bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical criminology and the explanatory power of the past
Authors: Lawrence Paul
Published: August 2018

To what extent can the past ‘explain’ the present? This deceptively simple question lies at the heart of historical criminology (research which incorporates historical primary sources while addressing present-day debates and practices in the criminal justice field). This article seeks first to categorize the ways in which criminologists have used historical data thus far, arguing that they are most commonly deployed to ‘problematize’ the contemporary rather than to ‘explain’ it. The article then interrogates the reticence of criminologists to attribute explicative power in relation to the present to historical data. Finally, it proposes the adoption of long time-frame historical research methods, outlining three advantages which would accrue from this: the identification and analysis of historical continuities; a more nuanced, shared understanding of micro/macro change over time in relation to criminal justice; and a method for identifying and analysing instances of historical recurrence, particularly in perceptions and discourses around crime and justice.
Morton’s Neuroma Excision: What Are We Really Doing? Which Retractor Is Superior?
Authors: Pinter Zachariah , Odom Christopher , McGee Andrew , Paul Kyle , Huntley Samuel , Johnson John L. , Shah Ashish
Published: August 2018

Background: When using a dorsal approach for Morton’s neuroma excision, the most common complication is recurrent Morton’s neuroma. The present cadaveric study demonstrates how far proximally the nerve is resected during a dorsal approach and examines both the laminar spreader and Gelpiretractor to determine which instrument facilitates maximal proximal resection of the nerve. Methods: This study involved 12 fresh-frozen cadaver specimens, each of which underwent a dorsal approach to the interdigital nerve with proximal resection. Either a laminar spreader or a Gelpi retractor was used to improve visualization of the intermetatarsal space. The interdigital nerve was then resected, and the lengths of the cut nerves were compared based on the retractor employed. Results: The mean length of proximal resection in the second intermetatarsal space was 2.42 cm when using the laminar spreader and 1.93 cm when using the Gelpi retractor (P = .252). In the third intermetatarsal space, the mean length of proximal resection was 2.14 cm when using the Laminar spreader and 1.48 cm when using the Gelpi retractor (P = .166). Conclusion: This study demonstrates how far proximal the interdigital nerve is resected during a dorsal approach to Morton’s neuroma and shows no statistically significant difference between the Laminar spreader and the Gelpi retractor.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaver study
From private to public? Changing perceptions of young women in Seventeen magazine, 1955–1965
Authors: Mazey-Richardson Tessa
Published: August 2018

As a form of popular culture, magazines provide a lens through which historians can examine the dominant attitudes and values of a society. This article examines the portrayal of young American women in the popular teen magazine, Seventeen magazine, during the period 1955–1965. The study documents and analyses the messages conveyed within the magazine regarding ideals concerning feminine behaviour and appearance. Seventeen provides an opportunity to investigate both the production and reception of the cultural ideals for young American women as the decade of the 1950s ends and that of the 1960s begins. I argue that the letters-to-the-editor represented a public platform in which readers could voice opinions, express identities, engage in debates and communicate with each other. In this way, it is possible to see a change in the framing of women’s roles over time; a change that occurred not via a purely ‘top-down’ processes, but via and exchange relationship between Editors, writers and readers, and indeed between the readers themselves.
Validity and reliability of sleep promotion questionnaire and predictors of quality of care
Authors: Kim Son Chae , Pedersen Chase , Yi Cassia
Published: August 2018

Background:

Sleep disturbance is common among hospitalized patients. However, sleep promotion is not a high priority for most healthcare providers, which potentially impacts quality of care. Due to a paucity of validated tools to assess sleep promotion, little is known about the relationship between sleep promotion and quality of care. This study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of a newly-developed instrument, the Sleep Promotion Questionnaire, and to examine sleep promotion as a predictor of quality of care. The Sleep Promotion Questionnaire includes dimensions of attitude, control, unit norms, intention, and behavior that are associated with sleep promotion.

Methods:

A total of 302 nurses participated in an online survey. The survey included the initial 36-item Sleep Promotion Questionnaire, a quality of care question, Caring Behavior Inventory, and Professional Quality of Life scale. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the factor structure of the Sleep Promotion Questionnaire. The internal consistency reliability as well as the convergent and divergent validities was assessed. Pearson’s correlations and hierarchical multiple regression procedures were performed to explore the predictors of perceived quality of care.

Results:

Exploratory factor analysis of the Sleep Promotion Questionnaire yielded 28 items in five subscales, comprising Attitude, Control, Unit Norms, Sleep-aid Intention, and Behavior. Convergent and divergent validities were supported ( r = 0.37; r = −0.38, respectively). The Cronbach’s alphas of internal consistency reliabilities of the Sleep Promotion Questionnaire subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.89. Regression models showed that sleep-promoting Unit Norms was the only significant predictor of perceived quality of care among both ICU and non-ICU nurses ( β = 0.40; β = 0.28, respectively).

Conclusion:

The Sleep Promotion Questionnaire appears to be a reliable and valid instrument with satisfactory psychometric properties for assessing sleep promotion, and it seems that having unit norms conducive to sleep promotion may positively impact the quality of care. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Treatment with proton pump inhibitors increases the risk for development of hepatic encephalopathy after implantation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
Authors: Sturm Lukas , Bettinger Dominik , Giesler Max , Boettler Tobias , Schmidt Arthur , Buettner Nico , Thimme Robert , Schultheiss Michael
Published: August 2018

Background and objective

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been associated with development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). As development of HE is a major complication after implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), we hypothesized that PPI treatment may be associated with a higher risk of post‐TIPS HE.

Methods

We analyzed data of 397 patients with liver cirrhosis who received de novo TIPS implantation at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany. We assessed whether PPI medication and other patient characteristics are predictive factors for the development of post‐TIPS HE.

Results

Patients with PPI treatment at the time of TIPS implantation showed significantly higher rates of post‐TIPS HE than those without PPI medication (30.4% vs 11.7%, p < 0.001). The rate of post‐TIPS HE increased in a dose‐dependent manner. However, PPI medication did not directly affect transplant‐free survival. Remarkably, in 59.1% of patients who received PPIs there was no clear indication.

Conclusions

PPI treatment may be an independent risk factor for the development of post‐TIPS HE and the risk increases with PPI dose. Indication for PPI treatment should be assessed carefully prior to TIPS implantation in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Esophageal shortening after rapid drink test during esophageal high‐resolution manometry: A relevant finding?
Authors: Biasutto Dario , Roman Sabine , Garros Aurelien , Mion Francois
Published: August 2018

Background

Esophageal shortening (ES) might be observed during high‐resolution manometry (HRM), in particular after the rapid drink test (RDT). We aimed to assess its diagnostic value in patients referred for HRM.

Methods

HRM of patients without previous esophagogastric surgery or endoscopic treatment was retrospectively reviewed using the Chicago Classification v3.0. ES and pan‐esophageal pressurization were analyzed during the RDT (200‐ml free drinking in a sitting position).

Results

A total of 2141 cases (1291 females, mean age 54 years) were reviewed. During the RDT, ES occurred in 4% and pan‐esophageal pressurization in 14% of patients. ES was almost exclusively encountered in patients with impaired esophagogastric junction relaxation or major disorders of peristalsis. Among 31 patients with ES and no definite diagnosis of achalasia, 19 had follow‐up and 13 (68%) changed diagnostic category: two adenocarcinoma of the cardia, and 11 cases of atypical achalasia. The positive predictive value of ES for a significant esophageal disorder was 95%.

Conclusion

ES is rarely observed during the RDT. When present, it is associated with major motility disorders, especially achalasia. When the diagnostic criteria for achalasia are not fulfilled, further complementary examinations should be performed to rule out incomplete forms of achalasia or an infiltrative process of the cardia.
Afterword: Ethics as Impact—Moving From Error-Avoidance and Concept-Driven Models to a Future-Oriented Approach
Authors: Markham Annette N.
Published: August 2018

Beginning with the premise that most regulatory guidelines for research ethics are deeply flawed, this article walks the reader through three models that can help social researchers, technologists, and designers identify and reflect on how they’re approaching ethics, or “doing the right thing” in their own work. The first, an error-avoidance model, has traditionally focused on creating frameworks to help researchers avoid repeating historical ethical violations. The second concept-driven model focuses on refining the concepts that undergird core ethical frameworks. Both are dominant in human-focused research and tend to be highly proceduralized, implemented a priori or from the top down as part of largescale regulatory structures. In both of these models, the agency of the researcher is removed or dismissed as less relevant than the agency of the system. The article draws on recent controversies around data collection and corporate experimentation on social media users as well as two academic research cases to illustrate how these two models fail repeatedly because they do not retain enough flexibility to allow for recontextualizing ethics as needed on a case-by-case basis. The third, an impact-model of ethics, offers an alternative whereby researchers, technologists, and designers can take a more active role in decisions about the contexts they study, by exploring the possible positive and negative impact of their work. This article invites us to work toward building a different balance in agential distribution in our models around responsible conduct of research, so that the conceptual and regulatory systems that guide and impede our actions are more balanced with our own agency as decision makers, with accountability and responsibility for doing the ‘right thing’.
User Perceptions of the Make Healthy Normal campaign Facebook Page: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Kite James , McGill Bronwyn , Freeman Becky , Vineburg John , Li Vincy , Berton Nathan , Grunseit Anne
Published: August 2018

Facebook is used as part of public health communication efforts but little evidence is available on why people engage with health-related Facebook pages and what content appeals to them. This study aimed to investigate user perceptions of and experience with the Make Healthy Normal (MHN) Facebook page, part of a government campaign to address overweight and obesity in adults in New South Wales, Australia. This sequential mixed methods study comprised an online survey ( n = 591) and six focus groups ( n = 33) of Facebook users, including both fans (i.e., users who have “liked” the MHN page) and non-fans. We analyzed the online survey descriptively and employed inductive thematic analysis for the focus groups, integrating the two data sources at the stage of interpretation. Our results show that MHN and similar health pages are in demand but that there are a number of contextual and content-related factors that are critical in determining user engagement and over which page administrators have varying levels of influence. Contextual factors, including the drivers for user engagement and Facebook user practices, can be leveraged or managed to influence user engagement but they cannot be controlled. On the contrary, content factors, like the nature of posts, post presentation, and post subject, can be directly influenced by page administrators. Policymakers and practitioners can use these findings to inform the design and operation of their own Facebook pages and should look to conduct and disseminate robust evaluation of their pages to improve user satisfaction and engagement.
Prospects and problems for European legal cooperation concerning prisoners
Authors: Conway Gerard
Published: August 2018

Formal legal cooperation in matters relating to prisoners has existed at European level for over 50 years. With the development of an European Union (EU) competence in criminal law from the Treaty of Maastricht 1992 onwards, now both the Council of Europe and the EU have adopted legal instruments in this sphere. This paper analsyses the scope and rationale of transnational European cooperation relating to prisoners. It first outlines Council of Europe instruments, including the relevance of the European Convention of Human Rights, conventions specifically on prisoners, and soft law. It then examines the more recent EU instruments, following which the relevance of constitutional principles and the prospects and potential difficulties of European cooperation are analysed. It concludes that cooperation can best succeed through a specification of minimum standards and greater coordination between Council of Europe and EU action, along with greater recognition of its specifically penal context.
(Broad)casting a Wider Net: Clocking Men and Women in the Primetime and Non-Primetime Coverage of the 2018 Winter Olympics
Authors: Arth Zachary W. , Hou Jue , Rush Stephen W. , Angelini James R.
Published: August 2018

This study analyzed the frequency with which the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic broadcasts featured men and women athletes. To understand these portrayals, all 557 hr and 15 min of National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC) 2018 Winter Olympic telecasts were recorded. This recorded content included the 62 hr and 30 min of NBC’s primetime program and, for the first time, all of the remaining non-NBC primetime coverage on NBC’s other networks. Women athletes received the majority of the clock time on the NBC primetime broadcast; however, men received significantly more clock time on the remaining Olympic telecasts. Additionally, for both sets of broadcasts, differences were found between the amount of coverage for men and women athletes by sport. Through the lens of agenda-setting theory, potential reasons and ramifications for the different trends of coverage by broadcast are discussed.
Using the main elbow flexion skin crease as an intraoperative parameter to determine the degree of exorotation needed for humeral derotational osteotomies in upper-type brachial plexus patients
Authors: Ivalde Flavio César , Miguens Gustavo Nizzo , Socolovsky Mariano
Published: August 2018

Even though one of the surgical techniques most frequently used to correct external rotation deformity of the shoulder in brachial plexus patients is a humeral derotational osteotomy, few intraoperative parameters has yet been identified to determine the appropriate degree of rotation. We present in this technical note our initial experience using the main elbow flexion skin crease to quantify the correct rotation of the humerus in four young, male patients with upper-type brachial plexus injuries. All patients had a functional elbow and a stable shoulder, but also an external rotation deficit. Via a deltopectoral approach, we used the main elbow flexion crease as an intraoperative surgical parameter to determine the degree of external rotation of the humerus required to achieve a better positioning of the hand in space. After surgery, increased elbow flexion range and enhanced hand-to-face movement was observed, while internal rotation was preserved for performing midline activities. Moreover, all patients exhibited increased active elbow flexion and osteotomy consolidation, with mean elbow flexion increasing from 66.3° to 97.5° pre to postoperatively, and a mean 56.3° of internal rotation correction ultimately achieved. We propose that the main elbow flexion crease is a useful intraoperative parameter to determine the degree of intraoperative external rotation necessary to restore the plane of hand–face movements in upper-type palsies.

Level of evidence: IV; case series.
Vibration therapy versus standard treatment for tennis elbow: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Furness Nicholas Duncan , Phillips Alistair , Gallacher Sian , Beazley James Charles Sherard , Evans Jonathan Peter , Toms Andrew David , Thomas William , Smith Christopher David
Published: August 2018

Aim:

To determine whether a mechanical, high-frequency vibration device (Tenease™) can improve pain and function for the treatment of tennis elbow (TE), compared with standard treatment.

Methods:

Adults presenting to an elbow clinic with a clinical diagnosis of TE were randomized to standard treatment with physiotherapy, activity modification and analgesia or standard treatment plus Tenease therapy. Tenease therapy consisted of a 6-week period of treatment using the Tenease device with three 10-min episodes each day. The primary outcome measure was the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at 6 months, with scores also taken at 6 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Score and EuroQol 5-Dimension Visual Analogue Scale at the same time points.

Results:

Fifty-four patients were recruited into the study. Following randomization and initial dropout, 18 patients were included in the standard group and 27 in the Tenease group. Both groups reported improvements in primary outcome measure scores. The control group had a mean score of 44.3 (standard deviation (SD) = 18.8) at baseline, which dropped to 31.2 (SD = 17.2) at 6 months ( p = 0.002). The Tenease group had a mean score of 43.2 (SD = 22.7) at baseline, which dropped to 23.4 (SD = 15.0) at 6 months ( p = 0.064). Similar improvements were seen in secondary outcome measures with none reaching statistical significance. There were no statistically significant differences seen between the primary outcome scores at 6 weeks ( p = 0.9) or 6 months ( p = 0.5). No complications were noted in either group.

Conclusions:

Vibration therapy did not result in any statistically significant improvement in functional outcome scores compared to standard treatment for TE. It is important to note that this was a relatively small cohort and a high dropout rate was observed.
Characteristics of Operative Shoulder Injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2009-2010 Through 2013-2014
Authors: Gil Joseph A. , Goodman Avi D. , DeFroda Steven F. , Owens Brett D.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Injuries to the upper extremity among collegiate athletes are reported to account for approximately 20% of all injuries; however, little is known about the proportion of these injuries that require surgery.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to examine all shoulder injuries that required a surgical intervention and were recorded in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP). We hypothesized that contact would be the mechanism causing injuries most at risk for needing surgery and that dislocations would be the injuries most likely to require an operative intervention.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Injury surveillance data between 2009-2010 and 2013-2014 for operative collegiate shoulder injuries and their associated sport exposures were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 185 operative shoulder injuries occurred over 3,739,004 athlete-exposures (AEs), for an overall incidence of 0.49 per 10,000 AEs. The sports with the highest incidence of operative injuries were men’s football (1.31/10,000 AEs), men’s wrestling (1.14/10,000 AEs), men’s ice hockey (0.60/10,000 AEs), women’s gymnastics (0.44/10,000 AEs), and men’s swimming (0.41/10,000 AEs). Men were significantly more likely than women to sustain operative injuries for all sports combined. Of the injuries that required surgical treatment, superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears (46.4%), other non-SLAP glenoid labrum tears (46.2%), anterior shoulder dislocations (33.3%), and posterior shoulder dislocations (30.0%) were seen most often. There was no significant difference in injury proportion ratios (IPRs) for injuries requiring surgery when comparing contact versus noncontact mechanisms of injury (IPR, 1.0 [95% CI, 0.6-1.6]). The incidence of operative injuries sustained during competition was significantly higher compared with during practice.

Conclusion:

The sports with the highest incidence of operative shoulder injuries were men’s football, men’s wrestling, men’s ice hockey, and women’s gymnastics. Operative shoulder injuries were more likely to occur during competition. SLAP tears, other non-SLAP glenoid labrum tears, and anterior shoulder dislocations had the highest incidence of requiring surgery. Athletes sustaining these injuries, along with their coaches and medical providers, may benefit from identifying collegiate sport participants who are at highest risk for sustaining an operative injury. This may assist in planning medical care and setting expectations, which may be critical to a young athlete’s career.
Unequal Marriage Markets: Sex Ratios and First Marriage among Black and White Women
Authors: Cohen Philip N. , Pepin Joanna R.
Published: August 2018

Using the marital events data from the American Community Survey for the first time, we examine the association between the quantity and characteristics of unmarried men and first marriage for Black and White women ages 20 to 45. We incorporate both unmarried sex ratios and the economic status of unmarried men within each racial group using multilevel logistic models. We find higher marriage odds in markets with more (same-race) unmarried men, holding constant women’s own characteristics. In addition, local men’s education and employment rates also predict higher odds of White women’s first marriage. The findings imply that if White and Black women experienced similar unmarried sex ratios in their local markets, the gap in first marriage rates would be much smaller. We conclude that marriage promotion policies may be ineffective in part because they are targeting women who face structural barriers to marriage in their local marriage markets.
Financial capability and functional financial literacy in young adults with developmental language disorder
Authors: Winstanley Maxine , Durkin Kevin , Webb Roger T , Conti-Ramsden Gina
Published: August 2018

Background

Financial capability is an essential feature of the organisation of one’s personal life and engagement with society. Very little is known of how adequately individuals with developmental language disorder handle financial matters. It is known that language difficulties place them at a disadvantage in many aspects of their development and during their transition into adulthood, leading to the possibility that financial issues may prove burdensome for them. This study examines the financial capability and functional financial literacy of young adults with developmental language disorder and compares them to those of age matched peers. We tested the expectation that those with developmental language disorder would find financial management more challenging than would their peers, and that they would need to seek greater support from family members or other people.

Methods

Participants completed a detailed individual interview, which included items drawn from the British Household Panel Survey and additional measures of financial capability, functional financial literacy and of perceived support. Nonverbal IQ, language, reading and numeracy measures were also collected.

Results

Compared to typically developing age matched peers, young people with developmental language disorder report less extensive engagement with financial products and lower competence in functional financial literacy. A considerably higher proportion of those with developmental language disorder (48% vs. 16% of age matched peers) report that they draw on support, primarily from parents, in various financial tasks, including paying bills, choosing financial products, and taking loans from family or friends.

Conclusions

This is the first study to consider the financial capability skills and functional financial literacy of young adults with developmental language disorder. We provide novel evidence that some young adults with developmental language disorder lack functional financial skills and require support to successfully manage their finances. This has policy implications that relate not only to engaging affected individuals in discussions about financial management but also to wider familial support.
Polymeric nanocomposites reinforced with nanowires: Opening doors to future applications
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: August 2018

This article presents a state-of-the-art overview on indispensable aspects of polymer/nanowire nanocomposites. Nanowires created from polymers, silver, zinc, copper, nickel, and aluminum have been used as reinforcing agents in conducting polymers and non-conducting thermoplastic/thermoset matrices such as polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiophene, polyurethane, acrylic polymers, polystyrene, epoxy and rubbers. This review presents the combined influence of polymer matrix and nanowires on the nanocomposite characteristics. This review shows how the nanowire, the nanofiller content, the matrix type and processing conditions affect the final nanocomposite properties. The ensuing multifunctional polymer/nanowire nanocomposites have high strength, conductivity, thermal stability, and other useful photovoltaic, piezo, and sensing properties. The remarkable nanocomposite characteristics have been ascribed to the ordered nanowire structure and the development of a strong interface between the matrix/nanofiller. This review also refers to cutting edge application areas of polymer/nanowire nanocomposites such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, supercapacitors, sensors, batteries, electromagnetic shielding materials, biomaterials, and other highly technical fields. Modifying nanowires and incorporating them in a suitable polymer matrix can be adopted as a powerful future tool to create useful technical applications.
Comparing the performance of electrospun and cast nanocomposite film of polyamide-6 reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ghane N , Mazinani S , Gharehaghaji AA
Published: August 2018

This study aims at fabrication and characterization of two different structures of electrically conductive polyamide 6/multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposite films at different multi-wall carbon nanotube concentrations including electrospun nanofibrous and cast films. Morphology, embedded multi-wall carbon nanotubes into nanofiber, thermal behavior, electrical conductivity and wettability of films were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy images depicted that the nanofiber diameter decreased with increased nanofillers. Enhancement of crystallinity, electrical and tensile properties, and simultaneously achieving a low percolation threshold confirmed good nanotube dispersion by employing a polymeric emulsifier, polyvinylpyrrolidone. The electrospun film crystalline content increased 18.5% and the cast ones increased 46.8% at 7 wt.% multi-wall carbon nanotubes loading. The electrospun and cast membrane electrical conductivity increased by 10 and 12 orders of magnitude. These results demonstrated higher values compared to previously reported data for polyamide 6/multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposites. The electrospun film Young’s modulus increased 93% and that of casted one increased 267%, due to the increased crystallinity after adding carbon nanotubes into the films.
The mode of action of anticholinergics in asthma
Authors: Gosens Reinoud , Gross Nicholas
Published: August 2018

Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors to play a key role in the pathophysiology of asthma, leading to bronchoconstriction, increased mucus secretion, inflammation and airway remodelling. Anticholinergics are muscarinic receptor antagonists that are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Recentin vivoandin vitrodata have increased our understanding of how acetylcholine contributes to the disease manifestations of asthma, as well as elucidating the mechanism of action of anticholinergics. This review assesses the latest literature on acetylcholine in asthma pathophysiology, with a closer look at its role in airway inflammation and remodelling. New insights into the mechanism of action of anticholinergics, their effects on airway remodelling, and a review of the efficacy and safety of long-acting anticholinergics in asthma treatment will also be covered, including a summary of the latest clinical trial data.
The inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the Maestro and Barroco metatarsal length measurement techniques
Authors: Ali Zainab , Karim Hassan , Wali Navid , Naraghi Reza
Published: August 2018

Background

The relationship between metatarsal length and various forefoot pathologies is a topic of contention in Orthopaedics. The results of such investigations have been shown to depend on the method of metatarsal length measurement used. The aim of this study was to assess the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the Maestro and Barroco metatarsal length measurement techniques.

Methods

A retrospective and quantitative study was performed on 15 randomly selected radiographs to determine the reliability of the two measurement techniques across all five metatarsals (M1 to M5). This was done at one week apart for three weeks by three raters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the 95% lower confidence limit (95% LCL) were calculated.

Results

The Maestro and Barroco techniques produced high to very high ICC vlaues for length measurements across all metatarsals. The 95% lower confidence limit for inter‐rater measurements ranged between 0.92–0.98 for Maestro's and 0.86–0.99 for Barroco's technique. For intra‐rater measurements the 95% LCL ranged between 0.83–0.99 for Maestro's and 0.75–0.99 for Barroco's technique.

Conclusions

Our study found that both the Maestro and Barroco methods of measurements produced high to very high inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability. Both methods may be suitable for the use of peri‐operative planning and clinical research relating metatarsal length and forefoot pathology. Besides having a more simplistic method of application, the novel Barroco technique is comparable to the more established Maestro method in both repeatability and reproducibility.
What is the available evidence for the application of genome editing as a new tool for plant trait modification and the potential occurrence of associated off-target effects: a systematic map protocol
Authors: Modrzejewski Dominik , Hartung Frank , Sprink Thorben , Krause Dörthe , Kohl Christian , Schiemann Joachim , Wilhelm Ralf
Published: August 2018

Background

Plant breeding is a developing process and breeding methods have continuously evolved over time. In recent years, genome editing techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), meganucleases (MN) and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM) enabled a precise modification of DNA sequences in plants. Genome editing has already been applied in a wide range of plant species due to its simplicity, time saving and cost-effective application compared to earlier breeding techniques including classical mutagenesis. Although genome editing techniques induce much less unintended modifications in the genome (off-target effects) compared to classical mutagenesis techniques, off-target effects are a prominent point of criticism as they might cause genomic instability, cytotoxicity and cell death.

Methods

The aim of this systematic map is to address the following primary question: “What is the available evidence for the application of genome editing as a new tool for plant trait modification and the potential occurrence of associated off-target effects”? The primary question will be considered by two secondary questions: One is aimed at the traits being modified by genome editing in plants and the other explores the occurrence of off-target effects. The systematic map will focus on model plants as well as on plants produced for agricultural production that were subjected to genome editing techniques. Academic and grey literature will be searched in English and German language. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were developed for the two secondary questions and will be applied on title/abstract and full text stage. Included studies will be catalogued in a searchable and open access database and study results will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, the extracted data will serve as a preparatory step for further in-depth analysis, e.g. by a systematic review.
Is living in the community associated with better nutritional status than living in long-term care facilities?
Authors: Nascimento Costa Fernanda , Vaz de Arruda Silveira Liciana , Ferrari Jacinto Alessandro
Published: August 2018

Background

Currently, Brazil has 26 million people aged ≥ 60 years. Population aging is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions which, in turn, are associated with functional dependence and the need for institutionalization. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of a sample of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older people in the Brazilian city of Bauru and determine whether the institutionalized individuals had more inadequate nutritional status compared to the community dwellers.

Methods

Ninety-five individuals from 10 long-term care homes in Bauru, São Paulo state, and 101 community-dwelling users of three centers for the aged in Bauru, São Paulo state, were assessed. After collection of sociodemographic and clinical data, the evaluation of nutritional status was conducted using body mass index.

Results

Sixty-one (60.4%) non-institutionalized and 51 (53.9%) community dwellers were classified as inadequate (underweight or overweight) based on nutritional status. In the multivariate analysis, an ordinal logistic regression model was adjusted for the variable “nutritional status.” Regarding body mass index, elderly living in the community were 2.9 times more likely to shift from the underweight to overweight category [OR = 2.9, 95%CI 1.0–8.0, P = 0.0477)].

Conclusions

In this study, it was concluded that institutionalization was not associated with poorer nutritional status compared to community dwellers.
Use of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder polygenic risk scores to identify psychotic disorders
Authors: Calafato Maria Stella , Thygesen Johan H. , Ranlund Siri , Zartaloudi Eirini , Cahn Wiepke , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Díez-Revuelta Álvaro , Forti Marta Di ,   Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) consortium, Hall Mei-Hua , Iyegbe Conrad , Jablensky Assen , Kahn Rene , Kalaydjieva Luba , Kravariti Eugenia , Lin Kuang , McDonald Colm , McIntosh Andrew M. , McQuillin Andrew ,   Psychosis Endophenotypes International Consortium (PEIC), Picchioni Marco , Rujescu Dan , Shaikh Madiha , Toulopoulou Timothea , Os Jim Van , Vassos Evangelos , Walshe Muriel , Powell John , Lewis Cathryn M. , Murray Robin M. , Bramon Elvira ,   Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 (WTCCC2)
Published: August 2018

Background

There is increasing evidence for shared genetic susceptibility between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although genetic variants only convey subtle increases in risk individually, their combination into a polygenic risk score constitutes a strong disease predictor.

Aims

To investigate whether schizophrenia and bipolar disorder polygenic risk scores can distinguish people with broadly defined psychosis and their unaffected relatives from controls.

Method

Using the latest Psychiatric Genomics Consortium data, we calculated schizophrenia and bipolar disorder polygenic risk scores for 1168 people with psychosis, 552 unaffected relatives and 1472 controls.

Results

Patients with broadly defined psychosis had dramatic increases in schizophrenia and bipolar polygenic risk scores, as did their relatives, albeit to a lesser degree. However, the accuracy of predictive models was modest.

Conclusions

Although polygenic risk scores are not ready for clinical use, it is hoped that as they are refined they could help towards risk reduction advice and early interventions for psychosis.

Declaration of interest

R.M.M. has received honoraria for lectures from Janssen, Lundbeck, Lilly, Otsuka and Sunovian.
Prescription Drug Coverage and Outcomes of Myeloma Therapy Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Olszewski Adam J. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Trivedi Amal N. , Davidoff Amy J.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Novel parenteral (bortezomib) and oral (lenalidomide) therapies have improved survival in myeloma, but the standard Medicare benefit covers only parenteral drugs. We examined the association between prescription drug coverage, receipt of therapy, and survival among Medicare beneficiaries with myeloma.

Methods

Using SEER-Medicare data, we identified enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan (PDP) or other creditable prescription drug coverage (OCC) among 9,755 beneficiaries who were diagnosed with myeloma in 2006 to 2011. We examined the receipt of active myeloma therapy and that of classic cytotoxic agents or bortezomib as first-line regimen and overall survival. We report relative risk (RR) for binary outcome comparisons and 3-year restricted mean survival time (RMST) ratios, with 95% CI, adjusting for baseline patient- and disease-related characteristics. Beneficiaries with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a cancer that is uniformly treated with parenteral chemotherapy, served as a comparison cohort.

Results

Compared with beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage, PDP or OCC enrollees were more likely to receive active myeloma care, and PDP enrollees were less frequently treated with parenteral agents (adjusted RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.93) or classic cytotoxic agents in particular (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.76). Overall survival was significantly better for beneficiaries with PDP coverage (adjusted RMST ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.20) or OCC (RMST ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.21). In contrast, we observed no survival differences by prescription drug coverage status in the control cohort with lymphoma.

Conclusion

Prescription drug coverage is associated with decreased use of classic cytotoxic chemotherapy and better survival among Medicare beneficiaries with myeloma, which suggests improved access to all existing treatment options. As oral targeted agents increasingly replace parenteral chemotherapy in oncology, adjustments in coverage policy are needed to ensure access to optimal treatment.
Evaluation of the HER/PI3K/AKT Family Signaling Network as a Predictive Biomarker of Pathologic Complete Response for Patients With Breast Cancer Treated With Neratinib in the I-SPY 2 TRIAL
Authors: Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Yau Christina , Wolf Denise M. , Vis Daniel J. , Gallagher Rosa I. , Brown-Swigart Lamorna , Hirst Gillian , Voest Emile E. , DeMichele Angela , Hylton Nola , Symmans Fraser , Yee Douglas , Esserman Laura , Berry Donald , Liu Minetta , Park John W. , Wessels Lodewyk F.A. , van’t Veer Laura , Petricoin Emanuel F.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

In the I-SPY 2 TRIAL (Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your Therapeutic Response With Imaging and Molecular Analysis 2), the pan–erythroblastic oncogene B inhibitor neratinib was available to all hormone receptor (HR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) subtypes and graduated in the HR-negative/HER2-positive signature. We hypothesized that neratinib response may be predicted by baseline HER2 epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling activation/phosphorylation levels independent of total levels of HER2 or EGFR proteins.

Materials and Methods

Complete experimental and response data were available for between 130 and 193 patients. In qualifying analyses, which used logistic regression and treatment interaction analysis, 18 protein/phosphoprotein, 10 mRNA, and 12 DNA biomarkers that related to HER family signaling were evaluated. Exploratory analyses used Wilcoxon rank sum and t tests without multiple comparison correction.

Results

HER pathway DNA biomarkers were either low prevalence or nonpredictive. In expression biomarker analysis, only one gene ( STMN1) was specifically associated with response to neratinib in the HER2-negative subset. In qualifying protein/phosphoprotein analyses that used reverse phase protein microarrays, six HER family markers were associated with neratinib response. After analysis was adjusted for HR/HER2 status, EGFR Y1173 (pEGFR) showed a significant biomarker-by-treatment interaction ( P = .049). Exploratory analysis of HER family signaling in patients with triple-negative (TN) disease found that activation of EGFR Y1173 ( P = .005) and HER2 Y1248 (pHER2) ( P = .019) were positively associated with pathologic complete response. Exploratory analysis in this pEGFR/pHER2–activated TN subgroup identified elevated levels of estrogen receptor α ( P < .006) in these patients.

Conclusion

Activation of HER family phosphoproteins associates with response to neratinib, but only EGFR Y1173 and STMN1 appear to add value to the graduating signature. Activation of HER2 and EGFR in TN tumors may identify patients whose diseases respond to neratinib and implies that there is a subset of patients with TN disease who paradoxically exhibit HER family signaling activation and may achieve clinical benefit with neratinib; this concept must be validated in future studies.
Complete Kisspeptin Receptor Inactivation Does Not Impede Exogenous GnRH-Induced LH Surge in Humans
Authors: Hugon-Rodin Justine , Yoshii Keisuke , Lahlou Najiba , Flandrin Jennifer , Gompel Anne , de Roux Nicolas
Published: August 2018

Context

Mutations in the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) gene have been reported in a few patients with normosmic congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nCHH) (OMIM #146110).

Objectives

To describe a female patient with nCHH and a novel homozygous KISS1R mutation and to assess the role of kisspeptin pathway to induce an ovulation by GnRH pulse therapy.

Design, Setting, and Intervention

Observational study of a patient including genetic and kisspeptin receptor functions and treatment efficiency using a GnRH pump.

Main Outcome Measure

Response to pulsatile GnRH therapy

Results

A partial isolated gonadotropic deficiency was diagnosed in a 28-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea and no breast development. A novel homozygous c.953T>C variant was identified in KISS1R. This mutation led to substitution of leucine 318 for proline (p.Leu318Pro) in the seventh transmembrane domain of KISS1R. Signaling via the mutated receptor was profoundly impaired in HEK293-transfected cells. The mutated receptor was not detected on the membrane of HEK293-transfected cells. After several pulsatile GnRH therapy cycles, an LH surge with ovulation and pregnancy was obtained.

Conclusion

GnRH pulsatile therapy can induce an LH surge in a woman with a mutated KISS1R, which was previously thought to be completely inactivated in vivo.
The GCs-SGK1-ATP Signaling Pathway in Spinal Astrocytes Underlied Presurgical Anxiety-Induced Postsurgical Hyperalgesia
Authors: Zhang ZuoXia , Wu Hao , Liu Yue , Gu XiaoPing , Zhang Wei , Ma ZhengLiang
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND:

Patients undergoing surgery often feel anxious. Accumulating evidence indicated that presurgical anxiety was related to the more severe postsurgical pain. An animal model was established that exposed Sprague-Dawley rats to a single-prolonged stress (SPS) procedure to induce presurgical anxiety-like behaviors. The experiment revealed that presurgical anxiety not only aggravated but also prolonged postsurgical pain. However, the underlying mechanisms were unknown.

METHODS:

The rats in group C + Cort, group I + Cort, group A + Cort, and group AI + Cort were injected with corticosterone. The rats in group C + RU486, group I + RU486, group A + RU486, and group AI + RU486 were injected with mifepristone (RU486). The rats in group C + GSK650394 and group AI + GSK650394 were injected with GSK650394. The rats in group C + FC1 and group AI + FC1 were injected with fluorocitrate (FC) 30 minutes before SPS, 30 minutes before incision, and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The rats in group C + FC2 and group AI + FC2 were injected with FC on postoperative days 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold was assessed 24 hours before SPS and from postoperative days 1 to 28. The level of corticosterone was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α was visualized by Western blot. The concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured by ATP assay kit.

RESULTS:

This study showed SPS elevated plasma glucocorticoids and ATP release from astrocytes, which meant the mechanical pain hypersensitivity in presurgical anxiety-induced postsurgical hyperalgesia was dependent on GCs-SGK1-ATP signaling pathway. SGK1 protein level in astrocytes was increased in response to the glucocorticoid stimuli and enhanced the extracellular release of ATP. Furthermore, spinal astrocytes played a key role in the maintenance. Targeting spinal astrocytes in maintenance phase prevented the pathological progression.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggested an important signaling pathway that affected the pain sensitivity after operation caused by presurgical anxiety.