bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Bovine Immunoglobulin for Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucositis
Authors: Arikapudi Sowminya , Rashid Saima , Al Almomani Laith Adel , Treece Jennifer , Baumrucker Steven J.
Published: November 2017

Cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy treat cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Although these forms of treatment damage rapidly dividing cancer cells, they are also toxic to the cells of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation of the mucosal layer (mucositis) and causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Improvement in symptoms may allow patients to have better performance status permitting ongoing treatment and possibly a better prognosis. This article describes the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced mucositis and includes 3 case reports of treatment of mucositis with serum bovine immunoglobulin.
Using the EPDS to Identify Anxiety in Mothers of Infants on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Stasik-O’Brien Sara M. , McCabe-Beane Jennifer E. , Segre Lisa S.
Published: November 2017

Despite the prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety, current screening recommendations are limited to depression symptoms. Screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale–Anxiety subscale (EPDS-A) may enhance ability to detect distress in postpartum women. We aimed to replicate the EPDS-A in 200 mothers with infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and examine its incremental utility in identifying emotional distress. Presence of the EPDS-A was identified using exploratory factor analysis. Women experiencing elevated anxiety were identified using a previously established cutoff score. Results replicated the EPDS-A for the first time in mothers with infants hospitalized in the NICU. In all, 21.9% of these women had elevated anxiety symptoms and nearly one quarter of them would have been missed in routine depression screening. Use of the EPDS-A, in addition to the total EPDS score, is a promising approach to identifying anxious women in need of further evaluation, treatment, or support.
Children’s and Adolescents’ Expression of Gratitude Across Societies: Findings From Turkey
Authors: Payir Ayse , Zeytinoglu Selin
Published: November 2017

This study examined whether children’s expression of gratitude and processes potentially related to this expression, such as wishes and spending preferences, would vary across childhood in an urban center of a majority world country. We collected data from 422 boys and girls aged 7 to 14 years residing in Izmir, Turkey. Results indicated that the expression of connective gratitude was common across all ages, and there was a decrease in the expression of concrete gratitude with an increase in age. There was no relationship between types of wishes and gratitude or wishes and spending preferences; however, girls expressed less concrete gratitude and fewer hedonistic wishes compared with boys. Saving and donating were the most common spending preferences, and with an increase in age, the tendency for spending money to buy things for oneself increased. These findings are discussed in relation to how cultural experiences may influence the development of gratitude in this population.
Satisficing in Mental Health Care Patients: The Effect of Cognitive Symptoms on Self-Report Data Quality
Authors: Conijn Judith M. , van der Ark L. Andries , Spinhoven Philip
Published: November 2017

Respondents may use satisficing (i.e., nonoptimal) strategies when responding to self-report questionnaires. These satisficing strategies become more likely with decreasing motivation and/or cognitive ability (Krosnick, 1991). Considering that cognitive deficits are characteristic of depressive and anxiety disorders, depressed and anxious patients may be prone to satisficing. Using data from the Netherland’s Study of Depression and Anxiety ( N = 2,945), we studied the relationship between depression and anxiety, cognitive symptoms, and satisficing strategies on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Results showed that respondents with either an anxiety disorder or a comorbid anxiety and depression disorder used satisficing strategies substantially more often than healthy respondents. Cognitive symptom severity partly mediated the effect of anxiety disorder and comorbid anxiety disorder on satisficing. The results suggest that depressed and anxious patients produce relatively low-quality self-report data—partly due to cognitive symptoms. Future research should investigate the degree of satisficing across different mental health care assessment contexts.
Employment dynamics in the Brazilian tourism sector (2006–2015)
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Carlos De Santana , Lopes Thiago Henrique Carneiro Rios , Montenegro Rosa Lívia Gonçalves , Andrade José Roberto De Lima
Published: November 2017

Tourism is recognized as an activity with great potential for Brazil, not only because of its diverse tourist attractions but also because of the generation of economic dynamics and its capacity to absorb labour. This article investigates the influence of specialization, urbanization and diversification externalities on the tourism employment growth rate in Brazilian municipalities between 2006 and 2015. To this end, we apply Local Indicators of Spatial Association and spatial econometric models. Both techniques enable the visualization of a spatial and temporal overview of the convergence process in tourism employment in Brazil. The main results suggest that the externalities of specialization, urbanization and diversification positively affect the employment growth rate in the tourism sector. Nevertheless, the employment growth rate for tourism in neighbouring municipalities reduces local employment in the same sector, which we interpret as arising from a competitive effect.
A new understanding of ‘New Media’: Online platforms as digital mediums
Authors: McMullan John
Published: November 2017

For the last few decades, media theorists have been faced with the understanding that the networked digital computer is the meta-medium to end all mediums. This places researchers in the curious position where online platforms, such as YouTube, cannot legitimately and directly be contrasted with traditional analogue mediums, such as cinema and television. To address this inconsistency, I developed the theory of foundation technologies and their respective proto-affordances, which demonstrates the existence of past periods of ‘new media’. These were brought about by the introduction of key technologies that each offered, at the time, a new and unique underlying affordance to a society. Each new ‘proto-affordance’ inspired social disruption, as new specific mediums were spawned – each remediating existing mediums of similar mode. This framework shows digitality as another evolutionary step in a line of foundation technologies, which includes the artefact, the machine and electricity. The theory of foundation technologies permits software-based online platforms, such as YouTube, SoundCloud and Twitter, to be called digital mediums, and thus aids in understanding their technological substrate and unique affordances. Justifying this relation between old mediums and new, digital, ones equips us to more effectively comprehend and analyse these platforms as to their social adoption and uses, cultural practices, implications and effects. This allows us to better understand and control our present, and even guide our potential future.
Pathways to delinquency and substance use among African American youth: Does future orientation mediate the effects of peer norms and parental monitoring?
Authors: Marotta Phillip L , Voisin Dexter R
Published: November 2017

The following study assessed whether future orientation mediated the effects of peer norms and parental monitoring on delinquency and substance use among 549 African American adolescents. Structural equation modeling computed direct and indirect (meditational) relationships between parental monitoring and peer norms through future orientation. Parental monitoring significantly correlated with lower delinquency through future orientation ( B = −.05, standard deviation = .01, p < .01). Future orientation mediated more than quarter (27.70%) of the total effect of parental monitoring on delinquency. Overall findings underscore the importance of strengthening resilience factors for African American youth, especially those who live in low-income communities.
Self-stigma and weight loss: The impact of fear of being stigmatized
Authors: Lillis Jason , Thomas John G , Levin Michael E , Wing Rena R
Published: November 2017

This study sought to examine whether two facets of weight self-stigma (fear of enacted stigma and self-devaluation) were associated with weight change and treatment engagement for 188 individuals participating in a 3-month online weight loss program. Fear of enacted stigma predicted less weight loss 3 months later after controlling for demographics, eating problems, and psychological symptoms. Self-devaluation did not predict weight loss. Neither weight self-stigma variable predicted engagement in the online program. These results add to the literature indicating the negative effects of weight self-stigma while highlighting the central role of fear of being stigmatized by others in this process.
Stereotype threat as a psychological feature of work–life conflict
Authors: Miller Andrea L.
Published: November 2017

Much remains unknown about the boundary conditions of stereotype threat and the factors that influence how it manifests in various domains. In particular, non-performance-related responses to stereotype threat have been relatively neglected, and little is known about stereotype threats in domains where group membership is less stable over the life course. Using both correlational and experimental methods, these studies use the work–life conflict domain to contribute to stereotype threat theory along these dimensions. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that stereotype threat based on caregiver status predicts increased use of coping strategies that involve sacrifices in work productivity, family caregiving, and personal well-being. Studies 1 through 3 suggest that formal flexibility accommodation policies (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993) may not be an effective intervention in stereotype threat in the work–life conflict domain; providing informal social cues of support for employees with caregiving responsibilities, however, may be effective.
Natural vibration analysis of steel–concrete composite box beam using improved finite beam element method
Authors: Jiang Lizhong , Lai Zhipeng , Zhou Wangbao , Chai Xilin
Published: November 2017

Based on Hamilton’s principle and a cubic Hermite polynomial shape function, first the improved steel–concrete composite box beam element stiffness and mass matrixes with a few numbers of degree were derived by considering many influencing factors such as interface slip, shear lag, shear deformation, and rotational inertia, and then the finite beam element method program was established. The natural vibration frequencies of many steel–concrete composite box beam calculation samples with different spans, degrees of shear connection, and boundary conditions were calculated. The analysis results show that the finite beam element method calculation results are consistent with ANSYS’ calculation, thus demonstrating the rationality and validity of the improved steel–concrete composite box beam element stiffness and mass matrixes proposed in this study. Moreover, some meaningful conclusions to engineering design were drawn as follows: The effect of shear lag increases with the order of steel–concrete composite box beam’s natural vibration frequency and degree of shear connection. Shear deformation also increases with the order of steel–concrete composite box beam’s natural vibration frequency; thus, the shear deformation corresponding to the steel–concrete composite box beam’s high-order natural vibration frequency cannot be ignored. The interface slip of steel–concrete composite box beam’s high-order natural vibration frequency is negligible; however, the interface slip of steel–concrete composite box beam’s low-order natural vibration frequency cannot be ignored.
Modeling structural behavior of reinforced concrete beam–slab substructures subject to side-column loss at large deflections
Authors: Zhang Jing-Zhou , Li Guo-Qiang , Jiang Jian
Published: November 2017

This article proposes an energy-based method to determine the collapse resistance of beam–slab substructures subject to side-column removal scenarios. These include the removal of intermediate columns along the edge or those at corner. Four contributions to the internal energy dissipation are taken into account, including extension of reinforcing bars in the slab and beams, sectional bending moment at plastic hinges of beams, sectional bending moment along yield lines of the slab, and additional resultant bending moment from membrane forces in the slab and tensile forces in beams. The performance of the proposed method is validated against existing experimental results. A comparison of collapse mechanism of substructures subject to these two side-column removal scenarios is made in detail. It is found that no tensile catenary action developed in the beam for the removal of a corner column. The energy dissipation due to the extension of reinforcing bars and additional resultant bending moment contributes most to the resistance of substructures at large deflections. The proposed method can accurately capture the main collapse mechanisms of beam–slab substructures at large deflections, thus providing an accurate prediction of its progressive collapse resistance.
The Royal Opera House and Covent Garden: A symbiotic and complex touristic relationship
Authors: Guachalla Adrian
Published: November 2017

The Royal Opera House has a longstanding and solid relationship with Covent Garden, which is an environmentally clustered urban area for tourism and culture rich in heritage, commercial ambience and provision of different types of performing arts. Located within the core of the area opposite its popular market place, its opulent main entrance faces a less visited precinct. This makes the building less visible to the area’s visitors raising questions about its role in the perception of Covent Garden. Given that current studies on flagship developments tend to focus on contemporary projects, this research aims to understand the influence that a well-established cultural flagship exerts in the perception of a popular area for tourism using the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden as a case study. To address this aim, a social constructivist approach was adopted and 306 semi-structured interviews were conducted with domestic and international visitors throughout six locations within the area to understand the role of the Opera House in the perception of Covent Garden. Findings indicate that cultural flagships tend to be stereotyped as grandiose freestanding buildings which is not the Royal Opera House’s case given Covent Garden’s urban density. Instead, its flagship status is related to the quality of its productions and its historical attachment to the area. This is rooted in the attraction of a diverse set of visitors and international talent leading to a cosmopolitan ambience and a strong sense of civic pride as the UK’s leading provider of opera and ballet productions.
Numerical and optical analysis of heterogeneous gas combustion with diesel pilot ignition in a commercial vehicle engine
Authors: Hatzipanagiotou A , Marko F , Koenig G , Krueger C , Wenzel Paul , Koch T
Published: November 2017

A new optical measurement technology and a simulation methodology for supporting the combustion system development of a high-pressure gas-diesel combustion system are presented for the first time. With this combustion system, natural gas is directly injected with high pressure into the combustion chamber near top dead center. The simulation methodology is being validated by comparison with a commercial vehicle single-cylinder metal engine and combustion imaging on a commercial vehicle optical engine with full optical access to the combustion chamber through a contoured piston window. For the optical analysis of the gas-diesel combustion system, a measurement setup for the combined two-dimensional imaging of the OH* chemiluminescence and the soot luminescence is being developed. These images allow the ignition characterization and the cyclic stability of combustion to be analyzed. With the support of the simulation methodology, the nozzle-bowl configuration can be designed with regard to optimum mixture formation and low emissions. A thermodynamic validation of the simulation results shows good agreement of the ignition timing and the following combustion phases with heat release rate data obtained from measurements. Furthermore, the end of engine soot concentrations are captured quantitatively well. A local comparison of optical images and simulation data demonstrates that the simulation is able to capture the gas ignition zones well. The combustion intensity and thus the local soot formation are slightly underpredicted in the center of the gas jets. However, the mixture formation and the overall regions of soot formation are in good agreement with the optical images.
Insights into the construction of cultural realities: Foreign newspaper discourses about the burkini ban in France
Authors: Sommier Mélodine
Published: November 2017

The burkini ban introduced by several French coastal cities in August 2016 caused a great stir in France and abroad. Discussions were mostly articulated around the topics of secularism, religion, and national identity and values. This study examines foreign perspectives on the burkini ban in France to gain insights into the construction of cultural realities. Informed by Cultural Studies and Critical intercultural communication, this study approaches the construction of cultural realities by investigating the articulation of similarities and differences. A thematic analysis of newspaper articles ( N = 167) from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland was conducted to identify the categories evoked to construct similarities and differences. Findings indicated subtle shifts between old and refined commonalities. Throughout the data, France was cast away and represented as “the deviant other” while Muslims and Islam were associated with representations of “us.” However, underlying tensions indicated ambivalence in the redefinition of symbolic differences and similarities. Specifically, the figure of the Western Muslim and the construction of the burkini as “appropriate difference” suggested the persistence of hierarchical relations between “us” and “them.” Cultural realities therefore appeared to be both liquid and solid. In addition, findings underlined the dialogic construction of cultural realities as differences and similarities were constructed at different levels (national and transnational) that became meaningful through their interactions.
Drawing a different picture with pencil lead as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix for fullerene derivatives
Authors: Nye Leanne C , Hungerbühler Hartmut , Drewello Thomas
Published: November 2017

Inspired by reports on the use of pencil lead as a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix, paving the way towards matrix-free matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, the present investigation evaluates its usage with organic fullerene derivatives. Currently, this class of compounds is best analysed using the electron transfer matrix trans-2-[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propenylidene] malononitrile (DCTB), which was employed as the standard here. The suitability of pencil lead was additionally compared to direct (i.e. no matrix) laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry. The use of (DCTB) was identified as the by far gentler method, producing spectra with abundant molecular ion signals and much reduced fragmentation. Analytically, pencil lead was found to be ineffective as a matrix, however, appears to be an extremely easy and inexpensive method for producing sodium and potassium adducts.
Educational Exchange: Investigation of a Videoconference-Based Instructional Program for Educational Psychology Undergraduates and Fifth Graders
Authors: Butler Allison G. , Lenore Sandra , Nunez Jenifer
Published: November 2017

An innovative learning partnership took place between undergraduates in an educational psychology course and fifth graders at a local elementary school. The goals for the partnership were: (a) to use videoconferencing to provide educational psychology students with a window into a live classroom, thus allowing opportunities to see theories and principles in action; (b) to give fifth graders opportunities to experience videoconferencing, to practice presentation skills, and to observe a university environment; and (c) to create a model for a videoconference-based collaboration between a K-12 teacher and an educational psychology professor that could be replicated by others. Videoconferencing offers an affordable strategy for bridging theory and practice, as well as promoting collaborative learning communities between K-12 schools and universities.
Analysis of the effects of fabric reinforcement parameters on the mechanical properties of textile-based hybrid composites by full factorial experimental design method
Authors: Sezgin Hande , Berkalp Omer B
Published: November 2017

In this study, the effect of some fabric reinforcement parameters (fabric direction, yarn type and stacking sequence) on the mechanical properties of textile based hybrid composites are analysed by using full factorial experimental design method. The analysis of the results is achieved by using Minitab 17 software program. One factor (fabric reinforcement direction) with two levels (warp direction and weft direction) and two factors (yarn type and stacking sequence) with three levels (jute/glass, jute/carbon, glass/carbon and consecutive, low strength inside, high strength inside) are selected as the reinforcement design. Full factorial experimental design analysis results indicate that, the highest tensile and impact strength values among the experimental design are realised when samples are taken from the warp direction and E-glass/carbon combination is chosen as the yarn (material) type. Moreover, it is verified that while higher tensile strength is achieved by placing higher strength fabrics to the inner layers, higher impact strength is achieved by placing high strength fabrics to the outer layers of hybrid composite structures. Analysis of variance tables also show that at 95% confidence level, the effects of the factors are statistically significant ( p < 0.05).
Magnetically responsive textile for a new preconcentration procedure: Magnetic textile solid phase extraction
Authors: Safarik Ivo , Baldikova Eva , Safarikova Mirka , Pospiskova Kristyna
Published: November 2017

A new preconcentration procedure named “Magnetic textile solid phase extraction” was developed. A piece of nonwoven textile (fabric) was used for the immobilization of copper phthalocyanine dye and employed for the adsorption of crystal violet and safranin O from large volumes of sample. The bound dye was eluted into small volume of methanol. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values for safranin O were 2.66 µg/L and 8.87 µg/L, while for crystal violet these values were 2.17 µg/L and 7.23 µg/L, respectively. Linearity in the range 5–100 µg/L was observed. In order to prepare magnetically responsive adsorbent, an iron-based standard staple was inserted in the textile material using an office stapler. The developed procedure can be easily adapted for the detection of large variety of analytes in biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental technology, and forensic analysis.
Mir-452-3p: A Potential Tumor Promoter That Targets the CPEB3/EGFR Axis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Hui , Zhang Jianwen , Yu Zhenyu , Ye Linsen , Li Kun , Ding Fan , Feng Xiao , Meng Wei
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

We proposed to investigate the effects of miR-452-3p on the proliferation and mobility of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by targeting cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3/estimated glomerular filtration rate (CPEB3/EGFR) axis.

Methods:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-452-3p expression in 84 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent tissues. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to examine the relationship between miR-452-3p and CPEB3. Microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry detection, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, cycle arrest, apoptosis, and mobility, respectively, in HCC, HepG2, and Huh-7. Western blot was used to detect protein expression levels in EGFR signaling pathway. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between the miR-452-3p and CPEB3 expression levels and the survival of patients with HCC.

Results:

MiRNA-452-3p was found significantly upregulated in 84 human HCC sample tissues and cells in comparison with adjacent tissues and normal liver epithelial cells ( P < .01). Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CPEB3 was a direct target of miR-452-3p. Overexpression of miR-452-3p promoted cell proliferation and mobility and suppressed apoptosis. MiR-452-3p enhanced EGFR and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) expression but inhibited p21 expression level.

Conclusion:

MiR-452-3p promoted HCC cell proliferation and mobility by directly targeting the CPEB3/EGFR axis.
Integrating Reflective Problem-Solving and Mindfulness to Promote Organizational Adaptation Toward Conflict Sensitivity
Authors: Hussein Jeylan Wolyie , Bedasa Nigusie Angessa , Mengistu Bamlaku Tadesse
Published: November 2017

This article is an analysis and synthesis of the outcome of our efforts to integrate reflective problem-solving and mindfulness to promote organizational adaptation toward conflict-sensitive approach to managing and resolving land-related conflicts. The purpose of the article is 2-fold. The first part of the article describes the methodological and epistemological processes we followed to engage the candidates in reflective problem-solving and mindfulness. The second part of the article analyses the participants’ reflections on the meanings they had drawn from the thinking and learning processes. The article draws on transformative learning principles, principles of situated experiential learning, the notion of interactive problem-solving and social–psychological approach to conflict analysis, resolution, and negotiation. All of these principles and approaches emphasize the empowerment of learners and practitioners as agents of social transformation. At the end, the article presents the implications of our findings for future improvements.
Treatment of the scaphoid humpback deformity – is correction of the dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity critical?
Authors: Mathoulin Christophe L. , Arianni Margareta
Published: November 2017

Treatment of scaphoid fractures has been focused mainly on achieving union, with less attention to restoring normal scaphoid shape and orientation. Malalignment of one carpal bone will disrupt the kinetics of the entire wrist. The dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity associated with scaphoid waist nonunion is a nondissociative form of carpal instability. It has to be reduced in the treatment of scaphoid waist nonunions to avoid kinetic problems that will lead to arthritic changes. Computerized tomography scanning has become indispensable to visualize the humpback deformity clearly. Different techniques may be used to restore the normal anatomy of scaphoid, from non-vascularized graft to arthroscopic bone grafting, and also the option of vascularized bone grafting.
Sex Differences in Disgust: Why Are Women More Easily Disgusted Than Men?
Authors: Al-Shawaf Laith , Lewis David M.G. , Buss David M.
Published: November 2017

Women have consistently higher levels of disgust than men. This sex difference is substantial in magnitude, highly replicable, emerges with diverse assessment methods, and affects a wide array of outcomes—including job selection, mate choice, food aversions, and psychological disorders. Despite the importance of this far-reaching sex difference, sound theoretical explanations have lagged behind the empirical discoveries. In this article, we focus on the evolutionary-functional level of analysis, outlining hypotheses capable of explaining why women have higher levels of disgust than men. We present four hypotheses for sexual disgust and six for pathogen disgust, along with testable predictions. Discussion focuses on additional new hypotheses and on future research capable of adjudicating among these competing, but not mutually exclusive, hypotheses.
Is routine distal clavicle resection necessary in rotator cuff repair surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Livingstone Ann , Asaid Rafik , Moaveni Afshin Kamali
Published: November 2017

Background

The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials looking at the effect of distal clavicle resection in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair (RCR).

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials looking at RCR +/– distal clavicle resection. Primary clinical outcome measures included in the meta-analysis were American Shoulder Elbow Society (ASES) score, pain on visual analogue scale and range of motion in forward elevation.

Results

The systematic review identified three studies with a total of 203 participants. Those who underwent distal clavicle resection in conjunction with RCR had worse pain and acromioclavicular joint tenderness at 3-month follow-up. This difference, however, was not observed at the 24-month follow-up. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) for the ASES score was 0.45 (–3.67 to 4.58) and pain on visual analogue scale was – 0.27 (–0.70 to 0.16).

Conclusions

Routine distal clavicle resection in the setting of rotator cuff repair does not result in improved outcomes for patients with no difference being observed at 24 months post surgery. The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis do not support routine distal clavicle resection when performing RCR.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Measures Can Be Used for Glycemic Control in the ICU: An In-Silico Study
Authors: Zhou Tony , Dickson Jennifer L. , Shaw Geoffrey M. , Chase J. Geoffrey
Published: November 2017

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has become more prevalent in the intensive care unit (ICU), offering potential benefits of increased safety and reduced workload in glycemic control (GC). The drift and higher point accuracy errors of CGM devices over traditional intermittent blood glucose (BG) measures have so far limited their application in the ICU. This study delineates the trade-offs of performance, safety and workload that CGM sensors provide in GC protocols.

Methods:

Clinical data from 236 patients were used for clinically validated virtual trials. A CGM-enabled version of the STAR GC protocol was used to evaluate the use of guard rails and rolling windows. Safety was assessed through percentage of patients who had a severe hypoglycemic episode (BG < 40 mg/dl) as well as percentage of resampled BG < 72 mg/dl. Performance was assessed as percentage of resampled measurements in the 80-126 mg/dl and the 80-144 mg/dl target bands. Workload was measured by number of manual BG measures per day.

Results:

CGM-enabled versions of STAR decreased the number of required blood draws by up to 74%, while maintaining performance (76.6% BG measurements in the 80-126 mg/dl range vs 62.8% clinically, 87.9% in the 80-144 mg/dl range vs 83.7% clinically) and maintaining patient safety (1.13% of patients experienced a severe hypoglycemic event vs 0.85% clinically, 1.37% of BG measurements were less than 72 mg/dl vs 0.51% clinically).

Conclusion:

CGM sensor traces were reproduced in virtual trials to guide GC. Existing GC protocols such as STAR may need to be adjusted only slightly to gain the benefits of the increased temporal measurements of CGM sensors, through which workload may be significantly decreased while maintaining GC performance and safety.
Pharmacotherapy in overactive bladder
Authors: Hopkinson VCG , Pearce I
Published: November 2017

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) has a high prevalence within the population and has a negative effect on quality of life. Although the precise pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated, pharmacotherapeutic agents have been developed targeting two main pathways, antimuscarinic drugs and β3-adrenoreceptor agonists. Conservative management strategies, for example, bladder training, should be used as first-line treatment, with pharmacotherapy used as an adjunct if this is insufficiently effective. Antimuscarinics have a moderate effect on treating the symptoms of OAB, are associated with side effects, particularly dry mouth, and have low adherence rates in the long term. No single agent has consistently shown superiority over another. Antimuscarinics can affect cognition and may contribute to the anticholinergic burden in elderly patients. Mirabegron, a β3-agonist, appears to be as effective as antimuscarinics in improving symptoms of OAB with fewer side effects and improved adherence, and is currently recommended if treatment with antimuscarinics has failed. A combination of an antimuscarinic and β3-agonist may be worth considering if symptoms remain refractory or to reduce the side-effect profile associated with higher doses of antimuscarinics.

Level of evidence: Not applicable.
The Importance of Immigration With Future Research About School Safety
Authors: Peguero Anthony A. , Bondy Jennifer M.
Published: November 2017

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stressed that school violence is a top public health concern due to long-lasting detrimental effects on students’ physical health and emotional well-being. Thus, funding and the implementation of school safety policies and programs have increased over the years because schools are contexts of socialization that directly influence development, educational progress, and life-course trajectories. It is also evident that vulnerable and marginalized youth, such as the children of immigrants, are more likely to attend disadvantaged, violent, and disorderly schools. There is some question, however, if a “one-size-fits-all” approach toward making schools safe can be realized without considering the distinct vulnerabilities that the children of immigrants face in school. In this article, we present, depict, and discuss how immigration could matter in school safety efforts. We also make an argument for future criminological research to assess if school policy efforts are indeed providing healthy and safe learning environments for all students, including the children of immigrants.
Attitude of Men Towards Inclusion of Women in Bhutanese and Indian Army: A Literature Review
Authors: Munshi Anupama , Pandey Suruchi
Published: November 2017

This article compares and contrasts the attitudes of men of Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) and Indian Army (IA) towards women in their military. Literature review brings forth the various elements, namely, recruitment, training, employment in combat arms and services, and segregation or integration in the existing set-up about which the men express their views. These four elements help us to understand the factors that have an impact on shaping the attitudes of military men towards the employment and inclusion of women in army, which not too long ago had a policy that prohibited women to join.
Spirituality in Management: Influence of Islamic Thoughts and Philosophies
Authors: Faseruk Alex , Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir
Published: November 2017

This research note explores spirituality in management and how this spirituality has been influenced by and reflected in the Islamic faith. The source of the Islamic tradition is found in the Quran and the hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This tradition does not distinguish between the secular person involved in business, government or other enterprises and the spiritual person involved in the practice of faith. Rather Islam is an all-encompassing socio-economic system wherein morals and ethics are inextricably linked to achieve a balance between materialistic and spiritual aspects of this transitory life. This note acknowledges that there can often be disconnect between faith and practice, and provides comments on future research that is needed.
The Impact of Action Video Game Training on Mathematical Abilities in Adults
Authors: Libertus Melissa E. , Liu Allison , Pikul Olga , Jacques Theodore , Cardoso-Leite Pedro , Halberda Justin , Bavelier Daphne
Published: November 2017

Playing action video games has previously been linked to improvements in attentional control, the ability to choose what to attend and what to ignore that relies on a frontoparietal network of the brain. Here we asked whether action video game training would impact a range of mathematical abilities that rely on similar brain regions. Twenty-four adults completed extensive cognitive testing before, after 25 hr, and after 40 hr of video game training. Half of the participants trained on an action video game, the other half trained on a nonaction video game. Action video game training yielded no significant improvements in foundational number-processing skills and attentional control in this study but some improvements on standardized assessments of complex mathematics. Thus, although action video game play is clearly not an intervention of choice when considering mathematical skills, the present study suggests its use as a recreational activity may support, albeit weakly, complex mathematical skills.
Arrested by Skin Color: Evidence from Siblings and a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Kizer Jessica M.
Published: November 2017

Racial disparities in the criminal justice system are striking, but social scientists know little about skin color inequalities within this system. Research demonstrates that racial minorities with darker skin are more disadvantaged than their lighter skinned counterparts. However, scholars often analyze individuals across families without considering that skin color differences also exist within families. I improve on prior studies with an underused, within-family approach using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. I first examine the relationship between skin color and being arrested among a male nationally representative sample. Furthermore, to account for mutual unobserved and observed family characteristics, I use sibling fixed effects models to consider whether skin color disparities in arrest outcomes occur between brothers. Even when analyzing family members, I find that having darker skin remains a significant predictor for being arrested.
A Case Study of Church Growth by Church Planting in Germany: Are They Connected?
Authors: Paas Stefan
Published: November 2017

It is widely believed that the planting of new churches is a cause of church growth, regardless of culture or context. However, surprisingly little reliable and relevant data are presented to support this claim. In this article recent membership data of the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden (Association of Free Evangelical Congregations) in Germany is explored to examine the relationship between church planting and church growth. The data show that there is indeed a positive correlation, but since there is also a clear correlation between rapid growth and decline, the evidence should be treated with care.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Endorsement of the American Society for Radiation Oncology Evidence-Based Guideline
Authors: Schneider Bryan J. , Daly Megan E. , Kennedy Erin B. , Antonoff Mara B. , Broderick Stephen , Feldman Jill , Jolly Shruti , Meyers Bryan , Rocco Gaetano , Rusthoven Chad , Slotman Ben J. , Sterman Daniel H. , Stiles Brendon M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) produced an evidence-based guideline on treatment with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer. ASCO has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing and/or adapting clinical practice guidelines that have been developed by other professional organizations.

Methods

The ASTRO Evidence-Based Guideline for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists. An ASCO Expert Panel updated the literature search and reviewed the guideline content and recommendations.

Results

The ASCO Expert Panel determined that the recommendations from the ASTRO guideline, published in 2017, are clear, thorough, and based on the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO statements and minor modifications were added to enhance the applicability of the ASTRO guideline for the broader ASCO audience.

Recommendations

For standard operative risk patients with stage I NSCLC, SBRT is not recommended outside of a clinical trial. Lobectomy with systematic lymph node evaluation remains the recommended treatment, although a sublobar resection may be considered in select clinical scenarios. Recommendations are provided regarding the use of SBRT in high operative risk patients and for inoperative patients, including in challenging scenarios where tumors are: centrally located, > 5 cm in diameter, lacking tissue diagnosis, synchronous primary or multifocal, second primary after pneumonectomy, proximal to or involved with mediastinal structures, abutting the chest wall, or recurring after previous treatment. Qualifying statements are included to provide further guidance for implementation, and the importance of a discussion of treatment options among members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team is emphasized. Additional information is available at: www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Understanding the aetiology and resolution of chronic otitis media from animal and human studies
Authors: Bhutta Mahmood F. , Thornton Ruth B. , Kirkham Lea-Ann S. , Kerschner Joseph E. , Cheeseman Michael T.
Published: November 2017

Inflammation of the middle ear, known clinically as chronic otitis media, presents in different forms, such as chronic otitis media with effusion (COME; glue ear) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). These are highly prevalent diseases, especially in childhood, and lead to significant morbidity worldwide. However, much remains unclear about this disease, including its aetiology, initiation and perpetuation, and the relative roles of mucosal and leukocyte biology, pathogens, and Eustachian tube function. Chronic otitis media is commonly modelled in mice but most existing models only partially mimic human disease and many are syndromic. Nevertheless, these models have provided insights into potential disease mechanisms, and have implicated altered immune signalling, mucociliary function and Eustachian tube function as potential predisposing mechanisms. Clinical studies of chronic otitis media have yet to implicate a particular molecular pathway or mechanism, and current human genetic studies are underpowered. We also do not fully understand how existing interventions, such as tympanic membrane repair, work, nor how chronic otitis media spontaneously resolves. This Clinical Puzzle article describes our current knowledge of chronic otitis media and the existing research models for this condition. It also identifies unanswered questions about its pathogenesis and treatment, with the goal of advancing our understanding of this disease to aid the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
Early cerebellar deficits in mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory chain complexes in the KIKO mouse model of Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Lin Hong , Magrane Jordi , Rattelle Amy , Stepanova Anna , Galkin Alexander , Clark Elisia M. , Dong Yi Na , Halawani Sarah M. , Lynch David R.
Published: November 2017

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common recessive inherited ataxia, results from deficiency of frataxin, a small mitochondrial protein crucial for iron-sulphur cluster formation and ATP production. Frataxin deficiency is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in FRDA patients and animal models; however, early mitochondrial pathology in FRDA cerebellum remains elusive. Using frataxin knock-in/knockout (KIKO) mice and KIKO mice carrying the mitoDendra transgene, we show early cerebellar deficits in mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory chain complexes in this FRDA model. At asymptomatic stages, the levels of PGC-1α (PPARGC1A), the mitochondrial biogenesis master regulator, are significantly decreased in cerebellar homogenates of KIKO mice compared with age-matched controls. Similarly, the levels of the PGC-1α downstream effectors, NRF1 and Tfam, are significantly decreased, suggesting early impaired cerebellar mitochondrial biogenesis pathways. Early mitochondrial deficiency is further supported by significant reduction of the mitochondrial markers GRP75 (HSPA9) and mitofusin-1 in the cerebellar cortex. Moreover, the numbers of Dendra-labeled mitochondria are significantly decreased in cerebellar cortex, confirming asymptomatic cerebellar mitochondrial biogenesis deficits. Functionally, complex I and II enzyme activities are significantly reduced in isolated mitochondria and tissue homogenates from asymptomatic KIKO cerebella. Structurally, levels of the complex I core subunit NUDFB8 and complex II subunits SDHA and SDHB are significantly lower than those in age-matched controls. These results demonstrate complex I and II deficiency in KIKO cerebellum, consistent with defects identified in FRDA patient tissues. Thus, our findings identify early cerebellar mitochondrial biogenesis deficits as a potential mediator of cerebellar dysfunction and ataxia, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for early intervention of FRDA.
Prospective observational research on the clinical profile and outcome analysis among a cohort of patients sustaining traumatic cervical spine and cord injury in a peripheral tertiary spine care centre in Nepal
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Bhattarai Binod , Cherian Iype
Published: November 2017

Background: In developing nations like Nepal, spinal cord injury has multispectral consequences for both the patient and their family members. It has the tendency to cripple and handicap the patients, and burn out their caretakers, both physically and mentally. Furthermore, the centralization of health care with only a handful of dedicated rehabilitation centers throughout Nepal further places patients into disarray. This study was carried out as a pilot study to determine the modes of injury, age groups affected, clinical profiles and patterns of injury sustained, as well as the efficacy of managing a subset of patients, who have sustained cervical spine and cord injuries.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study comprising of 163 patients enrolled over a period of three years that were managed in the spine unit of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal.

Results: Road traffic accidents were implicated in 51% of these patients. 65% of them were in the age group of 30-39 years. Traumatic subluxation occurred in 73 patients with maximum involvement of the C4/5 region (28.76%). Good outcome was seen in patients with ASIA ‘C’ and ‘D’ with 55% of patients showed improvement from ‘C’ to ‘D’ and 95% of patients showed improvement from ‘D’ to ‘E’ at 1 year follow up. The overall mortality in the patients undergoing operative interventions was only 1.98%.

Conclusions: The prevalence of cervical spine injuries in the outreach area is still significant. The outcome of managing these patients, even in the context of a resource limited setup in a spine unit outside the capital city of a developing nation, can be as equally as effective and efficient compared to the outcome from a well-equipped and dedicated spine unit elsewhere.