bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New species, new records and notes in Cerambycidae from Colombia
Authors: NASCIMENTO FRANCISCO E. DE L. , BOTERO JUAN PABLO
Published: January 2018

A new species from Colombia is described: Ectenessa caputnigra sp. nov. Taxonomic notes on Adiposphaerion rubrum Martins & Napp, 1992, new geographical records to 11 species and the specific locality in Colombia for five species are provided.
Panel flutter of curvilinear composite laminated plates in the presence of delamination
Authors: Fazilati Jamshid
Published: January 2018

The effect of variable fiber placement angle on the supersonic linear flutter of rectangular composite panels containing square delamination zone is investigated using an enhanced spline version of finite strip method (FSM). The location dependent stiffness characteristics and mass matrices due to variable fiber orientation angles within every ply are extracted. The structural formulation is based on the higher-order shear deformation theory while the first-order piston theory is utilized to predict the loading effects of the supersonic airflow. Laminated composite material with varying fiber orientation angles along the axial direction is considered. The effect of aerodynamic damping is overlooked. The flutter coalescence of vibration modes is then traced using a standard eigenvalue procedure. Some representative results are provided to show the accuracy and capability of the developed formulation. The effects of material layup as well as geometry on the flutter behavior of laminated panels are then studied and the variation of critical aerodynamic pressure considering different delamination size, delamination depth, and boundary conditions are examined.
‘Strangers in my home’: Disaster and the durability of the private realm
Authors: Cheshire Lynda , Walters Peter , ten Have Charlotte
Published: January 2018

The three realms of home, neighbourhood and public space comprise distinct socio-spatial entities, each with distinct sets of social relations and rules governing social interaction. The home, or private realm, is characterised by intimacy and familiarity; the parochial sphere is where people interact as neighbours or acquaintances; and the public realm is where strangers are encountered as a matter of course. While the contours of these realms are constantly shifting, the boundaries between the private sphere and outside world are preserved, such that strangers and neighbours enter the home only as temporary guests or as harmful ‘invaders’. In this article the authors examine how disaster can disrupt the boundaries between the private, parochial and public realms, allowing strangers to freely enter the home. Using interviews conducted after the Brisbane 2011 floods, the article shows that while the neighbourhood became a liminal space in which total strangers were accepted, the convergence of strangers in the private sphere of home generated anxiety among occupants despite the altruistic intent of those strangers. The article concludes that, paradoxically, the resilience of the private realm, even in a vastly degraded state, contributes to the distress felt by victims of disaster when strangers come to help restore it. The authors use this conclusion to contribute theoretically to the phenomenology of home in a critical case such as a disaster.
Mission as public theology: Bridging the worlds of mission and Religious Education (RE) in Church of England schools
Authors: Worsley Howard John
Published: January 2018

At a time when RE is being reviewed and reassessed in England, this article offers a vision as to how the insights of Christian theology can offer a possible future that connects RE to the mission of God. In the UK there is a tension in Church schools between inclusivity and Christian distinctiveness, an area of misunderstanding between faith groups and the wider public. This article suggests that the problem can be navigated by applying the concept of the missio Dei to the work of the Church school, so that Christian mission can be advanced in the public sector. By connecting the educational concepts of religious literacy and community cohesion in the teaching of RE, the article suggests that the missio Dei is achieved. It is argued that these concepts can be bridged by a theological understanding of missio Dei using prophetic dialogue in a way that is wholly compatible with the school’s Christian mission. The article unpacks the four definitions; of “ missio Dei,” of “Church schools (as places of inclusive mission),” of “religious literacy,” and of “prophetic dialogue.”
A power perturbation-based MTPA control with disturbance torque observer for IPMSM drive system
Authors: Lin Faa-Jeng , Chen Shih-Gang , Liu Ying-Tsen , Chen Shih-Yao
Published: January 2018

A novel maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) method based on power perturbation for a field-oriented control (FOC) interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive system is proposed in this study. The proposed MTPA method is designed based on the power perturbation resulting from the signal injection in the current angle. Moreover, the influence of current and voltage harmonics to the MTPA control can be effectively eliminated. Furthermore, to enhance the robustness of the control system, a real-time design scheme for the integral–proportional (IP) speed controller using a recursive least square (RLS) estimator with disturbance torque feedforward control is developed. The disturbance torque is obtained from an improved disturbance torque observer with online parameters updated. Finally, some experimental results using an IPMSM drive system based on a low-price digital signal processor (DSP) are presented. From the experimental results, the proposed control approach can guarantee the control performance of a speed loop even under a cyclic fluctuating load.
Hotspots and the geographies of humanitarianism
Authors: Pallister-Wilkins Polly
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on the humanitarian geographies of the hotspots. It argues that hotspots are humanitarian in both idea and practice by raising two fundamental questions that form the basis for the article: what is humanitarianism, and who is it for? The article understands humanitarianism as a logic of government that is more expansive than the mainstream ideal that emerged in the 20th-century. Instead humanitarianism is understood as concerning logics developed to both effectively manage disaster and to secure (in both senses of the word) imminently mobile populations for the maintenance of liberal order alongside and through the securing of life. The article takes an expansive view of humanitarian government to consider genealogies of caring and population security logics in the establishment of modern, western and liberal states. The article unsettles some of the traditional geographical understandings of humanitarianism as care for distant strangers and considers the ways compassion is rationalised by the hotspot approach. This critical reading of humanitarianism and the hotspots offers empirical weight to what has been called ‘humanitarianism as liberal diagnostic’, through which humanitarianism is deployed to secure both life and a liberal political order across multiple scales.
Talent development and a firm’s performance
Authors: Latukha Marina O
Published: January 2018

The study investigates talent development (TD) as a part of human resource management (HRM) using the emerging market context and its influence on a company’s performance in Russian companies. Attention is paid to the analysis of TD programs that are used to develop talent in Russia and the factors that influence the creation and implementation of TD in Russian firms. The article explores and provides a number of ideas and conclusions about TD elaboration, realization, and talent practices’ improvement in the Russian context. The data shows that the positive connection between TD efforts and a company’s performance can be found in emerging market firms. The findings contribute to the field of HRM by showing that TD significantly influences organizational results.
Corporate branding’s influence on front-line employee and consumer value co-creation in UK household consumer markets
Authors: Glanfield Keith , Ackfeldt Anna-Lena , Melewar TC
Published: January 2018

General managers are presented with an extensive opportunity to innovate and gain market advantage from front-line employees (FLEs) and consumers working together to exchange services and co-create value. To do this, general managers need to understand more about what influences the content and quality of FLE and consumer service exchanges? What predisposes FLEs to commit to service exchange and value co-creation? And what organizational phenomena can general managers use to influence this predisposition? This article presents results from an empirical research study of FLEs employed by a firm that provides installation, servicing and emergency services to domestic households across the United Kingdom. The study reveals the importance of the firm’s corporate brand in its influence upon FLE’s sense of membership and attachment to a firm (organizational identity) and the consequent effect of this on their predisposition for service exchange (organizational commitment), that is, whether FLEs want to remain in their role, because they feel they ought to, want to or they have too much to lose by leaving.
Modelling transport and deposition of non-spherical micro- and nano-particles in composites manufacturing
Authors: Holmstedt Elise , Åkerstedt Hans O , Lundström T Staffan
Published: January 2018

In liquid moulding processes, a fabric is impregnated with a fluid that may contain particles aimed at giving the final product additional and possible smart properties. It is therefore interesting to be able to reveal how the distribution and orientation of such particles are affected by the processing condition. During the manufacturing of the fabric, relatively large channels are formed between bundles of fibres where the impregnating fluid may flow. There are also micro-channels within the bundle that are impregnated by the fluid in the larger channels mainly by capillary action. With focus on fibre bundles along the main flow direction, three main stages of the flow are the flow is leading within the bundles, the flow is moving at equal rate within the bundles and between them and the flow is leading in the channels between the bundles. The latter one of these is in focus in this study, and the capillary action from the larger channels to the micro-channels is modelled as a constant radial velocity. Brownian, gravitational and hydrodynamic forces acting on the particles are studied. The introduction of a radial velocity component drastically increases the deposition rate, and it is clear that while particle shape has a great influence on deposition rates in a flow moving strictly in the direction of the channel, when a radial flow component is introduced the differences seem to disappear.
Pharmacy Student Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Kim Jennifer J. , Hill Hailey L. , Groce James B. , Granfortuna James M. , Makhlouf Tanya K.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Best practice recommendations are lacking. Thus far, literature has described pharmacist-led DOAC monitoring.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to describe a DOAC monitoring program involving pharmacy students.

Methods:

This was an observational analysis of a quality improvement initiative. A clinical pharmacist preceptor identified clinic patients taking DOACs by running a report using the electronic medical record. Pharmacy students conducted chart reviews, called pharmacies for 6-month refill histories, and interviewed and educated patients. Findings were communicated to the care team and interventions were performed as applicable with the preceptor.

Results:

Of 90 patients included, the mean age was 63 years, 54% were female, and 65.6% were black or African American. Rivaroxaban and apixaban were used most commonly. Sixty-two percent of DOACs were prescribed for atrial fibrillation/flutter, while 32.2% for venous thromboembolism. The mean MPR was 77.1%, with 27.7% of patients having an MPR ≤60%. Of the 136 student-led interventions, 25.2% involved medication access, 24.4% adherence education, 20.7% processing refills, 14.8% laboratory monitoring recommendations, 8.9% switching or recommending switching to another anticoagulant, and 4.4% stopping a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin.

Conclusion:

Pharmacy students can help to ensure medication safety and effective use of DOACs.
Preparing Managers for Turbulent Contexts: Teaching the Principles of Design Thinking
Authors: Schumacher Thomas , Mayer Selina
Published: January 2018

Design thinking is a creative practice that sparks managers’ thinking and acting in response to the challenges of shifting consumer preferences, emerging new technological possibilities, and changing business models. The issues for management education, that is, preparing students for future management roles, is how one can teach design thinking to management students to prepare them for turbulent contexts. This article presents a conceptual approach with empirical illustrations for teaching the core principles of design thinking: user focus, problem framing, visualization, experimentation, and diversity. To help future managers develop a design-thinking attitude, we present a structured 1-hour approach that, first, introduces the design-thinking process (understand, observe, define point of view, ideate, prototype, and test); second, links design-thinking principles to the phases of the design-thinking process and the management of turbulences; and, third, zooms in on each of the six phases. We focus on how design-thinking principles—the common denominator of different design-thinking approaches—can foster students’ creativity and innovation as key elements of managing in turbulent times. In addition to presenting the process itself, the article contains instructions for conducting the exercise.
Use of 3D Prints to Compare the Efficacy of Three Different Calcaneal Osteotomies for the Correction of Heel Varus
Authors: Pfeffer Glenn B. , Michalski Max P. , Basak Tina , Giaconi Joseph C.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Cavovarus deformity of the hindfoot is typically caused by neurologic disorders. Multiple osteotomies have been described for the correction of varus deformity but without clinical comparison. In this study, we used 18 identical 3-dimensional (3D) prints of a patient with heel varus to compare the operative correction obtained with Dwyer, oblique, and Z osteotomies.

Methods:

A computed tomography (CT) scan of a patient with heel varus was used to create 18 identical 3D prints of the talus, calcaneus, and cuboid. Coordinate frames were added to the talus and calcaneus to evaluate rotation. The prints were then divided into 3 groups of 6 models each. A custom jig precisely and accurately replicated each osteotomy. Following the simulated operations, cut models were CT scanned and compared with 6 uncut models. Measurements were calculated using multiplanar reconstruction image processing. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the initial data to determine significant differences among the measured variables. A Tukey Studentized range test was run to compare variables that showed statistically significant differences using the ANOVA.

Results:

The coronal angle of the Dwyer and oblique osteotomies was significantly less than that of the Z osteotomy ( P < .05). The axial angle, lateral displacement, and calcaneal shortening of the uncut model and Z osteotomy were significantly less than the Dwyer and oblique osteotomies.

Conclusions:

Dwyer, oblique, and Z osteotomies did not create either lateral translation or coronal rotation without the addition of a lateralizing slide or rotation of the posterior tuberosity.

Clinical Relevance:

Dwyer and oblique osteotomies would be best suited for mild deformity, yet the amount of calcaneal shortening must be acknowledged. A Z osteotomy is a complex procedure that has the capability of correcting moderate-severe coronal plane rotation but fails to provide lateralization of the pull of the Achilles insertion.
Re-thinking technology and its growing role in enabling patient empowerment
Authors: Akeel Aisha Umar , Mundy Darren
Published: January 2018

The presence and increase of challenges to eHealth in today’s society have begun to generate doubts about the capability of technology in patient empowerment, especially within the frameworks supporting empowerment. Through the review of existing frameworks and articulation of patient demands, weaknesses in the current application of technology to support empowerment are explored, and key constituents of a technology-driven framework for patient empowerment are determined. This article argues that existing usage of technology in the design, development and implementation of patient empowerment in the healthcare system, although well intentioned, is insufficiently constituted, primarily as a result of fragmentation. Systems theory concepts such as holism and iteration are considered vital in improving the role of technology in enabling patient empowerment.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and inhibition in dogs with cardiac disease and an angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M , Stern Joshua A , Atkins Clarke E , Adin Darcy , Aona Brent , Condit Julia , DeFrancesco Teresa , Reina-Doreste Yamir , Keene Bruce W , Tou Sandy , Ward Jessica , Woodruff Kathleen
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs and with and without an ACE polymorphism in the canine ACE gene, before and after treatment with an ACE inhibitor.

Methods:

Thirty-one dogs (20 wild-type, 11 ACE polymorphism) with heart disease were evaluated with ACE activity measurement and systolic blood pressure before and after administration of an ACE inhibitor (enalapril).

Results:

Median pre-treatment ACE activity was significantly lower for ACE polymorphism dogs than for dogs with the wild-type sequence ( P=0.007). After two weeks of an ACE inhibitor, ACE activity was significantly reduced for both genotypes (wild-type, P<0.0001; ACE polymorphism P=0.03); mean post-therapy ACE activity was no different between the groups.

Conclusion:

An ACE polymorphism is associated with lower levels of ACE activity. Dogs with the polymorphism still experience suppression of ACE activity in response to an ACE inhibitor. It is possible that the genetic status and ACE activity of dogs may impact the response of dogs with this variant to an ACE inhibitor.
Contribution of angiotensinogen M235T and T174M gene variants and haplotypes to preeclampsia and its severity in (North African) Tunisians
Authors: Zitouni Hedia , Ben Ali Gannoum Marwa , Raguema Nozha , Maleh Wided , Zouari Ines , Faleh Raja El , Guibourdenche Jean , Almawi Wassim Y , Mahjoub Touhami
Published: January 2018

Background:

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorder and a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. While its pathogenesis remains ill defined, several candidate genes for PE have been identified, but results remain inconclusive. We investigated the association of the angiotensinogen ( AGT) gene variants M235T and T174M with PE, and we analyzed the contribution of both variants to the severity of PE.

Methods:

This case-control study enrolled 550 Tunisian pregnant women: 272 with PE, of whom 147 presented with mild, and 125 with severe PE, along with 278 unrelated age- and ethnically matched control women. AGT genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

Significantly higher M235T minor allele frequency (MAF) was associated with increased risk of PE ( p < 0.001). Decreased frequency of heterozygous T174M genotype carriers were found in control women ( p = 0.015), suggesting a protective effect of this genotype (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.51 (0.29–0.89)). Two-locus haplotype analysis demonstrated MM and TT haplotypes to be negatively and positively associated with PE, respectively. MAF of M253T, but not T174M, was higher in the severe PE group, and carrying M235T or T174M minor allele was associated with increased body mass index ( p < 0.001) among unselected PE women.

Conclusions:

AGT M235T and T174M variants contribute to an increased risk of developing PE, and for M235T to PE severity.
The critical challenge: Policy networks and market models for education
Authors: Lubienski Christopher
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews a number of approaches to considering how policy transfers through advocacy networks, focusing on education issues in general, and market-based policies in particular. While policymakers and private funders are demanding evidence on the effectiveness of proposed interventions in education, it is not at all clear that they themselves consider evidence in promoting particular policies. Instead, as is apparent with policy proposals for market-based reforms, quite often it is not rigorous research that advances policies, but effective advocacy. Indeed, evidence indicates that an infrastructure of rapid production and dissemination of data has emerged through advocacy organizations and networks, often to obscure or produce alternative evidence. While critical theorists have noted for some time the expansion of neoliberal reform models in education, those analyses offer little in terms of understanding the mechanisms behind the expansion and proliferation of such policies, much less effective ways to challenge their growth. The paper highlights limitations of one of the most popular theoretical perspectives for understanding such networks, and notes how, in the marketplace of ideas represented by new policy advocacy networks, critical scholars are poor at packaging their message, especially compared to intermediary organizations. The paper concludes by introducing a framework of economic transaction for understanding policy transfer. In doing so, it offers a challenge for critical scholars hoping to influence education policymaking.
When Things Go From Bad to Worse: The Impact of Relative Contextual Extremity on Benjamin Montgomery’s Positive Leadership and Psychological Capital
Authors: Baur John E. , Haynie Jeffrey J. , Buckley M. Ronald , Palar Jennifer M. , Novicevic Milorad M. , Humphreys John H.
Published: January 2018

Drawing from positive organizational behavior, psychological capital has been shown to be a beneficial resource allowing leaders to remain positive and future-oriented. While having hope, optimism, confidence, and resilience are particularly effective in periods of great risk and uncertainty, extreme environments likely affect leaders’ psychological capital, as evidenced by changes to these comprising factors. Answering several recent calls for historical and narrative-based approaches to leadership in extreme events, we use content analysis and historiometrics in the case of Benjamin Montgomery, the first African American plantation owner in the post–Civil War U.S. South, who faced a sequence of extreme events after purchasing the plantation on which he was formerly a slave. We triangulate our examination through the letters Montgomery penned to his former owner Joseph Davis—the older brother of Confederacy President Jefferson Davis, records on the focal actors, and historical documents from the period. We then reconstruct and examine the relative contextual severity and its impact on Montgomery’s psychological capital across a 6-year period directly following the Civil War (1865-1870). We find that while unfamiliar extreme episodes erode leader psychological capital, those resources are restored when such periods are overcome and experience is gained. We also reconsider psychological capital as a profile multidimensional construct and show underlying pairs of dimensions, which we label as overt positivity (optimism and resilience) and realistic positivity (hope and confidence), trend similarly yet remain distinct from the other pair. The implications of these findings and future directions are then discussed.
Delayed migration of Squid 18 following embolisation of a direct carotico-cavernous fistula
Authors: Das Soumik , Gupta Arun Kumar , Ramalingiah Arvinda Hanumathapura , Tiwari Sarbesh , Yadav Nishtha
Published: January 2018

We report a case of delayed migration of Squid 18 following treatment of a direct carotico-cavernous fistula.
Food consumption and dietary intakes in 36,448 adults and their association with irritable bowel syndrome: Nutrinet-Santé study
Authors: Torres Marion J. , Sabate Jean-Marc , Bouchoucha Michel , Buscail Camille , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

Diet plays an important role for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to compare the diets in terms of food consumption and nutrient intake between subjects with IBS and controls in a large French population.

Methods:

This study included 36,448 subjects from the Nutrinet-Santé cohort study, who completed a questionnaire pertaining to functional bowel disorders based on the Rome III criteria. Dietary data were obtained from at least three self-administered 24 h records via the internet. Association between IBS and diet was evaluated by comparison tests controlled for gender, age and total energy intake (ANCOVA tests).

Results:

Subjects included were mainly women (76.9%) and the mean age was 50.2 ± 14.2 years. Among these individuals, 1870 (5.1%) presented with IBS. Compared to healthy controls, they had significantly lower consumption of milk (74.6 versus 88.4 g/day; p < 0.0001), yogurt (108.4 versus 115.5 g/day; p = 0.001), fruits (192.3 versus 203.8 g/day; p < 0.001), and higher soft non-sugared beverages (1167.2 versus 1122.9 ml/day; p < 0.001). They had higher total energy intake (2028.9 versus 1995.7 kcal/day; p < 0.001), with higher intakes of lipids (38.5 versus 38.1% of total energy intake; p = 0.001) and lower intakes of proteins (16.4 versus 16.8% of total energy intake; p < 0.0001), as well as micronutrients (calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamins B2, B5 and B9, all p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

In this large sample, these findings suggest that dietary intake of subjects suffering from IBS differs from that of control subjects. They may have adapted their diet according to symptoms following medical or non-medical recommendations.
Role of time-resolved-CTA in intracranial arteriovenous malformation evaluation at 128-slice CT in comparison with digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Gupta Vivek , Ahuja Chirag , Kumar Ajay , Mukherjee Kanchan K , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of time-resolved-computed tomographic angiography (TR-CTA) on a 128-slice CT scanner vis-à-vis cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in defining the morphological and haemodynamic characteristics of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Methods

Twenty-one patients (age range 10–46, mean 24.8 years) with clinical suspicion of AVM and three patients (age range 23–35, mean 24.3 years) with diagnosed AVM who were on follow-up underwent DSA and TR-CTA, on average 1.5 days apart. Three independent neuroradiologists analysed both studies in a blinded fashion based on the following parameters: AVM location, arterial feeder territories, venous drainage pattern, nidus flow characteristics, venous outflow obstruction, arterial feeder enlargement, external carotid artery feeder, location of aneurysm if any, leptomeningeal and transdural recruitment, neoangiogenesis, and pseudophlebitic pattern.

Results

The TR-CTA correctly demonstrated AVM in all 21 positive cases. It concordantly detected location (21/21), venous drainage pattern (21/21), nidus flow characteristics (21/21), and the venous outflow obstruction (9/9). However, discordance was seen in the demonstration of the arterial feeder (2/45) ( p = 0.49), arterial enlargement (13/17) ( p = 0.103), external carotid artery feeder (0/1), aneurysmal location (3/5) ( p = 0.40), leptomeningeal recruitment (1/3) ( p = 0.40), neoangiogenesis (0/4) ( p = 0.028) and in the pseudophlebitic pattern (2/5) ( p = 0.167) demonstration.

Conclusions

The results suggest that TR-CTA can provide the important features of cerebral AVM which are required in patient management.
Onset of analgesia by a topically administered flurbiprofen lozenge: a randomised controlled trial using the double stopwatch method
Authors: Schachtel Bernard , Aspley Sue , Shephard Adrian , Schachtel Emily , Lorton Mary Beth , Shea Tim
Published: January 2018

Background:

The double stopwatch (DSW) method for determining the onset of analgesic activity has been implemented extensively by investigators studying orally administered drugs.

Objective:

The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled trial was to use the DSW method to determine the time to onset of analgesia of a single dose of a topically administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge.

Methods:

Adults with acute sore throat (n = 122) were examined to confirm the presence of tonsillopharyngitis (Tonsillo-Pharyngitis Assessment) and sore throat pain of at least moderate intensity (≥6 on a 0–10 Sore Throat Scale). Lozenges containing flurbiprofen 8.75 mg or inert ingredients (identically flavoured) were administered under double-blind conditions in the clinic while patients assessed pain and pain relief over 3 hours. Onset of analgesia was determined using the DSW method and reported as the Kaplan–Meier median time to meaningful relief. The median time to first perceived relief was also documented.

Results:

About 78% of flurbiprofen-treated patients reported meaningful pain relief compared with 48% of placebo-treated patients (p < 0.01); median time to meaningful relief for flurbiprofen-treated patients was 43 minutes (placebo-treated patients were right-censored due to non-responsivity; p = 0.01). Median time to first perceived pain relief was 11 minutes for flurbiprofen-treated patients and 19 minutes for placebo-treated patients (p = 0.03). Flurbiprofen lozenge was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events occurring and no patient discontinuing due to an adverse event.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that the DSW method can be successfully applied to the evaluation of the onset of action of a locally administered analgesic in patients with acute sore throat, demonstrating that the onset of action (time to meaningful pain relief) of flurbiprofen lozenge was <45 minutes.
Revisiting white backlash: Does race affect death penalty opinion?
Authors: Butler Ryden , Nyhan Brendan , Montgomery Jacob M. , Torres Michelle
Published: January 2018

Peffley and Hurwitz’s article “Persuasion and resistance: Race and the death penalty in America” is an influential study demonstrating the effects of race on death penalty attitudes. White respondents were found to increase their approval for capital punishment when informed that it disproportionately affects African-Americans. We present results from two studies, including one conducted on a nationally representative sample, that fail to find support for this finding. Our first study, which was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk, consists of an exact replication as well as an additional manipulation that strengthens the treatment by adding information about a specific black (versus a white) defendant to the stimulus. However, we fail to elicit the backlash effect found in the original study using either manipulation despite having nearly three times the sample size. These findings are mirrored by replication data from a Time-sharing Experiments for the Social Sciences survey that closely replicates Peffley and Hurwitz’s race framing treatment. The results from these studies suggest that the relationship between racial stimuli and death penalty support has changed since the original study, that racial backlash effects in this policy domain are not as robust as previously assumed, or both.
Death and Communal Mass-Mourning: Vin Diesel and the Remembrance of Paul Walker
Authors: Klastrup Lisbeth
Published: January 2018

This article examines Vin Diesel’s use of his public Facebook Page to mourn the loss of his friend and co-actor Paul Walker in the period from 2013-2015. It discusses how Vin Diesel performed his grief and how his mourning process was communally reflected and repeated by both Vin Diesel and Walker fans, who used Vin Diesel’s page to share and verbalise their own feelings of loss in a both public and safe space. An analysis of Vin Diesel’s own status updates and 1800 comments reacting to three popular status updates related to the death of Paul Walk posted over the course of more than a year show that commentary was used to make condolences to both Vin Diesel and Walker’s familes and to affectively express the users’ immediate feelings, both verbally and through the use of emojis. However, over time, both the form and intensity of expression of both Vin Diesel and his followers changed, pointing to the need to further study celebrity mourning processes on social media over extended periods of time.
Sacred Space
Authors: Adelstein Pamela
Published: January 2018

A space can be sacred, providing those who inhabit a particular space with sense of transcendence—being connected to something greater than oneself. The sacredness may be inherent in the space, as for a religious institution or a serene place outdoors. Alternatively, a space may be made sacred by the people within it and events that occur there. As medical providers, we have the opportunity to create sacred space in our examination rooms and with our patient interactions. This sacred space can be healing to our patients and can bring us providers opportunities for increased connection, joy, and gratitude in our daily work.
The role of teriparatide in tuberosity healing after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in complex proximal humeral fragility fracture
Authors: Chernchujit Bancha , Prasetia Renaldi
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

Tuberosity healing is known to be one of the factors that increase functional outcome in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA). In fragility fractures, tuberosity healing is difficult to be achieved. The fragment stability and bone-forming agent application become strategies to overcome this problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of teriparatide application to promote tuberosity union in rTSA on four-part proximal humeral fractures to achieve better functional outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective study of a prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty medical record was performed. Eleven patients were included in this analysis and consisted of two groups, teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups. Patients were evaluated on the range of motions and clinical outcome using the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon (ASES) Shoulder Score and X-ray to determine tuberosity union. The group differences were analyzed by t-test or Mann–Whitney U test with SPSS version 20.0 for Windows.

Results:

The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in mean age in both the groups. There were significant differences between teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups in external rotation (29.5° vs. 7.5°; p = 0.004), external rotation in 90° abduction (55° vs. 12.5°; p < 0.020), forward flexion (120° vs. 105°; p = 0.002) range of motions, and ASES (84.5 vs. 74.6; p = 0.019). We found clinical difference between teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups in time to achieve the initial callus (33 ± 18.3 days vs. 150 ± 42.4 days) and tuberosity consolidation (165.8 ± 70.3 days vs. 315 ± 106.1 days).

Conclusions:

Teriparatide administration supports tuberosity repair results in a high tuberosity healing rate with restoration of external rotation after rTSA in acute complex proximal humeral fractures.
Inclusive Properties of School Interactional Milieu: Implications for Identity Construction and Social Exclusion
Authors: Jose Justin P. , Shanuga C
Published: January 2018

This study examined the inclusive properties of school interactional milieu that shape social identity and school participation of tribal children. Using phenomenological approach, the data were collected using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and participant observation in a purposively selected 50 samples from Wayanad district in Kerala. Thematic analysis strategy was used for data analysis. The findings reveal that the structural-, familial- and personal-level factors considerably shape social interactional milieu within schools through complex interactions of its triadic actors such as teachers, tribal students and non-tribal students. The triadic interactions are characterized by social relations salience, namely, friendships, support, integration, conflicts, disconnections, distance, sense of otherness, rejections and dominance. These social relationships salience lead to identity threat perceptions, identification of self with others, and consolidating self and social images consistent with one’s own ethnic group. This invokes two potential coping responses, namely, personal meaning making and avoiding distress and anxiety. This avoidance coping relates with increased school abstinence and dropouts, whereas personal meaning making relates with consolidation of ethnic identity in tribal children.
Cutaneous Carcinogenic Risk of Phototherapy: An Updated Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wang Erica , Sasaki Jodie , Nakamura Mio , Koo John
Published: January 2018

Phototherapy is among the oldest and most highly effective treatment modalities available for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, concern regarding the potential carcinogenic risk associated with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy and/or psoralen with ultraviolet A (PUVA) has been expressed by both providers and patients. The purpose of this review is to assess the cutaneous malignancy risks of UVB phototherapy and/or PUVA in all skin types, including Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients. We searched the MEDLINE database for original research articles regarding the skin cancer risk of phototherapy. A total of 61 articles were included. In Caucasians, an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma with PUVA therapy was reported after >250 sessions, whereas studies among non-Caucasians did not show any increased risk. There was no convincing evidence of increased skin cancer risk associated with UVB phototherapy among all skin types. In view of the continued validation of its safety, phototherapy remains a valuable treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Evolution of Topical Therapy in the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review
Authors: Danesh Melissa , Nguyen Catherine , Beroukhim Kourosh , Koo John
Published: January 2018

Major developments in topical therapy for psoriasis have taken place since 1500 B.C. Older methods such as coal tar and anthralin therapy are effective but less popular given difficulty of use. Topical steroids were a revolutionary development for psoriasis. However, they are limited in use due to local and systemic side effects. Non-steroidal topical agents are less efficacious than super-potent topical steroids but have a more favorable side effect profile. Combination medications, such as betamethasone/calcipotriene agents, allow the agents to act synergistically for psoriasis management, while maintaining a safe side effect profile. We recommend a sequential strategy when using a newer combination agent to maximize efficacy and safety, and increase patient compliance.
The Comparative Efficacy of Traditional Systemic, Biologic, and Combination Therapies in the Treatment of Psoriasis: An Expansion Study
Authors: Sorensen Eric P. , Au Shiu-Chung , Garber Caren , Argobi Yahya , Madani Abdulaziz , Donovan Courtney , Dumont Nicole , Gottlieb Alice B.
Published: January 2018

Background

There is a lack of comparative effectiveness research, particularly in the clinical setting, guiding psoriasis therapy.

Objective

To compare the efficacies of the traditional systemic, biologic, and combination therapies.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed psoriasis patient visits to the Tufts Medical Center Department of Dermatology. The outcome measure used was the validated simple measure for assessing psoriasis activity (S-MAPA).

Results

Patients treated with biologic or combination therapies had a significantly larger improvement in S-MAPA than patients treated with a traditional systemic medication at 24 weeks (biologic: 62.69% vs. 36.20%, p=0.021; combination: 83.28% vs. 36.20%, p=0.011). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the superiority of biologics to traditional systemic therapy was independent of patient demographics and comorbidities.

Conclusions

In the clinical setting, the biologic and combination therapies are superior to the traditional systemic therapies in the treatment of psoriasis. Emphasis should be placed on future trials that compare current active therapies.
Review of the Health Assessment Questionnaire Use in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Gonzalez Jessica , Gottlieb Alice
Published: January 2018

The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), developed in 1979, is one of the original measurements of quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The HAQ has been utilized in several chronic rheumatologic diseases, including psoriatic arthritis. While the HAQ was validated for use in a psoriatic arthritis population, it has been mostly studied in populations with psoriatic arthritis and mild psoriasis. Its use in psoriatic arthritis with moderate to severe psoriasis has raised concerns due to the differences in disease characteristics, including the higher impact of psychosocial factors. Additionally, the HAQ does not assess treatment and disease factors specific to psoriasis patients. Nevertheless, the HAQ is a valuable assessment tool, evidenced by more than 30 years of use in more than 100,000 studies, and its easy-to-implement format; however, its use as the sole outcome measure for psoriatic arthritis severity is discouraged and practitioners should develop an understanding of its shortcomings.
Psoriasis and Psychological Comorbidities
Authors: Prussick Lisa , Jimenez Estefania , Nussbaum Dillon , Prussick Ronald
Published: January 2018

Psoriasis is a common systemic inflammatory disease with multiple known comorbidities. We review the literature focusing on the psychological comorbidities that have been reported. We discuss the impact of psoriasis on stress and sleep disorders in addition to depression. Alcohol abuse and nicotine addiction are prevalent in this population, as are psychological problems in children and teenagers who develop psoriasis early in life. We summarize the proposed pathophysiology and known treatments for these comorbidities.
Physician Satisfaction with Current Psoriasis Treatment: A Real-World Study in the USA
Authors: Korman Neil J. , Zhao Yang , Roberts Jenna , Pike James , Sullivan Emma
Published: January 2018

Background

Dermatologists may provide a unique perspective on psoriasis management by offering an evaluation of satisfaction with disease control.

Objectives

To examine physician satisfaction with psoriasis control.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Adelphi 2011/2013 Psoriasis Disease Specific Programmes, two real-world U.S. surveys of dermatologists. For individual patients, physicians reported treatment history, disease severity, symptom severity for itching, pain and scaling, and their satisfaction level (satisfied vs. dissatisfied).

Results

Dermatologists were dissatisfied with disease control for 28.6% of patients. When physicians were dissatisfied, patients were more likely to currently have moderate (66% vs. 33%) or severe (20% vs. 2%) psoriasis compared to patients with satisfied physicians (p<0.05). Patients with dissatisfied physicians were also more likely to currently have more severe pain, itching and scaling, and were less likely to be receiving a biologic therapy (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Dermatologists were dissatisfied with the control achieved for more than one-quarter of their psoriasis patients.
Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes among Psoriasis Patients Treated with Biologics and Other Systemic Agents
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Danila Maria I. , Chen Lang , Chan Benjamin , Ehst Ben , Xie Fenglong , Winthrop Kevin L. , Yun Huifeng
Published: January 2018

Background

The risk for cardiovascular events associated with systemic therapies for psoriasis, including biologics, is unclear.

Methods

We used administrative data from Medicare 2006 through 2011 to identify psoriasis patients who initiated systemic treatments. We estimated incidence rates of hospitalized myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite cardiovascular disease outcome, adjusting for potentially confounding factors.

Results

There were 28,878 initiations of psoriasis treatments. Rates of myocardial infarction were highest for methotrexate (10.32/1000 patient-years, 95%CI 8.55–12.46) and numerically lower for biologics. Patterns were similar for stroke and the composite cardiovascular disease outcome. After multivariable adjustment, there were no significant differences between systemic therapies for any of the outcomes studied.

Conclusions

In this cohort of predominantly older psoriasis patients, there was neither an elevated nor a protective effect on cardiovascular or stroke events associated with systemic therapies for psoriasis compared to conventional treatments.
Review of Available and Investigational Biologics and Non-Biologic Small Molecules for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Amir Yasmin , Lebwohl Mark G.
Published: January 2018

Background

In recent years, the number of agents for treatment of plaque psoriasis has increased rapidly.

Objective

To compare available and investigational agents for treatment of psoriasis.

Methods

Pivotal clinical trials for infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, methotrexate, tofacitinib, and apremilast in plaque psoriasis were identified. Percentages of patients achieving PASI 75, 90, and 100 were extracted.

Results

Seventeen publications, including data from 21 trials, were reviewed. All medications were more efficacious in achieving PASI 75 compared to placebo. Ixekizumab exhibited the greatest difference in PASI 75 and PASI 90, while brodalumab showed the greatest difference in PASI 100.

Limitations

Heterogeneity existed in patient demographics and study design including primary endpoint weeks between trials. Data included were only from the primary endpoint week.

Conclusions

All biologics exhibited greater PASI improvement than placebo, with newer agents more capable of achieving PASI 90 and PASI 100. Head-to-head comparator trials are needed for more accurate comparison.
Comparative Infectious Risk of Immunosuppressive Therapies Used in Psoriasis
Authors: Winthrop Kevin L. , Siegel Sarah A.R. , Chen Lang , Yun Huifeng , Chan Benjamin , Baddley John W. , Ehst Benjamin D. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2018

Few population-based studies have evaluated the infectious risk of immunosuppressive therapies used in psoriasis. Using Medicare, we identified psoriasis patients using anti-TNF therapies, ustekinumab, cyclosporine, methotrexate, or ultraviolet light. We calculated incidence rates (IRs per 1000 person-years) of hospitalized infections and opportunistic infections and used Cox-proportional hazard modeling to compare risk between therapies. Among 30,451 psoriasis patients, we identified 3,124 hospitalized infections [crude IR 160.0 (95% CI 102.3–109.7)]. Crude IRs were lowest for ultraviolet (UV) therapy [crude IR 90.0 (95% CI 82.2–98.5)] and highest for cyclosporine [crude IR 160.1 (95% CI 123.5–207.6)]. Patients starting cyclosporine (HR 1.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.9]) or methotrexate (HR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1–1.4]) or anti-TNF therapy (HR 1.2 [95% CI 1.04–1.3]) were at higher risk compared to UV therapy. Herpes zoster was the most common opportunistic infection [crude IR 13.7 (95% CI: 12.4–15.1)], although risk was similar by exposure group.