bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Splenic artery embolization with detachable balloons for hypersplenism
Authors: Pang Xiaoxi , Li Tengyu , Wang Cheng’en
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of proximal splenic artery embolization using detachable balloons for patients with hypersplenism and portal hypertension.

Methods

Twelve patients diagnosed with hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia or leukocytopenia caused by portal hypertension were treated by proximal splenic artery embolization with detachable balloons and metallic fibered coils. All patients were followed for up to 6 months. Blood parameters, coagulation factors, and liver function indicators were measured. Enhanced computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography examinations were also performed in advance to confirm the infarction area and evaluate the changes in spleen size.

Results

Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete embolization of the proximal splenic artery in all 12 patients. Thrombocyte and leukocyte counts rose significantly in all patients in 2 weeks and stayed significantly higher than those before embolization throughout the 6-month follow-up. The total bilirubin concentration and prothrombin activity recovered significantly and returned to normal levels 6 months later. Computed tomography revealed partial infarction and liquefaction of the splenic parenchyma in nine patients.

Conclusions

Proximal splenic artery embolization using detachable balloons could be considered a safe and effective therapeutic modality in alleviating hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension.
Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients on hemodialysis using a novel synthetic peptide calcimimetic, etelcalcetide: a short-term clinical study
Authors: Mima Akira , Tansho Kosuke , Nagahara Dai , Watase Kenji
Published: July 2018

Objective

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a major complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SHPT is related to chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Etelcalcetide is intravenously administered at the end of hemodialysis (HD). Etelcalcetide differs from the oral calcimimetic cinacalcet because it reduces gastrointestinal adverse events, thereby improving therapeutic effects. Etelcalcetide has only been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for several months. Therefore, there have only been a few reports regarding treatment of SHPT using etelcalcetide. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of etelcalcetide in patients on HD with SHPT.

Methods

Nine patients on HD (four men and five women, aged 58 ± 10 years) were enrolled in this study. All of the patients received etelcalcetide (5–10 mg, three times a week after HD). The observation period was 4.4 ± 1.0 months.

Results

All of the patients showed a significant reduction in serum parathyroid hormone levels during the observation period (−59% ± 20%). No significant adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Although this study had an uncontrolled small group and a short observation period, our results suggest that etelcalcetide could be a promising agent for SHPT treatment.
Cognitive differences between older adult instrumental musicians: Benefits of continuing to play
Authors: Strong Jessica V. , Midden Allison
Published: July 2018

Previous research suggests that ongoing cognitive engagement in late life may help maintain cognitive functioning. We assessed cognition across all major domains in older adult instrumental musicians (active vs. former) and non-musicians using a standardized neuropsychological battery and collected self-report information on levels of physical activity, social activity, and overall health. We used ANCOVAs to determine if there were differences in cognitive test scores among groups. Results showed that all musicians (active and former) had higher scores on a test of language (Boston Naming Test) and of language and executive functioning (Controlled Oral Word Association) compared to non-musicians. However, active musicians scored higher than both non-musicians and former musicians on a version of the Stroop task (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System: Color Word Interference). These findings suggest that, in some types of executive functions, there may be continued benefit to participating in musical activities later in life. However, in the domain of language, gains from playing an instrument are sustained even if a musician stops playing. We discuss these results in the contexts of cognitive reserve and crystallized and fluid intelligence, including cognitive benefits of early life music lessons that remain in late life.
Digital methods II: Digital-visual methods
Authors: Leszczynski Agnieszka
Published: July 2018

Digital-visual methods enrol digital-visual artefacts as evidence or objects of study in research, and/or they rely on digital media and computational techniques to collect, explore, and analyse visual data. The use of digital-visual methods has increasingly figured in human geographic research over the last decade, coalescing around: i) work that interrogates digital-visual scopic regimes and politics; ii) scholarship that engages digital-visual artefacts, namely screens and interfaces, as immediate objects of research; and iii) research that employs natively-digital mediums and techniques to generate research data, analyse digital-visual artefacts, and produce visualizations.
How to identify suitable ways for the hydrothermal treatment of wet bio-waste? A critical review and methods proposal
Authors: Reißmann Daniel , Thrän Daniela , Bezama Alberto
Published: July 2018

A considerable amount of wet biogenic residues and waste has no resource-efficient use in several European countries yet. Hydrothermal processes (HTP) seem to be promising for treating such biomass as they best work with substrates with 70% to 90% water content. However, thus far the suitability of HTP for this purpose has not been sufficiently evaluated, for which this work aims to identify suitable multi-criteria analysis (MCA) methods that can be used to identify promising ways for the hydrothermal treatment of wet bio-waste. A review on 31 recent MCA studies in bio-waste management was conducted with the aim of comparing them to methodological requirements for evaluating HTP. Furthermore, an MCA approach for HTP based on the review findings is proposed. Results show that no observed MCA method is directly transferable for assessing HTP, for which a customized approach combining the analytical hierarchy process and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solutions is proposed and preliminarily validated with literature data. These preliminary calculations indicate that hydrothermal gasification seems most promising under consideration of multiple criteria using the available average and exemplary data. However, needless to say there is still a long way to go to obtain the sufficient adequate data to validate and use the model appropriately, for which further studies are necessary to acquire more reliable data and to assess also future technology developments of HTP.
Identification of initial settlement of municipal solid waste layers in Indonesian landfill
Authors: Hadinata Febrian , Damanhuri Enri , Rahardyan Benno , Widyarsana I Made Wahyu
Published: July 2018

This study presents the measurement of municipal solid waste (MSW) compressibility and subsequent development of a landfill settlement estimation model incorporating a correction factor accounting for initial settlement prior to the addition of pressure/municipal solid waste layers. Three layers of municipal solid waste obtained from a temporary waste station in Bandung, Indonesia, were placed in each of three different lysimeters/treatments (MSWorganic, layer height 35 cm; MSWmixed-1, layer height 70 cm; and MSWmixed-2, layer height 35 cm), with a time lag of sample layer input of 2 days. Tests were then undertaken based on the ASTM D2435 test standard – Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils – revealing large immediate and secondary compression ratio values reflecting the high moisture and organic matter content of the analysed municipal solid waste. From the test results, it was also detected that the initial settlement of the analysed municipal solid waste was considerable even before the addition of pressure/further layers, ranging from 10% to 17%. Thus, a modification was made to the classical Sowers settlement estimation model in the form of a correction factor representing the initial settlement occurring prior to the addition of the municipal solid waste layers. This modification resulted in a decrease in the difference between estimated and actual settlement values, from 17% to 24% based on the Sowers equation model to below 5% using the proposed modified settlement model.
Gendered Emotional Support and Women’s Well-Being in a Low-Income Urban African Setting
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Clark Shelley , Hara Yuko
Published: July 2018

In most contexts, emotional support is crucial for the well-being of low-income single women and their children. Support from women may be especially important for single mothers because of precarious ties to their children’s fathers, the prevalence of extended matrifocal living arrangements, and gendered norms that place men as providers of financial rather than emotional support. However, in contexts marked by economic insecurity, spatial dispersion of families, and changing gender norms and kinship obligations, such an expectation may be problematic. Applying theories of emotional capital and family bargaining processes, we address three questions: What is the gender composition of emotional support that single mothers receive? How does gender composition change over time? Does the gender composition of emotional support affect the self-reported stress of single mothers? Drawing on data from a unique data set on 462 low-income single mothers and their kin from Nairobi, Kenya, we uncover three key findings. One, whereas the bulk of strong emotional support comes from female kin, about 20 percent of respondents report having male-dominant support networks. Two, nearly 30 percent of respondents report change favoring men in the composition of their emotional support over six months. Three, having a male-dominant emotional support network is associated with lower stress. These results challenge what is commonly taken for granted about gender norms and kinship obligations in non-Western contexts.
The Determinants of Informal, Formal, and Mixed In-Home Care in the Canadian Context
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Penning Margaret
Published: July 2018

Objective: This study employed the behavioral model of service utilization to assess the impact of social support and other predisposing, enabling, and health need factors on the receipt of informal, formal, and/or combination of both types of in-home care. Method: The study utilized data from the 2008-2009 Canadian Community Health Survey and focused on individuals aged 45 and older with one or more functional limitations ( N = 5,898). Results: A broad array of predisposing and enabling factors influenced the receipt of care both directly and indirectly through health-related needs for care. Different types of support were influential including affectionate support, positive social interaction, and tangible assistance. Discussion: Findings support the utility of the behavioral model of service utilization to examine the determinants of in-home care arrangements. Findings also point to the need to broaden our focus on the importance of support networks beyond their direct involvement in the provision of care itself.
Developing a new energy performance indicator for the spindle system based on power flow analysis
Authors: Shang Zhendong , Gao Dong , Jiang Zhipeng , Lu Yong
Published: July 2018

The evaluation of the energy performance of spindle systems with a proper metric is extremely important for energy-efficient machine tools. However, there is a lack of appropriate index to achieve this evaluation. To close this gap, the additional power requirement, which is defined as the discrepancy between the material removal power and the power gap of the spindle system from air-cutting state to cutting state, was proposed as a new indicator based on a detailed power flow analysis. The additional power requirement universally exists in machining and results from the efficiency and power losses of the system, which makes it a good energy performance indicator candidate. A theoretical model for the additional power requirement of spindle systems was built and verified in a lathe machine, through which two causes of additional power requirement were pointed: less than 100% efficiency throughout the system and efficiency change of the spindle motor under a dynamic load and a variable speed. The first cause has a positive effect on the additional power requirement, whereas the second one generally plays a negative role. Furthermore, the additional power requirement can be negative because of the negative effect, which is different from previous studies. The close relation between the additional power requirement and the energy performance of the spindle is demonstrated by an in-depth analysis. This work is an important building block for energy-efficient machine tools.
The Effects of Language Use on Time Perspectives in Multilingual Morocco
Authors: Unger Alexander , Gassemi Karim , Papastamatelou Julie
Published: July 2018

In the current study, we tested the effects of language on time perspective orientation in a Moroccan student sample. Four explanation, mechanisms have been considered: first, the priming of different contents by the use of different languages; second, the influence of the use of different languages on the social identity; third, the altering of memory capacity fostered by the use of a foreign language; and fourth, the enhanced psychological distance when using a foreign language. We used a language manipulation in a sample of Moroccan students ( n = 133) with respect to the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). The results show that the language manipulation can lead to differences with respect to the scoring on the ZTPI. The suggested mechanisms have different significance on the measurement of the five time perspectives: an altered psychological distance can account for observed differences in the two past-related dimensions—Past Positive and Past Negative—and for Present Hedonism, whereas for Present Fatalism and Future, either language priming effects or altered social identity may explain the observed differences better. The results of the current study also show in general that psychological measurement in Morocco is a more complex procedure than in linguistically homogenous countries.
Global Citizenship and Higher Education: A Scoping Review of the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Horey Dell , Fortune Tracy , Nicolacopoulos Toula , Kashima Emiko , Mathisen Bernice
Published: July 2018

Student attainment of capabilities associated with global citizenship remains a priority for higher education institutions. We report on a scoping review of empirical studies to explore how global citizenship is understood and enacted in higher education. The 29 included studies span the arts, psychology and social sciences, professional degrees, purpose-designed global citizenship courses, and community development, service, and educational travel programs. Notwithstanding considerable diversity in study aims, methodology, and how global citizenship was described, we were able to discern an overarching framework to describe the theoretical contributions to global citizenship education. Our findings contribute to building conceptual clarity both for educators charged with developing curricula and for higher education researchers seeking to explore and evaluate the outcomes of global citizenship education.
Effect of chemical clarification of oral fluids on the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus IgG
Authors: Henao-Díaz Yuly A. , Giménez-Lirola Luis , Poonsuk Korakrit , Cheng Ting-Yu , Wang Chong , Ji Ju , Baum David H. , Main Rodger G. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2018

Routine collection and testing of oral fluid (OF) samples facilitates porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) surveillance in commercial swine herds in a cost-effective, welfare-friendly fashion. However, OFs often contain environmental contaminants that may affect liquid handling and test performance. Traditional processing methods (e.g., filtration or centrifugation) are not compatible with high-throughput testing because of the burden of additional processing costs and time. OF “clarification” using chemical flocculants is an alternative approach not widely explored. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of chitosan-based clarification treatment on a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Serum and individual OFs were collected from vaccinated pigs ( n = 17) at −7 to 42 d post-vaccination and subdivided into 4 aliquots. Each aliquot was clarified (treatment A, B, C), with the 4th aliquot serving as untreated control. All samples were tested by PRRSV OF ELISA immediately after treatment and then were held at 4°C to be re-tested at 2, 4, 6, and 14 d post-treatment. Quantitative and qualitative treatment effects were evaluated. A Kruskal–Wallis test found no significant difference in ELISA S/P responses among treatments by days post-treatment. No difference was detected in the proportion of positive PRRSV antibody samples among treatments (Cochran Q, p > 0.05). Treatment of swine OFs using chitosan-based formulations did not affect the performance of a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Chitosan (or other flocculants) could improve OF characteristics and could be adapted for use in the field or in high-throughput laboratories.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification of Moraxella bovoculi and Moraxella bovis isolates from cattle
Authors: Robbins Kara , Dickey Aaron M. , Clawson Michael L. , Loy John D.
Published: July 2018

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is an economically significant disease caused by Moraxella bovis. Moraxella bovoculi, although not reported to cause IBK, has been isolated from the eyes of cattle diagnosed with IBK. Identification of M. bovis and M. bovoculi can be performed using biochemical or DNA-based approaches, both of which may be time consuming and inconsistent between laboratories. We conducted a comparative evaluation of M. bovoculi and M. bovis identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with a database provided by Bruker Daltonics (termed the BDAL database), the BDAL database supplemented with spectra generated in our study (termed the UNLVDC database), and with PCR–restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) typing. M. bovoculi ( n = 250) and M. bovis ( n = 18) isolates from cattle with or without IBK were used. MALDI-TOF MS using the UNLVDC database correctly identified 250 of 250 (100%) of M. bovoculi and 17 of 18 (94%) of M. bovis isolates. With the BDAL database, MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 249 of 250 (99%) of M. bovoculi and 7 of 18 (39%) of M. bovis isolates. In comparison, the PCR-RFLP test correctly identified 210 of 250 (84%) of M. bovoculi and 12 of 18 (66%) of M. bovis isolates. Thus, MALDI-TOF MS with the UNLVDC database was the most effective identification methodology for M. bovis and M. bovoculi isolates from cattle.
Life prediction approach based on the isothermal fatigue and creep damage under multiaxial thermo-mechanical loading
Authors: Ren Yan-Ping , Shang De-Guang , Li Fang-Dai , Li Dao-Hang , Tao Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Cheng-Cheng
Published: July 2018

Based on the isothermal fatigue and creep damage, a life prediction approach under multiaxial thermo-mechanical loading was proposed in this investigation. In the proposed method, the multiaxial thermo-mechanical fatigue damage during one cycle period was divided into the isothermal fatigue damage and the creep damage. In order to evaluate conservatively, the isothermal fatigue damage during one cycle period was calculated by using multiaxial fatigue damage model at the maximum temperature during the whole period, and the creep damage during one cycle period was calculated by accumulating the creep damage of all portions originated from the divided time history for the axial load component and temperature history. The life prediction results by the proposed model showed a good agreement with experimental data for nickel-base alloy GH4169 and cobalt-base Haynes188 under axial-torsional thermo-mechanical loading.
Bladder Cancer in Lebanon
Authors: Lakkis Najla A. , Adib Salim M. , Hamadeh Ghassan N. , El-Jarrah Rana T. , Osman Mona H.
Published: July 2018

Lebanon has one of the highest estimated age-standardized incidence rate (ASR(w)) of bladder cancer (BC) worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence rates for BC in Lebanon over a period of 7 years and to compare them to the rates in other countries. Data were obtained from the Lebanese National Cancer Registry for the currently available years 2005 to 2011. The calculated ASR(w) and age-specific rates were expressed as per 100 000 population. From 2005 to 2011, BC has been ranked as the third most common cancer in Lebanon. It accounted for 9.0% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer. It ranked second in males and ninth in females. The average ASR(w) over this period was 31.2 in men and 7.3 in women. These incidence rates are among the highest worldwide across all age groups in both sexes. This study shows that the incidence of BC in Lebanon is high and it is among the highest worldwide. It is important to reduce the risk of BC through tobacco control and by decreasing exposure to avoidable environmental and occupational risk factors.
A fretting finite element investigation of a plane-strain cylindrical contact of Inconel 617/Incoloy 800H at room and high temperatures
Authors: Yang Huaidong , Green Itzhak
Published: July 2018

This work presents a finite element study of a 2D plane strain fretting model of a half-cylinder in contact with a flat block under oscillatory tangential loading. The two bodies are deformable and are set to Inconel 617 and Incoloy 800H at room temperature (20 ℃) and 800 ℃. However, because the results are normalized, they can characterize a range of contact scales (micro to macro). Different coefficients of friction are used at the interface. This work finds that the edges of the contacting areas experience large von Mises stresses along with significant residual plastic strains, while pileup could also appear when the coefficients of friction are sufficiently large. In addition, junction growth is investigated, showing that the direction of the growth is in the same direction of the tangential force that the weaker material (Incoloy alloy 800H) experiences. The fretting loop (caused by the tangential force during the fretting motion) for the initial few cycles of loading is generated, and it compares well with the reported experimental results. The different extents of damage at room temperature and 800 ℃ are also compared.
Patient and family engagement in incident investigations: exploring hospital manager and incident investigators’ experiences and challenges
Authors: Kok Josje , Leistikow Ian , Bal Roland
Published: July 2018

Objective

There is growing recognition among health care providers and policy makers that when things go wrong, the patient or their families should be heard and participate in the incident investigation process. This paper explores how Dutch hospitals organize patient or family engagement in incident investigations, maps out incident investigators’ experiences of involving patients or their families in incident investigations and identifies the challenges encountered.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and incident investigators in 13 Dutch hospitals. Study participants (n = 18) were asked about the incident investigation routines and their experiences of involving affected patients or family members. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Our findings reveal that patient or family involvement in incident investigations is typically organized as a one-time interview event. Interviews with patients or their families were considered to be valuable and important in their own right and seen as a way to do justice to the individual needs of the patient or their family. Yet, the usefulness and validity of the patient or family perspective for incident investigations was often seen to be limited, with the professional perspective afforded more weight. This was particularly the case when the patient or their family were unable to provide verifiable details of the incident under investigation. Study participants described challenges when involving patients or family members, including in relation to the available timeframe for incident investigations, legal issues, managing trust and working with intense emotions.

Conclusions

We propose that by placing patient and family criteria of significance at the centre of incident investigations (i.e. an ‘emic’ research approach), hospitals may be able to expand their learning potential and improve patient-centeredness following an incident.
One of us? How leaders can use subtle identity performances to build trust among ingroups and outgroups
Authors: Jones Benjamin R. , Wiley Shaun , LoPilato Alexander C. , Dahling Jason J.
Published: July 2018

Leaders often face the dilemma of earning trust among different subgroups. How can leaders “reach across the aisle” to build trust among outgroup members without alienating their own ingroup in the process? We suggest one solution is for leaders to couple their efforts to appeal to the outgroup with subtle identity performances, behavioral cues that ingroup members understand as prototypical, but that are effectively invisible to outgroup members who are not familiar with ingroup symbols and norms. We conducted an experiment in which we manipulated the leader’s group membership (ingroup or outgroup) and favoritism (ingroup favoritism, outgroup favoritism, or outgroup favoritism with a subtle identity performance). Results show that leaders can maximize their perceived prototypicality, fairness, and trust among the ingroup and outgroup if outgroup favoritism is coupled with a subtle identity performance for the ingroup.
Strength determination for band-loaded thin cylinders
Authors: Doerich Cornelia , Vilnay Margi , Rotter J Michael
Published: July 2018

Cylindrical shells are often subjected to local inward loads normal to the shell that arise over restricted zones. A simple axisymmetric example is that of the ring-loaded cylinder, in which an inward line load around the circumference causes either plasticity or buckling. The ring-loaded cylinder problem is highly relevant to shell junctions in silos, tanks and similar assemblies of shell segments. The band load is similar to the ring load in which a band of inward axisymmetric pressure is applied over a finite height. When the height is very small, the situation approaches the ring-loaded case, and when the height is very large, it approaches the uniformly pressurised case. This article first thoroughly explores the two limiting cases of plastic collapse and linear bifurcation buckling, which must both be fully defined before a complete description of the nonlinear and imperfection-sensitive strengths of such shells can be described within the framework of the European standard for shells (EN 1993-1-6). Finally, the application of the reference resistance design (RRD) over the complete range of geometries for the perfect structure is shown using the outcome of the limiting cases.
Co-research with people living with dementia for change
Authors: Mann Jim , Hung Lillian
Published: July 2018

Research about patients with dementia in the context of acute care has been traditionally designed and carried out by researchers with little or no involvement of people with dementia. Moving away from the traditional way of conducting research on people with dementia, this study involved people with dementia as experts of lived experiences to co-develop knowledge for change. The paper presents our shared experiences (a person with dementia and a researcher) gained from an action research, titled Co-creating Person-Centred Care in Acute Care. We highlight our successes and possibilities for making real impacts on hospital care for patients with dementia by using an appreciative inquiry approach. The project was informed by the core principles of appreciative inquiry. The research involved seven patients with dementia together with a team of 50 interdisciplinary staff to inquire and take actions for improving dementia care in a medical unit. This article draws attention to a range of ethical responsibilities and challenges, which go beyond the traditional principles in University Research Ethics. The strengths and challenges of conducting action research with people living with dementia are discussed. We conclude by offering our learnings and practical tips to encourage more collaboration between researchers and people with dementia in undertaking action research to make social change.
Acupuncture for Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Not Just for Pain
Authors: Zhi W. Iris , Ingram Evan , Li Susan Qing , Chen Patricia , Piulson Lauren , Bao Ting
Published: July 2018

Background: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect. Our pilot study demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and can decrease total neuropathic symptoms. However, there is lack of knowledge in which individual BIPN symptoms benefited from acupuncture. Purpose: To characterize individual symptoms reduced by acupuncture in patients with BIPN. Methods: Patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib who developed BIPN grade 2 or above, based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE), were enrolled and received 10 acupuncture treatments over 10 weeks. Self-reported BIPN-associated symptoms assessments were collected weekly at baseline, during, and after acupuncture treatment using the Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) questionnaires. Changes in individual symptoms were analyzed based on FACT/GOG-Ntx and NPS scores. Results: There were statistically significant reductions in individual symptoms in both NPS and FACT/GOG-Ntx. The FACT/GOG-Ntx reductions were most pronounced in hand/feet numbness/tingling, discomfort, and trouble walking. The sensory symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, especially in the feet, reduced the most ( P < .0001), and motor dysfunction also reduced significantly ( P = .0001). Both hearing and dysfunction scores were also statistically significantly increased, indicating improved symptoms. The NPS scores showed significant symptom relief in all 10 items from the NPS assessment, particularly in cold sensitivity and an unpleasant feeling. Conclusions: Acupuncture can improve multiple symptoms associated with BIPN, particularly numbness and tingling in hands and feet, cold sensitivity, and an unpleasant feeling. Further randomized control trials are warranted to confirm our findings.
Negotiation model and tactics of manufacturing enterprise supply chain based on multi-agent
Authors: Yang Changhui , Yang Ruixia , Xu Tingting , Li Yinxia
Published: July 2018

The negotiation between agent and multi-agent is an important method for solving the conflict and realizing the cooperation in the multi-agent system of manufacturing enterprise supply chain. In this article, we will take manufacturing enterprise supply chain as the research object, analyze negotiation process of multi-agent, study the negotiating model and tactics as well as the steps, and then an illustration is discussed for validating the negotiation model. The research can provide theoretical and operational methods for manufacturing enterprise supply chain management, is helpful to coordinate and control the manufacturing enterprise supply chain, and realize the efficient, flexible, and quick operation of manufacturing enterprise supply chain.
How do Australian coaches train fast bowlers? A survey on physical conditioning and workload management practices for training fast bowlers
Authors: Soomro Najeebullah , Hackett Daniel , Freeston Jonathan , Blanch Peter , Kountouris Alex , Dipnall Joanna , Lyle David , Sanders Ross
Published: July 2018

Fast bowlers have the highest injury rates in cricket; therefore, reducing these injuries is a priority for coaches and the support staff. Improving physical conditioning and monitoring bowling workload are primary preventative strategies to reduce overuse injuries. The objective of this study was to investigate practices of cricket coaches in Australia on (1) strength and conditioning and (2) bowling workload management of junior and non-elite fast bowlers. A web-based survey was sent to 548 male Level Two cricket coaches registered with Cricket New South Wales, Australia. One hundred and seventy (31%) coaches responded to the survey. A majority (70%) of the coaches were working with cricketers under the age of 19 years. Only 39 (23%) engaged fast bowlers in resistance training exercises. Coaches under the age of 40 years were more likely to prescribe resistance training (χ2 = 5.77, df = 1, p = 0.016) than coaches over the age of 40. Lower back, abdominal and gluteal muscles were the most commonly targeted muscle groups. Sit-ups, core work and squats were the most common exercises prescribed. Most (92%) coaches were aware of current national fast bowling workload recommendations. However, only 18 (13%) coaches prescribed the currently recommended workloads. The results indicate that coaches training junior and sub-elite cricketers need more awareness on of the importance of engaging fast bowlers in resistance training and monitoring bowling workloads. Understanding current training practices of coaches can assist in the development of injury prevention programmes for junior fast bowlers and educational programmes for coaches.
Use of cold-atmospheric plasma in oncology: a concise systematic review
Authors: Dubuc Antoine , Monsarrat Paul , Virard François , Merbahi Nofel , Sarrette Jean-Philippe , Laurencin-Dalicieux Sara , Cousty Sarah
Published: July 2018

Background:

Cold-atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionized gas produced at an atmospheric pressure. The aim of this systematic review is to map the use of CAP in oncology and the implemented methodologies (cell targets, physical parameters, direct or indirect therapies).

Methods:

PubMed, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Google Scholar were explored until 31 December 2017 for studies regarding the use of plasma treatment in oncology ( in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials).

Results:

190 original articles were included. Plasma jets are the most-used production systems (72.1%). Helium alone was the most-used gas (35.8%), followed by air (26.3%) and argon (22.1%). Studies were mostly in vitro (94.7%) and concerned direct plasma treatments (84.2%). The most targeted cancer cell lines are human cell lines (87.4%), in particular, in brain cancer (16.3%).

Conclusions:

This study highlights the multiplicity of means of production and clinical applications of the CAP in oncology. While some devices may be used directly at the bedside, others open the way for the development of new pharmaceutical products that could be generated at an industrial scale. However, its clinical use strongly needs the development of standardized reliable protocols, to determine the more efficient type of plasma for each type of cancer, and its combination with conventional treatments.
Perceived Usefulness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices at the Workplace: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Scharf Jessica , Nguyen Xuan Quynh , Vu-Eickmann Patricia , Krichbaum Michael , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: July 2018

Background:

Previous research suggests that psychosocial working conditions may detrimentally affect diabetes self-management behavior at work, including self-monitoring of glucose levels. We aimed to better understand the potential usefulness of continuous glucose monitoring devices at the workplace according to employees with diabetes.

Methods:

We carried out secondary analyses of data from a qualitative study, which sought to explore potential barriers to and solutions for effective diabetes self-management at work. Interviews were carried out in face-to-face contact or by telephone and were transcribed and content-analyzed using MaxQDA. The used topic guide did not specifically inquire after continuous glucose monitoring devices, but views on the suitability of those devices at the workplace repeatedly emerged from the interviews. Data from 25 employed adults with diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 on insulin therapy were included.

Results:

The major perceived improvements associated with the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices pertained to their time-saving application that allowed for an increased frequency of glucose level assessments and for socially covert glucose measurement. The socially less noticeable way of monitoring glucose level was specifically perceived as beneficial, as employees with diabetes believed their illness would thereby attract less attention. Fewer or shorter interruptions as well as the reliability of integrated alarm systems were perceived to increase concentration at work and workability.

Conclusions:

Continuous glucose monitoring devices were perceived to facilitate glucose management at the workplace, which may exert positive effects on compliance as well as functioning at work. Further research would be of interest to statistically confirm our findings in occupational samples.
Testing Whether Adaptation to Use Increases Degrees of Instrumental Knowledge Utilization from Evaluation Reports
Authors: Knudsen Søren Bøllingtoft
Published: July 2018

Instrumental knowledge utilization is the process whereby knowledge influences political decision making. Such processes are complex and, consequently, hard to measure. Nevertheless, knowing what determines degrees of knowledge utilization is a prerequisite for fostering more evidence-based policy making. Numerous factors that contribute to, and co-determine, knowledge utilization are beyond the reach of researchers, but among the factors that researchers can influence, one variable has been presented as being crucial: the degree to which researchers adapt their research to meet the demands of intended knowledge users. In other words, making their research comprehensible, operational, realistic in terms of interventions and implications, and appealing to users. Drawing on the conceptual work of Landry, Amara, and Lamari, this paper develops a new, and more direct, measurement of adaptation. This measurement is subsequently applied in an analysis employing the Degrees of Knowledge Utilization (DoKU) scale and, thus, extending Knudsen’s five-year meta-evaluation related to the Danish pesticide area. Surprisingly, the statistical tests show that degrees of adaptation have no significant influence on degrees of knowledge utilization.
Visual and vestibular functioning, and age and surgery effects on postural control in healthy children with vertical strabismus
Authors: Zanini Sergio , Cordaro Claudia , Martucci Lucia , Del Piero Ivana , Geotti Simonetta , Makuc Marta , Csillaghy Annalisa , Godio Marina , Cazzagon Monica
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To describe visual and vestibular functioning and the effects of age and surgery effects on postural control in healthy children with vertical strabismus.

Design:

This is a comparative case series.

Methods:

We evaluated participants at the Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea during routine clinical activities. We enrolled 30 consecutive children/adolescents (age range 4–13 years) with isolated vertical strabismus, with and without corrective surgery. Participants were split into four subgroups according to age (4–8 years versus 9–13 years) and ocular surgery (surgery versus no surgery). The clinical protocol included ophthalmological, orthoptic, neurological, physiatrical, otolaryngological, and vestibular evaluations, and the instrumental protocol included ocular cyclotorsions assessment, posturography, and vestibular myogenic-evoked potentials. Main outcome measures of the study were the prevalence of study-relevant orthopedic, ocular, vestibular, and posturographic abnormalities.

Results:

Among the overall largely variable findings across patients’ groups, we found some interesting trends: larger binocular vision and convergence disorders in younger children, smaller prevalence of asymmetric vestibular-evoked potentials in operated children, less posturographic abnormalities in younger children. No clear-cut beneficial effect of surgery was found on all clinical and instrumental parameters considered, despite good re-alignment of the eyes.

Conclusion:

The pathophysiology of postural control in vertical strabismus is extremely complex and above the potential of this study design and should be specifically addressed in deeper experimental studies.
Chronic pelvic pain and the role of exploratory laparoscopy as diagnostic and therapeutic tool: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Brichant Géraldine , Denef Marie , Tebache Linda , Poismans Gaëlle , Pinzauti Serena , Dechenne Valérie , Nisolle Michelle
Published: July 2018

Background

Forty percent of exploratory laparoscopies are performed for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). However, a final diagnosis is still unreported in 35% of the patients. We decided to evaluate the identification of pathological lesions and the improvement of painful symptoms in patients with CPP and normal physical examination and imaging and who are scheduled for exploratory laparoscopy. The prospective study was designed in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Forty-eight patients complaining of CPP and scheduled for exploratory laparoscopy were included. Pelvic pain intensity was assessed using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), and at inclusion, negative clinical and imaging assessments were required. During exploratory laparoscopy, the recognized lesions were reported and different surgical treatment options were performed depending on the location of the lesion.

Results

In 98% of the cases, exploratory laparoscopy demonstrated the presence of pelvic anomalies that had not been diagnosed at the time of clinical and imaging examination. After surgery, a significant improvement of CPP has been demonstrated in 24 (59%) patients with VAS < 5 postoperatively.

Conclusions

Exploratory laparoscopy is reasonable in patients complaining of CPP, allowing a final diagnosis in a high percentage of patients and a significant improvement in pain symptom in 59% of the cases. This study was retrospectively registered by our local Ethics Committee on February 7, 2018 (B412201835729).
Sexual rights, mental disorder and intellectual disability: principles and law
Authors: Le Gallez Isabelle , Rix Keith J. B. , Choong Kartina A. , Dewson Helen
Published: July 2018

People with mental disorder and intellectual disability have the same rights to sexual expression as other people, albeit that in some cases a lack of capacity may require curtailment of those rights and regard must be had to protecting the vulnerable. Furthermore, the formation or maintenance of sexual relations, or the attainment of sexual fulfilment, may assist in the maintenance or restoration of mental health or well-being. This article demonstrates how the courts in England and Wales, applying statute law and judicial precedent, are largely supportive of the rights of people with mental disorder or intellectual disability to make decisions about sexual expression, sexual relationships and related matters, notwithstanding some societal and staff attitudes that act to prevent them fulfilling their sexual needs and making decisions about sexual and reproductive matters.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Understand the underlying principles that apply to the exercise of their sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disability

•

Understand some of the obstacles to the exercise of sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disability

•

Understand the statute and case law that apply to the exercise of sexual rights by people with mental disorder or intellectual disability

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
Cultural engagement and cognitive reserve: museum attendance and dementia incidence over a 10-year period
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Steptoe Andrew , Cadar Dorina
Published: July 2018

Theories of cognitive reserve, disuse syndrome and stress have suggested that activities that are mentally engaging, enjoyable and socially interactive could be protective against the development of dementia. Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this study shows that for adults aged 50 and older visiting museums every few months or more was associated with a lower incidence rate of dementia over a 10-year follow-up period compared with less-frequent visiting. This association was independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, health-related variables including sensory impairment, depression, vascular conditions and other forms of community engagement. Visiting museums may be a promising psychosocial activity to support the prevention of dementia.

Declaration of interest

None.
Cholera toxin inhibits SNX27-retromer-mediated delivery of cargo proteins to the plasma membrane
Authors: Singh Varsha , Yang Jianbo , Yin Jianyi , Cole Robert , Tse Ming , Berman Diego E. , Small Scott A. , Petsko Gregory , Donowitz Mark
Published: July 2018

Cholera toxin (CT) causes severe diarrhea by increasing intracellular cAMP leading to a PKA-dependent increase in Cl− secretion through CFTR and decreased Na+ absorption through inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3; also known as SLC9A3). The mechanism(s) by which CT inhibits NHE3 is partially understood, although no drug therapy has been successful at reversing this inhibition. We now describe that CT phosphorylates an amino acid in the PDZ domain of SNX27, which inhibits SNX27-mediated trafficking of NHE3 from the early endosomes to the plasma membrane (PM), and contributes to reduced basal NHE3 activity through a mechanism that involves reduced PM expression and reduced endocytic recycling. Importantly, mutagenesis studies (Ser to Asp) showed that the effect of this phosphorylation of SNX27 phenocopies the effects seen upon loss of SNX27 function, affecting PM trafficking of cargo proteins that bind SNX27–retromer. Additionally, CT destabilizes retromer function by decreasing the amount of core retromer proteins. These effects of CT can be partially rescued by enhancing retromer stability by using ‘pharmacological chaperones’. Moreover, pharmacological chaperones can be used to increase basal and cholera toxin-inhibited NHE3 activity and fluid absorption by intestinal epithelial cells.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.