bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination Dermatological Products: a Comparison of Betamethasone Dipropionate/Clotrimazole/Gentamicin Sulphate and Flumethasone Pivalate/Clioquinol Creams
Authors: Hojyo T.
Published: September 2017

The combination creams, betamethasone dipropionate/clotrimazole/gentamicin sulphate and flumethasone pivalate/clioquinol, were compared in patients with corticosteroid responsive dermatoses and/or cutaneous fungal and/or bacterial infections. Medication was applied to affected areas twice daily for 28 days. Of 67 patients enrolled, 31 treated with betamethasone/clotrimazole/gentamicin and 33 given flumethasone pivalate/clioquinol were evaluated for efficacy and safety each week during therapy and once 14 days post-therapy. Disease signs and symptoms were less severe in the group given betamethasone/clotrimazole/gentamicin than in the comparative group at days 7 (P = 0.04), 21 (P = 0.02), 28 (P = 0.09), and 42 (P = 0.09) and at patients’ last valid visit (P = 0.06). By the last valid visit, signs/symptoms had improved by 82% for patients treated with betamethasone/clotrimazole/gentamicin versus 68% for those treated with flumethasone pivalate/clioquinol. Patients given betamethasone/clotrimazole/gentamicin had statistically significantly better therapeutic responses than those given flumethasone pivalate/clioquinol at day 7 and, by the last valid visit, 19/31 (61%) patients given betamethasone/clotrimazole/gentamicin compared to 15/33 (45%) given flumethasone pivalate/clioquinol had a complete cure or an excellent therapeutic response. Median time of onset of relief of erythema and pruritus was approximately 2 days, regardless of treatment. No adverse reactions were reported.
Chemical and Physico-mechanical Aspects of Biocompatible Orthopaedic Polymer (BOP) in Bone Surgery
Authors: Skondia V. , Davydov A. B. , Belykh S. I. , Heusghem C.
Published: September 2017

The properties of biocompatible orthopaedic polymer developed as an alternative to the metallic materials used in reconstructive bone surgery are discussed. Experiments were conducted to enhance the mechanical characteristics of the polymer by incorporation of various fibres. The result was a super biocompatible orthopaedic polymer which could be a valuable alternative to intramedullary long bone metallic rods, whilst normal biocompatible orthopaedic polymer is currently used for bone filling and reconstructive surgery.
Ticlopidine in the Treatment of Multiple Atherosclerotic Arteriopathy: a Strain Gauge Plethysmography and Döppler Spectrum Analysis Evaluation
Authors: Cospite M. , Ferrara F. , Milio G. , Scrivano V. , Meli F.
Published: September 2017

The effect of ticlopidine was compared with flunarizine in patients with iliac–femoral and / or femoral–popliteal arteriosclerotic arteriopathy accompanied by lesions of the cervical arteries of no haemodynamic significance. In the lower limbs, plethysmography (strain gauge measurements) and Döppler ultrasonography integrated by spectral analysis of the cervical arteries showed qualitative and quantitative improvements of the regional haematic flow. Side-effects were negligible which suggests that ticlopidine is useful in the treatment of multiple arteriosclerotic arteriopathy.
Treatment of Depression
Authors: Payk Th. R.
Published: September 2017

Depressions are the most common psychiatric diseases. For treatment, plant extracts have been used for thousands of years: examples are extracts from the (sleeping) poppy (opium), deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Indian hemp (hashish), henbane (hyoscyamine), thorn apple (scopolamine), and St. John's wort (hypericum oil). In addition, psychotherapeutic measures, like playing music, dancing, playing theatre, and also the temple sleep, were used. In the 19th century, the introduction of brome (1826), codeine (1832), chloral hydrate (1869), and paraldehyde (1882), as well as the barbiturates (at the turn of the century) introduced significant improvements in pharmacotherapy. The modern thymoleptica therapy started in 1957 with the introduction of imipramine. Now about 40 active antidepressants are marketed. New drug developments should be characterized mainly by an improvement in tolerance.
Clinical Investigation of the Antidepressant Effectiveness of Hypericum
Authors: Harrer G. , Schulz V.
Published: September 2017

To date, 25 controlled therapy studies have investigated the antidepressive effectiveness of hypericum extracts. A total of 1592 treatment cases have been included. The dosage was typically 300 to 900 mg total extract daily; therapy duration was 2 to 6 weeks. Fifteen studies were performed comparing hypericum extracts with placebo, 10 studies as comparative studies. This paper presents an overview of their results.
Modulation of Cytokine Expression by Hypericum Extract
Authors: Thiele B. , Brink I. , Ploch M.
Published: September 2017

The effect of hypericum extract LI 160 on the stimulated cytokine expression was investigated in vitro in a whole blood culture system. Blood samples were taken from five healthy volunteers and four depressive patients. The release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-lβ (IL-lβ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured quantitatively after an incubation time of 24 hours on microtiter plates. A massive suppression of the interleukin-6 release was found for PHA-stimulated hypericum extract. Possible relations to the antidepressive effects of hypericum extract are discussed.
Pharmaceutical Quality of Hypericum Extracts
Authors: Wagner H. , Bladt S.
Published: September 2017

Hypericum extracts contain at least ten constituents or groups of components that may contribute to the pharmacological effects. It is not yet possible to correlate the antidepressive mode of action with specific constituents; therefore, the pharmaceutical quality of the extracts was characterized on the basis of typical leading substances and especially the hypericins. For the analysis and improvement of the production procedure, the content of hypericin and pseudohypericin was measured experimentally. The drug material was extracted with different solvents and the yield was analyzed for each kind of solvent, its concentration and extraction temperature. Optimal yields were obtained with 80% methanol at temperatures of 80°C.
Family Management, Family Ownership, and Downsizing: Evidence from S&P 500 Firms
Authors: Block Jörn
Published: September 2017

Little is known about the relationship between family firms and downsizing. This study aims to close this gap. The study distinguishes between family management and family ownership as two distinct dimensions of family firms and analyzes their respective influences on downsizing. The findings suggest that the extent of family ownership decreases the likelihood of deep job cuts, whereas family management has no impact. However, family management is found to moderate the relationship between firm profitability and the likelihood of downsizing. It is suggested that family owners care more about their reputation for social responsibility than do other owners, motivating them to avoid deep job cuts.
Automated visual inspection of multipattern train components using gradient information and feature fusion under the illumination-variant condition
Authors: Nan Guo , Gao Yang
Published: September 2017

The condition of train components needs to be inspected periodically to ensure the quality and safe operation of trains. The brake beam bolt is an important locking part in the main structure of the support and connection components. Any fault in the break beam bolt can lead to serious accidents. With the development of computer vision techniques, automated visual inspection methods have started replacing routine manual checking. This paper presents an automated and hierarchical inspection method for the detection of the condition of the brake beam bolt. Gradient information and basic feature descriptors are fused into a synthesized feature expression for eliminating the influence of the illumination-variant condition. The fused feature is also employed in the identification of the object condition. The results of the experiment show that the feature fusion expression form can effectively solve the problem caused by the illumination-variant scene and condition. The correct rates of localization of joint part and target fault detection have shown high accuracy. It has been concluded that the overall performance of the visual inspection system can meet the practical object safety assurance application.
Changing cost of English HIV service provision 1996–1997
Authors: Beck EJ
Published: September 2017

The objectives of this study were to provide individual and population-based unit cost estimates of HIV treatment and care by stage of HIV infection for adults in England and estimate the financial impact of the use of combination antiretroviral therapy. Individual unit cost estimates were calculated, based on 1997 activity data, and linked to the number of diagnosed HIV-infected individuals using statutory medical services by clinical stage of HIV infection in England during 1997 to obtain population-based cost estimates; these were compared with 1996 estimates. Most clinical guidelines now recommend the use of 3 antiretroviral agents, but cost estimates for mono and dual therapy were included as baseline estimates. Baseline costs for treating AIDS patients with zidovudine (AZT) monotherapy were estimated at £16,830 (95% CI 14,633–18,985) per patient-year which was substantially lower than the 1996 estimate; costs for asymptomatic individuals and people with symptomatic non-AIDS were £4450 (95% CI 3521–5612) and £7289 (95% CI 6169–8386) per respective patient-year which did not differ substantially from 1996. The total annual population cost estimate for HIV service provision amounted to £128 million (95% CI £109m to £147m), if all patients with HIV disease were treated with AZT monotherapy only. For all eligible patients to be treated with 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) (AZT and didanosine (ddI) or zalcitabine (ddC)), cost estimates amounted to £161m (95% CI £141m to £181m), while for triple therapy, annual estimated expenditure amounted to £185m (95% CI £165m to £206m) when a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (nevirapine) was included or £205m (95% CI £186m to £235m) when a protease inhibitor was included. Compared with 1996 population-based cost estimates, the estimates for monotherapy decreased by 14%, by 11% for dual therapy, by 10% for triple therapy which included a NNRTI and by 9% if a protease inhibitor was used as part of a triple therapy regimen. Similarly, compared with 1996 estimates, the proportion of total costs attributable to treating asymptomatic individuals increased by 5% and 2–3% for people with symptomatic non-AIDS, while the proportion attributable for treating people with AIDS decreased by 8–9%.
A randomized trial of interferon-α2a and zidovudine versus bleomycin and zidovudine for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors:   The Swiss HIV Cohort Study*, Opravil M , Hirschel B , Bucher H C , Lüthy R
Published: September 2017

The efficacy and toxicity of interferon-α2a (9MU/d) and bleomycin (15 mg every 2 weeks), each combined with zidovudine (2 × 250 mg/d), was compared in a randomized study in 26 men with progressing AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The median CD4 count was 113/μl. Complete or partial response was achieved in one (8%) of 12 evaluable patients on interferon and in 2 (20%) of 10 patients on bleomycin (P=0.43) during 4.7 and 5.3 months of treatment, respectively. The tolerability was comparable. During extended follow up, survival time was 24 and 13 months in the interferon and bleomycin arm, respectively. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, CD4 lymphocytes <200/μl (relative risk 3.74; 95% CI: 1.30–10.8) and randomization to interferon (relative risk 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15–0.90) were significantly predictive of mortality. New AIDS-related events occurred more frequently in patients who had received bleomycin. The antiviral activity of interferon-α or the chemotherapy-mediated increase in the risk for opportunistic infections may explain these differences.
Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies in an STD clinic in Paris
Authors: Janier M , Lassau F , Bloch J , Spindler E , Morel P , Gérard P , Aufrère A
Published: September 2017

Our objective was to evaluate the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and HSV-1 in a population of men and women attending the STD clinic of Hôpital St-Louis (Paris, France).

Four hundred and eighty-seven patients (264 men and 223 women) were tested for HSV-2 and HSV-1 antibodies by specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Smithkline-Beecham Biologicals). Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out for correlations with clinical, socio-epidemiological and behavioural data. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 55% (44.7% in men, 67.3% in women). HSV-1 seroprevalence was 93% (94.7% in men, 91% in women). The predictive factors of HSV-2 seropositivity being female (OR: 3.37), age (OR: 1.04), country of origin (Central Africa OR: 3.52, North Africa OR: 1.36), history of genital herpes (OR: 10.97), hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers (OR: 1.92) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers (OR: 3.96). The only protective factor was HSV-1 seropositivity (OR: 0.25). The predictive factors of HSV-1 seropositivity were only the country of origin (Central Africa OR: 2.95, North Africa OR: 1.83) and the absence of genital herpes (OR: 11.01). Only 23 (8.6%) HSV-2 seropositive patients had a history of genital herpes.

This study underlines the very high HSV-2 seroprevalence of patients with STDs, only a few of whom have a history of genital herpes. Detection and counselling is urgently needed for these patients.
The Assessment of Parenting in Child Protection Cases
Authors: Barber James G. , Delfabbro Paul
Published: September 2017

This article reports on the development of a procedure for standardized assessment ofparenting within statutory child protection agencies. The instruments were trialed on 64 children and adolescents under the supervision of the New Zealand Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Services (CYPFS) and results were compared with normative samples from Canada and Australia. Results revealed that CYPFS cases displayed poorerfunctioning and receivedfewer positive parenting practices than the normative populations. Eight of the CYPFS children were also subjected to severe or very severe abuse in the 1-month study period General population norms were then used to construct a taxonomy of CYPFS cases according to the dimensions ofnurtur-ance and abuslveness. Using this schema, it was found that 29 of the CYPFS cases could be classified as “nonabusive + nurturant” and had therefore reached criteria for case closure. Limitations of the research and implications for practice are discussed.
Profile-Based Intervention: Developing Gender-Sensitive Treatment for Adolescent Substance Abusers
Authors: Ellis Rodney A. , O'hare Maggi , Sowers Karen M.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To identify differential treatment profiles between genders among adolescent substance abusers and make treatment recommendations based on those profiles, if identified.

Method

The sample included 137 adolescents in a residential treatment facility. Psychosocial Problems and problem behaviors were examined using a cluster analysis of 23 variables. When differential profiles were identified, the literature was reviewed for treatment implications. Results: Important implications for treatment based on the profiles were identified and discussed.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that treatment for adolescent substance abusers should have different characteristics for each gender. The findings have important implications for micro, policy, and research practitioners.
A Comparison of Using the Internet versus Lectures to Teach Social Work History
Authors: Faux Tamara L. , Black-Hughes Christine
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study's goal was to determine the effectiveness of using the Internet as a primary teaching method.

Method

Introduction to Social Work students in three different class sections were taught social work history using three different teaching methods. One class section was taught using traditional lecture and discussion, a second was taught through a self-directed Internet assignment, and a third was taught using a combination of the Internet assignment and classroom discussion. A pretest and a posttest were administered to each class section to evaluate learning.

Results

Contrary to preresearch expectations, it was found that students stated a preference for teacher contact over Internet instruction and performed better on a posttest when taught through traditional lectures than when taught through the Internet.

Conclusion

Using Internet-only instruction may not be the most effective way to teach students about social work.
Family Treatment of Preschool Behavior Problems
Authors: Corcoran Jacqueline
Published: September 2017

Objective

Behavioral problems in youth pose a serious mental health and social issue with early-onset problems associated with particular risk for continuation across the lifespan. Given these risks, social workers in clinical practice must be knowledgeable about empirically validated treatments in this area.

Method

A literature review was conducted on all family-based interventions with preschool behavior problems to determine the efficacy of various approaches. Using these search criteria, only behaviorally oriented parent-training interventions were located.

Results

Both group and individual parent-training approaches have been found effective over control conditions. When considering cognitive-behavioral adjunctive packages to parent training, more advantages are posed for child rather than parent supplements.

Conclusions

Not only should social workers be using empirically validated approaches but they can also be involved in evaluating other family-based interventions with preschool behavior problems.
Teaching Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health
Authors: Bilsker Dan , Goldner Elliot M.
Published: September 2017

This article is reprinted from the journal Evidence-Based Mental Health. It presents the core virtues of the evidence-based paradigm (questioning of unfounded beliefs, rigorous scrutiny of methodology, critical appraisal of proposed treatments), and the authors’ experiences in teaching evidence-based practice to psychiatric residents. The aim of such training is to produce informed consumers of evidence, not researchers or methodologists. The lessons learned in psychiatric training have obvious applications to social work education.
Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Psychological Sequelae of Bloody Sunday and the Response of State Services
Authors: Hayes Patrick , Campbell Jim
Published: September 2017

Objective

This article describes the political context of health and social care services in Northern Ireland at a time of intense social conflict.

Method

Concepts from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other relevant international psychological literature are then used to study the experience of the Bloody Sunday families, victims of a traumatic event that happened in Derry in January 1972.

Results

High levels of psychological morbidity within this population are reported, alongside some evidence that families had not received services that may have helped resolve the trauma.

Conclusions

The authors noted that new services planned as a result of the current peace process may offer social workers and other professionals new ways to address the unmet needs of people traumatized by the Troubles.
Outline for the Development of a Screening Procedure for Children who Have Been Sexually Abused
Authors: McGlinchey Attracta , Keenan Mickey , Dillenburger Karola
Published: September 2017

Objective

Child sex abuse has become an increasingly well-researched phenomenon. Issues addressed include preconditions of abuse, short-term and long-term effects on the child, therapeutic interventions to help overcome the effects of abuse, and treatment of perpetrators. However, lack of reliable and nonintrusive detection and disclosure techniques remains a main obstacle for obtaining exact data regarding prevalence of child sex abuse, initiating effective treatment of the child, and ensuring adequate sentencing of the perpetrator.

Method

This article outlines the potential for a reliable and nonintrusive screening procedure based on the stimulus equivalence paradigm.

Results

The main issue addressed in three experiments was how current stimulus equivalence procedures may be refined to identify specific social experiences.
Freeing for Adoption in Northern Ireland: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Kelly Greg , Ince Emma
Published: September 2017

The freeing order is a United Kingdom procedure that enables the court to vest parental rights in an adoption agency. This permits the placement of the child for adoption, with legal security, in advance of the adoption order.

Objective

To review the operation of the freeing order procedure in Northern Ireland.

Method

A study of social workers’ reports in the first 50 freeing cases of one Health and Social Services Board.

Results

The procedure is used infrequently. The process is fraught with delays resulting in very young children waiting long periods in temporary foster homes before moving to their adoptive placements. The children's mothers were from troubled backgrounds; more than a third had other children in public care or adopted. Neglect was the most common form of parenting failure.

Conclusions

The current legislation and procedures do not facilitate the movement of children from long-term public care to adoption.
Interfacial delamination in glass-fiber/polymer-foam-core sandwich composites using singlemode–multimode–singlemode optical fiber sensors: Identification based on experimental investigation
Authors: Mitra Nilanjan , Patra Alak K. , Singh Satya P , Mondal Shyamal , Datta Prasanta K , Varshney Shailendra K
Published: September 2017

Identification of interfacial delamination in the glass fiber/polymer-foam-core sandwich composites is difficult if the delamination does not propagate to the side surface of the specimen. However, these damages may eventually lead to compromising the sandwich composite structural component. A cost-effective novel embedded fiber optic sensor is being proposed in this manuscript, which works on the principle of multimode interference, to perform distributed sensing of interfacial delamination within the sandwich composites while in service. Even though this easy to use methodology has been used to identify interfacial delamination, this methodology can also be used for different other types of interfacial/interlaminar distributed strain sensing of samples under mechanical as well as thermal loads.
Looking at the bigger picture: Young men’s sexual health from a psychological perspective
Authors: Tutino Jessica S , Shaughnessy Krystelle , Ouimet Allison J
Published: September 2017

Researchers have seldom compared how various psychological factors relate to men’s sexual health. We sought to identify whether and how psychological risk factors (i.e. anxiety sensitivity, emotion regulation, psychological distress) predict men’s sexual health (i.e. functioning, sexual quality of life, frequency of sexual activity). Men ( N = 306) completed an online survey measuring emotional, psychological, and sexual outcomes. Comparisons of four path analysis models suggested that psychological risk factors are related to some but not all sexual health markers. We will highlight the factors that may place young men at risk for developing mental and sexual health difficulties.
Intermediaries, vulnerable people and the quality of evidence
Authors: Cooper Penny , Mattison Michelle
Published: September 2017

Since 2004, witness intermediaries have been utilised across the justice system in England and Wales. Two witness intermediary schemes based on the English model have also been introduced in Northern Ireland (2013), and more recently, in New South Wales, Australia (2016). The purpose of the intermediary in these jurisdictions is to facilitate the questioning of vulnerable witnesses, but there are clear differences in the application of the role. This paper presents the first comparative review of the three related intermediary models, and highlights the pressing need for further research into the efficacy and development of the role in practice.
Numerical simulation of wave conditions in nearshore island area for sea-crossing bridge using spectral wave model
Authors: Ti Zilong , Wei Kai , Qin Shunquan , Li Yongle , Mei Dapeng
Published: September 2017

The assessment of wave conditions is a primary task for the design, construction, and structural analysis of sea-crossing bridge. This article presents a numerical simulation and a field measurement to study the wave conditions in the nearshore island area for sea-crossing bridges. Pingtan Strait sea-crossing bridge site was selected as an example of nearshore island area. A 3-day high-energy wave event was measured and simulated using spectral wave model. The parameters of the numerical model were calibrated through the comparison with the field measured wave data. The spatial pattern of wave conditions along the bridge and the wave-breaking zone were analyzed based on the calibrated model. The analytical procedures suggested in the Chinese Code for nearshore wave prediction were finally testified through the comparison with numerical results. The research showed that (1) spectral wave model predicts the wave conditions in bridge site reasonably; (2) seabed terrain and islands significantly influence wave conditions, wave spatial pattern, and breaking wave zones; and (3) analytical wave simulation procedure recommended in the Code is not suitable to island area for sea-crossing bridge. This research allows a better understanding of wave conditions for sea-crossing bridge site and could provide useful reference for engineering practice.
Disability and haptic mobile media
Authors: Goggin Gerard
Published: September 2017

This article examines haptic media from the standpoint of disability media studies. Its central case study is the smartphone moment, in which mobile communication emerges as a mass haptic media form. The smartphone as a form of haptic media engages dynamics of disability, including touch, vibration and proprioception. In particular, vibration is an important contribution of the smartphone to haptic media. Overall, the article argues that we need to understand the socio-technical dynamics of disability, and its complex relationships with senses and technology, in order to understand the histories that constitute current media – as well as to imagine future haptic mobile media.
On haptic media and the possibilities of a more inclusive interactivity
Authors: Paterson Mark
Published: September 2017

What is the relationship between the ‘haptic’ and the ‘tactile’ when it comes to media? We might question whether there is such a thing as ‘haptic media’; in other words, is there a type of media that invite the attention of one modality rather than another, or that foster certain types of interaction over others? If we were to speak about ‘haptic media’, to what extent does it engage directly (only) with touch, and to what extent does it involve some form of enhancement of another modality? In what ways can haptic media appeal beyond the visuocentric norm of the screen, and therefore to non-normate or disabled users? Further, to what extent does the haptic in particular benefit from ‘sensory substitution’, which is most usually of touch for vision in assisted living technologies for the blind, or of sound for touch for the deaf, for example? Certain historical instances of sensory substitution systems are discussed below, including Norbert Wiener’s ‘hearing glove’ and Bach-Y-Rita’s tactile–visual sensory substitution (TVSS) system, to make a larger argument about the role of haptic technologies, and haptic media, for more inclusive digital interactions.
Three models of transparency in ethnographic research: Naming places, naming people, and sharing data
Authors: Reyes Victoria
Published: September 2017

Ethnographic research consists of multiple methodological approaches, including short- and/or long-term participant observation, interviews, photographs, videos, and group field work, to name a few. Yet, it is commonly practiced as a solitary endeavor and primary data is not often subject to scholarly scrutiny. In this paper, I suggest a model in which to understand the different ways in which ethnographies can be transparent – naming places, naming people, and sharing data – and the varied decisions ethnographers have made with regard to them: whether to name a region, city or specific neighborhood, name primary participants or public officials, and to share interview guides, transcripts, or different kinds of field notes. In doing so, this paper highlights how decisions regarding transparency are part of an ethnographer’s methodological toolkit, and should be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the who, what, where, when and why of our research.
Neural Processing of Musical and Vocal Emotions Through Cochlear Implants Simulation
Authors: Ahmed Duha G. , Paquette Sebastian , Zeitouni Anthony , Lehmann Alexandre
Published: September 2017

Cochlear implants (CIs) partially restore the sense of hearing in the deaf. However, the ability to recognize emotions in speech and music is reduced due to the implant’s electrical signal limitations and the patient’s altered neural pathways. Electrophysiological correlations of these limitations are not yet well established. Here we aimed to characterize the effect of CIs on auditory emotion processing and, for the first time, directly compare vocal and musical emotion processing through a CI-simulator. We recorded 16 normal hearing participants’ electroencephalographic activity while listening to vocal and musical emotional bursts in their original form and in a degraded (CI-simulated) condition. We found prolonged P50 latency and reduced N100-P200 complex amplitude in the CI-simulated condition. This points to a limitation in encoding sound signals processed through CI simulation. When comparing the processing of vocal and musical bursts, we found a delay in latency with the musical bursts compared to the vocal bursts in both conditions (original and CI-simulated). This suggests that despite the cochlear implants’ limitations, the auditory cortex can distinguish between vocal and musical stimuli. In addition, it adds to the literature supporting the complexity of musical emotion. Replicating this study with actual CI users might lead to characterizing emotional processing in CI users and could ultimately help develop optimal rehabilitation programs or device processing strategies to improve CI users’ quality of life.
Navien catheter experience in neuroendovascular interventions
Authors: Jindal Gaurav , Giacon Luciano , Iyoha Moronke , Miller Timothy , Aldrich Francois , Simard Marc , Shivashankar Ravishankar , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Advancements in catheter technology have allowed for greater flexibility and trackability. We report 265 consecutive, single-center neurointerventional cases using the Navien guide catheter.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive intracranial endovascular procedures utilizing the Navien catheter. Data collected included procedure type, catheters, guide catheter position, cervical access artery tortuosity grade and complications.

Results

The 5 French catheter was used in 130 cases. The 6 French catheter was used in 135 cases. Access was via the internal carotid artery in 204, external carotid artery in 10, and vertebral artery in 51 cases. Catheter tip position was in the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery in 36.6% (97/265), distal cervical internal carotid artery in 13.9% (37/265), cavernous internal carotid artery in 10.2% (27/265), proximal or mid cervical internal carotid artery in 5.6% (15/265), supraclinoid internal carotid artery in 0.8% (2/265), and intradural vertebral artery in 0.8% (2/265) of cases. Catheter position was not determined in 18.9% (50/265) of cases. Proximal vessel tortuosity (grade B or C) was present in 98 cases (37%), and the catheter was tracked distal to the tortuosity in 93% (91/98) of these cases. The overall success rate without catheter complication was 97% (258/265). The Navien was replaced by another catheter in 1.9% (5/265) of cases. There was one cervical artery dissection (0.4%) and one severe vasospasm (0.4%) necessitating Navien removal.

Conclusions

The Navien guide catheter provided distal access support for neuroendovascular interventions in nearly all cases, including cases with proximal artery tortuosity, with a low rate of catheter-related complications.
One-year efficacy and safety of the Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Results from the TRULINE study
Authors: Gory Benjamin , Huot Laure , Riva Roberto , Labeyrie Paul E , Levrier Olivier , Lebedinsky Ariel , Brunel Hervé , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Blanc Raphael , Chabert Emmanuel , Derex Laurent , Emery Evelyne , Nicolas Arnaud , Desal Hubert , Rodesch Georges , Turjman Francis
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

No series reported the mid-term results of Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils with independent evaluation. We present the one-year safety and efficacy of these coils in real-life routine clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 167 patients with 167 aneurysms (39.1% ruptured) were enrolled in the prospective TRULINE study. The primary endpoint was the safety, assessed by the combined morbidity-mortality rate observed since the time of the procedure and up to one-year follow-up. For safety, primary analyses were performed on intent-to-treat population (attempted coils procedure) and all adverse events have been reviewed by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board. For efficacy, primary analyses were performed on the per-protocol population (patients treated with more than 70% of Trufill coils and not retreated during the follow-up period) and an independent core laboratory evaluated angiographic results.

Results

At one-year post-procedure, neurologic impairment was observed in 6.5% (95% confidence interval: 3.5–11.8) of the patients, and 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 1.0–6.8) had a permanent neurological deterioration. Three deaths were observed, unrelated to the procedure or coils. At one year, complete occlusion was seen in 52 aneurysms (54.2%), neck remnant in 28 aneurysms (29.2%), and aneurysm remnant in 16 aneurysms (16.7%). During the one-year follow-up, the overall incidence of recurrence was 30.2% with a mean interval of 13.8 ± 4.5 months and the retreatment for major recanalization was needed in nine patients (6.3%).

Conclusions

The TRULINE study confirms that endovascular coiling with Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils is safe and effective.
Gender, narrative and affect: Top-down politics of commemoration in post-genocide Rwanda
Authors: Mannergren Selimovic Johanna
Published: September 2017

This article takes an interest in gendered memory politics and addresses the dearth of research on gender and commemoration in relation to the genocide in Rwanda. It analyses elite-produced gendered narratives at key sites of commemoration and investigates their affective role in constituting the post-genocide Rwandan state. Through a methodological approach of ‘the situated gaze’, three central observations are made. First, women are mourned as a specific category of rape victims and mothers. Second, women’s experiences of sexual violence are at the same time censored and de-individualized. Third, no other experiences, beyond being a victim, are taken into account. The article finds that the top-down affective memory politics circumscribes the role women played during and after the genocide, and restricts their agency within the present state project of ‘national unity and reconciliation’.
PKA/KIN-1 mediates innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Yi , Liu Fang , Zhao Pei-ji , Zou Cheng-Gang , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: September 2017

The genetically tractable organism Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model animal for the study of host innate immunity. Although the intestine and the epidermis of C. elegans that is in contact with pathogens are likely to function as sites for the immune function, recent studies indicate that the nervous system could control innate immunity in C. elegans. In this report, we demonstrated that protein kinase A (PKA)/KIN-1 in the neurons contributes to resistance against Salmonella enterica infection in C. elegans. Microarray analysis revealed that PKA/KIN-1 regulates the expression of a set of antimicrobial effectors in the non-neuron tissues, which are required for innate immune responses to S. enterica. Furthermore, PKA/KIN-1 regulated the expression of lysosomal genes during S. enterica infection. Our results suggest that the lysosomal signaling molecules are involved in autophagy by controlling autophagic flux, rather than formation of autophagosomes. As autophagy is crucial for host defense against S. enterica infection in a metazoan, the lysosomal pathway also acts as a downstream effector of the PKA/KIN-1 signaling for innate immunity. Our data indicate that the PKA pathway contributes to innate immunity in C. elegans by signaling from the nervous system to periphery tissues to protect the host against pathogens.
Attitude controller optimization of four-rotor unmanned air vehicle
Authors: Erkol Hüseyin Oktay
Published: September 2017

Quadrocopters, which are getting much popular day to day, are unmanned air vehicles which have four rotors to fly and maneuver in the air. They are used in military or commercial areas. Researchers are also interested in quadrocopters because their physical structure is simple; they can be modeled linear or nonlinear; and many problems about control, optimization, or artificial intelligence can be studied on it. A stable quadrocopter design requires firstly a good controller design. There are many control methods applied to quadrocopters but the most used one is the PID controller. Every controller needs to be tuned well for a good performance. Optimization algorithms are one of the popular tools for tuning the controllers. They can be used to produce optimum controller parameters with less experiment and in a short time. Each optimization algorithm has a different characteristic and different performance depending on the problem. So a comparison is needed among some popularly used optimization algorithms. In this study, a quadrocopter is modeled, and four PID controllers are designed to control attitude and hover. The optimum parameters for controllers are determined by the artificial bee colony algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithm. Performance of the controllers and optimization algorithms is given comparatively.
Evaluation of Herbal Concoctions Sold at Ga Maja (Limpopo Province) in South Africa and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation of Plants Used to Manufacture the Concoctions
Authors: Matotoka Mash M. , Masoko Peter
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological activities and safety of commercial herbal concoctions manufactured in Ga Maja (Limpopo province). Microbial contamination was evaluated by spread-plating the concoctions on agar plates. The VITEK 2 instrument was used for identification of the pure cultures. Nutritional content of the concoctions was determined. Thin layer chromatography was used to analyze the chemical constituents of the extracts. The microdilution assay and bioautography were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Sodium, potassium, and zinc were elements most abundant in the concoctions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents. Acetone extracts of Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Kirkia wilmsii extracts had antioxidant activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations values against test bacteria ranged between 0.02 and 0.63 mg/mL. Further studies are required to isolate bioactive compounds and evaluate their cytotoxicity. Caution in the consumption of the herbal mixtures should be adhered to.
Trends Analysis of rhBMP Utilization in Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the United States
Authors: Lao Lifeng , Cohen Jeremiah R. , Buser Zorica , Brodke Darrel S. , Youssef Jim A. , Park Jong-Beom , Yoon S. Tim , Wang Jeffrey C. , Meisel Hans-Joerg
Published: September 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objectives:

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been widely used in spinal fusion surgery, but there is little information on rhBMP-2 utilization in single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the trends and demographics of rhBMP-2 utilization in single-level PLIF.

Methods:

Patients who underwent single-level PLIF from 2005 to 2011 were identified by searching ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes in the PearlDiver Patient Records Database, a national database of orthopedic insurance records. The year of procedure, age, gender, and region of the United States were recorded for each patient. Results were reported for each variable as the incidence of procedures identified per 100 000 patients searched in the database.

Results:

A total of 2735 patients had single-level PLIF. The average rate of single-level PLIF with rhBMP-2 maintained at a relatively stable level (28% to 31%) from 2005 to 2009, but decreased in 2010 (9.9%) and 2011 (11.8%). The overall incidence of single-level PLIF without rhBMP-2 (0.68 cases per 100 000 patients) was statistically higher ( P < .01) compared to single-level PLIF with rhBMP-2 (0.21 cases per 100 000 patients). The average rate of single-level PLIF with rhBMP-2 utilization was the highest in West (30.1%), followed by Midwest (26.9%), South (20.5%), and Northeast (17.8%). The highest incidence of single-level PLIF with rhBMP-2 was observed in the age group <65 years (0.3 per 100 000 patients).

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the demographics associated with rhBMP-2 use in single-level PLIF. There was a 3-fold increase in the rate of PLIF without rhBMP-2 compared to PLIF with rhBMP-2, with both procedures being mainly done in patients less than 65 years of age.
The Influence of National Health Insurance on Medication Adherence Among Outpatient Type 2 Diabetics in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ajibola Saka S , Timothy Fajemirokun O
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Medication adherence (MA) is a challenge among patients with chronic diseases worldwide. Little has been reported on the influence of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on MA among diabetic patients in Nigeria.

Objective:

To assess the influence of NHIS on MA among outpatient type 2 diabetics in 2 public secondary health facilities in Southwest Nigeria.

Method:

A cross-sectional study involving 110 consecutively selected outpatient type 2 diabetics (insured, n = 42; uninsured, n = 68) was carried out. The patients’ perceptions of care and the influence of drug cost on MA between the insured and uninsured were compared. The patients’ perceptions of care were assessed using a 25-item pretested questionnaire. The MA was measured using the Morisky MA-8 scale. The use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) was evaluated using a medical chart review. Information about patients’ sociodemographics, year of diagnosis, comorbidities, and types of OADs prescribed was retrieved from the medical records. Descriptive statistics were used for data presentation. A Pearson χ2 was used for test of associations. P values < .05 were considered significant.

Results:

Majority of the respondents (68 [61.8%]) were uninsured. The insured and the uninsured patients differed in their perceptions of the adequacy of time used by pharmacists for medication counseling ( P < .0005). The MA between the groups also differs ( P = .0002). The monthly drug cost for OADs was significantly associated with MA ( P = .037).

Conclusion:

The study concluded that the NHIS may positively influence MA among diabetic patients. The drug cost may have contributed significantly to the difference in MA between the groups. More time should be devoted to the counseling of the uninsured patients.
Triage of Women Testing Positive With the careHPV Test on Self-Collected Vaginal Samples for Cervical Cancer Screening in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Poli Usha Rani , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Swain Meenakshi , Jeronimo Jose
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality in low-resource settings. Self-collected vaginal samples tested with affordable HPV tests such as careHPV can increase the rate of screening in resource-constrained settings. We report the role of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) as a triage test for women testing positive with the careHPV test on self-collected vaginal samples.

Methods

As part of a multicountry demonstration study, 5,207 women 30 to 49 years of age were recruited from urban slums to undergo four cervical screening tests using the careHPV test on self-collected vaginal samples, provider-collected cervical samples, the Papanicolaou test, and VIA. All women who tested positive for any of the screening tests were evaluated with colposcopy and guided biopsies, followed by treatment if any cervical lesions were detected. The data from the 377 women who tested positive for HPV in the self-collected vaginal samples were also analyzed to assess the performance of VIA, conventional cytology, and colposcopy, as triage tests in the detection of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.

Results

Nineteen percent of women who tested positive for vaginal HPV (V-HPV) also tested positive with the VIA test; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ lesions were detected in 58% of these women. In the 30 % of the women who tested positive for V-HPV with cytology triage, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ lesions were detected in 80% of these women. The colposcopy referrals for women who tested positive for V-HPV were reduced from 7.6% to 1.5% by VIA triage, and to 2.3% by cytology triage. Although the sensitivity was reduced, the positive predictive value improved after triage with VIA and cytology.

Conclusion

This study reflects the optimal role of VIA triaging for treatment selection of lesions among those who test positive for V-HPV in screen and treat screening programs that use an HPV test in low-resource settings.