bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questioning the Questionnaire: Methodological Challenges in Measuring Subjective Quality of Life in Nursing Homes Using Cognitive Interviewing Techniques
Authors: Meyer Roger , Drewniak Daniel , Hovorka Torsten , Schenk Liane
Published: December 2018

Although the concept of subjective quality of life in the nursing home setting is seen as a promising approach to discovering opportunities for improvement from the resident’s perspective, it appears problematic in classical surveys that self-reported quality ratings on the basis of satisfaction questions tend to turn out overly positive. The aim of this article is to analyze how people in residential care facilities interpret and process response stimuli received from a questionnaire on subjective quality of life. In this analysis, we aim to gain methodological insights into the way a survey instrument on subjective quality of life can adequately represent individual ratings, as well as expectations regarding different aspects of quality of life. To test the feasibility of the proposed approach, we employed a range of probing techniques from the cognitive interviewing approach. The result is a promising design principle for constructing survey instruments to measure subjective quality of life.
Discontinuation of sorafenib can lead to the emergence of FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kakiuchi Seiji , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Sakai Rina , Kawaguchi Koji , Higashime Ako , Kurata Keiji , Ichikawa Hiroya , Nagao Shigeki , Rikitake Junpei , Kiyota Naomi , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu
Published: December 2018

A 69-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with unresectable papillary thyroid cancer was referred to our hospital. We initially treated her with sorafenib, but she subsequently developed erythema multiforme, which was suspected to be a drug rush due to sorafenib; therefore, sorafenib was discontinued. At the time of discontinuation, immature blast cells were detected in her peripheral blood. Approximately two weeks later, her skin rash improved substantially, but the proportion of blasts in the peripheral blood increased. We performed a bone marrow examination, and she was diagnosed with FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia. FLT3-ITD expression is found in 20–25% of AML and is a known independent poor prognostic factor. To overcome the poor prognosis associated with FLT3-ITD, molecular drugs targeting FLT3-ITD are attracting much attention. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, also has an effect on FLT3-ITD. Although primary disease flares after tyrosine kinase inhibitor discontinuation have been reported, this is the first report to describe discontinuation of sorafenib treatment as a potential trigger of FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia in papillary thyroid cancer.
Inter-relationship between retinal and choroidal vasculatures using optical coherence tomography angiography in normal eyes
Authors: Oh Jaeryung , Baik Daniel Jinhag , Ahn Jaemoon
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

To quantify vascular and structural macular variables in healthy eyes and to investigate correlations between these variables and age using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Materials and methods:

A total of 261 eyes of 261 subjects with normal fundus were included. Central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, outer retina layer thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index were measured using optical coherence tomography. Foveal avascular zone area, vascular density, and flow void area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results:

Vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, and outer retina layer thickness ( P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). Vascular density in the deep capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness and outer retina layer thickness ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Vascular density of choriocapillaris was correlated with vascular density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Vascular density of choriocapillaris varies with retinal vascular density rather than the structure of choroid using optical coherence tomography angiography. In contrast, retinal vascular density changes as the retinal structure. Our results provide more information about the relationship between retina and choroid.
Laryngeal Pilar Cyst Masquerading as an Internal/External Laryngocele
Authors: Kim Christine M , Holliday Michael A , Newkirk Kenneth A
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

This study aimed to document and describe a case of a laryngeal pilar cyst and to review the literature.

Methods:

We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with a laryngeal pilar cyst presenting with occasional ear pain and positional dyspnea, with imaging studies suggesting external/internal laryngocele. We also review the existing clinical literature.

Results:

Pilar cysts are adnexal skin lesions most commonly found in the scalp of elderly women. They generally have a benign course, but in rare instances single or multiple foci of proliferating cells can lead to the neoplastic formation of proliferating trichilemmal cysts, which carry malignant potential. Depending on the location of the cyst, pilar cysts may also present functional challenges for the patient.

Conclusions:

Herein, we describe a pilar cyst in and around the larynx appearing initially as a laryngocele. Pilar cysts may present surrounding the larynx and may be mistaken for a vast array of pathologies. It is important to keep the differential broad when evaluating laryngeal masses.
Techniques of the tactile body: A cultural phenomenology of toddlers and mobile touchscreens
Authors: Nansen Bjorn , Wilken Rowan
Published: December 2018

A key dimension of young children’s mobile media engagement and play centres on their embodied relations, and how these are shaped with and through the interfaces, materiality and mobility of haptic media. This article explores these embodied dimensions of young children’s mobile media use, drawing on research from (1) ethnographic observation of young children’s play practices in family homes, (2) analysis of videos of young children’s tactile media interaction shared on YouTube and (3) analysis of user interface (UI) and mobile app developer literature, such as the ‘Event Handling Guide for iOS’, which encodes touchscreen interaction through the design constraints and possibilities of gesture input techniques. Taking as its starting point Marcel Mauss’ famous reflection on body techniques, this article draws on past and present research on mobile technologies, tactility and everyday life, to explore what might be involved in developing a ‘cultural phenomenology’ of mobile touchscreens. This research and analysis reveals the emergence of what we term a haptic habitus or cultivation of embodied dispositions for touchscreen conduct and competence.
Running: A way to increase body awareness in secondary school physical education
Authors: Bergentoft Heléne
Published: December 2018

Research suggests that young people’s understanding of how their bodies move in space and time is deteriorating. The aim of this study was to examine how students learn to analyse sensations and feelings while running. In total, 94 students aged 16–19 years and seven physical education (PE) teachers from two different secondary schools participated in the study. Five different PE lessons were designed, conducted and analysed based on the tenets of variation theory. Two questions guided the investigation: (a) What aspects of the running movement do students discern as critical for increased awareness of body posture in running? (b) In what way do lesson designs and teaching techniques affect students’ identification of critical aspects of body posture in running? The paper provides examples of how embodied exploration of body awareness can be used as an educational means to enhance movement capabilities. Two themes are identified and described: tentative critical aspects of body posture for running, and differences in students’ ways of developing movement capability. The paper concludes with a summary of the main results along with reflections on issues that require further attention.
Exploring the emotional experiences of young women with chronic pain: The potential role of self-compassion
Authors: Barnes Alexandra , Adam Margo EK , Eke Abimbola O , Ferguson Leah J
Published: December 2018

Chronic pain is multidimensional and includes an emotional dimension in addition to the physical and cognitive dimensions. Self-compassion, being touched by and open to one’s own suffering, has been identified as a useful resource during difficult experiences. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the role of self-compassion in the emotional experiences of women with chronic pain. Seven women participated in focus groups, reflective photo voice and one-on-one interviews. Three collective narratives were generated highlighting the women’s sources of emotional pain and suggesting self-compassion as a constructive approach to manage the emotional dimension of chronic pain.
Do bilinguals generalize estar more than monolinguals and what is the role of conceptual transfer?
Authors: Adamou Evangelia , De Pascale Stefano , García-Márkina Yekaterina , Padure Cristian
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

Among the questions that remain open is whether bilingualism leads to simplification of alternatives in language in order to reduce cognitive load. This hypothesis has been supported by evidence showing that bilinguals generalize the Spanish copula estar ‘to be’ faster than monolinguals.﻿ Yet, other studies found no such clear trend. While conceptual transfer could account for the conflicting evidence in the literature, its role has not been demonstrated. Our study aims to fill this gap by testing simplification in Spanish copula choice among bilinguals and, in particular, the role of transfer.

Design/methodology/approach:

We used a contextualized copula choice task, comprising 28 sentences.

Data and analysis:

Sixty Romani–Spanish bilinguals from Mexico responded to the questionnaire in both Spanish and Romani. A control group of 62 Mexican Spanish monolinguals responded in Spanish. We constructed generalized linear mixed-effects models to analyse the results.

Findings/conclusions:

Analysis of the results reveals greater extension of estar among bilinguals for individual-level predicates as well as for traits not susceptible to change. Comparison of the responses of bilinguals (in Romani and in Spanish) and of Spanish monolinguals indicates that Romani could be reinforcing the generalization of estar in the Spanish responses of bilinguals.

Originality:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine copula choice in bilingual mode. In addition, it brings evidence from an under-researched community with little normative pressure.

Significance/implications:

Our study shows that conceptual transfer may be driving the extension of estar among bilinguals.
Assessing the relation of the coded nursing care and nursing intensity data: Towards the exploitation of clinical data for administrative use and the design of nursing workload
Authors: Liljamo Pia , Kinnunen Ulla-Mari , Saranto Kaija
Published: December 2018

Patient-care data from the electronic health record systems are increasingly in demand for re-use in administration and resource planning. Nursing documentation with coded concepts is expected to produce more reliable data, fulfilling better requirements for re-use. The aim was to ascertain what kind of relation exist between coded nursing diagnoses, nursing interventions, and nursing intensity and to discuss the possibilities for re-using nursing data for workload design. We analysed the retrospective nursing records of 794 patients documented by the Finnish Care Classification and nursing intensity data assessed by the Oulu Patient Classification over a 15-day period in nine inpatient units at a university hospital. Using the generalised linear mixed model, the clear relationship between the number of coded nursing notes and nursing intensity levels were ascertained. The number of coded nursing notes increases when the nursing intensity increases. The outcomes construct a good basis for continuing elaboration of electronic health record data re-use.
Breaking into secure: Introducing philosophical discussions to young people in secure accommodation
Authors: Cassidy Claire , Heron Gavin
Published: December 2018

This article explores a unique project that introduced a 10-week programme of practical Philosophy with Children to young people living in secure accommodation. It aimed to gauge the extent to which young people in secure accommodation were able to engage in philosophical dialogue and to explore the challenges and opportunities in introducing practical philosophy to young people in secure accommodation. Transcripts of 10 philosophical dialogues were analysed and young people and staff working with them were also interviewed.

Findings

Following 10 weeks of Community of Philosophical Inquiry sessions, it was evident that the young people were not only able to engage in philosophical dialogue, but also they responded positively to the structures of the sessions. While it may seem counter-intuitive to teach young people to argue, the structures offered by Community of Philosophical Inquiry appear to have been positive in terms of providing young people with the freedom to express their ideas, engage collaboratively with one another, and self-regulate their behaviour.

Applications

Although secure accommodation can be described as a controlling environment, the model adopted in this study suggests that some forms of control, such as those offered in the practical philosophy sessions, may be liberating for young people in these contexts. This study offers those working with young people in secure accommodation a new perspective on young people’s thinking and a new approach for supporting young people in their care and as they transition to the wider world.
Intensive Interaction and discourses of personhood: A focus group study with dementia caregivers
Authors: Heap Cheyann J , Wolverson Emma
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Societal discourses of dementia are medicalised and dehumanising. This leads to a social problem: the loss of personhood in dementia care. The communication technique Intensive Interaction, however, honours personhood. The current study aimed to explore how paid caregivers of people with dementia enact societal discourses of dementia, with and without the context of Intensive Interaction. This was to explore ways to address the loss of personhood in dementia care.

Method

Paid caregivers from two residential care homes attended an Intensive Interaction training day. Caregivers participated in focus groups before and after training. Transcripts of the focus groups were analysed with Critical Discourse Analysis, an approach which relates discourse to social power.

Results

Before Intensive Interaction training, carers accessed medical discourses of loss, non-communication and lack of personhood. ‘Being with’ people with dementia was framed as separate to paid work. After training, caregivers accessed discourses of communication and personhood. Intensive Interaction reframed ‘being with’ people with dementia as part of ‘doing work’. Family caregivers were largely absent from discourses. Care home hierarchies and the industrialisation of care were barriers towards honouring personhood.

Conclusions

Medical discourses of dementia reinforce a status quo whereby interpersonal interactions are devalued in dementia care, and professional ‘knowledge’ (thereby professional power) is privileged over relationships. Intensive Interaction may enable paid caregivers to access person-centred discourses and related practices. However, this requires support from management, organisational structures, and wider society. More research is needed to identify ways to involve families in residential care and to explore the effects of using Intensive Interaction in practice.
Two cheers for diversity: An experimental study of micro-level heterogeneity in problemistic search
Authors: Banerjee Aneesh , Lampel Joseph , Bhalla Ajay
Published: December 2018

In this article, we argue for an expanded view of problemistic search. Recent behavioral theory research suggests that individual search preferences influence problemistic search. We draw on this to challenge the view of problemistic search as a centrally directed organizational process that proceeds sequentially from local to distant search. We argue that search activities in organizations are heterogeneous—some individuals will first engage in local search while others may move directly to distant search. We propose that problemistic search at the macro-organizational level is therefore the result of a mix of local and distant search activities at the micro-level that shifts toward distant search in response to negative performance evaluation. We test this idea in a laboratory experiment using a repetitive task and performance feedback.
Measuring sleep in the intensive care unit: Electroencephalogram, actigraphy, or questionnaire?
Authors: Darbyshire Julie L , Borthwick Mark , Edmonds Peter , Vollam Sarah , Hinton Lisa , Young J Duncan
Published: December 2018

Background

Studies consistently report deranged sleep in patients admitted to intensive care unit. Poor sleep has harmful physical and cognitive effects, and an evidence-based intervention to improve sleep is needed. It is, however, difficult to measure sleep in the intensive care unit. ‘Gold standard’ monitoring (polysomnography) is unsuitable for usual care.

Methods

We collected concurrent sleep data from electroencephalograph recordings, activity monitoring, and nurse- and patient-completed Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaires (RCSQ).

Results

Electroencephalograph data (n = 34) confirm poor sleep. Individual bouts last approximately 1 min and around 2 h of sleep overnight is common. Correlation between electroencephalograph, self-report, nurse-report, actigraphy and overall activity score is low (ρ = 0.123 (n = 24), 0.127 (n = 22), and 0.402 and − 0.201 (n = 13), respectively). Correlation between nurse and patient assessment is limited (ρ = 0.537 (n = 444)).

Conclusions

No current method of sleep monitoring seems suitable in the intensive care unit. However, to facilitate comparison across studies, the patient-completed RCSQ seems the most meaningful measure.
Utility of ‘baseline’ electrodiagnostic studies for carpal tunnel release
Authors: Zhang Dafang , Earp Brandon E. , Blazar Philip
Published: December 2018

The utility of routine preoperative electrodiagnostic studies for carpal tunnel syndrome is controversial. One argument in support of routine preoperative electrodiagnostic study is the acquisition of an objective baseline for comparison in cases of postoperative symptom persistence or recurrence. We identified 1141 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release in 1383 limbs at a tertiary care referral centre from July 2008 to June 2013. The prevalence of preoperative electrodiagnostic study acquisition was 88%. Postoperative studies were acquired in 129 out of 1383 limbs that underwent carpal tunnel release (9.3%) at a median 24.3 months after surgery. Assessment of the median nerve for persistent or recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome was part of the rationale for obtaining electrodiagnostic studies in 81% of cases in which postoperative electrodiagnostic studies were acquired. Younger age, lower body mass index, Hispanic race and education level of eighth grade or less were associated with postoperative electrodiagnostic study acquisition.

Level of evidence: IV
My personal experience with arthroplasties in the hand and wrist over the past four decades
Authors: Boeckstyns Michel E. H.
Published: December 2018

I summarize my changing views and practices of arthroplasty in hand surgery over the past four decades. I recommend simple resection of the trapeziectomy for advanced arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint, silicone implants for the metacarpophalangeal joints and the proximal interphalangeal joints, and the total wrist arthroplasty for advanced wrist arthritis and collapse. I also outline technical tips of these procedures.
A device for measuring the variable lateral bow angle and its impact on score loss
Authors: Lau Michael , Chung Hoam , Park James L , Chauhan Sunita
Published: December 2018

During competitions, archers lose points due to errors that vary linearly or quadratically according to the distance to a target. Minimizing the quadratic variables, such as bow cant variation, should result in improvements in an archer’s performance at longer distances in major competitions. Theoretically, a bow cant angle variation of 0.1° from shot to shot can significantly affect an individual’s score. However, this error factor has not been directly measured or observed. Thus, a wireless sensor suite was developed to measure the bow’s movements and confirm that such variations exist. This unit can measure up to 0.05° in multiple orientations and record additional information, such as acceleration at 200 Hz sampling rate. Based on results from experiments with six state-level archers, the wireless sensor system successfully recorded more than 200 shots. From the acquired data, variations were reported from shot to shot. Therefore, it is predicted that an archer may lose up to 23 points per 36 arrows shot using a recurve bow due to this lateral bow angle variation.
The Effect of Obesity on Achilles Rupture Repair
Authors: Hillam Jeffery S. , Mohile Neil , Smyth Niall , Kaplan Jonathan , Aiyer Amiethab
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Obesity is an increasingly common comorbidity that may negatively affect outcomes following orthopaedic surgery. It is valuable to determine whether obese patients are vulnerable for postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) to determine the effect of obesity on surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods. Patients who underwent a surgical repair of the Achilles tendon were retrospectively identified through the ACS NSQIP. The patients were divided into 2 cohorts (obese and nonobese), then perioperative and postoperative factors were evaluated for association with obesity. Results. A total of 2128 patients were identified, of whom 887 (41.7%) were classified as obese. Obesity correlated with an increased operative time, 60.9 versus 56.1 minutes. The only postoperative complication associated with obesity was wound dehiscence. Logistic regression adjusted for comorbid conditions demonstrated that obesity was not associated with an increased risk of wound dehiscence. Conclusion. A large segment of the patient population undergoing Achilles tendon repair is obese. Obesity was found to have an increased association with wound dehiscence, likely related to comorbid conditions, following Achilles tendon repair. Obesity was not significantly associated with any other complication.

Levels of Evidence: III, Retrospective Cohort Study
Children resisting deficit: What can children tell us about literate lives?
Authors: Baroutsis Aspa , Woods Annette
Published: December 2018

Research has demonstrated that teachers who know more about the literate lives of their students outside of the classroom are more able to set up positive connections between home and school. In this article, we theorise the notion of ‘deficit’ discourses in education. Using two cases as examples, we seek to disrupt deficit discourses about children in communities of high poverty. The first case describes children’s responses when asked to draw and talk about learning to write, and highlights children’s explication of the role of the family in literacy learning. The second case describes an outside school media space where children engaged over time with a variety of new media and digital texts. These examples make the point that listening to young people can provide surprising insights into children’s aspirations and their understandings of the affordances of learning literacy. Our findings challenge the assumptions that underpin deficit understandings of children and young people growing up in communities of high poverty, and suggest that listening to children and young people in schools may well support the goal of providing quality schooling for all students.
Data for learning? Confirming and contesting performative practices of data governance
Authors: Hardy Ian , Hamid M Obaidul , Reyes Vicente
Published: December 2018

This article examines evidence of teachers’ work and learning in one school setting in the northern regions of Queensland, Australia, revealing how globalized performative practices that circulate around the collection and use of data in schooling settings are both confirmed and contested. Drawing upon the literature on the nature of accountability, particularly in relation to educational governance, and alternative theorizing of educational practice as praxis, the research reveals how teachers’ work and learning are heavily implicated in the development and perpetuation of reductive, performative conceptions of education, even as teachers seek to foster a more educative disposition. The research draws upon interviews and meeting transcripts of teachers seeking to enhance their own learning for student learning. The article reveals that even as teachers are actively involved in developing and analysing a plethora of data to foster their own learning for enhanced student learning, they also struggle to do so in a context that ascribes particular standardized forms of school, regional and national data as the data of most value. At the same time, the article describes how more sustainable practices do exist, and serve as examples of forms of praxis that challenge more reductive, performative conceptions of learning in schools more broadly.
Transnational teachers in Australian schools: Implications for democratic education
Authors: Soong Hannah
Published: December 2018

While current debates on education for children from migrant background often focus on the prevailing problems of self-segregation and racialisation in Australian education, I take my point of departure from such perspectives to ask how the evolution of a burgeoning mobile teacher, who operates on a global scale, can matter to the distribution of educational opportunity and shape of democratic education outcomes for both domestic and overseas-born children. Consistent with the Special Issue, this article seeks to open a space for further research, to ask some old and some new questions about teaching for democracy. To examine how democracy can be fully realised in and through education, this article moves beyond problematising the dangers posed by globalised neoliberal school reform to attend to the cross-border flows of culturally and ethnically diverse transnational teachers in Australian schools. The article has two foci: first, it explores the role ‘transnational teachers’ have in education for democracy by understanding their place in the relations between education and access to sociocultural opportunities. Second, the article deploys a Deweyan approach to democracy and education, to argue for an education that is embedded in contexts, beyond than a locality, to incorporate sustained cross-border relationships and patterns of teachers’ social formation. Finally, the article details key pedagogical considerations for democratic education, moving beyond largely Eurocentric practices to include aspects such as generating diversity, cultivating transnational civic engagement, and advancing transnational aspirations of both teachers and students shaped by processes of globalisation.
Clinical management of chronic mesenteric ischemia
Authors: van Dijk Louisa JD , van Noord Desirée , de Vries Annemarie C , Kolkman Jeroen J , Geelkerken Robert H , Verhagen Hence JM , Moelker Adriaan , Bruno Marco J
Published: December 2018

This review provides an overview on the clinical management of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). CMI is defined as insufficient blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract, most often caused by atherosclerotic stenosis of one or more mesenteric arteries. Patients classically present with postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss. However, patients may present with, atypically, symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Early consideration and diagnosis of CMI is important to timely treat, to improve quality of life and to prevent acute‐on‐chronic mesenteric ischemia. The diagnosis of CMI is based on the triad of clinical symptoms, radiological evaluation of the mesenteric vasculature and if available, functional assessment of mucosal ischemia. Multidisciplinary consensus on the diagnosis of CMI is of paramount importance to adequately select patients for treatment. Patients with a consensus diagnosis of single‐vessel or multi‐vessel atherosclerotic CMI are preferably treated with endovascular revascularization.
Visual activism in the geomedia era: Revitalizing heritage in the Old City of Shantou
Authors: Huang Xian
Published: December 2018

With the rapid development of digital visualization technologies, the visual value of cultural heritage is increasingly important, giving rise to new ways to interpret the true worth of heritage. Taking the case of geomedia as an example, the article aims to reflect on how the visual culture in historic conservation has been changed by way of exploring the new significance of cultural heritage and its historic conservation in the light of geomedia. Based on my fieldtrip study of the historic conservation of the Old City in Shantou, southeastern China, I claim that historic conservation of the Old City, assisted by visual activism from the ground up, reveals its close relation to geographical sites through digital knowhow of geomedia. The interaction between image pixels and physical space contributes to the process of continuous creation and recreation of the heritage sites experienced by viewers/visitors; they are sensorially enticed to blend multiple interpretations into their physical experience in real time and construct multivalent situations for their embodied encounter. These heritage sites, once saturated with location-based visual enactment, help perform an effective role as a connective node to integrate different temporal periods as well as different groups of actors in their drive to better the city’s future.
The DOWN Questionnaire: A Novel Screening Tool for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Barkoh Kaku , Ohiorhenuan Ifije E. , Lee Larry , Lucas Joshua , Arakelyan Anush , Ornelas Christopher , Buser Zorica , Hsieh Patrick , Acosta Frank , Liu John , Wang Jeffrey C. , Hah Raymond
Published: December 2018

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Objectives:

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in adults aged over 55 years. However, since the onset is typically insidious, accurately diagnosing CSM can be challenging, often requiring referral to a subspecialist and advanced imaging. To help identify patients at risk for CSM, this case-control study compared responses to a series of 4 questions (DOWN questionnaire) in myelopathic and non-myelopathic patients.

Methods:

Ninety-two patients, 46 with and 46 without myelopathy, were recruited for the study. Each patient answered 4 questions encompassing common symptoms associated with CSM. Responses between patient groups were compared, and Cohen’s κ was used to assess for agreement between responses and the diagnosis of myelopathy.

Results:

We found a sensitivity of 91% and a κ of 0.54 to 3 positive responses and a sensitivity of 72% and a κ of 0.61 to 4 positive responses.

Conclusions:

Positive responses to 3 or more DOWN questions has high sensitivity and moderate agreement with the diagnosis of myelopathy based on history, physical exam, and review of advanced imaging by an orthopedic or neurological surgeon. The DOWN questionnaire is a potentially useful screening tool to identify patients at risk for CSM.
The morphology of the femur in elderly Japanese females: Analysis using 3D-CT
Authors: Maehara Takashi , Kiyono Masahiro , Noda Tomoyuki , Sato Ryozo , Kadota Hiroaki , Hori Tadahiro , Koga Yoichi , Hidaka Yoshihisa , Joko Ryoji , Muraoka Sosuke , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: December 2018

Background:

While various implants are currently used for the treatment of femoral trochanteric fractures in Japan, ‘mismatches’ have been known to occur between patient and implant type. The purpose of this study is to identify morphological characteristics of elderly Japanese females, both in terms of the shape of proximal femur and its anterior curvature in order to evaluate the suitability of implants for treatment of femoral trochanteric fractures using 3D-computed tomography (CT) scanning.

Methods:

This study used CT scan data taken from 50 elderly females (aged 70 years or older). Neck–shaft (NS) angle and height of the greater trochanter (GT) were measured under defined conditions (TPI: theoretical plane to place implant). Anterior curvature of the femoral shaft was also measured.

Results:

On average, the NS angle was found to be 128.1° and GT height was 62.4 mm. Average curvature radius was 1040 mm. As for the NS angle, the centrum-collum-diaphysis angles of existing implants (125° or 130°) are reasonable. In elderly Japanese patients, the proximal femur shows specific characteristics. As GT height is very short, the implant may easily interfere with the lateral cortex. Additionally, the curvature radius calculated (1040 mm) was smaller than that of past reports, indicating strong curvature in the Japanese elderly.

Conclusion:

Our measurement results are potentially useful in the avoidance of intraoperative trouble caused by mismatch of implants.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Toward Prenatal Genetic Testing
Authors: Abdo Nour , Ibraheem Nadia , Obeidat Nail , Graboski-Bauer Ashley , Batieha Anwar , Altamimi Nada , Khatatbih Moawia
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

We aim to address public knowledge, attitudes, and practices relative to prenatal genetic testing as a starting point for policy development in Jordan.

Study design:

We conducted a cross-sectional prenatal genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with 1111 women recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics nationwide. Data were analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Results:

The overwhelming majority (>94%) of participants considered prenatal genetic testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, procedures to be good, comfortable, and reasonable, even when the non-diagnostic nature of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening was explained. Likewise, 95% encouraged the implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening within the Jordanian health system, but most preferred it to remain optional. However, women in higher-risk age brackets, in consanguineous marriages, and with less education were significantly less interested in learning about non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. Only 60% of women interviewed were satisfied with the services provided by their obstetric/gynecologist. The more satisfied the women were, the more they are likely to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.

Conclusions:

In sum, although the data support the receptivity of Jordanian women to national implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, such policies should be accompanied by health education to increase the genetic literacy of the population and to engage high-risk populations. Thus, this offers rare insight into the readiness of 1 particular Arab population to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening technologies.
Robust adaptive immune response against Babesia microti infection marked by low parasitemia in a murine model of sickle cell disease
Authors: Yi Woelsung , Bao Weili , Rodriguez Marilis , Liu Yunfeng , Singh Manpreet , Ramlall Vijendra , Cursino-Santos Jeny R. , Zhong Hui , Elton Catherine M. , Wright Gavin J. , Mendelson Avital , An Xiuli , Lobo Cheryl A. , Yazdanbakhsh Karina
Published: December 2018

The intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia microti is the number 1 cause of transfusion-transmitted infection and can induce serious, often life-threatening complications in immunocompromised individuals including transfusion-dependent patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite the existence of strong long-lasting immunological protection against a second infection in mouse models, little is known about the cell types or the kinetics of protective adaptive immunity mounted following Babesia infection, especially in infection-prone SCD that are thought to have an impaired immune system. Here, we show, using a mouse B microti infection model, that infected wild-type (WT) mice mount a very strong adaptive immune response, characterized by (1) coordinated induction of a robust germinal center (GC) reaction; (2) development of follicular helper T (TFH) cells that comprise ∼30% of splenic CD4+ T cells at peak expansion by 10 days postinfection; and (3) high levels of effector T-cell cytokines, including interleukin 21 and interferon γ, with an increase in the secretion of antigen (Ag)-specific antibodies (Abs). Strikingly, the Townes SCD mouse model had significantly lower levels of parasitemia. Despite a highly disorganized splenic architecture before infection, these mice elicited a surprisingly robust adaptive immune response (including comparable levels of GC B cells, TFH cells, and effector cytokines as control and sickle trait mice), but higher immunoglobulin G responses against 2 Babesia-specific proteins, which may contain potential immunogenic epitopes. Together, these studies establish the robust emergence of adaptive immunity to Babesia even in immunologically compromised SCD mice. Identification of potentially immunogenic epitopes has implications to identify long-term carriers, and aid Ag-specific vaccine development.
Carfilzomib-induced aHUS responds to early eculizumab and may be associated with heterozygous CFHR3-CFHR1 deletion
Authors: Portuguese Andrew Jay , Lipe Brea
Published: December 2018

Key Points

Rapid initiation of eculizumab mitigates progression of carfilzomib-induced aHUS. Development of carfilzomib-induced aHUS may be associated with heterozygous CFHR3-CFHR1 deletion.
Mathematical modeling for total organic carbon content prediction with logging parameters by neural networks: A case study of shale gas well in South China
Authors: Yanran Huang , Zhenhui Xiao , Li Dong , Ye Yu , Taotao Cao
Published: December 2018

The lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in northwestern Hunan, South China, has already reached its high or over matured stage and is formed with hydrothermal activity and deposition. Thus, it is extremely difficult to predict the total organic carbon (TOC) content accurately by common methods with well-logging data. To solve this problem, we use artificial neural networks for predicting the TOC of the black shales in our study case. We got the input vectors through principal component analysis and based on the relationships and the logging response mechanism between TOC and logging data. In the back-propagation algorithm, some important parameters including the sample databases, the number of hidden layer nodes, transfer function, and weight value adjustment were all optimized correctly in the networks. Then, we built the mathematical model through a large number of learning sample datum and the error function between the actual and expected outputs, and we found that the results are good according to many performance indicators. In testing samples, mean absolute and relative errors are all reduced probably due to the datum ranges and features being focused, but the accuracy also drops when the numbers of participating samples are reduced. Through redefining the [Formula: see text] sample database, we gained more accurate values for the high-TOC source rock. Finally, we think that the results suggest that the method is suitable for shale gas resource exploration under similar geologic conditions and data characteristics.
Invited commentary on… Continuity of care in the community for people with severe mental illness: does it matter?
Authors: Holloway Frank
Published: December 2018

In this issue, MacDonald et al have used data from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust electronic patient record to investigate the relationship between service change, routine outcome data and ‘continuity of care’. The period they have looked at was one of huge change in the configuration of services and the background to this is explored here.

Declaration of interest

F.H. was a clinical director of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and its predecessor organisations from 1991 to 2010.
Development and Testing of a Friction/Sliding Connection to Improve the Seismic Performance of Gypsum Partition Walls
Authors: Araya-Letelier Gerardo , Miranda Eduardo , Deierlein Gregory
Published: December 2018

Observed earthquake damage, laboratory tests, and loss analyses have shown gypsum partition walls to be susceptible to earthquake damage under small story drift ratios, which can result in large losses under design earthquake ground motions. To mitigate this risk, a new friction/sliding connection is proposed that can minimize or prevent damage to partition walls for story drift ratios of 1% or more. The proposed friction/sliding connection isolates the partition wall from the structure while providing sufficient resistance to support out-of-plane forces on the wall induced by inertial effects. Test results of three prototype connections and two full-scale wall partition specimens, with and without the friction connection detail, are summarized to demonstrate the improved performance that can be achieved with the proposed friction/sliding connection. Whereas the test of the conventional wall specimen began experiencing damage at 0.1 to 0.3% story drift ratio, the wall specimen with the connection could undergo drifts up to about 1.5% without any damage.
Fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate and serve as adult Leydig stem cells
Authors: Shima Yuichi , Miyabayashi Kanako , Sato Tetsuya , Suyama Mikita , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Doi Masao , Okamura Hitoshi , Suzuki Kentaro
Published: December 2018

Previous studies have established that fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs) show distinct functional characteristics. However, the lineage relationship between FLCs and ALCs has not been clarified yet. Here, we reveal that a subset of FLCs dedifferentiate at fetal stages to give rise to ALCs at the pubertal stage. Moreover, the dedifferentiated cells contribute to the peritubular myoid cell and vascular pericyte populations in the neonatal testis, and these non-steroidogenic cells serve as potential ALC stem cells. We generated FLC lineage-specific Nr5a1 (Ad4BP/SF-1) gene-disrupted mice and mice lacking the fetal Leydig enhancer (FLE) of the Nr5a1 gene. Phenotypes of these mice support the conclusion that most of the ALCs arise from dedifferentiated FLCs, and that the FLE of the Nr5a1 gene is essential for both initial FLC differentiation and pubertal ALC redifferentiation.
ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCTION OF BINARY CLASS
Authors: Кузнецова Татьяна , Kuznetsova Tatyana , Рядовская Оксана , Ryadovskaya Oksana
Published: December 2018

The advantages of binary classes are considered. The planning stages are described. The analysis of the completed binary class is made. Organizational difficulties of completed binary class are revealed
THE SYSTEM OF COLLECTING TEMPERATURE DATA IN AREAS WITH UNEQUAL FUNCTIONAL ZONING
Authors: Глибин Евгений , Glibin Evgeniy , Чепелев Владимир , Chepelev Vladimir , Шевцов Александр , Shevtsov Aleksandr
Published: December 2018

The article deals with the approach to the organization of data collection network using wireless technologies to build a temperature control system in areas with unequal functional zoning
Methods of Laboratory Work in Students Majoring in 56.05.01 Logistics Discipline “Electrical Engineering and Electronics»
Authors: Фокин Роман , Fokin Roman , Кирьянов Александр , Kir'yanov Aleksandr
Published: December 2018

The article considers the issues of organization of laboratory work in the Academy of the Federal penitentiary service of Russia of the students enrolled in the specialty 56.05.01 Logistics. The results of the pedagogical experiment to determine the eff ectiveness of various methods of laboratory work on the discipline “Electrical engineering and electronics” are given. The article considers the methods of organization of laboratory work in the traditional form using real equipment and measuring instruments, as well as in an alternative form in the form of virtual laboratory work using computer models of devices, equipment and measuring instruments. The sequence of stages of the pedagogical experiment is described. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods of organization of laboratory work are given. According to the results of statistical processing of the results, conclusions about the eff ectiveness of the methods of organization of laboratory work are made.
State, Forms and Trends of Teachers’ Professional Collaboration at Work
Authors: Бершадский М. , Bershadskiy M. , Кузнецова А. , Kuznecova A.
Published: December 2018

In order to develop scientifi c mechanisms for improving the quality of education based on the organization of professional interaction of school teachers at the workplace, a comprehensive study of the current state, forms and trends of professional interaction of teachers at the workplace was carried out, as well as a comprehensive analysis of best Russian and foreign experience in the fi eld of professional interaction of teachers’ place, the activities of teams of teachers. Based on the results of the analysis, conclusions were drawn on the relevance of the development of professional interaction practices of teachers and models of organizing teams of school teachers.
Socio-Political Activities of General A.A. Brusilov
Authors: Александров Б. , Aleksandrov B.
Published: December 2018

Traditionally, the offi cer corps plays a crucial role in the formation and the protection of Russian statehood. In this regard, the analysis of the process of socio-political traditions of Russian offi cers on the example of General A.A. Brusilov causes well-founded academic interest. The article reveals the features of the socio-political views of General Brusilov A.A. on the background of a series of major historical events in the history of Russia has started XX century: World War I, the revolutionary and civil war General Service in the Red Army. Despite the crisis of power and change of social formations in the State in its socio-political activities of Aleksey Alekseevich Brusilov primarily relied on the State’s goals and interests.
Digital Tools to Construct an Individual Educational Route
Authors: Игнатов И. , Ignatov I.
Published: December 2018

In this article the author considers the basic principles of the developed software prototype and the developed technology as an auxiliary tool for constructing an individual educational route of the student. The stages of the algorithm of the created technology are considered in detail. The results of the study, which obtained as a result of the using this technology during the educational process at a pilot school, that takes part in the project “Engineering class at the Moscow school”, are listed.