bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the parent report version of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS-P) for Spanish children
Authors: Orgilés Mireia , Rodríguez-Menchón Miriam , Fernández-Martínez Iván , Morales Alexandra , Espada José Pedro
Published: March 2019

Although Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a widely used anxiety measure in many countries around the world, until now, research has barely focused on the usefulness of the parent version (SCAS-P) in young children. This study examines the psychometric properties and the factor structure of the SCAS-P in a Spanish community sample of 181 children aged 6–8 years ( M = 6.87, SD = 0.78). Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the original six-factor model to the Spanish sample. The internal consistency and the test–retest reliability of the scale were high. Regarding the validity of this measure, higher and significant correlations between the SCAS-P and internalizing problems and lower correlations with externalizing problems were obtained, as found in the original version. Girls seemed to show more anxiety problems than boys, but no significant differences were found. The results suggest that the SCAS-P is an adequate measure to assess anxious symptomatology in young children. The availability of measures with good psychometric properties allows psychologists to assess and carry out a correct and early diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children, making possible an early clinical intervention.
Patient-specific factors associated with pressure injuries revealed by electronic health record analyses
Authors: Miller Megan W , Emeny Rebecca T , Snide Jennifer A , Freed Gary L
Published: March 2019

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a major source of unintended patient harm and unnecessary costs. The Braden Scale is widely used for risk assessment, yet it lacks specificity and clinical applications. This study used the electronic health record to examine associations between patient-specific factors and pressure injury. Adult patients (age >18) with 3-day length of stay from April 2011 to December 2016 were included. Pressure injuries were identified by ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Longitudinal multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between patient-specific factors and HAPIs. This included 57,227 hospital encounters and 241 HAPIs. We observed 2–3 times increased likelihood of acquiring a pressure injury among patients who were malnourished or who had increased intraoperative time. The Braden subscales of nutrition, mobility, and friction showed significant predictive value. Future work is needed to assess the clinical applicability of this work.
Journalistic construction of congruence: Chinese media’s representation of common but differentiated responsibilities in environmental protection
Authors: Zhao Xin
Published: March 2019

This research clarifies China’s mediated international communication of its responsibility in environmental protection under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The topic is explored within the context of China’s media ‘going global’ project, a key initiative of its soft power projection. Gauged by the notion of cultural and political congruence, this study also compares China’s journalistic discourse with those in the United States and the United Kingdom. This study found that Chinese mainstream media achieved a certain degree of congruence in media representations of China’s responsibility with its Western counterparts. Chinese media constructed the notion of responsibility in a mixed manner: they differentiated the target of blame and existing treatment measures between China and other countries or institutions but gave more exposure to China’s future obligations and duties. American and British media applied nearly identical coverage patterns in reporting China’s and others’ existing and future treatment but showed opposite patterns in covering the target of blame in environmental and climate issues. This article contributes to the study of China’s journalism practice in international communication. It also offers suggestions to the resolution of the stalemate in global environmental negotiations and China’s media ‘going global’ initiative.
Advocacy and Public Policy Perceptions and Involvement of College Health Promotion Students
Authors: Conrad Eric J. , Becker Mikaela , Brandley Elizabeth , Saksvig Emilie , Nickelson Jen
Published: March 2019

Understanding the advocacy and public policy training needs of our future health promotion workforce is crucial if we are to prepare them to meet their professional responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to examine health promotion students’ advocacy/public policy involvement, training, and perceptions. Electronic surveys were disseminated nationwide to college students in health education and closely related programs. Of 477 student respondents, the most frequently indicated advocacy/public policy activity engaged in was voting (56%). The greatest benefit to advocacy was indicated as creating public awareness, while the most prevalent barrier reported was lack of familiarity with the legislation process. Less than one third of students reported receiving any training; however, training and the number of training sources were associated with greater involvement (p < .05). Comparisons by academic classification indicated that graduate students participated in more advocacy activities and reported significantly more benefits, barriers, knowledge, and self-efficacy compared with undergraduates. Regression analysis indicated that knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and total number of training sources were significant predictors of advocacy involvement in both graduate and undergraduate student models, with age also contributing significantly to the graduate student model. Findings emphasize the need for increased training at earlier education levels to increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and advocacy/public policy involvement.
A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for College Students, Faculty, and Staff: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Juberg Michael , Spencer Samuel D. , Martin Timothy J. , Vibell Jonas , da Costa Ferro Alexandra , Kam Brandt , Masuda Akihiko
Published: March 2019

This group case study describes the course of an eight-session mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for nonclinical, yet psychologically distressed, individuals in a university setting. The present MBI was adapted from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which was initially developed for treatment-resistant depressed patients. The treatment rationale and its application to a university population are discussed and the protocol is described session-by-session along with the therapeutic process of change targeted in each session. Treatment feasibility, acceptance, and patient satisfaction are reviewed in consideration of outcome and process of change variables as captured by quantitative and qualitative data. The complicating factors, accessibility, and barriers of the group format, and treatment implications of MBIs are considered within the context of an ethnically diverse university sample. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for clinicians in university settings, highlighting how MBIs can be used as a transdiagnostic treatment for stress, anxiety, and depressogenic thinking in ethnically diverse populations.
The Protective Role of GMI, an Immunomodulatory Protein From Ganoderma microsporum, on 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Oral and Intestinal Mucositis
Authors: Li Che-Hsing , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Ou Chu-Chyn , Lin Wea-Lung , Yen Cheng-Chieh , Hsu Chih-Ting , Hsiao Yu-Ping
Published: March 2019

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. However, adverse effects experienced such as mucositis and poor appetite may lead to interruption in chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of GMI, one fungal immunomodulatory protein found in Ganoderma microsporum, for mucositis induced by 5-FU in a mouse model. Mice were administered 5-FU intraperitoneally for 4 days per cycle for a total of 2 chemotherapy cycles. In addition, mice were pretreated with GMI or phosphate-buffered saline 3 days before 5-FU intraperitoneal injection and daily until day 14. On histological analysis, GMI prevented 5-FU-induced damage to the intestinal mucosa and tongue epithelium. We also demonstrated that GMI enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5-FU in 2 oral cancer cell lines, while GMI could not promote this effect in an oral normal cell. In conclusion, GMI alleviates 5-FU-induced damage and decelerates cell death in normal alimentary tract tissue.
Hand Corticosteroid Injections in Patients on “Blood Thinners”
Authors: Malige Ajith , Matullo Kristofer S.
Published: March 2019

Background: Our study aims to identify any influence that anticoagulation and antiplatelet (“blood thinner”) medications have on hand and wrist corticosteroid injection complication rates. Methods: This retrospective chart review looked at patients between the ages of 18 and 89 years who received corticosteroid injections in the hand or wrist between 2013 and 2017, noting anticoagulation and antiplatelet use, demographics, injection placement, and surgical intervention. Results: Only 152 (20.9%) of the 726 diagnoses that were treated needed eventual surgical intervention. There were 12 overall reported complications after 1473 injections (0.8%). There were 6 complications after 433 injections (1.6%) placed in patients on blood thinners and 6 complications after 1040 injections (0.6%) placed in patients not on blood thinners. Conclusions: With the complication rate of corticosteroid injections being so low, even in patients taking “blood thinners,” the fear of adverse reactions should not preclude a physician from using this treatment modality to prevent surgical intervention.
Comparison of Local-Only Anesthesia Versus Sedation in Patients Undergoing Staged Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Via Garrhett G. , Esterle Andrew R. , Awan Hisham M. , Jain Sonu A. , Goyal Kanu S.
Published: March 2019

Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disease treated operatively. During the operation, the patient may be wide-awake or sedated. The current literature has only compared separate cohorts. We sought to compare patient experience with both local-only anesthesia and sedation. Methods: Staged bilateral carpal tunnel release utilizing open or endoscopic technique was scheduled and followed through to completion of per-protocol analysis in 31 patients. Patients chose initial hand laterality and were randomized regarding initial anesthesia method: local-only or sedation. Data collection via questionnaires began at consent and continued to 6 weeks postoperatively from second procedure. Primary outcome measures included patient satisfaction and patient anesthesia preference. Results: At final follow-up, 6 weeks postoperatively, high satisfaction (30 of 31 patients per method) was reported with both types of anesthesia. Among these patients, 17 (54%) preferred local-only anesthesia, 10 (34%) preferred sedation, 2 had no preference, and 2 opted out of response. Although anesthesia fees were approximately $390 lower with local-only anesthesia, total costs for carpal tunnel release were not significantly different with respect to the anesthesia cohorts. Total time in surgical facility was approximately 26 minutes quicker with local-only anesthesia, largely due to shorter time in the post-anesthesia care unit. Scaled comparison of worst postoperative pain following the 2 procedures revealed no difference between local-only anesthesia and sedation. Conclusions: Patients reported equal satisfaction scores with carpal tunnel release whether performed under local-only anesthesia or with sedation. In addition, local-only anesthesia was indicated as the preference of patients in 59% of cases.
Experimental study on forced convective heat transfer of supercritical carbon dioxide in a horizontal circular tube under high heat flux and low mass flux conditions
Authors: Wang Junhui , Guo Pengcheng , Yan Jianguo , Zhu Fengling , Luo Xingqi
Published: March 2019

This study focuses on the convective heat transfer characteristics of supercritical carbon dioxide flowing in a horizontal circular tube under high heat flux and low mass flux conditions. The influences of thermophysical property, buoyancy effect, and thermal acceleration on the heat transfer characteristics are discussed. The parameters are as follows: system pressure is 7.6–8.4 MPa, mass flux is 400–500 kg/m2 s, heat flux is 30–200 kW/m2, fluid temperature is 20°C −62°C, and Reynolds number is 1.23 × 104 to 4.3 × 104. The wall temperature and heat transfer coefficient of supercritical carbon dioxide are obtained. The results show that, under the condition of high heat flux and low mass flux, heat transfer deterioration would happen, in which thermophysical property and buoyancy effect are the main factors. When the pressure is 7.6 MPa, the buoyancy factor is greater than 10−3 in the whole heat transfer area, and the buoyancy effect cannot be ignored, while the thermal acceleration factor is 9.5 × 10−8 to 4 × 10−6 and the effect of thermal acceleration can be negligible. The experimental data are compared with the predictions using seven empirical correlations, in which the Liao–Zhao correlation shows the best performance.
A simulation and experimental study on wheeled mobile robot path control in road roundabout environment
Authors: Ali Mohammed AH , Mailah Musa
Published: March 2019

A robust control algorithm for tracking a wheeled mobile robot navigating in a pre-planned path while passing through the road’s roundabout environment is presented in this article. The proposed control algorithm is derived from both the kinematic and dynamic modelling of a non-holonomic wheeled mobile robot that is driven by a differential drive system. The road’s roundabout is represented in a grid map and the path of the mobile robot is determined using a novel approach, the so-called laser simulator technique within the roundabout environment according to the respective road rules. The main control scheme is experimented in both simulation and experimental study using the resolved-acceleration control and active force control strategy to enable the robot to strictly follow the predefined path in the presence of disturbances. A fusion of the resolved-acceleration control–active force control controller with Kalman Filter has been used empirically in real time to control the wheeled mobile robot in the road’s roundabout setting with the specific purpose of eliminating the noises. Both the simulation and the experimental results show the capability of the proposed controller to track the robot in the predefined path robustly and cancel the effect of the disturbances.
Can and should the research–therapy distinction be maintained? Reflections in the light of innovative last-resort treatment
Authors: Helgesson Gert
Published: March 2019

It has been debated for quite some time among bioethicists and others whether or not the distinction between therapy and research in healthcare can and should be maintained. This paper tries to clarify what the disagreement is about, and argues that the distinction can be maintained in most, if not all, situations. However, even if it can be maintained, it does not necessarily follow that it should. It is argued here that there are good reasons to maintain the distinction both for the sake of protecting research interests and the sake of patient safety. In addition, recognizing the distinction provides a barrier against unreasonable prioritization between patients. However, there may be situations, such as innovative last-resort treatment, in which regulatory requirements from both therapy and research should be considered.
Impairment of Cyclo-oxygenase-2 Function Results in Abnormal Growth Plate Development and Bone Microarchitecture but Does Not Affect Longitudinal Growth of the Long Bones in Skeletally Immature Mice
Authors: Caron Marjolein M. J. , Castermans Tessy M. R. , van Rietbergen Bert , Haartmans Mirella J. J. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Witlox Adhiambo M. A. , Welting Tim J. M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Despite the general awareness that cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is crucial for endochondral ossification, the role of COX-2 in skeletal development is largely unknown. We hypothesized that inhibition or genetic loss of COX-2 leads to impaired growth plate development and consequently impaired postnatal development of the long bones.

Design

Skeletally immature (5 weeks old) B6;129S-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J wildtype mice were treated for 10 weeks with celecoxib (daily oral administration 10 mg/kg) or placebo and compared with B6;129S-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J homozygous knockout mice ( n = 12 per group).

Results

Fifteen weeks postnatally, no significant difference in growth plate (zone) thickness was found between groups. However, significantly higher proteoglycan content and lower expression levels of collagen type II and X staining in the growth plates of celecoxib-treated mice, and to a lesser extent in COX-2 knockout mice. In addition, a significantly decreased cell number and cell size were observed in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plates of both experimental groups. Micro–computed tomography analysis of the subchondral bone region directly beneath the growth plate showed significantly higher bone density and trabecular thickness, following celecoxib treatment. Despite the detected differences in growth plate extracellular matrix composition and subchondral bone morphology, no difference was found in the length of the tibia in celecoxib-treated mice or COX-2 knockout mice.

Conclusions

Genetic loss of COX-2 or treatment with celecoxib did not result in detectable differences in gross murine formation of the tibia or femur. However, there were notable phenotypic features detected in the maturation of the growth plate (hypertrophic zone and subchondral bone) as a result of the celecoxib treatment.
Effect of cracking localization on the structural ductility of normal strength and high strength reinforced concrete beams with steel fibers
Authors: Dancygier Avraham N , Karinski Yuri S
Published: March 2019

This article presents a study of cracking localization in normal and high strength concrete beams that include steel fibers and the influence of this localization on their structural ductility. It is shown that for a given fiber type and content, as the reinforcement ratio ρ decreases, the cracking localization level increases. The effect of ρ on the level of cracking localization is more pronounced for low amounts of conventional reinforcement. This range of conventional reinforcement ratio is typical of slabs and especially for the commonly thicker protective slabs. Examination of the effect of the reinforcement ratio on the flexural ductility shows that there exists a transition point below which the ductility ratio decreases with  ρ. This transition point is well above the minimum reinforcement ratio, which is required in design codes for plain reinforced concrete elements. Empirical analysis of the relation between cracking localization and ductility ratio shows that up to the same transition point, as cracking localization increases, the flexural ductility decreases. Findings of this study show that the positive effect of adding fibers on enhancing the impact resistance of slabs and beams is conflicted by their negative influence on reducing the structural ductility for low reinforcement ratios, which are typical of protective slabs.
Statement on imaging and pulmonary hypertension from the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI)
Authors: Kiely David G. , Levin David L. , Hassoun Paul M. , Ivy Dunbar , Jone Pei‐Ni , Bwika Jumaa , Kawut Steven M. , Lordan Jim , Lungu Angela , Mazurek Jeremy A. , Moledina Shahin , Olschewski Horst , Peacock Andrew J. , Puri G.D. , Rahaghi Farbod N. , Schafer Michal , Schiebler Mark , Screaton Nicholas , Tawhai Merryn , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Vonk‐Noordegraaf Anton , Vandepool Rebecca , Wort Stephen J. , Zhao Lan , Wild Jim M. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens , Swift Andrew J.
Published: March 2019

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly heterogeneous and despite treatment advances it remains a life‐shortening condition. There have been significant advances in imaging technologies, but despite evidence of their potential clinical utility, practice remains variable, dependent in part on imaging availability and expertise. This statement summarizes current and emerging imaging modalities and their potential role in the diagnosis and assessment of suspected PH. It also includes a review of commonly encountered clinical and radiological scenarios, and imaging and modeling‐based biomarkers. An expert panel was formed including clinicians, radiologists, imaging scientists, and computational modelers. Section editors generated a series of summary statements based on a review of the literature and professional experience and, following consensus review, a diagnostic algorithm and 55 statements were agreed. The diagnostic algorithm and summary statements emphasize the key role and added value of imaging in the diagnosis and assessment of PH and highlight areas requiring further research.
An observational study of antibiotic prescription in management of urinary tract infection in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Bagheri Fariborz , Al Baha Ziad GM , Panackal Arun , Abraham Mathew
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe antibiotic prescription for management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in daily clinical practice in the Arabian Gulf and to compare prescription patterns with the recommendations of different recent guidelines.

Method:

This was a multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study evaluating antibiotic prescription in the management of UTIs in five countries from the Arabian Gulf. Randomly selected physicians who routinely treat patients with UTIs enrolled consecutively adult patients prescribed an antibiotic for treatment or prophylaxis of a UTI. Data were collected on UTI symptoms, antibiotic prescription, co-medications and relevant diagnostic laboratory tests.

Results:

Fifty physicians enrolled 522 eligible patients. The reason for antibiotic prescription was treatment of a UTI in 502 patients, and prophylaxis in 20 patients. The most frequent types of UTI documented were cystitis (301 cases) and urethritis (143 patients). Overall, the most frequently prescribed antibiotics for treatment of active UTIs were levofloxacin (344 patients; 68.7%), ciprofloxacin (69 patients; 13.8%) and ceftriaxone (34 patients; 6.8%). The pattern of antibiotic prescription was essentially similar irrespective of the indication. Only six patients with uncomplicated acute cystitis received the treatment recommended as first choice in the European Association of Urology or Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease guidelines (nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).

Conclusions:

We observed pronounced divergence from international practice guidelines for the use of antibiotics for the treatment or prophylaxis of UTIs in the Arabian Gulf, even though most participating physicians, and essentially all urologists, claimed to be familiar with them. In this context, the development and diffusion of regional practice guidelines may be particularly useful.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
The Impact of Social Media on Non-Monosexuals’ Responses to Discrimination: A Co-Cultural Approach
Authors: Meyer Michele
Published: March 2019

This article examines how social media consumption habits predict non-monosexuals’ (people who are neither gay nor straight) communication with dominant groups. Using a survey ( N = 716), the study applies co-cultural theory to evaluate how they respond to discrimination. The findings of this study indicate that non-monosexuals are heavy users of social media and that it plays a significant role in their perceptions of their environment. Several lifestyle variables, including their field of experience, ability, and perceptions of costs and rewards, can predict the outcomes that non-monosexuals seek when responding to discrimination. Furthermore, social media moderate those relationships. Overall, the sample preferred an outcome of accommodation, indicating that they hope for equality and acceptance.
Undisciplined Performativity: A Sociological Approach to Anonymity
Authors: Curlew Abigail E.
Published: March 2019

Anonymous social media platforms comprise sprawling publics where users, untethered from their legal identity, interact with other anonymous users to share and read user-generated content. The emergence of mobile applications that promise anonymity as a primary feature has led to novel social configurations that have so far been understudied. This article is an empirical and theoretical attempt to understand the ways in which anonymous social media have altered the social through performative, digital acts mediated through a community of anonymous users. I do this through two main propositions: first, that practices of anonymity mediated through a social media platform comprise discrete performative acts of identity due to a process of dissociability, and second, that those dissociated performative acts become undisciplined. To address these propositions, I have drawn from 12 semi-structured interviews of undergraduate and graduate students at Queen’s University who were avid users of Yik Yak to explore the sociology of anonymity, surveillance, and identity. The findings are discussed in relation to theories of performativity and discipline that have been commonly deployed in media and surveillance studies.
Head, Heart, and Gut in Decision Making: Development of a Multiple Brain Preference Questionnaire
Authors: Soosalu Grant , Henwood Suzanne , Deo Arun
Published: March 2019

There is a growing body of literature that supports the idea that decision making involves not only cognition, but also emotion and intuition. However, following extant “dual-process” decision theories, the emotional and intuitive aspects of decision making have predominantly been considered as one “experiential” entity. The purpose of this article is to review the neurological evidence for a three-factor model of head, heart, and gut aspects of embodied cognition in decision making and to report on a study carried out to design and validate a psychometric instrument that measures decision-making preferences across three separable interoceptive components, representing the complex, functional, and adaptive neural networks (or “brains”) of head (analytical/cognitive), heart (emotional/affective), and gut (intuition). Development and validation of the Multiple Brain Preference Questionnaire (MBPQ) instrument was carried out in three phases. Translational validity was assessed using content and face validity. Construct validity was undertaken via exploratory factor analysis of the results from the use of the instrument with 301 subjects from a global sampling, and reliability tests were performed using internal consistency and test–retest analysis. Results confirmed extraction of three factors (head, heart, and gut) was appropriate and reliability analysis showed the MBPQ to be both valid and reliable. Applications of the tool to coaching and leadership are suggested.
Policing Violent Extremism: How the Global War on Terror Meandered Into Local Municipal Policies in Sweden
Authors: Mattsson Christer
Published: March 2019

The present article analyzes Swedish local municipal action plans for prevention of violent extremism. Sweden began adopting local policies for detection and prevention of violent extremism in 2015. Until today, about 40% of Swedish municipalities have done so. The present article examines how policy ideas have been transferred from abroad and the transnational level into a national Swedish discourse and has continually, via vertical transfer, ended up in local municipalities. This is seemingly being done without any profound understanding of or reflection on local needs, that is, the presence of violent extremist groups or other forms of violent radicalization. A major focus in these plans, as revealed in the study, is on instructing school and social welfare agencies to develop systems for detecting risk signals and instructing, among others, teachers to search for and report pupils who might be radicalized to the police or the security police. These policy ideas are then horizontally transferred to neighboring municipalities. The article, making use of critical discourse analyses, investigates the consequences for the teaching profession, as regards changing the preconditions for social practice, which might occur when teachers are instructed to monitor their pupils’ thoughts and behavior.
Reconstruction of intercalary bone defect after resection of malignant bone tumor
Authors: Zekry Karem M , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Alkhooly Ali Zein AA , Abd-Elfattah Ahmed Saleh , Elsaid Ahmed Nady Saleh , Ahmed Adel Refaat , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2019

Due to accurate preoperative imaging techniques, early diagnosis and effective chemotherapy, many tumors arising in the metaphyseo-diaphyseal regions of long bones can be segmentally resected with joint preservation. The intercalary resection of malignant bone tumor results in a bone defect which can represent a challenging reconstructive problem. The most commonly used surgical reconstructive options for these defects include biologic reconstructions such as allografts, vascularized fibular grafts, autogenous extracorporeally devitalized tumor bearing bone graft, combination of allografts or devitalized autografts with vascularized fibular grafts, segmental bone transport, or induced membrane technique. Nonbiologic reconstructions, on the other hand, use intercalary endoprostheses. Every patient should be carefully evaluated and the reconstructive option should be individually selected. The aim of this article is to discuss the surgical options of reconstruction of bone defects after intercalary resection of malignant bone tumors with reviewing of their indications, advantages, disadvantages and complications.
Lobbying and Bribery
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amrita Kamalini , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: March 2019

This paper explores the relation between lobbying and bribery by constructing a theoretical model. It asks whether ease of lobbying reduces bribery. The answer as it appears is ambiguous. It derives the condition for which lobbying and bribery are substitutes and complements of each other. It also shows that under certain conditions, ease of lobbying may reduce social welfare.

JEL Classification: D72, D73, H23, I31, P18
Listener Factors Explain Little Variability in Self-Adjusted Hearing Aid Gain
Authors: Perry Trevor T. , Nelson Peggy B. , Van Tasell Dianne J.
Published: March 2019

Self-adjustment of hearing aid gain can provide valuable information about the gain preferences of individual listeners, but these preferences are not well understood. Listeners with mild-to-moderate hearing loss used self-adjustment to select amplification gain and compression parameters in real time on a portable touch screen device while listening in quiet and noisy backgrounds. Adjustments to gain prescribed by the National Acoustics Laboratories' non-linear fitting procedure (NAL-NL2) showed large between-subject variability. Known listener characteristics (age, gender, hearing thresholds, hearing aid experience, acceptable noise level, and external ear characteristics) and listener engagement with the self-adjustment software were examined as potential predictors of this variability. Neither listener characteristics nor time spent adjusting gain were robust predictors of gain change from NAL-NL2. Listeners with less than 2 years of hearing aid experience and who also had better hearing thresholds tended to select less gain, relative to NAL-NL2, than experienced hearing aid users who had poorer thresholds. Listener factors explained no more than 10% of the between-subject variance in deviation from NAL-NL2, suggesting that modifying prescriptive fitting formulae based on the factors examined here would be unlikely to result in amplification parameters that are similar to user-customized settings. Self-adjustment typically took less than 3 min, indicating that listeners could use comparable technology without a substantial time commitment.
The Cantonese Hearing in Noise Test for Children
Authors: Wong Lena L. N. , Chen Yuan , Leung Kam P.
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a children's version of the Cantonese Hearing in Noise Test (CHINT-C). This was accomplished in two stages. First, a total of 120 sentences understood by children aged 6-7 years were selected from the original pool of CHINT sentences and were grouped into 12 lists, each containing 10 sentences composed of 10 characters. Following this, 260 primary and secondary school children, with ages ranging from 6 to 17 years, and 21 adults of age 18 or older were administered the CHINT-C to determine its reliability/validity, normative data, and age-specific correction factors. The result showed good interlist reliability, and test–retest reliability for the CHINT-C. The speech perception skills assessed using the CHINT-C do not reach adult level until after 11-13 years of age. Correction factors were established that could be used to determine age-specific norms for the evaluation of speech intelligibility of children in various sound fields.
Dampness, mould, onset and remission of adult respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Wang Juan , Pindus Mihkel , Janson Christer , Sigsgaard Torben , Kim Jeong-Lim , Holm Mathias , Sommar Johan , Orru Hans , Gislason Thorarinn , Johannessen Ane , Bertelsen Randi J. , Norbäck Dan
Published: March 2019

Study question

Is dampness and indoor mould associated with onset and remission of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis among adults?

Materials and methods

Associations between dampness, mould and mould odour at home and at work and respiratory health were investigated in a cohort of 11 506 adults from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia. They answered a questionnaire at baseline and 10 years later, with questions on respiratory health, home and work environment.

Results

Baseline water damage, floor dampness, mould and mould odour at home were associated with onset of respiratory symptoms and asthma (OR 1.23–2.24). Dampness at home during follow-up was associated with onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis (OR 1.21–1.52). Dampness at work during follow-up was associated with onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis (OR 1.31–1.50). Combined dampness at home and at work increased the risk of onset of respiratory symptoms and rhinitis. Dampness and mould at home and at work decreased remission of respiratory symptoms and rhinitis.

The answer to the question

Dampness and mould at home and at work can increase onset of respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis, and decrease remission.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema characteristics in a Greek cohort
Authors: Malli Foteini , Papakosta Despoina , Antoniou Katerina , Dimadi Maria , Polychronopoulos Vlassis , Malagari Katerina , Oikonomou Anastasia , Bouros Demosthenes E. , Daniil Zoe
Published: March 2019

Background

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) has recently received great attention, with studies suggesting that it presents a distinct clinical entity while others have challenged this hypothesis. This nationwide study aimed to describe a large cohort of Greek CPFE patients and to examine potential prognostic factors for survival.

Methods

This retrospective study included 97 patients with CPFE. Demographic and clinical data, pulmonary function tests, echocardiography results and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis were recorded.

Results

Most patients were male (94.8%) and 92% were current or ex-smokers. Spirometry results were abnormal (forced vital capacity (FVC) 72.9±19.9% pred and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC 82.9±9.7%) with reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (42.3±17.4% pred). Mean systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was 41.9±19.7 mmHg and pulmonary hypertension was present in 58.8% of patients. Mean 6-min walk distance was 335.4±159.4 m. Mean emphysema score was 14.23±8.69% and mean interstitial lung disease (ILD) extent was 39.58±19.82%. Mean survival was 84 months (95% CI 72–96 months). Patients withDLCO≥39% pred had better survival than patients withDLCO<39% pred (p=0.031). Patients with ILD extent ≥30% had worse survival than patients with ILD extent <30% (p=0.037).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CPFE patients have preserved lung volumes associated with disproportionately reducedDLCO, while reducedDLCOand increased ILD extent was associated with worse prognosis.
Highlights from the ERS International Congress 2018: Assembly 13 – Pulmonary Vascular Diseases
Authors: Ramjug Sheila , Adão Rui , Lewis Robert , Coste Florence , de Man Frances , Jimenez David , Sitbon Olivier , Delcroix Marion , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton
Published: March 2019

The 2018 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Paris, France, highlighted the subject of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). 2018 was an exciting year for the PVD community as it was the first ERS International Congress since the formation of Assembly 13, which is dedicated to PVD, pulmonary embolism and the right ventricle.

This article aims to summarise the high-quality studies presented at the 2018 Congress into four subject areas: the use of risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension, the molecular mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH), understanding and improving the right ventricle in PH, and finally, advances in the field of acute pulmonary embolus.
Dermal tissue remodeling and non-osmotic sodium storage in kidney patients
Authors: Hijmans Ryanne S. , van Londen Marco , Sarpong Kwaku A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Navis Gerjan J. , Storteboom Twan T. R. , de Jong Wilhelmina H. A. , Pol Robert A. , van den Born Jacob
Published: March 2019

Background

Excess dietary sodium is not only excreted by the kidneys, but can also be stored by non-osmotic binding with glycosaminoglycans in dermal connective tissue. Such storage has been associated with dermal inflammation and lymphangiogenesis. We aim to investigate if skin storage of sodium is increased in kidney patients and if this storage is associated with clinical parameters of sodium homeostasis and dermal tissue remodeling.

Methods

Abdominal skin tissue of 12 kidney patients (5 on hemodialysis) and 12 healthy kidney donors was obtained during surgery. Skin biopsies were processed for dermal sodium measurement by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and evaluated for CD68+macrophages, CD3+T-cells, collagen I, podoplanin + lymph vessels, and glycosaminoglycans by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Dermal sodium content of kidney patients did not differ from healthy individuals, but was inversely associated with plasma sodium values (p < 0.05). Compared to controls, kidney patients showed dermal tissue remodeling by increased CD68+macrophages, CD3+T-cells and Collagen I expression (all p < 0.05). Also, both N- and O-sulfation of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans were increased (all p < 0.05), most outspoken in hemodialysis patients. Plasma and urinary sodium associates with dermal lymph vessel number (both p < 0.05), whereas loss of eGFR, proteinuria and high systolic blood pressure associated with dermal macrophage density (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Kidney patients did not show increased skin sodium storage compared to healthy individuals. Results do indicate that kidney failure associates with dermal inflammation, whereas increased sodium excretion and plasma sodium associate with dermal lymph vessel formation and loss of dermal sodium storage capacity.

Trial registrationThe cohort is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT (September 6, 2017). NCT, NCT03272841. Registered 6 September 2017—Retrospectively registered,https://clinicaltrials.gov
Fecal metatranscriptomics of macaques with idiopathic chronic diarrhea reveals altered mucin degradation and fucose utilization
Authors: Westreich Samuel T. , Ardeshir Amir , Alkan Zeynep , Kable Mary E. , Korf Ian , Lemay Danielle G.
Published: March 2019

Background

Idiopathic chronic diarrhea (ICD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among juvenile rhesus macaques. Characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon and repeated bouts of diarrhea, ICD is largely unresponsive to medical interventions, including corticosteroid, antiparasitic, and antibiotic treatments. Although ICD is accompanied by large disruptions in the composition of the commensal gut microbiome, no single pathogen has been concretely identified as responsible for the onset and continuation of the disease.

Results

Fecal samples were collected from 12 ICD-diagnosed macaques and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. RNA was extracted for metatranscriptomic analysis of organisms and functional annotations associated with the gut microbiome. Bacterial, fungal, archaeal, protozoan, and macaque (host) transcripts were simultaneously assessed. ICD-afflicted animals were characterized by increased expression of host-derived genes involved in inflammation and increased transcripts from bacterial pathogens such as Campylobacter and Helicobacter and the protozoan Trichomonas. Transcripts associated with known mucin-degrading organisms and mucin-degrading enzymes were elevated in the fecal microbiomes of ICD-afflicted animals. Assessment of colon sections using immunohistochemistry and of the host transcriptome suggests differential fucosylation of mucins between control and ICD-afflicted animals. Interrogation of the metatranscriptome for fucose utilization genes reveals possible mechanisms by which opportunists persist in ICD. Bacteroides sp. potentially cross-fed fucose to Haemophilus whereas Campylobacter expressed a mucosa-associated transcriptome with increased expression of adherence genes.

Conclusions

The simultaneous profiling of bacterial, fungal, archaeal, protozoan, and macaque transcripts from stool samples reveals that ICD of rhesus macaques is associated with increased gene expression by pathogens, increased mucin degradation, and altered fucose utilization. The data suggest that the ICD-afflicted host produces fucosylated mucins that are leveraged by potentially pathogenic microbes as a carbon source or as adhesion sites.
The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO): clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Feng‐Hua , Shen Lin , Li Jin , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Liang Han , Zhang Xiao‐Tian , Tang Lei , Xin Yan , Jin Jing , Zhang Yu‐Jing , Yuan Xiang‐Lin , Liu Tian‐Shu , Li Guo‐Xin , Wu Qi , Xu Hui‐Mian , Ji Jia‐Fu , Li Yuan‐Fang , Wang Xin , Yu Shan , Liu Hao , Guan Wen‐Long , Xu Rui‐Hua
Published: March 2019

China is one of the countries with the highest incidence of gastric cancer. There are differences in epidemiological characteristics, clinicopathological features, tumor biological characteristics, treatment patterns, and drug selection between gastric cancer patients from the Eastern and Western countries. Non‐Chinese guidelines cannot specifically reflect the diagnosis and treatment characteristics for the Chinese gastric cancer patients. The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) arranged for a panel of senior experts specializing in all sub‐specialties of gastric cancer to compile, discuss, and revise the guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer based on the findings of evidence‐based medicine in China and abroad. By referring to the opinions of industry experts, taking into account of regional differences, giving full consideration to the accessibility of diagnosis and treatment resources, these experts have conducted experts’ consensus judgement on relevant evidence and made various grades of recommendations for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer to reflect the value of cancer treatment and meeting health economic indexes. This guideline uses tables and is complemented by explanatory and descriptive notes covering the diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and follow‐up visits for gastric cancer.
Resting-state neural network disturbances that underpin the emergence of emotional symptoms in adolescent girls: resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Das Pritha , Outhred Tim , Bryant Richard A. , Calhoun Vince
Published: March 2019

Background

Subsyndromal emotional symptoms in adolescence may represent precursors for full-blown emotional disorders in early adulthood. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that drive this development is essential for prevention.

Aims

Self-referential processing and emotion regulation are remodelled substantively during adolescence, therefore this study examined integration of key neural networks involved in these processes.

Method

At baseline, clinical and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected for 88 adolescent girls (mean age 15 years), and 71 of these girls underwent repeat clinical assessment after 2 years. These 71 girls were then partitioned into two groups depending on the presence (ES+) or absence (ES−) of emotional symptoms, and differences in dynamic functional network connectivity were determined and correlated with clinical variables.

Results

The two groups displayed a differential pattern of functional connectivity involving the left lateral prefrontal network (LPFN). Specifically, in the ES+ group this network displayed positive coupling with the right LPFN but negative coupling with the default mode network, and the inverse of this pattern was found in the ES− group. Furthermore, the coupling strengths between left and right LPFN at the irst time point predicted follow-up depression and state anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in adolescent girls, emotional symptoms may emerge as a result of impaired integration between networks involved in self-referential information processing and approach-avoidance behaviours. These impairments can compromise the pursuit of important goals and have an impact on emotion processing and finally may lead to the development of emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression in adulthood.

Declaration of interest

None.
Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Supportive Therapy After Cardiac Arrest After Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Case Report
Authors: Depondt Claire , Arnaudovski Darko , Voulgaropoulos Audrey , Milleron Olivier , Ghodbane Walid , Tran Dinh Alexy , Montravers Philippe , Kantor Elie
Published: March 2019

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but dreaded complication of pregnancy, with an incidence between 2 and 7/100,000 deliveries. We report an amniotic fluid embolism after urgent cesarean delivery diagnosed on a cardiac arrest, complicated by cardiogenic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This report describes the indication, efficacy, and success of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the early management of cardiac arrest, cardiac failure driven by amniotic fluid embolism, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support after recovery from cardiac arrest after amniotic fluid embolism should be considered early during the management of these cases.