bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Functional Outcomes at a Mean of 6.7 Years in 165 Consecutive Ankles
Authors: Choi Seung-Won , Lee Gun-Woo , Lee Keun-Bae
Published: December 2019

Background:

Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) has shown good functional outcomes. However, some studies have reported that functional outcomes deteriorate over time after surgery.

Purpose:

To use various functional scoring systems to evaluate functional outcomes in a large sample of patients with OLT treated by arthroscopic microfracture.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study cohort consisted of 165 ankles (156 patients) that underwent arthroscopic microfracture for small to mid-sized OLT. The mean lesion size was 73 mm2 (range, 17-146 mm2), and the mean follow-up period was 6.7 years (range, 2.0-13.6 years). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to compare the functional outcomes between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments.

Results:

The mean FAOS significantly improved in regard to all subscores ( P < .001). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale showed an improvement from 71.0 points (range, 47.0-84.0) preoperatively to 89.5 points (range, 63.0-100) at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The VAS score showed an improvement from 6.2 points (range, 4.0-9.0) preoperatively to 1.7 points (range, 0-6.0) at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The mean SF-36 score improved from 62.4 points (range, 27.4-76.6) preoperatively to 76.2 points (range, 42.1-98.0) at the final follow-up ( P < .001). Among 165 ankles, 22 ankles (13.3%) underwent repeat arthroscopic surgery for evaluation of repaired cartilage status.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic microfracture showed good functional outcomes and improved quality of life with maintenance of satisfactory outcomes at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. Therefore, arthroscopic microfracture seems to be reliable as a first-line treatment for OLT at an intermediate-term follow-up.
Outcomes of the Latarjet Procedure for the Treatment of Chronic Anterior Shoulder Instability: Patients With Prior Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Versus Primary Cases
Authors: Werthel Jean-David , Sabatier Vincent , Schoch Bradley , Amsallem Lior , Nourissat Geoffroy , Valenti Philippe , Kany Jean , Deranlot Julien , Solignac Nicolas , Hardy Philippe , Vigan Marie , Hardy Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Background:

It remains unclear whether results differ between a Latarjet procedure performed after a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair and one performed as the primary operation.

Purpose:

To compare the postoperative outcomes of the Latarjet procedure when performed as primary surgery and as revision for a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective comparative case-cohort analysis was performed for all patients undergoing a Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Patients were separated into 2 groups depending on if the Latarjet procedure was performed after a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair (group 1) or as the first operation (group 2). Outcome measures included recurrent instability, reoperation rates, complications, pain, Walch-Duplay scores, and Simple Shoulder Test.

Results:

A total of 308 patients were eligible for participation in the study; 72 (23.4%) did not answer and were considered lost to follow-up, leaving 236 patients available for analysis. Mean follow-up was 3.4 ± 0.8 years. There were 20 patients in group 1 and 216 in group 2. Despite similar rates of recurrent instability (5.0% in group 1 vs 2.3% in group 2; P = .5) and revision surgery (0% in group 1 vs 6.5% in group 2; P = .3), group 1 demonstrated significantly worse pain scores (2.56 ± 2.7 vs 1.2 ± 1.7; P = .01) and patient-reported outcomes (Walch-Duplay: 52 ± 25.1 vs 72.2 ± 25.0; P = .0007; Simple Shoulder Test: 9.3 ± 2.4 vs 10.7 ± 1.9; P = .001) when compared with those patients undergoing primary Latarjet procedures.

Conclusion:

Functional outcome scores and postoperative pain are significantly worse in patients undergoing a Latarjet procedure after a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair when compared with patients undergoing primary Latarjet. The assumption that a failed a Bankart repair can be revised by a Latarjet with a similar result to a primary Latarjet appears to be incorrect. Surgeons should consider these findings when deciding on the optimal surgical procedure for recurrent shoulder instability.
The Influence of Lumbosacral Spine Pathology on Minimum 2-Year Outcome After Hip Arthroscopy: A Nested Case-Control Analysis
Authors: Beck Edward C. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Chapman Reagan , Gowd Anirudh K. , Waterman Brian R. , Nho Shane J.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Previous literature has examined the association between lumbosacral pathology and hip pathomechanics. However, the effect of lumbosacral pathologies and previous lumbosacral surgery on achieving meaningful outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has yet to be studied conclusively.

Purpose:

To determine whether a history of lumbosacral spine pathology has an influence on achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS by a single, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon between January 2012 and April 2017 with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a history of lumbosacral spine pathology (eg, lumbosacral fusion, disc or vertebral pathology, or history of lumbosacral fractures) were matched 1:2 by age, body mass index, and sex to patients without spine pathology. Clinical outcomes including the Hip Outcome Score–activities of daily living subscale (HOS-ADL), HOS–sports subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), international Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12), visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and VAS satisfaction were compared between the groups using an independent t test. The threshold of every outcome score for achieving MCID was calculated separately for each group and frequencies were compared.

Results:

A total of 83 of 108 eligible patients with lumbosacral pathology were identified and matched to 166 patients without any spine pathology. When compared with the non–spine pathology group, the lumbosacral pathology group had significantly lower 2-year postoperative outcome score averages across all reported outcome tools (all P < .001). There were significant differences in the proportion achieving the threshold for HOS-ADL (60.6% vs 80.0%; P = .004), HOS-SS (57.6% vs 82.1%; P < .001), mHHS (66.7% vs 81.7%; P = .025), and iHOT-12 (54.8% vs 87.6%; P < .001) scores for MCID when comparing the lumbosacral and nonlumbosacral pathology groups.

Conclusion:

Patients with a history of lumbosacral pathology achieved significantly lower short-term meaningful clinical outcomes after undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS when compared with patients without spine pathology. The present study findings have implications for preoperative patient screening, shared decision-making processes/expectation management, and rehabilitation strategies.
Children and Online Privacy Protection: Empowerment from Cognitive Defense Strategies
Authors: Andrews J. Craig , Walker Kristen L. , Kees Jeremy
Published: December 2019

At present, very little is known about what might encourage children and teens to limit access to their private information online and to restrict what they share on social media and video sites. Federal and state agencies face challenges encouraging companies to help children, teens, and parents protect their information online. The authors extend previous cognitive defense research by examining (1) effects beyond advertising as applied to information privacy online; (2) not only children’s/teens’ beliefs and knowledge, but also their online privacy decisions; (3) multiple age categories; (4) multiple cognitive defense strategies (educational video, quiz with feedback, or absence of a strategy); and (5) children’s/teens’ motivation to restrict what they share online. Key results indicate significant effects of the quiz and educational video over the absence of a strategy in enhancing favorable online safety beliefs and in restricting online sharing. Findings also demonstrate the role of perceived parental influence and for agencies to offer privacy education campaigns to help empower children to protect their privacy. Implications for policy and privacy research are discussed.
A Comparison of the Neurospora and Drosophila Clocks
Authors: Brody Stuart
Published: December 2019

In Neurospora and other fungi, the protein frequency (FRQ) is an integral part and a negative element in the fungal circadian oscillator. In Drosophila and many other higher organisms, the protein period (PER) is an integral part and a negative element of their circadian oscillator. Employing bioinformatic techniques, such as BLAST, CLUSTAL, and MEME (Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation), 11 regions (sequences) of potential similarity were found between the fungal FRQ and the Drosophila PER. Many of these FRQ regions are conserved in many fungal FRQ(s). Many of these PER regions are conserved in many insects. In addition, these regions are also of biological significance since mutations in these regions lead to changes in the circadian clock of Neurospora and Drosophila. Many of these regions of similarity between FRQ and PER are also conserved between the Drosophila PER and the mouse PER (mPER2). This suggests conserved and important regions for all 3 proteins and a common ancestor, possibly in those amoeba, such as Capsaspora, that sits at the base of the phylogenetic tree where fungi and animals diverged. Two additional examples of a possible common ancestor between Neurospora and Drosophila were found. One, the white collar (WC-1) protein of Neurospora and the Drosophila PER, shows significant similarity in its Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) motifs to the PAS motif of an ARNT-like protein found in the amoeba, Capsaspora. Two, both of the positive elements in each system (i.e., WC-1 in Neurospora and cycle [CYC] in Drosophila), show significant similarity to this Capsaspora ARNT protein. A discussion of these findings centers on the long-time debate about the origins of the many different clock systems (i.e., independent evolution or common ancestor as well as to the question of how new genes are formed).
Patient Phenotypes Help Explain Variation in Response to a Social Gamification Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Lienert Jeffrey , Patel Mitesh
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

This study aims to determine latent classes of study participants using baseline characteristics, explore the patterns within the groups, and determine whether the intervention had differential effects on weight loss across the groups.

Design:

Secondary analysis of a completed randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

Participants in a gamification intervention with social incentives who were recruited as pairs and given an intervention for 24 weeks. Participants were randomized to control, gamification, or gamification with primary care physician sharing arms.

Participants:

All 196 participants in the Lose It trial (recruited as 98 pairs).

Measures:

Outcome variable—participants’ weight change after 24 and 36 weeks. Factors—intervention arm and latent class.

Analysis:

Latent class analysis on both participants’ and teams’ characteristics. This was followed by 1-sample t tests of weight at 24 and 36 weeks, stratified by latent class.

Results:

Three groups of participants were identified: “Kin teams,” “Distant teams,” and “Married teams.” “Kin teams” lost more weight after the intervention in the gamification and gamification with PCP sharing arms. The “Distant teams” lost similar amounts of weight in all 3 arms but did not keep it off during maintenance. The “Married teams” lost the most weight across all 3 arms and kept it off following the intervention.

Conclusions:

Patient phenotypes can identify variations in response to a gamification weight loss intervention. Future intervention studies may benefit from leveraging this during participant recruitment and allocation.
Technological Addiction in Context: The Influence of Perceived Neighborhood Social Disorder on the Extensive Use and Addiction to the Smartphone
Authors: Herrero Juan , Torres Andrea , Vivas Pep , Urueña Alberto
Published: December 2019

After more than a decade of research on smartphone addiction, there is currently empirical evidence on the main sociodemographic, psychological, and psychosocial correlates of this type of behavioral addiction. However, research in this field has not yet paid sufficient attention to the influence that the social context may have on smartphone addiction, an aspect that has been frequently pointed out by investigations on both substance and behavioral addictions. The objective of this research was to analyze the influence of the social context—through the perceived social disorder in the neighborhood—on the extensive use and addiction to the smartphone in a representative national sample of 3,619 Spanish users. The results of the multiple linear regression analyses showed that, after statistically controlling for a set of sociodemographic, psychological, and psychosocial correlates, a specific contextual effect was detected: Higher levels of perceived neighborhood social disorder were associated with higher levels of both smartphone extensive use and smartphone addiction. These results highlight the need to incorporate the influence of the social context as a relevant explanatory element of smartphone extensive use and addiction.
Language-Style Similarity and Social Networks
Authors: Kovacs Balazs , Kleinbaum Adam M.
Published: December 2019

This research demonstrates that linguistic similarity predicts network-tie formation and that friends exhibit linguistic convergence over time. In Study 1, we analyzed the linguistic styles and the emerging social network of a complete cohort of 285 students. In Study 2, we analyzed a large-scale data set of online reviews. In both studies, we collected data in two waves to examine changes in both social networks and linguistic styles. Using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) framework, we analyzed the text of students’ essays and of 1.7 million reviews by 159,651 Yelp reviewers. Consistent with our theory, results showed that similarity in linguistic style corresponded to a higher likelihood of friendship formation and persistence and that friendship ties, in turn, corresponded to a convergence in linguistic style. We discuss the implications of the coevolution of linguistic styles and social networks, which contribute to the formation of relational echo chambers.
Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats and intervention of tert-butylhydroquinone: Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway
Authors: Rahman Z , Dwivedi DK , Jena GB
Published: December 2019

Gastric ulcer (GU) is the most common health concern that occurs due to alcohol consumption, smoking and physiological stress. Ethanol-induced GU in animal model resembles the pathophysiology of human ulcer. The present study was designed to investigate the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, against gastric mucosal damage induced by acute exposure of ethanol (5 ml/kg). The intervention of tBHQ (25 and 50 mg/kg, per os (po)) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg, po) was done for 10 consecutive days. Omeprazole was chosen as a standard drug because it is prescribed for the treatment of GU. Pretreatment of tBHQ decreased gastric mucosal lesion, ulcer index, apoptotic cells and lipid peroxidation level induced by ethanol. Furthermore, the intervention of tBHQ increased gastric mucosa integrity, pH, reduced glutathione, collagen and mucus-producing goblet cells. Intervention of tBHQ increased the expression of antioxidant markers such as Nrf2, haeme oxygenase-1 and catalase and decreased the expressions of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and cyclooxygenase-2. The cytoprotective potential of tBHQ against gastric mucosal damage might be due to its ability to enhance cellular antioxidants and anti-inflammatory responses.
Curcumin protects the testis against cadmium-induced histopathological damages and oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Momeni HR , Eskandari N
Published: December 2019

Background:

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant which can induce the overproduction of free radicals while suppressing the antioxidant defense system. Curcumin is considered a free-radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of curcumin on serum antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes in mice treated with cadmium.

Methods:

In this experimental study, adult mice were divided into four groups, namely, control, cadmium chloride (5 mg kg−1), curcumin (100 mg kg−1), and curcumin+cadmium chloride. The animals received curcumin 24 h prior to cadmium chloride injection. After 24 h, blood samples were collected and used to assess the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), total glutathione, total thiol, and hydrogen peroxide. Histopathological evaluation was also performed for testicular tissue.

Results:

Mice treated with cadmium showed a significant ( p < 0.001) decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, serum amounts of total glutathione and total thiol, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. This pollutant also significantly ( p < 0.001) increased serum levels of MDA and hydrogen peroxide and the lumen diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. In the curcumin+cadmium group, curcumin significantly ( p < 0.001) reversed the adverse effects of cadmium, compared to the cadmium group. In addition, curcumin alone significantly ( p < 0.001) increased serum glutathione peroxidase activity and thiol content compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Curcumin, as a potent antioxidant, could compensate the adverse effects of cadmium on lipid and protein peroxidation, potentiated serum antioxidant defense system, and ameliorated some morphometrical parameters in the testis of cadmium-treated mice.
Effects of quercetin on cadmium-induced toxicity in rat urine using metabonomics techniques
Authors: Liu Y , Zhang X , Guan T , Jia S , Liu Y , Zhao X
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to analyse the protective effects of quercetin on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) using metabonomics techniques. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups ( n = 10): control group (C), low-dose quercetin-treated group (Q1; 10 mg/kg bw/day), high-dose quercetin-treated group (Q2; 50 mg/kg bw/day), Cd-treated group (D; 4.89 mg/kg bw/day), low-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ1) and high-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated group (DQ2). The rats continuously received quercetin and Cd via gavage and drinking water for 12 weeks, respectively. The rat urine samples were collected for metabonomics analysis. Finally, 10 metabolites were identified via the metabonomics profiles of the rat urine samples. Compared with the control group, the intensities of taurine, phosphocreatine, l-carnitine and uric acid were significantly decreased ( p < 0.01) and those of LysoPC (18: 2 (9Z, 12Z)), guanidinosuccinic acid, dopamine, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2(2′-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman and allantoic acid were significantly increased ( p < 0.01) in the Cd-treated group. However, the intensities of the aforementioned metabolites had restorative changes in the high-dose quercetin plus Cd-treated groups unlike those in Cd-treated group ( p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Results indicated that quercetin exerts protective effects on Cd-induced toxicity by regulating energy and lipid metabolism, enhancing the antioxidant defence system and protecting liver and kidney function and so on.
Modulation of methotrexate-induced intestinal mucosal injury by dietary factors
Authors: Higuchi T , Yoshimura M , Oka S , Tanaka K , Naito T , Yuhara S , Warabi E , Mizuno S , Ono M , Takahashi S , Tohma S , Tsuchiya N , Furukawa H
Published: December 2019

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal mucosal injury in animals has been studied to understand how MTX can cause gastrointestinal disorders, but the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders is still uncertain. We have attempted to reveal how dietary factors influence intestinal toxicity due to MTX. Mice were fed normal chow (NC) or a high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) before oral administration of MTX. While MTX significantly decreased the survival rates of mice fed HFHSD, the intestinal epithelial injury was detected. MTX excretion in the feces of mice fed HFHSD was reduced. Change of diets between NC and HFHSD influences the survival. The survival rates of the mice fed a high-sucrose diet or control diet were higher than those fed HFHSD. Higher survival rates were observed in mice fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet modified (HFHSD-M) in which casein was replaced by soybean-derived proteins. The survival rates of mice treated with vancomycin were lower than those administered neomycin. Microbiome and metabolome analyses on feces suggest a similarity of the intestinal environments of mice fed NC and HFHSD-M. HFHSD may modify MTX-induced toxicity in intestinal epithelia on account of an altered MTX distribution as a result of change in the intestinal environment.
Mechanical characterization and damage events of flax fabric-reinforced biopolymer composites
Authors: Chilali Abderrazak , Assarar Mustapha , Zouari Wajdi , Kebir Hocine , Ayad Rezak
Published: December 2019

Natural fibre-reinforced biopolymer composites are of special interest because they are entirely bioresourced, recyclable and biodegradable. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxybutyrate- co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) are among the most known environment-friendly biodegradable thermoplastics. Unfortunately, they present unbalanced mechanical characteristics when they are taken separately. The aim of this work is to overcome this problem using a blending process accompanied with fibre reinforcement. For this purpose, entirely biodegradable composite materials were fabricated and characterized. These biocomposites are based on two different ternary PLA/PHBV/PBS blends reinforced with twill flax fabrics and fabricated using extrusion and film-stacking techniques. Monotonic and cyclic load–unload tensile tests followed by acoustic emission and scanning electron microscopy observations were performed. In particular, the obtained biocomposites present interesting mechanical properties with a tensile modulus of 20 GPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 110 MPa.
Relationship Between Health and Economic Growth in India
Authors: Verma C. S. , Usmani Gulnawaz
Published: December 2019

This study employs the Granger causality test to investigate the relationship between health and economic growth in India. The annual data of major 15 states on infant mortality rate (IMR) and gross state domestic product (GSDP) from 1985 to 2015 is studied and analysed. The main finding of the study is that there is bilateral causality between GSDP and IMR. However, while testing the null hypothesis for each state, study finds the evidence of unilateral causality also, which is either running from IMR to GSDP and/or GSDP to IMR. With existence of such relationship, it is recommend that government should focus on the healthcare sector to achieve a higher rate of economic growth.
Rhinosinusitis in an Australian mare caused by Flavodon flavus, a recently recognized invasive fungal pathogen of the horse
Authors: Suen Willy W. , Zedler Steven , Price Rochelle , Maguire Tina , Halliday Catriona , Rosenblatt Alana J. , Allavena Rachel E. , Owen Helen , Medina-Torres Carlos E.
Published: December 2019

We describe herein the clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT), pathologic, and microbiologic features of an infection caused by an under-recognized fungal pathogen, Flavodon flavus, in a 25-y-old Australian Quarter Horse. The horse had a unilateral obstructive nasal mass, resulting in stertor and dyspnea. On endoscopy, the mass was tan, multinodular, and completely obstructed the nasal passage. CT analysis revealed a large, soft tissue–attenuating and partially mineralized mass in the right nasal passage and dorsal-conchofrontal sinus, expanding into adjacent paranasal sinuses with associated bone lysis and rhinosinusitis. Histopathology of the mass on 2 occasions revealed suppurative inflammation initially, and pyogranulomatous inflammation subsequently. The inflammatory reaction surrounded numerous spherical fungal structures (~60–80 µm diameter) that stained positively on periodic acid–Schiff and Grocott methenamine silver stains. PCR for the fungal internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 regions followed by Sanger sequencing on a cultured isolate identified the agent as F. flavus, which has only been reported previously as pathogenic in one horse in the United States, to our knowledge. Previous reports described this fungus as a nonpathogenic, environmental commensal fungus associated with insects and plants.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns Before and After an Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation
Authors: Al-Shahri Mohammad Zafir , Abdullah Abdulrahman , Alansari Ameena , Sroor Mahmoud
Published: December 2019

Background:

To the best of our knowledge, the change in opioid prescription patterns upon referral to a palliative care team (PCT) was not previously investigated in the Middle East.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the change in the pattern of opioid prescription and the pain scores before and after referring inpatients to a PCT.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of patients’ records including all inpatients ≥15 years newly referred to the PCT over a period of 21 months at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh.

Results:

Of 631 patients, 52.3% were females, the median age was 54 years, and 96.7% had cancer. The proportion of patients on opioids before referral (83.4%) increased to 93.3% in the postreferral period, P < .0001. Patients receiving opioids on a regular basis increased from 31.9% before referral to 49.9% after referral to the PCT, P < .0001. Morphine was the most commonly prescribed opioid on a regular basis pre- and postreferral. Upon referral, the administration of opioids through the subcutaneous route increased from 3.7% to 10.9%, P < .0001. On average, pain scores were reduced by 1 point on a 0 to 10 numeric scale within 48 hours of seeing a patient by the PCT, P < .0001.

Conclusion:

Patients referred to a PCT are likely to get their opioid prescription optimized and pain scores improved shortly after the PCT involvement. Patients with cancer-related pain requiring opioids should be referred to a PCT as early as possible.
Computational micromechanical modeling of transverse tensile damage behavior in unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite plies: Ductile versus brittle fracture mechanics approach
Authors: Sharma Akash , Daggumati Subbareddy
Published: December 2019

A detailed micromechanical finite element analysis methodology is presented to predict the transverse tensile (fiber perpendicular) failure behavior of a unidirectional (UD) glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite ply. In order to understand the constituent-level stress–strain and damage behavior, finite element analysis is accomplished using representative volume element (RVE) that consists of random fiber distribution as observed in the microscopic image of an actual composite ply. For modeling the fiber/matrix interface failure behavior, cohesive zone module (cohesive surface/cohesive element) of Abaqus® is used. In order to capture the epoxy matrix stiffness and strength degradation, the following two different approaches are used: (i) initially, the linear Drucker–Prager plasticity model in combination with a ductile fracture criterion is used; (ii) later, a brittle failure approach such as the quadratic normal stress criterion within the framework of eXtended finite element method is used. From the detailed micromechanical analysis of the RVE, it is observed that the initial damage in the RVE occurs in the form of fiber/matrix interface decohesion. With increasing tensile load, interface crack propagates and creates a stress concentration region in the matrix material, adjacent to the crack tip. Further load application causes both interface crack tip and matrix stress concentration to move away from the load application direction. As soon as the interface crack tip reaches approximately 60° to 70° away from the load application direction, the conjunction of the matrix damage with the interface crack leads to the RVE final failure. The predicted average stress–strain curves from the above-mentioned two different epoxy matrix failure criterions (ductile and brittle) correlate very well with the experimental results, indicating that the brittle failure behavior of a UD fiber-reinforced plastic composite ply under transverse tensile load is mainly controlled by the fiber/matrix interface properties.
Neuroscience and Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy: Roots of [Contemporary] Psychotherapy
Authors: Roberts Thomas W. , Chafin Michael L.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this article is to review the symbolic-experiential family therapy model of Carl Whitaker and apply it specifically to recent neuroscience findings. The article concludes that symbolic-experiential family therapy reflects many of the recent findings in neuroscience including the role of implicit learning and memory formation, the importance of the relationship between the couple or family and the therapist, increasing stress and anxiety in order to facilitate change, which activates the right brain, and unstructured and spontaneous interaction, which promotes brain reorganization.
Forensic Interviewers’ Difficulty With Invitations: Faux Invitations and Negative Recasting
Authors: Henderson Hayden M. , Russo Natalie , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: December 2019

An ongoing challenge for forensic interviewers is to maximize their use of invitations, such as requests that the child “tell me more about” details mentioned by the child. Examining 434 interviews with 4- to 12-year-old children questioned about abuse, this study analyzed (1) faux invitations, in which interviewers prefaced questions with “tell me” but then asked a noninvitation, (2) negative recasts, in which interviewers started to ask an invitation but then recast the question as a wh- or option-posing question, and (3) other aspects of questions that may relate to productivity independent of their status as invitations. About one fourth of “tell me” questions were faux invitations, and over 80% of recasts were negative. The frequency of both faux invitations and negative recasts increased during the substantive phase of the interviews, and these were related to decreased productivity, increased nonresponsiveness, and increased uncertainty. In contrast, use of exhaustive terms (e.g., “tell me everything”) and nonstatic questions (e.g., about actions) was related to increased productivity. The results suggest that training should teach interviewers when and how strategic use of invitations and other question types can elicit specific types of forensically relevant information.
Predictivity/Translatability of Toxicities Observed in Nonclinical Toxicology Studies to Clinical Safety Outcomes in Drug Development: Case Examples
Authors: Stagg Nicola J. , Ghantous Hanan N. , Roth Robert , Hastings Kenneth L.
Published: December 2019

Nonclinical toxicology studies are conducted to characterize the potential toxicities and establish a safe starting dose for new drugs in clinical studies, but the question remains as to how predictable/translatable the nonclinical safety findings are to humans. In many cases, there is good concordance between nonclinical species and patients. However, there are cases for which there is a lack of predictivity or translatability that led to early termination of clinical studies due to unanticipated toxicities or early termination of programs before making it to the clinic due to unacceptable nonclinical toxicities assumed to be translatable. A few case examples of safety findings that are translatable versus safety findings that are not translatable and why they are not translateable were presented as a symposium at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology in Palm Springs, California, and are discussed in this article.
Hybrid control technique for vibroacoustic performance analysis of a smart doubly curved sandwich structure considering sensor and actuator layers
Authors: Darvishgohari Hamed , Zarastvand MohamadReza , Talebitooti Roohollah , Shahbazi Rahmat
Published: December 2019

The present approach considers hybrid control strategy to reduce the amount of transmitted sound through a multilayered doubly curved sandwich shell equipped with piezoelectric layer and shunt circuit. The construction is composed of some piezoelectric actuator and sensor layers as an active controller as well as resistance–inductance shunt circuit as passive controller. In addition, a layer made of isotropic material is also sandwiched as a core. Firstly, in order to obtain the electromechanical equations of curved shell integrated with piezoelectric layers, Hamilton’s principle, and shear deformation shallow shell theory are employed. After presenting the sound transmission loss of structure, the reliability of the formulation is checked by the aid of previous outcomes. In the following, the piezoelectric layers coupled with shunt circuit are employed to inspect the influence of these patches on the control of transmitted sound through structure. The results indicate that the shunt circuit is able to enhance the sound transmission loss at resonant frequency with no need source of energy. Since in designing the engineering structures, the transmitted noise control is important especially in the resonant frequency, the influence of using several parallel shunt circuits with each piezoelectric layer is also examined. It is shown that increment of the number of parallel shunt circuits implies substantial reduction of transmitted sound to the structure in the resonant frequency. Finally, the solution process is followed to study the effect of active control on the acoustic transmission. Then, it is found that employing the simultaneous active and passive controllers not only cause to reduce the transmitted noise in the resonant frequency but also make to improve the behavior of sound transmission loss in entire range of frequency.
Hypertensive choroidopathy in atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Authors: Polito Maria Sole , Machetta Federica , Fea Antonio M , Eandi Chiara M
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

We present the case of a 22-year-old woman, diagnosed as having atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome with a hypertensive crisis, who presented a bilateral serous retinal detachment.

Case Description:

A 22-year-old woman, diagnosed as having atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, was referred for blurred vision in both eyes, evolving over 7 days. Treatment including hemodialysis, plasma exchange, systemic steroids, antihypertensive medications and eculizumab was started 1 month prior to referral. At presentation, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Retinal examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment in the posterior pole and some small, flat, variably pigmented lesions. Optical coherence tomography confirmed marked serous retinal detachment in both eyes. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography was performed. Treatment for systemic hypertension was changed. Seven days later, dilated fundus examination and optical coherence tomography demonstrated a significant regression of the serous retinal detachment. Her visual acuity improves in both eyes at the last control, showing at fundus examination a complete resolution of the exudative detachment but a persistence of variable flat pigmented lesion.

Conclusion:

Although multiple organ systems are commonly affected in hemolytic uremic syndrome, ocular involvement has only been described in very few cases. Ocular manifestations in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome include retinal, choroidal and vitreal hemorrhages, retina and/or ischemic signs. Bilateral serous retinal detachment may also be a sign of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome or even the first manifestation of a hypertensive event.
Bacterial etiology and antimicrobial resistance trends in ocular infections: A 30-year study, Turin area, Italy
Authors: Grandi Giuseppe , Bianco Gabriele , Boattini Matteo , Scalabrin Simona , Iannaccone Marco , Fea Antonio , Cavallo Rossana , Costa Cristina
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Bacterial ocular infections can result in loss of all or part of the ocular structures, contributing to a high disability charge. Local surveillance of etiology and susceptibility patterns is crucial for an appropriate empiric management of ocular infections. The aim of this study was to analyze of bacterial spectrum in culture-proven ocular infections and trends of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Methods:

A monocentric retrospective study was performed including ocular infection cases diagnosed at the Microbiology Unit of Turin Ophthalmic Hospital between 1988 and 2017. Spectrum of pathogens that caused bacterial culture-proven ocular infections and trends of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 15,517 culture-positive isolates were identified as causative agents of ocular infections. Gram-positive bacteria were deemed to cause infection in 73.5% of cases. Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp., coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus were the leading causative pathogens of keratitis, endophthalmitis, and conjunctivitis, respectively. Statistically significant changes in temporal trends were observed for all analyzed microorganism groups except for Enterobacteriaceae group. Overall, fluoroquinolones and chloramphenicol demonstrated to be the most effective antimicrobials in vitro toward bacterial ocular infections, followed by tetracycline, ampicillin, and aminoglycosides. Enterobacteriaceae isolates showed higher multi-drug resistance rate, followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Analysis of resistance rates over time highlighted increasing resistance trend for aminoglycosides among Gram-negative and for both aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones among Gram-positive pathogens, especially for S. aureus.

Conclusion:

This study provided a 30-year assessment of bacterial ocular infections in an urban area of Italy, giving support to epidemiological consciousness and guiding empiric antimicrobial therapy.
Primary total hip arthroplasty: mid-term outcomes of dual-mobility cups in patients at high risk of dislocation
Authors: Assi Chahine , Barakat Hanane , Mansour Jad , Samaha Camille , Yammine Kaissar
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Dual-mobility cups (DMC) are currently used in patients having risk factors of instability. Most of the studies report the use of DMC in patients having a single high-risk variable. The aim of the study was to analyse a continuous series of patients treated with primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and DMC with different high risk for dislocation.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study analysing the outcomes of primary THA with DMC in patients at high-risk of dislocation. The sample consisted of 215 patients having 1 of 3 aetiologies or risk factors: (1) young subjects (<55 years); (2) osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH); and (3) femoral neck fracture (FNF).

Results:

With a mean follow-up duration of 70 ± 24.7 months, the findings showed the following: 2 patients had dislocated their hip following motor vehicle accidents; 1 patient had a traumatic femoral peri-prosthetic fracture; and 1 patient had an acute infection. No intra-prosthetic dislocation or aseptic loosening were encountered. No radiolucent lines were observed on the acetabular side. The mean modified Hip Harris Score was 96.6 ± 7.4%. Out of 186 patients, 170 (90.1%) would label their operated hip as a “forgotten hip”. 78 out of the 84 patients (92.8%) who used to practice oriental sitting and/or ablution for prayers were able to return to their usual daily activities of extreme hip position and 74 out of the 84 patients (88%) described their operated hip as “a forgotten hip”. No correlation was found between any of the studied variables.

Discussion:

The findings of this series of patients at high risk of dislocation showed excellent clinical and radiological results with very few complications. The use of DMC seems to counteract the impact of some aetiologies/risk factors that could lead to higher instability. Most patients practising extreme hip positions resumed their usual practices.
Dancing with Data: Introducing a Creative Interactional Metaphor
Authors: Reed Darren J
Published: December 2019

In this article, a dance metaphor is developed to deepen our understanding of the material, sensual, processual, and experiential potential of digital data relations. Premised upon Blumer’s notion of a sensitising concept, ballroom dance theory is applied to everyday use of the Apple Watch so as to prompt investigation of subtle interactional features of device use. The aim is to engender an inclusive umbrella concept while simultaneously stimulating questions of analysis of and access to small-scale and intimate moments of embodied behaviours in future interactional analysis. In so doing, the article contributes to the sociology of data relationality in everyday life, as well as constituent approaches such as science and technology studies and the interactional study of bodies and machines.
Balancing welfare and market logics: Procurement regulations for social and health services in four Nordic welfare states
Authors: Stenius Kerstin , Storbjork Jessica
Published: December 2019

Aim:

In increasingly market-oriented welfare regimes, public procurement is one of the most important instruments for influencing who produces which services. This article analyses recent procurement regulations in four Nordic countries from the point of view of addiction treatment. The implementation of public procurement in this field can be viewed as a domain struggle between the market logic and the welfare logic. By comparing the revision of the regulations after the 2014 EU directives in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, we identify factors affecting the protection of a welfare logic in procurement. We discuss the possible effects of different procurement regulations for population welfare and health.

Data and theoretical perspective:

The study is based on the recently revised procurement laws in the four countries, and adherent guidelines. The analysis is inspired by institutional logics, looking at patterns of practices, interests, actors, and procurement as rules for practices.

Results:

Procurement regulations are today markedly different in the four countries. The protection of welfare and public health aspects in procurement – strongest in Norway – is not solely dependent on party political support. Existing service providers and established steering practices play a crucial role.

Conclusion:

In a situation where market steering has become an established practice and private providers are strongly present, it can be difficult to introduce strong requirements for protection of welfare and population health in procurement of social services.
Methodologies for designing healthcare analytics solutions: A literature analysis
Authors: Miah Shah J , Gammack John , Hasan Najmul
Published: December 2019

Healthcare analytics has been a rapidly emerging research domain in recent years. In general, healthcare solution design studies focus on developing analytic solutions that enhance product, process and practice values for clinical and non-clinical decision support. The objective of this study is to explore the scope of healthcare analytics research and in particular its utilisation of design and development methodologies. Using six prominent electronic databases, qualifying articles between 2010 and mid-2018 were sourced and categorised. A total of 52 articles on healthcare analytics solutions were selected for relevant content on public healthcare. The research team scrutinised the articles, using established content analysis protocols. Analysis identified that various methodologies have been used for developing analytics solutions, such as prototyping, traditional software engineering, agile approaches and others, but despite its clear advantages, few show the use of design science. Key topic areas are also identified throughout the content analysis suggesting topical research priorities in the field.
‘Our voice started off as a whisper and now it is a great big roar’: The Salford Dementia Associate Panel as a model of involvement in research activities
Authors: Bowker Ron , Calvert Lesley , Allcroft Frances , Bowker Gail , Foy Pat , Gandy Jackie , Jones Sandra , Bushell Sophie , Clark Andrew , Innes Anthea
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the work of the ‘Salford Dementia Associate Panel’, based at the Salford Institute for Dementia, Salford University (UK). We discuss the roles of the Dementia Associates, in particular around the areas of engagement and research. The panel is made up of people living with dementia, and current and former care partners. It highlights the development of this group over a four-year period and demonstrates over time how the role of a Dementia Associate member has evolved. The panel is involved in research, education and public engagement activities conducted by staff and students within the Institute. The motivations for becoming involved are clearly articulated and demonstrate how the personal backgrounds of individuals have driven the collective involvement and desire to bring about change. The benefits and challenges associated with working as part of a panel are discussed. We conclude by bringing together our experiences as a set of suggestions for others who may wish to create a similar forum to promote the involvement of people living with dementia and former and current care partners.