bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural justice and nursing: Inpatient nurses’ obligation to address social justice needs of patients
Authors: Small Pageen M
Published: November 2018

As inpatient nurses spend the majority of their work time caring for patients at the bedside, they are often firsthand witnesses to the devastating outcomes of inadequate preventive healthcare and structural injustices within current social systems. This experience should obligate inpatient nurses to be involved in meeting the social justice needs of their patients. Many nursing codes of ethics mandate some degree of involvement in the social justice needs of society, though how this is to be achieved is not detailed in these general guidelines. Acknowledging an explicit obligation for inpatient nurses to address the social justice issues of their patients would facilitate better overall understanding of social justice issues and reduce preventable admissions. If implementation of such an obligation is done with care, having inpatient nurses participate in justice projects could also mitigate compassion fatigue, allow for better job satisfaction among these nurses, and provide a sense of revitalization in nurses’ role as health promoters.
Patient Segmentation Based on Patient Loyalty
Authors: Calero Remedios , Lorenzo Carlota , Gallarza Martina G.
Published: November 2018

The present study aims to perform a segmentation of patients based on their loyalty behaviour. The analysis focuses on Valencia, a region in Spain that features a capitated financing and free-elective framework; such a framework is particularly suitable for this type of study because patient loyalty directly affects the system’s budget and economic viability. Using secondary data from the regional health council, the study focuses on relationships of influence and latent segmentation in answering seven research questions. The two-pronged statistical analysis is designed to analyse relationships of influence, on the one hand, and latent segmentation, on the other. Significant differences were found among the various scales analysed in the three patient loyalty behavioural models (capture, retention and desertion) for each variable within the scope, that is, subjective (gender, age and nationality) and circumstantial (size of the assigned and receiving hospital, location of the province of the assigned hospital). This finding indicates that it may be possible to develop patient profiles based on such variables to analyse different loyalty behaviours in patients and the impact of hospital communication strategies on these behaviours. Patient loyalty is essential to the viability of a capitated health care financing and management system. Likewise, identifying patient profiles would contribute to a better Valencian public health management. Accordingly, it might be applied to evaluate other health care financing systems.
The accounting history research in the ‘Rivista Italiana di Ragioneria’ (Italian Accounting Review), 1901–2015
Authors: Coronella Stefano , Neri Lorenzo , Risaliti Gianluca , Russo Antonella
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the evolution of accounting history research in Italy throughout the analysis of the historical publications on the most important generalist accounting journal—the ‘ Italian Accounting Review’ (IAR, ‘ Rivista Italiana di Ragioneria’). Following the studies on the patterns of publications in the accounting history research, we tracked the accounting history contributions in IAR over 115 years, from 1901 to 2015. Our longitudinal analysis included number and subject areas of the tracked contributions. The findings support the consolidated tradition of the historical perspective for the Italian accounting researchers. They also reveal emerging topics and developing fields of historical enquiry that could be addressed in future. We make a call for more research on accounting history in specific contexts, through knowledge creation in diverse languages and settings.
Invisible or Clichéd: How Are Women Represented in Business Cases?
Authors: Sharen Colleen M. , McGowan Rosemary A.
Published: November 2018

Women represent just less than 50% of undergraduate business graduates and 36% of MBA graduates. Despite their strong presence in management education programs, women are noticeably absent from business case studies—a key pedagogical tool for instruction within management education programs worldwide. While case studies inform students about business processes, decision making, strategy, and leadership and management challenges, they also promote unintentional learning about gender. We argue that case studies contain a “hidden curriculum” that presents and reinforces implicit assumptions and stereotypes about women’s fitness to lead. Using NVivo 11 software to analyze the content of written cases, we examine the presence, absence, and representation of female and male protagonists in a sample of business cases published by a large business school case publisher. The findings offer comparative insights into the proportion of cases featuring female protagonists, the representation of women and men in leadership roles, and the characterizations of the female and male protagonists. Women protagonists were absent in more than 80% of cases, and when present, were portrayed as less visionary, risk taking, agentic, certain, and more emotional, cautious, and quality and detail oriented than men.
Determination of closed form expressions of the second-gradient elastic moduli of multi-layer composites using the periodic unfolding method
Authors: Ganghoffer Jean-François , Maurice Gérard , Rahali Yosra
Published: November 2018

The present paper aims at introducing a homogenization scheme for the identification of strain–gradient elastic moduli of composite materials, based on the unfolding mathematical method. We expose in the first part of this paper the necessary mathematical apparatus in view of the derivation of the effective first- and second-gradient mechanical properties of two-phase composite materials, focusing on a one-dimensional situation. Each of the two phases is supposed to obey a second-gradient linear elastic constitutive law. Application of the unfolding method to the homogenization of multi-layer materials provides closed form expressions of all effective first- and second-gradient elastic moduli as well as coupling moduli between first- and second-gradient elasticity. A comparison between the unfolding method and the method of oscillating functions shows that both methods, despite their differences, deliver the same effective second-gradient elastic constitutive law for stratified materials.
Multimodal imaging in a young male with osteogenesis imperfecta complicated with choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Bellanca Riccardo Francesco , Scarinci Fabio , Parravano Mariacristina
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the role of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta complicated with choroidal neovascularization.

Case report:

A 28-year-old man, diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, was referred 2 months after the appearance of central scotoma and metamorphopsia in the right eye. The patient underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation including visual acuity examination as well as ophthalmoscopy, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography and microperimetry. Complete examination revealed macular lacquer crack with subretinal haemorrhage. A further investigation with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography revealed the presence of choroidal neovascularization without clear activity associated to the lacquer crack. After a 1-month follow-up, both visual acuity and retinal sensitivity improved spontaneously.

Conclusion:

Collagen deficiency of osteogenesis imperfecta leads to fragility of the Bruch’s membrane; tension forces probably act at this level determining ruptures with bleeding and choroidal neovascularization formation. Multimodal imaging and functional evaluation are needed to assess retinal alterations in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, whereas treatment of choroidal neovascularization should be reserved only for active lesion to prevent evolution and visual acuity decrement.
CNTNAP2 Heterozygous Missense Variants: Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Other Pathologies?
Authors: Canali Giorgia , Goutebroze Laurence
Published: November 2018

The CNTNAP2 gene has been proposed to be one of the major susceptibility genes for neurodevelopmental disorders, in which numerous heterozygous missense variants have been identified in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The contribution of these variants to the manifestations of ASD is however highly controversial because numerous heterozygous missense variants have also been identified in control subjects. In a recent study, we set up a sensitive developmental in vitro cell assay to clarify the potential functional impact of these variants in a heterozygous Cntnap2 background relevant for CNTNAP2 heterozygosity in patients with ASD. We showed that the cell adhesion glycoprotein Caspr2 encoded by CNTNAP2 plays a dose-dependent role in cortical neuron axon growth and provided a proof of principle that some variants have functional consequences, either a loss of function or a dominant-negative effect. This indicates that phenotypes mimicking CNTNAP2 heterozygous and homozygous null mutation may exist in humans. Our observations further suggest that more variants than originally expected could be functionally deleterious and induce a high heterogeneity of phenotypes at the scale of the whole brain. This raises the interesting possibility that CNTNAP2 heterozygous missense variants could define an overall endophenotype shaping a risk for ASD and questions whether, beyond ASD, the variants could contribute to the development of other neurodevelopmental disorders and/or genetically less complex pathologies.
Development of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire-Short Form (AMSQ-SF): A static 10-item version
Authors: Luijten Michiel AJ , Eekhout Iris , D’Hooghe Marie , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Mokkink Lidwine B
Published: November 2018

Background:

Assessing arm and hand function of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is important as impaired functioning may impact daily activities and reduce quality of life.

Objective:

A short-form of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ), a recently developed patient-reported outcome measure containing 31 items, is developed to allow non-adaptive application.

Methods:

Complete data from 690 patients with MS, recruited via outpatient clinics, a residential center or via a Dutch website aimed at MS patients, were included in the analyses. A graded response model was fit to these data to estimate item response theory (IRT) parameters, which were used to perform post hoc computerized adaptive test (CAT) simulations with a cutoff standard error of measurement (SEM) of 0.32. The optimal test length was determined by the correlation between the static short-form and full-length theta, the mean SEM, and the amount of patients reaching a satisfactory SEM in CAT simulations.

Results and Conclusion:

Based on five selection criteria (i.e. discrimination parameters, total information, times selected in CAT simulations, raw item means, and item content), 10 items were selected for inclusion in the short-form. The score on the final 10-item short-form correlated strongly with the full-length AMSQ and provided reliable ability estimations, indicating its usefulness instrument in research and clinical settings.
A network analysis of the General Health Questionnaire
Authors: van Zyl CJJ
Published: November 2018

The General Health Questionnaire-28 is a well-known symptom-based rating scale of mental health. Several studies have investigated its latent structure using confirmatory factor analysis. This study questions this approach on several substantive points, most notably the inability for symptoms to interact using confirmatory factor analysis, and argues for the use of network analysis instead. Network results demonstrate the method’s utility to improve our understanding of the rating scales’ symptom structure. Insights include a much richer understanding of comorbidity on the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the identification of particularly salient symptoms affecting the network. It yields substantive information of interest to researchers and practitioners alike.
Counting polyamorists who count: Prevalence and definitions of an under-researched form of consensual nonmonogamy
Authors: Rubel Alicia N , Burleigh Tyler J
Published: November 2018

Despite a growing interest in polyamory, it is unknown how many polyamorists there are in the general population. In acknowledging that the meaning of “polyamory” is contested (e.g. Klesse, 2014), we estimated the prevalence of polyamory when it was defined as: (1) an identity, (2) relationship beliefs/preferences, (3) relationship status, and (4) relationship agreements. We recruited 972 individuals from Mechanical Turk and used a sample weighting procedure to approximate a representative sample of the population of the USA. Point prevalence estimates ranged from about 0.6% to 5%, and lifetime estimates ranged from about 2% to 23%. Thus, we estimate that there are at least 1.44 million adults in the USA who count as polyamorous.
Experiencing vicarious rejection in the wake of the 2016 presidential election
Authors: Claypool Heather M. , Trujillo Alejandro , Bernstein Michael J. , Young Steven
Published: November 2018

Presidential elections in the United States pit two (or more) candidates against each other. Voters elect one and reject the others. This work tested the hypothesis that supporters of a losing presidential candidate may experience that defeat as a personal rejection. Before and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, voters reported their current feelings of rejection and social pain, along with potential predictors of these feelings. Relative to Trump supporters, Clinton (losing candidate) supporters reported greater feelings of rejection, lower mood, and reduced fundamental needs post-election, while controlling for pre-election levels of these variables. Moreover, as self–candidate closeness and liberal political orientation increased, so too did feelings of rejection and social pain among Clinton supporters. We discuss the implications of these results for understanding human sensitivity to belonging threats and for the vicarious rejection literature.
Seismic response of a light steel structure integrated building with steel mortise–tenon connections
Authors: Zhou Nianqiang , Shi Weixing , Shang Jiazeng
Published: November 2018

Mortise–tenon joints play a crucial role in traditional timber structures to resist service and earthquake loading. In this work, the steel mortise–tenon connection from a traditional timber house was extracted and developed for a lightweight steel structure integrated building. This article presents a study on the dynamic performance of an integrated steel house with steel mortise–tenon connections. A shaking table test was conducted with a full-scale model and various excitation intensities. Various parameters, including the natural frequency, the equivalent stiffness of the structure, the structural damping ratio, the acceleration response and the displacement response, were analysed and discussed. In the test, the model frequencies decreased from 15.19 to less than 13.38 Hz, while the damping ratio increased by 32.6%. The test model survived all the input earthquake excitations (peak ground acceleration of up to 1.0 g) with only minor damage, indicating the good seismic resilience of the building. The test results demonstrate that the integrated house structure with steel mortise–tenon connections is a good solution for withstanding earthquakes. An integrated structure bounded by a steel mortise–tenon system with proper design typically exhibits good seismic behaviour and can resist earthquake under different seismic levels in practice.
Adolescents need more sleep: Rethinking the preventive options of school environments
Authors: Roessler Kirsten K. , Grove Sidsel
Published: November 2018

Sleep problems in adolescence have both somatic and psychological consequences for health. Most adolescents spend a considerable amount of time in school, but there is little published research on how the school environment affects adolescent health and well-being. This commentary explores whether using a nap room in the middle of the school day can reduce perceived stress and fatigue in high school students and improve their sleep quality. We show that a short nap of 10 minutes can prevent stress-related problems. A method of improving adolescent health might be the reorganization of the school environment.
Playing with gender borders
Authors: Jensen Mie Birk , Herold Maria Dich , Frank Vibeke Asmussen , Hunt Geoffrey
Published: November 2018

In this article we explore the gendered aspects of flirting as an integral part of a night out among young adults in Denmark, specifically a night out in mainstream bars and clubs. Empirically, we base our analysis on 140 qualitative interviews with regular alcohol users between 18 and 25 years of age. Drawing on Ahmed’s notion of orientation in combination with Thorne’s notions of gender play and borderwork, our aim is to explore and discuss how flirting – for these young adults – becomes an unavoidable interactional practice in night-time economy (NTE) contexts. This is in some cases experienced as easy and enjoyable, and in others as uncomfortable and challenging. In the analysis, we specifically focus on how gender norms related to the NTE is navigated and/or challenged by our participants, in relation to flirting. The study shows how the gendered norms of the mainstream NTE are, in some instances, supportive of its participants’ flirting practices and experiences, and in other cases challenging. In conclusion, we emphasise that the young adults relate challenges both to queer flirting and to heterosexual flirting, and that notions of risks in this context relate to risks of stigmatisation, rather than health risks.
Multidimensional access to financial services: Insights from Indonesia
Authors: Lee Wonhyung , Widyaningrum Nurul
Published: November 2018

Although better access to financial services is known to lead to various economic opportunities, most studies have approached ‘access’ as a one-dimensional variable, such as availability of services or distance to services. This study proposes approaching access as a multidimensional concept and examining its impact on household economic outcomes. Using panel survey data collected in Indonesia between 2000 and 2014, this study examines how economic, geographical and social aspects of access relate to poverty alleviation and business development outcomes. The findings suggest that the economic and social aspects of access, especially savings (both formal and informal) and knowledge of loan sources, contribute to both overall household economy and business opportunity, whereas road condition was only significant for business development. These insights could help policymakers focus on improving certain aspects of access to financial services that can lead to positive business outcomes and ultimately to socioeconomic well-being.
An interdisciplinary perspective: The value that instructors place on giving written feedback
Authors: Knight Stephanie K , Greenberger Scott W , McNaughton Morgan E
Published: November 2018

Students need feedback from instructors to learn from their mistakes and improve their academic skills. Responding to student writing is a central and necessary component of the instructor–student feedback loop. There are many forms of feedback on written assignments, and not all of them have the same role in supporting student learning. For example, as for written feedback, one primary distinction is between comments made in the margins and comments at the end of the written work. Work has focused on practices of instructor feedback among instructors, and other studies have focused on practices of feedback within a single discipline. Although there have been many studies on the topic of instructor feedback, no studies were found that explored possible differences of feedback across disciplines. The purpose of the study described here was to explore what instructors consider to be the purpose(s)/value of writing feedback (whether it is in the margins or at the end) on written assignments, as well as how instructors from different disciplines conceive of using comments in the margins and end of essays/written work, that is, whether or not they would conceive of them differently, and therefore provide different feedback, according to discipline. Nearly half of the instructors valued the use of written feedback on written assignments as fostering future improvements. In contrast, when analyzing responses across disciplines, identifying specific errors seemed to be more important in making comments in the margins. Further analysis and recommendations are provided.
Pre-diabetes: to treat or not to treat?
Authors: Ferrannini Ele
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, bringing personal and economic burdens. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) generally precedes type 2 diabetes and strategies which target IGT and delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes are being explored. IGT and type 2 diabetes are characterised by insulin resistance. Lifestyle and pharmacological approaches which ameliorate insulin resistance are being investigated as methods of diabetes prevention.
Impaired glucose tolerance: do pharmacological therapies correct the underlying metabolic disturbance?
Authors: Defronzo Ralph A
Published: November 2018

Lifestyle intervention prevents or delays the conversion from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes. However, many subjects fail to achieve and/or maintain long-term weight loss and to follow a regular exercise regimen may require pharmacologic therapy. Insulin resistance in liver, muscle and fat, along with impaired beta-cell function, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitising drugs, including metformin and the thiazolidinediones, have significantly reduced the conversion rate of IGT to type 2 diabetes in subjects in several large, well designed clinical trials. Insulin-sensitising drugs are likely to play an important role in future strategies for diabetes prevention.
Coronary heart disease management in the UK
Authors: Davis Mark
Published: November 2018

There are health inequalities in distribution of coronary heart disease (CHD). The National Service Framework (NSF) for CHD sets national clinical and organisational standards, defines service models, and establishes performance indicators. The four waves of the primary care collaborative have shown that, by offering structured and systematic care, secondary prevention can be improved. The basic remit of primary care trusts is to improve the health of their population, to provide access to appropriate services, and to integrate these services.
Ezetimibe — the first in a new class
Authors: Davis Harry
Published: November 2018

In animal models, ezetimibe has been observed to lower plasma total, chylomicron, very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

It inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout mice. In combination with statins in dogs, it reduces plasma cholesterol in a synergistic manner.

In a study in humans, treatment with ezetimibe gave a 54% reduction in absorption of cholesterol. There was a wide range of cholesterol absorption and drug activity among these individuals.
The realities of dyslipidaemia in metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Authors: Barter Philip
Published: November 2018

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes excess cholesterol from macrophages in the artery wall, thereby reducing the rate of development of the cholesterol from macrophages in the artery wall, thereby reducing the rate of development of the atherosclerotic plaque. Other anti-atherogenic actions of HDL include preservation of endothelial function, inhibition of the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the developing plaque, antioxidant effects, and antithrombotic effects. Not surprisingly, large epidemiological cohort studies have identified low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) as a risk factor for coronary heart disease independently of levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Low HDL-C frequently occurs together with elevated triglycerides and the appearance of small, dense LDL, as a direct result of the metabolic changes associated with insulin resistance in conditions such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The worldwide increase in these conditions and the associated increase in prevalence of low HDL-C have resulted in HDL being considered as a target for therapeutic intervention. Correction of low HDL-C should be an important target for therapy, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.
Modern intervention strategies for managing dyslipidaemia: the case for combination therapy
Authors: Drexel Heinz
Published: November 2018

steady decline in cardiovascular mortality has occurred in recent decades, but a substantial burden of cardiovascular mortality remains. Intervention with statins, for example, has resulted in significant reductions in cardiovascular event rates in a broad range of patient populations, but these agents reduce cardiovascular event rates by only about 20—40%, despite profound reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in some trials. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes independent of levels of LDL-C. Well designed intervention trials have demonstrated marked improvements in cardiovascular outcomes with agents that raise levels of HDL-C. Combinations of statins with nicotinic acid, the most potent agent for increasing levels of HDL-C currently available, appear to be the most effective strategy for managing cardiovascular risk. Indeed, reductions in the risk of cardiovascular events of up to 90% relative to placebo with a nicotinic acid-statin combination were observed in the double-blind, randomised HDL Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS). A once-daily, prolonged-release formulation of nicotinic acid, Niaspan® is as effective as immediate-release nicotinic acid with superior tolerability and safety. A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled evaluation of Niaspan® added to a statin, the Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol (ARBITER 2) study, demonstrated significant inhibition of atherosclerosis in men with low HDL-C over only one year of treatment. Patients with low HDL-C are at elevated cardiovascular risk and combination treatment with nicotinic acid and a statin represents a rational and evidence-based treatment for this population.
Recognition and management of cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Da Costa Sara
Published: November 2018

Patients with type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population. The UKPDS identified a number of potentially modifiable risk factors including hypertension, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperglycaemia and smoking. Recognising and managing these risk factors presents a challenge for clinical practice, particularly if we aim to also identify at-risk individuals. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is escalating, largely due to an ageing population and the rapidly increasing incidence of obesity, which in itself has become a recognised risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The challenge for healthcare professionals in the management of type 2 diabetes is a complex one, at the heart of which is the need for patient education and support to promote sustainable lifestyle changes. In addition to recognising classical risk factors, evidence from clinical practice highlights the impact of non-classical risk factors (such as non-compliance to medication) and the subsequent consequences they have on resource and patient outcomes, thereby reinforcing the necessity for an integrated approach to the management of type 2
Reduced Gait Variability and Enhanced Brain Activity in Older Adults With Auditory Cues: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Vitorio Rodrigo , Stuart Samuel , Gobbi Lilian T. B. , Rochester Lynn , Alcock Lisa , Pantall Annette
Published: November 2018

Background. Aging is associated with declining mobility, which negatively affects quality of life and incurs substantial economic costs. Techniques to maintain safe mobility in older adults are therefore essential. Rhythmic auditory cueing (RAC) can improve walking patterns in older adults. However, the neural correlates associated with RAC, how they are influenced by repeated exposure and their relationships with gait response, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms are unclear. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RAC during walking on cortical activation and the relationship between RAC-related cortical changes and cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and gait response. Methods. Seventeen young adults and eighteen older adults walked on a motorized treadmill for 5 minutes (5 trials with alternating 30-second blocks of usual walking and RAC walking). Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) in the frontal cortex were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognitive domains were assessed through validated tests. A triaxial accelerometer measured gait parameters. Results. Gait variability decreased and prefrontal HbO2 levels increased during cued walking relative to usual walking. Older adults showed greater HbO2 levels in multiple motor regions during cued walking although the response reduced with repeated exposure. In older adults, lower depression scores, higher cognitive functioning, and reduced gait variability were linked with increased HbO2 levels during RAC walking. Conclusion. These findings suggest that walking improves with RAC in older adults and is achieved through increased activity in multiple cortical areas. The cortical response decline with repeated exposure indicates older adults’ ability to adapt to a new task.
Dopamine Replacement Medication Does Not Influence Implicit Learning of a Stepping Task in People With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Paul Serene S. , Schaefer Sydney Y. , Olivier Genevieve N. , Walter Christopher S. , Lohse Keith R. , Dibble Leland E.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with exogenous dopamine (ie, levodopa) may positively affect motor symptoms, but may negatively affect other functions such as the learning of motor skills necessary for rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine whether levodopa medication affects general and sequence-specific learning of a stepping task and the transfer of movement skill to untrained balance tasks in people with PD. Methods. Participants with PD were randomized to practice “on” (n = 14) or “off” (n = 13) levodopa medication. Participants practiced 6 blocks of 6 trials of 24 steps of a stepping task over an acquisition period of 3 consecutive days, followed by single retention blocks of 6 trials 2 and 9 days later. Participants were also assessed on untrained balance (ie, transfer) tasks “on” levodopa before practice and following late retention. Results. There were no between-group differences in general learning, sequence-specific learning, or transfer of skill to untrained balance tasks ( P > .05). Both groups demonstrated general and sequence-specific learning ( P < .001) and trends for improvement in untrained tasks ( P < .001 to P = .26) following practice. Detailed analysis of early acquisition revealed no difference between medication groups. Conclusion. People with PD improved performance on the stepping task with practice. The between-group effect sizes were small, suggesting that levodopa medication status (“on” versus “off”) during practice did not significantly affect general or sequence-specific learning of the task or components of early acquisition. The practice dose required to optimally result in functional improvements in untrained balance tasks, including reductions in falls, remains to be determined.
Complete resolution of a cervical spine aneurysmal bone cyst after single session of endovascular embolization: Case report
Authors: Wangqin Runqi , Xu Kaya , Rojas Haydy , Ren Zeguang
Published: November 2018

Treatment options for aneurysmal bone cysts include intralesional curettage, segmental excision, en bloc resection and endovascular embolization. The most commonly used treatment is intralesional curettage and selective arterial embolization is normally an adjunctive therapy, not a definitive treatment. We report a case of a C1 lateral mass aneurysmal bone cyst treated with a single session of endovascular embolization. Long-term follow up demonstrated complete resolution of the cyst. A study of aneurysmal bone cyst embolization was conducted and the key points for obtaining maximal devascularization of the cyst along with embolic material and technique are discussed.
Mind the step: A more insightful and robust analysis of the sentencing process in England and Wales under the new sentencing guidelines
Authors: Pina-Sánchez Jose , Brunton-Smith Ian , Li Guangquan
Published: November 2018

The ‘England and Wales Sentencing Guidelines’ aim to promote consistency by organizing the sentencing process as a sequence of steps, with initial judicial assessments subsequently adjusted to reflect relevant case characteristics. Yet, existing evaluations of the guidelines have failed to incorporate this structure adequately, instead concentrating solely on sentence outcomes. We use multivariate multilevel models to offer new insights into the decisions made throughout the sentencing process. Focusing on cases of assault sentenced at the Crown Court we show that the level of compliance with the guidelines is high. However, we also show that some case characteristics are being unduly considered at more than one stage of the sentencing process, meaning existing studies may be underestimating their true influence.
Constituent power beyond exceptionalism: Irregular migration, disobedience, and (re-)constitution
Authors: Celikates Robin
Published: November 2018

This article argues that, far from being a merely defensive act of individual protest, civil disobedience is a much more radical political practice. It is transformative in that it aims at the politicization of questions that are excluded from the political domain and at reconfiguring public space and existing institutions, often in comprehensive ways. Focusing on the reconstitution of the political community also allows us to reconceptualize constituent power. Rather than portraying it as a quasi-mythical force erupting only in extraordinary moments, constituent power can be conceptualized as a dynamic situated within established orders, transgressing their logic and reconfiguring them from within. Civil disobedience as a transformative and potentially comprehensive practice aimed at reconstituting the political order can then be seen as an internal driving force keeping this dialectic in play. A concrete example can be found in protests and border struggles by irregularized migrants. They show how unexpected forms of civil disobedience manage to politicize symbolic and institutional structures that are usually taken for granted or naturalized and thereby removed from politicization, such as borders and citizenship. In this way, they exemplify not only the defensive/reactive but also the constituent/transformative force of disobedience.
Comparison of overall survival and unplanned hospital readmissions between partial and radical nephrectomy for cT1a and cT1b renal masses
Authors: Chong Julio T. , Paulucci David , Lubin Marc , Beksac Alp Tuna , Gin Greg , Sfakianos John P. , Badani Ketan K.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The aim of the study was to compare overall survival (OS) and unplanned hospital readmissions (UHRs) within 30 days between partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinically localized T1 renal tumors.

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was queried to identify 51,018 patients who had undergone RN ( n = 23,904; 46.9%) or PN ( n = 27,114; 53.1%) for a cT1N0M0 renal mass from 2004 to 2013. OS and UHRs were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results:

For patients with a cT1a tumor, IPTW-adjusted analysis showed PN compared with RN was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56, 0.67; p < 0.001) with a 5-year and 10-year IPTW-adjusted OS of 93.0% versus 88.2% and 78.1% versus 71.7%, respectively with no difference in UHR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.16; p = 0.727). For patients with a cT1b tumor, IPTW-adjusted analysis showed PN compared with RN to be associated with marginally improved OS (HR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99; p = 0.025) with a 5-year and 10-year IPTW-adjusted OS of 85.3% versus 84.3% and 70.8% versus 63.6%, respectively, with more UHRs for PN (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.19, 1.72; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

PN compared with RN was associated with a significant survival benefit for patients with a cT1a renal mass and a modest survival benefit for patients with a cT1b renal mass. PN should be offered over RN when feasible despite a marginal increase in UHRs for PN of cT1b tumors. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
Attitudes towards smokefree high streets: a survey of local shoppers in a northern UK town
Authors: Brenner Gilly , Mann Kaye , Lee Diane , Burrows Julia , Crosby Scott
Published: November 2018

Objective:

As a local authority we wanted to practically determine the perception of the public to smokefree zones in shopping high streets and other local outdoor public places.

Methods:

A survey was carried out by students on a convenience sample of shoppers on a single busy market day in Barnsley.

Results:

In all, 142 responses were collected; 28% were smokers and 15% e-cigarette users. The majority (69%) of respondents were not against smokefree high streets, including 68% of smokers; 69% of respondents (including 61% of smokers) were not against all public areas becoming smokefree; 70% of respondents (including 63% of smokers) were not against outdoor seating areas, such as those outside pubs and cafés becoming smokefree. There was a marginal preference that smokefree outdoor zones should be voluntary (42%) rather than enforced (39%). Most respondents believed that people smoking around children was influential in determining whether those children go on to take up smoking when they get older. Most smokers (92%) said they already moderated their smoking behaviour in some way when children were present, including 44% who claimed that when children are around they do not smoke at all.

Conclusion:

This study gives strength to the argument for local authorities to implement voluntary outdoor smokefree zones in public places such as shopping high streets, as a part of a comprehensive tobacco control plan. Shoppers were generally supportive of smokefree zones and in particular where the rationale for their implementation is to protect children from taking up smoking.
Unusual invasion of primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a cat
Authors: Ambrosini Yoko M , Johnson Kelsey A , Matthews Morgan , Sato Amy F
Published: November 2018

Case summary

An 11-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was referred to the Foster Hospital for Small Animals, USA for suspected dysautonomia based on weight loss, vomiting and referral radiographs that showed severe dilation of the esophagus, stomach and entire gastrointestinal tract. After recheck radiographs revealed a decrease in gas compared with the referral images, persistently reduced gastrointestinal motility was deemed less likely; however, cardiomegaly and a soft tissue opacity overlying the esophagus were noted. Echocardiogram identified a pulmonary mass either impinging on or invading the local organs. At necropsy, gross pathology and histopathology showed an aggressive pulmonary carcinoma invading the heart, trachea and esophagus, resulting in a focal esophageal stricture. Gastrointestinal gas dilation was most likely secondary to aerophagia as a result of chronic partial esophageal obstruction.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first reported feline case of invasion of the esophagus and heart by a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Other than weight loss, the clinical signs for this invasive neoplasm were not evident until the cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and prescribed oral medications. This reinforces the fact that pulmonary adenocarcinoma is difficult to detect clinically until secondary problems from the primary or metastatic neoplasm arise.
Invasive nasal histiocytic sarcoma as a cause of temporal lobe epilepsy in a cat
Authors: Santifort Koen M , Jurgens Ben , Grinwis Guy CM , Gielen Ingrid , Meij Björn P , Mandigers Paul JJ
Published: November 2018

Case summary

A 10-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented with an acute onset of neurological signs suggestive of a right-sided forebrain lesion, temporal lobe epilepsy and generalised seizure activity. MRI of the head revealed an expansile soft tissue mass in the caudal nasal passages (both sides but predominantly right-sided) involving the ethmoid bone and extending through the cribriform plate into the cranial vault affecting predominantly the right frontal lobe and temporal lobe. Histopathological examination of the tumour revealed a histiocytic sarcoma.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of a cat with clinical signs of temporal lobe epilepsy due to an invasive, histiocytic sarcoma. Histiocytic sarcoma, although rare, should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for soft tissue masses extending through the cribriform plate. Other differential diagnoses are primary nasal neoplasia (eg, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, chondrosarcoma and other types of sarcomas), lymphoma and olfactory neuroblastoma. Temporal lobe epilepsy in cats can be the consequence of primary pathology of temporal lobe structures, or it can be a consequence of pathology with an effect on these structures (eg, mass effect or disruption of interconnecting neuronal pathways).
Building Qualitative Research Capacity Among Interdisciplinary Teams to Investigate Girls’ Challenges With Menstruation: Process and Lessons Learned From a 14-Country E-Course
Authors: Caruso Bethany A. , Ellis Anna , Sclar Gloria , Girod Candace , Penakalapati Gauthami , Sahin Murat , Cavill Sue
Published: November 2018

Public health–related decisions are influenced by a variety of actors operating on local to global levels, including community leaders, educators, nongovernment organizations, government officials, donors, and researchers, many of whom may lack formal public health training. The provision of public health instruction to interdisciplinary professionals has the potential to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to make informed, evidenced-based decisions about health policies and programs. The use of online learning is emerging as a promising means of providing public health training, particularly among those living in geographically disparate areas and from multidisciplinary backgrounds. This article describes an online course created to teach participants in stakeholder teams from 14 low- and middle-income countries how to design and conduct qualitative research to understand girls’ challenges managing menstruation at school. The goal of the course was to strengthen each country team’s ability to conduct research by building the capacity of the members. Thus, completion of the course by all team members was an objective, but less of a focus than assuring that each team as a collective was gaining public health insights and working together to make informed decisions about their research goals. This course led to benefits beyond capacity strengthening, including the formation of a broader community of learning and practice that extended beyond country boundaries. We recommend embedding training opportunities for multidisciplinary stakeholders into research endeavors given the potential for positive effects on individual participants and overall policy decisions to improve community health and provide lessons learned for doing so.
A structure hierarchy for silicate minerals: sheet silicates
Authors: Hawthorne Frank C. , Uvarova Yulia A. , Sokolova Elena
Published: November 2018

The structure hierarchy hypothesis states thatstructures may be ordered hierarchically according to the polymerisation of coordination polyhedra of higher bond-valence. A hierarchical structural classification is developed for sheet-silicate minerals based on the connectedness of the two-dimensional polymerisations of (TO4) tetrahedra, where T = Si4+plus As5+, Al3+, Fe3+, B3+, Be2+, Zn2+and Mg2+. Two-dimensional nets and oikodoméic operations are used to generate the silicate (sensu lato) structural units of single-layer, double-layer and higher-layer sheet-silicate minerals, and the interstitial complexes (cation identity, coordination number and ligancy, and the types and amounts of interstitial (H2O) groups) are recorded. Key aspects of the silicate structural unit include: (1) the type of plane net on which the sheet (or parent sheet) is based; (2) the u (up) and d (down) directions of the constituent tetrahedra relative to the plane of the sheet; (3) the planar or folded nature of the sheet; (4) the layer multiplicity of the sheet (single, double or higher); and (5) the details of the oikodoméic operations for multiple-layer sheets. Simple 3-connected plane nets (such as 63, 4.82and 4.6.12) have the stoichiometry (T2O5)n(Si:O = 1:2.5) and are the basis of most of the common rock-forming sheet-silicate minerals as well as many less-common species. Oikodoméic operations, e.g. insertion of 2- or 4-connected vertices into 3-connected plane nets, formation of double-layer sheet-structures by (topological) reflection or rotation operations, affect the connectedness of the resulting sheets and lead to both positive and negative deviations from Si:O = 1:2.5 stoichiometry. Following description of the structural units in all sheet-silicate minerals, the minerals are arranged into decreasing Si:O ratio from 3.0 to 2.0, an arrangement that reflects their increasing structural connectivity. Considering the silicate component of minerals, the range of composition of the sheet silicates completely overlaps the compositional ranges of framework silicates and most of the chain-ribbon-tube silicates.