bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of multilayer electro-active tubes under different constraints
Authors: Bortot Eliana
Published: November 2018

Dielectric elastomers are an emerging class of highly deformable electro-active materials employed for electromechanical transduction technology. For practical applications, the design of such transducers requires a model accounting for insulation of the active membrane, non-perfectly compliant behavior of the electrodes, or interaction of the transducer with a soft actuated body. To this end, a three-layer model, in which the active membrane is embedded between two soft passive layers, can be formulated. In this article, the theory of non-linear electro-elasticity for heterogeneous soft dielectrics is used to investigate the electromechanical response of multilayer electro-active tubes—formed either by the active membrane only ( single-layer tube) or by the coated active membrane ( multilayer tube). Numerical results showing the influence of the mechanical and the geometrical properties of the soft coating layers on the electromechanical response of the active membrane are presented for different constraint conditions.
Is Antibiotic Prophylaxis Necessary Before Dental Procedures in Patients Post Total Ankle Arthroplasty?
Authors: Noori Naudereh , Myerson Charles , Charlton Timothy , Thordarson David
Published: November 2018

Background:

The need for dental antibiotic prophylaxis after orthopedic surgery remains unclear. Current recommendations are based on patients with total hip and total knee arthroplasties. We investigated available evidence regarding the need for dental antibiotic prophylaxis in patients post foot and ankle surgery, specifically total ankle arthroplasty. Additionally, we examined the microbiology behind the risk of transient bacteremia from dental procedures and whether this leads to an increased risk for postoperative infection in foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

We performed a MEDLINE literature review of English articles between 1980 and 2018 on patients with prosthetic joints undergoing dental work, and studies evaluating hematogenous prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and dental antibiotic prophylaxis. We additionally included articles on PJI post total ankle arthroplasty, as well as committee guidelines.

Results:

There is no literature at present that evaluates transient bacteremia with dental procedures in patients following foot and ankle surgery. The data on this topic are isolated to PJI rates in the context of hip and total knee arthroplasty. This is of particular interest as rates of total ankle arthroplasty PJI have been reported to be 2- to 4-fold higher than in hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

The concern for postoperative infection due to transient bacteremia without dental antibiotic prophylaxis can be extrapolated to patients undergoing foot and ankle surgeries. Some data suggest that oral cavity bacteria can seed a prosthetic joint, though no clear relationship has been demonstrated. Similar risk factors have been identified between hip and knee PJI and total ankle arthroplasty. In light of the absence of scrutiny of and guidelines on this topic in foot and ankle surgery, it may be advisable to apply similar principles to decision-making in patients after foot and ankle surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, systematic review.
Video Modeling to Improve Customer Service Skills of an Employed Young Adult With Autism
Authors: Bross Leslie Ann , Travers Jason C. , Munandar Vidya D. , Morningstar Mary
Published: November 2018

Providing evidence-based interventions in competitive employment settings is critical to improve employment outcomes for individuals with autism. This study used a multiple baseline across behaviors design to enhance the customer service skills of a young adult with autism employed as a cashier at a retail store. Results indicated the use of customer service phrases increased contingent on delivery of corresponding video models. Implications for employing young adults with autism in community-based settings are discussed.
Feline histoplasmosis presenting with bone and joint involvement: clinical and diagnostic findings in 25 cats
Authors: Fielder Susan E , Meinkoth James H , Rizzi Theresa E , Hanzlicek Andrew S , Hallman Ruth Mackenzie
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe clinical and diagnostic findings in cats with bone and joint disease associated with histoplasmosis.

Methods

Medical records from between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required: (1) diagnosis of histoplasmosis by cytology, histology, urine or serum Histoplasma antigen testing, or culture; and (2) lameness or joint effusion as a presenting complaint or physical examination finding.

Results

Twenty-five cases met the inclusion criteria. Four had incomplete records, but available data were included when applicable. Lameness was a presenting complaint in 17/21 cats and was the only complaint in 9/21 cats. Initial diagnosis was made by cytology in 22/25 cats and by culture, urine antigen and necropsy in one case each. Diagnostic cytology samples included synovial fluid (n = 13), lymph node (n = 5), skin (n = 2), lung (n = 1) and bone (n = 1). Two additional cases had synovial fluid examined but no organisms present. Inflammation was present in all synovial fluid samples examined. Biopsy was obtained in two cats and histologic diagnoses included osteomyelitis with no infectious organisms identified and severe lymphoplasmacytic synovitis suggestive of feline periosteal proliferative polyarthritis. Histoplasma urine antigen test was positive in 7/12 cats.

Conclusions and relevance

Inflammatory arthritis is common in cats with histoplasmosis, with lameness a common presenting complaint. Organisms are found in synovial fluid cytology in most cases. If not, appropriate additional diagnostics must be pursued.
Evidence producing organizations: Organizational translation of travelling evaluation ideas
Authors: Elvbakken Kari Tove , Hansen Hanne Foss
Published: November 2018

In the 1990s and 2000s, the evidence wave in evaluation practice gained momentum first in medicine later in other policy fields. The evidence idea inspired actors in Scandinavia where evidence producing organizations were established. The aim of our study is to better understand these organizations and explore their characteristics in Denmark and Norway. We compare their organizational structures, stance towards ministries, resources and governance frameworks and analyse organizational change across time. Although the ideas of evidence-based policy and practice are common in the two countries, the organizations and context for evidence producing activities differ. Furthermore, in policy fields outside medicine the evidence movement is struggling to maintain support and resources.
A signal domain transform method for spatial resolution improvement of Lamb wave signals with synthetically measured relative wavenumber curves
Authors: Cai Jian , Wang Xiaopeng , Zhou Zhiquan
Published: November 2018

In practical structural health monitoring with Lamb waves, the signal spatial resolution is usually restricted by not only dispersion but also the space duration of excitation waveforms, that is, the initial spatial resolution for the signals before traveling. As a result, the final resolution and accuracy of damage identification could be badly impaired. To overcome this problem, a signal domain transform method is presented in this article. In signal domain transform, the original dispersive Lamb wave signals are transformed from the time to distance domains, with the time–distance scaling on the excitation waveforms particularly modified. Then, both dispersion compensation and initial spatial resolution enhancement can be actualized to efficiently improve the signal spatial resolution. Considering the practical situation that the structural property parameters could be unavailable to theoretically derive the requisite wavenumber relations, signal domain transform with synthetically measured relative wavenumber curves is further explored. After the frequency domain representation and spatial resolution of Lamb wave signals are basically analyzed, the principle and numerical realization of signal domain transform are investigated. Hereafter, the synthetic measurement of relative wavenumber curves for signal domain transform is discussed and preliminarily validated in an aluminum plate. Finally, signal domain transform is applied for high-resolution imaging of adjacent multiple damages. The efficiency of signal domain transform and signal domain transform–based imaging methods has been well demonstrated by the experimental study on a glass fiber–reinforced composite plate with unknown material parameters.
Development and assessment of the Korean Author Recognition Test
Authors: Lee Hyosun , Seong Eunjin , Choi Wonil , Lowder Matthew W
Published: November 2018

This research reports the development and evaluation of a Korean Author Recognition Test (KART), designed as a measure of print exposure among young adults. Based on the original, English-language version of the Author Recognition Test (ART), the KART demonstrates significant relationships with offline measures of language ability, as well as online measures of word recognition. In particular, KART scores were related to participants’ responses on the Comparative Reading Habits (CRH) checklist, suggesting that KART is a valid measure of print exposure. In addition, KART scores showed reliable correlations with offline measures of vocabulary knowledge and language comprehension. Finally, results from a lexical decision task showed that KART scores modulated the magnitude of the word familiarity effect, such that the effect was smaller for participants with higher KART scores The results suggest that the ART is a language-universal task that measures print exposure, which is useful for explaining individual differences in language comprehension abilities and word recognition processes.
Expectations for tonal cadences: Sensory and cognitive priming effects
Authors: Sears David RW , Pearce Marcus T , Spitzer Jacob , Caplin William E , McAdams Stephen
Published: November 2018

Studies examining the formation of melodic and harmonic expectations during music listening have repeatedly demonstrated that a tonal context primes listeners to expect certain (tonally related) continuations over others. However, few such studies have (1) selected stimuli using ready examples of expectancy violation derived from real-world instances of tonal music, (2) provided a consistent account for the influence of sensory and cognitive mechanisms on tonal expectancies by comparing different computational simulations, or (3) combined melodic and harmonic representations in modelling cognitive processes of expectation. To resolve these issues, this study measures expectations for the most recurrent cadence patterns associated with tonal music and then simulates the reported findings using three sensory–cognitive models of auditory expectation. In Experiment 1, participants provided explicit retrospective expectancy ratings both before and after hearing the target melodic tone and chord of the cadential formula. In Experiment 2, participants indicated as quickly as possible whether those target events were in or out of tune relative to the preceding context. Across both experiments, cadences terminating with stable melodic tones and chords elicited the highest expectancy ratings and the fastest and most accurate responses. Moreover, the model simulations supported a cognitive interpretation of tonal processing, in which listeners with exposure to tonal music generate expectations as a consequence of the frequent (co-)occurrence of events on the musical surface.
From Consumer Demand to User Engagement: Comparing the Popularity and Virality of Election Coverage on the Internet
Authors: Ørmen Jacob
Published: November 2018

Previous research has identified a strong consumer demand for sensationalized and conflict-oriented news coverage. With the rise of social network services as central spaces for encountering news, there is a need to move beyond the notion of consumer demand (measured by attention to news stories) to a broader conception of user engagement (encompassing attention as well as social interactions online). This article seeks to remedy this by analyzing which parts of election coverage tend to become popular and go viral. It develops a concept of user agendas that include popularity (news stories that receive most clicks on news Web sites) and virality (stories that users share most intensively on social network sites). The article then applies the concepts in a case study of online news coverage during the 2015 Danish parliamentary election. Through an analysis of frames, sentiments, and actors, it is shown that game-strategic and personalized coverage tend to attract large-scale attention on news Web sites, whereas issue-oriented coverage fares better on social network sites. This suggests that what users demand depend on where they encounter news. Users tend to engage with one kind of news in private settings and another in the public settings on the social Internet.
Cyborg uterine geographies
Authors: Browne Kath
Published: November 2018

This short commentary responds to the article by Sophie Lewis. It focuses on the sanitized body of/within geography; determinacy; the challenge of the collective in creating restrictions; the focus on `normal' aspects and then it offers a challenge to consider how in doing uterine geographies we might create new knowledge through engagements that reflect the theory.
Uterine imaginaries, geopolitical economy, and the maternal/unconscious
Authors: Nast Heidi J
Published: November 2018

This commentary brings geopolitical economic sensibilities about sexual difference, possession, and the Machine into conversation with Lewis’ cyborgic uterine to make three analytical points. First, transcalar uterine thinking has long existed, seasoned by geopolitical economic circumstance. Uterine thinking in nonmechanized agrarian contexts has circulated primarily through imaginaries of maternal fertility, the material expanse of which exceeds the limits of biological mother and child. The Machine gained authority over the agrarian by feeding off, and replacing, the maternal, of which the uterine is only part. By addressing geopolitical economic difference, Lewis’s analysis would be enriched by an abundance of gestational thinking that operates beyond the Machinic cyborg. My second and related analytical point has to do with how Lewis locates the uterine as a gestational prize that anyone should be able to have; as long as the uterus remains rooted in sexual dimorphism, the male-born body is potentially unfree. Thus, even as she speaks of how gestation need not be contained by a real uterus, she considers its absence in the biological male body a source of potential deprivation that, for freedom’s sake, would best be undone. This undoing would limit the geographical possibilities for queering the maternal. My third point emerges out of the second and has to do with how unconscious desire has historically geographically depended on sexual dimorphism, not the uterus. I’m not sure, but it seems that the interiorized cast of Lewis’ cyborgic uterine makes it difficult to theorize relational attachments—her ‘holding and letting go’.
Cardiac involvement in critically ill patients with leptospirosis: A prospective study using myocardial deformation imaging
Authors: Mathew Anoop , Shanks Miriam , Punnoose Eapen , Fischer Louie , Koshy George , Potluri Rahul , Bainey Kevin R
Published: November 2018

Background:

Myocardial inflammation often complicates leptospirosis, a re-emerging global zoonosis. Leptospirosis associated myocardial dysfunction is equivocal and the pattern of cardiac involvement may not differ from that of sepsis associated myocarditis.

Methods:

We prospectively compared cardiac involvement in 113 intensive care unit patients with severe leptospirosis to 31 patients with sepsis syndrome using a comprehensive assessment comprising of clinical presentation, electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography (with global longitudinal strain calculation), and cardiac biomarker evaluation. Binomial logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in leptospirosis.

Results:

Compared to sepsis syndrome, leptospirosis patients were younger, had higher body mass index measurements and were more likely to be smokers. Electrocardiography abnormalities were common and similar in both groups. Myocardial systolic dysfunction was common in both groups (leptospirosis: 55.86% vs sepsis syndrome: 51.61%, p=0.675) with subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (characterized by abnormal global longitudinal strain and normal left ventricular ejection fraction) being most frequent followed by isolated right ventricular systolic dysfunction, isolated left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and bi-ventricular systolic dysfunction (leptospirosis: 31.43%, 18.42%, 13.16%, 10.53%, respectively; sepsis syndrome: 22.22%, 12.00%, 12.00%, 8.00%, respectively (p>0.05 for each comparator)). Leptospirosis patients had a trend towards greater troponin-T elevation (61.0% vs 40.0%, p=0.057). ST-segment elevation and elevated troponin were independent predictors of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in leptospirosis.

Conclusions:

Cardiac involvement in leptospirosis appears to be similar to that of sepsis syndrome, with myocardial systolic dysfunction being common. As such, clinical vigilance pertaining to cardiac status is paramount in these high-risk patients.
Expression of Psychological Distress on Instagram Using Hashtags in Russian and English: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bogolyubova Olga , Upravitelev Philipp , Churilova Anastasia , Ledovaya Yanina
Published: November 2018

People have been using images to express ideas, share stories, and communicate since early history. The advent of social media has made sharing images an important part of everyday life. Among other things, social networks can be used to express psychological distress; however, research on this topic is limited. The goal of this study was to explore representations of psychological distress in the Russian-speaking segment of Instagram. The study involved contrasting images labeled with hashtags in Russian with images marked by analogous Anglophone hashtags in a data set of 1,512 images. Quantitative content analysis revealed significant differences between images labeled with Russian and Anglophone hashtags. Images containing depictions of texts were significantly less frequent among images with Russian hashtags, while inanimate object depictions were more prevalent. Hashtags for fear in both languages were related not to psychological distress but to the “scary” in popular culture. Images of alcohol were associated with stress hashtags in both languages and with hashtag for depression in Russian only. Images of food were significantly more prevalent among images with Russian hashtag for stress. Current study highlights the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate online mental health interventions.
Do Prophylactic Knee Braces Protect the Knee Against Impacts or Tibial Moments? An In Vitro Multisensory Study
Authors: Hacker Steffen Paul , Schall Florian , Niemeyer Frank , Wolf Nicolas , Ignatius Anita , Dürselen Lutz
Published: November 2018

Background:

Knee braces are prescribed by physicians to protect the knee from various loading conditions during sports or after surgery, even though the effect of bracing for various loading scenarios remains unclear.

Purpose:

To extensively investigate whether bracing protects the knee against impacts from the lateral, medial, anterior, or posterior directions at different heights as well as against tibial moments.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight limb specimens were exposed to (1) subcritical impacts from the medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior directions at 3 heights (center of the joint line and 100 mm inferior and superior) and (2) internal/external torques. Using a prophylactic brace, both scenarios were conducted under braced and unbraced conditions with moderate muscle loads and intact soft tissue. The change in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) strain, joint acceleration in the tibial and femoral bones (for impacts only), and joint kinematics were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Bracing reduced joint acceleration for medial and lateral center impacts. The ACL strain change was decreased for medial superior impacts and increased for anterior inferior impacts. Impacts from the posterior direction had substantially less effect on the ACL strain change and joint acceleration than anterior impacts. Bracing had no effect on the ACL strain change or kinematics under internal or external moments.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the effect of bracing during impacts depends on the direction and height of the impact and is partly positive, negative, or neutral and that soft tissue absorbs impact energy. An effect during internal or external torque was not detected.

Clinical Relevance:

Bracing in contact sports with many lateral or medial impacts might be beneficial, whereas athletes who play sports with rotational moments on the knee or anterior impacts may be safer without a brace.
An Induced Successful Performance Enhances Student Self-Efficacy and Boosts Academic Achievement
Authors: Uchida Akitoshi , Michael Robert B. , Mori Kazuo
Published: November 2018

A growing body of correlational research finds a relationship between self-efficacy—beliefs in one’s capabilities—and academic success. But few studies have investigated whether self-efficacy is causally related to academic success. We hypothesized that an experience of success would promote self-efficacy in junior high school students and would lead to academic improvements. To induce an experience of success, we secretly presented easy anagrams to target students (41 males and 43 females; 12–13 years old) who then outperformed their classmates (116 males and 115 females). We assessed students’ self-efficacy and academic achievement scores before and after the anagram tasks. We found that the success-induced students raised their self-efficacy, and this elevated self-efficacy persisted for as long as one year. Moreover, success-induced males eventually showed significant improvement in their academic achievement. These results provide a real-world experimental enactment of Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and have implications for the practices of educational practitioners.
The neuroscience of hearing or how to do a hard job with soft components
Authors: Ashmore Jonathan
Published: November 2018

The inner ear is a small and relatively inaccessible structure. The use of multiple biophysical recording techniques from the late 1970s onwards, combined with molecular genetics to identify genes critically involved in cochlear development, has revealed how the cochlea acts as the front end for the central nervous system analysis of the auditory world. Some notable progress has been made in clarifying the mechanisms of frequency coding and cochlear amplification, and of mechano-transduction in hair cells and in establishing molecules necessary for normal (and by implication in abnormal) development of hearing and balance. There has been a parallel growth in understanding some of the neural networks in the brainstem and cortical areas responsible for processing the information derived from the auditory nerve. Informing future technical improvements to hearing aids and cochlear implants (electrically and optogenetically encoded), this chapter concentrates mainly on the neuroscience of peripheral hearing.
PRMT5 interacts with the BCL6 oncoprotein and is required for germinal center formation and lymphoma cell survival
Authors: Lu Xiaoqing , Fernando Tharu M. , Lossos Chen , Yusufova Nevin , Liu Fan , Fontán Lorena , Durant Matthew , Geng Huimin , Melnick Jacob , Luo Yuan , Vega Francisco , Moy Vincent , Inghirami Giorgio , Nimer Stephen , Melnick Ari M. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: November 2018

Key Points

PRMT5 methylates and is needed for the full transcriptional repressive activity of BCL6 and is necessary for germinal center formation. Concomitant inhibition of both BCL6 and PRMT5 exhibits synergistic killing of BCL6-expressing lymphoma cells.
Proposals for revised IWG 2018 hematological response criteria in patients with MDS included in clinical trials
Authors: Platzbecker U. , Fenaux P. , Adès L. , Giagounidis A. , Santini V. , van de Loosdrecht A. A. , Bowen D. , de Witte T. , Garcia-Manero G. , Hellström-Lindberg E. , Germing U. , Stauder R. , Malcovati L. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Steensma David P. , Gloaguen S.
Published: November 2018

The heterogeneity of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) has made evaluating patient response to treatment challenging. In 2006, the International Working Group (IWG) proposed a revision to previously published standardized response criteria (IWG 2000) for uniformly evaluating clinical responses in MDSs. These IWG 2006 criteria have been used prospectively in many clinical trials in MDSs, but proved challenging in several of them, especially for the evaluation of erythroid response. In this report, we provide rationale for modifications (IWG 2018) of these recommendations, mainly for “hematological improvement” criteria used for lower-risk MDSs, based on recent practical and reported experience in clinical trials. Most suggestions relate to erythroid response assessment, which are refined in an overall more stringent manner. Two major proposed changes are the differentiation between “procedures” and “criteria” for hematologic improvement–erythroid assessment and a new categorization of transfusion-burden subgroups.
Resolution of sickle cell disease–associated inflammation and tissue damage with 17R-resolvin D1
Authors: Matte Alessandro , Recchiuti Antonio , Federti Enrica , Koehl Bérengère , Mintz Thomas , El Nemer Wassim , Tharaux Pierre-Louis , Brousse Valentine , Andolfo Immacolata , Lamolinara Alessia , Weinberg Olga , Siciliano Angela , Norris Paul C. , Riley Ian R. , Iolascon Achille , Serhan Charles N. , Brugnara Carlo , De Franceschi Lucia
Published: November 2018

Resolvins (Rvs), endogenous lipid mediators, play a key role in the resolution of inflammation. Sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder of hemoglobin, is characterized by inflammatory and vaso-occlusive pathologies. We document altered proresolving events following hypoxia/reperfusion in humanized SCD mice. We demonstrate novel protective actions of 17R-resolvin D1 (17R-RvD1; 7S, 8R, 17R-trihydroxy-4Z, 9E, 11E, 13Z, 15E, 19Z-docosahexaenoic acid) in reducing ex vivo human SCD blood leukocyte recruitment by microvascular endothelial cells and in vivo neutrophil adhesion and transmigration. In SCD mice exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation, oral administration of 17R-RvD1 reduces systemic/local inflammation and vascular dysfunction in lung and kidney. The mechanism of action of 17R-RvD1 involves (1) enhancement of SCD erythrocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocyte efferocytosis, (2) blunting of NF-κB activation, and (3) a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, vascular activation markers, and E-selectin expression. Thus, 17R-RvD1 might represent a new therapeutic strategy for the inflammatory vasculopathy of SCD.
Digital technologies and adherence in respiratory diseases: the road ahead
Authors: Blakey John D. , Bender Bruce G. , Dima Alexandra L. , Weinman John , Safioti Guilherme , Costello Richard W.
Published: November 2018

Outcomes for patients with chronic respiratory diseases remain poor despite the development of novel therapies. In part, this reflects the fact that adherence to therapy is low and clinicians lack accurate methods to assess this issue. Digital technologies hold promise to overcome these barriers to care. For example, algorithmic analysis of large amounts of information collected on health status and treatment use, along with other disease relevant information such as environmental data, can be used to help guide personalised interventions that may have a positive health impact, such as establishing habitual and correct inhaler use. Novel approaches to data analysis also offer the possibility of statistical algorithms that are better able to predict exacerbations, thereby creating opportunities for preventive interventions that may adapt therapy as disease activity changes. To realise these possibilities, digital approaches to disease management should be supported by strong evidence, have a solid infrastructure, be designed collaboratively as clinically effective and cost-effective systems, and reflect the needs of patients and healthcare providers. Regulatory standards for digital interventions and strategies to handle the large amounts of data generated are also needed. This review highlights the opportunities provided by digital technologies for managing patients with respiratory diseases.
Variable radiological lung nodule evaluation leads to divergent management recommendations
Authors: Nair Arjun , Bartlett Emily C. , Walsh Simon L.F. , Wells Athol U. , Navani Neal , Hardavella Georgia , Bhalla Sanjeev , Calandriello Lucio , Devaraj Anand , Goo Jin Mo , Klein Jeffrey S. , MacMahon Heber , Schaefer-Prokop C.M. , Seo Joon-Beom , Sverzellati Nicola , Desai Sujal R.
Published: November 2018

Radiological evaluation of incidentally detected lung nodules on computed tomography (CT) influences management. We assessed international radiological variation in 1) pulmonary nodule characterisation; 2) hypothetical guideline-derived management; and 3) radiologists' management recommendations.

107 radiologists from 25 countries evaluated 69 CT-detected nodules, recording: 1) first-choice composition (solid, part-solid or ground-glass, with percentage confidence); 2) morphological features; 3) dimensions; 4) recommended management; and 5) decision-influencing factors. We modelled hypothetical management decisions on the 2005 and updated 2017 Fleischner Society, and both liberal and parsimonious interpretations of the British Thoracic Society 2015 guidelines.

Overall agreement for first-choice nodule composition was good (Fleiss' κ=0.65), but poorest for part-solid nodules (weighted κ 0.62, interquartile range 0.50–0.71). Morphological variables, including spiculation (κ=0.35), showed poor-to-moderate agreement (κ=0.23–0.53). Variation in diameter was greatest at key thresholds (5 mm and 6 mm). Agreement for radiologists' recommendations was poor (κ=0.30); 21% disagreed with the majority. Although agreement within the four guideline-modelled management strategies was good (κ=0.63–0.73), 5–10% of radiologists would disagree with majority decisions if they applied guidelines strictly.

Agreement was lowest for part-solid nodules, while significant measurement variation exists at important size thresholds. These variations resulted in generally good agreement for guideline-modelled management, but poor agreement for radiologists' actual recommendations.
Keeping hospitals clean and safe without breaking the bank; summary of the Healthcare Cleaning Forum 2018
Authors: Peters Alexandra , Otter Jon , Moldovan Andreea , Parneix Pierre , Voss Andreas , Pittet Didier
Published: November 2018

Keeping hospitals clean is a crucial patient safety issue. The importance of the hospital environment in patient care has only recently been recognized widely in infection prevention and control (IPC). In order to create a movement for change, a group of international infection control experts teamed up with Interclean, the largest cleaning trade-show in the world to create the Healthcare Cleaning Forum. This paper is the result of this conference, which featured leaders in healthcare environmental science from across Europe.

Although the available literature is limited, there is now enough evidence to demonstrate that maintaining the hygiene of the hospital environment helps prevent infections. Still, good interventional studies are rare, the quality of products and methods available is heterogeneous, and environmental hygiene personnel is often relatively untrained, unmotivated, under-paid, and under-appreciated by other actors in the hospital. Coupled with understaffed environmental hygiene service departments, this creates lasting issues in regards to patient and healthcare worker safety.

The Healthcare Cleaning Forum was designed as a platform for healthcare experts, cleaning experts, hospital managers and industry to meet productively. The conference aimed to summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field, create awareness and dialogue, challenge dogma and begin to shape a research agenda for developing the field of hospital hygiene and environmental control. Hospital environmental hygiene is far more complex than other types of cleaning; further evidence-based research in the field is needed. It involves the integration of current and new technologies with human elements that must work together synergistically to achieve optimal results. The education, training and career development, behavior, and work organization of environmental hygiene personnel are at the core of the proposals for the creation of a global initiative. Ultimately, what is needed is a reevaluation of how hospitals view environmental hygiene: not just as an area from which to cut costs, but one that can add value. Hospitals and key stakeholders must work together to change how we maintain the hospital environment in order to better protect patients.
New insights into iron-gall inks through the use of historically accurate reconstructions
Authors: Díaz Hidalgo Rafael Javier , Córdoba Ricardo , Nabais Paula , Silva Valéria , Melo Maria J. , Pina Fernando , Teixeira Natércia , Freitas Victor
Published: November 2018

Iron-gall inks have been described as complexes of iron ions with gallic or tannic acids, available in gall extracts. To assess this working hypothesis, we have prepared medieval inks using ingredients and methods appropriate to the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries. The five historical inks studied were selected based upon research into Iberian written sources of medieval techniques. Results are supported by comparison with iron complexes with a well-characterized phenol counterpart: gallic, ellagic, and tannic acids as well as digalloyl and pentagalloyl glucose; as either precipitates or prepared as inks by adding gum arabic. Raman and infrared spectroscopies show that medieval writing inks could not have been represented solely by iron complexes with gallic acid. Overall, writing inks display the infrared signature of gallotannins, indicating that complexes of Fe3+-polygalloyl esters of glucose are also formed. Our results also show that the commercial tannic acid solution is far more complex than the gall extracts, and cannot be used to represent a gall extract (as described in historic written sources). High-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation, HPLC–ESI–MS, reveals that the concentration of gallic acid varies in the gall extracts, depending on the extraction method and ink recipe. Importantly, in certain recipes, gallic acid is found as a minor compound, when compared with the galloyl esters of glucose.
Polarity sorting drives remodeling of actin-myosin networks
Authors: Wollrab Viktoria , Belmonte Julio M. , Baldauf Lucia , Leptin Maria , Nédeléc François , Koenderink Gijsje H.
Published: November 2018

Cytoskeletal networks of actin filaments and myosin motors drive many dynamic cell processes. A key characteristic of these networks is their contractility. Despite intense experimental and theoretical efforts, it is not clear what mechanism favors network contraction over expansion. Recent work points to a dominant role for the nonlinear mechanical response of actin filaments, which can withstand stretching but buckle upon compression. Here, we present an alternative mechanism. We study how interactions between actin and myosin-2 at the single-filament level translate into contraction at the network scale by performing time-lapse imaging on reconstituted quasi-2D networks mimicking the cell cortex. We observe myosin end-dwelling after it runs processively along actin filaments. This leads to transport and clustering of actin filament ends and the formation of transiently stable bipolar structures. Further, we show that myosin-driven polarity sorting produces polar actin asters, which act as contractile nodes that drive contraction in crosslinked networks. Computer simulations comparing the roles of the end-dwelling mechanism and a buckling-dependent mechanism show that the relative contribution of end-dwelling contraction increases as the network mesh-size decreases.
Incidence of V˙O2max Responders to Personalized versus Standardized Exercise Prescription
Authors: WEATHERWAX RYAN M. , HARRIS NIGEL K. , KILDING ANDREW E. , DALLECK LANCE C.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Despite knowledge of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) training responders and nonresponders, it is not well understood how the exercise intensity prescription affects the incidence of response. The purpose of this study was to determine CRF training responsiveness based on cohort-specific technical error after 12 wk of standardized or individually prescribed exercise and the use of a verification protocol to confirm maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max).

Methods

Sedentary adult participants (9 men, 30 women; 48.2 ± 12.2 yr) completed exercise training on 3 d·wk−1 for 12 wk, with exercise intensity prescribed based on standardized methods using heart rate reserve or an individualized approach using ventilatory thresholds. A verification protocol was used at baseline and 12 wk to confirm the identification of a true V˙O2max and subsequent relative percent changes to quantify CRF training responsiveness. A cohort-specific technical error (4.7%) was used as a threshold to identify incidence of response.

Results

Relative V˙O2max significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 24.3 ± 4.6 to 26.0 ± 4.2 and 29.2 ± 7.5 to 32.8 ± 8.6 mL·kg−1·min−1 for the standardized and individualized groups, respectively. Absolute V˙O2max significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 2.0 ± 0.6 to 2.2 ± 0.6 and 2.4 ± 0.8 to 2.6 ± 0.9 L·min−1 for the standardized and individualized groups, respectively. A significant difference in responsiveness was found between the individualized and standardized groups with 100% and 60% of participants categorized as responders, respectively.

Conclusions

A threshold model for exercise intensity prescription had a greater effect on the incidence of CRF training response compared with a standardized approach using heart rate reserve. The use of thresholds for intensity markers accounts for individual metabolic characteristics and should be considered as a viable and practical method to prescribe exercise intensity.
Using zebrafish larval models to study brain injury, locomotor and neuroinflammatory outcomes following intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Crilly Siobhan , Njegic Alexandra , Laurie Sarah E. , Fotiou Elisavet , Hudson Georgina , Barrington Jack , Webb Kirsty , Young Helen L. , Badrock Andrew P. , Hurlstone Adam , Rivers-Auty Jack , Parry-Jones Adrian R. , Allan Stuart M. , Kasher Paul R.
Published: November 2018

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition with limited treatment options, and current understanding of pathophysiology is incomplete. Spontaneous cerebral bleeding is a characteristic of the human condition that has proven difficult to recapitulate in existing pre-clinical rodent models. Zebrafish larvae are frequently used as vertebrate disease models and are associated with several advantages, including high fecundity, optical translucency and non-protected status prior to 5 days post-fertilisation. Furthermore, other groups have shown that zebrafish larvae can exhibit spontaneous ICH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such models can be utilised to study the pathological consequences of bleeding in the brain, in the context of pre-clinical ICH research.

Here, we compared existing genetic (bubblehead) and chemically inducible (atorvastatin) zebrafish larval models of spontaneous ICH and studied the subsequent disease processes. Through live, non-invasive imaging of transgenic fluorescent reporter lines and behavioural assessment we quantified brain injury, locomotor function and neuroinflammation following ICH. We show that ICH in both zebrafish larval models is comparable in timing, frequency and location. ICH results in increased brain cell death and a persistent locomotor deficit. Additionally, in haemorrhaged larvae we observed a significant increase in macrophage recruitment to the site of injury. Live in vivo imaging allowed us to track active macrophage-based phagocytosis of dying brain cells 24 hours after haemorrhage. Morphological analyses and quantification indicated that an increase in overall macrophage activation occurs in the haemorrhaged brain.

Our study shows that in zebrafish larvae, bleeding in the brain induces quantifiable phenotypic outcomes that mimic key features of human ICH. We hope that this methodology will enable the pre-clinical ICH community to adopt the zebrafish larval model as an alternative to rodents, supporting future high throughput drug screening and as a complementary approach to elucidating crucial mechanisms associated with ICH pathophysiology.
Evaluation of postoperative pain in infected root canals after using double antibiotic paste versus calcium hydroxide as intra-canal medication: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abouelenien Sarah Samir , Ibrahim Salsaby Mohamed , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Ahmed Geraldine Mohamed
Published: November 2018

Background: Postoperative pain is defined as pain of any degree after initiation of endodontic treatment either intra-appointment or post-obturation and is considered an undesirable occurrence for both patient and dentist. It was suggested that bacterial injury is probably the major cause of pain. Intra-canal medicaments are widely used to kill any bacteria surviving after instrumentation and irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of double antibiotic paste versus calcium hydroxide used as intra-canal medication in reducing postoperative pain.

Methods: 36 patients with single rooted necrotic premolars with apical periodontitis were randomly assigned into two groups according to the intra-canal medication used: calcium hydroxide group (CH) and double antibiotic paste group (DAP). Preoperative pain was recorded using numerical rating scale. After isolation, access cavity was performed followed by chemico-mechanical preparation using rotary Race files with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Subsequently, intra-canal medication was placed and postoperative pain was recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Both groups resulted in an increase in median pain value from preoperative to 6 hours postoperative, followed by gradual decrease from 6 hours to 12, 24, 48 hours postoperatively with statistically significant difference. When comparing both groups, DAP group showed lower postoperative pain values than CH group at 12 and 24 hours, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The use of intra-canal medication in necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis was efficient in reducing postoperative pain regardless of type of intra-canal medication used.

Trial registration: PACTR201605001482394 (Date: 22nd February 2016).
Language phenotypes in children with sex chromosome trisomies
Authors: Bishop Dorothy V. M. , Brookman-Byrne Annie , Gratton Nikki , Gray Elaine , Holt Georgina , Morgan Louise , Morris Sarah , Paine Eleanor , Thornton Holly , Thompson Paul A.
Published: November 2018

Background:Sex chromosome trisomies (47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY) are known to be a risk factor for language disorder, but typical outcomes are hard to estimate, because many cases are identified only when problems are found.

Methods:We recruited children aged 5-16 years with all three types of trisomy, and divided them into a High Bias group, identified in the course of investigations for neurodevelopmental problems, and a Low Bias group, identified via prenatal screening or other medical investigations. Children from a twin sample were used to compare the pattern and severity of language problems: they were subdivided according to parental concerns about language/history of speech-language therapy into a No Concerns group (N = 132) and a Language Concerns group (N = 41). Children were individually assessed on a psychometric battery, and a standardized parent checklist. After excluding children with intellectual disability, autism or hearing problems, psychometric data were available for 31 XXX, 20 XXY and 19 XYY Low Bias cases and 13 XXX, 25 XXY and 32 XYY High Bias cases.

Results:Variation within each trisomy group was substantial: within the Low Bias group, overall language scores were depressed relative to normative data, but around one-third had no evidence of problems. There was no effect of trisomy type, and the test profile was similar to the Language Concerns comparison group. The rate of problems was much greater in the High Bias children with trisomies.

Conclusions:When advising parents after discovery of a trisomy, it is important to emphasise that, though there is an increased risk of language problems, there is a very wide range of outcomes. Severe language problems are more common in those identified via genetic testing for neurodevelopmental problems but these are not typical of children identified on prenatal screening.
Nuevos yacimientos del Paleolítico superior y del Eneolítico en la Sierra de La Horna (Vinalopó Medio, Aspe, Alicante)
Authors: Belmonte Mas Daniel , Molina Hernández Francisco Javier , Satorre Pérez Ana
Published: November 2018

En este trabajo se analizan nuevos registros líticos localizados a partir de las labores de prospección arqueológica llevadas a término en el sector suroeste de la Sierra de La Horna, perteneciente al municipio de Aspe, en la comarca del Vinalopó Medio.En concreto se analizan las industrias procedentes del relleno arqueosedimentario del Abrigo de La Horna (Aspe), afectadas por procesos de erosión. Las características tecno-morfológicas señalan una ocupación durante el Paleolítico superior y, con menores evidencias materiales, durante el Eneolítico.También se estudia otro conjunto industrial, en este caso más reducido, documentado en el Alto de Alcaná, y del que sólo puede apuntarse la presencia de materiales líticos pertenecientes al Eneolítico.Ambos yacimientos aportan nuevos datos en cuanto a la ocupación del interior sur de Alicante durante la Prehistoria, permitiendo de este modo disponer de mayor información sobre el escaso registro que hasta la fecha se dispone para ese ámbito geográfico.Por último, la interpretación de ambos yacimientos podría relacionarse con la explotación de los abundantes y variados recursos naturales disponibles en el entorno durante la Prehistoria. Por un lado los recursos litológicos de La Horna y terrazas del Vinalopó, especialmente sílex y en menor medida cuarcita; por otro lado los recursos bióticosque especialmente debieron ser abundantes en el llano y elevaciones inmediatas.
Ánforas de Lípari (Richborough 527) y el abastecimiento de alumbre a las officinae tinctoriae y coriariae de Segobriga (Saelices, Cuenca)
Authors: Cebrián Fernández Rosario , Hortelano Uceda Ignacio
Published: November 2018

Entre los materiales recuperados en la excavación del vertedero del anfiteatro de Segobriga se encuentran envases anfóricos de la forma Richborough 527, usados para la exportación del alumbre producido en la isla de Lípari. Su comercio se vincula especialmente a las necesidades del curtido del cuero y de las manufacturas textiles, donde se utilizó como mordiente para fijar el color en los tejidos. Su hallazgo en la ciudad puede relacionarse con la actividad de officinae tinctoriae y officinae coriariae a partir de mediados del siglo I d. C.