bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do replies appear? A multi-level event history analysis of online policy discussions
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Xi Yipeng , Chen Anfan
Published: October 2019

Participation takes time in both synchronous and asynchronous communication. To encourage participation, most scholars suggested strategies to change participants’ motivation to adjust the way how they distribute their time resources. We, instead, view time as an evolving environment with specific temporal norms. This study employed a multi-level event history model to explore what factors affect response behaviors in an online policy discussion forum. By proposing four time-constant individual post factors and four time-varying environment factors, and analyzing 1798 posts in the forum, the study found that both individual post and environment factors are significant predictors of online interactions in different time phases. Some interaction effects between individual post and environment factors were also found. Rather than merely focusing on participants’ resource to take part in online discussions, we suggest that future studies should examine how contextual constraints that change over time can influence response behaviors.
Factors influencing orthodontic treatment outcome in South East Wales and implications for service commissioning
Authors: Quach Stacey , Popat Hashmat , Karki Anup , Playle Rebecca , Richmond Stephen
Published: October 2019

Aim:

To determine factors that may influence the outcome of orthodontic treatment undertaken in General Dental Services/Personal Dental Services in South East Wales.

Design and setting:

A retrospective study of a requested 20 consecutively treated cases (for the year 2014–2015) provided by 26 performers in South East Wales.

Method:

Performer and patient information was obtained by use of a questionnaire and FP17OW forms, respectively. A calibrated investigator recorded the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) on start- and end-study models for each case. Descriptive and regression analyses were undertaken to identify any predictive factors of a good treatment outcome.

Results:

Two respondents completed < 20 cases, so all of their cases were assessed. A total of 495 cases were assessed. The overall achieved mean end-PAR score of 5 is collectively a good occlusal outcome. Predictive factors of a good quality of occlusal outcome (end-PAR score being ⩽ 5) were: dual arch treatment; use of functional with fixed appliances; treatment undertaken in non-corporate practices; and treatment undertaken by registered specialists ( P < 0.001). Predictive factors for occlusal improvement (change in PAR score) were: IOTN aesthetic component (AC); IOTN dental health component (DHC) (1–3 or 4–5); and number of arches treated and malocclusion type ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Dual arch fixed appliances undertaken by orthodontic specialists in non-corporate environments produced the highest quality orthodontic outcomes. Those who have the highest need for treatment according to IOTN DHC and AC benefit most in terms of improvement achieved in PAR score.
Guided wave tomography based on least-squares reverse-time migration
Authors: He Jiaze , Rocha Daniel C , Sava Paul
Published: October 2019

A key to successful damage diagnostics and quantification is damage imaging through ultrasonic guided wave tomography. We propose the implementation of least-squares reverse-time migration in a circular array for damage imaging in an aluminum plate. The theory of least-squares reverse-time migration is formulated for guided wave applications along with the summary of an efficient optimization algorithm: the conjugate gradient method. Numerical simulation and laboratory experiments are used to evaluate its performance with a circular array setup. In order to improve the data processing efficiency, the concept of using a limited number of actuators but a relatively large number of sensors is tested. Studies are conducted on three numerical cases, including a rectangular-shaped damage site, a complex-shaped damage site, and six other damage sites varying in size. As an inversion-based method, least-squares reverse-time migration shows significantly improved shape reconstruction with the amplitude quantification capability, compared to conventional reverse-time migration. Our experimental data are generated by piezoelectric wafers as actuators, measured by a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer to form a circular array on an aluminum plate, with a rectangular notch located in the inner region of the array. The damage images using experimental data show consistency in both the simulations using Born scattering and in altered material properties in the damaged region. According to the comparison, least-squares reverse-time migration for guided wave tomography is a promising technology to provide high-resolution large area damage imaging for plate-like structures.
Vibration-based gait analysis via instrumented buildings
Authors: Kessler Ellis , Malladi Vijaya VN Sriram , Tarazaga Pablo A
Published: October 2019

Gait analysis is an invaluable tool in diagnosing and monitoring human health. Current techniques often rely on specialists or expensive gait measurement systems. There is a clear space in the field for a simple, inexpensive, quantitative way to measure various gait parameters. This study investigates if useful quantitative gait parameters can be extracted from floor acceleration measurements produced by the input of foot falls. A total of 17 participants walked along a 115-ft-long hallway while underfloor mounted accelerometers measured the vertical acceleration of the floor. Signal-energy-based algorithms detect the heel strike of each step during trials. From the detected footsteps, gait parameters such as the average stride length, the time between steps, and the step signal energy were calculated. In this study, a single accelerometer was shown to be enough to detect steps over a 115-ft corridor. Distributions for all gait parameters measured were generated for each participant, showing a normal distribution with low standard deviation. The success of gait analysis using underfloor accelerometers presents possibilities in the widespread adaptation of gait measurements. The ease of installation and operation offers an opportunity to gather long-term gait measurements. Such data will augment current gait diagnostic approaches by filling the gaps between specialist visits.
Increased expression of kynurenine aminotransferases mRNA in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dudzińska Ewa , Szymona Kinga , Kloc Renata , Gil-Kulik Paulina , Kocki Tomasz , Świstowska Małgorzata , Bogucki Jacek , Kocki Janusz , Urbanska Ewa M.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Complex interaction of genetic defects with environmental factors seems to play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating data implicate a potential role of disturbed tryptophan metabolism in IBD. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a derivative of tryptophan (TRP) along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, displays cytoprotective and immunomodulating properties, whereas 3-OH-KYN is a cytotoxic compound, generating free radicals.

Methods:

The expression of lymphocytic mRNA encoding enzymes synthesizing KYNA (KAT I–III) and serum levels of TRP and its metabolites were evaluated in 55 patients with IBD, during remission or relapse [27 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 28 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD)] and in 50 control individuals.

Results:

The increased expression of KAT1 and KAT3 mRNA characterized the entire cohorts of patients with UC and CD, as well as relapse–remission subsets. Expression of KAT2 mRNA was enhanced in patients with UC and in patients with CD in remission. In the entire cohorts of UC or CD, TRP levels were lower, whereas KYN, KYNA and 3-OH-KYN were not altered. When analysed in subsets of patients with UC and CD (active phase–remission), KYNA level was significantly lower during remission than relapse, yet not versus control. Functionally, in the whole groups of patients with UC or CD, the TRP/KYN ratio has been lower than control, whereas KYN/KYNA and KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratios were not altered. The ratio KYN/3-OH-KYN increased approximately two-fold among all patients with CD; furthermore, patients with CD with relapse, manifested a significantly higher KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratio than patients in remission.

Conclusion:

The presented data indicate that IBD is associated with an enhanced expression of genes encoding KYNA biosynthetic enzymes in lymphocytes; however, additional mechanisms appear to influence KYNA levels. Higher metabolic conversion of serum TRP in IBD seems to be followed by the functional shift of KYN pathway towards the arm producing KYNA during exacerbation. We propose that KYNA, possibly via interaction with aryl hydrocarbon receptor or G-protein-coupled orphan receptor 35, may serve as a counter-regulatory mechanism, decreasing cytotoxicity and inflammation in IBD. Further longitudinal studies evaluating the individual dynamics of TRP and KYN pathway in patients with IBD, as well as the nature of precise mechanisms regulating KYNA synthesis, should be helpful in better understanding the processes underlying the observed changes.
Influence of pulsive pressure waves on liquid penetration into wood in semi-opened container
Authors: Tanaka Soichi , Seki Masako , Miki Tsunehisa , Umemura Kenji , Kanayama Kozo
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this paper was to confirm the influence of pulsive pressure waves on the liquid penetration into wood in the semi-opened container. Wood block sample was irradiated by the pulsive pressure waves in the semi-opened container filled with water used as a liquid. The irradiation was also performed in the closed container for the comparison. The water penetration into the sample was promoted by the pressure-wave irradiation. There was little difference in the degree of the penetration between the closed and the semi-opened containers. It was presumed from the measured hydraulic pressure that the pressure-wave energy irradiated on the sample in the closed container was higher than that in the semi-opened container. It was also presumed that the cavitation generation was promoted in the semi-opened container. This indicates that the cavitation as well as the pressure waves themselves affected the liquid penetration into wood. The compressive deformation of the sample irradiated in the semi-opened container was slightly smaller than that in the closed container. This indicates that the pulsive pressure-wave irradiation in the semi-opened container promoted the liquid penetration into wood with less compressive deformation.
Evaluation of the performance of register data as indicators for dairy herds with high lameness prevalence
Authors: Otten Nina Dam , Toft Nils , Thomsen Peter Thorup , Houe Hans
Published: October 2019

Background

The modern dairy industry routinely generates data on production and disease. Therefore, the use of these cheap and at times even “free” data to predict a given state of welfare in a cost-effective manner is evaluated in the present study. Such register data could potentially be used in the identification of herds at risk of having animal welfare problems. The present study evaluated the diagnostic performance of four routinely registered indicators for identifying herds with high lameness prevalence among 40 Danish dairy herds. Indicators were extracted as within-herd annual means for a one-year period for cow mortality, bulk milk somatic cell count, proportion of lean cows at slaughter and the standard deviation (SD) of age at first calving. The target condition “high lameness prevalence” was defined as a within-herd prevalence of lame cows of  ≥ 16% (third quartile). Diagnostic performance was evaluated by constructing and analysing Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and their area under the curve (AUC) for single indicators and indicator combinations. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the indicators were assessed at the optimal cut-off based on data and compared to a set of predefined cut-off levels (national annual means or 90-percentile).

Results

Cow mortality had the highest AUC (0.76), while adding the three other indicators to the model did not yield significant increase in AUC. Cow mortality and SD of age at first calving had highest Se (100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 72–100%), while highest Sp was found for the proportion of lean cows at slaughter (83%, 95% CI: 66–93%). The highest differential positive rate (DPR = 0.53) optimizing both Se and Sp was found for cow mortality. Optimal cut-off points were lower than the presently used pre-defined cut-offs.

Conclusions

The selected register-based indicators proved to be able to identify herds with high lameness prevalences. Optimized cut-offs improved the predictive ability and should therefore be preferred in official control schemes.
Assessment of cervical cancer services and cervical cancer related knowledge of health service providers in public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Firdawek , Addissie Adamu , Negash Shiferaw , Gebremichael Gebrekiros
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess cervical cancer services and knowledge of health service providers in public health facilities.

Result

Two of the three hospitals had cervical cancer screening services. One-third of the hospital had cervical cancer diagnosis service punch biopsy and cervical cancer treatment. Majority, 289 (93.5%) of study participants said cervical cancer was a preventable disease. Having multiple sexual partners 257 (83.2%) and post coital bleeding 251 (81.2%), were the most mentioned risk factor and clinical manifestation of cervical cancer respectively. Majority of the participants were aware of the correct time to start screening 291 (70.5%), and only 95 (25.9%) knew the screening intervals. Overall, 165 (53.4%) of health providers scored below the mean knowledge level score. Females had better knowledge about cervical cancer than males (X2 = 8.4, P = 0.003).
Codon harmonization reduces amino acid misincorporation in bacterially expressed P. falciparum proteins and improves their immunogenicity
Authors: Punde Neeraja , Kooken Jennifer , Leary Dagmar , Legler Patricia M. , Angov Evelina
Published: October 2019

Codon usage frequency influences protein structure and function. The frequency with which codons are used potentially impacts primary, secondary and tertiary protein structure. Poor expression, loss of function, insolubility, or truncation can result from species-specific differences in codon usage. “Codon harmonization” more closely aligns native codon usage frequencies with those of the expression host particularly within putative inter-domain segments where slower rates of translation may play a role in protein folding. Heterologous expression of Plasmodium falciparum genes in Escherichia coli has been a challenge due to their AT-rich codon bias and the highly repetitive DNA sequences. Here, codon harmonization was applied to the malarial antigen, CelTOS (Cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites). CelTOS is a highly conserved P. falciparum protein involved in cellular traversal through mosquito and vertebrate host cells. It reversibly refolds after thermal denaturation making it a desirable malarial vaccine candidate. Protein expressed in E. coli from a codon harmonized sequence of P. falciparum CelTOS (CH-PfCelTOS) was compared with protein expressed from the native codon sequence (N-PfCelTOS) to assess the impact of codon usage on protein expression levels, solubility, yield, stability, structural integrity, recognition with CelTOS-specific mAbs and immunogenicity in mice. While the translated proteins were expected to be identical, the translated products produced from the codon-harmonized sequence differed in helical content and showed a smaller distribution of polypeptides in mass spectra indicating lower heterogeneity of the codon harmonized version and fewer amino acid misincorporations. Substitutions of hydrophobic-to-hydrophobic amino acid were observed more commonly than any other. CH-PfCelTOS induced significantly higher antibody levels compared with N-PfCelTOS; however, no significant differences in either IFN-γ or IL-4 cellular responses were detected between the two antigens.
FLOWERING HTH1 is involved in CONSTANS-mediated flowering regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sim Soon Ae , Woo Su Gyeong , Hwang Dae Yeon , Kim Jin-Hong , Lee Seung Sik , Lim Chae Oh , Hong Jong Chan , Song Young Hun
Published: October 2019

Flowering at the right time is essential for maximum reproductive fitness. InArabidopsis thaliana, the CONSTANS (CO) protein facilitates the transition from the vegetative phase to the reproductive phase under long-day conditions. The formation of heterodimeric complexes between CO and DNA binding domain-containing transcription factors is important for the induction of day length-dependent flowering. Here, we report a myb-like helix turn helix (HTH) transcriptional regulator family protein as a new modulator of floral transition, which we have named FLOWERING HTH1 (FHTH1). We isolated FHTH1 as a CO-interacting protein by a yeast two-hybrid screen using anArabidopsistranscription factor library. Our analysis showed that FHTH1 presented in the nucleus and the FHTH1-CO complex was formed in the same subcellular location. We also observed the expression of aFHTH1:GUSconstruct in the leaf vasculature, where CO exists. Transgenic plants overexpressing FHTH1 fused with the plant-specific repression domain SRDX showed a delayed flowering phenotype in long days, resembling the phenotype of thecomutant. Our results suggest that FHTH1 may contribute to CO-mediated photoperiodic flowering regulation.
What about cyberspace (and cybercrime alongside it)? A reply to Farrell and Birks “Did cybercrime cause the crime drop?”
Authors: Miró-Llinares Fernando , Moneva Asier
Published: October 2019

In this paper we question Farrell and Birks’ assertion of the emergence of cybercrime as an invalid explanation for the crime drop. Alternatively to the “cybercrime hypothesis”, we propose two non-exclusive hypotheses that highlight the essential role of cyberspace as an environment that has shifted criminal opportunities from physical to virtual space, which reflects on crime trends. The first hypothesis posits that the more time spent at home by many young people due to video games and online leisure activities, among other factors, could have had an impact on the juvenile crime drop. The second hypothesis states that the appearance of cyberspace has led to a shift in opportunities from physical space to cyberspace. This could have led to an increase in property-related criminal activity connected to the Internet to the detriment of physical crime which would not be reflected in the statistics. Both premises are supported by empirical evidence.
RBSEP: a reassignment and buffer based streaming edge partitioning approach
Authors: Taimouri Monireh , Saadatfar Hamid
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the rapid growth of the Internet has led to creation of massively large graphs. Since databases have become very large nowadays, they cannot be processed by a simple machine at an acceptable time anymore; therefore, traditional graph partitioning methods, which are often based on having a complete image of the entire graph, are not applicable to large datasets. This challenge has led to the appearance of a new approach called streaming graph partitioning. In streaming graph partitioning, a stream of input data is received by a partitioner, and partitioner decides which computational machine the data should be transferred to. Often, streaming partitioner does not have any information about the whole graph, and usually distributes the vertices based on some greedy heuristics which may not be optimal for incoming vertices. Hence, partitioner’s decision can be significantly improved if more information about the graph is utilized. In this paper, we present a new vertex-cut streaming graph partitioning approach. The proposed method uses the idea of postponing the decision for some of the edges (by means of an intelligent buffering) and corrects some of the past decisions to improve the quality of the graph partitioning. The proposed approach is evaluated using from real-world graphs. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed method is superior in comparison with the previous HDRF method.
Consumer attitudes toward downward extensions: an exploration of Giordano’s extension in Hong Kong
Authors: Zeng Fan , Lee Stacy H. N. , Heung Chui Ming
Published: October 2019

Given that numerous fashion brands constantly struggle to survive, it is important to learn how consumers evaluate and change their attitudes toward the downward extensions of mass-production fashion businesses, particularly those that originate in Hong Kong. Through capitalizing on the parent brand’s equity earned through enhancing consumer preferences and building loyalty, companies’ brand extension strategies can lead to better profits and sales for fashion brands. Based on the categorization theory and the theory of perceived fit, this study examines how consumers’ familiarity, trust, perceptions of quality, and perceptions of the brand name of the parent brands influence them when evaluating a business’s downward extension. This study also investigates how the effect of the consistency, similarities in product features, and pricing of the extension’s brand concept influences consumers’ purchase intentions toward produces from the downward extension. To achieve the objectives of this study, snowball sampling was used to gather a total of 203 data sets for analysis through methods such as t-tests and stepwise regressions. The results indicated that familiarity with and trust in parent brands, along with the perceived quality of the parent brands’ products, were positive influences on consumers’ evaluations of downward extensions. The extensions’ consistency with the brand concept, product substitutability, product transferability, and pricing positively influenced higher purchase intentions. Consequently, this study highlights that perceptions of the quality of the parent brands contributes most strongly to positive evaluations, and the extension’s pricing contributes most significantly to purchase intentions.
Association of nutritional support programs with zinc deficiency in Colombian children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pinzón-Rondón Ángela María , Hoyos-Martínez Alfonso , Parra-Correa Daniela , Pedraza-Flechas Ana María , Ruiz-Sternberg Ángela María
Published: October 2019

Background

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a key role in the immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory and nervous systems. In Colombia, a vast percentage of children live in low-income households with food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies, including zinc. In an effort to improve children’s well-being, public health measures such as nutritional support programs that provide meals have targeted the poorest populations. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of nutritional support programs on zinc deficiency in Colombian children, while considering their wealth and food security.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2010 Colombian National Nutrition Survey, a population-based study representative of Colombia. A total of 4275 children between 12 and 59 months of age were included in the study. Stepwise logistic regressions were modelled with SPSS, first for zinc deficiency on wealth and food security, then adding enrolment in a nutritional support program, and finally, adjusting for socio-demographic variables.

Results

A zinc deficiency prevalence of 49% was found. The adjusted models showed an association of wealth quintiles: very poor (OR = 1.48) and poor (OR = 1.39), food security (OR = 0.75) and enrolment in a nutritional support program (OR = 0.76) with zinc deficiency. Enrolment in nutritional programs did not modify the relationship of wealth and food security to zinc deficiency.

Conclusion

Zinc deficiency is associated with wealth, food security and enrolment in nutritional support programs. Nutritional programs may be a good alternative against zinc deficiency, if they focus appropriately on the needs of children according to their wealth and food security.
Development of ReproKnow, a reproductive knowledge assessment for women with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Birru Talabi Mehret , Clowse Megan E. B. , Blalock Susan J. , Switzer Galen , Yu Lan , Chodoff Alaina , Borrero Sonya
Published: October 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to develop an assessment tool, ReproKnow, to evaluate the reproductive health knowledge of women with a wide range of rheumatic diseases.

Methods

The 10-item multiple-choice questionnaire was developed with feedback from a panel of content experts and female patients with rheumatic diseases. Construct validity using known-groups analysis was evaluated through comparison of median total ReproKnow scores between rheumatology fellows and nurses. Female patients aged 18–50 years were recruited to take ReproKnow and demographic questionnaires in two outpatient clinics. Associations between patients’ mean total knowledge scores and demographic characteristics were assessed using independent-sample t-tests. Questions were also categorized by topical area, and the percentages were calculated.

Results

The completion rate of questions in ReproKnow was 100% across all users. Median ReproKnow scores were significantly higher among rheumatology fellows than among nurses (p = 0.045). The 153 patients recruited to the study had at least one of 15 rheumatic diseases. Patients’ mean knowledge score was 5.05 (SD 2.24) out of a possible high score of 10. Patients who were younger, White, and more educated had significantly higher scores than did other patients (p’s < 0.05). Patients who bore children after their disease diagnosis had higher knowledge scores than did women whose children were born prior to their diagnosis; in contrast, women with histories of surgical sterilization or hysterectomy had lower knowledge scores than other women. Knowledge scores of women who used potentially fetotoxic medications did not vary from the remainder of the sample. Patients demonstrated gaps in knowledge about birth outcomes, contraceptive efficacy, and breastfeeding safety.

Conclusions

Initial testing of ReproKnow suggests that it may be a promising tool to assess the reproductive health knowledge of women with diverse rheumatic diseases. Specific knowledge deficits elicited from ReproKnow may be important targets for future educational interventions.
Efficacy of three-dimensional roadmapping by fusion of computed tomography angiography with volumetric data from an angiography machine in endovascular therapy for iliac chronic total occlusion: a case report
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kodera Satoshi , Ohki Noriyoshi , Kanda Junji
Published: October 2019

Background

The usefulness of endovascular therapy (EVT) for the iliac artery has been established. However, difficult cases such as a long total occlusion and tortuous vessels are sometimes encountered. We recently performed rotational angiography with an angiography machine immediately before EVT and fused three-dimensional (3D) anatomical information obtained from preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) that had been performed in advance to create a 3D roadmap. We termed this method the CT fusion 3D roadmap (CTf3D-RM) technique and used it for treatment of iliac occlusive disease.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old man presented with pain in his left leg while resting. CT showed total occlusion from the ostium of the common iliac artery (CIA) to the distal part of the external iliac artery (EIA). A guiding sheath was inserted from the left common femoral artery using the CTf3D-RM technique, and the occlusive vessel was clearly observed. The guidewire could be passed retrogradely without bidirectional wiring. The time taken to pass the guidewire was only about 9 min despite the long and hard chronic total occlusion (CTO). Intravascular ultrasound showed that all of the guidewire followed the intraplaque route. After ballooning the entire lesion, we deployed two stent grafts and three bare nitinol stents from the left CIA ostium to the distal EIA. Final angiography showed good expansion and sufficient flow to the left leg.

Conclusions

The use of a 3D roadmap by fusion of CT angiography with volumetric data from an angiography machine in EVT for iliac CTO was shown to be effective.
Advanced trends in magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of lumbar intervertebral degenerative disk disease
Authors: Abou Khadrah Rania Sobhy , Dawoud Mohamed F. , Abo-Elsafa Ashraf Ali , Elkilany Amr M.
Published: October 2019

Background

T2 mapping and DWI are newly quantitated method for disk degeneration assessment; they were used in the determination of an early stage of intervertebral disk degeneration. T2 mapping was quantitatively sensitive for detecting the early stage and aging-related changes in intervertebral disk degeneration. Furthermore, T2 mapping and apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) in lumbar intervertebral disks indirectly correlated with the Pfirrmann grades in IVDD and age-related disk degeneration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity of T2 mapping and apparent diffusion coefficient in the determination of an early stage of intervertebral disk degeneration.

Results

T2 relaxometry values were found to decrease with the increased disk degeneration except in grade V where it was found to be increased again. There was a negative correlation between T2 values and semi-quantitative grading (Pfirrmann Grading) of disk degeneration and T2 values were significantly different when comparing grade I to V. A T2 value of nucleus pulposus (NP) was more sensitive than annulus fibrosus (AF) and entire of the disk. ADC values were found to decrease with the increased degree of disk degeneration; there was a weakly significant negative correlation between age and T2 mapping values, ADC values of nucleus pulposus, and entire of disk.

Conclusion

T2 mapping was significantly different when comparing grade I to V while ADC value had a significant weak negative correlation with age, so T2 mapping and to a little extent ADC can be used for quantitative analysis of early disk generation seeking for early diagnosis and better management.
Facilitators and barriers in anorexia nervosa treatment initiation (FABIANA): study protocol for a mixed-methods and multicentre study
Authors: Kästner Denise , Buchholz Ines , Weigel Angelika , Brunner Romuald , Voderholzer Ulrich , Gumz Antje , Löwe Bernd
Published: October 2019

Background

Anorexia nervosa is a serious disorder, which often takes a chronic course. Early treatment leads to a significantly better prognosis and prevents chronicity. However, existing evidence on facilitators and barriers in anorexia nervosa treatment initiation is scarce.

Aims

Against this background, the FABIANA study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03713541) aims to (a) identify potentially modifiable facilitators and barriers from the perspectives of adolescent and adult patients with anorexia nervosa, carers and physicians, (b) develop and test an instrument for the combined assessment of multiple key facilitators and barriers, and (c) quantify the effect of potentially modifiable versus non-modifiable key facilitators and barriers on the duration of untreated illness (DUI) in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Method

FABIANA is an observational, mixed-method-study divided into three consecutive substudies each corresponding to one of the study aims. All three substudies will include female patients with anorexia nervosa aged 14 years and older at the beginning of their first psychotherapeutic anorexia nervosa treatment. The qualitative substudy I and the quantitative substudy III will additionally include carers and involved physicians. The recruitment will take place at 20 cooperating study centres throughout Germany, which provide in-patient or out-patient anorexia nervosa specialist care. The DUI will be calculated based on the month of illness onset as determined in validated interviews on lifetime anorexia nervosa symptoms and the therapist-reported date of treatment initiation.

Conclusions

Strengths and limitations of the retrospective assessment of the DUI will be discussed. The findings of the FABIANA study will contribute to the development of evidence-based early-intervention approaches and the prevention of a chronic course of illness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03713541.

Declaration of interest

None.
“Number, form, proportion, situation”: The Measure of Racial Comparison in Myung Mi Kim’s Dura
Authors: Chen Christopher
Published: October 2019

This essay offers a reading of what could be called a metrological imaginary at work in the writing of Korean American experimental poet Myung Mi Kim and in particular in Kim’s third book, Dura. In Dura, Kim traces a jagged itinerary through the archives of the Atlantic slave trade, imperial networks of exchange, and the settler colonial seizure and parcelization of indigenous lands in order to form the United States. The book continually deploys a quantitative language of number and measure, I argue, in order to highlight how emergent capitalist social relations bind together otherwise discrepant histories of enslavement, dispossession, and exclusion. A kind of historical primer preoccupied with the ways in which space, time, bodies, and laboring activity are rendered measurable and exchangeable, Dura traces the transformation of an older colonial racial order into a contemporary world-system that Cedric Robinson and others have called “racial capitalism.”
Navigating the landscape of non-health administrative data in Scotland: A researcher’s narrative
Authors: Iveson Matthew H. , Deary Ian J.
Published: October 2019

Background: There is growing interest in using routinely collected administrative data for research purposes. Following the success of research using routinely collected healthcare data, attention has turned to leveraging routinely-collected non-health data derived from systems providing other services to the population (e.g., education, social security) to conduct research on important social problems. In Scotland, specialised organisations have been set up to support researchers in their pursuit of using and linking administrative data. The landscape of administrative data in Scotland, however, is complex and changeable, and is often difficult for researchers to navigate.

Purpose: This paper provides a researcher’s narrative of the steps required to gain the various approvals necessary to access and link non-health administrative data for research in social and cognitive epidemiology.

Findings: This paper highlights the problems, particularly regarding the length and complexity of the process, which researchers typically face, and which result in a challenging research environment. The causes of these problems are discussed, as are potential solutions.

Conclusions: Whereas the potential of non-health administrative data is great, more work and investment are needed on the part of all those concerned – from researchers to data controllers – in order to realise this potential.
Monitoring the Therapy of Osteosarcoma Metastases with SPECT/CT
Authors: Рыжков А. , Ryzhkov A. , Крылов А. , Krylov A. , Мачак Г. , Machak G. , Каспшик С. , Kaspshik S. , Блудов А. , Bludov A. , Щипахина Я. , Schipahina Ya. , Кочергина Н. , Kochergina N.
Published: October 2019

A 43-year-old man presented with a history of osteogenic sarcoma of lower third of the right femur bone. In dynamic monitoring (2011–2018) in the Nuclear Medicine Department of N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Centre of oncology, Moscow, Russia a total of 48 radionuclide diagnostic studies were performed: 24 bone scans, 19 SPECT/CT (areas of interest) and 5 dynamic scintigraphies. The results of radionuclide diagnostics allowed to identify 6 episodes of progression of the underlying condition earlier than X-ray methods of imaging in the form of appearance of new metastases in bones, right lung and continued growth of some previously identified metastases in different periods of observation. Time between relapse detection and treatment ranged from 1 to 12 months. First of all it was because of the clinicians distrust to the results of radionuclide studies that were not confirmed by X-Ray at early stages. During the relapse treatment process patient received standard and innovative therapies: 10 courses of polychemotherapy, two surgeries for endoprosthesis replacement of the right knee and femur, upper lobectomy of the right lung, radiation therapy for metastasis in the left iliac bone (total boost dose – 52 Gy), radiation therapy on the CyberKnife device on metastases in the head of the 7th right rib and metastasis in the right lung, 2 sessions of ultrasonic thermal ablation on the HIFU in the area of metastases in the neck of the right femur,5 courses of bisphosphonates. The method of hybrid imaging of SPECT/CT allowed us to reliably monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. Postradiation changes in osteosarcoma metastases consisted in a decrease bone (pathological) metabolism, while radio-intensity indices did not change. For the first time we observed the effect of ultrasonic thermal ablation in the treatment of bone metastases. The effect of the treatment manifested very quickly and we visualized it as a defect of accumulation of radiopharmaceutical, which is a consequence of damage to the tumor vessels and tissue necrosis. In the observation of osteosarcoma recurrence SPECT with osteotropic radiopharmaceuticals demonstrates advantages over PET with 18F-FDG. Bone scan and SPECT/CT have proven to be reliable methods of dynamic control of a patient with osteosarcoma.
Legal Aspects of Evaluating the Genetic Consequences of Medical Exposure
Authors: Самойлов А. , Samoylov A. , Голобородько Е. , Goloborodko E. , Астрелина Т. , Astrelina T. , Дедова Е. , Dedova E. , Чуковская И. , Chukovskaya I. , Губаева Т. , Gubaeva T.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Legal aspects of the application of medical technologies related to the use of ionizing radiation sources.

Constitutional aspects of genetic research.

Problems of legal regulation of genetic risks.

Conclusion
Some Basic Factors of Labor Productivity in the Regions of Russia
Authors: Басовский Леонид , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская Елена , Basovskaya Elena , Гришина Светлана , Grishina Svetlana , Шишкин Андрей , Shishkin Andrey
Published: October 2019

The article discusses the questions of identifying and researching factors that providing economic growth and increasing labor productivity in the process of forming the post-industrial economy of modern Russia. It is shown that Russian and foreign research on this subject are largely controversial — a set of factors affecting labor productivity has not been adequately established, in many cases the estimates obtained do not differ from those previously known, turn out to be insignificant or raise doubts about the neglect of methodological norms, or statistically incorrect approaches. The conclusion drawn on the need for additional research based on the use of a new technique, which consists in assessing the coefficients of productivity elasticity using data that vary across all regions of Russia. This article reflects the stage of the study, which tested 10 indicators for the last three years for all regions of the Russian Federation. Because of the analysis, specification matrixes of indicators characterizing the influence of these factors on labor productivity obtained, and the characteristics of their correlation with productivity evaluated by the F-criterion. It is concluded that 6 indicators have a significant correlation. We also analyzed the correlation between the indicators to detect multicollenarity. It is concluded that the following factors have a significant positive effect on labor productivity in the regions of modern Russia: personal computers in organizations, personal computers with Internet access in organizations, personnel engaged in research and development, researchers with advanced degrees. Closely related to these factors are the factors of transport infrastructure and the number of faculty of universities, which can affect labor productivity.
A pregnant patient with schizophrenia – dilemmas of treatment and care. A problem still not only for psychiatrists
Authors: Skórska Małgorzata , Makara-Studzińska Marta
Published: October 2019

Kobieta w ciąży, która choruje na schizofrenię to szczególny pacjent i duże wyzwanie zarówno dla lekarza psychiatry, jak i ginekologa. Przebieg ciąży wiąże się nie tylko z większym ryzykiem z uwagi na nieodpowiednie odżywianie się, niewystarczającą opiekę prenatalną oraz palenie tytoniu, ale także z uwagi na możliwość pogorszenia się stanu psychicznego ciężarnej-wystąpienia lub zaostrzenia ostrych objawów psychotycznych. Dodatkowo leczenie farmakologiczne w trakcie ciąży i jego wpływ na rozwój płodu budzą nadal wiele wątpliwości i kontrowersji. Celem pracy jest pokazanie 3 historii pacjentek w ciąży leczonych powodu schizofrenii w kontekście aktualnej wiedzy na temat leczenia p/psychotycznego oraz zwrócenie uwagi na potrzebę interdyscyplinarnego podejścia do tej szczególnej grupy pacjentek. Analiza historii choroby pacjentek i przegląd piśmiennictwa dotyczący opieki i leczenia kobiet w ciąży z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii. Zaprezentowane historie zwracają uwagę na konieczność stałej i jak najszybszej opieki psychiatrycznej i ginekologicznej. W literaturze brak jest badań dotyczących współpracy interdyscyplinarnej podczas leczenia pacjentki w ciąży z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii. Każda kobieta w ciąży chorująca na schizofrenię wymaga indywidualnego podejścia w kwestii leczenia i opieki. Problemem nadal pomijanym jest konieczność efektywnej i stałej współpracy pomiędzy lekarzami: psychiatrą i ginekologiem od samego początku ciąży w celu oceny czynników ryzyka związanych z ciążą i okresem okołoporodowym pod względem zdrowia psychicznego i somatycznego matki oraz dziecka.
Predicting Ionized Hypocalcemia in Critical Care: An Improved Method Based on the Anion Gap
Authors: Yap Ernie , Roche-Recinos Andrea , Goldwasser Philip
Published: October 2019

Background

Low ionized calcium (ICa) is prevalent in critical care patients. It is poorly detected by the popular indirect method, which corrects serum total calcium (TCa) for change in albumin. That correction (cTCa) ignores any concomitant change in the anion-complexed fraction of TCa. We tested whether the diagnosis of low ICa can be improved by further correcting for calcium complexation, represented by the anion gap (AG) or its components—sodium, chloride, and total carbon dioxide (tCO2).

Methods

We retrospectively studied all patients in our intensive care units between 2009 and 2011 with ICa measured on arterial (n = 310) or venous (n = 462) gas panels within 19 min of a comprehensive chemistry panel. Logistic models to predict low ICa and linear models to estimate ICa were derived in the arterial group and validated in the venous group, using either AG (AG model) or its components (Ion model) as predictors, adjusted for TCa and albumin.

Results

AG and its set of components were each highly significant independent predictors of low ICa. On validation, the logistic Ion model was better than the logistic AG model (ROC curve area ± SE: 0.92 ± 0.02 vs 0.89 ± 0.02; P = 0.008), which, in turn, was far better than cTCa (0.81 ± 0.03; P = 0.0006); the hypocalcemia rates predicted by the models showed good fit with the observed rates. Linear estimates of ICa were too imprecise for clinical use.

Conclusions

The adjustment of TCa for AG or for sodium, chloride, and tCO2 markedly improves the diagnosis of low ICa. This finding may be useful in guiding ICa testing.
The language of luxury, the luxury of language
Authors: Calvert Sheena
Published: October 2019

As a common part of everyday speech, the meaning of the word ‘luxury’ has been eroded and devalued over time. Nonetheless, it continues to have impact as an element of luxury branding through its deployment across various media, due to its historical associations with wealth, exclusivity and status. Accordingly, the word ‘luxury’, has been employed/deployed both historically and in contemporary contexts, as part of an economic system, including its use in advertising campaigns, point of sale and in everyday parlance, to denote ideas of intrinsic value (whether existent or not). Meanwhile as this short article will propose, beyond these pragmatic applications, language itself might be thought of as a form of ‘luxury’; something with a worth that surpasses any functional need: something excess or surplus; something unnecessary, but desirable. This notion of luxury can be found in language as a medium, one which we often use indiscriminately, and without regard for its beauty, scarcity and true value. Contemplating the various affordances of language, and the economies of language, where ‘economy’ is not posed as a financial system, but as a way of thinking and acting within any system, allows us to see languages’ intrinsic worth. Via five separate thought experiments/examples, ranging from Oulipo-like games of linguistic restraint, through Fahrenheit 451, and finally to the ways in which technologies are rendering language as a luxury. In the end we will see how we might think of the luxury of language itself, as something which is far from excess or shallow, but possessing intrinsic value; returning us to the true meaning of the term ‘luxury’, which we have (arguably), forgotten.
Factors affecting and shaping the general managers’ work in small- and medium-sized luxury hotels: The case of Greece
Authors: Giousmpasoglou Charalampos
Published: October 2019

The work of General Managers (GMs) in hotels has been the focus of several empirical studies since the early 1980s. The majority of these studies were conducted in corporate or multinational (MNC) hotel chains’ environment and often neglected the smaller independent operators and family businesses. This study explores the mediating factors that affect the GMs’ work in small and medium luxury hotels (SMLHs); the context of this study is Greece, a popular tourist destination dominated by SMLHs. Based on a qualitative research approach, sixteen in-depth interviews with GMs were conducted in four popular tourist destinations. Five key factors in relation to the GMs’ work were found to be important: career development and mobility; contact intensity; owner-GM relations; dealing with corruption; and networking and reputation. The findings suggest a number of theoretical and managerial implications related to managerial work in SMLHs.