bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prone positioning for peripherally inserted central catheter on a patient with anal cancer
Authors: Longo Ferdinando , Costa Fabio , Piliego Chiara , Agrò Felice E
Published: June 2019

Peripherally inserted central catheters are usually inserted in supine patients. What should we do when facing a patient who cannot tolerate this position? In this article, we are describing a particularly difficult patient: not only supine decubitus was intolerable to her but lying on the side was unbearable, too. That is why, to manage a patient who required a central access but could not tolerate the usual position for placing it, we tried to do that in prone position.
Secondary Leiomyosarcoma of the Lower Limb Following Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential
Authors: García-Sánchez Jose María , Bauza Mónica , Pérez-García Alberto , Mayordomo Aranda Empar , Ruiz Valls Alejandro
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

This report presents uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential course with an unpredictable clinical behavior and late metastases. Metastases have been described to the humerus, lung, and peritoneum.

Case Presentation:

Hereby we present the case of a 71-year-old woman with a past surgical history of hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy due to a smooth muscle tumor of unknown malignant potential, who was evaluated 6 years later after the appearance of a mass in the proximal third of the right lower limb. The mass was diagnosed as a G1 epithelioid leiomyosarcoma and was surgically removed with immediate reconstruction with a tendinous transfer to the tibialis posterior muscle to maintain foot dorsiflexion.

Conclusion:

Patients diagnosed with smooth uterine muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential should be closely followed up given the possibility of recurrence and late metastases, bearing in mind uncommon locations as well, such as the lower limb.
Post-normal evaluation?
Authors: Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: June 2019

Evaluation evolves, responding to developments in the technical, social, and political environments in which it unfolds as well as influencing how those contexts are to be understood and assessed. Evaluation has typically been understood as a reliable means of providing some assurance in the appraisal of the value of social interventions, but has increasingly been seen as having to address a variety of uncertainties and risks not simply in those appraisals per se but in the design and management of the interventions as well. Some new ways of thinking and forms of evaluation practice linked to planning and decision making are emerging reflecting assumptions of unpredictability as well as incompleteness, instability, and a plurality of perspectives in value determination. This may signal the emergence of “post-normal evaluation.” This article explores several key features of this development.
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials using psychological interventions for children and adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms: A focus on mental health outcomes
Authors: O’Connell Christine , Shafran Roz , Bennett Sophie
Published: June 2019

Background:

Medically unexplained symptoms affect between 4% and 20% of children and adolescents; 30–60% of these children also experience mental health difficulties. Trials and reviews have focussed on physical gains in this population, often overlooking mental health outcomes.

Objectives:

To use a systematic review methodology guided by the PRISMA checklist to (1) investigate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for mental health difficulties in children and adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms and (2) identify aspects of interventions associated with their success.

Methods:

Randomised controlled studies investigating the impact of psychological interventions on mental health in children and adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms were included. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL were undertaken from inception to January 2018. Studies were appraised using the quality appraisal checklist. A qualitative synthesis of studies was completed.

Results:

In all, 18 studies were identified. Interventions targeting parental responses to illness and family communication appeared to have the best outcomes.

Conclusions:

Psychological interventions may be effective in improving mental health outcomes within this population; however, evidence for the efficacy of these interventions is limited due to a high risk of bias within the majority of reviewed studies. Future research using rigorous methodology and non–cognitive behavioural therapy interventions is recommended.
Antenatal interpersonal sensitivity as an early predictor of vulnerable mother–infant relationship quality
Authors: Raine Karen Hazell , Boyce Philip , Thorpe Karen
Published: June 2019

Maternal mental health problems in the perinatal period incur significant human and economic costs attributable to adverse child outcomes. In response, governments invest in screening for perinatal depressive symptoms. Mother–infant relationship quality (MIRQ) is a key mechanism linking maternal perinatal mental health to child outcomes. Perinatal depressive symptoms are typically transient while personality style, including interpersonal sensitivity, is a more stable construct. We have demonstrated that antenatal interpersonal sensitivity independently predicted MIRQ at 12 months postpartum. Building on our previous work, the objective of this study was to examine the associations of antenatal interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms with MIRQ 1 year postnatal. A sample of 73 women attending routine antenatal care, 61 (84%) from ethnically diverse populations, were studied across the perinatal period. At ⩽26 weeks, gestation interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms were measured. At 12 months, postnatal mental health and MIRQ was assessed in 35 of the mother–infant dyads. We found no significant statistical association between antenatal interpersonal sensitivity and depressive symptoms with postnatal MIRQ. Interpersonal sensitivity ( r = –.24) showed weak association with MIRQ. Depressive symptom scores were not associated ( r =–.01). Maternal sensitivity assessment (MIRQ) using the CARE-Index identified low mean scores signifying low levels of maternal sensitivity (potential range 0–14; mean score = 6.3). We cautiously suggest that the findings raise questions about the presentation and assessment of perinatal mental health status among ethnically diverse populations and scoping of parenting support needs within this population.
Adoption-related feelings, loss, and curiosity about origins in adopted adolescents
Authors: Barroso Raquel , Barbosa-Ducharne Maria
Published: June 2019

Adoption involves strong emotions. From the adoptee’s point of view, adoption means not only the gain of a new family but also inevitable losses. This study aims at analyzing adoption-related feelings, which include the feelings of loss and the ensuing curiosity about the birth family and pre-adoption life. A total of 81 adopted adolescents, aged 12–22, adopted at 4 years of age, on average, participated in this study. The data were collected using the Questionnaire of Adoption-related Feelings and the Adopted Adolescents Interview, which allowed for the identification of the experiences, feelings, and attitudes of the adopted adolescents regarding their story before and after adoption, and their feelings towards their birth family. The results showed that most participants did not identify adoption-related losses. Nevertheless, they acknowledged the existence of some aspects of their adoption story that made them feel sad and angry and could identify several difficulties associated with their adoptive status. Participants showed low levels of curiosity even if they were mostly curious about the reasons why they had been placed up for adoption. The adoptees’ feelings when thinking about their birth parents, the curiosity regarding their past, and their adoption-related losses predicted their feelings related to the adoption experience. Several implications for the psychological practice with adopted adolescents will be presented.
EFL postgraduate students’ learning needs on English-medium business programmes: An exploratory study
Authors: Alhassan Awad
Published: June 2019

Business, as a study area, attracts many students on English-medium programmes in ESL/EFL (English as a second language / English as a foreign language). However, there has been scarce research on business studies in literature on EAP (English for academic purposes). Many previous studies have predominantly focused on business classroom written genres and less attention has been paid to students’ needs and other skills necessary for successful coping with English-medium business programmes. This study attempts to fill this gap by moving further beyond and not solely focusing on written genres, but also exploring business students’ learning needs and skills on an English-medium master of business administration (MBA) programme in Sudan from both students’ and subject content teachers’ perspectives. The main objective is to inform both business education and EAP provision in the context and beyond. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews as the main method of data collection. Data was collected in two visits made to the study site and 31 participants: 10 teachers and 21 students took part in the investigation. Data analysis results showed that there was a range of language skills, believed to be necessary for effective study. Results also showed that participants held different views about the importance and priority of these needs and skills. Pedagogical implications for both business education and EAP will be presented and discussed.
Self-uncertainty and group identification: A meta-analysis
Authors: Choi Eunice U. , Hogg Michael A.
Published: June 2019

A key prediction of uncertainty-identity theory is that under conditions of high self-uncertainty, people will identify more strongly with their group. This has been supported by numerous studies. To quantify this relationship, a meta-analysis was conducted on 35 studies from 30 papers ( N = 4,657). The relationship between self-uncertainty and group identification varied significantly as a function of how psychologically real the uncertainty was, as reflected in how uncertainty was operationalized and how the study was conducted. Self-uncertainty operationalized as social identity uncertainty had the strongest relationship with identification ( r = −.26, 6.8% variance accounted for), followed by indirect operationalization of self-uncertainty ( r = .23, 5.3% variance accounted for), and direct operationalization of self-uncertainty ( r = .14, 2.0% variance accounted for). The relationship did not differ between measured self-uncertainty ( r = −.13, 1.7% variance accounted for) and manipulated self-uncertainty ( r = .17, 2.9% variance accounted for). Implications and future directions are discussed.
Transnational is not diasporic: A Bourdieusian approach to the study of modern diaspora
Authors: Tabar Paul
Published: June 2019

Given the apparent similarities to transnational activities, diasporic activities, processes and actors are often the first victims of the conceptual curse of transnationalism, resulting in the glossing over of particularities in the diaspora field which, if studied separately, would have important analytical consequences for migration studies. Failure to introduce viable options for differentiating between two (very) different sets of activities that comprise transnational and diaspora activities, means we are unable to identify specificities that have important consequences for the analysis of the diaspora field. By introducing the concept of ‘field’, and arguing that the diaspora field should be separate from the transnational field, we demonstrate that the actions of diaspora groups towards their homeland, with particular emphasis on the case of the Lebanese diaspora, are best studied independently. The ‘field’ framework highlights the power relations that determine the impact of diaspora remittances and brings forward the centrality of the state in diaspora–homeland relationships.
Data-work and friction: Investigating the practices of repurposing healthcare data
Authors: Bonde Morten , Bossen Claus , Danholt Peter
Published: June 2019

The focus on digital data for improved management and quality of healthcare is paramount. In particular, the vast volumes of accumulated data in clinical systems have created high hopes for repurposing data to serve secondary purposes beyond the practices of direct clinical care, such as research, improvement and efficiency. This article contributes with an understanding of the pivotal, but often unnoticed “data-work” involved in such efforts. The article is based on a regional project in Danish healthcare, in which nine hospital departments were given the task of developing new indicators for quality to substitute the previous accountability regime based on Diagnosis-Related Groups. Using the concept of “friction,” we analyze the challenges of turning clinical ideas into data-supported indicators and of collecting data from existing repositories. Especially, we turn attention to the interaction between clinicians and it-personnel to focus on the interdisciplinary and collaborative aspects of this work.
Contextualizing the black church: Analysis of newspaper coverage in the Obama–Wright controversy
Authors: Ross Felecia Jones , Kline Susan L
Published: June 2019

This study analyzed the contextualized reporting about the black church in newspaper coverage of the 2008 US presidential primary campaign, during which inflammatory sermons by Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Senator Obama’s pastor, threatened to undermine Obama’s campaign. Given that the news media has been criticized for failing to adequately contextualize the black church in the controversy, we examined articles from major US newspapers for their use of two news routines, selection of news sources and explanations of the black church, to provide an understanding of Wright’s sermons. Journalists used Obama and Wright as sources in the stories more than black church sources (80% vs. 62%). Stories also depicted Wright’s church relationship with Obama and Wright’s achievements (50%–61%). Journalists’ and Obama’s explanations of the black church (59%–61%) were comparable to depictions of Wright’s sermons, their tone, and Wright and Pfleger as campaign problems (56%–67%). In the controversy’s latter phase, depictions of Wright and Pfleger as problems occurred more than black church and Obama’s explanations, but depictions of Obama’s break from Wright occurred more than Wright’s defenses. Journalists used several strategies to incorporate black church explanations into their stories; implications for teaching writing routines are discussed.
The future of the stranger: Jewish exemplarity and the social imagination
Authors: Feldt Jakob Egholm
Published: June 2019

This article shows how Jewish social strangeness is a key notion for a trajectory of theorizing from Moses Hess’ socialist and nationalist thought in the middle of the nineteenth century to American pragmatist sociology early in the twentieth century. It situates “the Jewish stranger” on the transmission lines of trajectories of thought pertaining to Jewish exemplarity, and it explores how this Jewish exemplarity was transformed toward new future horizons for Jews but also for the generalized “stranger.” It is argued that the Jewish exemplarity perspective itself represented a subtle redirection of strong Kantian and Hegelian anti-Jewish historical teleologies via an alternative “processual” historical logic. “Jewish strangers” both bear and are borne by the totality of social imagination in society, both agents of but also bound by history. In this way, the exemplarity of the European Jews illuminates the process of the becoming of “the stranger” as a historical and social role within boundaries set by a coinciding of history and teleology.
Mind–body interactive qigong improves physical and mental aspects of quality of life in inpatients with stroke: A randomized control study
Authors: Chen Ching-Hsiang , Hung Kuo-Sheng , Chung Yu-Chu , Yeh Mei-Ling
Published: June 2019

Background:

Stroke, a medical condition that causes physical disability and mental health problems, impacts negatively on quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation is critical to restoring quality of life in these patients.

Objectives:

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a mind–body interactive qigong intervention on the physical and mental aspects of quality of life, considering bio-physiological and mental covariates in subacute stroke inpatients.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design was used. A total of 68 participants were recruited from the medical and rehabilitation wards at a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan and then randomly assigned either to the Chan-Chuang qigong group, which received standard care plus a 10-day mind–body interactive exercise program, or to the control group, which received standard care only. Data were collected using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-12, stroke-related neurologic deficit, muscular strength, heart rate variability and fatigue at three time points: pre-intervention, halfway through the intervention (day 5) and on the final day of the intervention (day 10).

Results:

The results of the mixed-effect model analysis showed that the qigong group had a significantly higher quality of life score at day 10 ( p<0.05) than the control group. Among the covariates, neurologic deficit ( p=0.04), muscle strength ( p=0.04), low frequency to high frequency ratio ( p=0.02) and anxiety ( p=0.04) were significantly associated with changes in quality of life. Conversely, heart rate, heart rate variability (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, low frequency and high frequency), fatigue and depression were not significantly associated with change in quality of life ( p >0.05).

Conclusions:

This study supports the potential benefits of a 10-day mind–body interactive exercise (Chan-Chuang qigong) program for subacute stroke inpatients and provides information that may be useful in planning adjunctive rehabilitative care for stroke inpatients.
A Proximal Perspective on Disgust
Authors: Stevenson Richard J. , Case Trevor I. , Oaten Megan J. , Stafford Lorenzo , Saluja Supreet
Published: June 2019

The functional basis of disgust in disease avoidance is widely accepted; however, there is disagreement over what disgust is. This is a significant problem, as basic questions about disgust require knowing if single/multiple forms/processes exist. We address this issue with a new model with one form of disgust generated by multiple processes: (a) pure disgust experienced during gastrointestinal illness; (b) somatosensory disgust elicited by specific cues that activate the pure disgust state; (c) anticipatory disgust elicited by associations between distance cues for somatosensory disgust and requiring threat evaluation; (d) simulated disgusts elicited by imagining somatosensory and anticipatory disgust and frequently involving other emotions. Different contamination processes interlink (a–d). The implications of our model for fundamental questions about disgust (e.g., emotion status; continuation into animals) are examined.
The anti-inflammatory potential of diet and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the ATTICA study
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Georgousopoulou Ekavi N. , Chrysohoou Christina , Skoumas John , Pan William , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Pitsavos Christos
Published: June 2019

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is correlated with low-grade inflammation and dietary habits. Until today, there have been limited epidemiologic data assessing the role of diet’s inflammatory potential on NAFLD. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet, as reflected by the Dietary Anti-Inflammation Index (D-AII), and NAFLD among cardiovascular disease (CVD)-free adults.

Methods:

ATTICA is a prospective, population-based study that recruited 3042 adults without pre-existing CVD from the Greek population (Whites; age ⩾18 years; 1514 men and 1528 women). D-AII was calculated using a standard procedure. The baseline study captured various sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics as well as hepatic markers. These were used to calculate four NAFLD assessment indices: triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and NAFLD Fatty Liver Score (NAFLD-FLS). Specific cutoffs were applied to capture NAFLD.

Results:

D-AII showed a significant inverse association with NAFLD, applying the four indices with NAFLD cutoffs [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI); TyG (0.95, 0.93–0.98); HSI (0.89, 0.86–0.92); FLI (0.88, 0.85–0.91); NAFLD-FLS (0.89, 0.86–0.92)], after adjusting for various confounders. Participants in the highest D-AII tertile had lower odds of having NAFLD, compared with those in the lowest D-AII tertile [(OR, 95% CI); TyG (0.33, 0.24–0.47); HSI (0.13, 0.08–0.23); FLI (0.05, 0.02–0.11); NAFLD-FLS (0.13, 0.07–0.23)]. Anti-inflammatory nutrition was related to lower odds of NAFLD among daily alcohol drinkers and individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

Anti-inflammatory diet is an important predictor of NAFLD among adults without pre-existing CVD. Adherence to a high anti-inflammatory diet seems to contribute to NAFLD prevention.
‘No one ever asked us’: a feasibility study assessing the co-creation of a physical activity programme with adolescent girls
Authors: Corr Méabh , Murtagh Elaine
Published: June 2019

Background:

Globally, the poor activity level of adolescent girls is a public health concern. Little research has involved adolescents in the design of interventions. This study assessed the feasibility of involving girls in the co-creation of an activity programme.

Methods:

Thirty-one students (15–17 years old) were recruited from a post-primary school. The Behaviour Change Wheel guided intervention design, providing insights into participants’ capability, opportunity and motivation for change. Step counts and self-reported physical activity levels were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility benchmarks assessed recruitment, data collection, acceptability and adherence.

Results:

Activity and educational sessions were delivered for six weeks during physical education class. Average attendance was 87% (benchmark = 80%). Eligibility was 61% (benchmark = 60%). There was a 100% retention rate (benchmark = 90%). All participants ( n = 31) completed baseline measures and 71% ( n = 22) completed post-measures. 54% ( n = 17) of students completed pedometer measurements, with 32% ( n = 10) having complete data. Average daily steps were 13,121 pre-intervention and 14,128 post-intervention ( p > 0.05). Data collection was feasible, receiving a mean score > 4/5 (benchmark > 3.5/5).

Conclusions:

The Behaviour Change Wheel can be used to co-create an activity programme with adolescent girls. Predetermined benchmarks, except for pedometer recordings, were reached or exceeded, providing evidence for the need of a randomised controlled trial to test effectiveness.
Functional risk for fracture by safe functional motion testing: a short version of the safe functional motion test
Authors: Recknor Christopher P. , Van Dussen Daniel , MacIntyre Norma , Recknor Julie
Published: June 2019

Background:

‘Unsafe’ movement strategies used to perform everyday activities were quantified using scores for tasks included in the Short Form Safe Functional Motion test series (SSFM). Baseline scores were independently associated with incident fractures after adjusting for factors known to effect fracture risk. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the SSFM, a series of tests of habitual motion, is associated with incident fragility fracture at any skeletal sites.

Methods:

An osteoporosis clinic database was queried for adults with baseline SSFM scores and corresponding data for prevalent fractures, femoral neck bone mineral density (fnBMD), osteoporosis medication use, and incident fractures at 1-year and 3-year follow ups [ n = 1700 (118 incident fractures) and n = 1058 (202 incident fractures), respectively]. Multiple logistic regressions, adjusted for sex, age, fnBMD, osteoporosis medication use, and any prevalent fractures at baseline, were used to determine whether baseline SSFM scores were associated with incident fragility fractures.

Results:

An Sfm-3 score was a significant independent predictor of any fracture at 1 year [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.118 (1.025, 1.219) for each 10-point decrease in Sfm-3; p = 0.012], and 3-year follow up [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.183 (1.098, 1.274) for each 10-point decrease in Sfm-3; p < 0.0001].

Conclusions:

Scores on the SSFM predict fracture risk such that for each 10-point drop in score the odds of fracture are increased by up to 18% independent of risk associated with age, bone mineral density, use of bone-sparing medications, and history of a fracture.
Development and performance evaluation of large-scale auxetic protective systems for localised impulsive loads
Authors: Remennikov Alex , Kalubadanage Dulara , Ngo Tuan , Mendis Priyan , Alici Gursel , Whittaker Andrew
Published: June 2019

Cellular core structures with a negative Poisson’s ratio, also known as auxetic core structures, are gaining attention due to their unique performance in sandwich panel systems for protecting critical infrastructures and military vehicles that are at high risk of blast and impact loads due to accidental and deliberate events. To help develop a high-performance protective system, this article outlines the performance evaluation of five different auxetic cell configurations based on a quantitative/qualitative review of an experimental load–deformation relationship of three-dimensional-printed auxetic panels from nylon plastics and the overall performance evaluation of metallic re-entrant honeycomb core sandwich panels as one type of lightweight protective system under static and dynamic loads via experimental testing and numerical simulations. The re-entrant honeycomb design displayed the most consistent auxetic behaviour. Quasi-static compression and drop hammer impact tests were performed using the proposed full-scale sandwich panel design with two different configurations as a protective system for concrete wall structures in combination with plastic face plates. The effect of the internal angle of the re-entrant honeycomb design and the effect of the core material under static and dynamic loads were evaluated using full-scale sandwich panels. Furthermore, two separate materials – acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and low-density polyethylene – were used as face plates, and the low-density polyethylene was effective for lightweight and smooth load transferring and distribution into the auxetic core. Auxetic panel deformation under static and dynamic load was examined using a normal speed camera and high-speed video recording data and all auxetic panels indicated excellent systematic crushing behaviour with drawing materials into the load path to effectively resist the impact load. Numerical simulations were performed using LS-DYNA and indicated good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, protective systems utilising sandwich panels with a re-entrant honeycomb core indicated strong potential for the development of high-performance lightweight impact-resistant protective systems.
Applicability of EU(7)-PIM criteria in cross-national studies in European countries
Authors: Fialová Daniela , Brkić Jovana , Laffon Blanca , Reissigová Jindra , Grešáková Silvia , Dogan Soner , Doro Peter , Tasić Ljiljana , Marinković Valentina , Valdiglesias Vanessa , Costa Solange , Kostřiba Jan
Published: June 2019

Background:

The European Union (EU)(7)-PIM (potentially inappropriate medication) list presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date tool for evaluation of PIM prescribing in Europe; however, several country-specific studies have documented lower specificity of this list on pharmaceutical markets of some countries. The aim of our study was to describe approval rates and marketing of PIMs stated by EU(7)-PIM criteria in six EU countries [in comparison with the American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers 2015 criteria].

Methods:

Research teams of six EU countries (Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Hungary and Turkey) participated in this study conducted by WG1b EU COST Action IS1402 group in the period October 2015–November 2018. Data on approval rates of PIMs and their availability on pharmaceutical markets have been obtained from databases of national drug-regulatory institutes and up-to-date drug compendia. The EU(7)-PIM list and AGS Beers 2015 Criteria (Section 1) were applied.

Results:

PIMs from EU(7)-PIM list were approved for clinical use more often than those from the AGS Beers 2015 criteria (Section 1). Approval rates for EU(7)-PIMs ranged from 42.8% in Serbia to 71.4% in Spain (for AGS criteria only from 36.4% to 65.1%, respectively). Higher percentages of approved PIMs were documented in Spain (71.4%), Portugal (67.1%) and Turkey (67.5%), lower in Hungary (55.5%), Czech Republic (50.2%) and Serbia (42.8%). The majority of approved PIMs were also currently marketed in all countries except in Turkey (19.8–21.7% not marketed PIMs) and less than 20% of PIMs were available as over-the-counter medications (except in Turkey, 46.4–48.1%).

Conclusions:

The EU(7)-PIM list was created for utilization in European studies; however, applicability of this list is still limited in some countries, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. The EU project EUROAGEISM H2020 (2017–2021) that focuses on PIM prescribing and regulatory measures in Central and Eastern European countries must consider these limits.
Experience with fosfomycin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Bielen Luka , Likic Robert
Published: June 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fosfomycin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 42 ambulatory patients with cUTIs caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae at the Outpatient Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb in the period from June 2012 to June 2014. ESBL production was confirmed by double disk synergy test according to Jarlier. In vitro susceptibility to fosfomycin of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii isolates was tested according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing methodology.

Results:

In 42 patients with cUTIs, 43 urinary pathogens susceptible to fosfomycin were isolated in the urine cultures, including 34 E. coli ESBL, seven K. pneumoniae ESBL and two C. freundii ESBL isolates. On average, patients had 2.2 complicating factors (CFs) and received 3.6 fosfomycin doses per treatment course. The overall microbiological cure was 50%, clinical cure was 71% and ESBL eradication rate was 74%. Patients with between zero and one CFs received significantly fewer fosfomycin doses than patients with two or more CFs ( p = 0.022). Three kidney transplant patients achieved microbiological cure following prolonged fosfomycin administration. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of individual CFs and treatment outcome.

Conclusions:

Fosfomycin may be a valid option for oral treatment of cUTIs caused by ESBL-producing pathogens. The optimal duration of fosfomycin treatment for cUTIs remains to be determined.
Urology general practitioner advice and guidance: A service evaluation of its effectiveness
Authors: Berry Brendan , Thiruchelvam Nikesh
Published: June 2019

Objective:

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Urology Advice and Guidance (A&G) referral pathway within the National Health Service (NHS). It seeks to identify whether the A&G system helps to prevent unnecessary referrals to secondary care services and endeavours to see whether there is any variability in consultant responses to A&G queries, and whether this affects how patients are subsequently managed.

Patients and methods:

This study uses patient data collected by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust over a six-month period between 2016 and 2017. The correspondence from 192 A&G referrals was analysed to extract 11 data points from each referral to help analyse the aims of the study.

Results:

The results showed that almost half of all A&G referrals could be avoided if general practitioners made better use of the urology guidelines made available to them. The results also demonstrated that A&G referrals were more appropriately managed when guidance was given by a consultant with subspecialty interests in line with the referral.

Conclusion:

The aims of this study were appropriately met, and the study outlines how improvements in the A&G service could offer both financial and clinical benefits to primary and secondary care services alike.

Level of evidence:

3b
The effect of implementation intentions on use of dental chewing gum
Authors: George Mary K , Bogosian Angeliki , Tapper Katy
Published: June 2019

This study examined the effect of implementation intentions on use of dental chewing gum. A total of 80 participants reported intentions to chew gum, read information about the benefits of dental gum, reported intentions again, and formed implementation intentions relating to gum use (experimental group) or solved word puzzles (control group). Seven days later, they reported the amount chewed. Results showed that among those motivated to chew gum, implementation intentions significantly increased the total amount chewed. Time 1 intentions were more highly correlated with behaviour than time 2 intentions. Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of implementation intentions in dental settings.
Moderating Effects of Religiosity on the Relationship Between Trauma and Suicidal Behaviors Among College Students in Northwest China
Authors: He Zhiqiang , Wang ZhiZhong , Lew Bob , Mansor Abu Talib , Jie Zhang , Koenig Harold G.
Published: June 2019

Studies have shown that traumatic experiences are positively associated with risk of suicidal behaviors, whereas religiosity has been found to be negatively associated with that risk. How exactly religiosity interacts with traumatic experiences in its relationship to suicidal behaviors remains unclear. The current study examined the moderating effects of religiosity on the relationship between traumatic experiences and suicidal behaviors in 5,301 college students in northwestern China. Results indicated a strong positive association between traumatic experiences and suicidal behaviors (β = .46, p < .01), and a weak inverse association between religiosity and suicidal behaviors (β = –.06, p < .01). However, a significant interaction emerged between religiosity and traumatic experiences in their effect on suicidal behaviors (β = –.23, p < .01). These findings suggest that religiosity may play a role in reducing the risk of traumatic experiences-induced suicidal behaviors among college students in a largely secular society.
Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Business Performance: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction—A Formative–Reflective Model Analysis
Authors: Cuevas-Vargas Héctor , Parga-Montoya Neftalí , Fernández-Escobedo Rudy
Published: June 2019

This empirical study was aimed at deepening the knowledge of the direct and indirect effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on business performance and how industrial organization (IO) influences EO of micro and small firms from a city in a developing country, using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). In this study, the satisfaction of the customers was considered as a mediator variable and the IO as a formative construct. The results show enough evidence that IO positively affects EO; EO positively influences business performance and customer satisfaction (CS); likewise, EO impacts business performance in a positive manner both directly and indirectly through CS. Regarding managerial implications, the study provides knowledge to managers over the processes of shaping strategy and decision making, stressing the importance of both encouraging the development of EO capabilities and focusing efforts on CS to improve business performance.
Linking Family Financial Socialization With Its Proximal and Distal Outcomes: Which Socialization Dimensions Matter Most for Emerging Adults’ Financial Identity, Financial Behaviors, and Financial Anxiety?
Authors: Vosylis Rimantas , Erentaitė Rasa
Published: June 2019

Financial behaviors are grounded in family financial socialization, and its effects continue well into people’s life course. However, only a handful of studies have addressed dimensionality of family financial socialization practices. Even fewer studies have investigated how different dimensions of financial socialization are linked to financial identity and distal outcomes such as financial behaviors and anxiety. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 481 emerging adults (57.8% women; M age = 20.27, SD age = 1.39). The results suggest that family financial socialization practices are multidimensional and that they have different effects on the outcomes. Specifically, direct parental teaching on money management and openness about family finances are related to favorable outcomes (i.e., higher spending self-control, less impulsive buying, and lower financial anxiety), while experiencing financial distress within a family is related to less favorable outcomes. The results also suggest that financial identity may play an essential role in this process.
Is There Still a Place for Convex Hemiepiphysiodesis in Congenital Scoliosis in Young Children? A Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Rizkallah Maroun , Sebaaly Amer , Kharrat Khalil , Kreichati Gaby
Published: June 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Objectives:

To evaluate the long-term effect of convex growth arrest (CGA) on coronal deformity correction in congenital scoliosis.

Methods:

Twenty-two patients with congenital scoliosis operated by 1-staged double approach hemiephysiodesis by bone grafting of the convex side without instrumentation are included. Eighteen curves had an isolated hemivertebra while 4 curves had congenital bar. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age at surgery (3 years cutoff), type of malformation (hemivertebra vs congenital bar), and severity of curve (35° cutoff).

Results:

Patients’ mean age at surgery was 3 years (range 0.5-8 years), with a mean frontal Cobb angle of 40.59°. Mean follow-up is 10.7 years (range 5.5-25 years). Overall results showed mean frontal Cobb angle reduction of 35.47% (40.59° to 27.41°). Detailed analysis showed that 15 curves had a mean correction of 51.8%, 5 stabilized and 2 had a mean aggravation of 25.11%. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients operated ≤3 years of age had mean cobb angle correction of 43.1% versus 21.49% in patients operated >3 years ( P = .140). Mean correction of 44.5% was gained in curves with isolated hemivertebra compared with 1.3% in curves with congenital bar ( P = .004). A 58.17% mean correction was reached in curves ≤35° versus 23.68% in curves >35° ( P = .032).

Conclusions:

A limited convex hemiepiphysiodesis still has a place in congenital scoliosis care when it is performed in patients ≤3 years old, with curves ≤35°, and with isolated hemivertebra. It spares patients the risks of vertebral resection and instrumentation, while fusing the same number of levels.
Range of Motion Testing of a Novel 3D-Printed Synthetic Spine Model
Authors: Bohl Michael A. , McBryan Sarah , Newcomb Anna G. U. S. , Lehrman Jennifer N. , Kelly Brian P. , Nakaji Peter , Chang Steve W. , Uribe Juan S. , Turner Jay D. , Kakarla U. Kumar
Published: June 2019

Study Design:

Biomechanical model study.

Objective:

The Barrow Biomimetic Spine (BBS) project is a resident-driven effort to manufacture a synthetic spine model with high biomechanical fidelity to human tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of the current generation of BBS models on biomechanical testing of range of motion (ROM) and axial compression and to compare the performance of these models to historical cadaveric data acquired using the same testing protocol.

Methods:

Six synthetic spine models comprising L3-5 segments were manufactured with variable soft-tissue densities and print orientations. Models underwent torque loading to a maximum of 7.5 N m. Torques were applied to the models in flexion-extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, and axial compression. Results were compared with historic cadaveric control data.

Results:

Each model demonstrated steadily decreasing ROM on flexion-extension testing with increasing density of the intervertebral discs and surrounding ligamentous structures. Vertically printed models demonstrated markedly less ROM than equivalent models printed horizontally at both L3-4 (5.0° vs 14.0°) and L4-5 (3.9° vs 15.2°). Models D and E demonstrated ROM values that bracketed the cadaveric controls at equivalent torque loads (7.5 N m).

Conclusions:

This study identified relevant variables that affect synthetic spine model ROM and compressibility, confirmed that the models perform predictably with changes in these print variables, and identified a set of model parameters that result in a synthetic model with overall ROM that approximates that of a cadaveric model. Future studies can be undertaken to refine model performance and determine intermodel variability.
Stop, Listen, and Learn: Using Mixed Methods to Add Value to Clinical Trials*
Authors: Hunter Jennifer , Armour Mike
Published: June 2019

This commentary discusses the concept of value-based or value-focused health care as a rationale for researchers to incorporate mixed methods study designs a priori into clinical trials evaluating traditional, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (TCAIM). Along with assessing patient outcomes, information about patients’ experiences and preferences are needed to determine the value of an intervention. Incorporating a mixed-methods approach can improve the quality of clinical trials and provide important information about the potential value of the intervention.
Survival or Building-up Strategy: A Case Study in Sri Lanka on the Link Between Initial Condition for Labour Migration and the Benefits for Families and Community
Authors: Gamlath Sarathchandra
Published: June 2019

Existing knowledge shows a positive link between migration and national level development in developing countries. This article examines whether such a positive link exists between the benefits from labour migration and the families of labour migrants and the communities they originate from in Sri Lanka. The great majority of labour migrant families are from relatively lower income groups in the society; their family resource base is relatively low, and they are mostly from a community belonging to a relatively less improved socio-economic environments. Although they bring resources to the country and contribute to the national economy, a large number of these families have not been able to show any significant socio-economic progress using the resources provided for migration. Similarly, the communities from which they originate often do not show any significant socio-economic improvement, though these communities can access these resources through these families. The implication is that whether migration benefits contribute to family and community progress is determined by the existing level of family and community resources of pre-migration situations. When these resource bases are relatively low, it is less likely to acquire a reasonable and long-lasting family and community-level progress from migration because migration has simply become a survival strategy for the majority of these families.
Aleutite [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4)·(Cu0.5□0.5)Cl, a new complex salt-inclusion mineral with Cu2+substructure derived from a Kagome-net
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Agakhanov Atali A. , Polekhovsky Yury S.
Published: June 2019

Aleutite, ideally [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4)·(Cu0.5□0.5)Cl, was found in the Yadovitaya fumarole of the Second scoria cone of the Great Fissure Tolbachik eruption, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Aleutite occurs as individual crystals in the masses of polycrystalline anhydrite. Aleutite is monoclinic,C2/m,a= 18.090(2) Å,b= 6.2284(6) Å,c= 8.2465(9) Å, β = 90.597(2)°,V= 929.1(2) Å3andZ= 4 (from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data). The empirical formula calculated on the basis of (As + V+Mo + Fe3+) = 2 atoms per formula unit is Сu5.40Zn0.05Ca0.01As1.09V0.84Mo0.04Fe0.03K0.05Pb0.02Rb0.01Cs0.01O9.97Cl1.07. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an agreement indexR1= 0.066. Aleutite has a new structure type. Aleutite is unique amongst natural and synthetic copper vanadates and arsenates, as it has As5+and V5+cations ordered over two tetrahedral sites. The topology of${}_\infty ^1 [{\rm Cu_5O_2}]^{6 +} $oxocentred bands in aleutite is novel and has not been described before in minerals and synthetic materials. The structural architecture of the${}_\infty ^1 [{\rm Cu_5O_2}]^{6 +} $band in aleutite can be derived from a kagome network and represents a one-dimensional slice from it. In addition, aleutite is an interesting and complex example of a natural salt-inclusion phase.
Redundant SCARECROW genes pattern distinct cell layers in roots and leaves of maize
Authors: Hughes Thomas E. , Sedelnikova Olga V. , Wu Hao , Becraft Philip W. , Langdale Jane A.
Published: June 2019

The highly efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway is facilitated by ‘Kranz’ leaf anatomy. In Kranz leaves, closely spaced veins are encircled by concentric layers of photosynthetic bundle sheath (inner) and mesophyll (outer) cells. Here, we demonstrate that, in the C4 monocot maize, Kranz patterning is regulated by redundant function of SCARECROW 1 (ZmSCR1) and a previously uncharacterized homeologue: ZmSCR1h. ZmSCR1 and ZmSCR1h transcripts accumulate in ground meristem cells of developing leaf primordia and in Zmscr1;Zmscr1h mutant leaves, most veins are separated by one rather than two mesophyll cells; many veins have sclerenchyma above and/or below instead of mesophyll cells; and supernumerary bundle sheath cells develop. The mutant defects are unified by compromised mesophyll cell development. In addition to Kranz defects, Zmscr1;Zmscr1h mutants fail to form an organized endodermal layer in the root. Collectively, these data indicate that ZmSCR1 and ZmSCR1h redundantly regulate cell-type patterning in both the leaves and roots of maize. Leaf and root pathways are distinguished, however, by the cell layer in which they operate – mesophyll at a two-cell distance from leaf veins versus endodermis immediately adjacent to root vasculature.