bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Adopting Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in an Academic Teaching Hospital
Authors: Li Bin , Asche Stephen , Yang Robert , Yueh Bevan , Fina Manuela
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

To compare the outcomes of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty during the initial period of a surgeon adopting the new endoscopic technique and teaching the surgical approach to residents assisting in surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective medical chart review of 60 consecutive operations for repair of isolated tympanic membrane perforations from 2011 to 2016 performed by a single surgeon assisted by residents in an academic teaching hospital. The outcomes of 20 ears repaired microscopically before the senior author adopted endoscopic ear surgery (Group A) were compared with the outcomes of the first 20 ears that were attempted with endoscopic surgery (Group B) and the next 20 ears performed endoscopically (Group C). Sixty ear operations were performed on 52 patients as 8 patients had bilateral ear surgery.

Results:

The tympanic membrane closure rate was 80% for Group A, 80% for Group B, and 95% for Group C. Mean air-bone gap improvement was 12.8 dB in Group A, 8.3 dB in Group B, and 12.1 dB in Group C. Mean duration of surgery was 99.2 minutes in Group A, 91.3 minutes in Group B, and 90.5 minutes in Group C. In Group B, 20% of the ears (4/20) were converted to a microscopic approach; in Group C, none required conversion.

Conclusions:

Maintenance of good outcomes and similar results can be maintained during a surgeon’s transition to adopting endoscopic tympanoplasty and teaching it to residents.
Factors Affecting Pediatric Dyslipidemia Screening and Treatment
Authors: Herrington Lisa , Susi Apryl , Gorman Gregory , Nylund Cade M. , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Identification and management of dyslipidemia in childhood can reduce future cardiovascular risk. We performed a retrospective cohort study of children ages 2 to 18 years during 2009 to 2013 to evaluate factors that affect screening and treatment of pediatric dyslipidemia related to 2011 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines. Logistic regression analysis determined the impact of NHLBI-identified factors on odds of being screened, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and receiving pharmacotherapy. A total of 1 736 032 children were included; 113 780 (6.6%) were screened for dyslipidemia. Screening in 9 to 11 year olds increased from 2009 to 2012. Of children screened, 18 801 (16.5%) had elevated LDL-C; 425 (2.3%) were treated pharmacologically. Parental dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, Kawasaki disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, nephrotic syndrome, liver, thyroid, and other endocrine disorders increased odds of screening. Older age, nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension increased odds of having elevated LDL-C and receiving treatment. Pediatric dyslipidemia screening rates remain low.
On the Statistical and Practical Limitations of Thurstonian IRT Models
Authors: Bürkner Paul-Christian , Schulte Niklas , Holling Heinz
Published: February 2019

Forced-choice questionnaires have been proposed to avoid common response biases typically associated with rating scale questionnaires. To overcome ipsativity issues of trait scores obtained from classical scoring approaches of forced-choice items, advanced methods from item response theory (IRT) such as the Thurstonian IRT model have been proposed. For convenient model specification, we introduce the thurstonianIRT R package, which uses Mplus, lavaan, and Stan for model estimation. Based on practical considerations, we establish that items within one block need to be equally keyed to achieve similar social desirability, which is essential for creating forced-choice questionnaires that have the potential to resist faking intentions. According to extensive simulations, measuring up to five traits using blocks of only equally keyed items does not yield sufficiently accurate trait scores and inter-trait correlation estimates, neither for frequentist nor for Bayesian estimation methods. As a result, persons’ trait scores remain partially ipsative and, thus, do not allow for valid comparisons between persons. However, we demonstrate that trait scores based on only equally keyed blocks can be improved substantially by measuring a sizable number of traits. More specifically, in our simulations of 30 traits, scores based on only equally keyed blocks were non-ipsative and highly accurate. We conclude that in high-stakes situations where persons are motivated to give fake answers, Thurstonian IRT models should only be applied to tests measuring a sizable number of traits.
Eu Policy Appraisals and Public Opinion: A Tale of Sophistication and Interdependence?
Authors: Balestrini Pierre Philippe
Published: February 2019

Although the literature about European Union (EU) public opinion is quite extensive, much of it focuses on general indexes of support for the EU or one specific EU policy area. The study of citizens’ appraisal of the EU contribution across socioeconomic policies and its interdependence is uncharted territory. The present article addresses this gap in the research. Using Eurobarometer data, it is demonstrated that national publics tend to be dissatisfied with the EU contribution across policies and that this assessment is consistent and interrelated from one policy to another. Education is found to have only a relatively modest impact on this assessment while the degree of an EU member state's integration in the world economy is not found to sway the latter. The findings finally show that national levels of unemployment, immigration, income dispersion, and the positioning of party leaderships on social redistribution influence public opinion on EU policy input. In the light of these findings, implications are drawn.
The Decline in Earnings of Childhood Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Cassidy Hugh
Published: February 2019

This article provides evidence that, like adult immigrants, male childhood immigrants in the United States, that is, those who arrived before age 18, have experienced a declining trend in their earnings, educational attainment, and English language proficiency over time. Consistent with a strong relationship between the outcomes of parents and children, I find that these declining trends in childhood immigrant outcomes can be explained by controlling for the earnings, and especially educational attainment, of the “potential parents” of these childhood immigrants, that is, adult immigrants from the same birthplace who arrived to the United States during the same time period. Such intergenerational correlations appear to be stronger for childhood immigrants who arrive at a later age. These results highlight the importance of considering immigration from a multi-generational perspective, where the characteristics of immigrants admitted today inform the economic prospects of future generations.
Dyad to triad: A longitudinal analysis of humor and pregnancy intention during the transition to parenthood
Authors: Theisen Jaclyn C. , Ogolsky Brian G. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Rholes W. Steven
Published: February 2019

The transition to parenthood is a stressful life event that often leads to decreases in relationship satisfaction over time. Guided by the Stress Buffering Model, we examined how pregnancy intention and humor use are associated with relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood using a multi-wave longitudinal design. First-time parents were initially assessed prenatally and then every 6-month postpartum for 2 years. Six months after birth, each couple was video-recorded engaging in two support discussions where each partner’s use of different humor styles was observed and rated. The results revealed a positive association between affiliative humor use (assessed at 6-month postpartum) and relationship satisfaction (assessed across the entire transition) for men and women. For men only, there was an interaction between pregnancy intention (assessed prenatally) and aggressive humor use (assessed 6-month postpartum). Specifically, when the pregnancy was unplanned, men who displayed higher levels of aggressive humor at 6-month postpartum reported higher overall relationship satisfaction. There also was a significant interaction between men’s (but not women’s) affiliative humor use and pregnancy intention, such that when men reported an unplanned pregnancy, their greater use of affiliative humor buffered declines in their relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that, for men, greater use of affiliative humor appears to forestall declines in their relationship satisfaction. More broadly, different forms of humor may promote or sustain higher levels of relationship satisfaction in men across the chronically stressful transition to parenthood because they serve key communicative functions.
Treatment Recommendations for Tardive Dyskinesia
Authors: Ricciardi Lucia , Pringsheim Tamara , Barnes Thomas R.E. , Martino Davide , Gardner David , Remington Gary , Addington Donald , Morgante Francesca , Poole Norman , Carson Alan , Edwards Mark
Published: February 2019

Background:

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterised by irregular, stereotyped, and choreiform movements associated with the use of antipsychotic medication. We aim to provide recommendations on the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of studies of the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Studies were rated for methodological quality using the American Academy of Neurology Risk of Bias Classification system. Overall level of evidence classifications and grades of recommendation were made using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network framework.

Results:

Preventing tardive dyskinesia is of primary importance, and clinicians should follow best practice for prescribing antipsychotic medication, including limiting the prescription for specific indications, using the minimum effective dose, and minimising the duration of therapy. The first-line management of tardive dyskinesia is the withdrawal of antipsychotic medication if clinically feasible. Yet, for many patients with serious mental illness, the discontinuation of antipsychotics is not possible due to disease relapse. Switching from a first-generation to a second-generation antipsychotic with a lower D2 affinity, such as clozapine or quetiapine, may be effective in reducing tardive dyskinesia symptoms. The strongest evidence for a suitable co-intervention to treat tardive dyskinesia comes from tests with the new VMAT inhibitors, deutetrabenazine and valbenazine. These medications have not been approved for use in Canada.

Conclusion:

Data on tardive dyskinesia treatment are limited, and the best management strategy remains prevention. More long-term safety and efficacy data are needed for deutetrabenazine and valbenazine, and their routine availability to patients outside of the USA remains in question.
Modifying release of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients with the amine functionalized SBA-16 type mesoporous materials
Authors: Jadach Barbara , Feliczak-Guzik Agnieszka , Nowak Izabela , Milanowski Bartłomiej , Piotrowska-Kempisty Hanna , Murias Marek , Lulek Janina
Published: February 2019

SBA-16 and two modified SBA-16 type ordered mesoporous silica were used as the carriers for ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory drug) and furosemide (loop diuretic drug). Modification of the solid carrier was prepared with chitosan or N-3[(amino(poly-propylenoxy)]aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The samples of carriers and carrier-drug loaded materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The release profiles of active pharmaceutical ingredients were performed in media with different pH in the USP 2 apparatus as well as in two biorelevant media (fasted state simulated gastric fluid and fasted state small intestinal fluid) in USP 4 apparatus. The loading of active substances into mesoporous materials was performed with modified immersion method. The maximum content of deposited drug in mesoporous material was close to 12.0 and 2.2 wt.% for ibuprofen and furosemide, respectively. After drug adsorption, the reduction of BET surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of non-modified and modified SBA-16 was observed, while the cubic arrays of siliceous matrix were well preserved. The release profiles of ibuprofen and furosemide loaded in mesoporous materials in media with different pH and biorelevant fasted state simulated gastric fluid and fasted state small intestinal fluid showed that the new SBA-16 type materials modify the release profiles of furosemide, increasing the dissolution rate of these substances in the medium at pH 1.2. The cytotoxicity of the materials and permeability of drugs after their loading on SBA-16 materials were evaluated on Caco-2 model. The results of our study showed that mesoporous materials did not exert cytotoxic effects and did not influence on the permeability of both active pharmaceutical ingredients in relation to pure substances.
Life Partner Influence on Uptake of Preventive Services: Evidence From Flu Vaccine Adoption Among the Aging Population
Authors: Cao Ying (Jessica) , Noyes Katia , Homish Gregory G.
Published: February 2019

Objectives: This study examines how the patterns of life partner concordance on preventive health service uptake vary by a partner’s previous behavioral history and between genders. Method: This study uses 2008 and 2012 waves of Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative sample of U.S. aging population, to examine one’s decision to receive a preventive service as a function of the partner’s decision changes over time ( N = 2,680). Results: Life partner concordance on preventive service use is different by the partner’s previous use history and gender. Positive partner preventive engagement showed greater association than negative ones. Women are more responsive to the positive health behaviors (of their partners), and men are more sensitive to the negative partner health behaviors. Conclusion: The asymmetric partner concordance by gender and the partner’s previous usage experience provide implications to develop efficient and culturally acceptable interventions to increase the uptake of preventive health services.
Uveal effusion and transient myopia as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension: case report
Authors: Wang Y , Yan Y , Zhang J , Li J
Published: February 2019

We reported uveal effusion and transient myopia as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Choroidal retinopathy is rare but extremely destructive to visual function. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and effective treatments will result in complete resolution of the uveal effusion and functional restoration of vision.
Visions of Public Safety, Justice, and Healing: The Making of the Rape Kit Backlog in the United States
Authors: Quinlan Andrea
Published: February 2019

Large backlogs of untested sexual assault kits have recently come to light in cities across the United States, fueling public controversies over criminal justice responses to sexual assault and sexual assault forensic services. This article examines these controversies to reveal how kit backlogs have come to matter as a political problem. Using a range of textual data, this article traces the history of the sexual assault kit backlog in New York City and contemporary national campaigns around kit backlogs to examine how sexual assault kit backlogs are being defined as threats to public safety, justice, and healing for victims of crime. Drawing on theoretical insights from actor-network theory, institutional ethnography, and feminist technoscience studies, this article examines the implications of the current framing of kit backlogs for sexual assault survivors and their allies, and current dialogues about criminal justice responses to sexual assault.
Breastfeeding and post-partum relapses in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Portaccio Emilio , Amato Maria Pia
Published: February 2019

While it is acknowledged that exclusive breastfeeding has well-established benefits for both infant/child and mother health, evidence on the relationships between breastfeeding and disease course in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) is still controversial. On one hand, in the post-partum period, a disease worsening is possible, particularly in women with more active MS. On the other hand, the use of disease modifying drugs is currently contraindicated during lactation. In this topical review, we describe available evidence on the relationship between breastfeeding and disease activity in MS. In some studies, a possible protective role for exclusive breastfeeding against the risk of post-partum relapse has been suggested, while, in others, its impact was neutral. Waiting for definitive evidence on this topic, we propose a pragmatic approach to breastfeeding choice, on a case-by-case basis, considering the disease characteristics before and during pregnancy and the patient therapeutic history.
The Hans Eysenck affair: Time to correct the scientific record
Authors: Marks David F
Published: February 2019

The Journal of Health Psychology publishes here Dr Anthony Pelosi’s analysis of questionable science by one of the world’s best-known psychologists, the late Professor Hans J Eysenck. The provenance of a huge body of data produced by Eysenck and Ronald Grossarth-Maticek is highly controversial. In Open letters to King’s College London and the British Psychological Society, this editor is requesting a thorough investigation of the facts together with retraction or correction of 61 publications. Academic institutions have a conflict of interest concerning allegations of misconduct, which is why I believe that the only way forward is to have a National Research Integrity Ombudsperson to investigate allegations.
Natural language processing of lifestyle modification documentation
Authors: Shoenbill Kimberly , Song Yiqiang , Gress Lisa , Johnson Heather , Smith Maureen , Mendonca Eneida A
Published: February 2019

Lifestyle modification, including diet, exercise, and tobacco cessation, is the first-line treatment of many disorders including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Lifestyle modification data are not easily retrieved or used in research due to their textual nature. This study addresses this knowledge gap using natural language processing to automatically identify lifestyle modification documentation from electronic health records. Electronic health record notes from hypertension patients were analyzed using an open-source natural language processing tool to retrieve assessment and advice regarding lifestyle modification. These data were classified as lifestyle modification assessment or advice and mapped to a coded standard ontology. Combined lifestyle modification (advice and assessment) recall was 99.27 percent, precision 94.44 percent, and correct classification 88.15 percent. Through extraction and transformation of narrative lifestyle modification data to coded data, this critical information can be used in research, metric development, and quality improvement efforts regarding care delivery for multiple medical conditions that benefit from lifestyle modification.
Critical thinking efficacy and transfer skills defend against ‘fake news’ at an international school in Finland
Authors: Horn Shane , Veermans Koen
Published: February 2019

In this study, tasks measuring digital media literacy developed by Stanford University were administered at a school in Finland to consider the efficacy and transfer of critical thinking (CT) skills of a ‘pre-IB’ cohort preparing to enter the two year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and a graduating ‘IB2’ cohort. While the IB2 cohort outperformed the pre-IB cohort, both outperformed Stanford’s U.S. cohorts to a statistically significant degree. Utilising a framework of curricular approaches to facilitating CT skills development as a variable of interest for causal-comparison, it was determined that the Finnish curricula and the IBDP explicitly facilitate CT skills as a separate course while embedding CT into subject coursework, whereas the curriculum in the U.S. implicitly embeds CT into subject coursework only. Implications for improving facilitation of CT in curricula design, professionalising CT across the field, and the benefits of replicating existing studies in differing socio-educational environments are discussed.
Real-time non-invasive measurement and monitoring of wheel–rail contact using ultrasonic reflectometry
Authors: Zhou Lu , Brunskill Henry P , Lewis Roger
Published: February 2019

Rail stress levels are vital to the lifespan of rail tracks, and are responsible for the safe operation and ride comfort of train services. In particular, wheel–rail contact stress is a dominating factor affecting wear, cracking, fatigue and failure of both wheel and rail. The wheel–rail interaction problem has long been investigated, yet detailed contact information on real cases remains obscure due to the interface complexity, including the varying wheel and rail profiles and lack of effective stress characterisation methods. Ultrasound image study, as an excellent non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method, is widely used in railway systems for defect detection, stress determination and rail profile checking. Specifically, ultrasonic reflectometry has proved successful in making static machine-element contact measurements. This article introduces a novel measuring method for both short-term and long-term dynamic wheel–rail contact monitoring purposes based on ultrasonic reflectometry. The method is investigated in detail, including the study of ultrasound propagation pathways in the rail, and the optimum placement of ultrasonic elements as well as actuator–receiver combinations. The proposed monitoring technique is expected to characterise and monitor the contact behaviour of operating high-speed rail system in real-time.
Measuring, Manipulating, and Predicting Student Success: A 10-Year Assessment of Carnegie R1 Doctoral Universities Between 2004 and 2013
Authors: Wade Nathaniel L.
Published: February 2019

Student success measurements for 4-year institutions of higher education are a topic of importance for numerous stakeholders including prospective and current students, parents, staff, faculty, administrators, governing boards, policymakers, and citizens. Common measures of student success are retention rates and 4- and 6-year graduation rates. However, the standardization, accuracy, and reporting of these rates are less than scientific due in part to the operational definition provided by the federal government for reporting graduation rates. The current system for reporting retention and graduation rates are flawed. As accountability continues to increase for institutions of higher education, this analysis provides comparative, qualitative, and quantitative research with the goal of informing and assisting universities, as they strive to increase the rates at which their students succeed. A particular emphasis will be placed on an empirical analysis over a 10-year period of time for retention and graduation rates of 115 Carnegie R1 doctoral universities.
Smart In-Vehicle Technologies and Older Drivers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Jeghers Mary , Morgan-Daniel Jane , Winter Sandra , King Luther , Struckmeyer Linda
Published: February 2019

In-vehicle technologies may decrease crash risk in drivers with age-related declines. Researchers determined the impact of in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) or advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) on driving. Through a scoping review, the effect of IVIS or ADAS on older drivers’ convenience (i.e., meets one’s needs), comfort (i.e., physical or psychological ease), or safety (i.e., absence of errors or crashes) was examined. Researchers synopsized findings from 28 studies, including driving simulators and on-road environments. Findings indicated that IVIS or ADAS enhanced safety and mitigated age-related declines. Notably, IVIS may reduce cognitive workload, but may jeopardize safety if the systems are overly complicated. The ADAS enhanced safety and comfort by increasing speed control, lane maintenance, and braking responses. However, no studies addressed convenience. In-vehicle technologies may enhance safety and comfort while driving, if one’s cognitive workload is not compromised. Naturalistic studies are needed to elucidate the risks and benefits of IVIS and ADAS for older drivers.
Masculine/Instrumental and Feminine/Expressive Traits and Health, Well-Being, and Psychological Distress in Spanish Men
Authors: Matud M. Pilar
Published: February 2019

Many studies have explored the relationship between masculine norms and men’s health outcomes. There are few recent studies published on the relationship between masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits and men’s health and well-being. The current cross-sectional study examines whether masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits are associated to men’s health and well-being. Participants were 1,870 Spanish men, aged 21 to 64 years. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that the masculine/instrumental trait and the feminine/expressive trait were positively related to men’s psychological well-being and self-rated health, so that men whose self-concept includes both masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive characteristics presented greater psychological well-being and better self-rated health. The feminine/expressive trait was associated with lower psychological distress yet only in case of men with low social support. Self-esteem and social support were important predictors of men’s health, in such a way that men who had high self-esteem and social support reported higher ratings of psychological well-being, better self-rated health, and less psychological distress. The implications of these findings for promoting men’s health and well-being are discussed.
Evolution of clinical trials in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Salter Amber , Wallström Erik , Cutter Gary , Stüve Olaf
Published: February 2019

Clinical trials have advanced the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) by demonstrating the safety and efficacy of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). This review discusses major changes to MS clinical trials in the era of DMTs. As treatment options for MS continue to increase, patients in modern MS trials present earlier and with milder disease compared with historic MS populations. While placebo-controlled trials for some questions may still be relevant, DMT trials in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) are no longer ethical. The replacement of the placebo arm by an active comparator arm in trials have raised the cost of trials by requiring larger sample sizes to detect on-study changes in treatment effects. Efforts to improve trial efficiency in RRMS have focused on exploring adaptive designs and relying on sensitive magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity. In trials for progressive forms of MS (PMS), the lack of sensitive outcome measures that can be used in shorter-term trials have delayed the development of effective treatments. Recent shifting of the focus to advancing trials in PMS has identified paraclinical outcome measurements with improved potential, and the testing of agents for neuroprotection and remyelination is in progress.
Posterior Arm Perforator Flap for Axillary Reconstruction After Hidradenitis Suppurativa Excision
Authors: Sirvan Selami Serhat , Demir Isil Akgun , Irmak Fatih , Sevim Kamuran Zeynep , Dagdelen Daghan , Yazar Sevgi Kurt , Karsidag Semra
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease arising from the hair follicles in apocrine gland-rich areas. It is also one of the most common indications for axillary surgery. Reconstruction of the axillary region after such surgery must be performed meticulously due to its critical location and crucial content. In this report, we present our experience of reconstruction of axillary defects with posterior arm perforator flaps (PAPF) following radical excisions.

Methods:

A total of 14 patients (9 male, 5 female) aged between 16 and 49 years who had presented with HS in the axillary region and, after surgery, underwent reconstruction with either island or skin bridge posterior arm flap between January 2015 and October 2016 were included in the study and evaluated retrospectively. All of the defects were reconstructed with PAPF following wide excision.

Results:

Five of the flaps (over 4 patients) were designed as flaps with skin bridges, while the remaining 12 flaps in 11 patients were raised as island flaps. The flaps had areas ranging from 20 to 84 cm2 (mean 39.5 cm2), depending on the size of the defect after excision. The mean follow-up time after the operation was 6 months. Wound dehiscence was detected in one patient, and another patient developed marginal necrosis during the postoperative period; no other complications were observed.

Conclusion:

Posterior arm perforator flaps can provide sufficient amounts of soft tissue to cover axillary defects and should be considered as the flap of choice in axillary reconstruction.
Performance and Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Major League Baseball Players
Authors: Jack Robert A. , Sochacki Kyle R. , Hirase Takashi , Vickery Justin , McCulloch Patrick C. , Lintner David M. , Harris Joshua D.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain that may lead to decreased performance in Major League Baseball (MLB) players.

Purpose:

To determine the (1) return-to-sport (RTS) rate in MLB players after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI; (2) postoperative career length, innings pitched (IP) (pitchers), and plate appearances (PA) (position players); (3) preoperative and postoperative performance; and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

MLB athletes who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI and matched controls were identified. Demographic and performance data were collected. RTS was defined as playing in at least 1 MLB game after surgery. Continuous variables of each group were compared using a 2-tailed paired-samples Student t test for normally distributed data. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data. The Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple comparisons, with statistical significance defined by a P value of ≤.007.

Results:

A total of 50 players (57 surgeries) were analyzed (mean age, 30.4 ± 3.9 years; mean MLB experience at the time of surgery, 7.0 ± 4.6 years). Pitchers (31 surgeries; 54.4%) represented the largest proportion of players analyzed. Of these players, 42 (47 surgeries; 82.5%) were able to RTS at a mean of 8.3 ± 4.1 months. The overall 1-year MLB career survival rate of players undergoing FAI surgery was 78.9%. Players in the control group were in MLB a similar number of years (4.0 ± 2.9 years) to players who underwent surgery (3.3 ± 2.4 years) ( P > .007). There was no significant decrease in IP or PA per season after surgery ( P > .007). There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery ( P > .007).

Conclusion:

The RTS rate for MLB athletes after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI was high. There were similar IP, PA, and career lengths postoperatively compared with preoperatively and with matched controls. There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery.
Impact of a Parent Text Messaging Program on Pre-Kindergarteners’ Literacy Development
Authors: Cabell Sonia Q. , Zucker Tricia A. , DeCoster Jamie , Copp Stefanie B. , Landry Susan
Published: February 2019

There is increasing interest in low-cost, scalable approaches that support parent engagement in their children’s learning at home. This study examined the impact of one such approach on pre-kindergarteners’ literacy development during an academic year in a suburban public school setting that prioritized enrollment for children living in poverty. Parents were randomly assigned within children’s classrooms to receive either: (a) a language and literacy text messaging program or (b) a health and well-being text messaging program. Unexpectedly, findings indicated that children entering the school year with higher skill levels benefited from the language/literacy program while those with lower initial skill levels benefited from the health/well-being program. Although this approach shows promise in impacting some children’s literacy skills, it is clear that “one size” does not fit all families and that some families may benefit from text messages on basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, health, and behavior.
Assessing Performance in Health Care Using International Surveys: Are Patient and Clinician Perspectives Complementary or Substitutive
Authors: Levesque Jean-Frederic , Corscadden Lisa , Dave Anushree , Sutherland Kim
Published: February 2019

Background:

Over the last decade, international surveys of patients and clinicians have been used to compare health care across countries. Findings from these surveys have been extensively used to create aggregate scores and rankings.

Objective:

To assess the concordance of survey responses provided by patients and clinicians.

Methods:

Analysis of 16 pairs of questions that focused on coordination, organizational factors, and patient-centered competencies from the Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of older adults (2014) and of primary care physicians (2015). Concordance was assessed by comparing absolute rates and relative rankings.

Results:

In absolute terms, patients and clinicians gave differing responses for questions about coordination of care (patients were more positive) and provision of after-hours care (patients were less positive). In relative terms, country rankings were positively correlated for 5 of 16 question pairs (Spearman ρ > .6 and P < .05).

Conclusion:

Patterns of concordance between patient and clinician perspectives provides information to guide the use of survey data in performance assessment. However, this study highlights the need to assess the complementarity and substitutive nature of patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives before combining them to create aggregate assessments of performance.
Forgoing Food Assistance out of Fear: Simulating the Child Poverty Impact of a Making SNAP a Legal Liability for Immigrants
Authors: Laird Jennifer , Santelli Isaac , Waldfogel Jane , Wimer Christopher
Published: February 2019

Public charge, a term used by immigration officials for over 100 years, refers to a person who relies on public assistance at the government’s expense. Immigrants who are deemed at high risk of becoming a public charge can be denied green cards; those outside of the United States can be denied entry. Current public charge policy largely applies to cash benefits. The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a regulation that will allow officials to consider the take-up of both cash and non-cash benefits when making public charge determinations. Nearly 90 percent of children with immigrant parents are U.S.-born and therefore eligible for public benefits. Most of these children live in mixed-status households. We examine the potential child poverty impact of the proposed regulation. Our results show that depending on the chilling effect, more than 2 million citizen children could lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as a result of the proposed regulation.
Yoga-Specific Enhancement of Quality of Life Among Women With Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: El-Hashimi Daline , Gorey Kevin M.
Published: February 2019

Physical activities during and after cancer treatment have favorable psychosocial effects. Increasingly, yoga has become a popular approach to improving the quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer. However, the extant synthetic evidence on yoga has not used other exercise comparison conditions. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess yoga-specific effects relative to any other physical exercise intervention (eg, aerobics) for women with breast cancer. QoL was the primary outcome of interest. Eight randomized controlled trials with 545 participants were included. The sample-weighted synthesis at immediate postintervention revealed marginally statistically and modest practically significant differences suggesting yoga’s potentially greater effectiveness: d = 0.14, P = .10. However, at longer term follow-up, no statistically or practically significant between-group difference was observed. This meta-analysis preliminarily demonstrated that yoga is probably as effective as other exercise modalities in improving the QoL of women with breast cancer. Both interventions were associated with clinically significant improvements in QoL. Nearly all of the yoga intervention programs, however, were very poorly resourced. Larger and better controlled trials of well-endowed yoga programs are needed.
Fratricide-resistant CD1a-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of cortical T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Diego , Baroni Matteo L. , Gutierrez-Agüera Francisco , Roca-Ho Heleia , Blanch-Lombarte Oscar , González-García Sara , Torrebadell Montserrat , Junca Jordi , Ramírez-Orellana Manuel , Velasco-Hernández Talía , Bueno Clara , Fuster José Luís , Prado Julia G. , Calvo Julien , Uzan Benjamin , Cools Jan , Camos Mireia , Pflumio Françoise , Toribio María Luisa , Menéndez Pablo
Published: February 2019

Relapsed/refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a dismal outcome, and no effective targeted immunotherapies for T-ALL exist. The extension of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CARTs) to T-ALL remains challenging because the shared expression of target antigens between CARTs and T-ALL blasts leads to CART fratricide. CD1a is exclusively expressed in cortical T-ALL (coT-ALL), a major subset of T-ALL, and retained at relapse. This article reports that the expression of CD1a is mainly restricted to developing cortical thymocytes, and neither CD34+ progenitors nor T cells express CD1a during ontogeny, confining the risk of on-target/off-tumor toxicity. We thus developed and preclinically validated a CD1a-specific CAR with robust and specific cytotoxicity in vitro and antileukemic activity in vivo in xenograft models of coT-ALL, using both cell lines and coT-ALL patient–derived primary blasts. CD1a-CARTs are fratricide resistant, persist long term in vivo (retaining antileukemic activity in re-challenge experiments), and respond to viral antigens. Our data support the therapeutic and safe use of fratricide-resistant CD1a-CARTs for relapsed/refractory coT-ALL.
Untapped potential of multicenter studies: a review of cardiovascular risk prediction models revealed inappropriate analyses and wide variation in reporting
Authors: Wynants L. , Kent D. M. , Timmerman D. , Lundquist C. M. , Van Calster B.
Published: February 2019

Background

Clinical prediction models are often constructed using multicenter databases. Such a data structure poses additional challenges for statistical analysis (clustered data) but offers opportunities for model generalizability to a broad range of centers. The purpose of this study was to describe properties, analysis, and reporting of multicenter studies in the Tufts PACE Clinical Prediction Model Registry and to illustrate consequences of common design and analyses choices.

Methods

Fifty randomly selected studies that are included in the Tufts registry as multicenter and published after 2000 underwent full-text screening. Simulated examples illustrate some key concepts relevant to multicenter prediction research.

Results

Multicenter studies differed widely in the number of participating centers (range 2 to 5473). Thirty-nine of 50 studies ignored the multicenter nature of data in the statistical analysis. In the others, clustering was resolved by developing the model on only one center, using mixed effects or stratified regression, or by using center-level characteristics as predictors. Twenty-three of 50 studies did not describe the clinical settings or type of centers from which data was obtained. Four of 50 studies discussed neither generalizability nor external validity of the developed model.

Conclusions

Regression methods and validation strategies tailored to multicenter studies are underutilized. Reporting on generalizability and potential external validity of the model lacks transparency. Hence, multicenter prediction research has untapped potential.

Registration

This review was not registered.
Tomographic reconstructions of borehole sections using the radio imaging method at Pyhäsalmi massive sulfide deposit in Finland
Authors: Korpisalo Arto
Published: February 2019

We have used the radio imaging method (RIM) to delineate attenuating zones in two borehole sections in the area of the Pyhäsalmi volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) copper-zinc deposit located in central Finland. The frequency band (312.5–2500 kHz) is higher and thus provides better resolution and sensitivity to conductive targets than traditional ground-level and borehole electromagnetic (EM) methods. When EM waves are assumed to be propagated along straight rays, the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique can be used and the decayed amplitudes of the electric field are converted to the attenuation coefficient in dB/m. The straight-ray assumption was, however, not met in this study. The reconstruction results of two borehole sections were compared with time-domain EM (TEM) data and electric logging data. Electric logging reveals the nearby conducive mineralizations, and when compared with RIM data, the continuation of attenuating formations can be better predicted. The intersections interpreted from the TEM data were consistent with the RIM data. However, continuation of the attenuating domains could only be established from RIM data. Low ray densities at the upper and lower edges, violation of the straight-ray assumption, and out-of-plane targets may generate artifacts. In addition, the constructions suffer from smearing in the direction of the raypath. According to the results, we can recover the shape and orientation of attenuating targets in the borehole sections, but the physical properties are underestimated due to the straight-ray assumption. The comparison studies confirmed that RIM is well-suited to estimating subsurface conductivity properties and to predicting the continuation of attenuating domains between the boreholes at the Pyhäsalmi VMS deposit.
The Shuey-Radon transform
Authors: Gholami Ali , Farshad Milad
Published: February 2019

The traditional hyperbolic Radon transform (RT) decomposes seismic data into a sum of constant amplitude basis functions. This limits the performance of the transform when dealing with real data in which the reflection amplitudes include the amplitude variation with offset (AVO) variations. We adopted the Shuey-Radon transform as a combination of the RT and Shuey’s approximation of reflectivity to accurately model reflections including AVO effects. The new transform splits the seismic gather into three Radon panels: The first models the reflections at zero offset, and the other two panels add capability to model the AVO gradient and curvature. There are two main advantages of the Shuey-Radon transform over similar algorithms, which are based on a polynomial expansion of the AVO response. (1) It is able to model reflections more accurately. This leads to more focused coefficients in the transform domain and hence provides more accurate processing results. (2) Unlike polynomial-based approaches, the coefficients of the Shuey-Radon transform are directly connected to the classic AVO parameters (intercept, gradient, and curvature). Therefore, the resulting coefficients can further be used for interpretation purposes. The solution of the new transform is defined via an underdetermined linear system of equations. It is formulated as a sparsity-promoting optimization, and it is solved efficiently using an orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm. Applications to different numerical experiments indicate that the Shuey-Radon transform outperforms the polynomial and conventional RTs.
Axin proteolysis by Iduna is required for the regulation of stem cell proliferation and intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila
Authors: Gultekin Yetis , Steller Hermann
Published: February 2019

Self-renewal of intestinal stem cells is controlled by Wingless/Wnt-β catenin signaling in both Drosophila and mammals. As Axin is a rate-limiting factor in Wingless signaling, its regulation is essential. Iduna is an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin E3 ligase that has been identified as a crucial regulator for degradation of ADP-ribosylated Axin and, thus, of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, its physiological significance remains to be demonstrated. Here, we generated loss-of-function mutants of Iduna to investigate its physiological role in Drosophila. Genetic depletion of Iduna causes the accumulation of both Tankyrase and Axin. Increase of Axin protein in enterocytes non-autonomously enhanced stem cell divisions in the Drosophila midgut. Enterocytes secreted Unpaired proteins and thereby stimulated the activity of the JAK-STAT pathway in intestinal stem cells. A decrease in Axin gene expression suppressed the over-proliferation of stem cells and restored their numbers to normal levels in Iduna mutants. These findings suggest that Iduna-mediated regulation of Axin proteolysis is essential for tissue homeostasis in the Drosophila midgut.
From gene to treatment: supporting rare disease translational research through model systems
Authors: Hmeljak Julija , Justice Monica J.
Published: February 2019

Individual rare diseases may affect only a few people, making them difficult to recognize, diagnose or treat by studying humans alone. Instead, model organisms help to validate genetic associations, understand functional pathways and develop therapeutic interventions for rare diseases. In this Editorial, we point to the key parameters in face, construct, predictive and target validity for accurate disease modelling, with special emphasis on rare disease models. Raising the experimental standards for disease models will enhance successful clinical translation and benefit rare disease research.
Nuevas Economías Transformadoras
Authors: Arin Tapia Arrate
Published: February 2019

Las “Nuevas Economías” son propuestas emergentes que han nacido como respuesta a los grandes retos sociales y medioambientales, en el contexto de las oportunidades que plantean las nuevas tecnologías y la propia innovación social. Ante la proliferación de corrientes existente, éste artículo ha seleccionado aquellos movimientos que tienen un mayor carácter transformador de la economía, elaborando un pequeño marco teórico de cada uno de ellos.De esta forma, se ha analizado el ecosistema de la Economía social, la empresa social y la Economía Solidaria. Frente a estas corrientes con más trayectoria, se han analizado movimientos emergentes, tales como la Economía del Bien Común, las Economías Colaborativas y la Economía Circular y Verde. A lo largo del artículo, se observan una serie de tendencias y elementos de convergencia entre estos movimientos, pero también sus diferencias y limitaciones.