bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling ties in continuous outcomes for confounder adjustment with rank-ordered logit and its application to ordinal outcomes
Authors: Ning Yilin , Tan Chuen Seng , Maraki Angeliki , Ho Peh Joo , Hodgins Sheilagh , Comasco Erika , Nilsson Kent W , Wagner Philippe , Khoo Eric YH , Tai E-Shyong , Kao Shih Ling , Hartman Mikael , Reilly Marie , Støer Nathalie C
Published: April 2019

The rank-ordered logit (rologit) model was recently introduced as a robust approach for analysing continuous outcomes, with the linear exposure effect estimated by scaling the rank-based log-odds estimate. Here we extend the application of the rologit model to continuous outcomes with ties and ordinal outcomes treated as imperfectly-observed continuous outcomes. By identifying the functional relationship between survival times and continuous outcomes, we explicitly establish the equivalence between the rologit and Cox models to justify the use of the Breslow, Efron and perturbation methods in the analysis of continuous outcomes with ties. Using simulation, we found all three methods perform well with few ties. Although an increasing extent of ties increased the bias of the log-odds and linear effect estimates and resulted in reduced power, which was somewhat worse when the model was mis-specified, the perturbation method maintained a type I error around 5%, while the Efron method became conservative with heavy ties but outperformed Breslow. In general, the perturbation method had the highest power, followed by the Efron and then the Breslow method. We applied our approach to three real-life datasets, demonstrating a seamless analytical workflow that uses stratification for confounder adjustment in studies of continuous and ordinal outcomes.
Semi-supervised estimation of covariance with application to phenome-wide association studies with electronic medical records data
Authors: Chan Stephanie F , Hejblum Boris P , Chakrabortty Abhishek , Cai Tianxi
Published: April 2019

Electronic medical records data are valuable resources for discovery research. They contain detailed phenotypic information on individual patients, opening opportunities for simultaneously studying multiple phenotypes. A useful tool for such simultaneous assessment is the phenome-wide association study, which relates a genomic or biological marker of interest to a wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, typically defined by the diagnostic billing codes. One challenge arises when the biomarker of interest is expensive to measure on the entire electronic medical record cohort. Performing phenome-wide association study based on supervised estimation using only subjects who have marker measurements may yield limited power. In this paper, we focus on the setting where the marker is measured on a small fraction of the patients while a few surrogate markers such as historical measurements of the biomarker are available on a large number of patients. We propose an efficient semi-supervised estimation procedure to estimate the covariance between the biomarker and the billing code, leveraging the surrogate marker information. We employ surrogate marker values to impute the missing outcome via a two-step semi-non-parametric approach and demonstrate that our proposed estimator is always more efficient than the supervised counterpart without requiring the imputation model to be correct. We illustrate the proposed procedure by assessing the association between the C-reactive protein and some inflammatory diseases with an electronic medical record study of inflammatory bowel disease performed with the Partners HealthCare electronic medical record database where C-reactive protein was only measured for a small fraction of the patients due to budget constraints.
Extreme-value sampling design is cost-beneficial only with a valid statistical approach for exposure–secondary outcome association analyses
Authors: Zhang Hang , Bi Wenjian , Cui Yuehua , Chen Honglei , Chen Jinbo , Zhao Yanlong , Kang Guolian
Published: April 2019

In epidemiology cohort studies, exposure data are collected in sub-studies based on a primary outcome (PO) of interest, as with the extreme-value sampling design (EVSD), to investigate their correlation. Secondary outcomes (SOs) data are also readily available, enabling researchers to assess the correlations between the exposure and the SOs. However, when the EVSD is used, the data for SOs are not representative samples of a general population; thus, many commonly used statistical methods, such as the generalized linear model (GLM), are not valid. A prospective likelihood method has been developed to associate SOs with single-nucleotide polymorphisms under an extreme phenotype sequencing design. In this paper, we describe the application of the prospective likelihood method (STEVSD) to exposure–SO association analysis under an EVSD. We undertook extensive simulations to assess the performance of the STEVSD method in associating binary and continuous exposures with SOs, comparing it to the simple GLM method that ignores the EVSD. To demonstrate the cost-benefit of the STEVSD method, we also mimicked the design of two new retrospective studies, as would be done in actual practice, based on the PO of interest, which was the same as the SO in the EVSD study. We then analyzed these data by using the GLM method and compared its power to that of the STEVSD method. We demonstrated the usefulness of the STEVSD method by applying it to a benign ethnic neutropenia dataset. Our results indicate that the STEVSD method can control type I error well, whereas the GLM method cannot do so owing to its ignorance of EVSD, and that the STEVSD method is cost-effective because it has statistical power similar to that of two new retrospective studies that require collecting new exposure data for selected individuals.
Nonparametric estimation of risk tracking indices for longitudinal studies
Authors: Wu Colin O , Tian Xin , Tian Lu , Reis Jared P , Zhao Lihui , Allen Norrina B , Bae Sejong , Liu Kiang
Published: April 2019

Tracking a subject's risk factors or health status over time is an important objective in long-term epidemiological studies with repeated measurements. An important issue of time-trend tracking is to define appropriate statistical indices to quantitatively measure the tracking abilities of the targeted risk factors or health status over time. We present a number of local and global statistical tracking indices based on the rank-tracking probabilities, which are derived from the conditional distribution functions, and propose a class of kernel-based nonparametric estimation methods. Confidence intervals for the estimators of the tracking indices are constructed through a resampling subject bootstrap procedure. We demonstrate the application of the tracking indices using the body mass index and systolic blood pressure data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Statistical properties of the estimation methods and bootstrap inference are investigated through a simulation study and an asymptotic development.
Overall mortality in men and women in the randomized Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul F , Miller Eric A , Zhu Claire S , Prorok Philip C
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the secondary outcome of overall mortality in the randomized Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian cancer screening trial.

Methods

In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian trial, subjects were randomized to usual care or intervention. In the intervention arm, men and women received annual chest radiographs and two sigmoidoscopy exams. Men also received annual prostate-specific antigen tests and digital rectal exams, and women also received annual CA125 tests and trans-vaginal ultrasounds. Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess differences across trial arms in overall mortality and overall mortality excluding deaths from trial cancers (OMEX). Due to slight age imbalances in later trial years, age-adjusted rate ratios and hazard ratios were computed.

Results

There were 76,678 men and 78,209 women randomized, with median follow-up of 17 years. In men there was a significant reduction in both overall mortality (age-adjusted rate ratio = 0.966; 95% CI: 0.943–0.989; p = 0.004) and OMEX (age-adjusted rate ratio = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.946–0.995; p = 0.02) in the intervention versus usual care arm. In women, no reduction was seen in either overall mortality (age-adjusted rate ratio = 1.002) or OMEX (age-adjusted rate ratio = 1.006). In both sexes combined, there was a significant reduction in overall mortality (age-adjusted rate ratio = 0.980; 95% CI: 0.963–0.999; p = 0.036) but not OMEX (age-adjusted rate ratio = 0.985; 95% CI: 0.965–1.004; p = 0.13). Results were similar using age-adjusted hazard ratios.

Conclusion

In the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian trial, there was a small but significant reduction in overall mortality in men, and in both sexes combined, and a small but significant reduction in overall mortality excluding trial cancer deaths in men.
Advance care planning for older people: The influence of ethnicity, religiosity, spirituality and health literacy
Authors: de Vries Kay , Banister Elizabeth , Dening Karen Harrison , Ochieng Bertha
Published: April 2019

In this discussion paper we consider the influence of ethnicity, religiosity, spirituality and health literacy on Advance Care Planning for older people. Older people from cultural and ethnic minorities have low access to palliative or end-of-life care and there is poor uptake of advance care planning by this group across a number of countries where advance care planning is promoted. For many, religiosity, spirituality and health literacy are significant factors that influence how they make end-of-life decisions. Health literacy issues have been identified as one of the main reasons for a communication gaps between physicians and their patients in discussing end-of-life care, where poor health literacy, particularly specific difficulty with written and oral communication often limits their understanding of clinical terms such as diagnoses and prognoses. This then contributes to health inequalities given it impacts on their ability to use their moral agency to make appropriate decisions about end-of-life care and complete their Advance Care Plans. Currently, strategies to promote advance care planning seem to overlook engagement with religious communities. Consequently, policy makers, nurses, medical professions, social workers and even educators continue to shape advance care planning programmes within the context of a medical model. The ethical principle of justice is a useful approach to responding to inequities and to promote older peoples’ ability to enact moral agency in making such decisions.
“To suit the occasion, I wore my schizophrenic fancy dress”1 – the life of Janet Frame
Authors: Lim Xinhui , Galletly Cherrie
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Janet Frame (1924–2004) was one of New Zealand’s most celebrated authors. Much of her work stems from her experiences as a psychiatric patient. She was hospitalised for about eight years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Treatments included insulin coma therapy and unmodified electroconvulsive therapy. Her doctors then planned for her to have a leucotomy, which was cancelled upon discovery that one of her works had won a prestigious literary award. She subsequently moved to England and was assessed at the Maudsley Hospital by Sir Aubrey Lewis. She was found to never have suffered from schizophrenia; her condition was instead attributed to the effects of overtreatment and prolonged hospitalisation. She reflected profoundly on these experiences in her writing, and those who are interested in psychiatry are truly fortunate to have access to her autobiographies, fiction and poetry.

Conclusions:

Janet Frame has written both autobiographical and fictional accounts of her many years of psychiatric treatment, describing individuals, interpersonal relationships, and everyday life in these institutions. Her own life story demonstrates extraordinary recovery and achievement.
Identification of fungal isolates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in veterinary practice: validation of a web application
Authors: Becker Pierre , Normand Anne-Cécile , Vanantwerpen Gerty , Vanrobaeys Mia , Haesendonck Roel , Vercammen Francis , Stubbe Dirk , Piarroux Renaud , Hendrickx Marijke
Published: April 2019

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a reliable method to identify fungal isolates. The success of this approach relies on the availability of exhaustive databases, but the latter were built with a focus on human pathogens. We assessed a large in-house database of reference spectra and a dedicated web application for their suitability for use in veterinary laboratories. A panel of 290 mold and yeast isolates representing 69 different fungal species was isolated from various animals (including pets, cattle, and zoo animals) and identified using both MALDI-TOF MS and conventional techniques. The performance of the 2 methods was compared, and identifications were confirmed by DNA sequencing. MALDI-TOF MS allowed distinction between some closely related species and achieved 89% correct identification at the species level. In comparison, only 60% of the isolates were correctly identified with conventional approaches. Using this online application, MALDI-TOF MS thus appears to be a relevant alternative for the identification of fungal isolates encountered by animal health professionals.
Quantification of Malassezia pachydermatis by real-time PCR in swabs from the external ear canal of dogs
Authors: Puig Laura , Castellá Gemma , Cabañes F. Javier
Published: April 2019

Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal microbiota of canine skin and external ear canal, and is also associated with otitis externa in dogs. Laboratory detection of Malassezia otitis relies on the presence of elevated numbers of the yeast on cytologic examination of otic exudate. Although cytology has high specificity, it has low sensitivity, resulting in false-negatives and posing a challenge for clinicians to accurately diagnose Malassezia otitis. We developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect and quantify M. pachydermatis yeasts and validate the method with swabs from external ear canals of dogs. Our qPCR uses the β-tubulin gene, a single-copy gene, as a target. The limit of quantification was established as 0.18 ng/reaction, equivalent to 2.0 × 104 genome equivalents (gEq). Swabs from healthy dogs yielded quantification values of ≤2.7 × 104 gEq in the qPCR, whereas swabs from dogs with otitis yielded quantification values of ≥2.5 × 105 gEq. Our qPCR assay provides accurate quantification of M. pachydermatis yeasts from swab samples from dogs, is more sensitive than cytology, and could be used to monitor response to treatment. Our assay could also be valuable in a research setting to better understand the pathogenesis of M. pachydermatis.
Molecular epidemiology of endemic and very virulent infectious bursal disease virus genogroups in backyard chickens in California, 2009–2017
Authors: Stoute Simone T. , Jackwood Daral J. , Crossley Beate M. , Michel Linda O. , Blakey Julia R.
Published: April 2019

Pathogenic strains of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and immunosuppression in susceptible chickens. Backyard poultry is increasing in popularity in the United States, but very little is known about the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of IBDV within these flocks. We performed a retrospective study and phylogenetic analyses of IBDV detected in backyard chickens (BYCs) submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) diagnostic laboratory system in 2009–2017. There were 17 CAHFS autopsy cases of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) segment A detected by RT-rtPCR in BYC flocks from 7 counties in California from 2009–2017. During this same time period, non-vvIBDV genotypes were detected by RT-rtPCR in 16 autopsy cases originating from BYC premises in 10 counties in California. Subsequent RT-PCR and phylogenetic analysis of a segment of the hvVP2 and VP1 gene identified vvIBDV, interserotypic reassortant IBDV (vvIBDV segment A and serotype 2 segment B), and non-vvIBDV (variant/subclinical IBDV and classic IBDV) strains in BYC flocks in California.
Bending theory for laminated composite cantilever beams with multiple embedded shape memory alloy layers
Authors: Van Viet Nguyen , Zaki Wael , Umer Rehan
Published: April 2019

In this article, a new analytical model is proposed for laminated composite cantilever beams consisting of multiple alternating superelastic shape memory alloy and elastic layers. The model is based on the Zaki–Moumni model for shape memory alloys combined with Timoshenko’s beam theory. The Zaki–Moumni model accounts for solid phase transformation as well as detwinning and reorientation of martensite under multiaxial thermomechanical loading conditions. Mathematical formulas are first derived to characterize the evolution of the solid phase structure within the beam with a prescribed load at the tip during loading and unloading. Analytical moment–curvature and shear force–shear strain relations are then obtained following the strength of materials approach. The present work is the first to fully develop the nonlinear expressions of the axial stress in terms of the distance from the neutral plane and to allow the description of the phase distribution in both the longitudinal and the transverse directions in the beam as the load evolves. The proposed model is validated against finite element analysis and high-accuracy numerical solutions. The influence of temperature and the number of shape memory alloy layers on the superelastic behavior of the laminate is also investigated.
Pediatric Complex Chronic Conditions: Does the Classification System Work for Infants?
Authors: Lindley Lisa C. , Fortney Christine A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

One widely accepted approach to identify children with life-limiting health problems is the complex chronic conditions (CCCs) classification system. Although considered the “gold standard” for classifying children with serious illness, little is known about its performance, especially among infants.

Objective/Hypothesis:

This research examined the prevalence of CCCs and the infant characteristics related to a CCC classification.

Methods:

Multivariate regression analysis was conducted with 2012 Kids’ Inpatient Database, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data files, using a national sample of infant decedents less than 1 year.

Results:

Our findings showed that 40% of the infants were classified with a CCC. African Americans were negatively associated with a CCC classification (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.543-0.731). When infants had other insurance coverage, they were less likely (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.537-0.748) to have a CCC classification. Infants who resided in nonurban areas (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI =1.034-1.415) and had comorbidities (aOR = 38.19; 95% CI = 33.12-44.04) had greater odds of having a CCC classification.

Conclusions:

The findings suggested that the infants are not commonly classified with a CCC and highlighted the significant variation in race with African American infants exhibiting different CCC classifications than Caucasian infants. Given the importance of reducing disparities in palliative care, critical attention to using CCC classifications in research is warranted.
Comprehension of Online Educational Material Regarding Orofacial Clefts
Authors: Jodeh Diana S. , Pringle Aleshia J. , Rottgers S. Alex
Published: April 2019

Background:

Cleft lip and palate are among the common birth defects in the United States. Management is complex and may be difficult for parents and patients to understand. The goal of this study was to evaluate the readability of online educational material provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) websites regarding cleft lip and palate and to assess parents’ comprehension.

Methods:

Parents of children younger than 10 years of age presenting to the plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for conditions other than cleft lip and palate were recruited for participation. Parents were given the literature published on the ASPS and ACPA web sites to review and were asked to complete a 5-question test specifically targeted to the content of the passage they reviewed. We tested the readability of the 2 online passages using Readability Studio software (Oleander Software Solutions Ltd).

Results:

Sixty parents completed the study. Across all groups, the mean score was 4.35 of a possible 5. The mean score was 4.4 for the ASPS web site and 4.29 for the ACPA web site. Fifty-three percent of participants answered all questions correctly. No significant difference in scores was noted between web sites ( P = .48).

Conclusions:

Despite containing content of varying reading-level difficulty, the literature posted on the ACPA and ASPS web sites concerning cleft lip and palate conveyed information equally well to the target parent demographic with high levels of comprehension.
Work Group Inclusion: Test of a Scale and Model
Authors: Chung Beth G. , Ehrhart Karen H. , Shore Lynn M. , Randel Amy E. , Dean Michelle A. , Kedharnath Uma
Published: April 2019

We develop a theoretically based 10-item measure of work group inclusion comprised of two components (belongingness and uniqueness) and use this measure to empirically test the nomological network of work group inclusion developed by Shore et al. In Phase 1, we use two samples of full-time employees to develop and refine items as well as establish content validity. In Phase 2, we demonstrate convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity with both conceptually related and unrelated constructs. In Phase 3, we use data from an additional sample of employees and supervisors to test criterion-related validity and mediation by examining the multilevel relationships between inclusion and important antecedents and outcomes. Across the three phases of our study, the results demonstrate support not only for the factor structure, reliability, and validity of our work group inclusion measure but also for a theoretical model in which the construct of inclusion has important implications for individuals and organizations.
Integrated condition monitoring scheme for bearing fault diagnosis of a wind turbine gearbox
Authors: Inturi Vamsi , Sabareesh GR , Supradeepan K , Penumakala PK
Published: April 2019

Rolling element bearing faults of a laboratory scale wind turbine gearbox operating under nonstationary loads have been diagnosed using condition monitoring (CM) techniques such as vibration analysis, acoustic analysis, and lubrication oil analysis. Two local bearing faults, namely, bearing inner race fault and bearing outer fault are seeded in the gearbox. The raw data from these techniques are decomposed and wavelet approximation coefficients of level four (a4) are extracted using discrete wavelet transform (DWT). A plethora of statistical features is computed from the wavelet approximation coefficients and the most significant features are being identified by implementing the decision tree algorithm. The classification efficiencies of each of these CM techniques are compared by using the support-vector machine algorithm. Furthermore, an integrated CM scheme is developed by combining the individual CM techniques and the fault diagnosing ability of the integrated CM scheme is compared with the individual CM techniques. A principal component analysis-based approach is used as a feature classification algorithm and an input feature matrix is formed by combining the significant features extracted from vibration, acoustic, and lubrication oil analysis. It has been observed that the integrated CM scheme has provided better classification interpretations than the single CM techniques and it can be extended for real time fault diagnosis of a wind turbine gearbox.
The Effects of Victim and Perpetrator Characteristics on Ratings of Guilt in a Sexual Assault Case
Authors: Franiuk Renae , Luca Austin , Robinson Shelby
Published: April 2019

Scholars have long investigated how perceptions of the victim affect judgments in a sexual assault case, but little research has investigated perceptions of the perpetrator. Participants ( N = 322) read a scenario about an alleged sexual assault that manipulated victim behavior (speed of reporting) and perpetrator characteristics (athlete status and celebrity status) and then made judgments about the victim and perpetrator. Results showed that victim behavior was the most important factor in judgments. Furthermore, significant three-way interactions suggested that participants may attend to perpetrator characteristics but only when the victim’s behavior is consistent with stereotypes about sexual assault victims.
Political Consequences of the Endangered Local Watchdog: Newspaper Decline and Mayoral Elections in the United States
Authors: Rubado Meghan E. , Jennings Jay T.
Published: April 2019

Newspapers have faced extreme challenges in recent years due to declining circulation and advertising revenue. This has resulted in newspaper closures, staff cuts, and dramatic changes to the ways many newspapers cover local government, among other topics. This article argues that the loss of professional expertise in coverage of local government has negative consequences for the quality of city politics because citizens become less informed about local policies and elections. We test our theory using an original data set that matches 11 local newspapers in California to the municipalities they cover. The data show that cities served by newspapers with relatively sharp declines in newsroom staffing had, on average, significantly reduced political competition in mayoral races. We also find suggestive evidence that lower staffing levels are associated with lower voter turnout.
The Role of Children’s Literature in Cultivating Preservice Teachers as Transformative Intellectuals: A Literature Review
Authors: Flores Tracey T. , Vlach Saba Khan , Lammert Catherine
Published: April 2019

This review of literacy education scholarship examines the ways that children’s literature is used as a resource within literacy methods courses in the preparation of preservice teachers (PTs) as transformative intellectuals. The research indicates that the use of children’s literature in literacy methods courses has served two distinct purposes: (a) to engage PTs in learning literacy instructional practices and (b) to engage PTs in building sociocultural knowledge and learning transformative (e.g., culturally relevant) pedagogies. This review is framed by Giroux’s call for educators to disrupt technocratic approaches to instruction. The findings emphasize the importance of using children’s literature with PTs to broaden PTs’ understandings of their future student’s lives, so they might engage in transformative pedagogies as future K-12 literacy educators.
Patient outcomes after total hip arthroplasty in extreme elderly patients older than 80 years
Authors: Austin Daniel C , Torchia Michael T , Moschetti Wayne E , Jevsevar David S , Keeney Benjamin J
Published: April 2019

Background:

While extreme elderly patients (age 80 and above) benefit from joint replacement, there is controversy about whether their physical function improves as much as younger individuals following total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

We completed a retrospective cohort study comparing extreme elderly total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients to younger patients. We obtained data from a large institutional repository of 2327 consecutive THAs performed from April 2011 through July 2016 at an American academic medical centre. We performed multivariate regression analyses to determine associations between age group and clinically significant improvement in the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-10 physical component summary (PCS) score. Secondary outcomes included the magnitude of PCS change, length of stay (LOS), and facility discharge.

Results:

There were 187 THAs (8.0%) in patients age ⩾ 80 years compared to 2140 THA procedures in patients < age 80. Extreme elderly patients had similar adjusted odds of achieving clinically significant PCS improvement after THA ( p = 0.528) and there were no statistical differences in adjusted postoperative PCS score improvements between the cohorts. Extreme elderly patients were associated with a 0.68 day longer adjusted LOS ( p < 0.001) and demonstrated higher adjusted odds of facility discharge following THA (OR 8.96, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Compared to younger patients, extreme elderly individuals had similar adjusted postoperative functional outcomes following THA but utilised substantially more resources in the form of increased time in the hospital and higher rates of facility discharges.
Cost-Effective Extreme Case-Control Design Using a Resampling Method
Authors: Kim Young Min , Im Jongho
Published: April 2019

Nested case-control sampling design is a popular method in a cohort study whose events are often rare. The controls are randomly selected with or without the matching variable fully observed across all cohort samples to control confounding factors. In this article, we propose a new nested case-control sampling design incorporating both extreme case-control design and a resampling technique. This new algorithm has two main advantages with respect to the conventional nested case-control design. First, it inherits the strength of extreme case-control design such that it does not require the risk sets in each event time to be specified. Second, the target number of controls can only be determined by the budget and time constraints and the resampling method allows an under sampling design, which means that the total number of sampled controls can be smaller than the number of cases. A simulation study demonstrated that the proposed algorithm performs well even when we have a smaller number of controls compared with the number of cases. The proposed sampling algorithm is applied to a public data collected for “Thorotrast Study.”
Pulmonary Versus Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Associated Factors: A Case-Case Study
Authors: Arnedo-Pena Alberto , Romeu-Garcia Maria Angeles , Meseguer-Ferrer Noemi , Vivas-Fornas Iraya , Vizcaino-Batllés Ana , Safont-Adsuara Lourdes , Bellido-Blasco Juan Bautista , Moreno-Muñoz Rosario
Published: April 2019

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence remains low in health departments of Castellon and La Plana-Vila-real, but TB elimination is challenging. The objective of this study was to estimate associated factors of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) compared with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (ETB) and investigate epidemiological characteristics of these pathologies to orient control and prevention actions.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective case-case study was implemented by comparing PTB and ETB incidences during 2013-2016 from notification reports, epidemiological surveillance, and microbiological results of hospitals’ laboratories Hospital General Castellon and La Plana-Vila-Real in the province of Castellon of Valencia region in Spain. In this design, cases were patients with PTB and controls were patients with ETB. Directed acyclic graph approach was used for selection of potential risk and confounding factors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were estimated by logistic regression models.

Results:

The study included 136 patients with PTB and 57 patients with ETB, with microbiological confirmation of 93.4% and 52.6%, and the annual median of incidence rates were 7.5 and 3.1 per 100 000 inhabitants, respectively. In general, patients with PTB were younger with higher male proportion than patients with ETB. Risk factors of PTB were smoking tobacco (AOR = 3.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.66-9.56), social problems (social marginalization, homeless, residence in shelters for the poor, or stay in prison) (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI = 1.05-10.94), and contact with patients with TB (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.06-5.95). No-smoking tobacco and no-drug abuse interaction decrease PTB risk (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.12-0.64). From these results, specific measures of health promotion and prevention can be addressed.

Conclusions:

The estimated associated factors of PTB may be prevented, and it was demonstrated that the case-case design is useful in the study of TB.
Effects of Pubertal Status and Inflammation on the Use of Ferritin to Define Iron Deficiency in Children With Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Muzzio Maria Luz , Lozano Chiappe Ezequiel S , Kabakian Laura , Ferraro Florencia , Landó Ines , Alonso Elizabeth , Fernández Jorgelina , Peredo Soledad , Brovarone Lucrecia , Pia Santucci Maria , Meroño Tomás
Published: April 2019

Background and aims:

A worldwide increase in childhood overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) has been reported. OB is an inflammatory state which affects iron metabolism and the sensibility of the tests to detect iron deficiency (ID). Our aim was to evaluate the adequacy of current ferritin cut-offs to define ID in children with OW/OB.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 152 children (54% girls) aged (median [Q1-Q3]) 11 (8-13) years with OW/OB. Complete blood count and iron metabolism were evaluated. Low ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSat), and anemia were defined by age- and sex-specific cut-offs recommended by National Guidelines. Iron intake was assessed in a subgroup (n = 80) by a 24-hour dietary recall. Analyses were made according to pubertal development and ferritin tertiles.

Results:

The overall prevalence of low ferritin, TSat, and anemia was 2.6%, 23.8%, and 5.2%, respectively. Among pre-pubertal children (n = 87), the frequency of low TSat rose across ferritin tertiles ( P < .05), whereas it decreased among pubertal children (n = 65; P < .005). Cases of anemia among pre-pubertal children were found in the highest ferritin tertile, whereas 4/6 anemia cases in pubertal children were found in the lowest ferritin tertile (<39 µg/L). Pubertal children within the lowest ferritin tertile + low TSat (n = 11) showed lower hemoglobin (–9%; P < .005) and hematocrit (–8%, P < .01) than those in the same tertile + normal TSat (n = 16). The overall prevalence of children with ferritin < 39 µg/L + low TSat was 9.2%.

Conclusions:

Higher ferritin cut-off values are required to define ID in children with OW/OB. Such cut-off remains to be validated in larger, multi-ethnic cohorts of children with OW/OB.
Dynamic analysis of elastically and plastically graded spherical and cylindrical contact
Authors: Jana Tamonash , Mitra Anirban , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: April 2019

A dynamic analysis of a hemispherical and cylindrical contact, material properties of which are graded elastically and plastically along the radius, is presented. The static force–displacement behavior of a hemisphere and a semi-cylinder in contact with a rigid flat is obtained using finite element software. The force–displacement is used in a further dynamic analysis for undamped-free as well as for forced-damped vibration of the contact interface. For the undamped free vibration, variation of natural frequency w.r.t. initial displacement is furnished for different values of elastic and plastic gradation parameter. In addition, variation of maximum initial displacement for contact loss is also demonstrated. The forced-damped vibration characteristics of the spherical and cylindrical contact interfaces are presented in the form of frequency response curves with jump up and jump down frequencies. Spherical and cylindrical contact interfaces are found to exhibit softening and hardening type nonlinearity, respectively.
Depressive symptoms in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Are rates higher than in controls and do depressive symptoms affect outcome?
Authors: Loades Maria Elizabeth , Rimes Katharine A. , Ali Sheila , Chalder Trudie
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Previous research has indicated that co-morbid depression is common in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Objectives:

We sought to compare the characteristics of depressive symptoms in adolescents with CFS to those of healthy controls (HCs) and illness controls (adolescents with asthma).

Design:

Case-control study nested within a prospective clinical cohort.

Methods:

A total of 121 adolescents with CFS who attended an initial assessment at two specialist CFS units completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Their responses were compared to 80 HCs and 27 adolescents with asthma (illness controls). The clinical cohort of adolescents with CFS completed questionnaires at assessment, and those who were seen subsequently for treatment at the CFS unit (68%) completed the measures again at their first treatment session.

Results:

CFS participants scored significantly higher on all the depression subscales than participants with asthma and HCs. Depression score explained 11% of the variance in subsequent fatigue, but only 1.9% of the variance in physical functioning. Depression score also explained most (68%) of the variance in subsequent depression.

Conclusion:

Depressive symptoms are more prominent in adolescents with CFS than in HCs or illness controls. These symptoms also appear to remain over time during a naturalistic follow-up where no treatment was provided. This highlights the need for further research into depression in CFS, including stratifying treatment outcomes by depression status to determine what is effective at addressing these symptoms.
Self-synchronization characteristics of a class of nonlinear vibration system with asymmetrical hysteresis
Authors: Zhang Nan
Published: April 2019

The self-synchronization characteristics of the two excited motors for the nonlinear vibration system with the asymmetrical hysteresis have been proposed in the exceptional circumstances of cutting off the power supply of one of the two excited motors. From the point of view of the hysteretic characteristics with the asymmetry, a class of nonlinear dynamic model of the self-synchronous vibrating system is presented for the analysis of the hysteretic characteristics of the soil, which is induced by the relation between the stress and the strain in the soil. The periodic solutions for the self-synchronous system with the asymmetrical hysteresis are investigated using nonlinear asymptotic method. The synchronization condition for the self-synchronous vibrating pile system with the asymmetrical hysteresis is theoretical analyzed using the rotor–rotation equations of the two excited motors. The synchronization stability condition also is theoretical analyzed using Jacobi matrix of the phase difference equation of the two excited motors. Using Matlab/Simlink, the synchronous operation of the two excited motors and the synchronous stability operation of the self-synchronous system with the asymmetrical hysteresis are analyzed through the selected parameters. Various synchronous phenomena are obtained through the difference rates of the two excited motors, including the different initial phase and the different initial angular velocity, and so on. Especially, when there is a certain difference in the two excited motors, the synchronous operation of the two excited motors and the synchronous stability operation of the self-synchronous vibrating system with the asymmetrical hysteresis can still be achieved after the power supply of one of the two excited motors has been disconnected. It has been shown that the research results can provide a theoretical basis for the research of the vibration synchronization theory.
Militancy and violence as a catalyst to kidnapping in Nigeria
Authors: Chinwokwu Eke Chijioke , Michael Christopher Eraye
Published: April 2019

This study examines the concept of militancy and violence as a catalyst for kidnapping in Nigeria. The study acknowledges that there may be violent and non-violent militancy, but kidnapping is always forceful and violent in nature. Nigeria has witnessed and continues to witness various forms of militancy and violence, which have generated a booming new enterprise in the form of kidnapping for ransom. Government efforts to address these problems have been discriminatory, sentimental and engulfed in ethnicity. The lop-sidedness and apathy shown by the government in thwarting this menace has led to militants’ demands for self-determination and sovereignty. Triggers for militancy, such as social injustice, oppressive policies, marginalization and resource control, seem to have no bearing on government agenda and policy. There is mistrust as to the intent of the government in containing the rising profile of militants and kidnappers, thereby creating fear in the minds of Nigerian citizens. We recommend among other actions: re-value orientation, good governance based on justice and the rule of law, and reform of the criminal justice system.
The relationship between stressors and police job involvement
Authors: Qureshi Hanif , Lambert Eric G. , Frank James
Published: April 2019

Police organizations are tasked with a wide variety of duties, and officers often encounter stressful situations. Past studies have indicated that job stressors are negatively related to job involvement, which, in turn, is positively related to several beneficial outcomes. The present study empirically tested the job demands model with data obtained from a police agency in India. Survey data was collected from 827 police officers in the Indian state of Haryana. Analysis was carried out to determine the impact of job stressors (role overload, role underload, repetitiveness, role ambiguity, fear of victimization, and role conflict) on job involvement. Findings indicate that all stressors except fear of victimization had a negative effect on job involvement. The implications of the findings, for organizations in general and the police in particular, include the need to reduce workplace stressors and improve the work environment.
Religion and development: Tracing the trajectories of an evolving sub-discipline
Authors: Bompani Barbara
Published: April 2019

Religion and development (RaD) has emerged as a new academic sub-discipline since the turn of the 21st century, following decades of secular assumptions and attitudes dominating development studies, and international development more broadly. In 2019, there was a little doubt that religion has been incorporated into development studies and it is therefore timely to re-appraise RaD. Recent scholarship suggests that RaD increasingly informs, engages with and influences development studies and development practice—providing rich empirical material, broader disciplinary engagement and deeper analytical insight. Drawing on a survey of almost—mainly English language—700 publications, this article traces the emergence and establishment of RaD. The article traces the emergence of the field (2000–10) and then its subsequent more critical engagement with development studies (between 2011 and 2018). The article concludes by identifying five emerging contemporary research themes within RaD and future research opportunities.
Adult Day Program services for seniors with dementia: An innovative model of community–college partnership (Innovative Practice)
Authors: Jaana Mirou
Published: April 2019

This study presents the case of an innovative Adult Day Program model resulting from a community–college partnership, with a formative evaluation of its contributions. A triangulation of data sources were used (existing documents, seniors' records, survey of caregivers). An overview of the historical development of the Adult Day Program model, and its underlying partnership, is presented. The model demonstrated feasibility and satisfaction by the community served, and opportunities for students’ training in real settings. Province-wide efforts should support the expansion of services based on this model, which may also be replicated in other environments to complement traditional long-term care services.
Work as a drama: The experience of former prisoners in the labour market
Authors: Durnescu Ioan
Published: April 2019

This article is based on an ethnographic study that took place between 2014and 2016 in Romania. We followed up 58 ex-prisoners (of whom 28 were Roma) for one year after release, in order to develop a deeper understanding of what their experiences mean to them, their resources, their symbols, the obstacles they encounter and their strategies in the re-entry process. Using a dramaturgical coding approach (Saldaña, 2005), we have identified different employment routes depending on the participants’ personal and social capital, the opportunities available to them and the environment they live in. It became clear that ex-prisoners lack skills of self-presentation; in particular, they lack ‘personal front’ (Goffman, 1956) – a lack that, in combination with ‘learned helplessness’ (Sullivan et al., 2012), creates problems for employment. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Indoctrination, delusion and the possibility of epistemic innocence
Authors: Wareham Ruth J.
Published: April 2019

In this article, I illuminate ongoing debates about the normative status of indoctrination via close examination of recent work in the philosophy of psychiatry and, more particularly, delusion. Here it has been argued, contrary to the established view that delusional states of mind are epistemically problematic, that delusions can (at least under certain circumstances) exhibit a quality called ‘epistemic innocence’. That is, they may ‘[deliver] a significant epistemic benefit, that could not be obtained otherwise’. This might lead us to wonder whether indoctrinated beliefs – which appear to share key features with delusional beliefs – might also be capable of such epistemic innocence and, if so, what the educational consequences of such a conclusion would be. By drawing meaningful distinctions between delusion and normal cognition, as well as expanding our notions of what is conducive to epistemic achievement, philosophers of psychiatry and psychopathology provide us with novel, empirically informed theoretical resources which are particularly well placed to facilitate better understanding of belief formation and malformation. As such, this work is of direct relevance to philosophers of education concerned with questions pertaining to the legitimate transmission of beliefs. I begin by briefly outlining my own outcome-based account of indoctrination before discussing some of the relevant similarities and differences between indoctrination and delusion. This is followed by a discussion of how the aforementioned shared features might motivate the conclusion that indoctrination is morally problematic. In the second half of the article, I shift my focus to the possible epistemic benefits of delusional beliefs, before going on to explain why none of the candidates for epistemically innocent forms of belief transmission can be properly described as indoctrination.
American dream, Humboldtian nightmare: Reflections on the remodelled values of a neoliberalized academia
Authors: Tomicic Ana
Published: April 2019

While universities now lie between two philosophical poles – idealism and utilitarianism – the Humboldtian ideal primarily serves to give a humanist glaze to a technocratic discourse. Regardless of its autonomy on paper, the University does not control its finances. This guise of autonomy has set a double authoritarian heteronomy of the university: from increased administrative supervision and from market control. While the current debate is strongly permeated by the idea that we should simultaneously compete with and copy the model of elite US universities, this article presents reflections on how detached from Humboldtian ideals we now are, explores the consequences of that transformational logic and encourages debate through critical distance.