bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Differential Effects of Online Peer Review and Expert Review on Service Evaluations
Authors: Keh Hean Tat , Sun Jin
Published: June 2018

The present research investigates the differential effects of online peer review and expert review on consumers’ evaluations of experience and credence services. We propose that these effects are mediated by consumers’ confidence in their service evaluation and moderated by information convergence. We conduct three studies to test our hypotheses. Study 1 shows that consumers evaluate experience (vs. credence) services more favorably when exposed to peer review (vs. expert review). Across the three studies, we show that the interaction effects between information source and service type on service evaluation are mediated by consumer confidence. Importantly, we identify the moderating role of information convergence on these effects (Studies 2 and 3). Convergent positive reviews substantiate the interaction effects between information source and service type on service evaluation. Interestingly, when consumers see mixed information from either similar or different sources, negative expert review has greater influence than negative peer review in lowering consumer confidence and their evaluations of both experience and credence services. These findings contribute to the literature on information processing in the services domain and also have significant practical implications on managing consumer expectations of third-party information.
Analytical Methods for the Determination of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH)—A Short Review
Authors: Weber Sandra , Schrag Karola , Mildau Gerd , Kuballa Thomas , Walch Stephan G , Lachenmeier Dirk W
Published: June 2018

Mineral oils (such as paraffinum liquidum or white oil), which consist of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), are widely applied in various consumer products such as medicines and cosmetics. Contamination of food with mineral oil may occur by migration of mineral oil containing products from packaging materials, or during the food production process, as well as by environmental contamination during agricultural production. Considerable analytical interest was initiated by the potential adverse health effects, especially carcinogenic effects of some aromatic hydrocarbons. This article reviews the history of mineral oil analysis, starting with gravimetric and photometric methods, followed by on-line-coupled liquid chromatography with gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (LC-GC-FID), which still is considered as gold standard for MOSH-MOAH analysis. Comprehensive tables of applications in the fields of cosmetics, foods, food contact materials, and living organisms are provided. Further methods including GCxGC-MS methods are reviewed, which may be suitable for confirmation of LC-GC-FID results and identification of compound classes. As alternative to chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has recently been suggested for MOSH-MOAH analysis, especially with the possibility of detecting only the toxicologically relevant aromatic rings. Furthermore, NMR may offer potential as rapid screening especially with low-field instruments usable for raw material control.
Affirming the context of instructed SLA: The potential of curricular thinking
Authors: Byrnes Heidi
Published: June 2018

Offered as a conceptual and programmatic piece, this article suggests that, due to its explicit educational orientation, the domain of instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) is challenged to align theoretical choices, research preferences, and educational practices in the interest of improving instructed L2 learning. It addresses the current disjuncture by proposing the constructs of ‘development’ along with ‘curricular thinking’, particularly when they are informed by complexity theory, in order to accomplish three interrelated goals: first, to specify a given educational context in a manner that allows for principled inquiry into how instructed L2 learning evolves in that setting; second, to affirm and operationalize its longitudinal trajectory in a traceable and actionable manner; and, third, to embed the situated and contingent forms of ‘doing teaching’ and ‘doing learning’ within a framework that gives them meaning, value, and significance for long-term development. The article discusses core issues arising from such an approach and briefly exemplifies it with curriculum development in a collegiate foreign language (FL) department. It concludes with a consideration of benefits for ISLA.
‘A really hostile environment’: Adiaphorization, global policing and the crimmigration control system
Authors: Bowling Ben , Westenra Sophie
Published: June 2018

This article examines institutional practices designed to control criminalized migrants in the UK and advances three arguments. First, these practices have evolved, since the early 1970s, into a bespoke ‘crimmigration control system’ distinct from the domestic criminal justice system. Second, this system is directed exclusively at efficient exclusion and control; through a process of adiaphorization, moral objections to the creation of a ‘really hostile environment’ have been disabled. Third, the pursuit of the criminalized immigrant—a globally recognized ‘folk devil’—provides a vital link between domestic and global systems of policing, punishment and exclusion. The UK crimmigration control system is an example of wider processes that are taking place in institutions concerned with the control of suspect populations across the globe.
Understanding Indigenous Suicide Through a Theoretical Lens: A Review of General, Culturally-Based, and Indigenous Frameworks
Authors: O’Keefe Victoria M. , Tucker Raymond P. , Cole Ashley B. , Hollingsworth David W. , Wingate LaRicka R.
Published: June 2018

Many American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities throughout North America continue to experience the devastating impact of suicide. Theoretical explanations of suicide from a psychological, sociological, cultural, and Indigenous perspective all differ in focus and applicability to AI/AN communities. These diverse theoretical frameworks and models are presented herein to examine the potential applicability, strengths, and limitations in understanding AI/AN suicide. In providing these perspectives, continued discussions and empirical examinations of AI/AN suicide can guide informative, culturally-informed suicide prevention and intervention efforts.
Longitudinal seismic responses of a cable-stayed bridge based on shaking table tests of a half-bridge scale model
Authors: Xu Li , Zhang Hao , Gao Jianfeng , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2018

This article studies the seismic response of a symmetric long-span cable-stayed bridge under longitudinal uniform excitations by finite element analysis and shaking table tests. The feasibility and method of performing shaking table tests are examined using a simplified half-bridge scale model. By taking advantage of the symmetry, it is possible to construct a scale model with a larger scale ratio than a full-bridge scale model. The main components of the scale model (i.e. tower, piers, girder, and cables) were fabricated using the same or similar materials as in the prototype. The design and construction of the scale model is presented. Longitudinal structural responses obtained from the finite element analysis and shaking table tests are compared. The seismic mitigation effects of viscous dampers are examined through shaking table tests.
Governance for public health and health equity: The Tröndelag model for public health work
Authors: Lillefjell Monica , Magnus Eva , Knudtsen Margunn SkJei , Wist Guri , Horghagen Sissel , Espnes Geir Arild , Maass Ruca , Anthun Kirsti Sarheim
Published: June 2018

Background: Multi-sectoral governance of population health is linked to the realization that health is the property of many societal systems. This study aims to contribute knowledge and methods that can strengthen the capacities of municipalities regarding how to work more systematically, knowledge-based and multi-sectoral in promoting health and health equity in the population. Methods: Process evaluation was conducted, applying a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Results: Processes strengthening systematic and multi-sectoral development, implementation and evaluation of research-based measures to promote health, quality of life, and health equity in, for and with municipalities were revealed. A step-by-step model, that emphasizes the promotion of knowledge-based, systematic, multi-sectoral public health work, as well as joint ownership of local resources, initiatives and policies has been developed. Conclusions: Implementation of systematic, knowledge-based and multi-sectoral governance of public health measures in municipalities demand shared understanding of the challenges, updated overview of the population health and impact factors, anchoring in plans, new skills and methods for selection and implementation of measures, as well as development of trust, ownership, shared ethics and goals among those involved.
Associations between self-injury and involvement in cyberbullying among mentally distressed adolescents in Scania, Sweden
Authors: Fridh Maria , Lindström Martin , Rosvall Maria
Published: June 2018

Aims: To investigate associations between self-injury and involvement in cyberbullying as a bully, victim or bully-victim among mentally distressed adolescents. Methods: Data from the public health survey of children and adolescents in Scania, Sweden 2016 were used. A questionnaire was answered anonymously in school by 9143 students in 9th grade compulsory school (response rate 77%) and 7949 students in 2nd grade of upper secondary school (response rate 73%). Students with past year (broadly defined) mental distress at least 2 weeks in a row (33% of boys and 63% of girls) were asked if they had performed self-injury (i.e. cut, superficially cut or otherwise injured themselves) past year, and those with data on self-injury and cyberbullying were included in the present study ( n=6841). Associations between self-injury and cyberbullying were investigated by multiadjusted logistic regression analysis. Results: Among mentally distressed students, self-injury was reported by 11.7% of boys and 25.9% of girls. Age-adjusted analysis showed increasingly higher odds of self-injury among cyberbullies, cybervictims and cyberbully-victims, using non-involved as reference group (OR boys: 1.8, 2.3, 3.0; girls: 2.1, 3.2, 4.8). Associations weakened after adjustment for several potential confounders but remained significant for all cyberbullying groups except male cyberbullies, among whom significance was lost after adjustment for smoking, alcohol and narcotics. Conclusions: Peer victimization in cyber space is associated with self-injury, especially among victims and bully-victims. Decreasing peer victimization is a priority, and school and health professionals need to be aware of the associations between cyberbullying and self-injury among mentally distressed adolescents.
Uptake and usage of an online prostate cancer treatment decision aid in Dutch clinical practice: A quantitative analysis from the Prostate Cancer Patient Centered Care trial
Authors: Cuypers Maarten , Lamers Romy ED , Kil Paul JM , van Tol-Geerdink Julia J , van Uden-Kraan Cornelia F , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V , de Vries Marieke
Published: June 2018

Implementation of patient’s decision aids in routine clinical care is generally low. This study evaluated uptake and usage of a novel Dutch web-based prostate cancer treatment decision aid within the Prostate Cancer Patient Centered Care trial. From an estimated total patient sample of 1006 patients, 351 received a decision aid (35% implementation rate; hospital ranges 16%–84%). After receipt of the decision aid, most patients accessed the decision aid, utilized most functions, although not completely, and discussed the decision aid summary in a subsequent consultation with their care provider. Including nurses for dissemination of decision aids seemed to positively affect decision aid uptake. Once received, patients seemed able to use the decision aid and engage in shared decision-making as intended; however, decision aid uptake and complete usage of all decision aid components should be further improved. Prior to the diagnosis consultation, handing out of the decision aid should be prepared.
Re-calibrating DIY: Testing digital participation across dust sensors, fry pans and environmental pollution
Authors: Pritchard Helen , Gabrys Jennifer , Houston Lara
Published: June 2018

An increasing number of low-cost and do-it-yourself (DIY) digital sensors for monitoring air quality are now in circulation. DIY technologies attempt to democratize environmental practices such as air quality sensing that might ordinarily be the domain of expert scientists. But in the process of setting up and using DIY sensors, citizens encounter just as many challenges for ensuring the accuracy of their devices and the validity of their data. In this article, we look specifically at the infrastructures and practices of DIY digital sensing. Through an analysis of urban sensing in London as an environmental media practice, we consider the specific techniques and challenges of calibrating DIY digital sensors for measuring air pollution to ensure the relative accuracy and validity of data. We ask, “How are DIY calibration practices expressive of particular political subjects and environmental relations—and not others?” “How might we re-calibrate DIY as a digital practice and political commitment through engagements with multiple genealogies and counter-genealogies of citizen-led inquiry?”
Constructive journalism: Concepts, practices, and discourses
Authors: Mast Jelle , Coesemans Roel , Temmerman Martina
Published: June 2018

Constructive journalism as a (news) philosophy and practice is gaining ground around the globe as both new journalistic ventures and legacy news media variously experiment with so-called ‘constructive’ approaches, and specialized (nonprofit) organizations and training programs have been established. While scholarly interest in the subject has steadily grown accordingly, constructive journalism as a research field in its own right is arguably still in need of further development. Therefore, we set out to explore, advance, and shape a research agenda, and to build a theoretical and empirical foundation for constructive journalism, providing a 360° view by bringing together an international body of scholarship approaching the topic and the issues raised through different disciplinary, conceptual, and methodological lenses. As such, we aim, first, to contribute to the conceptual development of constructive journalism by refining its roots in positive psychology and carefully delineating its position along related and divergent types of journalism, identifying its core values and principles, the lineages and digressions. Second, we seek to advance theory building in this nascent research domain based on empirical data and insights variously derived from quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches exploring, describing, and testing through large-scale or in-depth analyses, how constructive journalism can be interpreted and put in practice, how it materializes and with what effect. In doing so, we adopt an overall stance of ‘critical appreciation’ toward the subject, engaging in foundational thinking while not shying away from an assessment of the potential and effective critique or controversy stirred by this proliferating ‘alternative’ branch of journalism.
Book review: Gieseking, J.J., Mangold, W., Kats, C., Low, S. and Saegert, S., editors, 2014: The People, Place and Space Reader
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele F.
Published: June 2018

Gieseking, J.J., Mangold, W., Kats, C., Low, S. and Saegert, S., editors, 2014: The People, Place and Space Reader. New York, NY and Oxon: Routledge. xxxiv + 446 pp. £46.99 (Paperback). ISBN: 9780415664974.
Book review: Porter, G., Hampshire, K., Abane, A., Munthali, A., Robson, E. and Mashiri, M., editors, 2017: Young People’s Daily Mobilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Moving Young Lives
Authors: Philip Shannon
Published: June 2018

Porter, G., Hampshire, K., Abane, A., Munthali, A., Robson, E. and Mashiri, M., editors, 2017: Young People’s Daily Mobilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Moving Young Lives. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. XVII + 250 pp. £92.00 (Hardcover). ISBN: 9781137454317.
Book review: Bernardi, F. and Ballarino, G., editors, 2016: Education, Occupation and Social Origin. A Comparative Analysis of the Transmission of Socio-Economic Inequalities
Authors: Segura Claudia Yvonne Linan
Published: June 2018

Bernardi, F. and Ballarino, G., editors, 2016: Education, Occupation and Social Origin. A Comparative Analysis of the Transmission of Socio-Economic Inequalities. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited. 304 pp. £85.00 (Paperback), £76.50 (eBook). ISBN: 9781785360442 (Paperback), 9781785360459 (eBook).
Parameterization of variations for wave energy over bottom slopes
Authors: Chen Hongzhou , Tang Xiaocheng , Zhang Ri , Pan Yuhan
Published: June 2018

Wave energy transfer through a shallow water region, produced by nonlinearity, was investigated using random wave simulations based on JONSWAP spectra in a physical experiment. To confirm the role of topography, slopes of β = 1/15, 1/30, and 1/45 were installed in a flume. The shoaling effect was first examined by comparing the experimental data with the theoretically predicted values. A wavelet-based bispectrum was then used to investigate the role of the bottom slope in energy transfer. Next, the evolution of energy transfer in the total, primary, and higher harmonic frequency bands was investigated using the wavelet-based energy spectrum. Based on the data from each slope, empirical formulas expressing the dimensionless energy parameters as a function of the local water depth were derived. The bottom slope was confirmed to have an influence on the variation in the total energy and primary harmonic energy, but its effect was shown to be negligible for the higher harmonic energy. Novel formulas were derived to represent the combined slope effect.
Electrical self-sensing of impact damage in multiscale hierarchical composites with tailored location of carbon nanotube networks
Authors: Isaac-Medina BKS , Alonzo-García A , Avilés F
Published: June 2018

Low-velocity impact damage in multiscale hierarchical composites comprising glass fiber weaves reinforcing a vinyl ester matrix with tailored location of multiwall carbon nanotubes is assessed through the changes of electrical resistance before and after impact. The location of the multiwall carbon nanotubes within the multiscale composite is controlled from manufacturing, rendering two hierarchical architectures. In the first one, as-received glass fiber weaves are used and the multiwall carbon nanotubes are only dispersed within the matrix, while in the second one the multiwall carbon nanotubes are dispersed within the matrix and also bonded to the glass fibers. Spatial electrical resistance maps are able to track the damage progression and growth of damage extension under consecutive impacts and the results are correlated to stresses determined by finite element analysis and ultrasonic C-scanning. The correlation between the electrical mapping and finite element analysis showed that the panels containing multiwall carbon nanotubes on the fiber are more sensitive to delamination and interfacial damage than the ones containing multiwall carbon nanotubes only dispersed within the polymer matrix.
The social psychological processes of ‘procedural justice’: Concepts, critiques and opportunities
Authors: Radburn Matthew , Stott Clifford
Published: June 2018

Contemporary research on policing and procedural justice theory (PJT) emphasizes large-scale survey data to link a series of interlocking concepts, namely perceptions of procedural fairness, police legitimacy and normative compliance. In this article we contend that as such, contemporary research is in danger of conveying a misreading of PJT by portraying a reified social world divorced from the social psychological dynamics of encounters between the police and policed. In this article we set out a rationale for addressing this potential misreading and explore how and why PJT researchers would benefit both theoretically and methodologically through drawing upon advances in theoretical accounts of social identity, developed most notably in attempts to understand crowd action. Specifically, we advance an articulation of a ‘process-based’ model of PJT’s underlying social and subjective dynamics and stress the value of ethnographic approaches for studying police–‘citizen’ encounters.
The limits of remembrance during the Spanish Transition: Questioning the ‘Pact of Oblivion’ through the analysis of a censored film and a mass-grave exhumation
Authors: Mateo Leivas Lidia , Kerangat Zoé de
Published: June 2018

The corpses of those who were defeated in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) first emerged in the public sphere during the country’s Transition to democracy (1973–1982). For many, the end of the dictatorship was an opportunity to come to terms with memories of the conflict through cultural and social practices. However, the memories of the defeated could not be retrieved. This state of amnesia became known as the ‘Pact of Oblivion’, a supposed tacit agreement that eventually became an assumed ‘historical truth’. In our view, no such pact of oblivion ever actually existed. We suggest that, although there were indeed initiatives of remembrance, these were contained. In this way, the so-called ‘Pact of Oblivion’ was more of an imposition than a ‘social contract’. To show this, we undertake a comparative analysis of two cases from very different fields: the documentary Rocío (1980) and a mass-grave exhumation in the small village of Casas de Don Pedro (1978). Both share clear similarities regarding the limits of remembrance during the Spanish Transition. They also indicate how subtle power relations and structural power mechanisms prevented memory from entering into the regime of visibility.
Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate in pediatric asthma patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Płoszczuk Anna , Bosheva Miroslava , Spooner Kay , McIver Tammy , Dissanayake Sanjeeva
Published: June 2018

Background:

The efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) (fluticasone/formoterol; Flutiform®; 100/10 µg b.i.d.) was compared with fluticasone propionate (Flixotide® Evohaler® pMDI; 100 µg b.i.d.) and fluticasone/salmeterol (Seretide® Evohaler® pMDI; 100/50 µg b.i.d.) in a pediatric asthma population (EudraCT number: 2010-024635-16).

Methods:

A double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, multicenter study. Patients, aged 5–<12 years with persistent asthma ⩾ 6 months and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ⩽ 90% predicted were randomized 1:1:1 to 12 weeks’ treatment. The study objectives were to demonstrate superiority of fluticasone/formoterol to fluticasone and non-inferiority to fluticasone/salmeterol.

Results:

A total of 512 patients were randomized: fluticasone/formoterol, 169; fluticasone, 173; fluticasone/salmeterol, 170. Fluticasone/formoterol was superior to fluticasone for the primary endpoint: change from predose FEV1 at baseline to 2 h postdose FEV1 over 12 weeks [least squares (LS) mean difference 0.07 l; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03, 0.11; p < 0.001] and the first key secondary endpoint, FEV1 area under the curve over 4 hours (AUC0–4 h) at week 12 (LS mean difference 0.09 l; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.13; p < 0.001). Per a prespecified non-inferiority margin of −0.1 l, fluticasone/formoterol was non-inferior to fluticasone/salmeterol for the primary endpoint (LS mean difference 0.00 l; 95% CI −0.04, 0.04; p < 0.001) and first key secondary endpoint (LS mean difference 0.01; 95% CI −0.03, 0.06; p < 0.001). Fluticasone/formoterol was non-inferior to fluticasone/salmeterol for the second key secondary endpoint, change from predose FEV1 over 12 weeks (treatment difference −0.02 l; 95% CI −0.06, 0.02; p < 0.001), but was not superior to fluticasone for this endpoint (LS mean difference 0.03 l; 95% CI −0.01, 0.07; p = 0.091). All treatments elicited large improvements from baseline to week 12 for the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (LS mean change 0.76 to 0.85 units) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (LS mean change −1.03 to −1.13 units). Few severe exacerbations were seen (fluticasone/formoterol: two; fluticasone/salmeterol: two). All treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions:

This study supports the efficacy and safety of fluticasone/formoterol in a pediatric asthma population and its superiority to fluticasone.
Tolerability of inhaled N-chlorotaurine in humans: a double-blind randomized phase I clinical study
Authors: Arnitz Roland , Stein Markus , Bauer Petra , Lanthaler Barbara , Jamnig Herbert , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine , Stempfl-Al-Jazrawi Katharina , Ulmer Hanno , Baumgartner Bernhard , Embacher Sabine , Geisler Simon , Gostner Johanna M. , Müllinger Bernhard , Kälz Beate , Nagl Markus
Published: June 2018

Background:

N-chlorotaurine (NCT), a long-lived oxidant produced by human leukocytes, can be synthesized chemically and used topically as a well-tolerated antiseptic to different body regions including sensitive ones. The aim of this study was to test the tolerability of inhaled 1% NCT in aqueous solution upon repeated application.

Methods:

The study was performed double-blind and randomized with a parallel test group (1% NCT) and control group (0.9% NaCl as placebo). There were two Austrian centres involved, the hospitals, Natters and Vöcklabruck. Healthy, full age volunteers were included, 12 in each centre. A total of 12 patients were treated with NCT, and 12 with placebo, exactly half of each group from each centre. The single dose was 1.2 ml inhaled over a period of 10 min using an AKITA JET nebulizer. One inhalation was done every day for five consecutive days. The primary criterion of evaluation was the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Secondary criteria were subjective sensations, further lung function parameters such as airway resistance, physical examination, and blood analyses (gases, electrolytes, organ function values, pharmacokinetic parameters taurine and methionine, immune parameters).

Results:

All included 15 females and 9 males completed the treatment and the control examinations according to the study protocol. FEV1 (100.83% ± 8.04% for NCT and 92.92% ± 11.35% for controls) remained unchanged and constant during the treatment and in control examinations 1 week and 3 months after the treatment (98.75% ± 7.37% for NCT and 91.17% ± 9.46% for controls, p > 0.082 between time points within each group). The same was true for all other objective parameters. Subjective mild sensations with a higher frequency in the test group were chlorine taste ( p < 0.01) and occasional tickle in the throat ( p = 0.057). Taurine and methionine plasma concentrations did not change within 60 min after inhalation or later on.

Conclusions:

Inhaled NCT is well tolerated as in other applications of different body regions. Side effects are mild, topical and transitory. The study was registered prospectively in the European Clinical Trials Database of the European Medicines Agency. The EudraCT number is 2012-003700-12.
The reliability and validity of goniometric elbow measurements in adults: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: van Rijn Suzanne F , Zwerus Elisa L , Koenraadt Koen LM , Jacobs Wilco CH , van den Bekerom Michel PJ , Eygendaal Denise
Published: June 2018

Background

The universal goniometer is a simple measuring tool. With this review we aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the universal goniometer in measurements of the adults' elbow.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed and our study protocol was published online at PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted on relevant studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Diagnostic Reliability (QAREL) scoring system.

Results

Out of 697 studies yielded from our literature search, 12 were included. Six studies were rated as high quality. The intrarater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.99, the interrater reliability ranged from intraclass correlation coefficient 0.53–0.97. One study providing instructions on goniometric alignment did not find a difference in expert versus non-expert examiners. Another study in which examiners were not instructed found a higher interrater reliability in expert examiners. One study investigating the validity of the goniometer in elbow measurements found a maximum standard error of the mean of 11.5° for total range of motion.

Discussion

Overall, the studies showed high intra- and interrater reliability of the universal goniometer. The reliability of the universal goniometer in non-expert examiners can be increased by clear instructions on goniometric alignment.
Subpectoral biceps tenodesis using a novel anterior cortical button technique
Authors: Javed S , Gheorghiu D , Walton M
Published: June 2018

Background

Various surgical treatments are described in the literature for biceps pathology.

Method

The techniques currently described for subpectoral tenodesis involve the use of suture anchors, interference screws, bicortical suture buttons or unicortical suture buttons.

Results

A review of 31 patients with a subpectoral biceps tenodesis using the anterior cortical button technique is presented.

Conclusions

We describe a novel technique, which provides an opportunity to obtain a robust cortical and intramedullary tenodesis, performed under direct vision without the risk of drilling the far cortex and therefore avoiding any potential for neurological injury. There is no cortical implant, which may lead to a diaphyseal stress riser and subsequent fracture risk.
Prospective, single-center implementation and response evaluation of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) for peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Graversen Martin , Detlefsen Sönke , Bjerregaard Jon Kroll , Fristrup Claus Wilki , Pfeiffer Per , Mortensen Michael Bau
Published: June 2018

Background:

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a laparoscopy-guided administration of aerosolized chemotherapy. PIPAC seems to improve objective tumor response, survival and quality of life in patients with peritoneal metastasis. We assessed feasibility and efficacy of PIPAC in patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM).

Methods:

Patients were included in a prospective PIPAC protocol. Patients with colorectal PM were treated with oxaliplatin, patients with other primary tumors were treated with cisplatin and doxorubicin. Any chemotherapy exposure for healthcare workers was monitored by environmental and biological sampling. Feasibility was quantified by completion and complication rates. Response evaluation was documented by the peritoneal regression grading score (PRGS) and by peritoneal lavage cytology. Biopsy sites were marked by clips. Quality of life questionnaires were collected at baseline and after 60, 120 and 180 days.

Results:

A total of 35 patients with PM were treated with a median of three PIPAC procedures (range 1–9). Intraperitoneal access and completion of PIPAC was achieved in all patients. Few complications and adverse events were noted. There was no risk of chemotherapy exposure for healthcare workers. The mean PRGS was reduced significantly and a reduction of the PRGS was seen in 67% of the patients. Conversion from positive to negative cytology was achieved in 23% of the patients. Quality of life was stabilized from baseline to day 60.

Conclusions:

PIPAC is feasible and well tolerated, may stabilize the quality of life in patients with end-stage PM and may induce histological and cytological regression. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02320448].
A Time-Friendly, Feasible Measure of Nutrition Knowledge in Type 1 Diabetes: The Electronic Nutrition and Carbohydrate Counting Quiz (eNCQ)
Authors: Marker Arwen M. , Noser Amy E. , Knecht Nicole , Clements Mark A. , Patton Susana R.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Greater knowledge about nutrition and carbohydrate counting are associated with improved glycemic control and quality of life in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited assessments of nutrition and carbohydrate knowledge have been developed, and existing measures can be time-consuming, overly broad, or not conducive to routine clinical use. To fill this gap, we developed and examined the feasibility of administering the electronic Nutrition and Carbohydrate Counting Quiz (eNCQ).

Method:

Ninety-two caregivers and 70 youth with T1D (mean age 12.5 years; mean time since diagnosis 5 years; English speaking) completed the 19-item eNCQ via tablet during a routine clinical visit. Completion time and item completion rates were used to assess feasibility. Relationships between eNCQ scores and patient demographics, diabetes management, and health outcomes were examined.

Results:

Participants took 10 minutes, on average, to complete the eNCQ. Total and Carbohydrate subscale scores (youth report) were negatively correlated with youth hemoglobin A1c (total r = –.38, carbohydrate r = –.38, Ps < .05), indicating that greater nutrition knowledge related to better glycemic control. Nutrition knowledge scores were generally high, but knowledge was negatively related to time since diabetes diagnosis ( r = –.276, P < .05).

Conclusions:

Findings support feasibility of the eNCQ to assess nutrition knowledge in routine clinical care. Following additional acceptability and validity testing, the eNCQ may identify families in need of further nutrition education. Nutrition assessment is particularly indicated for youth over one year since T1D diagnosis, as these families displayed lower nutrition knowledge and may need continuing education to maintain diabetes-specific nutrition knowledge over time.
Cartilage Quality (dGEMRIC Index) Following Knee Joint Distraction or High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Besselink Nick J. , Vincken Koen L. , Bartels L. Wilbert , van Heerwaarden Ronald J. , Concepcion Arno N. , Marijnissen Anne C. A. , Spruijt Sander , Custers Roel J. H. , van der Woude Jan-Ton A. D. , Wiegant Karen , Welsing Paco M. J. , Mastbergen Simon C. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G.
Published: June 2018

Objective

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) and knee joint distraction (KJD) are treatments to unload the osteoarthritic (OA) joint with proven success in postponing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While both treatments demonstrate joint repair, there is limited information about the quality of the regenerated tissue. Therefore, the change in quality of the repaired cartilaginous tissue after KJD and HTO was studied using delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

Design

Forty patients (20 KJD and 20 HTO), treated for medial tibiofemoral OA, were included in this study. Radiographic outcomes, clinical characteristics, and cartilage quality were evaluated at baseline, and at 1- and 2-year follow-up.

Results

Two years after KJD treatment, clear clinical improvement was observed. Moreover, a statistically significant increased medial (Δ 0.99 mm), minimal (Δ 1.04 mm), and mean (Δ 0.68 mm) radiographic joint space width (JSW) was demonstrated. Likewise, medial (Δ 1.03 mm), minimal (Δ 0.72 mm), and mean (Δ 0.46 mm) JSW were statistically significantly increased on radiographs after HTO. There was on average no statistically significant change in dGEMRIC indices over two years and no difference between treatments. Yet there seemed to be a clinically relevant, positive relation between increase in cartilage quality and patients’ experienced clinical benefit.

Conclusions

Treatment of knee OA by either HTO or KJD leads to clinical benefit, and an increase in cartilage thickness on weightbearing radiographs for over 2 years posttreatment. This cartilaginous tissue was on average not different from baseline, as determined by dGEMRIC, whereas changes in quality at the individual level correlated with clinical benefit.
Physical activity types and atrial fibrillation risk in the middle-aged and elderly: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Albrecht Marijn , Koolhaas Chantal M , Schoufour Josje D , van Rooij Frank JA , Kavousi M , Ikram M Arfan , Franco Oscar H
Published: June 2018

Background

The association between physical activity and atrial fibrillation remains controversial. Physical activity has been associated with a higher and lower atrial fibrillation risk. These inconsistent results might be related to the type of physical activity. We aimed to investigate the association of total and types of physical activity, including walking, cycling, domestic work, gardening and sports, with atrial fibrillation.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Our study was performed in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based cohort. We included 7018 participants aged 55 years and older with information on physical activity between 1997–2001. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of physical activity with atrial fibrillation risk. Models were adjusted for biological and behavioural risk factors and the remaining physical activity types. Physical activity was categorised in tertiles and the low group was used as reference.

Results

During 16.8 years of follow-up (median: 12.3 years, interquartile range: 8.7–15.9 years), 800 atrial fibrillation events occurred (11.4% of the study population). We observed no association between total physical activity and atrial fibrillation risk in any model. After adjustment for confounders, the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for the high physical activity category compared to the low physical activity category was: 0.71 (0.80–1.14) for total physical activity. We did not observe a significant association between any of the physical activity types with atrial fibrillation risk.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that physical activity is not associated with higher or lower risk of atrial fibrillation in older adults. Neither total physical activity nor any of the included physical activity types was associated with atrial fibrillation risk.
Das Abendland: The politics of Europe’s religious borders
Authors: Forlenza Rosario , Turner Bryan S
Published: June 2018

The religious borders of Europe, which are more evident and controversial than ever, challenge established forms of political legitimacy and the legal requirements for citizenship. Perhaps covertly rather than overtly, they shape politics and policies. While scholars have once again resorted to Edward Said’s Orientalism to describe the dynamic at play, this article argues that the Orientalism narrative of East and West is too simple to capture the actual complexity of Europe’s borders. There are four religious and thus four cultural-symbolic borders, which are increasingly defining the continent: north-western Europe is Protestant, southern Europe is Catholic, the East is Orthodox and increasingly nationalist, and the South and Near East are Muslim. The cultural purity and the values that Europe craves in search of identity and order are simply not available in a world of global interconnectedness and social diversity.
Hidradenitis suppurativa with SAPHO syndrome maintained effectively with adalimumab, methotrexate, and intralesional corticosteroid injections
Authors: Crowley Erika L , O’Toole Ashley , Gooderham Melinda J
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Hidradenitis suppurativa and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis syndrome are chronic, debilitating diseases involving apocrine gland-bearing skin inflammation and bone inflammation, respectively. Although both often present with multiple comorbidities, single patient co-presentation is rare.

Methods/Results:

This study reports the 8-year treatment course of a 40-year-old man with hidradenitis suppurativa and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis syndrome, and reviews relevant literature. Initial oral and topical antibiotics had little effect. Intralesional corticosteroid injections were effective for localized inflammatory lesions but insufficient for hidradenitis suppurativa control. Adalimumab initiation and local excision of a persistent HS lesion led to stabilization. Adalimumab provided dramatic back pain improvement. Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis was diagnosed; adalimumab continuation with subsequent methotrexate addition resulted in hidradenitis suppurativa-synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis control.

Conclusions:

Literature regarding comorbid hidradenitis suppurativa and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis syndrome therapy is scarce but growing. Adalimumab, methotrexate, intralesional corticosteroid, and lifestyle changes successfully maintained a severe hidradenitis suppurativa–synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis–syndrome case. Further studies beyond a case-based review could yield more definitive treatment plans.
Active, Reactive, and Proactive Approaches to Corporate Volunteering in Three Countries
Authors: Štumberger Neva , Pauly Jessica A.
Published: June 2018

This article explores discursive constructions of corporate volunteering (CV) across three countries. Based on the analysis of 29 qualitative interviews with employees working in small and medium size companies in Denmark, Slovenia, and the United States, we explore distinct discursive features of the embedded nature of CV in the broader context of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The findings reveal that different orientations to CSR inform and shape the ways participants working in the three countries construct CV as active, reactive, or proactive corporate practice. This study aids in understanding of the cross-cultural distinctiveness of discourses that pertain to CV from an employee perspective, while also challenging the common notion of CV as an aspect of strategic CSR.
Activated protein C, protease activated receptor 1, and neuroprotection
Authors: Griffin John H. , Zlokovic Berislav V. , Mosnier Laurent O.
Published: June 2018

Protein C is a plasma serine protease zymogen whose active form, activated protein C (APC), exerts potent anticoagulant activity. In addition to its antithrombotic role as a plasma protease, pharmacologic APC is a pleiotropic protease that activates diverse homeostatic cell signaling pathways via multiple receptors on many cells. Engineering of APC by site-directed mutagenesis provided a signaling selective APC mutant with 3 Lys residues replaced by 3 Ala residues, 3K3A-APC, that lacks >90% anticoagulant activity but retains normal cell signaling activities. This 3K3A-APC mutant exerts multiple potent neuroprotective activities, which require the G-protein–coupled receptor, protease activated receptor 1. Potent neuroprotection in murine ischemic stroke models is linked to 3K3A-APC–induced signaling that arises due to APC’s cleavage in protease activated receptor 1 at a noncanonical Arg46 site. This cleavage causes biased signaling that provides a major explanation for APC’s in vivo mechanism of action for neuroprotective activities. 3K3A-APC appeared to be safe in ischemic stroke patients and reduced bleeding in the brain after tissue plasminogen activator therapy in a recent phase 2 clinical trial. Hence, it merits further clinical testing for its efficacy in ischemic stroke patients. Recent studies using human fetal neural stem and progenitor cells show that 3K3A-APC promotes neurogenesis in vitro as well as in vivo in the murine middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model. These recent advances should encourage translational research centered on signaling selective APC’s for both single-agent therapies and multiagent combination therapies for ischemic stroke and other neuropathologies.
FIRST-line support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC): a multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial of high-flow nasal cannula therapy versus continuous positive airway pressure in paediatric critical care
Authors:   on behalf of the United Kingdom Paediatric Intensive Care Society Study Group (PICS-SG), Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Lister Paula , Dominguez Troy , Habibi Parviz , Edmonds Naomi , Canter Ruth R. , Wulff Jerome , Harrison David A. , Mouncey Paul M. , Peters Mark J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Although high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) has become a popular mode of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in critically ill children, there are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We performed a pilot RCT to explore the feasibility, and inform the design and conduct, of a future large pragmatic RCT comparing HFNC and CPAP in paediatric critical care.

Methods

In this multi-centre pilot RCT, eligible patients were recruited to either Group A (step-up NRS) or Group B (step-down NRS). Participants were randomised (1:1) using sealed opaque envelopes to either CPAP or HFNC as their first-line mode of NRS. Consent was sought after randomisation in emergency situations. The primary study outcomes were related to feasibility (number of eligible patients in each group, proportion of eligible patients randomised, consent rate, and measures of adherence to study algorithms). Data were collected on safety and a range of patient outcomes in order to inform the choice of a primary outcome measure for the future RCT.

Results

Overall, 121/254 eligible patients (47.6%) were randomised (Group A 60%, Group B 44.2%) over a 10-month period (recruitment rate for Group A, 1 patient/site/month; Group B, 2.8 patients/site/month). In Group A, consent was obtained in 29/33 parents/guardians approached (87.9%), while in Group B 84/118 consented (71.2%). Intention-to-treat analysis included 113 patients (HFNC 59, CPAP 54). Most reported adverse events were mild/moderate (HFNC 8/59, CPAP 9/54). More patients switched treatment from HFNC to CPAP (Group A: 7/16, 44%; Group B: 9/43, 21%) than from CPAP to HFNC (Group A: 3/13, 23%; Group B: 5/41, 12%). Intubation occurred within 72 h in 15/59 (25.4%) of HFNC patients and 10/54 (18.5%) of CPAP patients (p = 0.38). HFNC patients experienced fewer ventilator-free days at day 28 (Group A: 19.6 vs. 23.5; Group B: 21.8 vs. 22.2).

Conclusions

Our pilot trial confirms that, following minor changes to consent procedures and treatment algorithms, it is feasible to conduct a large national RCT of non-invasive respiratory support in the paediatric critical care setting in both step-up and step-down NRS patients.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02612415. Registered on 23 November 2015.
Morphometric and hydrographie characteristics of torrents of NW Péloponnèse, Greece
Authors: Pagonas M. , Kontopoulos N.
Published: June 2018

The study area includes the catchments of Selemnos, Xylokeras and Volinaios torrents, with 456 streams of 277.848 km total length. The pattern is generally dendritic. A quantitative analysis of the drainage systems of the study area was interpreted and then correlated to the fault systems that appear in the area. The main direction of the streams and the tectonic features is WSW-ENE. The drainage density and stream frequency is highly variable as a result of many factors, most important of which is lithology with high infiltration capacity. The number and the length of most streams show divergence of the 1st and 2nd law of Horton since they have dissimilar values from those theoretically expected.