bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthesiologist and Emergency Medicine Physician Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Etomidate for Intubation
Authors: Clinkard David , Priestap Fran , Ridi Stacy , Bruder Eric , Ball Ian M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The use of etomidate as an induction agent for critically ill patients is controversial. While its favorable hemodynamic profile is enviable, etomidate has been shown to cause transient adrenal suppression. The clinical consequences of transient adrenal suppression are poorly understood. Anecdotally, some clinicians advocate strongly for etomidate, while others feel it can cause significant harm. To better understand the current clinical environment with respect to single-dose etomidate use in critically ill patients, Canadian anesthesiologists and Canadian emergency medicine (EM) physicians were questioned regarding their opinions, knowledge, and preferences about etomidate use as an induction agent.

Methods:

Invitations to participate with the electronic survey were sent to 100 Canadian EM physicians and 260 Canadian anesthesiologists. The survey had 4 general parts: demographics, familiarity with the current literature, choice of induction agent given various clinical scenarios, and opinions on the controversy. The Pearson γ2 test was used to detect whether significant differences exist between physician groups.

Results:

Ninety three anesthesiologists and 42 EM physicians responded for response rates of 36% and 42%. There were no self-reported differences in knowledge about etomidate properties between EM physicians and anesthesiologists. There were significant differences in etomidate use between EM physicians and anesthesiologists in general rapid sequence intubation, noncritically ill patients, and those with undifferentiated hypotension. Both EM physicians and anesthesiologists describe the current etomidate controversy as significant and not adequately resolved.

Conclusion:

There is no significant difference in self-reported etomidate knowledge between anesthesiologists and EM physicians; however, significant practice pattern differences exist with EM physicians using etomidate more often. Broad agreement supports future research to investigate etomidate’s impact in critically ill patients.
Work Environment and Elderly Abuse in Nursing Homes: The Mediating Role of Burnout
Authors: Andela Marie , Truchot Didier , Huguenotte Virginie
Published: October 2018

The present study focuses on elderly abuse committed by nurses and nurses’ aides in nursing homes. Elderly abuse includes neglect and abusive behaviors deleterious to the health and welfare of the elderly. The study aimed at a better understanding of neglect and abusive behaviors by considering caregiver burnout and the work context of these professionals. To achieve this goal, direct effects of job demands (workload and emotional demands) and organizational resources (quality of relationships with colleagues and with the supervisor) on elderly abuse were analyzed. Moreover, the mediating role of caregiver burnout was explored by suggesting that job demands and lack of organizational resources were related to neglect and abusive behaviors through burnout. The study was conducted among 481 nurses and health care assistants from different French nursing homes. Correlations, multiple regressions, and mediation analyses were performed. Results globally confirmed our hypotheses. Emotional demands and poor quality relationships with colleagues and the team supervisor were the most predictive variables for caregiver burnout, neglect, and abusive behaviors toward the elderly. Moreover, the results contributed to the literature by highlighting the mediating effect of burnout and give rise to potential implications in preventing elderly abuse in nursing homes.
Health Effects of Late-Career Unemployment
Authors: Voss Maren Wright , Wadsworth Lori L. , Birmingham Wendy , Merryman M. Beth , Crabtree Lisa , Subasic Kathy , Hung Man
Published: October 2018

Objective: Job loss has a demonstrated negative impact on physical and mental health. Involuntary retirement has also been linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This study examined whether late-career unemployment is related to involuntary retirement and health declines postretirement. Method: Analysis was conducted using the 2000-2012 U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) survey data with unemployment months regressed with demographic and baseline health measures on physical and mental health. Results: Individuals with late-career unemployment reported more involuntary retirement timing (47.0%) compared with those reporting no unemployment (27.9%). Late-career unemployment had no significant effect on self-reported physical health (β = .003, p = .84), but was significantly associated with lower levels of mental health (β = .039; p < .01). Conclusion: Self-reports of late-career unemployment are not associated with physical health in retirement, but unemployment is associated with involuntary retirement timing and mental health declines in retirement. Unemployment late in the working career should be addressed as a public mental health concern.
EMHD time-dependant tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow by a convective heated Riga plate with chemical reaction
Authors: Mahdy A , Hoshoudy GA
Published: October 2018

The present exploration addresses the boundary layer electro-magnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow of time-dependant non-Newtonian tangent hyperbolic nanofluid that is electrically conducting past a Riga surface with variable thickness and slip boundary condition. Configuration flow modeling is deduced considering chemical reaction and heat generation/absorption with the impacts of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Also a newly proposed boundary condition with zero mass flux has been presented in the current contribution. Numerical solution of the governing non-linear differential equations is presented by considering the shooting technique. Graphical illustrations pointing out the aspects of distinct physical parameters on the non-Newtonian nanofluid velocity, temperature and concentration fields are introduced. From the computational results, the concentration distribution gives a decreasing function of the chemical reaction and Brownian motion parameters. Higher values of shape parameter yield a negative influence on the mechanical properties of the surface. The Hartmann number leads to maximize both of velocity field and skin friction coefficient. Additionally, numerical computed values of the skin friction, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are depicted with the needful discussion.
Using the AR–SVR–CPSO hybrid model to forecast vibration signals in a high-speed train transmission system
Authors: Liu Yumei , Qiao Ningguo , Zhao Congcong , Zhuang Jiaojiao , Tian Guangdong
Published: October 2018

Accurate vibration time series modeling can mine the internal law of data and provide valuable references for reliability assessment. To improve the prediction accuracy, this study proposes a hybrid model – called the AR–SVR–CPSO hybrid model – that combines the auto regression (AR) and support vector regression (SVR) models, with the weights optimized by the chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm. First, the auto regression model with the difference method is employed to model the vibration time series. Second, the support vector regression model with the phase space reconstruction is constructed for predicting the vibration time series once more. Finally, the predictions of the AR and SVR models are weighted and summed together, with the weights being optimized by the CPSO. In addition, the data collected from the reliability test platform of high-speed train transmission systems and the “NASA prognostics data repository” are used to validate the hybrid model. The experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid model proposed in this study outperforms the traditional AR and SVR models.
Prevalence and determinants of anal human papillomavirus infection in men who have sex with men and transgender women
Authors: Cranston Ross D , Carballo-Diéguez Alex , Gundacker Holly , Richardson Barbra A , Giguere Rebecca , Dolezal Curtis , Siegel Aaron , KunjaraNaAyudhya Ratiya P , Gomez Kailazarid , Piper Jeanna M , Lama Javier R , McGowan Ian ,   the MTN-017 Protocol Team
Published: October 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence varies by population. This study investigated anal HPV type detection risk by country in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) at risk of HIV. Sexually active HIV-1-uninfected MSM and TW were enrolled at eight sites: four in the United States (US), two in Thailand, one in Peru, and one in South Africa. Baseline anal HPV swabs were collected, and DNA typing was performed. One hundred and ninety-five participants, 76 (42%) from the US, had a mean age of 30.9 years (range 18–64). In 182 participants with results available, anal HPV infection was common with 169 (93%) with ≥1 type, 132 (73%) with ≥1 nine-valent vaccine types, and 66 (36%) with HPV 16. Participants in the US had a higher prevalence of HPV 16 (56%, p = 0.004) and HPV 6 (69%, p < 0.001) compared to the other regions. Stimulant drug use was significantly associated with HPV 6 detection. Anal HPV is highly prevalent in this population of MSM and TW sampled from four countries, with HPV 16 the most commonly detected type. The nine-valent HPV vaccine has the potential to provide significant protection if given prior to exposure.
Numerical investigation of heat transfer and friction characteristics for turbulent flow in various corrugated tubes
Authors: Kaood A , Abou-Deif T , Eltahan H , Yehia MA , Khalil EE
Published: October 2018

Thermal and hydraulic characteristics of turbulent water flow in a transverse corrugated tube with various corrugation direction (inward/outward) and corrugation shape (triangle, curve, rectangle, and trapezoid) are numerically investigated. The axisymmetric model of corrugated tubes with 10 mm inner diameter was investigated by changing the geometrical parameters for Reynolds number ranging from 5000 to 61,000 and constant heat flux boundary condition. Structured, nonuniform grid system is applied. Momentum, continuity, and energy equations were treated by means of a finite volume method using the SIMPLE scheme with the k–ε turbulence model and enhanced wall treatment. The results reveal that corrugation direction and corrugation shape have perceptible effects upon the heat transfer in the form of Nusselt number ( Nu) and pressure drop in the form of friction factor (ƒ). The average Nu for (inward) trapezoidal, rectangular, curved, and triangular corrugation shapes are 52.61%, 50.12%, 47.82%, and 44.96%, respectively, higher than the smooth tube. The average Nu for (outward) trapezoidal, curved, triangular, and rectangular corrugation shapes are 48.31%, 45.72%, 41.23%, and 40.94%, respectively, which are higher than a smooth tube. The results reveal that both inward/outward curved and triangular roughness shape have the superior performance evaluation criterion than rectangular and trapezoidal. Turbulence kinetic energy contour shows the increase in heat transfer performance for all corrugated tubes compared with a smooth tube. Inward corrugated tube provides the highest turbulence kinetic energy along the tube length and, consequently, the highest heat transfer. In addition, inward corrugated tubes provide the highest values and homogeneity of the velocity distribution along the core of tubes.
Skin signs in juvenile- and adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: clues to different systemic involvement
Authors: Chottawornsak N , Rodsaward P , Suwannachote S , Rachayon M , Rattananupong T , Deekajorndech T , Asawanonda P , Chiewchengchol D , Rerknimitr P
Published: October 2018

Objective

We aim to explore the differences of skin signs between juvenile- and adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and to identify their associations to the development of systemic involvement.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 377 systemic lupus erythematosus patients was performed.

Results

In total, 171 patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and 206 with adult systemic lupus erythematosus were studied. All patients were of Southeast Asian descent. The mean duration of follow up was 8.18 ± 6.19 and 9.36 ± 7.68 years for juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and adult systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively. At diagnosis, most patients presented with acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, whereas chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus was twice as common in adult systemic lupus erythematosus ( p < 0.001). The mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus was significantly higher than that of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (14.29 ± 7.13 vs 11.27 ± 6.53). Multivariate analysis revealed the following associations in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and non-scarring alopecia with increased risk of arthralgia, mucosal ulcers with leukopenia, cutaneous vasculitis with seizure, and finding of granular casts. On the contrary, the associations for adult systemic lupus erythematosus were oral ulcers with arthralgia and cutaneous vasculitis with myositis.

Conclusions

Cutaneous signs in systemic lupus erythematosus may signal prognostic implication. Interestingly, despite similar cutaneous lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus, different ages of onset are associated with different systemic involvement.
A study on prediction performance of the mechanical properties of rubber using Fourier-transform near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Pornprasit Rattapol , Pornprasit Philaiwan , Boonma Pruet , Natwichai Juggapong
Published: October 2018

Near infrared spectroscopy is a spectroscopic method used for quality and quantity analysis of agriculture products and industry materials. Rubber is a mostly raw material of any products. NIR spectroscopy had been using to analyze the mechanical properties of rubber and polymer materials. Prediction models were built from the correlation between the NIR spectra and mechanical strength values (hardness and tensile strength). Raw data were pretreated to improve the prediction models, where the prediction models were based on partial least squares regression and support vector regression. In the case of hardness prediction, the raw dataset was pretreated with standard normal variate transformation or a combination of Savitzky–Golay smoothing and multiplicative scatter correction, following which orthogonal signal correction and uninformative variable elimination were used for feature selection, and partial least squares regression and support vector regression were applied for the prediction model. For tensile strength prediction, the pretreatments were multiplicative scatter correction or combination of Savitzky–Golay smoothing and multiplicative scatter correction, following which orthogonal signal correction and uninformative variable elimination were used for feature selection, and partial least squares regression and support vector regression were applied for the prediction model. From these processes, the r2 values were greater than 0.9, the bias values were among ±0.5, and the RMSEP values were lower than 5.
Gender-specific cut-offs in colorectal cancer screening with FIT: Increased compliance and equal positivity rate
Authors: Blom Johannes , Löwbeer Christian , Elfström K. Miriam , Sventelius Marika , Öhman Daniel , Saraste Deborah , Törnberg Sven
Published: October 2018

Objective

Using quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening enables adjustment of the cut-off for a positive test. As men have higher stool blood levels and higher prevalence of colorectal neoplasia, different cut-off levels can be chosen for men and women. We evaluated participation and positivity rates switching from guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) (Hemoccult®) to FIT (OC-Sensor), using gender-specific cut-offs.

Methods

The colorectal cancer screening programme of Stockholm-Gotland, Sweden, started in 2008 and invited individuals aged 60–69 to biennial testing using gFOBT. From 1 October 2015 the test was switched to FIT, with positivity cut-offs of 40 (200) and 80 (400) µg Hb/g (ng/mL) faeces for women and men, respectively. The first year was evaluated for compliance and positivity, number of reminders and incorrect/inadequate tests, compared with gFOBT in the preceding 12-month period.

Results

There were 127,030 and 87,269 individuals invited to screening with gFOBT and FIT, respectively. The change of test increased overall participation by 11.9% (95% confidence interval 11.5%–12.3%) from 56.5% to 68.4% ( p < 0.001). The increase was larger in men (14.3%) than women (9.7%), and in those aged 60–64 (14.2%) than those aged 65–69 (8.7%). The positivity rate was 2.6% in women and 2.5% in men. There was a lower rate of reminders and incorrect/inadequate tests with FIT.

Conclusions

Within a well-organised colorectal cancer screening programme, changing the test from gFOBT to FIT markedly increased participation, especially among men, and in the younger age group. With a lower cut-off in women than men, the positivity rate was similar.
A Retrospective Chart Review of Transfusion Practices in the Palliative Care Unit Setting
Authors: Sirianni Giovanna , Perri Giulia , Callum Jeannie , Gardner Sandra , Berall Anna , Selby Debbie
Published: October 2018

Background:

There remains limited data in the literature on the frequency, clinical utility and effectiveness of transfusions in palliative care, with no randomized controlled trials or clinical practice guidelines on this topic. There are no routinely accepted practices in place for the appropriate transfusion of blood products in this setting.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to retrospectively review all transfusions in the palliative care units of 2, tertiary care hospitals in Canada. The goals were to elucidate the frequency, indications, patient characteristics, and practices around this intervention.

Design:

Descriptive, retrospective chart review.

Setting/Participants:

The clinical charts of patients admitted to the palliative care unit and who obtained blood transfusions for the period of April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017, were reviewed. All patients admitted who obtained a transfusion were included. There were no exclusion criteria.

Results:

Transfusions in the palliative care units were rare despite their availability (0.9% at Sunnybrook and 1.4% Baycrest) and were primarily given to patients with cancer. The main symptom issues identified for transfusion were fatigue and dyspnea. The majority of patients endorsed symptomatic benefit with minimal adverse reactions though pre- and post-transfusion assessment practices varied greatly between institutions.

Conclusions:

Transfusions in the palliative care units were infrequent, symptom targeted, and well tolerated, though the lack of standardized pre/post assessment tools limits any ability to draw conclusions about utility. Patients would benefit from additional research in this area and the development of clinical practice guidelines for transfusions in palliative care.
What Do Chaplains Do: The Views of Palliative Care Physicians, Nurses, and Social Workers
Authors: Damen Annelieke , Labuschagne Dirk , Fosler Laura , O’Mahony Sean , Levine Stacie , Fitchett George
Published: October 2018

It is well accepted that attention to spiritual concerns is a core dimension of palliative care. It is similarly well accepted that chaplains are the spiritual care specialists who should address such concerns. However, what chaplains do when they provide care for patients and families is often poorly understood by their palliative care colleagues. Having a clear understanding of what chaplains do is important because it contributes to improved utilization of the spiritual care and other resources of the palliative care team and thereby to better care for patients and families. The aim of this study was to describe what palliative care physicians, nurses, and social workers understand about what chaplains do. Brief surveys were distributed to participants at 2 workshops for palliative care professionals in 2016. The survey was completed by 110 participants. The majority reported that they understood what chaplains do moderately well or very well. Thirty-three percent of the written comments about what chaplains do were very general; 25% were more specific. Only a small proportion of the participants were aware that chaplains provide care for the team, are involved in facilitating treatment decision-making, perform spiritual assessments, and bridge communication between the patient/family/team/community. Based on our survey, palliative care colleagues appear to have a broad understanding of what chaplains do but many may be unfamiliar with important contributions of chaplains to care for patients, families, and teams. These findings point to the need for ongoing education of palliative teams about what chaplains do in palliative care.
Public Attitudes Toward New Prisons in New Zealand and Deficit Narratives: A Quantitative Survey
Authors: Norris Adele N. , Lipsey Kalym
Published: October 2018

The imprisonment rate in New Zealand ranks seventh among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Yet the imprisonment of Indigenous people is on par with the United States, which has the world’s highest incarceration rate. Almost 70% of the prison population in New Zealand is comprised of people racialized as non-White. In 2016, the National Government proposed to spend $2.5 billion over a 5-year period to build new prisons (1,500 prison beds) to accommodate a growing prison population. This study assessed public attitudes toward the need for more prisons and the equity of treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system. Findings from a 2016 and 2017 quantitative survey of 5,000 respondents each year revealed that roughly half of the respondents believed the proposed spending for new prisons to be extremely to somewhat necessary. A large proportion of respondents also believed Māori and Pākehā, if convicted of the same crime, are treated similarly within the criminal justice system. New Zealand scholars have critiqued news media coverage of contentious sociopolitical issues, such as crime and prisons, for employing tactics that have worked to construct a morally and culturally deficit “Other” while normalizing whiteness, rendering it invisible and raceless. This article concludes that this process masks racial disparities of individuals located within the criminal justice system and preserves the ideal that prisons are a normal function of the social landscape.
Building Bridges for Asthma Care Program: A School-Centered Program Connecting Schools, Families, and Community Health-Care Providers
Authors: Cicutto Lisa , Gleason Melanie , Haas-Howard Christy , White Marty , Hollenbach Jessica P. , Williams Shann , McGinn Meghan , Villarreal Miguel , Mitchell Herman , Cloutier Michelle M. , Vinick Carol , Langton Christine , Shocks Donna J. , Stempel David A. , Szefler Stanley J.
Published: October 2018

Asthma imposes tremendous burden on children, families, and society. Successful management requires coordinated care among children, families, health providers, and schools. Building Bridges for Asthma Care Program, a school-centered program to coordinate care for successful asthma management, was developed, implemented, and evaluated. The program consists of five steps: (1) identify students with asthma; (2) assess asthma risk/control; (3) engage the family and student at risk; (4) provide case management and care coordination, including engagement of health-care providers; and (5) prepare for next school year. Implementation occurred in 28 schools from two large urban school districts in Colorado and Connecticut. Significant improvements were noted in the proportions of students with completed School Asthma Care Plans, a quick-relief inhaler at school, Home Asthma Action/Treatment Plans and inhaler technique ( p < .01 for all variables). Building Bridges for Asthma Care was successfully implemented extending asthma care to at-risk children with asthma through engagement of schools, health providers, and families.
Associations of the SLCO1B1 Polymorphisms With Hepatic Function, Baseline Lipid Levels, and Lipid-lowering Response to Simvastatin in Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Wu Xiangyu , Gong Chen , Weinstock Justin , Cheng Jun , Hu Shengnan , Venners Scott A. , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Wu Suwen , Zha Xiangdong , Jiang Shanqun , Li Yong , Pan Faming , Xu Xiping
Published: October 2018

Our goal was to examine the associations of the 388A>G and 521T>C polymorphisms in the solute carrier organic anion transporter 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene with hepatic function, baseline lipid levels, and the lipid-lowering efficiency of simvastatin. We recruited 542 patients with hyperlipidemia. The 388A>G and 521T>C polymorphisms were genotyped. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured before and after an oral 20-mg dose of simvastatin. Individuals with the 388AA genotype had higher ALT and AST levels than those with the 388AG or 388GG genotypes (P = .037 and P = .002, respectively). Individuals with both the 388AA and the 521TT genotypes had the highest levels of ALT and AST (P = .001 and P = .001, respectively). Moreover, we divided all patients into normal and abnormal subgroups based on elevated ALT and AST values (≥ 40 U/L), participants in the abnormal subgroup had a higher frequency of the 388A/521T haplotype and a lower frequency of the 388G/521T haplotype compared to those in the normal subgroup.  In addition, compared to 388G allele and 521C allele carriers, individuals with the 388G allele and 521TT genotype carriers had greater TC and LDL-C reduction in response to simvastatin after 4 weeks of treatment. Our conclusion suggests that the interaction between the SLCO1B1 388A>G and 521T>C polymorphisms could be an important genetic determinant of hepatic function and the therapeutic efficiency of simvastatin in Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia.
A study of modeling experiments of the vibration behavior of elevated railway box girder
Authors: Luo Kun , Lei Xiaoyan
Published: October 2018

Based on the model similarity theory, this article deduces the model similarity relationship of the elevated railway box girder at the elastic stage and designs a 1/10 box girder scale model by adopting a 32 m simply-supported box girder bridge from the Beijing–Shanghai Railway as the prototype. It then verifies the validity of the model design and the dynamic similarity between the 1/10 model and the prototype through constraint mode and free mode experiments on the 1/10 scale model, together with transient finite element calculation. The dynamic calculation model is utilized here for the analysis of the errors occurring in the production of the model, and the effect of the model structure simplification on the box girder mode frequency and vibration response. Finally, the article studies the vibration transmissibility characteristics between the plates and along the longitudinal direction by means of model testing. It also discusses the effect of different bridge support stiffness on the box girder vibration. The results presented in this paper can provide a method for forecasting and evaluating the existing or plan-to-build high speed railway environment vibration.
The Medicare Part D Coverage Gap, Prescription Use, and Expenditures
Authors: Unuigbe Aig
Published: October 2018

The Affordable Care Act has put in place policies to gradually close the Medicare Part D coverage gap (donut hole). I examine the effect of this gradual closure on total and out-of-pocket prescription drug expenditures, as well as the number of prescriptions filled. The analysis shows a general increase in prescription use. There are also heterogeneous effects, with higher total expenditure groups seeing a decrease in their out-of-pocket prescription expenditures. This suggests that closure of the “donut hole” has led to an increase in prescription use that was previously curtailed and had an impact on the financial risk faced by Medicare recipients. This has implications for trends in prescription use and Medicare expenditures in the future, as the coverage gap is closed further.
Evaluating the adverse effects of melphalan formulations
Authors: Xiang Elaine , Ni Jian , Glotzbecker Brett , Laubach Jacob , Soiffer Robert , McDonnell Anne M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

For multiple myeloma patients who respond to primary therapy, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is considered standard of care with high-dose melphalan for transplant candidates. There are now two different melphalan formulations available, including a propylene glycol containing (PG-MEL) product and a propylene glycol-free (PG-free MEL) product. Although considered bioequivalent, there remains limited literature directly evaluating the adverse events between the two agents. We seek to assess the tolerability and severity of side effects between the two formulations in a real-life practice setting.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted of multiple myeloma patients who received autologous stem cell conditioning with either melphalan formulation when dosed at 100 mg/m2/dose for two consecutive doses. The primary outcome was the assessment of tolerability and severity of side effects. Tolerability was split into four major categories including hematologic toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, renal toxicity, and highest recorded mucositis grade.

Results

There were a total of 78 patients who received a melphalan preparation during the study. The median time to myeloablation and neutrophil engraftment was five and seven days post-HSCT, respectively, for all patients. Patients who received PG-free MEL were less likely to develop mucositis, with 22 (56%) reported highest grade 0, defined by World Health Organization oral toxicity scale, compared to those who received PG-MEL (33%), p = 0.04.

Conclusion

There were minimal differences in tolerability or side effects observed between PG-free MEL and PG-MEL. These data may assist in better understanding the anticipated adverse effects of a high-dose melphalan conditioning therapy.
Analysis of carboplatin dosing in patients with a glomerular filtration rate greater than 125 mL/min: To cap or not to cap? A retrospective analysis and review
Authors: Morrow Amy , Garland Campbell , Yang Fei , De Luna Mike , Herrington Jon D
Published: October 2018

The use of the Calvert formula to calculate carboplatin doses allows clinicians to achieve the appropriate carboplatin area under the concentration (AUC) curve. Thrombocytopenia is the dose limiting toxicity of carboplatin and optimizing AUC minimizes the risk of thrombocytopenia. Carboplatin clearance directly correlates with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and, therefore, an accurate estimation of the renal function is needed. The Calvert formula was designed using the GFR measured by 51Cr-EDTA; however, many clinicians substitute estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) as calculated by the Cockcroft–Gault (C–G) equation. The potential for overestimating AUC occurs when clinicians substitute actual weight in obese patients or use a low serum creatinine when calculating C–G estimated CrCl. In 2010, the National Cancer Institute recommended the GFR value within the Calvert formula should not exceed 125 mL/min, thereby capping the carboplatin dose. However, there are studies demonstrating that certain patients’ actual GFR values do exceed 125 mL/min. Therefore, capping the carboplatin dose in these patients may lead to underestimating the carboplatin AUC. A single-center, retrospective study was performed to evaluate the change in platelet count pre- and post-carboplatin exposure in patients with C–G estimated CrCl greater than 125 mL/min receiving capped versus uncapped carboplatin doses. A review of carboplatin dosing strategies is also presented. This study indicated there was a larger mean difference in pre- and post-platelet count in patients receiving uncapped carboplatin compared to patients receiving capped carboplatin with no differences in toxicities. Dose capping this patient population will likely lead to a lower AUC rather than the intended AUC target, which could ultimately lead to substandard outcomes.
Factorial Structure and Psychometric Properties of a Brief Scale of the Condom Use Self-Efficacy for Spanish-Speaking People
Authors: Gil-Llario María-Dolores , Morell-Mengual Vicente , Ruiz-Palomino Estefanía , Ballester-Arnal Rafael
Published: October 2018

Background. Studies have shown the role played by perceived self-efficacy in explaining condom negotiation and condom use. Aims. The factorial structure and the psychometric properties of the Brief Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale are presented. Method. The study included 368 men and 456 women aged 17 to 55 years ( Mage = 25.01, SD = 6.93). Results. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors: fear of rejection, impulse control, and condom acquisition and negotiation, which together accounted for 68% of the total variance. That structure was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha for the Brief Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale was .71. The scale provided adequate convergent validity, and positive correlations were observed between self-reported condom use and self-efficacy for use of other barrier methods. Discussion. This brief instrument could be a useful and appropriate measure to assess the types of condom use self-efficacy that occur at the different moments of a sexual relationship.
The Effect of Compensation Size on Recovery Satisfaction After Group Service Failures: The Role of Group Versus Individual Service Recovery
Authors: Albrecht Arne K. , Schaefers Tobias , Walsh Gianfranco , Beatty Sharon E.
Published: October 2018

Two experimental studies reveal that customers’ reactions to different levels of recovery compensation differ between a recovery that occurs at the group level (such that every customer knows that every other affected customer receives the same compensation) and one that occurs at the individual level (such that the individual does not know whether and how much compensation other affected customers receive). In both cases, recovery compensation exhibits diminishing returns on compensation size in terms of recovery satisfaction. However, at the group level, the rate at which the returns on compensation diminish is greater and satisfaction reaches a plateau at lower compensation levels than at the individual level. The salient social comparison made during a group service recovery (GSR), as evidenced by the mediating role of distributive justice, explains these effects. Finally, we note that at midrange compensation levels, GSR and individual service recovery did not lead to different levels of recovery satisfaction, suggesting a zone of tolerance or indifference at these levels. Further, our findings yield important managerial implications for the efficient allocation of service recovery resources after a group service failure.
“We Learn How to Become Good Men”: Working with Male Allies to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls in Urban Informal Settlements in Mumbai, India
Authors: Chakraborty Proshant , Osrin David , Daruwalla Nayreen
Published: October 2018

Engaging men has now become part of established global efforts to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG), with most interventions focusing on making men’s behaviors and attitudes more gender equitable. While scholarship on male allies has demonstrated the nature of their transformations and motivations, less attention has been paid to their negotiations of masculinity, privilege, the intersection between subjecthood and social contexts, and how these inform their engagements with women activists’ anti-violence work in their communities. We explore questions of men’s engagement in this article, which is based on a pilot ethnographic study with male allies in a VAWG prevention program in the informal settlements of Dharavi in Mumbai, India. We found that while men are able to acquire “knowledge” and “awareness” through the intervention, it produces an individuating effect wherein the structural nature of VAWG is obscured due to an emphasis on men’s individual traits. This further informs participants’ understanding of masculinity, which is marked by ambivalence as men negotiate multiple hegemonic masculinities and socioeconomic anxieties. One reason for this is that interventions with men are unable to destabilize public–private boundaries in informal settlements, which continue to treat VAWG as “private matters.” We discuss the implications for local and global responses to engender accountability among male allies.
Radiation therapy for intracranial tumours in cats with neurological signs
Authors: Körner Maximilian , Roos Malgorzata , Meier Valeria S , Soukup Alena , Cancedda Simona , Parys Magdalena M , Turek Michelle , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of cats with intracranial tumours presenting with neurological signs treated with radiation therapy.

Methods

This study comprised a retrospective multicentre case series. Medical records of a total of 22 cats with intracranial space-occupying lesions, presenting with neurological signs and/or epileptic seizures and treated with external beam radiation therapy, were reviewed. In the treated cats, patient-, tumour- and treatment-related variables were investigated, including age, sex, tumour location, tumour volume, total radiation dose, equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), corticosteroid dose, overall treatment time and institution for influence on local tumour control and survival.

Results

Based on advanced imaging characteristics, the 22 treated cats presented with meningioma (n = 11), pituitary tumour (n = 8), choroid plexus tumour (n = 2) or glioma (n = 1). Allocated to the neuraxis, 11 lesions were extra-axial, three were intra-axial and eight were located in the pituitary region. At diagnosis, 21 cats exhibited altered neurological status. One cat presented with epileptic seizures and another cat had both seizures and altered neurological status. The mean total physical dose of radiation was 41.63 Gy (± 4.33), range 24–45 Gy. In all but one cat (95.5%), neurological signs improved after radiation therapy. The median progression-free survival was 510 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51–969). The proportion free of progression at 1 year was 55.7% (95% CI: 33–78). Fourteen cats died (only in five cases was death related to the intracranial tumour) and eight cats were still alive or lost to follow-up. The median overall survival time was 515 days (95% CI: 66–964). None of the tested variables influenced outcome.

Conclusions and relevance

Radiation therapy seems to represent a viable treatment option in cats with intracranial tumours, relieving neurological signs and improving local tumour control. Radiation therapy may be considered for cats with tumours in complicated/inoperable localisations or for cases with a high peri- and postoperative risk.
Pharmacokinetics of furosemide after intravenous, oral and transdermal administration to cats
Authors: Sleeper Meg M , O’Donnell Patricia , Fitzgerald Caitlin , Papich Mark G
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of furosemide in cats following intravenous (IV), oral and transdermal administration.

Methods

This study used six healthy adult cats in a three-phase design to compare plasma furosemide concentrations in cats that received one IV 2 mg/kg dose of furosemide, one oral 2 mg/kg dose of furosemide and 3 days of q12h dosing with 2 mg/kg furosemide transdermally applied to the ear pinna.

Results

After IV administration the elimination half-life was (mean and coefficient of variation) 2.25 h (72%), systemic clearance was 149 ml/kg/h (27.4%) and volume of distribution was 227 ml/kg (22%). After oral administration the terminal half-life was 1.2 h (18.7%), peak concentration was 3.4 μg/ml (51.7%) and bioavailability was 48.4%. The transdermal plasma concentrations were undetectable or very low at most time points, and pharmacokinetics were not determined from the transdermal dose.

Conclusions and relevance

Furosemide was rapidly eliminated in cats after oral and IV administration and is probably best administered orally at least q12h in cats with heart failure. The oral dose absorbed was approximately 50%, but the absorption from transdermal administration was negligible.
Long-term stability of guided wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer systems
Authors: Herdovics Balint , Cegla Frederic
Published: October 2018

This article evaluates the long-term stability of a Lorentz force guided wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer. The specific application of the investigated electromagnetic acoustic transducer is pipeline health monitoring using low-frequency (27 kHz) long-range torsional guided waves. There is a concern that repeated swings in the temperature of the structure can cause irreversible changes in the transduction mechanism and therefore pose a risk to the long-term stability of transducers. In this article we report on guided wave signals acquired on a custom-built transducer while it was exposed to more than 90 heating cycles. The highest temperature that was reached during cycling was 80°C and the measurements were acquired over a 14-month period. At the end of the 1-year period, the transducer phase had changed by 23.32° and its amplitude by 3.7%. However, this change was not gradual and most of the change occurred early on, before the highest temperature was first reached in the temperature cycling process. The observed change after this was 6.08° phase shift and 0.9% amplitude change. The possible sources of output changes were investigated, and it was found that the mechanical properties of the contact layer between the electromagnetic acoustic transducer and the pipe surface was very important. A soft silicone interlayer performed best and was able to reduce temperature-induced phase changes in the monitored signals from a maximum of 80 degrees phase change to about 20 degrees phase change, a fourfold reduction.
Achieving big data privacy in education
Authors: Reidenberg Joel R. , Schaub Florian
Published: October 2018

Education, Big Data, and student privacy are a combustible mix. The improvement of education and the protection of student privacy are key societal values. Big Data and Learning Analytics offer the promise of unlocking insights to improving education through large-scale empirical analysis of data generated from student information and student interactions with educational technology tools. This article explores how learning technologies also create ethical tensions between privacy and the use of Big Data for educational improvement. We argue for the need to demonstrate the efficacy of learning systems while respecting privacy and how to build accountability and oversight into learning technologies. We conclude with policy recommendations to achieve these goals.
Permacol Collagen Paste Injection for Treatment of Complex Cryptoglandular Anal Fistulas: An Observational Cohort Study With a 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Schiano di Visconte Michele , Braini Andrea , Moras Luana , Brusciano Luigi , Docimo Ludovico , Bellio Gabriele
Published: October 2018

Background. Permacol paste injection is a novel treatment approach for complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas. This study was performed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of treatment with Permacol paste for complex cryptoglandular fistulas. Methods. Patients with primary or recurrent complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas treated with Permacol paste from 2014 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results. A total of 46 patients (median age, 41.3 years; 21 female) underwent Permacol paste injection; 20 patients (43%) had previously undergone failed fistula surgery. The patients had experienced anal fistula-related symptoms for a median of 10 weeks (range, 3-50 weeks). All patients had a draining seton in situ for a median of 10 weeks (range, 4-46 weeks). The median follow-up time was 24 months (range, 1-25 months). At the 1-month follow-up, 2 patients had paste extrusion and 2 had anal abscesses. The mean preoperative Continence Grading Scale score was 1.10 ± 1.40, and that at 3 months postoperatively was 1.13 ± 1.39 ( P = .322). There was a significant difference in the preoperative and the 1- and 3-month postoperative pain scores ( P < .001). At the 24-month follow-up, the healing rate was 50% (n = 23). A total of 19 patients (41%) with a recurrent fistula after failed Permacol paste injection required additional operative procedures. The satisfaction rate at the 2-year follow-up was 65%. Conclusion. Permacol paste injection is minimally invasive and technically easy to perform. It can be considered as a viable and reasonable option for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas in patients with fecal continence disorders.
Analysis methods of the dynamic structural stress in a full-scale welded carbody for high-speed trains
Authors: Lu Yaohui , Zheng Heyan , Lu Chuan , Chen Tianli , Zeng Jing , Dong Pingsha
Published: October 2018

The calculation of the dynamic stress of a large and complex welded carbody is the key to the fatigue design and the durability evaluation of the carbody. Adopting the advanced structural stress based on the finite element method, a new finite element transformation method between random loads and dynamic stresses is proposed to be applied in carbody for high-speed trains. The multi-axial random dynamic load spectrums of full-scale carbody are obtained by the vehicle system dynamics method, and the shell finite element model of a full-scale carbody is established. Adopting the concept of a surrogate model, the finite element transformation relationship between the random load and the dynamic structural stress at concerned points is constructed by using multidisciplinary methods to compute the dynamic stress spectrums of concerned points at the welding seam, and dynamic structural stresses are compared and validated through carbody rig-test. The analysis methods of dynamic structural stress are performed systematically for a full-scale welded structure, which provides reference methods for the fatigue durability evaluation of large-scale welded structures.