bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of methods to estimate haemodialysis urea clearance
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Davenport Andrew
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Dialysis adequacy is traditionally measured by monthly blood urea sampling and calculating sessional Kt/Vurea. Modern dialysis machines can estimate clearances each session, so we wished to compare online measurements with standard Kt/Vurea.

Methods:

Urea clearance was estimated by intermittent changes in effective ionic dialysance and by continuous ultraviolet light absorption spent during the mid-week dialysis session. Total body water was calculated by the Watson equation and measured by multifrequency bioimpedance.

Results:

We compared Kt/Vurea measurements in 162 patients with online assessments: 38 by ultraviolet absorption and 124 by effective ionic dialysance (50 Fresenius 4008 and 74 Fresenius 5008). All online measurements overestimated single-pool Kt/Vurea (ultraviolet absorption mean bias 0.25 ± 0.24, effective ionic dialysance 4008H 0.25 ± 0.21 and 5008H 0.20 ± 0.25; p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between dual-pool Kt/V and ultraviolet absorbance (1.28 ± 0.26 vs 1.29 ± 0.27) or by effective ionic dialysance with the 4008 (1.40 ± 0.26 vs 1.46 ± 0.33), although the effective ionic dialysance 5008 overestimated clearance (1.39 ± 0.27 vs 1.31 ± 0.22; p < 0.01). Similarly, with dual-pool Kt/Vurea, the mean bias for ultraviolet absorption was 0.08 ± 0.35, for effective ionic dialysance (EID) 4008 was 0.13 ± 0.55 and for EID 5008 was −0.2 ± 0.36. Hence, the mean bias was greater with the EID 5008 compared to ultraviolet absorption (0.08 ± 0.35 vs −0.2 ± 0.36 vs p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Online measurements allow dialysis adequacy to be measured every session. We found that although online clearances overestimated single-pool Kt/Vurea measurements, there were no significant differences between the continuous ultraviolet light absorbance method and intermittent effective ionic dialysance.
Steps towards a theory of the knowledge-society
Authors: Cerroni Andrea
Published: April 2018

During the last decades, knowledge has attracted the greatest attention in a growing number of disciplines, generating a deluge of literature. However, it has yet to become the object of a fully established sociology of knowledge able to fulfil the challenges of present society, often called the knowledge-society. We posit knowledge as a basis on which to model social life, proposing a three-dimensional approach to social reality (i.e., individuals, social aggregates, knowledge). Looking at knowledge as at ‘a cooperative good’ and a communicative process, we then apply the same three dimensions to knowledge itself as a sociological production, ending up with a typology encompassing three knowledge families (intellectual, practical and objectified) and three ways of access (direct personal knowing, indirect social acquaintance, externally recognised and personally introjected acknowledge). Steps towards a theory of knowledge-society are then proposed.
Life Course Stage and Social Support Mobilization for End-of-Life Caregivers
Authors: LaValley Susan A. , Gage-Bouchard Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2018

Caregivers of terminally ill patients are at risk for anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Social support from friends, family members, neighbors, and health care professionals can potentially prevent or mitigate caregiver strain. While previous research documents the importance of social support in helping end-of-life caregivers cope with caregiving demands, little is known about differences in social support experiences among caregivers at different life course stages. Using life course theory, this study analyzes data from in-depth interviews with 50 caregivers of patients enrolled in hospice services to compare barriers to mobilizing social support among caregivers at two life course stages: midlife caregivers caring for parents and older adult caregivers caring for spouses/partners. Older adult caregivers reported different barriers to mobilizing social support compared with midlife caregivers. Findings enhance the understanding of how caregivers’ life course stage affects their barriers to mobilization of social support resources.
Initiative for Burnout of ICU Caregivers: Feasibility and Preliminary Results of a Psychological Support
Authors: Ricou Bara , Gigon Fabienne , Durand-Steiner Edith , Liesenberg Maud , Chemin-Renais Christine , Merlani Paolo , Delaloye Sylvette
Published: April 2018

Background:

Intensive care unit (ICU) caregivers are at high risk of burnout and the shortage of this highly specialized personal is a problem. The feasibility and impact of a psychological intervention were never assessed in this special context.

Methods:

A randomized controlled single-blind study in an ICU. The first intervention consisted in weekly problem-based sessions led by psychologists with small groups of caregivers using a systemic approach over 3 months. The modified intervention was lead for 9 months. The scores of Maslach Burnout Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were compared between the intervention and control groups, before and after the intervention.

Results:

One-hundred and sixty six caregivers were randomized in intervention and control groups. The major finding was the way the psychologists could modify the original methodology in order to enable caregivers to attend the sessions. Burnout scores tended to decrease across the whole ICU team after the intervention period, more in the intervention group. Participation in the study was poor at 6 months after intervention.

Conclusions:

This is the first study attempting to evaluate a psychological intervention on the mental health of ICU caregivers. It shows a modified method of a psychological support with a systemic approach in the special environment of ICU. Notwithstanding the modest results related to the short length of the process and the turnover of the personal, we demonstrated that such an approach is feasible. Further studies on larger scale and of longer duration are needed to investigate the effect of such interventions on the mental health of ICU caregivers.
Bone regeneration strategy by different sized multichanneled biphasic calcium phosphate granules: In vivo evaluation in rabbit model
Authors: Taz Mirana , Bae Sang Ho , Jung Hae Il , Cho Hyun-Deuk , Lee Byong-Taek
Published: April 2018

A variety of synthetic materials are currently in use as bone substitutes, among them a new calcium phosphate-based multichannel, cylindrical, granular bone substitute that is showing satisfactory biocompatibility and osteoconductivity in clinical applications. These cylindrical granules differ in their mechanical and morphological characteristics such as size, diameter, surface area, pore size, and porosity. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the sizes of these synthetic granules and the resultant inter-granular spaces formed by their filling critical-sized bone defects affect new bone formation characteristics and to determine the best formulations from these individual types by combining the granules in different proportions to optimize the bone tissue regeneration. We evaluated two types of multichanneled cylindrical granules, 1 mm and 3 mm in diameter, combined the granules in two different proportions (wt%), and compared their different mechanical, morphological, and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility characteristics. We assessed in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and confocal imaging. In vivo investigation in a rabbit model indicated that all four samples formed significantly better bone than the control after four weeks and eight weeks of implantation. Micro-computed tomography analysis showed more bone formation by the 1 mm cylindrical granules with 160 ± 10 µm channeled pore and 50% porosity than the other three samples ( p<.05), which we confirmed by histological analysis.
Themes of Healing and Posttraumatic Growth in Women Survivors’ Narratives of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: D’Amore Cassandra , Martin Stephanie L. , Wood Karen , Brooks Carolyn
Published: April 2018

Research on the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on women demonstrates the significant physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual consequences of this form of interpersonal trauma. It is well documented that experiencing IPV can have devastating consequences to women’s physical and mental health, overall well-being, and quality of life, as well as that of their children’s. However, a small, predominantly qualitative body of research exists on women’s experience of and capacity for healing from the effects of IPV, but more research is needed to advance theory and practice in this important area. This study applied secondary analysis to an existing data set to answer the question, “What are the themes of healing and posttraumatic growth in ten diverse women’s narratives of IPV?” Lengthy, detailed interview transcripts were rigorously subjected to inductive and deductive thematic analysis, which revealed three overarching themes, and six subthemes, of healing and posttraumatic growth in women’s narratives: Awareness and Insight (subthemes: Discerning the Self and Understanding Relationships), Renewal and Reconstruction (subthemes: [Re]building the Self and Redefining Relationships), and Transformation and Meaning (subthemes: New Perspectives and Finding Purpose Through Helping Others). Findings further revealed that women’s healing from the effects of IPV involves a multidimensional, personalized, nonlinear, and often transformative process that operates within themselves and through relationships. Practitioners working with women who have experienced IPV should consider survivors’ potential for healing and target appropriate intervention strategies. Additional qualitative and longitudinal research with diverse populations would deepen understanding of the dynamics, variables, and circumstances that impact healing and posttraumatic growth for women exposed to IPV.
Methodology for predicting brake squeal propensity using complex eigenvalue analysis, including thermo-mechanical effects
Authors: Tirovic Marko , Vianello Michele , Bannister Paul
Published: April 2018

With brake squeal being the most prevalent noise vibration and harshness issue in modern vehicles, this paper presents an improved methodology for brake squeal propensity prediction at the design stage. The research established four clearly defined ‘Stages’ in conducting finite element squeal analyses, describing crucial input data, modelling procedures, output and validation results. Stage 1 deals with free-free modal characteristics of individual brake components and their material characteristics. Stage 2 combines individual parts, conducting brake assembly mechanical finite element analyses. Stage 3 concentrates on fully coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analyses, and the concluding stage, Stage 4, focuses on brake assembly stability analyses. Validations proved that very accurate predictions are possible, but the geometries, material characteristics and established modelling procedures must be strictly followed. Material characteristics were most prone to introduce discrepancies with measured values. ‘Generic’ values are found to be unacceptable and conducting own measurements was necessary, in particular for the friction material, whose anisotropic properties have been measured in detail, leading to high accuracy in predicting pad natural modes and frequencies. In Stage 4, the stability analyses of the full brake assembly were based on the complex eigenvalue analysis (which included thermal aspects), with the sign of the real part giving an indication of stability and the imaginary part defining the frequency of the unstable mode. Instabilities and frequencies predicted match well with the values measured in dynamometer tests, clearly demonstrating the influence of thermal effects. The final output of the procedures described in this paper is a validated three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite element noise vibration and harshness brake assembly model in which natural frequencies and modes, instabilities and contributing factors can be predicted at any time during a brake application.
An Optimistic Outlook Creates a Rosy Past: The Impact of Episodic Simulation on Subsequent Memory
Authors: Devitt Aleea L. , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: April 2018

People frequently engage in future thinking in everyday life, but it is unknown how simulating an event in advance changes how that event is remembered once it takes place. To initiate study of this important topic, we conducted two experiments in which participants simulated emotional events before learning the hypothetical outcome of each event via narratives. Memory was assessed for emotional details contained in those narratives. Positive simulation resulted in a liberal response bias for positive information and a conservative bias for negative information. Events preceded by positive simulation were considered more favorably in retrospect. In contrast, negative simulation had no impact on subsequent memory. Results were similar across an immediate and delayed memory test and for past and future simulation. These results provide novel insights into the cognitive consequences of episodic future simulation and build on the optimism-bias literature by showing that adopting a favorable outlook results in a rosy memory.
Protective effects of folic acid on DNA damage and DNA methylation levels induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Y , Feng H , Chen D , Abuduwaili K , Li X , Zhang H
Published: April 2018

The protective effects of folic acid on DNA damage and DNA methylation induced by N-methyl- N′-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells were investigated using a 3 × 3 factorial design trial. The cells were cultured in vitro and exposed to media containing different concentrations of folic acid and MNNG, after which growth indices were detected. DNA damage levels were measured using comet assays, and genome-wide DNA methylation levels (MLs) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The DNA methylation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and folate receptor- α (FR α) genes was detected by bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed significant increases in tail DNA concentration, tail length, and Olive tail moment ( p < 0.01); a significant reduction of genome-wide DNA MLs ( p < 0.01); and an increase in the methylation frequencies of MTHFR and FR α genes. In particular, significant differences were observed in the promoter regions of both genes ( p < 0.01). Our study indicated that a reduction in folic acid concentration promotes DNA damage and DNA methylation in Kazakh esophageal epithelial cells upon MNNG exposure. Thus, sufficient folic acid levels could play a protective role against the damage induced by this compound.
(Dis-)solving the Weight Problem in Binge-Eating Disorder: Systemic Insights From Three Treatment Contexts With Weight Stability, Weight Loss, and Weight Acceptance
Authors: Meyer Lene Bomholt , Waaddegaard Mette , Lau Marianne Engelbrecht , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine
Published: April 2018

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a severe eating disorder strongly associated with obesity. Treatments struggle to provide safe and effective ways of addressing weight in a BED context. This study explored a two-phased treatment for BED developed at a major out-patient eating disorder service in Denmark. The study used interviews and participant observations to gain insight into experiences and processes related to weight and body issues in three treatment contexts that addressed weight stability, weight acceptance, and weight loss. Using systems theory, the study proposed a relational weight problem that embeds feelings of non-acceptance due to weight, a merge of weight and identity, and an internalized body- and weight-critical gaze of others. Contrary to critical claims that weight acceptance discourages people with obesity from engaging in weight loss efforts, this study suggests that acceptance and a disentanglement of weight and identity are prerequisites for weight loss for this group.
Coronary Artery Development: Origin, Malformations, and Translational Vascular Reparative Therapy
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Lai Jonathan , Monzidelis Constantine , Reddy Sarath
Published: April 2018

After thickening of the cardiac chamber walls during embryogenesis, oxygen and nutrients can no longer be adequately supplied to cardiac cells via passive diffusion; therefore, a primitive vascular network develops to supply these vital structures. This plexus further matures into coronary arteries and veins, which ensures continued development of the heart. Various models have been proposed to account for the growth of the coronary arteries. However, lineage-tracing studies in the last decade have identified 3 major sources, namely, the proepicardium, the sinus venosus, and endocardium. Although the exact contribution of each source remains unknown, the emerging model depicts alternative pathways and progenitor cells, which ensure successful coronary angiogenesis. We aim to explore the current trends in coronary artery development, the cellular and molecular signals regulating heart vascularization, and its implications for heart disease and vascular regeneration.
Safety Evaluation of Soy Leghemoglobin Protein Preparation Derived From Pichia pastoris, Intended for Use as a Flavor Catalyst in Plant-Based Meat
Authors: Fraser Rachel Z. , Shitut Mithila , Agrawal Puja , Mendes Odete , Klapholz Sue
Published: April 2018

The leghemoglobin protein (LegH) from soy ( Glycine max) expressed in Pichia pastoris (LegH preparation, LegH Prep) imparts a meat-like flavor profile onto plant-based food products. The safety of LegH Prep was evaluated through a series of in vitro and in vivo tests. The genotoxic potential of LegH Prep was assessed using the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) and the in vitro chromosome aberration test. LegH Prep was nonmutagenic and nonclastogenic in each test, respectively. Systemic toxicity was assessed in a 28-day dietary study in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. There were no mortalities associated with the administration of LegH Prep. There were no clinical observations, body weight, ophthalmological, clinical pathology, or histopathological changes attributable to LegH Prep administration. There were no observed effects on male reproduction in this study, but the suggestion of a potential estrous cycle distribution effect in female rats prompted a second comprehensive 28-day dietary study in female Sprague Dawley rats. This study demonstrated that female reproductive parameters were comparable between rats treated with LegH Prep and concurrent control rats. These studies establish a no observed adverse effect level of 750 mg/kg/d LegH, which is over 100 times greater than the 90th percentile estimated daily intake. Collectively, the results of the studies presented raise no issues of toxicological concern with regard to LegH Prep under the conditions tested.
Public Support for the Punishment of Police Use of Force Errors: Evidence of Ideological Divergence and Convergence
Authors: Patil Shefali V.
Published: April 2018

It is widely believed that the public is ideologically divided with regard to law enforcement. Drawing on omission bias research, I challenge this assumption, arguing that such polarization is contingent on the type of use of force error officers commit. Three experimental studies demonstrate that, regardless of the suspect’s race, liberals are more likely than conservatives to punish a false-positive error (e.g., shooting an unarmed suspect), because they attribute responsibility to causes within the officer’s control. However, liberals and conservatives are equally unlikely to support punishing a false-negative error (failing to shoot an armed suspect), regardless of whether the suspect harms a fellow patrol officer or third-party civilian. Furthermore, bipartisan tolerance of false-negative errors is especially high among both liberals and conservatives if the withholding of force was intended to preserve the suspect’s life. Implications for theory and public policy are discussed.
Tunnelling a midline catheter: When the traffic light shifts from yellow to green
Authors: Fabiani Adam , Dreas Lorella , Sanson Gianfranco
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

A safe, largely used practice for difficult venous access patients is positioning a catheter in deeper veins under ultrasound guide. However, the risk of complications is increased when there is a high catheter-to-vein ratio or when the insertion site is in a zone with particular anatomical/physiological characteristics.

Case description:

A 60-year-old woman admitted to a post-operative intensive care unit after cardiac surgery had a complicated post-operative course. After the removal of a central venous catheter, it was necessary to insert a midline catheter. A complete ultrasound evaluation showed that only the axillary vein was suitable for direct cannulation. To avoid creating an exit site in the axillary cavity, the decision was made to tunnel the catheter to locate an exit site in a safer position. A guidewire was introduced through a needle in the axillary vein. A tunnel was created using a subcutaneous injection of lidocaine. A 14 G/13.3 cm peripheral venous catheter was inserted in the subcutaneous tract. A 4 Fr/20 cm catheter was introduced through the peripheral venous catheter and moved to the axillary vein through the previously inserted sheath. No acute complications occurred. The catheter was accessed several times a day during the period following its insertion to infuse drugs and take blood samples. It was removed 50 days after its placement because it was no longer needed. No symptomatic thrombosis or infections occurred.

Conclusion:

The placement of the tunnelled midline catheter is shown to be a safe and effective way to ensure vascular access for almost 2 months.
The Morbidity and Mortality of Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Al-Azzawi Yasir , Al-Abboodi Yasir , Fasullo Matthew , Najuib Tarek
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

The perioperative mortality is significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis undergoing certain surgical procedures. In this study, we examined the inpatient perioperative mortality and morbidities in cirrhotic people who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample database for 2010. Inclusion criteria were all race and sex who are 18 years or older. Those who have laparoscopic appendectomy and have a history of liver cirrhosis were assigned to case group. An equal random number of appendectomy-related admissions and those who have no history of liver cirrhosis were selected and placed in the control group. A binary logistic regression statistical test was used to examine the odds ratio for the mortality difference and postoperative complication including pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), surgical site infection, postoperative bleeding. IBM SPSS statistics was used to execute the analysis. A confidence interval of 95% and P value less than .05 were determined to define the statistical significance.

Result:

A total of 754 appendectomy-related admissions were identified—376 appendectomy-related admissions and history of cirrhosis and 378 admissions with appendectomy and no history of cirrhosis. Control group was not found to be statistically different from the case group when it comes to age, race, and sex. Of 754, 520 were white (73.5%), 334 (44.3%) were men. The mean age was 43.75 years for the case group and 46.68 years for the control group. Comparing cirrhotic with noncirrhotic group, the mean length of stay was 1.1 vs 1.52 days, inpatient mortality was 2 (0.5%) vs 1 (0.3%) ( P = .56), pneumonia 8 (2.1%) vs 3 (0.8%) ( P = .142), surgical site infection 3 (0.8%) vs 2 (0.5%) ( P = .652), UTI 18 (4.8%) vs 12 (3.2%) ( P = .26), and postoperative bleeding 3 (0.8%) vs 2 (0.5%) ( P = .65).

Conclusions:

Appendectomy-related morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients are not different from noncirrhotic patients.
The costs of responsibility for the political establishment of the Eurozone (1999–2015)
Authors: Alonso Sonia , Ruiz-Rufino Rubén
Published: April 2018

The objective of this article is to analyse the costs of responsible governance on the national political establishment of the Eurozone in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. Our analysis tests two main hypotheses. First, we argue that financial crises like the one unleashed by the global financial meltdown of 2008 have an asymmetric impact on the electoral records of establishment parties depending on whether the countries affected by the financial crisis were financially intervened in or not. Our second hypothesis states that externally imposed austerity affects Left and Right national establishment parties differently. By choosing to act responsibly, that is, assuming the conditions of the intervention, the establishment Left pays a much larger electoral price than the one paid by the establishment Right under the same circumstances. To test our argument, we use a panel data set of 12 countries from the Eurozone in the period between 1999 (stage III of the monetary union) and 2015 that contains 54 country-election-year observations. Our findings show strong support for our two hypotheses.
Assembling the opposition: Organizing struggles against neoliberalism and educational insecurity
Authors: Slater Graham B
Published: April 2018

This article explores the realm of educational politics and the organization of opposition to neoliberal school reform in the United States of America. A distinguishing feature of the current reform movement—which blends free-market rhetoric with austere governance and undemocratic corporate control—is the callous normalization of educational insecurity. In this way, the author argues, contemporary trends in US school reform mirror, but also contribute to, the broader exacerbation of social insecurity under neoliberal governance. Though neoliberal reform strategies primarily target vulnerable groups with the aim of forcing them to acquiesce to market-driven reforms under duress, their blatant hostility often provokes dissent and resistance. Drawing on Judith Butler’s recent writing on the “performative politics of assembly,” the author examines two protests against neoliberal reform in an effort to think more deeply about the state of radical educational thought and the future of oppositional struggles seeking to transform the conditions of education in order to move beyond neoliberalism.
The Assessment of Clinical Usage and Prognostic Value of YKL-40 Serum Levels in Patients With Rectal Cancer Without Distant Metastasis
Authors: Fuksiewicz Malgorzata , Kotowicz Beata , Rutkowski Andrzej , Achinger-Kawecka Joanna , Wagrodzki Michal , Kowalska Maria M.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and significant malignancies in the world. YKL-40 (chitinase-3-like protein 1) is involved in cell proliferation, migration, inflammation, and tissue remodeling; and serum levels of YKL-40 are associated with patient outcome in various cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical usage of YKL-40 pretreatment serum levels as a prognostic biomarker in rectal cancer.

Methods:

Concentrations of YKL-40 and standard tumor marker—Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)—were assessed in serum of 83 patients with rectal cancer without distant metastasis, and association with clinicopathological characteristics and disease-free and overall survival was evaluated.

Results:

Concentration of YKL-40 was significantly higher in serum of patients with rectal cancer compared to healthy controls ( P = .0001), and YKL-40 levels were able to predict rectal cancer (area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] curve = .769) with higher accuracy than CEA (area under the ROC curve = .728) in patients with early stage disease. Increased YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with age ( P = .001); however, no association with other clinicopathological characteristics was observed. Finally, in patients with recurrence, the percentage of cases with increased concentration of YKL-40 was significantly higher than in patients without recurrence ( P = .041), and Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that elevated YKL-40 concentration is a predictor of poor overall survival in patients with rectal cancer.

Conclusion:

Pretreatment serum levels of YKL-40 may be a novel prognostic factor of overall and disease-free survival in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.
The Role of Duplex Ultrasound in the Detection of Upper Extremity Artery Pathology, and Post Endovascular Complications
Authors: Roberts Jason , Ali Vaqar , Hasan Mian Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Upper extremity pathology is uncommon and generally involves the brachial artery in about 12% of the cases. Of chronic upper limb ischemia, trauma, fibromuscular dysplasia, giant cell arteritis, and atherosclerosis are among the most reported cases. After a thorough review of the literature, there is agreement with duplex ultrasound sensitivity and specificity for predicting >70% stenosis in the subclavian arteries with a sensitivity of >82% and specificity of >90%. This article not only correlates the relationship between duplex ultrasound and severe peripheral arterial disease, but it also proves with 100% accuracy the ability to detect latent and abnormal pathology of the upper extremities post endovascular intervention.
Moral fatigue: The effects of cognitive fatigue on moral reasoning
Authors: Timmons Shane , Byrne Ruth MJ
Published: April 2018

We report two experiments that show a moral fatigue effect: participants who are fatigued after they have carried out a tiring cognitive task make different moral judgements compared to participants who are not fatigued. Fatigued participants tend to judge that a moral violation is less permissible even though it would have a beneficial effect, such as killing one person to save the lives of five others. The moral fatigue effect occurs when people make a judgement that focuses on the harmful action, killing one person, but not when they make a judgement that focuses on the beneficial outcome, saving the lives of others, as shown in Experiment 1 ( n = 196). It also occurs for judgements about morally good actions, such as jumping onto railway tracks to save a person who has fallen there, as shown in Experiment 2 ( n = 187). The results have implications for alternative explanations of moral reasoning.
How manipulating task constraints in small-sided and conditioned games shapes emergence of individual and collective tactical behaviours in football: A systematic review
Authors: Ometto Lucas , Vasconcellos Fabrício VA , Cunha Felipe A , Teoldo Israel , Souza Carlos Raphael B , Dutra Marcio B , O'Sullivan Mark , Davids Keith
Published: April 2018

Background:

Small-Sided and Conditioned Games are characterised by modifications of field dimensions, number of players, rules of the game, manipulations used to shape the key task constraints that performers need to satisfy in practice. Evidence has already demonstrated the importance of designing practice to enhance understanding of tactical behaviours in football, but there is a lack of information about how coaches can manipulate task constraints to support tactical learning.

Objective:

To investigate which task constraints have been most often manipulated in studies of SSCGs; and what impact each manipulation had on emerging tactical behaviours, technical–tactical actions, and positional relationships between players.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and Academic Google databases were searched for relevant reports without time limits. The criteria adopted for inclusion were: a) studies performed with football players; b) studies that included SSCGs as an evaluation method; c) studies that investigated tactical behaviours in SSCGs; and d), articles in English and Portuguese.

Results:

The electronic database search included 24 articles in the review. Of these, five manipulated field dimensions, six manipulated number of players involved, five manipulated field dimensions and number of players, five used different scoring targets, two altered the number of players and scoring target, and one manipulated the number of players, field dimension, and scoring target.

Conclusion:

Among the task constraints analyzed in this systematic review, manipulation of number of players and playing field dimensions concomitantly occurred most frequently.
Image and text relations in ISIS materials and the new relations established through recontextualisation in online media
Authors: Wignell Peter , O’Halloran Kay L , Tan Sabine , Lange Rebecca , Chai Kevin
Published: April 2018

This study takes a systemic functional multimodal social semiotic approach to the analysis and discussion of image and text relations in two sets of data. First, patterns of contextualisation of images and text in the online magazines Dabiq and Rumiyah produced by the Islamic extremist organisation which refers to itself as Islamic State (referred to here as ISIS) are examined. The second data set consists of a sample of texts from Western online news and blog sites which include recontextualisations of images found in the first data set. A sample of examples of the use and re-use of images is discussed in order to identify patterns of similarity and difference when images and text are recontextualised. It is argued that the ISIS material tends to foreground the interpersonal metafunction in combination with the textual metafunction (i.e. the stance towards the content and the organisation of the message for this purpose), while the other data set tends to foreground the ideational metafunction (the participants, processes and circumstances of what is being reported). These inferences indicate that further exploration of a larger data set is worth pursuing. Such studies would provide deeper insights helping to distinguish between online material which supports terrorism and that which opposes it, as well as facilitating the further development of multimodal social semiotic approaches to image and text relations.
Prospective Analysis of Surgical Bone Margins After Partial Foot Amputation in Diabetic Patients Admitted With Moderate to Severe Foot Infections
Authors: Schmidt Brian M. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Patel Rajiv M. , Wrobel James S.
Published: April 2018

Background. Osteomyelitis is common in diabetic foot infections and medical management can lead to poor outcomes. Surgical management involves sending histopathologic and microbiologic specimens which guides future intervention. We examined the effect of obtainment of surgical margins in patients undergoing forefoot amputations to identify patient characteristics associated with outcomes. Secondary aims included evaluating interobserver reliability of histopathologic data at both the distal-to and proximal-to surgical bone margin. Methods. Data were prospectively collected on 72 individuals and was pooled for analysis. Standardized method to retrieve intraoperative bone margins was established. A univariate analysis was performed. Negative outcomes, including major lower extremity amputation, wound dehiscence, reulceration, reamputation, or death were recorded. Results: Viable proximal margins were obtained in 63 out of 72 cases (87.5%). Strong interobserver reliability of histopathology was recorded. Univariate analysis demonstrated preoperative platelets, albumin, probe-to-bone testing, absolute toe pressures, smaller wound surface area were associated with obtaining viable margins. Residual osteomyelitis resulted in readmission 2.6 times more often and more postoperative complications. Conclusions: Certain patients were significantly different in the viable margin group versus dirty margin group. High interobserver reliability was demonstrated. Obtainment of viable margins resulted in reduced rates of readmission and negative outcomes.

Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level I: Prospective
Patterns of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among community-ambulant patients in Singapore: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Goh Zhi Yin , Lee Pei Ying , Lai Yi Feng
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Many modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases are related to dietary patterns and physical activity. This study aims to establish the prevalence of adequate fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among community-ambulant patients in Singapore.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among community-ambulant patients using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire, covering self-reported level of physical activity and daily fruit and vegetable intake. Demographic information, awareness and adherence to recommendations were summarised using descriptive statistics. To identify factors influencing awareness and behaviour, exploratory logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Three hundred and eighty-five complete responses were analysed. For intake of fruits and vegetables, 29.1% and 21.3% of participants were aware of and adherent to the fruit and vegetable intake recommendation respectively. For physical activity, 21.3% and 26.8% of study participants were aware of and adherent to the recommendation respectively. Only 4.7% and 5.5% of participants were aware of and practising both recommendations respectively. Gender, age, ethnicity and body mass index were found to have significant influence on the awareness of the recommendations. However, there was no significant factor found to be contributing to the adherence to the recommendations.

Conclusion:

Awareness of and adherence to lifestyle recommendations among patients remain low despite ongoing publicity efforts. Many are not fully aware of and adherent to the dietary and physical activity recommendations publicised. Apart from intensifying public outreach on every possible occasion and delivering messages in manners understandable by our older patients, strategies targeting the knowledge–behaviour disconnect among working middle-aged patients also deserve continued attention in the near future.
A single‐step sizing and radiofrequency ablation catheter for circumferential ablation of Barrett's esophagus: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Belghazi K , Pouw RE , Sondermeijer CMT , Meijer SL , Schoon EJ , Koch AD , Weusten BLAM , Bergman JJGHM
Published: April 2018

Background

The 360 Express balloon catheter (360 Express) has the ability to self‐adjust to the esophageal lumen, ensuring optimal tissue contact.

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the 360 Express for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of Barrett's esophagus (BE).

Methods

BE patients with low‐grade dysplasia (LGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or early cancer (EC) were included. Visible lesions were removed by endoscopic resection (ER) prior to RFA. RFA was performed with the 360 Express using the standard ablation regimen (12J/cm2–clean–12J/cm2). Primary outcome: BE regression percentage at three months. Secondary outcomes: procedure time, adverse events, complete eradication of dysplasia (CE‐D) and intestinal metaplasia (CE‐IM).

Results

Thirty patients (median BE C4M6) were included. Eight patients underwent ER prior to RFA. Median BE regression: 90%. Median procedure time: 31 minutes. Adverse events (13%): laceration (n = 1); atrial fibrillation (n = 1); vomiting and dysphagia (n = 1); dysregulated diabetes (n = 1). After subsequent treatment CE‐D and CE‐IM was achieved in 97% and 87%, respectively. In 10% a stenosis developed during additional treatment requiring a median of one dilation.

Conclusion

This study shows that circumferential RFA using the 360 Express may shorten procedure time, while maintaining efficacy compared to standard circumferential RFA.
Ladders and Wheels: Comparing Metaphors for Bible Translation in the Context of Sustainability
Authors: King Phil
Published: April 2018

Different underlying metaphors may be used to think about Bible translation activities. Such conceptual metaphors highlight certain aspects and hide others. Bible translation has often been conceptualized through a ladder metaphor, with a beginning, endpoint, and linear steps to reach that goal. However, in the current context of Bible translation movements, with increased emphasis on sustainability and engagement, and supported by technological advances, alternative metaphors may lead to new insights. This paper explores some implications of ladder-thinking, and suggests some benefits of reconceptualizing Bible translation activities with a wheel metaphor, where the emphasis is on continuing movement rather than “reaching the top.” The metaphors are compared in the contexts of drafting, publishing and distribution, training, planning, and overall engagement with Bible translation movements.
Reframing Hospitality: Cognition, Social Bonding, and Mimetic Criticism
Authors: Rodriguez Daniel
Published: April 2018

Hospitality as a metaphor for a new paradigm of Bible translation has been put forward by a number of translation scholars. However, the reasons for their suggestion of hospitality as a new way of thinking are anecdotal and intuitive. This paper aims to recontextualize the problem of hospitality in translation theory using verifiable interdisciplinary approaches, namely evidence from cognitive science and anthropology. These interdisciplinary approaches—specifically, Dunbar’s number and René Girard’s mimetic criticism—will provide a more coherent and verifiable paradigm of hospitality for Bible translation.
Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research: Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Ruggiero S. , Saxena D. , Tetradis S. , Aghaloo T. , Ioannidou E.
Published: April 2018

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This article discusses the proceedings of the conference organized by the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research on the understanding of the translational evidence on the etiology and pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw as well as the clinical protocols on patient management.
Management of stroke and pregnancy
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Rudd Anthony , Nelson-Piercy Catherine
Published: April 2018

bibr17-2396987318772684

Stroke continues to be one of the main causes of death in the developed countries and the incidence in pregnancy appears to be increasing. Pregnancy-related stroke has a relatively high mortality rate of 10% and so clinicians need to be mindful of appropriate investigations and referral of a pregnant woman with suspected stroke, so they can receive timely treatment. In this review we address the risk factors associated with stroke, diagnosis and appropriate management of the different stroke types. We also discuss implications for care around pregnancy and delivery as well as reviewing how a pregnancy with previous stroke should be managed.
Medico-legal aspects of corneal refractive laser eye surgery
Authors: Lake Damian
Published: April 2018

It is estimated that over 40 million people have had laser vision correction worldwide since 1991. Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis is commonplace in the UK in high street chains and from more bespoke suppliers. The standards around this treatment have always been regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC), but litigation cases have been common. The recent GMC guidance for cosmetic procedures and subsequent guidelines by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists cover advertising, facility regulations, equipment, consent and surgeon training which should improve industry practices and deliver improved patient safety standards.
Platinum-group minerals of the F and T zones, Waterberg Project, far northern Bushveld Complex: implication for the formation of the PGE mineralization
Authors: McCreesh Matthew J. G. , Yudovskaya Marina A. , Kinnaird Judith A. , Reinke Christian
Published: April 2018

This study provides the first detailed mineralogical data on platinum-group element (PGE) mineralization of the Waterberg Project, in a previously unknown segment of the Bushveld Complex located in the Southern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Belt. The lower ultramafic F zone is dominated by sperrylite (up to 82 area%) with minor Pt–Pd bismuthotellurides, Pd–Ni arsenides, Au–Ag alloy, Rh–Pt sulfoarsenides and rare Pt–Fe alloys. The upper more felsic-rich gabbroic T zone is dominated by Pt–Pd bismuthotellurides (up to 90 area%), Pd tellurides and Au–Ag alloy with rare sperrylite, braggite, Pd stannides and antimonides. The platinum-group minerals (PGM) of the F zone are associated mainly with magmatic base-metal sulfides (pyrrhotite, troilite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite), that have undergone alteration during significant serpentinization, accompanied by the formation of the secondary sulfide assemblage. The T zone in a leucogabbroic sequence contains relics of magmatic sulfides and is characterized by the development of the indicative chalcopyrite-millerite-pyrite assemblage, which is associated with widespread hydrothermal quartz and hydrous silicates (amphiboles, phlogopite, epidote and chlorite). The fluid-induced style of PGM remobilization, the high Au/PGE and the high proportion of native gold in the high-grade T zone ores in the magnetite-bearing leucogabbroic rocks are unique to the Bushveld Complex. The genesis of the T ores is interpreted as a result of primary PGE enrichment in the zone of interaction between the first influxes of the Upper Zone fertile melt and a resident gabbroic melt at the top of the Troctolite-Gabbronorite-Anorthosite (TGA) fractionated sequence with subsequent fluid remobilization. Whether the hydrothermal overprint facilitated the PGE sequestration in a favourable setting or dispersed the pre-existing magmatic concentrations along fluid pathways remains essentially unresolved at the current stage.
Machine-Learning Approach for Modeling Myelosuppression Attributed to Nimustine Hydrochloride
Authors: Shibahara Takuma , Ikuta Soko , Muragaki Yoshihiro
Published: April 2018

Purpose

A major adverse effect arising from nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) therapy for brain tumors is myelosuppression. Because its timing and severity vary among individual patients, the ACNU dose level has been adjusted in an empiric manner at individual medical facilities. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to develop a machine-learning approach to estimate myelosuppression through analysis of patient factors before treatment and attempts to clarify the relationship between myelosuppression and hematopoietic stem cells from daily clinical data. Adverse effect prediction will allow ACNU dose adjustment for patients predicted to have decreases in blood cell counts and will enable focused follow-up of patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Patients were newly pathologically diagnosed with WHO grade 2 or 3 tumors and were treated with ACNU-based chemoradiotherapy. For detailed analysis of the timing and intensity of adverse effects in patients, we developed a data-weighted support vector machine (SVM) based on adverse event criteria (nadir-weighted SVM [NwSVM]). To evaluate the estimation accuracy of blood cell count dynamics, the determination coefficient ( r2) between real and estimated data was calculated by three regression methods: polynomial, SVM, and NwSVM.

Results

Only the NwSVM-based regression enabled estimation of the dynamics of all blood cell types with high accuracy (mean r2= 0.81). The mean timing of nadir arrival estimated using this regression was 35 days for platelets, 41 days for RBCs, 52 days for lymphocytes, 57 days for WBCs, and 62 days for neutrophils.

Conclusion

The NwSVM can be used to predict myelosuppression and clearly depicts nadir timing differences between platelets and other blood cells.