bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Negative Family Environment and Depression on Running Away From Home Among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Baek Hyunin , Roberts Amanda M. , Higgins George E. , Losavio Michael M.
Published: March 2017

Using general strain theory (GST), this study examines negative stimuli (poor relationship with family, parental child abuse, and poor parenting), with the mediating effect of negative emotion (depression), on the deviant behavior of running away from home. The current study used data from a 2009 Korean survey of 9,750 adolescent students in a structural equation model, to examine the possible mediating role of negative emotions. The research results showed that a poor relationship with family and parental abuse increases the level of depression. Also, the level of depression that was experienced by juveniles influenced the likelihood of running away from home. Therefore, this study supported the GST hypothesis of negative stimuli impacting juvenile delinquency with a mediating effect of negative emotion. This study suggests that it is important to remove negative stimuli in the family environment to reduce depression and running away from home.
Competing for Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Wu Chen , Burge Gregory S.
Published: March 2017

This article explores the effects of locally adopted economic development zones and government spending promoting foreign affairs on foreign direct investment (FDI)–related employment in Chinese provinces. While these policies are motivated by a desire for employment growth, empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness has proven elusive. Using data from Chinese provinces covering 1999 to 2012, we explore this relationship using a dynamic system generalized method of moments approach. We find some evidence that trade zones enhance FDI-related employment but find none to support the idea that industrial development zones and spending to promote foreign affairs increase employment. Conversely, regional spillovers are consistently found to increase FDI-related employment in our main results and all robustness checks. We argue this highlights the importance of crowd-out effects and agglomeration spillovers, and that coordinating FDI promotion policy across regions may compare favorably to the current approach, which mainly encourages local competition over a largely fixed pool of aggregate FDI.
Hegemonic Masculinity, Violence, and Gender Equality
Authors: Jewkes Rachel , Morrell Robert
Published: March 2017

Messerschmidt and colleagues have pioneered work in criminology using masculinities theory, yet many researchers in the field have not engaged with the possibility that the different patterning of correlated violent, sexually risky, and antisocial behaviors may reflect a disaggregation of the category of men into multiple masculinities. This lens can help understand men’s violence and enable intervention targeting. We analyzed household survey data and identified three classes of men according to their use of violence and correlated behavior. Associations between masculinity categories and other acts of violence (against women), gender attitudes, and sexually transmitted diseases showed a dose–response relationship across the masculinity categories. Structural equation modeling showed how the psychological variables mediated pathways between exposure to trauma and teasing in childhood and the more violent masculinity categories. Our analysis provides a bridge between gender analysis (with intersectionality) and the psychoanalytic in understanding men’s violence. This is important for interventions to prevent men’s violence against women and other men and support arguments for targeting violence prevention interventions.
Pantarsal arthrodesis in cats using orthogonal plating
Authors: Alza Salvatierra Diego N , Witte Philip G , Scott Harry W , Catchpole Clare
Published: March 2017

Case series summary

Pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA) was performed in seven tarsi of six cats, using orthogonal (dorsal and medial) veterinary cuttable plates (VCPs) without postoperative external coaptation. Short-term outcomes, arthrodesis progression and complications were assessed using a retrospective review of case notes (veterinary examination) and radiographs. Long-term outcomes were assessed via owner questionnaire (Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index [FMPI]). Mean angle of PTA was 136° (range 116–166°). Intraoperative complications were recorded in two cases, both involving failure of the drill bit during drilling for calcaneotibial screws. Postoperative complications were encountered in a case of bilateral single-session PTA. These included gastrocnemius myotendinopathy on the right, and long-term protrusion of a screw head from the skin on the left. Both complications were resolved surgically, through resection of the implicated gastrocnemius tendon of insertion and removal of the plate, respectively. FMPI assessment was performed for all six cats a mean of 8.8 months (range 6–16 months) following surgery. Mean score for the first part (assessing ability to perform normal activities) was 92.2% (range 80.9–97.1%). Mean score for the second part (owner perception of pain) was 95.8% (range 87.5–100%). Mean overall score (mean score for parts 1 and 2 combined) was 92.3% (range 81.6–97.4%). PTA may be performed in cats using orthogonal VCPs to treat severe tarsal injuries. It may be prudent to avoid single-session bilateral PTA in cats.

Relevance and novel information

This case series documents a novel technique as an alternative for PTA in cats with talocrural injuries. Long-term outcome and complications presented in this case series are evaluated and discussed.
Size-dependent in vibration analysis of magnetostrictive sandwich composite micro-plate in magnetic field using modified couple stress theory
Authors: Ghorbanpour Arani A , Khani Arani H , Khoddami Maraghi Z
Published: March 2017

In the present study, free vibration of magnetostrictive sandwich composite micro plate with magnetostrictive core and composite face sheets are investigated. The modified couple stress theory is taken into account so as to consider the small scale effects. The surrounding elastic medium is simulated as visco-Pasternak foundation to study the effects of both damping and shear effects. Using energy method, Hamilton’s principle and first-order shear deformation theory, the governing equations of motion and related boundary conditions are obtained. Finally, the differential quadrature method is employed to analysis the vibration of magnetostrictive sandwich composite micro plate. In this regard, the dimensionless frequency are plotted to study the effects of small scale parameter, surrounding elastic medium, magnetic field, composite fiber angle, aspect ratio, thickness ratio, and boundary conditions. The results indicate that the magnetic field and composite fiber angle play a key role in the dimensionless frequency of magnetostrictive sandwich composite micro plate. The obtained results in this article can be used to design sensors and actuators, aerospace industry, and control of vibration response of systems.
Study of the deformation of a sandwich shield subjected to bird impact: A behaviour analysis tool using vector decomposition
Authors: Wilhelm Arnaud , Rivallant Samuel , Ferrero Jean-François
Published: March 2017

In this work, a numerical finite element model of a 1.82 kg bird impacting a sandwich shield at 175 m/s is developed. Different shield designs are simulated and it appears that very different sandwich behaviours can occur, depending on the design. A new tool to analyse the deformation of the sandwich during impact is presented and is used to study the behaviour of a shield. As this tool makes it possible to easily compare the behaviour of different shields, it is used in a screening study to identify the more influential sandwich design parameters. If all design parameters are considered to be independent, the core out-of-plane plastic plateaus appear to be the most important. The core in-plane properties, elastic modulus and density and the back skin thickness have much less influence on the sandwich deformation under impact.
Effects of Mild and Severe Vitamin B1 Deficiencies on the Meiotic Maturation of Mice Oocytes
Authors: Tsuji Ai , Nakamura Toshinobu , Shibata Katsumi
Published: March 2017

We investigated the effects of vitamin B1 deficiency on the meiosis maturation of oocytes. Female Crl:CD1 (ICR) mice were fed a 20% casein diet (control group) or a vitamin B1–free diet (test group). The vitamin B1 concentration in ovary was approximately 30% lower in the test group than in the control group. Oocyte meiosis was not affected by vitamin B1 deficiency when the deficiency was not accompanied by body weight loss. On the contrary, frequency of abnormal oocyte was increased by vitamin B1 deficiency when deficiency was accompanied by body weight loss (referred to as severe vitamin B1 deficiency; frequency of abnormal oocyte, 13.8% vs 43.7%, P = .0071). The frequency of abnormal oocytes was decreased by refeeding of a vitamin B1–containing diet (13.9% vs 22.9%, P = .503). These results suggest that severe vitamin B1 deficiency inhibited meiotic maturation of oocytes but did not damage immature oocytes.
Olfactory Neuroepithelial Neural Progenitor Cells from Subjects with Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Gao Yonglin , Winstead Welby , Lei Zhenmin , Lu Chengliang , Roisen Fred J. , El-Mallakh Rif S.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Research into the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) is limited by the inability to examine brain cellular processes in subjects with the illness.

Methods:

Endoscopic biopsy was performed in subjects with bipolar I disorder to establish olfactory neural progenitor (ONP) cell lines. Olfactory function was assessed prebiopsy and postbiopsy using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Cells were characterized to determine their lineage.

Results:

There were no significant complications associated with the biopsy procedure, including olfaction. Outpatient olfactory neuroepithelial biopsy yielded ONP cells in three out of 13 biopsy attempts (23.1%). ONPs were positive for neuron-specific proteins (β-tubulin III, nestin, hexaribonucleotide binding protein-3, and peripherin) and glia-specific proteins (glial fibrillary acidic protein and myelin basic protein).

Conclusions:

ONP cells can be obtained safely from awake outpatients and are potentially useful for pathophysiological studies of bipolar illness and perhaps other neuropsychiatric conditions. Such cells allow for the investigation of potential pathological cellular processes without the confounding factors of genetic manipulation, which is required for induced pluripotent cells.
Cerebrospinal fluid mtDNA concentration is elevated in multiple sclerosis disease and responds to treatment
Authors: Leurs Cyra E , Podlesniy Petar , Trullas Ramon , Balk Lisanne , Steenwijk Martijn D , Malekzadeh Arjan , Piehl Fredrik , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Killestein Joep , van Horssen Jack , Teunissen CE
Published: March 2017

Background:

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology and may be relevant for clinical disease progression. However, it is unknown whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associate with disease progression and therapeutic response.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether CSF concentrations of mtDNA in MS patients can serve as a marker of ongoing neuropathology and may be helpful to differentiate between MS disease subtypes. To explore the effect of disease-modifying therapies on mtDNA levels in the CSF.

Methods:

CSF mtDNA was measured using a digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) CSF mtDNA in two independent MS cohorts. The cohorts included 92 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, 40 progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) patients (27 secondary progressive and 13 primary progressive), 50 various neurologic disease controls, and 5 healthy controls.

Results:

Patients with PMS showed a significant increase in CSF mtDNA compared to non-inflammatory neurologic disease controls. Patients with higher T2 lesion volumes and lower normalized brain volumes showed increased concentration of mtDNA. Patients treated with fingolimod had significantly lower mtDNA copy levels at follow-up compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

Our results showed a non-specific elevation of concentration of mtDNA in PMS patients. mtDNA concentrations respond to fingolimod and may be used to monitor biological effect of this treatment.
Depressive symptoms and parental stress in mothers and fathers 25 months after birth
Authors: Johansson Maude , Svensson Idor , Stenström Ulf , Massoudi Pamela
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, feelings of incompetence and spouse relationship problems and their mutual relations. Data from a Swedish parent–infant population-based cohort 25 months after childbirth was used. A questionnaire containing Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a modified Swedish Parental Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ) regarding depression and parental stress was answered by 646 fathers and 700 mothers. Parents with depressive symptoms experienced more feelings of incompetence and spouse relationship problems than parents without depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 12) was more than11% for mothers and nearly 5% for fathers in the sample, 25 months after childbirth. The result indicated that feelings of incompetence and spouse relationship problems could be important constructs for understanding parental stress and depressive symptoms in the parents of young children. In conclusion, it is important that Child Health Care is attentive to both mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms and parental stress after the first year.
A two-week inpatient programme with a booster improved long-term management of severe chronic paediatric pain
Authors: Major János , Varga Zsófia K , Gyimesi-Szikszai Andrea , Ádám Szilvia
Published: March 2017

In the context of limited healthcare resources and increasing demands for more cost-effective healthcare solutions, this study assessed the short- and long-term clinical outcomes and resource utilization of a two-week inpatient, interdisciplinary, pain treatment (IIPT) including individual and group cognitive behavioural, occupational, physical and recreational therapy, education and family intervention and a booster in the chronic paediatric pain setting. Using a longitudinal design with a two-year follow-up, two-week IIPT resulted in sustainable improvements in mean and maximum pain intensity, physical functioning and internalization and reductions in the mean number of medical visits, school absence and frequency of pain medication at year 2 following IIPT. While pain-related disability scores did not improve, problem-focused coping became more prevalent, and patient and parent-assessed satisfaction as well as pain experience continued to improve throughout the study. Our results demonstrate that a two-week IIPT with a booster confers meaningful short- and long-term improvements in clinical outcomes and resource utilization among paediatric patients with severe chronic pain.
Mediastinal hematoma secondary to syndesmophyte fracture in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wasfie Tarik , Kreitzberg Scott , Rydesky Peter
Published: March 2017

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory rheumatoid disease with severe osteoporosis affecting the spine with a tendency to fracture. Cervical spine fractures resulting in posterior mediastinal hematoma are rare. We present a patient with widened mediastinum secondary to fracture of a cervical ankylosing spondylitis and discuss its presentation and the current literature on the disease.
Narrative resistance in social work research and practice: Counter-storying in the pursuit of social justice
Authors: McKenzie-Mohr Suzanne , Lafrance Michelle N
Published: March 2017

In this article, we propose ‘narrative resistance’ as a potent and useful concept for both social work research and practice. A concept that attends to power and oppression, narrative resistance provides a platform for tangible applications to support people’s efforts to resist harmful storyings of their lives. The aim of this article is to provide practical guidance for how social workers can attend to and support people’s acts of narrative resistance. This is achieved by introducing the functions of narrative in people’s lives and its inextricable links to power; discussing ‘master narratives’ and their potential for harm; and exploring narrative resistance by articulating the role of ‘counter narratives’ as a means to ‘talk back’ to injurious master narratives. The remainder of the article outlines considerations, skills and tools required to enhance counter-storying efforts in the service of emancipatory change. We spotlight examples of narrative resistance in the literature to illustrate the pragmatic mobilization of this work.
New voices: The usefulness of a narrative approach to social work research
Authors: Hill Cath , Burrows Geoff
Published: March 2017

For many new academics, coming to a decision about which research methodology to employ for their doctoral studies can be daunting. Faced with numerous options, sometimes contradictory advice from experienced scholars and a desire to find the perfect match for a research question, one can find the decision to opt for a particular methodological path a huge step, and it can be hindered by nagging concerns and a lack of academic experience. This article draws together two short pieces of writing from PhD students at Lancaster University, who attended and were inspired by a workshop on narrative methods, led by Professor Catherine Kohler Riessman.

The first piece is a reflective account of why the author was drawn to narrative methods for her research. It explores the impact of charities and how this is articulated qualitatively, within the context of a mixed market approach to welfare and health service provision in the UK. It discusses what she observes to be the parallels between a narrative research approach and her practice as a social worker and details her experience of completing her first narrative interview. The second is about how the author was inspired by the workshop to produce a pilot study on attitudes of male offenders towards violence against women using the narrative approach and including excerpts from his research data. Finally, it draws together their thoughts about the workshop and how they intend to continue working with narratives in their future.
Easy measuring instrument for analyzing the radial and tilt error motions of a rotating shaft
Authors: Lee Dong-Hyeok , Lee Wi-Ro
Published: March 2017

In this study, a real-time measurement system to easily apply multi-probe error separation method for error motion measurement of a shaft was designed and developed. An arrangement condition of sensing probes for accurate multi-probe error separation method was examined and verified by a simulation test. By following the examined arrangement condition for multi-probe method, a measurement system to measure radial and tilt error motions of a shaft was designed and developed. The efficiency of the multi-probe method with the examined arrangement condition was checked by comparing the error motion results for a rotary stage with the error motions in the specifications of the guarantee. It is expected to apply this system to a real-time monitoring system of failure diagnosis for rotating shafts in ships and plants.
The Effect of Isolated Finger Stiffness on Adjacent Digit Function
Authors: Baaqeel Rasha , Wu Kitty , Chinchalkar Shrikant J. , Ross Douglas C.
Published: March 2017

Background: Isolated stiffness in a single finger can affect the function of adjacent digits and decrease overall hand function due to the quadriga phenomenon. This study objectively quantifies the dysfunctional impact of each individual stiff finger upon the remaining digits. Methods: Twenty-five individuals (10 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 31 years (range, 18-58 years) without any upper limb pathology, neuropathy, or systemic illness were recruited. Volar-based finger splints were used to hold individual digits of the dominant hand (24 right and 1 left) sequentially in full extension at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Motion of the remaining 3 nonsplinted digits was assessed using a finger goniometer and linear scale to measure the total active range of motion (TAM) and fingertip-to-distal palmar crease (DPC) distance. TAM before and after splinting for each digit was compared using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Splinting of any individual finger resulted in a significant reduction in the TAM of all adjacent fingers, regardless of which finger was splinted ( P < .001). Digits immediately adjacent to the splinted finger were more heavily impacted compared with nonadjacent digits. Splinting of the ring finger produced the greatest detriment, with a 26% to 47% reduction in the TAM and a DPC distance greater than 40 mm in a third of participants. The index finger caused the least disturbance to remaining digital motion. Conclusions: Isolated finger stiffness causes a variable degree of dysfunction on adjacent normal digits. This emphasizes the need for a focused and proactive approach to restore full active motion following isolated finger injuries to prevent persistent functional sequelae of the hand.
Role of dorsal root ganglion K2P1.1 in peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Mao Qingxiang , Yuan Jingjing , Xiong Ming , Wu Shaogen , Chen Liyong , Bekker Alex , Tao Yuan-Xiang , Yang Tiande
Published: March 2017

Peripheral nerve injury-caused hyperexcitability and abnormal ectopic discharges in the primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) play a key role in neuropathic pain development and maintenance. The two-pore domain background potassium (K2P) channels have been identified as key determinants of the resting membrane potential and neuronal excitability. However, whether K2P channels contribute to neuropathic pain is still elusive. We reported here that K2P1.1, the first identified mammalian K2P channel, was highly expressed in mouse DRG and distributed in small-, medium-, and large-sized DRG neurons. Unilateral lumbar (L) 4 spinal nerve ligation led to a significant and time-dependent reduction of K2P1.1 mRNA and protein in the ipsilateral L4 DRG, but not in the contralateral L4 or ipsilateral L3 DRG. Rescuing this reduction through microinjection of adeno-associated virus-DJ expressing full-length K2P1.1 mRNA into the ipsilateral L4 DRG blocked spinal nerve ligation-induced mechanical, thermal, and cold pain hypersensitivities during the development and maintenance periods. This DRG viral microinjection did not affect acute pain and locomotor function. Our findings suggest that K2P1.1 participates in neuropathic pain development and maintenance and may be a potential target in the management of this disorder.
The Similarities and Nuances of Explicit Design Characteristics of Well-Received Online Instructional Animations
Authors: Lucas Terry , Abd Rahim Ruslan
Published: March 2017

Online learning is becoming more prevalent throughout the years and there are various methods available to learn via the internet, one of which is by watching educational videos from online streaming sites such as YouTube. With the increasing availability of instructional animations on the internet, it can be beneficial to know how well-received instructional animations are designed. Hence, this explorative article focuses on a hybrid of directed and interpretive content analysis study of explicit design characteristics and visual representations of these animations. Animation samples for the study were selected from established educational animation content creators on YouTube using several criteria. Aspects such as design characteristics and visual representations were analysed and discussed in relation to the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning principles and a characterization system of expository animation. Based on this approach, common characteristics and unique approaches to creating well-received instructional animations for online viewing are found. Thus, by being able to identify and being aware of these salient design characteristics (i.e. visual representations, sound and visual cues), educators and animation designers can incorporate them in their own instructional animations.
Nonvitamin-K-antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ntaios George , Papavasileiou Vasileios , Diener Hans-Chris , Makaritsis Konstantinos , Michel Patrik
Published: March 2017

Background

In a previous systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy and safety of nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke or transient ischemic attack. Since then, new information became available.

Aim

The aim of the present work was to update the results of the previous systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed until 24 August 2016 for randomized controlled trials using the following search items: “atrial fibrillation” and “anticoagulation” and “warfarin” and “previous stroke or transient ischemic attack.” Eligible studies had to be phase III trials in patients with atrial fibrillation comparing warfarin with nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants currently on the market or with the intention to be brought to the market in North America or Europe. The outcomes assessed in the efficacy analysis included stroke or systemic embolism, stroke, ischemic or unknown stroke, disabling or fatal stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular death, death from any cause, and myocardial infarction. The outcomes assessed in the safety analysis included major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and major gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed fixed effects analyses on intention-to-treat basis.

Results

Among 183 potentially eligible articles, four were included in the meta-analysis. In 20,500 patients, compared to warfarin, nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants were associated with a significant reduction of stroke/systemic embolism (relative risk reduction: 13.7%, absolute risk reduction: 0.78%, number needed to treat to prevent one event: 127), hemorrhagic stroke (relative risk reduction: 50.0%, absolute risk reduction: 0.63%, number needed to treat: 157), any stroke (relative risk reduction: 13.1%, absolute risk reduction: 0.7%, number needed to treat: 142), and intracranial hemorrhage (relative risk reduction: 46.1%, absolute risk reduction: 0.88%, number needed to treat: 113) over 1.8–2.8 years.

Conclusions

This updated meta-analysis in 20,500 atrial fibrillation patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack shows that compared to warfarin non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with a significant reduction of stroke, stroke or systemic embolism, hemorrhagic stroke, and intracranial bleeding.
Effect of high-intensity training on endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease: A systematic review
Authors: Kolmos Mia , Krawcyk Rikke Steen , Kruuse Christina
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Exercise improves endothelial dysfunction, the key manifestation of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and is recommended in both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular rehabilitation. Disagreement remains, however, on the role of intensity of exercise. The purpose of this review was to gather current knowledge on the effects of high-intensity training versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on endothelial function in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed in PubMed database, Embase and Cochrane libraries and on PEDro using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were restricted to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients, and healthy subjects as general reference. Interventions comprised of high-intensity training alone, high-intensity training compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise, or no training, with endothelial function as outcome measure. Endothelial function was measured either physiologically by flow-mediated dilatation and/or by systemic biomarkers. Data were analyzed descriptively due to non-comparability for a meta-analysis to be performed.

Results:

A total of 20 studies were included in the review. Although there was great heterogenecity in design, population and exercise protocols, all studies found high-intensity training to be safe. High-intensity training was equal to moderate-intensity continuous exercise through improvement in endothelial function in 15 of the 20 selected studies, as measured by flow-mediated dilatation, nitric oxide bioavailability and circulating biomarkers. Only a few studies examined high-intensity training in cerebrovascular patients, none with endothelial function as outcome.

Conclusion:

High-intensity training is promising as a time-efficient exercise strategy in cardiovascular rehabilitation, but data on endothelial effects in cerebrovascular rehabilitation are warranted. Agreement on a more uniform exercise protocol is essential to further investigate the optimal exercise mode for cerebrovascular rehabilitation.
Performance of a cognitive load inventory during simulated handoffs: Evidence for validity
Authors: Young John Q , Boscardin Christy K , van Dijk Savannah M , Abdullah Ruqayyah , Irby David M , Sewell Justin L , Ten Cate Olle , O’Sullivan Patricia S
Published: March 2017

Background:

Advancing patient safety during handoffs remains a public health priority. The application of cognitive load theory offers promise, but is currently limited by the inability to measure cognitive load types.

Objective:

To develop and collect validity evidence for a revised self-report inventory that measures cognitive load types during a handoff.

Methods:

Based on prior published work, input from experts in cognitive load theory and handoffs, and a think-aloud exercise with residents, a revised Cognitive Load Inventory for Handoffs was developed. The Cognitive Load Inventory for Handoffs has items for intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load. Students who were second- and sixth-year students recruited from a Dutch medical school participated in four simulated handoffs (two simple and two complex cases). At the end of each handoff, study participants completed the Cognitive Load Inventory for Handoffs, Paas’ Cognitive Load Scale, and one global rating item for intrinsic load, extraneous load, and germane load, respectively. Factor and correlational analyses were performed to collect evidence for validity.

Results:

Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a single factor that combined intrinsic and germane loads. The extraneous load items performed poorly and were removed from the model. The score from the combined intrinsic and germane load items associated, as predicted by cognitive load theory, with a commonly used measure of overall cognitive load (Pearson’s r = 0.83, p < 0.001), case complexity (beta = 0.74, p < 0.001), level of experience (beta = −0.96, p < 0.001), and handoff accuracy (r = −0.34, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

These results offer encouragement that intrinsic load during handoffs may be measured via a self-report measure. Additional work is required to develop an adequate measure of extraneous load.
Effectiveness of an early mobilization program on functional capacity after coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: da Costa Torres Daniel , dos Santos Priscila Maria Ramos , Reis Helder José Lima , Paisani Denise Moraes , Chiavegato Luciana Dias
Published: March 2017

Background:

Muscle atrophy and prolonged inactivity are associated with an increased sensation of fatigue and reduced functional capacity in the postoperative period in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac rehabilitation after hospital discharge is highly recommended and contributes to improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of early mobilization protocols during hospitalization on the patterns of physical activity and functional capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of an early mobilization program on the functional capacity of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the short and long term.

Methods:

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind trial protocol that will evaluate 66 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients will be randomized into two training groups: the control group (N = 33), which will perform breathing exercises and the intervention group (N = 33), which will perform breathing exercises and aerobic exercises. The groups will receive treatment from first to the seventh postoperative day, twice daily. In the preoperative period, the following outcomes will be assessed: physical activity level (Baecke Questionnaire), Functional Independence Measure, and functional capacity (6-min walking test). Functional capacity will be reassessed after the 7th and 60th postoperative day. Pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay will also be evaluated. Statistical analysis will be calculated using linear mixed models and will be based on intention-to-treat. The level of significance will be set at α = 5%.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer: A veteran administration registry study
Authors: Makhoul Issam , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Siegel Eric
Published: March 2017

Background:

The etiology of pancreatic cancer remains elusive. Several studies have suggested a role for diabetes mellitus, but the magnitude of its contribution remains controversial.

Objectives:

Utilizing a large administrative database, this retrospective cohort study was designed to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer.

Patients and design:

Using the Veterans Integrated Services Network 16 database, 322,614 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 110,919 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 211,695 diabetes-free controls matched by gender, year of birth and healthcare facility.

Results:

A significantly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer was observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.17 (1.70–2.77) for type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to controls (p < 10−9) after controlling for the matching factors.

Conclusion:

The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer was statistically significant and may, in part, explain the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer.
Customer references and the buying of capital equipment for a project firm
Authors: Morgado Andre Vilares , de Castro Luis Mota
Published: March 2017

This article aims to study the influence of customer reference marketing on capital buying decisions in the context of firms with highly complex contractual frameworks. It presents the case of a thermoelectric power plant in which customer referencing did not influence a relevant buying decision. Evidence suggests that the implicit governance mechanism of project financing nullified the referencing effect. Project finance restricts managerial discretion over free cash flow, which influences organizational buying behaviour at the level of capital equipment goods. This research identifies the presence of this singular kind of governance system and draws managerial consequences for suppliers who wish to sell to project firms. A clear understanding of the legal and contractual framework can help suppliers to fulfil the potential customer’s needs and expectations.
The development and impact of heterotopic ossification in burns: a review of four decades of research
Authors: Kornhaber Rachel , Foster Nichola , Edgar Dale , Visentin Denis , Ofir Elad , Haik Josef , Harats Moti
Published: March 2017

[Formula: see text]

Introduction:

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of lamellar bone within connective and other tissue where bone should not form and is a rare complication after burn injury. However, it leads to severe pain and distress, marked reduction in joint range of motion (ROM), impaired function and increased hospital length of stay. The pathophysiology, incidence and risk factors of HO remain poorly understood in burns and other traumas and the management, controversial. The aim of this comprehensive review, therefore, was to synthesise the available evidence on the development and treatment of HO after acute burn injury.

Methods:

The review was based on a systematic search of five electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS and Scopus.

Results:

Synthesis and analysis of the data highlighted that, despite the passage of time, little translatable evidence is available to guide any prevention, screening, diagnostic or pharmacological or physical management protocols.

Discussion:

Causes of HO remain confounded, therefore prevention is difficult. Although spontaneous resolution is possible, surgical resection remains the recommended treatment when ROM and activities of daily living are severely affected.

Conclusion:

The findings from this review indicate that multicentre data pooling is needed to understand the optimum pathway to prevention, identification and treatment of HO in acute burn patients.
Recommendations from the ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update Conference, Stockholm 13–15 November 2016
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , Steiner Thorsten , Caso Valeria , Wahlgren Nils ,   for the ESO-KSU session participants
Published: March 2017

About the meeting: The purpose of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO)-Karolinska Stroke Update Conference is to provide updates on recent stroke therapy research and to give an opportunity for the participants to discuss how these results may be implemented into clinical routine. Several scientific sessions discussed in the meeting and each session produced consensus statements. The meeting started 20 years ago as Karolinska Stroke Update, but since 2014, it is a joint conference with ESO. Importantly, it provides a platform for discussion on the ESO guidelines process and on recommendations to the ESO guidelines committee on specific topics. By this, it adds a direct influence from stroke professionals otherwise not involved in committees and work groups on the guidelines procedure. The discussions at the conference may also inspire new guidelines when motivated. The topics raised at the meeting are selected by the scientific programme committee mainly based on recent important scientific publications. The ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update consensus statement and recommendations will be published every 2 years and it will work as implementation of ESO-guidelines

Background

This year’s ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update Meeting was held in Stockholm on 13–15 November 2016. There were 10 scientific sessions discussed in the meeting and each session produced a consensus statement ( Full version with background, issues, conclusions and references are published as web-material and at http://www.eso-karolinska.org/2016 and http://eso-stroke.org ) and recommendations which were prepared by a writing committee consisting of session chair(s), secretary and speakers and presented to the 312 participants of the meeting. In the open meeting, general participants commented on the consensus statement and recommendations and the final document were adjusted based on the discussion from the general participants. Recommendations (grade of evidence) were graded according to the 1998 Karolinska Stroke Update meeting with regard to the strength of evidence. Grade A Evidence: Strong support from randomised controlled trials and statistical reviews (at least one randomised controlled trial plus one statistical review). Grade B Evidence: Support from randomised controlled trials and statistical reviews (one randomised controlled trial or one statistical review). Grade C Evidence: No reasonable support from randomised controlled trials, recommendations based on small randomised and/or non-randomised controlled trials evidence.
Anand Patwardhan’s Chronicles of Socio-political Realities
Authors: Patwardhan Anand
Published: March 2017

Probably India’s best-known documentary film-maker Anand Patwardhan, for close to four decades now, has been raking the country’s political consciousness through his films, which delve into the crux of India’s social and political lives. In this piece, the editors have put together, with Patwardhan’s permission, his writings from his blog ( http://patwardhan.com/wp/ ) on the state atrocities upon Dalits in Maharashtra, the protests through poems and songs by a young group of Dalit activists from Pune—the Kabir Kala Manch (KKM)—and the satyagraha for the freedom of expression by its leaders like Sheetal Sathe; on the Supreme Court judgment that failed the Narmada Bachao Andolan as well as the belief in the justice system, making irrelevant a whole body of evidence built by the Andolan over the years that underlined the huge financial and human costs of the Sardar Sarovar dam project; and on the whole climate of intolerance that was behind the attack on M. F. Husain for his depiction of Hindu goddess Saraswati. This piece also includes a commentary by Alex Napier on Patwardhan’s documentary of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, drawn from Patwardhan’s blog.

 These are important social commentaries of our times.
Index case of acute myeloid leukemia in a family harboring a novel CEBPA germ line mutation
Authors: Ram Jodi , Flamm Gabrielle , Balys Marlene , Sivagnanalingam Umayal , Rothberg Paul G. , Iqbal Anwar , Myers Jason R. , Corbett Anthony , Ashton John M. , Mendler Jason H.
Published: March 2017

Key Points

The persistence of a CEBPA mutation at the time of complete remission warrants germ line analysis. Not all patients harboring germ line CEBPA mutations have a family history of AML.
Incremental structural modeling on sparse visual SLAM
Authors: Roberto Rafael A. , Uchiyama Hideaki , Lima João Paulo S. M. , Nagahara Hajime , Taniguchi Rin-ichiro , Teichrieb Veronica
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an incremental structural modeling approach that improves the precision and the stability of existing batch-based ones for sparse and noisy point clouds from visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The main idea is to use the generating process of point clouds on SLAM effectively. First, a batch-based method is applied to point clouds that are incrementally generated from SLAM. Then, the temporal history of reconstructed geometric primitives is statistically analyzed to suppress incorrect reconstruction. The evaluation shows that both precision and stability are improved compared to an existing batch-based method, and the proposed method is suitable for real-time structural modeling.
From leukocyte recruitment to resolution of inflammation: the cardinal role of integrins
Authors: Kourtzelis Ioannis , Mitroulis Ioannis , von Renesse Janusz , Hajishengallis George , Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: March 2017

Integrins constitute a large group of adhesion receptors that are formed as heterodimers of α and β subunits. Their presence and activation status on the surface of leukocytes modulate a broad spectrum of processes in inflammation and immunity. This mini review critically outlines research advances with regard to the function of leukocyte integrins in regulating and integrating the onset and resolution of acute inflammation. Specifically, we summarize and discuss relevant, current literature that supports the multifunctional role of integrins and their partners. The latter include molecules that physically associate with integrins or regulate their activity in the context of the following: 1) leukocyte recruitment to an inflamed tissue, 2) recognition and phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils (efferocytosis), and 3) egress of efferocytic macrophages from the inflamed site to lymphoid tissues. The understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms of the aforementioned processes by integrins and their functional partners may enable the design of therapeutic tools to counteract destructive inflammation and promote more efficient resolution of inflammation.
Intestinal Microbiota and Relapse After Hematopoietic-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Peled Jonathan U. , Devlin Sean M. , Staffas Anna , Lumish Melissa , Khanin Raya , Littmann Eric R. , Ling Lilan , Kosuri Satyajit , Maloy Molly , Slingerland John B. , Ahr Katya F. , Porosnicu Rodriguez Kori A. , Shono Yusuke , Slingerland Ann E. , Docampo Melissa D. , Sung Anthony D. , Weber Daniela , Alousi Amin M. , Gyurkocza Boglarka , Ponce Doris M. , Barker Juliet N. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Giralt Sergio A. , Taur Ying , Pamer Eric G. , Jenq Robert R. , van den Brink Marcel R.M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The major causes of mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation (allo-HCT) are relapse, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and infection. We have reported previously that alterations in the intestinal flora are associated with GVHD, bacteremia, and reduced overall survival after allo-HCT. Because intestinal bacteria are potent modulators of systemic immune responses, including antitumor effects, we hypothesized that components of the intestinal flora could be associated with relapse after allo-HCT.

Methods

The intestinal microbiota of 541 patients admitted for allo-HCT was profiled by means of 16S ribosomal sequencing of prospectively collected stool samples. We examined the relationship between abundance of microbiota species or groups of related species and relapse/progression of disease during 2 years of follow-up time after allo-HCT by using cause-specific proportional hazards in a retrospective discovery-validation cohort study.

Results

Higher abundance of a bacterial group composed mostly of Eubacterium limosum in the validation set was associated with a decreased risk of relapse/progression of disease (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82 per 10-fold increase in abundance; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.95; P = .009). When the patients were categorized according to presence or absence of this bacterial group, presence also was associated with less relapse/progression of disease (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.87; P = .01). The 2-year cumulative incidences of relapse/progression among patients with and without this group of bacteria were 19.8% and 33.8%, respectively. These associations remained significant in multivariable models and were strongest among recipients of T-cell–replete allografts.

Conclusion

We found associations between the abundance of a group of bacteria in the intestinal flora and relapse/progression of disease after allo-HCT. These might serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets to prevent relapse and improve survival after allo-HCT.