Influence of impeller arrangement on performance, radial force, and pressure fluctuation for a double-suction centrifugal pump is investigated. In comparison of the original impeller with staggered angle α of 0°, the maximum improvement of pump efficiency is 2.19% for impeller with α of 30°, and the maximum improvement of pump head is 1.76% for impeller with α of 20°. The radial force vector on impeller is related to the staggered angle, and the phase angle of radial force vector is equal to the staggered angle. The staggered arrangement can effectively reduce the amplitude of radial force fluctuation. In comparison of case 0, the maximum amplitude of radial force fluctuation for case 30 reduces by 15.8%. The dominant frequencies of the radial force fluctuation for α = 0°, 10°, and 20° are fBP, while the dominant frequency for α = 30° is 2 fBP. An empirical formula is proposed to predict the radial fluctuation amplitude at specific staggered angle. For a point of the volute far from the exit volute, in comparison of case 0, the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuation for case 10, case 20, and case 30 are reduced by 13.1%, 49.8%, and 93.3%.
Cortisol, cortisone, and 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid as potential plasma biomarkers for early detection of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiang Chengcheng , Jin Shidai , Zhang Juan , Chen Minjian , Xia Yankai , Shu Yongqian , Guo Renhua
Published: June 2018

Background:

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women worldwide. Novel diagnostic biomarkers are urgently required to enable the early detection and treatment of lung cancer, and using novel methods to explore tumor-related biomarkers is a hot topic in lung cancer research. The purpose of this study was to use ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) metabolomics analysis technology combined with multivariate data processing methods to identify potential plasma biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

Plasma samples from 99 NSCLC patients and 112 healthy controls were randomly divided into the screening group and the validation group, respectively. UPLC-MS metabolomics analysis technology combined with multivariate data processing methods were used to identify potential plasma biomarkers for NSCLC.

Results:

A total of 254 metabolites were detected and validated in plasma. Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) modeling indicated that 28 endogenous metabolites were present at significantly different levels in patients with NSCLC than healthy controls (variable importance in projection (VIP)>1 and P<0.001 (independent samples t-test) in both the screening group and the validation group). Further analysis revealed that cortisol, cortisone, and 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid had high sensitivity and specificity values as biomarkers for discriminating between NSCLC and healthy controls. Significant associations between specific plasma metabolites and the pathological type or stage of NSCLC were also observed.

Conclusions:

Metabolomics has the potential to distinguish between NSCLC patients and healthy controls, and may reveal new plasma biomarkers for the early detection of NSCLC.
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of lesions in the head and neck performed without local anaesthesia – An analysis of pain perception
Authors: Drage Nicholas , Greenall Christopher , Farnell Damian JJ
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology is commonly carried out in the head and neck. The aim was to examine the amount of pain experienced by patients undergoing this procedure carried out without the use of local anaesthetic.

Methods

A questionnaire was given to 109 consecutive patients undergoing ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology containing a visual analogue scale. Patients were asked to mark with a vertical line on the 100 mm horizontal scale amount of pain they experienced during the biopsy. The pain was subsequently categorised as ‘no pain’, ‘mild pain’, ‘moderate pain’ or ‘severe pain’ based on previous pain studies.

Results

Hundred patients completed the visual analogue scale section of the questionnaire satisfactorily. Twenty-one patients experienced no pain, 62 experienced mild pain and 17 experienced moderate pain. No patients experienced severe pain. Further analysis showed that females had significantly higher visual analogue scale scores (Mann–Whitney test: U = 925.5, z = 2.211, P = 0.027). Patients who were aware that they were going to have a biopsy had significantly lower visual analogue scale scores than those who were not aware (Mann–Whitney test: U = 859.5, z = 2.263, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology is generally a well-tolerated procedure with pain scores being higher in females. It is advised that patients are told by the referring clinician the need for biopsy as this reduces the amount of pain experienced.
Patients’ perceptions of patient–provider communication and diabetes care: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies
Authors: Peimani Maryam , Nasli-Esfahani Ensieh , Sadeghi Roya
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To explore the association between patients’ perceptions of communication quality with their provider and a range of patients’ outcomes in T2DM. Also, to identify barriers and facilitators to effective communication from the patients’ perspective.

Methods

English and Persian papers published from 2000 to 2017 were searched in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and SID, IranMedex, and MAGIRAN databases using appropriate search terms. Twenty-two studies complied the inclusion criteria. Each study was assessed for the focus of the study, study design (cross-sectional or qualitative study), population, outcome measures, patients’ outcomes, and methodological quality.

Results

The quality of most studies was moderate to high based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. Higher perceived quality of provider–patient communication in patients with T2DM was associated with improved self-management, adherence to diabetes care and greater well-being, perceived personal control, self-efficacy, and less diabetes distress. Factors that patients with T2DM perceived as important factors in facilitating or hampering effective communication were more related to the provision of emotional support.

Discussion

The limited evidence shows patient-perceived communication quality is a significant modifiable approach for improving a range of outcomes in patients with T2DM. Due to socio-cultural differences, further high-quality research is needed for deciding the best communication style in various societies.
An Exploration of Subjective Situation Dimensions Associated With Situation-Specific Behavior
Authors: Griffo Robert , Colvin C. Randall
Published: June 2018

The current research presents a general framework for assessing the subjective perception of situations. The framework was used to assess freely listed situations relevant to participants’ daily lives as well as laboratory situations in which behavior was objectively assessed. Exploratory factor analyses revealed five common situation dimensions that map closely to the Big Five: positive affect (PA)/affiliation, negative affect (NA), achievement, dominance/aggression, and situation strength. Results indicate that the five situation dimensions are sensitive to experimentally manipulated characteristics of situations. Further, correlations between subjective situation dimensions and both self-reported and nonself-reported behavior indicate that the situation dimensions possess predictive validity and that the subjective perception of situations is associated with situation-specific behavior. The correspondence between situation perception and personality is discussed.
Changing Beliefs About Female Leader Advancement Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Yates Miriam S. , Okimoto Tyler G.
Published: June 2018

Scholars have discussed the implications of positive leadership role models, including the impact of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s political rise for aspiring leaders of underrepresented groups. However, there are also potential ramifications when those role models fail, shaping broader beliefs about the permeability of the glass ceiling. The current research tests this idea by evaluating the perceived promotability of male and female business leaders before ( n = 165) and following ( n = 159) the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Results indicated that the election result negatively affected the perceived promotability of women relative to men. A conceptual replication study ( N = 997) manipulating election reminders yielded a similar pattern. Notably, respondents’ own beliefs about the glass ceiling and willingness to work with the targets did not change, suggesting that Clinton’s failed leadership bid informed predictions about the behavior of others, but it did not shift personal attitudes toward female leaders.
Diabetes education and medication adjustment in Ramadan (DEAR) program prepares for self-management during fasting with tele-health support from pre-Ramadan to post-Ramadan
Authors: Zainudin Sueziani B. , Abu Bakar Khalishah Nadhirah B. , Abdullah Salmiah B. , Hussain Aslena B.
Published: June 2018

Background:

We evaluated the outcome for fasting Muslims with diabetes prepared with pre-Ramadan optimization through education and medication adjustment, tele-support and intervention up to post-Ramadan.

Methods:

Muslims with diabetes planning to fast were recruited into a focused diabetes program for Ramadan fasting. It consisted of (a) a pre-Ramadan assessment and test fasting to optimize glycemic control, (b) education on diabetes management during fasting, (c) tele-monitoring from pre-Ramadan and (d) a post-Ramadan review. Their metabolic profiles and diaries for meals, activities and glucose monitoring were evaluated.

Results:

Twenty-nine participants were enrolled, with mean age 58.4 ± 9.2 years, 75.9% female, 79.3% Malays and 93.1% type 2 diabetes. A total of 92% needed medication adjustment and 93% fasted for at least 14 days. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight decreased from 8.8 ± 1.8% (72.7 mmol/mol) pre-Ramadan to 8.5 ± 1.7% (69.4 mmol/mol) post-Ramadan and 76.6 ± 20.3 kg pre-Ramadan to 75.9 ± 21.3 kg post-Ramadan, respectively. There were decreased complications of hypoglycemia from 13.8% to 10.3% and several-fold improvement in hyperglycemia from 31.0% to 3.5% during Ramadan fasting when compared with pre-Ramadan.

Conclusions:

Muslims with diabetes were able to self-manage when fasting using tele-monitoring support and intervention, with decreased complications during Ramadan compared with pre-Ramadan.
The impact of mirror therapy on body schema perception in patients with complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures
Authors: Kotiuk Viktor , Burianov Olexander , Kostrub Olexander , Khimion Ludmila , Zasadnyuk Ivan
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Mirror therapy requires a minimum of equipment, is relatively simple to perform and effective for various pathological conditions. The effect of mirror therapy on body schema disturbances registered in complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) patients has not yet been determined.

Methods:

The study is based on the analysis of the treatment results of 30 patients with CRPS I, developed as a result of the distal radius fractures, with help of mirror therapy together with exercise therapy and medications. The control group consisted of 20 patients with CRPS I developed as a result of the distal radius fractures treated only with exercise therapy and medications. We evaluated the results before the treatment, after 3 days and after 6 weeks of treatment according to The Bath CRPS Body Perception Disturbance Scale.

Results:

A total of 83.33% patients experienced the positive effect of mirror therapy on the perception of the ‘body schema’ after 6 weeks of treatment, and 35% underwent standard treatment without mirror therapy. The positive effect was statistically significant for the first five points of the Bath scale after 6 weeks of treatment compared to the control group. Improvements observed in some patients after 3 days of treatment were less pronounced and statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

Mirror therapy can improve the perception of the body schema as an element of integrated treatment of CRPS I developed after fractures of the distal radius less than 3 years duration.
Nitrous oxide cryotherapy ablation for refractory gastric antral vascular ectasia
Authors: Patel Anish A , Trindade Arvind J , Diehl David L , Khara Harshit S , Lee Tai-Ping , Lee Calvin , Sethi Amrita
Published: June 2018

Background

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is typically the first‐line therapy for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). However, many patients are refractory to APC ablation.

Objective

We examined the safety and efficacy of nitrous oxide CryoBalloon cryotherapy ablation for GAVE refractory to APC.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients with refractory GAVE treated with the CryoBalloon system. Technical success was defined as successful ablation of the visualized GAVE. Clinical success was defined by transfusion independence and percentage of GAVE that was eradicated.

Results

Twenty‐three patients with GAVE were included, of whom 16 patients (70%) had two treatments with the CryoBalloon and seven patients (30%) had one treatment. Technical success was achieved in all patients. At six months, 19/23 (83%) were transfusion independent, while 20/23 (87%) had more than 75% of the GAVE eradicated. Patients were transfused an average of 1.8 units/month one year prior to cryotherapy and an average of 0.3 units/month up to six months post‐cryotherapy (p < 0.001). The average increase in mean hemoglobin at six months was 2.55 g/dl. No acute or late adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

CryoBalloon ablation is an efficacious and safe modality for the treatment of GAVE. Prospective studies need to be conducted to determine comparative results to standard therapies.
A spouse in the nursing home: The conflicting experience of separation
Authors: Olsen Terje Årsvoll , Kleppe Elisabeth , Petersen Karin Anna
Published: June 2018

Being the spouse of a patient in a nursing home may be a conflicting experience. This article uses life-history interviews and the understanding of Bourdieu to understand and explain the phenomena. The data consist of five life-story interviews with two women and two men. The article looks at love and marriage structures during the lifetime of the agents. We also look at the development of the nursing home from a historical perspective. The research is based on Bourdieu’s theory with the purpose of understanding and explaining the experiences of the spouse: ‘Why is the experience of having a spouse in a nursing home often conflicting?’ The ambition of praxeological optics is to objectify subjectivist and objectivist factors. The understanding is constructed as a habitus based on the trilogy of Bourdieu. In order to endure and cope with the challenges, spouses need to be strong. According to our analysis lived life expressed in attitudes and actions in marriage and at the nursing home are closely linked. ‘For better or worse, in sickness and health’, is a key element in these relations. Staff need to focus more on spouses in order to avoid conflicts both between staff and spouse and between the spouses themselves.
ICU nurses' experiences of environmental elements and their meaning for patient care at an ICU: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Petersson Elin , Wångdahl Lisa , Olausson Sepideh
Published: June 2018

In an intensive care unit (ICU), the environment is highly technological and staff are constantly present. The aim of this study was to describe environmental elements of an ICU room that nurses consider central for their provision of care. Data were collected using photovoice – photographs and in-depth interviews – and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. The care environment highly affected ICU nurses, in particular some elements such as medical equipment, work stations and beds. These were considered as an aid, but due to confined space some care was abstained from, maintaining privacy and confidentiality were a challenge, which led to frustration and stress. To provide care in an environment with good lightning, reduced noise and adequate space increases the wellbeing of the nurses, which indicates that an investment in a better care environment would be worthwhile.
Diagnosis, Risk Factors, and Management of Sacral and Pelvic Fractures After Instrumented Lumbar Fusions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joaquim Andrei F. , Patel Alpesh A.
Published: June 2018

Study Design:

Systematic literature review.

Objectives:

To evaluate risk factors, diagnosis, and management of sacral and pelvic fractures (SPFs) after instrumented fusions.

Methods:

A systematic review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed using the PubMed database. Articles with patients with an SPF after a lumbar instrumented fusion were included. The articles addressing specifically proximal junctional kyphosis were excluded. Eleven small cases series (level of evidence IV) were reviewed.

Results:

The incidence of SPF was 1.86% in one study. The risk factors reported were elderly patients, multilevel surgery, long fusions stopping at L5 or S1 instead of the ilium, osteoporosis, obesity, and sagittal imbalance. Computed tomography scan was the preferential image modality for diagnosing. Nonsurgical treatment may be used in patients with tolerable pain and nondisplaced fracture. Persistent pain was an indication for surgery, as well as fracture displacement. The most common surgical treatment reported was an extension of the fusion to the iliac using iliac screws.

Conclusion:

SPFs after lumbar instrumented fusion are rare but clinically meaningful complications. The risk factors, diagnosis, and management of SPFs are described in our review.
Comparative Study of Functional Outcome of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Interbody Fusion With Tricortical Stand-Alone Iliac Crest Autograft Versus Stand-Alone Polyetheretherketone Cage in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Sharma Ayush , Kishore Hari , Singh Vijay , Shawky Abdelgawaad Ahmed , Sinha Shorabh , Kamble Prashant Chandrakant , Jorule Kailash , Agrawal Romit , Mathapati Sumit , Deepak Priyank
Published: June 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) with stand-alone tricortical iliac crest autograft versus stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data of 60 patients in each group were compared.

Results:

There was statistically significant improvement noted in postoperative Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) follow-up scores with comparison pairs of preoperative versus 6 months, preoperative versus 1 year, and 3 months versus 6 months, 3 months versus 1 year in both groups. But improvements in MJOA scores were statistically insignificant between 6 months and 1 year ( P = .0639) for the autograft group when compared with PEEK cage group ( P = 0001). The mean loss of segmental lordosis on follow-up X-ray for the autograft group was (5.89 ± 2.90°), which was significantly higher (1.88 ± 2.77°) than the mean loss seen in the PEEK cage group ( P = .01). This was most evident between 6 months and 1 year, resulting in plateauing of the improvement in MJOA score between 6 months to 1 year in the autograft group. While there was no statistical difference between fusion rates between the groups for 1 and 2 levels of ACDF, overall fusion rates were significantly better for 1-level ACDF (95.74%) when compared with 2-level ACDF (76.00%).

Conclusion:

ACDF with PEEK cage is the fusion technique of choice for cervical fusion with fewer complications and better functional recovery in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Implant Prophylaxis in Reducing Intraoperative Microbial Contamination
Authors: Agarwal Aakash , Lin Boren , Wang Jeffrey C. , Schultz Christian , Garfin Steve R. , Goel Vijay K. , Anand Neel , Agarwal Anand K.
Published: June 2018

Study Design:

A prospective single-center study.

Objectives:

Assess to what degree contamination of pedicle screws occur in standard intraoperative practice and if use of an impermeable guard could mitigate or reduce such an occurrence.

Methods:

Two groups of sterile prepackaged pedicle screws, one with an intraoperative guard (group 1) and the other without such a guard (group 2), each consisting of 5 samples distributed over 3 time points, were loaded onto the insertion device by the scrub tech and left on the sterile table. Approximately 20 minutes later, the lead surgeon who had just finished preparing the surgical site touches the pedicle screw. Then instead of implantation it was transferred to a sterile container using fresh clean gloves for bacterial and gene analysis. Guarded screw implies that even after unwrapping from the package, the screw carries an impermeable barrier along its entire length, which is only removed seconds prior to implantation.

Results:

The standard unguarded pedicle screws presented bioburden in the range of 105 to 107 (colony forming units/implant) with bacterial genus mostly consisting of Staphylococcus and Micrococcus, the 2 most common genera found in surgical site infection reports. The common species among them were Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, whereas the guarded pedicle screws showed no bioburden.

Conclusions:

Shielding the pedicle screws intraoperatively using a guard provides a superior level of asepsis than currently practiced. All unshielded pedicles screws were carrying bioburden of virulent bacterial species, which provides an opportunity for the development of postoperative infections.
Who Intends to Enroll in Entrepreneurship Education? Entrepreneurial Self-Identity as a Precursor
Authors: Liñán Francisco , Ceresia Francesco , Bernal Antonio
Published: June 2018

Entrepreneurial self-identity is attracting increasing attention as a potentially relevant variable in explaining the entrepreneurial process. So far, most research treats entrepreneurial self-identity as a consequence of, or, at the most, as being developed through the start-up process. In this article, in contrast, we analyze its role as a previous element that helps determine the entrepreneurial intention of individuals, the perceived usefulness of entrepreneurship education, and, indirectly, their interest in participating in entrepreneurship education courses. Our hypotheses are tested on a sample of Italian university students and graduates ( N = 88) with no previous participation in entrepreneurship education or self-employment experience. The results clearly support the proposed model. The implications of these results, if further confirmed, are highly relevant. They indicate that there is a strong risk of self-selection bias in most entrepreneurship education evaluation studies. This is due to an element of reversed causation in which participants who already exhibit a higher entrepreneurial self-identity are more interested in entrepreneurship. At the same time, these results also suggest that professionals and public decision-makers involved in fostering entrepreneurship should pay attention to the development of this entrepreneurial self-identity in childhood and adolescence.
Magnesium and mood disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Phelan Danny , Molero Patricio , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Molendijk Marc
Published: June 2018

Background

Magnesium (Mg2+) has received considerable attention with regards to its potential role in the pathophysiology of the mood disorders, but the available evidence seems inconclusive.

Aims

To review and quantitatively summarise the human literature on Mg2+intake and Mg2+blood levels in the mood disorders and the effects of Mg2+supplements on mood.

Method

Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Results

Adherence to a Mg2+-rich diet was negatively associated with depression in cross-sectional (odds ratio = 0.66) but not in prospective studies. Mg2+levels in bodily fluids were on average higher in patients with a mood disorder (Hedge'sg = 0.19), but only in patients treated with antidepressants and/or mood stabilisers. There was no evident association between Mg2+levels and symptom severity. Mg2+supplementation was associated with a decline in depressive symptoms in uncontrolled (g = −1.60) but not in placebo-controlled trials (g = −0.21).

Conclusion

Our results provide little evidence for the involvement of Mg2+in the mood disorders.

Declaration of interest

None.
Induction of Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase After Status Epilepticus Modifies Hippocampal Gene Expression in Male Mice
Authors: Nascimento Bruna P P , Bocco Barbara M L C , Fernandes Gustavo W , Fonseca Tatiana L , McAninch Elizabeth A , Cardoso Carolina V , Bondan Eduardo F , Nassif Renata J , Cysneiros Roberta M , Bianco Antonio C , Ribeiro Miriam O
Published: June 2018

Status epilepticus (SE) is an abnormally prolonged seizure that results from either a failure of mechanisms that terminate seizures or from initiating mechanisms that inherently lead to prolonged seizures. Here we report that mice experiencing a 3 hours of SE caused by pilocarpine exhibit a rapid increase in expression of type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase gene (Dio2) and a decrease in the expression of type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase gene in hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase in hippocampal sections was seen concentrated in the neuronal nuclei, typical of ischemic injury of the brain. An unbiased analysis of the hippocampal transcriptome of mice undergoing 3 hours of SE revealed a number of genes, including those involved with response to oxidative stress, cellular homeostasis, cell signaling, and mitochondrial structure. In contrast, in mice with targeted disruption of Dio2 in astrocytes (Astro D2KO mouse), the highly induced genes in the hippocampus were related to inflammation, apoptosis, and cell death. We propose that Dio2 induction caused by SE accelerates production of T3 in different areas of the central nervous system and modifies the hippocampal gene expression profile, affecting the balance between adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms.
Neural differentiation, selection and transcriptomic profiling of human neuromesodermal progenitors-like cells in vitro
Authors: Verrier Laure , Davidson Lindsay , Gierliński Marek , Dady Alwyn , Storey Kate G.
Published: June 2018

Robust protocols for directed differentiation of human pluripotent cells are required to determine whether mechanisms operating in model organisms are relevant to our own development. Recent work in vertebrate embryos has identified neuromesodermal progenitors as a bipotent cell population that contributes to paraxial mesoderm and spinal cord. However, precise protocols for in vitro differentiation of human spinal cord progenitors are lacking. Informed by signalling in amniote embryos, we show here that transient dual-SMAD inhibition, together with retinoic acid (dSMADi-RA), provides rapid and reproducible induction of human spinal cord progenitors from neuromesodermal progenitor-like cells. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer human embryonic stem cells with a GFP-reporter for neuromesodermal progenitor-associated gene Nkx1.2 we facilitate selection of this cell population. RNA-sequencing was then used to identify human and conserved neuromesodermal progenitor transcriptional signatures, validate this differentiation protocol and implicate new pathways/processes in human neural differentiation. This optimised protocol, novel reporter line and transcriptomic data are useful resources with which to dissect molecular mechanisms regulating human spinal cord generation and allow scale-up of distinct cell populations for global analyses, including proteomic, biochemical and chromatin interrogation.
Acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas e fortalecimento da competitividade industrial no Brasil: breve análise empírica de diferentes indústrias relacionadas a recursos naturais
Authors: Figueiredo Paulo N. , Pinheiro Maurício Canêdo , Silva Felipe Queiroz , Wegner Rubia Cristina , Cabral Bernardo Pereira , Perin Fernanda Steiner
Published: June 2018

.
Case Report: Diffuse T wave inversions as initial electrocardiographic evidence in acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Egini Ogechukwu , Dufresne Alix , Khalid Mazin , Egini Chinedu , Jaffe Eric
Published: June 2018

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition and is typically diagnosed by a combination of symptoms, clinical signs and imaging. Electrocardiogram may be helpful in diagnosis, and the most widely described pattern of occurrence is the so-called S1Q3T3 pattern. Here, we describe the case of an African-American male who presented with typical chest pain, diffuse T wave inversions with serial troponin elevation. There was initial concern for Wellen's syndrome but was finally diagnosed as acute PE. This case underscores the necessity of vigilance and a lower threshold for PE work up even in patients presenting as acute coronary syndrome.
Case Report: Drug induced hyperkalemia presenting as acute flaccid quadriparesis
Authors: Narayanan Santhosh , Prakash Divya
Published: June 2018

Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening dyselectrolytemia that commonly affects cardiac conductivity and contractility. Ascending paralysis affecting the extremities associated with hyperkalemia is not commonly seen. Here we report a case of flaccid quadriparesis in a patient who was taking potassium sparing diuretic for cardiac disease. An electrocardiogram showed typical signs of hyperkalemia. The patient was administered antihyperkalemic measures, which led to a dramatic improvement in symptoms. Hyperkalemic paralysis is a completely reversible emergency condition and should always be considered when dealing with acute onset flaccid paralysis.
Methodical recommendations for the training of cadets of the universities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to work with formal and subordinate sentences in modern German
Authors: Башлуева Наталья , Bashlueva Natalya
Published: June 2018

This article is an attempt to give methodological recommendations on the training of cadets of non-linguistic universities to work with formal and subordinate clauses in modern German, methods of their explanation and translation. These clauses, usually considered in grammar as a type of subordinate clauses, differ from the latter, in terms of the degree of communication with the main sentence and the way they are translated into Russian.
Using of the possibilities of psycho-diagnostic software module within the instrumental detection of deception
Authors: Деулин Дмитрий , Deulin Dmitriy , Бабич Сергей , Babich Sergey
Published: June 2018

The research examines selected issues of application of psycho-diagnostic instruments in the scope of the interface software is professional polygraph «Diana». Analyzing domestic and foreign concepts of the possible behavior of the examened persons in terms of the psychophysiological research using the polygraph device, the authors note the necessity of using computer psycho-diagnostics in order to achieve more reliable test results on a polygraph. The necessity of using of operative psychodiagnostic tests, which are characterized by their complexity, in the process of polygraph testing is substantiated. The paper presents examples from own research based on the diagnostic module of the program shell and reveals the most important components of the personality of the subjects. The article investigates the possibility of identifying important psychological qualities of the person examined, which contributes to the solution of specific problems of polygraph testing. The results of the study are aimed at improving the procedure of psychophysiological research using polygraph.
Management activity of the head of the territorial body of the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia in the prevention and resolution of professional conflicts
Authors: Михайлова Татьяна , Mihaylova Tat'yana , Трубников Олег , Trubnikov Oleg
Published: June 2018

The way searching to increase the efficiency activity of system of law enforcement agencies in Russia has led to the fact that the force using in professional employees interaction is absolutely unproductive. The problem of leveling of consequences of the conflicts destructive influence on group activity results will increase not only efficiency of the head of law-enforcement body activity, but also professional activity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation as a whole.

While studying the conflicts influence on the efficiency of office activity of divisions of law-enforcement bodies the social and psychological factors have been studied, which influence on conflict behavior tactics of Internal Affairs Departments heads, and ways of their solution .

Using the method to define the ways of the conflicts regulation (K. Kenneth Thomas) and the questionnaire "Behavior tactics in the conflict" social and psychological factors of conflict behavior in office groups of staff of bodies of internal affairs are investigated.
Critical thinking enhancement while teaching foreign languages through profession-oriented reading
Authors: Клещина Наталья , Kleschina Natal'ya , Полушина Любовь , Polushina Lyubov'
Published: June 2018

The article deals with the ways of enhancement of critical thinking of students on foreign languages lessons which is an indispensable characteristic of a creative personality, highly-qualified specialist. There are shown methods of critical thinking allowing to reach such educational results as skills to work with growing and constantly changing information flows in different fields of knowledge; ability to express thoughts confidently and correctly; generate your own opinion based on comprehension of diverse experience, ideas and viewpoints; solve problems; cooperate and work in a group.
Asymmetry of Information in Energy Consumption
Authors: Бурганов Раис , Burganov Rais
Published: June 2018

The status of the issue: A survey of studies shows that the problems of information asymmetry in terms of the energy theory of economics have not been considered at all. Materials and methods of research are based on the use of abstraction, generalization and systematization of the data obtained. Results: The study is devoted to the consideration of theoretical and methodological aspects of the study of manifestations of asymmetric information in energy consumption in conditions of transition to the digitalization of the economy. For the first time the author has paid attention to such issues of the topic as the essence of information asymmetry in energy consumption; classification of information asymmetry in energy consumption, the problems of finding the balance of information asymmetry, the role of information asymmetry in energy productivity, energy intensity of products and energy efficiency; state participation in the regulation of information asymmetry in energy consumption. Conclusions are important to take into account the asymmetry of information in energy consumption in the transition to a digital economy.
On the Complexity of Robust PCA and ℓ1-Norm Low-Rank Matrix Approximation
Authors: Gillis Nicolas , Vavasis Stephen A.
Published: June 2018

The low-rank matrix approximation problem with respect to the component-wise ℓ1-norm (ℓ1-LRA), which is closely related to robust principal component analysis (PCA), has become a very popular tool in data mining and machine learning. Robust PCA aims to recover a low-rank matrix that was perturbed with sparse noise, with applications for example in foreground-background video separation. Although ℓ1-LRA is strongly believed to be NP-hard, there is, to our knowledge, no formal proof of this fact. In this paper, we prove that ℓ1-LRA is NP-hard, already in the rank-one case, using a reduction from MAX CUT. Our derivations draw interesting connections between ℓ1-LRA and several other well-known problems, i.e., robust PCA, ℓ0-LRA, binary matrix factorization, a particular densest bipartite subgraph problem, the computation of the cut norm of {−1, + 1} matrices, and the discrete basis problem, all of which we prove to be NP-hard.
Segmentation, Incentives, and Privacy
Authors: Nissim Kobbi , Smorodinsky Rann , Tennenholtz Moshe
Published: June 2018

Data-driven segmentation is the powerhouse behind the success of online advertising. Various underlying challenges for successful segmentation have been studied by the academic community, with one notable exception—consumers’ incentives have been typically ignored. This lacuna is troubling, as consumers have much control over the data being collected. Missing or manipulated data could lead to inferior segmentation. The current work proposes a model of prior-free segmentation, inspired by models of facility location and, to the best of our knowledge, provides the first segmentation mechanism that addresses incentive compatibility, efficient market segmentation, and privacy in the absence of a common prior.