bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Jeong Anna , Nakagawa Jo Anne , Wong Michael
Published: November 2017

Utilizing the multicenter TSC (tuberous sclerosis complex) Natural History Database including 2034 subjects, this study aimed to identify predictors of drug-resistant epilepsy in TSC. Basic epilepsy data were available for 1965 individuals in the database. Supplemental data were further collected from 1546 of these subjects through directed site queries, addressing additional epilepsy characteristics including the presence of drug-resistant epilepsy, therapies trialed, and outcomes of specific therapies. Epilepsy was reported in 86.4% of individuals with TSC. Infantile spasms were reported in 45.2% of individuals and focal seizures were reported in 84.4% of individuals. In those with focal epilepsy, drug resistance was reported in 59.6%, with focal seizure onset prior to age 1 year (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, confidence interval [CI] 1.4-2.5, P < .001), infantile spasms (OR 2.0, CI 1.5-2.5, P < 0.001), and infantile spasms incompletely responsive to therapy (OR 47.6, CI 6.7-333.3, P < 0.001) being associated with an increased likelihood of drug resistance.
A novel hybrid multichannel biphasic calcium phosphate granule-based composite scaffold for cartilage tissue regeneration
Authors: Jung Albert , Makkar Preeti , Amirian Jhaleh , Lee Byong-Taek
Published: November 2017

The objective of the present study was to develop a novel hybrid multichannel biphasic calcium phosphate granule (MCG)-based composite system for cartilage regeneration. First, hyaluronic acid-gelatin (HG) hydrogel was coated onto MCG matrix (MCG-HG). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres was separately prepared and modified with polydopamine subsequent to BMP-7 loading (B). The surface-modified microspheres were finally embedded into MCG-HG scaffold to develop the novel hybrid (MCG-HG-PLGA-PD-B) composite system. The newly developed MCG-HG-PLGA-PD-B composite was then subjected to scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, porosity, compressive strength, swelling, BMP-7 release and in-vitro biocompatibility studies. Results showed that 60% of BMP-7 retained on the granular surface after 28 days. A hybrid MCG-HG-PLGA-PD-B composite scaffold exhibited higher swelling and compressive strength compared to MCG-HG or MCG. In-vitro studies showed that MCG-HG-PLGA-PD-B had improved cell viability and cell proliferation for both MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and ATDC5 pre-chondrocytes cell line with respect to MCG-HG or MCG scaffold. Our results suggest that a hybrid MCG-HG-PLGA-PD-B composite scaffold can be a promising candidate for cartilage regeneration applications.
Wound-healing effects of human dermal components with gelatin dressing
Authors: Jang Hyun-Jun , Kim Yu-mi , Yoo Bo-Young , Seo Young-Kwon
Published: November 2017

There have been numerous investigations regarding various types of dressings and artificial dermis of solid form, yet limited research and development on paste types, such as hydrogels with dermal powder, have ensued. In this study, we compared the in vivo wound healing effects of gelatin paste containing dermal powder to a collagen type I/chondroitin 6-sulfate (coll/chondroitin) sponge and gelatin alone, after 48 days post grafting, in a skin wound rat model. In the dermis powder/gelatin paste-treated group, wound area contraction was minimized 50%, while in the gelatin and coll/chondroitin sponge groups, the initial area contracted 83–85% and 79–85%, respectively. Histological analysis revealed the wounds treated with dermal powder/gelatin were associated with many fibroblasts, which infiltrated the wound bed, as well as thick collagen bundles that were arranged in dendritic arrays, resembling normal skin. Furthermore, in contrast to the gelatin- and coll/chondroitin sponge-treated groups, the powder/gelatin paste-treated wounds exhibited an abundance of elastic fibers (Victoria blue staining) and extensive formation of blood vessels around the dermis (CD31 staining). Therefore, the dermis powder/gelatin paste not only renders convenience to users but also has prominent wound-healing effects on full-thickness wounds.
Impact of Healthy Vending Machine Options in a Large Community Health Organization
Authors: Grivois-Shah Ravi , Gonzalez Juan R. , Khandekar Shashank P. , Howerter Amy L. , O’Connor Patrick A. , Edwards Barbara A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To determine whether increasing the proportion of healthier options in vending machines decreases the amount of calories, fat, sugar, and sodium vended, while maintaining total sales revenue.

Design:

This study evaluated the impact of altering nutritious options to vending machines throughout the Banner Health organization by comparing vended items’ sales and nutrition information over 6 months compared to the same 6 months of the previous year.

Setting:

Twenty-three locations including corporate and patient-care centers.

Intervention:

Changing vending machine composition toward more nutritious options.

Measures:

Comparisons of monthly aggregates of sales, units vended, calories, fat, sodium, and sugar vended by site.

Analysis:

A pre–post analysis using paired t tests comparing 6 months before implementation to the equivalent 6 months postimplementation.

Results:

Significant average monthly decreases were seen for calories (16.7%, P = .002), fat (27.4%, P ≤ .0001), sodium (25.9%, P ≤ .0001), and sugar (11.8%, P = .045) vended from 2014 to 2015. Changes in revenue and units vended did not change from 2014 to 2015 ( P = .58 and P = .45, respectively).

Conclusion:

Increasing the proportion of healthier options in vending machines from 20% to 80% significantly lowered the amount of calories, sodium, fat, and sugar vended, while not reducing units vended or having a negative financial impact.
Block copolymer membranes based on polyetheramine and methyl-containing polyisophthalamides designed for efficient CO2 separation
Authors: Fu Xin , Li Xueqin , Guo Ruili , Zhang Jianshu , Cao Xingzhong
Published: November 2017

A series of block copolymer membranes was designed using polyetheramine (PEA) and methyl-containing polyisophthalamides (MPA) for the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2)/methane (CH4) gas mixtures. PEA consists of abundant ethylene oxide units, which show good affinity with CO2, and MPA consists of methyl (Me) substituents, which can increase the fractional free volume of block copolymer membranes. The Me substituents were introduced into MPA via polymerization from isophthaloyl dichloride (IPC), 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (DPD), and 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone (BADS). Therefore, the CO2 solubility and diffusivity in the membranes could be improved by tailoring the PEA/MPA mass ratio and BADS/DPD mole ratio, respectively. The membrane with a PEA/MPA mass ratio of 6/4 and a BADS/DPD mole ratio of 1/10 exhibited optimum CO2 separation performance with a CO2 permeability of 629 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 23 at 2 × 105 Pa and 25°C.
Synthesis and properties of a novel naphthyl-containing self-promoted phthalonitrile polymer
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Chao , Chen Xinggang , Wang Haifeng , Yu Xiaoyan , Ma Yuanhui , Naito Kimiyoshi , Zhang Qingxin
Published: November 2017

A novel naphthyl-based self-promoted phthalonitrile monomer, 4-(8-amino-2-naphthyloxy)phthalonitrile (8-ANP), was successfully synthesized via nucleophilic substitution reaction through a one-pot reaction, and it exhibited desirable processing feature with a wide process window (temperature between the melting point and the cure temperature) and low complex viscosity. The activation energy ( Ea) value of the self-promoted curing reaction was ascertained using integral isoconversional Starink method. Even without post cure at high temperature for a long time, the properties of 8-ANP polymers were still outstanding, which exhibited high glass transition temperatures, high storage modulus, low average coefficient of thermal expansion, and excellent thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities.
HIV and other STIs in male sex workers: Findings from a sexual health promotion intervention in Vietnam
Authors: Goldsamt Lloyd A , Clatts Michael C , Giang Le Minh , Le Bao Q , Colby Donn J , Yu Gary
Published: November 2017

Male sex workers (MSWs) in Vietnam are at high risk for acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet are extremely disengaged from the healthcare system. This contributes to large numbers of untreated or late-treated infections and increased secondary transmission. We enrolled 995 MSWs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in a Sexual Health Promotion intervention that included face-to-face delivery of seven content modules, a clinical examination and testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Onsite treatment was provided for STIs, and those who tested positive for HIV were referred to local treatment centers. While 64.6% of participants had never been to a health service and fewer than half (41.2%) had ever been tested for HIV, 67.1% returned for test results. This testing identified 109 (11.0%) participants who were HIV-positive and 312 (31.4%) who tested positive for at least one other STI. Substantive differences were seen in MSWs from different cities, with those from Hanoi more likely to have ever visited a health service (57.8% vs. 24.9%) and to have taken a prior HIV test (54.1% vs. 37.9%) than those in HCMC. Sexual health promotion is a promising approach to engaging MSWs in health services.
Dimensions of Experience: Exploring the Heterogeneity of the Wandering Mind
Authors: Wang Hao-Ting , Poerio Giulia , Murphy Charlotte , Bzdok Danilo , Jefferies Elizabeth , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: November 2017

The tendency for the mind to wander to concerns other than the task at hand is a fundamental feature of human cognition, yet the consequences of variations in its experiential content for psychological functioning are not well understood. Here, we adopted multivariate pattern analysis to simultaneously decompose experience-sampling data and neural functional-connectivity data, which revealed dimensions that simultaneously describe individual variation in self-reported experience and default-mode-network connectivity. We identified dimensions corresponding to traits of positive-habitual thoughts and spontaneous task-unrelated thoughts. These dimensions were uniquely related to aspects of cognition, such as executive control and the ability to generate information in a creative fashion, and independently distinguished well-being measures. These data provide the most convincing evidence to date for an ontological view of the mind-wandering state as encompassing a broad range of different experiences and show that this heterogeneity underlies mind wandering’s complex relationship to psychological functioning.
A meta-analysis of the core essence of psychopathological entities: an historical exercise in phenomenological psychiatry
Authors: Messas Guilherme , Garcia Tamelini Melissa , Cutting John
Published: November 2017

Two fundamentally different approaches among phenomenological psychopathologists can be discerned. One is what we call fixed essentialism, where the pathognomonic element of, say, schizophrenia is conceived of as a single, enduring and intrinsically morbid way of grasping all entities in the world, including self and body. The other, which we call dialectical essentialism, accounts for the same manifestations of, say, schizophrenia, but through a process which is not life-enduring, and, most critically vis-à-vis the former formulation, is not in itself a single morbid defect: a morbid pattern of world, self and body is achieved by an imbalance between two or more otherwise healthy constituents of the ‘normal’ human being, whose imbalance and attempts to resolve this – the dialectic – induce the ‘morbidity’.
‘They accused me of strangling her’: epilepsy and violence debate in Croatia at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries
Authors: Kuhar Martin , Fatović-Ferenčić Stella
Published: November 2017

Nineteenth-century psychiatry shifted its focus to the brain as the seat of mental disorders. With a new understanding of mental disorders arose the need to consult forensic psychiatrists in cases of criminal acts committed by persons with mental illness. This article focuses on three murders committed by ‘epileptics’ at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries in Croatia. An analysis of these cases will help to situate forensic psychiatry at the turn of the century within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and reveal the authority that forensic experts wielded in the courts. We will argue that Cesare Lombroso’s biological theory of crime, as well as the influence of eugenicists and pharmaceutical companies, shaped the long-standing relationship between epilepsy and violent behaviour.
‘Motility Psychoses’, by Erik Strömgren (1940)
Authors: Berrios German E , Schioldann Johan
Published: November 2017

The motility psychoses are a group of acute psychiatric conditions characterized by salient disorders of movement (increased, decreased and disorganized), psychotic experiences, confusion and good prognosis. The debate on whether they are just atypical forms of schizophrenia or manic-depressive insanity or constitute an independent group of psychoses has not yet been settled. Erik Strömgren’s classical chapter deals with the history and clinical aspects of the motility psychoses. Based on a historical analysis and an empirical study of a patient cohort, the author draws conclusions on the nature of this clinical group that has stood the test of time well.
The happiness imperative: Exploring how women narrate depression and anxiety during pregnancy
Authors: Staneva Aleksandra A , Wigginton Britta
Published: November 2017

This article explores how women account for their experiences of pregnancy distress in light of cultural imperatives to be the perfect, happy mother. Our analysis is based on the accounts of 18 Australian women, interviewed during pregnancy on the basis of their reports of experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Working within a feminist discursive framework, we focus on the discourses that informed (and threatened) women’s positions as a good mother. In particular, we focus on the discourses women relied on to explain their distress and the discursive strategies they used in the construction of their (“distressed”) maternal identity(ies). We ask how women articulate and label distress, and with what rhetorical effects. Our analysis explores how women’s experiences of negative moods and distress were in direct opposition to cultural imperatives for mothers to stay happy and positive during pregnancy and beyond, posing rhetorical challenges to women’s accounts and hence their capacity to make meaning of their (negative) experiences. Three discursive strategies are explored: distancing from the depressed self, speaking between/around/without words, and in search of a balance. We close by considering the implications of the complex ways in which women account for idealised motherhood and how this serves to oppress vulnerable women.
Co-movement among US, Frontier and BRIC Equity Markets after the Financial Crisis
Authors: Singh Amanjot , Singh Manjit
Published: November 2017

The study attempts to capture static (long-run) as well as short-run time-varying co-movement among the US, frontier and Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) equity markets (Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) indices) in a multivariate framework after the recent global financial crisis, that is, during the easy money policy regime adopted by the emerged nations. The study employs Johansen cointegration and VAR ( p) ADCC-MVGARCH (1,1) models ranging from August 2010 to August 2015. Apart from this, efficient tests of causality inspired from Hill (2007, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 22(4), 747–765) are also employed to account for dynamic interactions between the co-movement coefficients. The Johansen cointegration model does not support the existence of a stochastic trend among the variables. However, asymmetric dynamic conditional correlation-multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic model (ADCC-MVGARCH (1,1) model) results indicate time-varying co-movement among the underlying stock markets. The highest level of co-movement has been observed between the US and BRIC equity markets. On the other hand, co-movement between the US and frontier markets is found to be the lowest among others. On an average, 1-dollar long position in the US equity market should be shorted by 0.52 and 0.48 cents in the frontier and BRIC equity markets, respectively, across the sample time period. The efficient causality tests report indirect impact of co-movement between the US-frontier markets on the BRIC-frontier markets’ co-movement. The results critically support construction of a portfolio comprising stocks from the US, frontier and BRIC equity markets considering long-run and short-run co-movement among the variables.
Does Military Spending Impede Income Inequality? A Comparative Study of Pakistan and India
Authors: Sharif Arshian , Afshan Sahar
Published: November 2017

There are few empirical models that analyse the interactive relationship between defence spending and income inequality in economic theories (Meng, Lucyshyn, & Li, 2013). This proposition is addressed in the present study with sound statistical investigation by utilizing annual time series data from 1980 to 2014. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing cointegration approach, Johansen and Juselius cointegration approach and Gregory and Hansen structural break cointegration approach altogether confirm the valid long-run relationship between military expenditure and income inequality in both countries. Results of long-run analysis also indicate the positive significant effect of military expenditure on income inequality in both India and Pakistan. A bidirectional causal relationship between military spending and income inequality is found from the variance decomposition method in case of India. However, for Pakistan, there exists a unidirectional causality of military expenditure with income inequality. The direction of this causal relationship is run from excessive military spending leading to higher income inequality in the country. Lastly, the results of rolling window analysis established that the coefficient of military expenditure remained positive for last 16 years, that is, from 1999 in both countries. The result endorsed that military spending is an essential factor of income inequality and, thus, the policymaker should focus on this option to regulate income inequality in Pakistan and India. Furthermore, policymakers should also emphasize on categorizing their budget expenditures on more social and developing welfare expenditure as an alternative to improve the standards of living and reduce the income inequality in Pakistan and India.
Evaluation of ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G for distinguishing malignant ascites from benign ascites
Authors: Sun Juan , Chang Yan-Xiang , Niu Chun-Yan
Published: November 2017

The overexpression of soluble human leukocyte antigen-G is associated with malignant tumours. The purpose of our study was to detect soluble human leukocyte antigen-G concentrations in ascites and to evaluate the value of ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G for the diagnosis of malignant ascites. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect soluble human leukocyte antigen-G levels in 64 patients with malignant ascites and 30 patients with benign ascites. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G for the detection of malignant ascites. Ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G levels were significantly higher in the malignant ascites group than in the benign ascites group (20.718 ± 3.215 versus 12.467 ± 3.678 µg/L, t = 7.425, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G was 0.957 (95% confidence interval, 0.872–0.992). At a cut-off value of 19.60 µg/L, the sensitivity and specificity of ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G were 87.5% (95% confidence interval, 71.0%–96.5%) and 100% (95% confidence interval, 88.4%–100%), respectively. With respect to area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity, ascitic carcinoembryonic antigen (0.810, 68.75% and 83.33%, respectively) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (0.710, 65.63% and 70%, respectively) significantly differed (all p < 0.05). In malignant ascites that were cytology-negative and biopsy-positive, the rate of positivity for ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G was 75%, which was higher than the corresponding rates for ascitic carcinoembryonic antigen (31.25%) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (6.25%; both p < 0.05). In conclusion, The detection of ascitic soluble human leukocyte antigen-G exhibited good performance for diagnosing malignant ascites, and particularly those that were cytology-negative and biopsy-positive.
Revisiting the Breen–Goldthorpe Model of educational stratification
Authors: Tutić Andreas
Published: November 2017

We present an extension of the classic rational choice model for educational decisions that is able to explain recent empirical findings by Gabay-Egozi et al. who established that Israeli students from disadvantaged social strata tend to hedge long-term utility with short-term risk when choosing among subjects for their matriculation exams. Adding to that, we show that the assumption of relative risk aversion as formulated in the Breen–Goldthorpe Model can be relaxed to a significant degree without losing its explanatory power regarding the persistence of class differentials in educational choices. This fact casts considerable doubt on the measurement of relative risk aversion in empirical research on the Breen–Goldthorpe Model and hence on the interpretation of the results of such studies.
Puzzling evidence on voter turnout
Authors: Ekman Mats
Published: November 2017

In this empirical analysis of voting patterns in five countries on days when one or more national referenda were held, voter turnout appears to decline in the number of concurrent referenda, in contrast to standard theories’ predictions and regardless of method used to hold constant the quality of the referenda. Multiple concurrent referenda imply ‘quantity discounts’ as one may vote on more ballots in one visit to the polling station. They should also draw more voters due to the wider range of interests attracted when more issues are up for vote. Yet, none of this seems to happen in the data. More recent developments, such as rule utilitarian and information-based theories of voting, fare similarly poorly in light of the evidence presented in this article; a social theory of voting does better.
Evaluation of the Pharmacodynamic Effects of the Potassium Binder RDX7675 in Mice
Authors: Davidson James P. , King Andrew J. , Kumaraswamy Padmapriya , Caldwell Jeremy S. , Korner Paul , Blanks Robert C. , Jacobs Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Hyperkalemia is a common complication in patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, particularly those who are taking inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. RDX7675, the calcium salt of a reengineered polystyrene sulfonate-based resin, is a potassium binder that is being investigated as a novel treatment for hyperkalemia. This study evaluated the pharmacodynamic effects of RDX7675 in mice, compared to 2 current treatments, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and patiromer.

Methods:

Seven groups of 8 male CD-1 mice were given either standard chow (controls) or standard chow containing 4.0% or 6.6% active moiety of RDX7675, patiromer, or SPS for 72 hours. Stool and urine were collected over the final 24 hours of treatment for ion excretion analyses.

Results:

RDX7675 increased stool potassium (mean 24-hour excretion: 4.0%, 9.19 mg; 6.6%, 18.11 mg; both P < .0001) compared with controls (4.47 mg) and decreased urinary potassium (mean 24-hour excretion: 4.0%, 12.05 mg, P < .001; 6.6%, 6.68 mg, P < .0001; vs controls, 20.38 mg). The potassium-binding capacity of RDX7675 (stool potassium/gram of resin: 4.0%, 1.14 mEq/g; 6.6%, 1.32 mEq/g) was greater (all P < .0001) than for patiromer (4.0%, 0.63 mEq/g; 6.6%, 0.48 mEq/g) or SPS (4.0%, 0.73 mEq/g; 6.6% 0.55 mEq/g). RDX7675 and patiromer decreased urinary sodium (mean 24-hour excretion: 0.07-1.38 mg; all P < .001) compared to controls (5.01 mg). In contrast, SPS increased urinary sodium excretion (4.0%, 13.31 mg; 6.6%, 17.60 mg; both P < .0001) compared to controls.

Conclusions:

RDX7675 reduced intestinal potassium absorption and had a greater potassium-binding capacity than patiromer or SPS in mice. The calcium-based resins RDX7675 and patiromer reduced intestinal sodium absorption, unlike sodium-based SPS. These results support further studies in humans to confirm the potential of RDX7675 for the treatment of patients with hyperkalemia.
The Plasma Levels of ADAMTS-13, von Willebrand Factor, VWFpp, and Fibrin-Related Markers in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Having Thrombosis
Authors: Habe Koji , Wada Hideo , Higashiyama Ayaka , Akeda Tomoko , Tsuda Kenshiro , Mori Ryoko , Kakeda Masato , Matsumoto Takeshi , Ohishi Kohshi , Yamanaka Keiichi , Katayama Naoyuki , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to examine the hemostatic abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the relationship between these abnormalities and thrombotic events (THEs), focusing on the difference in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). The plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 13), von Willebrand factor (VWF), VWF propeptide (VWFpp), d-dimer, and soluble fibrin (SF) were measured in 233 patients with SSc. The relationship between their levels and organ involvement, including THEs and interstitial lung disease (ILD), was evaluated. The plasma levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated and ADAMTS-13 activity was significantly decreased in patients with SSc compared to healthy participants. The VWFpp in dcSSc was significantly higher than in lcSSc. Twelve patients with SSc were complicated with acute THE, and 25 patients with SSc were complicated with past THE. The plasma levels of d-dimer and SF were significantly elevated in patients with SSc having THE. The plasma levels of VWF and VWFpp were significantly elevated in patients with SSc having ILD. The plasma levels of d-dimer were elevated in patients with SSc having other connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The plasma levels of ADAMTS-13 were significantly decreased and VWF, VWFpp, and SF were increased in patients with a d-dimer level of ≥1 μg/mL. Systemic sclerosis carries a high risk of THE, especially in patients with other CTDs. Plasma hemostasis-related markers are closely related to ILD and THE. These markers are important as markers of organ involvement as well as THE.
Love & Guns: Orlando
Authors: Faulkner Sandra L.
Published: November 2017

The author uses poetry to speak back to the ubiquitous talk, use, and idolization of guns in the United States and in her personal life. Scenes from a family Memorial Day picnic, runs in pro-gun country where it is common to stockpile guns and make ammo and attend conceal and carry classes at the local church, to hearing the news about the Orlando nightclub massacre while on a family vacation with her pro-National Rifle Association (NRA) family show the author’s personal struggle of how to act in her personal life when family members possess radically different and contrasting political values.
A Comparison of Health Outcomes in the Use of Stem Cells, Surgical, and Nonsurgical Approaches to Treat Degenerative Disk Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Indorato Daniel C , Sadacharan Marx C
Published: November 2017

Study design:

Systematic literature review.

Objective:

This study provided a systematic review of randomized controlled trials which assessed the therapeutic effects of stem cell treatments, surgical interventions, and nonsurgical treatments on the outcomes of patients diagnoses with intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD).

Methods:

A MEDLINE (2000-2017), PubMed (2000-2017), and Google scholar (1995-2000) database search was performed to identify published articles reporting on patient-reported clinical outcomes. A total of 12 articles were identified and met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

Literature evaluating the comparative treatment outcomes between patients who underwent surgical versus nonsurgical interventions demonstrated mixed findings in treatment efficacy. Although studies involving the manipulation of endogenous stem cells in fibrocartilage suggested that this application could be a potentially noninvasive, stem cell–based strategy to treat fibrocartilage degeneration, especially in patients with IDD.

Conclusions:

The reviewed literature suggested that no clinical significance exists between surgical and nonsurgical treatment for IDD. The decision to undergo surgical or conservative treatment should depend on the patient’s state of health at the time of surgery, as well as any other potentially alarming factors (altered mental status, level of consciousness, comorbidities, etc) that could be exacerbated with the proposed treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells and fibrocartilage stem cells may also be an effective therapeutic option for the regeneration of a degenerated intervertebral disk. To move forward in finding an effective therapeutic treatment protocol for IDD, further research needs to be implemented that minimizes the limitation discussed in this review.
An educator’s perspective on reflexive pedagogy: Identity undoing and issues of power
Authors: Iszatt-White Marian , Kempster Steve , Carroll Brigid
Published: November 2017

This article looks at reflexive pedagogical practice and the ‘identity undoing’ that such practice demands from educators. Such identity undoing is found to have strong connections to the impact on identity of power relations, resistance and struggle. A dialogic ‘testimonio’ approach is adopted tracing two of the authors’ experiences of attempting to introduce a reflexive pedagogy within a structured, accredited learning intervention. This approach analyses educators’ own reflexive dialogue to make visible the assumptions and tensions that are provoked between educators and students in a reflexively oriented learning process. In undertaking this analysis, we problematise the pursuit of a reflexive pedagogical practice within executive and postgraduate education and offer a paradox: the desire to engage students in reflexive learning interventions – and in particular to disrupt the power asymmetries and hierarchical dependencies of more traditional educator–student relationships – can in practice have the effect of highlighting those very asymmetries and dependencies. Successful resolution of such a paradox becomes dependent on the capacity of educators to undo their own reliance on, and even desire for, authority underpinned by a sense of theory-based expertise.
Mobilizing management knowledge in healthcare: Institutional imperatives and professional and organizational mediating effects
Authors: Bresnen Mike , Hodgson Damian , Bailey Simon , Hyde Paula , Hassard John
Published: November 2017

Recent changes within UK healthcare have had dramatic consequences for management and put managerial capabilities firmly under the spotlight. Yet, despite extensive research on managers, comparatively little is known about how they acquire and apply their management knowledge and how this is influenced by their professional background and organizational context. Drawing upon work that distinguishes between different forms of knowledge, managers’ mobilization of management knowledge is examined in the light of recent changes in healthcare. Case study evidence is presented from diverse managerial groups across three types of hospital trust (acute, care and specialist). The analysis demonstrates the mediating effects of interactions between professional background and organizational context on knowledge mobilization and highlights how current pressures on public services are reinforcing a reliance on existing management practices, creating enormous challenges for management learning in this sector.
Economic crisis and party responsiveness on the left–right dimension in the European Union
Authors: Clements Ben , Nanou Kyriaki , Real-Dato José
Published: November 2017

The economic crisis within the European Union has had a significant impact on domestic politics in the member states, affecting the links between parties and citizens and accentuating the tensions parties face between governing responsibility and being responsive to public opinion. This article examines whether parties in EU countries have shifted their left–right ideological positions during the current crisis and whether such shifts are a direct response to the pressures of wider economic conditions or are more affected by changes in the preferences of the median voter. Party-based and citizen-based data are examined between 2002 and 2015, encompassing both the precrisis and crisis periods. The main findings are that the economic crisis has made parties less responsive to public opinion on the left–right dimension, and this effect is more pronounced for parties that have been in government.
‘No effort, no entry’: Fashioning Ubuntu and becoming queer in Cape Town
Authors: Mann Joseph Bryce
Published: November 2017

This article presents data from five years of research on fashion, gay identity, and post-apartheid democracy in Cape Town, South Africa. Through interviews, observations, and survey data on the experiences of young “black” and “coloured” gay men, it shows how admission standards at nightlife venues in the city’s “Gay Village,” De Waterkant, police patrons’ clothing and institutionalize essential models of raced and classed gay belonging that complicate the multicultural “Ubuntu” promised by the state. The article troubles the multiculturalism coincident with tourism media, which frames De Waterkant as “Africa’s Gay Capital,” and instead argues that participants’ understanding and use of clothing in city and black township nightlife present aesthetic anomalies through which the becoming of Ubuntu can be productively rethought. Contributing to geographies of sexuality work, the article shows how classed-race exclusions in De Waterkant help fashion Ubuntu at the junction of multiple scales of spatiality, and by applying Women of Color Feminism and Queer of Color Critique to African Studies, how everyday spaces, and the clothed bodies therein, can reveal the mutually constitutive becoming of Ubuntu and queerness.
A Projection Quality-Driven Tube Current Modulation Method in Cone-Beam CT for IGRT: Proof of Concept
Authors: Men Kuo , Dai Jianrong
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To develop a projection quality-driven tube current modulation method in cone-beam computed tomography for image-guided radiotherapy based on the prior attenuation information obtained by the planning computed tomography and then evaluate its effect on a reduction in the imaging dose.

Materials and Methods:

The QCKV-1 phantom with different thicknesses (0-400 mm) of solid water upon it was used to simulate different attenuation (μ). Projections were acquired with a series of tube current–exposure time product (mAs) settings, and a 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio was analyzed for each projection to create a lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio, μ. Before a patient underwent computed tomography, the maximum attenuation [Formula: see text] within the 95% range of each projection angle (θ) was estimated according to the planning computed tomography images. Then, a desired 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio value was selected, and the mAs setting at θ was calculated with the lookup table of mAs versus 2-dimensional contrast to noise ratio,[Formula: see text]. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images were reconstructed using the projections acquired with the selected mAs. The imaging dose was evaluated with a polymethyl methacrylate dosimetry phantom in terms of volume computed tomography dose index. Image quality was analyzed using a Catphan 503 phantom with an oval body annulus and a pelvis phantom.

Results:

For the Catphan 503 phantom, the cone-beam computed tomography image obtained by the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method had a similar quality to that of conventional cone-beam computed tomography . However, the proposed method could reduce the imaging dose by 16% to 33% to achieve an equivalent contrast to noise ratio value. For the pelvis phantom, the structural similarity index was 0.992 with a dose reduction of 39.7% for the projection quality-driven tube current modulation method.

Conclusions:

The proposed method could reduce the additional dose to the patient while not degrading the image quality for cone-beam computed tomography. The projection quality-driven tube current modulation method could be especially beneficial to patients who undergo cone-beam computed tomography frequently during a treatment course.
Upper Limb Coordination in Individuals With Stroke: Poorly Defined and Poorly Quantified
Authors: Tomita Yosuke , Rodrigues Marcos R. M. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: November 2017

Background. The identification of deficits in interjoint coordination is important in order to better focus upper limb rehabilitative treatment after stroke. The majority of standardized clinical measures characterize endpoint performance, such as accuracy, speed, and smoothness, based on the assumption that endpoint performance reflects interjoint coordination, without measuring the underlying temporal and spatial sequences of joint recruitment directly. However, this assumption is questioned since improvements of endpoint performance can be achieved through different degrees of restitution or compensation of upper limb motor impairments based on the available kinematic redundancy of the system. Confusion about adequate measurement may stem from a lack a definition of interjoint coordination during reaching. Methods and Results. We suggest an operational definition of interjoint coordination during reaching as a goal-oriented process in which joint degrees of freedom are organized in both spatial and temporal domains such that the endpoint reaches a desired location in a context-dependent manner. Conclusions. In this point-of-view article, we consider how current approaches to laboratory and clinical measures of coordination comply with our definition. We propose future study directions and specific research strategies to develop clinical measures of interjoint coordination with better construct and content validity than those currently in use.
Rehabilitative Success After Brain Trauma by Augmenting a Subtherapeutic Dose of Environmental Enrichment With Galantamine
Authors: de la Tremblaye Patricia B. , Wellcome Jody L. , de Witt Benjamin Wells , Cheng Jeffrey P. , Skidmore Elizabeth R. , Bondi Corina O. , Kline Anthony E.
Published: November 2017

Background. Environmental enrichment (EE) confers benefits after traumatic brain injury (TBI) when provided daily for > 6 hours, but not 2 or 4 hours, which more accurately reflects the daily amount of clinical rehabilitation. The lack of benefit with sub-therapeutic EE suggests that augmentation with galantamine (GAL), which enhances cognition after TBI, may be indicated to confer benefits. Objective. To test the hypothesis that 2 and 4 hours of EE paired with GAL will provide benefits comparable to 24 hours of EE alone. Moreover, all EE groups will perform better than the standard (STD)-housed GAL group. Methods. Anesthetized rats received a TBI or sham injury and then were randomized to receive intraperitoneal injections of GAL (2 mg/kg) or saline vehicle (VEH; 1 mL/kg) beginning 24 hours after surgery and once daily while receiving EE for 2, 4, or 24 hours. Motor and cognitive assessments were conducted on postoperative days 1-5 and 14-19, respectively. Results. Motor function was significantly improved in the TBI + 24-hour EE group versus the TBI + STD + VEH and TBI + STD + GAL groups ( P < .05). Cognitive performance was enhanced in all EE groups as well as in the TBI + STD + GAL versus TBI + STD + VEH ( P < .05). Moreover, the 2- and 4-hour EE groups receiving GAL did not differ from the 24-hour EE group ( P > .05) and performed better than GAL alone ( P < .05). Conclusions. The findings support the hypothesis and have clinical relevance because, often, only brief rehabilitation may be available in the clinic and, thus, augmenting with a pharmacotherapy such as GAL may lead to outcomes that are significantly better than either therapy alone.
Combination of β Adrenergic Receptor Block and Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibition Diminished the Angiotensin II-Induced Vasoconstriction and Increased Bradykinin-Induced Vasodilation in Hypertension
Authors: Lezama-Martínez Diego , Valencia-Hernández Ignacio , Flores-Monroy Jazmin , Martínez-Aguilar Luisa
Published: November 2017

In hypertension, the combination therapy is frequently used to obtain a better therapeutic effect and reduce adverse effects. One effective combination is with inhibitors and β-blockers of renin–angiotensin system. Although the mechanisms of action of each drug are already known, the antihypertensive mechanism is more complex and therefore the combined treatment mechanism is unclear. Specifically, the effect of the treatments of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or AT1 receptor antagonist with β-blocker on the angiotensin II and bradykinin reactivity has not been studied. For this reason, we evaluated the interaction between propranolol and captopril or losartan on vascular reactivity to bradykinin and angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive rat. We constructed concentration–response curves to angiotensin II and bradykinin after treatment of SHR with propranolol–captopril or propranolol–losartan by using rat aortic rings. While losartan or captopril with propranolol potentiated bradykinin-induced vasodilation effect, the propranolol–losartan interaction decreased the angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction. In addition, the combinations did not reduce the heart rate significantly. These results suggest that the combined therapy decreased blood pressure to normotensive values and showed less effect for angiotensin II and greater effect for bradykinin than monotherapy which could contribute in the antihypertensive effect.
Museums, health and wellbeing research: co-developing a new observational method for people with dementia in hospital contexts
Authors: Morse Nuala , Chatterjee Helen
Published: November 2017

Aims:

The aim of this article is to present a new observational tool for assessing the impacts of museum object handling for people with moderate-to-severe dementia in hospital settings, focusing on wellbeing, social interaction, level of engagement and agitation. This article presents a four-step approach to collaboration towards co-developing the tool, which involved a range of academics, museums professionals, and health and social care partners, and describes the process of integrating multiple perspectives towards common research methodologies.

Methods:

The research team organised a series of meetings and workshops with museum and healthcare partners to identify commonly used assessments and their perspectives on the objectives and possible outcomes of museum object handling activities. These were integrated with findings from a review of current conceptualisations of engagement in people with dementia (PWD) to produce a fit-for-purpose video evaluation method of the health and wellbeing impacts of the museum object handling programmes.

Results:

This article presents the Museum Engagement Observation Tool for use in hospital settings for people with moderate-to-severe dementia.

Conclusion:

This article suggests that collaborative approaches can inform the development of future methods for creative health research and evaluation initiatives and to support this, it outlines the process of development of a new observational tool for people with dementia.
What works for wellbeing? A systematic review of wellbeing outcomes for music and singing in adults
Authors: Daykin Norma , Mansfield Louise , Meads Catherine , Julier Guy , Tomlinson Alan , Payne Annette , Grigsby Duffy Lily , Lane Jack , D’Innocenzo Giorgia , Burnett Adele , Kay Tess , Dolan Paul , Testoni Stefano , Victor Christina
Published: November 2017

Aims:

The role of arts and music in supporting subjective wellbeing (SWB) is increasingly recognised. Robust evidence is needed to support policy and practice. This article reports on the first of four reviews of Culture, Sport and Wellbeing (CSW) commissioned by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded What Works Centre for Wellbeing ( https://whatworkswellbeing.org/ ).

Objective:

To identify SWB outcomes for music and singing in adults.

Methods:

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in PsychInfo, Medline, ERIC, Arts and Humanities, Social Science and Science Citation Indexes, Scopus, PILOTS and CINAHL databases. From 5,397 records identified, 61 relevant records were assessed using GRADE and CERQual schema.

Results:

A wide range of wellbeing measures was used, with no consistency in how SWB was measured across the studies. A wide range of activities was reported, most commonly music listening and regular group singing. Music has been associated with reduced anxiety in young adults, enhanced mood and purpose in adults and mental wellbeing, quality of life, self-awareness and coping in people with diagnosed health conditions. Music and singing have been shown to be effective in enhancing morale and reducing risk of depression in older people. Few studies address SWB in people with dementia. While there are a few studies of music with marginalised communities, participants in community choirs tend to be female, white and relatively well educated. Research challenges include recruiting participants with baseline wellbeing scores that are low enough to record any significant or noteworthy change following a music or singing intervention.

Conclusions:

There is reliable evidence for positive effects of music and singing on wellbeing in adults. There remains a need for research with sub-groups who are at greater risk of lower levels of wellbeing, and on the processes by which wellbeing outcomes are, or are not, achieved.
Men or Women, Only Five Olympic Sports Matter
Authors: Coche Roxane , Tuggle C. A.
Published: November 2017

This study is a descriptive content analysis of National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC’s) prime-time broadcast coverage of the 2016 summer Olympic games. Olympic coverage is particularly important to the athletes of minor sports—including all women’s sports—because most receive little media attention beyond Olympic competition. The study found no evidence of sexism, but a clear lack of diversity in the sports covered, as NBC dedicated most of its prime time to superstars (Phelps, Biles, Bolt, Kerri Walsh, etc.) and unique stories and personalities (e.g., the Lochtegate and 74-year-old South African coach Botha).