bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Association between Item Specific Treatment Burden and Adherence in People Living with HIV
Authors: Schreiner Nathanial , Perazzo Joseph , Digenarro Sarah , Currie Jackson , Daly Barbara , Webel Allison
Published: October 2019

For the 1.1 million people with HIV (PWH) in the United States, adherence to a HIV anti-retroviral medication regimen, engagement in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet are essential for maintaining optimal health. However, treatment burden can increase the risk for self-management non-adherence. We analyzed data of 103 men and women diagnosed with HIV to examine the relationship between medication, physical activity, and diet-related treatment burden to corresponding measures of self-management adherence. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that one medication treatment burden item explained 11% (p=.01) of self-reported 30-day HIV anti-retroviral medication adherence; physical activity treatment burden, along with physical functioning, explained 25% (p<.001) of physical activity, measured by daily average steps; and diet-specific treatment burden was non-significant in maintaining a healthy diet, measured by a total Healthy Eating Index-2010 score. Findings demonstrate that specific treatment burden items can predict specific self-management outcome behavior in PWH.
Development and validation of a Chinese character acquisition assessment for second-language kindergarteners
Authors: Chan Stephanie W. Y. , Cheung Wai Ming , Huang Yanli , Lam Wai-Ip , Lin Chin-Hsi
Published: October 2019

Demand for second-language (L2) Chinese education for kindergarteners has grown rapidly, but little is known about these kindergarteners’ L2 skills, with existing studies focusing on school-age populations and alphabetic languages. Accordingly, we developed a six-subtest Chinese character acquisition assessment to measure L2 kindergarteners’ abilities to make associations among the forms, sounds, and meanings of 40 Chinese characters, and administered it to 173 five- and six-year-old L2 kindergarteners in Hong Kong. We found a high model-to-data fit using the two-parameter logistic item response theory model ( MSinfit = .87 to 1.07, ps > .41). Of the 40 items, 36 exhibited a range of difficulty and good discrimination. Internal consistency reliability and inter-rater reliability were also high. The children scored highest in the category of meaning-sound associations, followed by mapping from meaning to form. The results demonstrate that the instrument is adequately valid and reliable for assessing L2 kindergarteners’ character acquisition and imply that child L2 learners may develop abilities to map meanings and sounds prior to their development of form-related mapping. With minor modifications, the developed instrument can be used in various child Chinese L2 programs around the world.
Analysis of the influence of renewable energy sources on thermal energy generation for isolated power systems
Authors: Zhidkov Aleksey A , Achitaev Andrey A , Kashurnikov Mikhail V
Published: October 2019

The urgency of developing renewable power generation in Russia is associated with the presence of a large number of regions with a low degree of electrification. More than two-thirds of the territory of Russia is located in the area of decentralized power supply, where the main source of energy is imported diesel fuel or associated gas from local fields. At present, one of the directions for the development of renewable power generation in Russia is the implementation of a hybrid power supply system for autonomous power systems of remote regions. However, along with the possibility of using renewable energy sources, it is important for such regions to generate heat from co-generation of diesel power plants, since there is an urgent problem of heat supply for remote regions, especially located in the Far North of Russia. This article presents an analysis of the influence of using renewable energy sources in autonomous power systems on co-generation of diesel power plants.
Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community or Staying in the Community? A Comparison Between American and Israeli Older Adults
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri , Gum Amber M. , Ayalon Liat
Published: October 2019

Using the theory of diffusion of innovations, this study examined differences between American and Israeli older adults who decided to move to continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and American and Israeli older adults who decided to stay at home. A total of 101 American participants (52 residents, 49 nonresidents) and 154 Israeli participants (104 residents, 50 nonresidents) completed measures of attitudes toward CCRCs, well-being, limitations in daily living, health status, proximity to services, and collectivism. Americans were more likely to relocate to CCRCs compared with staying at home when they reported positive attitudes toward CCRCs, higher well-being, and poorer subjective health. Among Israelis, positive attitudes toward CCRCs, better subjective health, and higher collectivism were associated with moving to CCRCs compared with staying at home. This study has implications for facilitating older adults’ decision-making and CCRC policies, as findings point to potential sources of influence on older adults’ decision to relocate.
An Examination of Sexual Victimization, Self-Injurious Behaviors, and Suicidality Among Female College Students
Authors: Bakken Nicholas W. , Kruse Lisa M.
Published: October 2019

Many studies have established a relationship between suicidal ideation and sexual victimization, particularly among women; yet, few have looked specifically at samples of college students or at the potentially mediating effects that several risk factors and coping mechanisms related to sexual victimization may have on suicidality. The current study sought to examine the relationship between reported sexual victimization and suicidality, and more specifically the mediating role that depression and nonsuicidal self-injury had on this relationship. Data were collected from a random sample of 732 female college students attending a Midwestern public university. Path analysis results indicate that while sexual victimization did not have a direct effect on suicidality, it did have an observable and significant mediating indirect effect on suicidality. The current study informs both our theoretical understanding of how victimization affects college women’s lives and our capacity to develop and implement effective prevention and intervention programs for college students.
Clostridium sordellii–associated gas gangrene in 8 horses, 1998–2019
Authors: Sacco Sofia C. , Ortega Joaquín , Navarro Mauricio A. , Fresneda Karina C. , Anderson Mark , Woods Leslie W. , Moore Janet , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: October 2019

Gas gangrene occurs in several animal species and is caused by one or more clostridial species. In horses, the disease is most often caused by Clostridium perfringens type A. Although Clostridium sordellii has been associated with gas gangrene in ruminants and humans, cases of the disease associated with this microorganism have not been described in horses, to our knowledge. We report herein 8 cases of gas gangrene caused by C. sordellii in horses. These cases were characterized by myonecrosis and cellulitis, associated with systemic changes suggestive of toxic shock. The diagnosis was confirmed by gross and microscopic changes combined with anaerobic culture, fluorescent antibody test, immunohistochemistry, and/or PCR. The predisposing factor in these cases was an injection or a traumatic skin injury. C. sordellii should be considered as a possible etiologic agent in cases of gas gangrene in horses.
Lack of Bcl-2 expression in feline follicular lymphomas
Authors: Henrich Manfred , Bauknecht Anna , Hecht Werner , Reinacher Manfred
Published: October 2019

Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, is commonly overexpressed in follicular lymphomas in humans. This is usually the result of a chromosomal translocation that transposes the Bcl-2 gene into the immunoglobulin gene locus. The immunohistochemical assessment of this overexpression can be used as a tool for the differentiation of follicular lymphoma and follicular hyperplasia. In cats, little information about the expression of Bcl-2 in follicular lymphoma exists. We investigated 18 follicular lymphomas histologically and immunohistochemically for the expression of Bcl-2, CD3, CD45R, and feline leukemia virus. Clonality was assessed by PCR for antigen receptor gene rearrangements. Although the histology resembled that of their human counterparts, diffuse expression of Bcl-2 within the follicles of the feline lymphomas, as seen in human cases, was not present. Only single cells within the follicles, comparable to the reactive controls, were positive for Bcl-2 expression. The mean survival time of 4.6 y confirmed the indolent character of the tumor. None of the clinical parameters assessed were statistically significant predictors of survival. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference in survival of animals with or without anti-neoplastic therapy was also not demonstrable.
Oral masses in African pygmy hedgehogs
Authors: Del Aguila Gabriela , Torres Cristian G. , Carvallo Francisco R. , Gonzalez Carlos M. , Cifuentes Federico F.
Published: October 2019

African pygmy hedgehogs ( Atelerix albiventris) frequently develop oral neoplasms, and most of these neoplasms are malignant. We characterized oral masses detected in hedgehogs at clinical examination. During a 1-y period, we diagnosed oral cavity masses in 27 privately owned hedgehogs; 16 were female and 11 were male, with ages of 2–7 y (mean: 4.3 y). Eight masses were non-neoplastic and were diagnosed as gingival hyperplasia (GH). Nineteen masses were neoplastic, of which 17 were squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 2 were mesenchymal tumors (1 spindle cell tumor of probable neural origin, and 1 hemangiosarcoma). The GHs were noninvasive, exophytic, and did not recur after surgical excision. The SCCs were highly invasive tumors that induced facial deformation and were located in the caudal portion of the oral cavity, with 12 of them arising from the right-caudal maxilla. Thus, clinical signs, growth pattern, and anatomic location can be used to suspect a diagnosis of SCC among the other possible diagnoses, such as GH, in this location. However, histopathology is necessary for confirmation. Also, hemangiosarcoma should be considered among the differential diagnoses.
Retroperitoneal extraosseous peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a Formosan serow: case report and literature review
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Han , Hsu Yung-Hsiang , Lien Chen-Yeh , Liu Chen-Hsuan , Li Wen-Ta
Published: October 2019

A 10-y-old female captive Formosan serow ( Capricornis swinhoei) was inactive and was azotemic. An autopsy was performed following her death, and multiple irregularly shaped, white-to-gray masses of 0.5–2 cm diameter were noted on both ureters, the left adrenal gland, urinary bladder, and uterus. Microscopically, organs were effaced by a poorly demarcated, highly infiltrative neoplasm, composed of neoplastic round cells arranged in islands, sheets, or nests with occasional rosette formation. The neoplastic cells were small: ≤2 red blood cell (≤ 15 μm) diameter. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD56, CK, FLI-1, and NSE, but negative for desmin, GFAP, melan A, NF, PAX-8, S100, synaptophysin, and vimentin. Therefore, the diagnosis of retroperitoneal extraosseous peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) was made. pPNET with FLI-1 expression has not been reported previously in animals, to our knowledge.
Quantification of plasma cell-free DNA levels in dogs with various tumors
Authors: Tagawa Michihito , Shimbo Genya , Inokuma Hisashi , Miyahara Kazuro
Published: October 2019

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is extracellular DNA released into the bloodstream by apoptotic or necrotic tumor cells, with cfDNA determination proposed as a noninvasive, sensitive marker for the diagnosis of human cancer. We evaluated cfDNA quantification as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in dogs with various tumors. We quantified plasma cfDNA concentration by absolute real-time PCR of long interspersed nuclear elements in 50 dogs with malignant tumors, 13 dogs with benign tumors or nodules, and 11 healthy controls. Six patients with malignant tumors were followed-up, and plasma cfDNA was quantified throughout disease progression. We found that plasma cfDNA concentrations were significantly elevated in dogs with malignant tumors compared with dogs with benign nodules or healthy controls. The DNA integrity index (the ratio between long and short cfDNA fragments) was significantly lower in dogs with malignant tumors compared to healthy controls. Significantly higher cfDNA levels and a lower DNA integrity index were observed in dogs with lymphoma or leukemia, hemangiosarcoma, and distant metastasis; cfDNA levels correlated well with clinical stage and tended to increase during or before periods of disease progression, suggesting potential efficacy of cfDNA for the detection of distant metastasis and to monitor the clinical stage of neoplasia.
Effectual Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamic and Structural Factors of Emergence
Authors: Galkina Tamara , Atkova Irina
Published: October 2019

The notion of effectual networks is one of the central concepts in the effectuation research. However, there has been little conceptual and empirical work on how they emerge and what structures they have. This article incorporates the concept of complex adaptive systems from complexity theory to understand both their dynamic and structural elements. We examine the effectual networks and networking of 10 startups from Finland and offer a process-system model of effectual networks. We derive propositions that connect dynamic and structural entrepreneur-related factors of their emergence and outline directions for future research at the intersection of effectuation and complexity theory.
Family Firm Behavior From a Psychological Perspective
Authors: Sharma Pramodita , Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H. , Steier Lloyd P.
Published: October 2019

The heterogeneity of family firms and their simultaneous pursuit of financial and nonfinancial goals is well established in the literature. However, causal factors underlying the variance in the goals, behaviors, and performance of family firms remain unclear. To help fill this gap, the articles in this special issue point to psychological aspects of individuals and families that underpin family firm behaviors and outcomes. Building on the theme of psychological influences, this introductory article discusses how the integration of five areas of psychology can accelerate our understanding of the causes and consequences of individual and group behaviors in family firms.
Utilization of and Relationships With Primary Care Providers During the Transition to Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Owen Randall , Crabb Caitlin , Stober Kaitlin , Mitchell Dale , Yamaki Kiyoshi , Heller Tamar
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to determine whether seniors and disabled adults in Illinois’s Medicaid managed care (MMC) were more likely to see, maintain longitudinal relationships with, and have continuity of care with a primary care provider (PCP) compared with fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid enrollees. Medicaid PCP service claims for 13,221 MMC and 54,625 FFS enrollees were analyzed using an inverse propensity score weighted difference-in-differences design to match the groups by demographic characteristics and historical Medicaid utilization. All data came from Medicaid claims data and corresponding administrative records. Regression analyses showed that enrollment in MMC was significantly related to each of the three outcomes; MMC enrollees were more likely than the FFS group to see a PCP during the 1-year post-period and have high levels of continuity of care with a single PCP. However, FFS enrollees were more likely to maintain a relationship with their PCP providers from the pre-period through the post-period. Therefore, while more people in MMC than FFS visit a PCP each year, for people in MMC, it is often a new provider relationship, which can be problematic for people with disabilities. Additional training for PCPs, to prepare them for working with people with disabilities, and additional efforts to expand the MMC network of providers are needed.
Effects of selectively triggered photothermal particles on shape memory polymer composites: An investigation on structural performance, thermomechanical characteristics and photothermal behaviour
Authors: Herath Madhubhashitha , Epaarachchi Jayantha , Islam Mainul , Yan Cheng , Zhang Fenghua , Leng Jinsong
Published: October 2019

Light-activated shape memory polymer composites (LASMPCs) have the ability to facilitate breakthrough technological advancements in aerospace and space engineering applications since the shape memory effect can be remotely controlled by a light beam. Introduction of rare-earth organic complexes–based photothermal fillers such as Nd(TTA)3Phen and Yb(TTA)3Phen into thermally activated shape memory polymers has been reported as a convenient and commercially available approach to prepare light-activated shape memory polymer composites. Such light-activated shape memory polymer composites undertake selective photothermal stimulation due to light and applicable for macroscale and microscale applications. This article presents the effects of added rare-earth organic complexes of Nd(TTA)3Phen and Yb(TTA)3Phen, as well as glass fibre reinforcements on structural performance and shape memory behaviour of light-activated shape memory polymer composites. The physical and mechanical properties, as well as thermomechanical, shape memory, and photothermal behaviours, were systematically investigated. It has been found that the combination of photothermal fillers and glass fibre reinforcements has enhanced the capacity of light-activated shape memory polymer composites to apply for a wider range of large-scale engineering applications.
The benefits of a magnetically coupled asymmetric monostable dual-cantilever energy harvester under random excitation
Authors: Xie Zhengqiu , Zhou Shengxi , Xiong Jitao , Huang Wenbin
Published: October 2019

Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting is a promising technique to power wireless sensor networks. This article originally presents a magnetically coupled asymmetric monostable dual-cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester consisting of a generating piezoelectric cantilever beam and an auxiliary cantilever beam. Theoretical and experimental results both verify that the asymmetric harvester has the superior performance compared with the conventional magnetically coupled symmetric bistable dual-cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester, yielding higher voltage output under different magnetic coupling intensities and different power densities of the band-limited Gaussian white noise random excitation. More importantly, the mechanical strain of the asymmetric harvester is much smaller than that of the symmetric harvester, being lower than half of the latter one under strong magnetic coupling. Therefore, due to its higher energy conversion efficiency and better durability, the proposed asymmetric harvester is beneficial for practical environment vibration energy harvesting.
Modeling of torsion fatigue in shape memory alloys
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Mohammad Reza , Kadkhodaei Mahmoud , Barati Mahmoud , Arbab Chirani Shabnam , Saint-Sulpice Luc
Published: October 2019

Fatigue in shape memory alloys is one of the crucial aspects of their behavior; however, the current knowledge is mainly focused on uniaxial fatigue and is inadequate for engineering purposes. In this article, a fatigue criterion based on the stabilized dissipated energy has been presented to investigate the torsional low-cycle fatigue of superelastic shape memory alloys. To this aim, a one-dimensional torsional constitutive model in addition to a modified fully coupled thermomechanical model has been utilized so that the torsional cyclic responses especially in relatively high loading frequencies, which contribute to remarkable temperature variations and consequent response changes, could be taken into account. The calculated stabilized dissipated energy, then, has been used in an energy approach fatigue criterion in order to predict the fatigue life; hence, an explicit relation, which is capable of determining the number of cycles to failure for different loading conditions at a given loading frequency, has been obtained. The numerical results have been appraised for NiTi specimens, and they have been shown to be in a good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, using the proposed approach, the effect of fatigue test parameters on the fatigue life has been studied.
Design, analysis, and fabrication of a piezoelectric force tray for total knee replacements
Authors: Safaei Mohsen , Dupre Sylvain , Hoummadi Elias , Anton Steven R
Published: October 2019

Force plates have been widely adopted in biomechanical gait analysis to measure reaction forces and the center of pressure. In this work, the force plate concept is miniaturized and extended for use within the polyethylene bearing insert of a total knee replacement. A simplified rectangular-shaped force plate with multiple integrated piezoelectric sensors, including designs with six and eight transducers, is presented in this work. The performance of the sensory system is investigated through finite element analysis and experimental validation. Initially, the ability of the two designs in sensing compartmental forces and contact point locations on one side of the force plate is numerically investigated. Selected designs of the force plate are then fabricated and used to experimentally validate the performance of the system. The results show a maximum error of less than 6% and 4.5% in compartmental force amplitude sensing for the force plates with six and eight transducers, respectively. The force plates were able to detect the contact point location with maximum errors of less than 1 mm. The relatively small sensing error quantities show the potential of using a piezoelectric force plate sensor design in total knee replacement as well as other force sensing applications.
Enhancing the actuation frequency of shape memory alloy wire by vibration-enhanced cooling
Authors: Utter Brent
Published: October 2019

Shape memory alloy wire actuators are lightweight, compact, and have high actuation stress, but their actuation frequency is limited by the rate they can be thermally cycled. Heating time can be reduced with high current, but rapidly cooling the material without introducing disadvantages is a challenge. This study establishes the feasibility of a novel approach to more rapidly cool shape memory alloy wires based on inducing their first mode of vibration. To achieve this, a steel spring pin placed on the wire was driven by an electromagnet as the shape memory alloy cooled. Experiments were conducted with a shape memory alloy wire (250 mm length, 0.381 mm diameter, 70°C austenite finish temperature) that was thermally cycled against constant forces and against an extension spring. The heating and cooling times were measured for the vibrating and non-vibrating trials to determine the factor of actuation frequency increase, which ranged from 1.55 to 2.10. A model of cooling time was developed and compared with the experimental results, with percent errors ranging from 5.3% to 32.8%. The approach was demonstrated in an application: a shape memory alloy–driven rotary ratcheting mechanism, with which factors of actuation frequency increase greater than 1.80 were measured due to vibration-enhanced cooling.
Investigation on the dynamic performance of viscoelastic dielectric elastomer oscillators considering nonlinear material viscosity
Authors: Li Yuanping , Zhou Jianyou , Jiang Liying
Published: October 2019

As a typical kind of soft electroactive materials, dielectric elastomers are capable of producing large deformation under external stimuli, which makes them desirable materials for many practical applications in transduction technology, including tunable oscillators and resonators. The dynamic performance of such dielectric elastomer–based vibrational devices is strongly affected by material viscosity as well as electromechanical coupling. Moreover, as suggested by experiments and theoretical studies, dielectric elastomers exhibit deformation-dependent relaxation process, which makes the modeling of the dynamic performance of dielectric elastomer–based devices more challenging. In this work, by adopting the state-of-art modeling framework of finite-deformation viscoelasticity, the effect of the nonlinear material viscosity on the in-plane oscillation and the frequency tuning of dielectric elastomer membrane oscillators is investigated. From the simulation results, it is found that the nonlinear viscosity only affects the transient state of the frequency tuning process. The modeling framework developed in this work is expected to provide useful guidelines for predicting the dynamic performance of dielectric elastomer–based vibrational devices as well as their optimal design.
The Authenticity of the Others: How Teammates’ Authenticity Relates to Our Well-Being
Authors: Emmerich Astrid Ingrid , Knoll Michael , Rigotti Thomas
Published: October 2019

Although prior research has linked being authentic to individual well-being, little is known about authenticity’s external effects, that is, whether being around those who are authentic is good or bad for us. Integrating authenticity research and social penetration theory, we propose that others’ authenticity facilitates a number of positive intra- and interpersonal processes. Using a sample of 715 employees nested in 109 teams working for a nonprofit organization, we found that teammate authenticity relates positively to focal employees’ work engagement and negatively to their emotional exhaustion. While teammate authenticity explained incremental validity in both outcomes beyond the focal employee’s self-authenticity, it did not moderate the link from self-authenticity to well-being. Thus, instead of further facilitating beneficial intra-individual processes, being around authentic teammates seems to trigger distinct beneficial (social) processes that are neglected when focusing merely on the authenticity of the individual employee.
Young Women’s Selfhood on Antidepressants: “Not Fully Myself”
Authors: Wills Celine , Gibson Kerry , Cartwright Claire , Read John
Published: October 2019

The impact of antidepressants on selfhood is well recognized but little is known about what this means for young women who take antidepressants during a key period for identity development. We analyzed interviews with 16 young women to explore the way that antidepressant use might shape selfhood. Thematic analysis was used to identify a range of potential self-related themes in the participants’ narratives including a “diagnosed self,” “an ill self,” “a normal self,” “a stigmatized self,” “an uncertain self,” and a “powerless self.” Themes highlighted the complex influence of antidepressants on young women’s selfhood. Antidepressants not only offered legitimacy for distress and the opportunity to have a more “normal” self but also left the young women challenged by some of the negative associations with antidepressant use and uncertainty about their identity. Prescribers should be mindful of the impact of antidepressants on young women’s developing selfhood.
Admission and Assessment of Music Degree Candidates
Authors: Payne Phillip , Ward Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this survey study was to examine current admissions processes and assessment practices for music programs of National Association of Schools of Music member institutions. Representatives from 95 institutions responded to a researcher-designed questionnaire. Music education programs were perceived as being comparable to performance programs on admissions standards. We describe the current state of candidate assessment practices from matriculation through degree conferral, consider a range of assessment measures including gateway or barrier instruments, and pose critical questions about the use of such assessments to determine whether music education candidates are appropriately qualified to become P–12 music educators.
The Humanity of Humanless Systems
Authors: Hancock Peter A.
Published: October 2019

This work considers the future of human interaction with progressively more autonomous systems. I argue that the temporal dissonance between the human’s ‘cycle time’ and machine ‘cycle time,’ will become an overwhelming barrier to collaborative interaction. We may slow machines, we may buffer information exchange, we may default to meta-levels of strategic interchange but in the end all transparency of information interchange will dissolve under the driving influence of time. HF/E is thus already fighting rear-guard action. The question remains as to the sustenance of human quality of life in this evolving milieu.
Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Gastrocnemius Injection With Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Abbasian Mohammadreza , Baghbani Salar , Barangi Samira , Fairhurst Paul Gilbert , Ebrahimpour Adel , Krause Fabian , Hashemi Masoud
Published: October 2019

Background:

The objective of this study was to determine whether the injection of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle could yield improvements in function and disability in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis with follow-up 12 months after treatment.

Methods:

Thirty-two patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were included in the study and randomly allocated to the BTA and placebo groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were used to evaluate pain levels pre- and postinjection as well as function of the foot, respectively. Patients were also asked to rate their treatment satisfaction 1 year after injection. The range of dorsiflexion was measured before and 12 months after the injection.

Results:

At the 12-month follow-up, the mean VAS decreased from 7.8 to 4 in the placebo group and from 8 to 0.33 in the BTA group. Furthermore, the mean AOFAS scores increased from 48.4 to 65.3 in the placebo group and from 45.5 to 90.6 in the BTA group. The postinjection scores in the BTA group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group ( P < .001). Patient satisfaction in the BTA group was higher than that in the placebo group at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

In patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, the use of BTA had a positive effect on improvement in pain and foot function 1 year after treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Level I, prospective randomized controlled trial.
Will We Be Ready? Preparing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses for Future Practice
Authors: Kaas Merrie J.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE: To review the challenges and issues facing educators as they prepare the psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing workforce to meet the needs of future practice. METHODS: Based on the author’s 40-plus-year career as an educator, clinician, and researcher, combined with a review of the literature, this article analyzes the current educational milieu for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education of PMH nurses, including urgent educational priorities. It also offers recommendations to meet the needs of PMH nurses both in education and in clinical practice. RESULTS: PMH nursing education must evolve to provide nursing experiences in nontraditional as well as traditional clinical settings, and incorporate simulation and telehealth/digital/mobile platforms for delivery of content. Development of qualified faculty members and preceptors who represent the diversity of the American population must be addressed to adequately train PMH nurses to meet the demands of their future roles. Methods must also be created to define, teach, and evaluate PMH nurses’ clinical competencies pre- and postclinical experiences. CONCLUSIONS: PMH nursing education must evolve and transform to attract, appropriately educate and prepare students for practice, and meet the growing need for qualified practitioners as well as faculty members and preceptors.
Diabetes Education for Behavioral Health Inpatients: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Bardsley Joan K. , Baker Kelley M. , Smith Kelly M. , Magee Michelle F.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE: To adapt a diabetes survival skills education (DSSE) program for delivery on inpatient behavioral health units (BHUs) and to evaluate implementation feasibility within nursing unit workflow. METHODS: We employed mixed methods to codesign, implement, and evaluate a DSSE program for inpatient BHUs. The Diabetes to Go core program incorporates linking knowledge deficits to video education content, a companion book on diabetes survival skills, and education for nurses on delivery processes and teaching content. The Diabetes to Go adaptation for BHUs was codesigned in partnership with BHU staff and patients. Implementation evaluation included patient surveys and nursing staff feedback obtained during field observations. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients participated in nine group education sessions among whom 17 (20%) had diabetes. Nursing unit staff and patients expressed willingness to engage in program design. Barriers to implementation were encountered in both groups including lack of standardization of education content by nurse facilitators and difficulty engaging patients for the time required for completion of surveys plus group education. Preferred education media for both nurses and patients was a book. Diabetes knowledge deficits were identified among over two thirds of participants with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Group class may not be the optimal delivery model for specialized DSSE on BHUs. It remains to be determined if individual diabetes education alone or a model which combines individual and group sessions is preferable. Translation of standardized approaches for diabetes education on inpatient BHUs will require further redesign to meet the unique needs of this population.
Visuospatial Working Memory Capacity in the Brain After Working Memory Training in College Students With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Woltering Steven , Gu Chao , Liu Zhong-Xu , Tannock Rosemary
Published: October 2019

Objective: ADHD has been associated with persistent problems of working memory. This study investigated the efficacy of an intensive and adaptive computerized working memory treatment (CWMT) at behavioral and neural levels. Method: College students ( n = 89; 40 females) with ADHD were randomized into a standard-length CWMT (45 min/session, 25 sessions, n = 29), shortened-length CWMT (15 min/session, 25 sessions, n = 32), and a waitlist group ( n = 28). Both CWMT groups received treatment for 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Lab sessions before and after CWMT assessed electroencephalography (EEG) indicators of working memory, behavioral indicators of working memory performance, and ADHD symptomatology. Results: No evidence was found for neural or any other behavioral transfer effects of improvement for the CWMT treatment groups over the active control or waitlist group. Conclusion: Our study does not provide evidence for the benefits of CWMT at neural or behavioral levels.
Catheter-related thrombosis natural history in adult patients: a tale of controversies, misconceptions, and fears
Authors: Pinelli Fulvio , Balsorano Paolo
Published: October 2019

Catheter-related thrombosis natural history understanding might play a pivotal role in the way we approach to symptomatic and asymptomatic events. At the moment, little is known about catheter-related thrombosis natural history in adult patients, where the fear for embolic events and thrombus extension often leads to a precautionary behavior as for screening and management. In adult population, the knowledge of the natural history of symptomatic and asymptomatic catheter-related thromboses can only be indirectly inferred by studies designed for other purposes. From the available evidence on symptomatic patients, it can be assumed that the majority of catheter-related thromboses are early-onset events, where the endothelial damage during vein puncture might play a significant role in their development. Furthermore, symptomatic thrombotic events seem to have a low potential for major complications following treatment. On the contrary, catheter-related thrombosis natural history is more controversial in asymptomatic patients due to the lack of studies in this setting. At the moment, we can only make assumptions from studies in the pediatric population, where asymptomatic events appear to have a low potential for acute embolism and long-term sequelae when no treatment is established.
Preliminary Analysis of Within-Sample Co-methylation Patterns in Normal and Cancerous Breast Samples
Authors: Sun Lillian , Namboodiri Surya , Chen Emily , Sun Shuying
Published: October 2019

DNA methylation plays a significant role in regulating the expression of certain genes in both cancerous and normal breast tissues. It is therefore important to study within-sample co-methylation, ie, methylation patterns between consecutive sites in a chromosome. In this article, we develop 2 new methods to compare co-methylation patterns between normal and cancerous breast samples. In particular, we investigate the co-methylation patterns of 4 different methylation states/levels separately. Using these 2 methods, we focus on addressing the following questions: How often does 1 methylation state change to other methylation states and how is this change dependent on chromosome distance? What co-methylation patterns do normal and cancerous breast samples have? Do genomic sites with different methylation states/levels have different co-methylation patterns? Our results show that cancerous and normal co-methylation patterns are significantly different. We find that this difference exists even when the physical distance of 2 sites are less than 50 bases. Breast cancer cell lines tend to remain in the same methylation state more often than normal samples, especially for the no/low or high/full methylation states. We also find that the co-methylation region lengths for various methylation states (no/low, partial, and high/full methylation states) are very different. For example, the co-methylation region lengths for partial methylation regions are shorter than the unmethylated or fully methylated regions. Our research may provide a deep understanding of co-methylation patterns. These co-methylation patterns will aid in discovering and understanding new methylation events that may be related to novel biomarkers.
Retrofitting of reinforced concrete columns using near-surface-mounted steel rebars and fiber-reinforced polymer straps under eccentric loading
Authors: Talaeitaba Sayed Behzad , Barati Ehsan , Eslami Abolfazl
Published: October 2019

This experimental study focuses on the retrofitting of reinforced concrete columns subjected to axial compression loading with different eccentricities. The proposed hybrid retrofitting technique incorporates two components: near-surface-mounted longitudinal steel rebars and transverse carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer straps. The latter was implemented to preclude buckling of the near-surface-mounted steel rebars under compression, to postpone debonding of near-surface-mounted steel rebars, to increase shear capacity of columns, and to improve the confinement level of concrete. The efficiency of the adopted retrofitting technique was evaluated through experimental testing of undamaged and damaged columns. Toward this, a total of 20 small-scale reinforced concrete circular columns including 5 control, 5 repaired, and 10 strengthened specimens were tested. All specimens were built to be identical with a diameter of 150 mm and a height of 500 mm. The specimens were tested under pure compression, combined axial–flexural (with eccentricities of 30, 60, and 90 mm), and four-point flexural loadings. Comparison of the results showed the efficacy of the proposed retrofitting strategy in enhancing the structural performance of both the undamaged and damaged columns in terms of loading capacity, ultimate displacement, and ductility factor. Finally, the axial load–bending moment interaction curves were discussed for all the tested columns.
Autoantibodies as biomarkers for colorectal cancer: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wang Hejing , Li Xiaojin , Zhou Donghu , Huang Jian
Published: October 2019

Colorectal cancer is a very common cancer worldwide. Serum tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs), especially the anti-p53 autoantibody, may be promising biomarkers to detect early-stage colorectal cancer. This study aimed to identify all known autoantibodies and their value in colorectal cancer diagnosis, as well as exploring the underlying connections and mechanisms through a bioinformatics analysis. Databases were used to select available articles of TAAbs in colorectal cancer. In a meta-analysis of the anti-p53 autoantibody, the diagnostic odds ratio and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve were calculated using Stata 12.0 and Meta-Disc 1.4. We identified 73 articles including 199 single autoantibodies and 42 multiple autoantibodies. The maximum value of Youden’s index was 0.76, combining c-MYC, p53, cyclin B1, p62, Koc, IMP1, and survivin. The diagnostic odds ratio for anti-p53 autoantibody at all stages was 10.86 (95% CI 8.40, 14.06) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 40.3%) and the AUC of the SROC curve was 0.82. For the anti-p53 autoantibody in early-stage colorectal cancer, the diagnostic odds ratio was 4.82 (95% CI 2.95, 7.87) with heterogeneity (I2 = 7.9%) and the AUC of the SROC curve was 0.72. Eighty-seven autoantibodies were selected for bioinformatics analyses. We found that the most enriched functional terms and protein–protein interactions may relate to the mechanism of autoantibody generation. In summary, our study summarized the diagnostic value of TAAbs in colorectal cancer, either as single molecules or in combination. Bioinformatics analyses may be a new approach to explore the mechanism of autoantibody generation.
Comparison between protocols and publications for prognostic and predictive cancer biomarker studies
Authors: Doussau Adelaide , Vinarov Esther , Barsanti-Innes Brianna , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Background:

Method prespecification in study protocols is important for controlling bias in reports. The primary goal of this study was to assess potential for discordance between study protocols and publications reporting predictive or prognostic cancer biomarker research. Secondary objectives included comparing characteristics of publications with accessible protocols compared to those without.

Methods:

Publications reporting predictive or prognostic cancer biomarker research were identified from 15 major journals, 2012–2015. Protocols were sought online or through repeated queries of corresponding authors. The following four items were extracted: (1) biomarkers, (2) biospecimen/assays, (3) sample size, (4) endpoints. We defined “explicit discordance” as the presence of major inconsistencies on these items.

Results:

Of 149 eligible publications, we obtained 19 eligible protocols online (13%). Out of a random sample of 103 publications where protocols were not available online, 12 protocols (12%) were furnished by corresponding authors; 8 (8% of authors) explicitly stated the absence of a protocol. Among 24 retrospective cohort studies, no protocol could be accessed. We found explicit discordance between publications and protocols for 18 studies (58%), in particular choice of biomarkers (36%), biospecimen/assays (6%), or endpoints (29%).

Conclusion:

Protocols are generally not accessible or not used for cancer biomarker studies. Publications were often explicitly discordant with protocols, particularly regarding biomarkers and endpoints. Our findings point to common unaddressed risk of bias in publications of major journals reporting the relationship between cancer biomarkers and clinical endpoints.
Update on the safety and efficacy of teriparatide in the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Minisola Salvatore , Cipriani Cristiana , Grotta Giada Della , Colangelo Luciano , Occhiuto Marco , Biondi Piergianni , Sonato Chiara , Vigna Evelina , Cilli Mirella , Pepe Jessica
Published: October 2019

Following the completion of the Fracture Prevention Trial, teriparatide was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency as the first therapeutic anabolic agent for the treatment of postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis. It subsequently received additional approval for the treatment of osteoporosis in men, and for the treatment of osteoporosis associated with glucocorticoid therapy in men and women at risk of fracture. In this review, we summarize the most important data concerning PTH 1-34 therapy before 2016 in the treatment of osteoporosis, and report some outstanding results published in the last 2 years. New data on safety will also discussed, together with the state of art of nonclassical utilization. Finally, in view of the recent approval of biosimilars, possible future landscapes are discussed.
Context and Content in Rural Gifted Education: A Literature Review
Authors: Rasheed Michelle
Published: October 2019

Understanding the nuances of the two individually specialized fields of rural education and gifted education is challenging for practitioners and education researchers. However, the combined field of rural gifted education has even more complexities. An examination of context and content in rural gifted education holds potential to elucidate facets of this specialized convergent field for advances in practice and research. This literature review systematically explores complexities in the individual fields of rural education and gifted education as they relate to the unique aspects of rural gifted education. This review provides an understanding of rurality as a context for gifted education; examines rural-specific questions about curricula content, particularly place-based curricula in gifted education; and identifies successes, challenges, and gaps in rural gifted education. The review can serve as the foundation for research exploring potential influences of place and achievement on what it means to be both rural and gifted.